Carefully, Antheon stepped through the dark hallways of one of the many basement levels of Heaven Tower. Normally, only personnel or technicians would come down here, but due to the energy shortage in the past, these rooms were no longer used. Even after six years, no one had thought about taking them into operation again. The personnel didn’t seem to bother; the quarters they were now living in were far more comfortable. Antheon stopped for a moment at a crossway. At first, he made a step to the left, just to turn right then. His brain would play tricks on him from time to time. You would think that would no longer happen after all the times he had walked this way.

He finally arrived at the terminal that was, at one point, supposed to control the lights down here. He quickly checked that no one had followed him, then he simply placed his hand over the digital keyboard of the computer in the wall. “Individual recognized. Access granted,” said the mechanical female voice that Light had chosen while he was establishing the lab down here. Quietly, a door next to the terminal opened, and Antheon entered the dark room. As the automatic door closed again, the lamps came to life and showed the simple decorated room. Patiently, Antheon waited for a minute before the wardrobe finally opened and gave vision into the lab. The waiting time was just a precaution so that in case someone gained access, he would only find a well secured room that could be written off as a safe haven. He had to give it to Light - the pony was really always thinking two steps ahead. Just like his mother, as Luna would have said.

The tall human had to bow down as he entered through the opening of the wardrobe, going into a room that was just as large as the one where he just came from. The difference was that this one was filled with various pieces of trash. At least that was what he called it. Then there were several computers, a small robot that patiently waited in one corners for orders, and multiple large terminals. They were the only source of light in the room. Directly underneath the screens, an alicorn sat in a comfy chair and held a welder in his magic with which he was just building something. “Light, you should really think about some windows. It smells like a steelwork that is operated by sweaty horses.”

“In Hosstralia, that would surely be considered a compliment. The horses there are proud of their work,” he answered without looking up. Blue Light had changed significantly over the last years. Since the foundation of the Children of the Night, he had been taught combat magic by Echidna, who also ran him through physical training. He now looked more like the Royal Guards who he had seen in the castle of Canterlot. The slender small alicorn was no more. He was also far more mature and independent. Blue Light had really grown into his role as one of the three heads of Cerberus. His white mane was no longer neatly combed but was tied together into a ponytail behind his head so that it no longer disturbed him while at work.

Antheon stepped next to Light and looked over his shoulder. “Is this why you called me here?”

He didn’t answer but calmly finished his work instead. Then he cut off the energy input of the plasma welder and put it aside. “No, this is just another small project. One of our associates from Equestria has told me that my mother recently started to use surveillance spells to protect her archives. This modified translator disturbs any kind of magic and technology.”

“So it will also shut down the cameras here in Heaven Tower?” The alicorn nodded and stretched his limbs.

“I’ve spent the last thirty hours working on it, but I could only build one prototype. I think that should be enough for our associate. We need further access.”

“I don’t understand why you just can’t simply go into the archives. You are Prince of Equestria; that shouldn’t be a problem for you.” There was ‘the look’ again. Echidna, Light, and even Luna always looked at him like that when he had said something they considered stupid.

“Sure, I could just go there,” he said. “However, my mother would notice, and it would be suspicious if I would go down there over and over again.”

“And our associate isn’t raising suspicion… because?”

“She is a changeling. One of Echidna’s daughters. Her oldest daughter, I believe.”

“Don’t you know her name?”

“No. No one knows ours, we don’t know hers. This way, no information can be extracted in case any of us gets busted. The Children of the Night are already a rumour on Albion. My mother already has us on her list, and Luna was not very happy either about the things that supposedly were made in her name.” He crossed both hooves in front of his chest, a gesture he had taken over from the humans over the years. For a few seconds, neither of the said a word. “So, down to why I asked you to come here.” Light rose from his chair and picked something up from his desk where various documents were rolled out. “You surely know that we have lost a few associates in the last months. Our connection to the griffons is now completely cut off, and Boardor is no longer responding either. I suspect the worse: they were killed. I hate to lose good people, even if it is for a greater good. That is why I was focusing on an old problem of the humans: battle droids.”

“That field was abandoned before my birth. We couldn’t create an artificial intelligence that could keep up with a human. Furthermore, the robots’ heads are much too stiff.”

