The Tartaro, one hour before the day of the "Festival of the Two Sisters".
Located in one of the most hostile regions of Equestria. This infamous prison holds captive the most dangerous monsters and criminals in the entire kingdom. For any pony, it was not difficult to imagine the kind of life that would await the unfortunate one who fell into it.
A life of claustrophobic confinement. Accompanied by a loneliness that devoured the soul faster than hunger itself devoured the body. A day by day that seemed to repeat itself eternally. The prisoner could only dream of waking up one day from that nightmare.
Yes, all this suffering was common knowledge among ponies. But, in a hidden place in the Tartarus, another kind of suffering was unfolding.
Balor of Cunabula, member of the Knights of the Order and bearer of the element of Magic. He found himself enduring an uncomfortable and unusual situation.
" ... believe me my dear, you can imagine the scandal Morron caused when he found out that Raimi had already proposed to me that very day. Of course, I had not accepted his proposal and should have told him. But seeing him with the red-hot feathers was a DELEITE."
"Boy, did you have it easy. Let me guess what happened next - they fought a duel to the death?"
"Like they had the crest to do it. THEY BOTH CHALLENGED EACH OTHER IN A SINGING COMPETITION."
Laughter filled the room.
This was a room that shouldn't exist in that place. It had scented candles hanging from the ceiling like chandeliers. The walls displayed beautiful colorful reliefs that resembled the waves of the sea. Three pools of water were irregularly spaced on the floor with stone steps for easy access. There was even a slide leading to the largest pool.
The whole place had the appearance of being a luxury SPA house. And indeed it was built for this purpose.
Morrigan and Ceridwen were chatting in the larger pond. They had begun their bath less than an hour ago. But to Balor, who was in the smaller pond, it had seemed like days of bland chatter. Moments like this made the Draco Dragon regret having had to release her companions. Of course this was a childish complaint and she could not share it with anyone else. However, she really wished that pair of gossiping birds would just finish their bath and leave.
Submerged up to her nose by the water. Balor would wait as long as necessary before she could continue with her purification bath.
"... well in the end my father ended up rejecting my suitors. That saved me from having to do it myself. Though being honest I felt bad for Morron" Morrigan said as she set about taking grapes from a basket.
"Really?" replied Ceridwen inquisitively who had finished polishing her tail scales.
"Mmm ... No"
More laughter filled the room. Ceridwen noticed how her companion Draco Dragon was blowing bubbles in her pond.
"Well, well, it seems that floral soap really doesn't work to cleanse a bad temper, did we interrupt your purification bath dear friend?"
"Yes, we did" Replied a grumpy Balor.
They both looked at each other in confusion.
"I thought you performed your purification bath in your own room?" asked Morrigan.
"Right. But today I had the idea to try the SPA. After all, I was the one who created it myself."
Ceridwen frowned.
"You are never given ideas so lightly. Did something happen?" Ceridwen asked seriously.
"Nothing I can tell you."
"If it has to do with Danu then you don't have to tell us. We already know she asked you to keep an eye on us."
"Puff" Balor snorted. "He only cares about us. You should be more understanding of our leader's feelings dear Morrigan."
Ceridwen laughed at her friend's sarcasm.
"I have a clear understanding of how he feels about us. However. why are you defending him?" Morrigan asked.
"Do I?"
"Yes. Like when you defended his ridiculous three year plan to defeat the pony princess and her allies. You know it would take just one of us to finish her off in less than five minutes." There was a slight contempt and arrogance in those words.
"Ahh dear Morrigan ... I will repeat to you the same thing I told the others. It won't work. If it was just the pony princess and her friends, even the other princesses, it would be difficult. But you forget the Lord of Chaos. As long as he's with them we can't do anything he can't reverse. At best, if we succeeded, that damned draconiqus would seek revenge. He would end up causing some calamity equal to or worse than what happened a thousand years ago. Danu is not wrong in having to wait the three years to be able to use our elements of harmony to seal it forever. Besides... Any of us? You're not VERY USEFUL without your puppets."
"Oh, you think so. Your IGNORANCE about the magic of the Urutaú is pitiful."
"I know enough. Like how useless it is against potions from old healers."
"YOU... need me to teach you the true power of my people." Morrigan said with burning anger, in a moment a black aura enveloped her wings and her eyes flooded with milky blackness.
"Good. Learning something new has never bothered me." Balor said defiantly, rising to his feet in a fighting stance.
The quiet SPA was filled with tension in an instant.
