//------------------------------// // Prologue: The Great Portal. // Story: Nation of the Damned // by Tyrannical T-Rex //------------------------------// {Please be aware that the prologue isn't the best in the world and that the later chapters are much better as I improved with my writing and have an editor to help me clean up mistakes and grammar issues.} Prologue: The Great portal. I smiled as I walked through the halls of Canterlot castle towards the royal courtyard with a spring in my step. I passed by many stone faced guards and busy servants who all seemed like they had one task or another to complete. Unsurprising given the importance of the day. I was overjoyed when I first read Celestia's letter, so much so that I had to make an effort to stay calm and collected, like a student of the princess should. The Great Portal was finished. They had actually done it!. "Come on Spike, aren't you excited? Were going to be among the first few ponies to see the portal get activated, a moment that's going to go down in history and remembered for generations!" I said with a wide smile, glancing to the small dragon that was sat on my back, a bored expression was across his face as he rolled his eyes. "Yeah whatever… look, I'm sure it's gonna be all fancy and exciting, but I'd much rather be back in Ponyville with a bowl of gems… " He mumbled, not finding the event to be that big of a deal. I huffed before coming to a halt, using my magic to levitate the little dragon off my back as a stern expression fell upon my face. "Honestly Spike, I bring you out to Canterlot to witness a great historical event and all you're thinking about are gems? At least try to act like you're interested in an event like this!" I scolded, before placing the now sulking dragon onto my back. Focusing my attention back on the task at hoof I began to walk again; even if he wasn't going to enjoy it as much as I did it was still good to have him there to witness such a grand and historical moment. Soon enough we reached the busy courtyard where important ponies were chatting with one another; along with journalists who were snooping around with their cameras and notepads, while guards were stood in various locations to keep an eye out for any trouble. And there-at the center of it all-was the Great Portal. The portal towered above everypony and seemed to be big enough for twenty or so earth ponies to pass through at once without any issues. Its frame built from shining sandstone and engraved with various mystic runes which, when activated, would give enough power for the portal to open. Celestia stood near it with her usual calm expression, talking to a small group of guards who'd been hoof picked for a grand task: an expedition into the portal once it opened. I approached my mentor before giving a low bow which almost caused the still sulking Spike to tumble off my back and onto the stone floor of the courtyard. "There's no need to bow, my dear student, so save your formalities for another day, Today is a day to celebrate a momentous achievement that will hopefully show us that there are more worlds beyond our own" Celestia stated with an amused chuckle before she dismissed the group of guards who left to get prepared for their journey. "Celestia, I must say I'm honored that you've invited me to attend this ceremony, it is going to be the start of a new age for Equestria if there's life on whatever world this portal connects to." I looked up at her, receiving a nod in return. "Indeed Twilight, it will be a day to remember if all goes well. Who knows, perhaps in a year we'll have cities on a whole new world or perhaps have allies who can show us great things." She replied, seeming just as excited about the whole event as I was. I then heard Spike give a sigh before he hopped off my back, stretching. "Portal this, history that; if you need me I'll be over at the snack table," he grunted before patting my side and hurrying off, earning a chuckle from Celestia. "Seems like he's more interested in filling his belly then watching history take place though I suppose it's natural for dragons to take little interest in such things when there's food available....". I sighed before moving a hoof to rub my forehead. "Please excuse me Princess… I need to have a talk with my assistant." I mumbled before hurrying off after Spike who'd already began to stuff his face with tarts and puddings. "How could you say something like that in front of Princess Celestia? She invited us here as guests and I expected my number one assistant to have the decency to put up a smile and enjoy himself rather than be so rude and ignorant!" I snapped, earning a gulp from the purple dragon. "L-Look Twi, I'm sorry alright? I didn't know this whole thing was that important to you… I'll behave while we're here and try to enjoy myself, said Spike, earning a small nod from me before I levitated him back onto my back with a sigh. We talked for a while after that and shared thoughts