> The Vast Unknown > by FLUTTERxxDASH > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > From the unknown he comes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One From the unknown he comes “Hurry up get the portal ready!” a voice bellows that is raspy to the ear from a tall dark black pony wearing royal attire. “Sir the gate is nearly ready to transport the item in two minutes,” a meek voice behind the first replies with a much more quite tone than the first. “Dear you know how long this process would take to have the kei’talin runes to have any effect on this plain,” a sweet voice coming from an dark purple coated mare with a sapphire mane as she walked into the room. The room was domed over, lowly lit apart from the glowing red glyph's that led in the middle of the room, there were six ponies present. Three of said ponies donned torn brown cloak's working on the runes while the meek voiced pony had the same but with his hood down to show ivory white fur with a dark blue mane. The glyph's were centered in the room and looked to be some sort of alter. One of the cloaked ponies span around to their leader, “Sir.. it is..... ready,” panting as he says this he moves over to where one of six small line's end that lead up to the alter. The dark pony began to walk to another line that connected to the alter, “Finally my plan can come to fruition, you take the item and put it in the center of the three rings” pointing a hoof at the farthest pony in a brown cloak. With a quick reply of, “yes sir,” the pony rushes and picks the object thats wrapped in a white cloth, no larger than his two hooves that carried it, “its placed sir, what now,” releasing the object in to the middle of three golden rings. Glaring at the pony, “Now you should move out of the way you foal,” shouting with a regal tone of a noble but with a tinge of malice he makes the other quiver where they stand. After all ponies were finally in their own positions they began to chant making the room start to shake, “chanu… terk… grinh… drak… zerk… chalo… trett…,” the group keeps mumbling as the room grows ever more violent with shaking. The middle of the room where the alter stands glows brighter than before and the three rings of gold start to spin, each ring containing their own set of glyph's. As each one span faster and faster they broke one by one turning into dust that floated and covered the item in the center. After a few more minutes there is a wave of energy that erupts from the alter leaving only dust and debris in its wake. A Few Short Year's Later The wind whistles past the trees as the sound of hoof steps slap the ground, on a dirt path we find a pony walking “well looks like this is another one of those boring days where nothing will happen again right Dusk?". Replying in a tone of disbelief, “Wow look at you all talkative today,” a pony with white fur and a crimson mane not the regular colors you get a mix of but that's not the weirdest thing about him. In the far off distance you could see the smokey mountain pass that lead to Vanhoover facing his back. Ignoring the first comment, “C’mon I am bored can’t we go to another tavern like last week and scare the living day lights out of some pony again,” hissing at his own comment a snake behind the first pony says eyes beaming dark red. “You know it wasn't us but you that did that,” replied Dusk, “oh wait technically it was us but …… well you get what I mean,” looking back at the snake but carried on walking well I mean technically we do share the same body so yeah and consciousness nonetheless so I guess it was me too but for crying out load this always confuses me. Our pony in question was a teenage looking colt with white fur and a red mane, not only that but he shares his body with a snake in the place of where his tail is, for many years now the snake refereed to itself as Shadow, Dusk also has two horns on either side of his head that curl over then under his ears in the color onyx. Three scar's go across his neck while marks were placed on his face, back leg and his back that are dark black. The marks were placed by his grandfather to 'protect him' whatever that meant I'l never know now. Shadow always finds ways to annoy Dusk in some way or form, both Shadow and Dusk share one consciousness but he can’t seem to control the thing, making the relationship more of a split personality. His eyes were not normal either with their golden rings that twisted around his pupil like spikes. With a stern look on his face Dusk turns to the now curled up Shadow, "you know we could have stayed at that inn longer but you had to fuck up and make trouble again, it always has to be about Shadow, sometimes your such the literal ass," with a huff he turned back around and carried on walking. Even if the snake hadn't of had the personality of a..... well snake being viscous and uncanny it would already be weird and scary to see a pony with tattoo's, scar's and a talking snake tail to begin with, mostly every where they went they were shunned and chased out of, only a few ponies would truly come to know Dusk. Shadow elevated his head ever so slightly, "well where are we going then Mr almighty leg colt?" between breathes letting his tongue seep in and out in a quick flipping motion. Without turning Dusk reply's, "Well as you already know back in Vanhoover that elderly mare pointed us to the direction of the library for more information and said to look at the 'history of equestria' and the 'effects of harmony'," slowing his pace to catch some breathe. "Yeah, yeah the hag who mentioned that flutterpony tale about the six mare's of destiny," coiling back up closing his eyes huffing with clear annoyance himself. "Hey, she was nice, she let us stay in her spare bedroom without pay for three days you ingrate and she even had the decency to tell us the information we needed," Looking forward a breeze making him cover his face, "and maybe we can finally find out something if this twilight sparkle will help us, she might be the key to uncovering something about our appearance and truly what we are," back at a full paced walk with new resolve they carry on. "Oh right, sure the newly crowned princess prissy pants of magic will take her time to help a deformed pony such as us, be realistic!" Shadow snarled with one eye open showing pure ruby red eye. Many hours pass walking along the turning and twining roads of the country side, finally ponyville is now in sight, a red barn with its apple crop field, a tree in the middle of the large town, unique to Dusk as not many ponies have been seen to make a tree their home in a town, only the odd few who live the wilderness by themselves many bad memories their huh Dusk. Not long off the trips end a sound all too familiar to the duo sounded an alarm *GURGLE* seems were hungry, hope we can find something sweet because is it me or can you smell muffins, putting his muzzle in the air sniffing. well your the only one getting that feeling their ive never been hungry, guess you have to wait a bit longer, after that last thought they carried on walking in silence until civilization could be in reach. A few minutes later they near the end of the path, towards the town two mares could be seen talking and laughing, between the two there was a sky blue mare that was grabbing the cream mares hoof shaking it and staring at it, "Hey, hello, please could you help us," Dusk shouts while he waves a hoof. When the two notice him the blue mare backs away a few steps, at a better look her fur and mane had not much of a deference between their color but he could see a horn, her cutie mark showed a musicale instrument which was golden, a look of confusion and fright splashed across her face. The cream mare had more colorful mane being dark blue and bright pink and a set of three candy rappers covered her flank, springing into action she moved in front of the blue mare, staring at Dusk with almost the same look as her friend but her eyes glaring a deep sapphire at Dusk. With a quick nudge both mares were sprinting down the path toward Ponyville. Another expected reaction, "Ha!, again another town, another mare that runs from you Dusk, will you once again taste the bitterness you give us of having other ponies glares in this new town?" sarcasm clearly the tone of this sentence. Dusk and Shadow arrive in ponyville and start to walk through the town, wow D this place is empty what happened to the ponies, maybe we scared them off even better than usual, walking past the quills and sofas shop there