//------------------------------// // Decisions // Story: Foal Necromancer // by Kytranis //------------------------------// “You do know you're going to have to talk eventually right?” Luna asks me after I have spent what felt like only a few minutes, but judging from the lack of sunlight coming in from the windows must have been several hours. “Eventually.” I admit before continuing to stare at a blank spot on the wall. Earlier Luna clearly tried to get into my head by putting her own beside mine and trying to see what I was seeing. No such luck for her I'm afraid. Or me really, I'd love to pass out sometime soon. “I've just...” I begin and I can see Mom perk up from the corner of my eye. “I just feel numb right now.” “Could you explain why Cadance helping a victim that even you feel sorry for is so upsetting?” she asks and I blink and look towards her. She's holding up a scroll with her magic. “She just sent it, and everyone's worried.” she explains before sending the scroll over. To my beloved Aunty Luna. I must admit I'm rather worried about Little Nightshade. I rate a nickname from her already? He was able to identify but not name a truly tragic type of undead that was so horrible that my Darling Shiny asked for my help. Little Nightshade then showed great compassion for the poor creature and with some persuasion helped me wash away poor young Corpsy's pain. So she decided to keep calling him Corpsy? Odd. After a completely successful revival Little Nightshade grew upset and started mentioning... unpleasant events in his past. It's not my place to share his secrets, however I thought you would need to know this. With Love, Cadance I honestly don't have anything to say to that which does not come from childhood insanity. Although she could stick to her own business the pink puffed up... I slap myself to get out of that. There's a gasp and I manage to remember that I am in fact not alone. I glance casually in her direction so as to comfort her, then realize that she's now so close that I can see individual hairs in her coat. She quickly examines where I smashed myself with my hoof, before giving me a solid look right in the eye. “Mind explaining exactly why you're hurting yourself?” she asks curtly. “So as not to act like a child.” I say and she smiles gently before pulling me into a soft hug. “It... it's just not fair, I spend so long learning about death and all it means... just for her to come along and undo it like it's nothing. What point is there to tragedy and desperation, if there's someone running around wiping it away without repercussion? Why have limit and law or death and suffering if it can just be washed away without issue?” I demand as I start to grow furious, and despite her trying to comfort me my silence is only a seething anger. Anger which burns out quickly, the flames leaving only emptiness and weariness behind. I feel like I'm made of ash at the moment, frail and... worthless. I really, really need to get off of this thought path before I do something stupid. But what kind of thought path do I go on from here? I can't simply ignore the fact that... that all I've ever fought for; everything that I am, is meaningless. I just let myself be held despite the fact that it feels like I've been shot with an arrow at this point. Although if I was I'm fairly certain Mom would have made some kind of reaction. There's suddenly a knocking at the door and I push away a little so I can see who it is. Mom opens it with her magic and in stomps Sweet-Heart. Well she certainly looks furious. Mom seems more amused for some reason and she let's me go and backs off a touch as Sweet-Heart comes face to face with me. Then she hits me in the face so hard I slam sideways into the bed. “What in the fuck!?” I demand and she's instantly in my face and glaring at me. She holds the stare for a few seconds before grabbing me by the hair and dragging me off the bed. “I am not letting this horseshit keep up. No Moping!” she half shouts at me as she drags me from the room. “Some help please?” I call to mom and she gives me a cheery wave. “Best of luck Sweetie.” She calls out happily. “And don't worry, I'll be watching in case things go too far.” she says cheerfully as Sweet-Heart (The Bitch) puts me in a headlock and drags me out. “What in the hell is wrong with you!?” I demand before she hurls me away and a swarm of flutter ponies catch me. “In case you forgot Mr Dark and Dumb we flutters feed off of emotion, and what you're putting out is like somepony trotting up to you just as you're about to eat and breaking wind in your face!” she exclaims and I blink at the sheer... absurdity of that mental image. “Mind explaining why you're censoring your language? I can take a few Bucks or Fucks you know.” I ask trying to distract her so I can think a little more deeply. Hunh... her eyes are glowing. That's actually a little intimidating. “You can't lie in front of me. I can sense your deception.” she states coldly. “I know, I gave you that ability.” I tell her before fighting down a yawn. She takes it as an insult. “No, you twisted my own formshifting and my soul so that I would give myself the ability and it would be reflected in my children.” She tells me and I raise an eyebrow. I just twisted the soul, the formshifting I left alone. She's glaring at me again. “Now what?” I ask and the glare intensifies as every single flutter pony gets in on it. “No, seriously. Now what?” I ask again. “I don't know.” one of the flutters says slowly, and I snort in amusement at that. They're just parroting their leader, kinda cute and kinda pathetic. “Whatever,” I begin in a dismissive tone and the glare intensifies. Hunh... her eyes are bleeding fire. How far can she go with this? “to get back on topic you can't simply order someone not to feel something. You can't exactly control what you feel you know.” “I know that you jerk, but I'm saying it anyways! Clean up your act?” Sweet-heart says her accusation turning into a question as I thrust my face forwards until we're eye to eye. “So that whole display was just an illusion... interesting.” I mutter to myself as she sputters a little, clearly