Iscariat had just fallen asleep after fighting for five hours with the great grandfather clock, and at last it was operating appropriately; ringing ever hour on the hour. However, his well-deserved rest was put on hold when a loud chime rang throughout the library, which meant one thing; "Visitors," he said with a sigh. Removing his covers, Iscariat first went to his washroom to brush his mane, teeth, and splash some water on his face; the chime rang again. Examining himself in the mirror, Iscariat brushed his light grey mane nine times and his sage green coat five times as always. Next he carefully filed his horn down without using magic, then using an abrasive brush and some special gel; he removed the dark stains from his cutie mark: an open scroll with a quill and bottle of ink flanking the scroll's left side.

Now presentable, Iscariat shuffled over to the Arch-Library's only entrance, a pair of white oak doors, and with Tabitha resting on his back he undid the latch and swung open the left door. Due to the number of chimes, Iscariat felt confident it wasn't Princess Celesta or Princess Luna, "Perhaps just a messenger or a steward from one of the royal courts," Iscariat said to himself, still kind of groggy from lack of sleep.

"Just so long as it isn't Princess Twilight Sparkles' steward. Great and Powerful Trixie, huh? More like Great and Powerful halfwit. Even an earth pony would know never to cross a lightning spell with a water spell. Does no one teach the basics anymore?" Iscariat grumbled, recalling the aggravating event. An event that resulted in fifty books from the Clover the Clever section to spontaneously combust, which not only earned Trixie a six month suspension from the library, but forced Iscariat to replace every single tome with a period correct replica done by him; a task he is still working on.

However, he proved to be wrong on all accounts because standing behind the Arch-Library's ivory gates, just below the fifty steps that lead to the white oak doors was Princess Twilight Sparkle and the other five Elements of Harmony. Somewhat stunned by the large group Princess Celestia sent to his "door step", and so quickly too, that Iscariat had a sinking feeling he was, in some way, going to get collared into this mess. In any event, protocol had to be observed and making sure to lock the door behind him, Iscariat trotted down to the ivory gates to greet and inspect his guests.

"Good morning, my little ponies, and good morning, your highness," Iscariat said as he gave a respectful bow to Princess Twilight; who just blushed as she still wasn't use to this sort of thing yet.

"As you were, Curator Iscariat, and I have already told you that 'Twilight' would suffice," Princess Twilight replied.

"I'm sorry, your highness, but that would be impossible. I have been taught to always uphold to the niceties, especially when addressing royalty such as you. No exceptions," Iscariat said in a slightly more defensive tone than was prudent. "In any event, protocol now dictates that I scan you for any anomalies. Rest assured it will be quick and painless. Please refrain from any movement during the procedure."

Channeling a large quantity of magic to the tip of his horn, Iscariat gently enveloped each mare in a grey curtain of magic that came and went just as quickly. Satisfied with the results of his scan, Iscariat parted the gates with a spell known only to him, and once on the other side the ivory gates immediately snapped shut. Gazing at each of the young mares in turn, he directed them towards a table size tree stump, just to the left of the ivory gates. Though perplexed, the six mares complied, each taking a seat around the stump with Iscariat and Princess Twilight seating across from each other, and the rest flanking their left and right in a three-two split. Bowing his head once more in respect, Iscariat humbly allowed Princess Twilight to "have the floor", as it were.

"Well Curator Iscariat, first the Princess wishes to express her relief that you survived your encounter with King Sombra," Princess Twilight said, happily smiling at Iscariat, who just nodded in response, his expression blank. "However, the item in question that was pilfered has the Princess worried. To that end, she has sent us along with three palace guards, and a Captain of the Royal Guard, to escort you to Canterlot. She wishes to have a face to face discussion about the event."

