In the ruins of Everfree castle

Moonlit's PoV

With a soft groan I slowly open my eyes revealing nothing but darkness, at first I didn't remember much just fizzy images, dark shapes and a voice a deep powerful voice then I notice the blanket covering me it warm oh so very warm it was like the one Vale made for when I was just a foal but there was something about the blanket, it brought more of those fizzy images only a little clearer, there were many scents that came from it but there was only three that I knew pony, human and blood. ''where did it come from?'' I mentally asked myself '' was it Grimm who place this blanket over me?'' I attempted to stand only for a instant hiss of pain to stab my legs and barrel I gritted my fangs as I wait for the pain to fade away. In that moment of pain my memory return with a vengeance I remember everything the Gryphons... I felt my body start to buckle and tears threaten to run down from my face at the notion of what those monsters wanted to do with me, I still could feel them touching me......then as my vision faded again he came.... the human with pale flames for eyes I remember him punishing the birds with their lives, their cries of mercy ringed in my ears. Who was he? I thought as I try to remember his face the only image that enters my mind was a void of darkness and those eyes......I don't recall any of the gods with eyes of pale flames nor did Grimm's writings spoke of one of the like as one who saved me.

I grasp at feeling of an hoof brush against my leg instantly my eyes locked on the large shape laying next to me the scent of a powerful pony enters my nose the smell cause me to back away in fear from the scent. alone.... the scent was not of no mere pony but an Alicorn. As I retreated from the warm blanket and the sleeping danger, the same powerful voice from my memory made itself known it echos in the dark room it sounded like it was speaking to something......I- I think I could an light not far from me. Following this light I soon found it's souse standing by what seemed like broken window stood a human with his back to me despite the inky blackness of the room I could see him as clear as day I silently grasp at the sight of his brutally scarred body some were jagged almost like their were made from claws or some sort of blade yet many looked old very old others seemed to made from the kiss of flames as my eyes trailed down his body both horror and sadness fill my heart, ''what kind of life does that to somebody why would somebody would scar such a beautiful being such as he'' I said to myself not daring to speak. Then I realizes why I could see him so clearly the blanket wasn't a blanket it was a robe........his robe.....Sweet Grimmnjor he's naked, he sacrificed his warmth so I wouldn't get cold but where did that Alicorn come from?

Suddenly he turns from the window glancing in the direction of the Alicorn I could see him speaking but the words were silent to me because my whole attention was glued on one thing.....I let out a very audible feminine grasp at sight, instinctively tucking my tail between my legs as I stared dumbfounded at what dangled between his legs. For the oddest reason my cheeks burned with a blush as my nose greedily drank the scent of the human, the scent of the sea burn it's way down my nose.

''You know it's improper to stare'' said the same voice from my memory knocking out of my stooped.

''Oh yes it is'' I said sheepishly trying to look anywhere else then the elder god that stood in front of me yet the body part was burned into my mind.

''I believe this would help'' said the human as his body was encased by darkness, sealing his body from sight.

After his body disappeared in the shadows of the room, a slight panic enters my being I couldn't tell weather or not he was lurking about the room or was simply gone. With the panic running ramp it my body a sense of loss soon followed the aforementioned panic, I had found another human, one I doubt even Grimm and Vale knew of and now he was gone like a leaf in the Autumn wind.......I saw the answer for all of Avalon's woes with my own eyes yet I do nothing as he faded into nothingness. Long had Grimm told me of his longing to graze upon another of his kin, he had told me of the troubles that plague this land, the failing Minotaur kingdoms that struggle in the fight against Pongaea; The destruction of the Changeling herds by sphinx slavers; The ever increasing blood lust of the once honorable Gryphons; the decline of the Catji, the diminishing of the Everfree folk; The abandonment of Avalon by both the Deer and the Dragons; and the almost complete disappearance of the Draconequi; The Arachnaponies attempts to forge a kingdom of their own only for Sleipnir's followers to burn them out; the pony herds increasingly lust for more land and the threat of civil war between the once united pony herds.

It seems that Avalon herself is calling for the return of the humans only they can restore the unity of the natives only they can bring balance back to us. but Grimm and Vale can't do it alone they need the Humanic pantheon to reemerge, they needed the other humans only together can Avalon be at peace and I blew it I saw a human but he vanish before me. Tears threaten the corners of my eyes at this sense of failure to save Avalon.

''Why do you cry little one? ' asked the voice of the human ''are your wounds still bothering you?''

I had forgotten about the wounds Lion left me but to my surprise I didn't even feel them, I could only deduct that the human had used his divine powers to heal as to the reason why I couldn't feel them ''No I can't even feel them sniff .......thank you for saving me''

''No thanks needed young Kirin I just did what any self respecting wizard would do, '' said the voice emanating from the void of darkness '' what is your name, surely you don't like to be called Kirin''

''Moonlit Bloom of Everfree'' I replied with a slight dip of my head.

