A kingdom raises, a kingdom falls.......spirits of eight became six, when creation and destruction wars......the last Alpha with an heavy heart teaches five souls who are lost to the hands of fate and the gods will leave the world of mortals forevermore. The daughters of creation and the sons of destruction shall lose in their number to death or whether madness, the fate of all rest in last enigma and the will of stigmas. The song has been sung may be end nor beginning, the mark has appeared written in the stone unyielding to time, change and the force of arms. Six will stand and six shall fall and the world will see death and life in the final judgement.

- Ramblings of an madpony

The Everfree ruins

Sombra's PoV

For the first time in 1005 years I could move my own body........my true body free to breath in the sweet life giving air. I grimaced at the sensation of the sweet air filling my dust filled lungs.....pure clean and undulated air......the very thought of it it sickens me like an great sickness if I stilled ruled my empire the air would be dead and ruin covering the land with the scent of death tis such an grand scent death the ending of all things it had always interested me even as an young Red Horn colt . Unlike my fellow prisoners I found Tartarus to be home with it's roaring fires and the screams of damned ponies being tortured by Demons and other creatures of Hel the Alicorn goddess of death and warden of Tartarus......if only I could join in all the fun! Thanks to my years of torturing necromancers and Crystal ponies, I knew that I could very easily out shined Hel's creatures in the art of the whips and chains thus earning not only an chance to mate with the Queen of Tartarus as her King but perhaps an chance to return to the world of the living yet King Sleipnir had other plans.

''Sombra '' said the golden Alicorn gesturing with his godly hooves upon the ruined room from of what little the Alicorn king had told me before leaving Hel's domain I knew that this room was located in deep in Celestia's domain, the ruins of 'the castle of the two royal pony sisters' or rather in the territory of the accursed Everfree Forest...........the state of the caste does very little to impress me. '' this new life is just but an small taste of you could have only if you serve me well''

'' just a taste you say '' I echoed back while in thought looking at my very solid naked hoof despite being solid it was very strange to be without my royal regally or my shadow form. In truth it was very unnerving to be lacking my armor and most of my dark magic but such things are to be excepted from being restored to the mortal realm '' how long will this life last?''

''As long I deem it or rather long as you faithfully serve me'' said Sleipnir with a dark smile ''but be forewarned if you ever betray me and/or harm Celestia let alone touch her not even Hel will save you from being sent to the pit forever dwelling with the remains of the humanic gods''

'' I expected nothing less King Sleipnir '' I said with an nod, mirroring his dark smile with one for my own intentional flashing the Vamponic fangs that my mother gifted me with '' But what about Luna? is she too forbidden from my touch?''

At hearing the Alicorn of moon name, Sleipnir's last remaining eye reflected pure hatred.......I felt my nethers shake with pleasure at such delicious hatred raising off of the golden Alicorn.......tis seems I were right all those years ago even the gods lack purity in their hearts. ''Do what you will to her!!!!'' Sleipnir spat his gold face darker than the darkest night '' She represents everything that is wrong in my pantheon!!! Ruin her for me till she begs like the whore she is!!! take her soul as your plaything if you so wish it!!! just make sure she suffers and you will be justly rewarded with godhood!!!''

Godhood.........that is to be my final reward? the godhood I had always lusted for. I had traded my soul long ago for the power of an god, but an chance at true godhood? This is the one reward I could never refuse and he knows it...... after all he is the Alicorn of Judgement. The fate of the living and the dead lay in Sleipnir's hooves alone........Faust may have the gift to see the future and the faiths of others but it's was Sleipnir who passed the judgement of the souls of others he could send an pony to The Golden Plains or to Tartarus the land of the damned. Hen, it will be easy to do just what ancient god wanted.......... Alkeyore and Luna........the cost of two lives for the chance at godhood tis worthy cost. '' what will be the fate of the human? who shall have the right to slay it?''

''That right belong to me Sombra and me alone '' said Sleipnir still full of great hatred yet much more....controlled for the lack of a better word perhaps attempting to clear his mind for the coming battle? Yes tis would be wise to go into battle with a calm mind yet methinks that hate and rage would serve better in battle of gods than a sound mind. '' I brought you back to hunt down the human like the beast he is and all who gives him sanctuary never allowing him to rest but the kill is mine to give.......but if he has any companions pony or native following in his hoof steps.....they are yours to kill.

''Any? you say King Sleipnir, what if Celestia or any other Alicorn flocks to his side what of them'' I questioned, in all truth it was an just question yet at the same time the wrong question to utter in good consciousness after all it speaks of the Pantheon crumbing into two one following the king of the gods and the other a rebellious rabble of upstarts and long time traitors.

''Walk with me Sombra'' ordered the golden Alicorn in a tone that spoke that my question will not be answered and I should not ever dare to uttered it again or it would cost me dearly............it would prove to be very wise not to anger The God of Judgments. ''we much to do you and I, the human is here in this castle...........I can smell his scent among the dust, the scent is strange yet it still bares human''

Like a whipped colt I did as Sleipnir bedded...........for now

The Everfree ruins

Alkeyore's PoV

Placing my hand gently on Moonlit's shoulder, I softly sighed yet at the sigh was at same time stern while keeping a threatening glare on the two bound monsters something deep down within me spoke that I shouldn't trust them......it could be from the fact that they reminded me of Tydorel's foul creations and of the Dryads in the case of the wooden wolf but yet again my magic pick up on souls heading right for us, opening all of my magical senses two of the souls were familiar shapes of Celestia and Discord, hen it seems that that she decide to come after us after all but why she brought Discord? He is powerful yes yet I doubt him how could I not, he is an son of chaos tis was in his nature to spread chaos.......beings like him couldn't stand idle for long nor remain on an single side........an son of chaos couldn't have order in his life like an son of darkness couldn't have light.....we are both doomed to never see peace. The one of other unfamiliar souls held the shape of an Alicorn yet far older and much more powerful than Celestia and Luna while the last remaining soul was one of an dark magi yet ''the song of the dark kin'' was absent.....replaced by lust for destruction and ruin, an terrible omen the song exist to bring Dark magi together, to remind us that we are not alone in the shadows but to abandon by the song only meant one thing......Dahirm-hal. Sweet merciful darkness if there are Demon magi in this land then we are all in grave danger, I must inform Celestia and the other leaders of Avalon of this at once enemy or not. when there's one Dahirm-hal there's always an nest and when there's an nest......an entire army of fallen mages with the backing power of the Fel ready for war......a war that could very-well create an new Fallen Realm if left unchecked. By all the powers that be why now.......why now must I be drawn back to the curse to live by the sword? Why all of this unfolding now of all times? It seems even here in another world my duties as Lord of Magic and an son of Aron had followed me ruining at the chances I had for a little peace. Damn you fates!!! This isn't the time for this.....The Girls by the darkness I can't let them be exposed to an Dahirm-hal they won't survive the encounter in their weaken states especially Luna that spirit within her may claim to be not a demon but if one drop of Dahirm-hal blood lands on her........... I have to act that everything is fine till I can speak with her Celestia and Discord alone far from curious ears. Need to prepare for an advance level shadow step spell just in case. '' Moonlit you have some explaining to do young filly. ''