unbalanced. “You're being funny mommy!” A flutter announces as they all start laughing. So clearly these are the more stupid ones. Wonderful... “If that's all... I'll be going now.” I state before walking away before a huge amount of flutters grab me by the tail and start pulling. Strangely it's not painful at all as I'm dragged back to be in speaking distance with Sweet-Heart. “Do you honestly think you can do anything other than seriously annoy me?” “Do you think that your pity party can do anything but hurt yourself and others?” she counters and I blink a touch. “What makes you think you're allowed to get in on my thinking time? I need to sort things out, and having some punk of a former shapeshifter bothering me isn't going to get things done.” I tell her dryly and she glares at me. “Well how about we take a look at what's been bothering you so much in the first place?” she states, and realizing that she'll just throw a fit if I don't come I follow. Life used to be so much easier when I could just kill everything and be done with it. And now the insane little creatures are orbiting around me as I follow their 'mother'. A thought comes to me as we travel, I may as well voice it. “Do flutter ponies eat solid food?” I ask and everyone stops. “Uhm...” A flutter pony begins and there is only the sound of confusion. “Well actually...” Sweet-Heart begins. “Uhm... I... uh...” she continues clearly confused. “Sh...Shouldn't you know? You helped make this species!” she exclaims and I frown. “My alterations made it so you'd feed off of the fallout of the energy from emotion rather than emotion itself. I didn't touch things like a physical digestive track or the like, instinctive formshifting coupled with soul compression gave your kind a new shape.” I tell her and she blinks. I facehoof at this, ow. Damn things are really solid. “Wait... soul compression?” she asks and I sigh. Oh please, please don't make me explain it. I really don't want to. “Mind explain...” she begins before I sigh explosively and she adopts a confused and frustrated expression at this. “Grow up, and explain. Now.” “Basically the process in which you created the changelings gave them stretched out proto-souls. Crunch them down, press it together, then streamline the moulding and you have a proper one.” I explain and she seems to blank out a little. “Are you honestly implying you don't know anything about the composition of a soul?” Oh for pities sake... “There are two parts. The spirit which is the memories and personality of the current life, and the soul which is the immortal aspect. You created fragile proto souls. They were effective on their own but stretched out so thinly they were about to break, which prevented a proper spirit from growing. Without a spirit a soul just sort of... bumbles along. Souls grow spirits but... they need to have some form of solidity to truly hold it.” I explain and there is a lot of confusion all around. “Oh forget it. It's something you have to witness to understand.” I say, and let's be honest here I can't describe souls. Comparing souls to jewels and plantlife crossed with smoke and sheer colour is the closest I can get, yet it falls so short of the goal that it's wholly inadequate. Like comparing the flame of a candle to the sun itself, or a grain of sand to the moon. “Just how would I witness such a thing?” she asks sounding honestly curious. “You need to first learn to feel for spirits, and to feel the contours of your own. Then you have to learn to open your spiritual eyes. I was often surrounded by ghosts before so I quickly learned what it felt like. The second part of manipulating my own soul however... that took a very long time.” I say and she looks disappointed. What's with the mood swings? Is little miss shapeshifter being taken over by her own form? Or am I simply projecting my own mental problems on others? “So you're useless. Good to know.” she states. Does she honestly think bait that obvious will get me? Actually? Why not bite? Let's see what happens. “Useless!? Useless!? How in the hell am I useless!? I'm a walking apocalypse! A living Nightmare! The souls of the dead are as ants beneath my wrath and... where are you going?” I begin with as much drama as I can, before Sweetheart walks away with a shake of her head. “Not buying it are you?” “Not in the slightest, I could taste your amusement.” she tells me and I roll my eyes. “Well excuse me for trying to raise my spirits.” I say and she rolls her eyes. Now she was either just copying me, or is trying to say something. I find myself caring less and less each passing second. “Wow, that apathy is coming in fast.” Sweetheart notes and I raise an eyebrow. “I'll be going now.” she quickly states and I suddenly find myself alone. Why the hell would apathy scare her? Or does it just taste that bad? Maybe moving around might help me think a little more clearly. I move slowly down a few sets of stairs and wander a lower level of the palace. It's clean, yet smells of metal and tar. It's the same basic layout again, a few missing doors here and there but, otherwise the only real difference between this floor and the ones above is the grey colour scheme and a lack of windows. There's a feel of both curiosity and determination in the air here. “Heh heh heh, them foo's never know when ta stop. Doctor Payne would be annoyed if he weren't so proud.” A voice like rumbling boulders announces as I hear hoofsteps approach. Well at least I know who it is. “How ya doin Teeny Tiny?” the massive unicorn asks as he catches sight of me. “Actually, if you have a moment I need some advice.” I tell him and he nods. “Of course! Walk with Doctor Payne and he'll listen then explain!” he booms out and I blink and nod. “Well... to really put things into context you have to know that where I'm from returning from death is not possible.” I begin as the massive Doctor pulls a clipboard out of a large pocket and a pen is already writing things down. “Keep talkin' Tiny.” he tells me and I sigh a bit. “Necromancy was originally a way to defy this. An angry, furious mage who lost his family decided to use all his power to try and bring them back, but