Everfree Castle Ruins

Alkeyore's PoV

''Luna'' I said my eyes hardening as the stigma flares changed from red to their normal pale blue focusing on the enclosing souls form the shape of them I could tell that they were in fact magical constructs yet at the sometime the complexity of the soul energy demand that they way beyond simple constructs no I dare say they were sapient, levels far above any familiar.......... a race born from constructs? Such an notion should only exist in theory yet stranger things had happen '' We have company'' I said not bothering to remove the coldness of winter from my voice, I could see the midnight blue Alicorn visibility flinch from the cold tone at the moment I didn't care for the harsh tone I was using with her. I could understand why she afraid of Nightmare and Moonlit learning the black arts, all beings fear dark magi for what could happen what they could do, but she should've trusted my judgement she's my friend she should know that I wouldn't harm her or the fillies.

''No she doesn't..... how could she Alkeyore? how can she trust you when she knows nothing about you. This isn't Gaea, your judgement and wisdom is meaningless and unneeded here if you want Luna to trust you then tell her of your past and duty'' Both my mind and magic whispered into my ear in council.

''No, she is not ready to heard the tales nor am I ready to share such tales.......... I need time, she is too naive for such dark things........I must focus on the tasks at hand'' I mentally argue back

Then she'll never truly trust you Alkeyore.......remember this, the time will come when you have no choice but to tell her of the past

if it comes to that then let it be my choice and my choice alone I though sternly as my hands glowed red with magic

''What?!'' Luna asks the light of her horn faded it's intensity, her eyes widen as her wings lowered seeing their chance the fillies Nightmare and Moonlit quickly scamper to my side no doubt their more primal instincts telling them that there was safety near the only powerful male in the room. Luna's wide eyes clearly sees me standing over the fillies protectively with faded red magic dancing along my fingers.

''Nightmare! Moonlit!'' she calls out to them but they refused to remove themselves to my side '' come here it's not safe with him!''

''Luna my friend'' the sound of my voice causes her to look at me in surprise that I still called her that one word '' please trust me.....I would never allow you nor the girls come to harm! I swear it on my magic and my families' name that I will protect you and them''

From the uncertain look on Luna's face I knew she was split between her instincts and her heart one told her to take the fillies and run while the other begged her to stay at my side, the sounds of claws scratching against the floor reached both our ears as if an warning, my powers quickly gathered strength from the emotions I drained from Moonlit earlier setting up magic circles of bindings and other defenses such as Flashfire traps if whatever is coming mangers to get pass my guard.......I have no idea if Luna knows combat spells or not but if her hesitation is any sign I doubt that she could fight given her state of mind, the sense of the fillies souls quickly reminded me that I have children relying on me to protect them. Moonlit is definitely in no shape for an struggle her wounds will reopen if she is drawn into fighting as for Nightmare........ she is not of fighting age even by Gaeaish standards but that if she ages like an little girl human or not, no sane person would teach one as young as she the deadly arts. No if there is going to be an fight I must insure that my guard is unbreakable even if I don't know what is coming.

'' Alkeyore, I-I-I don't know if I can trust you'' said Luna her voice laden with uncertainty and sadness '' how can I? you are an black wizard a being that carries destruction and darkness wherever you go..........(she lowers her head the sadness in her voice intensified)......how am supposed to know weather not you been playing with my heart and mind................you have the ability and knowledge to do so don't you?''

I took a deep breath and slowly release it while not looking at the sadden Alicorn, her words repeated themselves in my ears ''Yes......(I hear the sharp intake of Luna's breath)........I do have the power to ''play'' with the emotions of others, such magic is not beyond me but I have not once used it on you Luna, everything you had done ever since we meet....has been on your own free will.''

''How am I supposed to believe that Alkeyore, you just admitted that you can control others..........what is there to stop you from controlling the fillies and me?'' said Luna with her head still lowered yet her eyes lingered on the the fillies specifically Nightmare, my magic instantly picked up on her emotions my throat tightens on the emotions coming from her........emotions of betrayal both old and new betrayal but from whom......... Nightmare? me? or was it someone else? I had no time to truly investigate the reason of Luna's feelings the sounds of claws on stone grew louder now signaling that the constructs were closing in.

''Luna you're going have to trust me not to use my powers in such a way '' I said this time sending my magic to rise her head forcing her to look into my flaming eyes, I could see the hurt in the Alicorn's eyes.........no she shouldn't look at me with those eyes of hurt.....my flaming gaze softens and my voice softens as well '' I don't know what the word of an dark magi is worth to you but I swear on my magic that I spoke true that I will not allow you or the girls to come to harm............An Blood-raven always keeps their oaths no matter the cost.''

Luna looked away the uncertainly still strong on her face, she opens her mouth only to close it again the words unable to be willingly found. I could felt the eyes of the young ones on us watching, waiting for the words of power that needed to be said yet again the words will not come. I released my magical hold on the mare, the magic retreating to their dance among my fingers waiting till I called upon it once again Moonlit nuzzled into my leg as if sense my own emotions and gesture I found some comfort in, the sound of claws now a chime of time signaling that we're almost out of time. As Moonlit nuzzled my leg, Nightmare looked up to Luna with her draconian cyan eyes full of emotion themselves lighting her horn in purple aura, her magic flowed towards Luna like ribbons in the air seeking to touch the mare.......I could the signs of dormant black magic within them to a non dark magi the ribbons were covered by veins of starlight yet to one of us those veins were an omen of the coming darkness, if Nightmare is to have any chance of standing against the darkness I must act quickly.

''Mother '' Nightmare's spoke while staying at my legs as her magical ribbons gentle plod the midnight blue Alicorn as if asking permission '' if what Alkeyore has said is true then he is only trying to help us......if I must to become a dark mage to stay as myself till I would gladly take his mentorship for I will not become the likes of Sombra''

As soon that word left the dark fillies' mouth Luna eyes burning with an fury at the mention of that name, if I recalled correctly Luna said that he was an ancient dark Red-Horn magi who ruled the crystal empire a thousand years ago and enslaved the Crystal ponies based on what she had told me his fighting style is Ghostseeker........Ghostseekers are dark magi that keeps themselves incorporeal and uses undead and/or elemental spells the complete opposite to my own Reaper style which in tells of employing many dark magic schools in the fighting style such as Necromancy/Self Altering magics for defense turning flesh into armor in order to tank powerful spells and blows yet purely relying on elemental/blood magics for offense while setting up hexes/curses/circle for staining effects an almost completely physical fighting style. An truly difficult fighting style to master by nature in order to master the Reaper style is to master almost all dark magics schools there is, a feat only very few had ever managed. If the two of us ever met and dueled the destruction would be on a massive scale. Yet when I asked her how she knew of Sombra her voice took a stern tone telling me to drop the subject, just what type of relationship Luna had with Sombra before he fell deeply in the dark influences.....were they friends or something.....more?

''Luna'' the sound of my voice causes both Luna and the girls to look at me, ''I know of not what Sombra has done to you but I am not Sombra and I will never become him nor allow Nightmare to walk the same path as he did'' once those words left my lips the red in my magical aura faded back into it's original color of the dark telling me that's it's hunger had been sated for now.......the magic will hunger for the essence of life again......it always does, no matter much blood it devours like an primal beast of yore, the hunger always returns it's only a matter of time.

