The inquisitional Stormraven pulled up hard just a second before it hit the alien soil. The crafts engines blew dust and grit almost insultingly into Captain Corgastus’ face, the marine holding an armoured glove in front of him in response. As the gunship touched down the space marine captain took what few seconds he had left to adjust his armour and decorations, cleaning off the dust from his pauldrons and chest plate. The ships ramp descended with a wine, it’s passengers disembarking before it hit the ground. Out from its interior quickly marched a trio of astartes, all encased within bulky dreadnought tactical armour.

The glare their gleaming silver armour was nearly blinding, even to Corgastus. Within what would have been smooth curves of ceramite plate was inscribed a series of holy text, layered in a polished gold. A series of emblems and sigils decorated the armours mass, along with a large sculpture of a book with a sword rest between its open pages. The marines were armed with wrist mounted storm bolters as well as sheathed power swords. The marines made the captain look, and feel, like a mere child as their gaze loomed down on him. Corgastus seemed to have been hit by lightning as his stance straightened and his hands crossed one another in the imperial salute of the Aquila.

“Brother Captain Martelis, we are honoured by your presence-“ Corgastus begun.

“You may dispense with the pleasantries Captain, I am here to ensure your continued work is carried out to meet commands’ schedule.” Martelis cut in through the growling amplifiers in his helmet.

“I can assure you, our forces are working as fast as possible.” Corgastus stated as the Grey Knight marched past him.

“The Inquisition does not share your optimism Captain, diplomatic and technological progress is of the upmost importance here.” Martelis replied coldly, the Halo Skulls captain turning to keep up with the Grey Knight.

“But this schedule asks all our attention be dropped into the Imperiums’ settlement on this planet. Don’t you think the Emperor would want us to form a healthy relationship with the natives before setting up a dozen fortress outposts?”

“Well, perhaps you can ask him when he arrives.”

“...The Emperor’s coming here?” Corgastus asked, his voice suddenly shaken and unsteady.

“That is correct captain. And it the Inquisitions will that he be comfortable to situate himself anywhere in the country, or would you have him squat in some primitives’ wooden shack?”

“...We shall double our efforts.”

“I hope so Captain for the sake of your chapter. The Emperor may forgive you for your failings, but I will not.” Martelis shot at the Captain before marching off towards the space marine outpost, leaving Corgastus standing alone, attempting to wrap his mind around the task that lay before him.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“Wine!”

Freadium held his head low as he practically exploded through the doors leading into Celestias’ throne room. At his order a pair of servitors scurried to his side, one carrying a platter of gold on which sat an elaborate marble goblet, the second carried a ceramic bottle with silver scripture running around its body. The servitor poured a thick, bronze coloured whine from the bottle into the goblet held by the second, all the while their pale faces remaining hidden beneath their grey hoods. Freadium swiped up the drink and downed it in a swift motion.

“Aah! Celestia, I’ve walked the star fer over four hundred years, an’ for the first time ever I think I’m genuinely afraid.” Freadium stated, his large hand dropping back down to land the chalice back onto its platter.

“What’s happened?!” Celestia asked in freight as she shot up from sitting in her throne.

“Ack, don’t worry yerself lass. Tis only me that needs t’ be soilin’ his armour!...The Emperor cometh.” Freadium finished, his head falling to hang low, his gaze dropping to the floor.

“Oh, well that’s wonderful! I can’t wait to meet him.” Celestia replied with glee and relief.

“I’m sure you can’t! But I’m not so high spirited over the preparations that have been put into order.” The Chapter master chuckled.

“What do you mean?”

There was a brief silence that hung in the air like a strangling smoke before Freadium broke the silence.

“The bloody Inquisition arrived not an hour ago. The news they delivered damn near put my fifth company captain in the psych ward! We’re all a tad shaken by the thought of his holy majesty setting foot on this world, but none more than the damned Inquisition. Aye, they hide it well, cold faced bastards! But they’d sooner bury themselves than see their Emperor with even a slight frown. So, considering such an event looming over us, the Grey Knights are overseeing the construction of a dozen fully sanctioned and master crafted outpost settlements so his majesty may roam about the country without being more than a field away from a sanctum.”