were tables with half eaten sandwiches’ and warm drinks still steaming, clearly stating somepony was there moments beforehoof. there’s got to be somepony around maybe I should try shouting for some ones help. “Hello is anypony there,” Dusk shouts but to no avail, “helloooo…ooo,” he looking from right to left again. “your just making a foal of yourself again Dusk c’mon it’s a dead end lets go somewhere else,” coiled upon Dusk's back Shadow himself looking around at the streets that were empty. In the meantime inside of sugarcube corner A bouncing piece of pink jumps around a group of mares, “hey, hey, hey guys, is that the pony your all talking about coz he’s the only one out there and he’s shouting something hehe,” the giddy mare says that is always recognizable as pinkie pie, pinkie was all... well pink and her mane and tail looked like yummy candy floss finally her cutie mark was three balloons. A shaking cream mare sat at a red table, “Y..yeah that’s the guy, he looked at us like we were meat and that snake stared at us while it licked its lips”. A mare with a dark purple mane with lighter purple and pink streaks stepped forward, “oh please girls, Bon Bon are you sure it wasn't you just misunderstanding the colts intentions did you hear what he was shouting”. “No B.b..but twilight you weren't there, me and Lyra were so scared we didn't have time to think we just ran, right Lyra,” Bon Bon looked over to the blue mare from earlier said with a jittery voice. Lyra who was sat next to Bon Bon started to shudder, “Th..Th.Those red eyes, snake..s.s.snake,” Lyra mumbled. “SEE! Look at her!” Bon Bon said pointing at her friend. “Okay, yes she does look frightened but that does not prove that the colt over there is evil or up to something does it now” Twilight questioned. “Well no but..,” Bon Bon started before Twilight carried on with her usual lecture, “well that’s that then, shall we go meet him or shall we let the town be like the times when Zacora was ignored,” Twilight said rhetorically. Twilight began trotting to the door when a southern accented pony said, “you know sugarcube you should consider he might be dangerous and be more cautious about this,” the mare with worry in her voice. “Oh c’mon Applejack you know better than most about a judge of character,” Twilight turning to the orange mare. “Erm I…I.I don’t think you should…… go out there either,” whispered a mare hiding behind a long light pink mane clutching her hooves over her head behind Applejack. “Yes darling please reconsider and listen to Applejack,” clearly spoke a mare with a refined voice that of an angel. “Why, he looks so AWSOME!! I agree with Twi on this one…. Let’s go!” a pegasi with a rainbow mane says. “Hey guys,” pinkie says trying to catch the attention of the others. “You know I can’t think that way until I know the pony myself and I am sure we can protect our self with the elements guys,” twilight states in a tone more regal than before. “I know that you've dealt with many different characters now with your entire princess duties assigned to you by princess Celestia," “Hey guys,” “but come now darling think this over, just on the off hoof he is a dangerous pony,” Rarity says with a look of concern putting her hoof on twilights shoulder. looking back to rarity, “I know that but what sort of princess would I be if………,” “HEY GUYS!!!!!!!,” “What pinkie what in the name of faust are you shouting about,” twilight says, turning to the giddy pink pony. “I think he’s is coming this way, maybe he’s coming for some cake or maybe a PARTY!!” pinkie says pointing at the window. “Get ya head down quick gals,” Applejack says, pulling pinkie away from the window. Twilight starts to walk over to the door, “Don’t be silly girls,” with a sigh she then opens the door. Just before the door opened Sugarcube corner was a sight to behold, really, it looked like a big ginger house made up of candy sticks and all sorts of treats, “wow couldn’t get any more gaudy than that can ya”. Looking quite shocked himself turning towards Shadow, “well I like it plus I'm starving, so if we do get help here we can also get some grub too,” walking up to a bright pink door Dawn raised a hoof to knock just before the door swung open. “HE’S GRABBING TWILIGHT,” a bright orange mare shouts. "Hello?” says a confused Dawn just before being tackled to the floor by the same mare who shouted and was wearing a cowboy hat that now lay meters ahead of them on the path below. “APPLEJACK!! I think he was just going to knock, right sir that was what you were doing,” Twilight stated questioning the downed colt in front of her sprawled out like he was just hit by a loose hay cart. “errerrrrr…… yep I think,” Dawn said wheezing out of breath due to having the wind knocked out of him. “Stay back Twi y’all still don’t know that be th'truth,” Applejack says in a stern tone looking directly at the colt now mere center meters away from his muzzle. Shadow sticks his head to the left and looks at Dawn to see what happened, “Hew, hew, look at you Dawn all cozy with the cowgirl," giggling at his own comment. Applejack span her head round, “Who said that, y’all better start talking or Im’a kick your flank into next week,” eyes moving from right to left before she noticed everypony coming out but not noticing the snake just to her left. Now outside of the shop the group look at the two, Dawn being underneath Applejack, Twilight there trying to get applejack off of the colt, Rarity blushing a tad bit, rainbow hovering trying to get a better look at the new face…… Fluttershy being fluttershy hiding behind Rarity and Pinkie is sat there munching on a cupcake pulled out of thin air. Dawns golden eyes open to look at Applejack, “Well if you’d kindly remove yourself from atop of me I’d gladly tell you whom just spoke and why I’m here,” asking politely was always the best way to calm a situation like this. Bright red smears itself across Applejacks face as the mare realizes just how ludicrous a picture this scene paints and backs off the colt. Shadow then decides to show his head, getting yet another De-ja-vu reaction of gasps and ponies backing away apart from two, the giddy one who just laughed and the yellow, pink manned pony who perks up a bit at the sight of him……. Weird that was quite a different reaction from what they usually got when he popped out. Dawn put his hoof up to his mouth and coughed slightly, “first things first I’m Dawn and the voice earlier came from Shadow, don't mind him too much hes just an ass,” Dawn says with a bow putting most ponies at ease, of course Shadow’s enthusiasm lead to just him lying back down huffing at the thought of more annoying ponies to deal with and slightly annoyed at Zalik for that comment. After a quick look around at who he was talking to he asked, “Could I ask where we can find Princess Twilight Sparkle, I need to ask her some questions about a certain matter if she has time,” Dawn states in a polite tone whilst looking around to see if he got a reply. The purple mare moved forward, “Well look no further,” Twilight says while placing her arm on her chest gesturing it was her that he was looking for, "if you want we can talk over some cake we were just going to have some before we heard Bon Bon and Lyra come screaming in here making everypony run back to the insides of shops and houses," Twilight says pointing a wing at the door. Now fully stood up, "well I was just kinda getting hungry too, i think that would be great, after you," Dawn replied following Twilight and her group. Inside the shop were the two who didn't come out, sat there with red flushed faces waving slowly to the new face realizing what had really happened. haha would you look at those two, we scared them enough to make a whole town retreat to their homes, this has to be one of the most interesting places we have been to I cant wait to see what pops up next Dawn > To Canterlot > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Sugarcube Corner A sweet smell drifts through the air, a sight of muffins, cakes and all delights around as three ponies are sat at a rounded table in Sugarcube corner. Breathing in between bites Dawn chomps into the muffins he was given “damn, these are the best muffins,” what was a pile of muffins disappeared within seconds, *BURP*, “hew, pardon me, sorry about that but Pinkie how did you make them so tasty?” moving to grab the paper sheets at the middle of the table to clean up Dawn asked. Hopping over from behind the glass counter, “a good cook doesn't bake and