The world stretched on far below as Selene came to her senses, if that’s what you could truly call it. She was everywhere, near and far, she felt the earth move beneath her and the wind caress her essence. The land was strange, misshapen, malformed, primordial. It was a place she’d seen before, but the memories were sparse and fleeting. Selene looked around and breathed heavily, there was a foul stench in the air, something wasn’t right. It was difficult to move, she didn’t remember any of this from personal experience. It was as if she’d seen this from afar, from the eyes of another.

She followed the foul stench and placed herself at the top of a cliff. What she found below startled her. Bodies. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of bodies. It was a mass grave. Selene felt the mass of corpses below and let a single tear escape her eye. Some of the bodies were familiar. Ponies, goats, minotaurs, but there were some that she didn’t recognize. Large serpentine corpses with limbs hinging their figures. Scaley forms that could only be described as failed dragons, due to disproportionate size and mangled features. Selene looked around and saw silhouettes standing near the edge of the divide where the corpses rested. Ancient ponies, necromancers. She shook her head at the foolish desire to control the abandoned forms of sentient creatures.

As the ponies chanted, Selene felt the ground shake. Black tar was oozing across the corpses and collecting near a mound at the center of the divide. However, it wasn’t the intent of the necromancers. They didn’t know what was coming. Selene floated closer and watched energy swirl around the corpses until some started to move. Then something happened that she wasn’t prepared for. Black tentacles shot out in every direction from under the corpses near the mound. For the first time in what seemed an eternity, Selene felt fear. The corpses were pushed aside as a claw burst forth from the pile and reached for the sky. A creature slowly crawled it’s way out of the bodies and gasped for breath. It hunched over and looked around, covering its head.

Selene inched closer and saw it’s head was feline, while the rest of it’s body was a combination of all the other corpses found around it. The creature stood and screamed into the air. It was a deafening roar, one of sadness and pain. The mournful wail seemed to stir up the magic energy around the divide. It began to collect around the creature. It’s mane began to writhe and move freely, much like her own. Then the creature turned abruptly to see a robed pony approach it, one of the necromancers.

Selene was caught in the moment and could only witness what happened next. As the creature moved and gained power, she felt her own power weakening and leaving her. The pony attempted to conjure something at the creature and shot a beam of energy at it. The creature was struck in the chest and looked down at the pony, terrified. It’s expression tore through Selene’s heart. It was the innocence of child, a newborn. It didn’t understand why it was being attacked, it didn’t understand anything. Despite it’s overwhelming size, the creature screamed and swiped a paw near the necromancer, blowing the pony back with a powerful gust of wind. But the ponies were not deterred, more had started traversing the bodies and moved to aid their comrade. The creature saw them and desperately pulled itself from the mound and ran as fast as it could. Selene noticed it’s legs were that of a dragon and a minotaur. It’s tail reared up and hissed at the pursuers. The blue cobra attached to it’s back swayed back and forth as the creature fled. It tripped and stumbled over the corpses as the necromancers closed in around it. Selene tried to do something, anything, but she didn’t have the power. The more this dragged on, the weaker she became. At this point she could barely move at all.

The creature was cornered against the corpse of a massive dragon. The necromancers all fired beams of magic from their horns, hoping to weaken it for capture. It sunk to the ground and protected it’s head with it’s misshapen arms. The beams intensified, culminating into a single energy surge. The creature crumpled to the ground and screamed. It reached out it’s claw, as if begging the necromancers to stop. Then a strange thing happened, they did. The ponies ceased their attacks, and one by one fell over, dead. The creature peaked out from under its arm and slowly stood up. As it did, the essence of the ponies were dragged from their bodies sucked into the creature. It seemed to have no idea what was going on. As the first essence entered it, the creature jumped and attempted to back away. After the last pony was absorbed, the creature roared mournfully into the sky as the clouds began to pour rain on the divide.

Selene tried to move away, but when she summoned the power to do so, some escaped her grasp. The creature’s ears twitched and it whirled around to face her. Selene’s scream that followed rose from her depths, the fear from seeing that ravaged, worn face catapulted her back to the waking world.

