In the Edar, Faust's chambers

Faust's pov

The nights were always long and cold for me, I couldn’t sleep but at the same time I didn’t want to sleep since I wanted to spend as much as possible time with my only company which was a deteriorated painting of my beloved Venhayia and beside him was Aronnos, but far more important for me is Venhayia. I held both portraits close to me imagining their warm embrace, yet nothing was returned to me; except the silence of my prison using the name of a ‘room’, it might have the most luxurious of decorations, but at the end it was still a prison where I was kept in. The magic of the disgrace of Sleipnir was there, I could feel it and it was obvious that he didn’t want to hide his presence or he didn’t care that I could feel him around.

The time that I spent here trapped was very hard to keep track, it was until a moment that I just lost the flow of time; and since then I only was aware that a lot of time has passed and it was a long time since I last saw my precious daughters. I wished that somehow I could leave this damned place but thanks to Sleipnir's spell I am unable to do so, it filled me with impotency that he is outside doing whatever he please especially poisoning the Pantheon with his ideas and way of thinking, or better said my Pantheon, the one which I worked to build, so many years. But trapped behind this walls I am only able to watch the plain below us, Pongaea is now consumed by his vanity and hatred for the Minotaurian race, and more join his cause willingly and accepting those disgusting ideas as trues. Then was Shining Armor so full of disdain and ever increasing cruelty…

But seeing Luna my baby girl tore my heart apart, the loneliness destroys her everyday; even if she is in a crowd she is utterly alone and that couldn’t bring more grief to myself; the only salvageable thing that I found was that the monster didn’t bring any kind of harm, directly at least, to his favorite foal; Celestia when he looks at her Sleipnir immediately change to the once kind king who I fell in love with eons ago, but that cannot and will never justify his sins even less will help him in any way; he is beyond salvation. His tyranny have gone too long but he didn’t waste time drowning in power, he started to eradicate any kind of threat however I’m glad that there are still a few that could stand against him and save Avalon from his hooves; Discord, Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadance, Blueblood, Grimmnjor, Valeria and the newly returned Alternis, but I know that there are some others out there but I couldn’t get any information about them. The only thing I could do was wait, wait and hope for the best. “ Alternis my...” The grief that was plaguing was released through a solemn sigh “I leave their fate in your hands''

Silence came again and it brought me relief, it was time to see Alternis without the risk in getting caught. I brought the crystal ball which after pouring some magic immediately revealed the form of a human carrying a wounded Kirin on his arms; watching that scene brought some relief because at least I knew that things didn’t go to the worst case of scenarios.

''Faust'' My train of thought was interrupted by a stern voice that I perfectly knew and couldn’t ignore.

The image morphed quickly into a face of another human who wore a very serious expression and repressed anger that wanted to be released as soon as possible.

''I have words for you'' said the wild human

''Grimmnjor!'' I perfectly knew that greeting him like we usually do would do not change anything at all, and the proof was that he only hardened hi glare at me. ''I was wondering when you'll have time for me, it's been too long''

''YOU PROMISED FAUST!” I wish that he could lower his tone, I didn’t want to be found out by that bastard but I had no rights to make any kind of request. “I trusted you and look how that turned out!'' He was angry, better said he was enraged filled with impotency which I allowed him to vent on me he deserved that at least. ''I could have helped my daughter but why you didn’t allow me?!''

Sometimes sacrifices must be done to achieve a goal a truth that always haunted me. ''We were perfectly aware of the possibilities and what could happen to Moonlit Bloom, but Alternis needed someone to guide him to your realm while it's unfortunate-”

''UNFORTUNATE?!'' Roared Grimmnjor, his voice made me bak away in sudden surprise and worry because he finally snapped thing that I wanted to avoid at all cost; but it seems I failed.... again. ''[i]Don’t you dare to put the life of my daughter as some kind of sick game!''

“You think I had an choice Grimmnjor?” I narrowed my eyes at him, both of us clearly stated the importance of this mission and what must be done. “This is what the fate demanded, you cannot compare the life from one individual to millions.''

