Deep in the Grand Draconic Empire's Long-Fang mountains

Venhayia's pov

Ice cracks as my eyes open revealing the ancient icy chambers I have spent the last two thousand and seven years haunting, my cyan eyes glared darkly at the empty sealed room for too long I had wasted away in this place, for too long have I let Sleipnir play his games with the others. I can only imagine what damage the Pantheon had suffered under his hooves especially my little Woona he had always hated her. To him, she embodies not only the fact Faust no longer desires him and in his words our rebellion against him and all he stands for. Hen tis funny that he would find our true love an rebellion.........suddenly my ears picked up an sound.......an sound coming from the outside? Tenderly I placed an partially frozen hoof on the massive dent releasing an spark of divinity imbuing the seal doors with my power.....I could sense the howling winds of blizzards falling upon the doors is seem like........they were besieging the very doors.

Smiling at this development, I knew that the besieging cold was an sign.....an sign of Sleipnir's magic weakening, slowly I began to draw power from the blizzard outside, the icy cold reveries my staved body the power of winter restoring both me and my magic. Once fully restored by the magic of winter I quickly reformed my ice-steel armor and focused my powers along my hooves reforging my personal mage-blade ''Frost-bringer''. The ancient staff-like sword weighted heavily in my hooves ''hmm it will take time to get use to Frost-bringer once again'' but never the less I raised the mighty weapon in my magic and swing the tempered Alicornian steel into the magical sealed doors. The chilly air is soon filled with a great hiss as Alicornian king magic meet with the winter's fury the two forces pushing against the other in a battle for dominates again I swing the blade into the magic my blows growing into a fury of blows that would make even Geinzah's storms blush in shame at the might I wielded. The sound of crackling magic was music to my ancient ears tough my blade I could feel the magic keeping the doors shut lessen in strength it was yielding to me, this led to even more power being pumped into my blade with each strike soon bits of stone was freely flying along with my cuts. With one last strike the magic's hold on the doors fades away into nothingness the force of my swing sends the well beaten doors flying with mighty clash as they're ripped from their earthly bindings the howling wind of the blizzards the very same blizzards that gave me back my strength and holy might thorn into the empty chamber the harsh wind dance into remaining feathers the coldest of the air felt nice my eyes rolled back in pleasure as my lungs greedily breath in the fresh crisp mountain air.

For the first time over last two millennium , I took my first steps as the majestic high mountains and myself were bathe in the silvery light of my daughter's moon instantly I knew where I was the mountains of The Grand Draconic Empire but how? Then I wonder why the dragon nation played no part in the war surly Sleipnir held no sway over Skyrim the king of all dragons..........could he? if that's the case then Sleipnir had made powerful allies in my absence and in a way it explains why the dragons abandon Aronnos and the other human gods in their time of need......Faust, Grimm and Merlin's children, the Changelings must know this but first...............

''Hold on little one Daddy's coming'' I cried into the harsh winds as I began the trek down the high mountains.

At the Everfree Castle

Luna pov

I feel a warmness in my heart as I felt Nightmare moon snuggle against my chest fur, my own hateful words cruelly danced in my mind reminding me of what I done to the filly why is that thing. is still alive, the elements should've destroyed it!! Why you tried to keep it away from me, you should've destroy it Alkeyore............ but that is all it is Alkeyore an name! Nightmare moon isn't real she's just an product of my jealousy for my sister and the longing for my subjects love...... that thing your are protecting is nothing but an abomination!!!

Abomination........the word now leaves a foul taste in my mouth, I had used that very word for years, every time the subject of Nightmare moon had came up. Sadness stabs at my heart, what have I done.... I called her an abomination my own daughter, an sense of pure horror grabs me in it's cold hooves what could've happen if Alkeyore wasn't there? Dark images of an bloodily dead filly played in my mind I realized why Alkeyore had done what he did...........he was trying to protect us both, he knew what could've happen once we met, true understanding beats away the dark thoughts away Alkeyore's wisdom echoes deep in my being despite our short time together he had shown many times that there more to him then he lets on. Again I find myself wanting to know about the dark human magi from his words last time I attempt to learn about him clearly told me that he doesn't like talking about his past. Why, what about his past made him so silent on the subject, what horrors had he endure that made his cold eyes speak of such sorrow, pain and anger.

Suddenly a thought enter my mind ''What are we going to do next?'' I haven't truly given any thought to what to do next......too much is happening too fast Alkeyore, the Kirin and Nightmare moon......... I held my daughter tightly as I began the rocking anew They can't stay in Equestria ,my heart tells me tears start to form in my eyes once again it seems that is the only thing I had done for days ''you know this, all three of them will never be welcome among the ponies Alkeyore however kind he is still a human he'll will never know peace as long he lives; the Kirin is an broken taboo she will be banished to live out in the forest for the rest of her days far from the ponies; You'll will have to give up Nightmare moon to Alkeyore for no pony nor Alicorn would allow you to keep her the only way for you to stay with both Alkeyore and Nightmare moon is to leaves the land of your birth.

