//------------------------------// // Council of gods and deities // Story: Rise of the Dark Age // by Broadway Sweetie Belle //------------------------------// Council of gods and deities The outskirts of the draconequi realm was an empty plain, masked with the radiant stars and nebulas.  There was no solid ground; one could simply stand in the middle of space, watching the stars and pick out constellations. It was truly a wonder.   But it wasn't entirely empty at the moment.  Three kirins roamed the sea of stars at a brisk pace.   The biggest one who led them was Galactica, the leader of the draconequi.  He was a massive, gold-scaled kirin, with a silver mane, and glowing orange eyes.  To his right was a malicious looking kirin named Umbrage.  He had dusty black scales, with a maroon mane, and bright red eyes.  He promoted himself to look more earnest and menacing for the events that were to come. Across from him and Galactica, strutted Conjure.  Unlike the other two who were firm and completely focused on their objective, Conjure was calm and relaxed.  However, in the deepest parts of him he shared the same anxiety that the others felt.  But he let his mind wander off to the distant void.   "When we reach the assembly, I need you both to keep your words to a minimum." Galactica had a noble booming voice.  "Especially you, Umbrage."   The dark kirin merely huffed, and looked away from his lord with a bored expression.  "Yes sir," he said in a firm, deep tone. "The alicorns are likely getting aggravated by now.  Of all times, now we had to be late." Galactica grumbled. Umbrage turned back to his lord who kept his attention straight.  "Do not dwell on the negativity, sir.  For once we have agreed on something: Send one scout from each of our groups on an observation mission together.  We are simply going to hear what they've discovered about that thing, and hopefully we can finally resolve all this and come to a conclusion."   Galactica gave an irritated sigh.  "You make it sound simpler than what it will be.  The alicorns have never agreed on anything we’ve given them."   "They're all arrogant in their ways; thinking they have authority over us." Conjure caught Umbrage’s words, so he glared over at him.  "Not all of them," he interjected. Umbrage returned the look, and without slowing down his pace he said in a mocking tone, "Oh, forgive me, brother. I forgot that you've befriended one of those creatures." "At least he's done something positive!  You on the other hand have only made things worse with your rivalry with Aurora!” Galactica said.   Umbrage hissed hearing her name.  “That’s hardly my fault.  That mare will strike an argument with me every chance she gets!” "And you’re no better than to stoop to her level.  That’s why I want you to hold your tongue at the council.  You will not cross words with her, understood?"   "I'll hold my tongue if she holds hers!" Umbrage snapped.   “You’d better,” Galactica growled, “the last thing we need is to have this meeting stopped by another uncontrollable uproar.”  He brought his attention over to Conjure. "And as for you, Conjure.  I need you to keep your focus on the objective at hand, not trying to come up with your own solution," he said, like it was a constant reminder.  "I know you and this Gladhoof want what's best, however we must work this out together with the alicorns, not just the two of you." Conjure held back his temper, and nodded.  It was frustrating to get any progress when Galactica abolished his plans. Gladhoof had the same outcome with his leader, as well.   The problem was neither one of their leaders really wanted to work together.  Galactica said they must work with the alicorns in order to succeed in ending this dilemma, but Conjure knew that he just as much hated having to bargain with the alicorns as they did.  To give Galactica some credit, he did make it a priority for himself to stay calm and handle negotiations with the utmost care and respect, unlike Cosmo, who neglected the draconequi openly, and failed to show any kind of esteem while confronted at councils.   Umbrage snorted loudly. "I wouldn't be surprised if they've already left from impatience, considering the pace we're going.” “I agree,” Galactia replied.  “Conjure, tell that youngling to either pick up his feet or ride your back!  I will not have him waste us another precious minute of this meeting.”   Conjure complied with his lord. He stopped and swung his head back at a lower level. “Concord.  I need you to climb up my tail and ride on me for the rest of the trip.”  Behind Conjure was a young draconequus, no bigger than an average colt.   The little draconequus titled his baby dragon head up at the massive kirin with a shy and embarrassed expression.  “I-I’m sorry, sir,” he said in a small weary voice, “I’ll keep up with you, I promise.”  The poor thing had to run half the trip in order to keep up with them.  Conjure would slow down eventually for him to walk, and that would just irritate the other two.  Concord would decline the ride when Conjure asked, whether because he was too shy, or he thought it would be disrespectful to ride on Conjure.   Either way, Conjure still gave the draconequus a friendly smile. “I know you’re trying to be nice, but this is a very important meeting, so we need to get there as soon as possible; that’s why I need you to ride the rest of the way, please.”   Concord looked away sheepishly.  “Y-yes sir,” He grabbed the tuft of Conjure’s tail, then the kirin lifted him up and gently lowered Concord onto his back.  Concord made himself comfortable and held on while he hung his head down in a bleak mood.   Conjure hated to make the little one feel bad about himself.  The youngling was very well mannered for his age.  Concord was always trying to go beyond his limits to impress him, but that was the last thing Conjure wanted him to do; he just wanted Concord to live like an ordinary draconequus child. But he knew that was never going to happen—not with the death of his parents.   Conjure caught up with the others. He noticed his brother was giving an ugly look in his direction—more towards Concord than himself.  “Why did you trouble yourself by taking the burden of that child?  Your duties are far more important than looking after an orphan.”  Conjure glanced back to Concord. He still hung his head low; it was hard to tell if he had heard Umbrage or not, but Conjure wasn’t going to chance it.   “Taken him in was my choice, and my choice alone!” he retorted in a harsh whisper.  “I didn’t see anyone else step up to claim him.” “We would’ve assigned a couple to take care of him, if need be.  But you think it’s best for you to take care of the child?  Bah!  