Steps Into The Past Part 1: The Weakness and Strength of The Greymanes
“Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant filled with odd little waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like.”
― Lemony Snicket
As Greymane sat in the dungeon bound in chains he calmly reflected on what information he had gathered as he sat in the lotus position, while he thought about what the Order was up to Grey couldn’t help but smile as he humphed while Xiuhtecutli flew from one end of the cell to the other in his astral form.
*This isn’t right, you saved them… twice… and nearly at the cost of your life no less. They should have more respect for you, at the least the benefit of the doubt and hear your side of things without the need to lock you away.* Stopping for a moment Xiuhtecutli began to drift in the air as he turned to look at his advocate, *Which might I add you had every chance to escape. So why are you sitting there?*
With a light chuckle Grey looked around his cell, *Perhaps you should be asking why such a simple cell? No enchantments to keep me here or alert them I’m trying to escape, my shackles are not enchanted either I can slip out of them right now if I wanted. But the biggest question you should have right now is, why did they leave me my equipment, my cloak, my powders, everything?* Hearing some hoof steps Grey stood up and walked as far as his chains allowed him to look out his cell, *Somepony is pulling the strings and I want to know who they are and why are they targeting me?*
*You could just slip right on out of here and have a look around, it’s far faster than just sitting here waiting to talk.* With a shine in his eye the shackles fell from Greymane and the door to his cell flew open.
Reaching out of his cell Grey took hold of the door and slammed it shut then proceeded to put the shackles back on, *No I trust them enough to be patient and wait for them to send for me. I will not betray that trust for a few lousy answers.*
*You mean because you love Luna so much that you won’t betray her trust?* Greymane didn’t have to look back to see the smug yet disapproving look on his face he could feel it as Xiuhtecutli stared at him, *She’s the only reason you are here right now, and though we both know this to be true I still can’t wrap my head around the reason as why.*
Sitting back against the wall Grey tried to calm himself down as he took the lotus position again, *Because it is my fault, it’s always been my fault. I have to make it up to her.*
Letting out a deep extended breath his nose flared as he thought about the amount of times he had reminded his advocate the truth, ‘Why you do this do yourself when both Luna and myself have told you that her becoming Nightmare Moon and being banished to the moon has nothing to do with you, you are so much stronger, faster, and focused without this doubt. Come back to who you are, whom you’ve always been for the sake of the world.’ Resting on Greymane’s shoulder Xiuhtecutli chose to which up the conversation, *So they think you stole the Elements of Harmony, yet we know you didn’t. Any ideas you may have?*
*A few.* Pulling two of the small stones out of the sack Grey carved a dim illumination rune into one of them, granting him as much light as a dying candle, while he used the other to draw up a few of his theories on the ground, *My first thought is an obvious one, I’m being set up. But that can’t be right as the only ponies to know I’m back and still alive are Luna, Twilight and her friends, as well as Ember and her mother. None of them would do this as Twilight and her friends are the wielders for the Elements and doing this could cause them to lose standing with those artifacts, not to mention it's not with in their nature to betray somepony. Ember and her mother just got back to Canterlot so that a leaves them out of the question, simply because they have not had enough time to try anything.*
*Then that just leaves the Order who think you’re dead for the time being, and Princess Luna and her sister Princess Celestia. I doubt Luna would have kept your continued existence a secret for too long, especially if her mood had changed from knowing you lived.* Sticking his tail into the stone Xiuhtecutli carved another potential group, *And let's not forget the local guards or demons, though the demons are sided with us they are still demons and won’t hesitate to try something. So that leaves a few groups left to suspect.*
With a slight grunt Grey crossed Luna and Celestia off the list, *Neither of the Princesses would do that, I trust Luna too much to believe she would do such a thing of her own free will. Earlier I saw it in her eyes, it pained her to have to do this so I know she’s not behind this. As for Celestia I don’t think she would either, what I’ve managed to learn so far is that over the past thousand years she’s ruled with benevolence, kindness, and wisdom so that rules her out as well. I don’t see a leader of her caliber stooping so low as to set somepony up just to remove them.*
*So then that still leaves the local guards and the demons.*
*If the demons wanted to try and take me they would have done something else, like a foal napping or holding a town hostage. No sadly I don’t think they have any involvement either this is too small scale for their tastes, and after besting Asmoday I don’t think they would try anything against me too soon.* Scratching them off the list Grey circled a symbol that represented the local guard, *If it’s the local guard they would have had to know that I was still alive and we left Canterlot unnoticed by them, perhaps they made some kind of mistake…* Tapping his chin Grey couldn’t help but let out a disgruntled grunt knowing that there was still one clue missing, *but then why would they blame somepony they believe is dead? It just doesn’t add up.*
With a slight gasp Xiuhtecutli realized that if they looked at this like a puzzle they would have to try coming at the problem another way, *What if we are looking at this from the wrong angle, for them to believe that you stole the Elements they would need some kind of proof would they not?*
Drawing another image on the ground Grey began to ponder the possibilities, *Yes you’re right. Perhaps the guards did make a mistake and there is somepony that heard I was dead, only for them to find out I’m still alive and chose to take my image to conceal themselves. After all it's not that hard to look the part, it's performing that makes it difficult. Another problem is the vault the Elements are locked in, how would they have gotten past the locks?*
Scoffing at the thought Xiuhtecutli rolled his eyes as he waved his tail, *You’re talking about a copycat, simple enough and I can see where the guards would think it was you if they landed every bit of detail. But you praise yourself a little too much don’t you think? I mean you get past all kinds of locks, it doesn’t take much for anyone to learn how to do that.*
*True but something as important as the Elements of Harmony would be under the greatest of security measures, and only one pony would have the capabilities to get to them.* Though he didn’t blame her Grey knew this train of thought led him right back to whom Xiuhtecutli thought was behind this little ruse, *Celestia, so that would mean whomever is trying to impersonate me would have had to learn the one trick I use the most on enchanted locks. So that puts us back to square one and rules out the possibility of an imposter.* With a sigh Grey watched as the light from the rune died out allowing the shadows to conceal him once again, *I hate to say it, mostly because of how improbable it is, but what if one of the other Greymane’s did it?*
Nearly bursting into laughter Xiuhtecutli taped his advocate on the head, *You think that is an option, they are all dead and you know this.*
*True but they left enough samples around the world, if even the tiniest amount was somehow preserved couldn’t somepony use necromancy?* The thought wasn’t completely impossible but the time length of the spell is what made it seem like it couldn't be, not to mention the range for the casting of the spell.
*If there’s one thing that tells me that it can’t be possible it's this, whomever the necromancer is would have to know the truth of your lineage as well as the location of the island. Both have been a well kept secret by your lineage and the demons might I add, so I think we’ve ruled that out.*
With a hum Grey leaned back against the wall as he crossed his hooves behind his head, *Not quite, all any demon needs to leak even the tiniest of information is to strike a deal and they will give up just about anything for a soul. But then that just goes back to my earlier point and how this doesn’t fit them, at least not in any way we can tell. But what if it's an artifact that somepony is using, wouldn’t that negate the worry about the range and time limit?*
*It is possible that could be it, but it still comes back to whomever it is knowing the truth about your lineage.*
With a sigh Greymane shook his head at the idea but felt it was the right thing to do, *Perhaps we should see what they now, maybe we can help them or they could help us. After all we all want answers right now*
*I can’t help but agree with you but I must stand against this decision, there’s no telling what they would ask of you. And we can’t let them know too much about your past or the history of your predecessors, there’s no telling what that much exposure into the past could do or how it could affect you.* Xiuhtecutli’s worry didn’t just come from what could happen from Grey’s dark past being brought to light, his worry came from if any living creature discovered the truth about the artifacts and their connection to the Greymanes beyond the ones that already knew.
Greymane knew full well the fear that came from his protector and also feared what the Order would do just to make him talk, closing his eyes as a frown made it's way across his face Grey worried for the safety of the ones he loved.
Sitting in the dark Grey continued to listen to Xiuhtecutli go over a few other possibilities that could be the reason for their current situation, though most of them were his own personal thoughts Greymane couldn’t help but notice somepony had been standing outside of his cell watching him. How long they had been there he didn’t know and it made him smile, the stallion had a dark blue coat and a light blue mane but that wasn’t the reason that made Greymane smile.
The fact that this was the second time he had seen this stallion is what made him smile, “It's funny, normally I’m the one doing that. Now that I’m on the receiving end of that little trick it almost seems funnier than I thought.”
Opening the cell door this visitor slipped right in and stared Greymane down as though he was going to gut him in a moments notice, slamming the cell door shut he pulled out a single sheet that seemed to be covered front to back with a bit of information.
“Greymane Thief of Legends, originally a myth only known to exist in an old book full of ponies tales. That is till one day you come out of nowhere when Canterlot is attacked by Demons from the endless depths of Tartarus.” Looking at Greymane he gave a slightly disapproving look, “You willingly awaited trial and when given a chance to be absolved of your crimes you instead commit several as you escape, assaulting the guards, escaping from imprisonment, evading local authority, I could go on but then I have to recite what you did to save us from whomever this Azathoth creature is.”
Letting out a slight hmph as he smiled Greymane looked his visitor in the eyes, “So you know quite a bit about me, shame I’m at a disadvantage and know nothing of you. But I must say I am quite impressed that you took the time to record that much about me. Did Celestia put you up to this? If she did I’m flattered but please tell her I’m not into stallions, but I think there’s a pony a few cells down who might be.” Looking to his left and right sides Grey leaned in as he placed his right hoof on his left cheek and began to whisper, ‘Fair warning though he sounds extremely desperate for attention so go slow.’
As Greymane started to chuckle at his own joke Xiuhtecutli found himself growing worried with each passing second, *I don’t think you should be joking around as you normally do, for some reason I can’t enter his mind. Something is blocking me out… something… powerful, and ancient.*
Keeping his attitude about the situation as calm as possible Greymane couldn’t help but feel he was mostly in control of what was going on, *Relax whatever it is I’m sure we can handle it, it's not like it’s an artifact that’s blocking you out.*
“I’m not in the mood for your antics or games…” Looking slightly to the left the visitor pointed towards Xiuhtecutli, “and I am quite sure whatever that thing claims to be is also quite tired of your crap as well.” Seeing the slight confusion in Grey’s face as he lowered his hoof he let out a low groan, “I cannot see whatever that thing is but I know it’s there, I’ve been keeping a very close eye on you and I know that it never leaves your side…” Rolling his eyes as he tilted his head back and forth recalling some of the reports he had, “at least not for too long. And I would appreciate that it showed itself.”