"ENOUGH" Ceridwen stepped between the two with a long silver rod she made appear with her magic. "We must not fight each other. Morrigan, Balor. You can stop this unpleasant misunderstanding and apologize."
They both looked at each other for a brief moment.
"It's not a misunderstanding." said Morrigan.
"I agree." replied Balor.
They returned to their previous positions and continued with their respective baths. No apology had occurred. But those last words were the closest thing to one. Thus a few minutes of silence passed, until.
"I'm sorry." Balor said with the pond water up to his neck.
"Sorry. What did you say?" asked a surprised Morrigan.
"I said I'm sorry." Balor repeated himself.
"I ... well. I accept it." Morrigan looked nervously at Ceridwen. The latter looked more surprised than she did.
Ceridwen who had witnessed the many arguments between her companions. She knew that this was the first time Balor had apologized to Morrigan.
What did this behavior mean? Ceridwen needed to confirm something.
"Ahem ... I'm glad you both apologized." said Ceridwen in a casual tone. "On the other hand friend. About what you mentioned a little while ago. Is there really no other way to get that chaos lord out of the way?"
"Well... " Balor began to ponder. "...We could take all the magic of the inhabitants of this realm and use it as a catalyst to capture him. Another way would be to look for some magical artifact that can absorb all their chaotic magic. The problem with these plans is that they draw too much attention or rely too much on the surprise factor. So in the end ... we're only left with our leader's plan."
Ceridwen nodded. But Morrigan seemed unconvinced.
"You're just saying what we already know. But, what if we had a really powerful magical artifact. Something like ... a 'Harmony Grace'."
"You know about that? How?" replied a surprised Balor.
"I'm not as unenlightened as you imagine my dear" Morrigan said as she arrogantly lay down on a quilt. "Now. will you answer my question?"
"Only if you tell me what you know." Now Balor's gaze was sharp.
For a moment, Ceridwen thought they would start fighting again. And then.
"As you wish...friend," Morrigan said, dropping her shoulders. "'Harmony Graces' are magical weapons of immense power. They were forged from the magic of the Tree of Beginning for the purpose of defeating the darkness that sought to destroy the world. One of them alone bestows immense power upon its wielder. A power capable of subduing darkness and ... chaos. to chaos. Is it not so?"
Balor closed his eyes, seeming to ponder the words he would say.
"You are correct in much of what you have said. But you were wrong on one point. They are not weapons to defeat or subdue darkness, let alone chaos."
"No?" Morrigan now looked confused.
"They are objects, existing to preserve the light of this world. To keep hope alive." Balor paused. "The great patriarch ... possesses one of these objects."
Ceridwen and Morrigan froze for a moment.
The Grand Patriarch was the oldest individual in all of Cunabula. It was said that in his youth he was part of the group of tribal leaders that founded the kingdom. Over the centuries, he became the teacher and leader of the temple order he created. It was only after the crisis of the race war that he relinquished the leadership of the temple in favor of the "Chief Primate" and devoted himself exclusively to presiding over religious ceremonies. In this way, he earned the title of "Grand Patriarch," by which he would be known to this day.
However, the Tree of the Principle was an ancestral entity that was in the realm of lost knowledge rather than myth. Knowledge of the 'Harmony Graces' was even worse, very few knew of its existence. This was due to the enormous amount of time that had passed since they were last mentioned or seen in the world.
In that case. could the Great Patriarch be the possessor of one of these divine objects?
"How old is the Grand Patriarch?" Ceridwen seemed to think aloud.
Balor smiled, it was a question with an answer that amused him greatly. "He is 8000 years old, approximately."
Ceridwen and Morrigan opened their beaks like a pair of hungry chicks. For Balor, it was a rare opportunity to learn about the oral cavity of his companions. For one thing, he had thought the inside of an Urutau bird was black. However, it was a bright pink. On the other hand, her friend Quetzalkan seemed to keep her bright colors even under her tongue. In her mind, she noted these details. Considering that enough time had passed, she continued.
"You must not be so surprised. It's only a little older than our kingdom."
"JUST A LITTLE BIT!" Ceridwen shouted. "CUNABULA HAS 2700 YEARS OF HISTORY AND HE HAS LIVED ALMOST THREE TIMES THAT AMOUNT. HOW CAN ANYONE LIVE THAT LONG?"
Balor just shrugged indifferently.
"Then it's true." Morrigan seemed to have already calmed down. "The wand she always carries in purification rituals must be one of these objects."
"Yes, that's right Morrigan. That is the Rod of Justice, it is the first of the 'Harmony Graces' that were forged millennia ago." said Balor standing up with a penetrating look. "So my good friends, could this revelation stay with us?"
