Tribunal

by Carnifaxy

Chapter 8

As the sun went down Celestia ate her dinner in peace. Shining Armor and Blueblood were orchestrating with the military leaders on her behalf, giving the solar princess time to relax. With Roland off to the minotaurs a burden was lifted off of her withers and she could not help but sigh happily. Not everything was going right, but the things that were seemed to be just fine.

Until the door of the dining hall was slammed open and a panicking Twilight ran over to her. Already her heart dropped into her belly as she saw her student crying.

“Where's Spike?!” She cried out at Celestia's hooves, tears pouring from her eyes as she beat her hooves against the princess's side. “Where's Spike, why is there a war coming with the griffons?!”

Movement drew Celestia's eyes and she saw Roland in the doorway, looking guilty. Her heart ached, and she knew that it was her fault and no one else's.

“Celestia I swear I had no idea you were keeping it from your student.” He said as he walked into the room steadily, his gaze to the ground.

The solar princess closed her eyes and swept Twilight up into a tight hug. “I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Twilight.”

“What happened to Spike?” The unicorn choked out.

“I don't know, I'm sorry. Things have happened to fast. The griffons think Luna is behind the murder of their king.”

“W-what? But that doesn't make any sense! I-it had to be something Chrysalis did! You never should have let her leave Equestria!” Twilight shouted, eyes puffy and red from crying. “J-just not execute her, but keep her prisoner...”

Celestia hugged her pupil tighter and shut her eyes tight. “I couldn't. She called for a Tribunal and I had to obey. I'm sorry I put Spike over there. I'm sorry I didn't go myself. I should have kept Luna here to watch over Equestria.”

“You did what you thought was right with what information was at hand. That is how we all must try to do, my princess.” Roland said as he knelt on one knee next to Celestia and Twilight.

“Roland... Sir Roland. I cannot blame you for what you said. You did not know I didn't alert Twilight of what was going on. Spike is dear to us all, but I could not worry solely on him. The griffons no doubt have him and the others imprisoned. They'll remain like that until we can arrange a prisoner exchange-”

Before she could finish a guard ran in, huffing. “P-princess, the diplomatic airship has returned! They're coming right to Canterlot!”

“Oh thank the sun and stars!” The princess said in relief. “Who is all on board?”

“All but your sister and Night Shade, your majesty. Everyone else is there.”

“Even Spike?!” Twilight asked as she slipped out of Celestia's hug and tried to wipe away the tears and mucus from her nose.

“Aye, the dragon is there too. Pegasus patrols verified as they flew over Manehattan. They'll be here in a few hours.”

The unicorn slumped to the ground, her breathing steady as she smiled. “Spike's coming back, he's fine...”

With a nod of her head Celestia gave her guard a tired smile. “Prepare a room for Twilight and Spike. Get one of the other airships ready, Sir Roland here needs to be on his way to Knossos immediately. Send the others to debrief me as to what happened in Griffdonia.”

The guard saluted and helped Twilight onto her hooves before gently escorting her out. Roland stood back up to his feet and furrowed his brow.

“I wish I could do more for you my goddess. And, I am sorry for telling your student about the upcoming conflict.”

It took her a moment to look at Roland, looking utterly tired and drained with mist in her eyes. “You meant no harm Roland. I should have told her sooner that something had happened. What if, what if something worse occurred? What if Spike died over there? Twilight would hate me for keeping it secret from her, I would hate myself for putting him there.”

Seeing how distressed she was he took a seat, looking rather comical given the size difference. “When the war began, I had my brother go and keep an eye on the Lunarians. He was as devout as I was, remember? One of the first to services, ensuring everything was just right.”

“But you were the one I chose to bestow the Blade of the Sun upon. I could see your devotion was true, and modest. All you wanted was to serve. Oliver wanted-”

“Recognition. He wanted to be loved, and to be in everyone's esteem. Aye, not unlike the tale of your sister falling to darkness. If I had known how things turned out, would I have made him the scout? No. Fierabras would have done just as well, but we didn't truly trust him as he had defected to us first. Turpin was too well known. Ogier couldn't hide if you buried him! Oliver knew stealth. He knew the arts. And so he betrayed us.”

