The Shining Ship of Gold
One may believe that life as a ruler would be extravagant, they would be wrong. My life is as dull now as it was when I was a filly, the only thing to change is the size of the seat I am forced to sit in. Day in and day out I am forced to listen to the prattling of ponies and their problems or worse listen to nobles as they complain that they are not wealthy enough. It is enough to drive a pony to madness, more than once I have been tempted to see if I could turn something to ice cream.
I know I should not complain, this is my destiny after all. I know I am making it out worse than it is, right now things are peaceful and even the pony tribes are getting along. I guess I long for adventure with the Doctor again, how I miss him. How long has he been gone, ten years I believe. Everyday when I raise the sun I hope that would be the day the he will arrive in his TARDIS and things would go back to the way they were before. I never thought I would miss that trouble making stallion so much. I often look up into Luna's sky and wonder where in the universe he is. Is he out saving some planet or in trouble beyond my ability to help? I can't help it I worry about him even though I know he will be alright.
Many things have occurred since his departure, some of it good and some of it bad. One of the good things is I am now a Godmother to an adorable little filly, she is the foal of Starlight, her name is Shimmer. How old is she now four or is it five, I do not get to see her as much as I like. They visit from time to time, however Starlight tends to stay away from the castle not wanting to dredge up any bad memories. The loss of Dusk Shine, her father, was a terrible blow to her. After being possessed by the Elementals he went into seclusion and went through everything Starswirl ever recorded writing it down, but also learning it. His work eventually led to the Starswirl Library, however it was not worth the price. He seemed to have gone mad often muttering to himself we thought he could never be saved, that all changed with Starlight's engagement. From the time of her marriage to the birth of Shimmer we believed Dusk was finally back to normal, we were wrong. One day he disappeared we searched everywhere for him until we found what remained of his work in a room not far from the archives. The room had books and paper strewn about with some type of magical circle drawn on the floor and a charred mark in the center. My sister and I scanned the room many times and came to the same conclusion a powerful spell had been cast, we still don't know what spell it was. However we knew Dusk was the one to cast it whether it was a success or failure we may never know, whichever it was we knew one thing Dusk was gone. I was glad to salvage my friendship with Starlight despite the loss, though she does not visit much we still keep in contact with letters.
Another pony I do not have much contact with is my own sister. Though she and I live in the same castle I only get to see her twice a day. Once in the morning when I raise the sun and once at night when it is time to set. It is not what I had envisioned when I had the twin thrones commissioned to be built. I dreamed of us ruling side by side, instead we divide the day, I get the morning and her the night. Of the times we have conversed she has told me that it is dreadfully dull to rule the night, the only ponies she sees are the sleepy guards, no pony comes to visit her. Rumors have come about that she does not even rule with me and is some type of enforcer should ponies question us, I have done my best to put a stop to those rumors. On a lighter note I have had the lower part of the castle reconstructed into a maze of passages and trap doors and other fun things. I believe even the Doctor would get a joy out of what been created to save my sister from boredom. It is all hooked up to a pipe organ allowing her to control what occurs in the castle, perhaps at some point I shall try it out for myself.
There is one problem that has come to my attention it is caused by the Everfree Forest which borders the castle. It is nothing in the Everfree but the forest itself, it threatens to overtake the castle. The Doctor's Wards are fading and no amount of magic seems to work, dissipating as soon as it is cast. Myself and some of our best Mages have tried to copy the Doctor's work with little success. Most of the wards would crumble and those that didn't hardly lasted a month before the forest overtook them. The Doctor did warn us that they would fade, I just never thought it would be so soon. With a heavy heart I sent out a group of ponies to look for a new place for a castle to be built. I sent them towards a mountain that overlooks the Everfree, I am hoping for a report back soon.
"Let me pass you buffoons!" came a shout from the other side of the door breaking me of my thoughts. The voice sounded egotistical and male, though it is hard to tell from the other side of a door. "I have something very important message so let me through," the voice demanded once more. The voice sound like a noble or at least somepony cultured, no doubt some noble thinking they get though without an appointment.
"We can not let you through," came the voice of a guard. "Now identify yourself stranger," came the muffled order. This is strange the guards know most of the ponies that would seek an audience with me. For them not to know it would have to be outsider and most ponies would give me notice of their coming.
"I don't need to identify myself to you or anypony else," came the voice acting superior to the guard. "Now let me through, I don't have much time," a clear act I have heard many nobles try it before.
"Either leave or we will use force," that should make him leave, most ponies do not wish to spend a night in the dungeon or tussle with the guards.
"The common brutish response of a guard, violence," came the mocking tone of the stranger unafraid of the guard. "I have been to more places than you can imagine and every where I have been the guards have been the same, buffoons," I could tell he was trying annoy the guard. "But you sir take that to a whole new level, you are an idiot," I could almost hear the seething of the guard from the other side of the door.