Moonlit looks up to me with big eyes, in her eyes I could see traces of fear and the memory of chained Gryphons being slain by my hand........this won't do this won't do at all she thinks no believes I may kill the two monsters. Pouring magic into both her and the creatures I could feel familial love in their hearts for each other......perhaps they on some level grew up together? Possible, the wilds work on the heart in strange ways but the magic also picked up on the essence of lust along the wolf and the Manticore's coats...............what how in Gaea's heart did a Timberwolf impregnated an Manticore!!!! Where's me Ale that shouldn't even be possible another world or not there's no way in the seven hells that a spirit possessed hunk of wood be able to mate and have cubs with an flesh and blood creature..........Wanderer and Kern would love for an chance to study this and they would never let me live it down with the impossibilities for an moment the ghostly images of the two men appeared before me taking the places of the two monsters and Moonlit I felt the twitch of an warm smile grace my lips as those images grew in number the faces of my dearest friends glimmered like the fading light of stars Hagi; Senna; Erk; Tegid; Screech; Garanhir; Morning star, Nar' Thosik The Elder yet strangely another face appeared next to Wanderer.......The she-fairy from the dream. Again I wonder who she was and how she was so......familiar..........much like a lost dream, as quickly as I saw her, an throbbing headache erupted in my being causing all the images expect hers to disappear restoring the oddly frozen forms of the girls and the monsters as if time had stop. The sounds of musical giggling fills the air as the she-fairy's image solids becoming flesh and blood this time instead of an red dress she wore one of whites and golds.

''Alke'' she whispers the bastardization of my name, her voice full of nothing but longing soft wing beats replaced the giggling as she begins to reach out towards me but stops only inches away '' my sweet gentle raven, my love......my Magelord why we must be so far part? Do you not felt the longing that's lays in both of our hearts? Do you not remember the nights where we became one under the moon's silvery light?

''Artemis my light in the shadows..... you know of my destiny, you know what my birthright is, the duty that was passed onto me.....I had told you that this path would lead to only heartbreak and sorrow no matter how we wished it so, love between Fairies and Humans is forbidden no matter how we try to change it......it will be always there forever reminding us of the chains that we both bare from our own peoples '' it was my voice that utter the words but it was not me, the words spoke themselves against my will...........who is Artemis? was that the name of the fairy that stood before me?

An light sobbing escaped ''Artemis'' throat as tears of crimson stained her lovely face '' I know my love and I had accept that fact.......I knew of the fate of our forbidden love on the day when you were forced to......( the fairy's voice becomes an mumble too soft to hear an long dark shadow covers Artemis causing her form to reseed back into an ghostly image ).........but why WHY do we must be apart Alkeyore!!! I still love you even now despite knowing the purpose you were born for! I can love no one else but you my raven, my heart is yours alone as long as I live.

''Please Artemis think of what your saying!!! The High Court would kill you for such things!!!! They would take your wings from you!!!!! You what happens to an wingless fairy.......Artemis my love I can't bare to see that happen to you. Don't throw your life away for the likes of me!!! I am The Shadow Devil.....The King of those who dwell in the darkness.......I am a monster.....a beast that exist to only destroy! don't waste your life waiting for me, you don't deserved such a life that loving me would bring you.......forget about me and live!!! I will only bring you sorrow and death!! I love you too much to curse you with such a fate.'' There was both sadness and pain in those words even though the words formed themselves I still could feel those very same emotions in my aching heart and the sense of lost that consumed me was real........I had an history with this Artemis a romantic history yet my mind echoed with blankness.........only for the headache to return in full force. Fighting the pain back I tried reaching out to Artemis yet as the tips of my fingers lightly brushed against her form, she like the other images fades into nothingness.

I stared darkly at my hand like it had ruined something irreplaceable yet on those tips I felt.......something....something I couldn't explained. As I stared at my hand I barely noticed the time had restarted and I felt eyes full of worry and uncertainty bare holes in my body in all directions, idly I wonder just how long I spent just staring into my hand while attempting to recapture Artemis's face.......still I failed recall ever knowing her or how she knew of me......what am I missing? what am I overlooking? It was clear that there was something between us, the emotions in my heart tells me so yet why can't I remember!

I felt a hoof on my back the sudden touch causes me to whip my head back revealing Luna's eyes heavy with worry, her midnight blue hoof upon my back pressing gently against the scars hidden beneath the cloth of the robes far from both sight and the light of day ''Alkeyore?'' asked she her voice betraying her with worry '' what thou art troubles thee?''

Many things.......more than you ever know my mental voice whispers, lowing my hand the chains on the Timberwolf momentarily loosen but still held him tightly down '' It seems that these two are not the only ones hunting us, I sense four others in the ruins...........your sister and Discord is among them yet I know not the others yet one of them is very ancient and powerful Alicorn.''

Luna's and Nightmare's eyes widens nervously at the mention of Celestia, Discord and the unknown ancient Alicorn, an sign that I take that as they had also sensed the coming souls yet judging by the look of dread on their muzzles........they knew who was the ancient Alicorn was. The only Alicorn from my limited knowledge that could cause such reaction was the one stallion that tormented her since foalhood Sleipnir....... if he thinks that he could come for Luna then I would gladly show him true darkness if he or Celestia thinks I would allow them to take Luna or Nightmare away from me then they will both see the true power of Hades. I will ensure that the girls were safe from the likes of them. I felted Moonlit's fearful eyes bearing into my skin reminding me what I was doing before the vision as did the low pained whine from the Manticore and the Timberwolf. ''sigh- I'm not going to kill them Moonlit.......just explain then I'll release them from their bindings ''

The Kirin audibly gulps, the scent of fear heavy in the stale air, one did not need the ability feed off of emotions to sense consuming fear that dipped from the Kirin's form. Again it's was understandable she had seen only a fraction of my might when I slaughtered her assailants anyone who had seen such darkness and hatred would fear seeing it again yet the words of both her and the Gryphon leader Lionheart decide to play themselves in my mind the so-called Titan war.....Alicorns dueling Humans whilst Ponies and the other races of this land warred among each other, an oath of a war of vengeance....it seems that Avalon echos Gaea in an sense.....a rather loose sense. Again I required time to properly research this predicament for the lack of an better word if it is true then it may lead to problems later on.

'' Alkeyore'' said Moonlit meekly the fear still dripping from her form '' these are my friends Wildheart of the Manticore clan and Ishtir of the Timberwolf clan servants of my adopted father, the king of the forest Grimmnjor the human god of the wilds.''

I raise a brow at the word Grimmnjor.....impossible....what's the ancient Gaeaish word for King of the Druids doing here in Avalon? Better yet how did the Timberwolf came about with an Fairy name? Something is not right.......the Avalonians should not have knowledge of the Gaeaish tongues yet we do speak the same common tongue............why just now I am asking that? how could've I had overloo...............wait did she just say human and adopted father? As in present tense? I notice the looks on Luna's and Nightmare's faces they knew the word Grimmnjor how? What does this means? '' Did you just say Human Moonlit?''

