//------------------------------// // In Sealed Chambers [Dark] // Story: Pone-Shots // by GroaningGreyAgony //------------------------------// Rumors arrive at Canterlot of a remote village named Hayster, which has ceased all communication with the outside world. A squad of Royal Guards is dispatched; they do not return. Another squad is sent with Luna in direct command. The next evening, Luna returns to the throne room, haggard and alone, but bearing a small bundle of cloth. She lays it on the floor in front of the throne, and gives her sister a significant glance. Celestia dismisses all of the attendants and guards, and orders the doors to be locked from outside. Luna unwraps the bundle, exposing a small brown foal with a white belly and huge wild golden eyes. Its fur is smeared in places with dark stains, but it appears to be healthy and unwounded. Celestia draws a sharp shuddering breath when she sees its cutie mark. Luna closes her eyes, her head drooping to the floor. After a time, the sisters look at each other through grieving eyes. Their bodies sag, but together they find some inner strength, a grim fiery resolve. Luna steps slowly back from the foal. Celestia's magic reaches one of the ceremonial swords on the wall. The sword flies through the air and hovers over the foal's neck. Celestia draws a deep breath. The foal stares at the flashing blade, then calmly looks Celestia in the eye as the sword lifts high... And whistles down as the razor edge severs the tiny head with its wild beautiful eyes of gold. Celestia drops the sword and sinks to the floor. Great silver tears fall to mingle with the blood. Luna, with deliberate, shaking moves, starts to gather up the tattered cloth around the tiny body. "Celestia," comes from beyond the walls a wet ragged voice. Luna's ears flatten and she keens a shrill note of despair. The colors fade from Celestia's mane as desperate hope leaves her eyes forever... "Celestia," repeats the voice of phlegm and wasted flesh as the saffron figure approaches, hoofsteps muffled under its slithering ragged robes. "Have you found the Yellow Sign?" "Have you found the Yellow Sign?" Art by Zubias (If you don't understand what this is about, try this link.)