tell,” moving to sit next to Rainbow. Just finishing her own muffin which was a swirly chocolate delight, Twilight turns to Dawn who’s just taking a sip of his coffee, “if you don’t mind me asking, well, where do you come from?” she herself now taking a drink from her cup. Placing the cup back down, Dawn sighs already knowing he has had this conversation so many times he wouldn't be able to count them all anymore, “well I’ve been travelling for a few years now but I use to live north of Neighagra falls not too far from the Crystal mountains, me and my grandfather lived there in peace,” taking another sip, “but that was around three years ago now and it wasn't my original birth place either,” looking outside he can see that the ponies are back out and getting their stalls packed up. Twilights second question never really startled Dawn as It always popped up, “well I mean, I have to ask, oh how can I phrase this without sounding”. Red eyes bob over the seams of the table, “You want to know where he was born right, because he has me and those horns that no other pony you've seen or heard of has had right?” Shadow answered for Twilight making her nod shyly. Pushing his cup aside, giving a little cough, “well to answer what you want, I really can’t say, that’s why I came here in the first place and started my journey,” his eyes made contact with Twilights, “that’s why when I heard that you Twilight might be able to help me, I finally thought that I could get some answers but it seems even the royals of the kingdom know nothing of what my race really is,” maybe I really am just a deformity, I mean I was found in the woods by grandpa when I was eight. Well that still wouldn't explain our loss of memory for those eight years now would it Dawn? Everpony noticed Shadow turn his face to Dawns as if he was talking to him. At Dawns answer Twilight thinks for a moment, well he is very different, I haven't seen anyone like him before and I haven’t read anything with his sort of anatomy, one hoof raised at her mouth and the other around her waist, looking at Dawn, nothing was coming to mind how to resolve her new friends problem, well I may be a royal now but I haven’t been one for long, Oh right, why didn't I even think of that, making everyone jump, “I got the answer,” blushing with embarrassment having made everyone but Pinkie jump. Moving back down from springing into the air at the sudden volume increase, “jeeze twi, volume control, you may be royal but don’t use that Canterlot voice,” Rainbow Dash was now sitting with arms crossed, she blows a bit of hair out of her face, “so what’s the idea egghead?” looking back at Twilight. “Well I think for now we should go back to the library, it’s getting dark and I think we need spike,” getting up from her seat, Twilight gestures for them to follow. With a look of confusion on his face Dawn asks, “why the library?” completely not being able to follow the conversation now that they all moving to the door. Turning her head back but not stopping, as a purple mist twists the handle of the door opening it, “because I live there,” now just outside of Sugarcube corner. Coming to a full Holt at this, “wait, wait, wait, what about your guards or you're castle that a princess usually has?” realizing that they are getting further away he runs to catch up. Twilight looks in the direction of Dawn but doesn't turn her head this time as he is in ears range, “all that fancy smancy stuff about being a princess is something that I could have had if I wanted too but I just didn't want anypony to change around me just because I now have a title,” looking up at Rainbow she waves her friend goodbye as she sets off to Cloudsdale, “plus I realized this was my home all those years ago when Celestia sent me here for the summer sun celebration to make friends and face Nightmare moon”. “Celestia,” with an eyebrow rose wondering who the mare twilight refers too completely missing the second mares name because he has heard the name celestia before. “Oh C’mon, as if there is anypony who doesn't know Princess Celestia, your serious, well she and Princess Luna are the two who govern the sun and the moon, I’m surprised you have never heard of them before,” Twilight states. “Well I've heard the names mentioned before but I never knew they were that important,” Dawn spots the big tree he saw earlier today. Twilight looks at Dawn with a shocked face at what he said, well it’s not every day you come across a pony with such little knowledge of the world. Inside The Library A young dragon goes about his daily chores of stacking his adoptive sisters books back in their own respective places once again before he has to do it again tomorrow as she always does the same thing, C’mon twilight its getting dark and the food went cold hours ago, where are you, not like you would be on a date or something because you always have your muzzle in a book and after your done I’m always the one to clean them up, with a sigh he places the last book on the shelve while he clung to the ladder. The big wooden door to the library swung open as a voice rang in his ears, “SPIKE!” Clearly startled spike let go of the ladder, “WOAH, WOOAH, WOOOOOOAH,” with a thud spike crashed to the floor and rolled back to Twilights leg. Looking down at the purple and green scaled baby dragon, “Oh, there you are, I have somepony I want you to meet,” walking to the other side of Spike letting her guest walk into her home, “this here is Dawn Shade,” pointing a hoof his direction. Eyes widening in shock at what he saw, “erm, Twilight why is there a man in our doorway and why does he look weird,” getting back on his feet. Shadow pops his head out, “for crying out loud not another whiny, little turd,” eyes squinting at the now slack jawed dragon, “what are you supposed to be you little”. “Shadow! Calm it will you, he was probably shocked by us” Turning from Shadow back to spike, “sorry to startle you he a bit of a pain in the flank and his mouth isn't any better either,” Dawn says before entering further into the library. Twilight starts to use her magic to gather some materials, “Spike I need your help, can you write a letter for me to Princess Celestia”. Spike was still on the floor contemplating what was weirder that there was a colt in the library or that the guy had a tail in the shape of a snake that talked back to him, “Equs to Spike wake up Spike”. “Oh right, right, what was it you wanted, a letter, give me a sec,” spike fumbles to his feet and quickly bobs over to where his quill and papers are picking them up. Clearing her throat, “Dear Princess Celestia, this is Twilight sparkle, there is an pony who just came from a long travel in search of answers to a very odd question and I believe that only you or Princess Luna may be able to solve them, If I may I wish to come to Canterlot with him to seek these answers, your faithful student, Twilight sparkle,”. “Arkle,” putting the final words on to the paper he breathe out green flames as it ignites the paper making it disappear. Moment later a scroll with a red tie having the initial C on it pops out of Spikes mouth in a green flame, Twilight catches it in her purple magic, “let’s see here, it says that it would be best to come tomorrow when it is daytime, she will be available after she has seen to day court,” letting the scroll roll back up she places it on the table and looks back at Dawn. Dawn was stood shuffling his front hooves thinking about what to do, “well that’s great but, well since earlier today I think most ponies are going to shy away from us so I don’t think we can get any BnB’s to accept us”. Twilight began to point over to a sofa on the other side of the room, “Y’know it might not be much but I was just going to let you stop down here till tomorrow I wasn't expecting you to have to go find a hotel at this hour so don’t worry about that, I mean what are friends for right?”