''Yes'' said Moonlit glancing nervously at the Alicorns of the room, at first she didn't want to speak the words yet with one look towards me and the magic burning in hand she relents '' not all of the gods perish in the war, some still live in sleep eternal sealed away in hidden places only Grimmnjor and Valeria remain wake.......weaken but wake awaiting for the day that Aronnos the rightful king of Avalon returns, Alkeyore you are one the rightful gods of Avalon......we are your people the true Avalonians please release them......they have done nothing wrong''

''Alvae's love......'' I whispered softly so there are humans in this world just beyond the sight of others but again with the notion of being divine. Valeria is an Rohnirian name how it is this world?........is there some connection between Gaea and Avalon that I simply overlooking? Aronnos.......the Elvish word for Spirit of the Waters..........there have to be connection but where? how? Dust would know, after all the workings of dimensions is his domain. '' Wildheart, Ishtir tell me why your are here''

'' Alkeyore please release them'' whimper Moonlit with big eyes but I ignored her pleas, instead of releasing them from my spells I attempted to look into their hearts and souls for a moment I saw the image of a abnormally large wild looking yet stern Beron man with long oak brown hair sitting upon an ancient forest throne.........this must be Grimmnjor that Moonlit spoke of.........he doesn't look all that godly, more like a simple farmer from the Beron village of Naok. Hmm perhaps this Grimmnjor sent them to find Moonlit or does he know of my presents? if so then he would know of both Luna and Nightmare as well.

'' No........not just yet my student, they are here for an reason '' I stated in a hard voice as my magic saw fit to remind me of the approaching souls, Celestia and Discord will be arriving any moment........the defensive spells from earlier should aid us greatly if they decide to be aggressive '' Luna keep Nightmare out of sight both of the eye and magical senses.......we have little idea of how your sister and Discord would take her presents......I had warded this entire room if they attack then my enchantments will protect you from harm.''

Luna looked like she was going to argue but a scared look from Nightmare did her change her mind but I sure that she'll have words for me later. The monsters had yet to answer my question while Moonlit fearful look grew.......all of this is proving too much for her in her weaken state, it was clear from earlier before Luna stirred from sleep she hated Alicorns but now it seems that she was not full of hate no she's terrified of Alicorns. ''Moonlit go with Luna and Nightmare''

''But Alke-'' I didn't allow Moonlit an chance to argue, snapping my fingers I casted a powerful sleep charm and magicked her to Luna's side far from both the doors and the monsters. Glancing back at the midnight Alicorn I saw her casting an notice me not spell on Nightmare and Moonlit. a simple and weak charm but effective.

''Alkeyore'' asked Luna when her spell was finished.

''Yes?'' I replied while glaring through the open doors with my senses amplified by my inmate dark magic revealing the sounds of hooves and claws scratching the ancient stone of the castle. In my mind I was debating with myself over what to do with the two monsters, should I allow them to remain bound or free them and risk them revealing the girls to Grimmnjor.

'' It must be difficult for you'' Luna remarked causing for me to rip my graze from the doors to her. She was looking at me with an look I couldn't place..........I felt her hoof upon my chest unknowingly caressing the scars upon it, her nervous eyes shakily drank in my form as if she believe that I would attack her at any moment. A test perhaps? a test to see if I would keep my oath or is it for her to see that I am her friend?

''What do you mean? '' I asked a bit of nervousness in my voice minutes ago she was prepared to abandon me in this place in order to protect the fillies but now she was acting if that never happen. Is that spirit I found inside her trying to make her act this way or is it her free will?

''Me, the fillies, being ripped from your home........everything.......it must be difficult to keep off with all this'' she says while her voice growing shakily with emotions, at hearing the doubt and self-pity in her voice I felt my heart leap out to the gentle creature before me '' Especially the way I been acting I shouldn't have said those things.........I shouldn't been so quick to judge you, I should've of saw that you were only doing the right thing-''

I silenced the mare with a finger on her lips '' Luna my friend you had every right to act the way you did.........we had only known each other for only a few days, anyone would acted in the same way if met the same situation. you just had ran away from your sister with a man you barely know; had a reunion with your darker self and learned that you are a mother plus your new daughter is an Niflheim-numunian. I think you may have been justified on many counts''

''But'' Luna mumbles though my finger '' that doesn't change that fact that I thought of you being the likes of Sombra''

Gwalior Torhal Luna.......we all have our doubts Luna '' I said with a small sad smile '' it's part of life ''

''How you could be so understanding!'' Luna half shouts ''I-I-I '' burying her head into my chest the rest of her words were lost to the world. For a few moments we stood like that Luna burying herself into my chest with my hand gently brushing through her starry mane, the sound of Celestia and Discord's hooves/claw felled into silence as I felt the flares erupt into being once more as I felt their eyes lingering on us.

''Cause Luna, I am the King of the Dark magi and guardian of Gaea.......because of the path I walked I had lost my-my family..... my f-friends......not once had I called Gaea home........I know what's it like to be alone for my path is the same as yours but it's not too late you still can choose whether to continue this path or forge another.........I'll remain at your side as long you wish it so.'' I said solemnly, the words hung in the air like an reminder of times I wish I could forget yet perhaps they may light Luna's and Nightmare's way from the path I started so long ago in another life.......in another time. Why am I telling her this? guilt? to show her we have a certain kinship with each other? it was hard to say.

The Everfree ruins

Luna PoV

''You mean it Alkeyore?'' I whimper, taking my head from his powerful chest in to look up at the man who was holding me, my heart couldn't but help to flutter at the closeness between me and the only stallion in years who cared about me, again I wished for Cadance to be here the arts of the heart is her domain, I need her advice and insight now more than ever to figure out what my feelings for Alkeyore meant. Am I in love with Alkeyore? or am I just grabbing hold on the closest being that showed me any kindness? It will have to wait till I could decide on my feelings. For the first time since I knew the Dark magi he revealed a shred of his past, he knew great lost, and he was an King back in his homeland.......it was a good start but a start nonetheless only time will show if Alkeyore was willingly to reveal more of his past and who he is '' you'll stay with me?

''Yes L-''

''Alkeyore!!!'' yells Celestia interrupting the gentle moment I was sharing with the human godling. How did she found us? Just how long had she been watching us? If I knew my sister she wouldn't come here alone, she would either bring Twilight and the other elements along to seal Alkeyore and Nightmare away in stone or she would bring Discord to duel with Alkeyore. Since Alkeyore told us that Celestia and Discord was coming it's the latter. I fear what destruction would be born if both Celestia and Discord fought Alkeyore and myself there's no way I would allow to take Nightmare away from me Alkeyore had said that Nightmare needed me to be her mother but our quarrel would be nothing compared to when Sleipnir shows himself. ''Where are they!!!! Where is my sister and Nightmare moon!!!!!