Summoning all of her will, Luna looked at me with an mother's glare, in those eyes I saw winter's ice and summer's fire.....an odd sight I would admit yet refreshing and so very unlike the mare I found weeping in her room perhaps her mother's love for Nightmare was showing itself in those eyes '' I'll hold you to that oath Alkeyore, Nightmare will only learn what she needs to know to keep her from becoming the likes of Sombra.....don't make me regret this or trusting you''

I gave her a soft smile yet my necromantic sight was watching the constructs' souls though the stonewalls for some reason they stop moving.....if they were here to attack us then what are they waiting for or rather whom they were waiting for? is Celestia making a move? No it's too soon for that the destruction of Canterlot should've brought us months to find an hid away unless........She left someone to watch the city in order to come after us, hen good move horse but not good enough '' Of course my friend, but the choice belongs to Nightmare if she'll would have me''

Nightmare returned to my side nuzzling my leg ambit cutely given her small size Moonlit was only a few inches taller than her but given that both fillies are still quite young they still have some growing to do psychically and mentally '' Given the situation I am in if I don't learn l will lose myself, but yes I accept your teachings Alkeyore''

'' That's rather mature of you Nightmare'' I said with a raised brow, my own instincts telling to keep an close eye on the pitch black filly.......an child at her age shouldn't act so mature if ponies age like I think they do then Nightmare should be nine or ten years of age then again she is an Alicorn an so called god perhaps they age differently............ it might be more wiser to ask Luna about how an Alicorn ages.

''Perhaps'' giggled Nightmare

At the moment I felt Moonlit touch leave me as the Kirin moved from my leg, the Alicorns and myself watched her as she prance about sniffing the still and stale castle air with a smile on her muzzle. My necromantic eyes removed itself from the waiting constructs and placed itself on Moonlit watching her soul fluctuate and the dragon magic flowing through her veins, it's strange that she hasn't learned to wield her race's magics, most she-drakes furiously guard their young till the hatchlings hit both maturity in mind, body and magic yet it could be different here after all Avalonian Dragons could share nothing with Gaeaish Dragons even their shapes are different if Spike is any indication the Gaeaish dragons have an more serpent look to them despite not being related to serpents like the winged fang-serpents of Orciemia or the poison spitting Kokai giant snakes of the green seas an smaller cousin of the Leviathans even the Behemoths of the Fallen Realms as many like to believe. Spike was more human like then any dragon I had seen before it would be very difficult to teach Moonlit Dragon magic if the Gaeaish and Avalonian dragons prove to be more different as fire and water.......What I wouldn't give to have Wanderer's' library at my disposal it would have make teaching her much more easier if that is the case. Yet why is she smiling? Does she know what is waiting for us outside of this room? Moonlit Bloom is of the forest that much I knew, the wilds had share it's secrets with her just as the wilds did with the ancient wild men of Rohnir thousands of years ago, she by nature knew everything that dwells in these woods.

''Mother is there something wrong with the Kirin?'' whispered Nightmare to Luna who was also looking at Moonlit curiously with a smile on her lips, Luna emotions seemed to finally calm themselves ambit rather quickly perhaps a little too quickly. My eyes scanned the midnight blue emotions only to leave me puzzled.........the emotions from earlier had all but disappeared leaving not a mark on her soul nor magic, not trusting what I was seeing I looked deeper into her soul...........only for something to block her soul from my sight, my eyes harden as I begin to push whatever it was side I had to see why Luna emotions changed so quickly.

''.............STAY............AWAY!!!!..........DARK ONE!!!!!...........'' an dark feminine voice screams at me causing me to cease with pushing the block on Luna's true self away, an frown etched itself onto my face before rage and black magic hungrily flowed into my veins and dark spirit had dared make it's presence known and dares to inhabit my Luna.

''.........Who are you creature!!! I demand that you leave my friend this instant demon!!! I shan't allow you to take her!!! She is MINE! not yours!.......'' I growled dark magic seeping into my mental voice.

'' I AM NO DEMON......I AM TANTABUS ........BEGONE FROM THIS PLACE DARK ONE...... LUNA IS UNDER MY PROTECTION ....''

''you protect her? I never heard of an demon protecting their host.......NO YOU'RE TRYING TO MAKE AN FOOL OF ME.....I SWEAR BY THE BLOOD OF THE RAVENKING I'LL WILL FREE LUNA FROM THE LIKES OF YOU'' my mental voice roared at the spirit, primal instinct seeped into my being telling me to protect Luna from this creature dwelling in her soul.

''I TOLD YOU I AM NOT A DEMON THE MISTRESS CREATED ME''

''What do you mean spirit?'' I said questioningly the creation of spirits is something only extremely powerful magi could do throughout history only three held that power Wanderer, Lady Isika and...........Tydorel for centuries Necromancers of all eras had attempted to make that power their own and only succeeding to the mastery of controlling many kinds of spirits yet somehow Luna had this ability the long coveted power to create spirits.........was she and the others were speaking true of their supposed divinity?

No answer

''Spirit that coils about the innocent soul I command thee spark thy lies thou soul hath spoken'' I issued the command, Necromantic energy filling the words of power reaching out for the spirit yet it ensnares nothing.......the spirit had seemed to vanish from even Necromantic sight.....impossible I see all life even spirits of yore and daemons yet this one had disappear from my sight.

'' Alkeyore?'' the sound of Luna's voice breaks my concentration and any other further attempts to find the spirit Tantabus, the flames in my eyes burn brighter reminding me of the not far constructs......they were just outside of the room. Luna points a hoof at the now sitting Kirin who was still smiling '' why does Moonlit acts so? methinks she knows something.''

''Aye so do I'' I agreed nodding my head at the older Alicorn ''but the question is what? Does she know what is just standing outside of this room? Such things are a matter of time from what my dark powers tells me there is only two yet I know not what they may be. Their souls are strange to me''

''Moonlit'' called the Kirin's follow student Nightmare yet the dragon-pony ignored her just as the proud mountain ignores the spray of sea. Nightmare glanced at me and Luna before calling the hybrid once more again Moonlit ignored her, Luna tries her luck at getting Moonlit's attention but to no veil she is too ignored. The two Alicorns looked to me worriedly, they both knew of the Kirin's condition thanks to the recently healed scars.

The wooden doors lurch inward with an audible crack animalistic growls fill the air, alarming both me and Luna as Nightmare shoot not back to me but to Luna's undercarriage like a black iron arrow, this causes me to smirk at Luna's shock expression before it took an motherly smile.......it appeared that Nightmare had forgiven Luna but this was not an time to celebrate it is a time for battle.

''Moon-'' I started to call before being interrupted by the ancient oaken doors bursting open revealing an Timberwolf and odd looking Manticore, it lacked the iconic face of an man but replaced it with a lion's muzzle and comically tiny bat wings.......at least it had the scorpion's tail right. I stared down the monsters the dark magic at my fingertips struggled like rabid dogs lusting for blood and flesh.....the hunger had returned too quickly if it wasn't for my stigma ''The Hades Stigma'' the dark powers would attempt to bend if not break me into following it’s will, strangely the influence of black magic seem stronger in this place........much had happen here much more than Luna or Celestia knew.....what had brought darkness into this hall? While I brought the influence down to it's knees with my own willpower Luna's horn burn bright with storm magic I could feel the elemental energy seeping from her magical essence, the scent of lightning and thunder oozed into the stale castle air alerting the equally elemental Timberwolf who whines at the scent. Given its wooden form it could be closely related to the Dryads if so then it should easily dealt with but the Manticore on the other hand should be difficult to fight, all of Tydorel's spawn are yet this one is just a poor copy at best.

''Alkeyore be careful these are some of the most feared beast in the Everfree, the Timberwolf will reintegrate all wounds unless set a blaze and the Manticore is weakest point is beneath the tongue and the undercarriage which calls for close combat where it's most dangerous'' Luna informed me giving confirming the knowledge I had based off of the Gaeaish Dryads and Manticores with only but a few adjustments on the case if the Avalonian Manticore could fly.

'' Luna, my friend I think you should tell these creatures to be careful instead'' I said still smirking as the rabid dark magic start forming fire spells along setting the traps ready to be trigger at will ''cause the red raven flies on this day''

Everfree forest proper

Discord's PoV

As soon Celestia and my chaotic self entered the dreaded Everfree, I felted old Grimmnjor's primal magics at work......one doesn't have to the ability to sense the magical balance to see that very ancient magic was drowning everything in it's power yet deliciously oddly the primal magic was weaker than it ever has been over two thousand years and the forest knew it. The wild Everfree was calm.....too calm it was eerily yet Celestia my dear sweet Celestia she simply ignored the signs of the ancient woods' uneasiness, completely focused on rescuing Luna and I can't believe that I'm saying this but her daughter Nightmare as well from that forsaken human Alkeyore Blood-raven.