Your affection for the youngling will surely present weakness to us in front of the alicorns.” “Weakness?” Conjure’s nostrils flared. “If showing sympathy for a child who has lost everything is considered weakness, then I’d do it again! A thousand times, even!”  Umbrage snarled, and turned to Galactica.  “My lord, surely you must find Conjure’s action to be frowned upon?”   Galactica did not answer right away.  He sighed and looked back at Conjure.  “Your heart is in the right place, Conjure.  But your brother is right; it’s not your responsibility to raise a child who has lost their parents.  Though, this is the first time something like this has ever occurred, you still should’ve let the youngling be taken by some other couple, not have him be raised and taught by someone of your status.  Some might think you only did it only to improve your reputation.  However, this is your decision. I will not forbid you from raising him, if that is what you think is best.”   Conjure hid a smile and nodded.  His brother, however, looked at him with disapproval.  “I know you too well, Conjure.  You acted upon a bigger purpose.  Was it because of who his father was?”  Conjure ignored his brother’s inquiry. But he was only half-right. A devilish grin rose on Umbrage’s face.  “Oh, it is.” He chuckled. “Now the truth of your charity comes to light.  You want to raise the child so he doesn’t turn out like Vulgar Maximus?”   Conjure glanced at Concord.  He didn’t seem to hear his brother’s words.  Conjure looked back at Umbrage with contempt.  “How dare you mention his father in front of him!” he said, still keeping his voice down, “You know Vulgar was well respected among us.”   “I’m not denying it.  I respected him far more than you did.  But he did always have a moment where he would… snap.” “The both of you stop!” Galactica halted and faced the two. “I don't want to hear about our fallen brethren.  Besides, we’ve arrived.” Up ahead was the council meeting: the only physical features were two long stone platforms across from each other.  The first table had at least twenty draconequi with their backs facing the kirins.  They stood one by one at the table. A gap appeared in the middle of the line of bodies where the kirins were to sit.   From across them on the other table were the alicorns.  There were about as many alicorns, if not more, as there were draconequi.  They all had their gaze lowered to what was in the pit that was in between the two tables: A four legged draconequus with the body of a panther, tail of a dragon, the claws and hooves of a lynx and an ox, wings of a parrot and pegasus; and the head of a changeling with the antlers of an elk.   He was the scout the kirins chose to observe and report back to about the thing that rampaged across the land.  By the sound of it, he was already giving his report to the alicorns.   “Figures that they’d start without us,” Umbrage grumbled. “Let’s be thankful that they didn’t leave.” Galactica replied.  The kirins sat at the front of the table between the row of draconequi.  No one seemed to notice them except for the draconequi on either side of the kirins.   A griffin headed draconequus on Conjure’s side bowed to the three.  “My lords!” he sighed in relief,  “You couldn’t have come at a better time.”   Galactica acknowledged him.  “We would’ve gotten here sooner, but we were delayed.” He glared over at Conjure, who in turn, looked away.  “What have we missed?”   “Nothing important.  We had to persuade Cosmo to wait for you a little longer.  I tell you sir; I’ve never heard more insults in my life than what I’ve heard within the past ten minutes.  However, when the alicorns’ scout failed to show up at the same time as ours, Cosmo insisted that we wait for him; saving you a couple more minutes, and shutting those bad-mouthers up.”  The draconequus pulled on a crooked smile.  “It was quite ironic.”   Umbrage chuckled from the other side of Galactica.  “Oh, how I wish I had been here to see the look on Aurora’s face." "I'm afraid you won't be seeing her face at all, brother."  Conjure said.  Across from them, standing where Galactica sat was the alicorn leader, Cosmo; a tall, thin stallion with a bright yellow body and a snow-white mane.  He was quite a charming alicorn, which Umbrage constantly said was how he became leader. Though, that was not a fact, it was what most draconequi took to be true.   Standing beside him was a beardless Gladhoof.  Neither he nor Cosmo had noticed the kirins arrived, yet. They're attention was all focused on the draconequus, giving his report.  On the other side of Cosmo was an empty spot where Aurora was to sit.   "Even better!  I won't have to listen to her blabber at all.  Things are already seeming to go fairly well."  Umbrage said, merrily.   Conjure merely rolled his eyes at his brother, and tried to listen in on what their scout was saying. “When we arrived, the air was stale, and the sky was obscured.  Everything was dead: the trees, the grass, and even the dirt felt like ash.   From what we could tell, ‘It’ had been absorbing the nutrients of the land by its tentacles that dug into the earth, like roots. They seemed to extend across the land the more it fed. We saw parts of them stick out of the ground; the size and mass could easily beat that of a whale.  And that was only the half of it.”   The two groups mumbled amongst themselves.  Cosmo and Gladhoof raised their attention to each other in discussion.  Cosmo looked board while Gladhoof showed great interest and concern.  Cosmo lazily moved his eyes across the draconequus platform, they rose suddenly with interest.  “Well, Galactica. How nice of you to join us at this council that you specifically had set up,” he said in a soothing voice, yet in a mocking tone.     Everyone went silent.  Gladhoof, and the rest of the alicorns and draconequi stared at the kirins with mixed expressions.  “You yourself seem to be missing two of your subjects as well, Cosmo,” Galactica replied, firmly. Cosmo’s face scrunched up slightly, as if he was holding back a glare.  “If you’re referring to Aurora, she was here on time.  I sent her to fetch Blaze.  That fool doesn't know how to take orders seriously."   Gladhoof raised an eyebrow to Conjure that said, "What delayed you?" In return, Conjure nudged his head back towards the little draconequus on his back.  Concord now stared wildly across the alicorn table.  Gladhoof gave a small nod of acknowledgement. The changeling headed draconequus gave Galactica a low bow.  “My Lord.  Forgive me for not waiting for your arrival.  If you wish for me to start from the beginning I—" "No," Cosmo interjected,  “Your words are of no worth repeating.  And I am dulled by this gathering as it is, already.”   The draconequus swung his head back to the alicorn with a menacing glare.  “I was not talking to you, alicorn scu—” “Cyclone!” Galactic exclaimed.  