I hoped that he could understand my reasoning but it was a dead end, he remained silent to the point that his breaths were only heard and they were heavy, the eyes that stared at me destroyed the blue color that resided in them to be replaced by the color red while fangs started to grow ''I. DON’T. CARE. '' His response caught me off the guard, I never expect him to say such a thing. ''We make our own fate Faust, Aronnos taught you that much.''

I am a mother who made a lot of sacrifices so I could understand his pain and grief but a parent doing this was something that brought me to tears because I also did in order for the greater good. I couldn’t hide my sorrow from him. ''I know, but this had to happen.''

''Explain that to Valeria!'' Perhaps he regained his more civilized appearance but his tone of voice never left him, much less his enraged expression. '' I had to hold her in my arms as she begged me......BEGGED ME.... to save our child…”

The sadness left me through another sigh ''Words cannot express how sorry I am Grimmjor, as I said before this encounter had to happen, at least Alternis managed to save her.''

My words were true, Alternis saved her in time and that fact brought him some relief but the damage was done.''Perhaps Faust, but what you did was severe blow to a father and a mother, my people should be the ones to guide Alternis not my daughter.'' Grimmnjor is a father, I could relate with his reasoning and worry. b

Click

Both of us immediately knew what was that sound, with haste we started to hide our tracks so we won’t be discovered. However I didn’t care if he saw my paintings or pictures, I could deal with his anger in that regard. When I no longer was able to feel Grimmnjor signature both of my eyes slowly closed while my breaths calmed me, I was preparing myself to the incoming storm which I have to endure for the sake of everybody.

''Wife.''

His voice echoed across my prison, the owner already passed the the entrance who possessed a golden color that used to shine with the sun, his eyes were filled with coldness which every time I stared at them sent me shivers on my spine; however one of them was totally dull, that is because he lost the vision in that eyes a long time ago. His head moved as if he was trying to find everything with his mere sight, such arrogance.''Where is he?'' A question that I will never answer no matter what.

''I has been a long time Sleipnir'' I my eyes refused to even get a glimpse at his imposing form. ''What do you want from me this time? I have nothing of value anymore…”

It was totally expected the next action, with his magic he throw me and then dragged me next to him where I could hear his disgusting breaths. ''I heard voices...'' His face narrowed it complete anger and dangerous jealousy. ''I know somepony was here Faust, and I demand you to tell me who was.''

''I don't know what are you talking about.'' Looking everywhere but him I lied, however I knew what was going to happen to me next. ''No pony has ever set a hoof between these chambers for over thousand years.'' At least the last statement was actually true.

His silence was worrisome, but his next words mixed with sarcasm increased said worry.''No pony you say?''

I could only sigh and keep the facade. “Yes husband…”

Smack!

The sound of Sleipnir's hoof slapping Faust echos throughout the room the force of the hit sends the Ebony Fate goddess crashing into the marble floor ''I DON'T BELIEVE YOU'' roars Sleipnir standing over the fallen goddess his sides breathing heavily with godly rage ''I heard voices and I'm going find out who was here you whore, once I find them I'll make you watch as I give them my 'judgement' ''

I shutter at the taste of blood in my mouth, my legs felt weak as for the first time since he entered the chamber I looked at Sleipnir despite all he has done all the lives he ruined.....I still could see his old self weeping as the 'new' Sleipnir stood over me my blood petted his left forelock. He's not your husband.....not anymore...Venhayia is my mind whispers, I spit an bloodily glob of spittle on his face '' Buck you son of an windigo horse!!!!!''

Sleipnir gives me an murderous look his growling growing darker by the minute before stomping on my hind leg shattering the very bone I grit my teeth refusing to give him the pleasure of my screams

''LET.....THAT.....BE.... AN.... LESSON.... WIFE'' Said Sleipnir though gritted teeth before turning away slamming the sealed doors as he leaves. Once he was truly gone my horn flashed restoring my shattered leg it will take some time to heal but here I have all the time in the world.

