Archmage - Chapter 27 “An End to the Madness”

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Twilight felt like she had been blinded. No matter how many times she blinked, she could only see white. It was clear and pristine. Flawless, even. It filled her vision from all sides, ensuring that she couldn’t see anything other than the pure, unblemished surface of whiteness. The only thing that told her she wasn’t truly blind was the darkness whenever she closed her eyes. So why was everything white? Instead of focusing on her eyesight, Twilight tried to focus on her other senses.

The ringing in her ears was difficult to distinguish at first. But the more she focused on it, the more Twilight could pick out the slight nuances in the otherwise droning noise. She could hear a faint crackle throughout the thrumming, scintillating sounds assaulting her ears. It was really loud, too, to the point she thought she could have gone deaf from it. Soon enough, though, she became accustomed to it. She could hear the crackling energy that sounded out, filling the council chambers with it’s powerful emanations.

But the sound wasn’t conclusive enough. Smell wouldn’t tell her anything, and she dared not move with so much energy filling the air around her. She needed to see what was going on. A thought struck her then, and she cast an impromptu spell. There was a lot of interference in the air, with the powerful spell that Regal had invoked, and Twilight had some trouble casting her own spell. When she did, her pupils contracted and allowed much less light into her eyes. Though it was still bright, Twilight could finally see. Then again, she almost couldn’t comprehend what she saw anyways.

Regal, with his hooves planted wide and his horn ablaze with energy, was standing underneath an oppressive beam of pure light. The light emanated from a source high above the crowd of shocked ponies, and even with the benefit of her enhanced high-light eyesight, Twilight couldn’t see what it was exactly. The one thing she knew for sure, however, was that Regal was no longer casting the spell he had been just a few moments before that. Twilight, just like everypony else, was utterly stunned.

Celestia hadn’t just resisted the deadly spell aimed at her. She had overpowered it, and was now subduing Regal. She watched as Regal’s horn began to splinter under the force Celestia put upon it. With an ear-splitting scream of pain and defeat, Regal’s horn was shattered, until nothing but a few sharp shards were left jutting from his forehead. Celestia completed the spell, and a shockwave of energy shot through the room. Twilight was pushed back a few feet, while other ponies would have been knocked over or flattened to the walls. The light faded away enough for Twilight to see normally then.

Celestia walked on the air, her wings spread wide but not flapping. Her eyes were ablaze with an energy not unlike the one she had seen herself emit when under the influence of the shadow. The princess descended from her place above the congregation of ponies, walking slow and surely on nothing but the air. When her hooves met the floor, the effect faded from her eyes, and her wings tucked back against her sides.

“Regal.” She spoke calmly, but loud enough for those gathered to hear. “For your crimes against Equestria, and your attempt on my life, I hereby condemn you to prison until a time your fate will be determined. Twilight, will you please see to it that Regal is imprisoned properly?” Celestia looked to Twilight then. In her gaze, Twilight didn’t see her mentor, or her friend. Gone was the warm and tender pony that Twilight had come to love and care for.

In her place was Celestia. Ruler of Equestria. Awesome and fearful. Twilight could only swallow and nod.

“Yes, princess.” Her horn glowed as she picked up Regal’s unconscious form from the floor. She could see his chest was rising and falling smoothly. He was alive, if only just barely.

“Twilight,” Celestia’s voice stopped her on her way to the door. “See to it he gets proper medical attention. I’m sure that before the day is done, we will have many questions for him. I’d rather he not die…” She opened her mouth, as if to say something more, but she stopped. Twilight could see it in her eyes, though. She didn’t want the blood of yet another pony on her consciousness. Twilight nodded firmly and hefted Regal’s weight with ease.

“Leave it to me, Princess. He will survive. I’ll make sure of it.” Without another word, Twilight left the council chambers. She was still shocked at all that had happened, but there were a few things that she knew for certain. The first was that she had a newfound respect for Celestia’s power. Whatever spell Regal had used, it was designed to kill alicorns. Perhaps he hadn’t used it under the proper circumstances, or maybe he wasn’t skilled enough to execute it, but it was powerful, and unlike anything Twilight had ever seen before. Celestia hadn’t just stopped his spell. She had powered through it and subdued Regal by eliminating his source of magic. Twilight could accomplish the same thing, sure, but the fallout would have been devastating. Celestia had done it all without harming a single pony with the dangerous by-product of such a spell.

The second thing Twilight knew was that Regal had to live. As soon as she left the council chambers, she called out for the nearest guard. When two unicorns rushed to her, she talked quickly and concisely.

