Canterlot
Celestia's POV

I sat on a balcony staring at the vast Everfree in the distance. My mind was making plan after plan for the things to come, yet I noticed the rising moon and some of my worry left me knowing that Luna was safe. In my heart I knew it was I, not Alkeyore, that caused Luna to leave. I had wronged my sister once again. Why? I asked myself ''Why must I wrong everypony I care about... is this fate?'' Truly I didn't know, but I had to fix this somehow, Luna was still in danger as long she was with the Dark Human Blood-Raven......How could I have been so blind? I invited, not only an human, but a Dark Mage to my home with open hooves. “But he didn't act like the Dark Magi you had encountered before, it seemed he was in control of himself minus a temper.” My mind stated in good council.

''Perhaps, but if Sombra has taught us anything it’s that Dark Magi are not to be trusted, let alone allowing their kind to work their vile magics.'' I thought, loud memories of the aforementioned red horned stallion echoing in my mind. He was one of the most noble ponies I’ve had the pleasure of meeting until dark magic twisted him into the monster he’s remembered as.

Soon I was once again lost in my thoughts, the hope that I knew what I was doing and if I could handle the consequences. In the end, it wouldn't matter if I acted at all. Avalon was still be in danger. Time wasn’t on our side. The very survival, not only of Luna, but of Equestria herself is at stake.

Discord, my love, I need you now more than ever. I long to feel your loving touch, your kiss that sunders my very soul, the feeling of our bodies pressing against the other in a lover's embrace. I gasp when I feel the very lion's paw and talon I'd longed for on my neck, gently running along my snowy white fur.

''Celestia, '' a sweet voice whispered in my ear I shuddered feeling the warm breath on my neck, ''Did you miss me?... Because I missed you.''

Leaning my head back, I felt my love's chest fur, losing myself at his touch. ''Yes.'' I sighed looking up at the draconequus, his eyes meeting mine. If I could send the rest of time merely gazing into the red orbs, I would without a second thought ''I missed you so much, my love.''

Discord gave me an far away look lost in his own thoughts ''Do you remember,'' he paused whispering softly, ''Do you remember how we met, my dear?''

Giving him a soft smile, ''Yes, Discord,'' I replied. '' I remember, we were only but godlings when we first saw another, you hanging from a tree limb by your tail''

''And you were nose deep in an old dusty book under my napping tree.'' he said, giving me his own soft smile, ''You were so mad when I made it rain, ruining your new mane style.”

''I remember you screaming like a little filly when I turned you pink.'' I giggled.

''Do you ever miss those days, Celestia?'' he asked, ''When we without a care, no duties that we have to uphold, no responsibilities to anyone but ourselves. When we were free to love each other with not a pony working to keep us apart.''

I gently nuzzled my true love, ''Sometimes,'' I said looking into his eyes again, ''Yet you and I both knew that those days couldn't last forever; we had to grow up at some point.''

The chaos god solemnly sighed ''I know my sweet, but I can't but help wish that things went differently. If the world was right then, we would of been married by now. We would be the King and Queen of Equestria, we would’ve had foals of our own, but fate had other plans.'' He chuckles lightly, ''It's funny, not even gods are outside of fate.''

''Discord,” I said softly ''My heart also wishes that things were different, but we must look to what we have rather than what we don't.''
''Perhaps tis’ time we change that, Celestia, ''Discord said with a serious look on his face.

''What are you saying Discord?'' I asked hope blooming in my heart. I felt his arms wrapping around me, holding me even closer. I could the beat of his heart, I held no doubts that he could hear my own heart’s rapid gallop. ''Celestia Solis, would you do me Discord Vunis, son of Chaotic, the honor of becoming my bri-”

''Auntie,'' called an another familiar voice interrupting Discord mid-sentence, ''Where are you? The council is ready to start.''

Before I could say anything about bad timing, the chaos god gives an angry hiss at the newcomer, ''It took me weeks to work up the nerve to ask Celestia to marry me. Now you not only interrupt me in middle of the proposal, but ruined the moment.'' Discord snarls.