on the event and what we could find on the other side, though soon enough Celesta stomped her hoof to get everypony's attention. "Dearest subjects, you've been invited here today to witness history, the activation of the Great Portal! A project that many unicorns and myself have contributed to over the course of this year… and upon its activation we may create a link with another world!" she cheered, grinning. "Now I know there are some of you who are concerned about what might happen, but never fear, for my guards are at hoof in-case of an emergency. And if the other side is dangerous our expedition team will report back immediately,” She called, earning stomps and cheers of approval before she turned to face the massive stone portal. Her horn Glowed as she got ready to activate it. My smile must have been huge as I watched, eyes wide with anticipation. I couldn't help but fidget in my spot, eager to see what wonders would be revealed to us. Celestia then used her spell, firing a beam of golden magic into the middle of the frame before there was a loud bang! The runes glowed purple before the portal itself materialized, purple and shimmering. A few ponies, including myself, were surprised at the sight and were wondering why it wasn't clear and see-though like most other portals. Though my confusion soon faded as the guards who'd been selected to travel through walked out from the crowd, dressed in special crafted golden armor, and armed with spears. One of them carried a flag with the Equestrian crest; you never know, the new world might just be empty and ready for us to move in! Those stallions and mares earned cheers from myself and the crowd before they vanished into the purple glow of the portal, leaving ripples in their wake. Once they were gone the crowd went back to chatting. And I took a hungry little dragon to the snack-bar, where we both took the time to enjoy the tasty treats that had been set out. Once they had left, the festivities began once more; jesters pranced around the courtyard along with other performers and various games to keep everypony happy. A few hours passed before things went from fun to mild worry with ponies starting to murmur among themselves, wondering why the team hadn't returned from beyond the portal yet. Celestia quickly put the worries of the crowd to rest, but not even she could explain what happened next … those damn noises. They were quiet at first, hardly audible among the chatter and buzz of the crowded courtyard, but soon enough they grew louder and more noticeable. The hum of the crowd grew quiet as they listened to the odd sounds that seemed to be emitting from the glowing portal. "Guards at the ready … and please, get these ponies back!" Ordered Celestia as she eyed the portal. She took a small step back herself while her guards began to shoo everypony to a safe distance and also got a few stallions ready at the portal entrance. All were armed with spears in their magical grasp and ready to jump into action if things went bad. I for one was curious rather than nervous. I mean how many ponies get to see beings from other worlds? Even if there was the slight possibility of them being dangerous. But there wasn't much that Celestia's royal guards couldn't handle. Spike on the other hoof was now back at my side with his little arms wrapped around my left foreleg. It would have been rather cute if it wasn't for the tense situation. The portal then shimmered, ripples shooting out across its purple surface, as the first of the beings that we would soon come to fear passed through. And what we saw next made everypony cringe. The creature didn't walk through the portal so much as stumble, before freezing as it looked around at everypony, its eyes squinting in the bright sunlight. The creature stood upright and resembled some kind of hairless minotaur. The skin of the creature was a dull grey and seemed to stick to its bones which gave it the look of a starving animal. It wore what seemed to be the torn and dirty remains of clothing hanging off its frail frame. But its face was the worst. Its mouth hung open, stained with crimson and filled with sharp rotted teeth that dripped with drool as its glazed-over eyes stared at us all. It was almost as if the seemingly feral creature was confused about where it was. The crowd gave small murmurs and hushed whispers as they looked at the creature while the guards took small steps back, glancing to each other. Celestia also seemed worried but not about the creature or the possible threat it posed, but more so for the state it was in. "You poor thing… Guards, take this creature s—" Her sentence got interrupted by a screech of pain followed by shouts and cries from the crowd as they began backing away. The creature had sunk its filthy teeth into one of the guard’s necks. Its eyes were emotionless as it forced the stallion to the ground, its hands holding the screaming guard as it began to chew and tear at the bloody wound