My heart stops at the thoughts no matter how much I wish that it wasn't true, I couldn't the words only spoken what was true if I am to be Nightmare's mother and be at Alkeyore's side I must leave Equestria but where would we go? North is out of the question, we can't stay in the forest we're too close to my sister, South is just as dangerous as the North for me and Nightmare, West is the land of the diamond dogs we can't go there the dogs are under threat by the Gryphons......we have no place to go..... the gravity of our situation falls upon me like the ocean tide. How am I supposed to rise Nightmare I don't know how to be a mother even with Alkeyore help we have nowhere to go-

''Luna'' said the dark wizard interrupting my reverie I just notice how close he was to me his hand running through Nightmare's ghostly mane'' What's wrong''

''Alkeyore what are we going to do'' I said slightly sniffling ''n-not only I have a s -daughter that I don't know how to care for but we have no place to go, nowhere is safe for all of us ''

''Why you say that Luna?'' said Alkeyore questioningly ''yes I know that Celestia wouldn't welcome me or Nightmare back in the castle but surely there someplace we come go?''

I sighed solemnly I really couldn't blame him, he only knows very little about Avalon ''Alkeyore there is no place that we can go, north and south are too dangerous-

Alkeyore places his hand over my muzzle stopping me in mid- sentence, '' I'll take care of it.'' he says before removing his hand from my mouth I felt the hand gentle running along my face and neck I found myself leaning into Alkeyore's caressing hands with each gentle stroke my eyes grew heavier and heavier till I couldn't keep them open. what's happening why I feel so tired? The next I know Alkeyore was singing to me, music.....sweet music of harps were playing alongside his deep voice.

Lay down

Your sweet and weary head

Night is falling

You’ve come to this journey's end

Sleep now

And dream of the ones who came before

Watch them as they dance in an magic ring

Under the silvery light of the moon

Hope never fades

As long you can dream

Walk along the ones who came before

In the gentle light of dimming stars

High on a mountain throne of sapphires

Sits an king cloaked in black plumes

Hear him sing his song of yore

With those who came before

Under the Silvery light of the moon

The last thing I see is Alkeyore's gentle face before sleep claimed me...........

Alkeyore pov

Once Luna was asleep I canceled the spell causing the harp music to fade away into nothingness, gently I moved her into a comfortable sleeping procession using my robe as an blanket for the mother and daughter pair the chilly air of the castle felt good as it caress my brutally scarred nude body they have more need for the ruin but warm robe then I. By using my magic I also set the Kirin mare alongside the sleeping pair for warmth while checking her wounds to see how well they were healing when I found that her wounds were nothing but scars I let out a soft sigh she will be fine but it will take time for her to get use to her markings. With an wave of my hand dark magic started to course through my veins warming my body till the cold was nothing but an memory, looking through the shattered window I could see the light of Canterlot in the distance my emotions ran ramped that sight of the happily lit mountain city it was like the ponies were celebrating that Luna was gone............'' I'll take care it Luna'' I said to myself in my harsh cold tone feeling the pale blue flames licking the corners of my eyes '' I'll take care it'' summoning forth my water magic and picking up an piece of window glass I began casting an scrying spell

Sight beyond sight

Show me the one I seek

The one called Celestia

Sight beyond sight

Show me Celestia

The broken glass started to glow with magic as it open a window showing me the target of the spell, it showed Celestia in windowless chamber with Twilight, Spike, Discord and several others I didn't know but I get catch what Discord was saying:

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 fell 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

''An prophesy?'' I whisper my mind warping around the words but for whom I wonder.....no matter I was using this spell for reason bringing the glass up to my lips I whisper into it ''Celestia..... I.... must... speak.... with... you''

In the council chambers

Celestia pov

At Discord's reveal the room was filled with pure silence....... I have only myself to blame for this if only I could see reason then this wouldn't had come to pass it is my fault that Avalon is doomed as I was about the break the echoing silence-

Celestia.......I ......must .....speak.....with ......you an voice vibrates in the air for all to hear I narrow my eyes at the voice while the others gasp in recognition

''Lord Alkeyore'' I said in an hard tone out in the corner of my eye Discord was was working his magic, scanning the room no doubt trying to locate the human godling and that both Spitfire and her brother were asleep if I didn't have Alkeyore to worry about I would deal with them about incontinence but first........''Where are you, what have you done with Luna''

''Ah, I see that you're skipping the pleasantry bullshit this time Celestia that is good.......oh and Discord stop scanning for me I'm not even in Canterlot '' said the voice of Alkeyore I don't know how he was speaking to us Spike said he was in the Everfree.

''What! then how are speaking us Lord Alkeyore?'' asked Twilight curiously, leave it the Twilight to ask a question though I couldn't but wonder how myself. Spike were silently keeping an eye out for those accursed chains his sharp claws ready to swipe.

''Tis an scrying spell my dear Twilight you can't see me but I can see you no matter the distance as long I know your face and name the only downsides to it is it drains too much magic while can be easily counter by an basic ani-scrying spell, I can see by your ignorance of such an basic art of magic you don't have such spells in Avalon and judging by the room you all currently reside in is obviously an secret chamber, ' said the voice of the human with an strange tone I couldn't place.