Like Sleipnir I had too spent years trying to find the mythical heart of the forest the last stronghold of the humans and just like him I had failed as did so many other gods high and lesser. If I knew Sleipnir my greatest rival and ancient source of entertainment and I do, he would be too in these woods seeking to destroy the forest heart thus bringing an end to the greatest reminder of the old human gods power this something I must stop him from doing........I hold no love nor loyalty for Aronnos and his kin but I will protect Equestria, Luna and Celestia from him......he can have all the power he wants as long he stays in the Edar. It had taken the better part of thousand years and war among the gods alone to create the current loose balance between Judgement and Chaos, I could sense it in the air that change was coming but the question is what cost this change will bring upon the mortal realm? As an being of Chaos I shouldn't picks sides........it was in my nature to play on both sides but this time it is different, now I have a greater reason to stand against the Alicornian Pantheon, Celestia my chaos........my mate I would go against my very nature for you alone. As Faust had said the winds of war is blowing across Avalon.

The Titan war will begin once again........not how but when. The thought left a bad taste in my mouth the war was something I never wanted to be reminded of, the scars of that era is still deeply wounded in Avalon's soil the once lush forest of Raz'lai had languish into the waste of The Badlands, The Whispering Mountains had crumble into the Teir Hills, The Sea of Kings shrank into Running Horse Bay, Dragon's Road the ancient and richest trade route in Southern Avalon had vanished into the sands effectively cutting off much of the south from the rest of Avalon. Most of the northern islands had sank into The Great Sea never to rise again. The ancient ruling families of the natives had long ended leaving their peoples leaderless outside those who hang on to the old ways such like the Gryphons, Changelings and the Dragons the last three ''real'' native Kings and Queens.............if The Titan war does truly returns then it would mean the end to my fellow natives.........they will end up like my own race dead and long forgotten to the histories. But there could be a chance to keep the past from repeating itself yet how? How? Faust had foreseen that war will fall upon Avalon, she spoke of the natives uniting against the ponies that the sands will run red with the blood of heroes yet she never said how it would begin, she never spoke of the events that would cause it, only that Alkeyore and Luna had something to do with it, if that prophecy says anything, those two are the catalyst ........ an catalyst for what? The coming storm of war and chaos......what does a dark human and an runaway Alicorn have anything to do with it, how their actions alone affect an entire continent? Questions..........questions and more questions it seems that all I see these days, questions for the future, the thirst for knowledge of the future had driven many mad in the pursuit not it would drive me mad I'm already crazed yet such knowledge is what mortals even gods shouldn't know it would make everything boring and predictable........I am a creature of Chaos, everything that is both unpredictable and ''merrily'' twisted.

Again I felt Grimmnjor's primal magics weaken yet this time it was so weak it was......alarming, something was wrong so very wrong more wrong than my own body, old Grimmnjor if he still exist is the god of the wilds the Everfree had long been his domain for his power to be weakening now this quickly is a very bad sign......yes his power may drowned the forest for over two thousand years but time shouldn't had effect those ancient enchantments in some places in Avalon had active spells for much longer and they haven't crumbled. This could mean an number of things...one) he is preparing to pass his powers to an heir; two) he is gathering his remaining followers and maybe other sleeping gods for an assault on Equestria; three) he abandoning the Everfree in an move to join the natives in the south; four) the spells he left behind are failing. Each of these in nature could lead to war, a newly formed godling would lack to knowledge and experience needed to survive in god socially perhaps insulting an much older and more powerful Elder and High god due pure arrogance and disregard for the rules of godhood; it matters not if he attempts to leave for the south he never make it Pongaea and Geinzah would catch him if he attacks Equestria the entirety of the pantheon and all the pony nations would swoop down on him ending in an slaughter; yet the failing spells could mean that he had been long dead and would leave the Ahiu'mnir defenseless in a sea of ponies then just at that moment a thought came to me.

''Celestia stop running'' I said in an leveled voice, my mismatched eyes still taking in the eerily calm Everfree from my younger days of searching the woods I knew that we had only penetrated the outer forest boundaries.

'' Huh....huh....Discord why you told me to... huh....stop'' breathed Celestia heavily trying to catch her breath ever since we set paw in these woods Celestia had been galloping across the forest floor looking for any sign that Luna and Alkeyore had pass through forgetting that the Everfree is large enough to be an small country it was even bigger that The Crystal Empire and the free states of Prance and Maretoneia combined it would take months just to comb through it but that is if the Everfree folk don't attack you first, ''Every second we waste the farther Luna and Nightmare will be from our territory and power ''

Ah yes The Deity Territory Law an law that keeps most of the Pantheon from warring on each other each god/goddess is given an territory and divine power center of sorts where they have final say in dealings with other gods, immortals and mortals yet outside their own territory they must bide by the laws of whose territory they find themselves, basically Equestria is Celestia's; Luna's; Twilight's and myself territory outside Equestria we have ''no power'' according Pantheon law if we found our ourselves in Saddle Arabia Pongaea's territory, we must follow his rules and vise-verse '' Yes I know my dear but don't you sense that something is wrong with the Everfree........'' I said tailing off on the name leaving it for Celestia to pick up on.

''Yes, I had noticed'' said Celestia plainly an hoof nervously shaking..... ready to take off after Luna and Alkeyore again '' But this is not the time to get side-track the forest can wait just as it has for thousands of years but Luna and Nightmare doesn't have such time Alkeyore plans to take them into The Badlands for hiding.''

'' You had told me and others of his plans of leading them into The Badlands but when we had enter these woods did you remember just how big the Everfree is..........they could be just a mile away and we'll never see them or they had covered leagues yet you ignore this fact just as you ignore the signs of the forest that may help us to find them '' I said with the wisdom of thousands of years while at the same time criticizing her and giving an clue of how we could find our prey more quickly.

The white Alicorn mare's gaze hardened as she glares at me and my rather truthful mouth ''Discord'' she hissed in her usual boring no nonsense tone for a moment I wonder what about the mare the drives me so.......chaotic for her....... nah it probably just the all stress of being the first Avalonian born Alicorn that made her so boring then I remember that she loved having fun as much as I, it was the business with Luna that got her so uptight '' I know you're worried just as I am but it's not the time to critical......we can not afford to be distracted.''

''Celestia just listen to the signs of the forest that where one our answers lie'' I chuckled chaotically while snapping my paw summoning up a glass of chocolate milk sipping on the glass without a care............ in an sense I just graved the stubborn mare another clue.

''Time is fleeting Discord, we must hurry'' said Celestia with a shake of her head

'' I disagree Celestia, time is fleeting only for mortals, time doesn't touch beings such as ourselves '' I reminded her of that fact the world may change with the seas of time but we the gods of this world we'll remain unchanging forevermore till another releases us to the sweet embrace of nothingness......I wonder what it would be like returning to nothingness it sounds.........boring.

I should have not reminded Celestia of that ....... her ears flattens back into her head as her eyes softens from the earlier glare becoming an almost broken look as the weight of our fate crushed her spirits. To be an god is a cruel existence and anyone says any difference are mad or an fool that loves lonesomeness in some cases both.....tis an truly loathsome life, cursed to remain the same while everything and the ponies that you loved crumble into dust before your very eyes......not many can take that without losing their sanity........we all have had our off years, it was just something you'll learn to live with after the first centuries of godhood. Throwing away the milk leaving it to explode somewhere behind my back I gently coiled myself round the hurting mare comforting her with my unnatural body. '' sigh- sorry Celestia.....it just sometimes we need to slow down and think..........despite my chaotic nature I am much more than an simple Draconequus do you that don't my love''

I felt the mare in my coils squeeze my paw lovingly but shakily '' I know Discord........I-I-I just forgotten just how brutally honest you could be at times, it's sad that the mortals can't see for who you truly are like I do, if they knew all you did all you sacrificed for them then maybe you'll still be the Ruler of Equestria not me and Luna or the others perhaps you would of done a better job of keeping Alkeyore in Canterlot and from the world sometimes I wished that the fates weren't so cruel''

''So do all wish when they are faced with such Darkness'' I said lifting the mare I love chin with an eagle's' talon causing her to look into my red eyes'' but it's up to them alone whether or not to take the first step, the journey may be long and cold yet it all begins with a single step......would you take that step with me my dear?''