"You have been warned sir," came the growl of the guard as he went on the attack. Part of me wished I could see the scuffle as the guards put that pony in his place, it would probably be the most excitement I would have for the next few months. The fight didn't last very long one pony versus two guards it was completely one sided. I watched the door open, no doubt one of the guards to tell me they caught the trespasser and asking me what to do with him. I think a few days in the dungeon may settle him down, then we can meet properly.
To my surprise it is not a guard that comes through the doors, but a regular earth pony stallion. The stallion stood at the size most ponies do perhaps a few inches taller, his coat was a tanish yellow with a mane and tail of white, he wore a green jacket with a white ruffled shirt underneath his cuffs sticking out at his hooves, with a green cloak to complete the outfit covering his cutie mark. Overall he reminded me of a stallion planing on going out somewhere fancy. "There you are Celestia," trotting forward like he never was in a fight with the guards.
"Where are my guards?" speaking my surprise at seeing him.
"Taking a nap," hinting at that he just beat two royal guards without a bruise on him.
"Who.." as we were interrupted by two guards rushing into the room.
"We are sorry your majesty," apologizing to me. "We will take care of this invader," one of them putting their hoof on the stranger's back.
"Hold that thought Celestia," giving an eerily familiar smirk. Giving the greatest demonstration of Earth pony hoof to hoof combat I have ever seen he quickly took care of my guards. Flipping one over his back slamming him to the floor and giving a quick jab knocking him out before he even had the chance. Then quickly moving to the other giving two quick jabs in two spots causing the guard to fall down and not recover. "Sorry you had to see that," straightening his clothes like nothing occurred. "Now where were we," giving me a smile.
To say I was shocked was an understatement, in a few minutes he took out two guards, not counting the two at the door. I did not know who this pony was, but he carried himself like a noble however clearly not one to shy away from a fight. Also there was the way he called me by my name it held respect, but saw himself as my equal. I have only met a few ponies who would consider them as such, my sister and the Doctor and he was neither. So I took the only course of action I saw fit, I cast a magical sphere imprisoning him to hold him til the guards come.
His response was one of calm as he tapped on the barrier with his hoof three times, "Triple layer shielding you have been improving." Breaking down my magic as if he was familiar with it, "add a little more focus and refinement and you will easily reach four layers." His voice like that of a teacher complimenting my work, but telling me how to improve. I only had two teachers in my life.
"Who are you?" his familiarity with me getting down to disturbing. I have never seen him before, yet I can't help but find things about him that I recognize.
"You have no idea how much it pains me to hear you say that a second time Celestia," I heard the sadness in his voice. Also for a second I thought I saw deep sorrow filled blue eyes. "Just consider me a friend of a friend that travels a lot," speaking as if he knows the Doctor. "With warnings of the future," perhaps he did know the Doctor.
"Why should I trust you?" going on the Doctor's warnings of strange ponies.
"You don't have to trust just listen, I am not going anywhere after all," making a joke of his imprisonment.
"The guards are coming and they will take you away," curious what he had to say, but trying not show interest.
"By the time they arrive I will be long gone," looking at the room and the throne beside me. "It is nice to see the place in happier times once more, the next time I see it things will not be so happy," could he be recalling events gone by?
"What do you mean?" having caught my interest. "Besides it is impossible to escape you are not going anywhere," almost challenging him to try.
"Then you will be most surprised when I do escape," meeting my challenge with a familiar grin and the air around him that makes you believe it can be done. It is at that moment I wonder who he is wishing I could see his cutie mark, because only one pony has given me this feeling before. "But before I do I have a warning for you," his voice more dire.
"Terrible times are coming Celestia," his warning serious even the unconscious guards were shuddering. "Threats will come from every direction from your own land to beyond the stars," I gasp how does he know of what is past the stars. "But the greatest threat comes from within, a Nightmare is coming Celestia, and when it comes it will take away what you hold most dear," his words dire, what could he mean? "Protect and watch over those close to you save them from the Nightmare," the room seemed of gone dark from his warning as if a sample things to come.
"You will tell me what you know," I commanded him, scared of what could come.
"I wish I could, but I broke many rules just to get here," I could hear the regret in his voice. "Changing what is to come is messy business if I say anymore I could threaten to tear everything apart," I want to ask him what he means when I notice his body start to fade.
"What is going on?" wanting to know why he is fading away.
"Seems my time here is up," looking at his fading hoof. "Time to go back, perhaps this time my warning will work, if not at least it will get you to trust me the first time we meet," giving a soft smile. "I am sorry for all that may happen and know I will keep my word no matter how long it takes," his image getting lighter and lighter.
"No you can't go not yet, I don't know what you mean," my mind full of questions.
"I know," looking away in sadness. "The nightmare will begin soon Celestia and it starts with a discovery in the mountains," giving me one more warning. The doors open as more guards rush in, "looks like it is time for me to make my grand escape. And you told me it would be impossible," giving a smirk that I would recognize anywhere and a wink as he faded from view.
"Don't go Doc..." was it him? I am not sure, however here I stand with a room of befuddled guards and an empty magic sphere wondering if it was.