“I know the lesson you seek to teach, Roland. I am very old you know, older than you.” Celestia said with a kind smile. She opened her wings and draped one around him in a hug. “But thank you nonetheless. For all of your love, all of your devotion, I have a gift to help you on your journey.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“The minotaurs have a calm temper, but when driven to violence can be frightening. You will need strength to keep up with them, and so I shall grant you a blessing. Stand before me, Sir Roland and present your arms. Your actual arms.”

Princess and knight moved positions, Roland standing in front of Celestia with his arms out, the fine steel gauntlets covering his hands and wrists. Golden magic formed along the length of her horn as she leaned her head down to touch them. Her magic rippled down along the metal, settling inside.

“Pray, Sir Roland, and accept this gift. As long as your faith remains true and you wear these you shall have the strength to hold the heavens themselves if necessary. Now go, my brave knight, and help keep the realm safe.”

“I shall, my lady, I shall.” He turned around and began to walk before he stopped. “Oh Celestia, She of the Sun, there is one thing I must ask.”

“Yes?”

“My brothers, when it is my turn to join them I think it would be best if we had our final rest in your sunlight instead of the catacombs.”

A moment of silence passed before Celestia nodded. “You're right, you're right. They sacrificed so much for me. It is only fitting that they meet their final rest as Celestian knights.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

Some hours went by as Celestia relaxed in the war room, the detailed maps of the world splayed out plotting out courses for potential military maneuvers. The Fangs, as far north as they were, would have been a key land bridge if there was anything growing there. Mountainous terrain and lack of anything edible for either side meant only a very well prepared expeditionary force could even dare attempt the crossing. She considered for a moment before noting that a few scouts constantly patrolling the lands before the Fangs would be for the best. Her eyes were then drawn to the map of the ocean, and the Azures that lay between her nation and the griffons.

Her ears swiveled as she heard the doors open and the clop of hooves of her guards. Before they could say anything she let out a weary sigh.

“It always comes back to the Azures doesn't it?”

“Indeed, princess. As we flew over them on our way back we noticed a lone griffon scout in the area. Given the timeframe, we believe that King Agathon was already preparing on attempting to secure the islands.”

She turned to face the ponies that had gone to protect her sister. “Tell me what happened.”

And so they broke down what had occurred, to the best of their knowledge. She sat there in rapt attention, saying nothing and merely writing notes down as her frown deepened and deepened up until the very end with their escape.

“He let you all out but not my sister. Chrysalis is free, and the new griffon queen is attempting to solidify her rule over the land.” She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “We can work with this. We have to. We need to secure the Azures immediately. That means as many combat capable pegasus units as possible. They'll need to ready defenses for the inevitable griffon attack as well.”

“Princess, is it wise to bet solely on the Azures?”

“It is the only stopping point for the griffons and minotaurs, and if the people of Knossos see reason then it will just be griffons we will have to worry about.”

“And what of the southern borders, where the changelings and humans could come up from?”

She looked at the stallion and grimaced slightly. “There's lots of empty expanse there. Then again, the changelings did infiltrate Canterlot. We'll need to keep unicorn patrols there as well for anti-illusion spells. That would need to be discreet however. Changelings need love to feed off of, they would no doubt travel along the more populated areas to feed from. These are all just general ideas, I want you to pass these notes to the generals to get their input on things.”

The guard saluted as he took her notes. “We'll copy these and bring them to the generals immediately your highness.”

“Good. How are Twilight and Spike?”

“They're sleeping. They cried, ate, and went right to bed after that.”

Celestia took in a deep breath and smiled. “I'm glad that they're back together. Tell them to meet me for breakfast in the morning as well. Take care and goodnight my little ponies.”

“Goodnight princess!”

In the morning Celestia waited in the dining room, taking her time with a small breakfast. She had a busy day ahead, but dreaded the duties to come. Organized acts of violence against another state was always cause of consternation in her. Whether it be from the various wars against the griffons in the past, the Nightmare War, or other, far more ancient conflicts, they caused dread in her heart.

Next to her were two folders full of papers. One was titled 'Agathon' which was rather thick of information. The other said 'Slaar' across it, but was much, much thinner. Her eyes raised up as Twilight and Spike were allowed in, their plates already situated next to her.

“Good morning Princess Celestia!” Spike said with a smile and a wave.