The Alicorn smiles a truly lovely simile her hoof still holding on to my paw '' Of course I'll take that step with you Discord.......( she giggles leaning her head against mine ).........after all you are marrying me''

'' and what a wedding it will be Tia '' I replied with a wild grin ''just imagine all the chaos it would bring! the Nobles outrage, Luna leading the ceremony as her moon rises as we say our vows, passion flowers far as you can see......your father's face when we send him the pictures''

''Oh Discord you truly are the Mad king, Sleipnir's sole remaining eye would be blinded with rage as he chase you about the castle while forming at the mouth.......again'' giggled Celestia mareishly her eyes regaining that all so lovely mischievous twinkle.

''Oh you remember that?'' I said with a smirk '' you were up to your forelocks in salt and drunk off of Starry-Dawn wine with chocolate lemon cakes dashed by poison joke pedals I'm surprise that you could even danced the way you did let lone remember anything......come to think of it you're still not allowed to set hoof in Concordia and I think the imprint of your flank still lingers on Geinzah's castle wall.''

If Celestia's muzzle burned any brighter you could mistake for a second sun '' Discord I thought that we had agree to never speak of that night again'' she said through gritted teeth

'' No you agreed to never speak of that night, I only listened but I never agreed on weather to tease you or not Empress Hot flanks '' I said jokingly and quoting the very name a drunk Celestia had called herself on that night. Even to this day the sight of an very drunk Celestia placed a wide smile on my lips.....oh what chaos she could make when she let her mane down.

At the mention of the name the mare in my arms looked at me with a dangerous gleam in her eye silently telling me to start running '' Discord '' she said an sing song voice with her horn shining in golden light ''how you would to be pink again ''

''Hmmm nope'' I laughed while popping away in an short range teleport spell which by the mere act I grabbed my mare one final clue even the most oblivious pony couldn't even miss this clue but granted the fact that most Equestrians are quite oblivious and naive to the outside world, I guess one could say that I didn't expected much from the mortals yet at the same time I hope that obliviousness hadn't rub off of them to Celestia.

Once the blinding light of the teleport had vanished, Celestia's newly unblinded eyes widen with realization of what I just done I had teleported inside of the Everfree, an act that should impossible cause Grimmnjor's enchantments stop all teleports coming into and out of the forest while weakening an number of spells and strengthening non ponies spells all at the same time.

'' Grimmnjor's enchantments are weakening '' Celestia chimed redundantly finally getting what I been trying to tell her.........a thankful smile graced her muzzle, the inclinations of being able to comb the forest faster and finding Luna before Alkeyore takes her father away from us eagerly played in her mind as the spell on her horn changed into a teleport spell.

Pop

Everfree Castle Ruins

Nightmare's PoV

From under the safety of mother's undercarriage, I leered at the two Everfree monsters from what I could see both Alkeyore and Luna were in battle stances with spells much more powerful then what I could cast in this form, an pan of jealousy quickly forms in the pit of my stomach I should be able to cast with my own powerful spells I stood up to Celestia herself and nearly defeated her if it wasn't for the Elements I shook my head dispelling the jealousy it would do me no good to be ruled by my.....or rather Luna's emotions again. If there was any good about living alone in an ruin it was that you had a lot of time to think I had to come to realize that my ethereal night would destroy my subjects all of them expect the Vamponies, a subspecies of Batponies for an time before they died of starvation as well and would end any chance for the night to be loved as the day was loved leaving me to linger in loneliness.......it was good that I was defeated by the elements if it wasn't for them i would be still in the trap of envy and divined hatred but now I was freed to live as my own pony I was freed from the emotions and magic that first created me at Luna whims. As I watched my fellow gods stare down the Manticore and it's smaller counterpart the Timberwolf with magic roaring to be freed my eyes couldn't but be help not to look at the Kirin Moonlit who despite the monsters bashing the doors open still sat there before them smiling like nothing bad could happen.....that everything was going to be alright it almost remind me if very barely of that pink Earthpony Pinkie pie the element of laughter. I sneered at her and that go lucky smile, it was cleared that her years of living in this forsaken forest had robbed her of her mind yet perhaps like had my fellow gods said she knows something.......something that even we the gods don't know but what? by our very nature we know.....we know more that some mortal would ever hope to know.

The two monsters unable to gaze upon Alkeyore for long looked down where they took notice of the foolish smiling Kirin sitting before them, moments pass as Moonlit simply smiled at the monsters both Alkeyore and Luna looked at each other as if silently asking the other why the monsters hadn't made an move toward us outside of staring at the Kirin. What were they waiting for? Far as I know this behavior was undoubtedly strange for the beasts of the Everfree, they never acted this way before.......slipping into the memories I inherited from Luna I recalled the numerous reports of the Everfree monsters mauling ponies on sight, the number of ponies that was found half-eaten, tales of the monsters hunting down Royal Guards that was sent to burn them out only to return with countless nightmares and would fight to death anypony that tried to sent them back into the forest, recounts of pony corpses strung up in the limb of the tree severing as bloody warnings to stay out of the woods......nothing I found in the memories had explained hesitation the beasts are now clearly showing.....what had changed? what would cause this uncharacteristically hesitation? The only cause I could think of was the human Alkeyore, it would make sense given the fact that he is one of the old gods of Avalon and despite the unnaturalness of the Everfree creatures they were still a part of Avalon they won't dare to harm him but that didn't stood the same for Luna, and myself we weren't of Avalon that also even went for an hybrid such as Moonlit as well, we were all of Epona the birthplace of all ponykind; the monsters will eagerly harm us but with Alkeyore on our side they wouldn't harm us........would they?

The thought escapes the steel trap that acted as my mind as my eyes caught sight of blacken embers dancing along Alkeyore's fingers, an signal that he had the ability to command the elemental power of fire, only a few pony magi had ever mastered the elemental magics the most notorious Elemental mages were all gods and goddesses.....Pongaea; Geinzah; Venhayia and Noveria the four gods of nature. Pongaea commands the earth and all of its riches, Geinzah calls forth the raging storms; in Venhayia's hoofsteps the icy grip of winter takes hold; from Noveria's beauty fire dances into the world........each of them are extremely powerful even among the gods one had to trot about them very carefully or risk nature's wrath and that wrath had only grew with Norveria's death at the Minotaurs' hands and Venhayia's mysterious disappearance since I was Luna's daughter that made Geinzah my uncle and Pongaea my great uncle, all in the Alicorn Pantheon were related to the others in some way or another it even had been rumored that Sleipnir and Faust are siblings.................that's a scary thought if there was ever one but I don't doubt it Eponaish Nobility do often take part in such practices to preserve the ''pure'' bloodlines so it not unheard of given that the two did ruled ancient Epona before The Great Winter.

An feline growl interrupted my thoughts causing my eyes to snap towards the Manticore who was in an lunging stance while the Timberwolf nervously looked back and forward Luna and Alkeyore. The Manticore snored once before opening its massive jaw, a slight rumbling could be heard coming from it's throat still Moonlit didn't move an inch from the open mouth the stench of rotted flesh polluted the stale castle air even from here in the safety of mother's legs I could smell its breath all I could do was to plug in my snot with magic yet even then I could still smell it........curse my divinity for making my senses so potent, how could Moonlit stand that powerful stench being so close to the monster? Suddenly Dark flames in veil up the Manticore burning it (and the smell) in an turret of blacken flames but soon as the flames appeared they diminished into nothing leaving an smoking but mostly unharmed Manticore.