there's always something missing. He eventually created the Tome of Eternal Torment, a self replicating nightmare that guides fools into learning necromancy and creating new types of undead in an attempt to create some insane idea of perfection.” I explain as I remember the old tomes I'd uncovered in the possession of necromancer cults. “And what kinda foo idea o' perfection we talking 'bout Teeny Tiny?” he asks as the floating pen starts practically blurring over the clipboard that's floating in front of his face. “Some sort of ageless, indestructible, self-replicating, ensouled and massively powerful undead that cannot be distinguished from the living.” I say and the normally loud Doctor stops. I stop as well. “So the foo's tryin' ta make a dead god?!” he demands sounding shocked and I sigh. “Pretty much, all necromancy has evolved from that. I... I used to think I understood necromancy because I understood pain. That... there was a sick parallel between me and him. I decided that I wouldn't chase his goal but... I kept stumbling on the pieces. I stopped ageing and became near impossible to kill.” I continue and Doctor Payne gives me an even look. “So do you think the foo's old project is done with you Tiny?” he asks and I shake my tilt my head from side to side. “Uh... well, kind of. Many would say I'm powerful but, in front of Mom or Celestia I'm not. I have lived a long time but, by elven standards I'm a young man. I have returned from death but, only with preparation. Everything I have. My every point of pride as a Necromancer, which has long been all I've had. Is completely surpassed by Cadance. She doesn't even try and she has all that I do as an absolute rather then with conditions.” I explain and my own confession is once again somewhat surprising. Once again my newly developed gift of spilling secrets has phrased things better then my own thought patterns. “May not help much Teen Tiny, but nopony is best at everthin'! I took down the Big Mac in the third round of the heavy weight championships!” he announces pulling out a picture that shows him and a huge red earth pony with yellow hair in a ring. The red one is out cold. “And then I revived him!” he proclaims. “After that though, he cooked me a meal, and it was perfect! It was good for the teeth and bones, good for the skin and muscle and put a shine in my coat! It was so good it made me cry!” he exclaims and I take a step away from the bombastic. “It does help a little, but there is another point that's been bothering me for a while.” I tell him and he looks at me seriously. “What point is there to suffering or death if it can be wiped away without penalty?” I ask for the second time in a short while. “You learn and grow Teeny Tiny.” He says seriously and in an almost quiet tone. “Pain is supposed to fade, I wouldn't be Doctor Payne without that. But, if every thing was sunshine and roses...” he continues before he's interrupted by a loud screeching sound of metal on metal from a nearby room. “QUIET FOO'S! DOCTOR PAYNE'S GOT A PATIENT!” he bellows out so loudly I jump backwards in shock, the door he shouted this at rattles in it's frame. That is one impressive set of lungs. “Uhm... you were saying?” I ask politely and he smiles. “We need contrast Teeny Tiny. Without the bad the good ain't worth it.” he says and I mull this over before nodding. “Now, the Doctor ain't one to run off but he's got another patient. Mind if I speak to your Momma 'bout this?” he asks and I shake my head. “Just one last thing before I go.” he says and I raise an eyebrow. “Go ahead, I came to you for advice after all.” I tell him and he smiles. “If you can't do it yourself find another and get help. Learn from em, so you can be all the stronger.” he says and I think for a moment before smiling myself. “See you latter Teeny Tiny.” he finishes before rearing up and running as hard as he can towards a wall. He sends out a blast of brown energy onto the wall he's about to crash into. Make that crash through and into his own office. Which is two floors above us. “Did he just... he just tackled his way through the space time continua as a method of transportation.” I'm honestly impressed. So much so, that like an idiot I just asked an empty room what just happened in a stunned tone. “Yes. Yes he did.” A familiar voice says and I must assume I've gone bug eyed. I can't see my own eyes but, the popping sensation and massive field of vision certainly supports that theory. I turn to look for the mage but he's chosen not to show himself. “Don't hide. I know you're here, and I know you know. I also know that my powers don't reach across worlds so you may as well gloat about finding me.” I announce to the empty hallway before I hear a slight tittering. My expression hardens into a mask of anger. “Get down here Windsong.” I say in a very annoyed tone. I'm actually relieved it's just her and not the mage, but now I have to make up a lecture on not impersonating other peoples voices and trying to get it to stick on a creature that get's hyper off the air itself. The tiny flutter is now in front of my face. “Don't like this voice do you?” she asks in the mage's voice, the left half of my vision alters for a moment at this. I think the eye just twitched. “Sorry...” she apologizes and my eyebrows go up. I haven't even said anything yet! Why is she apologizing? “It's alright, it's just that there is a reason I don't like that voice.” I tell her and her eyes widen. “Oh! Sorry about that, still... something's wrong isn't it?” she asks and I blink at this. “Is everypony going to be offering help today?” I ask before the stupidity of my question hits me. Yea, I'm not being very intelligent. I also don't care I'm in a mood. “Shouldn't we? Isn't the whole point of a herd is that every pony can help each other out right?” She asks so quickly I almost miss it. I blink and think for a moment, she does have a point... but. “Yes but, my problem is that Cadance can do something that I've been wanting... no, needing to do for a long time and she did it like it was nothing.” I tell the overly energetic mini pony. If I don't she'll think something else happened and