''Well met Moonlit Bloom of Everfree, I am Alkeyore Blood-raven of Rohnir '' said Alkeyore no doubt giving me the same dip.

''Lord Alkeyore, by laws of the forest for saving my life, I am indebted to you, I must sever you till I return the favor'' I said feeling a bit of joy in the chance to sever one of the gods

'' I have no need for a servant Moonlit bloom but I would take your friendship instead'' said Alkeyore with an hand of darkness reaching out for me oddly I didn't felt afraid of the ominousness looking limb I lean forward nuzzling the shadowy hand the coldness of the night fades away, a strange warmth caressed my cheek the soft touch cause me to lean even more into the touch.

''Of course Lord Alkeyore'' I whispered into the shadowy form with a sense of safety warping itself around me ''of course you have my friendship Alkeyore''

Nightmare PoV

With a groan I snuggled deeper into the soft bed refusing to awake, I wanted to enjoy the softness as long as I could this bed was vastly better then *shivers* the ancient bed in Faust and Sleipnir's old bedroom. I haven't been this warm in years and I was determine to enjoy it unfortunately there was one problem....

''Nighty it's time to get up''

''No'' I refused snuggling into the blanket.......wait blanket where did a blanket come from?

''Nightmare please get up dear sister, tis time to leave this place

''Fine.........Tantabus'' I said opening my eyes revealing the darken ruin throne room while mortals would be blind in the dark those of the divine could see the darkest nights as the clearest of days. With yawn I once again snuggled in the midnight blue fur I instantly freeze at the sight of mother's coat and the blanket that shielded us from the cold was a robe.....the very same robe that the human Alkeyore wore. Tenderly yet with a trembling hoof I caressed Luna's fur, hope filled my heart that this wasn't a dream that Tantabus had made for me, the sisterly dream spirit had kind to me over the years freely traveling from Luna to me using the fading shards of our old connection bringing happy and hopeful dreams to me in the long cold nights.

As I softly brushed my mother's coat that feeling of it being really her grew yet as did her and Alkeyore's words echoed in the deep that was my mind the human protected me from Luna's wrath and made her see that I was her foal....her child but still her cruel words from before hurt they hurt me so much..... am I nothing more then that a abomination?

''Nighty I know it hurts but what Luna had said was not true you just but a filly in need of love not some abomination I can see that so does the dark god Alkeyore.'' said the embodiment of Luna's magic Tantabus.

''It still hurt me so'' I whimpered into the blanket the scent of both Luna and the human gave me a sense of safety ''is this just a dream or is it real?''

''I assure you that this is no dream big sister,'' said Tantabus caressing me with my own ghostly tail to comfort me like she had always done before '' I can not effect the awaking realm whilst I'm trap in the dreaming realm, what you are seeing now is real.''

I let Tantabus's words sink in before sensing her leaving my mind, no doubt going back to Luna's dream world to remind her of the past once more. Both of us hated it when Tantabus had to return to the dreaming realm I always felt lonely when it happens and so does Tantabus unlike me she has no means to speak with Luna outside of hisses and growls yet I know not how I could speak with the dream spirit, we always assume that if had to do with the elements of harmony. My hoof ceases it's brushing of Luna's coat at the memory of her tearful face when Alkeyore held me in his arms his touch was so gentle and kind it was quick to forget what Tantabus had said of him being a god of darkness.....leaving my bed on mother's chest I went about finding the elder god, my eyes instantly fell upon the Kirin from earlier standing next to a mass of darkness so dark even my divinity could see though it.

''Strange'' I though with curiosity, I should be able to see even in the darkest of places yet I could not see this darken mass then another thought came to me perhaps that is the human Alkeyore using his own divinity to keep me blinded. But why he hids himself so, he has nothing to fear from us, he protected us then why he hid himself so. Then I recalled his robe shielding our sleeping forms as an blanket, a blush forms on my dark cheeks......I was not naive like most of this eras' ponies to assume that he was shy, no I knew exactly the reason why he hid himself, he gave us his only means of keeping his dignity . Fighting the blush down I attempted to teleport to the hidden elder god and the Kirin but of course my magic hit me with a magical backlash, I quickly scolded myself after the slight pain died down I should've known better then to use such a high level spell in my current body the spell requires more magic than my body could generate at this time, it was embarrassing I used to easily cast the highest levels of my magic when I was a part of Luna yet in my own young body those spells are too difficult to cast till I grew both in age and power. -Sigh- such is the fate of a goddess, the older you are the more powerful you are.