''That was your only warning creatures! use it wisely or I'll won't be so lenient! '' shouted Alkeyore his hands burning darkly with magical flames, the pale blue flares in his eyes glowing ominously for a second I could see symbols of power in his eyes before vanishing into the blue flames. The Timberwolf cocked it's head at the big cat looking at worriedly for the first time since the monsters’ appearance Moonlit moved not to us but the Manticore's side

''Wildheart! '' said the Kirin in a worried tone while affectionately nuzzling the Manticore much to our surprise ''are you alright?

''A little fire never hurt me little Princess '' spoke the Manticore in a soft feminine voice before hissing in pain '' Manticores hind is stronger than the flames ''

What???? what kind of sorcery is this!!! an talking Manticore........this-this is unheard of, not single report nor book had ever mentioned that the Everfree monsters were sapient. This......this changes everything ponykind knows about the denizens of the wood, yet how could this be unrecorded? such knowledge should be in some scroll how could I....ahem Luna not know of this? she has an seat on the Pantheon for Faust sake! She should've known of this and in turn so should I, yet who saw it fit to erase the voice of the woodland realm? As I sat there in Mother's undercarriage in shock of the notion of the Everfree beasts being intelligent that shock was soon broken when I felt Luna's teats on my back instantly reminding me where I was in the moment and the fact I was backing away into her hind legs if was any discomfort with me being in hoof's reach she didn't show it. Turning my head carefully so my horn couldn't disembowel the one mare who I truly needed, I took that time to graze at her underbelly...........it and the twin mounds were all pale ash blue in coloration with short but well trimmed fur, and small birthmark of an flower graced the upper belly area the very origins of her title ''The Dancing Moon-flower''. Looking at the pale perfect nipples of Luna's teats I felt my stomach instinctively growl at the sight of the twin mounds...... reminding me once again I am in the body of an foal and I have not eaten anything better nor nourishing than raw wild grass, the temptation of nursing on rich milk was strong yet fortunately my will was stronger there will be an time to feed later right now I had to focus on keeping myself hidden......just in case the Manticore and her counterpart attempt to hoodwink us.

''Wildly '' said the Timberwolf in an scratchy genderless three toned voice '' you idiot I told you that we should let Moonlit invite us in but of course you didn't listen.....( ''Grimmnjor Damn Cats never listen to the wiser wolves'' he mumbled under his breath)..... this is what you get for wanting to impress one of the gods........ he could of BBQ you into Catburgers I have you know!''

''Yeah but he didn't Ishtir '' shot back the Manticore Wildheart before hissing in pain again '' Sweet Valeria's Teats what kind of fire was that! I still feel it burning me lou no flame burns!''

''Curse of the Black Veil'' Said Alkeyore in an flat cold tone regarding the two monsters just as coldly, even from here in mother's warmth I could feel the cold harsh words rolling off of his tongue '' one of Gaea's forbidden spells originally it was an torture spell created by the ancient Gaeaish for the specific purpose of keeping inmates in line repurposed to keep extremely aggressive political enemies tame during council meetings as long you're wishing to bring harm to others the curse will continue to burn till you are entirely devoured leaving....... nothing left not even bones for the crows........choose your thoughts and actions wisely''

The creatures audibly gulped...(especially the Timberwolf for obviously reasons )....at hearing the human's cruel warnings while Luna and Moonlit including myself stared at him with understandably horror. Such magic as this ''curse'' was of the darkest kind often requiring both blood sacrifice and anarchic incantations of the arcane yet somehow Alkeyore was able to cast that dark spell without either just what is he? The God of Dark Magic and all thing both dark and cruel? Just who did I accepted as my teacher!!! I was pretty sure that Luna was already regretting her decision to stay with the human and having him teach both Moonlit and me magic once again i wonder how he would teach the Kirin magic she's definitely not an Unicorn perhaps an Pegasus or Earthpony yet given the fact she lack wings she is most likely Earthpony.....after moments of silent horror Alkeyore notices our horrified expressions and simply shook his head in disregard.

''If you think that spell was horrid then I am worried about what you would think if I actually used the real forbidden arts, the curse of the black veil is simply an illegal spell, there be many of spell that do much worse than that weak hex'' explained Alkeyore still using that cold tone of his before facing Moonlit, the young Kirin bravely met the human in the eye standing by the cursed Manticore, the Timberwolf nervously stood by the Kirin with the fear of fire in the white orbs that his eyes yet he remained where he stood ready fight if it came to that. Alkeyore's flaring eyes die down returning to golden amber, silently he studied Moonlit and the two Everfree denizens as if he was attempting to graze into their souls perhaps he was......his silence didn't last long with an wave of his hand the wolf yelp as he was bound in chains made from his own shadow, the Manticore foolishly growled at Alkeyore from seeing her partner being bound but Alkeyore quickly silenced her with but only an glare. With the two creatures dealt with the human slowly approached the young Kirin once he reached the hybrid he gently place his hand on the Kirin's shoulder softly sighing an oddly fatherly sigh yet at the same time stern '' Moonlit you have some explaining to do young filly. ''

Somewhere in the Everfree Castle

Celestia's pov

POP

Slowly opening my eyes, the dim fading light of the teleport spell revealed that we were in some room from both ancient memory and the clear signs of advanced age of the unrepaired room I instantly knew where we were at my foalhood home....... the Everfree castle. The scent of undisturbed stale castle seeped into my esteemed white fur rekindling old forgotten memories as my eyes drank the old but oh so familiar room........it was room that I (and Discord) would know fairly well after all it was my bedroom. Ancient cracked faded rose pink walls with equally cracked paint, more dust than stuffed animals lay still in the very places as the day they were abandon, the foal size bed had vanished into an old red oak tree, the drawings that once dressed the wall had long crumbled into the elements, memories of Discord sneaking in under the cover of night though the long destroyed window.....phantoms of two little Alicorn filly playing games danced in the air right before my eyes. All those memories threaten to overtake my senses...........till I felt Discord lips against mine, it was just magical how the touch of a lover could make you feel like the luckiest mare alive while beginning you back from the haze of an wicked memory charm.....I thought I had eased all traces of that particular wicked school of magic nine hundred years ago yet here in my old bedroom awaited one of those charms. Discord soon but very reluctantly breaks the kiss for a time we simply gazed into each other eyes savoring the warmth on our lips, I moved forward to nuzzle my lover but he gently stops me with a raised paw.

''Your father had been here its seems Celestia '' said Discord in an slightly worried tone, again it was strange for Discord to be worried about anything but if I had ever learned anything in my thousands of years sometimes it pays to be worried. If Sleipnir truly had been here then time is running out faster for Luna and Alkeyore then I first thought........deathly dead fills my heart like Alicornian Iron if Father finds them then I will never see them again......just like Mother.......he will brutally kill Alkeyore sealing his soul in the darkest pits of Tartarus, but Luna and Nightmare...... I dare not to even think about the suffering they would face at Sleipnir's hooves. Father have always hated Luna so sometimes it seem his hate for my sister was greater than his hatred for humans and everything that went against his laws such as Discord; the Natives that still stand against the Pantheon to this very day; the Windigos that stole Epona from us so long ago.....most of the Pantheon were born eons ago on the soil of the land of Epona and still remember the day ponykind was forced to abandon her it was only now four thousand years later new Alicorns are being born in numbers.

''Discord are you sure?............Father hasn't left the Edar for the better part of a thousand years if he had truly return now then all of us not just Alkeyore are in grave danger'' I said grimly........I will not allow him to take Luna away from me or Nightmare I told myself as I gritted my teeth, Alkeyore please let us find you before it's too late.....I need my sister.

The Chaos God whispered as he took deep breaths '' I would know your father's magical residual anywhere'' it dawns on me that Discord wasn't actually breathing he was shifting though the mage-dust of the room expecting every spell that ever was ever casted, a massive undertaking if there was ever was one yet somehow he was able to an task that would take mortals and many gods eons to do in mere minutes not even I could do it with such ease. Discord brown chest freezes like solid ice as his eyes harden and deep rage filling them, an rage I had only seen once before it made me shuttered like somepony had walk over my grave ''Damnation Sleipnir what in Chaos's name have you done.......you dare to against Avalon's laws and your own! Norda Doh yinco Konie!'' I hear him swear under his breath.

