> A Noble Cause
>  by mari tech
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1. The Arrival. (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining, the flowers alongside the roads are in full bloom, and ponies are bustling through the Canterlot streets. The sound of hooves on cobblestone roads brought peace to those that have grown used to it over their lives. The clouds in the sky were few and not threatening rain. It was a beautiful perfect day. 

At least, that is how it should've been. The unfortunate reality is that it was miserable outside. The clouds were many and pouring their oppressive rain. The streets were mostly barren, with a scant few ponies running through the rain to get to important things or work. And through it, all of Canterlot was dark as most lamps have been turned off or put out by the rain. While it would be just another rainstorm for most, a pair of ponies were affected more than others.





"Sister, calm down," Celestia told Luna as a chair is thrown across the dining hall. 

"NAY! We shan't be made a fool by these halfwitted 'nobles'." Luna tweaked her hooves to put the noble part into quotations. "We shan't allow this!" Luna sat back into her chair with a grumpy humph. 

"I know Luna, but times have changed. It is no longer seen as ethical to execute them for pointing out an honest mistake on your part." Celestia raised her teacup to her lips and took a comically long drink from it. 

"But I understand Luna. It makes me angry too, but I can't do much about it."

Luna threw her head down onto the table with an audible thunk. Celestia just stared for a moment, pondering whether to ask if she was okay before shaking her head and sighing. 

"We both know that there isn't much we are able to do. It's honestly a little depressing." Luna turned her head to the side to be able to look at her sister with weary eyes. 

"Truer words have never been spoken..." She remarked sadly. Celestia took a deep breath before letting it flow back out as she thought about what to say. But before she could say anything, she was interrupted by her assistant Raven.

"Princess Celestia, you have a meeting in 8 minutes in the west wing." Celestia groaned while Luna sat back up.





Celestia threw herself onto her fluffy bed and let out an undignified groan into her pillow. She lifted her head to look to her Pheonix Philomena. "Another tough day."

Philomena chirped back to Celestia. "Yes yes, the nobles." 

Philomena chirped once more. 

"Of course! Why didn't I think of that! Just throw them into the sun, that'll solve all my problems and not create more problems." Celestia rolled her eyes with an annoyed look. 

"Though I will admit, I thought about it once or twice." She looked down sadly into her pillow before face planting into it. "I'm going to bed, goodnight." With a small glow of her horn, the room became much darker than before.





It was the dead of night when Celestia heard it, a rapping at her closet door, subtle, but still enough to rouse Celestia from her sleep. She drowsily opened her eyes, brought herself up, and turned around to look at the closet across from her bed.

'Perhaps Philomena got herself stuck in there again.' Celestia thought through the haze of sleepiness.

She was about to go back to sleep when she saw something mildly concerning. A soft and subtle glow from Philomena's perch with a light chirping of the sleeping bird. Pulling herself back up slowly and methodically, she swung herself out of bed. Approaching the closet, she could hear the unmistakable sound of rain pattering against her balcony windows. She crept, keeping her head low and shrinking where she could be struck. She crept even closer, inches away from the door of the closet sealing whatever may be in there from getting out. 

With one more step forwards, she reached her hoof out to the closet door and took hold of the doorknob. Celestia's heart was racing as she kept control of her very slight shaking. Taking a deep breath, she hastily pulled open the door to find- "Oh... it's just wrapping paper... That explains the rapping I heard. I think I left this in here from Luna's Hearthswarming party..." 

Celestia gave a short sigh before shutting the door and heading back to bed. However, she stopped dead in her tracks, turned back around, and ignited her almost forgotten magic. Taking hold of the door, she slowly opened it once more with a dumb expression on her face. The reason that her expression was such, was because she almost missed something during her first inspection.

In the darkness was two diminutive glowing orbs in the darkness, shining the ever so slightest silver light. In the time Celestia was staring, she heard three words that sent an odd chill down her spine, light as they were...

"Spin the wheel."

Celestia slowly closed the door on the two orbs, thought for a moment, and look back towards the ornate door to her own closet. She counted 3 knocks on the door before she opened it again with her magic to behold one of the strangest sights she had ever seen.

Standing in her closet doorway was a monster made up by myths, legends, and fiction writers. It was a skeleton, that much was known, but the arrangement of bones was concerning. The top of its odd primate skull was just barely the height of the tip of Celestia's horn. The skeleton stood on its hind legs, while it's front legs ended in smaller bony appendages. But the oddest of it all was the clothes that it wore. They were recognizable, but still oddly alien. It was an ancient Bitorian noble jabot shirt and coat along with pants to go with it.

Celestia stared open-mouthed for so long that the monster grew concerned. 

"Hello? It's a bit rude to stare you know." The accent the skeleton had was eerily similar to Canterlot nobles accents and shocked Celestia into speaking before thinking. 

"My deepest apologies. I hope you may forgive me, you simply shocked me with your sudden appearance. May I offer you a cup of tea." As if on autopilot, a cup of green tea materialized in front of her as she presented it to the skeleton as if it was an offering to appease a god. 

Before Celestia realized what she said, the skeleton picked up the offering in front of him. "I thank you very much, your highness, you may consider yourself forgiven in my eye sockets." Celestia was too late to stop him from bringing the steaming herbal tea to his mouth and taking a long drink of it.

Celestia just watched as the tea splashed onto the ground beneath him. With a satisfied sigh, the skeleton simply said 
"it always goes right through me." before setting the cup of tea onto his other hand and looking at Celestia expectantly. 

Celestia was simply too shocked about what is happening to even acknowledge the pun the skeleton just made.

The skeleton and Celestia stood there for a couple of minutes. The skeleton looking around Celestia's room and taking in the details. "So... nice room you have. It seems very you if I may say." The skeleton rapped his bony digits along the ceramic mug.

"Uh..." Celestia then was brought back to her senses. "Th-thank you." Celestia was still scared. In front of her was a personification of her inevitability, it was just standing there drinking tea and spilling onto the carpet. 

"Come on, I'm not that scary am I?" The skeleton would question. "But I do understand the fear, you are not the first to have this reaction, nor will you be the last!" The skeleton somehow smiled at Celestia, who finally broke through the sleepy haze and ignited her horn, blasting a yellow beam towards the beast.

The skeleton however did not notice as it turned to walk towards a nearby table to set down his tea and sit down. "Please your highness. Let's talk for a while." The skeleton gestures to the empty seat across from him. Celestia looks at the burning hole in her closet, looks to the skeleton, then makes a decision that she would never regret in the future. 

"Alright, fine. Let's talk." She sat in the chair across from him, propped her elbows on the table, and looked to the monster in front of her.

Celestia summoned a bottle of fine vintage wine, something that should be enjoyed and tasted, and immediately downed half of it in one go. "You want to talk, then let's talk. Who are you and how did you get into my closet?" 

The skeleton took a small sip of tea, staining the chair he was on before replying. "I am Conrad Moody of the noble house Fullerport. As to how I got into your closet... Well... Don't we all have skeletons in our closet." Conrad somehow managed a smirk with his ridged teeth. 

Celestia, now slightly tipsy and awake was able to appreciate the pun and burst out laughing. "Goodness, you're a funny one aren't you." 

Conrad simply shrugged. "I know a couple of rib-ticklers." She laughed again, her voice high and sweet. 

"Gonna keep making puns all night then?"

Conrad watched the rain hit the windows. "Of course, I had no-body to share them with." Celestia shook her head smiling.

"If that's the case then, might I ask what your new objective in our world maybe?"

Conrad scritched his skull for a few moments. "Well, in keeping with royal tradition, I am to offer an alliance between your kingdom and my sovereign's kingdom for the wellbeing of everyone..." 

He seemed to look at Celestia and let out a cough somehow. "Err... and everypony as well." 

"And then afterward?..." Celestia circled her hoof, motioning for Conrad to go on. 

"Well..." Conrad scratched his neck, leaving an uneasy feeling with Celestia. "I suppose to set up and be the diplomat I am. I am to assume I cannot get back to my own kingdom, at least for now, but I will do what I can to help others." 

With another sip of tea, he continued. "Well, with your permission of course. I would require a few things to settle my noble house here, but I can be mostly self-sufficient."

Celestia looked at her empty wine bottle and threw it into a nearby trash can. "Well, either you are being genuine, or I just can't read that skull of yours. But, I do like these plans of yours. I will help you because you're the only noble that hasn't demanded anything from me as if it was yours by ancestral birthright." 

Celestia looked out the window to the foggy city below. "And hopefully, you can set a better example for others." 

Conrad put his hand over where Celestia assumed his heart would be. "You can count on me, Princess!"

The door to Celestia's bedroom slammed open, cracking the fine wood of the hoof-crafted door. "Sister! We believe that there is dark magic in the castle!" Luna shouted as she burst through the door. She stopped dead in her tracks as she gazed upon the corpse across from Celestia.
> 2. The Meeting. (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna simply stared at the unmoving corpse. Celestia looked between Conrad and her sister. Conrad sat dead still. It was a strange affair indeed. Luna hefted a war hammer up above her in her midnight colored magic. 

"Sister... Have you been practicing dark magic on strange corpses like in those weird books you read again?" 

Conrad didn't move, but Celestia could feel his gaze upon her. "N-no Luna..." Celestia was sweating bullets as she spoke. 

"Sister..."

"N-no, Luna. I found this one in my closet! Say hi to Conrad!" Celestia nervously pointed a hoof at the skeleton. 

Luna drifted a tired gaze towards the strangely well-dressed skeleton. "Uh... Hi Conrad... Nice threads you have?" 

"Why thank you, Luna, I strive to make a good first impression on all that I meet." Conrad's sudden animation startled Luna into swinging at the corpse. 

"GOOD LORD!" With that exclamation, Conrad's head was across the room. 

Unbeknownst to everyone present, Luna set a new world record for distance in hitting a strange skull across the room. Also unbeknownst to them, the record would be broken soon. 

Celestia stood up almost immediately as did the headless body of Conrad. "Luna! Why!" Luna stood back in shock at her sister's outburst. 

"It's a creature of darkness! It probably wants your bones sister!" Conrad's body ran after the skull that was just ahead of him.

Celestia stared in shock at the still moving body of Conrad. "Look at him! Would a creature of the dark chase it's own skull!? It's something out of one of our filly books if anything!"

"SISTER, IT IS EVIL!" Conrad managed to finally catch up to his own head. 

"CONRAD HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT KIND LUNA!" Conrad dropped the skull back onto his neck, clacked his jaw a bit, and stood up. 

"Your sister has a point, Luna. I have done nothing to threaten anyone since my arrival. Yet you swing thy hammer upon me after only learning my name." Conrad dusted off his fine shirt. "Frankly, I am starting to regret extending my olive branch if this is how you're gonna react to me." Conrad turned away from Luna with his arms crossed.

Celestia looked between Conrad and her sister who was steadily raising her hammer again. With a glare from Celestia, Luna groaned and put the hammer back down.

All was silent for the moment before Luna swung again.

Conrad however, anticipated the swing, and with hurried words, he cut down her resolve to keep going. "Careful shrugging, for thy head is not attached and may take leave if thou shrugged with too much vigor." 

Luna missed her swing completely, burying the hammer in the marble floor while clutching her head. Celestia was flabbergasted at the scene before her, with what seemed to be simple words, Conrad forced Luna to miss. MISS! Celestia found it hard to understand how this could've happened. 

The world seemed to stop at the pure majesty of the scene. The world moved again when Conrad spoke. "My future friend Luna, I am sorry to say I am disappointed in you. I had hoped to show you friendship, but you forced me to use my words to cut you down." Conrad seemed to look to the floor in disappointment. 

Luna looked up towards the skeleton, mostly in confusion. 

Conrad continued before Luna could interrupt him. "I truly wish to become friends with you and your sister. I hold no ill will towards you or Celestia, I simply have no reason to. I understand that you were trying to defend her from me, but you are misguided in your attempts to do so. I did not wish to bring harm to you in stopping you from smashing me, but it seemed you left me no choice. Again, I am sorry and I hope that you can understand and forgive me for my actions." 

Luna was in shock from the kindness and sincerity of a literal skeleton. "I..." Luna glanced at her sister and her features softened. "I deeply apologize for my actions sir Conrad. They were rash and misguided by my own misconceptions. I forgive you for hurting me, and I am sorry for hurting you." Luna let her head hang, defeated. 

Conrad pulled her chin up to let her look at him. "Apology accepted. Don't grind yourself to the bone worrying about it." With a chuckle, Conrad sat back in his seat. 

Luna was still for a moment before groaning. "Knew I shouldn't have gotten out of bed tonight." With a chuckle of her own, Luna got back onto all fours.

"Wait, Celestia, Shouldn't you be in bed by now?" Luna raised an eyebrow towards her nervous sister. 

"A-hehe... Perhaps I should." Luna leveled an unamused gaze at her sister.

Luna rubbed her nose. "I guess I'll take Conrad to one of the diplomat suites." Luna drifted a look to Conrad, one of which the skeleton recognized as 'we need to talk' and obliged the request. 

"Yes, it is quite late and I'm sure you must be tired Princess Celestia. I also assume you might have an announcement or two tomorrow." Celestia gave a tired nod and extinguished the candles nearby. 

She had noticed that the darkness allowed Celestia and Luna to see the pinprick lights in Conrad's hollow eyes.

Conrad had followed Luna out into the hall, silently grateful there were no others patrolling the halls just yet and began his pace with luna towards his new chambers. "So, you're an undead creature?" 

Conrad gave something akin to a chuckle with more clacking in it. "An undead creature of the night to be more exact. I a monument to your inevitability. An everlasting art piece to convey your mortality." Conrad seemed to grin. Luna gave a simple retort. "We are immortal."

Conrad shook his head as if he just saw his child doing something bad. "Yes, the 'we are immortal' thing. Have you never wondered why so-called 'immortal' beings don't rule the world, my friend?" 

Luna raised an eyebrow in question as Conrad continued. 

"Death is the most patient hunter Princess Luna. It will wait for you. It will wait for you to be at your weakest, then he will guide you on. Whether your weakest is physical, mental, or emotional does not matter to him. Even as I am now, death will take me eventually. It is our job to stay vigilant against his attempts."

Conrad looked to Luna who seemed to be in deep thought. "But my dear Luna, do not misunderstand. Death is not evil. He comes for heroes, villains, and all in between the same. He just has a job like all of us."

Luna took a steady breath. "You certainly have unique insights into death, Sir Conrad."

Conrad looked out a nearby window in the hall as he moved, his clacking bones more silent than usual. "Yes. I would say I do. I have unique insights into the darker elements of life." 

Luna looked up into Conrad's pinprick lights. "Tell me Conrad do you still have your soul, now that you are undead." Conrad looked back at Luna, stopping entirely.

"No Luna. Conrad's soul is in the afterlife. I am bones that have simply been given animation and sentience. My intelligence isn't my own. It has been given to me by my sovereign, Rosa Grimbane." 

Conrad looks down in what seems to be contemplation. "I am unsure where Conrad's soul has gone Luna. I heard from my sovereign that Conrad was not a kind man in life." 

With a nod, Luna opened the door with her midnight magic. "I understand Sir Conrad. This will be your suite, for the time being, it should have everything you need. If something is missing, ring the bell near the door, and a maid should come by to help. We will talk more tomorrow. Try not to scare anypony." 

Conrad chuckled "I will try my best." The door closed behind him as he walked into his suite. Conrad took in the sight of his new home, and to him, it looked good. 

"Hard to argue with a king-size bed, a beautiful writing desk, bookshelves full of delicious knowledge, and a few bottles of wine." He sat at the mahogany desk with its soft chair, grabbed some ink and papers from the drawer, and pulled a quill from seemingly thin air. He began to write and he began to scheme using a few books from the shelf.

It had only taken a few minutes for Conrad to finish his first document, a rough draft of a contract for getting peasants under his noble rule and expanding his influence. Giving the document a nod, he brought a bony hand up, filling it with arcane power before whispering "caeca servus". With a shrug, he threw the document over his shoulder, where one would expect it to hit the ground, the packet was caught by an unseen force and held in the air. With a smirk, Conrad got started once again on making a rough draft. Conrad had eventually rung for the maid and left a note, asking for more paper and ink. 





It had been several hours since Conrad had started writing. There were approximately 20 packets of rough drafts floating through the air as if held by an invisible force. Three drained ink pots sat discarded upon the desk and Conrad sat staring and pouring over his latest draft. He almost didn't hear somepony enter his suite. Almost. 

Conrad spun his skull around to stare at Celestia trotting up behind him, startling her into tripping. "Your highness?" Celestia giggled. "Sorry, I tried to sneak up on you." Conrad spun his body around to match the angle of his skull. "I see. What do you need at this time of night?" Conrad put his packet on his lap.

Celestia got back up and wiped some dust off her rump. "It is morning and I wanted to invite you to breakfast. We have much to discuss, especially your introduction to my people." 

Conrad stood up, putting his packet in his coat pocket, and dusted himself off. "I would love nothing more, Princess. Please do lead the way, I do not exactly have a map."

"Of course, I have personally cleared the halls of guards and any other ponies so that you can move to the dining room without incident."

Conrad seemed to give a smile. "Ah, good. I would hate to scare anyone out of their skin." 

Celestia began her walk with Conrad to the royal dining room. The halls were barren as she said. Celestia took a chance to ask Conrad a question. 

"Conrad, might I ask what you were doing in your room? I must say, the floating packets of paper were a little concerning." 

"If the paper was concerning, we might have to find you some scissors then." Celestia scrunched up her face, unknowing of the joke. "But the answer is that I was designing the contracts for when I decide to expand my influence to the peasants." 

Celestia raised a brow. "You surely are honest. Am I to assume you read some Equestria law books as well to help?" 

Conrad nodded. "Of course, granted, some of the laws were foreign to me, I believe I created a fair and lawful contract." 

Celestia gave a nod back. "I see, might I take a look at what you have?" 

Conrad seemed excited. "Of course!" Conrad took out the contract and gave it to Celestia who took it in her magic. Celestia looked it over for a couple of minutes as they walked, her face seemed to shift through many emotions. 