Even without the majority of my spells I still have some ticks in my hoof so to speak, fusing my hooves with my divinity increasing not only my speed but erased the sound of my approach. Crouching low I crept across the room leaving the warm of the bed to behind the half pony, my draconian eyes never leaving the shadowy mass but there something familiar about the hidden human besides his protection but what just what is so familiar about him is some sort of kinship we shave because we are the gods of darkness and all things unseen or is it something more?

'' Nightmare moon '' said a voice from beside me, I immediately recognize it as Alkeyore's '' I see that you are awake''

I looked that the darken mass wide eyed how did he knew where I was and how he sneaked up on me so silently surely he must be using his own divinity to do such an act yet I should've at least seen him move from the Kirin.......wait where's the Kirin?

-Hiss-

I jump back way from the hissing Kirin, her draconian hooves stepping forward aggressively unlike other ponies who would shrink under the eyes of a predator, I whinny back with my own fangs bared at the Kirin equally aggressively daring not to show any weakness to an mortal of all things. Even in the sad state I am in I'm still far beyond any foe the Kirin has face and she knows it oh I can see it in her eyes she was terrified of me even as a little filly she was terrified of me but yet sadly I know why she was being aggressive she was trying to protect what could be the last human in all of Avalon from me an Alicorn.....the race who hooves were painted by human blood, the race who slain the human gods.

''That's enough Moonlit'' growled Alkeyore or rather the darken mass of shadows, perhaps an illusion of some sort to keep us focus on the mass then where he truly was.

The Kirin visibly flinch at the tone of the human's voice before relaxing her stance ''Alkeyore c-can...can I talk to you....alone?''

Alkeyore raise a brow or at least I think it was a brow at the Kirin's request before silently nodding. I watch the two walk away into the darkness relaxing my own aggressive stance yet as I watched them I couldn't but help the feeling that we were being watched ourselves.......

Alkeyore PoV

Once I assume that we were far away enough I activated my stigma, adding pale blue to my shadowy cloak revealing the unseen world that surrounds us despite the fact there were no earth-bounds in this ruin I still could pick up on the life energy of those around me. My magic had picked up on a number of souls six in all including my own yet two of these souls were much smaller than the souls of my companions and myself......hmm magical constructs perhaps? I won't be surprise at this point Luna, Nightmare both possessed abnormal souls while Moonlit's soul was similar to a dragons that unlike the Alicorns that could be explained very easily Moonlit was a dragon pony hybrid judging by the sheer size of the Kirin's soul she live for a long time no doubt she inherited the dragon race's longevity but the true question is what propose these constructs sever? I myself was a natural in the art of construct creation more so then I was skilled in creating undead guardians, these constructs would be very easily dealt with but do I wish to expose Luna and the young fillies to the world of the dark magi so soon? speaking of which, time to do some mettling.

''What was that about Moonlit?'' I asked of the young Kirin my cold amber meeting her rose colored eyes

Alkeyore do you know that's she's'' says Moonlit her draconian rose eyes hardening ''she's an Alicorn!''

'' Yes I did Moonlit,'' I said while bits my magic secretly crawled off of me setting up defenses in the ruined castle in care those constructs or Celestia and allies try anything ''what of it''

''She is our enemy'' said Moonlit point towards the little Alicorn filly waiting for us for some reason

I let a small chuckle at that foolish notion'' Your enemy perhaps but not mine she is little filly like yourself no more no less''

'' No she's not! Alkeyore we must be rid of her,'' Moonlit hissed stomping her draconian hoof '' she is a Alicorn we can not trust the likes of her kind!''

''Moonlit!'' I sternly growled the stigma flames in my eyes burning brighter, immediately I picked up on the Kirin's fear of the Alicorns in the air hmm that might explain why she was acting like this but it is not a excuse to do this to a child '' Why you speak of such words she is but a child, calm yourself she is no danger to me or you.''

''Not a danger?'' said Moonlit sounding perplexed in her tone '' Not a danger....Not a danger.....The Alicorns are nothing but Murders and betrayers Lord Alkeyore, they ruin Avalon and her people for their imperial interests, they killed your fellow humans dooming the native Avalonians to become what they are now so tell how that......- she jabs a hoof in Nightmare's direction her voice echoing throughout the room .....- so called foal is not a danger

''Because that is what she is a foal Moonlit, an foal that is in need of my help as you were '' I said in hopes that she would listen to my wisdom while at the same time I worked my magic into her to take her fear away draining another of their emotions for power is one of the few things I hate about black magic I prefer to use my own but that doesn't mean I didn't know the good such a ability could do, '' it matters not to me if what you said was true about her race destroying the humans of Avalon, the past is the past all we can do is restore and rebuild but we can not do that if we hold on to grudges long since passed out of memory and time.''