“I need you to get a medical unit right away. His horn has been shattered, and he might have suffered a severe concussion. Additionally, he’s suffered mental trauma. Get somepony who’s an expert in the mind and damage it’s taken. Have them meet me at the prison. I need this right away. Understood?” Twilight walked while she talked, towing the two guards along with her.

“Yes, Ma’am!” Both of them said in unison. She heard their hoof-falls as they both took off. Twilight took a moment to pass over Regal’s body, making sure nothing had been damaged that she could help. Sure enough, he was physically sound. But the way his horn had been shattered and his mind assaulted with such power; whatever was keeping him from consciousness was mental. The best she could do for him then was to get proper help. Breaking into a brisk trot, Twilight carried him down into the hallways beneath the castle, towards the prison cells.

“Archmage!” The guard on-duty saluted as she approached. She barely even looked at him as she brushed past.

“Open cell.” She muttered. “Quickly.”

“Right! Sorry!” Fumbling with the keys, the guard unlocked a nearby door, and Twilight set Regal on the cot inside. He was still breathing normally, but his eyes wouldn’t open. “I have to say,” The guard diverted her attention. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Bastard got what he deserved, didn’t he?” The guard looked young to her, a unicorn with a light coat. Twilight looked at him with a slight scowl.

“Nopony deserves this.” Twilight said sternly.

“S-sorry. I’ll leave.” With an embarrassed flush, the guard backed towards the door.

“A medical unit will be arriving soon.” Twilight grunted as she looked back to Regal. He was her charge now. She wasn’t going to leave him alone for anything. He looked pained. Twilight wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Instead of trying to figure out her emotions on this most recent development, she resigned herself to keeping solitary watch over him. She didn’t have to wait for long.

“Archmage. How is he?” The medical team swept into the cell, four unicorns strong. Twilight stepped back against the far wall, letting them take over.

“Unconscious. His horn has been shattered. Breathing appears normal, but he won’t wake.” Twilight spoke calmly and evenly, passing off the pertinent information.

“Pulse?”

“Regular.”

“Right. I’ll need to do an introspect spell.”

“Okay. I’ll keep the cell clear.” Twilight nodded to the leader, making her way out into the dim hall as the medical team prepared themselves. The door shut behind her, and the hum of magic permeated the air. The guard stood next to her, shifting nervously as she stood watch.

“Is he going to be okay?” He asked after a while.

“I don’t know.” Twilight muttered. “I hope so.”

“You know, I can keep watch-“

“Princess Celestia tasked me with this herself.” Twilight cut him off curtly. “I’d rather I stayed by his cell specifically. Please, don’t let me distract you from your regular duties.” The guard fell into hushed silence, but he didn’t leave her side. Twilight was fine with him staying beside her. It didn’t matter who was at her side. Nopony was going to enter that cell without her say-so. Behind them, the hum of magic went on.

“Would you like some water?” The guard asked after a prolonged silence.

“… Yes. Thank you.”

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Twilight stood watch over Regal until Celestia herself arrived. She didn’t say anything to her mentor. There was no need. She just stood aside and let Celestia into the cell. The conversation, or whatever it was that transpired inside of the cell, was completely quiet. She won out against her curiosity, though, and managed to keep from peeking inside. When Celestia re-emerged, it was with a sad look.

“There’s no need to stand watch anymore, Twilight. Regal will live, but I doubt we will learn anything from him. He will not talk.” Celestia walked past Twilight, indicating she should follow with a tilt of her head. “The danger has passed us, but there are issues to address… The movement should be debunked now that it’s leader and primary backing has been imprisoned, but the ponies who followed him might not be so ready to give up the cause… Silly as it was in the first place. Additionally, this business with the preservation society needs to be addressed. I think Gable might see the light now.”

“Right.” Twilight agreed wholeheartedly. Something was bothering her greatly, though. “Princess?”

“Hmm?”

“… Nevermind.” Now wasn’t the time. Twilight didn’t want to bother Celestia with even more issues. “I was thinking about Regal’s plans. I guess it means nothing now, huh?” She lied, but Celestia appeared to buy it.

“Indeed. Honestly, I’m surprised he would go to such lengths to control even the Homefront Committee, just to get a shot at me… But why would he create an external threat against Equestria?” Celestia mused, hanging her head as they walked out of the prison and into the castle proper.

“I’ve been thinking that over,” Twilight offered. “I think it’s so he could make a clean escape. If he tried to take your life at the gala, the guard’s presence throughout the city would catch him in no time. But if the guard were deployed elsewhere, fighting some other threat... He would have a better chance of escaping.”

“Hmm. Good point.” Celestia muttered. “That makes sense. If he simply wanted me dead, he would have made an attempt earlier. No, he wanted to kill me and live himself.” Celestia gave Twilight a meaningful smile. “Talk about balance, eh?”