"Well, I certainly have a few things to say. Firstly... Wow... These are some of the fairest trades of all the nobles... You only take five percent of crops and three percent of the profit from farmers in exchange for labor and what seems to be a high amount of protection and magic ability... you only request 5 custom pieces of equipment from blacksmiths per calendar year alongside gaining half of the raw material you bring in for their personal use or to sell... and it just goes on! It makes even me want to work for you." 

Conrad chuckled. "Of course, I do not need much food, eating is not required for me. And the limited custom pieces of equipment is to entice more blacksmiths so the limit isn't exactly a problem for me." Celestia smiled but frowned upon reaching the end of the packet.

"But Conrad. Do tell me what 'Upon being pronounced dead by an official coroner or doctor, the head of household that signs will give the corpse to be animated and awakened to serve the noble under fair conditions' means..."
> 3. The Challenge.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia held up the contract that Conrad had given her. "Well?"

Conrad took a deep and calming breath into his nonexistent lungs. "You see, in the kingdom I hail from, such a clause is required. Most undead creatures such as I do not have the ability to reproduce. So we must reanimate to keep our numbers high. The undead makes up the bulk of our workforce to support the living, meaning that most become field hands to help the living and processing to make the food edible. As we gain more living in the kingdom, we need more undead to support it. Our sovereign came up with this idea so that we would be able to support those under her. Not to mention that she believes that being able to serve your family and kingdom even after death is a noble cause." Conrad seemed to release his breath.

Celestia seemed to be in deep thought. Conrad could tell that she felt conflicted with the way her eyes moved and how she keeps trying to speak. "Hopefully, to assuage your fears Celestia, when the body is animated, the soul is long gone. We do not trap the soul in the body without express permission. Reanimation is never a punishment, simply a way to continue serving the kingdom." 

Celestia seemed to give in rather than fight it any more. "Fine, I'll allow it. Just tell whoever you give the contract to about that specific clause." Conrad gave a nod.

Conrad and Celestia continued to the dining room. Celestia seemed worried still about the skeleton next to her but decided to leave it for now. The walk was quiet with only the clopping of hooves and heavy boots on the marble tile. Conrad and Celestia, after much walking, finally came to a set of fine doors. Conrad, being the gentleskeleton he is, opened the door for Celestia. Celestia was about to smile until she heard the voice she dreads most coming from the dining room.

"What do you mean I can't be here! I wish to have breakfast here!" At another entranceway stood a stocky pony bathed in white fur with a blond mane and tail. Conrad heard Celestia sigh as she went through the door.

"Auntie! The guard says I can't eat in the dining room today due to it being reserved!" Celestia prayed to whatever gods could hear her that this would be over quick. 

"Yes Blueblood. It is reserved. By me, I have some diplomatic matters I need to do and the actual diplomacy chambers are being renovated after the minotaur and yak conference took place." Celestia took a seat near the head of the table and took a menu from a nearby counter in her magic.

"But I wish to eat here as well! I refuse to eat in my room or the garden again!" Celestia wanted nothing more than death at that point, and lo, death came in her time of need.

"Blueblood is it? I'm certain you have more important matters to attend to than annoying your aunt" Conrad stepped out of the hallway. "If you are half as important as you act, then you surely have much better things to do." Conrad seemed to dust off his coat, discreetly flashing his spiked and sharp finger bones. 

Blueblood nearly did a spit take at the walking corpse that sat across from Celestia and in clear view of him. "W-what?! You're having diplomatic meetings with the walking dead?!" Blueblood thrust a hoof at the decayed corpse. "This is absurd!"

"Yes, it's truly a shame that a dead man holds a better conversation than you." Conrad took his seat near Celestia with his contract out on the table, ready to talk more.

"Why I never! I oughta break that skull of yours to teach you respect!" Blueblood pulled a dagger out of his magic and held it up in a challenging pose towards Conrad.

"Hmph, I would pull my rapier, but I wouldn't want to make you jealous." Bluebloods grip on his magic faltered and the magic dagger faded as he put a hoof to his head. Conrad mimicked his motion. "It gives me a headache just trying to think down to your level!" 

Blue winced as he pulled his hoof away from his eye to see the ever so tiniest spot of blood on it. "You dare make me bleed my own blood! I challenge you to a duel to the death!" With a pulse of Bluebloods magic, the table and chairs that Celestia sat at were lightly pushed to the walls, creating a clear area. 

Celestia just didn't care anymore. 'Perhaps this will be a good demonstration of Conrad's skills... And it might teach Blueblood not to mess with diplomats anymore.' Celestia propped her head on a hoof to watch the spectacle, she considered asking the cooks to bring up some wine for the wine stores if things were gonna keep going like this all day.

"To the death?" Conrad mused. "Then it seems I beat you in that race." Conrad got up and moved towards Blueblood. He pulled back his clawed hand and brought it forward with a slicing motion, bringing a shadowy rapier into existence. "Spare mine blade the blood of another fool and end thyself swiftly."

Blueblood flinched again, becoming slightly blinded from the blood seeping from one of his eyes. "How are you doing this? It's probably dark magic. I will end you and be hailed a hero!" Blueblood brought his own rapier out from his horn and rushed towards Conrad.

Blueblood brought the blue magic rapier in for a thrust aimed directly at Conrad's skull. Conrad stood his ground, bringing his dead gaze to Blueblood. "I had expected a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed." Bluebloods expression turned into one of uncertainty for just a moment. Enough time to completely miss his strike, thrusting just below Conrad's skull. 

Blueblood sought to bring his rapier around to strike at Conrad's ribcage but was interrupted by an expertly practiced parry from Conrad. Conrad brought his own weapon around and slashed at Blueblood. Blueblood deflected the weapon and thrust at Conrad's ribcage to which Conrad simply lowered himself and let the blade pierce through him. "HA! You foul creature, you have met your end!"

Conrad stood back up and looked back down to the rapier stuck between his ribs. "That's unfortunate."

Blueblood stared at Conrad.

Conrad stared at the rapier.

Celestia stared at her empty wineglass.

Luna was asleep.

It was very awkward.

"Um..." Blueblood hummed. 

Conrad pulled out the magic rapier. "Do you want this back?" Conrad gave Blueblood his weapon back.

Blueblood stared at the rapier made of solidified magic and dispelled it. "Uh... Y-you can have the dining room tonight... I have a lot to think about. I need to lay down." Blueblood shuffled out of the room. Conrad smiled, for that is all he could do.

Celestia used her magic to pull out a chair next to her. "Well, now that distraction is over. Care to chat some more." 

Conrad sat his boney behind in the cushioned chair. "Of course Princess!" Conrad put his arms upon the table and faced Celestia.

Celestia sighed at her empty glass before turning her attention to the corpse in the room. "Well, I think I would love to learn how you fought like that? It seems like you injured Blueblood without even touching him."

Conrad seemed to brighten up at explaining his technique. "Of course! I'll tell you exactly what I did. I used ancient magic that is a well-guarded secret. Such magic, should it ever reach the common man would spell doom for the universe." Conrad sat up, his spine cracking a bit. "Such magic is aptly called 'Vicious Mockery' and is very dangerous. The simple explanation of it is that you lace an insult with subtle magics. The complicated explanation would possibly take hours to explain such a wonderous spell." 

Celestia raised a brow. "Insults that hurt?"

Conrad nodded happily. "Glad you understand that much Princess, I see that your education is at least on par!" 

Celestia felt something strange, something she had not felt in a very long time. It started as a weird niggling at the back of her head that slowly moved into the depths of her mind. For but the briefest of moments, she saw the world as a little darker. Not in a lighting sense, but more like Conrad's words had brought dark thoughts to the forefront of her mind, again only for a moment. 

"Forgive me for the demonstration, but it's far easier to experience it than to explain it."

Celestia blinked the darkness away. "You are forgiven. I clearly needed the demonstration to truly understand it." Celestia smiled a bit. "It's funny, I didn't think it would be that visceral. Equestrian magic is usually clean in what it does."

Conrad nodded. "Yes, magic from my world is very, how you say, 'messy'. Magic from our world is not naturally elegant or precise and the source of our power is, for the most part, the product of other beings controlling it."

Celestia thought for a moment. "And what of your weapon?"

"OH! That! That spell is known as the Shadow Blade. It usually shaped like a broadsword, but my shear nobility altered it slightly to become a rapier shape. It is a weapon made entirely of life-sapping shadows. Just be glad I didn't touch Bluehue with it."

"Blueblood, but yes. I am glad you didn't seriously injure him. Alright, another question, tell me about how you make such magic. You don't have a horn, yet you surpass most unicorns in power from what I've seen so far."

Conrad stood up and walked to the center of the room. He held his hands out to the side and seemed to weave a spell around the dining room.

A beat picks up as the world seemingly shifts around Conrad and Celestia under the power of an illusion.

Conrad picked himself back up and dusted himself off before taking his seat again. "That about covers the basics of what I do. I am a lore bard."

Celestia looked horrified at what in the nine hells she just witnessed. Then she looked confused and mildly perturbed. "W-what?"

Conrad picked up the guitar again. "Do I need to do it again?"

Celestia scrambled over the table to knock the guitar out of Conrad's hands. "NO!"

Conrad held his bony hands up. "Alright alright, geez. But that does about cover where my power comes from." 

Celestia got back into her chair and let out a huff. "Alright, next question, and I hope it's a lot less... whatever you just did... What exactly are you? You seem to be an animated skeleton, but you are obviously much more than that."

Conrad skritched his bony chin. "It's complicated like most things, but the long and short is that I am a skeleton that was animated and then awakened with strong magic. My race is incredibly young, only first created around two hundred years ago. My sovereign has designated us as 'The Forgiven' in reference to the fact that the first of us and currently the bulk of the kingdom were criminals or unkind in life and have been given a chance in death to redeem ourselves."

Celestia thought for a moment. "So... you were a criminal when you were alive?"

"I was a noble. Close enough." Conrad gave Celestia a chuckle. "Not much more needs to be said about that to understand."

Celestia giggled as well. "Point taken. Just three more questions if you'd indulge me, Conrad."

"Of course Princess."

"I would like to know what you plan to do, I already know about that contract you drafted, but I mean, what do you plan to do for the kingdom seeing that you are staying here." Celestia put her elbows on the table and hunched forward to listen to what Conrad had to say.

Conrad for his part stretched his arm bones a bit. "Well Princess, I plan on cleaning things up around here. From what it seems like, you've let the nobles get way out of hand, like Bluehood for instance."

"Blueblood."

"Sure. If he is a prime example of your nobility, I will have to show them how to act. I have many plans, Celestia, some will be done within mere months and some may take years. But as you can see." Conrad gestured to his skull. "I got time."

Celestia nodded and hid a grateful smile. "Of course, any plan needs time and I can assure you that I won't be going anywhere for a good while." Celestia sat up with renewed happiness and ease.

"Yes, I have ideas, Princess. I will help bring your kingdom up to be the best it can be and easy to manage. You deserve time for what you want to do as well, being a princess should not hinder that."

Celestia thought idly about what she would do with time to herself. "I have always wanted to explore Las Pegasus more... I heard there was a great new lounge there..." Celestia's smile grew wider than it had in quite some time. Celestia nodded "I would love that. Time to catch up. I'm sure Luna would appreciate it too. In her own way of course." Celestia then whispered to herself, "I wonder if I can get her back into her metal band again..."

Conrad pretended not to hear that last part.	

Celestia then brought her attention back to Conrad. "Alright second to the last question. How do you see with no eyes? I admit it is a little perplexing."

Conrad smirked a little bit at the question. "I had been asked that many times. Even by my own sovereign. Most still don't understand even after explaining it to them. To make it brisk without having to bring out a chalkboard, I emit the ever so slightest amount of dark magic that constantly probes everything within 'sight' of me. These probes test magic resistance and then report back to me, allowing me to see where exactly these probes are blocked, I can then 'see' where my eyesight would be. It then goes one step further as these probes are more sensitive to magic resistance than what is normal. Every color and material has a different resistance to magic, therefore I am able to estimate what things actually look like."

Conrad sat up and thought for a moment "For example, you have a brilliant white coat of fur, your mane is an unknown material to me so I picture it as a near-transparent material, but I can recognize the blues, greens, and pinks of it. I can also tell that the mark on your flank is of the sun. I can see your eyes and exactly where you look. I must say, I always loved that shade of magenta."

Celestia leaned back in shock with a slight blush.

"You have an adorable blush princess, but I am not here to embarrass you." Conrad smiled. "I can also focus my senses to allow the dark magic probes to bounce off objects and creatures once to give myself a broader view of my surroundings but doing so slows my reaction speed down quite a bit as I have to wait for the probes to bounce and return to me."

Celestia recovered her calm mask with a slight cough. "I see, that is a lot to process. Am I to assume that sounds are done in a similar fashion?"

Conrad gave a simple nod for an answer.

Celestia smiled again. "Well, on to my last question. What is the story of your sovereign? You talk about her a lot, yet I know not all that much about her."

Conrad stopped completely as the room seemed to grow colder with Celestia's words. "Are you sure you could handle such an answer, Princess?" Conrad warned. "It is not exactly a tale of knights rescuing princesses. It is a very unsettling story that she is not proud of. My sovereign would likely rather tell the story herself, but that might never be an option."

Celestia felt the room grow colder and possibly even shrink a bit as if the universe was trying to tell her that it may not be a good idea. But curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back. "Yes. I am sure I want the full story. Omit little from it, I will not tell anyone outside of this room. It will be up to you to tell Luna if you wish."

"Thank you for your understanding, Princess. Now, the tale of Rosa's bloody rise to greatness..."
> 4. The Story. (Skippable)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


~The following is an excerpt from Rosa's diary days after her incident, it was used to keep her grounded in reality and to help her tell real from illusion. A copy was gifted to Conrad.~







It was darker than night. The adobe cell had no windows except the one on the small door that food came through. Every night, those brutes would take me and torture me for their own amusement. I was lucky that I wasn't like my cell neighbors that are forced to dance for them at the risk of losing their feet. Gods above I hate them. I had barely any sleep last night. Yelling and moaning filled the halls and kept me up, not like it was easy to sleep on dirt. But something strange happened that night. I was taken earlier than usual in the dead of night. I guess those brutes got excited for what sick torture I was 'due' for. 



My tiny and starved body was grabbed by the strong and green hands of my captors. I wouldn't be surprised if they left marks on my sickly pale skin. Wouldn't be anything new. What was new however was that I taken down a different path than normal. I saw the night sky for the first time in what seemed like months, all the stars were shining bright. My happiness in seeing the night was cut short when I saw my destination. My dead-end as it seemed. A platform was in the mud made of wood, upon it was an operating table that was converted into an altar to the obscene. 



This was finally my end. It was 5 years by that point that I was a slave to some petty orc raiding band after being stolen from my parents. At that point, I could only wonder how my twin was doing. I was unceremoniously thrown on the perverted altar. At that point, I grimly wondered what was gonna be my end and hoped for something quick and painless, however unlikely that was. And then I saw it. That cursed needle. 



It turns out that these bastards had gotten hold of some potent new drug. Poison would be the more fitting name. They wanted to test it on a prisoner rather than on one of their own. It's almost like they cared about each other. I had to hope that it would be quick. I was chained down facing the stary sky, flicking my head to get the gray-ish silver uncut locks of hair out of my dead blue eyes. I made my peace and prepared myself for the welcoming darkness. 



The sting of the needle entering my flesh and into my heart will be remembered for my entire life. The burning was like acid dripping into me. But the worst part was to come, I could feel my head tighten like insurmountable pressure was being put on it. I had to let out a scream of pain, the last scream of pain I ever let out. I tried to focus on the stars and beyond if only to dull the pain a little bit. That is when the world slowed and stopped, the color was drained from everything until it was all gray. I had not exactly noticed at the time because my attention was kept by the acid in my heart.



I had wondered for many years if death was like that, a dulling of the world around you while you can't focus on any of it. But as it turns out, death was not like that. Apparently, that drug wasn't just any drug. I was injected with Vladari. The most potent drug one can make on this plane of existence and only in the Underdark. I had read at some point that it was used in dark elf executions.



Another little known fact about this cursed substance, is that it causes the injected person to become like a torch in a dark room to creatures beyond the veil of our sanity.



I don't remember all too much of the experience fortunately enough. Only that I was contacted by something beyond the stars that I was fervently watching, and a minor deal was made. It had seemed that I was destined for things other than servitude to a patron. I can't remember the specifics of the deal, but I do remember waking up in my cell again a while later. It was still night and everything was the same, except for a few minor details.  



The pressure on my skull remained for a few moments before dissipating. When it did, I had gained clarity that I never had before. My vision was surrounded by dark tendrils as I focused on the newfound clarity and I could see it finally. I had been trying so hard to manifest magic to help me escape. I never could until this point, but whatever deal I made had let me finally cast spells. I would've been happy about this, but I felt nothing. No anger, no happiness, nothing at all. I just didn't feel anymore. That is when I noticed that my body was numb like everything was disconnected. But I had bigger fish to fry now that I had magic. It turned out that the stars would aid in my escape, and I was more than ready.



I had to figure out how magic worked, it was never as simple as saying weird words and waggling fingers. So I focused and let the dark tendrils give me tunnel vision. Looking around, I would see what I had later named 'The Necromantic Web'. It was like looking at black cobwebs. Reaching out, I could pluck at it, and plucking a web using alerts its origin. I could feel the feedback from it. Looking to my side, I saw my hazy cellmate through the wall slumped over. They were dead and adding their power to the web. I tried to feel sorry for them as they were the only good company I had, but I just couldn't. I couldn't feel anything anymore, I would've been frustrated, but I couldn't be frustrated anymore! Why!



My vision flashed for a moment, clearing away the dark tendrils. I had been gifted the knowledge on what to do to escape my prison. I knew how I was supposed to escape, and it was in my grasp. I was not excited about what was about to happen. I pull a weak arm up to my face and rested my hand upon my cheek. I was so weak that the task was nearly impossible but I had managed to do it. I faltered slightly as I had opened my mouth. I nearly gave up when I reached into the back of my mouth. I tasted the unmistakable crimson iron when I pulled a canine out. I felt the instinctual response I would have from doing such a thing. I teared up and my body shook, yet I had not felt pain. I spit the crimson liquid onto the dirt. 