The draconequus snapped back to his lord in a proper pose and faceless expression.  Galactica brought his voice back down, “It’s fine. You may continue.” Cyclone bowed once more.  “As you wish, my lord.  ...As we made our way across the desolate plain, we couldn't tear our eyes away from the thing.  It just stood there, towering over the wasteland.  I felt my essences drain from me just by looking at it.  We pressed on down the valley, it was pointless to try and use stealth through the dead forest, so we merely walked at it’s edge.  I immediately noticed that the village of Balrew was completely demolished; not a single house nor tower stood.”   “Did you look for survivors?” Galactica asked.   “We dared not go near it, for that thing dug one of its tentacles in the village, and—” “What do you expect to find if you don’t even investigate?”  Cosmo interrupted.   “You must understand, I found it was too risky getting close to that thing.  Blaze argued the same point you made, and, well… that’s when we split up.” Cyclone’s tone sounded a bit awkward, and he looked ashamed. “Cyclone, you knew perfectly well that this was a team investigation, and yet you couldn’t even stay together?”  Galactica said, aggravated.   “F-forgive me, my lord, but I believed that any survivors would have fled to the city of Forrow.  So that’s where I went in hopes of finding—” “You left the excavation site?!”  Cosmo shouted, abruptly.  “Your mission was to learn more on this creature, not go hunting for peasants in a griffin colony!” “No, wait!  I—” Suddenly a new voice joined in.  "Your words have told us nothing on the creature. The things you mention is no real information of it, only a bitter weather report!"  All turned to the buff, brown-coated; black maned alicorn, who gave a nasty look down at Cyclone.   "Stone Crusher is absolutely correct," Cosmo said,  "You failed to investigate even under direct orders! I bet Blaze is still out there learning all we need to know, no thanks to YOU."   "But I've already stated that it’s feeding off the land.  What more do we need to know?" Cyclone replied.   Galactica cleared his throat, ready to back-up Cyclone.  "It's clear that all it wants is to consume the nutrients of the land.  I fail to see why we dwindle on this discussion any longer, when we can simply end this?" Cosmo glared at Galactica.  "Because without proper information, I fail to see any reason why we should intervene."  His statement was met with gasps and protest from the other table.   "What more of a reason do you need?!" The outburst came from Conjure.  All eyes now turned on him.  Conjure had let his temper get the best of him, and right then he didn't care.  The situation was too extreme to stay silent.  “Every minute we spend wasting away with words, the more lives we let fall from our arrogance!”   “Conjure!”  Galactica hissed.   Conjure dragged his eyes away from the alicorns and toward his lord, with scorn.  Galactica looked just as furious as Conjure felt.  “Do not speak out of line, again, do you understand?” He growled through glanced teeth.   A soft chuckle came from Cosmo.  “My, my.  You seem to be having trouble keeping your subjects under control.”  The other alicorns joined in with their own smug grins, except for Gladhoof who showed disappointment amongst his people.   Galactica shot a threatening glare at Cosmo.  “We are off discussion!” he went on, “Tell me Cosmo, what do you plan to do?" “Nothing as of now.  Your scout has failed to bring up any details, as I've already explained."   “And what about the inhabitants of the world, hmm?  What are we to do but let them die as Conjure vaguely pointed out.” “We are not these creatures protectors.  It is not our job to help these mortals with their hardships, such as war, plague, famine and so forth.  Why does this off-worlder make any difference?”   The alicorn named Stone Crusher added, "For all we know the beast is nothing more but a freak of nature.  Something you draconequi have in common."  With that said, the draconequus table erupted in a raging fury. Galactica's authority would do nothing to stop the waves of anger and wrath they've kept bottled up inside throughout the meeting.  They lashed back with harsh words in vile tones, while the alicorns replied in coequal.   The council was in total chaos.  The two leaders didn't speak, but they fought with their eyes, which showed deep hatred and disgust.  The only ones that didn't partake in the riot were Conjure, Gladhoof; the confused scout who looked back and forth to the platforms for closure, and then there were the children of both races seated at the far end of the platforms.   These younglings could not understand most of the things that were going on to begin with, let alone hate one another.  Their minds were new and fresh. Having them partake in meetings was thought to help educate them.  However, all Conjure knew they'd learn was to hate each other, just like their parents did.   Conjure's attention was pulled away by a tug of his hair from behind.  He looked back to Concord who stared at him with an unsure look.  "Sir, I forget. What was this meeting about again?"   Conjure glanced around at the council once more, and then sighed.  "I wonder the same thing, little one."   A piercing bright light caught the corner of Conjure's eye.  As he turned to find the source of the light, the harsh shouts from the council died out; all stared in silence at the ball of light that illuminated right next to Cyclone.   A few seconds later the light revealed a violet female alicorn with an even darker purple mane and tail; aqua eyes with long eyelashes, and a cutie mark of the northern lights shown on her flank.  Her appearance was both frightening and beautiful, like a storm that consumed the sky, yet had openings that allowed the sun to seep light down from the heavens.   "Aurora," Cosmo said, "it has been a while since you've departed."   The mare bowed low to Cosmo with a firm smile on her face.  "What can I say, I like to be fashionably late," she said in a smooth and luscious voice. "Oh, I'm sure that is exactly why you're late!" Umbrage mumbled under his breath.   Aurora's ears perked up, she turned around at the platform behind her.  Aurora's mouth grew into a sly grin.  "Oh, so you three finally decided to show up?" She said in a mocking manner.  "And here I thought we were going to get some real diplomacy done."  Some of the alicorns laughed openly at Aurora remark.   “I was thinking the same thing until you showed up!” Umbrage retorted.   “Umbrage!” Galactica exclaimed, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted you to hold your tongue!”   A giggle escaped Aurora’s lips, half-willingly.  “Looks like you’ve finally been put in your place. Placed on a leash, that is.”   