“...Does this mean, you’re building your own towns? Where you intend to live?” Celestia inquired, her expression wary.

“No! No my dear, not at all, HAH! No, we’d find no use in towns or crops and such. After they’re built and after his holiness has departed we’ll decommission them and leave them to your people. Not sure what you’d do with ‘em mind you, a solid rockcrete and adamantium fortress ain’t useful fer much with no power or weapons.”

“Oh, well I’m sure certain ponies would find the structures fascinating, not to mention provide many with something to study on.” Celestia replied.

“Aye, couldn’t hurt to let you lot see how we live. Just be careful though, in the dark an empty fortress can be a mighty eerie place.” Freadium warned jokingly.

The throne room doors swung open again to reveal Captain Proteus marching towards the duo. Celestia had only seen the marine once before, and had had no formal introduction to the captain. He wore no cape, cloak or loincloth like many of the other captains, just a slightly more elaborate version of the armour that the standard marine wore along with a handful of wax seals. His face looked very, ‘heavy’, as if a great weight pulled his skin downwards. His eyes were surrounded by dark circles, and his features bore a fair many scars. His dark hair was thin, almost ill looking, and styled into a short Mohawk.

“Master Freadium, milady.” Proteus growled as he took a knee before the chapter master and, surprisingly, Celestia herself.

“How goes the labour Captain?” Freadium asked firmly.

“As well as can be expected, but still falling short of Inquisitional requirements. Permission to speak freely my lord?” Proteus asked tensely.

“Granted.”

“I’m one respect-less order away from taking my war hammer and sticking it up one of those psyker bastards a-!” Proteus roared as he turned away from the chapter master, his gloved hands clenched into fists.

“Easy Captain! Save your temper for when it’s needed.”

“Forgive me my lord, but I know in both hearts that our beloved Emperor would rather walk knee high in a swamp before stealing land from farmers!”

“As do I, but the Inquisitions’ authority is absolute. As much as his holiness would be happy sleeping under a leaf, I can’t argue what our work represents. He is our saviour, and such a great man should be treated to every luxury we can provide.”

“I just wish to say milady, how many of my battle brothers are in utter disgust at our crimes upon your lands. We shall see that their removal is as swift as their creation.” Proteus boasted as he turned to Celestia.

“It’s fine Captain, really. Freadium has already briefed me on the plans to leave the fortresses open and decommissioned after their use. I’m sure they’ll make fine landmarks for researchers and families to visit.” Celestia replied, gently standing again and stepping down from her throne to meet the marines face to face.

“Well, just make sure you don’t head inside after dark.” Proteus stated.

“Why is it so bad being within your structures after sunset?”

“Maybe it’s just us. Had some nasty encounters in powerless sections of fortresses and ships. Funny how a place you feel the safest suddenly turns into a room of nightmares.” Proteus said grimly.

The doors once again opened to reveal a cream helmeted space marine veteran. Celestia had met the Astarte before, a younger marine by the name of Jonah. Celestia had taken a liking to the well mannered alien, especially since he had been tasked with the security of herself and Luna. The thought of Luna pained Celestia slightly, she longed to speak to someone about her sisters condition, but had no clue how the aliens would react. This was equally as worrying as how her ponies would react to the possibility of Nightmare Moons’ return. Celestia had to close her eyes and breath deep to shake out her unseen stress before opening them with a beaming smile.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Udorian was no psyker, but he could practically smell the tension emanating from the white coated princess. She did her best to hide her inner emotions, but Udorian took in every sign, every giveaway. The surface temperature on her face spiked, her neck tensed for a second and her brow twitched inwards. Udorian had studied mortal body language as well as the proper dialogue to use around commoners, and as much as the princess was a matriarch over a country, her mannerisms were fairly common. Udorian strode forward and knelt before the chapter master, turning again to kneel before the princess who returned the favour with a warm smile and long bow.

“Chapter master, Captain. Brother Captain Martelis has requested an audience with you just outside the palace.” he announced.

“Thank you honoured brother. Come, Proteus.” Freadium finished as her headed out the door, followed closely by the Captain.

“Your will, milady?” Udorian asked as he turned to the matriarch once again.

