Warning. The following contains mature subject matter. Reader Discretion is strongly advised.

Mother, Father, hear my song

Look at your creation

Brother, where did we go wrong

Where is our salvation

Lying naked on the floor

Dying of starvation

In the darkness, we explore

Find Illumination

Colours and noise were all Twilight Sparkle could see. Pumpkin was pressed tightly against her, clinging to her mentor in fear. While Twilight had grown used to the effects of teleportation in the past, Pumpkin had never been able to master the trick, and it's sensations were new and unfriendly to her. She put a foreleg around the young filly that had become like a daughter to her over the years, and tried her best to silently console her.

After a few minutes, the four ponies and Val'Kyr staggered onto solid ground, Twilight and Pumpkin falling over, with Fluttershy already panting on the ground.

Twilight groaned and rubbed her head. Blinking her eyes, she jumped when she saw a skeleton looking back at her. She whinnied and leapt to her hooves, preparing for an attack.

“Relax, these creatures have been dead for millenia,” Ascentia replied, blowing some air at a skeleton and watching the bones crumble to dust.

Everyone looked around to see what appeared to be the ruins of a massive civilization. Tall buildings in a state of erosion, and the last remnants of large monuments. Twilight was astounded, and as always, full of questions.

“Where are we?” Pumpkin asked.

“We are on the nearest planet to the Val'Kyr capital,” Ascentia explained, “It was known as Earth, before it's people declared war on my kind. There were no survivors.”

“What were they?”

“They were known as Homo-Sapiens, or Humans as they were more commonly called. They were very intelligent, but had a strong capacity for violence and war. A compulsion that became their undoing.”

“How could that be possible?” Celestia asked.

“While the humans were very apt at furthering technology, they also had a difficult time getting along. Much of the planet was divided into many countries, and they frequently went to war with each other.” Ascentia explained as she led them too a small building that was still intact.

“Why would they kill their own kind?” Twilight asked, “That's just insane!”

“Many different reasons. None of them were good,” Ascentia said as they walked, “Some fought over resources, others fought over territory, and others fought because of religion.”

All four of them perked their ears at the last one, “Reli-what?”

“The theology of the origins of the universe,” Ascentia replied, “Many humans held the ideal that everything in the universe came to be because a massively powerful being willed it into existence. There are many holes in this theory, but that is not a unique flaw. The problem came from the fact that there were many different religions, and the typical response of many humans was to kill someone who didn't believe what you believed.”

“That's nuts!” Pumpkin blurted.

“To you, of course,” Ascentia said, “But to the average human, it was just another day of life. This went on for thousands of years, until about 4600 years into their recorded calendar.”

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“About 2600 years previously, many subsets of the most popular religions started to dwindle. It was a slow process, but one that had a big effect. Around the year 4246, societal change made many theological concepts beyond obsolete. To put it simply, their religions sort of died out.”

While Twilight and Pumpkin couldn't believe what they were hearing, Celestia had a good idea of what Ascentia was talking about.

“So... this powerful being they talked about... was it real?” Pumpkin asked.

“Yes, very real,” Ascentia replied, “But the stories about her were exaggerated. She was eventually killed by my master in the year 2024, a feat that made him a legend. She was... not  very stable at the time of her death. She had gone mad with power, and my master did not want to have to kill her.”

While Pumpkin and Fluttershy were only listening because it was polite, Twilight was hanging onto every word. Her love of learning had not diminished, and she wanted to learn as much as she could about this lost race.

“I have so many questions,” Twilight spoke up, “Was there more to the humans than their theology?”

“Oh absolutely,” Ascentia replied, “Their spirituality was only a very small part of them. They created great scientific wonders. They amassed the power to cure deadly diseases, and there where great literary masters among them. They created amazing works of art, and when they did get along managed to achieve great things in their lives.”

“This all sounds so wonderful,” Fluttershy replied, now fully listening.

“Yes, it was,” Ascentia replied, “Which is why it was a shame when they decided to attack us. Like I said, they had a massive capacity for violence, and they were relentless. My master made them pay for all the Val'Kyr they had slain. But that is a story for another time. Come, step inside.”