'' Norda Doh yinco Kon???'' I said questioningly tilting my head cutely not finding any of the words familiar outside of Doh, an ancient Avalonian word, the rest didn't sound like any other language I heard before and I know many tongues. One of my favorites is Lokr kie gu the language of the Kelpies the lords of Aquaria, an region in eastern Equestria, the Kelpies are a rather unpleasant herd for most ponies due to the fact they have 2562 words for idiot and cunt but they are also an very passionate folk even more passionate than any pony tribe had to right to be and they will tell you that while swearing in 3532 phrases. The Kelpies had always been.....odd for the lack of a better word they are a rare pony herd much more rare and odd then the Arachnaponies yet not as rare as the Lamias or the Wolfponies even then the spider, snake and wolf herds are not as odd as the Kelpie herd yet I find the four ''beast'' pony herds (for the oddest reason the Batponies and the Sphinxes are not considered to ''beast'' ponies despite being of an bestial nature an oversight if anything ) more lively and noble then most of the other herds. An notion that didn't seat well with the Unicorns and many of my fellow Alicorns who find the so regarded beast herds as sub pony at best or unfit to live at worse, I never understood why they thought that....the Equestrian beast herds leaders Lord Ironwolf of the Wolfponies; Lady Naga of the Lamia; Lady Fate-spinner of the Arachnaponies had always been kind to me and to Luna. They were the first to welcome Luna back home and as Princess.

If Discord showed any indentation of hearing my question he didn't showed it, the Draconequus's eyes softens into their usual playfully but crazed graze, his mismatch paw and claw glowed in his magical aura '' Sleipnir is close by '' he said yet I could barely recognize the voice as his it was.....reservoir with the barely controlled under tones of holy rage '' .............and he is not alone''

Father what had you done to invoke Discord's Rage?

Minosian-Awanish Border

Fraxture's PoV

The thump of hooves echoed throughout the long emptied Grasslands stretching far in the narrow strip of land that formed the border between Minos and Awan the Diamond Dog kingdom, the music of the nearby sea merrily accompanied my thunder of Minotaurian hooves. Ever since the Tavern I been running at full speed nonstop thundering pass the small villages of the Bullhorn Strait, the border was now only a few hours away I have to hurry despite still the strait was Minotaur territory Pongaea's ponies offend raid and pillage/invade the small villages killing everybull in their path for little reason other than Pongaea's holy oath to exterminate the Minotaur race for the death of his sister but it was well worth the risk for the first time in years I had an lead.........a lead to the gods after all these countless years of searching for them in vain and finally one of the gods had showed themselves....... in Equestria the lands of the Sun and the moon no less. I felted my heart leap for joy at the news yet I could but help to wonder why Equestria of all places? Tis wasn't my place to question the will of the gods but something spoke ill to the mind of that I was sure why the lands of the Sun and the Moon surely the gods knew that those lands were the biggest Pony territory shouldn't an native nation be more fitting and proper? Adalricus damn it I know that the gods work in mysterious ways but Equestria is under the rule of Alicorns it would be wiser to appear in Minos, The Gryphon kingdom Tartarus even the Grand Draconic Empire would be a better choice.....much closer to their followers. Yet perhaps there was a reason to the madness, and reason beyond the eyes of mortals as to the why gods chosen Equestria to return perhaps an call to arms with them leading the way to the Emblem throne and to reclaim our country from the ponies......songs of the valiant will be sung once again in the end.

As I thundered across the Grasslands filled with passion flowers far in the distance I could see the mountains of Awan piecing Edonia's sky like iron spears according to legend those mountains were the ruins of the Whispering Mountains the ancient domain of Amothos. I wish I could see how they looked back in the days of yore they were said to be an beautiful sight and sometimes just sometimes during the long night you could hear the mountains whisper to one another so quiet one could scarcely make out the words unless you were an Diamond dogs who were famed as miners and craftsmen the dogs would rely on the mountain whispers for an meanings of finding new ore deposits but that is only if you believe the legends. The sound of thunder raced into my ears telling the I was picking up the pace, Minotaurian soldiers were famed during the Titan war for thundering across the land for weeks naught a rest and still be fresh for battle in heavy armor and heavier arms of pure iron and bass.......an ability that few bulls still process even to this day.......it dawns on me that I was racing the wind just like the ancestrally bulls that accompanied the gods into battle with the Alicorns...........I could almost see them.......and mighty host of bulls brandishing great weapons of war while Catji prowled at their hooves with nothing naught but fangs and claws..........above their heads flew Gryphons, Changelings even Dragons taunting the foe ......down on the earth to the bulls sides stood Diamonds dogs wielding curved blades, Arachnaponies armed with magical silk,Deer with bows to rain down on the foe lastly before the host of all Avalon's might were the Gods with swords in the wind leading the charge words of power upon their lips in an wordless battle-cry.

As soon as the sight came it disappeared into the sight of the Grasslands I felt a tear fall from my eye, the sight was heartbreaking knowing that it may never be again as long the gods slept waiting to be freed from the chains that the Alicorns placed on them, looking up to the sky I let out an silent solemn oath that I will make that sight true once again even if it took my life I will see to it that the gods' return. Once the words were mentally spoken the sound of thundering hooves filled the air, the tall grass whipping me to go faster and faster my eyes focused ahead to the mountains in the distance the road though Awan may be longer than the road though Saddle Arabia and Arabians' ships on Horseshoe Bay but no bull had ever pass through Pongaea's lands unspoiled. No the Gem Highway is much safer for any Native seeking passage to Equestria unless you go through Merlin's Pass long hidden in the The Badlands on the other side of Saddle Arabia.......that journey will take much longer and much dangerous it would mean turning round racing all the way to Amothos's gate in Southern Minos and then walk the waste of the Badlands northwards till finding the land of the traitorous Buffalo and Concordia the land of Geinzah's sphinxes........the route though Diamond dog lands is the only opinion.

Soon the looming mountains and the border appeared closer my ears picked up of the sounds of metal meeting metal and the screams of the dying not far from where I stood, judging by the mere sounds it was fight to the death my first thought was another Pony raid but the voices did not sound like any ponies voice I ever headed close to an pony by nature yet very far from been Equine. With an smooth movement I drew a sword from my hip leaving Faith strapped to my back, the holy weapon pitiful whined at the act which I ignore it knew that I couldn't always rely on it, I had to get use to wielding other weapon besides the ancestral ax.......raising the sky-silver blade high into the air I let out an great bellow as I thundered to the battle.......and raid or not as an Seeker I was my duty to fight the enemies of the gods wherever I find them.

The Continent of Gaea
The Human Realm of The Beron Empire
The Beron Capital City of Tila, The Royal Council Chambers

Teigue's pov

Hatred and rage fills me at just how quickly King Rodin gathered the so called rulers of Gaea, many of them rarely leave their own territories but somehow that fool of an Beron manage to gather the likes of Isika and Jun-Neben-Strunmah even Togul the only three in this blasted land that could discover and stop my plans but the others should be easily dealt with........no this actually helps me and my master bettered then hunting them down one by one.......YES I have the perfect plan in mind one that would allow me to fulfill my promise to Alkeyore while weakening all the twelve kingdoms in one single blow yet I need to move carefully.......for now. Most of the twelve stared at me with wide eyes of shock I assume that word of the Lords of Magics' disappearance had reached to even their ears, I crackled inwardly at the such irony the killer of their precious Lords standing before the gathered might of Gaea and they have no idea that I did it and since they know of the rumor it wouldn't to use it to my advantage. but of course not all of them were in shock, the fairy witch Isika and the pitiful wilding Nar-Thosik looked at me with guarded emotions.......I never had a good relationship with either one but again I know how I can use them to my advantage just like all the others.