“Oh, thank you Udoris, but everything is fine for now.” Celestia replied.

“Udorian, milady.”

“Oh my, I’m sorry. All these new faces are proving a bit difficult to take in.” She said, her head falling into her hand.

“Miss, is there something troubling you?” Udorian asked as he shuffled slightly in his heavy boots.

“No, no not at all!” Celestia reassured him, albeit suspiciously quickly.

“Princess, I can see something is on your mind. Any issue you are facing need not be faced alone.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s...more of a personal matter.” Celestia replied, her expression grim.

“I see.” Udorian said, sensing he was approaching a touchy subject he thought it best to conclude his mental probing.

“Thank you for asking though. Now if you, uh, don’t mind...”

“Of course Princess, I’ll be on my patrol if you need me.” Udorian gave a quick salute before turning to head out the throne room.

The ceramite tip of his glove had barely touched the door when he was startled, or at least the space marine equivalent of startled, by a thunderous boom. Instinctually, Udorian pulled his Kraken pattern bolter from the mag-lock at the back of his belt. Celestia had nearly leapt from her throne to rush down the set of marble stairs and was headed for the door before being stopped by the astarte.

“Wait here miss, I shall order your guards to investigate.” Udorian said calmly, turning to head out the throne room.

“No! No, uh, I’m sure it’s nothing. We...have a lot of magic users-“

“Celestia, I can see that you know what’s happening,” Another blast rocked the palace, “Princess who are we under attack from?!” Udorian roared, beginning to lose his calm.

At that the throne room doors burst open. Udorians’ mind was immediately cast back to being on the receiving end of a door breach as splinters of wood and metal showered his helmets’ visor. Smoke hung thick in the air, obscuring the room from the marines’ sight. After a second pause Udorian commanded his HUD via his neural link and his vision was suddenly assaulted by deep blues and vibrant greens, with two orange blobs spinning into view as he turned his head. Not a heartbeat later the space marine threw his weight to his left, diving into a tactical roll and recovering into a kneeling stance. His bolter was raised and aimed at the intruding heat signature that was only a few feet away. With another mental twitch Udorian switched his visor back to tactical mode, the dramatic colours bursting out of existence once more.

The Astarte immediately lowered his firearm at the sight of Luna, the second matriarch, standing before Celestia. Although something was wrong, aside from the explosive entrance. Her face was deformed, twisted and blackened, and Udorians’ first thought was that the princess had suffered a severe burn injury. A fraction of a second was all it took for the marine to realise that the deformity was no injury, but in fact a horrifying mutation. The mutation had spread with viral enthusiasm, the darkened fur leaving only a single eye untouched. As the dust settled the more evident it became how serious her condition was. Her affected eye seemed to be glowing an ethereal turquoise and bore a reptilian pupil at its centre. Her once well fluffed and silky wings now had bony supports much like that of a bats’, while her once delicate hands now had thick, razor-like claws.Her mane and tail had taken supernatural qualities as the hair completely defied gravity, entire wisps detaching, disappearing then reappearing at random. Her physique exceeded that of Celestias, standing seven foot tall, limbs wrapped in well toned muscle, every fibre of her being screamed ‘Dark goddess’. Finally her face had sharper, somewhat demonic features, while her mouth seemed to hold the ability to open much wider than previously possible, resembling that of some predatory super-reptile.

“Can’t...wait any...longer! Nyuurrgh! Gyahargh! Elements! Now!” Luna began screaming.

Udorian had seen this before, and still couldn’t believe it was happening. It all too apparent that the princess had come under unholy possession by some sinister, immaterial intelligence. Yes, Udorian had become most fond of the sisters. It wasn’t often a space marine got the chance to make a friend outside their chapter, and especially rare to find comfort in people so kind hearted as the two matriarchs. Udorian had been taught on how to deal with this exact situation. He removed pity and sorrow from his mind, pulling away from his compassion and mercy. Instead he built upon his hate, his hate of the unholy, hate of all things unclean and his hate of the daemon. His duty was to slay the daemon, and set the poor girls’ soul free from its torment. Swiftly, he raised his bolter to deliver a clean headshot.