"Princess Cel..." came in a pony from the observation team stopping his sentence as he took in the sight before him. I can imagine seeing a group of guards, some of them unconscious, with his ruler staring down an empty bubble to be quite a sight.
"What is your report?" composing myself like any ruler should and dismissing the magic sphere.
"Ah.. of course you majesty," bowing before me. "We found something in the mountains," the strangers last warning coming to my mind.
"What did you find?" hoping I was wrong and this is not what he was warning about.
"We found gold," I perked up at this. We could easily use the gold to fund projects and help with the building of our new home. "However," the word breaking me from my plans, what could be wrong? "It is gold that has already been forged like plating for armor," it was a more common practice in the time before Discord nothing that couldn't be salvaged. However it seemed something was troubling this pony.
"Can you tell me more of what you found?" trying to get him to open up more.
"It is just that your majesty, I don't know," this brought me worry. "We thought it was at first a wall or building," telling me the size nopony I know of would of used that much gold to make something that large. "Then we found an entrance," his hooves started to shudder clearly something scared him. I put a hoof on him trying to calm his nerves. "Inside there was things I never seen before, I am sorry your majesty but I don't even now how to begin to describe what I saw," fear began to replace worry I needed to know more.
"Just do your best and tell me what you saw," trying to keep him calm despite my own fears.
"Yes your majesty,"as he took deep breaths to calm himself. "Inside everything was gold the floors, the ceiling, the walls," I felt the fear crawl through my coat, please don't let it be what I think it is. "There were benches too with tools also made of gold, but there was something else there we could make it out barely until Searchlight, our leader, used a light spell to make it out," I beg and pleaded in my head for it not to be what I thought. I begged to the Goddess herself for it not to be. "When the spell shined on it the whole place came to life making noises and little light flashing all over the place, it was so scary we all ran out of there."
"Please tell me what was it you saw," afraid to know, but needing to know.
"It was armor made of gold in the shape of a pony," my worst fears were realized. "We swore we saw it move and we decked it out of there, however one of us didn't make it out," I felt my blood run cold. "Search didn't make it out the entrance closed on us after we got out sealing him in," I would not let those monsters have a single one of my little ponies. I needed to act and fast.
"Guards get the Pegasus and have them fly to that mountain," giving my orders. "Tell them to get everypony in that cave out and let nopony in until I arrive," they gave me a salute and left galloping with my orders.
"Is what we found that bad your highness?" the messenger asked still shaking from what he saw.
"Yes my little pony," not wanting to hide the truth from him. "But I promise you I will save your team leader and stop this threat before it can hurt anypony else," knowing what will occur should I fail.
Leaving the room I head for my sisters chamber. I know I will need her aid if we are to overcome the threat to Equestria. Galloping by several ponies as I rush down the halls I can sense their worry of what has put me in such a state. I have no time to calm or assure them my sister and I must leave if swiftly if we are to succeed.
Reaching my sister's chamber door I waist little time with etiquette rearing up and slamming my hooves into the door forcing it open. Inside I see me sister in her bed with a bewildered look on her face full of confusion as to why I forced myself in.
"Sister why have you disturbed our rest?" her annoyed voice echoed through her dark room.
"We are needed," panting out my reason. "Equestria is in danger. I will need your aid to stop the threat," rushing into her room willing to force her from the bed if needed.
"What is the threat?" asking the question I didn't want to answer. "Surely we must asses the situation before we rush in," thinking with a level head, but then she did not understand the threat.
"I believe the Seraph have come to Equestria," I have never seen a pony go from tired confusion to horror so quickly.
"Tell us how you came to a this conclusion," I can see her much like me does not want to admit this threat. I quickly told her what the team member including the possible capture of the team leader. "We pray you are wrong sister," speaking my own prayers. "However whatever it is it is clearly something from beyond our world," I nod in agreement.
"We must go quickly Luna," opening the doors to the balcony. "I ordered a group of Pegasus to secure things for our arrival, hopefully they are there. I do not wish to lose any other ponies to those monsters," taking flight my sister behind me heading towards the mountain.
I was glad to be with my sister again despite the situation. Flying with her reminded my of our younger days, we would race to see who is fastest. However this time we race with a purpose, to save the lives of our pony subjects. There will be no celebration at the end of this race, we are heading strait into danger. Despite wanting to scream and hide under my bed I know I must keep Equestria safe from all threats, I hope my sister feels the same. When this is over I promise to spend more time with her, we need each other we are sisters after all.
We reach the mountain quickly we can see the activity below the survey team outside the cave and the Pegasus making sure no pony goes in. We land as the survey team looks at us in relief at our arrival, a Pegasus guard giving a solute and bow as he approached us.
"Give us your report," eyeing the scene behind him.
