Alligatum Custode
Old Memories
Cerberus stood vigilant in front of the Gates of Tartarus as he had done since the beginning of creation. Few creatures had ever lived as long as the Royal Sisters had, but Cerberus was one of those few. Another little-known fact not privy to most of the populace of Equis was that Cerberus was in fact split into three individual personalities, and not merely a dumb beast with three slavering heads.
There was Mercy, the left head. Like a beacon of hope to all that passed by, Mercy had always turned a blind eye to all who drew to his sight. For many those who would ever cross the path of Cerberus, the road ended in tragic strife.
There was also Malice, the right head. With all the hatred and spite that Tartarus could offer, Malice always aimed to kill all those who failed to evade the beast of hell. Be it the crushing blow of a paw or reduction to ribbons by razor teeth, it was always a grizzly pain-filled end.
And then there was the temperament of the three heads, the middle head of Judgment. Judgment was the wisest, accountable of judging all those who wished to enter the lands of the afterlife. Out of the hundreds of thousands of years he stood guard, only two beings had gotten through the gates without struggle.
Needless to say of course that they were the only ones to enter. Such beings as Discord or Sombra always managed to fight past the hulking beast. And it did not always fair well for Cerberus either; for he had more than his share of scars.
Cerberus suddenly hunched down and growled. The sound would pale a manticore’s roar in comparison. The guard hound sensed something was off, and within moments it was proven very much correct. The skies around him grew suddenly and preternaturally dark, and more so than usual the air smelt of burning flesh.
Before its eyes, a tear appeared in the firmament of reality. Energy trickled and danced from the growing size of a hole in the fabric of existence, burning the grass to ash and dust. It became nearly blinding as it opened wide, orbs of energy shooting in all directions.
And then as quickly as it came it vanished into nothingness.
Yet Cerberus attention was diverted to something else. The gears in his ancient mind started to grind as he stared at what lay before him, and the faces lit up in sudden realization. By instinct, one of the most powerful being in creation knelt. Not out of respect for the object in front of him, but out of fear of reprimand. Judgment’s glossy eyes were filled with memory of death and pain; so much pain that should have been forgotten eons ago.
Land bathed in bloodshed and destruction, and he feared it were to happen again. Yes, he thought, of course it will happen again. Tartarus had long kept order under the shadow of death; however, even a fine machine would not last forever without care. Cerberus knelt closer to the lantern and retrieved it.
For he was loyal to one deity and one deity alone, and Equis would have its Warden back.
∞∞∞∞∞∞
“Luna!” The Sun Bearer hollered from across the outer side of her sister’s chambers. “Little sister, I beseech you, tell me what has caused you such strife to scream into your night?” Celestia said in a firm yet soft tone. In all honestly, she was frightened for Luna’s safety. In a more hushed whisper she spoke,“the last time you behaved like this was the nights before Nightmare Mo-“
“GO AWAY!" Celestia was cut off harshly."WE WISH TO BE IN THE COMPANY OF NOPONY THIS NIGHT!” Luna choked through the Royal Canterlot voice between sobs. Celestia’s features became filled with not only concern, but curiosity. What could cause Luna so much pain was beyond her. What could harm her beloved sister?
Celestia then turned to face the many staff ponies that stood behind her. Guards, maids, butlers, gardeners, and scholars all stood in attendance to see what would unfold through this series of events. Every one held a look of concern to match the Princess’, and a few even showed signs of apprehension broaching on fear. Holding her head up high, she addressed her company with the grace of a seasoned ruler.
“My little ponies," she addressed the night staff, "be as you were. I will find out what it is that plagues my sister. If I have any need I will send for you.”
The castle staff dispersed without another word from or for their kind ruler. After a few moments past, Celestia’s horn began to glow a soft yellow which illuminated the rather dark corridor. And with merely a suggestion of sound, Celestia disappeared.
In a burst of light, the Princess of the Day reappeared next to her sister beyond the door. No words were shared as Luna gladly fell within her older sister’s warm embrace. Celestia and Luna had sat there for a very long time, entwined in a loving embrace. While Celestia and sought to comfort her loving sister, Luna had clung to Celestia as if she would never have the chance to do so again.
“Was it her again?” Celestia asked in a very motherly tone. She referred to Nightmare Moon, the shadow of whom Luna had been troubled with for some time. Her history as figure of darkness continued to cause her pain, the scars slow to heal despite the abilities of the Elements of Harmony. Even the Bearer of Kindness was not too warm towards the Princess on her first appearance back in Ponyville,
The younger of the two shook her head. “N... No…” Princess Luna had the most stalwart personalities at the worst of times, Celestia knew this well. Even when she had hurt the most on the night just before Nightmare Moon, she had not given the slightest hint of her torment.
“Are our subjects not treating you well?” Celestia asked, a frown taking hold on her features. Luna was a grown mare, and had been for many centuries. However, being stuck on the moon for a thousand years and the culture shock of modern day Equestria is enough to send anyone into the heart of chaos and madness. But, until now, Luna had trudged through the hardship with a winning smile.
Luna shook her head again, tears once threatening to burst again. Celestia was beyond concerned at this point, but nonetheless held up her regal posture. “Then dear sister, I beg of you, what is it that bothers you so?” Celestia said, nuzzling her sister’s shoulder.
"I.. It's.. It's the Warden sister." Luna said, reveling the reason of her grief with unaccountable hesitance.
It had been long since Celestia’s mind had wandered back to the foundations of Equestria. Back before the pony tribes had ever touched the land. Back to the times of the Alicorns of old.
Back to the times of so much bloodshed.
Celestia's frown turned into a full scale scowl as held her sister tighter. "I understand how you feel, Luna. The monster who had robbed so much from us so long ago is gone though. He will never hurt you, I, or our subjects again."
Celestia's confidence in their triumph of old did nothing to stop Luna's tears, rather the opposite. The elder sister knew that something was amiss as a chill crept up her spine, and she withdrew her grasp. What are you not telling me She thought.
"It's just that!" Luna was nearly screaming at this point. "He is back! I have seen it my self! I..." her outburst dissolved into sobbing as she fell onto the floor, crying in her fetlocks. "I felt his touch... It was so cold.."
Celestia gasped, her scowl falling as swift as her confidence. But, with it came a bit of skepticism and at length a small smile." You know there is no way he can return Luna. He was slain long ago, and we have his instrument of horror as a trophy to prove our victory." Celestia nuzzled Luna up to her hooves, wiping away the tears that stained her azure coat.
"Let's go see it then? We... I... need some reassurance..."
If anyone saw the smile Celestia had given Luna that day, some may have called it pure wickedness.