Nubes Tenebrosa Consurgit

A Means to an End
By Vanguard_Of_The_Night
Chapter 1: Nubes Tenebrosa Consurgit

The night fled away from the sky like a thief with a prized possession, as the sun rose to its’ glorious throne above the illustrious capital of Equestria. The Princess of the Day glimmered with majestic shimmers of light as her magic weaved the day into existence. Her mane glowed as bright as the Rainbow of Promise, and her poise revealed only elegance and beauty. The immense magnitude of magic that was affixed in the air pressed down upon the solar guards that bore witness. Then, as quickly as she rose the sun, she passed the sun to nature, and allowed it to wax upon its’ own. Princess Celestia gazed upon her handiwork immensely satisfied, with a grin fixed upon her face. The rays of her sun warmed her, and made her feel today might not be as bad as she imagined it would be. “Your Day grows all the more radiant sister”, called the Princess of the Night.

“As your Night grows all the more beautiful my dear sister,” Celestia replied. She turned to see her sister Luna standing next to the solar guards. The Princess of the Night stood with as much authority and grace as her sister, and her mane of stars and shadows entrancingly flowed in the morning breeze. However, it was quite evident that even she had succumbed to fatigue due to nightly court meetings. The bags under her eyes were easily seen though nopony in their right mind would mention them. “What do I owe the pleasure dear sister? You look tired to be visiting me so early in the day,” stated Celestia with mild intrigue.

Luna, withholding her irritation that her sister mentioned she looked tired, replied, “I just wanted to see how my big sister was doing, and to request a moment of your time before day court.”

With a cocked eyebrow and a sliver of curiosity, Celestia smiled lightly, and Luna motioned for the older sibling to follow her deeper into the garden where they could converse in private. They walked amidst the chrysanthemums, through the roses, and past a garden of stone statues till they arrived at a path to a private alcove only intended for the royal sisters. The path to the alcove was lined with cherry blossom trees whose petals had bloomed in the wake of springs’ calling. Light glimmered through the trees as they walked in complete silence. Celestia, while glad they had this small moment of time together, grew more pensive as they drew near to the private recess in the garden.

The cherry blossoms left a light scent in the air that would vaguely remind one of Hearts and Hooves day. Luna on occasion caught her sister stealing glances at her, and knew that she was apprehensive about this particular day. As they walked in stride with one another, they reached the end of the path where the cherry blossom trees ended, and the private respite revealed a small court yard of cobblestone. Inside the circular courtyard was a variety of blooming flowers of all colors, two stone hewn benches, which were bent with the curve of the courtyard, a small fountain fixed in the middle for the birds to drink from, and beyond the fountain five pedestals and four statues resting upon them. The pensive tension that grew in the stomach of the day princess twisted into knots. She knew what today was, yet inquired of her sister nonetheless. “What’s on your mind Luna,” she asked.

“Today is the anniversary of the fall of our kindred. I wanted to know you were okay,” Luna replied with a concerned expression.

Celestia dropped her gaze, avoiding the statues in the distance and averting her gaze from her sister. Today was the anniversary of the day that haunted her immortality, her eternal life. The day her kindred, the alicorns, were nearly made extinct by one of their own. The war that raged in millennia past had left her and her sister emotionally scarred. Her sister healed of this affliction over time, though Celestia had not entirely. Celestia had to fight a tear back as she replied, “I am better than last year.”

“You made that same reply last year, and the year before that. But sister you have never truly healed. We both lost our friends and loved ones. We both dealt with it in our own way. I selfishly demanded love and affection from the people which I had lost amongst our kindred. Then, I became what we had once fought against. You were left to carry on with a smile after banishing me for a thousand years never taking time to truly grieve. You had to be the pillar for the people, because they had lost all their others. Please sister share your heart and burden with me,” Luna stated, as tears formed in her eyes, yearning for a response.

Celestia gritted her teeth not wanting to bare her emotions so openly. Her sister had hit a sensitive spot that she had buried deep within her heart. Turning to see her sister, with some tears in her eyes, she replied, “I come here every year after the day is done, and I talk to the statues of our friends. I yearn for their company but I cannot have it. I know that I have not healed sister, but I cannot bare all of my feelings even to you. My wounds go too deep. My scars will not fade. And as penance for failing them in that time, I will live on despite the pain. I do not want to discuss that time. I only want to remember the good memories we had then. Can we not just do that sister? I am not able to bear relieving the past yet.”

Luna felt hot tears run down her face, as she stepped forward and embraced her sister nuzzling her. The stood there in silence comforting one another before discontinuing their embrace for smiles of understanding and love. They in turned walked to the four statues and five pedestals. They each took turns speaking to each, and laughing at the good memories they once enjoyed together. Each statue a library of old memories, strong feelings, and things left unsaid. They passed from one to the next until they finally reached the empty pedestal. This pedestal bore no statue, but the memories it harbored could never be expressed in masonry. Celestia placed her hoof on the empty dais, with tears forming at the corners of her eyes. She remained speechless, as her bottom lip whimpered, and her sister drew near to offer a comforting nuzzle.