I had come this far, I was not going to wait. I focused once more, this time on the bloody tooth. I saw the Necromantic Web connected to it, so I knew it would work. I crawled my crippled body towards the window in the door and pushed my pulled tooth out of it. I was too exhausted to work anymore, but luckily, I wouldn't need to. I whispered a few words that would pain those that could hear it and wave my hand in small and calculated motions. I tried to smile at the fruits of my labor, but I just couldn't force myself to do so. From the tooth grew a jawbone, from the jawbone grew a skull, from the skull grew a spine, and so the pattern continued until a full skeleton was made ex nihilo.



The skeleton got up and faced me. I had never seen a skeleton before this point, much less an animated one. I was tired. I never knew that magic could be this tiring. My last thought before passing out was about how much I needed to get out of this place. I guess that skeletons take commands mentally. I had been given the memories of the skeleton when it collapsed into dust a while later.



The skeleton had picked the lock to my cell with its thin fingerbones and was strong enough to carry me. It luckily didn't encounter much resistance. Only a handful of orcs were in the way, most ran when encountering the undead monster, but one was brave enough to stand against it. Unfortunately, the orc was stupid and swiftly fell to the untiring assault of sharp daggerlike fingerbones. 



I only started to come back after the skeleton effectively hauled my body about 5 miles away. we had just started our dive into a dry forest nearby. I didn't have food or water, I was too weak to keep myself alive. I had almost forgotten the skeletal caretaker that was ready to throw down its unlife down for me at any time. It felt nice to be taken care of, but I couldn't express it as such. I still didn't feel anything. I still wasn't happy I escaped. I still wasn't angry at the orcs for what happened. I still wasn't in pain from ripping a tooth out. I̴̻̔͗̿ ̴͍͖̭̆̀̄̇j̴̦̖͕͝u̷̟͙̤̦̦̓͗̄s̷̙̳̗̩̉̇͜ṱ̸̢̺̓̆̀͐̏ ̶̮̭̥͉͑ẉ̸̒̑̍͠ă̷̧̼̩̽̀͜ͅs̶͎̞̳̏̈n̸̼͇̬̂͑͜'̵̱̮̱̿ṯ̴͇͎͑̔̈͐͒ ̵̜̰̘̜͆͛͆̓͝ā̵̝̬̉̀n̷̹̤͍̺̋̍͗̚͠y̵̗͕̳͒͐̓̑̑ͅͅm̸̺͖̄̀̈́o̵̬̝̕̕r̶̨̯͑̂̄̈͘e̴̛̖̊̈́̓͠.̶̬̬̎͝ 



I had my skeleton cohort drag me to a small river, no wider than 5 feet. That was the first time I saw my face in years. I looked like the undead I now control. Just a flesh sack of bones. I could see the bones underneath my skin. It was disturbing, to say the least. My eyes looked paler than normal as if I was truly dead. I couldn't care.



I had my cohort lay me against a tree and sent it hunting for anything to eat. Just something to keep me alive. I had time to think and observe before he came back... He? Why do I feel the need to give the skeleton a sense of Identity? It was no more than bones given animation... Why did I feel attached to it? Maybe because he was made from my tooth? Yeah... That's a comforting answer.



My... friend... came back with a handful of berries that I scarfed down. Where they poisoned? Probably not since I'm writing this journal. I needed to keep moving. Orcs are very territorial when it comes to their 'property'. And they most likely found that I was missing by this point. But where could I go that was safe now. Not only am I a fugitive to orcs and would likely sell for a lot. But I'm a necromancer now. 



I... I'm a necromancer now... The reality settled on me at that point. I would probably be hunted for the rest of my life, my only allies being the dead. Other necromancers aren't exactly keen on being friends. I would feel lonely, but I can't feel anymore. I had looked towards my cohort and came up with a plan. A plan that still works, and seems to keep working. I don't feel anymore, that means that emotions no longer got in the way of logic. But there was still a glimmer of emotion, I could tell. I still had morality.



I had an idea for a plan. It was... crazy... to say the least. It looked impossible to achieve. But as I watched my skeleton caretaker, something came to mind. If I could feel, I would've grinned at the idea. I was going to build a kingdom for the undead. I would rule as its leader. I would bring harmony and morality to the unquiet undead. I would checkmate nearby kingdoms into alliances. I would become immortal and protect my kingdom...



I will awaken the undead and bring them from unlife to a semblance of life.






The rest of the journal was filled with plans and many math equations, eventually evolving into fevered scribbling that culminated into something amazing. On the last page was an illustration of a mighty and imposing kingdom. It was drawn with enough detail to see the undead in the streets that, rather than attacking the kingdom, were manning market stalls and doing other sorts of tasks or hauling great products to other places. It was a kingdom of undead perfection.
> 5. The Speech.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Alright! Alright... I think I get the picture now." Celestia was waving her hooves back and forth in an attempt at getting Conrad to stop. Time had advanced quite a bit during the story, by Conrad's approximations, it was about 3:30 in the afternoon.

Conrad out down his hand onto the table. "I suppose that will be an adequate stopping point." Conrad threw back the last bit of wine he was given while he was talking. It, of course, still went onto the seat but it's the thought that counts. Leaning back, he put his hands behind his skull in a relaxing manner. "So when is your speech about my arrival gonna be? I'm itching to explore."

Celestia nearly kicked the table as she jumped out of her seat. "I ALMOST FORGOT!" Celestia just about threw herself out of the dining-room door. "I'll ask Luna to accompany you while I get to writing my speech!" 

Conrad would blink if he had eyelids so he decided to shrug instead.

Luna entered the dining room 5 minutes later, she had a packet of papers stuck to her horn. "Conrad, would you please tell me why my dear sister was running through the halls like her tail was on fire and threw a packet of paper at me?"

"Speech," Conrad said nonchalantly.

Luna sat down and plucked the paper from her horn, gingerly enough not to rip it any more than it already had been. "I see." She began to page through it quickly, sparing an occasional glance at Conrad.

"Hey, Conrad?"

"Yes?"

"Is this 20-page packet your sovereigns backstory?"

"I believe so."

"It is incredibly disturbing."

"Yes."

Silenced reigned supreme for a few minutes. Luna teleported a few sheets of paper to her from her room alongside a pencil. She seemed to be filling out a page of some sort.

"Welp, totally using this story for my next O&O character."

Conrad tilted his head but smiled like usual. Conrad got up from his seat to walk around. His boots creating heavy footfalls against the tiles of the dining hall. 

"Conrad, can you help me understand something?"

Conrad turned to face the lunar princess. "Of course."

"Tell me, what DID your sovereign encounter to give her the understanding of the necromantic web as she describes it?"

Conrad rested his skull on his palm and thought for a moment. "Well... That is hard to tell. I was never informed, but the theory is a primordial was the one that contacted her."

Luna pinned her ears to her head as she heard 'primordial'. "I uh... Have some experience with such beings..."

Conrad gave her a nod.

"Just... one more question. Do you feel pain?"

"No, I have no nerves."

"Well, do you feel psychic pain?"

"Always."

"How relatable."

Luna and Conrad sat in silence for a while longer. Conrad decided to look at the artwork on one of the walls of the dining hall. It depicted a mighty war between ponies and griffons. Celestia was seen leading an army garbed in gold descending on an encampment of griffons. Celestia looked majestic as always. 

"I wonder how my sis is doing on her speech."

"I can take a look if you give me a mirror."

Luna raised a brow and summoned a Luna themed mirror to give to Conrad. "Apparently, teens like my motif and companies were able to capitalize on that."

Conrad grabbed the mirror and stared into it. The mirror reflected his skeletal face for a few moments before swirling into an eldritch purple hue that gave way to a window into Celestia's room. Celestia was furiously scribbling and revising her speech for later today. She seemed to be having a panic attack at trying to justify having the undead in her kingdom. Luna looked saddened at this display. 

"Sister has recently been having panic attacks. I believe that stress is starting to pile too high for even her."

Conrad scratched his skull. With a quick flick of his finger, an illusory torch appeared above his head. "Princess, may I request you to ask the chef to bring me some chamomile tea?"

Luna got up from her seat and ambled over to the kitchens. She flagged a chef down and a few moments later was brought the tea of which she gave to Conrad. "What's the plan."

Conrad put the tea on the table. "Just watch."

Conrad stood to his full 6'5 height and brought his skeletal arms out wide. He widened his stance slightly and untucked his shirt for more freedom of movement. He took a deep, unneeded breath and released it. Conrad brought his head up and stared straight ahead as he gathered his willpower. He brought his hands together in front of him and exerted his will upon this strange new world. 

A bright blue light appeared on the table before fading away. Luna watched as the tea on its plate began to rise as if carried by an unseen servant. Conrad brought himself back into position, arms wide, and head up. Instead of bringing his hands together like before, he instead brought them together near where his stomach would be before bringing them back out with his pointer fingers extended. In a grim and deep voice, he spoke the arcane words "Porta ratio" and pointed to the floor in front of him.

Luna could feel the pressure of magic as a doorway brought itself up from nothing. A maple door sat in its frame that opened under the supreme power of Conrad. Luna could see a swirling purple vortex give way to a murky version of Celestia's room. The door opening caused the room's magical pressure to become oppressive and it hammered upon Luna's skull. Conrad pointed to the door and the plate with the teacup full of chamomile tea floated lazily through the air and through the door to be set upon Celestia's desk as she was turned away.

Conrad let his concentration drop and the door vanished is a puff of fog that rolled across the ground into oblivion. He brought his hand downwards in a calming manner as he recentered himself. 

"And, scene," Conrad muttered.

"Conrad..."

Conrad gave a glance over to the Lunar monarch.

"What in the 9 layers of Tartarus did you just do?"

"I used some of my most powerful and least powerful magic to deliver a cup of tea to your sister." Conrad tucked his shirt back in.

"The magical pressure you just exerted was immense. I can't believe it didn't disrupt your spells."

Conrad sat back down at the table. "What can I say." He wiped off his arms. "I didn't let it get underneath my skin."

Many guards say that they were temporarily deafened when Luna groaned so loud. No pony truly knew the reason for her distress.





Celestia kept writing and writing. Her scribblings were messy and fevered. She had to make a perfect speech on why the undead known as Conrad is allowed to exist within her city and why he would be granted a noble diplomat position. She put her head in her hooves and tried to get a grip on her breathing. The room felt cramped like it was closing in on her.

Celestia heard a plate be set down on the table, knocking away the darkness in her mind. She turned to the source of the sound and found a teacup filled with what smelt like chamomile tea. She looked around to find the perpetrator and found nopony around. At least until she reached out with her magic. She could feel Conrad's power radiating from an invisible and formless creature that was slowly shifting itself around.

Celestia gave a small smile and grasped the cup in her magic. Bringing it up to her mouth, she took a sip. The taste was as she remembered. The floral tastes danced across her tastebuds. The chamomile brings a sense of calm order to her. As she sipped her newly acquired tea, she could feel a little tingling sensation in her ears. Focusing on the sensation, she could make out words. Looking at her notes for the speech, she could hear them much more clearly.

"The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered there is an opportunity for growth."

Celestia felt her resolve steel itself, her will become iron, and her focus sharpened to a razor. She knew exactly what to say. Celestia felt inspired.

"You know your worth. It’s time to show it."

Celestia brought her quill up in her magic and began writing what may be the best speech of her career.





Conrad watched through the scrying mirror as Celestia became more confident in her ability. His smile would be wider, but alas, his grin is eternal. Luna was much happier seeing her sister get better.

"What did you do?"

"Bardic inspiration. What it does is mysterious and unknown to many bards. But I believe it was described best by one of the most powerful bards in history." Conrad cleared his nonexistent throat. "There's magic in a bards song. It tells the listener what they need to hear when they need to hear it." 

Luna could see a faint glow surround Conrad. The magic invested in Conrad coalesced into 3 power globes of soft yellow light that encircled Conrad. Luna could hear a ghostly song in the back of her mind, a sad and distant song, yet so full of hope. 

"And you hear it too."

The globes of light bounced and bubbled through the air to surround Luna. Her worries began to disappear and her willpower became iron.

"The message in the music heard around the world. You hear your most loved ones voice telling you that you're going to have to fight."

The globes began a crescendo as they rose.

Conrad gave Luna a thumbs up. "And you're going to win."

The globes spun themselves into strands of golden magic as they reached out from Luna. They traveled the halls of Canterlot's castle, searching for the forlorn. The first strand of inspiration struck out to reach Prince Blueblood who had become depressed over his failure to fight Conrad. He felt emboldened as the thread pierced through him and disappeared. Blueblood heard the music too. Blueblood became inspired.

The second strand of golden light reached through the stone to plummet downwards to a forlorn Chrysalis. Her own kind abandoned her, she felt the poison of betrayal turning into a sea of hatred and loneliness. The golden strand of light pierced through her thick shell before disappearing. She could hear the music. Chrysalis could remember the happiness her children brought her, she could remember the unity they tried to give to her that she so violently rejected, she could remember the hoof of kindness the ponies had tried to extend to her. Chrysalis became inspired.

The last strand of light shot exactly downwards to strike out at Luna. She felt the warmth of a hug and the feeling of gratitude from a dear friend. But it wasn't Luna that became inspired, it was something deeper down. The nightmare inside her felt the warmth far more. Luna and the nightmare could hear the music. Luna remembered the time before she was princess, the innocence before the crown with her big sister. The nightmare remembered peace before the raging storm. The nightmare became inspired and faded away.

"Such is the magic of the bard. The quote is just told you was said before the most powerful bard gave his life for his world. They say that his last inspiration had been so incredibly powerful that it inspired a whole army to fight at peak perfection and save the world. The cost was his life for such a godly stunt. I like to believe that he became something much more in the afterlife. Perhaps a patron saint for bards would suit him best. Would you believe that his greatest fear was being forgotten? He was lost, but he was never forgotten."

The music began to fade into nothing, but the song would be remembered by those touched by it.

Luna looked at the ground as tears fought their way to the surface. "I see. A bard's inspiration is truly a gift."

Conrad nodded to Luna. "Yes. It is. Everyone deserves to feel it. From the highest of powers to the lowest of villains. Everyone deserves to be inspired."





It was half an hour later when Celestia came back to the dining room. She had a better attitude than when she left. "Conrad."

The skeleton in question was currently sitting upside down in his chair at the table. "Yes, your highness."

"The speech should be starting soon. I implore you to join us, you too Luna."

The lunar princess was reduced to the same fate as her skeleton companion, upside down in her chair. "Of course sister."

Celestia smiled as she shook her head. "You may go ahead of us Conrad, I need to speak with my sister."

Conrad gave a small bow and walked out the door.

The alicorns watched the skeleton leave. Celestia turned to her sister. "You seem to be friendlier to him sis."

"We have determined that he is not a threat." Luna scrunched her muzzle up in realization. "No playing matchmaker Celestia."

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Celestia looked anywhere other than her sister as she told the obvious lie.

"I'm watching sis." Luna narrowed her eyes as she back out of the room.





Conrad was seen sitting in a rather nice chair outside the main balcony door that Celestia would be speaking from. With the door being a weak point, there is always a guard standing there, with no exceptions. Said guard also graduated from training 3 weeks ago. The guard was terrified of the skeleton sitting next to the door he had been trained to guard. 

Conrad had tried to strike up a conversation. "How's the family."

The guard shrieked. He didn't move at all, he just opened his mouth and shrieked at him before returning to position.

Conrad put his hands on his knees. "Guess no one likes the graveyard shift then."

The guard shrieked at the skeleton again.

Conrad used his pinkie bone to clear out his non-existent ear. "Geez man, can you keep it down? Loud as a shrieker over there. I remember the infestation of them." 

Celestia trailed after Luna down the hall to Conrad. 

"Conrad, please stop terrorizing my guards."

"I barely have to speak to scare him."

The guard shrieked once more. Conrad gave a gesture toward him.

"Exactly Conrad. Stop terrorizing him."

Conrad threw his hands in frustration. They hit the opposite wall. "Look what you made me do."

Luna rolled her eyes with a smirk and reattached them with her magic. "There, are we done? We have a speech to give."

Celestia nodded and moved out the door to a cacophony of cheering that became heavily muffled when the door shut with a light slam, kicking up dust into the air.

"Conrad, may we speak with you a moment?" Luna turned towards the skeleton.

"Of course, how may I assist you?" 

Luna sat in front of Conrad. "We are worried about Celestia, while she seemed merry and happy when she went out there, she was nearly having a panic attack again when she thought nobody was watching her. We wish to ask you for your inspiration." Luna looked uncertain. "We hate to ask something of you so soon, but it would help immensely."

Conrad sat up and raised his hand only to be interrupted by the shrieking guard. Conrad looked at the guard and tried to look annoyed despite his ever-smiling face. 

"Of course Luna. I would not be the bard I am if I just held back on my lovely inspiration-"

"Thank you, Conrad, it is ver-"

"BUT! I want something in exchange for my service."

Luna grinned. "Of course Conrad. Whatever you request shall be yours." Luna gave a mocking bow.

"Har har. I need a list of your recommended smiths and wood shapers. If you can find enchanters, that would be appreciated as well."

Luna nodded in understanding. "Ah, I suppose you are going to give them a deal they can't refuse?"

"Of course, my contracts are always fair. Just who would turn down eternal life."

Luna gave Conrad a genuine smile. "Of course, eternal 'life'. I will get you a list. In the meantime, I would appreciate some inspiration for my sister." Luna trotted away to do her part of the deal.

Conrad got up from his chair and rose to his full height. He prepared himself to give Celestia the inspiration to go on. Bringing his hands outwards, he began to invoke his bardic talent. The light of inspiration began to surround him. The notorious song of tricksters began to rise as a phantom orchestra began to play. 

The light became chaotic, infused with the power of trickster gods across the realms. The light shifted from color to color as if to play to the music. The light bounced and bubbled upwards to the beat as the phantom music played. The light began it's descent and sped into the door, only to pass through it and reach Celestia. Conrad could hear the crowd going wild as Celestia's speech became bolder and more confident. 

Celestia then shouted out for Conrad to make his appearance. The doors flew open and Conrad stepped into the light of a new world. The crowd went insane at the appearance of a new noble. The cheers soon turned to shocked horror as the distinctive sound of a crossbow violently cut through the music as the bolt flew through the air towards Conrad. Conrad would normally wave off the attack as the bolt would do little damage, but he could just feel the sickening explosive magic emanating from the silver shaft. 