. Hahahaha friend, you don’t get a break do you Dawn, another mare wants to only be your friend, I really do feel sad for you. “Shut up,” with a shout Dawn startles Twilight, “erm not you I mean Shadow, the whole same consciousness thing means he can annoy me both verbally and mentally, Makes me really want to go get a new style of tail one of these days” “Get stuffed you know you can’t live without me, literally” “Well that’s….. Troublesome,” walking over to the stairs Twilight ushers spike up the steps, “well if you need anything to eat or drink in the middle of the night the kitchens just down through that door, no pony could miss it, good night Dawn” “Erm, well, thank you and……Good night… erm…. Twilight,” blushing slightly at the thought of being able to say that again after so long of not having any real contact with somepony who wasn't stepping on eggshells all the time. That night Dawn dreamed of his Grandfather and how he spent his time in the forest, just the two of them. The Next Day, Celestia comes to swap places with Luna Princess Celestia was nearly twice as big as the usual pony and had a white coat fur with a flowing rainbow mane to complement it, golden shoes, necklace and tiara was the attire of the mare, “Little Sister, as always thank you for the help with the moon, it is time I raise the sun and give you your rest,” a yellow aura envelops her long horn as a tint of red begins to show above the crystal mountains to the north, “well that’s the sun set on its course, Luna, I also think you might want to come by my recreational quarters later as well, there will be somepony you will want to meet,” winking at her sister she gracefully leaves the room headed for the dining hall with Luna following. Luna looked physically drained from her work but the all too familiar teasing attitude of her sister peaked her interest, “Sister, to whom do you refer to when you say I would want to meet them, it isn't another prank like that one over a millennium ago with that stallion, the one with fru fru mane as you put it,” having to move her legs that little bit faster due to being a little smaller the dark blue mare kept up to Celestia with her Star spangled mane flowing in the same non-existent wind her sisters did. With a small giggle, Celestia turns to Luna, “no my dear sister, it is someone whom you know already but had lost contact with,” with a gentle smile she turned back to facing forward, “you may ask how I already know who it is but I have been keeping my eye on this one for many years now myself just to make sure nothing bad happened to him”. “Celestia, just tell me who it is”. “All in due time sister, he will be here later with Twilight, you will meet him then at three so don’t be late,” waving her sister goodbye Celestia turned to the right, now heading to start the daily day court to settle the troubles of her many little ponies. At the entrance to the Palace “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am to escort you and Dawn to the princess’ quarters where you will wait for her to arrive in twenty minutes,” a guard in golden Armour had walked up to the two with his hoof saluting them. “Hello to you too Skylar, how’s your family,” Twilight shoots a smile at the guard while greeting him. Putting his hoof back down and turning around the guard replies with, “they’re good, you and RD should really come back over, I’m Sure Feather Drift and my daughter would love to see you again”. Dawn shuffles closer to Twilight to whisper in her ear, “Hey, Twilight, I’m quite sure I never introduced myself to anyone in Canterlot before, how did he know my name?” With a shrug of her shoulders she replied with a simple, “I really don’t know, I even didn't say your name in the letter to Celestia, I just put it that you needed help with your problem,” nearing the end of the corridor they entered a room with four cushions around a large oak table, a pane window what had the sun in a bright yellow was on the far end of the room with blue curtains on either side that had a sun emblem on them as well. The guard stopped at the door nodding to his fellow guardpony, “it won’t be long before the princess arrives so if I am not needed anymore I shall be on my way Princess Twilight,” nodding at the two and bowing at Twilight before leaving through the doors that closed behind him. “Why is this room so fucking bright, for faust sake talk about blowing your own horn,” putting his head in Dawns mane Shadow lays across the black markings on his back. Walking after Twilight, “Shadow, language like that won’t fly far with royalty so I suggest you shut your trap for the next few hours if we want to find out our needed answers!” “Fuck you Dawn, it’s your fault for waking me too early, I'm already cold blooded but you then make me wake up on a chilly morning to help twilight with her chores, faust your already whipped” “Cold blooded? Whatever, Fine I will make it up to you later just please be quiet when the Princess arrives, I am begging now,” looking back at Shadow. With a sigh, “Fine I will play along for now but I still think this is a waste of time,” looking at Dawn with a look of disdain, Still if I hear something wrong with the conversation that I don’t like don’t expect me to keep quiet then, got it, as a reply Dawn just nod’s. A few minutes later the guards open the doors back up as the sound of two sets of hoof steps can be heard coming up from behind the two in the room, “good afternoon Twilight, and to you too Dawn it’s so nice to meet you,” with a quick nod both Celestia and Luna sat on the seats adjacent to the two ponies. Bowing back its Dawn who answers, “Thank you Princess, erm you’re not shocked by my……. Disposition?” with an eyebrow raised he looks over the table. Celestia’s face was neutral showing nothing much than a smile but to her right the mare that was dark blue had teary eyes and a look of disbelief. “Ah, I’m so sorry I didn't mean to make you cry, I’m sorry for scaring you” “Thou hast nothing to be sorry for, these are tears of joy my dear child,” using a hoof to wipe away a tear she lets her sister begin the explanation now that she knows who it is her sister was talking about to her earlier in the day. Celestia waves a hoof to a maidmare that was on her left, “please could I have a cup of tea please, do any of you want anything,” with the shakes of heads she carry's on, “that is all I guess, well to answer you're earlier question Zalik, no I am not shocked or disgusted or any of the words that are rushing through your head at the moment, I have seen my fair share of ponies and you’re not the first of your kind I have seen,” taking the cup in her magic she takes a sip, “for many years now since your arrival in this realm, I have been watching over you and have seen you grow into who you are now” Speechless, his mind blank Luna begins to speak. “I myself have known of you from your ninth birthday, your grandfather and I were pen pals for many years and I enjoyed to hear of your growth and adjustment to daily life after being found by Railin Shade,” a tear stained the fur of her cheek again, “it was very saddening when I received the letter from you thanking me for keeping Railin happy with my letters, and that he had passed on to the afterlife, I must thank you now for that my child” With a look of joy and sadness, “You were the one from those letters, the one with the alias nightlight twinkle,” tears streamed down Dawns face and sniffing could be heard from his mane. Celestia stood up walking around the table over to Dawn,” well now let’s have a look at you, hmm, yep seems good enough the runes are still stable and it looks like your nearly ready,” nodding at Luna she moved back to her seat. Luna took a deep breath before beginning to talk, “okay there may be many questions you want to ask but I know the main one, where do you come from?” looking at Dawn, fully knowing how hard this is going to be to both him and herself. “The one question that defines my reality at the moment is that one, if you know you must tell me, what am I? Who am I? Where do I come from? Please I must know!” “Yes my child you shall learn all this in due time, over a millennium and a half ago there was a kingdom with two other races of pony that resided in Equestria along with the earth, pegasi, unicorn and crystal ponies, it was a race called the deviponys ones with two horns instead of one and some had wings that looked like a bats, all ponies from this culture also were born with a familiar, one type of animal per pony that could either move on their own or would be tethered spiritually to their masters,” looking just behind Dawn, “in your case it is different something that hasn't been seen before has happened in your birth or when you got to Equestria, your familiar has joined your body both spiritually and physically and has also gained its own will along with this”. With a look of concentration Dawn takes all of the information in like a sponge and slowly filtering the information in his mind, so I am a deformity even in my original race there was never a pony with an animal attached to them. “leading on from this the deviponys had a trait no