Instead of looking past my human to see my sister, I remained hidden warped in Alkeyore's protective embrace staring into his amber eyes burning with the flames of his Stigma. As I stared into those amber orbs I watched as the flames die down revealing symbols carved into the eyes themselves, the symbols were a strange form of ancient Eponish I could barely read them but if my ancient Eponish was correct then those symbols said'' with this soul darkness is bound, heart that is true be lost to the way of the sword forevermore.'' Once I utter those words under my breath, I watched in horror as Alkeyore's amber faded into black with silver irises.........the very same eyes of the creature I saw in my dreams. ''Mother....... please mother if you truly loved me then don't take him away too. Don't make him become the likes of Sombra! '' I mentally pleaded to the fates hoping that for once fate don't robbed me of yet another stallion I cared for. Yet despite the fear I still felt safe in Alkeyore's arms, looking once again into the human's eyes I saw an gentleness about them the same kindness that I had seen many times in his old amber, nothing had changed about the man holding me outside of the color of his eyes. Perhaps..........this is the true form of his stigma? Then why the flares?

''Don't Move Celestia! Discord! if you value your lives, I have enchanted this entire room with defensive spells!'' Alkeyore growled warningly without looking at Celestia and Discord keeping his eyes focused on me and the hidden forms of the fillies. My spell won't keep them hidden for long once Celestia's solar magic enters this room the spell would break revealing them to my sister and her companion. '' Luna and Nightmare are both under my protection, choose your next move wisely!''

''Alkeyore!!!!!'' yells Discord his tone much darker and serious then I ever thought it could be '' stand down!! don't you see what you have done! you destroyed Canterlot, Foalnapped Luna; you have restored Nightmare moon back to life and into her own body! I would of have taught you to be the god of balance and would've been willing to take you under my wing on the road of learning how to be an god But now I had seen you for what you really are! You are an Dark God just like your ancient Humanic kin and it's time you had pay for your crimes against Equestria and the Pantheon!''

If Alkeyore had noticed my shock he didn't show it. He destroyed Canterlot? How? When? The only time I wasn't with him was when the dreaming realm claimed my weary soul but even then it was only for a few minutes, definitely not long enough for him to attack Canterlot and return to the castle without me knowing.

"Crimes? Celestia. Discord. need I remind you that I am not one of your subjects thus your laws are meaningless to me. If you think you can judge me then you're vastly mistaken........tis I who judges myself no other but yes I did lay waste to Canterlot for two reasons, it seems that your guards have loose lips Celestia for the Cities ponies were celebrating the fact Luna had left the city......with me, you all had told me that my existence had to be kept secret no? Your city is lucky........very lucky indeed that I saw it fit to only bring it to ruin without taking a single life......... it would have been very easy for me to kill every single last living thing in the ungrateful city I had done it many times before.'' said Alkeyore darkly yet at the same time it wasn't his voice, this one was much darker much more ancient .....it was cruel yet his eyes remained as the same kind eyes

''You are monster'' I hear Celestia say her voice of disgust, horror at how casually Alkeyore said that he had killed entire cities and strangely enough a touch of sadness '' during that meeting we shared you had told me that you are not like other Dark magi, you spoke of saving countless of lives........I thought that we weren't so different you and I, we both took it among ourselves to protect others but it seems that I was wrong, the man I thought you were is nothing but just like the mages who traded the true gift of magic for the ways of Darkness''

Alkeyore chuckles at my sister's words '' You still don't get it do you Celestia. Why am I not surprised the light has blinded you to the true face of Darkness's Truth but you are right about one thing we both are guardians but unlike you I'm not blinded I could see past Luna's mask......I could see that your subjects had refused to give what was rightfully due to your sister their love and adoration......you failed to see that nothing has changed..........you did nothing when they chose to forget Luna had ever existed for a thousands you let them drag her name though the mud till they believed that you're Equestria only Ruler and abandon Luna the sister you claimed to love till was she nothing not even a footnote in history till she returned and now your trying to make her return to your shadow? This is something I won't allow.........leave us and go to your ruins but I must warn you the day will come when you will have need of me and of Darkness''

'' Alkeyore why you would..........'' I said hurt in my voice why would he remind me of the past, he knew that it would pained me yet at the same time it allowed Celestia to hear my voice for the first time since Canterlot, in my spell I could hear Nightmare whimpering at the Human's cold words she knew all of the hurt and pain I felt back then the very same pain that lead to her creation. It was easy to imagine that the filly was feeling the same as I.........don't worry Nightie mothers here I thought to my daughter '' why you would say such things? Why you destroyed Canterlot? Why you would kill? you told me that you found no enjoyment in the act of ending another's life''

''They call it war for any reason Luna'' said Alkeyore his voice returning to the one I knew with an greatness sadness in it '' I had set cities to the flame, slaughtered entire armies to protect others, saved entire Kingdoms and races from total extinction, done battle with Demons and their legions from the seven hells ........ I have fought in exactly 213 different wars for thousands of different causes........back in Gaea I am an hero, one of the greatest of the age yet because of my magic only a few saw for the man I am, despite everything I had done all the friends I lost the years I sacrificed in protecting them from the hand of death for my reward I was banished for the land of my birth by a jealous king the people I protected haunted me day and night like I was a rabbeted beast...........you and I have much in common Luna.''

Alkeyore's words were heavy upon my ears and no doubt the ears of Celestia and Discord. So this is his past..........the hero abandon and hunted by the people he shalt to defend yet I felt that there was more to the story than what he just revealed........the King of the Dark magi and guardian of Gaea; Stigma; Lord of Magic; his........family...............when he said that there was untold sorrow in both his eyes and voice, What happen to them? were they the reason why he took part in the dark arts? How all of this connects together? There is much more to his tale yet that look of sadness and sorrow on him cut me deeply my heart told me that I need to sooth his pain and be the mare who heals his heart but how? How can I heal the heart of a stallion I barely know and so full of darkness and sorrow? Cadance would know but she isn't here right now, it's up to me alone to heal Alkeyore yet I know not how too, the works of the heart is something I have very little experience with I never had tried to court another god nor mortal.......how do I tell if he cares for me like such? Er.........it seems I need Cadance's help even more so than I first thought, '' Alkeyore '' I whispered softly leaning my head into his chest, listening to his oddly very slow as if sickly heart beat, how I never noticed his dangerously slow heart beat? I should've notice it back in my chambers. As my head leaned against his chest I noticed that the cloth of the warm robe was open slightly revealing a small part of his scarred abode chest............. I gasp that the sight of the horrible scars before silencing myself with an hoof in that one small part of his chest were thousands of scars some were obviously from blades while the some were burned onto the pale skin in the shape of chains. '' you must of suffered terribly''

'' When you live in a world full of hatred and death, suffering is something you learn to live with'' said the Dark mage solemnly lowering his arms bring about an end to our embrace covering the small opening in his robes. There was something about his words that frightens me greatly, Gaea must be an very cruel land if it scars it's ponies just as it did Alkeyore.......Equestria may be bright and shining kingdom (no doubt to the works of Celestia's thousand year rule) but it still have it's share of woes but by that one phase Gaea must sees woes greater than Equestria had ever seen. Looking past the now obviously suffering stallion I saw the expressions of both my fellow gods, Celestia held a soft yet very worried gleamed in her eyes while Discord held an more neutral look about him yet far them lay the forgotten bound forms of the Manticore and the Timberwolf keeps themselves silent so my sister could not discovered them. As I grazed upon the Everfree beast I noticed the spells Alkeyore set upon them fading away into the shadows of the room........both myself and the creatures were confused by this action but the confusion quickly end with simple logic that the creatures and me shared.......Alkeyore had simply let them go thus keeping his word to the Kirin Moonlit yet strangely the creatures stayed in their hidden spot.