''What you have done with my sister'' I repeated my voice softening ''Please Alkeyore don't hurt h--

'' Watch your tongue HORSE I would never harm my friends unlike YOU

I felt a stab to my heart at the human words......he sound anger.... very anger at my suggestion that he had harmed Luna while Discord let out a roar at the at voice '' No watch your tongue you do not speak her like that''

''Stay out of this Chimera I'll speak how ever I please......Luna has told me much about how Celestia had hurt her many times''

I flinch at Alkeyore's words each one were like a dagger to my heart I felt Discord warping my hoof in his paw trying to comfort me as he continue to growl at the disembodied voice. How much had Luna told him? if I have to go by who cold his voice......he knew of it all too much. But deep within his words I found something unexpected he was familiar with the same pain as was Luna........just who is Alkeyore Blood-raven?

''Lord Alkeyore can I have a word with you?'' asked Blueblood feeling confident

''Who are you to ask me for an word young one'' said the voice sounding rather surprise at Blue's confidences

The godling unicorn gave the voice a respectful bow ''I am Prince Blueblood great one''

''Well met Prince Blueblood I am Alkeyore Blood-raven of the Gaeaish kingdom of Rohnir, Alkeyore the Shadow Devil, Hexing beast, the Lord of the realm hidden in shadow, the last of Lords of Magic''

''Well met Lord Alkeyore but I must ask you why......'' said Blueblood leaving off his words masterly just like I taught me

''Why.....why what Blueblood?'' said the voice questioningly

''Why you contacted us surely you have an reason for this'' said Blueblood

''Ah...yes why indeed.....what is my reason for contacting you in truth my reasons are many; some my own; some are for the sake of a another; yet some are only meant for a certain one of you to know''

''Then let us reason'' said Spike his claws slightly lowering but still prose to swipe ''let us reason like we did once before''

''I want to play a game'' said Alkeyore sounding similar to Discord for the strangest reason what is his angle?

''An game'' said Discord unconvinced at Alkeyore's oddly simple notion ''What kind of game?''

''Tis a very simple really give me five questions, I will answer them truthfully yet one is an lie, guess which is the lie and then will I give you my reason......what say you?''

''Five questions'' I said suspiciously not fully trusting the dark magi ''three are true yet one is a lie.... how do you expect us to take you at your word Alkeyore ''

''Five questions and one lie fear not Celestia I am an wizard of my word and as I said tis a simple game no more, no less

''And what happens if we lose your game'' said Twilight wisely

''Nothing'' he simply states

''Excuse me'' said Twilight cocking her head to the side questioningly

if you lose I do nothing and you'll get nothing

''Alright Alkeyore we'll play your game but who get to ask'' I said with the hope I could use this game to my advance

''One question from you first Celestia then Discord and after him Blueblood followed by Spike lastly Twilight.......sounds fair Celestia

'''Yes Alkeyore it's fair'' I said smugly ''I already have an question for you.......what have you done with Luna?

''I have done many things to Luna, first I became her friend then saved her life from an Gryphon attempt to kill her after that I stopped her from making her biggest regret not once have I harmed her for she is my friend''

''What Gryphon attack, making her biggest regret! What did you do Alkeyore?'' I asked in panic what are Gryphons doing in the Everfree they should be nowhere near Equestrian lands.

''Tisk tisk Celestia tisk tisk you have already asked your one question and that were two questions the rule states one not two therefore I can not answer them for you had you turn''

Ponyfeathers I mentally cursed of course he'll pull something like this he already knew that I would panic once I heard about the Gryphons but what is this regret he stop Luna from making..... what is it. After taking in Alkeyore words Discord and Blueblood both open the telepathy channels giving me the message of they would take care to my questions......such sweet gods.....me and Sweet nights are lucky mares to have such good mates .

''Alkeyore what pray tell was this regret you stop Luna from making'' Discord asked for me what did I do to deserve an god like him

Alkeyore's voice darkens like an moonless night ''She almost became Sleipnir ''

Like the others I gasp with eyes widening no......no Luna almost became Father! no s-s-he hates him why would she act like him,... what had happen that forest to have her to change.......is it Alkeyore's doing?

''why were there Gryphons in the Everfree'' asked Blue thankfully changing the subject

''I don't know why they were there but what I can tell you is that there were thirty of the birds each of them were armed and dress in light armor I believe they were a scout unit, I suggest that you keep on your guard for when there's one emery unit scouting your lands there always two more somewhere said Alkeyore untold experience echoing in his words again I found myself asking who was he.

''Alkeyore why are you telling us this'' asked my secretly son cutting his draconian emblem green eyes at the diction the voice emanated from..... That is an good question Spike why is he telling us these things. I thought.