other race had, within their bodies two souls made battle over dominance of the mind, the average devipony didn’t have that much trouble with their personality as their urges were subsided by their own royalty that lead them, king Shenrick and his wife were noble rulers,” taking a quick look around she saw twilight with a shocked face that glimmered with interest in the information she was being given, “apart from them there was another race of ponies that also had bodies very different from the ponies of this era, ponies the size of a hoof called flutterponys were the keepers of history and the negotiators between countries and the nobles and royals of the time, they helped both Shenrick and our father to govern their respective lands with a just hoof,” taking another breath with eyes closed she awaited an answer. “all this time and I finally know” “What will you do now child” “I…. I really don’t know” “Then we shall both see to the end of your path, to the destiny that awaits you my child” > Truths revealed > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few days had passed at the palace and Dawn spent his days in an study room given by Princess Celestia, old scrolls were past to him showing old texts of his past civilization, all looks like a pile of shit to me Dawn, most were just letters to and from between kingdoms and some were maps of how his country had been laid out. "Shit to you Shadow but to me this was where I should come from but instead I am here, with only a few memories of the red sky and a black castle but then nothing, I always thought it weird, not one pony looked like me all these years then I find out my race was banished due to something happening to their royalty, how did I get here? whats my purpose if I was sent here through the realms?" The snake upon Dawn did not reply apart from a quick huff, not like you would know anyways, were both in the same boat haha guess all we can do is search for more answers, its a never ending journey for us, "well no use just sitting here I me...." The door opened to the study as the navy blue alicorn walked in, "Sorry to intrude but Dawn do you mind coming with me for a few hours there is something I would like to discuss in private between just us," for and instant Dawn thought he saw the goddess twitch, must be my imagination, "It is something important and it involves your people, only myself and celestia know this information and I have finally descided to share this information with you." Dawn stood up from his desk that has papers spread across it and faced Luna, "ofcourse your majesty, may I inquire where it is we'll be going?" Luna started to turn as Dawn came closer, "its to my quarters where my balcony is, you see I will first raise the moon so that my sister can rest and then we can have our discussion in private in my room where no magic or peering eyes can penetrate," the alicorn looked to be jittery about something but Dawn pushed it to the back of his mind. "Okay lets go then Princes...." "Luna should do for now" "Okay Luna, lead the way," both head off down the corridor. Luna's quarters Dawn could feel the strong pull of magic coming from Luna as she pulled the moon over the mountains and set its course through the night sky, "Ah, there we go, now please Dawn have a seat we have much to discuss about you're race and what I have to tell you, I could not give this information away in front of Twilight as she would be told when I have my answer from you" The mare had an inquizitive look as she sat across from Dawn, her eyes would wip around as she looks at his features, Is there something on me or what?, "Erm Luna is there something wrong or something I'm missing because you seem to be desturbed by something?" "No, no, its nothing, now to the matter at hand..... wait a sec!" Luna powered her horn again as a blue hue appeared around the two again, Dawn looked around instantly wondering what was happening, "do not worry it is a spell that stops prying ears and eyes from hearing and seeing our conversation, now what I'm going to reveal tonight might be shocking but all true," for a second Luna became quiet as she closed her eyes, she breathed in and out fully knowing what reaction she was about to here, suddenly her ehtereal hair set alight around her body then as fast as it appeared went back to where it was but it changed slightly. "what but thats not possible is it?" Dawn was shocked beyond thoughts. "thu fuck, even I'm suprised by this one, how the fuck did you do that, are you taking the piss out of us you bitch!!" "SHADOW!! no matter what even if this was a jok.." Luna interupted Dawn as he told off his counterpart, "It is no joke, this is all real!" Luna had changed, her appearance now donning bat wings, her mane more like fire than blowing in the wind, eyes that were slit and had spikes with their golden glow, protruding teeth like a wolves, markings up her face and leg similar to Dawns and two curved horns at the sides of her ears about a length longer than Dawns, "It is real and I can explain why I look like this" Dawn closed his mouth and glared at the mare infront of him, "why, why didn't you tell me sooner, you talked to grandpa for so many years and you knew of my appearence, so why the fuck! did you not show up to give me guidance, tell me why!?" even though he was clearly angry the young colt had a stream of tears leaving his eyes, "did grandpa know, tell me!" Guilt struck the princess' face, knowing all too well that this was expected from the colt, "it was for your best to be brought up without external powers such as I to affect your upbringing and your granfather Railin did know but he never agreed with me he wished for me to come see you and teach you illusionary magic to disguise yourself but I think it was best for you to understand the hardships of life before I came but my plan fell when Railin died, you were lost to me, I searched nightly through the minds of everypony to find you but I could never reach you," tears began to stream from her face, "really I didn't mean for you to have to search for so long trying to find answers if I had known sooner of his health I would have come sooner" "But you didn't you left Dawn to himself, do you know what some ponies did to him, the way they looked at him, DO YOU!!" "Its okay Shadow it isn't her fault, but nevertheless if I'd have known of you sooner life would haven't have been as hard, I gained many scares both physical and mental from ponies who couldn't accept me so if that is the lesson you wanted me to learn then be happy I have thurough knoledge in that department" Luna's face contorted in many emotions but her eyes never left contact with Dawns, "I....I..I..*Hic* I didn't mean for that to happen but I..I.I can only say that I'm sorry, *haa* *haaaa* I have more to......to tell you" Dawns face grew more annoyed, "more" Luna clearly saw that Dawn was not happy at the revelation of his world literally being planned out, "your grandfather knew this information as well and kept it until his grave, I know who is your father, I know him very well in fact" "you knew my family, how? who were they?" Dawns face went from angry to confused. "You and I Dawn come from the same tree, our father, was King shenrik," all tears had stopped and she heard but silence coming from Dawns mouth, ushering her to carry on, "I do not know of your mother but I do know our father, he was a fair king and just while he ruled, but when my mother passed on because of me!! *kktch*, because of me he gave in to the darkness, he became Malick the overlord, he waged war against Celestias father only to be banished, Celestias father died shortly after but I was found laying under a dead guard on the battlefield by him, he looked at me with tearful eyes, he asked his wife to let me into his family, the same spawn of the monster that had him o his deathbed" "but ah.." "I don't know what happened but I am definitely his daughter as you are his son, we both carry the same traits, I gave into my darkness near a thousand years ago when I became nightmare moon, the only thing that could stop me was my dearest elder sister Cele, I spent one thousand years on the moon, when I got back I needed to adjust to society that's when I met your grandfather on his trip back from his forest house to pick up things from his house in Canterlot, he discussed with me some life stories and you were the one I picked up on, knowing you were like me I had to find out what your magic was like to see if you had the same fate as