I pauses in thought debating with myself ''but what if it was true that the Alicorns really did as Moonlit had said......I need more information'' while Moonlit looked at me in horror no doubt in shock about what I just said to her '' Moonlit '' my voice knocked her out of her stupor '' I'm only been in Avalon less than a week, I do not know your ways nor your history thus I must hold any judgements till I have more information.....be patient with me for now but if you have said about the Alicorns were true then I will act accordingly but not till I truly know who is innocent and who is guilty.''

The look of horror on her face fades away into understanding as my words of wisdom emanated in her heart, my magic had drained much of the fear and anger that had clouded her mind and heart ''I think I understand what you are doing Alkeyore, you are unsure of what is the truth and what is a lie you are trying to uncover what is happening in Avalon so you know how bring back the balance.''

''We all have our truths and lies that we live by Moonlit '' I said in just wisdom and good counsel '' but the question is what is your truth what is your lie''

'' what truth and lie? Alkeyore I'm afraid that I don't understand'' says Moonlit her youthful inexperience making itself known

''Ah you will understand it...one day young Moonlit'' just then I remembered something working with my magic calling upon some of the objects I found on the Gryphons' bodies a stoned dagger; short bow; an necklace with a dragon head amulet appeared in my cloaked hand ''are these yours ''

instantly the Kirin filly eyes were watery as her shook her head, working my magic I placed the necklace where it belong round her neck while places the weaponry in her hooves. Tears were running down her face as I do this, perhaps these items were special to her?

''I thought that I lost these while I was fighting the Gryphons'' she says solemnly with a hoof holding the dragon amulet ''How you found them?''

''On their bodies'' I replied bluntly ''before setting them on fire''

''Oh'' says Moonlit sadly a faraway look on her face while her body trembles slightly

I sighed setting a cloaked hand on her chin raising her muzzle up to met me in the eye '' Talking about helps Moonlit, more then you know, when you are ready speak with me at anytime.'' then I caressed the side of her face she again nuzzles into the darker limb ''but I believe that it's time that we join Nightmare just remember that she is just a foal like you not just a Alicorn not just some monster but a little foal''

I let Moonlit go freeing her from the spells I had place to keep her reasonably clam and collected, restoring the magic I had lost while speaking with Celestia and the others again I wonder if I did was right some would see it as the sole reason to continue the band on dark magic but it did some good on this day Moonlit was already destroyed emotionally thanks to the Gryphons, the present of the Alicorns were too much on her especially after being healed of life threatening wounds, the stress of all this could undo most of the recently closed wounds cause them to reopen. But mentally she was still in the danger zone..... attempted rape, murder and witnessing the brutal murder of her attackers all of these very well could ruin her for the rest of her life unless treatment got to her quickly enough the mind mages would have to place numerous memory charms and incantations to block much of her memory of the Gryphons and their deaths till she was ready to face them once again. I hold the knowledge of such spells but like all of magic they come at a price.....a terrible price, one I can't pay at least not now

With my back to the Kirin I heard her scamper to her draconian hooves calling out to me till she reach my side brushing up against my leg before look up to me with ''Thank you Alkeyore'' on her lips. The all I could give her for the warm words was a soft smile while lightly scathing her pony ear but mentally I thought of my own unseen scar as my emotions were feeding my ever hungry magic.

''I just wish I could do more for you Moonlit but we are at the known limits......for now''

Nightmare pov

From the spot where I sat, I watched as Alkeyore and the Kirin walk of the shadows, the Kirin was leaning up against the elder god's leg with an thankful look about her. Why is she leaning up against him and why he allowing her to touch him? He is a god and she is a mortal, she should be worshiping the very ground he set hoof upon forbidden to ever touch the likes of the gods yet he does nothing to remand her gull to touch him....strange.

The human Alkeyore's face appeared to be twisted in thought as if thinking deeply if he notice the leaning Kirin on his leg it did not show in his face, preferring to be lost in thought but about what I could not tell but his amber eyes did spoke of something........I could feel those amber orbs on my fur as if he was silently judging me yet somehow his eyes were warm and inviting instead of the cold and forbidden I saw from before.......there was something strange about him just only I couldn't place a hoof on it, what is it?

'' Nightmare'' called Alkeyore when he was close enough to me so not to awake Luna with the strength in his voice ''how are you feeling?''

I rise abrw at the question, thou I ready knew the answer yet why he would ask that of me? how are my feelings are the concern of elder god, in my questioning I notice a flash in caring in Alkeyore's eyes but if the stories about the evils of the Humanic gods were true then why would he care about me or my feelings why he protected me from Luna's wrath nevertheless I knew what he was asking of me. He wanted to know if I'm still upset by mother's words, I audibly sigh ''My heart still in pain from Mother's words...... but I must thank you for coming to my aid as you did yet why did you helped me?''