She sat upon a cloud and looked out over Canterlot. Further meditation was required. Selene would find out what these visions were. And she was certain that creature was real, and it held terrible, terrible power.

---------------

Pyrite sat in a tree swing as Andromeda pushed him higher and higher. It was a similar dreamscape to last time, but Andromeda made a few adjustments. They were alone now, nopony else was around and most of the creatures were gone, too. At the apex of the swing Pyrite jumped off, performing several flips in the air, then Andromeda swooped in and caught him just as he started to fall.

“That was higher than last time!” she said with a smile while tickling Pyrite.

“Stop!” Pyrite wailed as he tried to escape his tormenter.

Andromeda sighed and layed down with Pyrite on her chest, “So what ya wanna do now?”

Pyrite rolled over on his back and snuggled up under Andromeda’s chin, “I have an idea, how about we do something different.”

Andromeda wrapped her hooves around Pyrite and nuzzled him, “What do you have in mind, cutie?”

“Lets find out where we’re going on why we’re going there. Aren’t you curious?” Pyrite asked.

Andromeda pondered the question, “Yeah, I suppose I am a bit curious. So you want me to search Polaris’ dreamscape and find out what he knows about it, right?”

Pyrite rolled over and put on the cutest expression he could think of. “Please!?”

Andromeda groaned and fluttered into the air with Pyrite, “Alright, I suppose theres no harm in finding out what we’re doing out here. Hold on tight, Pyrite.” she said while placing him on her back. She flew out in the dark void and hovered in the air, pondering which direction to go. Then she saw a bright white orb in the distance. “Aha! That’s what we’re looking for.”

Pyrite shut his eyes as Andromeda accelerated to high speed. He felt a tapping on his shoulder and looked up, “Where are we?”

“I don’t know, but this is Polaris’ memory. It was near the surface, so he might have been dreaming about it recently, perhaps even last night.” she replied.

They were standing in a large cave, but it wasn’t a normal one. The ceiling and walls were all constructs, not natural formations of rock. They were concrete walls and pillars holding up the area around them. A large set of rings and platforms circled high above, all focussing on what was below. Several stalactites and stalagmites jutted from the ground and roof, each with disc shaped bridges and balconies extending from them in different directions. This place was the center of a civilization. Near one of the walls a group of figures sat in the dark, the absence of  light obscuring their forms. But their eyes were all too visible. Most were gold and yellow, except for one pair which were deep red, just like Eve’s. Pyrite began to shiver in apprehension, Andromeda bent over to comfort him.

“This is spooky, Andromeda.” Pyrite whispered.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m here, and this is a dream. Nothing can hurt us. Look!” Andromeda gasped and pointed to the edge of the cavern.

A group of bat ponies escorted a figure in vibrant silver armor, it was Polaris. “He’s alone?” Pyrite stammered, “What is he doing?”

“I think this is during the war, Pyrite. Look at his armor.” She said while grabbing him and fluttering closer. Polaris’ armor was similar to what he wore before when Pyrite met him, but it was lighter. He carried a shield that was in the shape of a sword, it had an edge and two sides resembling a hilt. Pyrite could see the guards hadn’t disarmed him, since there was a sword hooked onto a harness inside the shield.

Polaris stopped at the center of the cavern and stared at the figures shrouded in darkness. The mumbling that Pyrite had been ignoring until now had ceased, suddenly bringing a tense silence to the spacious area.

“Well, well... what have we here? My dinner? You know I don’t like stallions... I don’t swing that way.” a haughty voice said from the shadows.

One of the guards standing next to Polaris laughed and bowed, “I’m aware, Lord Thule. This unicorn appeared at the entrance and demanded to see you.”

“Demanded, eh?” the one known as Thule asked with a chuckle. Pyrite still couldn’t tell which one was talking. But the tightening sensation in his stomach told him. “That’s some spiffy armor you have their, soldier. Not a scratch on it. Is there a war?”

“As a matter of fact there is, and I’ve come to get you and your people to help fight it, Thule.” Polaris said with smile.