"We did as you commanded your majesty," bowing before us. "The survey team is safe, except for the one loss and we have prevented anypony from entering," as I eye the scene behind him. I can see the cave it looks almost to normal, aside from the guards standing in front of it. I felt knowing what is hiding in it depths it should be more foreboding than it is. "We did have to detain one pony from entering your highness. He claimed to know you," this caught our attention.
"Where is this pony?" my sister asked as curious as I. We knew of nopony that was up here besides the survey team and the guards.
"We are holding him for your questioning," moving towards another pair of guards in front of a crevice, I can only assume the pony is inside. "We questioned him, but he made little sense. The survey team claimed he was not part of their group and with no pony population in the area we don't know where he came from. We think he may be behind the object holding the team leader, he was offended when we accused him of it. We couldn't get anything out of him after that. He just ignored us and played some sort of instrument I have never seen before," at those words I could feel my heart beat faster and my hopes raise, could it be?
Nearing the crevice I could hear the sounds of an instrument, it held a happy tune, the sound familiar to my sister's and my ears. I looked at my sister and she back at me I could see the joy dancing in her eyes, I am certain I reflected the same back. The sound was to familiar to be anything else it must be him, I wanted to run to see to make sure but I had an image to uphold in front of my subjects. Getting closer the sound stops and I plead that it is him and he has not left for we need him now more than ever.
"Let me see the pony so I may question him," I announce to the guards blocking me from seeing him.
"You best do as she says," came a chuckle from inside the crevice. "She can throw quite a fit when she does not get her way," I knew that voice it hasn't changed a bit.
"Doctor!" calling out to him wanting to see him again.
The Doctor came out of the cave and it was the same ridiculous muzzle I have come to know, with the same ridiculous mane cut, and ridiculous clothes and tie, "Hello Celestia you would not believe how rude your guards can be," with a smile that belonged solely to him. I could hold it back no longer, I broke down. Tears streaming from my eyes as I rushed him, no longer caring about my image, sobbing loudly over his shoulder glad to have him back. "There, there Celestia I am here now," I can feel his hoof touch my mane. "Do you want in on this too Luna?" inviting my sister to join in. Something must of broke in her as well as I could hear her cry as she rushed us and we grouped together like a family. "My how you two have grown, I dare say your taller than me now," making a joking observation to get us to laugh the tension away.
"What are you doing here Doctor?" asked my sister probably wondering what he was doing on the mountain.
"Well I had hoped to land closer to the castle, however the TARDIS had other ideas," blaming his ship for something that was most likely his fault. "Landed me at the base. Came out to investigate when I noticed the activity going on above, not every day one gets to see Pegasus guards rush to a scene. Curious I climbed up using the path, I assume made by those ponies over there," gesturing to the survey team. "Saw the group huddled together scared of something and the guards standing in front of the cave, so naturally I approached them," I shook my head knowing where this story was going. "All I did was ask if I could take a peek inside, told them you wouldn't mind. Then these ruffians," pointed a hoof at the guards. "Had the audacity to accuse me of being the cause of the trouble," acting offended. "Then they had the nerve to question me and lock me up, they didn't believe me when I said I knew you. Well look who knows ponies in high places," shouting at the guards acting superior to them. "I think you should fire them Celestia," clearly the power he thought he had went to his head.
"I am not firing my guards for doing their job," he looked back at me aghast for taking their side. "I am sorry Doctor, but a strange pony coming from no where does look suspicious," reasoning with him.
"I suppose you are right," huffing that he wasn't getting his way. "It better not happen again," looking at the guards like he had some sort of power over them.
"It is still good to see you Doctor," I had forgotten how exhausting it can be dealing with him.
"Same here, how long have I been gone anyway?" clearly unaware how long he was away.
"Ten years Doctor," I sigh telling him of the loss of Dusk Shine and things he missed.
"Poor Dusk I will miss him," the two of them having gotten along well. "I was aiming to come back after five years looks like I missed the mark," I can see he is sad he was unable to save his friend. "So what is going on here?" looking at the blocked cave. "I know their is a pony inside, but that is it. Why has nopony gone in to get him?"
"That was under my orders Doctor," as he looked at me in confusion. "I did it because I believe the threat inside is to much for the ponies to handle," I take a breath as I tell him my fears. "I believe the Seraph are inside."
The look on the Doctor face was one of deep worry and fear, "Yes I can see why you did it. This is troubling, but you did the right thing," hearing those words comforted me. "However we need to go in there and find out and hope you are wrong," I nod in agreement. "Tell the guards to stay outside and cover the cave the less light getting in the better," I pass the order to my guards and we go inside.
Inside the cave it is dark and musty. I cannot even see my own hooves, "Doctor how can we see without any light?" wondering how we are suppose to find anything in the dark.
"Lucky for us we have the Princess of the Night, Luna if you may," I heard her acknowledged him as I could suddenly make out everything in the cave as if there was light when there was none.
"What is this?" looking at the out line of my own hooves.
"This is how we see the world sister," replied Luna. "At night the world is covered in shadows blocking sight from most, but not us. Our magic allows us to see the beauty in the dark without disturbing it and we have allowed you to see the world as we do," as I look at everything around us marveling at what I see.