Celestia didn't have the time for a strong enough shield to absorb the attack. She couldn't deflect it as the bolt would go into the crowd. Conrad didn't have the magic needed to defend against the bolt. Conrad felt ready for the end and sorry he wasn't prepared enough. 

As Conrad gave his silent goodbye, he felt his inspiration magic course through him as somepony nearby harnessed its power. A pony in a dark blur ran in front of Conrad and Celestia and took the bolt. Conrad witnessed in slow motion as something green splashed onto him. The blur fell into a bush far below the balcony as an explosion rocked the castle.

Conrad was left with one question in his skull. 'What kind of pony has chitin.'
> 6. The Awakening.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conrad braced himself against the explosion from down below. Screams rang out as ponies ran from the castle and guards rushed to find the attacker. Conrad took a look at himself and Celestia for any damage. Content with finding none, he looked over the edge to his savior. 

A buglike pony was in a newly made clearing, laying on its side about 30 feet down from the railing. The rail of which Conrad hopped over and rearranged his bones to take the landing without damage. Getting a closer look at the creature, Conrad recognized it as the changling exile herself. 

"Queen Chrysalis..." 

Conrad crouched low to look closer. He spotted the bolt in the side of her that penetrated the plate of chitin. Looking further, the explosion seemed to have completely blown out the other side of her as there was a gaping wound on the other side, oozing green blood. 

"You've met with a terrible fate... haven't you..." Conrad traced a fingerbone around the wound and looked at the now congealing green liquid. 

Celestia touched down from the balcony behind Conrad. Her eyes widening upon seeing Chrysalis. Conrad stood up and faced Celestia. His eyes seemed to disappear into a void of darkness as his voice became monotone.

"Celestia, by order of the court of bone, the body of Chrysalis is claimed in the name of her royal highness, Princess Rosa Grimbane. Let none stand before her in her decision. By order of the court of flesh, Chrysalis's noble sacrifice grants her entitlement to being raised under the care of her new charge. Her new charge is Conrad Moody effective immediately." 

Conrad returned to normal and shook his head. "Sorry, Princess. That's kinda ingrained in my programming to do that."

Celestia was shocked at the seriousness of the skeleton. "O-of course Conrad."

"May I implore you to stand back about 2 feet?"

Celestia raised an eyebrow but otherwise complied.

Conrad dragged his foot in the dirt to create an elaborate circle. Celestia could feel magic becoming attracted to the circle immediately. Conrad began to hum unknown words in a dead language as the complicated creation was made. 

"Might I question what you are doing?"

"Animate dead and raise dead spell combination. Chrysalis shall be as I. The damage is too extensive for a low-level resurrection but she deserves more than an animate dead. As such, she will become half-dead. She will be changed when she awakens from death. I'm going to have to hire a tailor soon, I'm sure she will want her wound covered."

Conrad had stopped his circle making and stepped back to admire his handiwork. Luna finally came down to find her sister and friend.

"Sister, what happened? Is that Chrysalis?"

"Assassination attempt. And yes, that is Chrysalis. Glad to see you could make it this time."

"I know I'm slow on arrival sister, no need to remind me every time something happens." Luna's pout was adorable.

"Celestia, might I be granted a hoof sized chunk of obsidian?" Conrad interrupted.

Celestia used her magic to coalesce a piece of obsidian from nothing and gave it to Conrad. Conrad took it and held it up to the sun, now very high in the sky. Conrad watching the black streaks start to pour from it as he pours a hint of his necromantic energy into it. "Perfect."

Conrad did an abrupt heel turn and walked towards Chrysalis who was now attracting flies. He snapped his fingers and the flies dissolved to nothing. Shaking his head, he brought the volcanic glass upwards above him, as if revering it's very presence.

"Obsidian is quite possibly the ultimate conduit of necromancy." Conrad began explaining. "Many believe that obsidian was created by the demon lord and patron saint of necromancy Orcus. Most necromancers say that it was shaped by him after getting slashed by a dagger and having his blood thrown into the sea of fire by a devil."

Conrad brought the black glass to his chest. Black tendrils emanated from it, waving in an unfelt wind, and latched onto Conrad whose visage just became darker. Celestia and Luna were reminded that this wacky skeleton is also an adept practitioner of the dark arts. Luna gave a glance to her older sister in worry. Celestia either didn't notice or didn't care as she was focused on the skeleton before her. Conrad held the gem away from him and the tendrils detached.

"It's all lies of course. Obsidian was created by one of the most powerful beings in our very existence. Without Primus, our existence would never have come to term. Primus created obsidian for balance. It is by his decree that the most sacred necromantic item existence."

Conrad stepped forward and brought the glass over Chrysalis before letting go. The sisters expected it to fall, but instead, the piece of obsidian just floated and began spinning slowly. 

"We thank Primus for this great blessing." Conrad stepped away from the circle and stood next to the sisters.

"Let the ceremony begin." Conrad raised his hands and the circle he etched into the dirt began to glow a sinister red that turned quickly to the same green as Chrysalis' blood. 

The cardinal points of the circle emitted the same tendrils as the obsidian did. They rose before funneling through the black glass and into the body of Chrysalis.

"And now, we-" 

A god awful sound emanated from Chrysalis' body as something strange happened to her.

"Shit." Conrad stepped towards her body and inspected the circle before slapping himself with a bony hand and changing the circle a bit.

Chrysalis' body calmed down and the ritual continued. Conrad thrust his hand towards the body as the world darkened a bit before returning. "Surge et turpi qui decipitur."

The piece of obsidian shattered into thousands of pieces before being caught and suspended in the air for just a moment before embedding themselves into chrysalis' now shaking corpse. Her chitin turns extremely glossy for naught but a second before turning an ashy grey rather than a burnt black like normal.

Conrad spoke softly as if speaking to a newborn waking for the first time. "Rise young one... your duty to this world is not over yet." 

Conrad's skull cracked a bit as he managed to smile, healing immediately afterward. "You have a bright future ahead of you."

Upon his last words, Chrysalis suddenly shot up, scaring Celestia and leaving Luna dumbfounded. Her eyes were dead and lost the spark of life, but Celestia could see the intelligence and understanding in them. Chrysalis slowly looked down at her now ashy hooves before turning to see the gaping wound in her side.

"Oh..." Chrysalis sounded sad but, more noticeably, her echo was gone. "I guess my plan didn't work as well as I thought." 

Conrad stepped forwards to Chrysalis. "Greetings young one." Chrysalis turned to Conrad with wide eyes. "I have granted you the gift of undeath for saving not only me but also my friends." He gestures to the sisters. "However, I must ask why you gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Chrysalis seemed to think for a moment before the events before-hand came to her. "Music." Conrad tilted his head. "I-I heard music, it told me what I needed to hear. It told me that I was forgiven, but if I needed proof of it that I was to follow it."

Celestia put a hoof to her chin. 'She seems different now... the way she talks, how she holds herself, it's unnerving but I'll take what I can get.'

"For your sacrifice, I would definitely say you are forgiven Chrysalis." Celestia put her hoof back down.

Luna was still skeptical but reluctantly accepted it.

Conrad crouches low and helped chrysalis onto her hooves, only to find that her rear hooves aren't working anymore. "I can fix this." Conrad reached his smallest fingerbones into her wound and began reconstructing her enough that she could move.

Chrysalis felt nothing from Conrad's intrusion. "Celestia, please forgive what I did before... at the wedding. It was done out of necessity and nothing more." Chrysalis lowered her head slightly. "And please, don't call me Chrysalis anymore. I am now a queen to a dead kingdom. Chryssie is just fine." Chrysalis looked away. "It's a bit refreshing to use that name anyway." 

Celestia nodded. "You are forgiven Chryssie."

"I'm going to start on damage control now sister." Luna flew up and out of sight.

Conrad shoved Chryssie's pelvis back into place and lifted her up once more. Finding that she was stable enough, he gave her a nod. "All good."

Chryssie ignited her horn and found her magic to be far different than before. "Now master, what next for your spymaster." Chryssie was oddly focused now.

Conrad drifted his skull to look at her. "We train and build." Conrad fixed his shirt. "First, let's get that wound covered when we go in."





Conrad and the crew found themselves back in the dining room approximately 2 hours later. The sun has started to make its descent already. Chryssie had managed to get herself some dark robes to put over her barrel with a light gambeson to put over it. 

"Tell me why I am wearing armor as a spymaster?"

"You are currently the only protector I have Chryssie." Conrad fixed his coat sleeve. "I cannot be expected to be able to defend myself on my own. Until I can raise my own guards, you will need to assist me. Your new magic should be just perfect for the job."

Chryssie flexed her corrupted magic. "Of course, sorry for questioning you." 

"Non-sense, I encourage you to speak freely."

Celestia had her head down on the table. The paperwork was giving her a headache. Sitting back up, she brought her gaze over to Chryssie. "Conrad, are all your necromancy rituals as long and complicated as what you did to her?"

Conrad shook his head. "Complicated... No. But most necromancy requires time. It was complicated because I created an entirely new spell to create Chryssie." Conrad looked downwards into a cup of tea. "My grip on magic is loosened here. It's like Mystra, the goddess of magic, has no presence here. Thus, I was able to improvise something."

Celestia nodded. "I suppose that soon enough, I'll get a demonstration of what is normal?"

"Of course, I have ideas." Conrad scratched his head in thought. 

Conrad leaned over to Chryssie and whispered in her ear.

"It will be done." Chryssie shapeshifted into a less suspicious form. 

"Glad that still works." Conrad gave her a couple of folders. "You know your job." 

Chryssie nodded and went away for the time being.

"Might I inquire about your actions Conrad?"

"I need a jumping-off point for the noble house. I sent her to find the dying and giving them an offer."

"A good plan as any." Celestia took a sip of tea before continuing. "So, what exactly is Chryssie now?"

Conrad looked up to the solar matriarch. "Her unique relationship with life and death makes her a shadow sorcerer now. I believe a comparison you would understand is Sombra." Celestia seemed to tense up.

"Of course, she is nowhere near what Sombra is, it is just the best comparison that can be made."

"I understand."

"Yes, she is now extremely hard to kill. The most basic but most powerful ability it gives her is something our world knows as 'one-shot protection'. No one single attack can kill her now no matter how powerful. With a bit more training, she can create magic darkness that she can see through, gain a deathly companion, and mark enemies for death." Conrad takes a sip. "She will become very powerful and more deceitful than she was in life. Thankfully, she is now bound to me and relies on my power to sustain her."

Celestia nodded as Luna finally entered the dining room. 

"Sister, we got the population settled down now." Luna closed the door behind her before taking her seat.

"Good." Celestia glared at her reflection in her cup of tea. "Can't believe it happened... Any idea of our would-be assassin?"

"A mercenary. It was obviously an expensive one if the enchantments on the bolt were of any indication. We can rule out the lower and middle class as such." Luna shook her head. "A noble had to have hired them. Frankly, I am excited to start a crusade on the nobles."

"Luna..."

"Sister, they have gone unchecked for too long. They made an actual attempt on your life. They need to be brought down a peg or ten." Luna crossed her front hooves. 

"Luna, please..."

"Celestia, my dear sister... you have been soft on them. They have grown way too cocky with your ruling while I was gone."

"Your speech has changed sister," Celestia said as a matter of factly. 

"Don't change the subject sister."

Celestia's ears were pinned back. "I'm sorry Luna. I suppose I have been a bit too lax in the years past."

"A bit?"

"Fine, I've been way too lax. But now, we have a weapon to fight back!" 

Celestia pointed to Conrad who had been snacking on a bouquet of flowers on a nearby table. Conrad slowly turned around to look at the two sisters before slowly lifting another petal to his teeth. 

"Conrad."

"Yes ma'am?"

"Why are you eating my flowers?"

Conrad looked to the flowers before looking back. "They had spices on them."

Celestia looked at the flower before raising an eyebrow. "Conrad, there is poison on the flowers."

"Huh." He took another bite. "Tingly."

Luna looked at her sister. "So... Weapon huh?"

"Well... At least he's humorous." Celestia shrugged before giggling. 

"Oh, dear stars it's spreading."

"At least I've got a funny bone sister." She gave a hearty laugh.

"You're laughing. Somepony tried to assassinate you with poisoned flowers and you're laughing."

Chryssie finally had come back with a stack of packets in her magic grip. She slid them over to Conrad and stood at his side in her new undying form. "Ah, finally."

"All went well, master. It seems nearly every pony has some want to be able to help after their death. A curious trait about ponies, but will be useful for what we need."

"Beautiful. You have done well Chryssie." Conrad gave Chryssie a scratch behind her ears which caused her to blush ever so slightly.

"I thank you, master."

"Stay by my side for now." Conrad was about to walk back to the sisters before turning back. "Want some poisoned flowers?"

Chryssie raised an eyebrow and took a delicate bite. "Hmm... Needs more wyvern venom, otherwise, tingly."

Conrad turned to Luna. "Told ya it was tingly."

Luna rolled her eyes as Conrad returned to his seat with Chryssie in tow. 

Celestia turned to Conrad. "I believe I have an idea to fight back against whoever may be trying to assassinate us."

Conrad put his elbows on the table and intertwined his hands, ready to start scheming. "I'm listening."





Conrad walked through the streets of Canterlot. Many watching the unliving embodiment of their future were more than a little disturbed.

"First stop is a mister Iron Hooves." Conrad took out the packet of his next stop. "At least it's old age this time..." Conrad said somberly.

A disguised Chryssie stuck to his side, reveling in the necromantic energies emanating from him. "You're helping a lot of good ponies, Conrad. While they may not be cheating death, at least they can continue to serve the greater good in the end." 

Conrad gave her a nod. "Alright, you know the deal Chryssie, stay outside while I do the ritual." As Conrad was about to enter, he was stopped by a tug on his coat from Chryssie's aura.

"Actually... I was hoping to be able to watch this one. I want to be able to learn what you do so I may better understand you, master." Chryssie quickly caught herself. "Not that I care about you. But to better serve you as a spymaster." 

Conrad always thought her face scrunch was adorable. "Fine Chryssie, just do not interfere no matter what. You may hear things that will never leave your mind and the ritual could attract malicious spirits since the necromantic web in this world is incredibly weak... Especially after raising you from the dead." Conrad opened the door. "From this point, until we leave Chryssie, do not listen to anything anyone might say unless the order is to leave. Then obey it without question and leave quickly." Chryssie gave him a nod.





An old earth pony lay upon his deathbed, his flesh sagging and his eyes drooping as the inevitable nears. No others are around for he was the last of his kin. He just hopes that the mysterious offer he had received was real.

"Mr. Iron Hooves? "

"P-Please, do enter."

Conrad entered and the earth pony nodded slowly. "My time then?"

"Yes Iron Hooves, it is time. Just to make sure, you are completely alright with this?"

"Yes, I was in the royal guard in my younger days, but I never actually felt like I did anything. Hopefully my double can be of use while I move on."

"I'll make sure he sees plenty of action. Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Chryssie stood by the side of the bed and watched as Conrad put a boney finger to his forehead as Iron Hooves gave his last breath. Chryssie could feel his soul passing on and the death energy leaking into the necromantic web and regaining its strength. 

"Quieti etiam hac nocte."

Conrad released his deathly touch. "Now for resurrection." Conrad brought out a small dagger that, despite its size, was incredibly sharp. He made a small incision into Iron Hoove's front left arm to retrieve a single bone before wrapping his arm to hide the surgeon-like cut.

"I will be using arm bones for earth ponies as most of their magic resides in those areas. If it was a unicorn, I would grab a piece from the neck near the mana pool gland. For a pegasus, a wing bone is taken with care because of the hollow bones."

Conrad brought the bone to the floor and started outlining it in black chalk. "For concentration, I will need absolute silence Chryssie."

"You told me not to listen to you until we leave."

"Ah, so you were listening Chryssie."

Conrad began to move his arms in a pseudo-dance that was equal parts concerning judging by the cracks his old bones made and intriguing. Chryssie could start to feel the pressure in the room as the air thickened. Chryssie had to suppress herself from gulping as a dark-colored mist filled the room. It was just light enough that she could see Conrad but dark enough that she couldn't find all four walls in the room.

The pressure kept mounting an assault against Chryssie's head. She felt empowered yet also weakened by the ritual currently happening. That was when she heard it. A distant forlorn wail of a female pony. Chryssie tried to look for the source in her spot but came up empty.

The wailing got louder and louder, soon enough she couldn't think of anything other than the horrid wailing. She was too distracted to notice that Conrad had disappeared from her vision. Chryssie tried to cover her ears as the wails became earsplitting. Chryssie could feel her body rebelling against her, she couldn't move and couldn't think. She barely registered a bone hand grabbing her shoulder.

"Chryssie."

The fog cleared and the wails stopped. Chryssie questioned whether what just happened was real or not.

"Chryssie, are you okay?"

"Y-yeah... What happened to me?"

"It was my fault honestly. I had forgotten that spirits don't like those new to the art of undeath. You nearly got killed by an angry banshee."

"Woah..." 

"I'm so incredibly sorry. Not even our sovereign likes to deal with spirits. It took around 20 years of undeath before spirits began to accept her. She usually hired mercs to deal with them."

Chryssie shook her head. "That was an experience."

"One you won't forget. Anyways, Skeleton was made, awakened, and sent to the plot of land. You were out of it for a while."

"Guess that means I missed most of the magic then?"

"Unfortunately."

"Another time then. If I remember correctly, that was the last one for today. What might be next master."

"I need to get a bardic focus. I'm adept at casting spells with hands but getting a focus will make a lot of things much easier for me." Conrad tapped his chin a moment. "Perhaps we can get you a focus as well."

Chryssie tilted her head. "I have a horn."

"Yes, I am aware. But you are also half dead and we still are unaware of the extent of your damage. Not to mention that a focus could be stronger than a horn."

"Point taken master." 

Conrad and Chryssie began their trek across Canterlot. Many were still unsure of the skeleton and changeling but none openly harassed them. They came to a stop across an older shop. It was one that would've been easily missed if one was not looking for it.

"Celestia gave her endorsements to this old place."

"Looks old."

"It is old. That's how you know it's going to be good. Nothing has overtaken this mares craft yet."

Chryssie gave a simple nod and went inside the shop alongside Conrad.