“NO!”

Celestias cry of terror was expected, but what seemed like a laser bolt was not. The blast hit the back of his left hand, batting it off target. Udorian hadn’t the time to practice reason, and was about to attempt to take the shot before something hard hit him in the gut. The hit was not painful, but enough to fold him at the waist for a second. Another blow hit him in the face; knocking his head back a touch. Udorian felt a series of similar blows delivered to his chest and shoulders, all of which had next to no effect. Udorian brought his hand to the handle of his secured chainsword and with one swift, devastating motion swung it with bone crushing force. The somewhat clumsy attack felt was thrown with no hit, yet the Astarte was already following up with a fluid follow-through to bring his blade down on the possessed matriarch. Udorians’ gaze met Lunas’ for a split second, his cloudy blue eyes meeting her one dark blue and bright turquoise ones for barely a heartbeat before the princess was pulled away by something.

“Please sister, get a hold of yourself! Don’t let her gain control!” Celestia pleaded as she used some form of telekinesis to pulled her sister away from the marine.

Luna thrashed and writhed in fury in an attempt to break free from her sisters’ psychic grasp. For a moment she stopped her struggle only to spread her arms wide, what appeared to be pure shadow blasting from her arms like smoggy tendrils. Her eyes caught ablaze with shimmering balefire, her one normal eye finally giving in to the horrific corruption. One of the immaterial missiles struck Udorian in the chest and threw him a good ten foot before his weight kicked him to the ceramic floor. For such a dramatic display of sorcery, Udorian had expected something more devastating. However he soon realised his vision was impaired, the thick, impenetrable fog wrapped around his helmet and blinding him before a display of mesmerising greys, blues and purples.

“Don’t think you can stop me Celestia!”

Lunas’ voice had changed dramatically, taking a more mature, somewhat sinister quality. Udorian thrashed at his visor, trying to clear away the spell that had been cast upon him but to no avail as the sentient fog remained swirling about him.

“Not again! Let my sister go you monster!”

Suddenly an explosion was heard; Udorian had lost his bearings and couldn’t tell where it had come from or who had caused it. Again and again strange blasts rang through the air, one even knocking Udorian off to the side causing him to throw his arms out in attempt at retaliation. In one unexpected revelation Udorians’ vision was cleared and replaced with a golden light. It took a fraction of a heartbeat for Udorian to find himself again and raise his weapon, only to find it not needed. In front of him stood a silver armoured grey knight superior, his rank was unknown to the veteran, but he was as decorated as the chapter master. The grey knight was flanked to either side by another, lesser brethren whilst Chapter Master Freadium and Captain Proteus were behind them bearing confused looks.

The grey knight held his hand out in front of him as if holding an invisible scroll as a golden shimmer danced about his fingers. Not three feet away, Luna was held suspended in the air; due to where her hands were held in desperation Udorian assumed he held her by the throat with telekinesis.

“Explain.” Was all the Grey knight growled to no one in particular.

“Honoured Grey knight, I witnessed the event with my own eyes. The late princess has been possessed by a demonic evil!” Udorian stated.

“This is untrue. Now explain the events that occurred marine.” The grey knights’ tone grey harsh and cold, shaking the veteran to the core.

“Aye, sire. The Princess breached the throne room with force, and demanded...something from Celestia. I took it upon myself to banish the threat I...that I thought was a possessed mortal. Celestia then interfered with my work in order to save her sister, whilst the other seemed to succumb to the corruption that had been set upon her. She struck at me, and I retail-UCK!” Udorians’ mind was thrown into shock as his throat was closed tight by some invisible forced, which then dragged him by the neck up to the Grey Knights’ position. From what Udorian could see, he was receiving a more severe punishment than the corrupt princess who, although suspended, shown little discomfort. He, however, was practically being throttled.

“Inferiority cannot be tolerated, marine! You panicked, and practiced violence where it was not needed!” The Grey knight hissed before tossing the veteran to the side.

The Grey knight set Luna to the floor, who was gripped by such unshakeable fear that she had utterly lost the ability to move.