Umbrage’s eyes flared, and a snarl slipped from his maw.  However, a quick look at Galactica’s glare of warning extinguished his anger.  “You speak slander of me, Aurora.” He paused briefly, expecting Galactica to silence him.  When he did not, Umbrage continued,  “I find you’re trying to divert us from asking what should’ve been asked when you arrived.  Where is Blaze?”  As ruthless and short-tempered as Umbrage was, he was no wild beast.  When feelings and tensions were put aside, Umbrage could collaborate an efficient discussion—that is if it did not involve any alicorns.   “Yes, please tell me, Aurora,” Cosmo said, “I sent you off to retrieve Blaze, and not only did you take longer than I anticipated, you come back without him at all!”   Aurora lowered her head, her ears drooped, and she gazed at Cosmo, with distress.  “Well, I… I couldn’t find him, sir.”   The alicorns mumbled amongst themselves in annoyance.  Not only was Aurora’s failure an embarrassment for herself, it had an impression on the others as well.   Cosmo rubbed his temple while inhaling deeply.  “I knew this was a terrible idea from the start.  Aurora! Take your place next to me!" Without hesitation, Aurora flew up and sat right next to Cosmo with her eyes staring away from Cosmo's malicious stare. "Well, Galactica, I hope you’re happy with the results of this little investigation.  One of my subjects is missing, and your subject provided little—if any—knowledge or information of what we're dealing with!"   "Wait!" Cyclone quickly cut-in, "You didn't let me finish.  I haven't told you the important discovery I had found when I reach the city!" Cosmo glared at him, more annoyed than ever.  "Very well then.  Enlighten me, draconequus."   Cyclone nodded.  "When I reached the city of Forrow, it was under heavy siege by... I don't know what exactly.  There were a few different creatures, yet they all resembled reptiles."   "How absurd.  There's no such creature, aside from dragons and sea serpents, to be an intelligent reptile."   "If that's the truth, then what do you call these?"   Cyclone waved his hand in the air in a circular motion.  The air within the circle formed an image; the circle grew larger so all could see.   The council gazed into the portal Cyclone had made.  They had a bird's eye view over a green landscape.  The image flew over the land, slowly revealing figures too small to identify, yet were big in numbers.  The council’s eyes grew wider and wider as the portal showed more of the unknown creatures. The portal's view was too far to clearly identify the creatures’ forms, yet they soon covered the land with their slithering bodies.   The griffin colony, Forrow, was insight. The creatures swarmed its front walls, piling on top of each other over and over again, creating a mound that rose higher and higher as their bodies desperately crawled until the pile reached the top of the walls.  Then the slaughter happened.  The wall guards were hopelessly out match by the creatures as they took the walls within seconds. The view of the city increased.  In the sky were more reptile-like creatures.  At first glance they could be mistaken for dragons, but they were too slim from tail to neck, and had no arms or legs, only large bat-like wings.  They circled over the colony. Some swooped down over the cottages and spewed—what assumed to be—lava from their maws. Liquid fire laid itself over the dwellings, devouring wood and stone alike. The whole frame and structures collapsed as they were consumed in a great display of destruction. “How peculiar,” Cosmo muttered, “Quite barbaric creatures they are." He stayed silent for a moment longer. "... How is this relevant to the creature?” “These creatures are its subjects; its legion. They move at their lord’s will, never stopping until they’ve succeeded in their task.” “By lord, you mean their king?” “More as in their god.” “And how exactly did you come to this knowledge?” “Because that’s what one of those slithering beasts told me.” Gasps came from both sides of the platforms. The councilors’ voices roared over one another to say the same thing. “You’ve been consorting with these creatures, Cyclone?” Umbrage blustered over the council. “No, lord Umbrage; interrogating!” his words were lost in the councils’ shouts. “Enough!” Galactica’s outburst echoed across the empty realm, and silenced the chaotic crowd. “Now,” Galactica said more smoothly, “tell me about this interrogation you commenced.” “Well, sir. The truth is I haven’t done any yet. I have simply stated what it told me. I kept it locked up for the whole council to witness and participate in the interrogation.” The draconequus platform muttered to each other, while the alicorns sat in silence. “Very well then,” Cosmoe said. “Let us see what this creature has to say.” Without another moment to lose, Cyclone snapped his fingers. Aside from him light illuminated for a split second, then revealed a horrible monstrosity. A hideous serpent like creature lashed back and forth, enchained by Cyclone's magic.   It had a long viper body—tail and neck included—that swung like a deadly whip. The creature wore a steel chest plate with an odd simple that resembled a hand or claw, but the fingers were replaced with slithering snakes. Its long arms were strapped to its sides by magic chains, and its snake head let out a terrible screeching hiss.   The council jumped in surprise, and many of the younglings cried out in fear.  Once again, the crowds gabbled in disorder, while the leaders merely stared in astonishment. “What abomination is this? And how did you obtain it?” Cosmo spat. “I simply drew it away from its main force, and once we were out of sight I chained it as it is now.” Cyclone tilted his head toward the struggling serpent that continued to hiss. “You said it spoke to you? Will you be able to get it to communicate with us?” Galactica said.   Right after he said that, the serpent quit struggling. Its silence drew the attention of a few, but its low chuckling was what got the council’s full focus. Its laugh was low and disturbing, with an occasional hiss. “You think you can control me? Pathetic creatures of thisss world.” The serpent spoke in a raspy and dark voice. “You so arrogantly babble at each other while hissss roots grow further down your world. Oh how pleasing it isss to see how the most intelligent life forms on this world are too ssstupid to even commence a plan of defense.” The council was completely astounded; what started out as a beast, ended up being an intelligent—but malicious—being.  “So you decide to speak on your own? How honorable.” Cosmo said, all so calmly.   