Who Rules: Travels and Travesties

by Nom deCheval

Chapter Four

A Very Long Time Ago...

“Lena? Any news?” Celestia walked into the room searching for her sister. She had been far too quiet for far too long.

“No, Celly, and I won’t lie, I’m worried.” She sat at her window, staring out into the night. Dawn was coming soon, and Celestia woke to perform her duty accordingly. But her first thought was not about the sun, but about the moon.

“He’s a very capable stallion. You know that,” Celestia said, walking to sit beside her sister at the window. She extended her wing, wrapping it around the ombre pony, pulling her closer.

They stared out the window, not truly looking at anything as much as looking for something. A sign. An indication of a pony’s return home. The stars were bright, and the moon full, providing all the illumination any normal pony would need to see through the night. For Selene it was as bright as noonday.

“If he...doesn’t return...I’m not sure what I’ll do,” Selene finally said, her head finding warmth against her sister’s body.

“That isn’t something to worry about,” Celestia nuzzled the back of her sister’s neck, “because he will be back.”

Selene shook her head, not taking it from Celestia’s coat. “I don’t know why I let him go. Why didn’t I stop him?”

Celestia laughed. “Oh, ho ho ho. You say that like you could have stopped him. Neither of us could have stood up to him even for a moment about this.”

“Then I should have at least gone with him,” she countered.

“In your condition? As if he or I was going to allow that.” Celestia’s wing brushed over Selene’s massively enlarged stomach. “And we knew that this investigation could take weeks. It isn’t a simple matter.”

“I know, I know. I just worry,” Selene stated, resting against her sister. “Why did this have to happen now?”

“We are goddesses, sister, but not all-knowing. Endymion promised the ponies that when he came to share your life, he would still be there if they needed him. And they needed him now. It was his duty to go,” her soft voice carried the charm of the words.

“It is his duty to be here for his wife and future child,” the goddess replied.

“He will be when this task is done,” Celestia eased. “He was their champion, though. He inspired the ponies, so in this moment of fear they came to him. And in turn, he came to me to be with you until he returned.”

Selene looked to her sister, the tears running down her cheeks barely changed direction from the up-curve of her lip. “I’m glad you’re here, Celly. Honestly. But I would trade you for Endymion in a hoof-beat.”

“I would be very upset if that wasn’t the case.” The sun goddess’ wing hung over the other pony’s body as her voice softened further. “Do you think I could convince you to get some sleep? I’m about to raise the sun.”

“I will try. No promises. The bed feels very empty without him there,” she answered. “And...could you lower the moon for me? I’m feeling a little weak this morning.”

“Of course, sister. I would be happy to.” Her smile brought light before the dawn as she stood and folded her wing to her side. “Now go on to your bed. I will come in to check on you shortly.”

Selene stood awkwardly and gingerly made her way towards the chamber door. She looked over her shoulder before she exited. “What would I do without you, Celly?”

“Well,” Celestia answered, “fortunately neither of us will ever have to find out.”

* * * * * * *

“Sit down!” Celestia said firmly.

“No,” Selene answered, strapping armor to her chest.

“That was not a request!” her tone remained direct and commanding.

“And you are not the ruler of this land!” She pulled the strap tight to her, making sure the armor was firmly in place. “We control the moon and sun, sister, nothing more.”

“Then let me phrase it another way,” Celestia stepped in front of her sister, “you will have to get past me before you leave.”

The room was dark. The cold night air rushed in through the columns of the wall-less chamber, open to the night sky to allow the goddess of the night a chance to commune with her namesake. Selene stood at one end, her armor and weapons suddenly being moved from decoration to adorned. Celestia stood before her, no armor or weapons, but her wings spread wide and her head held high in a show of defiance.

“I have no wish to battle you, sister,” Selene answered somberly.

“Nor I, you,” she replied. “But I fear you shall leave me no other recourse. I cannot let you do this.”

“Do what? Go after my mate?” Selene moved up, staring her sister directly in the eye, neither mare willing to give ground. “I’ve been waiting for months for word on him, and now that I have news, you want to stop me?”

“I want you to make the right decision!” Celestia shouted back.

“And who gets to make that decision? Me or you? Is my judgment suddenly that much less than yours?” Selene turned to put on her war shoes.

“Yes,” Celestia said bluntly. “You are blinded right now. Your judgment is impaired.”

“Do not confuse my passion with blindness!” Selene spun around, her barbed war-spear suddenly hovering beside her in the grip of her magic. “I would move the world to find him again! This is nothing!”

Celestia stood there, unmoving, her eyes focused on her sister. Her reply came with a clear, calm voice. “And what of her? What about the one you leave behind?”

“She...” Selene turned away once more, her eyes finding her war helm and pulling it to her head. “...she will be here when I return.”

The sun goddess shook her head, her front hoof gently tapping on the ground. “This is what I am talking about. You leave behind the one pony who truly needs you right now to rush off to pursue a rumor.”

“The only rumor that I’ve gotten about him,” Selene answered, lowering the helm down onto her head. “I will go and find out the truth.”

“I was hoping that she would have removed this darkness from you,” Celestiia said, her voice finally softening.

“It is my nature, Celly. You know that.” She turned, now fully clad in war armor, stars shining in its brilliant ebon surface. The barbed spear of the night floating beside her in the cold air. “I will find him alive, or have my revenge. Now, stand aside.”

Celestia stood before her sister, her white coat breaking the impenetrable color of the darkness. “I am more powerful than you,” she said with certainty.

“Yes, and I am the more vicious.” Selene’s eyes bit into her sister’s flesh. “Stand. Aside.”

The moment hung in the air, neither mare moving. A faint dim of light began to glow on the horn of both sisters as they prepared for what was to come next.

“I stand against this,” Celestia said as she turned and moved to the far side of the chamber. “Something bad will come of your actions, I can sense it.”

“The only bad will come to the pony that has captured Endymion,” Selene stepped past her sister to the edge of the chamber.

“And what if he hasn’t been captured, Lena? What then?” Celestia asked, stepping in behind her sister.

She turned her head, not fully looking behind herself. “Then they will truly know what darkness the night holds.”