''That is something you can answer yourself young drake, Why I bother telling you of the Gryphons is simply because I wanted too nothing more nothing less'' said Alkeyore's voice smugly as if taunting Spike''

''Who are the Lords of Magic'' asked Twilight, her question causes Alkeyore to loudly in take as if the question caught the human unguarded unlike all the other questions he answered quickly it this one question he doesn't answer right away

''An ideal Twilight '' Alkeyore says solemnly when he did finally gave an answer ''a forgotten and shattered ideal that was once was whole, a ideal that will be whole once again someday.............. you had your five questions the time is nigh for you to guess which is true and which is a lie you only get one chance to guess it right''

''Which is the truth and which is the lie'' I thought as my mind go over each answer four out the five he answered fairly quickly but the last one caught him by surprise so it can't be the last one as well the first and the third questions because only one is the lie if the first one is the lie then there more than one he lied about. That only leaves the second and the fourth being the lie Luna would never act like father and there must a actual reason why he told us of the Gryphons.....what he has to gain in telling us about them why he wanted this game? I could tell by my husband to be and Blue's face that they the same conclusion as me yet Spike and Twilight on the other hooves seemed to be attempting to decipher Alkeyore's word about the Lords of Magic what does he meant by an forgotten and shattered ideal........wait he's the last one, I get it now I get the reason behind one of his titles The last of the Lords of Magic. As far I could they were were some group that Alkeyore was a part of yet what purpose did they severed? What was the reason they existed? My only clue is their name obliviously they had something to do with magic but that could mean anything.

''I believe I know which one is the lie Alkeyore.'' I said after much debate with myself, in my heart I hope that I made the right choice.

''Oh do you now Celestia?'' said Alkeyore smugly ''you believe that you had seen though my twists and turns then speak the words that would reveal the false words''

''You lied about what Luna regrets'' I said smugly my hoof pointing in the direction of Alkeyore's voice accusingly ''There's no way in all of Avalon that my sister would act like Sleipnir''

The room echoes with Alkeyore's dark laughter the very sound of his laugh cause me and the others to tremble visibility. I felt......something crawling in my fur like thousands of hungry insects my breathing deeps as I shudder of their cold touch yet when I looked upon myself they wasn't there.

''I am sorry my dear Celestia but you are...........WRONG!!!!!!

''What?!'' I shouted taken back by both pure surprise and the feeling of failure ''impossible how I got it wrong I-I know my sister would never act like Sleipnir!''

''intentionally no Luna wouldn't act like Sleipnir yet unintentionally yes it could happen'' said the voice of Alkeyore with sound wisdom is his words ''Now with my little game out of the way tis time I do what I came to do in the first place.''

''But which one was the lie'' asked Twilight her hooves flailing about ''and what you came here to do?''

''Which is the lie which is the truth that my dear is something only you can decide for we all have our own truths and lies to tell.'' said Alkeyore the wise words filling my inner core ''Celestia I must speak with you alone.''

''Anything you have to say to Celestia can be spoke in front of the rest of us'' snapped Discord secretly wrapping his snake-like tail around my waist protectively

''No Discord what I have to say is for Celestia and only Celestia to hear only besides the rest of you would be too busy saving Canterlot from been destroyed by it's own weight'' said Alkeyore in a bored tone

My eyes like the others widen at Alkeyore's meaning........was that game Alkeyore insisted upon was just an ploy to keep us busy wasting time we could of used to save the city while he set up a means to derail our efforts to bring Luna back if it's wasn't my city in danger I would've applauded the human for his genius tactics, Blueblood was right Alkeyore isn't one to make an enemy.''

''Surely you jest Alkeyore.....y-you wouldn't put the lives of an entire city at risk '' Said Twilight dropping the Lord in understandable panic

''I suggest you hurry,'' said Alkeyore sounding like he was smiling ''before there's isn't an Canterlot to save.''

Every Pony, Draconequus and Dragon ran out of the chamber like their tails was on fire in the hopes of saving the city, all of them expect me. I stayed behind to learn why the human would go this far all to speak with me alone, why he wanted me alone in the first place all that had happen shows I couldn't trust Alkeyore but I have to try for both Luna and our subjects sakes.

''Alright Human'' I spat feeling the rage of an goddess sipping into my essence feeding both my body and magic '' you have me right where you wanted me so spit it out, tell me what vile plans you have for my sister!!!!''

''I sense that you are angry with me was it something I said?'' said Alkeyore cheekily

''Enough of your games Dark mage!'' I roared solar magic burning the chamber, melting the very stone itself ''return my beloved sister to me now and I won't have you turn to stone!''

''AH I would calm down if I was you we don't want to unstable the mountain any further now would we''

Girting my teeth while forcing my holy rage back into my most deepest core Alkeyore damn you! I mentally yelled as I spoke through gritted teeth , ''Yes Alkeyore we don't want that.''

''Oh good now let's get to the reason why I doing this......can you guess why I wish to speak to you?''

''To destroy, enslave and dominate anything that weaker than you'' I said my voice still echoing my angry and disgust ''Isn't that the way of the dark magi''

''Hmm it seems like that you had met the less desired participators of my art frankly I find it offensive that you would dare to compare me to the likes of them, I am something much far worse but it's time to let bygones be bygones I am here for Luna's and your daughter's sake not my own''

''Daughter? I don't have an daughter.'' I said unsure of what the human meant by the word.

''Do you know of Nightmare moon''

''What that Abomination has to do with this Alkeyore'' I said feeling the holy rage slow building up before realization came to me ''She's alive isn't she!''

''Yes she is, I didn't believe it at first myself yet thanks to the Element's doing she is flesh and blood baring the magical essences of both you and Luna making her undoubtedly your daughter'' said Alkeyore

''No impossible! '' I said in horror at the notice of Nightmare moon being my daughter ''I can't have a foal with my sister!''