''Grimmnjor? '' I ask hoping that my ally was still there

''Should I get Valeria?'' Even if he omitted a part his concern was clear as the water, concern which I warmly welcomed.

''Yes Grimmnjor, I would like t talk with her; but before you go....”

In the Castle ruins

Alkeyore's pov

After the whole ordeal I was able to bring a soft smile to my face, it was a smile of self satisfaction because the little one was going to recover soon. Her wounds were almost closed and she didn’t need magic to sustain her, besides Luna’s spells reduced considerably the amount of pain that the poor filly would have endured, I remember when I applied this back in my land I needed to tie the patient and prevent him from move since the inflicted pain was unbearable. Sadly that mood didn’t last when my eyes caught once again the sight of Nightmare Moon.... what should I do about her?

Is my duty to protect her since she is a dark magic user in all merits yet this situation is more fragile than glass, the minimal mistake and everything will shatter, but Luna probably will not act out of impulse, or I hope she doesn’t. Still her existence is a rarity which I began to theorize after I finished to help the little one, perhaps she is a number of magics fused together with Soul magic and the magical essences of Luna and her sister, however that would create an artificial life and pure magical essence; but the way I was able to sense her did not tell me that, it told me that it was indeed a very alive being of flesh and blood. Is obvious that both princesses are completely unaware of her existence, however a new concern grew in me and that involved Celestia, I was sure that she would do everything to get rid of her; and I would be forced to step in since she became my responsibility, after all she is an untrained dark user and I know that they can’t be left alone and untrained.

I could only mentally sigh, this was too troublesome.

So many questions with so little answers is not the best of situations if you ask me.

But it was enough of such thoughts, I knew that we were away from danger or at least temporarily but I didn’t take my time to examine the whole place, it took me a time to realize the place which we were; it was her old home. even in it's great age I can still tell by looking at the markings in the stone that an battle took place here yet I sense no earthbound spirits which is strange then again Luna said it was only her and Celestia that had done battle in this place. I glanced over where I had left Nightmare and a spark of guilt engulfed me as whole,

‘She should be in a bed not the floor like some animal’ my mind chimed ''the robes could do nicely.’

''But that would expose her...'' Luna was too focused on her task that she didn’t hear my muttering. “Is for the best to remain like that.”

'But best for whom?’

I knew I wanted to do it for both of them but at the same time I probably was doing harm to both of them, it was a very fragile situation just like it was a long ago with the decision the King Dulman Ireheart regarding about my status as a hero or a rogue criminal and how I had to decided to abandon Black rock to the Elves.

But that didn’t answer my questions at all, is more; it was complicating things further which I didn’t want to happen.

Again I stopped my train of thoughts.

''Alkeyore'' I was grateful to Luna from her sudden call, I needed to clear my mind and a small conversation with her will do nicely. the state which showed a bit of exhaustion.

''Yes Luna? '' There was not much to say to begin a talk but I hoped that she had something in mind.

''How is she?'' Typical, but who I was to deny her from reassurance and calm her worries?

''She'll be fine. '' I said without skipping a beat ''...but the real question is if you are alright?''

''I am fine Alkeyore.'' I could have believed her if she didn’t yawned almost immediately after her reply. ''but the Kirin require our power at its fullest. ''

I could force her to sleep, because honestly speaking a tired mage can be more than a danger than actual help besides she was both mentally and physically tired; the confrontation with Celestia combined with our disagreement which led her to follow me without any kind of rest, she was only pretending to be at least in acceptable conditions. I was impressed by her perseverance and devotion, however she needed to learn her limits or she might end up doing more harm than good, yet I couldn’t help but feel satisfaction at knowing that there was still people like her in the world. ''Truly the mark of an great ruler if she had the chance she would become the best''

Still she couldn’t overexert herself like that while we were in unknown territory.

'’Luna you need to rest.'' It wasn’t a suggestion anymore, it was an order that she needed to follow.

As expected I was met with hesitation and reluctance from her part, '' The worst of her wounds had already been healed I can take everything from here.” I hoped that it would help me in make her understand that she needed to stop.