''Ah Lord Teigue Shinedown of Ern '' said the Fairy Queen Isika with distrustful glint in her ash gray eyes '' it appears that those nasty rumors of you and your brethren had perish is just that rumors''

'' Perhaps Lady Isika then again perhaps not'' I said in kind before moving on to the other fools yet not speaking to anyone in particularly '' I see that Lord Bahu had been his usual self.....picking his battles unwisely even in these uncertain times tis a shame''

''The time is always ripe when hunting mages'' The Tahuian Overlord greeted rudely his cruel black eyes following me predatory waiting for me to make one wrong move.........I could see why Alkeyore hatred them so they are just an monstrous as the tales say......they'll would suite my plans very well '' yet I don't you had such pleasure as killing the Blight in this land....Monk''

''Monk? I am a priest of Ramnosshia the Goddess of Light and Protection not a mere monk Bahu'' I said with a light chuckle recalling who I was before my......enlightenment oh how blind was I back then but no more now I know my destiny.........the destiny of those cursed to live by the sword for those who do not deserve it is no longer only the destiny of fire and death is all there is now.... soon King Tydorel will return to his kingdom to finish what was start eight thousand years ago.

''So you claim Teigue '' sneered Pao-lot while struggling is his very uncomfortable stone chair despite staying true to his Ernian heritage by having several plush pillows under his massive rear, due to both of his overly well fed belly and the flatten pillows the chair only grew even more uncomfortable with each passing second '' You are an Lord of Magic are you not.''

Ah yes the fat one, Pao-lot how could I forget him Ern's High Priest and King.........bah never before I had I seen such an pig and coward. Out of all of the twelve rulers I knew him best after all he was my teacher and Father........we could never see eye to eye, I was ashamed to have him as a Father so was he too cause I was an mage. '' Aye that I am '' I said using the Rohnirian tongue I learned from Alkeyore in our travels much to the fat one's displeasure and caused the aging Dulaman to flash an small weathered smile. It clearly reminded my so called father that he failed to take the Rohnirian throne back during The Three Kings War, it was thanks to his poor Kingship that Ern lost over half of her's pirate armies and gold making her one of the weakest of the twelve kingdoms... weaknesses that I intend to exploit..... hmm it seem that the Fairies had looking to expand HA.

''Then if you are indeed an Lord of Magic then you are no priest of our White Queen Ramnosshia who had forbade all Priest from sullying their hands with the blaspheme that is magic '' growled Pao-lot his cheeks the color red it was hard to say if his new skin color was from embarrassment or weather his redness came from exertion. '' Let this heretic be removed from this holy ground and send him back to dwell with his fellows in The Fallen Realms for I Pao-lot Ramnosshia's voice command it so all those who show disobedience will earn the ire of Ern and our beloved goddess''

I could hear the other rulers mumble among themselves echoing Pao-lot's unwanted preaching in his haste to cast me out he forgotten that we were not in Ern and the other eleven Kingdoms do not follow the Ernian goddess leaving him powerless yet even blind idiots as themselves could see that Pao-lot was actively trying to derail the purpose of this council meeting causing them to silently move against him while again giving me an another opening but to my surprise Dulaman king of the wildmen spoke.

''Now Pao-lot '' said the aging Dulaman '' now is not the time to be shrewd and place the issue of religion......( he points his graying hand to me his voice growing all the stronger.......) but I understand not why you Lord Teigue appeared now of all times when it was The Elder the leader of the Lords of Magic who would come in our council......so tell me no all of us the count of twelve why The Elder did not answer the callings and instead sent you not his second Morning Star of Adin.''

Damnation how could I had forgotten that the old fool always answers the callings if not then he would send that worm of his in his stead! If I don't twist this to my advantage it will open questions and that would mean they would want to see Blackrock Keep then that will cause my plan to fail before it even started even worse it was an wildling who pointed out the one thing I looked over.......Spirits of The Fallen aid me in this endeavor show me what need to be done...........instantly I heard thousands of Fel voices whispering darkly in my ear telling me what exactly I should do and the words that would break the count of Twelve for once and for all........yet it was risky so very risky. But what choice I have? fail the Demon king and my destiny? I think not, who cares if this is an set back Tydorel's return can not be stopped by anything especially by an mere oversight. '' An just question Dulaman but the answer is not as simple but it is simple at the same time''

This time I heard High King Tane Njor of the Dwarfs growled clearly impatient to get the meeting underway '' You say it is simple yet not simple......make up your mind lad which is it simple or not simple you sound like a damn pointy ears bitch ''

This causes Luwin to glare dangerously at the much smaller dwarf '' Silence runt can't you see pass that heinous bread of yours that Lord Teigue was going to explain what he meant before you rudely interrupted him! Dwarfs!!!! You always have you heads in the ground tis an shame you wouldn't stay in such filth .......it would be a mercy to not to smell that foul stench that your race hath brought into this world''

''What was that about me bread'' Roared the little king drawing his three's his size finely crafted ax far over his head '' Say it again Pointy Ears I couldn't hear ye way down here I might hear ya better if when I'm done pissing on yer copse''

''Luwin!!!! Thane Njor!!! sit DOWN'' roared Rodin slamming his Beron maul down at the table with a fiery glare in his eyes, Nar-Thosik and the orc Togul both placed a hand on their weapons as did many of the others, all ready for the count become an test of arms.......sigh such the way of Gaeaish politics, if the Gaeaish spent less time fighting each other then they would truly be a threat to my master, a lesson the Lords of Magic attempted to teach time and time again only for it to fail just as always '' One more outburst like that then the both of you will be forbidden to speak at this council and all others to come''

Moments passed as the Elf, Dwarf and the Beron glared at each other before begrudgingly in the loosest terms did as the Beron requested, they didn't really have much of an choice if they were forbidden to speak at the council for the rest of time it not only embarrass them and their kingdoms but would also cause them to lose all influences in any dealings they had in the council and the other races so choice to sit down was quite easy to make instead of the alternative. I allowed the Twelve some time to settle back down and less likely to draw an blade before returning to my earlier words. '' As I said before the reason of why Elder nor Morning Star answered the callings is simple........ the rumors of my brothers disappearance from this world are true........( I allowed my voice to grow with sorrow and pain an fitting act for theses fools, as false emotions as they were they sound even real to me....a troubling notion if there was ever was one it seemed that some part of me wasn't fully enlighten that's something I shall fix soon )........ they had perished, all of my dear courageous brothers.....they met Death on the field of Battle and fought like Gaeamen.........defending your lands from our enemies''

The few of the twelve that were friend with the Lords of Magic held broken looks while those who quarreled with my former brothers cut their eyes at me full of loss not for the death but because they were robbed of the chance of ending the Lords themselves. what a sad reason to die.......protecting those who didn't deserve protection and the reward was meeting the end in their stead, these so called Rulers sully the very memory of the Lords of Magic with their unending grudge and indifference. Jun-Neben-Strunmah and Nar-Thosik held the most broken grazes Morning Star was Jun-Neben-Strunmah's last hatchling thus with his death the line of the Dragon Elders was broken, it was the greatest blow to the several thousand year old Fire Drake. Nar-Thosik was clearly starting to grieve for his precious Former Master Alkeyore yet I could see it in his eyes that he didn't trust me and believed that I had something to do with it......I could only leave it to the corruption of dark magic within him that caused increased paranoia for him to suspect my involvement.......I need to keep an eye on him.

''Impossible'' said Togul with his bestial voice hardening while his eyes spoke of great disbelief yet if you looked closely enough small glint of yellow tears hidden there ' You speak of falsehoods the Lords of Magic had held our southern borders for eight thousand years! They could not had failed with their task......the Lords numbered in the hundred thousands and you come to this place telling us that they are all dead. Your mind have been robbed all of it's senses! If what you had was true the The Elder and Morning Star who had led the Lords for over two thousands years they would of know before hand would known to call for aid, We Orcs had been fast allies of the Lords since their founding we would answer any call The Elder issued! and we can not forget about of Alkeyore nor Wanderer they would destroy any and all threats to Gaea.''