“Do not lose yourself, sister,” Celestia pleaded.

She paused. “Look after her, Celly. Until I make it back, I need you to take care of her.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Craning her head back, a glow of white shone out from the star-encrusted helm. “I will return. I will.”

Celestia only nodded, a forced smile the only thing her lips able to form.

Without another word, Selene’s wings carried her out into the night to find her beloved.

* * * * * * *

The road to Tartarus never changes. Its pavement remains the same as the first moment of its existence.

The guardian at the gate proved to be little challenge to Selene. A two-headed dog, despite its size, was little threat to an enraged goddess. Perhaps if it had three heads it might have been more dangerous, but that was the concern of the pony who would have to replace the poor beast.

The burning river was little more hinderance. The ferryman was easily convinced to carry her across to the city that waited on the far shore. A simple bribe was all he asked for, though money surely carried no weight in this forsaken realm. She could hear the wails of the tormented crying up from the blood-red waves, but they could not pierce her heart or deter her from her goal. Not now.

So she stood before the towering brass doors of the city, staring at the ponies on the wall who stared back at her, their blank eyes and dead faces somehow seeming colder at her audacity as she cried out. “Come face me if you dare, coward! Come out of your fortress or I shall tear these doors from the hinges and drag you out by force!”

A long moment passed before the hinges creaked out a response. Stepping through the doors came a black pony. His coat, eyes, mane and attitude were all the exact same shade, and the shadows seemed to move with his every step. “My, my,” he said smoothly, his voice a loud whisper in the darkness, “such drama. The living always seem to be filled with it.”

“You are Asphodel?” Selene asked.

“I have been called such. Would you do me the privilege of sharing your name with me?” He closed the distance between himself and Selene slowly, with his gait matching the tone of his words.

“I am Selene, and you have something--somepony--that I want.” The chill in her voice almost sliced flesh.

“Oh, do I? Well, I was wondering why a goddess saw fit to bring herself into my realm,” he said, the light sliding around his body, as though afraid to touch it.

“So you do know who I am,” she answered, “then you should also know who I have come for.”

“Actually, no. I knew you were a goddess by your appearance, but I had no idea who you were. The only beings that interest me are the ones that appear in my realm. The ones whose history brings them to me for the rest of eternity. You’re alive, so...I have no interest in you.”

Selene’s eyes narrowed. “Nonetheless, you will bring me the pony I am here for, or suffer the consequences.”

This gave Asphodel pause. His solid black eyes seemed to focus on Selene, taking in a measure of her words and her worth. “Consequences? What do you know of consequences?” he laughed.

“I know that your life hangs in the balance if you do not listen to me.” There was a hint of anger and a promise of violence behind her words.

“Child, do not begin to threaten me. The rules of your world do not apply here, and your actions would have repercussions far beyond what you realize. Turn away and go home. Forget whomever you have come here seeking.” He stopped near Selene, no emotion showing on his face.

Between them Selene’s spear hung in the void, waiting for a command from its mistress. Moonlight glittered on the edge of its point, casting the light of its mistress across the face of the Lord of Tartarus.

“The Spear of the Night can pierce anything. Nothing is beyond its ability. So if you think yourself safe, think again,” Selene promised.

“Really? That’s very interesting,” Asphodel looked to the point of the spear, his lips curling up. “I would have to have that proven to me, though. Nonetheless, you have wasted both of our time. You need to go home and forget this pony.”

The spear pierced into his flesh, only deep enough to weight her words. “You obviously have never been in love. Now, show me Endymion.”

The guards on the walls didn’t move. They stood silently, watching the events unfold below them.

If the spear was causing him any pain, he didn’t show it. Selene’s magic held it in the air, its tip pressing into him, though no blood seemed to escape. He laughed again. “No. That is something that will not happen.”

“Do it or I will destroy you!” Selene screamed, her muzzle now directly before his.

“Oh that would be rich,” he said. “Is your love for this stallion so great that you would be willing to sacrifice so much?”

“Are you willing to take that chance?” The stars shifted with her words, as the spear tip pressed deeper into the black stallion.

He pushed back against the spear, driving it into him further. “Absolutely.”

“You’re mad,” she declared.

“Says the goddess who is willing to forsake everything for...love? No. No, not love. FIRST love. That’s the only thing that can drive somepony to utter madness,” he responded.

“Not first love,” she corrected, “true love. There is nothing more precious or powerful than that.”

“Then why are you using a spear?” he mocked.

“Would you rather I use my hooves to tear you limb from limb? Stop stalling. Where is Endymion?” she insisted.

“No. What I do propose is a little test. If you pass, then you get what you are looking for, but if not...well, then I get what I’m looking forward to,” he sneered.

“I won’t play your games,” she replied.

“Oh, but you will. You will or you will never find out the truth about your...true love.” His voice carried an even mixture of contempt and amusement.

She paused, her magic holding a firm grip on her war spear. She could sense the life force of the being radiating through her spear, there for her taking. His last breath, his final heartbeat, was hers, but the knowledge she sought was his. She yanked the spear back, its barbs ripping out his flesh as she did.

“What is your test, monster?” she spat.

“Oh joy, you’re going to play,” he smiled, stepping back and pacing in front of the mare. “Well, let me think. What would be the best possible test for you to...” He stopped and smiled, adding to the darkness of his visage. “One question. Answer it correctly and you win. Answer it incorrectly and...”

“And what, monster?” she urged.

“Incorrect and I get what I want,” he said luridly.

“I will not stoop to your barbaric level!” Selene stepped up, once again putting her muzzle to his and burning her eyes through him. “Play this game carefully.”

“Oh you will. I promise it,” he answered. “But then, what will it matter if you can answer my question?”

“And I’m supposed to know the answer to every question? For all I know you could ask me the name of your favorite pet. This is not a fair test,” she stated.

He nodded slowly. “True, I could do that, but where is the sport? No, this would be a question that you should be able to answer easily. One about your beloved pony, in fact. Or do you not know your...true love...well enough to answer one question about him?”

Selene stared at him, her whole body hesitating. “He...he is my true love.”

“Of course he is,” he stated smugly. “And that means you know everything about him, naturally.”