"I never knew sister, I am glad you showed me," thanking her for sharing her ability with me.
"I believe we are here to find a missing pony," spoke the Doctor grimly reminding us why we were here.
Despite the threat that may lay before us I was happy. It is strange to be happy while trotting into unknown dangers, but it was hard not to be. After not seeing him for so long the Doctor had returned. His very presence a boost on my moral. With him around the threat did not seem so dire, even though it was. It was if I were a filly again looking to him for guidance and support. Simply because I knew he would, he cares for my sister and I and we return it. I am happy to have our family together again and despite whatever may wait for us at the end of the cave, I would not trade it for anything in the world.
We came to the end of the cave without spotting the structure, had the pony imagined the whole thing? I wish it were so, but there would be no way to imagine what he described to me. It was the Doctor who found it first. Calling us over I saw it the strange shape and curvature of a half a ship. The other half buried in rock there was no mistaking the alien design of smooth outer shell that came to a point at the center. Even with my sister magical vision I could make out the gold color.
"It is them isn't it?" not wanting to admit what I see.
"It is most likely," replied the Doctor with a sigh. "I know very few alien species that use gold in their ship design. There is one way to be certain though," with a swift buck he hit the ship as it clanged and the sound echoed through the cave.
"What is that suppose to prove Doctor?" asked my sister the sound still ringing in our ears.
"If it is really gold or not," inspecting where he hit. "The Seraph do not use real gold remember it only looks like gold. Real gold is malleable and would dent from my kick, alas I see no damage," confirming our fears.
"Then how do we get in?" asked my sister wanting to save the trapped pony as much as I. "You just gave them a knock and we do not see them answering," the ship staying eerily silent.
"The Seraph react to light," was his reply. "Celestia you will need to cast a small light spell and we will see if they respond. Luna release you spell on us we do not want to go blind," she nods as the world goes dark.
With a heavy heart I cast my spell the light shines in the cave. It is a small light, but in the dark cave it seems like a beacon of hope. That hope is quickly extinguished as the ship absorbs the light and comes to life making all sorts of noises as it lights up revealing itself in its menacing shining glory. I can imagine it was terrifying for the survey team to watch this ship come to life never have seen one before, they were right to run even without knowing its full horrors.
Light emitted out of the cervices of the ship lighting up as following a path. One such path outlined a door as it slide upward and a ramp descended. I looked at the Doctor and my sister and they in turn looked back at me, without any words we knew we had to be ready for anything. At the top of the ramp stood not the suit of gold armor I expected, however it was a pony. I could make out the horn on it head and the smaller shape despite the light that shined behind them, it must be the lost pony Searchlight.
"Hold up Celestia," the Doctor stopping me from rushing up to greet the pony. "Something is off about that pony," looking back up I notice it too, the pony has not moved. One would expect a pony who has been trapped and frightened to come rushing out, but he has not moved. It was only when he looked down at us and I saw glowing golden eyes did I realize why.
"We are the Will of the Seraph," spoke the possessed pony in an emotionless voice. Hearing that voice again come from one of my little ponies made me sick to my stomach. "We recognize your light Celestial One," singling me out using the title they gave me. "The Source remembers all who have defied it, but holds no anger and forgives all. We are to ask if you will join us Celestial One and ride the universe of darkness," the request made me sick.
"No I will not join you monsters," I seethed angered. "I will never join you and your mindless obliteration of pony life," practically growling and stomping my hooves to get my point across.
"It is unfortunate you have not gained the wisdom of the light," talking to me as if I was a filly. "It is clear that darkness has seeped into you and threatens to snuff out your light. We shall Purge you of your darkness," a light beginning to admit from it horn.
"You shall not Purge me or anypony," shielding us ready for anything. To my surprise nothing happened the light that was charged to the horn went out leaving us uncertain to what would happen next.
"This creature of flesh has too much darkness," I swear I hear disgust in his emotionless voice. "We will need more light if we are to rid this world of its darkness," as it moved to go back into the ship.
"You are not going anywhere," flying in front of the Unicorn blocking his way. "I know full well what it means for you to get more light, I am not letting you destroy that pony or any other," glaring down on the possessed pony.
"We do not destroy, we save," wanting to throw up from their twisted ideology. "The darkness permeates the universe infecting all, we seek to Purge the darkness. The darkness has infected many ponies enslaving them to it will causing them to fight us. It has given them the delusion that we intend to harm," glad ponies know the truth from our warnings.
"That is because you do," I retorted. "You rend ponies of their bodies and individuality all to make them part of the light," recalling the horrors I saw.
"The flesh holds the darkness and emotion invites it in," its voice unchanging as it lectures me. "We seek to save ponies freeing them of their flesh does so then we accept them into the light to to make them part of the great whole."
"You Seraph are even more delusional then when I was a filly," wanting to scream at him, but knew it was pointless. "I am going to stop you here and now by rending you from that poor pony's body and dispersing you," readying my magic to do just that.