''It matters not Celestia in the end she is of your blood and clan'' Alkeyore said sternly

''Why?'' I sorrowfully said ''why you tell me these thing wouldn't be wise to keep me in the dark about m-my.....the words gets stuck in my throat I truly did not wanted to even utter the very word daughter.

''Two reasons Celestia, the first is I offered to help Luna in rising the foal'' said Alkeyore his voice softens almost gentle ''the second despite all the pain you put Luna though it was only right for you to know''

''What you know about doing the right thing black wizard! you dark magi are all the same always seeking destruction and misery wherever you go! '' I yelled at him

''I KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT THEN YOU WILL EVER KNOWN CELESTIA!!!'' Alkeyore's anger in his cold voice roared like an great dragon causing me to coward in fear. His dark voice spoke of many things......some I knew yet many I didn't '' I HAD SAVE COUNTLESS LIVES FROM THE COLD GRASP OF DEATH! I PROTECTED MY HOMELAND ROHNIR COUNTLESS TIMES FROM COUNTLESS ENEMIES IN NUMEROUS WARS THAT IF IT WASN'T FOR ME THE ENTIRE KINGDOM WOULD BEEN DESTROYED AND HER PEOPLE ENSLAVED OR WORSE!!!! I STOOD WITH MY BROTHERS AT THE BATTLE FOR BLACK ROCK OUTNUMBERED 40 TO 1 AND STILL I LED THEM AND THE REFUGEES TO SAFETY AS THE GATE FELLED!!! IT WAS BY MY HAND BELHUMNAR THE SOULEATER FELLED FREEING THOUSANDS OF SOULS FROM HIS VILE PLANS!!! IT WAS I WHO UNITED THE DARK MAGI UNDER ONE BANNED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EONS AND FORGED A NATION FOR THEM A HOME WHERE THEY COULD BE SAFE FROM THE LIKES OF THE WHITE MAGI AND THE WITCH-HUNTERS!!! IT WAS I WHO DONE THESE THINGS AND MORE I! NOBODY ELSE! DO NOT SPEAK TO ME ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS WRONG CELESTIA FOR YOU DO NOT KNOW OF WHAT YOU SPEAK OF!!!''

The room echoes with Alkeyore passionate words which ringed harshly in my ears, I was left speechless as he was breathless even despite the ringing in my ears I still could hear him breathing heavily. His words burn their way into my mind he spoke of so much many of them dark in nature yet there was good in them as well sadness, I relies that I had misjudge the human from the very beginning, in some points in his words it sounded that we weren't all the different, we were in essence both protectors who did what we had to do for those in need. In that very moment I began to see the human in a new light in some ways I understood what in essence of what he was trying to do. This time it will be different I mentally told myself before attempting to speak to Alkeyore again.

''Alkeyore,'' I said in a calmer tone '' what I said was uncalled for can you forgive me?''

''No,'' he spat ''I can not for it not me you should ask forgiveness from that pleasure belongs to those you had wronged your sister and you daughter.''

''Then let me speak to them so I can apologize to them.'' I said wording my words carefully so I would cause an outburst from Alkeyore.

''Again I can not for they sleep but if you want to do right by them you would listen to me with your heart not the crown you wear but speak to me as if we were friends.'' said Alkeyore strangely

''That would be hard to do as long you hold Canterlot in danger'' I said remembering that Alkeyore had set the city under threat of collapsing it to the valley below.

''Do not worry about your city Celestia just listen to my words and it will be left unspoiled'' promised Alkeyore

''I’m listening '' I replied and weight fading away from my shoulders

''I need somewhere safe enough so I can help Luna with raising Nightmare some place far away enough where nobody who wish us harm could go, a place so remote no one would think to look for a human and two Alicorns. said Alkeyore

''Why you wish to help Luna rising my 'daughter' surely you have your reasons as to why'' I asked suspicious of the human why did he wanted to help Luna with our.....our daughter the very notion of having a foal with my sister left an foul taste in my mouth despite my natural wish to have a foal of my own with Discord, I just couldn't face the fact Nightmare moon is mine. But I wonder why both the elements created her and Alkeyore's wish to raise her there be some reason why he wants this, it's some attempt to control Luna by using Nightmare......no Luna hate for Nightmare moon is only outmatched by her hate for Sleipnir I wouldn't surprise if Luna had attempted to............my eyes widen at the quickly abandon thought.......Luna's regret.........what's Luna's regret, Alkeyore words from earlier echo in my mind leaving an cold horror in my being.