Ceridwen and Morrigan saw each other out of the corner of their eyes. Without saying a word, they nodded.
"Well, that being so ... There is something else I would like to share with you."
A sudden knock was heard at the front door of the room. A moment later, a mental message came to Balor.
She immediately recognized the visitor. His arrival was not timely. But ... after pondering for a few seconds she finally decided to open the door.
Four adult steeds with eyes full of darkness entered carrying some boxes.
They were led by an unusual looking young pony. He had a completely white coat. His mane was a light pink and was interrupted by a bushy brown curl. Beneath his wavy hair was a stern look that contrasted with the colors he displayed. But none of that mattered. It was his wings and silver horn that made this pony truly striking.
They stopped a few paces away.
"Squire Badwhiz presents himself. I bring the 'materials' requested by Lady Ceridwen and Lady Morrigan. Also a message from the Feudal Lord to you Lord Balor." said Badwhiz bowing. Immediately the four steeds placed the boxes on the ground and opened them to reveal their contents.
The 'materials' were mainly personal hygiene items among others.
Ceridwen and Morrigan looked at the ponies in annoyance. But before they could say anything. Balor advanced.
"Why, I should imagine that the liege lord requires my immediate presence in his chambers, don't you?"
"It is just as Lord Balor says" Badwhiz replied.
"Well, you heard him. It is unfortunate, but we will have to leave this wonderful conversation for another time. Child you will come with me." he said as a fleeting fire engulfed his body and dried the folds of his skin.
"At your command, my Lord" Badwhiz replied with a martial tone.
"Wait, you're leaving just like that..." Morrigan was interrupted by Ceridwen.
"Danu and the others must have finished training. Considering their character and how they finished the past times. wouldn't it be better if we accompanied you?"
Balor sighed. "Let's leave it at that, finish your bath and don't worry. It's just a report." Instantly Balor put on the traditional skirt of his people and departed followed by the young pony.
In the SPA room, which was now silent, an aura of unease could be felt.
"What do you think he's hiding from us?" asked Morrigan to a thoughtful Ceridwen.
"I'm not sure, but it's not just about Danu." Ceridwen knew Balor much better than the others. In the past, she, Balor and Taranis had done almost every mission overseas. In the course of those missions, they had come to hit it off and get to know each other more deeply. Despite her sarcastic personality, Balor was a top-tier sorceress in the entire kingdom, very resourceful and impassive in the most difficult moments of a battle. However, that was not what he perceived in her today.
What he sensed was doubt and fear.
"I think we should perform the Purification Fast. What do you think?" proposed Ceridwen.
"That's fine with me. I just hope it's worth it," replied Morrigan, who ordered the steeds that were fanning her to leave the room.
A few moments after they left, a golden light filled the room.
Balor and Badwhiz advanced in a straight line along a wide rock passage. Occasionally, they passed through some doorway or stairway leading to lower levels of the subway complex in which they had taken refuge. The entire infrastructure had been built by the knights of the order shortly after they had been freed from their confinement. Subsequently, Balor had made additions to store prisoners and materials for his experiments.
As he was lost in thought and recalled the use of the rooms on his way, Balor noticed the silence that surrounded them.
"That 'kid's' stealth is getting better," thought Balor without turning back.
The 'boy' following him silently, despite his unusual appearance, was actually an earth pony so committed to his cause that even Balor and Morrigan agreed to occasionally call him "Mini Danu".
Suddenly, Balor asked, "Tell me, kid, how are the 'decoys' coming along?"
"No relevant changes since my last report," Badwhiz replied. "Today at sunset there was a rotation of Equestrian soldiers that was 15 minutes and 20 seconds late, but nothing else relevant happened."
Balor was intrigued. She wasn't sure which was more surprising: the fact that the pony princess hadn't yet noticed the fake copies occupying the cells where they should be imprisoned or that, among all the ponies in that kingdom, there was someone as fanatical as Badwhiz.
The dragon drake cocked his head to one side. It was better not to dwell on it too much. There were other, more important topics to think about, like, "How do you like the armor upgrades?"
"It's amazing Lord Balor" The pony's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's really light now, it no longer wears me out when I use it and it has an immediate response to my movements." Badwhiz stretched the metal wings on his back a little. The movement looked so natural that it gave the impression of real Pegasus wings. It was evident the control Badwhiz had on them.
"Well, well ... but what about magic?"
"Well... been practicing the spells you hand me." Badwhiz stuttered a little. "So far I've managed to levitate objects and cast healing spells. I have yet to master the defense and attack spells.... they are difficult ... But I'm sure in a few more months I'll have the ability to perform them!" Badwhiz exclaimed full of confidence.