But she only complained. ''But Alkeyore I can't rest knowing that one of my subjects-!

''Luna.'' I cut her off with an look before adding ''Healer's orders''

''Fine '' sighed Luna her horn almost dark canceling the spells she placed on the Kirin ''it's time to rise the moon anyways.'' Her last remark picked up my interest so I watched her get on her hooves while turning away. She went to the nearest windows or well what could be a window; it only seemed to be a hole that had a direct view to the forest. I kept looking, but when the twilight reached her then it happened, it was like she became one with it; i felt my eyes widen at watching how her mane glowed with life while a white aura enveloped her form; I almost gasped in surprise at the event unfolding in front of me but I maintained my calm.

The sheer beauty of Luna had me bewitched like I was in the presence of a siren or the queen of fairies, but then she began to hum a captivating melody which I seemed familiar at first but I couldn’t dig any memories to compare or check for resemblance. So I simply closed both eyes and let myself flow with the music.

I kept listening her to the very end, and without noticing I had a few tears leaving my eyes.

''Luna…” What could I say? “That...that was beautiful, your voice has no equal at beauty.”

It never meant to cause her face to flush, I was just stating the truth. But earning that reaction only deepened the feeling. ''I...I Thank you, nopony had ever said those kind words besides my own family. ''

''Surely you jest Luna'' I retort a little outrage at the very notion ''I dare to say that the elves would be jealous of your voice.''

''Elves?'' asked Luna cocking her head questioningly.

''They are one of the many races that called Gaea home unfortunately they one of the less desired Gaeaish '' I explained giving an small hidden grimiest at the memory of the long lived race of fairy like creatures.

''Less desired...'' And her eyes hardened at me, even if it wasn’t related to her she seemed to be sensitive towards the topic. ''what makes them so undesirable as you stated?’’

Understandable question for somebody who never heard or saw Elves.

''Because they held the belief that they are the master race of Gaea, in the past they had enslaved other , they are mostly known for their wicked arrogance.''

Her eyes softened at my brief explanation, she simply shook her head. ''I shouldn’t have assumed things quickly.”

“Is fine.”

However the moment died as soon as it came. From afar I heard a groan which I perfectly recognized, not because I have already heard it but because I never heard it before.

“The blasted sleep spell is dispelling!” The situation is starting to get out of control, this occurrence was never expected since my spell was supposed to last much longer. The only thing I could do without recurring to desperate measures was to lie.

''What was that? '' Luna looked around trying to find the source at mere glance.

''It must be wind Luna. '' I said in a nonchalant manner, it was a long shot but it still had chances for success.

''That was no wind. '' Luna adopted a more defensive stance. ''I fear that we are not alone anymore.''

''Perhaps our little Kirin is starting to wake up.'' I pointed at the aforementioned being who remained immobile, at the center of the magic circle.

Another groan echoed across the room but louder than before shattering the glass of protection that I tried to set up.

''It came from the thrones. '' No sooner did she finish she went to the mentioned place.

I couldn’t panic but my concern grew to alarming levels, I was barely holding back from casting a spell on her which will put her in deep sleep. But I came with a hopefully new solution, I vanished from the side of the Kirin and appeared next to her and placed a hand on her back. ''Luna...'' It was hard to come up with a believable excuse.'' Luna I reassure you that there is no soul around beside us. After all this place had been abandoned for who knows how long.”

''Why do you insist in stopping me?'' Now I had her full attention and not the kind which I wanted, the distrust was clear and the doubt had been planted, she wanted answer and will obtain them. “You know, don't you?”

''Damnation!'' My lips remained closed and wouldn’t budge.

''What is behind the throne?'' Her question was more like a direct accusation.

''Nothing but darkness.'' Technically it was true if you ponder it enough.

''Then why you insist me to do not check?'' Her eyes narrowed.