“Good morning princess.” Twilight said more demurely.

Celestia couldn't help but feel relief at seeing Spike being himself and she motioned him closer. “Spike, I'd like for you to sit and eat with me, like we used to.”

His eyes widened and he hurried right on over, Celestia gently scooping him up to sit him in front of her. He felt her wings snug him tightly and she kissed the top of his head.

“I'm so sorry Spike," she whispered gently.

“It's okay princess, I'm fine! Really! Just, I feel really bad that Luna's still over there and that Night Shade... but it's not like anypony knew what was going to happen.” He quieted down a little. “I hope Princess Luna is all right. I hope Slaar is as nice to her as he was to me.”

He felt Celestia stroke his head gently as a butler set down a plate of gems for Spike. “Tell me about Slaar. What was he like?”

“Oh he was great! I only saw him as a dragon once, but he was so big! His scales looked like sapphires, and he was always laughing and telling stories. At least, until...” Spike silenced himself with food, focusing on that instead.

Celestia raised the file she had on the dragon and shuffled through it, reading what scarce information she had.

“What's that princess?” Twilight asked.

“I've had my scholars gather as much information we had on this Slaar fellow. It is very, very thin. The most we know is that a big, blue dragon was often in Zebrica for many years, often in the company of two young griffons. Sadly, we know little of those times there. Even Agathon's file doesn't tell of the times he was there, except for his very last expedition.”

“What happened?” Her student asked as she chewed on a pancake. Celestia gave her a motherly look that said 'don't talk when you chew' but otherwise said nothing in that regard.

“King Agathon and Queen Alexis took one last tour to Zebrica three years ago. There they were said to try and unlock the tomb of an ancient temple they and their dragon-friend had discovered when they were all so much younger. Queen Alexis fell ill and passed away, and Agathon returned home right after. There's no sign of their dragon friend being with them on that journey.”

“Princess, what would a dragon being doing in Zebrica?”

“Have you SEEN the kinds of gems that come from there Twilight?! I've been wanting to go since reading that geology catalog Rarity has of gems from around the world! Lightning Topazes, Ice Sapphires, Fire Rubies, all in abundance! It's a buffet!”

Celestia let out a little giggle at Spike's exuberance but the thought did weigh on her mind. Why would a dragon be down in the jungles of Zebrica, scrounging through ancient tombs built for...

“The Ancient Lords.” The words came unbidden to her lips, her eyes widening in realization. She suddenly regretted speaking aloud, knowing the questions would follow.

“What ancient lords?”

“Must be really ancient for you to call them that Princess!”

"Spike!" Twilight hissed out in horror.

Celestia ignored Spike's comment, on that she was quite old. “When Luna and I were just fillies, there were six ancient lords that settled across the world. Their tombs have all been lost to time, or so it seems. Zebrica would be the location of at least one.” The solar princess cleared her throat and her horn glowed, showing a globe of the world. “'Oh untamed and majestic lands, where once gods left their mark, we six lay to rest in your embrace. Oh gentleness, oh mirth, we lay down in the mountains and ice. Oh truth, oh fealty, we lay down in the mires and jungles. Oh charity, oh sorcery, we lay down where we first awoke.”

Twilight and Spike watched in awe as five points across the world lit up. Standing up, Twilight studied the globe intensely. “Oh, oh, there's a light in Griffdonia, one in Zebrica, there's one in that frozen tundra north of Equestria... is that Knossos with the other light? And that one is-” she gasped, “the Everfree Forest! But Celestia, you mentioned six, why are there only five points?”

The magic died down as Celestia looked to her student with a sad smile. “Two of them decided to be together, and passed together.”

Tapping her hoof to her chin Twilight put her mind to work. “Where they first awoke, and it was the pair... That means these lords grew up in the Everfree! But we haven't seen anything like a tomb- The castle! The tomb is beneath your old castle!”

“And that is why you are my pupil, you're very astute Twilight.” Celestia said with a warm smile.

“My friends and I have to investigate!”

“No.” Celestia's voice took a sudden hardness to it. “No, Twilight. The ancient tomb is not to be disturbed. It is... it is a monument to sins that should best be forgotten.”

“Did you fight these lords a thousand years ago using the Elements of Harmony?” Spike asked.