"What? Excuse me, your highness, but I just sent a detailed report of what occurred. Not to mention I just had a serious breach of security. Protocol will not allow me to leave the library grounds so soon, and on such short notice," Iscariat said, his eyes wide in disbelief at the request presented. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you must inform Princess Celestia that if she requires speaking with me, then she may contact me through astral projection. Otherwise, I simply cannot comply with her request, you highness."

"Princess Celestia didn't send us," Princess Twilight replied, a confused look on her face.

"Beg pardon, your highness?" Iscariat retorted, matching Princess Twilight's puzzled gaze.

"She's right," Rainbow Dash interjected, unable to maintain her silence any longer. "In fact, I haven't seen Princess Celestia for a few weeks."

"That is because she has been away dealing with a land dispute between two old pony families. Remember, darling?" Rarity said as she brushed her long mane to the side to reveal more of her gorgeous visage, though Iscariat did not pay it much attention.

"Then who, if you don't mind my asking, has been replying to my recent reports?" Iscariat asked, the gears in his head pondering over the problem.

"Isn't it obvious?" Princess Twilight asked with a giggle, but then went straight face when Iscariat shook his head. "Princess Luna, silly. Who else?"

"Princess Luna?" Iscariat responded Princess Luna's name carrying a great weight as it passed through his mouth. "Not to offend her highness, but Princess Luna has been gone for a thousand years, how could she be left in charge of my reports after such a laps in time?"

"You mean you didn't know? The Princess has been responsible for your reports for almost a year now," Princess Twilight replied, rather shocked by this revelation.

"A whole year?" Iscariat said his eyes wide open as he shook his head. "Regardless of who requires my assistance, leaving for Canterlot just won't be possible. I have so much to do, and I still haven't had a decent night’s sleep."

"I understand your work is very demanding, and if the Princess could, she would have come personally, but please try and reconsider. Princess Luna seems very on edge to talk face to face," Princess Twilight said, her concern for her fellow alicorn was apparent, as too was her understanding of Iscariat's obligations.

"Ah," Iscariat sighed, as he rubbed his left temple to calm himself down. Closing his eyes in deep thought, recalling the unfortunate day that would forever estrange him to Princess Luna, Iscariat felt the need to bash his hoof straight into the side of his head. The blow resonated through his cranium, the sudden pain emanating from the self-inflicted strike shattered the memory, but it was only temporary, as he knew it would return when he least expect it. However, though he did not need to worry about the memory, now he had the unpleasant experience of being gawked at by Princess Twilight and her friends. Each of the six mares stared at him with a stunned expression; Iscariat bowed his head in shame then smashed his left hoof into the stump leaving a perfect impression on its surf; though that didn't help his case, and instead served only to frighten the young mares further.

"Um...well, yes. Perhaps it would be in your best interest to take some time off. I mean, me of all ponies should know that all work and no play isn't really as healthy as it might seem," Princess Twilight said, chuckling nervously as she rubbed her hooves back and forth.

"Ah," Iscariat sighed again, his eyes unable to meet any of the other mares. "I'm sorry, to all of you. You didn't need to see that, and I will make no excuse for it. However, in spite of my quarks, I cannot go gallivanting like some young colt. I have strict rules to follow not just for my own sake, but for all ponies. So, I respectfully disincline to acquiesce to Princess Luna's request, you highness."

A long silence preceded, never have the mares met such an adamant pony, for normally when a Princess makes a request no pony ever refuses, but Iscariat has just refused two simultaneously. Completely beside herself, Princess Twilight couldn't help but recall Princess Luna's body language as she made her request to Twilight of fetching Iscariat. Princess Luna seemed so sad when she spoke of him, each word weighed down by some explainable guilt, and after talking to the stallion himself she saw an almost mirrored result. "Both are clearly weighed down by some guilt from their past, and until it is settled neither will ever move on," Princess Twilight mumbled to herself, a sense of nausea forming in the pit of her stomach. Taking one final look at Iscariat, his head still bowed in shame, Twilight knew she would have to take more draconian methods, and so clenching her eyes to make a scowling expression she took hold of Iscariat with her magic and dragged him on to the stump so their eyes could meet.