Keeping eye contact with his visitor Grey did what he could to try and act like he didn’t know what this pony was talking about while talking with Xiuhtecutli, *Okay now I’m thinking the same as you. I know Celestia and Luna know about you has any other pony seen you outside of your current form?*
*Twilight and her friends saw me when I first attacked Asmoday here in the castle, he was disguised as you and I had little time to be subtle*
*Alright then that answers that, our next question to answer is this,* Giving a stern smile as he looked his visitor in the eyes Greymane couldn’t help but want to laugh, “How did you know any of this?”
Taking his physical form Xiuhtecutli was equally baffled, “You say you could not see me yet you knew without a shadow of a doubt I was here,” Holding out his claw a green flame burst out of his palm as it seemed to drip to the floor, “I’ll give you a chance to explain yourself.”
Smiling he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a monocle, “I believe the two of you are more than well aware as to what this is?”
Staring at it Greymane could see Princess Luna talking with Celestia and Twilight though he could not hear what they said, “What makes you think I have any clue as to what that is?” He let out a nervous chuckle as he smiled worried his suspicions about the item where true, “It clearly looks like a simple monocle to me, did your great grand stallion give that to you?”
As Xiuhtecutli sighed as their visitor gave a disgruntled groan, “I know you have far more knowledge about this item than any other pony, and it is because of this reason I have yet to slit your throat. There are also several other reasons…” Pointing at Xiuhtecutli he sighed, “the first being whatever that thing is guarding you, and the other being I want answers. Though I prefer beating the answers out of you, that way I don’t have to deal with your little games while ensuring I get the truth.”
As Xiuhtecutli started to growl charred embers seemed to slip between his teeth as the strange flame in his hand started to burn brighter, “You would dare…”
Before Xiuhtecutli could make any advancements Greymane started to laugh, “You want answers go read a book, I have even less of a clue as to what that is.” Calming down his attitude seemed to become more stern, “You simply hold it out before me asking what it is, I can tell you what I see but I can’t tell you what you hold. Tell me how you came across it and I might know a little more.”
Sighing at the thought the visitor started pacing back and forth, “It’s classified…” Grumbling at how he wanted having to tell Greymane anything more was a bit of a problem for him, “for me to tell you anything I would have to kill you.”
With a mocking retort Greymane repeating ‘It’s classified’, “Spare me the overall and cut right to where and how you found it, that way you keep your secrets and I can have some clue as to what it could be.”
Scoffing as he sighed the visitor begrudgingly shared what he could, “It was a mission like any other, I was following a lead in regards to what we assumed was a group of bandits. But what I found odd about it was they were targeting ruins that were being excavated, other than that it was like any other bandit raid. They killed the researchers and the diggers, but according to the reports they kept a few of the researchers had their foals with them.”
“Let me guess they were missing among the dead?” Grey’s suspicion came from his worry upon how the Order was trying to grow.
Baffled the visitor was slightly hesitant in responding, “Ye~es…” His hesitation came from how Greymane’s guess seemed to be rather accurate as though he was there, “the only conclusion was the foals had been taken, first guess was within the ruins itself to be ransomed later but searching the place it soon became clear that was not the case.”
“What were they having a party and the whole thing a misunderstanding?” Grey didn’t like making the joke as he did, but he had hoped that the Order hadn’t been making orphans and forcing them to do their bidding as they had done to Ember.
Looking at Xiuhtecutli as he pointed at Greymane the visitor had a dumbfounded look, “Tell me I have the wrong stallion here, that this is not really Greymane.”
“No you are not wrong this is truly him.”
Slightly shaking his head the visitor went back to telling his experience, “Once I was inside the ruins looking for clues of any kind I started to feel something pulling at me, at first it felt like something was caressing my mind then it soon turned into a physical sensation on my shoulders and legs. Much like a young foal trying to get attention, the longer I ignored this feeling the stronger it became.” Looking slightly to the left of himself at the ground Grey could see that there was a bit of confusion in his eyes, “Before long I saw a young colt sitting just out of the corner of my eye, I followed him hoping to get some answers but he moved rather fast for his size.”
Knowing where this could be going Greymane didn’t like how tense things were becoming, “What did he start screaming stranger danger, or no means no?”
Before any of them knew it the visitor had punched Greymane in the face, “This isn’t the time for joking around you jackass!” Having realized what he did he looked up at Xiuhtecutli, “I thought you protect him, why didn’t you try to stop me?”
“Normally I do, but even he would agree he had that coming.” As they both looked a Grey they watched as he simply smiled and shrugged, “Best guess is that’s a yes. But in the future it would be wise that you temper both your expectations and your emotions.”
Giving a nod as he stepped back the visitor cleared his throat, “The young colt lead me to a researcher who was barely alive, in his last moments he gave me this monocle and his research notes. In the moment I had taken these things the young colt vanished without a trace. And for the longest time I went over his notes but nothing about this item was documented. Even stranger when I let others try and use it this thing either became too heavy for them to lift, or it caused them to go blind.”
“Sounds like they would make great ponies to play hide-n-seek with.” As he started to laugh through his teeth the visitor groaned as his nostrils flared, “Joking aside it doesn’t tell me much,” Though he lied Greymane felt that if he was left in the dark about the artifacts he wouldn’t be too inclined to search for them, “So what if you got something and you have a somewhat unsolved mystery, the answers are in front of you just open your eyes.”
Though his eyes never lost sight of the visitor Xiuhtecutli raised a single eyebrow as he used telepathy to speak with Greymane, *I’m not sure what game you’re trying to play here but I suggest you stop it.*
*What I thought you wanted answers, besides he’s right where I want him…* Though he was full of confidence Greymane knew he was facing somepony that could watch his every move, *I think.*
“What do you mean you think!” Looking back and forth between his advocate and the visitor Xiuhtecutli soon realized he had spoken with his mouth and not his mind.
“If you have something to say between the two of you then it can be shared with me as well.” Raising an eyebrow the visitor could only ponder as to what they were talking about, “Or do the two of you have an issue with trusting others, because from what I’ve been informed…” pointing at Greymane he smiled out of one side of his face, “he’s told Princess Luna a little bit about a few trinkets called artifacts.”
Letting out a nervous chuckle Grey simply slid along the side of the wall till he was lying on his side, “I may have let slip my tongue about such things, but please excuse me as I take a wee nap. After all I do wish to be well rested when I speak with the two sisters.”
As Greymane pulled his hood over his eyes the visitor stomped his hoof cracking the stone beneath it, “You know what the artifacts are and if what you told Princess Luna is true then it is our duty to deal with them!”
Though he was angry the visitor saw no change in Greymane as he lied there giving a sad sigh, “And just how do you intend to do that?” Lying there Grey let out a hmph when he got no response, “You want to contend with something you have no clue about, you think you can just take on items that have the power to control you before you can take notice of it. And yet you don’t know how you would go about doing it.” As the visitor started to grunt and grind his teeth Greymane smiled, “Word to the wise, let the grown ups who know what they are doing deal with this kiddo. And hey if you pay close enough attention maybe I’ll come ask for your help.”
Letting out a tisk as he drew breath in through his teeth the visitor closed his eyes as he gave an angry smile, “Sooner or later you will talk, and when you do I will have all the information I want from you.”
As the visitor left he heard Greymane call out to him, “When that day comes, perhaps I will have come to call you friend.”
Stopping for a moment he looked back into the cell, “One last thing, when I was using the monocle to keep an eye on you about two weeks ago it split its view. When it did I saw two of you one contending with an over zealous zebra, and the other coming out of the ground at an unknown location as though they had been buried alive. Any thoughts to this?”
Laying there in silence for a few moments to think it over Greymane let out a disgusted growl, “Not a damn one.” Though he was lying Grey hated to think one of his predecessors had been brought back through necromancy and it angered him to no end, “Be careful out there, a young stallion like you has a lot going for them. And I would hate to see or hear that something happened to you.”
Scoffing at the thought the visitor left the dungeon undetected by the guards or Princess Luna as she walked down the steps to see Greymane, slipping past them he was greeted by Celestia who was waiting for him alone at the top of the stairs.
“What have you learned of him, can he be trusted as my sister says?”
Looking back down the stairs he gave a faint smile, “He’s over confident, foolish, arrogant, but from what I saw him doing through the monocle was much different. He was cunning, clever, careful, and cares much for life even if he’s never known the life he’s trying to save.” Shaking his head as to get the thought of praising him out of his mind he soon looked up at Celestia, “Over all I will require more time watching his movements to determine if he can be trusted, till then I suggest that he is treated as a threat of the greatest level. And that goes double for that creature that stays close to him.”
Nodding to him Celestia allowed the visitor to pass, “I wish to believe my sister and trust in him as she does, but it is that creature I can’t place my hoof on.” Sighing as the visitor walked away from her Celestia turned to face him, “Chambers I would like for you to stick around here in the castle, I know not what they will do but I would like to have you here should they try something.”
Walking down the stairs Celestia soon saw her guards pointing their spears in fear of Xiuhtecutli, though as she looked at the angle of the spears she felt that aiming at what could arguably be his hips would do nothing. Before saying anything she recalled the first time he appeared and how he explained his appearance was a spell, and it made him look like what would be easiest for their minds to accept.
So her guards thought they were aiming at either his neck or head relative to a pony, “And where may I ask is my sister?” Celestia didn’t have to ask but found it broke the very thin ice between them without a fight breaking out among them.
Giving a disapproving growl as he scoffed Xiuhtecutli pointed around the corner, “They wished for a moment to speak alone till you arrived.” Making eye contact with Celestia Xiuhtecutli gave a sinister smile, “Why, do you have a problem with them talking?”
Waving to her guards as she smiled they raised their spears back into the air, “Not so long as you do, after all I only wish to see my sister happy. And if he makes her happy then who am I to stand between them?”
Slithering down the hall he let out a humph as he held his fists behind his back, “Happiness is where you find it we both know this.” Sighing as he slowly moved back to Greymane’s cell Xiuhtecutli soon stopped, “I fear that very soon neither of them will know this happiness for much longer, so if I were you I would find a means of making her happy on your own without the aid of my advocate.”
Xiuhtecutli’s thought on the matter stemmed from the fact and knowledge that Luna very well may out live him, how and why he didn’t know but knew that it was inevitable. His only wish was that by then the two of them no longer required each other, but feared that the longer they were allowed to remain in contact with one another the more they would want to rely on each other. Though this is what he saw, thought, and believed Celestia however saw something more and wished to see where it could go and what it could do, her only worry came from Xiuhtecutli trying to stand in the way but didn’t want to test anything beyond what she knew about him.