''Discord?'' Said Blueblood questioningly, appearing in the doorway to the balcony. ''When di..........no, it actually good that you’re here you’re also needed at the council as well''

''The council can- “Discord begins to retort, but my raised hoof stops him.

''Blueblood we will meet you at the council meeting.'' I said giving the unicorn a warm smile

''Of course Auntie, hmmm- it seems the council is running late.'' Blueblood winked before teleporting away to the council chambers.

Before Discord knew it, I was giving the draconequus a deep kiss stealing his very breath. I soon broke the kiss, to much our displeasure, and huskily whispered into his cute ears, , ''Yes, Discord, yes I'll marry you.'' as happy tears ran down my muzzle.

Discord nuzzled me happily, tears in his own eyes, ''I had been wanting to ask you that for over a thousand years, now that dream is reality.''
I kissed him again, ''I’ve dreamed of this day for so long as well, my love.''

Discord cups my cheek with his lion's paw gently wiping away my tears, ''We must inform Luna, she'll be thrilled to learn of our marriage after all. I want her to hold our ceremony.''

An solemn look fell upon my face, my ears laying back against my head, regret weighing heavily on my heart.

''What’s the matter my dear?'' He asks, noticing my change of attitude, concern lacing his words.

''I-I........I.'' I sigh, unable to tell him what had happened while he was gone.

''She’s gone isn't she...... along with Alkeyore. '' He said bluntly causing me to let out a sharp gasp.

How did he known about them being gone...............Mother must of known that this was to happened my mind whispered to me. I choked back a sob, dreading to speak the mere words. I Celestia, the lady of the new dawn, was afraid of words. As if not saying them
meant that they didn’t happen. So, I did the only thing that I could do, I wept in the arms of the love of my life as way of answering.......the only answer that I could give. I heard only three words from Discord, three little, terrible, words that stopped my heart with an icy gasp.

''Thus, it begins.''

The Council Room
Blueblood's POV

I truly hate teleporting. It not only leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but also leaves me temporarily blind.Thankfully, my dear mother, may grandmother rest her soul, saw it fit to teach me how to use my ears as eyes, the technique had served me well over my years acting as auntie's spy. By the time my sight returned to me I already knew everypony at the council..........and their weak points.

The room itself was simple, so simple it's unheard of in the capital, and that's the way the council likes it. Nopony, outside the royals and certain officials, knew of the room's existence. The only thing truly noticeably about the room, was the symbolic round table, eight chairs surrounded it ,but only half of them were filled the rest lacking occupants. The first of the chairs held Spike, who sat next to Twilight, and both were here at Celestia's request. Why she’d ask for them I could only guess. Next was Captain Spitfire, the leader of the Equestria's Air Force, and, next to her, her unicorn counterpart and twin brother General Iron Dusk, commander of Equestrian Armed Forces. It was no secret that Spitfire and Iron were arch rivals despite them sharing the same father: the legendary Red Horn Guilty Hopes. Guilty was the commander of Equestria's Navy and the most wanted pirate in all of Concordia, last I heard. He was currently in Minos helping an Minotaurian prince to 'modernize,' for the lack of a better term, the kingdom.

The yellow and orange pegasus, and the iron-colored unicorn were giving each other the stink eye, their hooves taping along the wooden table impatiently. Spike and Twilight were whispering shushed notions of love into each other ears, which I could pick up on with my heightened hearing. I couldn't help but to smile at the couple, and their foolish notion of courting in secret. I knew about them long before they knew it themselves, after all nothing happens in Canterlot that I don't know about. Of course, minus my sister's meetings with one, teenage, Shining Armor there are just some things brothers don’t need to hear… or see.

I clear my throat alerting the others to my presence, ''Showtime,'' I thought with mirth. I donned my facade of the most whiny snob imaginable. '' Good evening, my lovely peasants.Your great prince has decided to grace you with his presence.''