weird rumours could pop up. Really weird rumours. “It was not nothing!” A very, very familiar voice says as I quickly turn back to see. “Pink Princess!” Windsong cheers in glee before almost tackling the much larger alicorn with a hug. “Hello little one, it's nice to see you again too.” Cadance says happily as she spares a moment to nuzzle the oldest flutter pony. “Now if you don't mind, would could you please go play with your siblings while I talk to my cousin here?” she asks and Windsong nods quickly and is gone in a blur. “Now, ahem. Perhaps we should speak?” she suggests sounding a little nervous. “Putting it off will only cause it to stagnate I guess.” I say despite the fact that I have to literally stop myself from running. I do not want to deal with this. “Yes, it will. Nightshade... I will admit that I don't know you very well. We're family now, but almost complete strangers.” she says and her face... is she sad? Yes, I believe the fact that she doesn't know me is somehow breaking her heart. Who in their right mind wants to know me? I'm a... I really need to stop that. “Then where do you want to start? The part where you have every ability that would have caused me to never gain any of my many scars? Or the part where you used them so flippantly as to be called near careless?” I ask with a touch more venom than I intended. “Sorry, that came out harsher than it should have.” I apologize and she nods. “Let's speak where it's more comfortable.” she says and I nod. Why not right? She places a hoof on me, and for just a moment the world is replaced by a soft pink light. It fades away to be replaced by a soft blue room with a large amount of huge pillows spread through it. She motions towards one of the pillows and sits on the one next to it. I flop down onto the one she indicated with a sigh. “Uncomfortable speaking?” she asks and I nod. “Do you mind if I start then?” she asks and I shake my head. Now one question remains... where will miss Goddess of Love go with this? Some sappy speech of love and acceptance? A heartfelt confession of familial love? Wow... I really am a jerk today aren't I? “I think you should know before we go anywhere with this talk that Iron Sights, the foal you helped me save is doing alright. Also, it was both of his parents that were absolutely atrocious to him.” she says and I blink before scowling. “Alright then, find the two wretches, eat their souls and call it a day. We have a plan, let's get to it.” I say almost cheerfully as I stand up and start marching off. Only to be dragged back to the cushion enveloped in an emasculating pink aura. “Do you actually eat souls?” she asks and I smirk at this. “Well according to an entire kingdom I do, and since I already have the reputation I may as well earn it right?” I ask this time all cheek. I doubt she'll believe me but if I gross her out, bonus. If not? Well... we'll see. “How about we hold off on punishing the wicked and focus on healing the good?” she asks and I decide to play the bad guy again. “So you're not here to smite me, but rather undo my work?” I ask as the smirk on my face widens. ... Damn my swinging moods! “Undo what work? Why would I smite you...” she asks and I sigh. “I dunno, most everyone who tries thinks something up.” I admit. “Foul necromancer! You will pay for enslaving the souls of the dead, even through you've never actually done so! Wretched creature! You will pay for murdering others in self defence! Vile Demon! You will pay for desecrating the Temple of Silver Light, even though you clearly have no idea where that is! And other such stupidity.” I tell her in a mocking tone and she blinks quickly. Clearly she has no idea where I'm going with this. That's fine, neither do I. “I take it you've had some artistic licence with those curses?” she asks and I raise an eyebrow. “Meaning?” I prompt quickly and she blinks in surprise. “That you've altered them a little without changing the actual meaning.” she says and I nod. “Then yes, I have taken some artistic licence to it. Most don't point out the weaknesses of their accusations.” I tell her and she giggles. What am I even doing? Oh right... stalling for time. “Well as much as I enjoy your little stalling tactics...” she begins with a smile. Oh right, goddess. Shit. “No need to get upset...” she continues seemingly reading my thoughts. If I can yank on my connection to Shurrok maybe I can... “Please don't run.” Oh crap she's reading my thoughts. “No I'm not reading your thoughts, just your body language.” she tells me and I blink in surprise. “That's it?” Body language seriously? I ask, I'm not quite sure how much of it I've properly vocalized. “Yes, just body language.” she replies with a satisfied nod. Does she think that I'm now suddenly ready to hear what she has to say. “Now are you ready to talk about what's wrong?” she asks and I let out yet another sigh. “Well frankly no. I know what's wrong and knowing it isn't helping.” I say and she's now staring at me. “Ignorance is bliss, trust me on this.” I tell her and blink in frustration at the fact that I had rhymed. “Why not give me an example?” Cadance says challenging me on this. Does she think I don't have reasons for acting the way I do? “Alright then, my enemy. The wretched bastard that ruined my life, had me hunted endlessly for as long as he lived. He who abused his power to make sure I was as miserable as possible... was a good man. He was a caring father, a just king, a wise ruler and an honourable warrior. If I didn't know that for a fact, I could truly hate him.” I tell her and an expression I can only call pitying crosses her face. I can now barely keep the fury off of mine. “Even now I know my problem, but this knowledge doesn't help.” I continue and she's looking curious again. “Simply put, I'm frustrated and jealous. I can recognize this. You can bring the dead back to true and honest life, that has long been an impossible goal for me. Something to reach towards that I could never get, but I reached anyways because missing something so unimaginable would still let me grow.” I am way too insightful when I rant. “You did it for the sake of Convenience! You did it because you were disgusted by the presence of Death! You did it because it was the easiest thing you could think of! And even though it was not meant to be. Even though you would probably love nothing more than to teach such a gift to me, the mere fact that it was used in such a way is like... NRAGH!” I continue before ending in a scream of frustration. There is silence in the chamber aside from me huffing instead of breathing normally. After a bit Cadance levitates me closer to her before hugging me gently. Seriously? Is this supposed to make things just 'Go Away!'