During the meeting at the battle against Asmoday she saw how even the demonic gods were willing to stand aside at his very command, Celestia had always kept a mutual level of understanding with the lords of Tartaros but not once had she ever had any kind of contact with their gods. In their presence she felt worried, calm, and conflicted about trusting them all at once, but what caused her to worry even more about them was she could not feel their magical prowess. It almost seemed as though they didn’t have any skill in magic yet at the same time commanded great levels of it as though it was nothing to them, and if they did as Xiuhtecutli requested or demanded then what did that make him and why was he with Greymane?
As they came close to the cell Celestia saw that the door was open and could hear her sister, “Grey I know you didn’t do it but I don’t know how to tell Celestia without her finding out about your diary.” Nearly freezing in place Celestia started moving a little slower, “You gave it to me out of trust but I don’t know what to do, it can prove you didn’t steal the Elements of Harmony but…”
Signaling for her guards to stop Celestia watched as Xiuhtecutli vanished from sight and left no trace as to where he could have gone, “Luna you needn’t worry about anything, I promised to find a way out of this and I will find it.” Waiting next to an empty cell Celestia could hear the level of worry Greymane had in his voice, “Even if Celestia finds fault in me I will do what I can to keep you from falling along side me, if either of us has to take blame for anything it will be me. Besides I don’t think Celestia would do anything towards you after finally having you back…” Listening closely for any change of tone in his voice Celestia was shocked with what came next, “isn’t that right Celestia?”
Walking into view Celestia smiled, “I take it your friend told you I was here?”
Looking around his cell Grey simply shrugged, “I haven’t seen him since I asked for a moment to speak with Luna. I simply heard you coming.” Pointing behind her Greymane smiled, “But perhaps he would tell us where he went.”
Tossing Greymane an apple Xiuhtecutli slightly groaned, “I figured you were hungry so I went to your home and got you a little something.” Shrugging his shoulders he looked at Celestia, “Did I miss something?”
Hiding her nervous expression rather well Celestia slowly walked into the cell, “How long did you know I was there?”
Leaning against the wall Greymane figured it would be best to let her be as honest as she felt, “Not sure, how much did you hear?”
Before Xiuhtecutli could try to read Celestia’s thoughts Greymane telepathically requested him to hold off on that action, “I find it honorable that you are trying to keep my sister safe even if you are not allied with our nation.”
Smiling at what she assumed of him Greymane looked at Luna before he made eye contact with Celestia, “If you are questioning my loyalty I can put that to rest, my loyalty is to the world and it's preservation.” Letting out a sigh Greymane knew Celestia was withholding how much she truly heard but didn’t give too much care about it, “Though not in the way most would think, but both you and Luna know what I am not only willing to but more than definitely will do to keep this world safe.” Looking over towards Luna he gave a nervous smile as she gave him a worried yet confused look causing him to slightly stutter, “A-a-after I’ve exhausted all other options first.”
Having watched the whole situation Xiuhtecutli took notice that Celestia was picking up on the fact that Luna had the greatest control over him though she didn’t quite yet know it, “If I may... I do believe we have some business to discuss. Other wise if there is nothing but a means to hold us here I suggest letting us go.”
Clearing her throat as a means to call Luna to her side Celestia took a far more regal stance, “My sister has informed me that you wish to speak with just the two of us, as intriguing as I find this offer I think you might find the one we have come to present slightly better.”
As Xiuhtecutli began to let out a low growl under his breath Celestia nodded to Luna, “Celestia and I believe it would be best for you to hear the description given of the pony who stole the Elements of Harmony, furthermore Twilight and her friends have come up from Ponyville to speak on your behalf as character witnesses. Also our niece Princess Cadence and her husband the Captain of the Guard Shining Armor wish to bare witness to this trial.”
Cocking an eyebrow Greymane looked toward Xiuhtecutli with a slightly pondering look in his eyes, *Well that’s something I hadn’t expected, hearing the description from the guards and not a report given?*
*They could be trying to force a reaction out of you to see if you did have something to do with this, or if you might know something they don’t. But the question is what?*
As the moment of silence among them started to drag out Celestia and Luna simply looked back and forth between the two unsure of what was going on, “You’re right Celestia, but only because this peaks my interest on the matter. But I have to ask, do the guards not give you a written report?”
Tapping her hoof one of the guards came walking over with a file open and a document being pulled out and given to her, “They do, yet something about it seemed rather odd to me and my sister. The report simply says you stole the Elements but they give no in depth description, just the basics of them. Dark grey cloak and coat, light grey mane and tail, nothing more nothing less.”
“Yes quite curious indeed.” Xiuhtecutli pondered over the information, “Tell me, do these documents go through some kind of chain of command before coming to either of you?”
Though Xiuhtecutli wanted to catch Celestia in a circled argument to force her to speak the truth Luna was the one to speak first, “Not quite, all reports are given to Shining Armor at the end of the day and he gives them to us whenever it is possible and at the earliest moment possible.”
Wanting to nit pick at their words Xiuhtecutli soon found himself being stopped as Greymane stood up, “Very well then I’ll accept your terms on one condition…” Looking at Celestia Grey smiled as he walked up towards her causing the guard to worry what he had planned, “no other guards are to be involved beyond the ones who gave the report, and once they have given their in depth description they are to leave as well.”
Though Luna was more than willing to agree with these terms Celestia however worried why he set the condition as he did, “And for what reason do you have for making such a request?”
With a smile and a tilt of his head Greymane simply slipped out of his shackles and past the two sisters, “Call it a hunch Celestia, just a simple hunch.”
Reluctantly agreeing to his request Celestia and Luna began to discuss amongst themselves why as well as to what his hunch was, Xiuhtecutli however knew it all to well if one of the guards were members to the Order they would give away the false fact that Greymane has the Elements of Harmony. Or worse they would try to take him somewhere and try to force any kind of information out of him. As Celestia and Luna started to leave Celestia commanded the guards to bring Greymane along with them, once their focus was on Greymane Xiuhtecutli took his astral form believing the less that knew of him the better.
As they left the dungeon Greymane could feel the fear the guards had through the unsteady hold they had on the new set of shackles and chains they placed him in, he more than understood the reason behind their fear but wished that he could put it to rest.
Walking the halls Greymane could not only see but feel that the eyes of nearly every pony they passed were on him, neither he nor Xiuhtecutli needed to bother with questioning their thoughts they had a very good idea as to what they all thought. Some had started to question if it was really him whom had done it, among the guards their thoughts were split amongst several groups. Some thought his recent actions in saving them and even going so far as to sacrifice himself as a means to gain trust so he could slip in later, others were questioning themselves as to why they started to trust and have faith in him when all he was and ever will be is some damn thief. Among the last of them many wanted to spit upon him as he walked passed them and others wanted to take advantage of the fact he was in chains and beat him dear death, but they withheld themselves and restrained their actions knowing the repercussions that could come to them from Celestia for attacking a prisoner in the hold of the two sisters.
Though none could see Xiuhtecutli in his astral form many could feel his presence and mistaken it for Greymane’s, this only set many more on edge causing them to think the worst. As they walked Celestia took notice of her sister’s increased worry and the slight appearance of mental anguish that she tried to keep from showing on her face, Celestia didn’t have to read Luna’s mind nor the guards just the look on their faces was enough.
It pained Celestia to see her sister in this state of being and wished for a means to relieve her of it, *Perhaps if you were far more straightforward with us and simply had your sister ask for his help neither of you would be like this, and you wouldn’t be looking for a way to alleviate Luna’s anguish.* Celestia didn’t have to ask who it was she more than knew, the same heavy feeling on her mind and the anger she felt from it clearly told her it was Xiuhtecutli.
Keeping her current pace alongside Luna Celestia did what she could to hide her struggle in holding the conversation, *You once warned me to stay out of your mind, do you not respect the privacy of others or are you just that full of yourself?*
*I wasn’t invading your privacy young foal, you reached out to me. I simply answered the call.* Before she could question and correct him Xiuhtecutli began to explain, *It is quite clear to me you know of telepathy and how to use it properly, but that is where your skill and mastery comes to an end. Because you seek an answer to solve an issue you have created out of a lack of trust and faith, you unknowingly opened your mind for any and all whom are willing to answer the call.*
Trying to hide a smile as she walked Celestia couldn’t help but find the situation kind of funny, it was like she was a filly again being taught by the best magi around. But where she stopped finding it funny was when she took notice that she was basically being insulted by a serpent that was afraid of being seen.
Nearly letting out a snicker Celestia thought it would help break the tension between the four of them if she teased Xiuhtecutli, *So then care to teach me how to conceal my mind like a serpent hides in a phantom like state?*
Not taking to her playful filly charms Xiuhtecutli snarled catching the attention of the guards around them causing Greymane to stop and rub his throat, “Sorry…” Having added a slight wheeze as he spoke acting though something was caught in his windpipe, “might we stop for a moment so I may get a bit of water?”
Taking his interruptions as a more than welcomed sign Celestia nodded to the guards, “Find the closest butler or maid and have them fetch some water as soon as possible.” As two of the guards took off running Celestia called out to them, “Have them bring it to the throne room.”
Though her last act was unbecoming of a Princess she felt it was fine considering Greymane had kept the issue from escalating any further, keeping her mind calm Celestia tried to think of a way to thank him for his actions only to become baffled as she heard his thoughts.
*You needn’t thank me, it’s what I do even if fish bait over here has a temper.*
Looking back at him she saw him innocently looking around acting as if he didn’t do anything, before anypony took notice of her sudden interest in him Celestia turned her head back round only catching a slight wink from Greymane. His subtle way of saying ‘don’t worry about it’, looking at her sister from the side of her eye Celestia saw a faint smile coming across her face as she bit her lower lip.
It didn’t take much for her to realize that the two of them were holding a conversation of their own, but as to when they created this mental link she couldn’t figure out let alone how Greymane was able to hold a full conversation and one short one at the same time. Celestia had heard of powerful telepaths that could converse with seven or more at once but only if they all held the same conversation, and if they all shared the same mental link.
What Greymane had done baffled her to no end and as they neared the throne room she asked for a moment with him in private, “How did you do that?” Giving her a confused look Greymane shrugged his shoulders as he asked what she meant, “I saw that you and Luna were holding a telepathic conversation, and yet you were able to talk with me at the same time how did you do it?”
Smiling as he started to walk into the throne room Greymane looked at Luna before looking back at Celestia, “I fractured my mind for a short moment, it’s easy for anypony to do so long as they have first experienced some kind of trauma.” Before Celestia could ask what kind of trauma he experienced Grey simply sighed, “I however spent years training my mind to achieve such a skill, just in case I need to hold more than one private conversation at the same time.”