''I had many reasons as to why I helped you Nightmare, one because it's is my duty as the lord of the realm hidden in shadows to protect and watch over all Dark magi'' said Alkeyore with the cloak of darkness fading away to show his human face pale skin softly glowing in light of the moon '' Another reason is you nor Luna deserve such a fate as the one I stopped yet it was not was the only reason why I protected you Nightmare I felt a certain kinship with you for that is the real reason why''

''But-but I'm not a dark mage ! Not once have I tempted with the dark powers,'' I said defensively , the Kirin's returns once more hardens at the words Dark magi and kinship, Alkeyore clearly sees Moonlit's glare yet he says nothing perhaps he's waiting for something? but for the moment, I didn't care about what the Kirin thinks.....no I fear what would happen to me if what Alkeyore said was true.....am I a dark mage?

''I know you have many questions but they will be answered in time'' Alkeyore pauses in thought with the look of debating with himself before continuing '' But for now I tell why I say that you are a dark mage, Nightmare you are a very special little filly you are a Niflheim-numunian or in the common tongue a wizard born into the dark powers, from birth you naturally wield the darker magics, this goes hand in hand or rather hand in hoof in this case, the sense of kinship we share all dark magi know when they are near others of the black arts we call this sense The song of the dark kin you'll will be trained to hear this song too if given the time but fear not you are not alone in this.....(he hand gestures to the Kirin)....... Moonlit you too will learn of this magic........my magic, the magics of Darkness.''

Alkeyore's words instantly dissipates the Kirin's or rather Moonlit's glare as we both stared at the human dark mage with wide eyes the weight of his words bare down on our bodies crushing us as the true meaning of the words warped themselves in our essence. No we can't be dark magi.

''But Alkeyore how am I supposed to even use magic I'm not a Unicorn I am a foal of dragon and earth pony '' said Moonlit using sound logic unlike me moonlit has no means of using magic.

''Ah who says that you can't use magic moonlit '' said Alkeyore ''your an hatchling of an dragon are you not ?''

''Yes but that's- ''Moonlit starts to speak but Alkeyore silent her with a raised hand

''Moonlit my point still stands you are part dragon meaning you can use magic just of a different type than pony magic, you possess the art of fire, dragon magic..... your magic is like the earth stubborn and strong yet it takes time to sculpt and tame. It will take a stronger drive to claim the magic of dragons as your own Moonlit that and a greater will. I can teach you great of many things for I am also called Dovahri Fahdon Dragon Friend by the dragons of Audin. Nightmare our magic the magics of Darkness is wild as the wind; always flowing like water; unyielding as the earth; noble like fire; it's influence will follow you always. But while you are a Niflheim-numaunian that doesn't mean you are immune to the influence of dark magic, no you're less inclined to fall to it's influences and corruption as untrained you are.....this leds to a very dangerous combination. This only leave you only one choice.... you must find a true master of the dark arts since I'm already here you can become my apprentice and learn the ways of our kind and the means to keep you yourself yet remember I don't offer this to you lightly Nightmare nor to you Moonlit, you will see many things some terrible yet others not in the end tis your choice and yours alone weather you master your powers or fall to them like many other before you.''

Alkeyore's shadowy hand reaches out to me and Moonlit awaiting for our hooves, the pale flames in his eyes faded away into golden amber they spoke of many things darkness; sorrow; kindness; pain; rage; hope; wisdom; understanding and power as I looked into the amber orbs I saw a strange sight, the glint of symbols in those eyes of his, somehow runes had been carved into the very irises of his eyes yet I could not read them just what do they say? Out of the corner of my eye, Moonlit also was trying to decipher the symbols. For the first time this night I wonder who was she I knew that mother and Alkeyore had brought her here yet why did they? I remember seeing her covered in blood and wounded yet here she was without a single drop on her....perhaps it was Alkeyore's doing that led her to be so clean but her scars were unnerving just how did she got them?

I stared at Alkeyore's awaiting hand the darken mass seemed to brighter now almost inviting yet my mind was racing with questions Alkeyore's bluntness about me being a natural dark magi made little sense. How am I as he said an Niflheim-numunian I never used dark magic yet he claims it is my natural magic, why did he offer to teach me instead allowing Luna to teach me.....teaching one magic was often done by a parent or someone very trusted yet here he is offering me teachings despite only just meeting me and not any sort of family but why did he? what would happen if I accepted his offer.... what would happen if I was to refuse....what would Luna think of me she already broke my heart once, with the news of me learning dark magic would only led to my heart breaking once again.