''Togul is right '' shouts Lady Isika all fairy mischievous absent in her voice revealing an icy tone so cold it very well freeze the hottest Dragon's fire, powerful elemental scent oozed about her from charging the very air with magic alarming Bahu greatly, the Tahuian glared at the ancient she-fairy ready to pounce with wicked iron blades yet the Queen ignored him as if he was just an insect '' The Lords never could be defeated you all have tried and failed......( she points an hand burning with sky blue magical aura at those who known to quarrel with my former brothers Luwin; Bahu; Pao-lot; Idra; Rodin oddly enough and Dulaman)..... outside of my own race the Lords were the most powerful and most deadliest magi in the Twelve Kingdoms, my brother Gwion The Elder was wiser then I he gather all of the greatest mages of our age Alkeyore Blood-raven of The Dark magi Confederacy formerly of Rohnir; Hagi Krak-v-Drum of Torth; Senna Rose of The Remnants of Aylie; Tegid Kaos of The Beron Empire; Erk the Wooden of Amos; Screech of Draaos; Garanhir the Golden of the Land of the Fey; Morning Star of Adin; The Wanderer and of course you yourself Teigue...... just how the Lords could be defeated with all of the master magi in Gaea gathered under one banner''

The others taking the she-fairy words to heart all looked to me from explanation, sighing deeply I utter the words this time they were true and prue '' Yes, we did had all of the greatest master magi of the age among our ranks, the Demons and The Fallen flee into the dark places of the world when we marched with magic and steel in hand, retaking many of territory that was once lost now reclaimed, ancient bonds of brotherhood reforged once more stronger than before. Adventures of an many were shared between myself and those who I called brother and sister for an time we were that masters of the The Fallen Realms from our keep Blackrock yet even then betrayal was not far''

''Betrayal? by whom?'' asked Idra ending her long silence out of all of the Twelve she was strangely quiet by far different if the rumors about her was true according to the rumors she had a rather ''loud and excited'' personalty. Idra was strange for an Dryad, most of the Dryadic race were more and ''spiritual'' race in nature then their long dead ''treemen'' cousins, the Dryads were spirits that dwelled inside of trees, Idra on the other hand was much more solid. '' The Lords had always been an.......multiracial group for the lack a better word meaning any one of you could've turn on the others at any point yet in past that was rather an strength for the Lords than a weakness despite of what many of my fellow rulers may think.''

''True Idra very true'' I said with an nod, readying my plans for the fools ''but you question is more suite for Isika then I''

''What do you mean Teigue?'' asked Isika her fey magic rolling off of her body like waves in the sea, the scent of magic was thick in the air it nearly choked me with it's magical pressure alone instantly reminding me that no wizard that wanted to live would dare to anger an fairy or she-fairy in this case her magical pressure even caused the magical races in the room to shiver in her power. Even with her showcasing the difference of magical strength between her and myself it all worked well into my plan.

''You know what I mean Lady Iskia Queen of the Fairies after all it was you who ordered the attack on Blackrock Keep........the same attack that my brothers perished in!!!!!'' I said calling forth my own magical pressure mixing White magic (along with hidden Demon magic) into the air heavy Fey magic, unveiling the first piece of my plan taking advantage of the old hatreds......nobody in the right mind would trust the mischievous Fairy folk this is an fact of life in of the twelve kingdoms...... who would believe their innocence?.....no one. No man nor beast would take the word of an Fairy over the word of an Lord of Magic. Fiery fury filed Jun-Neben-Strunmah eyes deep Draconian growls escapes his throat sorrow and moaning for Morning Star clouded his judgement it matter not who slew his hatchling he would see that the entire world burn to right the wrong that was done, his gaze felled upon Iskia just as I predicted if anyone could stand on equal ground with the fairy Queen was the Dragon Elder. The most of others regarded the fairy coldly yet they didn't made an move.......an wise move if they acted now then they would too fall victim to Jun-Neben-Strunmah's vengeful fire thus opening an chance to hammer in Iskia's supposed betrayal.

'' I stand before you now Kings and Queens of Gaea to warn all of you that the Fairies had turned on their fellow Gaeaish and attack us in the guise of friend, many of Lord and foe blanket the red land of Blackrock both The Elder and Morning Star felled before the battle by foul works, Alkeyore alone kept the Fairies back slaying all he meet in order for me to flee to this hall with the call for war....... war with the fairies, he sacrificed himself in order for I could issue the call as I ran the last red raven flew from this world rot with arrows, Hagi; Senna; Erk; Tegid; Screech; even Garanhir they all die ensuring that the keep could never fall into enemy hands do not let their sacrifice be in vain.'' I uttered forever sealing Iskia's fate even if the council fails to war with the Land of the Fey the dragons will ensure war will come to Gaea wanted or not, each of now dead masters were all important to their individual homelands Hagi was the king of clan Krak-v-Drum his kinsmen will claim the right of Blood Feud on Iskia and her supporters, Senna was of Elven noble house Rose Luwin is required by honor and law to avenge her death on their behalf, both Erk and Tegid being Dryad and Beron they were commanders of the Amosian-Beron allied forces Rodin and Idra will see their death was an act of war, Screech was an siting member of Draaosian grand council......Garanhir on the overhand was a fairy prince and Iskia's chief political rival his death will serve as a rallying call for his followers to march against Iskia thus bringing the Fairies to civil war.

''Iskia is this true '' said Nar-Thosik sternly as Alkeyore would be in this situation for an moment I truly thought my old friend was there only to remind myself there was no way from him to survive that uncontrollable wild spell even the most powerful Necromancers could not able to bring him back from the land of the death.......the only one that could revive him was.......... himself. ''is it true?''

''No it's not my friend.....what do my fairies have to gain from destroying our only defense against The Fallen Realms'' said Iskia in an serious tone even more of her magical power freely flowed from her body threatening to overwhelm my own '' my race nearly was destroyed when Tydorel marched against my father King Afferaon eight thousandths ago if was the original six Lords who came to to our aid when the rest of Gaea turned it's back on us.......we unlike many of you we had not forgotten that act of mercy like the Orcs we too had always been allies with the Lords of Magic.........we would never betray them!''

Only an very few such as Togul and Nar-Thosik believed the Fairy Queen at her word and their long friendship yet despite of her powerful words most of the council had already made their judgement beforehand with the fairies as a scapegoat for the fall of the Lords of Magic the decision to go to war with the fairies was easily if rather eagerly by some certain rulers was made thus making war with her only supporters the Orcs of Orciemia and Alkeyore's last living legacy The Dark magi Confederacy. As the council ended with battle lines being made I mainly ignore the gullible rulers and watched as the three friends gather themselves to leave so they could prepare their people for the coming war yet as I watched them go I head Iskia's voice whisper in my ear .......so tell me Teigue Lord of Light when did the King of Demons bought your soul......

'' Tydorel'' I whispered feeling that death was near, ''She knows ''

Author's Notes:

Finally chapter eleven is finished after month and half of work I did plan for one more scene but 14000 was the cutoff so that scene will be move to chapter 12 ......me so sleepy but onto the news

Due to some reviews and a rather nasty comment/pm the fics Wolf in Wood and Metal Domination will taken down and completely rewritten so if you are fans of those two fics I send my regrets but this is something that needs to be done but I am giving you an chance for an say in the fics future.

For those who made story requests I will get to writing them soon as I can but right now I am closed to request so stay tuned to see whose requested story is written first

Finally unto the news for A wizards tale, we are getting an audio reading on YouTube by my good friend Red Tiger but while I was writing this chapter I realized something......I completely forgotten about the rest of the mane 6 and the fact I didn't had any plans for them yet that was before I met Portal82 it was thanks to him that I had something for the mane 6 thanks man your an life savior. Things are heating up for our Gaeaish friends as Teigue's plans are put into motion but more importantly I had finished maps for both Avalon and Gaea but unfortunately my printer is well....mostly out of black ink and the scanner ruined the picture ....... so the ruin version will have to do for now till the printer is ( meeting an sledge hammer)....fixed.
damn it now deviantart is acting up

Avalon

Gaea