“I do.” Selene stood proud, her poise and demeanor belying what lay inside.

“Then, you agree?” Asphodel’s eyes glinted a light in their blackness as he stared into the mare.

“I do.” She was committed. Of her own free will, she agreed to the outcome of what happened next. “Ask your question.”

He smiled, stepping back and looking around at the great city of brass. “A magnificent city, don’t you think? Well, I suppose you can’t answer that. You haven’t even been inside the walls, yet.”

“I don’t care about your city. I’m just here for one pony. Ask me your question,” she pressed.

“But you should care. You need to care. If you don’t appreciate the things that are around you, then you will never be able to enjoy life--or whatever follows it,” he stated.

“My life doesn’t involve this place,” she answered.

“And yet here you are. Standing at the gateway to the city, ready to take whatever steps have been set out before you. Ready to burst through and force your will upon anypony who stands in your way. How noble.” With every word, his tone sank.

“Ask your question!” Selene raged.

Asphodel nodded, letting the moment linger. “Very well. You only have to answer this one question: why is your true love here?”

Her mouth hung open, and the words that followed were a stammer. “Wh-what? What do you mean?”

“Your love. Endymion. What was it that led him to be here in my realm?” He spoke with supreme confidence and calm. “It’s a simple question, really. Every pony that ends up in my realm does so because of some action. Some reason that put them here. What was his? What did he do to find himself a dweller of Tartarus?”

“You...you will have to explain further before I can answer correctly,” she stated, a dark light shining in the back of her eye.

“Oh, not a problem,” he said in a whisper that was clear and strong. “For example, a pony arrived here today that had spent his life seducing as many mares as he could, using them for his own pleasure. He had a wife who knew nothing of it, and foals by seven different mares. He paid them no attention and made excuses with each and every one, always keeping them off balance. And then, oddly enough, he lost his own balance while repairing a roof and broke his neck when he slipped and fell. Poor pony should have asked a pegasus for help, but then again, it’s probably best for everypony that he didn’t.”

“A fascinating tale, but it doesn’t answer my question,” Selene volleyed back to him.

“Oh, but it does. You see, this pony kept secrets that--after his poor, unfortunate demise--led him here. Now he is my guest for all of eternity. No pony will seek him out, because they are all starting to realize just what kind of stallion he truly was.”

“I do not like the implication of what you are saying,” Selene said, her lips curling back.

“Implication? I don’t recall implying anything. Perhaps you’re just reading into the matter.” His smile was the same shade as his coat. “But it does make a direct point. The stallion in question kept secrets that led him here. I just need you to tell me the secret of your stallion. What it was that drove him into my realm.”

She stood there, her eye twitching in the grey light.

“And do remember: you only get one answer, so choose wisely.” He slinked around the area, his own body sliding between the shadows with every step.

Images raced through her mind. Thoughts and words from conversations with her beloved. Secrets he had told only her. Revelations that came about in the most private of moments. Those words that passed between them in the light of the moon. A memory flooded over her. Her gaze focused on the ground as she spoke.

“Th--there was a young colt, a foal really, who he was playing with one day. They were rough-housing, just being colts, and things went a bit too far. He stood up on his hind legs, lashing out with both forehooves, striking the colt in the head, accidentally. The young stallion staggered back and fell, striking his head on a rock--and didn’t get up. Endymion raced off, trying to find a mature pony to help him, and by the time he did the other colt had been lying there for minutes. He survived, but he was never really the same. He was dark and carried an aura about him from that day on.”

She looked up at Asphodel, her eyes misting. “It haunted him after that. Knowing that he had changed the life of another pony like that. Realizing that he may have turned him down a dark road. It was the one shadow in his shining life. And I am stunned that such a thing would have put him here.”

Asphodel stopped walking. A long pause waited for him to speak once again, and when he did his words were sharp. “He told you everything about him, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” she answered, her head lifting up as she spoke. “We had no secrets.”

“True love,” all traces of compassion dropped away as he spoke. “I hate true love. There is no room for it here.”

“Keep to your word, monster. Bring him to me,” she demanded.

“My word?” he asked in confusion. “Oh, no. It’s not my word that will need to be in question. It’s yours.”

“Wh--what?” her voice dropped.

“You answered incorrectly,” he said. “You lose.”

“That’s not possible! I know everything about him. That was the only dark moment in his life!” The pony before her began to chuckle at her words, moving to stand directly in front of the great brass doors once again.

“No doubt. And it sounds tragic. The poor foal must have eaten away at his own soul all his life,” he replied, shaking his head in mock sympathy. “But it isn’t enough to get him here.”

“Then what did!” Selene yelled, moving to stand in his face in an instant.

“Nothing.” His voice was dry and cold.

“N--nothing? What do you mean, nothing?” she demanded.

“I mean nothing. He isn’t here,” he laughed.

Cool silver eyes turned dark red with anger, as the dark side of the moon revealed itself. Her horn lit with magic, grasping him by the throat and lifting him onto his rear legs, her spear pushing against his chest.

“You LIED to me!” The brass walls shuddered against the sound of her voice.

“Wh--when?” he choked out, smiling. “You...assumed that...he was here. I simply...didn’t say...otherwise.” His forehooves pulled at the magic, trying to free himself.

“Nevertheless, it was a trick! You could have told me from the beginning and I would have been done and gone, but you chose to deceive me,” she growled. “I was wrong to call you a monster. You are far, far worse than that.”

“And you...owe me,” he gasped from his magic noose.

“I will not stoop to your level,” she turned and began to walk away, dropping him to the ground like discarded garbage. “Be happy I leave here with you still alive.”

“Oh, so...the goddess is a...liar?” He rubbed his throat as he regained his footing. “So, it won’t matter what rumors I spread...of her being a common whorse.”

Selene stopped. She didn’t turn or move for a full eight seconds, and during that time Asphodel stepped closer to the waiting predator.

“You see, either way this is handled has the exact same outcome,” he said, “with the world knowing that the Goddess of the Moon is a slut that will do anything that is asked of her. A leg-spreading, dick-lapping whorse that is open and willing for any pony to use as they see fit.”