''Nightmare '' said Alkeyore interrupting my thoughts ''do not worry about your mother leave her to me, I'll make her see reason once more if I must''

My eyes wide in shock how did he knew I was worried about mother......can he read minds?

''If you're asking yourself if I have the power to read mind it would be for the best not to think such thoughts '' He lightly chuckles the sound of his laughter send tingles crawling up my spine as if thousands of insects were crawling on me '' a word of warning don't mumble your thoughts under your breath it's both very rude and quite unbecoming for an young mage such as yourself''

I blushed heavy in embarrassment at Alkeyore's notion, it was foalish of me to think that Alkeyore could read minds while my treacherous thought made themselves known. In my... embarrassment I noticed Moonlit's hoof taking the elder god's hand in sign of accepting his teachings.

''Alkeyore'' said Moonlit removing her hoof from Alkeyore's hand bowing her head slightly '' I would be honor to learn of your teachings of dragon magic ''

'' And I would honored to teach you the art of fire my little dragoness '' said Alkeyore returning the slight bow of the head, the slightness moment I thought that his eyes move into the corner of his eye watching.....something yet at the same time both of his eyes were on moonlit and me '' we have much to discuss on the ways of dragons of both Avalon and Gaea.''

Moonlit gave the human an warm smile no doubt giddy at the chance to only sever an elder god but to learn about Dragons hailing from another land hoping to compare the lifestyles of the two different dragons nations. I couldn't say that I wasn't interested in learning about another land I felt a bit of glee in learning about how the Gaeaish lived, are they anything like the peoples of Avalon or were they even darker and crueler than Sleipnir? yet I hesitated at Alkeyore's offer of learning magic from him would it be worth it? what could happen if I accepted what could happen if I refused?

''Nightmare,'' said Alkeyore giving me his full attention the golden amber meeting my cat-like cyan ''you still haven't given me you answer on becoming my apprentice in the dark arts.''

I already knew my answer but as I was about to speak the words, Luna teleported beside me with an a extremely furious look on her muzzle, her wings shielding my smaller body protectively from the shadowy mass of the elder human god ''Alkeyore'' she aggressively whinny ''My daughter will Not learn black magic!!''

Luna's PoV

Luna's dream space

Canterlot was burning with bodies of ponies and twist creatures lining the streets. High above the ruin city flew myself, Nightmare.........and once what was Alkeyore, the creature still held an human-like form but the where all human characteristics ends......his face was a cruel fusion of human and pony....his eyes were demonic black with silver irises, two great twisting Alicornian horns graced his brow......long fangs poke out of his lips, the patches of fur on his face were the color of ash blue while his dark mane went white as clouds finally two great ash blue powerful dragon-like wings. Together we stared at the destruction of the city, the destruction the we had caused along the broken shells that was once were bodies lay....a ruined Celestia blood pouring out the stumps that were her wings and horn staining her white fur cradling Discord's and Spike's severed heads weeping in the pits of despair next to her was Twilight's body which was torn asunder and unmoving....... the former elements bears were treated poorly their coats were stained by blood and tears was twisted creatures played with their inners as they still lived howling in pain

The air was filled with our mirthful laughter as the demonic creature began to sing.

For there is to be creation there must be destruction

For there is to be life there must be death

For there is be a beginning there must be an end

For there to be harmony there must be chaos

For there to be light there must be darkness

For there to be love there must be hate

For there to be change there must be stillness

For there to be good there must be evil

For there to be hope there must be hopelessness

For there to be magic there must be a price to be payed

This is the balance of things, this the one law that governs all things, each one has a will of their own yet despite their struggles with one another they can not survive without the other there always must be them and their opposites for that is the way of things.

End Dream Sequence

When I returned to the awaking realm from that terrible nightmare naturally I shoot up from the ground that severed as my bed. Sweat covered my body no doubt it came from the nightmare yet even in my mind the slight of that......creature was haunting, I had no idea exactly what I saw. All I knew it was fusion of Human and Alicorn but the knowledge that it was just a dream sooth my heart but what a horrible nightmare before never I saw such darkness before the sight of my sister and friends so ruin so broken was disturbing I think those images will live with me for the rest of my days. Then there was that song what had brought them? Dose Alkeyore have something to do with it? An odd thought played in my mind what if Alkeyore sent that dream to me.......it is possible I don't know length of his power and Sleipnir had once called my dream walking dark magic. if it is as he said then surely Alkeyore would know such magic if they had the art in his homeland. I found myself not wanting to know what all my human friend can do in my time with him, he had shown me many thing many dark things for the first since I left Canterlot I wonder if I did the right thing by staying at his side the death of the Gryphons, the Kirin, and Nightmare if I never stayed with him then one of Gryphons would of lived yet in turn I would never learn of Nightmare................