I," A blue mist appeared out of her horns that had speckles of white glittering in it, "What I found was that you did have the same fate, sealed by misfortune to the darkness within, I decided to let you learn the harshness of the world before you came to the castle so not to be spoil by our royalty, knowing you would have a righteous upbringing would help you deceive the darkness, this darkness only came with being part of the Devicorn Royalty" These two words had been shown throughout all the texts he read of the past country, 'Devicorn Royalty' much like the alicorns they were the gods that were worshiped by they respective pony kind, "Are you saying that were both Devicorns, that cant be true because even if I am one where is my magic that can be used for everyday use and where are my wings, it just isn't possible," confused and annoyed Dawn just didn't know what to think. Luna began to walk over from her seat and pointed a hoof at the seals on his body, "you wont remember but your grandfather put these seals upon you're body when he found you in the woods," she then pointed at his neck where three rather visible neck scars were, "It was then that you should have died if you were lucky but it seems destiny had something else in store for you, Now! Dawn this is the question I have for you, now you know my true form and who our family is do you want to accept your royal position as my acting son and release your wind and growth seal or do you wish to ignore everything you have learnt, I will give you to tomorrow at midnight to decide, both I and Celestia will get ready to break the seals should you want them to be," Luna turned around but Dawn could feel throughout his body, Luna was crying, it is his choice, if he does accept his royal position next is to reveal ourselves to the public as he has nearly broke through, Luna walked away from her study closing the door behind her. Shadow came around but this time he had no tone of being sadistic but one more calmer, "are you alright Dawn, I can feel that your uneasy about this whole situation, what are you going to do" Dawn turned to the snake that was rubbing up against his neck, "Truthfully I really have no clue, I seem to be really clueless lately don't I?, Still I can't be royalty it just too much to handle, what can I do Shadow can we really believe what we just heard, what do you think?" "you really want my opinion, trust our gut and what I think its saying is that you gotta sleep and then see what tomorrows day brings, really D just live a little, they'll be no more hiding and no more long journeys if we stay here, so I say go for it, what can we really lose we have no home, no family, well apart from Luna and no friends, all we really had was the old git and hes gone now so........ just sayin' there nothing to lose" "okay well thanks I guess it best to go sleep then and see what happens tomorrow night" Eleven forty nine, next day "well this is it Dawn, you wanted the real truth hear it is behind these giant golden doors," the duo stood in an hallway that had dim lighting, many of the guards that usually were there was replaced by guards wearing dark blue armor. "Dawn, we have been waiting your just on time, the Princess' are just through these doors," the husky voice came from the pony on his right who was in the shadows of the dark. "So I just walk in right?" "Yes, just walk in" "Right one hoof at a time" "C'mon you pussy hurry the fuck up will you," startling Dawn and the guard Shadow shouts into his ear. "AAAH! for fuck sake Shadow fine, alright here we go," Dawn pushed on the door that opened with ease as he walked into the room, BAMM!!, the door slammed behind him, "holy fuck" "do you have your answer for us Dawn?" "AAAH! FOR FUCK SAKE!!!" DON'T SNEAK UP ON ME!" "even if you chose not to join us it looks like I'm going to have to teach you proper speaking etiquette or its a bar of soap," the white alicorn chuckled to herself as the red mane in front of her jolted. "I'm sorry you just caught me by surprise is all" Luna walked forward next to Celestia with her disguise back up, "So I presume you have made your decision child?" "Yes, I.... we thought it best to accept our position in order to better understand where we really stand in this world, after last night I think there will be a need for me, you spoke of destiny, I don't want to disappoint my weavers then do I?" Luna perked up at this and sprung at Dawn into a hug shocking him again, "Well then I think it best we release what binds you nephew," A smile grew on Celestias face as Dawn realized as to why Luna grabbed him. Luna felt pushing at her chest and pulled ever more tightly, "*ugg* You know I am seventeen right?" The white alicorn became confused at this, "only seventeen, you look around Twenty to me, I have had Ponies follow you as helping hooves but in every report I had you seemed to have an adults aura in the reports" "didn't you know from Lunas letters?" "I never knew of them until around two years ago when she asked me to help her find you, I thought it best to let you stay on your journey until you matured more but it seems that I had miscalculated somethings, you're a lot younger than I thought but nevertheless It changes nothing as in our years you are but a baby to our kind" "yes sister and now he is my little foal to dote upon, come this way into the center so that we may prepare, I will not lie, this is going to hurt, when a seal is broken the appendage or affected area will grow back to the way it is supposed to look," Dawn cringed at this, "but fear not for when you are done with your ascension we will be here to comfort you and care for you" Is it just me or does she creep you out how affectionate shes being? "How will I look after erm...... my ascension?" Luna walked back to a moon that was on the floor, Celestia at hers, "Do not worry my child, you will soon see" ASCENSION The room shook, glyph on the floor aglow a dark red, Luna released her Illusion and Celestia spread her wings making the moon light direct at Dawn, Luna began making smoke the same color as her mane and spread it around Dawn, "the first seal will be broken get ready, Dawn, don't be afraid!" her voice only just audible from the violent shakes, his back leg felt magic around it then, *SNAP* the colt let out a scream as his bones began to break, each relined then broke again as his body grew to its natural shape, "Now the second and final one we will release, Dawn your nearly done hang in there," Lunas voice could not be heard by the colt who was in searing agony, he felt the pressure once again but on his back this time, His skin tore open as two white nibs protruded his back, the skin that was ripped grew over them just to be ripped again in an agonizing process as his wings built themselves from scratch, with a final breath all the pain slowly began to subside within his body, the mist withdrew to show the new Devicorn with patches of red on his back and different areas where his skin split from his sudden growth, "there now rest my son, the hard part is over, I will cleanse you as you sleep. As everything faded to black a faint whisper creep-ed into Dawns mind, "Finally we are released". > New body, new life > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- New body, new life Dawn felt a hoof laid across his back as he was sleeping, a bird could be heard as the sun shone through the window making a stream of light shine into Dawns eyes, as they open he cringes from the sight and opens them slowly to see his surroundings. Without moving his head he eyes where he is, familiar white double doors with a moon crescent on each, an open balcony with a telescope and bookshelves that had books missing what were littering the room, a sweet voice came from above him as the hoof stopped stroking his mane, "Are you awake my foal?" turning his head he was greeted with a warming smile coming from Luna, "Oh what beautiful eyes you now have, gold with a silver ringlet, beautiful but never-the-less time waits for no one not even the ageless, now get up we need to get ready for breakfast, make haste," Luna moved from where they were laid and moved to the doors, taking one back look at Dawn, "I will meet you there, I have already cleansed you last night so there should be no problems with a shower and Celestia is eager to see her new nephew up and about my dear," then she left the room. Dawns body felt like dead weight, wow that took a lot of energy out of me, I didn't think I could feel this way after sleeping, his