? Not likely. “You're right.” she says and I squirm a little so I can look her in the eye. “I am a little frightened of death.” she says and I'm already confused. I said disgusted didn't I? “It scares me in a way I can barely understand.” she continues, and now I must ask a simple question. If she's so scared of Death why the hell is she cuddling a Necromancer?! “Then why put up with me? If I understand everything correctly I'm a God of Death! Why would you ever willingly be near me? Let alone... this.” I ask and she giggles. Why? “You balance me out, why would I ever be afraid? We're closer to siblings than cousins. More like Aunty Celestia and Aunt Luna then Prince Blueblood to either of us.” Cadance explains and my jaw drops. I have no words. “Still the only real question at this point is if you're going to be alright. Are you?” she asks and I blink before shrugging. “I... guess?” I tell her not really sure what her game is. She must have some kind of plan if she's openly admitted to being afraid of me and then hugging me. Sorry, I meant hugging me then admitting to fear. “Then I have just one more question.” she says and I nod. I hope she lets go of me sometime soon. I'm starting to really enjoy this. “What makes you happy?” “Being left alone! No one to hurt me or bother me or...” I say far too quickly. “But is that happiness?” she asks slowly with a tinge of sadness in her tone. “Sure... it... isn't...” I say slowly and my own eyes widen. Why oh why am I one of those poor saps who thinks out loud? “Damnit.” “Try and find something, anything.” she says as she nuzzles me and gives me a smile after pulling away. “I can get used to having a little brother around.” she says contently. I sigh internally at this. She really is a goddess of love through and through. Unconditional in its giving and forgiving in nature. “Consider this a divinely appointed Quest oh hero. Find something that makes you well and truly happy.” she tells me and I blink before smirking. “You do realize that most divinely appointed quests end with some fool trying to fight me right?” I ask and she smirks back. “This one is very different. It involves spending time with the Flutter-Ponies and their All-Mother as she now calls herself.” Cadance begins and I have to ask. “Since when is Sweetheart the All-Mother?” I ask incredulously with one eyebrow up. “Since two hours ago. She's been trying out different Titles. One minute she's a Queen, then a Princess, an Empress, a Mother, a Goddess... I can't wait to hear what the next one is.” Cadance tells me and I snort at this. It is funny, I will admit that. “Still, back on topic. Will you accept this quest oh champion?” she asks with clearly faked gravity. “Fine! Whatever. It's not like I stand to lose something either way, so might as well right?” I ask with a bit of a huff. She smiles that annoying smile that Mom and Celestia keep using. I'm starting to wonder if it's a female thing rather then some sort of god thing. “So...” I begin not quite certain what to say. “So?” Cadance prompts getting a bit of confused blinking by me. Why do I blink so much? It's probably because the sensation is both familiar and unfamiliar. “Any advice on where to start? I'm not exactly good at these things.” I admit and she smiles at me. (Elsewhere.) “So let me get this straight, your idiot Court Mage hurled a Tome of Eternal Torment into another world because he did not want to admit he couldn't destroy it?!” She demanded her otherwise pristine face twisted in fury. Her name is Annette Nailo. She is the half-breed, the Soul-Mistress, the Lady of White, The Immortal. The only colour in her body was the makeup she used to accent her features, and so that people could actually tell what her facial expressions are. She wore her silver and white gown comfortably and, if not for the fact that she looked downright murderous her beauty would be the stuff of song. “Yes, I am afraid so. The fool is still being flogged for failing to inform me until after this incredible bout of stupidity.” Saint King Leonidas the Third told the living legend in front of him. Leonidas was an elderly man with a thin build that seemed dwarfed by his massive throne and looked like he was being slowly crushed by the golden lion mantle and dragon crest crown he wore. “When the skin is properly removed he will then endure the next two steps of his punishment. Should he survive he will have to be exiled as well.” he states in an almost bored tone. There is no reaction from the room as his... sense of justice is very well known. “I had assumed you had the dark artifact contained. Am I to now assume that you want me to hunt after the Tome across dimensions?” she asks and the king nods curtly. “You do realize that if another one surfaces while I'm gone the Holy Empire will have no way of disposing of it.” she tells him and he nods. “They will be contained in the Church of the Holy Flame, it is imperative that no Tome of Eternal Torment is allowed to survive.” he says with a resonating tone that slammed into her from each direction. It was supposed to be grand and, to be honest if it were his father or even his son the natural echoes of Valour Hall would be imposing. But from a skinny tyrant it came across as petty posturing. Not something you want to do if the person in front of you is an immortal. “Excuse me Edmund.” Annette began and instantly tension filled the room. “Do Not forget your place. Need I remind you that I am an Immortal. That I am closest to a God made manifest that you will ever find. That I can command your very soul to tear itself