Though he lied to Celestia in some small way he told the truth, as they walked in they were soon followed by a maid who had brought several pitchers of water and enough glasses for everypony in the throne room. Taking precautions the guards placed weights on his shackles in the hopes it would slow him down, having placed the pitchers of water and the glasses near the princesses and everypony else the young maid tried to rush out of the room and away from Greymane.
As the young mare tried to leave Luna cleared her throat to get her attention, “It would be rude to just let us have a drink, though he is on trial even the accused deserves to have a means of quenching their thirst.” Luna hated having to call Greymane ‘accused’ and having to state that he was on trial, but she did what she could to hide this emotion from everypony in the room.
Giving a nod the young mare levitated a single glass and pitcher of water and brought them over to Greymane, setting them before him all could see that her magical hold on both items was waning as her fear of him took hold. Once she had set them down she almost jumped and shrieked as Grey thanked her, as the maid and guards started to leave Celestia requested that the guards send for the two who had given the report that claimed Greymane had stolen the Elements of Harmony.
The guards nodded to her as they trotted off to retrieve the two in question as fast as possible, sitting there in an awkward silence everypony couldn’t help but want to say something but was unsure of what to say or if they should say anything.
Letting out a sigh Twilight felt she would have to be the first to speak only for Greymane to perk up first, “Nice weather we are having this morning, is there anything new going on around here or with anypony?” Though his question was a simple one they were shocked to the point of giggling with what came out of his mouth next, “Well besides me sitting here in chains for the second time in a row.”
Before anypony could respond to his joking nature the doors flew open as two guards struggled to make their way in, looking at them everypony could see they were badly injured. Casts on their legs, bandages wrapped snug around their chest, and even a few bandages on their heads. As they walked past Greymane they stared at him in contempt, hate filled their minds as they gave a low growl towards Grey as they past him.
Holding onto one another as a means to keep standing they nodded towards the two sisters and their niece Princess Cadence and their Captain Shining Armor, “I know the two of you are in pain and should be resting, but there are a few inconsistencies in your report.” Though Shining Armor spoke with a great level of authority in his voice Greymane smiled at how he still sounded like a few bits were missing from his coin purse, “If the two of you can give in detail the pony you saw stealing the Elements of Harmony a week ago.”
Unable to turn their heads they chose to turn their bodies till Greymane was on one side and everypony else was on the other, “Forgive my rudeness sir but neither of us think that is necessary…” Struggling to raise his hoof the stallion pointed towards Greymane, “after all you have the culprit bound in chains before you.”
Though they were stern in their belief Greymane could see a twinge of confusion in the eyes of the guards, “You say it was me, yet even the two of you are unsure of your words.”
*This would be easier to read their minds you know*
*Yes that’s very true…* Giving a smile Greymane couldn’t help but want to have a bit of fun with the guards even if it was just head games, *but where is the fun in all that?* Walking closer to the guards Grey saw how they slightly twitched with each inch he closed, “Tell me, am I exactly who you saw? Because I can guarantee that if I had done it, neither of you would have seen me.” Stopping a few feet from them Grey smiled as he chuckled to the thought of having to play devil’s advocate, “And none of you would know the Elements of Harmony are gone. It’s a terrible thing that has happened but whomever has done the act did a sloppy job of it.”
As he started to have his fun Greymane felt a clawing at the back of his mind causing him to look at Luna, and there standing on both sides of her and sitting on her back three horrifyingly disfigured fillies.
Trying to keep his little game up Grey tried to ignore what he saw, ‘Aww come now, we just want to help you. We know where to find our siblings and the dangers surrounding them, won’t you take our aid?’ As Grey’s speech started to sound nervous the three fillies appeared before Greymane surrounding the guards, ‘Oh but that’s right now isn’t it? You don’t trust us, you’re afraid of us and of yourself. That’s why you are playing this game, because you don’t want to lose that which you think makes you who you are, trust and love from those around you and let’s be fair and honest with ourselves here. Trust and love mean nothing in the face of oblivion.’
Trying to keep his composer as well as keep up with his playful nature became difficult with the artifacts coming at him as they had, “If you please give a more in depth description of the pony you saw that night.” Though his tone had gone back to being serious Grey did what he could to play off the strain the artifacts had on his mind.
A few of them in the room took notice that Grey’s breathing became slightly heavier and was unsteady, “Why? Are you afraid that we will expose you and that will be the end of your so called freedom?” The guards were not the only ponies to take notice of this slight change in Greymane Luna had also noticed it and feared what it could mean, “It's as we said you where the pony that stole the Elements of Harmony every detail would have been pointless.”
Trying to save him whatever punishment could come from being found guilty Luna tried to hide her nervous tone even from her sister, “If the two of you would please humor his request, after all even my sister and myself wish to hear what you saw as well.”
“Yes please do, the inconsistency brought on by the lack of description in your report even has me captivated in a small level of doubt.” Celestia didn’t mind that Luna was trying to save Grey, but she worried that if the guards picked up on this it would be only a matter of time before somepony demanded she be put on trial.
As the two guards thought back to that night they started with the obvious his coat, mane, tail, and cloak but it wasn’t till they focused on even greater details they left out their eyes slightly widened, “Did you somehow change the shape and size of your body?” As all eyes came to the guards they moved a little closer to Greymane, “That night you’re figure was completely like a mare.”
Staring at his face the other guard took hold of his face, “And your eyes, they were the deepest shade of emerald I had ever seen. Not this strange hazel you have now.”
Looking at Celestia Greymane gave a slight smile, “I do believe we have all heard what we wanted.”
Nodding Celestia told the guards they were free to leave and get the rest they needed, “One last thing…” Stopping before they left the older stallion struggled to look back with a bewildered look in his uncovered eye, “when you spoke to us you even sounded like a mare, but that’s not the interesting part. The interesting part is what provokes my question…” Turning around to face them Greymane feared what this pony in question had said, “why did you ask us to destroy you, and how did you vanish in the faint shadow of a pillar?”
Uncertain as to how to answer that Greymane simply turned back around as he let out a slight groan, *Damn it, that description sounded like…* As he thought about it a little more Xiuhtecutli asked whom he guessed it was, *Shadow Walker, but that can’t be right she’s been dead for far too long. And if memory serves right she was the 3rd Greymane, so there’s no way it could have been her. Unless…*
Grey didn’t have to finish that train of thought Xiuhtecutli knew what he was thinking and it worried him, ‘Oh you wish it was that sibling of ours, even we wish it was that one simply for nostalgia reasons.’ Scoffing as they seemed to drift across the room they acted as though they were going to target the others starting with Fluttershy, ‘Sadly that sibling has been lost even to us, there isn’t a single artifact in all the world that knows where she is. But just think she could still be hidden or she could be dormant in the possession of some poor fool who could raise an unstoppable army. Oh what fun it is, and how entertaining it will be when she awakens.’
Closing his eyes Grey did what he could to block out the artifacts as they started to laugh, once the door slammed shut Greymane opened his eyes and saw they were gone. Letting out a sigh of relief Grey knew that his reprieve from them is only short lived and they would come back to torment him as they felt, but for now they did offer him a bit of help without any strings attached or at least none he could tell. Looking Luna in the eyes he moaned at what he had to do to keep the secret of his predecessors, and he worried if this was going to have repercussions on her.
“Celestia, Luna…” Giving a false look of shame Grey slowly started to look at the floor as he rubbed his own leg, “everypony. I…” Closing his eyes he never thought that he would have to do what he was currently doing to keep his lineage a secret from them especially Luna for her safety, “plead guilty to the theft of the Elements of harmony.”
And in all his many years Xiuhtecutli never once thought that anything like this could ever happen, it made him worry what could come from it knowing that his advocate was now in a corner he couldn't fight or talk his way out of.
It had been an hour since his confession and in that time he and Xiuhtecutli were waiting in the grand hall in silence with several guards staring at him, on all sides everypony was uneasy they knew he could slip out of his shackles yet he didn’t bother trying. To make matters worse word was slowly spreading on how he took the blame with little resistance, but what was odd about it was he took it after hearing the description given by the guards that said it wasn’t him so they asked themselves why?
As he sat there he tried to plan out the best option he could even if it meant striking a deal with Celestia one that he wouldn’t like, *Despite what they chose to do to you I will get you out of here.*
*No that wouldn't be the wisest course of action,* Standing up to look out the nearest window Grey could hear the slightest twitch from the guards in their armor as they inched towards him unsure of what he would do, *if I simply leave even with your help who’s to stop them from turning against and blaming Luna and every other pony in there for my escape?* Looking at the guards that surrounded him while keeping their distance Grey sighed, *Call me a love struck fool if you must but I won’t let anything come back on them, for now we have to play this one by ear and step lightly.*
As Xiuhtecutli continued to argue against him saying that the best course of action is to leave when they least expect it Greymane chose to have a quick look at the guards in the hall, in total there couldn’t have been more than twenty scattered about down both ends of the hall. Though many were in groups of two simply patrolling the halls there was a single group of three that caught his attention, walking over to a vase with a wonderful bouquet of flowers in it Grey kept an eye on the three ponies out of the corner of his eye. What kept his focus on them was not them being the only group of three on either end of the hall but how they just stood in one single location talking, each time they looked over they gave a disgusted look and in their eyes he could see the intent to kill.
He wanted to brush their hated looks aside but the longer he kept his eye on them the more he felt there was something to them, something he didn’t quite understand that made him all the more certain he must take the fall and remain locked up till he could find another way out. In the final moment before the doors to the throne room could creak open Grey saw their cutie marks nearly faded from sight only to return in the same second, closing his eyes he knew that once they had their chance they would come for him but not a moment sooner or later and he knew he had to be alone for when the time came.
As one door creaked open Greymane was called in by Shining Armor, “We have had time to think about it, but we will still give you a chance to defend yourself.”
As he walked in he scoffed, “Defend myself? Why would I do that, I’ve already given myself unto all of you. My fate is now within your mercy.” Looking at Luna he could see the sorrow within her eyes causing him to let out a growling hmm under his breath, “Count yourself lucky, you are among a rare few who can say they have the power to end my life.”
Entering the room the doors were slammed shut and locked behind them, as they strolled Xiuhtecutli began to take his physical form. At first he started off simple like a faint shadow being cast on a sundial, with each of Greymane’s steps his appearance became thicker and started to have it's own shape. Once Greymane had stopped and was before everypony Xiuhtecutli had finished his transformation leaving several of them slightly worried how long he had been there, standing behind his advocate Xiuhtecutli looked at all of them as though he was superior in comparison to all of them.