The atmosphere was thick with the scent of rare reagents used for potions alongside legendary pieces of wood long thought lost to time. Foci of many types and makes line the walls and shelves of the old shop. Behind the desk is an old mare with a sickly green coat and a slightly lighter green mane. Her old eyes show wisdom beyond her many years as if she has seen endless time pass by her. Her cutie mark was barely visible but showed a stopwatch that had been skewered by a thorn. Atop her rugged mane sat an old and nearly decayed pointed hat that witches wore in fantasy books. 

"Conrad, who is this?"

"Chryssie..." He moves his hand to present the pony "Meet Twisted Thorn..."
> 7. The Witch.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chryssie looked to the old crone with disbelief in her eyes.

"Why, yes. I am Twisted Thorn." She gave a small chuckle. "But just Thorn is alright dearie."

"Thorn here is a trusted friend of Celestia." Conrad turned towards the mare. "And we have need of your services."

"Then, by all means, look around and I'll do my best to assist you."

Conrad leaned down to Chryssie and pointed towards a large showcase that also functioned as a counter like in jewelry shops. Chryssie gave a nod and made her way over to stare and the long wooden tools. They all looked old as Chryssie noticed. 

"Find anything dearie?"

Chryssie swears that she felt her undead heart jump. "Um. I'm not exactly sure what I am supposed to look for, to be honest. I was told I would need a wand... but I don't know what to look for in the first place."

Chryssie took a look towards Conrad. He was busy looking at violins. She noticed that Thorn was gone from her seat. In fact, so was her seat. It seemed to have teleported along with her.

"Of course child, I will help you with your woes." Thorn began to give a scrutinizing look over Chryssie. 

Chryssie felt uncomfortable under the gaze of an ancient being like Thorn could see her past, her present, and her future at once.

"I see." The Witch suddenly announced. She almost immediately went to the back room where a large number of products were heard shifting around. It was only a few seconds before the Witch had come back to the chair she had left behind. She placed a heavy yet small wand case in front of Chryssie.

"Try it."

Those two words had set Chryssie on edge even more. She had briefly forgotten her magic as she reached a shaky hoof towards the intimidating box. She slowly lifted the latch on the dark box and could immediately feel the power from inside reaching out to touch her hoof like static. Shocked, but still continuing, she had finally been given the privilege to gaze upon her new focus.

It was remarkable. In the box upon a plush lining was a wand made of rotting wood. It was filled with holes yet it looked sturdy enough to fight with. The wood used to be a lush mahogany heartwood that had been artificially rotted out with magic. Chryssie picks up the wand in her hoof and instantly felt a connection as if the wand was a second horn. 

Raising the wand, she aims towards the wall and put the ever so slightest of magic power towards the wand. The rotted wood started to glow a malignant green as smoke began to pour off it. Before Chryssie had a chance to say anything, the wand blasted a ray of pure rot at an upturned scarecrow and reduced it to a goopy sludge. 

"Woah..."

"It seems that I have made a good choice for you."

Chryssie wasn't so sure that it was a good choice. Before she could voice her concern, Thorn had already moved over to Conrad and had gotten engaged in a rather heated conversation with him. Chryssie returned her attention to the rotting wand.

"Well... she is a professional."





"I am telling you, Thorn, bone is a perfectly acceptable substitute for wood!"

"Not at all! Bone is good for aesthetics, but it carries acoustics like hot garbage."

"It doesn't need to carry acoustics well because magic does all the work!"

"But then anypony with half a mind in the music business could call you out on your instrument."

Twisted Thorn was nose to missing nose with Conrad. Conrad had felt this conversation before, back when he was first raised, and when he needed a replacement violin. 

"What about wood shaped to be like a bone?" 

Conrad and Thorn had turned to Chryssie. She was plainly tired of the shouting already. 

"I swear, your yelling could wake the dead."

Chryssie had immediately thrown a hoof to cover her mouth. Conrad was ecstatic. Chryssie's expression had lowered into disappointment in herself. Her hoof dropped.

"Buck."

"You did fantastic for your first undead pun."

"I want to die."

"A little too late for that don't you think?"

"Let's just get this over with and go home."

Chryssie looked over her new wand.

"I suppose it's getting late. So Twisted Thorn, as my companion suggested, wood sculpted to look like bone?"

"I can't see a reason why it wouldn't work."

"Celestia will pay in the usual way of course."

"I'd expect nothing less. It will be delivered to you when it is ready."

"Fantastic, have a good evening Twisted."

Conrad left the building with Chryssie in tow. She was still looking over her wand.





It had been two days since the encounter at the shop. Conrad had just been delivered his new violin. It was a beautiful piece with wood as pale as bone and twisted into a grim skull. Conrad had a bow for it already done in his own time.

Chryssie was still entranced by her wand. She had gotten be a fair shot with the ray of enfeeblement. Hitting a target 30 feet away had become foals play to her by this point only because the ray seemed to do most of the work for her. Beyond that however was a far different story, she struggled to hit anything but air at further ranges.

Conrad was in his room stringing his new violin and tuning it properly when Chryssie entered. She had a grim look upon her.

"Sir. Permission to speak freely?"

"Granted and encouraged."

"I'm beginning to have second thoughts on this necromancy business. The wand is great and all, but the energy it emits is... sickening. I think it might be throwing off my aim."

Conrad put a bony finger to his chin in thought. "That is a problem."

"And another concern... it seems cruel to rot a creature. I... I never killed, even while I was alive. It seems too brutal to use even for me." Chryssie held the wand out to Conrad.

Conrad grabbed the wand and inspected it. "I see. Thank you for bringing up the concern to me. Follow." Conrad suddenly got up and ran out of the castle. 

Chryssie broke into a sprint to catch up to the rather nimble skeleton. She ran through town and through markets, past ponies, griffins, dragons, and more before she broke out into a clearing. She had the feeling of the need to pant even though she didn't need to breathe. Chryssie managed to catch up enough to run right into Conrad's leg and knock herself to the ground.

Chryssie sat up only to have her jaw drop. Beyond Conrad was the beginning construction of a noble estate. The frames had gone up and already it's looking to be a grand spectacle. It had 5 stories to it and spanned at least 5 rooms to either side of the main entrance. 

"Woah..."

"Indeed. The workers so far are gathering a stockpile to build the foundations, but I had them build something for us in the meantime." Conrad moved past the construction with Chryssie in tow.

"Workers?"

"The skeletons we made a few days ago. They are great all-rounders. A jack of all trades. They can build, they can fight, they can craft. As I said, they are gathering more materials at the moment."

"I see, so what did they build for us in the meantime?"

Conrad stopped abruptly and extended his arm to show a depression in the ground of about 2 feet deep. The floor is covered in sand and the walls are braced with timber. Among the sandpit was a few training dummies that seemed to animate at approach.

"A training area?"

"With dummy golems. They react like real combatants and are enchanted to be affected by magic as if they were alive."

"How is this supposed to help with my problem?"

"While it won't help your accuracy." Chryssie pouted at that. "It will help you understand necromancy."

Conrad raised the wand towards a dummy golem and fired a ray at it. The golem seemed to become extremely lethargic and slow as it moved around.

"Necromancy is likely the most chaotic school of magic. How it affects things differs incredibly. As you see, your standard ray spell only slows your target, but against organic material, it just rots."

Conrad pulled an apple from his pocket and threw it into the sand before blasting it like he had the golem. The apple rotted near immediately. 

"Case in point. Negative energy has no clear rules on its effects. It flows and acts like negative energy, which flows and acts like negative energy, and so on and so forth. There is no other energy like it so it is hard to compare it to something to help explain."

Conrad gave the wand back to its owner. "Now remember, a ray of enfeeblement is one of the lighter necromancy spells. It is simple and direct. There are far crueler spells that can be used."

Conrad turned back to a dummy golem that was bumping against the low wall. He raised a bony hand towards the golem and clenched his fist. The effect was immediate. The golem grabbed at its chest as Conrad's hand began to smoke. Conrad proceeded to quickly open his hand and pull it back to his chest. In an instant, the golem fell like a pile of smoking fluff appeared in his hand.

Chryssie was in shocked awe of what she just witnessed. 

"The clutch of Orcus. If it was a real target, I would be holding their heart right now."

"What... that's horrid!"

"I never said necromancy was pretty or graceful. Necromancy is about getting the job done. It is up to people like us to not abuse such power over life and death."

Chryssie looked at her wand in thought. 

"I will leave you alone to think Chryssie. Just remember, you can control what spells you cast. You never have to cast such cruel spells if you don't want to. Not even I wish to cast them." Conrad put a hand on Chryssie's back in reassurance before leaving to oversee the stockpile of materials. Chryssie looked back to the dead golem in the sand.





"I thought I told you numbskulls to only take what was needed!"

The skeletal pony in front of Conrad turned its head slightly.

"How am I going to tell Celly..." Conrad put a hand to his chin.

As it turned out, Conrad wasn't clear enough in his instructions. The skeleton had interpreted his command to gather materials for the manor as a request to deforest the area.

"I wish I had figured out how to allow the equine skeleton to talk just so I could hold a stern conversation with you."

Conrad gave a sigh as he looked at the mountain of logs in the stockpile area. "I guess a separate building for production isn't that bad of an idea... maybe a tavern for old time sake..." Conrad was lost in a reverie of older times and didn't notice his spymaster approach him.

"Conrad, can I ask you a question?"

Conrad nearly jumped out of his bones as his daydream was interrupted. "Yes, Spymaster Chryssie?"

"Is necromancy evil."

Conrad knew that it was a statement rather than a question. He had been asked this many times as a diplomat and braced himself to tell the truth.

"Yes, Chryssie. It is."

Chryssie's eyes popped open.

"But... so is all magic."

Chryssie raised a confused eyebrow. "Explain."

"If we are to base our concept of good and evil on whether magic can be used to brutally maim and kill another creature... then just about all magic can be labeled as evil." Conrad gave Chryssie a sigh as he braced for the worst part. "Healing magic can extend the pain and suffering of another or save lives. Using this logic, it is evil. Fireball can be used to protect the innocent... but it can turn villages into a burning inferno. Using this logic, it is evil. Telekinesis can help the disabled take control of their life... It can also be used to rip someone apart limb from limb. It can be used to swing a whirlwind of weapons. Using this logic, it is evil. Control emotions can be used to incite a frenzy in a man that drives him to attempt to kill any that get near him, or it can be used to help a paranoid patient calm down. Using this logic, it is evil."

Conrad stood straight up. "Magic cannot be labeled in such black and white ways Chryssie. To do so would be unfair... and stagnant. It is why our sovereign opened a college that teaches all magic in her city. It's also a reason why she has no tolerance for paladins. She hates stagnation and by extension, we should too. To stagnate is to recede is what she would say because if you were to stay still while everything else moved around you... then you would lose ground."

Chryssie looked down in thought before looking back to Conrad as he continued.

"So Chryssie. Yes, necromancy is evil. But it is also good. The answer is really up to you and how you choose to wield it."

Chryssie looked at her wand with newfound respect. "I think I understand. Thank you, Conrad. I believe I have all the answer I need."

"I'm glad I could help."

"Also, Celestia is coming by because she heard something about deforestation." Chryssie grinned.

"Fuck..."





"So Conrad, mind telling me why you needed so much lumber?"

Conrad was sitting in the royal dining room once again. 'If I come here so often, I might have to get my own chair.' Conrad had thought.

"Alright listen, it was a complete accident I swear. Apparently, the order I gave was too broad and too open to interpretation."

Celestia gave a small chuckle. "I believe you, try to be more careful next time." 

"I'll do my best to wrangle those boneheads. I just wish I figured out why they can't talk. The spell should've worked perfectly."

"Of course. What is the project you needed so much wood for anyway?"

"Building a manor. But with so much wood... I could build a production facility and a tavern." Conrad looked down at his hand before clenching his fists and giving her a sigh. "So many memories from the tavern..." Conrad gave a sad chuckle. 

Celestia put a wing upon Conrad's back. When he looked at her, she gave him a small nod. "My apologies princess."

"There is no need. I understand the struggles of immortality."

"I never really got over those memories..."

"Do you wish to talk about it?"

Conrad looked out the window for the time. "Yeah... I've got time."





The tavern was alight with much commotion. It was a day to celebrate after all. The first of the season's adventurers were set to head out today. At the front of the celebration was a beefcake of a dwarf, a slender elf, a halfling in robe and wizard hat, and a human clad in dark clothes all drinking before setting out onto the road.

"Conrad! Come get your drink on! Tyr knows you need to get the stick out of your ass." The dwarf yelled across the room.

The human, known as Conrad, was trying to calm his nerves with a glass of Kobold Kooler, a functionally non-alcoholic pink fizzy drink. "Not tonight. I need to be in sound mind for the adventure."

"Forget that, well be fine! We are well trained to face anything we come across. Even the elf is drinking!"

"I know, and it disturbs me."

Conrad looked over to the elf that was dancing half-naked on a table and cringed. "If alcohol does that to her, I'd hate to see what pipeweed would do. But no thanks, I'm not drinking tonight."

"Suit yourself, more for me."





"What happened after that?"

"We were set on our first adventure, navigate through a swamp, and clear out a cave of goblins. Nothing too difficult, perfect for new adventurers. But that swamp was what threw all that out the window..."





Left, right, left, right was the march of the adventurers. The path through the swamp should've been cleared already with the heavy traffic. It was a complete fluke that we met our match.

"WRAGH!" The dwarf had screamed as he jumped with a heavy ax only to get battered out of the air.

The halfling cast spell after spell, thankfully you didn't have to aim a magic missile.

The elf had let loose arrow after arrow but couldn't pierce its flesh.

Conrad was petrified with fear at the sight of his current foe...

The Froghemoth...

The oversized frogs' three eyes and lashing tentacles had disturbed him, much less than the fact that the two-ton frog had snuck upon him. With a speed unexpected by the monstrosity, it swiftly grabbed the halfling and swallowed him. He couldn't even put up a fight. In a few seconds, the screaming had stopped. The elf was next, she was quick enough to dodge the swipes, but she tripped climbing a tree and fell into it's waiting grasp, and met the same horrid fate as the wizard. The dwarf was the only one left in the fight, he had turned to his old friend, a frown upon his face.

"This is... Umgak..." With a roar like thunder, the dwarf took his last leap... behind the froghemoth. The froghemoth sensing opportunity turned to pursue the dwarf deeper into the swamp.

Conrad was finally able to move again so he ran. He ran as far as possible in the opposite direction. He ran until his thighs burned and then he continued until he reached a new town. He fished a noble's attire out of his backpack and masqueraded as a noble until he could make a new life for himself. He had to change himself deeply to avoid recognition. He was no longer Conrad the rogue that cared for his teammates. He was Conrad the noble that went out of his way to put others under him.





"The event was so traumatizing and I had changed myself so much that my new self stuck." Conrad put his head in his hands. "I don't even remember their names..." Conrad made a sound akin to crying. "Not even the dwarves... My best friend..."

Celestia looked upon her friend with newfound respect. She said nothing and let him cry despite the lack of tears.

"Now..." He wiped his face out of pure habit. "Whenever I go to the tavern or a bar, I buy extra drinks for them..."

Celestia looked out the window. Watching the moon rise as she lowered the sun. 

Conrad sighed, he seemed to have cried all of his ghostly tears out. "Thanks for listening Celestia... I haven't told anyone about what happened. I needed to be the strong face of my people."

"That, I can understand. It's getting quite late. I'm sure your spymaster is looking for you."

"Yes, her. I never get a break when it comes to Chryssie... No rest for the dead I suppose."

Conrad got up and moved out of the dining area. Celestia yawned and went to her room. 'I should do something for him...'





"Will the plan work?"

"Of course it will! That sad sack of bones won't know what sideswiped him."

"Are the mercenaries paid?"

"After our plan, they will. If they survive at least."

"And the forgeries?"

"All done."

"Good."
> 8. The Scholar.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conrad slipped his new gloves over his boney hands and flexed them a few times to get a good feel for them. It had been a few days since his talk with Celestia. The first parts of the mansion were beginning to take shape at last and he began training the newest batch of skeletons to be his personal guards.

Conrad looked up into the mirror opposite of himself to inspect his new threads. He had finally gotten around to seeking out a tailor since the outfit he arrived in was starting to come apart. He had on a fine black shirt that was under a navy blue overcoat that had pockets on the inside to slip some metal plates into to protect his spine and ribs. For his pants, simple black work pants did the job he needed along with heavy steel-toed boots for a devastating kick when he needed it. Last but not least, his new gloves stopped him from accidentally scratching any wood he touched.

"Somebody stop me!" He gave a whistle to himself before frilling his jacket and heading towards the door. 

Conrad gave a sidelong glance to his case for the macabre violin before deciding he wouldn't need it for the day. Exiting the door, he was flanked on both sides by the best of guards he trained clad in steel armor and shortswords at their sides. 

"Morning gent's, I see that guard duty has done well."

In response, the one on his left saluted before returning his hoof.

"We will be heading out today, I want to check the mansion and make sure the workers didn't misinterpret any commands again. I'm already on thin ice with Celestia as it is. Then perhaps I'll stop by the book store and see what is available."

Lefty saluted once more.

Conrad gave a low sigh. "Someday, I will figure out what is wrong with the spell. I swear it should allow you to speak." He scratched his head before shrugging. 

Conrad made his departure with guards in tow, steel sabatons clanking in perfect harmony. He was about to pass right by Chryssie's room before he stopped himself and backed up. He gave a chaste knock on the door and allowed Chryssie some time to get up.

The door opened at a snail's pace to reveal Chryssie with a look of death on her face. "What."

"Heading out, you know what you need to do for the day I assume?" 

Chryssie gave a small nod before yawning. "Yes, just give me a few minutes. I've been tired lately."

"I understand, the week after my own resurrection I was lethargic. I think our sovereign said something like the adrenaline of dying finally leaving our body as negative energy replaces it or something."

Chryssie nods. "That explains the black stain that smells like rot."

"Well... I guess in your case, the adrenaline left in a physical way. Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Get better soon Chryssie, I still need to tutor you in more necromancy as soon as I can."

"Alright, have fun." Chryssie closed the door.

Conrad stood at the door for a moment longer before catching up with his guards and continuing his path. "I should do something for her..."