from it's moorings.” she continued in a menacing tone. With a twitch of her fingers everyone else in the room grunted in pain, unable to scream as their souls were partially torn from their bodies to float in front of their terrified eyes before she let them snap back into place. “Of course oh Lady of White. How rude of me!” Leonidas quickly said sounding every inch a cowardly worm. This caused Annette to fight down a sneer of contempt at the man in front of her. How could the family had fallen so far? His father had been a man of such calibre that she had come a hairsbreadth to being the mother of the old fool before her. Although, in her private moments, Annette would sometimes admit to that being a fair trade off. After all, who better to control a fool then his own mother? “Now is the portal to this other world ready or must I educate you further in proper etiquette?” Annette asked him and he nodded. “It is in the usual place Milady. I wish you the best of luck in your hunt of the fell artifact.” Leonidas tells her, and she nods curtly before spinning on her heal and marching out of the throne room. The massive double doors slammed with the force of a thunderbolt, leaving only silence behind. “Great one... she...” A courtier began and Leonidas silenced him with a wave of his hand. “The witch goes to her doom. It is the same world the Necromancer was sent to. I have no doubt in my mind that when she arrives she shall be fully at his mercy. Even if she should somehow fight him upon even terms, he has beaten her before and he will do so again.” Leonidas explains dismissively and there is a silence among the assembled nobles. “The old hag has been dictating terms for far too long. She shall die at his hands and should she do him harm then that is a victory in itself. Irregardless of the outcome of battle his gaining of power shall be slowed.” he continues and there's a fair amount of restless whispering. “But my lord. It is all well and good to send one enemy against another, however the survivor will be infuriated” Another Courtier said and Leonidas snorted. “There is a plan in order to destroy the Necromancer. Should she by some miracle among miracles be victorious then she shall be rewarded. However she has no prayer, and there is a plan in place to destroy him. The Church of Holy Fire is preparing a weapon that will destroy him utterly. Mind, Body and Soul.” Leonidas continued and there's a gasp. “My lord! A weapon capable of destroying a monster as powerful as the necromancer would... I am no master of magic, but even I know enough to tell you that it would destroy an entire country.” a more... young courtier said and everyone turned to glare at him. “Why should we care for those outside of our homeland? Are we not the Holy Empire?! Are not all other nations and peoples beneath us!? Are we not true in our actions!? The Necromancer has plagued our empire for far too long, what is one more life lost to destroying such a vile foe?” The king demanded and the young noble did not dare make a sound. “Take him to Teranis for failing to answer his king.” he ordered referring to his torturer. “No my lord! I am sorry, one life is as nothing to destroying such a foe just please no! Not Teranis!” the young man begged as he was dragged out of the room. His cries fell on deaf ears. “Now, back to more appropriate topics. Derek! What have you come up with to deal with the attacks on the auction houses?” he asked and the noble singled out cleared his throat. “Well my lord. You will be pleased to hear that we've implemented a proposal for a law to both brand slaves, and permission to kill any of the branded on sight should they not be wearing appropriate slave collars. This should severely cut down on escapees. As for the attacks on the auction houses, we have a proposal to offer a bounty on any information that will lead to the capture of such insurgents. Both proposals await your seal at your convenience.” Derek quickly explained. He was used to Leonidas the Third's methods, and had the whip cuts to prove it. “Very good. Bring them forth so we can get on with things.” he commanded and the documents were brought forwards. (With Annette) “Milady I must apologize for our lords behaviour he is...” a servant began to explain half running to keep up with her long strides. She cut him off. “He is a fool that is unworthy of speaking his father's name, let alone being his heir and son. It is the fault of neither servant nor subject that he is a fool of a tyrant.” she replied curtly. “Uhm... milady...” the servant says in an enquiring tone. “No need to be frightened of me, I have few true enemies and the patience of centuries.” Annette says kindly and he nods. “I was just wondering... you are known for... your difficulty with the Necromancer. Why would you go willingly to places that his disciples and by extension he could be?” he asked and she tittered slightly. “It's true, not only is the Necromancer one of the few things that frighten me, he is also the only thing that ever put my life in true danger. However, he holds his worshippers in contempt, if his cult is strong in an area it is because he is not there. He avoids other necromancers as they irritate him, and as a Tome of Eternal Torment inevitably calls a necromancer to it he will not be where I am bound.” Annette explained to him and he looked relieved, then worried again. “But he's not the only monster out there milady. I mean... what if?” he asked and Annette simply stopped. Why did this servant care so much? She had to find out. “If I may, will you allow me to examine your aura for a moment?” she asked him and he blinked before nodding. He then felt a sensation of being watched but magnified a thousand times over. She was looking at him, his soul, his history. He knew with cold certainty that she now knew him better then he could ever know himself. “Oh my goodness! You're descendent of Agenda!” she exclaimed before grasping him by the sides of the head and giving him a kiss on the forehead. “To answer your question dear nephew, yes. The idiot Pyrus did prove that any fool may become Immortal, just as the Necromancer proved that