She turned, staring back at the noir stallion, her eyes pools of white moonlight that reflected her rage. “How...DARE...you!” She stepped towards him, with him not giving any ground as she did. “It is my faithfulness that brings me here. Your words carry no weight against my reputation.”

“What reputation? The ponies of the world sleep through your night, giving you no heed. It’s easy for people to believe anything about something they know nothing about. By tomorrow night they would wonder if they should stay awake hoping to get a quick rut in before they sleep.”

Her teeth bared, Selene hissed out her next words. “One. More. Word. I truly advise that you stay quiet, Asphodel.”

“Tell me,” his smile glimmered in the light from her eyes, “how do you like it when a stallion ruts you from behind? Do you whimper and moan? Or are you more of a screamer? I would hate to spread lies about you.”

The sound of her scream echoed off the metal walls of the city of Dis. A guttural cry of rage that echoed in the souls that lined the walls, each understanding what it was to lose themselves in a moment of anger.

One end of her battle spear was sticking out of Asphodel’s throat, while the other end had pierced his hindquarters and drove itself into the ground, pinning him in place. Black blood oozed out of him and ran along the spear, staining the ground in a growing circle.

Selene looked down at him, her chin still high in the stillness of the realm. No remorse shone in her face as the moonlit power faded to restore her normal silver eyes. But there was a hint of surprise as she heard the dying stallion’s laughter.

“You...you are a perfect player,” Asphodel coughed. “Thank you for...your kindness. It’s something that we...don’t get here.”

“What are you talking about now, fool?” her anger still carried her words.

“You will know. Soon enough, you will know,” he laughed. “The sun has risen over the world, Selene. Can’t you feel it? My...my time is done. Thank you. It has truly been...hell. May your...rule be...bet...ter...”

A rattle of breath shuddered through him as his body withered. Falling limp on the spear, it soon began to fall brittle and break off in pieces to the ground. Dust exploded on the spot where they landed, a non-existent wind carrying the debris off to another place of being as Selene watched. Her skin shivered as the wind touched her body, striking through to her core. Her eyes opened wide and her lip curled backwards with each passing piece of death.

The great brass doors cried out as they opened, their groans of agony now clear in Selene’s ears. A single pony, dressed in scraps of black metal and mildewed leather walked out, each hoof-fall rattling more than the outfit he wore.

“Greetings, mistress,” his voice was hollow and dry. “I am Tityus, and I will aid you in your transition.”

Her neck snapped backwards as Selene pulled her head away in surprise. “Transition? What transition?”

“To the throne of Tartarus,” he said plainly.

“The throne of...” her words trailed off. “I do not have time for this. Find another for your throne. I am leaving this place.” She spun away, only to be frozen by his next statement.

“You cannot. You are no longer among the living, mistress. You cannot venture beyond this realm by your own power.”

“Wh--what are you talking about?” Deep inside her body, she could already feel something.

“The throne of Tartarus is only gained by violence. By killing Asphodel, you have taken his place. You are now our queen and lord of the damned,” he explained, bowing his head.

“No.” Her voice cracked above a whisper. “No! I am Selene, Goddess of the Night! I am not the ruler of this accursed place!”

“Goddess of the Night no longer,” he stated, bringing his head back up to look into the eyes of his new mistress. “That duty will now fall to another, just as Asphodel’s duty has now fallen to you.”

“No! He--he did this on purpose! He prodded me to kill him!” She spun around, looking for the pony that did this to her, expecting to see his laughing face once more. “Why? Why would he do this?!”

“Because, mistress, he was cruel, and you carried with you the one thing that he hated the most: love.”

She shook her head roughly, denying everything she heard. “No! No, I’m leaving! This is not where I’m meant to be!” Her wings spread in the dim grey light, blending in with the muted sky as she took to the air. She did not hear him speak after her.

“And even the ruler of this accursed place longs for oblivion after a time...”

Her flight was not direct, nor was it even. She flew above the burning sea of blood, heading towards what she remembered the path that brought her here. More than once she changed course, convinced that she was off track, correcting for mistakes that she hadn’t made. A goddess does not stay lost forever, no matter how confused she may be, and eventually she saw the path to the gate that brought her down from the land of the living.

Her hooves met the path without a pause as she flew down to land, never hesitating for a moment as she ran up the passage towards the gate that kept everypony out. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she forced herself to run without rest, until the sparkling of a warm light danced on the horizon of her vision.

The sunlight glowed on the brass gates, giving them the color of a perfect sunset. The most perfect time of day. The moment when her power came to life and her duty ruled the sky. She could feel the tears stain her cheeks as she smiled at that welcoming light, anxious to bathe in the full light of the moon shortly.

And then she stopped.

Her mind raced, telling her hooves to step forward. The gate was right before her, and beyond that was her world and her life. And Endymion. Somewhere out there was her true love.

So why did her body not obey? Why couldn’t she take the next step towards the outside? The gates stood there, mocking her. The doorway to the outside world only a few steps away, and yet too far to reach. The weight of her burden brought her down, and she collapsed to her knees.

The gate. The damnable gate. It wasn’t there to keep living ponies out--after all, what sane pony would willingly walk into hell--it was there to keep the dead ponies inside. To keep all the inhabitants of Tartarus inside.

To keep her inside.

Selene had no idea how long she sat there. Measured in tears it was an ocean. Measured it minutes it was a lifetime. But for others, it was long enough for another pony to catch up to her and speak once more.

“We must get you back to Dis, mistress,” Tityus stated, no words of solace accompanying them. “It is time for you to assume your duty. I will aid you.”

Her head slowly turned to look into the empty holes where eyes should rest. Her own eyes burned with a dimming light. “Aid me? I am damned now. What aid can you give? I know what hell is already.” She stood, her wings fluttering out as she sought to clean herself of the stench of this land.

“Take me to my throne.”

* * * * * * *

“Sister?” Celestia’s voice was as calm and reassuring as ever, but all Selene could hear in it was a combination of fear, distrust, and boasting. Her life was so strong among all the dead. “Ah, I thought I might find you here.”