Sadly fate had other plans for this outcome, a small dark hoof went to the left the shadows and my blood ran cold. Luna was not blind to this occurrence and she froze with her eyes widened as her jaw hanged. The body kept moving until in front of us was the owner of the groans, right before us was a the small filly staring at us with those draconian eyes of hers. Her mouth looked like a gaping fish probably for the surprise of who were in front of her. I couldn’t find any logical explanation of why she made herself present like that, unless she had a plan which I wasn’t aware of, but in all honesty I believe that she just acted out of instinct or fear.

The next moments were crucial, I didn’t know how Luna would react after the initial shock vanished but when I saw the fire of rage ignite in her eyes I already knew the outcome of this meeting.

''Mother?'' Nightmare was filled with fear I could even taste it, but I appraised her courage to keep going despite the odds, her hoof attempted to reach Luna for any kind of response. “ Is...is that really you?''

And the accumulated rage finally spilled with a single movement which harmed the little one, forcing her to retreat to any kind of cover hoping for protection, however I wasn’t surprised when she hide behind my legs when this happened. I didn’t look at Nightmare but I knew that she was in a very critical moment, she was in the verge of tears but sooner she will weep when her brain processed the violent rejection. However my job was not to comfort her but to make Luna see reason.

''Why...'' Luna was panting despite not doing anything considered exhausting. ''Why is…. that thing...” She sent a rage fueled strike at the filly but I received it instead of her “... still alive?!”

I simply remained silent, she needed an outlet to vent her rage but Nightmare WAS NOT going to be that outlet.

“The elements should have destroyed it!!”

“OUT OF THE WAY ALKEYORE, I WILL FINISH THE JOB MYSELF!!!'' With her last statement Nightmare finally broke down, she hold on of my legs and weeped there.

I straightened my stance and my glare at her hardened. ''She has a name Luna, use it.''

''Nightmare Moon isn't real! she's just a product of my jealousy for my sister, that thing your are protecting is nothing but an abomination!!!''

''An Abomination?'' It was hard, really hard to remain calm and prevent myself from act back, but gathering the patience was difficult and my eyes felt the spark again however nobody noticed that last part. '' Luna, she is your daughter. ''

Her anger immediately disappeared to be replaced with shock at hearing my last statement. ''What did you say?''

''You heard me.'' I growled my magic burning bright red from the blood ''I couldn’t believe at first but your magic resonance is almost identical with hers, I can’t explain how she came to be but right now she is here alive and breathing. But I guess you are not better than Sleipnir if you can’t tell the difference.” I knew that I hit a very sensitive nerve with my accusation but it was necessary.

As expected she immediately broke down, she became scared of herself when she processed my accusation, tears threatened to fall to the floor as she began to hyperventilate. ''No-nnnoo I-I'm n-not-thing like-e him!''

''Yes you are.'' I kept pressuring while I picked up the heartbroken filly so she could rest on my arms, she quickly buried her face on my chest as she sobbed.

As Luna looked at the filly I saw in the Nightmares reflection in Luna's eye changed from her to an little blue filly all lone weeping. The shame and the guilt slowly began to consume her but I wasn’t going to let that happen.

'' Tkae ths yihos yuq goir durhirm '' Nightmare stopped her sobs insted she only nuzzled my chest using my warmth as a comforting place which would keep her safe. ''buyik hiic torc amu yiato gaso ba cane Luna '' I said in my native land language.

''What? '' It expected that the princess ws going to be confused at my language since it was the first time she ever heard it. ''what does it mean? ''

''It's ancient Gaeaish Luna.'' I said beckoning her closer with my magic she readily follows ''It means The past is dead and gone yet the future is yet to be but if you wish do right by your daughter then be her mother Luna.''

''But I-I don't even know how to be a mother. '' Her ears went flat against her head ''What if I end up treating her like how Sleipnir did me.'' Her eyes were pleading for anything, anything that could help her.

My response was a sincere smile. ''That Luna is the first sign of being a good parent, worrying about her future however remember my friend as long you are at my side I'll lend my help in any way possible.”

''Why do you want to help us? we barely know you.'' said Luna with concern and worry filling her voice, but I knew what to do for calm her worries, or least what I believe that could work.

''Luna hold out your hooves.'' Luna however remained unsure but complied to my command.