The cavern erupted in laughter. Pyrite and Andromeda realized that there were hundreds if not thousands of bat ponies gathered inside.

“And just who would we be fighting for, exactly?” Thule asked, now sounding less amused.

“The Princess of the Night, to whom you owe much. All of you do.” Polaris said to seemingly all the bat ponies in the cavern. Several hissed at him and yelled curses. But he stood his ground. “You all have a stake in this war, for if we win, Luna promises nighttime eternal.”

The reaction was mixed after hearing that part. Some muttered to themselves while others continued to laugh. Thule spoke again and caused the cavern to go silent, “I’ve heard the princess goes by a different name now. Nightmare Moon, is it? Seems like the poor mare finally snapped under her sister’s shadow. Too much time in the dark can do strange things to a pony, I should know.” he said with a dark chuckle.

“You won’t speak of the princess that way, bat pony. I won’t allow it. You and your kind will be joining us in the war, or else.” Polaris said, his voice taking on a dangerous edge.

Several gasps could be heard from the bat ponies gathered near Pyrite and Andromeda. The red eyes in the shadows began to move as they inched closer to the light, but still remained in the shadows. “Or else? Careful soldier, my amusement is wearing thin.”

“I’m not here for your amusement, I’m here for your conscription. Luna has granted you night after night in which to live. She’s stopped incursions into your land by other races. She’s defended your image in the courts of Canterlot, and respected your desire for seclusion away from pony society. I can tell you now, such things should not be expected of her sister.”

“You wish to drag us into an unwinnable conflict, the sun princess is too powerful for the little moon. It is folly.” Thule said.

“I’m not here to debate this with you,” Polaris stated. “I have two warships stationed at the neighboring mountain range. If you refuse, I’ll instruct them to fire on the mountain, collapsing the entire complex.”

“You fool,” Thule spat, “You’ll die along with us, how do you plan to serve your princess then?”

“I have a plan in place should that event come to pass, but it won’t.” Polaris said with a smirk. He stepped forward and removed the shield from his back. “This can go another way, we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed.” He pointed a hoof at Thule and raised his voice. “I challenge you to a duel, Sarosian. We’ll let that decide how things play out. If you win, take my head outside and present it to my officers, they will leave you in peace. But if I win... you and your subjects will swear fealty to the princess of the night. And you’ll take your rightful place in her court.”

Silence filled the cavern as everypony awaited Thule’s response. Pyrite saw the red eyes narrow from the shadows. “Your magic...?”

Polaris reached into one of his saddle pouches hooked onto his armor and produced a silver ring. He slipping it onto his horn and attempted to conjure, resulting in sparks.

A sharp laugh rang out from the shadows as the red eyes moved forward into the light. “I accept your challenge, soldier. Look your last upon the moon.”

A large rock formed in Pyrite’s stomach as the bat pony revealed itself. Thule was every inch the apex predator. His fangs were long and hooked over his lower lips, they could probably kill all by themselves. His mane was dark purple with golden weaves, it hung down just shorter than Polaris’ long silver locks. He seemed every bit as tall as Polaris and appeared to be in peak physical condition. His leathery wings were long, stretching to two clawed tips at the joints in front of his chest. They were hooked together acting like a cloak. But the most striking features were his eyes, red as blood. Slits that only seemed to narrow as he stepped down toward Polaris.

Thule opened his wings, unsheathed two swords from his belt, then leapt into the air at Polaris with surprising speed.

Andromeda gripped Pyrite tightly, “This is gonna be bad.”

Polaris removed his sword from behind the shield and raised it to defend against his attacker. Thule hammered strike after strike into the shield, hoping to force Polaris out of his guard, but it had little effect. Polaris moved the shield ever so slightly to maximize the block of each strike, then swiftly took an upward swing at Thule, who backed out of the way. He flapped his wings once then recovered as Polaris advanced. Thule gripped both swords and prepared to counter when an unexpected blow impacted his shoulder.

“His shield?” Pyrite gasped.