“You are to stay within the castles’ confines, and not leave until given clearance to. Nothing will interrupt our Emperors visit, and he is expecting to talk to two matriarchs. Do you understand?!” The knight growled, seething with fury.

Lunas’ ears where flat against her head, her whole body trembling as the Grey knight loomed over her like some hungry predator would prey over a lamb. She didn’t say anything; her turquoise eyes remained fixed on the knights deep blue visor lenses. The marine needed no response to know she had understood perfectly well. The Grey Knight turned sharply and marched back out the throne room, followed by his brothers. Udorians’ gut was filled with shame and guilt, knowing his ignorance was no excuse in the inquisitions eyes. His captain and chapter master ran to his side as Celestia ran to her sisters.

“Brother, are you hurt?” Proteus asked as he knelt at Udorians’ side, Freadium heaving him up by the arm.

“...No Captain, I’m not injured. Though I will ask permission, to return to Primus command.” Udorian said grimly.

“Of course brother,” Replied Freadium who then stopped him from taking a direct leave,”Hey, lad. Yer did nothin’ worth shame.”

Udorian gave a simple nod, but had not taken any of what his master had said to heart. His very soul was being broken with the weight of guilt, a weight that doubled as his eyes fell upon Luna, who was sobbing in her own hands. He had nearly murdered, nearly gone against everything he stood for, everything his life had been based around. In a very real way, he had nearly undone himself. He wasted no time in walking out the main doorway, for he couldn’t bring himself to look either princess in the eye.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

...It’s over now...
I still...need.......need to....but....eternal night...
Please, this again? Just let it go...
I just want to be left alone...
...There’s no way you’re going to leave, is there?
Oh thanks! Yeh, that’s right, just throw me away with the rest of the trash!
Hey, look...I mean...uh...
Why won’t anypony love me?
.......................
I just want everpony to see how hard I work to make something beautiful for them!... I just want them to...notice...
And is eternal night really going to do that?
Of course! Why has everypony got such a problem with that?!
...Seriously? Think about what would happen for just a second.
Well, I don’t know. I’d raise the moon, keep it there, and everypony would be happy to see it all the time.
Wow...really? What about the plants?
Plants? What have plants got to do with this? They can’t enjoy my night...can they?
...You...really aren’t that evil are you?
Well, I don’t want to be! But everypony just wants to hate me! They’re just afraid of me!...Is it because I’m ugly?...
Hey now...uh, you’re...
UGLY! Everypony hates me because of how ugly I am! It’s my teeth isn’t it, and the claws! I didn’t choose to look like this!
I know, I know! Look, everypony’s scared of you because you want to bring eternal night. That’s it really.
That’s stupid! Why would anypony be scared of my night?
Because plants need sunshine to grow you idiot!
Don’t speak to me like that you foal! Why are you so obsessed over plants?!
Didn’t you just hear me?! They need sunshine to live! Everypony needs sunshine, not because they just like it, but because they’ll die without it!
...Now that’s just silly...
ARGH! You’re so stupid!
Shut up!
Look...just trust me. Ponies, wildlife and especially plants live off of sunlight. Without it, it will go deathly cold within the week. Plants and animals will freeze and die, soon followed by every pony all across equestrian. Trust me; your night will be loved by all, because you’ll be the only pony alive.
...Stop it...
It’s not a case of being able to do it or not, you just can’t.
Stop lying!
But then again, we both know you wouldn’t now, even if it had no repercussions...
...He...looked into me...into us...
I know, I was scared too. But we have to trust Celestia, our sister. She knows what to do, and together we can protect one another.
...If we do...will we be safe? You promise we’ll be safe?
I promise.
Ok...I’ll...uh, I’ll...’be good’.
Great, I promise everything will be fine.
Ok.
...So...
...Uh, yeh?
About our body...Want to, you know, put it back the way it was?
Oh...right...sure.
Not that I don’t like it! I mean, you have some impressive, uh, features.
It’s fine...I know everypony will just be scared to look at you like this...I’ll just change back.
No! Uh, no...how about we just leave it for now.
Don’t worry about hurting me, I won’t cause any trouble.
Seriously, don’t change a thing, I’ll work it out somehow. But I can’t stay like this forever, ok?
Thank you.