youth does not equal weakness. However, there are at least ten others and they are nigh unknown! Many Immortals simply stay away from each other. I doubt I shall be attacked.” “O... Other Immortals? Whom are they? What are they?” her nephew many generations removed asked in shock. “One is an Ent that is more a walking forest than tree. A living hallucination that dwells so strongly in the aether that it affects the living world like a ghost. An ancient man that is said to control all worms and vermin of the world. A woman who is the mother of the leviathans of the deep ocean and commands them as well. The rest are a mystery to me, but I do know that one is a dragon.” she explained to her recently found family member. “To imagine that such horrors live in our world...” he started but she put a finger on his lips before waving it back and forth to quiet him. “As I've already said, most simply stay away from others. Myself and the Necromancer are the most active two, aside from that fool Pyrus who insists on having his pet volcano erupt so often.” she finished as they arrived at the workshop of the royal Portalmaster. “What are you wearing man!? Put on a shirt and trousers!” her nephew immediately announced when he saw the back of the massive hunched over mage. He turned around to reveal himself as an orc with jewelled tusks and a third eye tattoo. “It is a Sarong boy, a traditional garment for mages of my people!” the orc quickly told him. Then snorted in amusement. “However you have very poor eyes. I am a woman.” he... no she said and Annette giggled into her hand as her nephew's jaw drops and he stares at the orc woman. “The only physical difference between an orc male and female is that the females may get pregnant and the males impregnate the females. If you will pardon my crudeness.” Annette explained and the Portalmaster nodded. “Before you even ask little human, orc newborns have strong enough teeth and jaws to eat from birth. They need no milk.” The Portalmaster explained and the Nephew nodded. “A simple way to end such discomfort is to learn of the other. Portalmaster Nejal, this is my distant nephew Aron. Aron, this is Portalmaster Nejal.” Annette said introducing the two. Nejal crossed her arms so that there was a fist over each heart and gave a short bow. “A pleasure little human. It is an honour to meet a descendent of Lady White Eyes.” she said with a pleasant smile. “Likewise Portalmaster Nejal. I apologize for my earlier rudeness.” Aron calmly said mimicking her bow. “Now that such unpleasantness is out of the way, I do have places to go.” Annette said gently and Nejal nodded respectfully. “Yes, I received a parchment detailing the dimensional coordinates. I have spent most of the day preparing the communication stone and portal. It is already finished, so if you will come this way milady you can begin your hunt all the sooner.” Nejal said and Annette nodded before following the orc to the next room. Aron decided to stick around in order to watch. He had known he was related to the legendary Lady in White, but never thought she would acknowledge it or be so open about it. “Wow...” Aron muttered seeing the massive mirror that reflected them only in a watery fashion, beyond it there was a whisper of a blur of colour and light. Yet most clearly was the background of a strangely bright and vibrant world in midwinter. “Portalmaster, I would consider it a personal favour if you were to train my nephew here.” Annette said softly and there was as pause before Nejal nodded. “Of course milady. I would be honoured.” she replies as she taps the mirror. A slight shattering sound is heard and the watery reflection back into the room is gone. “Thank you Nejal. Here, this should compensate you quite well.” Annette says handing a white gemstone to the orc. Nejal holds it to her eye tattoo for a moment before gasping in shock. “Milady this is far too much! Such a thing is beyond...” she begins before Annette holds up a hand to silence her. “Nonsense. You are aiding a member of my family. If anything I am still in your debt.” Annette tells her and there is a silence in the room. “Thank you... thank you so much.” Aron sputters out before Annette raises a hand. “We're family. It's all the reason I need.” she replies kindly before stepping through the portal. “Best of luck to the both of you.” and with that the portal closed leaving behind only a mirror. “Hard to believe she's still haunted by the Necromancer's attack.” Aron muttered more to himself than anything. “True, one can only imagine what that monster is capable of.” Nejal admitted. “Now, let's get started. There is much to be learned.” (Back With Charon) “Are you sure this is safe? I may be unkillable but still...” I mutter looking down the very steep snow covered hill. “I mean... I doubt the clothing we've all been bundled into will work as armour.” I tell Raindrop as she gives me an odd look. Like me she's been bundled into a very thick and soft coat. But where mine is a dark green and black hers is pink on pink. Also we both have been forced into black pants with boots on every limb. I'm positive we both look stupid beyond belief. “You both look really stupid.” Sweetheart says from behind me and I can only nod. The whatever the hell she want's to be referred to as, lands on my back and hops onto my head. Luckily I had managed to convince mom to let me go out without a stupid hat. I prefer hoods thank you very much. “Oh hey! That's a heck of a run, I'll get the coffins ready!” she announces before flying off. “She's just getting a camera. Don't worry!” Raindrop tells me, so of course I start worrying. It's when you think your safe that everything goes to hell. “Now come on you grump sit down on the toboggan and have some fun!” she tells me and I sigh. I had come to her because as a child untainted by the cruelties of life, and at the same physical age as myself she might know how to find happiness. She insisted it was tied to having fun which I logically understand. In practice... not so much. I found out that I am just as oblivious about fun as I am happiness. Rather embarrassing. “Uhm... excuse me...” a very familiar