Light nodded. “I am well aware of that. Creating a complete skeleton with the agility of a human would require so many components that it would be overloaded and unable to move. I have found a few to combine magic and technology to bypass that. Exactly the same thing with the AI. Index?” A beam of light came out of a small box that was connected over various cables to the terminal.

“Yes, Master?”

Antheon was flabbergasted when he inspected the humanoid blue creature. Carefully, his hand went through it. “She only consists out of light, Antheon.”

“I know… but this is impossible. Is this really a complete AI?”

The alicorn levitated a mobile control unit over to him. Antheon grasped the grip with his hand, and the hologram immediately turned towards him. “Yes, Master?” she now asked him.

“She is not finished yet. She can answer simple questions, search archives, and play recordings. But she is learning. I have connected her with all systems in the Tower. She is currently downloading all recordings that are still in the system.” Light grabbed the controller out of the hands of the slightly overwhelmed Antheon and let it float next to him in his magical grasp. “Index, show me the corridor in front of the lab ten minutes ago.” Immediately, the pictures on the terminal changed, and Antheon could see himself as he stood at the crossway.

“There are no cameras down here! How is that possible?”

“Easy. Wires are running through the entire building. Index here can recognize moving objects in the electromagnetic fields and construct pictures out of it. At first it looked different, but thanks to pictures she had seen of you on the upper levels today, she was able to construct this. Like I said, she can see connections on her own and is able to make conclusions. She is learning. Furthermore, she is integrating everything she has learned into a new program. She is basically writing her own successor. I’ve taking Echidna as a model.”

Blue Light put the controller aside, and the picture of Index disappeared. “This is incredible, but only one half of my problem.”

“I’ll get to that now.” This time, he picked up what looked like a normal black stone from the desk and let it drop into the human’s hand. “This is black magic.”

Antheon instantly dropped the stone. “What? This is dangerous! Luna had warned me a thousand times. Isn’t that even illegal in Equestria?”

“Are we in Equestria?” Light grinned. “To be precise, this is an artefact that is supposed to reanimate the dead. Don’t worry, it’s inactive,” he quickly added. “I just want to use the concept of this artefact to move the droids. All you have to do from there on is to connect the AI with the spell and then you would have a surveillance robot that would destroy itself as soon as it’s discovered. We would no longer have to sacrifice anyone.”

“Or an army. Light, have you never thought about what could happen if this gets into the wrong hands? We want to maintain peace, not build a robot army.” The alicorn that was filled with excitement moments ago now hung his head. “I’m sorry Light; the AI is great, but that thing,” Antheon pointed at the stone on the ground, “that thing has to go. Destroy it or bury it so that it will never see the light of day again. I don’t understand much about magic, but this is wrong. Sometimes good people die, but it is for a greater course. They knew that when they spoke their oath.”

Light shook his head. “Sorry.” He yawned. “You are right. It would be the best if I put all this into the archives. It should be safe there.” The human leaned down and put a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“Take a break for a few days. You need it.”

“Not before I’ve packed this away. I will leave tomorrow.” Antheon looked deep into his eyes. “Maybe I will take a trip to Canterlot. Mother sure would be happy.”

Light had to agree with Antheon. A break was just what he needed. It was also fun to soar through the clouds over Albion in the glider that was especially built for him. The flying machine was faster than any pegasi ever dared to dream, and to his own shame, he trusted it more than his own wings. Ponies made mistakes, machines didn’t. Softly, the glider landed in the courtyard of the castle. On the bright blue of its hull, the banner of Equestria was printed. By now, every soldier knew it. Even now, as he was jumping out of the driver’s cabin, a soldier and a maid were already approaching him.

“Prince Blue Light, it is good to see you again. Unfortunately, we weren’t expecting your visit. Will you be staying longer? Shall I prepare your quarters?” she asked courteously and bowed slightly.

“No thanks, Miss, I will only stay for the day. I will leave again tonight.” She nodded and excused herself.

“Soldier, can you tell me where I can find my mother?”

“Sir, Princess Celestia went into her office a few hours ago. She said she didn’t want to be disturbed until noon.”