Despite the situation, Twilight chuckled.

“What’s next, then?” She asked after a short distance. Celestia sighed as she stopped short of the council chambers.

“The council’s been postponed until we sort this mess out. I don’t think with all that’s happened, we can ignore the more pressing issues. We’ll do what we can to stabilize Canterlot before holding the council again in the near future. Perhaps a month or two. Meanwhile, Twilight, I need you to focus on taking over the Archmage’s position.”

“About that.” Twilight said with a soft voice. She didn’t want to address this point just yet, in light of what had just happened, but it appeared as if Celestia was pushing her into it. “I don’t think that’s what I need to do.” Celestia raised an eyebrow at Twilight, her wings ruffling a little.

“Oh? You think your efforts would be better appreciated elsewhere?” Celestia slowly lowered herself to her haunches, peering down at Twilight. She could tell that with everything that had transpired, Celestia wasn’t really in the mood to be challenged. But Twilight felt strongly for what needed to be done.

“Regal managed to not only make it to the library, but escape from it as well. Never mind his insanity, that was thanks to the book. I think I need to go to the library, Celestia. I think it’s about time somepony did something about all of that lost knowledge.” Twilight held her head high and spoke confidently. Celestia’s expression didn’t change at all. She just stared at Twilight with her intense eyes, as if staring past her conviction and right into her heart of hearts. The silence between them was almost palpable. It stretched on uncomfortably long, but Twilight remained vigilant.

“Is this what your instinct is telling you?” Celestia finally asked after a long silence.

“It is.” Twilight nodded. Celestia continued to stare at her for a while longer before hanging her head with a sigh.

“Tread cautiously, Twilight. I’ve lost many good friends and colleagues to the defenses of the library. I don’t want to lose you, too.” Celestia’s acquiescence nearly made Twilight’s heart leap from her chest. Despite the danger and trials that lay ahead, Twilight found she was both relieved and excited for her most recent task.

“Give me one week to prepare. I’ll cover my constituency. I promise you.” After a quick, furtive glance about the hallway, Twilight rushed forward for a quick embrace. Celestia returned it with a smile on her face.

“Be safe, Twilight. That’s all I have to say for you.”

“I will. I promise. I’ll make sure I know how to find the entrance before I ever even leave Canterlot. Thank you!” Giving one last grin of confidence, Twilight took off down the hall.

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Regal stirred on his cot as the door to his cell opened. His eyes had adjusted to the dark, with no thanks to the pounding headache that came with his humiliation. He couldn’t see much more than the vague outline of a hooded figure as they stealthily slipped into the dingy room.

“Who is it?” He muttered, blinking unevenly at the intruder. As they pulled their hood back, though, Regal couldn’t help but grin. “Rarity. Light of my life, I’m so glad you’re here…” Rarity rushed forth to embrace him passionately. She was trembling. “Relax, my love.” Regal said softly. “I’ll be okay.” His fuzzy thoughts moved slowly, but her being in his prison cell made no sense. “How… How did you make it in?”

“I attacked the guards; myself and several other members of the movement. I’m so sorry they did this to you.” Rarity choked, her chest shaking with suppressed sobs. “Regal my darling… I’m so glad you’re alive. Celestia could have killed you!”

“I’d almost prefer she did.” Regal muttered, gesturing to the shattered remains of his horn. Rarity had attacked the guards for him… He truly was blessed to have her.

“Don’t say such a thing!” Rarity gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “I don’t know if I could bear losing you…”

“Oh, Rarity.” Regal groaned, pulling her close for another hug. “You’ve always been so good to me… I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you…”

“Shh, it’s okay.” Rarity cooed. She really was a soothing pony to be around. Despite his contempt for all of Canterlot’s high society, Regal could say beyond the shadow of a doubt that he loved this unicorn. He would trust her with his life. In fact…

“Rarity.” Regal said, drawing her close yet again. “You don’t believe them, do you? About my plans to kill the princess?”

“Darling, you were defending yourself!” Rarity said incredulously. “What Celestia did to you… Why, it’s unforgivable!”

“I knew you’d see reason.” Regal smiled as he kissed Rarity’s cheek. “You’ve always been by my side.”

“I’m on your side still, my love.” Rarity leaned in, her eyes wide with fear. “That’s why I need you to tell me the way to the library.”

“To the library? Rarity, it’s too dangerous… You wouldn’t make it.”

“We have to risk it, my love.” Rarity took his hoof in both of hers, leaning closer still. He could feel her panicked breath on his cheek. “The princess, she wants to destroy the library. She fears you’ve gone mad, and the library is to blame. She won’t listen to me, or Twilight.”