(A/N: No, this story is not going to become commentary about religion. However there are a lot of religious metaphors when it comes to the Val'Kyr. This is mostly just for shits and giggles.)

The four ponies stepped inside a ruined building. It appeared to be someone's home. The structure was intact for the most part, and there was some furniture lying around.

“Have a seat, and shut all the windows and doors,” Ascentia said, “You must not expose yourself to sunlight on this planet. It's ozone layer has burned away and you will be seared.”

They all settled into comfortable positions, despite the filthy environment.

“What's going to happen to Equestria?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not to worry,” Ascentia replied, “This matter can be easily handled. I will bring your Princess to my lord, and she will be able to speak some sense to her Val'Kyr. This matter should be resolved quickly. But I cannot make the trip right now. The teleportation was over a monumental distance, and I am weary. Rest, and tonight we will travel to the Citadel.”

Princess Celestia lay down on a filthy mattress, and was soon asleep. Twilight fell asleep with a foreleg around Pumpkin, while Fluttershy settled on a nearby sofa.

Princess Luna watched in horror as Canterlot was overrun by twisted creatures being controlled by tall, armoured beings. True to Ascentia's word, they had not slain a single pony. However they had rounded them up and kept them under strict watch. She turned to the two Val'Kyr standing behind her, and glared at them.

“You will not survive this,” she sneered.

In a flash, she had a sword at her throat, “Give me a reason, I beg you.” The Val'Kyr said in anger.

Luna glared at them again. She had tried to fight when they had broken down the palace door, but she had been overpowered. The outlander had not exaggerated their power. However, she did find a sick amusement in pressing their anger, something she was very good at.

“That's a rather long sword,” she remarked sweetly, “It's very impressive. Very turgid.”

“Oh... thanks?”

“She's implying that you're compensating for something,” the second Val'Kyr replied.

The first Val'Kyr growled in frustration.

“For the record, he totally is,” the second Val'Kyr added.

Luna was surprised at this show of humour toward her. The two had been highly aggressive since they had taken her prisoner.

“So tell me,” the second Val'Kyr asked, “How did the other Goddess manage to escape right before we got here?”

“She had the help of one of your kind.”

The very instant the words came out of her mouth, she knew they were a mistake. The sadistic grin that crossed the Val'Kyr's face told all.

“I knew the Betrayer had something to do with this,” he said, “She will burn, as will those who accompany her.”

“There is a foal with her!”

“They are all children to us. A few petty decades doesn't make much of a difference.”

The large fortress that made up the Val'Kyr Capital was perhaps the most impressive piece of architecture Twilight had ever laid her eyes on. Even the usually gentle Fluttershy was gaping in awe at the sheer size of what was an indoor city.

Many of the citizens greeted the group with a courteous bow, similar to the bow Ascentia had given Celestia. Twilight could not tell if they were being polite to them, or respectful to the high ranking warrior who was escorting them. The size of the fortress was not an illusion either. It took them four hours of walking before they reached the throne room.

Surprisingly, those hours did not tire them in the least. Ascentia had explained that the auras from the Divine beings that made up the city's population could grant mortals renewed energy and heal their wounds.

They stood outside a massive door. No... not a door, a gate. Twilight could see no guards in sight, nor any kind of protection. Ascentia stepped up to the gate, and gently waved her hand. The massive entryway opened up without a sound, and the group stepped in.

Twilight and her friends walked with Ascentia across a long hall, before stopping in front of a throne. It was not the same as the throne at the spire she had seen in her vision, but it was impressive nonetheless. The woman sitting at the throne was another story.

A tall, beautiful woman sat at the throne, wearing long, elegant robes over her body, covered by a white cloak. Her hair was a golden brown, and her eyes were closed.

“Lord Ascentia... and some new friends?”

Ascentia sank to one knee, “Yes my Lord, I bring with me the ruler of the only Life-Giving planet in orbit around the Pulthera star.”

“I must say, it was brave of you to come here,” the woman said, “Let us have proper introductions. I am Grand Lord Megan Ryder, ruler of the Solar System.”