Polaris speared the tip of his shield into Thule’s chest, staggering him, then brought his blade around in a horizontal slash. Thule raised his offhand sword and parried it away, immediately countering with a thrust of his main hand blade. Polaris slid to the side and charged into Thule with his shield, further bullying him and forcing him backward.

“Thule is at a disadvantage here,” Andromeda said while looking down at Pyrite, “His offense is formidable, and he’s fast, but if he can’t manage to land a hit on Polaris, he’s in trouble.”

Pyrite nodded, but something wasn’t right. He had a bad feeling about the bat pony.

Thule retreated, then allowed Polaris to close on him again. In a lightning fast movement. Thule tossed one of his swords in the air, freeing a hoof. He grabbed the front of Polaris’ shield and wrenched it to the side, then pierced his shoulder through a gap in his pauldrons. Polaris winced and brought the shield back up, but he wasn’t fast enough, his heavy armor slowed him down too much. Thule however didn’t have that problem, wearing only light leather. He flipped around the unicorn and caught the sword in mid air, bringing both blades to slash across Polaris’ back. At least one broke through the armor, allowing blood to seep out.

Polaris quickly recovered and readied himself for another attack. Thule stood still then opened his eyes wide. They began to glow red as he shot a piercing gaze at his opponent. Polaris faltered in his stance and backed up a few paces.

“What happened?” Pyrite asked.

“I don’t know,” Andromeda replied. “Thule did something to Polaris, but I’m not sure what.”

Polaris’ body began to shake and buckle. The hair on the back of his neck stood up while shivers ran down his spine. He was afraid, terrified. Thule had done something to him with his eyes. Polaris shook his head and raised his shield against a series of blows from Thule. The Sarosian ducked under a swing and rolled to the floor while slashing at Polaris’ ankles. He grunted in pain as the blade cute tendons.

Thule bounded away and paused in a defensive stance. He had the upper hand now, if Polaris didn’t do something soon, he was finished. He couldn’t let Luna down. Polaris raised his shield and feigned injury, slouching to the side where Thule had cut his legs. The Sarosian took the bait and charged in. Polaris waited until the right moment to make his move. He raised his shield as Thule brought down his mainhoof sword for an overhead strike. Instead of blocking with the shield, Polaris reversed his blade and brought the hilt upward into Thule’s downward swing. The connecting blow simultaneously knocked the blade from his hoof, and broke his stance. Polaris seized the opportunity and reversed his blade in a diagonal reverse slash. Thule twisted and parried the blow as best he could, then was bashed in the face with Polaris’ shield. He recovered and knocked the shield away, but to his surprise Polaris let it go. Thule saw a prime opening and slashed at Polaris’ head. Polaris ducked under the swing, the blade taking his mane instead of his head. He whirled around and kicked Thule in the chest, then swept out his legs. The Sarosian fell to the ground with a blade at his throat.

“You lose, bat pony.”

Thule snarled in rage, then sighed, “Very well, soldier. By my honor, I’ll uphold our agreement. We fight for Princess Luna.”

Polaris sheathed his blade and pulled Thule up with a hoof, “That was the closest I’ve ever come to losing my life in single combat, Thule. We’ll have great use for skills like yours.”

Pyrite felt hooves wrap under him as Andromeda picked him up. She carried him out of the cave and back into his own dreamscape. “That was incredible!” Pyrite said as he squirmed out of Andromeda’s hooves and jumped around, “Polaris was so good!”

Andromeda watched Pyrite jump around and imitate the moves and swings of Polaris during the battle, he was adorable. “I think I know where we’re going.”  she said with a grin.

Pyrite sat down and nodded, “Yeah, the scary bat pony caves.”

Andromeda fluttered over and draped a wing around him, “Don’t worry, did you see how Polaris fought back there? I think we’re safe.”

“And I have you, right?” Pyrite asked with a laugh.

“You most certainly do!” Andromeda answered. “So what do you want to do now?”

Pyrite jumped up and imitated Polaris stance, “Sword fighting! I challenge you, Andromeda!”