"Listen carefully, Iscariat. I won't pretend to know what your history with Luna is, but I promised her I would get you to Canterlot, and I don't let my friends down. So, if we have to drag you there like a little foal we will. Your choice," Princess Twilight said, hoping that such a statement would surely change Iscariat's mind. However, to her surprise the stallion's expression quickly hardened to a furious glare that caused her to cringe.

"How vulgar, your highness. I don't take kindly to threats. Especially from those who have nothing better to do than encroach on another pony's business, your majesty," Iscariat harshly said, his anger clearly reaching its boiling point, and kept in check only by his stern need to follow protocol.

"Now you see here, Mr. Iscariat, there is no need to..." Rarity started to say, as she placed her hooves on the stump to raise her a tad, but was quickly quieted by Iscariat shooting her an evil glare.

"No, you listen," Iscariat said, using his magic to shatter Twilight's hold on him, then stood at his full height so he could look each mare in the eye. "I've given you my answer, so I politely ask you to leave. Your highness."

Preforming a final bow, Iscariat walked off the stump, opened the ivory gate, climbed up the stairs, and then entered the library locking its doors behind him. Too scared to so much as blink, the six mares waited for five minutes, and when they were sure it was safe they one by one walked through the invisible wall that separated the Arch-Library from the rest of Equestria. Taking a deep breath, Princess Twilight peered into a small dish of water positioned in the center of her royal stage coach. Channeling her magic into the dish so the water would absorb its mystic properties, then with the command, "Show me Luna," a silvery light emanated from the water, and on its surface a tiny version of the Princess stood. Princess Twilight explained the situation, embarrassed at her failure she was surprised when Princess Luna instructed her to simply let Iscariat be.

"I should not have put you or him in such a situation," Princess Luna said, her eyes unable to meet Twilight's. "Return immediately. We must connive with my sister and Princess Cadence if we are to combat this threat."

"But Princess Luna, surely we will require his expertise," Princess Twilight stated.

"We said no, Princess Sparkle," Princess Luna exclaimed, her level of frustration measurable by her sudden us of the royal we. "Return at once, that is all."

Acknowledging her orders, Princess Twilight beckoned to her friends that they were leaving; however each one of them refused stating that Princess Luna only commanded Twilight to return. Smiling at her friends cleverness, Princess Twilight allowed this, and as further assistance she left Captain Stone Brow; a Captain who was instructed to follow Twilight's orders, and no others. When her royal stage coach was out of sight, Twilight's friends passed through the dividing wall, leaving Captain Stone Brow outside so as not to intimidate Iscariat, and then rang the library's chime once more. Iscariat peered through the doors, an as he expected his now unwelcome guests had refused to take the hint, though oddly enough Princess Twilight was not among their numbers. Waving a white flag that Pinkie Pie had somehow produced, Iscariat realized that they were not leaving, and so with reluctance he descended the steps to meet them; this time he did not pass through the gate.

"We're powerfully sorry about Twilight threatening your person like that," Applejack said, removing her Stetson hat as a show of her sincerity.

"Is that all? I don't have all day to humor you," Iscariat said, his mood hardly improved after a ten minute cool down.

"Hey listen bub, we're trying to apologize, so ease up," Rainbow Dash said, her eyes squinted tight as she hovered above the ground in a fit.

"You're not fooling me. You didn't come back to apologize, you came back to change my mind. Well save your breath, because you can't and won't," Iscariat coldly said, his piercing gaze causing the mares to back up a tad.

"Come on, don't be glum. I'm sure we can be the best of friends if you give us a chance," Pinkie Pie said, a big wide smile on her face.

"No," Iscariat flatly responded, then turned to leave, but was halted when Rarity glued his hooves to the ground with her magic. "You're trying my patience. Not very wise."