"Now, now Celestia, lets not be to hasty," came the voice of the Doctor.
"This needs to be done Doctor," powering up my magic. "I cannot let this creature go beyond this cave and harm any pony."
"And what of the pony he currently resides in?" stopping my magic.
"What do you mean Doctor? This will save him," confused by him stopping me.
"That is where you are wrong Celestia," correcting me. "The Seraph attach themselves to the light of a pony or in other words their life force. If you were to forcibly remove the Seraph, well..." pausing so I would understand my actions.
"So to I were to free our world from the Seraph it would cost me a single pony," tears streaming from my eyes. "You know that cost is far to high Doctor," standing down from my attack.
"What do we do Doctor?" my sister spoke and I looked at him needing guidance.
"Well we could ask nicely if he would leave the body," giving us the most ridiculous response I ever heard. However that did not stop him from climbing up the ramp to the Seraph. "Hello, Will is it? Would you mind leaving that body for us?" I could only stare awestruck that he actually asked the question to that monster.
"Who are you to order the Seraph?" it questioned him as if he were an ant.
"I am the Doctor," introducing himself. "And it wasn't an order it was a request," correcting the creature.
"The Doctor," its stance changing as if seeing him as more of a threat then it did before. "We know of you Traveler of Time the face looks younger, but the energy remains."
"Well I like to think I age gracefully," complementing himself as I want to roll my eyes. "Now would you be so kind as to leave that body," going back to his original request.
"We take orders from only the Source," shutting down the request. "The Source still needs the knowledge you carry Doctor, so far our tests to conquer time have failed," I could see the Doctor's face turn to horror.
"What do you mean?" I could hear the nervousness in his voice.
"The Source has sent many ships in it's pursuit," the thought of the Seraph traveling through time filled me with dread. "All ships have been lost or destroyed," I could see the Doctor calm down glad they haven't succeeded. "We are the first to survive," revealing that the Seraph before us had traveled through time.
"Whatever knowledge you gained, I cannot let you leave to give that information to the Source," spoke the Doctor seriously. I may not know as much about time travel as the Doctor, but even I realize that if the Seraph learn about it time itself will be doomed.
"Then we would be going to the Source with nothing," revealing it trip through time bared no success. "The flow of time's secrets were protected, we were only able to gain knowledge on one thing," it staring down the Doctor.
"Oh and what was it you learned about?" wanting answers from the creature.
"Of you and those who watch, Time Lord," I looked at the Doctor having no clue what the creature was talking about.
"So you learned about us then," spoke the Doctor grimly. "Even that knowledge is far to dangerous for the Source to learn. I can't have you trying to invade and get our secrets now can I?" for the first time I felt lost it appears the Doctor kept some things from us.
"There will be no need to invade, our directive is to return to the Source with the knowledge of time," his eyes staring to glow. I knew this ability he was going to invade the Doctor's mind. "Knowledge we will take from you."
"I would advise against that Will," warned the Doctor. "In your current state all you would get is a mental backlash and a major head ache."
"The Seraph do not feel pain," as it mentally attacked the Doctor.
"Yes, however ponies do," as the most unexpected sound came from the mouth of the Seraph, a scream. As it withered in pain holding it head screaming as if it was under torture.
"What did you do to us?" it yelled and growled, I could feel anger coming from the normally emotionless being.
"I didn't do anything," pointing a hoof at the screaming pony. "This is your fault, I did try to warn you," removing the blame from himself.
"What is happening to him Doctor?" asked my sister joining us on the ship.
"Emotions," he replied looking at the pony spasming on the floor. "The backlash I warned about is the cause," going into more detail. "It appears it was strong enough to break the mental bonds that were placed on the possessed pony. And as such the Seraph is getting an onslaught of emotions that pony has, fear, anger, sadness, even joy," I understand now for a creature that has never felt any of those it must be painful. "I suppose congratulations are in order," talking to the possessed pony. "Congratulations on being the first Seraph to feel emotion."
"We are the Seraph, we do not feel emotion," it seethed in pain and anger. "To feel emotion means to be infected by the darkness," not accepting it's situation.
"Is there anything we can do Doctor?" asked my sister, probably forgetting it is the Seraph that is in pain and not the pony.
"This is your doing Dark One," the Seraph accusing my sister of it's pain.
"I told you, the fault is your own," berated the Doctor. "There is only one way for you to be free of the pain," lecturing the withering pony. "You have leave that pony's body, otherwise you risk both of you dying," trying to reason with the Seraph.
The Seraph responded with mad cackle laughing at the Doctor's words. "You want us to fail in our mission Doctor," it clearly having gone mad by the emotions infecting it. "We will not fail, we are the Will of the Seraph," it's laughter echoing through the cave and ship. "We will gain the secrets of time, even if we have to use your body to do so," it body illuminating for an attack.
"Look out Doctor," yelled my sister pushing the Doctor out of the way and being hit by a beam of light instead.