''Alkeyore,'' said Celestia her voice softer than before '' is what you said true? we heard you claiming to be the King of the dark magi and to be you home's guardian and now you say that you're one of Gaea's greats heroes and an veteran warrior mage.................how we know if you are tricking us again or telling the truth? What is this path you spoke of? ''

'' Celestia '' said Alkeyore his voice dangerously low turning away from me to face the white Alicorn in the movement it appeared that I was standing at his side instead of being deeper into the room it also allowed Celestia to met my eyes '' every word I had said is true, my legend is known throughout all of Gaea many in the twelve kingdoms both fear and adored my name............Hero; Warrior; Master Wizard; The King of The Dark Magi Confederacy; Lord of Magic; Dragonfriend; Honorary Orc-brother; Reformer; Stigma bearer; Builder; Killer of man and beast; Demon Slayer........ I am all of these things but this is not the time to speak of the past''

''I agree'' said Discord with equally low tone yet his face stay in a neutral glaze while the claws on his lion's paw gleaming in the light '' you tricked me Alkeyore ME!!!! Discord the god of chaos tis I who play games with others not the other way round........I do not take kindly to being tricked but I do have admit you tricked us good if only to get my mare alone''

My mare??? I mentally echoed the Chaos spirit's words what he..............oh by my stars and moon he's Celestia's mate!!!!! Bleach!!! where's the mind Bleach!!!!! Discord's courting my sister!!!! DISCORD'S COURTING MY SISTER!!!!!!! Happy place, Happy place!!!! Why WHY sister you're with him of all gods/immortals I know that stallions don't notice you during heat season , I know that he has changed from his old ways and now our friend again but in mother's name you're doing being with him?!?! unfortunately since I forgotten to cast the telepathic spell the mare I called sister couldn't hear nor answer me but at the same time I was fortunate for Discord also knows the spell thus allowing him to enter the mental channels.

It also reminded me that I need to teach the same spell to Nightmare and Alkeyore. Speaking of the Human he didn't comment on the chaos god's words bringing the room to an eerily silence, from the short time I had spent with the King of the Dark magi I knew he was sensing something or rather someone was coming.......I did too.....as did Nightmare, Celestia and Discord yet unlike my daughter and myself the confrontation with Alkeyore caused both Celestia and Discord to place their magical senses to the back of their heads forgetting that Sleipnir was near and that he was not alone. I felt Celestia's soft eyes burning her worry into my dark coat as she looked at me questioningly while the Draconequus raised a brow at the silent human. Craning my neck so I could look up at the Dark magi the first thing I noticed that his eyes were still black and silver yet unmoving as stone was his face, I suppress a shiver.......those terrible dark eyes were unnerving I could hear my primal instincts screaming to make myself scarce.......to do anything to be hidden from that piercing gaze.

''Alkeyore what do you sense?'' I asked despite I already knew the answer but still I had to ask the question more for my sister and h-her.....Coltfriend then for myself. Celestia would the safest one here Sleipnir wouldn't harm her.....he never could but the rest of us were another story

'' An heart that is poisoned by hatred who whispers sweet promises to the desperate and unfortunate only to relished in false promise and anguish a Alicorn of gold but is hallowed by his hatred ........... a shadow that dances with powers beyond the eyes of mortals deals that are made by a wicked and foul smile........blood of the innocence upon their hooves forever staining their souls. will they make the choice with their hearts or will they burn in hell fire. '' said Alkeyore once more speaking in an more ancient voice yet I could his real voice within the ancient voice giving it an almost changeling like quality to it........Celestia going to have nightmares from that voice she hates Changelings with a passion, an influence from her father if anything.

Canterlot Castle

Twilight Pov

Once again in my life since becoming an Alicorn I wished that I hadn't have these wings. Rebuilding Canterlot proved to be difficult, the damage that Alkeyore's attack may not killed a single pony but it will take years till the city is restored to its former glory whatever the human did he made sure it would cost us the all time we could of used to hunt him down and rescue Luna thus giving him all the time in the world to ensure that we could never find them. But that wasn't the only reason why.

''Princess I demand that you rebuild my Villa at once! the orphanage and Lunar Temple can wait'' demand self-absorb Noble #3451-8

''No, your just an minion House! Princess My House lost thousands of bits due the earthquake I demand satisfaction'' Yells greedy Noble #4563-7

''Oh nononono NO the Celestial Temple is in vast disrepair Princess you need to restore your mentor's temple at once Celestia must be respected the Lunar Temple can be dismantle for materials '' cries Celestial priest #112-51

''Princess forget these foals I lost my farms the very same farms that feed all of Canterlot I need new fields and bits now or we won't last the winter'' says Farm Baron #7808-3

'' Princess as head of the one of the oldest houses in Canterlot I wish to seek you hoof in marriage'' said old perverted mareish looking stallion #2343-8436757470000.23

The Hall of the Assembly of Nobles were filled with every noble house in Canterlot each demanding that their selfish requests be met over the others only a small fraction actually made requests that could help in the process of repairing Canterlot and build possible relations with the other kingdoms. How could both Celestia and Luna deal with these selfish spoiled aristocrats day and night was beyond me, I could only sum it up to my inexperience as both goddess and royal to why and the fact they knew it. Even an foal could see that they were actively trying to overwhelm me in hopes that I would make an mistake and grant their outlandish requests.

''Princess the weather team is letting my prized garden die from the lack of fresh Crystal Empire spring water!'' sobbed Noble #89654645

As more nobles poured into the room I felt my wings and right eye beginning to twitch but the was stop when my Spikey warps my tail with his making an secretly but very comforting tail warp reminding me that I was not alone. Gods how I wish to snuggle with my dragon coltfriend leaving the nobles for another day or till Celestia and Discord returned with Luna but I can't.........not now the Canterlotite ponies need their princess and goddess.

But what was Celestia thinking! making Blueblood of all ponies my adviser the stallion’s very job is to be the worst out of all of the Nobles..........how he could help? I know that he's Celestia’s spymaster thanks to that secret meeting just a few days ago but in order to do his job properly he needs to be more spoiled than the rest of the nobility combined. She must of had a reason why she wanted Blueblood to help me. Since the court started he been no help only sitting in his minion throne with a bored expression uncaring for the mass of nobles.

''Princess get that overgrown lizard out of here, this place is for ponies only! send him back to the royal zoo!'' demanded Noble # 564731551

With a sigh I steeled myself to face another wave of Nobles but to my surprised the prince stands up from his throne ''WILL YOU SHUT THE BUCK UP'' he says in the royal Canterlot voice blasting nobles out of the room and near ruin my and Spikes ears.

Once the painful ringing in my ears subsided I open my eyes revealing that due to the force behind Blueblood's shout the Assembly hall was empty of whining nobles and the prince was cantering happily out of the room with a relieved look on his muzzle before stopping at the door ''Oh Twilight you can have the rest of the day off.........I hear that the theater is playing the Eponaish epics some time today but on a side note you should visit your mother attacks on an city is stressful on mares after all ta ta ta now.''