Using my magic I levitated Nightmare with the utmost care towards her expecting hooves. ''Easy Luna, remember to not drop her.'' She rapidly nodded her head as Nightmare landed on her, then it happened as it was natural reaction, Nightmare snuggled into her and the princess did the same over her tiny form.

Perhaps the unconditional love of a mother was born, I didn’t know after all she just accepted her.

Looking up from Nightmare, Luna's smile grew soft ''Alkeyore, is this how all parents feel?''

I felt like I received a blow directly at my heart, it hurt but I couldn’t let her know that. ''I don't know, I was never a father since I never had the time nor chance to become one.'' My time in Gaea briefly flashed in front of me, it was quick but then a memory finally struck me, my eyes stared at the nothing of the floor.

Flashback

I loved music, I loved a beautiful melody which was correctly composed the screams from people who had been set ablaze filled with harmonious melodies my ears an I wanted to hear more. Of course wasn’t talking about the innocent but the guilty ones, after I passed judgment upon them. I had judged the Tahuians and were found guilty of all the charges, actions had consequences and the had already met them. If it weren’t that my brother and sister were with me I would be laughing at their misery.

''I know what you want to do brother and let me tell you that we do not approve outright barbarism, even if they are barbarians we must not lower to their level.” said a musical highborn elven voiced her complete disgust and displeasure.

''Speak for yourself pointy ears, the only thing I don’t approve is that we didn’t use our steel against their. '' boasted a low deep voice from behind, perhaps was one of the Juggernaut since I heard the sound of chain-mail rattling.

''Brother...'' A sad voice which I knew very well spoke next to me.

I sighed. ''Speak Teigue ''

I broke my gaze from the burning beauty and looked at the meek wizard dressed in his holy order robes which perfectly combined with his golden hair.

''Why must you torment the Tahuians. ''said Teigue pointing at the burning city ''this isn't our way of the Lords of magic's, the only thing you are achieving is to fear us even more.”

''Tsk, expected from your people too cowards to do the job.'' The one who mocked my brother was bronze beaded dwarf.

''Hagi Krak-v-Drum'' reprimanded a tall and graceful female elf in an long beautiful rose colored dress. ''Leave the priest alone, he has raised a very good point. Alkeyore explain us your reason to do this, after all we deserve a proper answer.”

''Bah! Cowards only can understand cowards it seems.” Hagi was displeased but it wasn’t for long since he pulled out a large flask filled with Torthish mead which instantly drained the whole thing once it touch his lips ''oooh that's a good burn.''

''Why you little drunken runt.'' sneered the elf her preparing her magic to deal with the drunken idiot. '

''Senna that's enough'' I growled at both of them, their antics were become annoying rather than a small and common disturbance t '' I shall speak.''

''Then proceed, we are waiting.'' said the priest meekly

'' They had been judged by my eyes and found them guilty.'' I said giving the white wizard a hard look.

''I do not understand brother.'' Teigue said.

''It means that Alkeyore found our missing Orc shamans as well the missing children.'' said Senna solemnly answering for me which I was thankful for. ''His necromancy gave us a clear lead to them, and we informed the Elders to take action.''

''But necromancy only applies on….'' Teigue's green eyes widened with realization as a hand found its way to his mouth. ''Oh sweet Ramnosshia...''

Hagi grunted at Teigue reaction but quickly passed it away with another flask of his meaad. '' Man up girl, Is a shame that we lost all of them if my memory serve me right one of them wanted to join us.'

''It was never meant to happen, Orc’s magic is too barbaric and has no grace it would only be an insult and offense to our ancestors. '' Senna harshly spoke with the air of superiority around her form. ''But a loss is a loss no matter what, however we never saw the bodies for Alkeyore command, why he didn’t? That hasn’t been answered yet.”

''I have my reasons.'' Many souls began to circle around me, those were the souls from the now deceased disgusting creatures that sadly posses a mind and can communicate with us. The first one that went near my hand I crushed it.