Celestia gave a low bow with her neck, “I am Princess Celestia, Daylight Ruler of Equestria.”

Twilight bowed in the same manner, “Arch Mage Twilight Sparkle.”

Pumpkin bowed, “Apprentice Pumpkin Cake.”

Fluttershy was the last to bow, but all anyone could hear from her was a squeak.

Megan smiled and motioned for them all to stand, “There is no need for such formalities. I am far more friendly than I appear.”

Twilight took a minute to look around the hall they were in. There were two massive statues by the front gate. One of a tall, armoured man, wielding two swords. The other was of a scantily dressed, winged young girl, holding two daggers. Her attention turned back to Megan, who was looking at her.

“My husband and daughter,” she said kindly, gesturing to the statues, “Neither of them are with us anymore.”

“My Lord, I apologize if their curiosity has upset you.”

“Not at all, Ascentia. You really should relax, I have raised you since you were a small girl.”

Twilight's eyes widened at this. Ascentia had been raised by her ruler? Perhaps that was why she took interest in her. Did she remind this powerful creature of herself at a younger age?

“You and your husband both raised me,” Ascentia replied, “And for that, my Lord, I am grateful.”

“Then stop addressing me as 'My Lord'. You could always call me Megan.”

“I feel such a thing would be innapropriate, my Lord.”

Megan chuckled, “Very well, be fickle.”

She turned to her new guests, “I am saddened to have to meet you at such a troublesome time. I am deeply sorry for what General Xebre and his apprentice have done to your planet. However, they are now beyond my control. They have taken their warriors and now hold your planet hostage.”

“I'm certain there can be a diplomatic solution to this conflict,” Celestia replied.

“Sadly no,” Megan said, “General Xebre was crippled by my husband before the First War. He now holds a lust for blood. Any excuse to slaughter, he will take it.”

“Then let's give that old bastard what's coming to him!” Pumpkin burst out.

“Pumpkin! Watch your temper!” Twilight scolded.

“Not so fast, child,” Megan replied, “Experience has taught me well that bottled up anger only leads to more violent explosions. Do not stifle your apprentice's frustrations. A gale wind allowed to blow free is far less vicious than the tornado it could become.”

She made a curt nod to Ascentia before speaking again.

“Aiden!”

A young man ran out into the throne room from a chamber off to the side.

“Yes, my lord!”

“Take this young filly to the armoury for a sparring match with Master Hazuki,” Megan said, “Allow her the chance to work off some of her frustrations.”

Pumpkin's eyes brightened at the thought of a duel. She followed Aiden out through a side chamber and down a narrow hallway, leaving the grownups to chat.

Over the course of eleven hours, Megan listened to everything Twilight and the Princess had to say about their planet. At her request, they spoke until they were hoarse (pun entirely intended) about every single geological feature of Equestria, as well as it's natural status. Megan was surprised to hear that Equestria's planetary rotation had to be handled by powerful magi, as well as her surprise that it's weather also had to be managed by it's citizens.

Megan took much of this in with her somber expression, while Ascentia listened eagerly. They were looking for any information they could use to mount an assault, but it seemed that city their other ruler was held in could see anything approaching from miles away.

“Well, I think that shall be all for now,” Megan replied, allowing the croaking ponies to rest their throats, “Ascentia, set our guests up with proper lodgings, and ensure they are well fed. We shall meet again in the morning. For now, sleep well.”

Megan got up and left the hall without another word. Ascentia led Twilight, Celestia and Fluttershy down to the residential quarters of the city and brought them to a three bedroom apartment. After settling them in and showing them around, Ascentia left them for the night.

“I will do everything within my power to ensure your home is safe,” she said, “You have my word.”

She left before she could get any response. Twilight sighed and lay back on the massive bed in the main bedroom. Pumpkin had not yet returned from her sparring session, but Twilight expected her back soon.

She was knocked out of her thoughts by a foreleg wrapping around her. She opened her eyes to see the Princess snuggling her as she lay down to sleep. Nuzzling against her former mentor, Twilight soon fell asleep as well.