“All the more reason for you to run, my dear!” Regal clutched her tight, burying his face into her mane. “I don’t want to lose you too…”

“What’s worse?” Rarity asked, sobbing now. “Losing me, or losing the thousands of years of knowledge in the library? Please, Regal. Just tell it to me… I’ll go there before any of them. I’ll… I’ll… I’ll give my life! Just like Bolt did! I’ll make sure none of them ever get to look at those books, Regal… Only you and your family will ever see them. To do what’s right. To make them free for the world to see.”

“Rarity! You cannot!”

“I must!” Rarity pleaded, tears flowing from her eyes. “My love for you will fuel the spell, and keep everypony away. I will protect the library, Regal! I have to! I love you!” She broke into sobs then, collapsing against him. Regal winced against the pain, but held her close anyways.

“Shh. Shh. Okay, okay.” Regal muttered, stroking her mane gently. “Okay, I’ll tell you…” She calmed then, sniffing as she pulled away. He looked her deep in the eye, and despite everything, despite the agony and the shame of his defeat, he smiled at her. “I love you, Rarity.”

“And I love you, Regal.” She returned, smiling at him. Regal took a steadying breath and began to explain.

“At the south-western corner of the entrance to the Valley of Knowledge is a tall oak tree, the last in a stand of maples before the maelstrom. It will be marked with a circle in it’s trunk. From there, face the constellation of Canis Major, and walk five minutes. This will take you into the storm. After five minutes, you will come upon a boulder. Turn left ninety degrees, following the pointed edge of the northern face of the rock. From there, you run. Run like you never have before. You will come to an outcropping of rocks. The entrance is hidden there, between the two that look like Canterlot’s peak. Once you are inside, you will be safe. Follow the stairs down to a long hallway, and into the library itself. But do not leave the main entrance, for the creatures will have you. Do you understand?”

“Perfectly.” Rarity’s cold tone took Regal by surprise. She pulled away from his embrace and wiped her eyes free of her tears. He reached out to her, but she batted his hoof away with a scowl. “Don’t touch me, you fiend.” She growled. “Guard. I’m finished in here.” The door opened once more, and this time a blinding light came with it. Two guards, hefting lanterns lit with candles, entered the cell. With the blinding light of their lanterns came clarity. Regal’s muddled mind began to connect the dots.

“You… You traitor!” Regal struggled to get to his hooves, but only managed to fall off of his cot onto the dirty floor. Rarity took a step closer, leaning to whisper in his ear.

“I loved you, Regal. With all of my heart. But you… You are not who you appeared to be. You are an insane pony who needs serious help. I will never forgive myself for doing what I did to my friends and family on your behalf. But I can try to make it up to them. I’ll begin by taking Twilight to your library. She will do what you never could. She will protect the knowledge there.” Rarity stood back up, scowling down at Regal. Broken, battered, and barely alive, this pony was truly at his lowest. And yet, Rarity could not find compassion in her heart.

She could only find hatred.

“Goodbye, Regal.”

The door shut on him.

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“You’re sure this is the way?” Twilight asked, looking over the written instructions Rarity brought her.

“He did not lie to me, Twilight. It was a good story, the one you gave me.” Rarity sounded more exhausted than any pony rightly should be. Twilight frowned at her, placing the sheet of paper with the instructions on her nearby desk.

“Rarity,” She said with a soft tone, laying a hoof on the white unicorn’s shoulder. “You loved him, didn’t you?”

“Past tense.” Rarity shrugged out of the gesture, turning her back with a soft whimper. “I never knew he was mad… Everything he said made sense to me…” She sniffed, her lower lip trembling as she fought with the next words. “I fell for him. Hard. I abandoned Cross Stitch… Sweetie Belle… I… I abandoned you.”

“Rarity…”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself.” Rarity continued, turning back to Twilight. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she stood tall and strong. “What I did was terrible. There is no denying that. While I don’t think I’ll ever make it up to you, I can at least try.” She took a step forward, taking Twilight’s hoof in her own. “Let me come with you to the library, Twilight.”

“What? Rarity, I-“ Twilight stepped back from the touch, closing her eyes.

“Twilight, please.” Rarity insisted, following her.

“It’ll be dangerous.”

“I don’t care.”

“It’ll take weeks to get there…”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Even a powerful unicorn would have trouble navigating the storm…”

“Twilight, you cannot dissuade me from this.”

“I’m not.” Twilight opened her eyes, looking at Rarity with a smile. “I was just saying I couldn’t ask for anypony better than you.”

With a cry, Rarity collapsed into Twilight’s forelegs, sobbing with relief. Twilight held her old friend close, stroking her mane with a soothing touch.

“You might want to pack your bags, Rarity.” Twilight said. She looked up, smiling resolutely. “We leave tomorrow.”