body was aching but somehow shadow made his way around to Dawn, "woah what happened to you, you're....you're bigger" "Speak for yourself your a giant now, go see for yourself" Dawn stumbled to his feet, "ARGH, wow that's different, my legs are nearly twice as long, I feel like I'm going to be tripping quite a lot too," Dawn slowly made his way to the opening for the bathroom, inside there was quite a sizable open bath shower and a sink that was the height of two ponies so that Luna didn't have to bend down, just above it was a mirror, "That should do it, lets see now,"Dawn walked up to the mirror with a curious look that quickly changed to surprise. His old mane that was tangled and more like dashes now flowed much like what Fluttershys would except it had flowing spiky ends, Like Luna said his eyes changed only slightly having silver circlets now, he had grown quite large now, just under Lunas height but the biggest change he could see most of all were his appendages that donned his back, white scaly wings much like a dragon with a massive wingspan, wow they move just like another leg, weird it feel like I've been using these my who life, noticing a quick glint of light Dawn notices his canines, much like a wolf they were elongated and they for some reason made him fee some pride, "I think I like them, what about you?" "Ive had them all along, whats the difference," finally huffing like the usual Shadow he retreated to Dawns back to sleep more. "Well no point in keeping Luna waiting then, wait will I have to call her mom now," making his way out of the bathroom and heading to the door he headed to the dining room. It wasn't a long trip usually and you would think that will longer legs it would be much faster but for Dawn it was like he was a newborn trying to find his balance, after finally getting the hand of it he carried on waking every now and then passing a maid or worker of the castle, most mares would giggle and blush whilst moving aside and the Stallion workers nodded at him as he moved past them. Ok am I hallucinating because that mare just blushed at me, ME?! Wow what is the world coming too as Dawn finally gets a girl to blush for him, what a world OH WHAT A WORLD! shadow thought in a sarcastic tone, that earned a glare from Dawn. Tea, toast and greetings The guards who were usually shifty weren't as bad today as they nodded at Dawn before opening the doors to the dining halls, once inside he saw the table that could seat at least sixty ponies and at the far end sat Luna and Celestia, most shocking was that Luna was in her true Devicorn form, strange, earlier she was in her disguise, moving down the left of the chairs where the windows were he made his way to the chair next to Luna, "Hello...... um....mother?" "Hello my child, how are you, have you gotten use to thy *clears throat* I mean your body," Lunas face had a blush even if that was possible with her dark coat, "shall we get started then we have lots to do today with Regalia, suits, personal maids, going public with our appearance and whatnot, yes?" Celestia was having a soft giggle across from them, "calm down Lulu, your confusing the poor boy, anyway eat and then we shall explain," Dawns confused face just wobbled up and down as toast was placed in front of him. After everything was finished Celestia began to explain as Luna had already started filling out forms and documents for something, "Dawn today will be quite hectic, it will be the first time the public will again know of the Devipony race but we shall keep the fact of what could happen in future to ourselves so that there is not any more mass wide panic than there will be already over you and Luna, of course I'm sure the public will love to have another Prince. First though my child is you're personal attendant and maid, surprisingly its one I never thought of," the doors opened as a pegasi came through them, a navy blue mane and a grey coat with scaled wings, "this is nightshades only daughter, Midnight Octave, she has been trained to be a great private assistant, any and all trouble you should run into just ask Midnight and she should have an answer," the grey mare came up next to Dawn and bowed down showing authority. "Oh don't do tha..." he was interupted by Celestia, "I am sorry if it is uncomfortable but she must do this, understand that you are royalty now" A small dainty voice came from Midnight, "Don't worry, its okay, I am proud to be of service to you, Prince Dawn," she then looked over to Celestia who nodded making her a little giddy, "*clearing throat* Prince Dawn, today on your agenda first we have picking Regalia with your mother and then we have the announcement of both your nation and your ties to loyalty," with a sigh of relief she then bowed again and stood behind his chair. After she finished Luna took off her reading glass' and placed them upon the table, "So then we are all ready then, yes?" with a nod from Dawn they both got up, "Okay back to your room.." "My room?" Dawn had a confused look. "Yes you are my son now so I would expect that you will live here," as Dawn blushed both Luna and Midnight giggled surprisingly, "and you, please make sure you don't mess anything up, I expect the best from nightshades daughter," Luna gave a quick wink at Midnight who blushed in turn, "so then what say you to a tiara Dawn, I think you would look adorable with one," Luna held her chuckles same as Midnight. Dawn huffed knowing a joke when he heard one, "HARDY HA HAR," the pair burst into a giggling fit but it was nice to see that Midnight had stopped being so rigid, seeing him turn back round Luna gave him a wink, "did you, for um never mind," shes doing this to make it easier for us to get along, very sly. A few minutes passed travelling down the hallways of the palace, it was rather funny seeing some ponies look at there group, some had intrigued faces whilst others looked quite baffled about what they saw, not at Dawn but mostly at Luna. Finally they arrived at a set of doors, one white with a black skull and the other was black with a white skull, not the most welcoming but it wasn't threatening as they looked more like a cartoon than realistic. Luna was the first to enter the room, it was huge, I think we could fit that dining table in here, at the far end of the room were large segmented windows that opened above the gardens of the palace and next to it was a large ruby pined bed with white pillows and quilt scattered across it, a spiral staircase was just left of the opened doors that led to an upstairs quarter filled with a lottery amount of books even Twilight could dream of and finally there was a door leading to a closet for costumes and wait did Luna just say bling bling I wasn't listening, I'll ask Midnight later, "this isn't a closet its more like a walkway Luna," as Dawn saw Luna scowl he corrected himself, "urm I mean...mom" Luna cleared her throat, "well yes but when you are loyalty it takes you to a lot of different events and I'm afraid that there are lots of 'donations' from nobles and the like, if we do not wear them every now and then it t'would be offensive, no?" Luna asked rhetorically, "now we can't have a prince without his regalia now can we," as she scanned the 'closet' she looked through them, trinzinite head crest, emerald neck chain, silver horn ringlet, "Ah, this should do, an onyx horn ringlet, I am sure it would bring discomfort to you my child if we made you don the full outfit so soon so this should do for now" "That was rather fast," the onyx horn ringlet levitated onto his horn in a blue hue, "I thought it would take longer" "Well if you wish it to we can sort your clothes out for the next week if you wish my foal" "NO!... I mean no thank you and I know I'm your son now but is there a need to say 'foal', I'm already seventeen so it is quite embarrassing" Luna walked over to inspect the head piece, "Hmm, looks good, now as I have said before, in our years you are but a foal to us, so I can call you that but if you really wish for me to stop I will just call you Dawn from now okay, now we must set off its already forty five minutes past two, we have five minutes to get to the throne room, Celestia is already there" Midnight led the way, again most of the hallways looked the same, window, window, door, window, window, ARGH its like I'm in a maze, everything is the same here, looking around at the white marble it was quite difficult to understand exactly where you where in the palace, finally they arrived at the doors to the throne room as