Celestia walked into Selene’s personal chamber, a smile growing on her face with every hoofstep. There was no color in the room except for grey and brass. Stone walls and brass decorations. Even the chairs were covered in grey fabric. Which is why she brought the box with her, floating behind her, carried by magic.

“Hello, Celly,” Selene sat in her grand chair, her hooves raking up and down its arms. As her sister stepped into the room, Selene’s wings ruffled out for just a moment.

“I’m sorry it’s been so long, Lena,” Celestia said as she moved over to greet her sister directly. She reached out and placed her muzzle next to the other mare’s, kissing her on one cheek. “There’s just been a bit of adjustment to handle back home.”

“Adjustment. Yes, I’m sure. How is the stripling doing?” Selene asked, her voice flat.

“Luna,” Celestia answered. “Her name is Luna. And she’s doing very well. She has the most curious of behaviors. She is much more aloof than you, but shares your inquisitiveness and passion. Though she is also a little dark at times. And she has an odd tendency to speak very loudly. Just the other day she...”

“What is that behind you?” Selene interrupted.

Her face suddenly beaming, Celestia brought the box around in front of her. “A present. I’ve noticed how...little color there is here, and thought I might be able to help.” She set the box down in front of Selene, who eyed it suspiciously.

“I don’t think a little color would help,” her voice stayed flat.

“Well, give it a try. You never know, it might actually...brighten things up,” Celestia stepped back a bit, giving her sister some room. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded towards it with a face filled with hope.

Taking a deep breath, Selene let her face turn up towards her sister. “I’m sorry, Celly. Of course.” She forced a smile, as her magic moved the lid from the box. Instantly, a kaleidoscope of color filled the room, light spilling out from the top of the container. Selene winced at the sudden intrusion of the alien-seeming brightness.

“Wh--what is that?” she asked, turning her head to one side.

“I don’t have a name for it,” Celestia answered raising the item from the box. A gem that seemed at once to be every color imaginable glittered in the air. Rays of every hue splashed around the room, creating a cacophony of color everywhere. “I enchanted a gem to absorb the sunlight, and charged it with a full day’s color. To be honest, it didn’t seem quite so bright back home. But I can tone it down, I think. If not with this one, then with a new one. Do you like it?”

“Get it out of here!” Selene brought a hoof up to shade herself from the glowing gem.

“Oh, I’m sorry! The light really is hurting you, isn’t it?” Celestia quickly lowered the gem back into the box, shutting the lid. “I will definitely tone down the intensity. I’ll try to do it during my visit today so you can use this one, but if not I’ll bring one back--”

“I don’t want it,” she interrupted. “I don’t want it anywhere near Tartarus, and especially nowhere near me!”

“I--I’m sorry,” Celestia whispered. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Lena. I just thought it might be nice to add some color into your world.”

“This world isn’t meant for color! And none should be brought here!” She stood from her chair and quickly trotted to the far side of the room, throwing open a shutter that hid the room from the outside. “This is a place for the damned, Celly! Not a place for the homesick. Do you see what this is? Do you? It’s a never-ending sea of despair. And I’m the pony at the center of it all.”

Celestia walked over to her sister, keeping her head up and her eyes bright. “Just because you are at its center doesn’t mean you can’t be above it. You are not damned, Lena. You are just...” Her words trailed off as the term she sought eluded her grasp.

“Trapped?” Selene finished for her.

“I wasn’t going to say that,” Celestia answered.

“No, you weren’t. But what about freeing me? Have you had any luck with that? What about my future?”

“I still don’t know. I haven’t had any luck finding any spell that would free you from here.”

“Because there is none!” Selene screamed, causing Celestia to turn her head slightly away. “I AM damned. Damned to be here until time runs out, the master of a place filled with the most horrible ponies that have ever lived. And what’s more, it is my responsibility to make sure that they suffer. Suffer! And you want to bring me a pretty light.” Her wings ruffled out and then folded against her body once more.

“I wanted to bring you something to cheer you up,” Celestia said soothingly. “Remind you of who you truly are and your home.”

“Who I truly am? I am no pony! I have nothing outside of this realm. Your precious Luna took my place, remember?” she spat.

“She did not take your place. She took your duty. You are still yourself, Lena, and if you forget that, then you will lose yourself to this place. I can’t pretend to know what you are going through, but I do know you,” she gently wrapped a wing around her sister. “You are the definition of love. All you have ever done is out of love.”

“And see where it has gotten me? No. No, I can’t be that pony any longer, Celly. I have a new role to play. A new duty. And love has nothing to do with it.” Her words froze in the air.

“Don’t say such things, Lena. This place is getting to you. Please, let me help you to stay who you are,” Celestia pleaded, resting her muzzle against her sister’s neck.

“Celly,” she pressed away, causing Celestia to raise her head up to look at her directly, “I know who I am. It’s you who are having trouble realizing it.”

“You’re angry,” Celestia stated.

“No, I’m furious. And I think I have the right to be. At least for a few years,” she countered.

There was a long silence as they both stood there waiting for the other to speak. The weight of the moment hung between them, neither of them wanting to say anything to make it press down harder.

“I should go,” Celestia said softly.

“You don’t have to,” Lena said instantly.

“I think I do,” she answered.

“H--how is...she?” Lena asked.

“Good. She is very good. I’ll see to that, I promise,” Celestia stated, raising her head higher as she did, a glow of magic binding her word.

“Don’t ever let her know of this place. Of me. I don’t want her to know,” Lena stated.

“I understand,” Celestia answered.

“You don’t. I don’t want her worrying about me. Thinking about me here. Trying to come here herself,” Selene pleaded. And then her tone changed. “And if she does find out, I CAN make your life hell, Celly,” Selene growled.

“A threat?” She blinked multiple times. “Why? I--I don’t understand.”

“Just don’t do it,” Selene’s voice stayed on edge.

“I won’t,” Celestia turned and walked towards the door, her magic picking up the package she brought with her. She paused at the doorway, turning to look at her sister once again. “I love you, Lena.”

“Yes. I know, Celly.”

Celestia turned and walked out the door, without a second look back.

* * * * * * *

The door creaked loudly as the mechanism fought against itself, light spilling into the room from the many candles outside.