- I stopped her from making her biggest regret -

Luna's biggest regret......oh no did- did Alkeyore meant that he stopped her from harming Nightmare! I felt a spike of maternal instinct pierce my heart at the very thought of Luna hurting Nightmare what would happen if he wasn't there to stop it, would the holy rage Luna felt at the mere sight of the foal would led her to kill Nightmare, breaking her even further than the day I was forced to banish her to the moon.....''I need to see them I have to see them!'' my instincts screamed at me

''I have many reasons why I wish to help Luna and Nightmare moon, the basic desire to help my friend; maybe I saw a bit of kinship with them both; A want to protect the only friend and companion I have in this world Luna; yet there another reason outside the hands of friendship and kinship they simply have need of me'' said Alkeyore plainly ''take your pick Celestia each is good enough reason why alone''

''Please let me see them I-I-I need....need to see them'' said I my voice shaky no doubt looking and sounding like an panicking desperate mare

''I see you finally figured out Luna's regret but sadly I can not allow you to see them at least not right now'' said Alkeyore in sweet tone ''They are in no shape to see you they need time Celestia time to work things out.........I know it may seemed cruel to deny you of your right but tis for the best for now''

''Why,'' I cried at Alkeyore's voice ''why they need time Alkeyore what is happening to them''

''Luna said many cruel things to Nightmare and slapped the filly's hoof away cause her to hid behind me before I managed to force Luna to come to her senses by show much she acted like Sleipnir'' Alkeyore reveals ''they need time to repair their relationship as mother and daughter but the Everfree is no place for an hurt filly and inexperience mother thus we need a place far away from those who would seek to harm them despite what little I know of Avalon I can easily guess their enemies are many''

''There are only three places I know of that may fit what you ask'' I said with a frown ''The Everfree, here in Canterlot with me or the Badlands......if what you said about the gryphons were true then the forest is out of the question as well the Badlands that wasteland is fill with even greater dangers than the Everfree could ever hold tis a foul place that never sleeps the inhabitants of that place are even fouler the only wise choice of action is to return here......to me.''

''It seems Luna was right we do have no place to go.'' said Alkeyore as if speaking to no one but himself, '' The forest is no place for Luna and Nightmare just as Canterlot is no place for Nightmare and myself......we will have to take our chances in the Badlands Celestia''

''No not the badlands Alkeyore anywhere but the Badlands, the Changelings will catch you'' I yelled in a panic ''please Alkeyore come back to Canterlot don't take them to the foul place I beg of you!''

This time Alkeyore doesn't respond leaving the room silent as if I was alone. ''Alkeyore,'' I called the wizard yet still he didn't respond, I called him again still no answer with each passing moment of silence I grew more disparate and needy in my calling still he doesn't answers. when I was about call his name once more the doors burst open with the others Discord; Spike; Blue; Twilight and the twins all of them had disheveled looks with tired eyes. Just what had Alkeyore done with the city to cause them to look so terrible.

''Celly where is that blasted human'' Discord snapped with a vein popping out on his messy but handsome face but as soon he face my face the god visibly went from angry to worry '' Celly what's wrong''

'' Discord I-I-I think you should sit for this'' I said with a tear running my face before I began to tell him the story

Alkeyore's pov

with a solemn sigh I cancel the spell before running my hand though my hair with much on my mind, the meeting with Celestia had been less than fruitful while it did serve some purpose, I gain too little information from it idly I wonder if telling Celestia about the Gryphons and Nightmare was the right thing. No I said to myself it was the right thing, this is her land therefor she need to know about the Gryphon threat but most of all it was only right she knew about her daughter........no child deserves to be forgotten. Even if Celestia will never accept the foal I must see to her just as Val-nore did for me so long ago but how will I break it to Luna that Nightmare needs my teachings, Luna barely took it well when I told her about my magic it only be more difficult to convince her about the nature of Nightmare's magic but I have to try.

I glance in the diction of the sleeping mares with a warm smile on my face, watching them gently dream all wrapped up in my warm yet ruin robes. Nightmare was curled up against her mother's chest like a kitten with a happy smile on her little muzzle, Luna held the same smile as well her forehooves wrapped around the much smaller filly in an motherly embrace ''Luna you fear that your inexperience as a mother would leave you to wrong Nightmare yet I can see that is not the case you would make a good mother '' I chucked to myself but then I notice the Kirin was gone she wasn't on the robe with the other mares ''Where did she go? '' I asked myself aloud, ''she shouldn't be up yet the magic just finished healing her she should be out till morning at least.''

I hear an feminine gasp in the dark of the room, following the sound I instantly looked down my eyes meeting the widen eyed Kirin staring at me. Despite it being dark, I could easy make out her form last time I gotten a good look at her I couldn't make out of her coat color thanks to the dried blood but now I could tell she was an black furred pony with golden draconian claws and horns, spines running down her back to her tail, and purple under belly and long wild mane finally draconic scales of purple masterly dancing on her muzzle and legs. Oddly, she was heavily blushing with her tail between her legs ''Why is she blushing like that'' I began to ask myself before realization hits me like an stampeding dragon mother protecting her eggs, following her eyes I knew immediately the reason why for her body language.

''She's staring at my Rohnirian pride''

Somewhere In an Minotaurian Tavern

Unnamed pov

The Tavern's air was heavy with the scent of different types of ales, the mixing of the ales gave the old building the homely scent is was known for. The Tavern's ''guests'' were greedily and merrily choking down pint after pint, some busy themselves with telling tall tales of the merciful sea and tales of ''hungry'' women while others rocked themselves to the lively tunes of the local minstrel singing songs of the days of yore all were happy dunks all but one .