The question caught Celestia off guard and she couldn't help but giggle. “Oh, oh no not that!” She said with a sad smile. “But regardless, it is not an important matter. If Agathon and his friend were trying to find the old tombs they seemed to have failed. For the best, I think. There's naught in them but bones.”

---

Gilda let out another noise of irritation. Slaar was always irritating her, and this time more so than usual. Their airships hovered over a valley, a river crossing right through along the bottom from runoff of the snow. The valley was filled with trees and she could see deer flitting about. She was getting hungry, and she hadn't had a proper hunt in some time. Perhaps this stop wouldn't be so bad after all.

Slaar was flying close down through the valley, taking his time and wasting Gilda's. Oh yes, Lord Nikola had to be dealt with, but this was important for him. His eyes scanned the valley as he beat his wings to slow his descent until he finally was in front of the cave. It was impossible to see from the air, but on the ground the entrance was shaped much like an gigantic dragon skull. He climbed up onto the structure and dragged his claws to mark it before he kicked off to take into the air and back to the airships.

“I have need of the princess!” He called out over the spinning of the rotors and the beating of his wings. “It's urgent!”

“No! We're wasting too much time here already, what could be so important?!” Gilda squawked out in annoyance.

“It is one of the Tombs of the Ancients, Agathon and I had spent years in Zebrica uncovering one of them, and it had a map to the others! But we need the magic of an Equestrian to unlock it!”

A sealed tomb that's sat for centuries, millennia even... “What's in it for me?”

“I just need specific trinkets inside, I can leave the rest to you.”

“How do we know there's even much inside of there?”

“We don't!”

She rubbed her face and glared at the dragon who was trying his best to look like a child waiting for their parent to say 'yes'.

“You two aren't going alone in there, understand?”

“Very well, send a couple guards then!”

“No, I'm going in myself.”

“As you wish, your highness!”

He took off once more, adding some spins. Slaar seemed rather pleased with himself as he went into the cave. Dipping inside to investigate he could see age old marks of magic burns in the rock and deep gouges from claw marks. Gouges deeper than what his own claws could do to the stone. As he walked closer to the end of the cave the sounds of hooves clopping against the stony ground reached his ears but he was enamored by the ancient signs of battle. At the very end of the cave stood a massive stone door, more signs of battle damage upon it with several ancient arcane seals carved across the surface of it.

He turned his head and saw Gilda and Luna coming up to him, the griffon keeping right behind the alicorn and prodding her forward. Luna's eyes glanced around, studying the surroundings intently to try and familiarize herself with the darkness. Slaar snapped his fingers, emitting a steady glow from the tips to illuminate the area. Once in light, Luna's eyes widened in realization.

“This is... Yes, an ancient and cruel tyrant lays here. N-no. They were not cruel by choice.” Her hooves tapped gently against the ground as she walked up to the sealed doors, the seals beginning to react to her presence. Her voice sounded as if she was distracted and distant. “Sister and I, we did what we had to. She was too far gone.”

“How old were you?” Slaar asked in a gentle tone.

“Still a filly. I hadn't even earned my Cutie Mark yet at the time. But we were charged with bringing our foes down, to bring harmony back to the world.”

“Well this is a fascinating history lesson but just so we're all aware I am not unsealing her magic unless you keep an eye on her Slaar.”

He turned his head to look down at Luna and their eyes locked. “I want to see what lays beyond these doors.”

“You will not like what you find, but, I shall not flee. I will help unlock the seals, and you may imprison me once more.”

Gilda raised a brow at that. “Swear on your sister you won't and I'll do it.”

Luna turned to face Gilda. “I swear upon my sister and her sun and on my moon and stars that I shall not flee.”

Shuffling her feathers uncomfortably Gilda gently unlatched the horn inhibitor. Luna waited for the griffon to step back before her horn flared to life. At the same time Slaar's fingers glowed and together they poured their magic into the seals. There was a groan and a rumble as stone ground against stone, the arcane seals glowing brighter before suddenly dimming. The rumbling continued as the doors parted to reveal an even larger chamber within.

Bones. Piles upon piles of bones were scattered around, The largest pile of bones was of just one creature, a dragon that was easily twice the size of Slaar. He was dumbstruck as he stared up at the ancient bones.