Everypony, and one dragon, wince at the sound of my snobby voice as I held in my chuckles. The looks on their faces were priceless the grim looks filled with disdain and other little things that make this disguise worth it. Unfortunately the Nobles seem love it all too much, specifically Fancy pants. Oh how I hate that dirty little Coltish pony, he’s slipped through my hooves too many times, but soon I'll get him with this new evidence. I’ll get him, and I'll get him where it hurts, if he goes down so does the sex and slave trades. Fancy works with his partner Fleur-de-lis, who keeps the guards 'busy,' while Fancy's ponies move cargoes of illegal drugs; Changeling slaves; hookers; weapons; stolen artifacts the list just goes on and on. I also have evidence that the unicorn duo have an hoof in spreading pro-ponyism in the royal guard, and in an number of settlements.

Once I finally take him and his gang down, I can finally retire from this line of work, and perhaps I can settle down with Sweet Nights. My heart swells with the thought of the silver-furred batpony in a wedding gown, but right now Celestia needs me.

''Blueblood,'' said an cringing Spike before giving me an hidden wink, ''What are you doing here? I thought Celestia sent you to your room.”

Twilight gives me a disapproving look, ''Blueblood I don't know what game you are playing, but you need to get out of here before Celestia finds you......Wait a second, how did you even find this place? This room is supposed to be an secret.''

With Spike playing along, I acted like I was ignoring the couple as my 'fangs' sank into something bigger namely an murderous looking Spitfire and Iron Dusk. ''Ah, why it's my favorite sibling rivalry. I must thank auntie for booking my entertainment for the night.''

''Blueblood.'' said the twins with disdain dripping from the name, the two ponies glance at the other, ''Well brother of mine it seems that Celestia has gave us a chance to settle this age-old rivalry.''

''I concur sister of mine, it seems the Alicorns are good to us indeed as it seems to me they wish to be relieved of this poor excuse of a royal.'' said Iron giving me the evil eye.

''I beg your pardon, '' I said with false surprise and nervousness, ''What this chance you speak of?''

''Why, a chance to prove to father which of us is superior.'' said Iron with a creepy voice, smirking, ''I'll go right if you'll go left.'' He says to his sister.

With an swoon I exclaim, ''Oh woe is me, what shall I do; two peasants threatening me, a prince, what ever should I do?''

The three of us, along with Spike, burst out laughing while Twilight blinks owlishly. Soon, I magick away my tears of mirth. '' Hen, ha, well, I believe it's time we get business, hmm?''

''Of course, High Councilor,'' smirked the twins playfully, ''but we still would like to kick your flank after this. After all, we do have an score to settle.''

''Ah yes, must I remind you that score stands at 200 wins and 0 loses.....don't tell me that you two are looking to lose again.'' I smirk back before turning the the couple. Spike held a knowing look while Twilight looked to me then to Spike then back to me again. ''I see that some explanation is needed correct?''

''Wha...What just happened?'' asked Twilight in disbelief, her hooves flailing about, ''One minute Blueblood was his snobby self then he was friendly....... ''

''Blue,'' said Spike, ''Will you be quick about it, you’re breaking Twilight.''

''I see......that should be remedied,'' I said dropping my smirk, clearing my throat once again. ''Sir Spike and Princess Twilight, I welcome you to...........” I threw out my hooves and gestured about the room”......The Council of Secrets anything said in this room never leaves this room. I am the high councilor of this council and not only I am Celestia's chief adviser but her spymaster as well you are both here with at her request so be on your best behavior.......all your questions shall be answered in time.''

The Council of Secrets
Some time later, or rather 341 questions from Twilight later
Blue's POV

''..............that's how auntie find out about Morning Wood's secret stash of homemade triple chocolate banana cakes, '' I said as I sip of a glass of sunflower wine, the bitter flavor of the drink helping me keep myself from going insane. I just had to open my big mouth I should’ve known better than this, telling Twilight that all of her questions would be answered. Now I know why Celestia dreads Twilight's questionnaires, the mare just doesn't know when to stop. ''The poor stallion was never the same after that.''