"SERIOUSLY!?"

The skeletons in the fields looked up towards their noble.

"YOU NUMBSKULLS CAN'T GET ANYTHING RIGHT! WHAT AM I GONNA DO WITH A BLOODY MASSIVE HOLE!" Conrad motioned vigorously at the bottomless pit in the middle of his lawn. 

The skeletons had dug out stone for the foundation but had dug deep to get the stone needed, not knowing they could move to another area for it. 

"I can't believe this after last week's incident." Conrad put a hand to his chest and breathed a heavy sigh. "Guess we have a well now. Not that it was really needed."

Conrad pointed to the two closest workers. "You two, build a well on top of this hole before something falls into it."

The skeletons gave a clumsy nod and set to work. 

Conrad stormed off to the bookstore, his guard struggling to keep up with him. "Ridiculous..."





Conrad was on his walk down the street with his guards towards the library. He was still grumbling to himself even half an hour later.

"Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous... I just can't believe that they wou-"

Conrad stopped in his tracks, as if frozen, as he listened attentively. He could just barely perceive it but it was there. A light tingling in the air. He immediately rose to his full and intimidating stature as he kept his head on a literal swivel looking for the source. 

That's when he spotted it, a piece of sheet music flowing with the light wind. He immediately knew what it was and spoke two words before sprinting after it.

"Power chord..."

Conrad extended his limber form to build up as much unstoppable force as possible and left his guards in the dust. He ran with the force of an athlete born to gods of fitness, he was unbound by muscle and energy as his body extended farther than anyone could believe. Ponies were blown away literally and figuratively by the immense speed this undead monstrosity was able to manage.

Conrad had only one thought in his empty head, a thought powerful enough to drive the devoted undead into a frenzy to grab this paper.

'Power'

He, with minimal effort, rolled over crates in the way, jumped through fruit stands, and climbed rooves after the evasive sheet music that had begun outmaneuvering him. The closer Conrad got, the faster the sheet evaded until the inevitable. The troublesome piece of paper began to fly out over the moat of Canterlot. Conrad, being upon the defensive wall found this situation unreasonable for him.

"Any cost." That was all Conrad had said when he dived forward into a roll and into a forward dive off the wall of Canterlot. 

He was close, closer than he had ever been as he was suspended 800 feet off the moat in the open air. With a desperate swipe, Conrad was now the proud owner of the sheet.

Conrad tucked his sheet music away in his coat as he began his descent into the water. He maneuvered himself into a dive and aimed for the deepest part with gloved hands downwards.

Bringing his hands up and to the sides like a bird, the magic within his skeletal body began to surge wildly. If another magic-user was nearby, they likely would see how jagged his aura had become as he chanted a few words of power. 

"Subtus pinnas venti ferre gloriari" 

From his back grew sharp and pointed bones that branched into more sharp and pointed bones and began the rough shape of a bird's wings without flesh. A small test flap stopped his rapid descent almost entirely and a hard beat brought him shooting in the opposite direction as the wings began to flake away into nothingness.

Luckily, Conrad had enough momentum to bring him within reach of the edge of the wall. Like a mad cat, he caught himself upon the edge but only just barely. 

"Phew... too close for my liking..."

Conrad was quickly grabbed by his guards that managed to catch up and hauled back onto the wall. Lefty gave him a blank stare.

"Yes." Conrad pointed upwards. "It was stupid."

Righty simply gave him a shake of his head. 

"But it worked... Didn't it?" Conrad was rarely smug, but he had felt this was the perfect time to bring out the unfamiliar feeling.

Lefty face hooved with the armored hoof.

"Since you asked so nicely..." He brought out the troublesome sheet of paper. "Boom!"

Conrad rose to a sitting position and showed off his paper. "Lookit that, a power chord."

Conrad briefly turned the page to look at it. "Fantastic, this trip has been worth it after all. To the library then."

If his guards could speak, they would've groaned, so they settled for aggressive clacking instead.

Conrad began his trek to the library once more, seemingly ignoring his exasperated guards.

If only he noticed the camera slowly retreating into the guard tower...





Conrad threw open the doors to the library and stroll inside, his guards waiting outside in a silent vigil. It was a small yet cozy library, very old-fashioned, but was suitable enough for what was needed. Conrad strode past a shocked librarian and right into the history section and grabbed a book, seemingly at random. 

The book was well made, and with the title 'history unrevised', it would make a good start on his search for further knowledge. "Perfect." Conrad plopped himself in a chair near the window, to be able to keep an eye on his guards of course, and opened the book. The light was perfect to read in and the chair was very plush, keeping his old bones off of hardwood was a good thing.

"Alright, let's get a good look at the world..." 

Conrad spared one last glance to his guards before reading to himself under his nonexistent breast.

"Chapter one..."





It had become later in the evening and Conrad was surrounded in a small fortress of books he was cross-referencing in case there were errors in his research. The librarian was none too happy about how many books he was using but relented when she realized he wasn't technically breaking any rules. 

Conrad had been looking for a specific set of laws and got lost down the rabbit hole of different strange laws that he could only attribute to the nobles.

"Seriously... can't have an ice cream cone in your back pocket on a Tuesday? Ponies barely wear clothes as it is."

Conrad shook his head as he pulled a notebook from his jacket that he got from requesting one of his guards grab from his room. Writing down the ridiculous law, he simultaneously grabbed another book with a small sigh. 

It had long been since that Conrad told his guards to go home, feeling that they would have a more enjoyable time watching the workers. So Conrad had been working on his research alone for the most part aside from the librarian finding books he needed. Despite it being past mid-day now, he had not gotten as much progress as he wished. 

Rubbing his temple, he took a small break and sat down in his original seat. He gave a small say as he looked out the window and froze like a deer in headlights.

Staring back at him was a purple alicorn with an open mouth. Whomever she was, she was gobsmacked at the sight of him. Conrad thought he saw her swallow a fly before he decided to become unfrozen. Conrad gave himself a small sigh before motioning to the door.

The alicorn moved ever so slowly towards the door, prompting Conrad to look at a pocket watch he had gotten. It took minutes for Her Purpleness to actually enter the store and approach him. He motioned to the seat across from him and she sat down like a zombie. 

Conrad and Her Royal Purpleness™ stared at each other for a few moments before Conrad gave a small cough into his glove.

"W-what are you..." She had finally said.

"A skele-ton of fun."

And so, Conrad had beaten his personal record of 5 words to make someone groan on the first contact, the gods above and demons below exchanged cash for their bets and made new ones as this moment of history had unfolded.

"Really... Your first words to me are a pun! Celestia, it's like another pinkie." 

Conrad gave her a shrug. "Well, let's start with introductions. I am Conrad Moody of house Moody under Her Royal Highness Rosa Grimbane first of her name. I am the father of the first noble house of her kingdom and among the first raised by our sovereign."

"I am Twilight Sparkle of house Velvet. I am the bearer of the element of magic and a former student of Princess Celestia. May I ask you some questions, Conrad?"

"It's nice to put a name to that shocked face in the window. Yes, of course, you may ask me some questions."

"What is your kind called?"

"Ah, that is a question I haven't been asked for a long time. For generalization, we are just called undead or skeletons. But the true name for my race is 'The Forgiven' for we were raised with kindness rather than hatred."

Twilight's ear flicked as she tilted her head in thought. 'I wonder if Fluttershy could be a necromancer...'

"But at the moment, I have to raise undead the old-fashioned way. I never learned how my sovereign was able to do it and I doubt I ever could've. She has been through a harrowing experience in her youth that gave her the knowledge on it."

"A harrowing experience? Old_fashioned way?" 

"Yes, if you absolutely need to know, you may ask Celestia. It is not a story for the faint-hearted. And yes, the old way, using sheer willpower and a piece of obsidian." Conrad turned his coat out to reveal 20 pieces of obsidian stitched to the inside.

"Alright, and what about it being dark magic? Doesn't it corrupt the wielder?"

Conrad sighed, for he already had this conversation before. "No, there is no such thing as 'dark' or 'light' magic. They are all in effect, JUST magic. You might get magic from the gods, but that doesn't make it light magic. It's just magic that came from a god. You can get magic from a demon lord, but that is still just magic, not dark magic. All that dark and light magic are just for legal purposes for banning one or the other in cities. How magic is used determines whether it is good or bad."

"But the corruption?"

"Built into the spell itself either because the creator is mean, or as a side effect to make the spell stronger."

Twilight lifted a hoof to retort before pausing. She mimicked a gasping fish as she tried to come up with an argument for why that is wrong and come up empty hooved. Lowering her hoof slowly, she closed her mouth and begrudgingly accepted it.

Conrad gave her a knowing nod. "Strange isn't it? A trade for power is usually only used by those that seek to misuse it."

The door to the library opens and closed just as quickly. One of Conrad's guards came back to him and pulled a scroll out from its armor. 

"Oh lefty, thanks for grabbing the mail for me."

The scroll had an unknown coat of arms seal upon it. "Any idea Miss Twilight?"

Twilight briefly examined the seal and shook her head. "Likely one of the nobles. Unicorn from its design."

Conrad picked the seal off the scroll and threw it behind his back while shrugging. "If they were important, the seal would look important." Conrad cleared his non-existent throat and read the scroll.

"Anselmo Maria, challenge ad me vespere, cras enim ius auxilii bifariam terra petita quia tu me. Non erit pugna tria in tribus permissa, magicas invitam accingier." Conrad scratched his head. "I can't understand it. It's very familiar, however."

"It's high noble!" Twilight perked up. "Lemme see it!" Twilight ripped it out of Conrad's hands before she began translating it.

"From what I believe... Conrad, I challenge you to a dual tomorrow evening for the right of the land you claimed for myself. It will be a three on three battle with magic allowed." Twilights face dropped quickly. "Oh no..."

"Only a three on three? What do they take me for? One of my guards can rival three of theirs!" Conrad quickly grabbed a piece of parchment from inside his coat and quickly began to write.

"You insult not only my right as a diplomat to the kingdom of death but also the capability of my guards? How dare you. How dare your mother for creating you. Your first mistake was being born and your last is opposing me. It will be a three on five at your advantage to the final death. I will make sure you arrive home in a beautiful box. Signed Conrad to the noble..."

"Uh, Twilight, what's this useless bag of flesh's name?"

Twilight was too stunned at Conrad's aggressiveness to say anything more than "N-noble Sure Hooved..."

"Sure Hooved. What an awful name... I'll send him home with an apology to his parents that he was named as such."

Conrad signed off the scroll and sealed it back up. "Righty, return to sender please." Conrad handed off the scroll to his guard who went on his way.

"Conrad..." 

"Yes, your purpleness?"

"Why did you declare war on one of the strongest noble families in military strength?"

"He has the strongest mercenaries?"

"Yes."

"Well, have you ever heard of beating up the strongest guy in prison to establish dominance?"

"What?"

"Well, I didn't know that he was the strongest when I insulted him and his mother, but now that I know..."

Conrad took a moment to ponder.

"I think I would've insulted his grandmother as well." 

Twilight brought her hooves to his head. 

"Why would you do this! This is so bad!"

"I am confident in my strength Twilight. One must be confident in their own judgment to become a noble in my sovereign's kingdom. And Twilight..."

Conrad brought his head up to twilight, straightening his back to rise another 6 inches above her, and his empty eyes radiating confidence only a con artist could muster.

"I am unshakably confident."
> 9. The Arena.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was the next day, the air was heavy with moisture as it had just rained, and it was dark with cloud cover out. The wind blew throughout Canterlot and wave flags, trees, and signs. The air had a faint smell of rain and the slight tingle of lightning. The world stood at attention for today would be a momentous day. The winds of fate are changing, churning, and history will be made.

Conrad had awoken from his silent meditation to calm his mind and prepare his bardic magic. His grim violin sat in its dark case in front of him. He had a job to do today and he will do it for his nation. Conrad looked to the window, observed the dark clouds outside, and started his planning for victory.

Conrad brought his view back to his grim tool and slowly opened the case in reverence. Lifting it from the case, he observed the bardic instrument and marveled over the details of it. The wood grain flowed like natural bone and the special divots and cuts into the instrument helped empower its influence. The bottom half of the violin was shaped to be almost like a skull was fused to it but still be uncanny enough to freak observers.

Finally, Conrad lifted the beautiful black bow from the case and looked down to make sure it was even. The bleached bone-white strings contrasted the black wood and gave an impression of grim balance. 

"Doing what needs to be done... Despite how you feel about it."

Conrad brought the violin to his cheek and drew his bow across the string, producing a single shrill note that allowed for the phantom orchestra to manifest. The spirits flew around the room before coalescing into instruments to accompany Conrad.

The instruments began to pick up the beat and played to Conrads will.

Conrad was ready, he had only hoped that Chryssie would be ready. He remembered how training was yesterday.





"Again."

Chryssie let loose another blast. Her ray of enfeeblement struck the tossed apple true. The apple shriveled into nothingness.

"Again."

Chryssie brought the decaying wand across her body in a slash, unleashing another blast. Another tossed apple shriveled to nothing.

"Defend!"

Chryssie went wide-eyed before dropping to the ground, an expanding bubble of darkness following her as an arrow whizzed past her.

"Two shots!"

Chryssie shot back up and looked outside the bubble of darkness, bringing her wand up, she shot another ray of enfeeblement that split off and struck two airborne apples.

"Good. Take a rest."

Chryssie walked away from the darkness and sat next to Conrad who had been sitting in a cheap plastic lawn chair throughout the training.

"How are you feeling Chryssie?"

"Exhausted... And nervous?"

"Why are you feeling nervous?"

"I'm sure I've said it before... But I never killed when I was alive."

"I understand. I was nervous for my first kill as well."

"What was your first if I may ask?"

"A thief had broken into my living parents' home. They were after some deeds for land if I remember correctly. I couldn't let them take what was rightfully ours so I took a knife from the kitchen and took him by surprise. That was the day I became a rogue in life and set down the 'admittedly' short path of an adventurer."

"How did it make you feel afterward?"

"Scared that I did something wrong. I was only 13 at the time and I didn't realize I was in the right to kill him. I ran from home but I got found the next day a town over."

"Am I going to have to kill in the fight tomorrow?"

"Yes, if the smug bastard agrees to the duel."

Chryssie looked down at her wand and gripped it tighter. "It's going to be difficult for me."

"Luckily, you are not alone dear Chryssie. Wherever you walk, you will have an ally at your side. For the likes of us, the dead will follow under our banner. Our sovereign is a part of us as we walk towards our next quarry, her confidence flows throughout her being, and her resoluteness suffuses our body. Have a little faith and see where it takes you young one."

Chryssie could feel the tingling of bardic inspiration permeate through her half-dead flesh. The false confidence becoming real to her. "I understand. I think I will be ready."





Conrad got up with his instrument of death in hand. Moving to his wardrobe, he brought out a small pet project he was hoping to finish before the duel in the afternoon. He brought out a leather jacket that could cover most of a pony. Turning it out revealed that the other side was darker than the abyss. Conrad had to keep his concentration to see the coat as it began to fade in and out. Pouring a small bit of magic in it rendered it inert enough to work with. 

Taking a sewing kit, he began working more and more sigils of power into the dark side of the jacket. Conrad set his instrument aside for the moment as he worked with practiced hands on the magical garment he was working on, his bardic craft allowing him to go above and beyond his own capability.

"Few more left," Conrad spoke to himself to help him think.

"Just a few are needed." He finished with the sigils base before stringing an outline around them of pure gold thread.

"Gold for magic conductivity..." Then he began connecting each sigil with silver thread.

"Silver for transference..." Lastly, he began to outline both sides of the jacket in a thread made of equal parts lead and adamantine. 

"Magic composite for insulation." The greyish orange thread tied the jacket together, making it clear it was no ordinary garment.

"There." Conrad brought his magic back to him from the jacket, no longer inert, it began fading from view again.

"I'm glad that Twilight showed me some of her magic yesterday. The notice-me-not spell was so much easier to work with than invisibility..."

"Conrad, are you talking to yourself?"

Conrad jumped and let go of the jacket that clattered to the ground. Turning around, he saw that Chryssie had come into his room. "It is perfectly normal to talk to one's self. It is instrumental in keeping your sanity."

"Whatever, what are you working on?" Chryssie rose an eyebrow.

"I WAS working on a gift for you."

"Where is it then?"

"It was right..." Conrad looked to where he dropped it and noticed it missing. "Oh..."

"Oh, what?"

"Well, I seem to have misplaced your shadow stalker jacket."

"Misplaced?" Chryssie leaned against the wall with her hooves crossed. 

"Yes, it is a reversible jacket with a notice-me-not spell on one side. Our sovereign makes them for most stealth troops."

"Sounds useful. How do we find it?"

"Well, not with our eyes apparently." Conrad stuck a finger into his eyehole and out the other.

"Okay Conrad, first, ew. Second, I guess we gotta feel for it." Chryssie got down on her hooves and began searching.

Conrad got on his hands and knees looking for the coat. Luckily, It didn't fall too far away from him and he found it in no time at all. "Found it." Dusting off the now visible jacket, he helped to put it on Chryssie. "There."

"Okay, it feels nice. Very lightweight but how do I reverse it quickly?"

"Flex your right hoof hard."

Chryssie did as instructed and to her surprise, the jacket teleported in place, only reversed. Conrad had to concentrate to keep Chryssie in view.

"I see it is working. Are you ready for combat?"

Chryssie summoned her rotten wand to her and held it up in her magic. "I am." she nodded. "But... you mentioned it was a 3 on 5? Who's our third?"

"Well... I was gonna invite Luna because I thought it would've been hilarious if she just showed up to help kick this guy's ass... but she's asleep during the day and she works at night. So I've just called in lefty."

"Aren't they still mute?"

"Yes, It is incredibly difficult to bring speech to an equine skull for some reason with necromancy."

"Then how am I speaking?"

"Because you are animated with your whole original body. All the skeletons were animated with a single bone from the owner. Two incredibly different spell processes."

"Hmm, I don't know enough about magic to say whether or not that is true, but I'll trust you."

"Magic is very strange."

"Indeed it is."

"Ready to go kick some noble ass?"

"I suppose."

Conrad put his grim violin into its case alongside its bow and picked it up to bring with him. "Now I'll be honest... I have no clue where the arena is."