My heart froze Nightmare......where is Nightmare, my hooves felt for the little filly only to meet warm cloth revealing that the filly wasn't at my side. But where did the cloth came from? No matter I must- no I need to find my daughter, I need to prove to her that I didn't meant what I said earlier and the only way I can do that is to be as Alkeyore had said her mother. My eyes raced about the room searching for her till I saw her standing next to the Kirin, odd the half pony shouldn't standing already nevertheless I stood up on the cloth to join them only to discover what was standing before them a tall darken figure cloaked by the shadows of the room wielding Alkeyore's voice.......Why is he in a cloak of shadows?

I asked myself glancing downward the cloth that served me as a bed was his ruined but still very warm robes my nose drank his scent greedily his scent was strange despite the rusty smell of blood I found his natural scent very pleasing. As I enjoyed the natural scent of my friend it dawns on me as to why he was wearing of magical cloak...........by giving up his robe so I wouldn't be sleeping on the stone floor he left himself exposed.....A burning blush grace my cheeks at the incantations of his very nude body only concealed by a thin layer of magic and darkness my mind teased me with images of a nude Alkeyore holding me in his powerful arms making me feel so safe and secure while I nuzzled into his chest, inhaling the scent of male musk and smell of the sea while he bites teasing nips at my ears before placing gentle yet playful kisses down my neck............oh my...... ''Get yourself together mare'' I sternly told myself ''you are Luna Noctus the Alicorn of the moon, daughter of Faust and Venhayia not some 200 year old teenage immortal''

After fighting down my teasing mind and prepare to slip my royal regale on only to remember that I left them back in my room.....back in Canterlot....well doesn't seemed that I would need them out here after all what good are they out in the forest besides showing your station to some trees and rocks.....I would be glad to be rid of them now since I have no need of them minus sentimental values........a frown touches my lips, I had many memories in those pieces of regale so many memories the time when I ruled along with Celestia a thousand years ago, my banishment to the moon, my eventual reunion with her plus meeting Twilight and her friends the Elements of Harmony or now rather the former Elements of Harmony, the images from my nightmare appeared in my mind's eye quickly I push them away. Hen it's ironic in a way that now I think of those times I had with them then when I was still at the city before Alkeyore came into all of our lives.............I wonder how they are taking my leaving Celestia would be heartbroken, Twilight with Celestia would working to get me back I'm not quite sure how the former bears are taking this we were never close, but I'm sure that the nobles are celebrating that my leaving means that they could take advantage of Celestia's state to have they greedy ploys finally work, foalish bigots the lot of them they had spent the last thousands trying to undo Celestia's work and restore the old ways of Eponaish nobility just like the Nobles of Saddle Arabia; Concordia and of course Roama Imperia had done. The overgrown foals they need to remember that the way of the Eponaish nobility is dead, it died with Epona when the Windigos drained the island of life, the Nobles need to learn that Avalon isn't Epona -sigh- at least Celestia doesn't have to face them alone Blue; Discord; Spike; and Twilight will help her with the Nobles. Yet I do not feel any sadness for leaving Celestia and Twilight alone in Canterlot, Equestria herself is more their kingdom than my own it always had been, I'm just realizing it now since my return I haven't any sense kinship nor belonging with the nation I raised to rule I felt nothing towards it outside being constantly reminded the success of my sister's thousand year rule and the fact outside of saving the nation from a mad Discord and Sombra the kingdom doesn't bear my mark and legacy it rather bares Celestia's and Twilight's instead.......I have no place in Equestria the land of my birth just like Nightmare......where do we go from here? Alkeyore is up to something that is much I could tell when he said that he'll take care of it but just what does he have planned?

''Speak with him'' my mind whispers in good council ''if Alkeyore is to decide on the future then he would have need of us and we must start mentoring him of the ways of the Avalonian Deities both old and new, the forgotten and the remembered he must learn to control his emotions.....before ''The Holy Rage'' takes him''

Instantly I agreed with my mind's council, ''The Holy Rage'' the greatest and most deadliest curse of all deity races a rage so great that overwhelms even the oldest and the wisest of gods both of Avalon and Epona, a rage so inescapable so tied to the spark of divinity it is impossible to never to live without ever seeing it or in some cases face it as our emotions rise. Everyday we live the rage could overtake us, turning even the most beloved and benevolent of the gods into entities of destruction and ruin yet given the right mentor godlings could learn how to valiantly stand against it or learn how to use it as a warning to others. While I was lost in thought of how I was to both teach Alkeyore and rise Nightmare I overhead Alkeyore speaks words that ripped into my essence to Nightmare.......