Though his sudden appearance in the room startled many of them all but one of them had a slight stench of fear that radiated off of them, “You do not fear me Princess of the Night, tell me how is this so?”
“Because he won’t let you harm me or anyone else in Equestria…” As Xiuhtecutli looked at Greymane he could pick up a twinge of doubt in her voice, “w-we both know this to be true.”
Letting out a grunting laugh he turned his attention back to the small group that sat before him and his advocate, “You think it is because of him?”
As he started to chuckle he began to speak Greymane demanded he withhold himself, ‘Xiuhtecutli mo mante imanet teno oum alsia adjiset’ Though he whispered this threat his words rang loudly in Xiuhtecutli’s ears as though Grey’s voice was as loud as the thunder if not louder.
Though Greymane held no power over Xiuhtecutli it was his vow to keep the lineage of the Greymanes safe is what held him in place, both he and the current Greymane knew that even the slightest knowledge in even the smallest amount was enough to open the floodgates of destruction... if it was in the possession of the wrong creature.
Looking back at his advocate he gave a stern glare, “He is not what holds me back, it is a vow I made to him countless years ago. His safety is what does it, I know he will throw himself in between me and all of you. My race has always upheld bargains, vows, and deals they have made regardless of how long it takes or how many generations it may span.”
This did little to put their nerves or fears to rest in fact it did quite the opposite, trying to move past it Celestia cleared her throat as she addressed the matter that had them all there in the first place.
“Greymane going over the evidence presented before us and having heard the testimony given by the guards my sister and I, as well as everypony in this room are quite baffled that you plead guilty when you are clearly innocent.” Sighing at how it confused her to see somepony take the blame that clearly was not their own Celestia lightly shook her head, “Can you please clarify to all of us why you choose this course of action?”
With a smile and a faint hmph Greymane looked at all of them knowing what he had to do, “Who else could it have been? If I am not mistaken it was in a vault that was locked by magic, and by all means a very powerful spell that only you could have undone yourself. Am I right Celestia?”
As everypony looked towards Celestia Luna covered her lips as she realized what Grey was up to, “Well yes that is true but what does that have to do with…”
Stopping for a moment as she gasped Grey took the moment to step in, “Well then the pony in question was either taught how to dispel your lock or you opened it for them yourself.” As Shining Armor stood up he stomped his hoof on the ground in an attempt to defend Celestia, “However, we all know this is not the case. So that leaves only one other possibility, I did it. I’m the only pony in all the world who knows how to get past magic locks without knowing the right spell.”
Having heard this they could all see a nervous smile on his face, “If none of you believe any of this perhaps a demonstration is in order, wouldn’t you agree Celestia?” Slithering across the floor to the wall Xiuhtecutli leaned against it with a smile, “I’ll even sit over here to prove he can do it on his own.”
Pointing towards the double doors Greymane asked Celestia to seal them with the same spell she had placed on the vault, and if it were possible for her to have twice the strength so he could have a proper challenge.
“Now hold on there partner,” Applejack spoke up as she walked towards him, “now I know ya’ll done some unexplainable things. Shoot back when ya’ll was helping around the farm you did some rather impressive stuff, but your talking about opening a door locked by magic. How can you even do that when you can’t cast magic yourself?”
Giving a smile he tried to tell Applejack that being as old as he was meant he knew a trick or two only for Pinkie Pie to somehow pop her head out of his mouth, “OH I bet it’s some kind of secret or dark forbidden magic that’s been lost to the ages…” Popping up all over the place making random guesses she left Xiuhtecutli in a state of confusion pondering if the artifacts were truly the most dangerous things in the world, “nonononono wait don’t tell me I’ve got this. You have a skeleton key don’t you?”
With a wave of his hand Pinkie had been teleported and was now being levitated by Xiuhtecutli who started to examine her, “I had often feared what true destruction and chaos would look like should they take the same living form…” Gently setting her down next to Twilight he began rubbing the side of his head, “if that is what we have to look forward to then I fear the worst. Don’t let that pink thing have anything that might excite it too much.”
As they started to ask Pinkie if she was alright they simply watched her start hopping up and down, “Do it again, do it again, that felt funny. It was like I was the wind but then again I wasn’t, or perhaps I was dust drifting in the air. I don’t know what it was but it was fun!”
With a baffled look on his face Xiuhtecutli pointed at Pinkie Pie as he stared at Greymane who was laughing with everyone in the room, “Applejack I can open magic locks and I will prove it,” Looking towards Celestia who was barely calming down Grey waved at her to get a little attention, “Celestia if you would?”
Though Celestia agreed with Applejack she couldn’t help but humor him, as her horn began to glow they could all hear the mechanisms in the locks turning and in one subtle flash the door was left with a sparkling gold aura binding it shut. They watched as Greymane walked up to the door and placed his hoof upon it to feel out the magically swathed doors, with Celestia being the only one in the room with the know how to open the door she worried that Xiuhtecutli would be the one to open them. Keeping an eye on the strange enigma of a creature Celestia as well as the room was left astonished to see Greymane dispel her magic and open the door.
Turning around as he shut the door once more his head hung low and they could see there was no pride within him for the accomplishment, “You see now what I can do, it was me who did it because there are no limits that I cannot break.” Clenching his teeth it brought him pain to know he risked far more in these actions than what he could save, “I stole the Elements of Harmony.”
“You couldn’t have done it because you were in Unyasi at the time of the theft.” Having blurted out what she knew all eyes were now on Luna who was now covering her mouth with both hooves, “W-w-what I-I-I meant to say was…”
Knowing she had been caught knowing more than she let on Greymane tried to save Luna in the only way he knew how, “And you believed that letter? I sent it because I was aware that if you knew I was here in Canterlot you would try to seek me out, I kept you out of my actions for your safety!” Pulling out a small vial out of his sack they watched as he drank the strange thick substance and watched him change appearance like a changeling, “I have this potion that allows me to do this, it is not impossible for me to conceal my appearance like the changelings do. I will admit I got sloppy and careless.”
Looking at him they could see that the transformation took a lot out of him and what appeared to them the potion also seemed to hurt him, his appearance was exactly as the guards described but the one thing that didn’t change was the tone of his voice. Everything about it screamed stallion and it was enough for them to know he was still trying to take the blame for something he didn’t do, but it made no sense to them why he was so adamant about it showing off everything he could do.
With a heavy sigh Celestia stood up, “I thank you for trying to protect my sister, but there is just as much evidence that tells us it wasn’t you regardless of what you show us. But I would like to ask for your help to recover the Elements, I will send some guards to carefully inspect the vault to see if there is something that we may have missed or overlooked the last time they were there.”
Knowing he would soon be forced to expose more than he knew Grey’s voice became heavy and trembled, “That would take too long, and it would increase the likelihood that somepony would learn the Elements are missing. And how much longer till the city falls into chaos?”
“If you have a better idea we would be more than happy to hear it.” Shining Armor bellowed with his sister asking him to calm down, his response was if Greymane was going to criticise the thought of doing what they could then he should have something to back it up.
With a growling hmm Greymane looked over to Xiuhtecutli, “Wothage hothagavothage tothago othagusothage thothage Mothagirrothagor othagof thothage Vothagaothagil.”
Keeping his face pointed at his advocate Xiuhtecutli looked towards the group of ponies then back to Grey, “Thothagey mothagay nothagot lothaget yothagou gothago alothagone.”
With a disgruntled hmm Grey looked towards Luna knowing that if they sent somepony he would want it to be her, “Othagor othagat othagall…” Thinking for a moment he soon came up with a thought they might agree to, “othaga trothagadothage, Lothgaunothaga cothagan tothagakothage mothagy plothagacothage othagand othagi stothagay hothagerothage. Yothagou cothagan gothago wothagith hothager othagand kothageothagep hothager sothagafothage.”
Slamming his fist cracking the wall behind himself Xiuhtecutli nearly jolted forward, “ARE YOU INSANE!?”
Looking around the room Xiuhtecutli soon became aware he wasn’t speaking the same language Greymane was, “Care to share with the rest of us what the two of you were discussing?” Looking at Celestia they could see that everypony was confused as to what they were saying let alone what language they spoke, even Twilight had started to try writing down what they said using her magic to create glowing letters.
While Twilight rummaged around the throne room for a quill and scroll Xiuhtecutli cleared his throat and reluctantly leaned against the wall once again, “If he tells you he tells you, I will not speak of such a ludicrous idea.”
With a nervous chuckle Grey rubbed the back of his neck, “Well…” Clearing his throat Grey knew that what he was proposing could every well lead to the end of his life, “there is a place far to the North by Northwest past the peninsula at Zherbenok bay about a week’s travel by hoof there is an island that will have something that can help point us in the right direction.”
Looking at him they could see there was a level of uncertainty upon his face that came from telling them about this place, sending Twilight for a map of that area Celestia looked to her sister whom was starting to show signs of trying to withdraw from the issue. As Twilight left the room Celestia said that any pony who wished could take a moment to leave the room and relax till Twilight returned from the library.
Though many left Celestia, Luna, Greymane, and Xiuhtecutli where the only ones who stayed behind. Greymane took the moment to walk over and look out the window and see the setting sun, he knew that Luna would have to raise the moon soon and if there was anything they wished to say to one another now was the best time.
Trying to walk over to him Luna was stopped by Celestia, “Dear sister what do you know of this island in question?” Looking away from Celestia Luna simply said she had no idea, “Please don’t lie to me, I know he confides in you and has much trust in you. Surely he has said something about it to you at one point, you need not worry I’ve been paying close attention to everything thus far. I will not undermine his attempts to protect you, but I want to help both of you as best I can so please tell me what do you know of this place.”
Looking past Celestia Luna saw Greymane looking at the sky awaiting the night that would show it’s vast mystery that they both loved, as her eyes closed her ears lowered and with them the Princess of the Night whispered to Grey a plea for forgiveness.
“I don’t know what importance this place holds, but what I do know is he believes this place holds the power to end his very life with little to no effort.” Thanks to the diary Luna had often seen his memories where he traveled to the island but how he got there and it's exact location was left out, but she did see was the bay he mentioned before his memories skipped right to him sitting in an archive full of knowledge with him going over in depth studies.
In one memory she saw him racking his brain over several codes and deciphers to help him find things that were far more hidden within each word, what these codes and deciphers where she didn’t know nor did she know what he discovered. Luna was careful to keep this bit of information to herself not out of fear of what Celestia would do, but because she cared for Grey in the same way he cared for her.