without a flicker of remorse. The other guards were shocked for a few moments, stunned at the sudden ferocity of the being before they jumped into action, using their magic to pry the rotted monster off the unfortunate guard. With their comrade freed, they stabbed their spears into the creature’s frail body. Though blackened blood seeped from its wounds, it didn't scream or yell for mercy, instead it tried reaching for the next nearest guard, snapping at him with its jaws. The sight of the bloodied silent guard lying on the stone floor, and the creature being stabbed, was enough to churn the strongest of stomachs, and I wasn't an exception that effect; turning green at the sight while Spike buried his face into my mane, shaking like a leaf. Celestia blinked and shook her head a few times as she shook off the shock before she hurried over to the scene. Her horn crackled with magic as she fired a single shot at the creature’s head, leaving a smoldering hole before the vile monster went still. "Somepony get this guard to the medical wing of the castle … and please dispose of this vile beast!" she yelled, using her royal equestrian voice which caused a few guards to rush forwards. One of them carried the fallen guard back towards the castle, while the guards that had stabbed the creature, pulled their spears free from the rotting body and used their magic to pick it up and toss it back through the portal. She then turned to the terrified crowd with a heavy sigh. "My loyal subjects, please remain calm...my guards will see that you are safely escorted out of the castle and back to the safety of Canterlot." stated Celestia, trying to keep the poor ponies calm throughout the horrific events. "Princess Celestia! I-I can stay and help you if you'd like … I mean sure you have enough guards to help you out and such, but I can assist you in sorting out affairs," I offered before pushing past some guards. I gave them a passing glance to see them herding the worried and whimpering crowd out of the courtyard. "Twilight, please, you don't have to do this; you have Spike with you and I doubt that poor dear wishes to remain here after what happened. I suggest you make sure he's alright and then return to Ponyville. Besides I have much to do here," She stated before the portal once again shimmered and pulsated … and more of the creatures stumbled into the courtyard. These ones didn't seem as confused or stunned at the sudden change of scenery and they weren't as quiet as the other one either. Snarling and groaning, they stumbled towards the guards, who in turn gave shouts of alarm before thrusting their spears back towards the newcomers. Seeing this, Celestia summoned more of her loyal guards. Meanwhile, I made my way out of the courtyard, carrying a now crying Spike away from the small battle that had begun. It seemed like more and more of the creatures were stumbling through the portal with each group more vicious and violent than the last. Once I'd made my way back inside the castle I was both shocked and surprised at what I saw; the guard that had been carried in was currently hunched over one of his fallen comrades, his mouth dripping with crimson as he tore and chewed on the bloody flesh of his former friend;s neck. His eyes had glazed over much like the beasts outside, while what seemed to be a sword had been lodged in his side; thick black blood oozed from the wound. Further down the corridor, the last of the ponies that had been outside were rounding the corner that led to the exit. They were escorted by a group of terrified looking guards, a few with bloody bite marks; most likely from the new attacker. I whimpered before taking a timid step back from the crazed guard who had glanced up and gave a raspy breath, flesh stuck between his teeth. That was enough reason for me to light my horn; I hadn't been around the castle in quite a while and I could only think of one safe place in the heat of the moment. It only took me a second to transport myself and Spike to the royal library...once a bookworm always a bookworm. Once we were inside, I took Spike off my back and set him down before rushing to the door, using my magic to lock it and prevent anypony...or anything from getting inside. Once I made sure it was safe I went back to Spike, who'd decided to curl up into a small ball, quivering like a frightened foal. Sure he'd seen some terrible things in the past, but some creature tearing a pony’s throat out was enough to terrify anypony, or dragon. I nuzzled the small dragon before curling up with him, letting my little friend snuggle into my fur as he began to calm down. "Hush now Spike, it’s alright. I won't let anything happen to my number one assistant while I'm around." I did my best to try and comfort the little dragon who began to drift off to sleep, and I followed soon after him. I slipped into a restless slumber with small hopes that the events of the day would just turn out to be a dream … a very bad dream.