Far in the bar's darkest corner sat an alone bull this bull was very unlike the others their fur in the shades of blues, greens and ash grey he was pure black nearly perfectly blending in his dark corner. The others also had both of their horns while he was missing his right horn the missing horn was now hanging around his neck on sting made from the flesh of an Landshark, the remaining left horn held a bundle of Phoenix feathers hanging off of it both were done in the way that was traditional in his family. The other bulls feared this dark furred bull why despite the fact that he nearly twice the size of an normal bull nor the steel-like muscles he sported and the graveyard like silent aura that radiated round him the reason why they feared him was two facts his stare that could crush stone just by looking at and that great ax dress in phoenix feather strapped onto his back, not even once no bull or cow had never seen him without that ax, they knew him well enough that to mess with him was to dance with death. He was seen at least one a day at the tavern sitting alone sipping on an pint.

''Another day and still nothing'' thought the bull glumly ''like the day before and the day before that and the day before that ''

He leans back in his chair slowly taking another sip of the lurk-warm pint his ears flicked to the minstrel as she starts sing her next song a song he knew well an song from the Titan war.

Axes flash, broadsword swing,

Shining armor's piercing ring

Ponies run with polished shield,

Fight Those Bastards till They Yield

Midnight mare and blood red roan,

Fight to Keep this Land Your Own

Sound the horn and call the cry,

How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Follow orders as you're told,

Make Their Yellow Blood Run Cold

Fight until you die or drop,

A Force Like Ours is Hard to Stop

Close your mind to stress and pain,

Fight till You're No Longer Sane

Let not one damn pony pass by,

How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Guard your Cows and calves well,

Send These Bastards Back to Tartarus

We'll teach them the ways of war,

They Won't Come Here Any More

Use your shield and use your head,

Fight till Everyone is Dead

Raise the flag up to the sky,

How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Dawn has broke, the time has come,

Move Your Feet to a Marching Drum

We'll win the war and pay the toll,

We'll Fight as One in Heart and Soul

Midnight mare and blood red roan,

Fight to Keep this Land Your Own

Sound the horn and call the cry,

How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

''Amothos's march'' he thought solemnly recalling name of the song ''It was originally an Gryphonian song the Iron clad legions were the first to sing it before the Minotaurs of old ''borrowed'' it, when not many remember it and fewer know the words'',''It is good to hear that some remember the songs of the gods-

''I said an Another!!!!'' Yelled a drunken voice

The dark Bull's eyes narrow that the source of the voice an snarl forming on his lips usually he ignores such distractions but yet oddly he felt compelled watch the foreseeable fight.

Over yonder from where the dark bull was sitting in his corner, at the bar sat an anger drunken green furred bull staring at the elderly owner with an empty pint glass in his hand slamming it down on the counter shattering the said glass " Another'' the Bull repeats one could tell by the bull's slur that he had drunk more than his share, the bull smelled something foul his pants were muddy and dusty at first glance one would think the bull was a street rat but judging by that shackle he had tie to his waist you could clearly tell he was a miner of sorts. While the owner despite elderly was an large for his age bull by the name of Quakemore an good bull he is old Quakemore had proven his salt in the high seas in the navy during his youth fighting pirates and Sphinx slavers, the old bull narrow his one good eye at the drunk ''Careful with me glass ya draft fool''

''Another'' demand the drunk almost falling out of his chair, his swaying grows worse by the second.

''By Aronnos' mighty staff no, ye had drunk enough to blind an Gryphon's bitch Hammer-arm, git out of my place before I kick ya drunk ass out'' swore the old bull

''O come Quake *hic* ya know me I can handle several more *hic*'' said Hammer-arm ''*hic* m- my thirst be great!''

The old bull sighs ''That's ye problem, I do know ya Hammer look at yourself bull, ya look like yer about to drop faster than an horny old bull at an Changeling run brothel and I ain't running no hotel now git''

''Listen you old pussy I have gold and as long I have a lick of gold I'll drink as mu- AHHHHH

The dark bull softly chuckle at the sight of Hammer-arm bearing knock off of his stool and the fall the floor passed out by an young calf who was jumping up and down on the green bulls belly excitedly before taking the newly opened stool ''Grandpa, Grandpa I just heard the greatest news''

A warm smile gracing old bull lips stories about the elderly bull goes that most calves annoyed the piss out of him but his grandcalf was an whole another story he adored his grandson like he was made of pure Minosian white gold ''Eh, why it's little Jimmy bones it been awhile since you last visited me, I heard that yer pa was trading his wares in pony lands how's Star been taking it''

''Ma was sad while Pa was so far from Minotaurian territory but she doing better now, pa sent her one of em fancy commutation crystals now they can talk all they want'' said the calf hoping in the stool trying to reach the counter....... hen cute small one really cute.

''oh well that is good news'' said the old bull leaning on his counter

''No that's not the news'' piped the calf cocking his head to the side, you could see small horns starting to come in.