The serpent turned its slitted eyes up to the alicorn. “Honor means nothing to ussss. Only to please and ssserve our lord is what we live for. Sssomething you would never understand.” “Perhaps we can learn if you’d be willing to talk about your peoples’ intentions.” Conjure said. The serpent twisted its neck back to Conjure with an odd expression on its face. “Willing? No. We have choice. His words are our actionssss.” “That makes absolutely no sense!” Umbrage retorted. “If you have no free will, then why do you speak on your own at this moment?” “Because he has permitted me to ssspeak to you.” An eerie silence fell over the council. Just for a moment every being in the council was thinking the same thing. He’s allowing it to speak to us?  The serpent spun its head around the room with a devilish grin. “Yesss. He knows what you are doing; what you are planning. He knows what we know. He hears everything we hear, and sees everything we sssee. We are a part of him as he is a part of ussss.” Conjure did not want to believe this creature’s words; they were too bizarre to be true. But then again, why would it lie? “He speaks through us, giving every command, which we undoubtedly fulfill. And now he has ordered me to inform you of your failure. Your so-called ‘investigation’ was an utterly useless attempt to learn anything from him. That hot headed alicorn thought getting close to our lord would bring him answers, but he quickly learned that none stand against him.” The alicorns roared in anger at the discovery of their comrade. “What have you scaly worms done to Blaze!?” Aurora snarled. “His power was absorbed by our lord. His whole essence diminished to nothing afterwards. Just like the other two draconequi that our lord consumed.” The alicorns and draconequi screamed in horror and rage. The draconequi knew this thing had taken the lives of two of their own, but now it was the alicorns who were now torn from their lost. Though, no pony was more in shock than Aurora “No… NO! YOU MONSTER!” Aurora exclaimed. Her voice was loud, but not enough to be heard over the tens of enraged alicorns. They all were ready to jump on the serpent, and they would’ve if Cosmo had not shouted, “BE SILENT!” Slowly but surely the alicorns settled down, yet most still looked ready to blast that creature on the spot. Just one measly creature had been able to upset the whole council. Though, the way things have been going so far that’s not saying much. Conjure had so many questions he wanted to ask this serpent. The thing was, after all, permitted to speak, and the thought that that thing that killed Concord’s parents was watching this very meeting sent chills down his spine. Finally Conjure made up his mind. “Ask me this simple question. What exactly are you?” “What kind of stupid question is that, kirin!” one alicorn blurted out. “You can’t talk to our lord like that, you foul mouthed—” with that, the council was once more in mayhem. Conjure could only shake his head in defeat. Why the constant arguing? Why the constant hate for one another? Even with the threat watching them through the eyes of its minion, they still continued to hate and fight. It is no use, brother. They have never liked us. Even when we did nothing, they chose to hate us. His brother would always tell him the alicorns would never see them as anything but monsters. However, Conjure knew that that was not certain. He’s seen the goodness in them through the one alicorn that stood right across from him. Gladhoof, the only alicorn who was willing to come to an understanding with him, and the only one who knew what had to happen in order to stop this thing.   While no pony was doing anything to stop the commotion, Conjure noticed the serpent had an evil grin, showing its rows of dagger-like teeth. Then it hit Conjure. It’s not the serpent. Its lord is what’s driving it to say these things. It wants them to keep arguing so they could forget all about stopping it. The more he looked at it, the angrier it made him. Without thinking, he let out a mind-rattling roar. It instantly shut everyone up. “I’ve had enough of this meaningless fighting! Have we forgotten who the real enemy is?” Conjure stared down at the serpent that already was staring back at him. “Now you will answer my question, beast!” The serpent hissed, flailing its forked tongue out. “What does it matter? You’ll all perish. Unless you submit your livesss to him, and give up your pitiful free will.”  Conjure rolled his eyes. “Do not preach to us, creature. We—”   “Is it not simpler to bow before one superior to all? It’sss the unspoken truth of life; we were made to be ruled. In the end, all will kneel, or diminish. He has learned the history of this world through its core. And it is filled with violence and hatred. Your free will is a curse you so desperately cling to. Once you let that go; once you put away the silly idea of freedom and accept Him as your god, then, and only then will you know peace.” “I’ve had enough of this!” Cosmo shouted, “If your god is truly a part of you—that he is listening and watching us right now, then tell me this: what is your business on our world?” “You dare try to ssspeak to him directly?! I am the voice of our lord for this council. You…” The serpent paused suddenly. Its face was stunned, then it grinned and chuckled. “Oh. You have brought his full attention on to you, Cosmo, son of Arkamage the malevolent. And you as well, Galactica, son of Orthamog the devastator.” The council became unnaturally quiet. For once in Conjure’s life has he seen both Galactica and Cosmo show a hint—no—a portion of fear in their eyes. But what astonished him even more was how the creature knew about their lives. How could this be possible? “Their powers were legend; so fierce, so vicious that they were erased from history. And you think leading your people to some false dream that you can all live amongst the common mortal creatures without being seen as gods or spirits or even just a higher being will change anything? This is the basis of two young orphans who had no home in a dark and cruel world, and are now trying to prove that they are what? Not freaks of nature?” The serpent’s voice turned uncomfortably smooth. “When so young, so tiny; the peasants would poke sticks at the deformed pony, and throw rocks at the giant horned lizard. And yet here you stand, showing the same hatred that you yourselves once put up with. Pathetic! You pretend to be as normal and good as they are—something to make up for the horrors your fathers caused. But they’re a part of you, and no matter how much good you do, they will never go away.” Just when Conjure thought it couldn’t get worse, it happened. The serpent turned back to Conjure, its smug look stared into his soul. “And don’t think he’s looked over you, Conjure, son of Dessaraw the Great… and Aura.” Conjure tensed up at the mention of his mother’s name. That name held much meaning to him. And he knew this creature knew it too. “Ssssuch a tragic tale. Two