Twilight nods approvingly, ''I had always wondered how Celestia managed to get her hooves on 500 rare cakes, and get them into her chambers when I was just an filly. Spike, do we have time to go over question 342.........Spike?''

Spike right eye was twitching, along with the twins. I knew why Spike was twitching while putting up with Twilight’s aim to kill us; he didn't want to be banished to the one place all males never wish to go.......the couch. Yet I can only guess why the twins were putting up with her.
Maybe it’s because she is a royal and they didn't want to anger an Alicorn. I roll my eyes at the notion yes they maybe gods but they are just like us mortals only with more faults and consequently increasing regrets in Celestia's and Luna's case....... the others not so much. outside of my father, aunts and sister I had never met the others I often find myself wondering what they were like but from what Celestia told me they are worse then my slaving father all of them expect grandma Faust and Venhayia, now I think about it where are they? I don't recall ever being told where their at yet I know where the rest of the Pantheon are Sleipnir dwells in the Edar for an 1000 years he hadn't set hoof in Avalon all but abandoning the continent to the rule of the other Alicorns why I asked myself one would think he would be ruling his kingdom yet he remains in the afterlife. Pongaea is walled up in his fortress of Terra's teeth an ancient Draconian outpost that was repurposed after the dragons felled silent to their fellow natives cries for help to this day the dragons refuse to lift an talon to help the other nations and the only means to reach them the wild dragon nomads also refuse to speak to the other races. I can only truly recall only four times had Celestia left equestrian territory to visit our neighbors each of the nations she had visited were an pony nation yet that was understandably the only non-pony nation we shave an border with is Awan the diamond dogs really don't have much of foreign relations outside of trade deals then my mind turned to my father Geinzah.

''Father.............. what had happen to you, they once called you 'The Lighting Blade' the very spirit of justice now look at you....... look at what you become see how far you had fallen.'' I whisper into my mind setting my wine down

''Twilight please cease with your questions. I said that we could answer your questions, but I didn’t say I could answer them all at one time!''

Twilight blushed in embarrassment, ''heh-I was doing it again, wasn't I...''

''Yup,'' said Spike, shifting his seat attempting to find some comfort in the old chair, ''you were. '' Both me and Spike frown when we see Twilight's downcast look. It no was secret that Twilight had been working with both Celestia and Luna on her need to play 1000 questions when she wanted to learn about something. Yet there were times when I had found her faults quite cute.

''Hey cheer up Twily,'' Said my cousin ,attempting to mimic Celestia's motherly tone, ''You did cut the number of questions by more than half, if that’s not a sign that you are getting better, then I'll eat my own tail.''

''Thanks Spikey,'' smiled Twilight before giggling, ''but you do know that you tail isn't long enough.''

As my face turn green at the notion of eating a tail, the telltale sound of an teleport sounded off along with a flash of light. Both Celestia and Discord appeared in their chairs, but there something off about them. Celestia, despite her mask, I could clearly see she was emotionally drained; what was truly disturbing was Discord's face. It was as if the lovable joker we knew took a hike, leaving an most serious look, everypony knows that a serious draconequus meant impending doom.

‘What happened between them after I left?’

Their faces were so full of love when I 'overheard' Discord's plans to marry.......... ...could he had broken Celestia's heart?......I felt a burning all consuming anger towards the chaos god, if he broke auntie's heart then there will be no place in all of Avalon for him to hide. I'll rip his arms off and shove them so far up his-

''Blue! '' I flinched at the sound of Celestia's mental voice her tone was uncharacteristically harsh, ''Do not speak about your future uncle like that young colt!''

''Auntie,'' I said mentally, ''He didn't hurt you did he? if he did I' m gonna-”

''Calm down Blueblood,'' her mental voice was back to her normal motherly self, '' Discord has done nothing to hurt me. he made me the happiest mare after waiting for two-thousand and thirteen years we finally going to be married.”
''Then why the both you look so terrible!'' I shot back my rage burning deep down I knew where the rage was coming from, my sleeping godhood it was fueling me..... feeding my emotions .....it felt good, ''you don't look like yourself!''