In the same manner Quakemore to cocks his head questioningly ''Then what is ya news''

''One of the gods was seen in the pony lands '' said the calf innocently

-An glass breaks and the music suddenly stops the entire bar fell silent as the many bulls stare in disbelief at the calf

''What-What did he just- one of the gods had returned.............in the pony lands no less finally my search is over'' Thought the dark bull happily in his corner ''I must speak with calf, I must know where the god was sighted''

Quakemore stare at his grandcalf with wide eyes ''Yea speak the truth ya ain't lieing to me this ain't something ta lie about I thought I had talked ta ya about telling folk stories'' I had an plan forming in my head sudden I notice movement from the dirty drunk

''Uh- un I'm telling the truth Grandpa I hear it from pa, he said that he heard it from one of the ‘em Equestrian guards that the Alicorn Luna had ran off with an hu- '' just then the young calf felt an heavy palm warping it's fat fingers round his neck an drunken voice fill his young ears as the hand squeezed his throat ''You little Ponyfucker where ya git off of knocking me over'' slurred Hammer-arm. my eyes narrow that the bull in drunken rage, my blood boiling at the dishonor unveiling itself before me I quickly stood up from my corner, Faith in hand

*choking sounds*

''Hammer-arm let him go ye daft fool'' cried Quakemore his hand searching for his hidden hand ax that he kept at the bar for when bar brawls ruptured

''Ah, sod it you old fuck, I can do what I want to this little bastard and nobody can say anything different'' growled Hammer-arm

Quakemore mentally scold himself at all the times he easily found his hand ax when didn't needed it yet the one time he truly needed it he can't find it, in the corner good eye an sight movement and flash of metal caught his attention causing his eyes to widen as he slowly back away in fear ' 'He moved, oh sweet Aronnos Fraxture never moves!!!!!'' was all his aged mind could think.

The mad drunk laughs loudly in mirth at his easy victory over old Quakemore his hubris quickly taking over all of his remaining senses and fails to notice the tall dark silent shadow looming over him an Ax raised so high it touched the tavern's ceiling '' Hhaahah hen you see that boy nobody is to-

-Thump-

Hammer's arm the same arm holding the calf falls to the floor with an great wet smack now freed the calf greedily suck in air all the drunk could do was stare dumbly at his now severed arm his mind unable to comprehend what just happened he never felt a single bit of pain nor the cut itself ''My arm'' he said in the weak voice before fainting with a heavy thud from mere shock

Quakemore rushes to his grandcalf's side holding the sobbing boy but his eyes locked on the huge pitch black bull who grunts with disdain of the blood dripping off his ax ''Such vile blood shouldn't even touch an holy weapon as you Faith.'' Fraxture sweetly whispered to the ax, his eyes fell to the crouched form of Quakemore and his grandcalf ''Is the boy alright?''

Quakemore couldn't believe his ears never before he heard a single word come from the Fraxture's mouth, bowing his head unable to meet the dark bull in the eye ''Yes my lord the boy be fine after an night's rest''

''Ah that is good, Elder Quakemore can you tell me what the calf was saying before the ....interruption'' stated Fraxture cleaning his ax's blade with a rust colored rag.

''From what I could gather he spoke of that one of gods were in Equestria and have Luna Noctus of the Alicorns at their side , surly its youth's folly in nature'' '' said Quakemore in a worried voice

''We shall see if that the case or not '' said Fraxture kneeling on ground his upper body looming over Hammer-arm

Quakemore gulps '' what do ya mean...............yer an Seeker ain't ya'' the old bull knew the talk about seekers bulls and cows dedicated to finding and severing the gods with their lives

Fraxture simply grunts in response as he cuts Hammer's gold pouch robbing the down bull no one stops him they all were afraid of the dark bull already and what just he had done to Hammer not even the liquid courage helped them feel brave enough to face him or his ax. fortunately Fraxture only took what he need left a small faction of the total sum for the drunk what was left went to the calf.

''You're planning to head to pony lands to find the Human.'' said Quakemore knowingly ''if you are then I wish you luck on your search.''

the dark bull says no more taking a large bottle of ale he leaves Quakemore alone with the calf, the ''guests'' scatter out of the bull's path watching him wearily as he walks by they could hear him humming the tune of Amothos's march, none of them try to bar him from leaving the tavern a single thought burning his mind as sunlight blind his eyes for but an movement.

So the gods have finally return to Avalon have all these years of search my faith in them is repaid

Author's Notes:

Damn I finally finished writing this chapter sorry about it taking so long guys. Venhayia is back man we haven't seen him since chapter 3 I bet ya'll wasn't expecting to see his furry plot again and Moonlit the Kirin is also back so expect to see her playing a big part in chapter 9 The Heart. On an side note how ya'll enjoyed those two stories I released for my birthday Chaotic Marks and Metal Domination yet I don't understand why MD is getting so much hate if I knew what was wrong with it I would try to fix it but how can I fix it if I don't know what's wrong with it.

In the spirit of Total War franchise

I had made the army description of the Native and Pony armies that severed in the Titan war

Native army

Strengths:
extremely versatile units
powerful magic units
high morale
strong flying units
monsters (Everfree kin)

weakness:
small pool of magic base units
poor missile units
small numbers
too much versatility

Pony army

strengths:
vast pool of powerful magic units
large numerous units
fast moving units
monsters (vamponies)
powerful flying units

weakness:
somewhat poor morale
reliance on numbers
poor weapon technologies
small pool of monsters