“Bastard,” she whispered as she removed her hoof, and turned away attempting to regain her composure. She quickly dried her tears, and fixed upon her face a countenance of peace and wisdom. She knew in her heart she was overwhelmed with pent up emotion that needed to be purged from her soul, but in her mind she was conflicted with opening old wounds. She was not ready to truly face some memories. Luna stood beside her, and gave her a comforting smile. “Thank you Lulu for taking me here this morning. I couldn’t have faced this place in this manner without you,” Celestia said lovingly.

Luna blushed slightly at the use of her foalhood nickname. “I will always be here for you sister. If you ever want me to come here with you again just ask, and I will be here.”

Celestia took a brief glance back at the empty pedestal, and then decided it was time to return to her duties. She knew she was already two hours late for day court, but sometimes it was just nice to see the politicians squirm waiting for her. On the way back to the castle, the two conversed of the past night court, and how midnight weddings have taken a steep climb in popularity. The two continued on about many various things until they reached the Canterlot garden again. It was then the two parted ways, one off to rest until the night, and the other to attend to day court for which she was already late.
The Solar Princess took her time walking to the courtroom. She decided that she would enjoy this small portion of time to herself before being buffeted by the people’s requests, the bantering of the politicians, and the slight berating she would receive from her secretary for being late. After a few more moments of singularity in the castle, Celestia’s secretary Quick Note came bustling towards her down the hallway. It was quite obvious she was bamboozled by the fact she couldn’t find the Princess anywhere. As she approached, her disheveled auburn mane, which offset her silky white coat, hung halfway out of her former tightly made bun.

Her glasses barely hung on the tip of her nose, and, as she drew closer to the Princess, she started to pant. “You… are…. late,” Quick Note stated obviously irritated. The Princess couldn’t help but grin at the state of her secretary. She listened to the quick scolding from Quick Note, and smiled as she led her to the entrance to the courtroom to begin the day. “Now I’ve informed you of everything that you’ve missed out on, and rescheduled a few meetings to accommodate this morning’s tardiness,” Quick Note stated in a matter of fact tone. As the Princess entered the doorway to the courtroom, she looked back to her secretary and stated, “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you Quickie.”

The secretary shot cold daggers at the princess in her glare for using that nickname. The Princess smiled, and proceeded to her place in the courtroom. She was seated in her throne with guards on both of her sides. The throne, though it looked rather uncomfortable, was made for total relaxation when sitting. The throne was made from pure gold. The seat was pure silk, and was stuffed with down feathers. The courtroom was made of marble, and was lined with stained glass windows, tapestries that depicted important events, and tall golden candelabras which added to the ancient feeling the royal room exuded.

Thus began the work day. She heard the requests of peasants, nobles, politicians, and the like. The day drudged on until she grew tired of the words of the people. Despite popular belief even she had her limits when it came to social interaction. She knew that she wouldn’t be free until six o’clock today, and it was only five-thirty. She wore a face of kindness, though underneath she just wanted to bolt out the doors for a moment alone. The nagging anticipation of waiting for time to pass grew until it was like her brain itched and only once she left she couldn’t scratch it.

Upon the hearing of the clock striking six, she let out a barely visible sigh. Court was dismissed, and she was free from her responsibilities for the day. She gleefully strode down the hallway to evening dinner. Her sister sat across the table from her at their meal. They discussed the day’s events. Luna could see that the intimate moments they shared that morning truly helped her sister. She could tell that she was livelier than last year when they endured that painful anniversary. She didn’t mention that she saw a change. She only wanted to bask in this moment of her sister’s happiness.

Celestia laughed as they talked for a little over an hour. Then, at the end of her day, and the beginning of Luna’s night, they parted ways. Luna proceeded to attend to night court, and Celestia returned to her room. The Princess of the Sun’s room was far less luxurious than many imagined. Like her most faithful student, it was far more practical than anything else. Her king sized bed sat at one end of the room, and along the walls it was lined with bookshelves completely filled with old texts. In one corner of the room, she had a small desk where she would read and write her letters. Most of the letters were from Twilight and her friends of course. The wood work in the room consisted of solid cherry wood, and the room was scented with the fragrance of lilac.

Once she lay upon her bed, every muscle in her body relaxed. She felt better today than she had in many years. She pondered the idea of sharing more of her feelings with her sister when she felt the time was right. If this small amount of release and support aided her so much, then maybe she should slowly begin to peel back the layers of regret. The boon that her sister offered her might be a lifeline for her own personal sanity. She wanted to be rid of her guilt, and decided to accept her sister’s offer. In the presence of that acceptance of outside aid, she relaxed. Celestia wriggled her way underneath the sheets of her bed, not even taking the time to remove her royal garb. Then slowly she began to drift into sleep.

Celestia found herself in the courtyard of Canterlot Castle. However, everything lacked color, and was void of all movement. There was no wind. There was no sunlight. The light that did permeate the day was a dim ambience that she could not explain. She felt cold, and shivered as if she was caught in a winter snow. Celestia, desiring to understand the lack of life surrounding her, began to wander amongst the courtyard. She walked past many varieties of flowers, but not one held the robust color that nature intended. Even as she walked by there was no breeze to move the flowers from their catatonic state.

She felt as if someone was watching her, like a pair of eyes discreetly hid from her vision pined after her. Celestia felt a knot grow in her stomach. She desperately desired to find respite in this lifeless purgatory. She began to increase her pace, as her heart began to beat louder than before. Soon she was running as fast as she could in the courtyard, but she did not know where she was going. She felt as if she was running in circles. Then she came upon an all too familiar path set aside for her and her sister alone. A bead of sweat began to trace the jaw line of her face.