Chryssie face hoofed.





It was now the afternoon, the sun was high and the streets were crowded. It had taken the asking of directions multiple times for Conrad, Chryssie, and Lefty to find the way to the arena. 

"Finally made it..." Conrad had mused.

"Only took us two hours." Chryssie had chuckled.

"I thought you knew the way here from yesterday?" 

"It was dark okay!"

"You should be able to see perfectly fine in the dark!"

"Tch, whatever. Let's get this fight over with."

Lefty had not said anything, for he could not.

Conrad led the charge into the stadium arena. He had expected cheering and applause, but silence had met them. In the sandy battlefield stood a pony, flanked by four others.

"Conrad."

"Sure Hooved."

"I see you didn't flee the city like I had thought you would."

"I see that you agree to be a gutless coward."

"What!?"

"That's why you showed up, isn't it? You're a coward but you want to prove otherwise."

The noble pony twitched in slight pain, but mostly an annoyance. "I will place your skull upon my mantle. A trophy of course. Then I'll take the bug for myself. I'm sure she would look good in a maid costume."

"You little-" Conrad had cut her off with a raised hand.

"You have a gift unlike any other. I am proud to be your companion." Conrad had spoken lightly to Chryssie. She had felt her dead heart beat once again as she felt the bardic inspiration once more. She gave a quick nod and a smirk.

Conrad looked back to the noble pony and took him and his gaggle of mercs. He pried for weakness with his bardic ability.

First was Sure Hooved himself. His coat was sandy and his long straight mane was burgundy. He had an insecure posture, hiding his weakness. His dark grey eyes spoke volumes of cowardice. His cutie mark was as bland as he was, a scroll being written on. A testament to how he is a blank slate being written upon, unfortunately, someone had spilled an inkpot all over his personality.

Conrad was sure of his own confidence. He had look to his right hoof stallion.

Dull. Boring. A brick wall would have a more interesting conversation. The firehouse red of his coat clashed with his greying orange mane. An older stallion past his prime. He had hefted a hammer upon his shoulder. Conrad chuckled and prayed quickly for his swift recovery. The massive hammer surely had been compensation for something important.

Conrad was sanguine about his chances. He looked to the back row at the mage.

Full of himself and so self-assured in her abilities that she can do no wrong, this mare was everything a Canterlot noble believed they were but dial up to one hundred. A blazing mane accented against an icy coat told Conrad exactly what he needed to know. The mare specialized in harnessing the elements and Conrad had prepped the appropriate spells for it.

Conrad was nonplussed at the presence of a mage. Conrad leveled his cold gaze to the noble's left.

A cheat, a scoundrel, a rat, and smug could all be used to describe the stallion. Conrad immediately recognized the rogue-ish talents of this black coat on brown mane stallion. Conrad was more than ready to counter the incoming sneak attacks.

Conrad was unperturbed by the thief. Conrad glanced towards the last mare.

Beauty, grace, and she's going to be in your face. The light teal coat and purple mane struck Conrad as eccentric and his suspicions are confirmed upon spying her weapon. A crossbow. A crossbow loaded with magic-infused bolts.

Conrad had found the shooter at Celestia's speech. The one that killed Chryssie and threatened to kill Conrad.

"Well, Sure Hooved, you certainly seem to have quite the father-less, trash-born, misbegotten crew with you. Guess they were right about misery-loving company huh? Need help getting around Mr. Dead-from-the-neck-up?"

Chryssie's eyes bulged at the tirade of insults from Conrad. She had to put a hoof to her mouth from laughing.

The noble had taken a step back, eyes wide. "Y-you bastard! I'm going to enjoy stomping your bones into the sand, fight me, coward!"

"I see you're an apostate to common sense. Very well, to arms!"

Chryssie had summoned her wand to her magic grip, lefty brandished a halberd in their hoof and rested it against their shoulder, Conrad brought a hand across his chest and slowly swung outwards to brandish a rapier of necrotic energy. 

Conrad held out the case with his macabre instrument and let go. Despite what the ponies thought, the case began to float and opened itself. The instrument and its bow began to dance forth by Conrad's side. The ensorcelled instrument stood at attention.

The noble brought out his jewel-encrusted rapier and aim for Conrad. The brick brought his hammer down into the sand, ready to be hefted in any direction. The magic lit her horn and brought forth missiles of ice and fire. The thief brought out daggers and backed away. The arbalest brought the crossbow up, bolt loaded and brimming with chaotic energy.

The violin began to sing, and a ghostly crew followed its lead into appropriate battle music.

The noble stuck out first, his rapier aiming to obliterate Conrad's skull. Conrad swiftly brought up his own to parry and knocked the attack away. Growling, the noble unleashes a flurry of strikes towards Conrad, eager to draw first blood. 

Conrad held out his unused hand to steady himself and he deflected blow after blow, sparks flying into the battlefield as Chryssie brought her wand towards the Mage and the Brick.

She let loose a flurry of sickly rays towards them, some splitting to try to strike at both like an enraged cobra. The Mage had stepped in front of the Brick and countered each ray with a shield the size of a dinnerplate jutting towards each blast. 

After the assault, the Brick rushed from behind the mage, using momentum to attempt to slam Chyrssie into an impromptu grave only to meet empty sand. 

Chryssie stood mere inches from the strike with a smug look before blasting the Brick with ray after ray and barely missing Lefty who had taken on the Rogue who had jumped in from a sneak attack. Halberd met daggers in a ferocious duel as the Arbalest lined up a deadly shot.

Lefty bashed the Rogue with the blunt end just in time to deflect the ensorcelled bolt with the flat edge of the blade right past Conrad's and Sure Hooved's duel.

"Why won't you strike back!" The Noble took another stab at Conrad.

"Because it makes you angry." Conrad deflected it just as easily as the last.

The Noble had roared a terrible cry for blood and made a singular deadly strike towards Conrad's neck, the fighting paused momentarily for everypony to witness the fight. The pointed sword sailed closer and closer to its target and Conrad stood ready.

Chryssie gasped as the rapier almost reached its target, but Conrad had simply leaned his head to the left, causing the strike to miss. Conrad brought up his own weapon to knock it away with a power unseen and brought his weapon back, preparing for his first and last strike. With his hand in front of him, Conrad brought it back as his cursed weapon raced forward, the necrotic energy licking over the Nobleponies fur, as Conrad struck his final blow. The music had stopped just in time for a loud ringing to sound throughout the arena as the rapier reached its hilt in the skull of Sure Hooved.

What little movement in the arena had stopped dead at the display of grace and brutality. The Brick dropped his hammer at the sight of his lifelong friend being defeated by a bony upstart.

Conrad pulled his weapon back with a sickening sound, the necrotic weapon reforming and wasting away, its purpose fulfilled. Conrad held out a bony claw and his grim violin and bow slide into place. He looked up to the scared and cowering expressions of The Mercenaries, awestruck by the power of a single skeleton. 

Conrad took a grip of his bow and dragged it across the violin, letting out a hollow hissing, as necrotic tendrils reached out in a display of power. He relaxed and gave a dramatic bow as the note faded away.

Sure Hooved fell over to the sand, motionless. However, before anypony could react, he opened his eyes and took a deep gulp of air, bewildering the audience of mercs. 

"What! You're alive!"

"I'm alive? I'm ALIVE!" The noble had cheered.

Chryssie looked to Conrad and gave him a wink. He recognized the signal and gave a deep bow to the stands while holding at his instrument. Chryssie and Lefty mimicked the action, giving their own bow towards the nonexistent audience. The Mercs and Noble were bewildered at the action and looked towards the stands as they began to warp and tear at the fabric of reality to reveal a cheering audience in a sprawling and massive theatre. The sand washed away to reveal a hefty and massive stage.

Conrad stood upright and began to wave to the audience, especially towards the large box room at the back containing Princess Luna and Princess Celestia alongside Princess Twilight.

"What is the meaning of this?!" The noble had spit towards Conrad.

"Just the show of the century my friend."

Conrad lead his companions off to stage left to great Princess Celestia in person, leaving a bewildered noble and his mercenary group to wonder what happened.

It had taken a few minutes to travel to meet up with Celestia. Lefty had left to assume his standard guard post once more and Chryssie had left to go enjoy the fans she was swamped with. Conrad and Celestia stood apart from each other, each bearing a grin of victory.

"What an admirable show you had so generously gifted us with. I sincerely appreciated how realistic it was. It reminded me of my own battles." Celestia gave a small chuckle.

"I thank you for the stark review, it was a pleasure to put on for her majesty. I do certainly hope that this is a show to be remembered for many years to come."

"Oh, it surely shall."

Twilight had moved throw the crowd to reach Conrad. 

"Ah Twilight, thank you very much for the help."

"It was no problem, Conrad, I wasn't that important." Twilight rubbed her neck.

"Oh, but you were. I needed the solid acting at the book store to be able to pull it off. Chryssie had found Sure Hooveds' agents stalking me, so it was just a matter of baiting them into check. The stage and show were checkmate on top of it."

"Hehe, yeah, I supposed I helped a lot. But I do have a question."

"Yes? Let's hear it."

"How were you able to pull off such a grand illusion and trick Sure Hooved into the building without notice?"

Conrad chuckled. "Very high-level magic. It started with a Mirage Arcane spell to coat a large radius in illusion magic. The rest was set up with a feedback loop in the arcane with a Detect Thoughts spell, feeding the expectations of Sure Hooved and His companions into the Mirage Arcane spell. They saw EXACTLY what they expected to see today. The only downside of this combination of spells is that the loop is incredibly strong, strong enough that unless they had reason to believe the world was an illusion, they would have been trapped forever within their own fantasy world as the spells would endlessly feed each other. That is why the spell only dropped when we displayed odd behavior. Believe me, it was hard to maintain concentration on the spell throughout the fight."

"I can't imagine how you would be with even more power. Now, how did you find this building?"

"All Chryssie's doing. She found this amazing place on one of her missions and gave me the idea. I sent her ahead the day before to clean up the place and get it ready for the show."

"Amazing..."

Celestia cut in. 'Well, I think it is time for a private afterparty at the castle. What say you, Conrad?"

"I always love a party, my friend. Have I ever shown you the trick where I take off my thumb?"

"WHAT?!"

The party was fantastic, many drinks were had, many stories told, and Luna even put on a shooting star show for the party.
However, Twilight will forever wonder how Conrad took off his thumb and put it back on without magic...
> 10. The Rememberence.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"And strike." 

A glint of steel flashed against the darkness as metal and magic collide. A rapier clashed against its dark mirror as Conrad found himself dueling a great opponent, an enemy he thought he would never have to strike down.

"Conrad, I appreciate these lessons greatly." Luna had spoken, her words slightly tired with physical exertion. 

Luna was his opponent for today. She had become enraptured with his performance at the theatre and set her mind to learning how to wield such a civilized weapon. 

"Luna, let us take a break. It will not do for you to learn while exhausted and the heat is deadly around this time."

Luna gave her nod and took a seat in a nearby lawn chair with Conrad mimicking her. Conrad gave a motion to one of his servants who swiftly brought them both a table alongside a pitch of lemonade and a few glasses. "Many thanks." He had spoken.

"How have been taking these lessons, my friend?"

"I appreciate the time you have given to help me learn. I do feel as if I am indeed improving albeit at a slow pace."

"Slowly learning is carefully learning."

"Verily. I am glad everything has turned out well so far. It feels like it's been forever since you popped out of my sister's closet and had your head launched across the room."

"Yes, I remember. It's been a fair few years since. I believe 3 would be fair."

"Truly? Already that long?"

"I scarcely believe it myself."

"So much has happened in so little."

Conrad thought back to the past 3 years. A lot has happened with a lot more to come if the past was any indicator.

"You remember when that pony... what was her name? Oh, Starlight Glimmer broke the timeline?" Luna spoke.

"Aye, quite jarring wasn't it." It wasn't a question, rather a statement.

"Indeed."

Silence reigned for a short moment.

"Hey Lulu, remember the ghost that haunted the castle?"

Luna scowled at the nickname. "Unfortunately yes. It terrorized the staff and made a mess of the kitchen. I'm fairly certain that my stuffed animal is still in the rafters of the tower."

"The little tiger? Yes... I remember that one. I'm fairly sure I saw Celly with it in her room."

Luna immediately sat up. "Truly! That fiend! Off with her head!"

"No eternal night Lulu." 

"Curses upon her name," Luna grumbled with her arms crossed.

Conrad looked up towards the sky, he was able to see Cloudsdale far off in the distance and got to thinking.

"Kinda want to check out that cloud city sometime. It reminds me of my sovereign somewhat."

"Oh? What do you mean."

"My sovereign was able to rip up chunks of the earth to create floating islands. She created a small city on a few of them she linked together. I think she turned one into a Superfortress as well if I remember."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to believe that?"

"What? You raise a big chunk of stone in the sky every night."

"I suppose so, but there is no gravity up there. I could never hope to emulate such a thing with gravity as a factor."

"My sovereign is the greatest wizard of her time. Floating islands aren't even the top of her power."

"Surely you jest?"

"I'm not a jester, sorry."

Luna gave him a flat look before sitting back in her chair, relaxing slightly. "Then what is her top power?"

Conrad thought for a moment. "I admit, I don't exactly know her limit. But she has been able to cast truly epic-level magic before."

"Really? What was the biggest spell she cast?"

"It was, so far, the most grandiose display of necromantic prowess I ever had the honor to witness. For context, I was created by her some six to seven years before such an event. I had the privilege to witness her growth in strength double, triple, quintuple, and so on until the point that taking a glimpse of her pure strength of necromancy could undo the magic holding me together."

Conrad paused to take a sip of his lemonade. "The spell she cast destroyed all life around her for many years to come, the cost of casting such a spell when the god of magic limits you, and brought about night for 36 hours in the world. It marked a turning point in history and it wanted to make sure the world knew that it was a part of something grand."

"Don't leave me on the edge of my seat Conrad, what did it do!?" 

"She can raise the dead easily, with a small amount of effort she could raise a ship to be her Dread Hulk... Her epic spell raised an entire city to life..."

Luna was silent for a while.

"The city was long dead, no more than ruins an adventurer would plunder... Do you know how many corpses are in such a place?"

Luna shook her head.

"there were one hundred thousand corpses buried within the city. Every single one dug its way up from the ground and burst through the surface."

"W-what! There is no way she had done that."

"Believe when I say that if I didn't witness it, I would say they are a liar. But she did it. The world was dark for 36 hours under what we would later call 'The Necromancers Moon'. My sovereign fell unconscious and I had to catch her. I brought her to the palace and put her in her new bed. I guarded the door for those 36 hours. She was out that entire event and when the sun rose, so did she."

Luna shook her head. "Such a spell... But you said you were how old?"

"One hundred and forty-five years of unlife."

"And you said that she did this when you were 7 years of unlife."

"Yes."

Luna put her head in her hooves. "Mother of me... how powerful can she possibly be?"

"One of unlife's greatest mysteries isn't it? She refrained from such high-level magic afterward."

"Conrad?"

"Yes?"

"Your sovereign scare's me."

Conrad gave a simple nod.

Luna was silent a little longer as she pondered just what sort of diety Conrad's sovereign was.

Conrad sat up and brought a clipboard from his jacket, along with some paper and a quill.

"How do you fit all that in there?"

Conrad looked to her and pulled his undershirt up. There was no guts or flesh of course because he was a skeleton. "Lot's of room."

Luna shivered slightly at the thought of putting a clipboard in her ribs. 

Conrad began writing, pausing occasionally to look over his work before putting quill to paper once more. He was done within a few minutes. "I wrote down an old poem that you might like, maybe even relate to as well. It is far older than I or even my sovereign and It represents how necromancy was viewed in times before the Golden Age of Necromancy."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes, I believe it would do you some good, and when you are done with it, it should go into the archives. I'll read it for you."

Conrad cleared his nonexistent throat and began to speak, his voice deeper than ever heard before, as if to project his own grief into the writing.

"Saved from coffin, casket, urn
Darkness falls, but life returns!
The flesh may fall and bone may burn
But soul remains, for which we yearn"

"Those we return to life's esteem
We see their hearts, their eyes do gleam
They rave! They kill! They gnash! They scream!
So full of joy! Their greatest dream!"

"Returning those that we amend
They hurry home, a distant friend
But do they cheer? Do they commend?
They yell! Does rotting flesh offend?"

"We bring life to lifeless bone
But do they smile? Do they condone?
They sit upon their golden thrones
They shun us, spurn us, make unknown"

"Fools! Sit high in the golden tower
From your lofty perch, you glower
Time will come when you will cower
We rule death, we wield the power"

Luna gave a small clap. "Beautiful Conrad, absolutely beautiful. And it just so happens that my sister has a golden throne huh?" She gave a sly smile.

Conrad gave a scoff. "It's not my fault that Celestia is unoriginal."

"Conrad?" Chryssie had come outside finally.

"Ah, there you are dear! I thought I'd have to have someone drag you out from under your bed again."

"Not my fault that you push my new magic to it's limits." Chryssie gave a scoff. "If you want me to get up earlier, then stop pushing my limits."

"Aye, fair enough. Luna came by for her fencing practice, we are just taking a break and talking."

"What about?" Chryssie tilted her head."

"Lot's of different things. Our sovereign, some poems, just about anything."

Chryssie brought up a chair and sat next to Conrad. "Yes, our sovereign. You've told me many stories of her. Hope to meet her one day."

"Yes, maybe one day." Conrad looked up towards the afternoon sun.

Luna leaned forward after taking a sip of her lemonade.

"Tell us, Conrad, do you believe your sovereign would appreciate our land?"

"Most likely, even if she doesn't, I'm sure her wife would," Conrad added nonchalantly.

Chryssi and Luna both were taken off guard. Chryssi was the first to speak. "Our sovereign is married?"

"Indeed. Quite an odd pairing as well. Our sovereign is a necromancer of course, but her wife is a druid!"

Luna had finally recovered. "What? Aren't they complete opposites? Life versus death thing? Shouldn't they be steadfast enemies?"

"Oh yes, they are complete opposites in almost every way. Our sovereign is dark and dangerous with no emotions, her wife is bright and happy with enough emotions for the both of them. Honestly, they complete each other. They have more differences of course, but those are the most apparent to outsiders."