Fluttershy on the other hand was as nervous as one would expect her to be. She kept looking around, assuming she was hearing things around her. This was pointless, as the moment Ascentia had left, complete silence had fallen the apartment they were in. She slowly headed over to the couch and settled down on it's cushions.

She did not know when or how she had fallen asleep, but Fluttershy was awoken by the sound of knocking on the door. She rubbed her eyes, and groggily stood up and opened it to see a guard standing there with Pumpkin at his side.

“Here is the unicorn's apprentice, ma'am,” the guard said stiffly, “I must return to my post.”

He left without another word.

Fluttershy let Pumpkin in, and they both settled on the couch, falling asleep almost instantly.

All four ponies were awoken some time later by Ascentia. She nudged them all awake with news of Megan's decision.

“How long were we asleep?” Twilight asked.

“By your calendar, eleven hours,” Ascentia replied, “My Lord wishes to speak with you, Twilight. You and your apprentice are to meet her in the duelling hall. Fluttershy, if you'd like there is a garden in the south district. I am told you enjoy the company of animals.”

“Oh yes!” Fluttershy squeaked, “I'd like that very much!”

“I'll have a neophyte take you there in a moment,” Ascentia replied, “Now, your Highness. If you don't mind, I'd like you to take a walk with me so I may get you acquainted with some of the people around the city.”

The Princess nodded and they all headed in different directions from their apartment. Twilight and Pumpkin waving goodbye to the Princess as they left.

Over the course of two hours, Ascentia introduced Princess Celestia to numerous vendors, performers, and diplomats throughout the city. Many were intrigued to see a ruler of a distant planet striding through their city, even if she did only come to their waist.

After an energetic introduction with Ascentia's own apprentice, the two stood out over a spire, looking out into the distant galaxy at the many celestial bodies they could not see in the Equestrian sky.

“Why bring me to so many people?” Celestia pondered, “What exactly is the purpose?”

Ascentia looked surprised, “Surely a ruler who has held her throne for over a thousand years knows the importance of diplomacy. Did you expect us to never meet again when this is over?”

In truth, that was exactly what Celestia expected. While she appreciated Ascentia's help, she did not enjoy the thought of a race that could overpower her so easily.

“My Lord hopes you will become an ally to us,” Ascentia replied, “She has warred with so many races in the past... she hopes for friends.”

“I would think that in light of the circumstances, we are enemies.”

“And we destroy our enemies when we make friends with them,” Ascentia replied, “Something many people do not realize.”

“That's rather insightful.”

“It's a quote from a video game,” Ascentia replied.

“Video game?”

“A form of electronic entertainment from Earth,” Ascentia replied, “They fell out of use after it's industry tried a digital-only form of distributing it's products. The irony was that it was an era many fans were hoping for.”

“If I may, why does your Lord want to speak with Twilight?”

“She is intrigued by your former pupil's power. She and I closely watched her as she left your tutelage. We noticed much potential, as well as one major weakness.”

“Weakness? I know Twilight can be rather nervous under pressure, but surely that's not a-”

“Not what I was talking about. We saw that while under your tutelage, she was overtly obsessed with seeking your approval. Her very purpose in life seemed to be pleasing you and making you proud of her.”

“I am always proud of her. She knows that.”

“Students are fickle things. I always sought my Master's adoration, even thought I knew he loved me like I was his own daughter.”

“So you had the same trouble Twilight had? Perhaps you could enlighten me.”

Ascentia cocked one eyebrow, “Why Princess... are you saying that after living a thousand years, you are that oblivious?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Twilight sought your affection and your approval. She made sure anything and everything she did would be seen as perfect in your eyes. Her entire life revolved around making you like her.”

“I still do not follow.”

Ascentia snickered, “On Earth, it was something many human adolescent's went through with their own mentors. They called it 'Hot for Teacher'.”

Celestia saw something strange on Ascentia's normally stoic face... a smirk. Celestia looked confused for a moment... then her face broke into dawning realization.

“Their faces are always priceless at this moment,” Ascentia replied, pulling a pear from across the room with telekinesis and biting into it.

“Are you saying that...”

“During her adolescence and young adulthood, it is highly likely she had a strong infatuation towards you. If she still does, I do not know.”