Light nodded, content with the answer. “Then let’s ignore that order.” Together with the soldier, who couldn’t have been much older than he, he went through the well-known corridors of Castle Canterlot. It had been months since his last visit, but everything was the same as ever. Even the vase on the pedestal next to the entrance of the study room of his mother was the same. He had broken it at least ten times when he was a foal, and as a punishment, he had had to put it back it together, piece by piece, with his magic. It explained why he knew that thing so well. “Thanks, but I will manage it alone from here.” The soldier nodded and left him alone in front of the large wooden door.

For a moment, he thought about knocking but decided against it. This was just as much his home as it was his aunt’s and mother’s. Even though they had both spent most of their last years in Amissa Heaven. “Hello, mother, how—” Light stopped in his greeting as he watched the scene in front of him. His mother sat on her usual large cushion and read a few documents that were spread out over the desk in front of her. So far so good. But then there was that middle-aged stallion that seemed to be sucking the blood from his mother’s neck as she only let a distant chuckle escape her. Quickly, he coughed loudly.

The eyes of both ponies immediately went on him. Both looked at him for a few seconds before the stallion jumped out of the window behind him. “Oh, hello Light! Good to see thee. What brings us the honour? Pardon us for not standing up to greet thee. We do not want to make a mess…”

Light just blinked. “Was that Captain Sparkle who just jumped out of the tenth floor?”

Celestia’s eyes widened and her horn glowed. In a flash of light, the captain appeared in the room again and landed softly next to her on the cushion. “Pardon him, he is new to his position,” she explained and put one of her large wings over the heavily panting stallion.

“Position?”

“Well, my son, we loved thy father very much, but like every mare—”

“Okay, thanks. Enough information.”

“Well, since we have been lacking a lover in recent time, we just made use of an old law. We chose one.” Sometimes Light forgot the cultural differences in the two countries. While Equestrians usually focused on creating a herd, the concept of marriage was more common in Amissa Heaven. Also, the human males were more dominant, but that didn’t bother him much. “So, umm… what brings thee here?”

“I had just wanted to talk, but you seem to be busy.” His mother grinned sheepishly. “Perhaps it would be better if I talked with Cadance. Is she here?”

“We are afraid not. She is travelling and will not be back for a few more years.”

Light thought for a moment. It would be bold to show how much he knew. “Does it have something to do with the Crystal Empire?”

His mother’s look darkened almost immediately. “As much as we would like to talk with thee about that, that is Cadance’s destiny, not thine, Light.” So that was a yes then. “How do thou know of that?”

“I was raised here. A foal easily overhears one or two things.”

She nodded, and her look softened again. “How is it in Amissa Heaven? We have not heard many good things recently. Mostly about this cult, the Children of the Night.” Did she know something? “They ruin the lives of many ponies here in Equestria and of many more in all of Albion. They make a profit out of the on-going conflict wherever they can.” It was true that they took everything from some of the nobility here and there. But they belonged to the adversaries of a peaceful unification. And it wasn’t like they tried to bribe or blackmail them first.

“I don’t know, mother. I am not one to have much to do with politics. I’d rather build my machines.”

She nodded and gave him a long look. “And what is it with thy change over the last years? We thought our little stallion had finally found an interest in mares.” She paused for a moment. “Or maybe a stallion?”

“A healthy mind lives in a healthy body.” An answer he often had to give her. When an untrained bookworm started to turn into an attractive stallion, it inevitably attracted attention. Yes, he was happy with himself.

“As much as we would like to speak with you, it will be noon soon, and then we have to prepare for the daily supplicants. Maybe we can continue where we left of tonight?” He could tell that she really wanted to speak with him further.

“On my way back, mother. I’m just here for a short while. I will leave towards Ib’Xian today. I’m taking a few days of holidays.” That was a good excuse. The archive and the island state that was the northeastern neighbor of Equestria both lay in about the same direction from Canterlot.

Antheon sat comfortably at his desk in his large office. On the other side sat two of his soldiers with grim faces as he put his cards on the table. “Gentlemen, I think your pay is now mine.”

“Damn.” One of them angrily threw his cards on the table while the General Field Marshal only laughed. He had long given up on sitting the entire day in his office and waiting for that moment when someone would come to have something signed once every hour. Instead, he convinced the daily changing guards in front of his door to play some cards. Of course, he noticed that the veterans, who knew his game, were always giving him fresh meat.