Gilda put the inhibitor back onto Luna without any resistance and took stock of their surroundings. “Must have been one hungry dragon.” She said as she walked over to one bone pile to look it over. “Can't really tell what's what.”

“Nay, it was not hunger that drove her, but cruelty. She would have eaten many of these, yes, but only after performing terrible tortures on their bodies.”

Picking up one bone Gilda nodded in agreement. “Some of these bones look like they've been broken and reset poorly. What could cause someone to do something like this? Oh, there's a bunch of pony skulls in here, weird.”

“What indeed, what indeed.” Slaar said in a quiet tone as he stepped closer to the giant dragon skeleton. He shifted up onto his hind legs and placed a hand onto the massive skull.

Luna walked over next to him. “She was known as Succor. For many years she would heal those that needed it, often without any reward. There was no gentler being in her time.”

“So what caused her to go nutty and start torturing creatures?” Gilda asked as she winced at the sight of a human skull that was cracked neatly in two.

“She and her kin were corrupted by evil forces outside of their control. Tell me, Slaar, what drove your interest in this tomb?”

“Agathon, Alexis, and I found a similar one in Zebrica so many years ago, but my magic alone could not open it. It was only after many, many days of scouring where we could that we uncovered an ancient map that pointed to other tombs. We then consulted what soothsayers and mages we could, but in the end the old seals could only be undone by a dragon and an alicorn and I could not fathom why at the time. But now I can guess you and your sister sealed the tombs.”

“Aye, that we did. There is nothing in them but bones and dust. I could only pray they found peace in death.”

Gilda was fuming. “We came down all this way for just bones, and for what Slaar, for what?! Because you and Father were interested in what was in here? Well look, look at the damn bones for as long as you want! I'm heading to Nikola to kick his ass and bring him in line, you can do whatever you damn well wa-

“Shut up you miserable child!” Slaar snapped with a fury in his eyes. “A dragon died here and this is her tomb, you will show respect to the dead!” His body rippled with rage, his voice echoing off of the walls with such intensity that Gilda and Luna wilted away from his boiling anger. As soon as his anger came it vanished and he slumped down, tears welling up in his eyes. “F-forgive me Gilda. Agathon would not want me to be so angry with you." He turned his head to the giant dragon skull. "She wouldn't have wanted such anger displayed in her presence either, would she?”

It took a moment for the pair to collect themselves before Luna nodded. “No, she wouldn't. She was a gentle soul.”

For her part, Gilda merely turned around and walked toward the entrance, too shook from the yelling to try and argue back.

With a deep breath he turned back to the massive skeleton until a glint in its jaws caught his eyes. He walked over and stuck his head into the skull's mouth and looked around before he found a smooth sphere resting where the teeth and jawbone connected. Taking it carefully he pulled it out to examine it. “A memory crystal.”

That piqued Gilda's interest and she turned back around. She stepped in a little closer this time, right next to Luna.

Slaar gently set it down on the ground in front of him. “Should I... Yes, I want to see what is in here.”

“Are you sure, Prince?” Luna asked cautiously. “We know not what lay within. The memories could even force themselves into your mind, or merely display around us. There is no way to know for sure until it has been activated.”

“I am sure, but I appreciate your concern for me.” He said with a gentle smile.

Working his magic he let out a gentle breath, rather than flames pure arcane energy flowed out from his maw, engulfing the crystal in magic. It began to glow brighter, and brighter, until the cave was washed out with a projected memory.

A massive dragon with bright pink scales faced off against two young alicorn fillies. The field was littered with the broken bodies of warriors of all kinds, the air smelt of smoke and death. It almost looked vaguely like the valley outside, yet with no trees. There was fear in the eyes of the alicorns and the dragon's were full of contempt.

“Have the gods sent such a pittance to fulfill my needs? Bah, they have failed us once more it seems.” The pink dragoness said. “Still, I am sure you will both scream delightfully loud for me!”

As the dragon lunged the scene flickered and changed into a running battle, the two young alicorns flinging magic at the dragon's face with little effect. With a deafening roar Succor came crashing down upon the pair, wings and tail whipping around. The little blue filly got caught in the billowing winds from the dragon's wings and was flung away while the older white filly managed to stand her ground. Golden magic blazed across the alicorn's horn as she shot off another bolt of magic in desperation, the bolt hitting at Succor's snout at an angle and causing it to arc up right into the dragon's eye.