''Nightmare, you still haven't given me you answer on becoming my apprentice in the dark arts.''

Instantly I teleported beside the small Alicorn filly with an a extremely furious look on my muzzle with my blue wings protectively shielding her from the shadowy mass of the elder human god ''Alkeyore'' I aggressively whinny, glaring at the cloaked human with my horn shining bright in the dark of the room ''My daughter will Not learn black magic!!''

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_lw-n_sok8&list=LLqWiUe-ncO2jik57sBpDulw&index=20

Grimmnjor's pov

I sat upon an ancient oaken throne with the gentle nightly breeze played with the forest crown upon my brow while whispers of winter played in ear. In the wind I could feel the change that was coming to Avalon, worries........worries fill my mind the sprites of Avalon and Albion had felled silent since the day Aronnos sent Alternis away to the great sea of time, they had been so silent so still one could imagine that Sleipnir had slain them but yet even now I could feel the very earth, siring something had awoken in the very depths of the earth. Faust you were right, time of great change had come to the land only time can tell if this change would bring about the change we sorrowfully needed or will it led to our destruction, the blood of Albion is all but spent his children either reside in distant lands or dwells in the four winds, the sons of Avalon are diminishing and their unity long since past while the children of Epona lose their way in a land where dark things sleep they too are failing for their unity and strength is too in a question. My blue eyes glance outside of magical shield that keeps my vanishing realm from the eyes of those who wish to harm my children The Ahiu'mnir (the Everfree folk) in the direction of the old pony castle to Alternis......Alternis I hope you can forgive us for what we had to do but we had to ensure that the royal line of Annwfn survived the fall.

Closing my weary eyes I almost could see the old city of Annwfn the capital city of all of Avalon the very seat of the emblem throne. The smell of the sea teased my nose with it's perfume and the knightly legions of Gryphons flying over head playing with the young chicks and changelings nymphs while the Minotaurs and Catji busy themselves in the arts, the Ahiu'mnir watching over the great forests and the moors of the land, the dragons bellowing their songs to the sky........there on the emblem throne sat Aronnos with his brothers mirthfully watching as the little children and godlings try to be like their wiser elders. The vision fades into nothingness when I felt familiar smallish soft hands caressing my bare chest.

''Valeria'' I sweetly whispered as I open my eyes revealing the form of my beloved wife she was dressed in a long flowing dress of sliver and blues the kiss her sun-kissed skin while her long golden hair ended in curls. She was a radiant beauty even after all of these years living in the shadow of evergreen trees but her sad grey eyes was heartbreaking.

''Husband'' she sadly whispers in my ears hidden under my wild hair as I felt her hands move along my godly body.

My blue met her grey I already knew what she wanted, no words were needed as the great hall creaked in the growing wind with dancing leafs. What she wanted was our daughter........Moonlit Bloom, I too wanted her yet Faust also wanted her for the mission of leading Alternis and his companions to my hidden realm in the forest, '' I know '' I said solemnly as I could with my baritone voice.

''Then bring her...... bring her home to us!'' cried Valeria her hands gripping my great big arms almost weeping.

''Vale it not that simple we have our mission and she has her's '' I softly said ''we have to trust Faust like we once did or all these wasted years of planning would be for naught.''

''I DON'T CARE WHAT THAT ALICORN WANTS, I WANT- NO NEED MY BABY GIRL GRIMMNJOR SON OF TORTORBA'' She screams the power of her voice shook the one great halls of lost Ahiu'mnirian kingdom of Indolia alarming the Manticores and Timberwolves guards. Ah the Manticores and the Timberwolves my favorite creations and servants, the very pride of the Ahiu'mnirian folk, each created to fight in the Titan war by my very hands, they do their jobs well certainly greater than the Equestrian royal guards only smaller in mere numbers.

To Vale's desperate plea I only smile '' I know my love, that's why I sent Wildheart and Ishtir to fetch her with Alternis''

My wife, my dearly beloved wife sorrowful face fades away into it's legendary glow of a smile ''Oh my Grimm tis appears that you had no faith in Faust anymore then I do, going behind the back of a fate goddess and sending a armed escort to protect our little bloom? you been scheming in the great game.''

I let out a deep chuckle '' Why of course did you had any doubt that beings such as ourselves wouldn't play the game''

Author's Notes:

finally it's out! this chapter took weeks and a rewrite before it was ready but it was worth those weeks to see how the chapter played out

special thanks to my edited xluferx for telling me to rewrite it when I first shown it to him....that first chapter was bad but fortunately I rewrote the entire thing and saved the good parts in good time it only add another two weeks of writing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pre0v7wtWvQ