“That worries me.”

“Fear not. As I said, it is something all students go through... well, almost all. There are some exceptions. Considering that you have been a bigger influence on her life than her own mother, it was obvious she would hold you in such a high regard.”

“How do you know all this?”

“We do have our ways of acquiring information,” Ascentia replied, “I felt it was necessary. Your pupil intrigued me, and I wished to learn more about her. So I spent two years examining her life, and her history. It was very interesting.”

“How did you find all this information?”

“The remnants of a human information network can be found in an area of Earth known as North America. With a little tweaking, I was able to find records of Equestrian history. As well as some interesting narratives,” Ascentia replied, “Tell me, is it customary in your society to cook pastry out of the organs of your citizens?”

“What? No!” Celestia sneered, disgusted by the question.

“I feel I was reading a work of fiction, then,” Ascentia replied, “Shame, it was rather entertaining.”

Celestia got a nervous look on her face, “I'm rather uncomfortable right now.”

“I understand how my actions seem like something a stalker would do,” Ascentia replied, “My intentions were purely academic.”

Relaxing a little, Celestia and Ascentia continued to speak of Twilight for a while longer, before retiring to one of the many eateries.

After bowing before Megan (to which she instantly returned them to their hooves) Twilight and Pumpkin were led into a side chamber of the duelling hall. There, Megan offered them a seat, and slid a scroll to them.

“This is a list of records and books that can be found in our archives,” she said, “I would like to gift them to you, as an apology for Xebre's actions.”

Twilight looked over the list, and her jaw dropped. The titles alone sounded astonishing. Not only were there theoretical texts on the nature of magics she had only read about in myths, there were also books on history that seemed to be over a billion years old.

“Now, to business,” Megan continued, “I regret to inform you that I cannot supply you with warriors to retake your home. I can certainly ensure that Lord Ascentia assists you in your assault, but my warriors must remain where they are.”

“Now hang on a minute!” Pumpkin snapped, “You say you want to help us, but then say you can't? What kind of bullshit is that!”

“It is not bullshit, little one. It is wisdom,” Megan replied, “My title used to be known as “God” by the humans of Earth. I took the title from my predecessor, after her actions caused the deaths of millions. I noticed the humans getting complacent with her, always thinking she would solve all their problems if they just spoke to her in their brains. I do not wish the same fate to befall your kind. I do not want me and my people to be worshipped. It always leads to destruction.”

Twilight listened patiently, knowing the explanation was coming.

“You must stand on your own,” Megan replied, “If you cannot, then there is nothing I can do to help you.”

“But we can't take back Equestria from your warriors without help!” Pumpkin snapped.

“Do not forget,” Megan replied, “Ask... and you shall receive.”

“What does that mean?” Pumpkin asked, sneering.

Twilight glared at her apprentice and her lack of manners.

“Arrogance is a trait of youth, though not exclusive to it,” Megan replied, “Be sure in the knowledge that help will always be given, should you need it. Now, I must prepare for your return to your planet. Be sure to collect those books before you leave.”

In a bright flash, she was gone.

Twilight motioned to Pumpkin, “Come sweetheart, we should get ready for the trip back to Equestria.”

Ascentia and Celestia continued their long walk back to the apartment to gather everyone before they left. As they neared the residential district, Aiden came running up to them.

“Master Ascentia!” he called out, “Master Ascent-WHOA!”

The young man tripped over his own feet, only for Ascentia to catch him and chuckle as she set him to his feet.

“Pace yourself, neophyte,” Ascentia replied, “There is no need to hurry, we are very long lived.”

“Yes, Master,” Aiden replied, “I have news from Equestria. Xebre has just executed 400 civilians.”

Ascentia and Celestia's jaws dropped. As twisted as Xebre was, it was unlike him to murder in cold blood like this.

“Lord Ryder must be informed of this at once,” Ascentia replied, “And this time, there is a need to hurry!”

“Right away, my Master!” Aiden replied, sprinting off to the throne room.

“We waste no time,” Ascentia replied, “We leave immediately.” Next Chapter: Mighty Rivers Run Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 28 Minutes