Her eyes jotted from side to side, as she tried to find an alternative to visiting the burden of her deepest pains. However, the longer she waited the more it seemed like the world was caving in around her. In the heat of the moment, she raced down the pathway to the hidden alcove. Fear gripped her heart the closer she got to the private courtyard of cobblestone. She panted vigorously, as she passed the cherry blossom trees. With an abrupt stop, she found herself in the middle of the secret alcove she had only visited that morning. She paused for a moment to catch her breath.

She felt for a moment in her respite that she had outrun the pursuing malicious eyes that invisibly probed her. Celestia stepped forward ever so slowly in the drab colorless alcove towards the statues of her fallen brethren. From a distance, they looked as they did in the morning. However, as she drew closer, she noticed that every face seemed captured in the painful moment of their demise. Every face was contorted, as if they were they were living as statues, and eternally tortured in that moment. The moment of respite Celestia thought she had won for herself quickly came to an end after she viewed her former friends. As hot tears flowed down her face, a penetrating darkness rested upon the only empty pedestal amongst the five.

In that moment, a face of black horror emerged. A face Celestia knew too well. Eyes red with malice and hatred, it seemed he glared into her very soul. His lips pulled back over his teeth revealing a mouthful of sharp incisors, with blood caked between them. In that moment, Celestia neither moved, nor breathed. Her skin crawled with fear, anger, and many other emotions she could not at this time identify. Then as quickly he came into view, he was in front of her staring into her eyes. Lust for blood and revenge was clearly seen in his glare. Then as she cowered beneath his gaze, he spoke, “Wake up.”

Celestia awoke with a start, though she dared not move even in the confines of her own bed. She and her bed were soaked in sweat. The sheets clung to her form, as she panted like a drowning victim pants for air. Her eyes were bloodshot, and they darted back and forth over the room searching for anything out of the ordinary. Her heartbeat was sounded like a giant drum in her chest. She closed her eyes, and a single tear began to flow down her cheek. It was then amidst her ragged breathing, that one word escaped her mouth. “Nephilim…”

Chapter 1 End.

Negatio Tenebris

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A Means to an End
By Vanguard_Of_The_Night
Chapter 2: Negatio Ténebris

The night seemed like a dark abyss filled with many tunnels in the sky all filled with a light at each end. Each tunnel offered a journey and a hope at the end of the arduous quest. Some were closer than others. Some were farther away. But the practical knew the light of hope in the sky was unattainable. Celestia knew there was no hope for her. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. These thoughts weighed heavily on her mind, as she stood on the balcony outside her room. The one time she revealed her pain and burden her very mind revolted against her. The image of his face made her stomach turn. Celestia never wanted to see that face again.

That face reminded her of her loss. That face reminded her of her weakness. A single tear slowly fell from the corner of her eye. If revealing how she felt brought up such things in her mind, she did not want to reveal them anymore. The mind is the only true safe place a person possesses, and this possession is all the more sacred to one who cannot die from old age. To be trapped within a mind that tortures you as hell tortures the wicked, that would be a fate she knew she could not bear. She decided to bury those feelings again. She refused to be weak in her own mind.

Celestia took a deep breath in an attempt to control her emotions. With newfound resolve, she walked back inside her room, and laid down to rest. The sheets now dry from her cold sweat earlier seemed slightly sticky. Nevertheless, she slid deeper under the sheets to find her comfortable niche in the mattress. Her breathing relaxed, and she closed her eyes to sleep. For the rest of that night, she slept more soundly than anyone else in the castle.

Celestia rose early the next morning, and stretched with a big yawn. She had fallen asleep on her right wing during the night, and now it tingled with the fire of imaginary needles pricking her slumbering wing. She didn’t care. Her nightmare was gone, and she thought, if she continued to bury that moment in time in her mind, she would be rid of it for good. Like every morning for the past thousand years, she started with a quick shower, brushing her teeth, fixing her hair, and finally raising the sun. When she raised the sun she had felt a sense of security. The sun was warm and comforting. It helped her realize that she was still herself. She was still Princess Celestia.

With her morning routine done, she trod off to go have breakfast with her sister. The dining room was a room of complete elegance. The room was clad with marble floors, terebinth pillars along the walls, a chandelier of diamond that hung overhead, and, in the center of it all, a long hoof hewn cherry wood table. Although it was intended to have one sister sit at each end, neither of the two wanted to sit so far away from each other. So, on a weekly alternating schedule, one sister would sit with the other on her side of the table. This week, to Celestia’s dismay, it was Luna’s side. Not that she didn’t like to sit with her sister, she merely didn’t like that there was a mirror on each side of that end of the table, which forced her to watch herself eat.

“Good morning, Lulu.” Celestia said as she approached her sister who had been waiting patiently for her to arrive. “I am doing well, Tia. Though I must admit I have been rather tired after night court lately. This increase in appointments has lead to me having less time to tend to the dreams of resting ponies.”