"Please, Mr. Iscariat, the Princess only wants a moment of your time. The change of scenery and fresh air might do you some good," Fluttershy said in her timid voice.

"Yeah! We could totally have a party! I'm sure that would cheer you up. After all who doesn't like parties?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, while she threw confetti and blew party horns of various shapes and sizes.

"Enough!" Iscariat bellowed, unleashing a wave of raw magic that not only freed his hooves, but vaporized the confetti and party horns. "Equestria is in mortal peril, and instead of acting upon it her champions are instead wasting time by bothering me, and talking about parties! Are you all clinically insane?!"

The five mares huddled together in fear, their eyes suddenly spilling over with tears at the sight of the terrifying monster that now towered before them, his body cloaked by a fierce grey aura that seemed to want to gobble them up should they dare utter another word. Looking at each mare with blood shot eyes, Iscariat came to the obvious conclusion that this would not end until he gave in, and in truth he was feed up with their torrent of undiluted idiocy. Taking a deep breath, he conjured up his saddle bags, as well as informed Tabitha telepathically on his decision, as he opened the gates and trotted past the five sobbing mares saying, "Well are you going to be all day about it." Collecting themselves, Applejack and the others followed Iscariat out of the library's pocket dimension, ensuring that they were at least twenty paces away, as they made their way to Canterlot. The journey would take half a day, and since it was already past noon and they were on foot, Iscariat estimated they would arrive close to, if not at, sunset.

Many moons have passed since Iscariat walked the streets of Canterlot, but while the capital's visage may have changed since Nightmare Moon's time, its role as the City of Magic has never been more personified; a fact that he always detested. In his youth, Iscariat learned that while Canterlot served as the capital of Equestria, the ugly truth was that the city and its citizens were bias towards all but unicorns; "City of Magic indeed," Iscariat would mumble whenever he saw Canterlot. Everything about the city screamed magic, from its architecture to the way ponies lived out their lives, and it made Iscariat sick to know that the so called elites, the high echelon, encouraged this. There were no worse offenders than his parents, he was glad to have severed ties with them when he became of age, and in some ways he was glad they were dead. As the city grew closer in the distant, Iscariat could not help cast a nasty grin at the famous settlement, "Nothing good happens in this city. An I'll be dead before I spend a night here," Iscariat said to himself as the city gates were upon them.

The Sun had set over the horizon ushering forth the black curtain of night when Iscariat and his escort had reached the palace, which awarded them a front row seat to Princess Luna raising her glamorous moon. From atop the highest balcony, Princess Luna used her alicorn magic to gently guide her moon over the eastern horizon to begin its path across the starry sky; just as she did one thousand years ago. As if sensing his presence, Princess Luna peered down from the balcony to see Iscariat down by the main palace gate, and as if possessed by an unseen force Princess Luna found herself instantly teleporting down there. For the first time in one thousand years, Princess Luna and Iscariat were at last face to face, so to speak, because at the moment neither of them was making eye contact. Understanding that they would get in the way, Captain Brow returned to his proper post, while the Elements of Harmony thought it best to get back to Twilight and fill her in.

Now alone the two, former, acquaintances measured up one another, Iscariat had it on good authority that Princess Luna sought nothing more than friendship and acceptance, and he believed it. However, he himself personally was not interested, and he hoped Princess Luna would understand this soon; otherwise their conversation would end on a sour note. In any event, neither were interested in talking in the open like this, so Princess Luna took them to a private audience chamber in the North Wing of the palace. The room was no longer than an average palace suite; there was a couch, a small table, and a tiny minibar with all matter of drinks from all across Equestria to entertain any guest. Since neither were the drinking type, so they each just helped themselves to a bottle of carbonated water, and then sat across from each other at the circular maple table.