Balor hid his excitement after this last statement.
The Alicorn armor he had created with his companions turned out to be more amazing than he had imagined. Originally, it had been given to Badwhiz as a reward for his loyalty. Its true purpose, however, was to guard him. At the time, the armor had no magical component; it was simply armor. It was Taranis who suggested that Badwhiz would be more useful if he had the ability to fly or do something else. After a brief discussion among all and Danu's disdainful agreement, it was agreed to give him other accessories, such as wings and a horn.
Balor himself, however, suggested that they should not create enchanted accessories. Instead, they should create artifacts that harnessed the magic of the earth pony. This was all part of a low-priority experiment he had not yet conducted. Balor didn't think it could work. His studies of pony magic showed that earth pony magic was not compatible with the magic of other pony breeds.
However, the reality was different.
Badwhiz had not only learned to fly after a crash course with Taranis, but had also begun to learn magic. Of course, these acquired skills were not comparable to those of a true Pegasus or Unicorn. Still, it was remarkable that he had managed to do so in such a short time.
Why was the earth pony magic working on that armor? Was it the materials he had used that were responsible? Was Badwhiz special or did all earth ponies have that quality? Could any pony acquire a quality from another race? Did the pony princesses know about this and were hiding it? Was it possible that Dana also had that quality?
Balor's thoughts were filled with all the questions that had arisen from his unexpectedly successful experiment.
"Lord Balor, are you all right?" The young pony found himself looking at him.
"No, it's nothing boy" Balor came awkwardly out of his thoughts. "Did something happen?"
"Well yes. We're here Lord Balor." Replied the confused pony.
Before them stood a majestic stone double door. On its surface, the distinctive Cunabula coat of arms gleamed in silver. There was no trace of a bolt, padlock or latch that could be used to open the door. It was evident that it was a magical door, only within reach of those who belonged to the select group of knights of the order.
Balor sighed internally.
All day he had been preparing mentally for this moment. She only needed Danu to listen to her. Just a little bit and then he could tell her about ....
"Squire Badwhiz, I know you already know, but I remind you again. Refrain from talking. Just follow the instructions I give you. See to it that you do not address the liege lord unless I order you to. do you understand?"
"Yes Lord Balor" Badwhiz replied with complete seriousness.
"Good. Let's move on" Balor told herself this last to boost her confidence. She raised her right claw and cast the spell that opened the door.
The doors creaked like broken bones as they opened. From it emanated vapors mixed with a sulfuric and metallic scent.
The room before them resembled the stomach of a beast.
The doors finished opening and Balor entered followed by the loyal Badwhiz.
The wide vaulted room they had entered rivaled a stable in size, and in its center was a small waterfall that formed a lagoon. The ceiling was made of stalagmites that emanated a geo-luminescent glow of phosphorescent amber, flooding the entire room with a magical light. In contrast, the floor was completely smooth and had been created with spells to provide comfort to the guests. Only the lagoon in the center broke the oppressive brightness of the room, as its own white luminescence glowed at the bottom of the water, creating the impression of a fountain full of light.
Balor quickly studied the place. In that heavy atmosphere, there were two bodies at either end of the room. And someone else who seemed to be watching the lake.
He already knew who they were. He advanced to a certain distance of the lake and stopped.
"Greetings feudal lord, Balor your servant presents himself in the company of Squire Badwhiz."
Danu did not answer. Yes, it was Danu. His disheveled mane and wounds on his body were the spitting image of the current state of his spirit. They contrasted sharply with the proud image he showed before leaving Cunabula. The defeat by the pony princess had affected him more than his companions had imagined. So much so, that he had developed a hatred for the princess and for ponies in general.
Balor understood this last part well. He mentally ordered Badwhiz to take the bodies of Taranis and Mannah, and to take them to the infirmary to heal their wounds.
Badwhiz obeyed, and with the magic of his horn and immense effort, he departed the room taking the battered bodies of both knights with him.
The doors closed and Balor felt the atmosphere lighter.
"You're giving that pony too many liberties."
"That's right boss, but it's the most effective method to strengthen his loyalty in us." Balor answered Danu in a more casual tone. "After all, he will be an important agent that will keep Equestria under our control in the future."
"His importance is for me to decide. On the other hand. what are the other two doing?"
"Morrigan and Ceridwen are enjoying a purifying bath while they talk about their noble selves." Balor did not hide the sarcasm in his voice.