brothers separated at birth. One stayed with the mother in her unicorn tribe, while the other was swept away by his father, and raised in the Kull pits of the Déra dragon hoard. For a moment the room was dead silent. But that ended when the serpent hissed loudly. “You want to know why he is here? He has searched endlessly for the one. He has drained many inhabitable worlds of all their life. “He tells you thisss because even though you are the inhabitants of this powerful world; you are no match for him. He won’t kill you, not until you all try to stop him. And when you do, he will kill you, slowly, intermittently in every way he knows you fear! And when your screams become dull to his ears he’ll tear your souls to shreds, and then feast on them! This is his plan, you wretched mooncalfs!” For the longest time, so far, there was utter silence. For the longest time no one wanted to retort a comment or slang. And it was painful to hear nothing for Conjure. “C-Cyclone!” Galactica barely stuttered, “Destroy that thing immediately!” Without a second thought, Cyclone raised his hand and clenched it. The magic chains around the serpent glowed brighter. A high pitch screech erupted from the beast, as white veins sprouted to every part of the serpent’s body from where the chains held him. They multiplied faster until soon the serpent looked like a glass sculpture just before it would shatter to thousands of pieces. “ALL HAIL TYFAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” the creature screamed. Beams of light shot out of the many cracks on the beast from head to tail until the whole thing was completely absorbed in light. It was then that the serpent’s form crumbled into ash. The only thing left was the steel breastplate that rested on top of the mound of its former bearer. The creature was dead, yet its words lingered throughout the council. For another silent moment everyone stared at the pile. With that thing gone, ‘It’ had no way of eavesdropping on them anymore. Right? “I think…” Cosmo began, “that we have reach a decision.” Conjure couldn’t believe his ears. Though this wasn’t the way he was hoping to convince the alicorns, nonetheless they finally saw this thing’s potential. “I speak for all of us when I say that this so-called ‘god’ has committed a murder to one of our own. And not only that, but it thinks it can come and claim dominion over this world? It should have stayed as the mindless beast I thought it to be. For now it will learn the harsh swiftness we alicorns bring upon our foes!” The alicorn council burst out in cheers and shouts, while they stomped their hooves aggressively. Conjure could tell Cosmo had done that only to cover his fear. The last thing he needed was to have some snake make him look like a scared little colt in front of his people. Only one alicorn did not contribute in the cheers, and that was Gladhoof. He stared at Conjure with a blank expression. He nodded his head. It was time to reveal their plan.   Galactica let out a relieving sigh. “Now that we have resolved this. Our next agenda is to contemplate a battle strategy.” “If there’s no objection, sir, I have already formulated a plan that will give us the advantage we need.” Conjure got the reaction he was expecting; the face of irritation and demur. “Conjure. I have made it clear to you that this will be thought out with the whole council.” “Quick to reject his plan, don’t you think, Galactica?” Cosmo said, “I for one want to hear his plan. It may end this meeting sooner so we may prepare.” Galactica looked confused and surprised at Cosmo. “You… never mind. Conjure. Proceed.” This was it. This was his and Gladhoof’s time to convince the council of what they must do, and what they must be willing to give up. “I do not need to explain how dangerous our enemy is. By now—if what the serpent said was true—this so to be god is absorbing the power from the world, becoming more powerful by the minute.” He paused for a second. Gladhoof still watched him, yet he hasn’t jumped in to support him. “Cyclone. Did you see anything unnatural aside from the creatures? Was there something wrong with the atmosphere in general?” Cyclone’s buggy eyes stretched out, recalling his memory. “Yes. The dark clouds that covered the sky did not move once. Not once! A-And another thing I noticed was no breeze. I did not feel the wind, not even when I flew to Forrow.” It was just as he and Gladhoof had predicted! What he and Gladhoof had tried to learn about how the world worked was now becoming reality. If the research they did long before this thing arrived was accurate, then they just might have a fighting chance. “How is this relevant to your plan, Conjure?” Galactica questioned. “We have just been informed that the thing is most certainly draining the power and energy that the world produces. With the best of my knowledge of the world, I have reason to believe that the power of the world can be obtained.” As expected, the council began muttering in anxious tones. “Brother. What are you proposing?” Umbrage said in the same worried tone as the rest of the council.   “From studying the Windigos; the winter spirits, it’s clear that they can manipulate the weather to produce snow storms. But do we know why they are able to do this?” The council stayed unnaturally quiet. “The answer is simply because they’re spirits, magical entities of the world. They have a magical connection to the core of the world. That’s why they are able to do what they do. What I am proposing is going to sound ludicrous, it is actually a necessary task we must perform for the greater good of the world. My fellow Alicorns and Draconequi. We must go to the center of this world, and obtain the power of the elements of the world. We must become spirits.” Conjure’s speech was met with silence. All eyes were glued onto him, no words, no expressions. It was about another minute when the council unleashed their furious words of protest upon him. Both sides were against him; even his own brother looked at him with disapproval. “Lord Conjure has gone mad for power!” “Somepony throw him in a dungeon!” “Now we know why the Draconequi are so misguided; they have him leading them.” Conjure took the insults from both sides. He knew it would come. However, he thought Gladhoof would be there to back him up. It wasn’t like him to back out, especially for an event like this. Once the crowd’s anger went down a level, Cosmo put in his thoughts. “Have you lost your mind?” his words held much anger. “Do you realize what that would mean for all of us if we became spirits? We could never go back! Spirits have more than just power; they have burdens. If we did this, our lives would be devoted to whatever element of power we held!” “I was right to not have you speak your outlandish ideas!” Galactica