Taking small sips to settle his queasy stomach, Iscariat couldn't help but hyperventilate, his stress level reaching its peak as he tried everything he could think of to avoid looking Princess Luna in the eyes. Princess Luna could sense his anxiety, which made her feel awful because she just knew in some way she was the cause; "It’s just like with every pony else. Though I had hoped since he knew me before he would be more comfortable around me," Princess Luna said to herself, a sad sigh escaping her. Hearing her sigh broke whatever pity Iscariat felt for himself, "You damn wanker! Now look what you did! Haven't you done enough?! Say something damn you!" shouted a loud voice chastising Iscariat for his ignorance.

"So, your highness requested my presence? To what end may I assist?" Iscariat asked his line of sight angled just enough to look at the Princess without making eye contact.

"Yes, of course," Princess Luna said snapping out of her daze, and regaining her composure as a ruler of Equestria. "Now I'm well aware of the serious danger King Sombra poses so long as he has one of the scrolls in his possession. However, if Canterlot is to mount an effective defense, then you must divulge all you know about the scroll in question regardless if I have the authorization to know."

"As a Princess of the realm you have unlimited access, Princess Twilight and Mi Amore Cadenza being the only exceptions due in no small part to their insufficient age," Iscariat said, taking another sip from his water, and then following with a long sigh. "Unfortunately there is little to nothing I can tell you that will assist in aiding the troops. Not to say that I couldn't have, but a certain flock of ponies made that task almost impossible with their interruptions."

"And I apologize on their behalf," Princess Luna said bowing her head to Iscariat as a show of it. "However the seriousness of the situation forced my hooves. Even now my sister, Princess Cadence and Discord are making their way to Canterlot so that we may combat this threat. I was also hoping, on a personal note, that you would consider staying as our adviser. It would only be a few days, and I'm certain the Canterlot Library would have all the reference material you need."

"Your highness, pardon my bluntness, but just what is this about?" Iscariat asked the tone of his voice a tad harsher than he intended, but time was of the essence.

"I don't understand your question," Princess Luna said, her face making a sheepish expression as she took a large sip of water from her silver goblet.

"Your highness, please there is no time for me to beat around the bush. Kindly speak your mind or forever hold your peace," Iscariat said, as he finished off his water, and then appeared to be getting ready to leave.

"Wait, don't go just yet," Princess Luna pleaded reaching out to grab his right saddle bag, and pulling him back down to his seat. "I admit to have summoned you on false pretenses, but I saw no other way of meeting you."

"Ah, your highness, there are a multitude of different ways to seek an audience with me. The simplest being is through astral projection. In that way I can continue my work, and you, your highness, may speak to me of what you will," Iscariat said, his agitation now full blown and bare for all to see. "An while we are on the subject, your highness, why was I not informed that you received all my monthly reports?"

"Oh...well, you see I didn't feel it necessary. I mean what difference does it make who it is addressed to, so long as it is received?" Princess Luna replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Your highness, this is a matter of trust, if you can't even inform me of this how can I be certain they are even reaching you?" Iscariat asked, his eyes finally meeting Luna's, but with a serious expression.

"I understand you're upset, but please hear me out. The truth is I wanted to make amends," Princess Luna said as her horn shot a beam of magic in front of Iscariat, and out of the blast materialized a medium sized box wrapped in purple wrapping paper.

"What is this?" Iscariat asked viewing the gift with a perplexed eye.

"Open it. I know that this won't wipe the slate clean, but I hope it helps," Princess Luna responded, a few drops of sweat running down her face.

"No, it is not in my nature to accept a gift, your highness," Iscariat said lifting the present with a levitation spell, and placing it on Luna's side of the table.

"But I insist," Princess Luna said with a cheery smile, kicking back the present. "Consider it a token of my friendship."

"I said no, your highness," Iscariat replied, and this time instead of gently returning the gift he flung it into the wall behind Princess Luna; an angry scowl now adorning his face.

"I see now that I was right," Princess Luna said lowering her head, a stream of tears flowing from her watery eyes. "You hate me for the crimes I committed as Nightmare Moon, and I don't blame you."