“What is this?” Selene’s voice intruded into the chamber only moments after the light. A purple-grey glow of magic surrounded the door, pressing it open and into the room. The silhouette of the alicorn stood in the doorway, her formidable eyes piercing into the darkness. She stepped inside the large compartment, seeing the neglected furnishings and decorations lining the walls. “A secret chamber? Asphodel, what did you do in here?”

A gurgling sound came from the far corner of the room, causing Selene to turn her attention to that location. A shadow moved, barely, pushing itself further away from the light. She stepped towards the sound and the movement, willing her horn to once again come to life. The deep night colored glow was far more light than the former night goddess needed to see anything. Even the unexpected.

A frail, emaciated pony lie on the ground, covered with a ratty blanket. Two black horns curled away from her a matted, mangey red coat, while a pair of black eyes stared up in a mix of rage and terror, but lacking the strength to do anything but stare.

“What--or rather, who are you?” Selene’s voice softened as she lowered herself down to the level of the weakened mare. And that’s when she got a good look at her face.

Dozens of scars crossed over the flesh. Deep cuts moving back and forth, and not given the opportunity to heal properly. Defying the repulsion response, Selene kept her eyes locked on the mare, the disfiguration creeping into her vision.

“I don’t know you. Is this your punishment? Beaten and scarred, left for dead? To be locked away from everything?”

The black eyes burned with hatred, but the only sound that came from the pony-creature was another rough gurgling noise. She lifted her head up for a moment, but only just and only for a moment, before gravity proved too difficult a foe and she dropped it once more.

“What is your name?” Selene asked. She waited, but silence was her only answer. “Very well, I command you: tell me your name.”

The frail creature stared up, but no words came out. The gurgling rose again, this time much closer to a growl.

“I am Selene, High Lady of Tartarus, and you will tell me who you are so that I can know your punishment,” Selene’s voice was becoming increasingly firm.

“Aaasssphhodellll...” The first identifiable noise that came from the creature chilled Selene to the core. The sound of her voice was unnatural and coarse, but the tone of the word was clear. Never had she heard such pure hatred in her life.

“What of him? He is no more. I disposed him and thus took his place.” Her own ears couldn’t hear the tone that so closely echoed the other mare.

The creature moved, shifting again, and the ratty blanket moved, opening up and flaring out as the mare’s wings revealed themselves. Leathery flaps of flesh with holes worn through them from either abuse or misuse. Her head rose up again, and she opened her mouth, revealing long, pointed teeth lining her mouth. Snarling, it appeared as though she was trying to stand, though her body was still betraying her.

Selene stepped back, taking in the whole of this creature. “You are no mortal pony. Nor are you anything that I have ever seen before. You are not a soul here for torture, are you?”

A tail moved behind the mare, a long, sinewy appendage capped with a pointed tip tenuously trying to curl up and provide balance for her to rise. No amount of aid could make up for centuries of weakness and her legs failed her, but her movement revealed a brass chain that bound her rear legs to the wall.

“I have been ruler here for over a century now, and I am still discovering secrets that were left behind. None so mysterious as you, though,” Selene said softly. She lowered herself down once again, looking over to the mare. “Again I ask, what is your name?”

The mare opened her mouth, baring her teeth once more, and allowing Selene a view into her mouth. The scars on her face were only the beginning. A mangled tongue tried to move inside her mouth, perhaps to form words or perhaps to lash out, but all that came out was a violent hiss of air.

“What was done to you?” Selene pondered aloud. “And why?”

She stood back up and stared down at the creature. The mare’s wings fell back down around her, covering her body in an enveloping sheathe. A blanket of protection. A last bastion of defense.

“I want to know more about you. Rise.” Selene’s horn glowed, and a layer of pre-dawn magic cascaded over the mare, sinking into her body like soil desperate for rain. The mare moved her head, this time raising it high as the shared energy filled her. Her wings unfurled once again, stretching out to their formidable length. Moving one leg forward, the claw-like hoof grasped the ground as she pushed against the floor. The creaking sound was either her leg or the ground, both of them seemed ready to crack. After a moment, she rose, standing to her full height at last. Selene looked up into her eyes. After a moment, the alicorn summoned the magic to shatter the chain binding the creature’s leg.

“Come with me. I will not hurt you, but I will get you food and do my best to heal you,” Selene offered.

“Aaasssphhodellll...” the creature said for a second time.

“I told you, he is dead. I killed him. He cannot harm you,” Selene explained, her voice steely.

From the depth of her being, the creature let out a growl. Tapping into primal hatred she spoke volumes with a single sound. Selene stared at her, their eyes locking in a mutual sensation.

“If you like, when you are stronger, you are welcome to raze this place to its foundation, but that is the best that I can offer,” Selene stated. “But you are going to want to be stronger first. The magic I gave you won’t last long.”

Turning and stepping towards the door, Selene paused to look over her shoulder. “Coming?”

Weak legs moved forward, defiantly carrying the mare forward towards the light piercing into the chamber. One claw after another she found her way towards the exit. And for the first time in more than a hundred years, the creature took a step outside her room.

* * * * * * *

She didn’t hear her come into the room. It was amazing how quiet she could be, actually, especially considering her size. But even if she wasn’t so stealthy, Selene might not have noticed. She was lost in her own thoughts and tears.

It didn’t happen as often as it used to, but every now and then memories of her former life took over, and she found herself going through a gamut of emotion. Joyful, regretful, resentful, angry, bitter, jealous, and always, ultimately, sadness.

But never had anypony walked in on her during one of those moments. Until now.

Tisiphone stood there, staring down at her in confusion. She watched the tears run down Selene’s face, wondering how they came into being. A grumble rose inside her unbidden.

Selene whirled, her face snapping around to stare at Tisiphone. Her eyes darted about, searching for something to give her stability. She stood quickly, her wings fluttering out to her side as she ruffled her feathers. “I--I did not hear you.” Her words were strained in control.

Reaching a clawed hoof up, Tisiphone brushed it against Selene’s cheek, feeling the damp coat. The alicorn pulled her head away, and then turned her eyes back to look at the other mare.