huffed. Conjure had to react. “How much are we willing to give up for the survival of our world!? Do you all truly believe we have the potential to defeat this thing, and its nation of serpents? This is not some monstrous beast we’re dealing with, this is a god; a destroyer of worlds! Are we really more afraid of having a spiritual connection to the world than the thing that’s destroying it?” Cosmo stomped his hoof. “No. I speak for the whole council when I say that you are absolutely—” “Right.” Cosmo froze. He slowly turned his head to where Gladhoof stared back at him calmly. "Right...? You think he's right, Gladhoof?" Cosmo said in a hushed tone. The alicorns whispered to one another while the draconequi gaped at Gladhoof. "So... You agree with his proposal? You think it'd be best that we allow ourselves to carry the weight of the world, is-is that what I'm hearing from you?" That’s just like Gladhoof, always holding back until the best opportunity comes. Conjure thought in amusement. “This thing has poisoned our world with its presence. As Cyclone has noticed, the world is failing; it cannot continue to support life. As we speak, that thing is feeding on the world’s power, if we don’t take the burden, than that thing will be this world!” “Ha! Your judgment has finally gotten the best out of you, brother.” The council turned to where the voice was heard. A male dark navy blue alicorn with a murky purple mane smirked at Gladhoof. “Nightshade. This is bigger than you and I can understand. To rid this thing we must become one with the world.” Conjure couldn’t believe his eyes. Gladhoof was arguing with his own family rather than abandoning him against the council. This is where Gladhoof’s friendship showed: he would be giving up his position, and the support of his family just to get the council to accept their plan. “And what about the children? Would you have them become spirits as well?” This was a different voice. Right beside Nightshade was a white mare whose mane shimmered with the pattern of the sky during sunrise. Conjure knew Gladhoof’s brother and sister-in-law, Starlight, were stubborn. As kind as they were—at least to their own people—Conjure and Umbrage weren’t greeted too nicely the first time they met. They were the first alicorns and the first kirins to meet each other, and while it was by accident; they’re first and only reaction to him and his brother was, “What are these monstrous mutants?” This argument started to become a family issue, so Conjure thought it best to stay out of it. He noticed two little fillies right beside Starlight. One white with a soft pink mane who looked around the age of ten—probably the same age as Concord, and a younger one around the age of eight with a royal blue coat and a sky blue mane. They must be Gladhoof’s nieces. Conjure thought. He didn’t know their names; Gladhoof rarely spoke of his family to him. But even though they were just like the rest of the alicorns, Conjure could not call Nightshade and Starlight evil, like his kind did. He clearly knew they loved their daughters dearly. Why else would they be standing beside them rather than with the other younglings? As Conjure looked closer at the white filly, he noticed she stared at the draconequi with an unusual face of disgust. Strange, he thought. How could she look so angry at them like they were rivals? When Conjure turned his attention back to her parents, it was all so clear. How could they have done this to her!? Poisoning her young mind to think of them all as something to hate? Did they really despise them so much that they wanted their own children to know never to trust a draconequus? Her abhorrent face made Conjure want to cry, almost. At least the younger one didn’t seem at all like her sister. She gazed at anything of interest like many of the others, so there was still hope for that one. "Enough of this!" Cosmo shouted. "I won't have my own subjects fighting in this council. And I’m sick of this discussion as it is! Gladhoof. If you're so certain about this, then I suggest those who want to become spirits go with Gladhoof and Conjure, and those who don't, stay behind. All in favor of becoming spirits raise their hoof!" Not one hoof, or claw was raised. Everyone mumbled under their breath, and coughed awkwardly. Conjure couldn’t believe it. Not one sole wanted to follow them. He turned to face Umbrage. “Brother?” He said. Surly after everything he and his brother have gone through, he would believe this to be the right thing. Umbrage dragged his head up in order to look his brother in the eyes. His face showed guilt, and shame. “Please. You know that I wouldn’t suggest it unless I knew it was the right thing.” Umbrage could only shake his head in self-contempt. “I’m sorry. But the burden for life… it’s—it’s just too much. You would become a slave to the world if you take its power.” “It’s better that way, than to watch it all be consumed, bringing the death of all of us, anyways.” Conjure didn’t roar at his brother, he knew the disappointment in his voice was enough to hurt Umbrage. “Well, I think the council knows where it stands now. I’m afraid, Gladhoof, that you two will be doing this on your own.” Gladhoof responded with a short bow. “Now that that has been resolved, I hereby call this meeting officially adjourned. Until we meet again for our tactical movements.” Without waiting for a response, Cosmo turned to leave, as did the other alicorns. The meeting wasn’t officially over until Galactica said so since he was the one who set it up, but he didn’t seem to care as he too turned to leave, as followed by the other draconequi with their children. As they did, the platforms slowly sunk away into the non-existing floor of space. It was all over. He and Gladhoof failed. They shared one last look at each other to express their disappointment before following their leaders in the opposite directions. “Well, that went better than I expected.” Umbrage said in the most cheerful way he could muster. “I might have to agree with you on that one, Umbrage.” Galactica said. It was clear to Conjure that they were trying to change the subject that was clearly going on in their minds. “Lord Galactica.” called Cyclone. “Lord Galactica!” The kirins stopped and waited for the draconequus. "Lord Galactica. I wish to stay behind during the fight."  Galactica raised an eye, but didn't seem surprised or upset. "State your reason." Cyclone frowned. "I have witnessed this god and its creatures up close, and I will not lie, sir; I'm afraid. I don't fear for my own life, but for my family's. I want to be as far away from that thing as possible. With your permission, of course."  