Midnight stopped before them. Midnights wing came in front of her with a wooden board that she grabbed and the other held a pen, "well not that you wouldn't know already Princess Luna but I don't think Prince Dawn has been in here before should I explain how the court runs," Midnight looked over to Luna who nodded for her to give a quick explanation, she then coughed gently before going on to explain, "when in there it will be Celestia who is adressed first and foremost until she gives you a signal to speak don't unless it is really imported as this is her court, there will be only the nobles today in the court who will ask some mediocre questions about some crap or *coughs* sorry I mean have there own reasons to be there, after such events you and Princess Luna shall exit to the outside of the castle where a public speech will be held of what is to happen in the future whether Princess Luna has want of her own kingdom or to carry on a co-rule with Princess Celestia, if not then there would be procedures to elect both courts as both Luna and Celestia with gain the title of Queen in there respective reigns, apart from that are you ready Prince Dawn," her only reply she got was an odd, 'dubwaaa' from the Prince, "okay here we go then, she turned around and opened the left door as the guard who was stationed there opened the right door. As they walked into the room there was many noble looking ponies who began to slightly gasp or mumble things between each other, not surprising as they only just learnt of Lunas true form, everything in the room had changed apart from one aspect, another marble throne had been placed at the top of the red carpet stair way what had a ruby red cloth drape over it with a white skull over it, kinda cheesy Dawn, I'm just gunna sleep through the boring shit , they all ascended the stairs and Celestia nodded at Dawn to sit at 'his' throne, so he did, turning to see the crowd of pompous ponies was quite daunting as their faces didn't look too happy about the recent developments of their royalty. Celestia spoke with a loud voice, clear she was using a spell to enlarge it, "Quiet now my little ponies, many of you will have you're own questions but for now my sister would like to say her piece first, Luna, if you please," Celestia turned to Luna and nodded at her with a gentle smile. Luna leaned forward and with the same spell addressed the crowd, "Thank you sister, as you can all see I have been keeping a rather large secret from all of the public and you nobles, there shall be more indepth documents sent to your respective houses but for now all we shall say is that my race or should I say our race had lived among equestrians but had moved to far off lands, this race of ponies were called the Devis and I was the Devicorn Princess of that kingdom, I am sorry for keeping this from you for so long but it was to protect my dear son from harm," after saying this she took a deep sigh as the crowd began to mumble again, she sat back down on her haunches as Celestia got back up. "Well we will now take questions but I will have non that are offensive to my sister or her son, if there are that person will be held in a dungeon with food nor water for three days even if he or she be a noble it not matter, you will raise your hooves and I shall pick you out to talk, Ok first, Ah the lord of windgates speak" A stallion with his head head high stepped forward, "Princess Luna, since you are of a different race this means you have no relation to Princess Celestia, am I correct?" "Unfortunately, yes, we are not related by blood but she has been there since I was but a foal, I was adopted by Celestias mother and was raised as an alicorn," The stallion nodded and stepped back, as Celestia chose the next pony to speak, "now, mrs Scarlet Wine from the house of Balsuum, you may speak" A rose maned pony stepped forward with grace, her voice had a sweet tinge, "Thank you, what of the new Prince is he truly your son, if so why has he not been brought up in the same manner as your highness," she bowed and awaited her answer. Luna was quiet for a minute thinking of how to answer the question, "Yes, our races royalty have there foals when ready even if there is no mate, I had a dear friend take him for me to show him the world and then when he was old enough to take the throne and had the knowledge of the public so as to be fair he could rule along side me and his aunt Celestia" "So your race have a different breading pattern?" the same mare asked. Luna nodded, it is a lie but it is best they do not know of what dwells within tarturus, "our races mares come into pregnancy later in life when they so chose so to do so, I wanted to have a kin and so I had Dawn" The mare stepped back as she had a not trusting face but never the less was quiet once more, Celestia looked to Luna with a contemplated look but turned back to the crowd, "next, lord Von Snittzle, speak" A curly blond stallion swam to the front of the crowd, "Thank you your highness, you said not to be rude but I am sure that most of us here would like to ask this question, Prince....... Celestia said, "Dawn" "Yes, Prince Dawns appearence is much like yours Princess Luna but I have to ask, his tail is somewhat alive," the stallion had a questionable look on his face. "It is to do with our anatomy, we are born with a familiar or should say an animal Spirit, but with the royalty some of us fuse with the creature during birth, for the usual Devi pony they are just spiritually tethered to their familiar where as we have a much deeper bond to our spirits, we feel their pain and sorrow and we share their consciousness" "If that is so Princess where is your......... familiar?" "I am afraid quite a long time ago my familiar had died and ever since I still feel its pain course through my vains," all the things said by Luna were true apart from Shadow and Dawns unexplained circumstances, a tear nearly came from the night Princess as she nodded at Celestia. "If there are no more important Questions we shall call this meetings end, further notice about what will happen to the reign of the country shall come to your estates soon, in another thirty minutes we shall announce to the public the existence of Lunas race, all are dismissed," the ponies in the room started to disperse, Celestia could see that Luna could not last longer and that Dawn was frozen stiff, quite comical but Luna was on the verge of tears. "Its okay Luna let it out, I know you miss Risen," Princess Celestia held her sister until she felt more comfortable as Dawn slowly thawed from his stupor as he noticed Luna. "um............m..mom, it'll be ok.......... we can see it through together, all three of us," Dawn walked over to the two and put his hoof onto his mothers left wing stroking it gently in a calming motion. Luna turned and pulled Dawn into an embrace with Celestia on the other side, "Thank you Dawn, yes, we will get..... get past this as a ...family," small hiccups of breathe came from Luna as she calmed down, now breathing normally she steeled her nerves for their next task, "well sister, the public will finally know about myself and Dawn, hopefully there wont be too much trouble" Celestia looked into her sisters eyes and with a sad smile she nodded, "yes, Lulu, I am sure there wont be too much trouble, we must let them know you haven't changed and that everything will be the same as before except you wont have to hide any longer, it will be fine" The three Celestial beings sat in there embrace for a few minutes, We haven't been held by a mother before have we Dawn, its kinda...... comfortable, Yes Shadow.....it might be weird but I guess we have a home again, a small tear escaped his eye and traveled down his muzzle. Celestia released the embrace and face the pair, looking from Luna to Dawn she smiled happily, "well we cant keep them waiting longer, we may have thousands of years but we cannot spend them here, there is no time like the present, lets go see 'our' public," Dawn and Luna nodded and followed Celestia down the red carpet and up to the double doors that ed to the outside, the guards opened the doors as the light shone through, Celestia walk up to the pedestal and formally addressed the crowd, "My little ponies, we have come here today to celebrate the return of an old race, Please welcome Devicorn Princess Lunescent and Prince Dawn the royal airs to the Devicorn crowns," Well here goes nothing, the pair looked at each other before stepping out into the light and up to the pedastal........