''Well '' said my coltfriend incredulously after watching Blueblood's tail disappeared into the hallway '' that happened ''

''Yes......'' I said in an shock tone did.....did Blueblood just help me in getting an day off??? ''it did.........'' it was very unlike the prince to ever help another pony without Celestia forcing him to do it or was that part of his game with the nobles? The Blueblood I knew while being a fake would've just left me to deal with the nobles by myself.........he has something up his sleeve but what?.

''Twi......when did you last checked on Velvet???'' asked the dragon in an uncertain tone Blueblood's behavior unnerved him as it did me.

''Today....................'' I whisper while my horn glowed with an teleport spell '' Spike when I get back Snuggles!!!

Spike chuckles at how cute the word snuggles came of out my mouth ''Alright I know better than to denied an pretty mare her snuggles''

'' You better mister!'' I said playfully ''I love yo--- the spell went off before I could finish my sentence.

POP

When the flash faded away I took notice of my new surroundings it was the house that Uncle Moonshine built for my parents the same house that I spent my foalhood in before becoming Celestia's personal student but sadly interior had been poorly kept and dirty I nearly gagged at the sour smell. Uncle Moonshine bliss his soul would of take a bottle of his famous moonshine and clock my parents upside the head if he saw what became the home he built with his own three hooves (he lost his left hind leg to an Wolfpony in a bar fight when he was much younger). I shaking my head at the state of the house while casting a few odd cleaning spells in an vain attempt to restore the old manor to its former self.

My sharp ears heighten by the divinity flowing in my veins I heard moans echoing throughout the house. Passing old family pictures and ages old tapestries of the ancient noble house of Sparkle I soon found the source of the morning.......the master bedroom, it was there where the moans were the loudest placing an hoof of the door I open it only by a small creak just wide enough to peek in on the other side.

There in an Celestia sized bed was my mother moaning like a mare of the night while being mounted by an eager tan-orange Pegasus with electric blue. I wrinkled my snout at the overwhelming musky scent of the two sweaty ponies as their breathing grows heavy completely lost to the pleasure they didn't notice that I was watching them or so I hope...........I recognized the stallion as Flash Sentry he was one of the guards from the Crystal Empire that Shiny sent to Canterlot for retraining a few years ago if I remember right and I do Flash was arrested and kicked out of the guard core on the counts of taking bribes from Nobles, robbery and attempted rape of a pair Kelpie and Lamia mares, I personally sentenced him to spend the rest of his life in the Canterlot dungeon what is he doing here? and out of his cell? As I stood there trying to figure out why Flash wasn't in the dungeons I noticed that in an mid thrust he wasn't wearing protective spell or cover to prevent any unwanted pregnancies but judging by the look in my mother's eyes she knew and she didn't cared, Twilight Velvet was one time an highly respected noble mare but that was until Father ran off with another and much younger mare. It completely destroyed mother when Nightlight ran off in order not to feel the heartbreak and pain she became nothing but a 2 bit whorse that roamed the streets at night and will spread her hind legs for any stallion.

I frowned sadly, each time I found her like this it hurts......I often have to take her to the clinic to get birth control potions and forced the doctors to let me to see her medial journal too many times.........let's just say that after having had countless smelly, unclean stalliohoods inside her (now very loose) marehood, you definitely don't want to be unprotected. Flash will have to get some cream or whatever medications they had for stallion for the itch to sure will come afterwards. Flash's breathing quickens and grows more heavily a clear sign that he starting to approach his climax. With a primal whinny he wildly pounds into mother as sperm gushed out of her marehood the sperm leaked out from mothers snatch in waves dripping against his balls and forming a puddle on the caked and stained blankets. ''Pity'' I thought to myself feeling a bit of pity for the ex-guard'' that Flash will be the last time you won't be in pain when something comes out of there''

'' Damn I haven't cum that hard in a long time......you are the best piece of ass I had since coming to this country Countess Passion'' With a wet pop he slide out of mother mature marehood and drop an large stack of bits on a nearby nightstand.....a nightstand father craved for mother's birthday a year before leaving her '' Thanks for the giving me an great night''

I disappeared with an indivisibly spell keeping myself hidden as the Flash open the door and vanishes into the dark house, there I waited till I heard the door to the outside world slams shut. Canceling my spell I step the room where mother was making herself ready to return to the streets putting on makeup with more skill far much so then Rarity ever could yet at the same time not even bothering to cleaning up her marehood allowing it to continue leaking out some of Flash's load as she puts back on her black fishnet stockings and a pair of tight thin black panties over her leaking marehood making it outline her still winking marehood as it is snugly settled in place.

"Hello mother..." I said with clearly sad and worried tone to my voice......this is not the mare that raised me and shiny she would of never let her life come to this. But she is still my mother.

"Ohh hi Twilight dear, did you by any chance see that young handsome stallion on your way in, he was such a eager stud?" said Velvet focused on fixing her makeup.......she didn't even bother to look at me.

"Yes I did........I threw him into the dungeons a few years ago"

Velvet still haven't looked my direction as she corrected her mane, looked over her attire in an body mirror another gift from father years ago. "Ohh so I was playing with fire, it explains why he was very eager to rut me when I whisked him away from this oh cold night."

"Like that would have mattered..." I muttered under my breath, but Velvet heard me

The older mare giggled like Pinkie would after eating the entire birthday before anypony else could be an slice "So true Twilight dear. But now I must be off, the night is still young and mommy need to find some more fun to keep me company."

"That was one of the reasons why father left you, your insatiable lust..." I said without thinking.....the words left my mouth against my will but now it was too late to take them back but they were true I just my time with honest Applejack may had influenced me by a bit.

If my cold but true words had any effect on Velvet she didn't show it snorting bitterly "He couldn't satisfy me anymore. Besides he took off with that young whorse of a designer. Coco pommel I believe she was called."

I could only winch a little at that in her voice I could still hear the very real heartbreak in and a bit of angry at being remind that he left us for one of Rarity's designer friends the only real thing I knew about her was when Father ran off with her, she was barely out of fillyhood but just before he ran off, he left a only an note on his pillow awaiting for mother to find one day after an Fancy Pants garden party. I never find out what father said in that note but whatever it was, after mother threw into the roaring fires of the fireplace she soon started to whore herself. '' Mother why you doing this?'' I asked attempting to change the subject

''Can't an old mare have a little fun now and then'' she retorted placings the finishing touches of make up. Somehow with her skillfully placements of the make up she made herself look almost my age instead of an mare pushing frothy-seven.

''Can't a daughter worry about her mother when said mother is ruining herself'' I deadpanned

''Careful Twilight dear all that worrying might turn your mane gray'' Velvet says playfully finally looking at me with big purple eyes '' maybe you should find an ''big'' earth pony or better yet an Wolfpony to spend this night with hmm?

''Mother '' I said defensively

Again she giggles clearly enjoying teasing me '' Ah more for me then perhaps I could get an Kelpie as well to see if the stories are true.......say Twilight had you heard the stories?