The sore loser stood up, grabbed his rifle, and disappeared through the large double door back into the hallway. His colleague remained silent and leaned back. “Good game, General.”

“Thanks, boy, there isn’t much to do for an old man like me.” To support his words, he stretched his back, eliciting a loud crack. He didn’t know why Luna was even bothering with an old man around fifty when she could literally have any stallion on Albion, but he was glad that she was at his side. Well, at least in spirit. She was with Echidna in her home to see how the family of her friend was doing. With a head of Cerberus at her side, it was assured that she would be safe. Blue Light was out of town for a few days as well. It had been a while since any pony had run through the hallways of the Tower.

The soldier in front of him grinned shyly. “Umm, General, a question if I may.” Antheon nodded. “How is to be with a pony?” The General Field Marshal raised a brow. “Not like that, sir! I meant in a relationship.” He loved to see them sweat. The boy just seemed to be curious, and he wasn’t the first to ask.

“Like with any other woman as well. They have their quirks, but you love them for it. Only the coat is something you have to get used to. But what wouldn’t we do for love. Why do you ask, boy? Met a nice mare?”

His opponent awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Yes, to be honest. As you surely know, some ponies have settled down in the eastern districts of the town. In the outskirts where it’s a bit calmer. I live nearby, and a few days ago, after my shift was over, I enjoyed a visit to the local bar.” Antheon grinned. Luna’s dream was slowly becoming true. He would probably just no longer be around to see how it would look when it’s all done, but the thought alone brought a tear to his eyes. “Sir? Everything alright?”

“Yes, boy. Don’t worry. You just made an old man realize that what he was fighting for has finally been achieved.” And that not all sacrifices were made for nothing. Suddenly, with a loud clank, the security windows behind him slammed shut, and a loud alarm sounded through the floors of the Tower. By instinct, Antheon hammered on the terminal at his desk. “Report!”

“Sir! A legion of griffons have entered the Tower through the hangar. They were hiding in the hulk of—” A gurgling could be heard, then the connection broke off.

“Sir, stay here! I will go help them!” the young soldier shouted, grabbed his rifle, and rushed off. Antheon calmly remained at his desk and pushed a series of buttons on the terminal. A piece of the wall to his left in the otherwise empty room opened and revealed a small cabinet. With determined steps, he walked towards it and checked its contents. “Maybe I should have let Light stock it up.” There were only two things inside. Iron shoulders that Luna had made for him a few years ago for his birthday. He was supposed to wear them for a formal visit to Equestria, which was why they displayed Celestia’s sun. But the visit had been cancelled, and he had hidden them here since then. Not that he didn’t like them, but they were heavy, and any rifle would pierce through them with a single shot like a warm knife through butter. However, at the moment, it was the only armor he had. His uniform itself offered even less protection. At the wall, in the back of the cabinet, hung two swords. They were made for the first General Field Marshal and his son. Unfortunately, both had died in an accident while the city was still being built. Since then, both were given from one General Field Marshal to the next. That and the pistol in his drawer would have to be enough.

He put both swords on his belt and took the gun. There was no way that he would let his men fight alone. Just as he was about to march to the door, it opened. He pointed his weapon at his eye level, only to move it further down. A cloaked pony stood in front of him and then pulled his hood back. Antheon sighed in relief. “Oh good, it’s you. I thought you weren’t here.” He lowered the weapon.

The pony in front of him grinned. “The Children of the Night sends their regards,” he said, loud and clear. In the next moment, Antheon felt as something impacted upon his chest, the roar of agony quickly paralyzing him. He slumped onto the ground, the world around him slowly turning black. “Why…” was his last word.

Author's Notes:

Comments from the google docs file I had to save (from JBL):
Under the title: "(Also known as ‘Tio runs out of names for chapters’)"
@ the end: "Tune in next week for "A Thousand Years Ago - Part 5" Because what else could it be called?"
also: "Don't you dare omit this, tio."

Never would do that ^^

Thanks to Gron for translating this chapter.
Special thanks to JBL for proofreading and editing.

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