All Selene could see was confusion in the eyes of the mare. She shook her head, clearing her senses and attempting to remove any stray tears that were still trying to fight their way out. And Tisiphone remained baffled, her eyes searching for answers.

“Is--is there something I can help you with?” Selene stayed stoic, professional. “Are you feeling all right? You’re still weak, I know. It will take time to fully recover your strength. You’re doing amazing considering how short a time you’ve been free.”

The red mare-creature reached her hoof-claw up again, touching the damp coat on Selene’s cheek.

“Don’t,” Selene whispered. “Please, don’t.”

Tisiphone’s head turned slightly, considering the request. With force of will and determination, she croaked out a gravelly question, “whhhhyy?”

“Because. Isn’t that enough reason?” Selene tried to force her words past the other mare. “I don’t want you reminding me.”

Tisiphone shook her head. And gestured to her own cheek, raising her hoof in confusion.

“Why...is that happening? Do--do you not understand crying?” Selene asked softly.

Tisiphone shook her head. She looked to the alicorn for answers.

Selene opened her mouth to protest--to send this intruder away--but there was a genuine look of innocence that prevented it.

“Ponies cry,” she took a deep breath, “because they are sad.”

Selene turned her head away, fearing the admission would begin a new event. Tisiphone followed her around, trying to again look into the mare’s eyes. She couldn’t meet her gaze, as the alicorn looked down when she saw the other mare approach.

“I feel sad, Tisiphone. I’m sad and so I’m crying. It’s that simple,” she whispered to the ground.

“Whhhhyy?” she asked again.

“Wh--why am I sad?” She looked up, only for a moment, briefly looking the mare in the eye. “I--I don’t think that--”

A red claw-hoof moved beneath Selene’s chin, raising her muzzle up. Tisiphone looked straight into her eye. “Whhhhyy?” she asked yet again.

“B--because I--I’m alone,” she choked out. “My life used to be filled with love and life, and n--now I...” She couldn’t say anything else. Pulling away, she turned again. “I--I think you should leave.”

The voice came from behind Selene, resolute and authoritative, despite the distortion. “Noooo.”

She turned, and Tisiphone stood there, her head high and her demeanor strong. “Yooou...saave...mmeee...” she croaked out. “Nooottt...leaaave.”

“Why not?” Selene kept her voice strong. “Everypony else has. Endymion disappeared, and none of my efforts could find him. And Celestia--my own sister--abandoned me. She taunted me and left me here. My own sister!”

Her voice became louder than she intended, and she stepped back in realization. “Cel--Celestia was the pony I thought would always be there for me, and now she isn’t. Sh--she’s moved on past me. To this...Luna. She left me. My sister. MY OWN SISTER!”

Tears streamed freely. Selene could no longer control her emotion, letting it rush out in a torrent. Tisiphone stepped up to stand right in front of her, looking down into Selene’s silver eyes. “Nooottt...leaaave.”

“Why?” Selene asked. “Why would she do that? She is my sister. She is supposed to love me. To care for me.”

The erinyes leaned in, putting her muzzle beside the alicorn’s ear. “Cccaarre...forrr...yoouu.”

“What are you--” Selene’s words were cut off when Tisiphone kissed her on the lips. The harsh, scarred flesh of the erinyes felt rough on Selene’s softer skin. Pulling back in shock, Selene’s eyes shot wide, the silver color shining in the dim light with moisture.

“Ti--Tisiphone,” her wings ruffled out with a flutter, “I’m not sure that...that...”

Her protests fell off as the large red mare stepped up again, a feral growl growing in her throat. “Maaake...yoouu...haaaappyy.”

Again she bent down and kissed the mare on the lips, only this time Selene did not pull away. She held the kiss, feeling the lips play across each other. The alicorn let her tongue slide out of her mouth, pressing its way into the other mare’s orifice.

This time it was Tisiphone who jerked her head backwards, snarling.

“What’s wrong?” Selene asked. “What did I--” Her mouth fell open. “Oh. Your tongue. I’m sorry. I--I forgot.” She closed the distance between herself and the erinyes. “I--I don’t want to scare you off.”

Tisiphone lowered her head, snarling softly. “Nooottt...leaaave.”

Raising her head up slightly, Selene brought her lips up to the larger red mare’s, brushing against them with her own. Instantly, Tisiphone pushed back, pulling on the alicorn’s lips with hers. She shifted her tact, moving along Selene’s muzzle, kissing up to her ear. When she reached that spot, she bared her teeth and bit down softly.

The sharp, pointed teeth elicited a gasp from Selene, which was all the encouragement that Tisiphone was wanting. She shifted to the side, giving her a new perspective on the ombre mare. Her long tail snaked around behind her, moving in and sliding up along Selene’s inner thigh.

“I--I don’t know about--” Selene was cut off by Tisiphone rearing up and placing her foreclaws on the alicorn’s withers, pressing downwards. Selene went to her knees, not from the suggestion, but because she had no other choice.

“How strong are you?” she glanced up at the mare, who had wrapped her tail around the upper thigh of the alicorn to make sure her hindquarters stayed in the air. “You should still be recovering.”

A gurgle resonated deep inside the body of the erinyes. She removed her tail from the mare’s thigh and replaced it with her foreclaw. With no hesitation she pushed the rear legs apart, causing Selene to gasp once more.

“I’m not...submissive. I d--don’t--” Tisiphone grabbed the mare’s tail and pulled it up, exposing Selene’s marehood. A sheen had formed on the outside of her nether lips, much to her own surprise. A whip of Tisiphone’s tail across her flank surprised Selene even more, causing her to gasp loudly. Her wings shot out, fluttering wide, her feathers splaying to their fullest.

Moving directly behind Selene, Tisiphone brought her body up and over the mare, taking a claw-full of wing in either forehoof, giving her leverage. She brought her head up between the wings and snarled down at the mare beneath her. “Plllleasssuuuurre...yoooouu.”

Selene twisted her head back and forth, trying to turn around to get a good view of exactly what was happening. Her body was reacting, strongly, to the advances of this creature, even though her mind was still reeling.