“What? No! Goddess almighty, no!" Iscariat shouted smashing his front hooves into the table, the vibrations spilling Princess Luna's goblet, and splashing water everywhere. "I would never hate you, your highness. You who took me in, when no one else would. You for without whom I would never have met my mentor. You were the one light in my darkness, how could I do anything but admire you, your highness?"

Astonished by this revelation, Princess Luna's face blushed with embarrassment, she never knew Iscariat held her in such high regards, and yet if that were the case she wondered why he was so irritable. Feeling like a buffoon, Iscariat dropped his saddle bags, then rummaged through the left one until he found a pale cloth, and without using magic he cleaned up the spilled water. When the water was cleaned up, Iscariat put away his now damp rag, and took his seat again staring at the table as if examining his work. For some time they sat in silence, neither one able to gaze at the other, Iscariat soon felt queasy again, and so to settle himself he took out his book of spells an commenced to brush up on his astral projection magic. After twenty minutes passed, Princess Luna went for broke and tried to have Iscariat accept her gift again, but just as before he denied her time and again.

"Just take it please," Princess Luna begged, using her magic to push the gift towards him as he pushed it back in a reversed tug of war.

"It wouldn't be professional," Iscariat groaned his stamina nearly depleted from pushing against Luna's god like magic.

"Quit being so stubborn and accept already. It won't kill you," Princes Luna said, while secretly impressed with Iscariat's commitment to his code of conduct.

"I don't have time for this!" Iscariat shouted using the last of his magic he kept in reserve to thrust back the gift and Luna into the back wall. "I'm sorry, your highness, but I have slacked off long enough for one day. Now with the utmost respect I bid you good evening, your highness."

Before Princess Luna could protest, Iscariat tucked away his book, rose to his feet, and walked out the door without looking back. By the time Princess Luna got on her feet, Iscariat was nowhere to be seen, and she could not sense his presence within the city walls. Letting out a sad sigh, Princess Luna collected Iscariat's gift with her teeth, and then shuffled off to her bed chamber while wiping some tears with the tips of her wings. Opening her chamber door, Princess Luna placed Iscariat's gift on top of the night stand beside her bed, and then proceeded to her balcony. Her beautiful moon had yet to make half its journey across her equally lovely night sky, but the scenery, however imperfect, still served to lighten her mood.

The solace of the night always seemed to take her pain away, no matter how deep, and this night was no different. Breathing in the cool air, as the wind brushed against her hide, Princess Luna sensed a strange feeling over take her. Without warning she suddenly felt weary, her eyes felt like bits of lead as she tried in vain to keep them open and both her legs and wings became limp and woozy throwing off her balance. Princess Luna rushed back into her bed chamber, toppling over a chair placed before her vanity mirror in a mad dash for the chamber door. The world was spinning before her dreary eyes as she made one more attempt to reach the door and call for help.

Just as she struggled to open the door, some pony else on the other side opened it first, and to her relief it was one of her trusted body guards. Apparently drawn to the ruckus occurring in her bed chamber, this lone unicorn stallion rushed to his Princess' aid, "Wait, unicorn? I thought all my guards were pegasi," Princess Luna slurred out, her vision blurring as she instantly passed out. Catching her just in time, the body guard slung the Princess upon his back, and surprisingly carried her back into her bed chamber instead of the infirmary. Closing the door behind him the stallion dropped the Princess on her bed, then with a wicked grin his eyes became an emerald green, and his horn gave off a crimson aura. In a sudden burst of black fire the form of the body guard melted away to reveal the sinister King Sombra in his place and Princess Luna was none the wiser.  

"Oh poor Princess, you should watch what you drink. Never know when a sleeping potion might get mixed in," King Sombra gloated, as he enshrouded his captive in a cloak of shadow, and then with another burst of black fire both ponies vanished into the darkness.

         Next Chapter: Chapter 3: Curator Made Champion Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 23 Minutes