My cheek burn with a fiery blush as I felt like hiding beneath my wings.......I can't believe that I was talking about this with my mother of all ponies! Spike and Rainbow Dash would never let me live it down! Curse Rarity from giving me those Kelpie romance novels for my birthday, I never blush brighter than when Spike found me with those books all hot and bothered.

''Ooh so you do know the stories that mares from Aquaria love to tell about their stallions '' said Velvet while licking her lips hungrily '' stallions so tall and great with horns so long they have five legs! Five!! Can you see it Twilight? Stallions laying in your bed with panties made of rose petals strumming harps of gold while their eyes say come unto me my fair maiden for I'll teach you things that ponykind had long forbid ''

''mother please stop......I came-

''that's okay my sweet daughter it's healthy to find release.......I'm sure that my one way trip to the crystal empire, being a princess and the fact you can't seem you get yourself an stallion is making it hard for you to climax......your hoof can only go but so far......'' said my mother interrupting me with a lustful smile which falters when she notices the look on my face ''Twilight?''

WHAT WHAT YOU MEAN ONE WAY TRIP TO THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!!!!!!!!!!!

The Continent of Gaea
The Orc Realm of Orciemia
The Orcish Capital City of Tir-Na-Nog

Togul's PoV

''Are you certain of this Isika? '' I said while looking over the city that my ancestors built on the bones of Aylieite kings, Tir-Na-Nog the city of bones thanks to the ancient magic that was in my blood I was scrying far in the distance over The Dead Fields of Dennathor as the joint armies of Berons, Rohnirians, Dryads, Elves and Dragons gather their strength. It will be in Orciemia that this war would begin it was only the most fitting of choices in order to reach ''the realm hidden in shadows'' or rather the Dark magi Confederacy one had to go by sea or face the Orcish hordes unless you attack from the east the Confederacy only shares a border with Tahuia and Orciemia...........The land of the fey would be a poor choice to attack this early the fairies positron is too strong even for an allied force of the majority of Gaea's strength to overcome… it would be an very long and costly siege but that could very well change if Isika fails to keep the fairies untied under her rule. In all it left my people as the main target for now lucky The Tahuians had yet to join in the war which left the eastern border and the Confederacy safe for now...........

''Yes Togul I know when an Dahirm-hal is in my presents my brother wasn't the only fairy to do battle with them'' said the Fairy Queen now dressed in a blueish green dress. After the council meeting in Tila I immediately had both Nar-Thosik and the queen ride with me to the safely of Orcish territory which in doing so may had saved our lives from the wrath of our fellow rulers.

'' We had been betrayed'' said Nar-Thosik grimly while trying to get a hold on his motions but it was clear he was in mourning . '' Lord Kren and the whole of the Confederacy must be informed of King Alkeyore's fate........isn't Kren, an guest of your hall Togul?''

Poor boy I thought to myself, long as I known him Nar-Thosik was one of closest people to the Shadow Devil......I was too when Alkeyore first forged his kingdom I was the first to support him as the ruler of the twelfth Kingdom as did Isika, it was a long fight to convince the rest of Gaea of the Confederacy's right to exist and to rule but was worth it the Orcs gained an steadfast ally and Gaea gained another kingdom. Now tis time to once again to test the bond between Orciemia and the Confederacy but there was other important things that need my attention

'' I'll inform Orc Brother Kern Carenard of the Shadow Devil's fate it's only proper that I should be the one to inform him............Nar-Thosik how long till your Hollowsteel Knights and the Blackfire Guards arrive from Othos (Capital of the Confederacy) we may have need of them ''

'' How many answered the traitor's call'' inquired the dark mage

'' Enough arrows to block the sun '' I replied with a deep frown looking away from my city to gaze upon the human and fairy in the room '' my orcs are brave and courageous we will kill many of them but if we will hold is another matter the only blessing we have in this so far is that Tahuia had yet to send their troops........the dragons will prove difficult to deal with.''

''Hmmm '' hummed the Human '' it will take two to three days till my forces are here but my honor guard will aid you in this battle, they could very well delay the battle thus buying time we need for them to arrive''

''Leave the dragons to me Togul, Nar-Thosik '' said Isika fairy mischief strong in her voice '' it been five thousand years since last Draco-Fey war, I intent to remind them why fairies are Gaea's strongest magical race''

'' so we all in agreement'' I said with a raised brow '' you what this means''

''Yes............the wizard wars have returned to Gaea thanks to the Dahirm-hal Teigue who is using the old hatreds against us if Gaea is to survive we must not only defeat him and our follow Gaeaish but we must rebuild the Lords of Magic as well'' said Nar-Thosik his voice stern and strong if it was clear........he was no Alkeyore which is an good thing and a bad thing at the same time.

'' I'm afraid that is impossible just as convincing Gaea the true behind this war, the greatest fear of the count of twelve had came true once again Gaea is threaten because the works of an mage if we revealed the truth this war will become an mage hunt........no mage will ever be safe or free in these lands again '' said Iskia the mischief gone from her voice becoming icy cold '' the original bloodlines are all dead Alkeyore if he is truly dead was the last known living descent of the original six Lords..........yes I know that your sire was Uerk the Wild Togul but he blood is too weak in your veins for you to be his descent, to be his heir you certainly can but to be his descent is beyond you. If we are to restored the lords then we must go to Blackrock with Necromancers at our side to revive whoever we can but the Dahirm-hal may have burned the bodies in order to ensure that the Lord could never rise again''

''Then that means only one thing we will need to find the sons of Aron....... the Blood-raven clan, '' I said reluctantly, to find that clan of magi would very difficult especially now the Blood ravens ancestral home is Rohnir one of nations that is standing against us. The Blood-ravens were a very ancient and powerful family of Rohnirian warrior magi, the oldest clan in that entire human tribe in fact before Rohnir was ruled by the Irehearts the rule of the tribe belonged to the Blood-ravens but that was long before The Falcon Rebellion or rather The War of the Raven and The Falcon Clans, a hundred years ago the Irehearts took control of the country after the last White Falcon died.........it had been said the White Falcon clan was cursed to die by Garrin Blood-raven for breaking the Rohnirian Blood Oath and turning on their brother clan. '' if there were any more descents of Aron the Ravenking they would be among that clan''

'' Togul we can forget about seeking out the Blood-ravens, the clan disappeared in the morning mountain years ago.........Alkeyore was the only one who knew where to find them and how to navigate the enchanted mist that mountain is surrounded by'' said Nar-Thosik his attempt to be like Alkeyore fails badly but I clearly heard fear in his words...........interesting he adored Alkeyore but afraid to even attempt to find his masters clan, it seems that Nar-Thosik knew something about the morning mountain yet this wasn't the time to press the young mage.

'' How are you going to break the news to Carenard Togul? I hope you have an slight idea about how to give bad news to him '' Said the fairy Queen her silver wings nervously buzzing '' they say that Carenard is cursed with the powers of the earth and all things green and it is unwise to make him an enemy just as it was an death-promise to be Alkeyore's foe.''