"Luna are you alright," worried for my sister. Looking over at the pony as he lay unconscious his body no longer glowing, this did not fill me with confidence. That strange pony's warning still in the back of my head telling me I would lose something close to me. "Luna please speak, tell me your alright," begging for her to be alright.
"We are the Seraph," came the voice out of my sister as she looked at me with those golden eyes.
"No we will not let you have us," came my sister's voice, fighting back not relenting control.
"Welcome the light Dark One do not fight us," as I could do nothing but watch as my sister fought for control of her own body.
"We shall never bend to the likes of you," her head thrashing back and forth in her mental battle. I have never been more scared for my sister in my life. Watching her suffer and unable to do anything was infuriating. I thought to use my magic at one point, but the Doctor stopped me explaining that interference may only hinder my sister's chances of winning.
"We can feel your emotions Dark One to us they glow like a beacon of light," it seemed to be taunting her, perhaps the slurry of emotions it had earlier were still affecting it."We understand, emotions can be a source of light or dark," I can only hope it gains insight from this experience. "Only when a pony struggles against something does it's light burn bright. To harness this power of light will allow the Seraph to Purge the universe of the darkness," with those words my hope is shattered. Making plans to use the emotions of ponies to boost their power.
"Sister please fight! We cannot let them succeed," I cry out hoping she can hear me in her anguish.
"You will aid us Dark One," bent on it's plan. "With you we shall harness the power of emotion to Purge the universe of darkness."
"No," came my sisters strangled voice trying to fight the Seraph influence.
"With your aid we shall bring an end to the Night," I could feel tears go down my eyes, was I going to lose my sister?
"No," came her voice fighting back. "The Night Shall live Forever!" her voice seem to change as she stood tall in defiance. I cannot describe the rush of power I felt come from my sister, however it did not feel like my sister's power. The power felt dark and full of malice, nothing like my sister at all. It felt like she was emitting darkness in it purest form, so dark it even absorbed light. Her power had sucked up all the light of the ship turning it lifeless and making the cave dark, however my sister seemed to glow withing the darkness. For a moment I thought I saw her eyes change to look like that of a dragon.
Then as quickly came it left just as quickly. The power she had emitted was sucked back in as my sister let out an almost feral growl as the energy fired out in a stream into the top of the cave. The energy punched a hole into the roof and launched into the sky, in the surge I thought I saw a light that was a mix of black and gold. However I did not have time to concern myself with it as my sister collapsed onto the floor.
"Sister!" crying out and rushing to her, however the Doctor reached her first. As he took out a strange device the made a whirling noise and emitted a light, I can only assume he was examining her. "What are you doing Doctor?" checking my theory.
"Checking on her," as he seemed to scan her with the device. "Her words and actions made me relive some old memories, not good ones. Things I rather not live through again," wanting and explanation, however my sister was starting to stir. "Ah good your awake, now follow this light if you will," her eyes looking normal in the shine as they followed the Doctor's device. "Very good it appears their are no lasting effects, how do you feel?"
"I am not sure Doctor," she responded clearly confused. "I remember being hit by the Seraph's attack then nothing else," partially I was glad she did not recall the possession. "Has the Seraph been defeated?"
"Yes," the Doctor responded. "Seems that attack was a last ditch effort, it failed after hitting you," lying to my sister. "Thanks to you the threat is gone," intent on not telling her of anything that transpired.
"We are glad to have been of some help to you," giving the Doctor a smile.
"Yes very good, now if your up for it we have an unconscious pony to bring back to his friends," his voice joyous as he reminded us of our original mission.
"What of the Seraph's ship?" I ask wondering how we will be rid of this terrible monstrosity.
"Well if it like anything the Seraph have influenced before it should take care of itself," true to the Doctor's words the ship lost it's shine as it started to rust in decay. We quickly left the ship watching as eroded into nothing but a bad memory.
Letting my sister take the lead we walk back to the entrance of the cave as I carried the unconscious Unicorn with my magic with the Doctor by my side. "I am sure you noticed it too," breaking the silence only for me to hear. "The spot of light in the surge, the one mixed with darkness," I nod confirmation. "I am fairly sure that was the Seraph escaping."
"What can we do Doctor?" scared of their possible return.
"Not much I am afraid, being light they move at the speed of it so catching is next to impossible," his news dire filling me with dread. "Fortunately the Source is well over 1000 light years away so we have time before we need to worry about anything. Besides that corruption of darkness it held might make it unwelcome, therefore the Seraph may never come," alleviating my fears. "As for your sister it is best if she never learns of what occurred," I assume he speaks of the dark presence I felt come from her.
"Why Doctor?" wanting to tell my sister of what had really occurred. "What was that power?"
"Something she inherited from her father," his answer surprising me. "That power is dangerous, just do me a favor and never tell her," pleading to me.
"I do not like keeping thing from my sister, but very well," unhappy with the arrangement. "However I do want answers in return," wanting something for my silence.