As she slipped past her sister Celestia began to ponder if such a place existed why would Greymane mention it had the means to point them towards the Elements, watching her sister Celestia saw how the two of them came close for just a simple conversation and began to worry what this venture could do.
Trying to find an answer as she poured herself a drink she noticed that Xiuhtecutli was staring at her with his arms crossed, “Trouble Celestia, I wouldn’t doubt it.” Crossing his arms behind his back he slithered out of the room, *I don’t condone it but if you wish for the same happiness for your sister that I wish for my advocate then leave the room.*
Though Celestia wished to stay and see how Greymane made her sister happy even she couldn’t help but feel it was best to leave, as he walked out she looked back to see how her sister sat so close to him yet neither of them moved any closer.
*It's how it should be Celestia, this is the closest they can and ever will get. In time they will have to let each other go.*
Having a quick look around the grand hall Celestia saw that Xiuhtecutli had vanished once again, *I don’t believe that it has to be like that, if they want to be together then who are we to stop them?*
*If you knew what awaited them then perhaps you would not have this delusion. Even he knows that he will have to let her go and love whomever she chooses, his fate was sealed long ago and cannot be changed. Not by me, not by you, not by your sister, your student or her friends, just accept it already just as he and I have already.*
Leaning against the frame of the door Celestia watched as Grey started to caress Luna’s back before she could take off to raise the moon, *I’m not so sure about that, I have a strong feeling that he may wish for something more in the hopes it may come.* Letting out a proud hmph Celestia smiled, *I won’t stop them, if it comes to it and if they want it I will help. It is as you say I want my sister to be happy.*
Giving a scoff like chuckle Xiuhtecutli looked down upon Celestia from the chandelier where he was coiled up, *Is it truly because you wish for your sister to be happy? Or is it because you intend to abuse what little of his power you have seen?* As Celestia's ears twitched Xiuhtecutli continued to poke away at her, *It is true what Luna has told you, this place holds the very same power he does and it can be used against him. I would say be thankful that he gives such trust to all of you right now, but I am unsure as to your true intent.*
Several hours later Twilight returned with several stacks of books, some notes, and one map, giving the map to Celestia Twilight continued to drive herself crazy trying to figure out the language Grey and Xiuhtecutli were speaking earlier. Sadly she had no references or leads to tell her where to look let alone what part of the world it came from or when it was spoken, as they tried to pick up from where they started they noticed that Greymane looked slightly feverish and could barely stand.
In the very moment he collapsed with heavy breathing and slight convulsions Xiuhtecutli place a barrier around him to keep everypony from trying to help him, “The only thing any of you can do for him is to let what’s going on run it's course.” Though Twilight and her friends kept trying to find a way to break the barrier Celestia pleaded with Xiuhtecutli, “Look at your sister, she worries just the same but sits there as calm as the ocean on a perfect day. Can you tell me why?”
Looking toward Luna Celestia wanted to ask the same question only to see a burst of green light to the left of herself, turning towards its direction Celestia saw the same thing as everypony else Greymane turned back into a stallion. As he rose to his hooves they could see he appeared as weak as somepony that just finished a fifteen round bout, from head to tail he was covered in sweat but his breathing was steadily returning to normal.
Releasing his advocate from the barrier Grey simply held out the small vial he drank from, “It’s what happens when the potion comes to an end.” Struggling to lean against the window in the hopes of feeling the gentle breeze of the night air Grey chuckled a little, “I rarely use it unless I have no choice, and though it is quite effective the potion lasts only a few hours and has its drawbacks.”
Walking back to the throne Celestia looked at the map only to see there was no such island, bringing the matter up to Twilight and Luna both were uncertain about it.
“I looked over every map we have going back over a thousand years, but not one shown there was an island.” Asking if her current research had anything to do with it Twilight gave a nervous chuckle, “Sorry Princess but no, I’ve been trying to figure out the language they spoke so next time I can translate it.”
“It wouldn’t matter Twilight Sparkle.” With those words both mares looked at Luna as she shook her head, “I know he won’t mind me saying this so I shall, even if you managed to figure it out they will just use a different one.” Looking at Greymane just past Twilight’s head Luna could see he was sitting there with his eyes close and a faint smile on his face, there as an even fainter breeze that went mostly unnoticed save for what Greymane could feel brushing against his head.
As he sat there they could hear him humming something what it was they didn’t know, “Oh what a lovely tune, where did you hear it?” Fluttershy inquired as the tips of her wings fluttered in anticipation.
“I’m not sure, it's the oldest dream I have.” Turning himself to look out at the night sky Grey had a confused yet happy look on his face, “All I can remember from it is that it’s always dark, cold, and I’m afraid for what reason I don’t know. But when I start to cry I hear it comforting me, I’ve even tried to open my eyes to see who’s singing it but I wake up when I do.”
Though they could only assume whom it is that he’s trying to see Xiuhtecutli cleared his throat as he slithered across the floor and stopped half way between Celestia and his advocate, “I do believe we should get right down to business, I for one do not like this at all but he has chosen to put his faith in all of you.” Watching him pace back and forth they worried where he was going with this, “However, he and I are agreed in one thing.” Pointing towards Luna he gave a stern look, “Princess Luna he wishes to let you go to the island, and knowing how your sister will fear your safety I wish to put those fears to rest. Celestia you needn’t worry as Greymane and myself will be accompanying your sister.”
Standing up Celestia looked him in the eyes knowing full well she might not stand a chance against him but she wasn’t taking a chance with Xiuhtecutli, Greymane maybe with an accompaniment of the guards with Twilight and her friends but not Xiuhtecutli.
“If I can send a few guards alongside the three of you then perhaps should my sister agree.” Celestia held her ground but a tiny bead of sweat was starting to form on her brow.
“I don’t trust you or your guards…” Crossing his arms Xiuhtecutli started tapping his finger as he thought of the alternative, “I might find some means to tolerate the violet mare you speak of and possibly one or two of her friends but that’s it.”
Stomping her hoof down Celestia jumped from her place near her throne and glided till she stood before the serpent staring him square in the eyes, “If my sister agrees to go with him then you stay here and they are accompanied by Twilight her friends and four guards two of my personal and two of hers!”
As the two of them continued to go back and forth negotiating who would go and who would stay Shining Armor couldn’t help but step in, “Forgive my intrusion Princess but we have a bigger issue, even if the two of you agreed to something we don’t even know where anypony could be going.”
As they looked at Xiuhtecutli he simply scoffed as he grumbled how Greymane said plenty about where they were heading. Every pony else however believed there was far more to it, but asking Luna wouldn’t do any good as all she knew about the location was a building made completely out of obsidian and an archive of secrets known only to Grey and Xiuhtecutli. As the three of them continued to go back and forth over who was going and where they may be going Luna walked over to Grey to check on him, though he seemed to be resting his face shown faint signs he was having a nightmare.
Looking around the room Luna could see all the attention was on the verbal conflict that continued between her sister Celestia, Xiuhtecutli, and Shining Armor. Touching his head with her horn she tried to see into his nightmare in the hopes to see what was going on.
‘I’m afraid I can’t let you do that Princess of the Night’ Opening her eyes Luna looked around only to learn nopony knew what she was up to so she attempted again, ‘I said I can’t let you, so please stop trying.’ Looking around once more she began to question whom in the room it could be that was doing this but when she couldn’t figure who it was she tried one last time, ‘Princess I know you want to help but his secrets are his own to keep, and his burdens his own to bare.’ Opening her eyes she saw a young colt no older than six or seven sitting next to Greymane his appearance identical to Grey in exactly every detail, ‘You will tire out and fracture your mind long before you even make a sixteenth of a fraction into the power I posses, and I wish not to harm the mare who owns his heart.’
Trying to keep her eyes on the young colt she watched as the little guy simply smiled and waved at her.
Turning around Luna pointed at the young colt as she grabbed Twilight’s attention, “Where did that young colt come from?”
“What young colt Princess?” The lavender mare inquired looking to where Luna was pointing.
“Why the one sitting next… to…” Looking back she saw the young colt was gone yet for some reason she could feel his presence for a short time, “he was right there.”
Trying to figure out where the colt went or how he even got in without catching the attention of the guards made Luna question if Greymane had a young pupil he was training to one day take his place, sitting next to Grey she quickly dismissed the thought of him having a student as he had often said he would never train anypony to take his place. She knew that Grey was adamant about it as it was stated in his diary that his current life was a dark and unforgiving path that condemns all who walk it to death, and he would never do that to anypony else… not even if they begged him.
As Luna sat next to him she could hear him grunting and groaning as the expression on his face seemed to get worse and start to show, ‘Can’t they come to an agreement quietly? Or at least let me go back to the dungeon?’ Luna heard him whisper causing her to slightly giggle behind her hoof.
As the argument continued to grow further and further out of control Celestia and Shining Armor demanded that Xiuhtecutli simply calm down and take what they suggested to be the best idea, “The best idea offered by infants?” He scoffed, “You must think I’m far more chaotic than that draconequus Discord to do that. I don’t listen to brats!”
As he snarled Celestia’s nostrils flared and Shining began to channel magic to his horn, they stood there for several minutes in silence staring each other down with tensions growing with each passing second.
Tip toeing her way around Princess Cadence made her way over to Luna and Greymane, “Luna please tell me there’s something any of us can do.”
Before she could speak she found herself slightly blushing having felt Grey now leaning on her, “Umm…” She was slightly nervous knowing he didn’t do this intentionally, “there is one thing but…”
Before anypony could do anything Grey slowly opened his eyes knowing what he had to do only to find he was sitting in a puddle of blood causing him to jump away from Luna in fear, as he looked around the room he could see everything was in ruins and he could hear the most sinister of laughing. As his eyes slowly came across every pony he saw they were all brutally beaten to death causing his breathing to become heavy and sporadic, in his heart he knew what he saw was not real but his eyes, mind, and body could not tell the difference.
The last pony he saw was Luna and hers was worst of all, ‘This is your future and you know it, there is no changing it, no escaping it, you will kill all of them!’
Curling up he began to cower in fear muttering in several different languages that he would never do it, he even started to beg for forgiveness from all of them for something that hadn’t happen yet. His sudden outburst soon caught the attention of everypony in the room as Luna walked up towards him, but in his eyes all he saw was a horrid disfigured blood stained mare that was once Luna trying to reach out to him.
As she reached closer to him Grey began to constantly repeat a single statement over and over again in the same language, “Mo o ne djala deno bet mina dat eto!” Each time he repeated this statement the more terrified he became that it was soon clear to them he was chanting a mantra, if any pony could claim to have seen him at his weakest this was clearly it he was like a newborn cowering and crying for its mother during the worst storm it would ever know.