Danu clicked her tongue.
"You think they're going to betray me."
"It is unlikely. The day of our rematch is almost here. We are all already prepared for that moment."
"All? You mean you already have the necessary spell that will destroy the princess and her allies?" Danu turned to Balor sideways.
"Yes, I do." Balor replied bowing slightly with a small smile.
Danu smiled too, but it was a wicked smile. Her gaze seemed lost somewhere dark in the room.
Balor sensed that change in her mood. It was dangerous. But this was his best chance.
"My liege lord. I would like to insist on the proposal I made earlier. Acting tomorrow would give us the opportunity to..."
"ENOUGH! Were my orders not clear to you. WE WILL NOT ATTACK ON A SACRED DAY!" The outburst of anger was felt throughout the room. Danu was now standing in front of her. It almost looked as if he would attack her immediately.
"BUT! FEUDAL LORD..." Balor looked straight at him.
"ENOUGH BALOR! DO YOU ALSO THINK YOU WILL RENEGUE YOUR PRINCIPLES?" roared Danu.
Balor did not answer him immediately. But before Danu continued he bowed.
"I offer you my sincerest apology my liege lord, I went too far, I should not have insisted on my selfish proposal." Balor answered her with a slight tremble in his wings and tail.
Danu watched her for a long time as if studying the sincerity of her words. And finally he said:
"I accept your apology. Of the five of us, you have the greatest understanding of our delicate situation. But do not thereby pretend that your understanding is above mine, is that clear?" Danu relaxed his stance, but the violence was still felt in his words.
"I thank you feudal lord" a regretful Balor replied without raising his head.
"Mph" Danu snorted. He turned his back on her and entered the lake slowly. Vapors flooded the room as the leoponi's body plunged into the water.
After a few minutes, the vapors dissipated and with them faded the tension that had flooded the room. The only sound that could be heard was the murmur of water falling from the small waterfall in the center of the lake.
Suddenly, Danu emerged from under the waterfall and addressed Balor again.
"Now tell me. How is Cunabula?"
The clock almost struck midnight. Lying on a comfortable, very fluffy sofa, Balor remembered the events of the day in a room illuminated by the dim light of candles.
Earlier in the morning, she had received a letter from one of her servants in Cunabula informing her of the unexpected arrival of Midnight's emissary in the kingdom.
In the afternoon, she had received a report confirming the attendance at tomorrow's celebration of all the bearers of the elements of harmony from the nations allied to Equestria, something that had not happened since the defeat of her team.
During the night, she had apologized to the Morrigan for the first time in her life.
Finally, she had committed treason by not informing Danu about what had happened in Cunabula.
She stopped the thought of her and asked the question. What will happen next?
One after another, ideas came and went from her mind. Possible scenarios, decisions and consequences. One after another until reaching an inexorable and unique end.
Balor contemplated the last resulting mental image. She hit the couch so hard that it cracked some of the foam on it.
It was the same as the previous ones. She clenched her claws and clicked her tongue. The image faded.
It was the worst possible outcome and she would soon live to see it.
Balor had never given a hundred percent effort in her missions. She had always found an ingenious or practical solution with which she was successful. However, ever since the defeat against the ponies, a feeling of uneasiness and danger had begun to grow in her mind. How to solve an unsolvable problem? Balor now faced that terrible scenario.
She got up and began to float in the air taking a meditative posture.
Again, she cleared her mind and let go of her fears. But this time, she focused on her family, her home, and her acquaintances.
She soon manifested the image of her sisters Bala and Bila burning one of her study books. They were younger than her and enjoyed the predilection of her parents. Unlike her, they had no aptitude for magic, so they devoted themselves solely to singing and dancing. Now they were really popular despite their youth. Although the drakes weren't really dragons. If they were cared for properly, they would have a long successful life of about 200 years at the most.
Balor smiled as he gazed at his sisters, but suddenly his vision was darkened by a terrible thought: would they survive long enough to witness the coming war in the future?
His eyes widened, he remembered with annoyance the pony princess's words he had said to Ceridwen after her defeat. "There are more important things than home!" She had boldly lectured him.
Balor descended to his feet, showing great determination in his gaze. "I will not allow that future to happen, I will not allow it, even if it costs me my own life!" she exclaimed with a firm voice. He had made a decision and there was no going back. Danu's plan and the mission he had entrusted to him no longer mattered; now everything was summed up in ensuring the future of the country and, therefore, of all those she loved.
"First we have to get everyone together. They may not take the truth well, but it's the way to go," she told herself.
Balor left her room and sent a message to Badwhiz.