Celestia took her seat next to her sister, and attempted to not look into the dreaded mirror. For a brief moment she thought she had seen something out of the corner of her eye, but dismissed it as a shadow playing a trick on her. “We will have to see if Twilight can help with the workload. She hasn’t been a princess long, but I think she is ready to handle some of the lesser responsibilities. It would help free up both our schedules, and give her some more recognition from the public.”

With a big grin of relief, Luna replied, “That would be a great boon sister!” Celestia smile, merely glad the Luna had been kept busy long enough last night not to notice her nightmare during her duties. For it to go unnoticed must have meant she was greatly overloaded. This was to Celestia a great relief. To have to explain that to Luna would merely serve as a problem. She didn’t want to relive that night. She just wanted to forget about it all. The two sisters chatted about a few trivial things afterwards as they waited on their breakfast. Shortly afterwards their breakfast arrived via a sharply dressed butler. He silently placed the salads in front of the princesses, and, as silently as he had come, he left.

Celestia was greatly pleased that she could now end her hunger pains. The princess lifted the fork next to her plate with her magic, and took the first bite. She experienced an explosion of flavors, for her salad was filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables. She was greatly pleased with this morning in general. Everything so far had gone right, and there was a semblance of balance in her world again. She devoured another bite full of salad, with a smile. Though, to her dismay she found herself looking at that dreadful mirror. Even though she hated that mirror, she decided to not let it put a blot on her day. She was better than that. However, after taking a good look at the mirror her hair stood on end.

The image did not reflect her outward self, but it revealed the inward Celestia. Her hair had dulled, and lost all radiance. Her eyes were blackened, and she cried tears of blood. Her wings were broken, and her coat sullied. Her heart raced in her chest just like in the dream. She closed her eyes for a moment, and hoped she just had a minor hallucination due to her stress of late. She was greatly mistaken. The image that first clenched at her heart disappeared in a whirlwind of darkness, only to be replaced by the face that, with one glance, could break her to her very core. The face smiled and revealed blood caked incisors. Then, as those blood caked teeth parted, he spoke venom into Celestia’s ears, “You can’t bury me, Tiaaaaaa. Hehehehehahahahahah!”

Celestia’s mentality snapped. She barely retained enough composure to tell her sister she was going to the ladies room. Sweat poured off her brow. Her heart almost felt like it was going to break. She burst into the bathroom, and was thankful no one was there. She took three deep breaths to calm herself down, the turned on the faucet to wash her face. The ice cold water stung her, as she splashed herself with her hooves. Still wet she reached with her magic for the hand towel, and dabbed her face until dry. She had started to calm down; nevertheless, when she opened her eyes she saw the stigma of her past in the bathroom mirror. “Cold water can’t wash me off. You can’t get rid of me, Tia. You’ll never be rid of me,” the apparition in the mirror spoke.

“You’re not real. You can’t be real. You were sealed away a millennia ago,” Celestia stammered.

“I am real. I am very real. You may have sealed me then, but that is no matter to me now. I will devour your soul from the inside out!”

Celestia’s grew cold from the malicious intent of the ethereal specter that laughed in her face. The laughter grew louder, the stall doors began to slam themselves, the mirror shook, and Celestia fell to her knees holding herself. “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! You’re not real! You’re just in my head,” the petrified princess yelled, as she quivered, visibly shaken by what she had seen.

“Sister? Who are you yelling at,” the lunar princess inquired. Luna drew quickly to her sister sensing something was amiss. “What happened sister? What is going on,” Luna probed. Celestia’s eyes clenched tight. Every muscle in her body was tense. “Celestia, open your eyes. All is fine dear sister,” Luna cooed. Then, as a child who is comforted by her mother, she slightly relaxed from the fetal position she had curled into.

Prompted by her sister, Celestia opened her eyes to find the bathroom was pristine. The mirror revealed only her and her sister in the restroom. He was not there. Everything was still, except her. Even with her sister’s hooves comforting her she found herself shaking violently with fear. Hot tears lingered at the corners of her eyes, like a man who waits on the edge of rooftop before he finds the courage to end his life. “Celestia, for the last time tell me what is wrong,” Luna nearly demanding in a motherly tone.

“It’s nothing sister! I am perfectly fine,” insisted the solar princess. Celestia stood quickly, and wiped the tears from her eyes. She released the embrace from her sister, and tried to feign a smile, like she would to anyone else. However, Luna was not so easily fooled. She knew her sister far too well.

“You are most certainly not fine! Why are you crying? Does it have to do with yesterday? Or is it something else,” Luna questioned.

“I don’t want to talk about it! It’s none of your concern!”

Luna attempted to block her sister from leaving the room, but Celestia stormed past her with such force that she was unable to stop her. She knew she could not stop her outside for risk of causing a scene, which would eventually leak out into the public. She decided to question her sister later that evening, and postpone her nightly duties. It might even be a good idea to inquire for Twilight Sparkle’s help, Luna thought, and, with that thought, she trotted off to write Twilight a letter.

After she stormed out of the bathroom, Celestia found herself walking with no clear direction. She knew that court was to start in the next half hour, but she felt too high strung at the moment to present herself to the public. She decided to take a quick stroll around the castle. She needed to get away from everyone. She knew he shouldn’t be here. She knew he couldn’t be here. The seal she cast was an impenetrable magic seal of the highest class. The only ponies who knew this spell was Celestia and Luna. Therefore, she knew it was logical to deduce that no one could have freed him. Could this really all be in my head, she pondered.