Stopping her movement Luna set her hoof down and looked towards Xiuhtecutli, “What is he saying?” Clutching his fist Xiuhtecutli groaned as he inquired why she asked, “If anyone in this room knows what he is saying it’s you…” Stomping her hoof down Luna nearly cried as she begged, “please tell me so I can know how to help him.”
Giving a disgruntled sigh Xiuhtecutli knew what was causing him to be like this but with held what he could, “If I tell you what he is saying you must first set aside your delusion of being able to help him, I say this because there isn’t a single creature alive or dead that can help him.” Luna refused to believe such a thing saying that she had to at least try something causing Xiuhtecutli to scoff, “Believe what you will Princess but you will learn soon enough. What he is saying is, ‘I am not what you claim me to be.’ Say what you will but trust me nothing can help him beyond what he isn’t willing to do for himself, and I think he has nearly given up hope on the matter. His only wish now is to just to make it to the end.”
As Luna and Xiuhtecutli went back and forth over the matter Grey continued chanting as the artifacts continued to torment him, ‘It’s funny don’t you think, you say this isn’t who you are but deep down you know it’s true. Each day you spend trying to prove us wrong is one step closer to returning to this, in time you will fall and return to us there is no doubt this is the outcome just accept it. Quit fighting and just give in.’
As they started to laugh his sight returned to normal and all around him was as it was, the room was whole Twilight and her friends were alive and unharmed, and the same could partly be said about Celestia and Shining Armor who had spent the past half hour arguing with Xiuhtecutli. Looking around he tried to figure out what was going on as he heard the argument between Luna and Xiuhtecutli, it didn’t take long for Cadence to join in saying that attempting something was better than doing nothing.
Struggling to his hooves Grey cleared his throat to grab their attention, “Though it is unwise to aid somepony when you know nothing of what is happening, it is always best to offer a helping hoof when and where you can. That being said I would like to extend mine by asking what is the problem?”
Nearly everypony in the room wanted to ask him about what just happened, Xiuhtecutli however did what he could to keep them from finding out about Grey's dark secret knowing that it should be left hidden in the darkest corners of time to rot.
“Just a simple discussion about who goes on this venture and who doesn’t, you wouldn’t believe some of the childish ideas they had.” Both Grey and Xiuhtecutli knew that this conversation was just a distraction and nothing more, its purpose would only drift away from their questions for so long before they began trying to poke away at what caused Greymane to act the way he did.
Giving a faint hmph as he walked Luna asked if he was alright only for him to smile, “I have an end all solution to this, but you won’t like it in the least.” Looking back and forth Grey saw that everypony was intrigued as to what he was planning Xiuhtecutli however groaned, “Luna will go with Twilight and her friends plus one other of her choice, all of them will be escorted by Xiuhtecutli who shall protect them as though they were me.”
Giving a nervous grin Celestia couldn’t help but walk towards her sister and place her hoof around her, “And what of you, where will you be during all of this?”
Before Luna or anyone could say anything Grey smiled, “I’ll stay here in your dungeon as a means of collateral, I will be at your mercy which will keep Xiuhtecutli bound to the deal of protecting them all the more.”
Extending his claw towards Celestia they all watched as a small flame began to burn above it and start encircling, “I don't like the sound of it, however, it's the best plan I’ve heard so far. What say you Celestia do we have a deal?” Celestia hesitated in reaching out asking what guarantee they all had from the serpent causing him to scoff and grow angry, “I don’t know how many deals you’ve made but when it comes to my race my word is as good as my life, should I fail to uphold my end of the bargain for whatever reason my life is yours to command.” Reaching out to take his claw everypony watched as the flame circled faster and faster till it vanished in a bright light, “The bond between Leviathan and Alicorn has been made, it shall be known that till your sister and her group return I shall protect them as though they were my advocate."
As the light vanished Celestia felt a slight burning sensation on the bottom of her hoof, looking at it she watched as the emblem known as the leviathan’s cross appeared on her hoof. Looking back at Xiuhtecutli she saw him holding out his palm towards her to show he had an emblem at that seemed to be burned in as well, he explained that so long as their deal was in place they would both old the markings of each others house upon them. Once the deal was considered complete by both parties the emblems would vanish leaving no trace.
After everypony came to an agreement and Celestia felt safe knowing that Xiuhtecutli would be kept in some level of check, having sent for her pupil Luna whispered to Greymane that he would proud of the pony she has selected to take under her tutorship.
It didn’t take very long for Luna’s pupil to show up but when she did the young mare was ecstatic to have gotten a summons from the Princess of the Night, so much so she came rushing in apologizing for being late when no time for arrival had been set. Being calmed down by her mentor, Luna welcomed her with a smile.
“Selune it is great that you could join us on such short notice, I do hope this wasn’t intruding on anything you were working on.”
Shaking her head with a smile Selune took a few steps back and summon forth a pair of swords that she took with both hooves, “I was simply perfecting my combat technique should I ever have need of it…” Blushing as she put the swords away Selune rubbed the back of her neck, “I was also brushing up on a few illusion spells so I could better adapt them as needed.”
Though Luna wanted to complement her student for making headway into her studies Xiuhtecutli scoffed at what he claimed to be infant's play, “Of all the ponies I was worried you would pick and you chose one who’s still learning, I feared for nothing she’s hardly even worth a second in the day.”
Wanting to snap back at the stallion she saw Selune was interrupted by Greymane who simply chuckled at what he heard, “Pay him no mind, any living thing that hasn’t proven itself to him isn’t considered to be worth anything. But that’s what you get when dealing with a serpent whose better off at the end of a hook, trust me he makes for excellent fish bait.”
Looking in the direction the voice came from Selune realized that in her excitement she spast Greymane who was still recovering from the side effects of the potion, “You’re him… the stallion that vanished the day of the trial.” Pulling her swords back out Selune carefully approached Grey, “I’ve done a lot of research into you, sure there’s not much to go on but one thing stood out.” Once the tip of her sword was near Greymanes neck Selune stopped and casted a spell for true sight, “It is said that you can best an alicorn, but those stories are old and magic has advanced over the years.”
Running his hoof the length of the blade Grey simply smiled as he tapped the broad side a few times, “I take it you wish to try your hoof at how true it could be?”
Selune nearly dropped her swords and her spell as she squealed in nervous excitement, “Can I please!? I mean anypony can give a challenge but to face a living legend who went hoof to hoof with an archdemon.”
Looking at Luna Grey smiled, “Well I don’t know Luna has spoken rather highly of you, but if she says it's alright then one round wouldn’t hurt.” Grey hopped Luna wouldn’t say yes, in his current condition he couldn’t guarantee that he could give her a good enough challenge or that he could hold back enough to not harm her.
“Try not to destroy the room please.” Luna had great faith in both of them but couldn’t help but want to give her young student a chance to learn.
As Selune and Grey squared off everypony sat next to the throne as Xiuhtecutli stood behind Greymane, *She’s currently casting a spell of some kind, if you like I could read her thoughts to find out what it is and how it works.*
*No that won’t be necessary, besides I want to see what a thousand years of magical studies has produced and adapt to it.* Grey smiled at the thought to learn alongside the young black and white mare who stood before him, looking at her stance Grey felt she was a sword dancer of some kind and used her white stripes as a slight illusion.
Shrugging his shoulders Xiuhtecutli slithered away calling Grey a fool for not taking advantage of his help, as he left Selune could see a slight change from his original appearance only moments ago. To her he was a pony close to Grey’s appearance save for a scar over his right eye. Through her spell of true sight Selune could see he still looked like a pony, but instead of a coat she saw scales and his eyes seemed to be brighter than the sun.
As he spoke embers seemed to fly out of his mouth as though his breath burned the very air, unsure of what to make of what she saw Selune turned her attention back to the stallion that she challenged.
Pointing her blades at Grey she watched as he simply sat down and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, “Are you not going to take a defensive posture?”
Watching him closely through her spell Selune watched as what appeared to be ghostly figures sprout out of him as he slowly exhaled, “I already have.” Though his eyes remained closed Selune didn’t know what to make of the ghostly figures that now began to stare at her, “When ever you are ready.”
Slowly moving around him Selune question what she was seeing if she was truly seeing this, if what could be said of him was true then it was a trick of some kind, ‘No that can’t be right if that was so then why isn’t my spell seeing through it, or could it simply be just that, is it all him and how he seems to protect himself but how does he do it?’ She inquired to herself.
Keeping her eyes on him she watched as the ghostly heads stopped focusing on her and started looking around the room as though something caught each of their individual attentions, taking that as her cue Selune charged in and at the moment she felt was right she jumped into the air. As her swords came down one of the heads looked up and in that one instant they all vanished from her sight, as her swords landed on the ground she saw Grey standing on his back hooves perfectly aligned between the two blades. Bringing them up in a crossing slash she watched as Grey allowed himself to fall back and roll towards the door till he was standing on all four hooves.
Tapping his chin as he looked at Selune Grey tried to pin down her sword style only to feel like she was making it up as she went.
In a way he found she was simply trying to feel out the fight before trying anything just as he was, his only real question was who would figure it out first her or him? Realizing that being on the offense wasn’t working Selune quickly switched to defense, with the blunt end of one sword running across the back of her neck the other ran the length of her leg showing a reflection of Greymane upon it. Taking notice of her sudden change in the fight Grey smiled as he let out a hmph and took a few steps towards her, once he came close enough to her Grey dove towards her and placed his front hooves on the broad side of her sword, knowing she was trying to read him Grey did what he could to remain unpredictable.
Grey bounced off the sword as Selune swung the other while spinning around. Stopping her movement with one sword pointed at the door behind her, and the other facing everypony else. As she looked around she saw no sign of him in front of herself nor to the sides.
Quickly trying to turn around and face him she only saw Grey balancing upside down on one hoof at the tip of her sword, “Hello there.” He smiled and waved with his other front hoof.
Through her spell Selune could see a strange kind of magic enveloping him from what she assumed to be his cloak or something in it, as she stared at him she tried to piece together how he just did what he was doing knowing she had kept a rather close eye on him and his movements.
“Hi?” Selune responded as she gave a nervous chuckle and a smile.
Feeling it was time to take the foal gloves off Selune allowed the sword he was balancing on fall to the ground as she brought the other around, as her second sword neared him Selune watched as he used her sword swing as a means to guide himself around her attack and land on the floor untouched. Attempting to strike him with each swing of her swords Selune watched as he just rolled on the floor like a puppy or kitten playing with it's owner.
As the fight started to near the end Grey stopped rolling around and laid on his back, “Has anypony complimented you on your maroon mane? If not it’s a shame, it really brings out the lovely color in your eyes.”