The scream of pain was even worse than the previous roar as Succor closed her eye, blood spilling from the socket. In a fury she lashed out again, grabbing at the alicorn in her massive hand and began to squeeze. “I WILL HEAR YOU BEG AS I CRUSH YOU!”

Over the din of battle between dragons and other beasts there was the other alicorn, standing precariously on a rock. “CELESTIA!” she cried out, horn flaring with magic. “Let go of her!”

Succor turned her head to look at little Luna and took in a deep breath, building up her flames when the skies began to tremble. All the flying beasts, dragons and griffons alike, panicked and fled as an orb came crashing down from the sky. Succor looked up, forgetting Celestia in her hand and let loose as much of her magical might as she could to stop the falling star from landing on her.

Celestia managed to wriggle free as Succor's panic allowed her freedom, her wings crushed and her ribs aching. Pain lanced up and down her body and made it hard to focus, but she could see the blinding light of the falling star. Her horn flared with gold and she winked out of existence to be right next to Luna.

One alicorn's might was not so hard for Succor to stand against, as young as Luna was, but when the sister's powers combined the dragoness struggled to handle it. For long moments the magical forces struggled against one another, but the two sister's forcefully surged their might to break the deadlock. Succor's eye widened as the star came down on her, searing out her remaining sight and she let out a horrific scream of pain.

The lights flashed, then faded, the falling star soon being sent back up into the sky. Succor lay on the ground, shaking all over from pain, her pink scales blackened from the heat of the star. Each movement caused the scales to break and weep rivers of red to the ground. She was on her back, her breathing harsh and rapid.

“I-I'm sorry...” rasped out the dragoness with one hand out to the alicorns, the talons charred and cracked. “I didn't, I didn't mean to. I'm sorry, I'm sorry!” Each word caused such pain that she could not help but writhe, the pool of blood under her growing with each moment.

“Sister, please, you're hurt!” Luna pleaded as Celestia gingerly walked toward Succor's fallen form, limping.

“Succor...” Celestia said with a wince as pain shot up from her ribs. “I'm sorry it's come to this. You were always so gentle, so kind. Forgive us, we didn't want to do this.”

The dragoness groaned, her blackened scales across her chest breaking into pieces. “It wasn't our fault, we did everything we could, everything that was asked!”

Luna trotted after Celestia, trying desperately to heal her sister's wounds. “Sister please, you need to rest!”

Celestia sat in front of Succor's claws, so brittle and frail after the power of the star struck her. A claw moved forward and gently touched the white alicorn. A pink glow flowed from the dragon and into Celestia and slowly she unfurled her wings, testing them and finding her wounds healed.

“Thank you, Succor.” She said as tears welled in her eyes. “If that damnable spirit never escaped to do this to you, we could have been great friends.”

“Y-yes, I would have liked that... Celestia, Luna, you precious little alicorns, can we still be friends?”

“Yes!” The sisters cried out in unison.

Succor's breathing hitched and her lips curled into a cracked smile. “Thank you...” A few more heaving breaths before there was a pained rattle from her throat, and she fell still.

The scene ended.

Whatever stoicism the three had ended with the vision. Slaar was wracked with heaving sobs, Luna looked ashamed for her role in the death of Succor, and Gilda was trembling.

“W-we carried her, back to her lair. We interred her with her victims, in the hopes that they could forgive her for the crimes she did when she was not in control of herself. After that, we managed to retrieve the god-given power from her.”

“What power?” Gilda croaked out.

“Kindness.”

Slaar sniffled and wiped his eyes. “The Elements of Harmony were once held by the ancient lords?”

“Once? They were the first entrusted with the power. When my sister and I fought Succor, we had already claimed Laughter, Loyalty, and Honesty. After that, Generosity and Magic were the last. That battle... No, I will not lead you to that tomb. I cannot. I do not wish to open up anymore of these tombs!”

Gilda gently clawed at the ground before she looked up to the dragon. “I'm sorry Slaar, for angering you earlier.”

Breath in, breath out. “No, Gilda, you were right. I distracted us from more important matters. These, ghosts of the past. It was not what I expected.”