voice says from behind us again and we turn to see a grey pegasus with a blond mane and yellow eyes. Like me and Raindrop he's bundled up in this ridiculous winter wear. “I...uhm, I'm Iron Sights, I was told to come play with you two...” he mumbles and I finally recognize him. He's the foal I helped Cadance... oh wow. Just, wow. “Uh... yea sure. Besides I think Raindrop is starting to lose patience with how bad I am at this.” I tell him trying to break the ice with some self depreciation. If someone admits to weakness then they're not a threat right? And if they're not a threat then no reason to be hostile right? And if not hostile then protective, friendly or indifferent seem to be the remaining defaults. I think, I'm probably wrong though. “Sure... what are you trying to do?” Iron Sights asks and I sigh. “He doesn't know how to have fun or how to be happy! I think he's broken!” Raindrop half-yells and I flinch. It's got to be bad when even a child thinks there is something seriously wrong with you. “Seriously? You weren't afraid of... well me, but you don't know how to have fun?” Iron Sights asks and I sigh. This is going to be a long day. “Yea that about sums it up Corpsy.” I say casually before wincing. I have no idea how he'll take being reminded about his previous state. “Come on you two! My daddy tells me you only live once, we can still get another run in before sunset!” Raindrop exclaims and I cannot stop a snort of laughter. To my surprise Iron Sights has one as well. “Actually this is my second time.” Iron Sights admits and I grin. “Really? Well what about you then?” Raindrop asks me. “I've... lost count.” I admit and they're both staring at me. “Does it ever stop hurting?” Iron Sights asks and I shake my head. “Being dead doesn't hurt. It's being put there that does.” I tell them and Iron Sights nearly scowls. “It hurt me.” he says simply and... I don't really know what to feel about that. But, I do know how to answer it. “You were undead, not dead dead. Something wasn't letting you sleep properly, so it hurt to stay awake. When I die I do come back... but while I'm gone... it's a warm blanket of darkness that I could sleep in forever.” I explain to him and he nods looking comforted. “Then why don't you?” Raindrop asks and I just look at her for a moment. “Oh! Sorry...” “It's okay. I... often asked the same thing. I have reasons, probably stupid ones. But I do have them.” I tell the two of them and there's a solemn silence. “Aren't we supposed to be having fun?” Iron Sights asks. “Whatever that is...” I mutter, mostly for the sake of getting off of uncomfortable topics. “That's it! You sit in the front of the sled!” Raindrop commands me. I pause for a moment as the sheer daring of her command catches me off guard. I squash down my instinctive response of throwing it back in her face and simply raise an eyebrow. She gives me a rather impressive glare. Fascinating, how much spine can this little girl show? I comply out of sheer bemusement, this can't be too bad right? “Let's go!” she shouts and jumps on behind me. Iron Sights jumps on behind her and the two of them with me is too much for the fragile snow. It collapses and we start falling down the hill. The two insane children are laughing. “Are you two insane!?” I demand in shock. I did not scream. I don't care what anyone tells you, I did not scream. “Lean right!” Iron Sights shouts and both he and Raindrop do, dragging me along for the ride as we narrowly avoid a tree. “Left!” Raindrop announces and we all lean in the right direction to avoid a rock. I've only gone this fast riding Bartok! I miss that giant bat... “Is that a ramp!?” I demand as the two insane ponies behind me do everything they can to aim for it. “AWESOME!” Iron Sights cheers as we go flying. The sled is drifting away from the three of us. “WHEEE!!” Raindrop exclaims as I note that all three of us are on a collision course for a huge snowbank. The sled is gone. I have no idea where it is. The snowbank is very close. “MOTHERFU...!” I begin to curse but am cut off as my entire world is suddenly engulfed in white, cold and pain. And indignity, don't forget the indignity. It is shockingly dark for being all white, as such it takes me a couple of moments to plant my hooves at the edge of the snow and force myself out. I would swear there is a popping sound as I do so. With a pair of grunts then thuds both Raindrop and Iron Sights land on either side of me. It takes a bit of will not to try and slap them both. Then they start laughing. I cannot stop myself from snickering with them. This is so ridiculous. “I hate you both.” I say seriously when I regain control of myself. “You love us and you know it!” Raindrop tells me and I think my eye twitches. “I... thank you both.” Iron Sights says and I turn to face him. “This is the first time I've had real fun in way too long.” “How much do you remember?” I ask as all three of us lay in the snow. Raindrop sits upright to watch us both. I follow her example mostly so the kid wouldn't tower over me. “All of it, but it's blurry.” He says grimly. “It was like one day passing. One where I thought I was having a good day but I didn't realize things were wrong. It's like looking through smoke. It was cold and it hurt, but something was telling me those were good things.” “That's part of the undead. Certain things are reversed, in your case the things that well... killed you became things that would keep you alive.” I tell him and he nods. “Stop being so glum! Come on! Let's go again!” Raindrop cheers before rushing off towards wherever the sled had fallen. “So she's insane right?” I ask Iron Sights and he sits up and gives me a strange look. “She's your friend, you tell me.” he replied as he pulled himself up. “I'm no expert on normal ponies but I'd say she's yours too.” I reply and he starts to stare at me. “What?” “Nothing. Come on! Let's have some fun!” he exclaims quickly flipping over and rushing up the hill to help Raindrop with the sled. But... he just. How could he simply choose to be... happy despite... Is that it? Just a simple choice? “Come on already!” he calls down to me and I blink then follow.