I frown at the fairies words and her reluctance to use his name, both Kren and Alkeyore were my friends and close allies but the druid was the kinder one and preferred the healing arts while Alkeyore was the warrior of the two. Before I could offer the fairy an retort a familiar voice decided to make it self known causing all of us to jerk our heads in voice's direction. Both Nar-Thosik and Iskai had offense spells glowing in their hands while I had only a gentle smile......well the closest thing an orc would have to a gentle smile.

''Don't worry about it Lady Iskia '' said an brown hair human standing in the doorway of the room he was dressed in hooded robe of greens and browns with images of golden and silver leaves dancing in the wind, pieces of Orcish leather formed an satchel strapped across his shoulder no doubt fill by basic supplies and belongings while potion and scrolls hung from an leather belt. ''He already knows''

The Red Sea

Elron's Pov

From the helm of the Storm Rider, the fastest and strongest airship in the entire Gryphonian navy I stared into the horizon with a troubled mind one greater than the one I had back in Cervides. Many good Avalonians were lost in the bloody battle in the end the entirety of the Deerish army was destroyed saved but the very few Deerish soldiers that joined my forces in the journey to Minos the land of the last Minotaurian kingdom, they saw for who Tender Doe truly was an ruler with no heart for her subjects and gladly joined me and my Gryphons. The journey itself should be a rather short and steady if Aronnos willing in The Red Sea there was fouler things than Pony vessels in these waters and much far older........great serpents that breathed firewater the melts iron armor as if it was paper; water spirits that could drive an Gryphon mad with naught but a glance; creatures that have no true names who would sneak broad sleeping ships to chicknap poor sailors and bring the poor sailors to a watery grave.

Yes sailing in The Red Sea was indeed a dangerous business nowadays back when the gods ruled Avalon the monsters of the sea were an very rare sight out of fear for Aronnos yet after the Titan war the monsters grew bold thus turning sea into a dangerous place for water bound ships, sailing airships just as dangerous but tad bit safer.

It had been said that Gryphons were born of the sea, that's why we were the greatest sailors but I like to think the real reason why my race are the most skilled in sailing in Avalon is because we love a good fight and taming the sea is one of the greatest battles one could ever hope for in life and the next world. Nara Quick-claws, my shadow and closest companion was not far where I stood overseeing the Gryphons and Deerish rush about the ship doing their duties all except one, a mighty yet old brown stag with tan highlights by the name of Groain if what his fellow Deerish claim was true he is an Equestrian spy sent by the legendary Pirate King Guilty Hopes but that is if you believe the stories both me and Nara watched him carefully the old stag as he approached the helm.

''My King '' said Groain in an high born tone '' I am sorry to interrupt you when you're thinking but I may be so bold to ask you what we shall do when we reached Minos? ''

'' You do not have the right nor place to question the King, Deerish!!! Be thankful that he let you on his ship and pays no heed to the words of your fellow deer or we would of used you to feed the monsters of the sea'' growled the dark feathered Gryphoness with an talon on the hilt of her sword clearly threatening the old stag and showing her disdain for him.

The stag looked at my shadow coldly as if he was an Equestrian noble looking down on those of common blood '' I recall that I was speaking with King Elron not his harlot so be off with you Gryphoness men are talking.''

I cut my eyes at hearing the stag's words it was clear that he was no Deerish no he was something much worse a Saddle Arabian.....one of Pongaea's folk this wasn't the first time I had met a follower of the Alicorn of the Earth but it was very alarming to see one in the islands it appears that somehow there was heretics among the faithful but now is not the time for an witch hunt if my plan was to bare fruit I would have to allow heretics to linger for now Amothos knows that we would surrounded by their kind soon enough. Letting out a deep low canine growl I defend the honor of my shadow ''First of all Groain you do not speak to my shadow like she was like some lady of the night, she is of noble blood unlike you!!!''

The Diamond Doglike growl caused the stag's face to morph into one of fear, it was known throughout Avalon that the Deerish was considered to be quite the delicacy by diamond dogs.........the sight of the cowering stag brought an inner smile to my being but I didn't let up on showing my dog blood flashing my diamond crushing fangs at the deer in mock hunger '' Second she is right you have not the right nor is it your place to question my judgement, you only remained here cause I willed it so but if I hear you call Nara an harlot again I'll throw you over board myself!!!''

'' I-I-I-I......y-yes my k-king it won't happen again'' stammered the deer galloping away from me disappearing into the crowds of sailors like the gods of the underworld was after him. That could be not too far from the truth if he was truly an spy for the ponies then whoever was his master may send him to the underworld for his failure, I wouldn't be surprised that if he was working for Sleipnir himself. The Alicornian King has long tried to end the last true Avalonian royals if I spoke of my plans with the deer then the battle to retake Avalon would again passed to the next High King.

'' You didn't had to come to my aid King Elron '' said Nara in an small voice '' I could of handle Groain myself I had no need for you defend what is mine to guard.''

'' I know my faithful shadow '' I replied in kind, not noting the look in the my shadow out of respect '' I only came to your aid for I only wanted too, I am the King am I not? tis my place to guard the honor of all of my people'' yet I dare not utter to her the real reason why I was so quick in coming to her aid, I knew what she did long before entering the employ of my house........as an young Gryphoness just barely out of chickhood she was given mother as a gift by the Head of the Lion Clan to be use as mother saw fit. Mother was outrage at the Lion Clan gull to enslave an follower Gryphon and thus the clan were stripped of all holdings and nobility on the counts of slavery and corruption. Nara Quick-Claws was born a slave till mother freed her and all Gryphons secretly kept by slavers......Slavery in Gryphon lands just like all other native kingdoms were outlawed for thousands of years much to the dismay of the pony slavers. Yet despite the outrage against the practice, slavery still lives well beyond the reach of the Gryphonian High Kings thanks to the foul Alicorns who often refused to speak out against the slavers and often seen celebrating the enslavement of native Avalonians as long the slaves are not ponies. It also seems that that Saddle Arabian Deer Groain may have an hoof in slavers' coin, I would be false to claim it not impossible to say no Avalonian would enslave their own people........it had happen before and it could well very happen again.

'' Your words are indeed true my king yet my honor is not yours to guard........that pleasure belongs to me and my intended mate alone'' huffed Nara taking her leave of me not uttering another word.

I too did not allow the words in my throat fly as I watched her leave me like my hopes and dreams had taken wing from me so long ago........this was not the time for such weak sentiments, I am the King of all Gryphons and Lord of Idemar....by birth I was blood bound to reclaim the mainland........Nara is my shadow ready to sever me in anyway even if it costed her life........a relationship could never be.....for she was not of proper birth, the law forbids it. I was doomed to let her go, may the gods find it in their hearts to give her a mate that could love her. Denying the feels in my heart I griped the wheel all the harder..........Alicorns!!! I hope you had rested well in these thousands years for tonight war comes with all of her fury!!!! I will see to it I can promise you that!!! The Ironclad Legions of Idemar will march on this day and we nor the true gods will not be denied. With the hopes of all true Avalonians in my heart I soon made song that fit the inner meaning of the journey to Minos.

Author's Notes:

the Twilight and Velvet scene was by Portal82 and Kren also belongs to him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXBp6rRhjbQ&feature=youtu.be