Senna was indignant at denying knowledge however I felt the hard look from Teigue the moment I started to torture the souls. “You despise my power, don't you?” I said with sneer ''Will I witness your famous lectures about life and the wrongs of manipulating the life and death? Trying to convince me to forget these arts and beg for forgiveness?”

''No ' sighed Teigue, he grabbed one of his amulets and held it high. '' Alkeyore it just-

''I don't want to hear it-'' I interrupted. ''Your kind had spoken for too long, I don’t want to hear any of you more than necessary.”

That shut him up.

With him silent I proceeded to keep crushing the souls around myself or burning them for the eternal suffering.

I loved it.

Because it was right.

End flashback

I knew I spaced out and couldn’t remain like that if I was going to offer my support, the memory was from the past and must stay there buried and hopefully forgotten. ''The reason why I wish is help is that this path is difficult and I don’t want her to walk this path alone, after all that’s what friends are for, aren't they.” A smile came to my lips.

But it was fake.

‘I just don’t want her to become like me.’

In The Badlands not far from the Zerican border

*unknown pov*

The sun was setting but that didn’t make the desert any less nightmarish, the heat was draining me from my strength. Lucky for me I knew that the moment the sun disappeared over the horizon the situation was going to change drastically, however the sand going to undesired places of my body was going to be a permanent problem. At least there was no sandstorm nearing.

''I’m surprised that you hate the heat Zabby. ''The Sphinx besides me had to brought up a pointless point that will only increase my discomfort and annoyance, if he wasn’t very important to me I would have hit him.

''Screw you Simba.'' I sneer at the tan sphinx unlike me he was perfectly fitted for life in the desert his fur almost allow him to disappear into the sand '' please remind me as to why we are wasting away in this heart when we could be at the oasis.

''Nopony said that this job was going to be easy, but the reward will be more than worth.” He gave me a very cocky grin.

I gave him my indifference as I picked up my glass for a very needed sip. Hours had passed in silence as we awaited in the dark, watching through the darkness was a very difficult. I myself couldn't care less about the job but the pay was beyond well and for the bug freaks, it was mostly like a favor to get rid of them, the Crystal Empire has many agents like us across the desert and depending on the kill or capture the money arrives. ''Hey! '' cried Simba breaking the silence ''We got the target on sight, get ready.''

''I know, you don't need to be so loud.'' I grumbled my displeasure and went to my position to trigger the traps. True to his word two little bugs were over the next dune, a gender pair. We could identify them because not many take into consideration the physical details of the genders, the males possess a crest and the females have pupils. ''Eeyup, If we pull this off we can get 8000 bits.” There was no answer. “Simba?”

I turned only to discover that he had been stabbed to the head and the assailant just finished removing the weapon from him.

I my eyes were wide as words failed me, but one thing did not; and that was my scream of utter shock and terror.

Moments later more sprang into action preventing me from escape or move, I was at their mercy and I was beyond terrified.

''Little pony brave when hurting nymphs but pony turns tail when changeling is hurting pony ''mocked one of my jailers '' pony picks bad day to hurt nymphs.''

The very desert itself had turn against me the sand begin to creep up my legs slowly hardened becoming like stone stopping my attempts to run from this place. I began to sob in hopeless abandonment. ''L-let me go please let me go''

''An odd choice of words zebra.” my eyes widen the moment I heard the voice, a voice that hadn’t been heard in years. ''I was expecting something more different slaver.”

I felt the touch of magic gap my body turning me still, I couldn’t look at any of them for the utmost terror which I was feeling, and their murderous look felt like sharp knives cutting my skin.

''Queen Chrysalis '' I fearfully whispered with an even pathetic voice, I heard stories from others about Chrysalis the most powerful changeling mage, the mare who had defeated Celestia herself in single combat also called the rose of the badlands.

''Oh? I see my reputation proceeds me slaver.'' said the Queen with a sneer. “But that leaves the question, what should we do with you?”

Author's Notes:

this could be very well that last chapter by my good friend xluferx will edit check out his blog if you wish to know more and also it means that i might have to start looking for a new editor