Galactica glanced over to the other draconequi and their families entering portals to their realms. "You brought us the evidence we needed to convince the alicorns in helping us. You have done your part. I will allow you and River to stay behind and watch over the younglings while the rest of us fight." Cyclone tried to hide his relief and bowed low. "Thank you, sir."  "You're dismissed."  At his words, Cyclone left in a flash of light.  Galactica stood still with a concerned expression.  "What troubles you, my lord?" Conjure asked. "Cyclone is the loyalist draconequus I know. It's very unlike him to back out on anything." "Indeed," Umbrage said, "especially when it involves fighting. He does love to cause a little destruction, as kind hearted as he is." "Perhaps you are right about this thing being bigger than we can imagine, Conjure." Galactica said. Conjure didn't reply. After seeing Cyclone back out; how terrified he really was, it made him realize what exactly they were up against: something that roamd the stars, devouring other worlds; something vicious, yet intelligent; something with unspeakable powers that have convinced an entire race that it’s a god.  And though anger for this thing burned within him, he now knew what this feeling that stuck with him when he first found Concord was, something that was there from the beginning, but he ignored. That thing was fear. ---------------------------------------------------------------- "Get some rest now, Concord. It has been a busy—and boring, I should say—day for you." Conjure gently levitated Concord onto a small bed of crystals. "Lord Conjure. What are you going to do now that your plan didn't work out?" Concord said in his tiny voice. Conjure gave a humble smile. "Please, Concord. You don't have to address me as lord." He then frowned. "I don't know, little one. With only Gladhoof and I willing to accept the titles of spirits, we may not even do it." Concord held his tail and rubbed it nervously. "Uh, sir. Do you think I'd be a good spirit? I-I mean, I know I’m too young and weak, but do you think I could be a spirit?” The question surprised Conjure. Concord really did pay attention to the whole meeting. “Of course you could become a spirit. You just have to be willing to accept the responsibilities and duties is all.” “You really know a lot about spirits, sir.” A smile crept up on Conjure’s face. “Well, I did my research on them.” “What do you know about the Windigos?” “Well, as the legend goes, the Windigos were once Saddle Arabian knights. During a time of drought, they set off to find a way to bring the water back. They traveled far and wide, until they found an entrance that lead down to the heart of this world. Once the knights witnessed the power of the world, they were consumed by it, and went mad. The power destroyed their physical forms, turning them in to the ghostly spirits they are today. “Wh-why are they winter spirits if they wanted water?” “Because the knights only wanted the power for glory, so they could be seen as gods and praised for their power. They only cared about themselves, so when they got their powers, the rain was just as cold as their hearts.” Concord hugged his tail. “I… I don’t think I could be a spirit of anything.” “And why do you say that?” “Because I’m not good at anything besides being a misfit.” Concord’s response was like a smack in the face for Conjure, it came right out of nowhere. “How did you come to that conclusion?” “Because nobody wanted to take care of me when mommy and daddy went away. And because everyone was afraid of daddy that they didn’t want me. That’s what lord Umbrage said to you.” Perhaps Concord paid too much attention to things. Conjure made a mental note to give his brother a piece of his mind. Concord’s face scrunched up in discomfort. “Was… was my daddy really a bad draconequus?” Conjure laid down on his stomach and lowered his head to Concord’s level. “Listen to me, Concord. No matter what everyone has said, I want you to know the truth. Your father was good. He was kind, caring; and I know he loved you and your mother very much. He was just… misunderstood sometimes.” “Did you know my mommy, too?” The question brought a rush of memories of Concord’s mother to Conjure. He could remember every moment like it was yesterday. All the times they spent together were some of the happiest times of his life. Lily was the sweetest draconequus he knew; so young and full of life. Her personality was the greatest: she was witty and smart, passionate and likable. Lily looked up to Conjure so much. She saw him more than just a lord, but a friend and a teacher. And because of that, it was why he broke down when he heard the news of her demise. When Concord appeared in his realm, face covered with tears, he knew something was wrong. Only a few knew the spell to enter his realm, it was the only way to get into a realm. Concord’s mother was one of those few. With what little Conjure could get out of the weeping draconequus, he quickly teleported to her home on the physical world. But when he got there, he only found remnants of what used to be a house in the woods. No sign of her or Vulgar were ever found, but the culprit was within eyesight. Though its form was hidden, it was no doubt noticeable. Conjure remembered the tears that broke out on that scene, how he crumbled on the remains of her home. The once beautiful tiny woods were now desolated of any greens or life. When all the draconequi met to discuss on the adoption of Concord, Conjure already knew it had to be him. He knew that Lily sent Concord to him on purpose. She knew she was going to die, so she sent him to the only creature she knew would be the best in taking care of him. Lily chose him. He had to keep her promise in protecting him by any means. That’s why he stepped up to claim Concord, for he was his godparent. “Lord Conjure? Sir?” Conjure shook the flood of memories away. He realized that his eyes were a bit wet. “Yes, Concord. I knew your mother very well. She was my apprentice.” “Really?” Concord looked up at Conjure in wonder. “Do… do you think I could be your apprentice, like mommy?” Conjure gave a warm chuckle. “Your mother was more than just that. And yes, you can. But right now it’s time to rest.” Conjure got back up and turned to leave. Concord yawned, and got comfortable on his bed. “Lord Conjure.” he said wearily, “If I were to become a spirit, what would I embody?”   Conjure stopped. He thought about it for a moment. Concord was a bit organized and neat, but he also had the same kind, caring heart his parents had. He glanced at Concord, and said, “You’d be the spirit of harmony.” Concord’s eyelids slowly fell shut, and he quickly dozed off to sleep. Conjure smiled one last time before leaving through the portal. He had to keep Concord safe for Lily’s sake. There was only one way he could have any chance in being strong enough to face a god. He had to become one.