“HISSS Do not use that kind of tone to my mate godling,'' snapped Discord, his unnatural seriousness added to his flinty tone, ''Do not test us colt...... We have better things to worry about then some raging godling challenging their elders.''

A growl, one only those of godhood could hear escaped my throat. Luckily, Twilight remained unaware of it, how? I wouldn't put it past auntie to seal certain aspects of godhood away from the young Alicorn; as a way to protect her, similar to what she did with Cadance years ago.

Discord returns with a deeper growl echoing both his experience and age. If we came to blows, I wouldn't last long. Discord is elder, a high level god, me... I'm just an unawakened godling not mortal yet not god, it would be similar to a flea fighting an full grown dragon.

''ENOUGH the both of you.'' Celestia yelled though our mental link, ''we are gods not a bunch of bickering mortals how are we expect to lead them if we fall apart this quickly. there are far more important things we need to discuss ''
''Agreed,'' hissed Discord though the mental link, seriousness never leaving his face, ''Blue, ‘tis time for the council to convene.''

''Yes we should the council is late as is,'' I said as my fit of godly rage began to fade, ''Auntie you want to start the council or should I?''

''It would be best for me to speak dear nephew.” said Celestia before leaving the mental links to usher the council. ''Greetings everypony, and dragon, though I wish we held this council meet under different circumstances,” she pauses in thought, ”I had to gather each of you here for the reason of deciding the very future of Avalon herself. The road ahead is both rocky and long ‘tis here in this council is where we decide...............'' she trails off of the words leaving them hanging in the air. Following her eyes, I could see that she was staring directly at Twilight and Spike, the couple both held looks of realization.

I smile at how quickly they came to the conclusion of what purpose this meeting has. Unlike the twins, who looked more bored with the inner workings of diplomacy and policy than aware of the threat Equestria is facing. It's understandable why the two groups held different reactions, the twins are soldiers train to fight what in front of them, while Spike and Twilight had seen the threat with their own eyes, the human Alkeyore Blood-Raven. His mere existence can and will give rise to new power struggles between the countless factions of the Avalonian races, war will be in the air once he is revealed to the land. The Natives will attempt to retake lost territories with a vengeance, Ponydom would be fractured into three separate groups: the faithful zealous ponies warring against the human and for the total conquest of the Natives, the ponies of the Humanic faiths will flock to the human to worship and do his bidding, and then there's the ponies like us ponies that simply wish to live in peace far away from the horrors of war.........Everything is falling apart and it is all because one creature who had done nothing but exist. Heh it's funny in a way, an entire land falls into chaos and despair all because one single person simply existing..... Auntie I hope you know what you’re risking by doing this, my only hope is that you took my advice on the matter. My mind plays back those very words I had uttered only a few hours ago.

Flashback

I stood silently before Celestia. The ancient Alicornian mare sat on her golden throne with her head buried in her hooves an indiscreet light sniffle breaks the silence of the throne room now and then. Sighing solemnly I gently place my hoof on the elder goddess, she recoils at the touch but does nothing to remove it.

''Auntie,'' I say with a soft voice my hoof lightly brushes her alabaster coat '', look at me.''

The mare keeps her hooves cradling her head. I wasn't sure if she heard me, so I tried again, ''Tia I implore you to look at me.'' This time I knew she had heard me, for her eyes, red from sorrow and regret, met my bright blue.

''Tia,''she say as if was an question, ''Tia.......Luna gave me that name........a little nickname, one I don't deserve....what kind of sister am I?... All I ever do is hurt her.''

''Auntie listen to your little Blue,'' I said my hoof stops it's brushing, ''I will not pretend to know why Luna left with Lord Blood-Raven nor why they were found lying against each other. I will not speak of it again, if you wish it so, but it is not your fault......you were trying to protect your little sister. This is something that we older siblings do protect the younger ones.......Grandma knows that I would break Shiny's legs, wings and horn with my bare hooves if he ever hurt Cady.''