Luna sighed. "I did not expect that, what's next, they have a child as well?"

"Of course, it's expected of the royal family."

"You're messing with me aren't you?"

Conrad shook his head. "Not in the slightest Luna. Poor little Emiko was adopted by the family. I have had the fortunate experience of meeting her, a great child that one is, wise beyond her years and a magic prodigy to boot."

"My word Conrad. Have any other bombshell's to drop on everypony?"

Conrad thought for a few seconds. "None that I can think of at the moment that is relevant to the conversation."

"Mhm, sure, whatever you say Mr. Bones."

"Please, that was my great great grandfather."

Luna shook her head.

Chryssi spoke up. "Do you have any family Luna? Aside from the obvious."

Luna leaned back in her chair. "Aside from my sister, I do not believe I have any living relatives."

"How about unliving relatives?" Conrad intoned questioningly.

Luna raised a hoof, her intent to call him an idiot, but taking a look at the literal skeleton, she brought her hoof down. "No, I do not believe so." She thought for a moment before looking harshly at Conrad. "Is that something you could do?"

"Well... Considering how old you and your sister are, it is likely that the bones are beyond destroyed by now. But I could likely still cast speak with the dead if you bring me to the grave site."

Luna thought for a moment before nodding. "I would like that my friend. Another day though, Tia is busy all day and I would like her there as well."

Conrad nods. "Of course. How about you Chyryssi, any living relatives?"

Chryssi perks up a bit to respond. "I do in fact. All of the changelings were my children, even in their new form, they are still my children. As for parents, my father died long before I was born and I had to slay my mother in the contest for the throne."

Conrad nods. "I presume that is some sort of changeling custom?"

With a nod, Chryssi continued. "Yes, the custom started a couple of hundred years ago, but I did love my mother to the bitter end."

"That's good. Thank you for sharing." 

"My pleasure."

As the conversation petered off, a royal guard ran up to the group. He was out of breath and exhausted, but righted himself quickly. "Princess, Conrad, get to the war room quick! Celestia needs you there, it's an emergency!"

Conrad and Luna gave each other a nod and got up along with Chryssi. "If it's an emergency, you need to come along too Chryssi."

With a nod from her, the group made haste towards the war room, one of the few rooms Conrad had yet to see.
> 11. The End. (Rewritten)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The war room was as magnificent as Conrad thought it would be, maps of every known land adorn every wall with strategic points marked upon them, many scrolls filled with lists of troops and equipment, and a small army of enchanted gear hung upon a weapon rack. Celestia stood in the middle, looking down upon a massive map of Equestria. She looked troubled.

As Conrad walked around the side, he could see two massive areas marked upon in red. Both in the direction of the griffin empire. 

"Conrad, Luna, Chryssi, thank you for joining me. I wish it was for better reasons, but something dire has happened. First, the griffins have called for war. They have become agitated with the financial aid they have been given and have stockpiled the funds in order to organize themselves into a mercenary army. They come to take this land for their own and to seize the riches we have. I've been expecting this for years and I already had a counter-attack planned for this, but something else had come up..." Celestia looked troubled by something.

"But, there has been an unknown factor brought to the table," Celestia said, looking down at the map. "Something has been massacring the griffin force. We have not been brought the exact details yet, though, carrier pigeon has brought word of a tide of flesh and bone cutting a swath through the griffins. No bodies nor equipment were left behind. It's... it's a little frightening. Though, I suppose with the fact it hadn't targeted our ponies... I suppose it's somewhat friendly and open to negotiation." She took a meditative breath before stealing a sip of calming tea. No doubt this was stressful for the poor mare.

Conrad nodded and looked towards the map. "It sounds like necromancy."

Celestia heaved a small, lithe sigh. "That's what I was thinking." She closed her eyes. "I was hoping to use your expertise in this, determine what may have happened."

Conrad brought a fist to his chest. "I will do what needs to be done. Where is our destination?"

"To the east." She looked out the window in that direction, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "There should be a military outpost. It's where you will go." She turned back to Conrad. "I already have a sky carriage ready for you with supplies."

Chryssi gave a nod from beside Conrad. "Of course. We will get to the bottom of what happened, see if we can secure whatever this entity is as an ally if possible." Conrad had a weird feeling in his non-existent gut, a familiar feeling. He pushed that feeling away for the moment. "Alright, Conrad? Ready to go?"

Conrad gave a curt nod. "Yes. Luna?" He turned to the lunar princess. "I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk more earlier, but I suppose duty calls."

Luna gave a small smile to her greatest friend throughout these years. "Of course. Come back safe, will you? You still owe me plenty of stories."

Conrad gave a chuckle... more like a clack, however. "Of course. I'll be back for you, little moon." Luna couldn't help the blush at the new nickname as Conrad cackled on his way out with Chryssie.

Chryssi had to admit, it was hilarious. "You are too cruel to her, you know?"

"Maybe." Conrad mused. "Maybe I should be crueler. She seems to be the type to be a glutton for punishment." He gave a light shrug. 

Chryssi heaved a groan. "Cruel cruel skeleton. Let's get going." The skeleton nodded and followed his friend down towards the air docks where their carriage was sitting. The carriage was armored and so were the pegasi getting ready to take off. "There's our ride." She not so subtly pushed the skeleton, the lazy bag of bones that he is, into the carriage.

Conrad was a pile of bones on his seat, Chryssi opposite him. "When I called you a useless bag of bones... I didn't mean it literally."

Conrad's skull moved to the top of the pile. "No skin off my bones I suppose." He reformed into his humanoid form once more as the chariot started to move out of the dock and towards the battlefields. Conrad began to look out the window, one elbow resting out like a trucker on a Sunday afternoon, driving down a highway. His sight was limited with how fast they were going, the necrotic energy not being able to reach most of the land that Chryssi could see, but he was able to see the trees they flew over.

Conrad watched as they started to move towards fillydelphia. He was still astounded by the horse puns in this world. Even after so long. He brought his elbow back in, reaching to grab his violin. He began to play a sad and somber tune as they flew through the air, the frontlines of an emerging war growing closer.

Chryssi had watched him play, more specifically, watching those bony digits choke the neck of the violin, pressing down on the proper notes to drag the bow across, like a blade to flesh. Perhaps the idea of war had led her to darker and more grim thoughts. As the notes played, she began to wonder more about Rosa's queen, the one that made him. This mysterious sovereign commands power over the dead. It was strange to think about for her, that someone could be so powerful as to raise a nation from the dead. The sheer spell power it must've taken, not to mention how much her magic might've grown. Magic is one of the few things that actually does get better with age.

Conrad finished his score, giving a very practiced bow solely by instinct. He then sat back down in his seat, heaving a sigh he really didn't need to give. "I wonder what the frontlines are going to look like," he idly wondered.

"Probably awful. Many ponies are going to come out of this with many scars. Mental and physical." Chryssi observed.

Conrad nodded. "Of course. My sovereign would know something about that." 

Chryssi looked up at him, an eyebrow raised. "Oh?"

Conrad nodded back to her. "Yes. Our sovereign has had a very awful past. She still suffers from it." He glanced out the window, they were past Fillydelphia now. "She still has episodes, though they are few and far between. Even as an immortal necromancer, one is never free from the shackles of the mind." Chryssi gave a nod, completely understanding. "Then her physical scars... she's... well... she has more scar than surface skin. Just, if there ever comes a time that you meet her, don't ask about them. You can stare, she doesn't mind, just don't ask about them." Conrad's head tilted downwards. "She remembers each and every scar on her." 

Chryssi thought about how torturous that must be. If she truly had so many scars, what in Tartarus might've happened to her? The rest of the ride was in silence. Both of the occupants had many things on their minds. 

After an hour, they finally reached their destination. A fort on the ground, about a mile from the ocean. More than enough room for combat or a massacre. The fort was made of stone, looking somewhat similar to the kind Conrad's sovereign used as guardian posts dotted around the Necropolis. The carriage hit the ground, twenty feet from the gate of the fortress. The full contingent of guards was at attention, surveying the surroundings and making sure everything was smooth. Conrad took point out of the carriage, meeting an important-looking pony in heavily enchanted armor.

"Conrad Moody?" The pony said in a gruff voice.

"Aye, that would be me. In the flesh." He gave a quick look down. "Or... bone I suppose."

The pony didn't look very amused. "Did the princess tell you what you are to do?"

"I got the gist of it, mostly wait around until this tide comes by to save the day and confront it."

The pony nodded. "That's about it. The next attack by the griffons is estimated in thirty minutes. Wait around up top with us." Conrad nodded with Chryssi silent behind him. She hadn't wanted to say anything for fear of reprisal. Most ponies, especially guards, were still uneasy around her. He followed the pony upwards, to the tallest guard tower. He had his violin at the ready, in case he needed to throw out some bardic magic.

The wait was tense. It always was. It wasn't Conrad's first time in a war, many people hated the undead and wanted to cleanse his sovereign's kingdom. He remembered the hordes of paladins and clerics atop horseback, thinking they were doing the right thing. He shook those thoughts out as the first of the invaders crested the horizon. A pony shouted below and all hooves were on deck, ready to fight for their land.

Conrad readied his Violin, Chryssi readied her fell magic, the ponies below readied crossbows and spells. The black cloud of griffons was getting closer, with their flight, they had the elevation advantage as a cloud of bolts flew through the air, down towards the garrison below.

Thinking quick, Conrad brought out the scroll he had captured all those years ago, chasing after it through the market and off the Canterlot wall. With it, he began to unravel it, placing it in a magical grip in front of him, violin at the ready. He began to play a more uplifting song.. One that spoke of endless struggles to persevere through. But, as long as they all cooperated to fight through this struggle, they would survive. It was a true heart song that equestrians used throughout their lives. Singing to give them the strength to go on.

With the help of his violin, Chryssi found herself singing the unfamiliar words, being better suited for this task. A spark of magic lit up the air as a small dome began to encompass the keep. It was struggling, however. The energy of Conrad and Chryssie was not enough. The dome would fail.

But soon enough, the guards began to sing along, following their instincts as ponies. The shield began to flicker back to life, just in time to encompass the entire outpost and protect the ponies within. Just as the song reached its peak, the bolts impacted the dome, bouncing harmlessly off of it. With the weight of the dome shared between all the guards, it held fast. "Strike back!" Conrad shouted, continuing his violin playing. "It's one way! Shoot through the dome!"

The guards heard him and began to fire their bolts and spells through the barrier to strike out towards their griffon invaders. Bodies fell, hitting the ground alongside the equipment. Apparently, that was all that was needed to attract their mystery and the reason they came here.

Over the hill to their north, a shadow of a being stood. A human, Conrad noted. The being raised their hand, the dead griffons coming to life, taking up crossbows, and shooting down the rest of the invaders alongside the guard. With them distracted and the guard likely to survive, Conrad stopped playing, letting the ponies and changeling continue to sing to keep the shield up.

Conrad slipped down the tower, past the singing, fighting, guards, and towards the north. He began the trek of a quarter-mile to reach the figure that was watching the battle with interest. Conrad was ready to meet this mysterious figure.

Upon reaching the hill, he looked up to the figure, only to grin at the familiar being. What stood out was those steel locks of hair, resting in a braid over her shoulder and breast. Her face was soft but oddly regal. The steely eyes squinted, looking out at the combat. Three scars decorated her pale face, one across her nose, one over her left eye, and one from her left cheek to her neck. Her neck was decorated with more scars. Slashes, punctures, magic scarring... they layered over each other. Not an ounce of original skin was left, giving her an almost white marble look. It was a miracle that she didn't have more scarring on her head.

The figure had their hands behind their back, but Conrad could remember the poor woman's hands, scarred just as much as the rest of her. Then, there was the clothing. She was wearing a leather vest over a chain shirt, which itself was over the padded cloth colored in forest green that extended down her arms. Her shoulders had leather pads, above them was a fur mantle that was connected to a forest green cloak. On her arms, fur armguards kept her wrists protected from blade and cold. The chain mail ended in a small skirt, trailing just below her pelvis, alongside being held close to her with a leather belt with a small forest green strip of cloth on her left side.

Dark brown cloth pants lead down her skinny, underweight legs, leading to powerful, leather boots trimmed with fur and straps giving it a rigidity for combat and work. The boots had the smallest of heels, Conrad chuckled internally, seeing as his sovereign hadn't gotten over her five-six height and ninety-pound frame. Indeed, it seemed to be that their mysterious figure was none other than Rosa Grimbane the Undying, sovereign of Conrad and Chryssi.

"I'm glad to see you've made the journey, my Lady." Conrad remembered at the last moment that Rosa preferred being called 'my Lady'. She said before it felt less pretentious.

Rosa turned to him, looking into the silver pinpricks of Conrad's eyes. She had a small subdued smile at finding her long-time friend after so long. "Conrad," Her voice was gravelly and deep, nearing husky, "It's been so long. Three years or so since I've seen you."

Conrad nodded, moving down to one knee in deference. "Indeed it has. But you will be glad to know that I have been making allies for the kingdom." He looked back to see the guardians engage in combat with landed griffons that were stuck between angry ponies and undead griffons.

The necromancer heaved a small sigh. "Thank you. That makes some things much easier. Though, much else will still be hard." Her steely eyes were cast downwards, showing her inner turmoil. "My wife and daughter are missing."

If Conrad's eyes could've gone wide, they would've. "What? Do you know what happened?"

Rosa cast her gaze to Conrad once again, her cloak now flowing in the sea's wind. "Atropos. they have come to collect on their perfect weapon." She was referring to herself, the mysterious benefactor from beyond the stars when Rosa first became a necromancer. "It wants this planet and it's holding my wife and child hostage."

Conrad looked down to the grass of the land he called home for the past three years, looking back at his past exploits. Then he looked back up at his queen, the one that held absolute authority over him. He feared for this planet as he asked, "what will you do then?"

Rosa looked down at his kneeling form. A ghost of a smile passed her face. "We are going to stick it to that old god. I make my own rules, this will be no different. Something is attracting that old behemoth and that something has to go. I will get my wife and kid back." The wrath of a mother scorned. 

Conrad nodded, standing. "Then, I suppose we have some work to do, don't we? I believe the first step is to meet the rulers of this land." He turned back to the fort at the sound of cheering. Victory. Equestria won the fight, the undead griffons falling to the ground, no longer animated. 

Rosa watched the ponies celebrating with some small amount of amusement. Even still, the woman's emotions eluded her without her wife or child around. It was going to be a tough time without them. "Let's go see these little ponies then. Conrad?"

Conrad looked to her, nodding. "Yes, my Lady." Rosa began to follow after the skeleton, down towards the guard tower. As they neared, the guard stood on alert at the mysterious figure approaching alongside Conrad. 

"Hold fire. Who is that?" The pony in the armor asked from the fort. He had suffered a small talon wound across his ear but shrugged it off.

Conrad cleared his non-existent throat. "This is Lady Grimbane. The one that animated those dead griffons in the attack."

"I suppose she's the one the princesses wanted?" Conrad gave a curt nod. "Get her back to the castle then. The carriage should be more than ready for you. Oh, your changeling is already in there, she was feeling sick from the combat."

Conrad nodded, leading her towards the carriage. Rosa sat down across from Chryssi, making sure her cloak was not caught under her legs. Chryssi looked up to the woman with no little awe. She was enamored with this figure, she was beautiful in the changeling's eyes. "I, who is this Conrad? Why does she feel so familiar?" 

Rosa smiled lightly down at the undead Changeling. "Greetings little one. My name is Rosa Grimbane, soverign ruler over the undead. What might your name be?"

Chryssi suddenly realized who she was talking to and bowed. "I-I am Chryssi."

Rosa gave a slow nod, letting her braid bounce lightly. "Chryssi, such a beautiful name. It suits you." Chryssi blushed heavily, not only being complimented like this but also with how beautiful she thought Rosa was. The scars were art to her, art upon a pale canvas. Rosa smiled knowingly.

The carriage took off back into the air. Rosa had to admit that she was impressed. "This is great, makes me wonder why we never thought of this."

Conrad shrugged. "Well, you seemed to enjoy your own carriage. So no one really gave it more thought."

Rosa groaned in exasperation. "Of course. But... I could've made it to so many meetings if my carriage could fly." Chryssi then realized that Rosa was more than just a sovereign, she was as pony as the rest of Equestria. She noticed that Rosa never really held herself in a royal manner, even the fact that she spoke like a commoner. It was all strange, but Chryssi felt more than a little relieved that their sovereign wasn't some stuck-up or conceited ruler. Despite the fact that she heard Conrad speak nothing but praises, she had been still worried.

"My apologies Lady Grimbane. When we get back to our world, I'll have the research division look into it." Rosa gave a small nod, looking out the window at Fillydelphia. She felt a bit of wonder seeing such a massive metropolis just sitting there. It was always difficult to establish a town, much less a city, with all the weird and magical creatures out in the wilds. 

The flight took an hour back to the castle where they docked back into the air hangar. Rosa simply had to comment, "A city on the side of the mountain? Reminds me of that one dwarven city to the north." Conrad gave a nod. "Anyways, let's go see the rulers of this land of talking ponies."

Conrad led his ruler upwards, back to the princess's war room. Rosa, Conrad, and Chryssi found the two hunched over maps, hashing out hypothetical situations and finding the appropriate responses. Conrad led first. "Hello pretty little princesses, we are back."

The two of them looked up to find Rosa, hands behind her back in a polite manner. "Who is that Conrad? Why does she feel... like us?"

Conrad presented his sovereign. "This is Rosa Grimbane, the sovereign I have been speaking to you about."

The two diarchs looked over to Rosa, taking her in. "Apolgies Mrs. Grimbane. I wish we could've given an ally of equestrian a warmer welcome."

Rosa gave a shrug. "Not the first time I woke up to being thrust into the middle of combat. But nonetheless, the thought is appreciated."

Luna gave a nod, stepping forward to the powerful necromancer. "It is our pleasure to welcome you to Equestria Mrs. Grimbane."

"Please, Lady Grimbane works best for me,"  Rosa commented.

"Then Lady Grimbane it will be," Celestia said with a bit of amusement.

Rosa smiled, however small it was, at Celestia and Luna, the sisters of sun and moon. "I have a distinct feeling that we are going to get along great.


Rejoice, for the queen has arrived.