This thought weighed heavily on her mind as she walked through the decadent corridors of the castle. Silence filled the hallways, except for the sound of Celestia’s hooves on the marble floor. There were a vast amount of hallways in the immense castle, and several times she had forgotten how many there really were. She found that there were even some whose destination she had forgotten. Normally she would have walked down one just for the excitement of exploration, however, she felt as adventurous as Fluttershy is brave. Celestia stayed on the main path, and continued with her walk, while she tried to sort out in her mind what to do next.

I can’t be viewed as weak in the eyes of the public. The people and the politicians would have a hay day for lack of a better term, she thought. More importantly what should I do about him? I don’t even know if he’s real. He may just be in my head. Luna didn’t see him, but I could. Maybe I’m going insane, Celestia pondered heavily. It scared her to think that she might be succumbing to the stress buildup of over a few thousand years. However, she could think of any other reason why she was saw him in her dream and the mirrors.

She shook her head, as if she was shaking the very thought from her mind. No. There must be another reason because of this. I am not crazy! I am perfectly fine, she thought, trying to provoke a courageous resolve in herself. She was only mildly successful. Until she had found out why, she would continue to be plagued with a sliver of doubt. Regardless, she knew she had spent too much time away from the court, and she began to trot back to the throne room. On her way back, she noticed an all too familiar unicorn that seemed to be running as fast as the famous earth pony Secretariat, and this pony did not look pleased.

“I swear Celestia! What am I going to do with you? Two days in a row you’re late,” the astute secretary stated in a matter of fact tone. Quick Note’s berating almost made Celestia laugh. Though she felt horrid, like her whole world was falling around her, she knew she could always count on her devoted secretary to keep her on task. Celestia offered a quick apology, and told her that she merely needed a moment alone. “I don’t mind if you need to postpone something Princess. Just please tell me next time,” Quick Note said with a smile. On the surface, the secretary seemed somewhat fanatical, but deep down she was heartfelt and kind. She merely expressed her care for the princess in a somewhat coarse irregular manner.

“I promise my little pony.” Celestia stated. Every time Quick Note berated her it brought a smile to her face. She could forget about everything else, and just focus on the task at hand. Quick Note gave her a short report of what was going on in Day Court currently, and led her back to the throne room after sending a message to the guards of their impending arrival. The walk they took was short, but filled with conversation of the daily life of Quick Note. Celestia hated awkward silence, and was interested in the life of the secretary she called friend. The two of them talked incessantly until they arrived at entrance to the throne room.

“Thank you for coming to get me Quick Note,” Celestia stated with a much more relaxed poise.

“Oh, I was just doing my job Princess, and please call me Quickie,” the secretary stated with a friendly wink. Celestia shared a light chuckle with her friend, and then proceeded into the throne room. Even though she was an hour late, the amount of work she had missed this time was minimal. For the rest of her day in court she listened to the needs of the people. Young ponies in love who wanted to be wed, others who had disputes over money or land, and legislatures who wanted to write more and more laws were merely a portion of her day. By the end of it all, Celestia was greatly exhausted. She thought since the workload was light in the morning it would be an easy day, however, she was terribly wrong.

Celestia slowly walked back to her room in the castle, after she decided to skip out on dinner with her sister. She wanted to avoid any questions about this morning as long as she could. She was exhausted, and decided that she was needed to sleep. The guards outside her room saluted her as she walked to the entrance of her room, and she nodded her head in acknowledgement before entering. Even though she was tired, she knew she couldn’t skimp out on formality. The guards would end up thinking they did something wrong, and be fretful all night about how to fix something that truly wasn’t broken.

Once inside, she shut the door, and walked over to her nightstand, which was to the right of her king sized extra plush bed. She began to removed her royal effects one at a time, and place them in the appropriate drawer. Now that she was unclothed, as she would word it, she walked out onto the balcony. It was one of her favorite times of day, Twilight. It was the time between the rest of day, and the birth of night. This time of day always reminded her that she and her sister were reunited together. Thoughts of that day filled her with emotion, and, with those emotions in hoof she called upon her magic to lay the sun to rest.

Her body glowed with otherworldly light, and beads of magic glimmered about her body. Her eyes were lit like fire, and, with her power, she lowered the sun so that the moon would rise into its’ place. “Seems you still have some power in you yet Celestia,” the shadows spoke from behind her. Celestia whirled around to see the intruder. To her great consternation, it was the one that tortured her, as a gluttonous sadist tortures a victim slowly savoring every drop of blood shed. However, this time Celestia refused to lose her ground. She was going to find out what was going on.

“I sealed you away. You shouldn’t be here. In fact you shouldn’t even be conscious,” Celestia stated rather matter of fact.

“Oh ho ho. Looks like someone found her a backbone. Surprising since every time there has been a treat to your ‘kingdom’ you’ve dumped the responsibility of protecting it on someone else,” he spat. His figure was barely made out through the shadows, as he spoke, but his red eyes pierced the darkness.

“You are avoiding the question. Why are you here? You said you’re not in my head, but if you’re here physically then why haven’t you attacked,” Celestia probed. Her eyes searched his for answers but found nothing but hatred.