''Blue...... this is different. I am the one who hurt Luna, not some stallion. It was ME who banished her the moon; it was me who refused to listen to reason and destroyed her happiness of Alkeyore’s sweet words by telling her he was only out to get under her tail; it was me who allowed an Human Dark Magi into the bucking castle.'' Smoke started flowing from the mare, the smell of burning seat cushion gathered in my nose. ''So tell me Blueblood how have I not hurt my poor sister, the sister that I promised I would stay by her side, that I would never leave her alone?''

''You can make it up to her by setting things right.'' I shot back stomping my hoof and cracking the marble floor. ''Celestia you need to find a way to separate her from Alkeyore's side. Once we have Luna safe we can deal with the human. Surely we could make an non-aggression pact with him, opening a means to befriend not only the human but the natives as well. That would secure the peace Equestria has enjoyed over a thousand years, once we do that we could repair your relationship with Luna..........do what any sister would do with their sister.

End Flashback

''Celestia, does.....does this have something to with Lord Alkeyore?'' asked Twilight hesitantly.

I don't blame her for the hesitation. Anypony would hesitate when dealing with an being powerful as the human. He had successfully made us all look like foals with how easily he disarmed Celestia, Twilight and Shining Armor with those chains of his. We were all powerless to stop him. Only grandma knows what he could have done to us if he wanted to........ I believe he was being merciful to us when he decide to escape instead. Equestria can not afford to make him an enemy, that much is certain.

Celestia closes her eyes for a moment her breath coming deeply. Discord, noticing Celestia's reluctance, wraps her hoof in his paw and gives it a slight squeeze, reminding the Alicorn that he is there for her. ''Yes,'' she says breathlessly, ''it does in more ways than one, I'm afrai., Twilight.......as we know, Discord was away when both Alkeyore and Luna left us. The reason as to why he wasn't there is... He managed to contact my mother, Faust.''

Many gasp of surprise filled the room. I too was surprised.... Somehow, Discord had not only found the lost fate goddess’ but had also spoken with the Alicornian Queen of old. But why did he do that just now? Shouldn’t the have had the power to find the seer all along? I began to wonder what he was doing with Grandma.

''In his wisdom, Discord saw it fit to seek guidance of what to do with Lord Alkeyore and he returned to us with the knowledge he sought.'' said Celestia, her eyes staring at the aforementioned god. ''Discord, please tell the council what you told me.''

With his paw leaving Celestia's hoof. The draconequus moved to speak. Clearing his throat loudly. ''Yes, what Celestia had is true. I did indeed with return with the word of Faust. Though what she told me was not what I sought her out for...........Instead she graced me with a prophecy of things to come.'' He trails off. He studies each of our faces, no doubt debating whether to tell us what this prophecy is or not, ''These next words are exactly how Faust as she spoke.''

A raven painted in red
Sorrow be great for Avalon when he flies
A lonesome moon with longing
Hand in hand do they flee
A lost son returns to set things right
Nightmares dancing in glee when their prey is near
A spawn of two beings prays on the darkest of nights
A wrong that was done long ago is finally undone
A forgotten queen comes to her halls
Heroes rise, but fall in the sands
Their foes shall be many; but friends few
War shall fall unto Avalon once again

A serpent dances in fire's light
Howls below the moonlight
Horns became sharp
A talon submerged in blood
Predators which will seek you fall to your fears.
The Pony stands alone on the withered heath
Drums..
Drums do they sound

A small party is led by a raven who dare to dance in the darkness of souls
The raven shall come to remake the halls of his sires
The sword is sharp, the spear is long
The arrow swift, the Gate is strong
The raven's people shall suffer no more

Silence echoes throughout the chamber. Discord's, no, Faust's revelation hangs heavily in the air as if they were bearing down on us. In truth, that what exactly what they were doing. The words unrelentingly sieged in my mind as realization hits me......

A raven painted in red
Sorrow be great for Avalon when he flies
A lonesome moon with longing
Hand in hand do they flee

The prophecy was already coming true, it’s has begun….

Author's Notes:

Edited by The Dark Bro