Sliding her tail between her own legs, Tisiphone curled the spade-end of her tail into a tight ball, forming a broad head on the end of it. She explored forward, feeling out until the end of it pressed against the slit that waited between Selene’s legs. The organ responded to the pressure, and lips parted, allowing easy access to the inside of the alicorn’s marehood.

“B--be gentle,” Selene moaned, her voice wavering.

A dark snarl answered, as the tail-tip pressed inside Selene’s sex, exploring the inner depths of the mare. She pushed deep until she felt the tail was buried enough from the moans that were building beneath her, and then Tisiphone pressed her tail tight against herself, impacting against her own now very damp sex.

She paused, holding the moment until the timing was perfect. A single word insured her that it was. “P--please,” Selene whimpered.

Shifting her weight backwards, Tisiphone slid almost completely out of Selene’s sex, and then pulling herself on the alicorn’s wings, she slammed back into her depths, the motion and sensation flowing back along the length of her tail to reverberate against her own clitoris.

The thrusting began. Pistoning in and out of Selene’s dripping cunt, Tisiphone’s tail flexed and turned, providing a sensation unlike anything the alicorn had ever known. Quickly, Selene’s breath became a ragged exaggeration of its normal tempo, and she was pressing herself back against the faux-cock the mare was fucking her with, trying to keep in rhythm.

Every moment became a new crescendo. Every thrust bringing more of a smile to the alicorn below, and a sense of being to the erinyes above. And it only increased when Selene began to respond vocally.

“Yes! By the stars, yes! Keep doing that! Just like that!” she pleaded, encouraging her unexpected partner. And Tisiphone responded with another surprise.

Bending fully forward, Tisiphone sank her fangs into the neck of the mare beneath her. Selene shrieked, her tone a clear mixture of shock, pain, and pleasure. The bite wasn’t deep, just enough to pierce the flesh and add another level to the moment.

At the moment of the bite, Selene’s pussy clamped down on the tail-cock inside her. Her body trembled for a moment, and then began convulsing as she came. Tisiphone didn’t even slow down. Her thrusts kept pace, pushing into the pulsing pussy. Tisiphone was on the edge, but her focus had nothing to do with herself. All she wanted was to make the pony beneath her plunge over the cliff of ecstasy.

And that was exactly what happened. Selene began screaming. No names. No words. Just raw primal screams of passion as her body released a century’s worth of tension. Was it seconds, minutes, or hours that passed? Selene wasn’t sure, and she truly didn’t care.

Eventually, Tisiphone stopped her sexual assault, pulling her tail free from the sopping sex, and releasing her hoof-fulls of wing. Selene had no strength left and collapsed in a heap, falling out of the erinyes grasp. Her coat was damp with sweat, and her legs were too weak to stand.

Tisiphone stood over her, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths. She was still on edge, but had made a point to hold herself back through the whole ordeal. She would get her pleasure another time. Another day. This was about pleasing this mare. Her mare.

“Th--thank you,” Selene whispered, her eyes half-lidded as she looked up at the red mare. “I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

She curled up on the floor, letting her wings gently lay down on her side, relaxed. Her eyes shut as she purred out her words. “Don’t leave. Please, just...stay with me here.”

Tisiphone froze. She stood there above the pony staring down. Her job was done, but she was asked to stay. What was she supposed to do? Awkwardly, she lowered her body to the ground, and tried to shift herself so she was lying beside the resting mare. Her claw-hooves moved to sit on Selene’s withers, resting them there carefully above her wings. Selene shivered and instinctually Tisiphone extended her wing to wrap it around her, hoping to warm her body.

She recoiled slightly when Selene pressed back against her, but after a moment she relaxed into her, allowing herself to enjoy the shared warmth. When Selene began to twitch again, Tisiphone looked for a reason. She was warm and she was being careful to not pinch or pierce her in any way. What was causing the spasm?

And then she heard her words.

“C-Celly, no!” Selene mumbled in her sleep. “No, don’t. Please, please come back. Celestia, don’t go...don’t go...”

Selene twitched and tears rolled down her face. She was having a nightmare. The peace that she hoped to bring her only lasted a few minutes, and now she was already back in the same place.

Tisiphone’s lip curled back. She did not like to fail, and she knew exactly what was wrong. “Suuunnnn Brrrrrinnnngggerrrr...”

Sparks arced from Tisiphone’s black eyes as she focused on what to do about the sun goddess.

* * * * * * *

Now...

Selene walked the grounds of Dis, her eyes scouring the denizens around her. Each and every pony sent here was meant to be here. It was her job to know that and to know them. To understand what had to be done.

The guards bowed their heads as she walked past, knowing it was not their place to look her in the eye. She smiled. In her mind, there was only one in all of Tartarus that had earned the right to look her in the eye. She stole a glance up, expecting to find that pony on the wall looking down at her. Watching her.

Tisiphone wasn’t there.

She scanned the area, looking around the walls and onto the great tower, searching for the red mare, and finding no pony. Where was she? What could cause her to abandon her post?

Selene knew the answer. Since her arrival, Tisiphone had been focused on Celestia. She had kept a close eye on her sister and all of her movements. But Celestia was gone. She sent her home.

No. No, of course she wasn’t gone. That was foolish to even think. It had been a very long time, but even thousands of years ago Celestia was too strong-willed to simply walk away from something like this. Tisiphone was watching Celestia even now.

“Where have you gotten to, dear sister?” Selene mused aloud.

A deep, echoing thrum echoed through the city. Everypony looked to each other in wonder and confusion--except for Selene, who waited patiently. A second time the reverberating sound of a deep bass echo filled the air, causing the guards to raise their spears and turn their heads to the sky. The third time the sound appeared it was accompanied by a visual aid.

The wall of the great tower burst open, two figures exploding through the brass, causing huge shards of metal to rain down from the sky. Two huge ponies, locked together in a physical struggle, tumbled through the air, their massive wings striving to gain them enough stability for a safe landing.

It didn’t work. The ground trembled from the force of the impact, knocking guards to the ground and causing countless items to fall from their resting place.

Selene stood there and smiled. “Ah, so that’s where you are,” she said to herself. “Or rather, were.”

Without another word, Selene’s wings carried her into the dim sky to find her sister.

...to be continued.