"I know what you want and I will tell you after we deliver our package," agreeing and making a small joke.
We reached the entrance of the cave, it covered due to my orders. We announced that we had returned with the pony and he was in need of medical care. Outside it was a flurry of activity, guard ponies taking down the cover while others aided us with the unconscious Unicorn. The survey team asking if their friend was alright, we told them he was but in need of medical attention. With an order to a few of the Pegasus we had him flown back to the castle for the proper care. We were also asked, more than once, about the threat inside the cave. I assured all the ponies there that the threat was dealt with and would no longer be a problem, for extra measure and under the Doctor's suggestion I used my magic to cause a cave in and seal it off permanently. With an order to the guards to make sure everypony returned home safely Luna, I, and the Doctor left walking down the path he came up.
"I believe you had a question Celestia?" reminding me of our earlier conversation. "Unless I miss my guess it is about what the Seraph called me, a Time Lord."
"Yes Doctor," wanting to know since it was mentioned.
"Well I suppose it is time I told you both," looking up at the sky almost with longing. "As you may or may not have guessed I am not from your world," we nod having come to that conclusion many years ago. "Oh you knew that much did you, did you know I had two hearts?" challenging us with facts about him as we shook our heads. "Another fun fact is their is a whole race of ponies just like me and we are known as Time Lords."
"Why is that Doctor?" asked my sister curious of the name.
"I was getting to that," he replied. "My kind have mastery over time, however our base job is to watch over it, a boring job let me tell you. The others take it far to seriously, not the most fun bunch," ridiculing his own kind.
"We we ever meet them?" I ask knowing the Doctor may be skewing the facts.
"I hope not," his reply quick and full of worry. "They are not the most pleasant group of ponies," he warns. "To them I am an outsider, they don't like the fact I left to experience instead of observe. Fortunately they are not the most proactive lot otherwise they would of dragged me back by now."
"Why did you leave?" shuddering at the thought of never meeting him.
"Well for one is was just plain boring sitting and watching," then looking at us with a smile. "But mostly it was to meet ponies like the two of you, to see things like you do, and help where I can."
"Do you miss your home?" asked my sister. I knew we both missed our home when we traveled with the Doctor.
"Sometimes," replying with a sad smile. "But then I remember I have a second home here with the two of you and everything is good again."
"You are welcome here anytime Doctor," I speak with honesty and affection, the Doctor was almost an Uncle to us. He was full of kindness but also a bit crazy, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Look down the path I see the TARDIS in view it hasn't changed a bit since I saw it last. It was still a long blue box standing tall defying everything around it. "I guess this is where I say good bye," came the Doctor voice full of sorrow.
"What do you mean Doctor you just got here," not wanting him to leave.
"Yes Doctor please stay," my sister agreeing with me.
"Two lovely young mares asking me to stay, pinch me I must be dreaming," he laughing at his own joke. I feel myself turn red at being called lovely, I think I saw some red on my sister's cheeks as well. "I do wish I could stay, but alas I cannot."
"Why is that Doctor?" trying to convince him to stay.
"I find the Seraph traveling through time troubling," revealing his concerns. "It is not something I can ignore, beside the Seraph did say I was somehow protecting the secrets of time. I need to find out how so I can prevent them from ever learning the secrets."
"Do you believe you may be responsible for the failures they had before?" recalling that the Seraph had tried several times and failed.
"It is possible," agreeing with my thoughts. "All the more reason I cannot dally around here," opening the doors to the TARDIS.
"You could at least stay a day or two Doctor," my sister spoke out trying one more time to get him to stay.
"You know very well if I did that I would never want to leave," telling us he would rather stay then go. However I knew the Doctor well enough, once his mind was made up there was little changing it.
"Please return soon to us Doctor," putting my hoof around him and pulling him into a hug. "Do not stay away too long, it gets boring around here without you," sniffling as I try to make a joke.
"Yes return to us post haste," spoke Luna as she joined our hug. "We have to show you the maze of traps sister constructed for us.There will be much fun to be had," inviting the Doctor to experience the maze.
"That does sound delightful," giving a grin as he heads towards his ship. "Well you know how much I hate good byes, so I won't say it. Instead I will say I will be seeing you again," giving us a wave and closing the door.
My mind was a whirl with today's happenings from the Seraph to the strange pony with the warning. I wonder if I should of told him about the strange pony that gave me that warning, I am fairly sure he was a friend of the Doctor's at least. Nothing I can do about it now, but hope I can stop this Nightmare he spoke about. Looking over to my sister, at least I will have her support no matter what may come.
We watched in silence as the ship faded from view, making the whirling noise we were so familiar with. I can't help but wish I was on the ship with him, I believe my sister felt the same. It would be nice to have adventures and travel the universe again, alas it is not to be. We both have duties here and ponies to care for, we cannot shirk them to gallivant the universe, but it is nice to dream. Beside the Doctor was right it was not good bye, as we took flight back to the castle, we will see him again.