“Hehehaha. Maybe I just enjoy seeing you squirm. Such is life. The weak must fall to the strong, and the only way to rule is through power. You and the others forgot that long ago.”

“We forgot nothing. You forgot that a true ruler rules through harmony!”

“If I remember correctly Celestia how did that work out for you and your little friends? Oh wait, that’s right. They’re all dead,” Nephilim reproached.

“They died for the people of Equestria. They fought for something greater than themselves. And if I remember correctly Nephilim, you were never much on foreplay, so there is no way you’re here physically. You would have attacked me by now. What is it? An astral projection spell,” the princess inquired. Nephilim slowly stepped forward out of the shadows.

“Seems you figured me out. I awoke not too long ago. Though your seal holds me in place my mind is no longer restrained. I’ll soon be free, and you no longer possess the strength to tamper with the seal. Your mental scars, which came from your own weakness called love, won’t let you summon such power anymore. Isn’t that why you could defeat Discord again? Or how about Nightmare Moon? Or that little vixen Chrysalis,” he spoke.

“Shut up! I have more than enough power to defeat you! You will not harm Equestria!” she yelled out of anger and pride. The fact that he knew of her shortcoming meant she was already at a severe disadvantage. Her mind began to race with how to deal with the situation. She knew she was merely a toy to him in this state. He had complete control, but she wouldn’t just give up.

“So then, since you have awakened, what of him,” Celestia probed.

“Him? I don’t have the slightest clue as to who you are talking about. Seems your getting confused in your old age,” Nepilim prodded.

“You know damn well who I’m talking about!”

“So what’s his name then if I know it?”

Tears welled in her eyes, as she began to sob. She couldn’t bring herself to say his name. The memory was too painful. That memory restricted all her hope, joy, peace and even her power. Her tears broke the dam of her will. She knew she was completely at his mercy.

“Oh dear, ever the drama queen aren’t we? To put it bluntly Tia, your foal is dead. Seems the seal was too much for his infantile state, and it absorbed his life energy. I guess taking him as a hostage all those years ago truly did prove useless. About as useless as pretending to love you,” he coldly affirmed.

Celestia’s world began to spin. Her stomach lurched, as she hit all fours on the floor of her room. She could see his eyes glaring down at her in satisfaction. He robbed her of all her will. The only thing she could picture in her mind was an image of her dead child, and with that everything went black. The last thing she saw was Luna and Twilight standing over her, and in that moment only one thing escaped her breath. “Ragnarok….”

Chapter 2 End

Verum In Obscuro

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A Means to an End
By Vanguard_Of_The_Night
Chapter 3: Verum In Obscuro

Celestia’s eyes were assaulted by the morning rays of the sun, as her eyelids slowly parted. She felt warm from the sun, but cold under the sheets of her bed. Luna and Twilight must have placed her there after I fainted, Celestia thought. The confrontation of the night before, still fresh in her mind, caused her to shiver with discontent. She knew there was no way to escape him now, and there was no way to escape the inquiries of her sister either. Luna had even gone so far as to bring Twilight Sparkle to Canterlot. Celestia bit her lip, which was a foalhood habit she used when was deep in meditation to gather her thoughts. From the look of the sun in the sky, Celestia had assumed that Luna had taken over her morning duties due to the circumstances. This meant that she was either at day court, or she was waiting for her to wake up. Twilight Sparkle was probably wherever Luna happened to be.

She decided that nothing could be accomplished merely laying in bed. She took in a deep breath before attempting to leave the comfortable solace of her silk sheets, and she groggily arose with great dejection. After she worked through her morning routine, she donned her royal garb, which was placed in her top dresser drawer. After she was fully ready to leave the confines of her room, she noticed a letter lying on the floor in front of her door. She walked over to the letter, picked it up, and opened it. She noticed right away this was the same brand of parchment that Twilight uses; however, the hoofwriting was clearly her sisters’. The letters were formed in a more olden calligraphy than the more modern formal writing that Twilight used.

Sister,

I know your hiding something from me, and I know that it has to do with Nephilim. I thought that by going to the memorial in the alcove it would help you face your problems, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe I made this worse. If this is my fault I am sorry! I just want you to talk to me about this. Tell me what’s going on. Please sister! I had Twilight come to Canterlot in hope that she could help convince you. I also think it’s time she knows the truth of the Alicorns. Why there are so few, and why the Everfree forest maintains itself, even though it exists in chaos. I have cancelled day and night court for the next three days. This will give us more than enough time to talk, and I hope enough time to help bear some of your burden. We will be waiting at the alcove until you arrive. I love you sister.

Luna

The tear drops that stained the letter revealed the troubled heart of her sister. Celestia knew that, even though she did not desire to talk about the past or the present, she must divulge her heart without restriction. She placed the letter on her night stand with her magic, and then left her room for the alcove. She slowly walked along the halls of the castle that lead to the castle garden, while trying to avoid all others. She did not desire to have others inquire about why court was not being held, if she and her sister were okay, or why Twilight was summoned here. By the convoluted path she took, she had hoped to avoid all other, however, that was not to be allowed by fate. Just before entering the Canterlot castle garden she happened upon a certain unicorn secretary who looked quite concerned. “Princess…” Quick Note stated, with quite a forlorn expression.

“Yes my little pony?” Celestia replied.