“Seriously? Are you flirting during a sparring match?” She laughed as she continued to try and find an opening in his defense only to watch him find some way to slip away like a snake.
“Not flirting, complimenting there’s a difference.” He replied as he slipped between her swords before finding away behind her, “Besides somepony already has my heart.” As the two of them stood there Selune could barely feel his hoof pointing at the back of her neck telling her there was nothing more either of them could do, “Luna was right you are good, a tad rough around the edges here and there but nothing a little practice can’t help with.”
Releasing her swords Selune smiled, “I don’t really know what to say.” Selune knew she was good but to hear praise from a legend like Greymane was a different kind of feeling, she knew Luna often spoke of how good she was but to have a thief complement her was odd even if it was good.
“Tell me what sword technique do you use?”
Rubbing the back of her head Selune blushed as she chuckled under her breath, “I don’t…” Hearing a baffled hum from Grey she looked up to make eye contact with him, “What I mean to say is I never learned how to wield a sword, I just read up on how minotaurs use their arms and hands and adapted my own skills from there.” Looking on she could see one last ghostly head protruding out the back of Grey’s head near where it connected to his neck, in its eyes she saw sorrow mixed with guilt but upon its face she saw self loathing as though it wished to die.
Before she could ask Selune found her spell being shattered as though it was nothing, having taken notice of where the break was coming from she looked towards everypony else only to see a slight shine from the strange stallion with the scar.
Wanting to question both stallions Selune found her focus being brought back to Greymane, “When you return, and if you would like I can teach you a dance step or two that would complement who you are as a pony and your swords.”
Almost wanting to ask why she needed to learn how to dance Selune tapped herself on the head as she slightly stuck out her tongue, she had often heard of sword dancers from around the world but finding a master to learn from was not easy as they tend to keep to themselves. Many masters often refused foreigners believing the art and tradition would be lost to them or worse, bastardised in some way that shamed the art itself. In a way Selune felt proud to know she would learn something from Grey, but almost questioned why he would teach her anything that could put her on par with him.
‘Perhaps even he wants a perfect challenge sometimes.’ Selune thought as she went back to join her mentor, who was smiling at how much Selune had grown over the recent years.
Catching up to Grey, Selune held out her hoof as she called out to him thanking Grey for a chance to test herself.
With a smile Grey turned around to shake her hoof, “You’re more than welcome, and you show much promise.”
In the moment Selune felt Grey’s hoof the world around them vanished before her eyes, in no time at all Selune saw the very darkness she feared as it seemed to reach out for them with a bony hand. As it attempted to consume them Selune watched as it clashed with Grey as though he was it's only target, as quickly as it came the darkness was gone but she saw Grey nearly beaten to death. He was down on his knees holding his head, though he appeared to be crying blood while laughing at the same time.
One eye was completely covered in blood leaving no sign of the iris or pupil, in the other Selune could see it was slowly filling with blood. In what remained of the eye she could see fear, worry, sorrow, and even a faint trace of a failing attempt to fight whatever was causing this change. But what caused her the most worry was what little of the darkness that stuck around, on his neck she saw a faint black mist that was slowly turning into a blade ready to slit his throat or take his head at just the right moment.
Looking at the mist Selune saw that it trailed off somewhere behind Grey, following the faint trail she soon saw a pocket watch and could hear the gears inside turning as it began to open. As the watch slowly opened Selune could see a bright light blinding her as she heard the sounds of a bell, once the light was gone she could see everything was back the way it was.
Her only worry was that in Grey’s eyes she could tell he knew she saw something, but upon his face she read one thing, ‘I don’t want to know.’ It was faint but it was there clear as day to her.
Seluen wanted to talk with Grey about what she saw hoping to give him some kind of warning only to be stopped, “If there’s anything you need for this trip get it know, I’ll give all of you plenty of time to prepare.” Biting her lower lip as she turned around she found Xiuhtecutli standing behind her, *I’ve seen that expression thousands of times so I will tell you only once, keep it to yourself!*
A few hours had past before Xiuhtecutli got annoyed of waiting in the throne room for the other to return, Celestia had left to raise the sun as always but Selune, Twilight and her friends left to go out to the city to gather a few things. Taking his astral form he rushed off to try and find everypony and bring them back, in his haste he past by Celestia and Selune returning to the throne room. Though Selune was still ecstatic to have been chosen for this little trip she soon found herself being held back by Celestia, looking up at her Selune noticed a warm loving smile upon her face as she looked around the door frame.
Peeking around as well she saw Greymane and Luna by themselves, in no time at all Twilight and the others showed up as well with all they thought they needed. With the same curiosity as the two mares before them they all peeked into the room.
“Grey…” Luna hesitated unsure if he was willing to talk about anything, “thank you for trusting me with this.”
Placing his hoof on her cheek Grey couldn’t help but look deep into her eyes, “If there was anypony in all the world I can trust without a shadow of a doubt it’s you Luna.” Bringing himself closer the two of them started to nuzzle each others noses as their hearts started to race, “Just promise me that whatever you all discover out there that you keep it to yourselves, save for what we need to…”
Watching from around the door frame everypony watched in anticipation, everything couldn’t be more perfect by Rarity’s definition, save for the lack of a beach or any other romantic location she could list. Behind them was the gorgeous sun rise that added to everything, the candles from the night before nearly dying out around them. And no pony would dare enter the room to stop it, even Celestia waited to see hoping for them to finish.
As their lips drew closer they were soon interrupted by Xiuhtecutli clearing his voice as he returned to his physical form, “I do believe everypony is ready to go.” Snapping his fingers everypony besides Celestia began to levitate and were brought into the room, “As you can see they are all packed and ready to go, how about you Princess?”
Looking back behind himself Celestia tried to conceal the blush on her face, “Well surely we have a little time for some tea don’t you think? That’s what all of us were waiting for, isn’t that right girls?”
They all muttered in embarrassed agreement while Applejack remained silent on the matter, both her and Xiuhtecutli knew the truth but kept quiet. Applejack because she didn’t want to lie and Xiuhtecutli because he felt if they wanted to tell the truth they would have.
Though their faces remained close for a time both Grey and Luna were slightly hesitant on separating, “I should…”
“...Yes of course.” Grey whispered as he gently let go of Luna.
As everypony gathered together around Xiuhtecutli they questioned how they were going to travel there only to hear him groan as his eyes slightly shined, “Faint winds can’t even call it a breeze, a slight overcast could be a small storm coming in.” As they tried to figure out what he was doing Xiuhtecutli focused on the clouds near the peninsula in Zherbenok bay, “Keep yourselves calm and your minds clear, do not think of anything.”
As his eyes started to shine brighter and brighter the cackling of magical energies began to collect around them, as it continued to build everypony tried to remain calm and trust in their guide. Nearing its apex they were soon surrounded by a ring of lighting that slowly closed in on them.
Drawing closer and closer to them each one of them began to worry… that is till Pinkie Pie blurted out, “What if we think about cake?”
With a bolt of lighting they vanished with the only thing Celestia and Greymane heard coming from Xiuhtecutli, “Wait… what?”
In the instant they were gone Celestia looked over to Grey and thought about how close he and her sister came, “So…” Grey spoke as he cleared his throat hoping Celestia wouldn’t talk about what she saw, “is it about time I was returned to the dungeon?”
“Are you sure? You’ve been absolved of the crime, you can take one of the rooms here in the castle as a guest if you like.” Celestia was baffled and wanted to know why he chose the dungeon, sure that was the agreed upon deal but she felt he deserved better.
Holding up his hooves Grey sighed, “No a deal is a deal, and I honor my word.”
Giving a faint smile Celestia turned and started walking towards the hall, “If that is what you wish, but I’ll just escort you down there.”
As they walked Grey kept his eye on the guards hoping to figure out who among them had betrayed their Princesses, or worse who among them were never loyal to begin with. The walk to the dungeon was awkward at best between the two of them in Celestia’s point of view, for Greymane however he didn’t notice it as he was focused on trying to find the proverbial foxes in the hen house. Just before they got to the stairs leading to the rather dark and cold dungeons Grey saw the same group of stallions from before talking to a maid and butler, what they were talking about he didn’t know and that worried him.
His only real hope that gave his mind some ease was he could be their only target for the time being, and that being said Grey new everything had to play right into his hoof. And sadly that meant his cell could be his execution chamber regardless of how things played out, should things end up like that Grey planed out a way to keep Celestia out of the way. Snatching a quill and bit of parchment, as they went down the stairs Grey took a moment to scribble something down.
Folding up the note he whispered, ‘Dindoska soun’sossian hany minai.’
Stopping for a moment at the foot of the staircase Celestia looked around and saw that the guards were in a middle of a rotation, “I know you have feelings for my sister, so tell me why do you not act on them? Is it because he tells you not to?”
“Look at me Celestia, I am a world renowned legend, a thief the world wants dead. You are right I do love Luna but to keep all of you safe I must do what I can, so no it is not because Xiuhtecutli tells me not to indulge in how I feel. It is because of those very feelings that I can’t act upon them…” Walking past Celestia he sighed, “should my enemies or the world know that you, your sister, or any close to you are sided with me. There is no telling what could happen. Believe me if there was a way I would have found it by now, I want Luna to be happy but I won’t jeopardize her’s or anypony’s safety.”
Though she didn’t like his answer Celestia was willing to accept it, “It is far more difficult to seek out what we wish for the most when we have to put others before ourselves, I hope for the best for both of you and whatever will come of it.” Walking into his cell Grey turned around and held out the note for Celestia, “What is this for?”
“Something is going to happen very soon Celestia, something that nopony can stop or alter. One thing I can guarantee is that it will be contained down here but I must ask for something in exchange.” As she took the note Celestia tried to open it only to find she could not, “No matter what you cannot take action, just let it happen otherwise it stands a chance to escalate.” Reluctantly accepting his request Celestia asked about the note and its significance, “Xiuhtecutli will not like what is going to happen, but that will keep him from acting out. Keep it hidden until you need it the most.”
Nodding her head Celestia tucked it under her necklace as she left, before long Celestia was out of earshot of the dungeon.
Once she was gone Chambers stepped out the shadows from the opposing cell, “What was that warning about, was it some kind of threat?”
Putting himself back in chains Grey smiled as he looked up at his strange visitor, “No it wasn’t a threat, I’m just trying to fish for information using myself as bait. I’m not sure who you are but I ask the same of you, whatever happens please don’t try to stop it or get involved.”
Stats
Page generated in 0.031 seconds
Total duration
1,041 users online
1,931,933 hits today, 2,004,447 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®