“You are about to reveal everything to your sister and Twilight about Nephilim aren’t you,” inquired the secretary.

“Yes I am Quick Note. They will now know the full story. No matter how painful I may find it they must know now.”

“But Celestia! You created me to protect your emotions! You created me to keep you on track for the prosperity of Equestria! Why would you destroy those walls now? Am I of no use to you anymore?”

“When I lost my sister I needed a companion to talk to as an equal. I needed a friend, and not a subject. You have given me that all these years. Of course you were formal in front of others, but the informal relationship we had will never be thrown away. And I know that it concerns you that I might change your image again to prevent inquiries to your age, but I see no point to that now.”

“So what will come of me? Shall I wait for your return my princess?”

“Until this has been resolved you shall sleep. I need all of my power for what is to come.”

“I understand. If the power that sustains me is with you, then it is like we are fighting together.”

“Yes my little pony. We will fight with our friendship.”

Celestia smiled at Quick Note, as the auburn haired secretary faded from existence, and the power which sustained her returned to Celestia. A tear struggled to fall from Celestia’s eyes, but she would not allow it. Now was not the time for tears. Now she had to face her fears, which rested in the faces of her sibling and student. She must answer for what she had done all those years ago. Celestia finally made her way to the gardens. She took no time to gaze at the flowers or the statues. She straightway went to the entrance of the alcove. Down that path she knew her fear awaited her. Her fear of her past being laid open in front of others, like an infected cyst before a doctor’s scalpel, gripped at her heart, as she began to walk down the path. She could not admire the beauty that surrounded her. Her mind was solely focused on resigning herself to the truth.

The path ended at the opening of the alcove, and, in that sacred niche of the gardens, she found two ponies who sought answers. Luna stood next to Twilight in the midst of the pedestals. Both of them shared a concerned and questionable look. Neither of them chose to wear their royal ensemble for the meeting, for they knew that this was a private matter between family and friends. Twilight almost looked light a little sister for Luna. She grew into a more mature mare since she was sent to Ponyville all that time ago. Her violet hair with the pink strip was longer than it used to be. She held herself like a confident full grown mare would, not like the young mare who saw herself only as Princess Celestia’s finest student. Now, she stood there with searching eyes. Concern and worry written on her face. “Are you feeling better Princess?” Twilight stated.

“No, Twilight. I am not, but I do appreciate your concern,” replied Celestia. Her face was stoic for a moment, but relaxed to relieve her former student’s distress. Twilight could never hide what she felt. Celestia jokingly would tell her, when she was younger, that her face was like an open book. “We asked you here because we had questions. Questions you have been avoiding. We know that it is hard for you to answer them, but you must. If you will not allow us to help you, then you will be consumed by this darkness that assaults you in our absence.”

“Luna has given me an idea about what has been going on, but has left most of it out so that you could tell me yourself. I know that I have just became a Princess, so I don’t really see myself as your equal, but I do see you as my mentor and friend. Please Princess tell me what’s going on?” Twilight pleaded. The look on Twilight’s face left Celestia defenseless. Her words and manner of expression grasped at her heart, and would not allow her to hold back any longer.

“I will explain what has been going on. However, this story would be best told from the beginning, and I must warn you that it is a very long one,” sighed Celestia. Both Luna and Twilight looked at one another glad they convinced her to talk, but worried all the same. Even Luna who knew the most between the two was in the dark about some things. Celestia was never one to reveal everything about herself. “The beginning… yes… it was well over a thousand years ago. Far before Luna was banished to the moon, and before King Sombra came into power in the Crystal Empire. This was when Alicorns were in complete control of the world. There was a total of seven of us then, and our mission was to maintain peace and harmony in the world.” Celestia began.

“Wait! There were more Alicorns? And where does Discord come into all this? And-” Celestia raised her hoof to signify Twilight to be silent. “I will explain this. All of it. Just give me time.” Celestia posed. Twilight sunk back into a comfortable position slightly embarrassed. “This Twilight is even before our original battle with Discord. This Twilight is before Equestria. This is before Luna and I were even princesses. Now I know that may seem hard to imagine, but Luna and I are immortal. We cannot die by conventional means. And yes I know what you’re about to ask. Why are you and Cadence not immortal as well? That is because you were made Alicorns. You were not born Alicorns. There is a distinct difference. Unfortunately for me and my sister we are relicts of ages gone by. There are no more Alicorns like us anymore. You and Cadence are the new era of leadership in Equestria.” Celestia stated rather resolved.

“Princess… I didn’t know,” whispered Twilight.

“It is all right my little pony. It merely is the truth. Both Luna and I have become accustom to this truth.” Celestia replied. Luna momentarily let an expression of sadness fall across her face like a veil, then, as quickly as it came, it was gone. “Now back to what I was saying previously. This was before Equestria. Before everything you know. We as Alicorns ruled over the world to bring peace and harmony to all. The other besides Luna and myself were Chronus the Prince of Time, Atlas the Prince of the Earth, Aura the Princess of the Waters, Anthracia the Princess of the Wind, and Nephilim the Prince of the Wild. Anthracia was the oldest of us all, and was very much like a mother to us. She was the one who bent magic to her will. She taught us all the ways of magic. Chronus controlled time. It was a solemn job, but he loved it. He was very generous with the time he gave to others. He and Anthracia were mates, and they lead us down the path of harmony.

“Atlas was strong and had a hearty spirit about him. He was always laughing, and he worked hard so that the land was fertile for the people. Aura was very young and tender hearted. She was shy but still was kind, and made her waters safe for all those who traveled across them. I was very young then and grew very close with Aura. She always did complement me on how honest I was. It was kind of embarrassing then. Luna also spent a lot of time with Aura, and, of course, me. She was very loyal to all of us and the people. Finally, there was Nephilim. He did not associate with us very much. He was very much a pony of solitude. He did not seem to be bad… just… introverted. As the Master of the Wild, he was very much mysterious, and that Twilight was my undoing.”

“Your undoing? I don’t quite understand what you mean Princess,” expressed Twilight. “How could his personality be your undoing?”

With a small sad smile on her face, Celestia continued, “I fell in love with him Twilight. I found myself spending more and more time with him. Though I never saw the darkness in his heart. He had begun to create what we now know as Dark Magic. He was the founder of necromancy and several other dark arts. And all of these he used to try and over throw us. He attacked the capital first when we were all out in surrounding towns, and quickly conquered it, and put up a barrier that not one of us could penetrate. Well, everyone but me. I secretly went and saw him. So that I might know for myself his reasons. Then he told me that he wanted to rule to world. That the whole world would become wild just like the woods he lived in. In that moment I saw that his heart was truly black, and that all the while he had been using me for one purpose. I left that night, and told everything to the others.”

A small tear fell from Celestia’s eyes as she stuttered to speak of the greatest scar on her heart. Twilight and Luna drew closer to her and nuzzled her slightly in support. Celestia dried her tears on trudged on through the miry clay of her pain stricken past. “I told them his plan. I told them of our… relationship, and that I… that I…was… I was pregnant with his child. He just used me to create an heir to his throne once he overthrown us,” whimpered Celestia, who began to cry uncontrollably. She thought that she could make it through. That when she had dried her tears before she would be fine, but merely acknowledging the truth broke open the millennia old dam that prevented her from healing. She held herself, while Luna and Twilight hugged her till she felt comfortable again to speak. Ten minutes went by before she regained her composure to move forward. However, she knew the worst was not over yet. “They were not mad with me. They all supported me, and showed me love. It was then I knew that I couldn’t live without them. They were all my family. It was then we decided on a plan to deal with Nephilim. We forged the original Elements of Harmony.”

“I was the Element of Honesty, Luna was the Element of Loyalty, Chronus was the Element of Generosity, Atlas was the Element of Laughter, Aura was the Element of Kindness, and Anthracia was the Element of Magic. Together we forged a bond, and the most powerful weapon on the side of Harmony, and the Elements we bore were bound to our very lives. However, the powers that Nephilim had amassed in his creation of Dark Magic had given him strength that surpassed any one of us. We broke through his barrier, and marched on his castle. However, he was waiting for us, and he was well prepared. In the end, his darkness was so powerful, that it cost the lives of all the Alicorn saved mine and Luna’s. The Elements dissolved after he was defeated, it was some time before the new Elements were discovered, though that is a story all on its own. The battle we waged even cost the life of my unborn foal, who I was going to name Ragnarok when he was born.” Celestia stated. She paused here for a moment, and pondered on what she had revealed to Twilight. She had just bared all to her former student. Insecurity swept over her, but was staved off by the embrace of her student and the kind eyes of her sister.

“I’m so sorry Princess! I had no idea!” exclaimed Twilight.

“Thank you for your kindness Twilight. You are not just my former student, but I also consider you a friend. Just like Luna does. You needed to know, and it kind of feels good to get it off my chest finally.” Celestia stated. Now that the past had been revealed, she needed to reveal the present, so that her sister and Twilight was well aware of Nephilim’s return.

“Now Nephilim has awoken, and broke himself free from the seal placed upon him. I do not know the fullness of his plans, but I am sure it includes the destruction of Equestria as we know it. I’m sure he wishes to torture me until my mind breaks, and I am no source of pleasure for him anymore. He has been torturing me in my dreams. Even during my normal daily routine I have been hearing his voice. He has taken every opportunity to berate me about the past. However, I will not stand for it anymore.”
“What do you mean Princess?” Twilight stated.

“Because I am prepared to face him myself. I started this millennia ago. I will stop it.” Celestia proclaimed with renewed resolve.

“You can’t do this alone!” Luna exclaimed. “You need us by your side when you face him!”

“No. I need you here. I need you to take care of Equestria after I leave. I don’t know if I will come back. However, I can tell you that Nephilim will fall by my will, and mine alone.”

Twilight and Luna attempted to reason with Celestia, but to no avail. Celestia knew in her heart she must do this on her own. Celestia made them swear to not get involved. Luna would continue her normal routine, and Twilight would take over Celestia’s responsibilities, which included Day Court and raising the sun. After the meeting in the alcove, Celestia returned to her bedroom. She had told her sister and Twilight she would be leaving in two days, however, her hearts intent was to leave in the morning. It left a bitter taste in her mouth. She hated lying, but she knew it must be done. She laid down on her bed knowing what the next day held. I can do this, she thought to herself, as she drifted into sleep.

Chapter 3 End.