Andromeda laughed and changed the dreamscape to reflect a castle courtyard and picked up a dueling blade. “You asked for it, cutie.”

------------------

“Oh my gosh!” Marigold squeaked as she stepped out of the taxi, “This place is huge!”

Rigel looked up and nodded, “Yeah, we’ll be staying here for the night. Seems like a pretty nice place.”

The bar they made reservations at was connected to a large, lavish hotel. It was located on an island just north of where Frost and Iris had gone. Both were far away from Pythia, which was located near the central island. So Aldus and Rigel had elected to stay the night and just return in the morning.

Ciaran leaned against Aldus in her ‘Willow’ disguise and giggled, “This is so romantic...”

“Please,” Aldus groaned, “I just hope for two things. Exquisite cider and hopefully a lead on where Frost has gotten off to.”

“I’ll take care of both, don’t you worry.” Ciaran said as she allowed Aldus to lead them into the bar.

Aldus approached the hostess mare and smiled, “Reservations for four, should be under Aldebaran.”

“Ah yes. This way, sir.”

As the mare led them to a table, Ciaran sidled up next to Aldus and whispered, “Aldebaran?”

“You bugs don’t study the night sky?” Aldus whispered back with a grin. “My name, kinda strange don’t you think?”

“Well, you’re old... so I just figured it was something to do with back then.”

“I’m not old...” Aldus groaned, causing Ciaran to giggle. The hostess seated them and let them know the waiters would be coming shortly. “You’re partially right, though. It is because I’m from back then.”

Rigel let Marigold slide into the booth and sat down beside her, “It was a tradition back then,” Rigel began, “Usually practiced among noble houses or families, but others did it too. If you were born during the day. your name might reflect the sun or the sunny skies. If you were born during the night, your name might reflect the moon or the stars. My name comes from stars, and my brother’s did as well.”

Aldus smiled at Ciaran, “Aldebaran is a star, it’s my namesake.”

Ciaran sat back and looked at Rigel and Aldus, it was sometimes easy to forget who these ponies were and what they’ve done. Despite her situation, and how she ended up there, Ciaran was starting to like these ponies. Frost and the foals were certainly helping, too.

Two mares approached the table, both of their eyes undressing Rigel. “Hello, are we ready to order? Let’s start with you handsome...”

The other mare giggled, then winked, “We have an assortment of delicacies and... succulent desserts.” Rigel perused the menu and placed an order, then looked to Marigold. The two waitresses huffed and glared at her, “And what will you be having... dear?”

After looking it over, Marigold ordered an appetizer and some light cider. The waitresses then turned to Ciaran and Aldus. Ciaran whispered something in his ear, then ordered for both of them. But before the waitress’ departed, Aldus stopped them. “Ladies, what’s the most exquisite drink you’re offering tonight?”

“That would be Silvershade Reserve, very good year. Would you like a bottle?”

“Yes please!” Aldus replied.

Ciaran shook her head at his silly grin. Then it occurred to her that she might be able to get two things she wanted tonight. All she needed to do was play her cards right.

The waitresses returned to deliver their drinks and appetizers, both were practically throwing themselves at Rigel. Ciaran was beginning to get annoyed by the behavior and shot Aldus a ‘Do something!’ look. He only shrugged and poured his first glass of liquor, “I’m used to this by now.”

Meanwhile, Marigold shifted uncomfortably in her seat and averted her eyes from the mares. Normally, if this were any other place she would have been assertive and put these rude fillies in their place. But this was a fancy hotel-bar, she was out of uniform wearing a nice dress, and with Rigel, who she didn’t want to embarass. It didn’t help that these mares were beautiful, and she was never good at competing for stallion’s affections.

“Anything else we can get you, handsome?” one of the mares asked to Rigel. “Or the filly...?” the other one asked with a smirk.

Marigold’s ears fell flat against her head after hearing the passive aggressive insult. Then, a wing wrapped around her and she was pulled close to Rigel.

“I think we’re fine,” Rigel said, “Thank you for your hospitality.”

The waitresses stared daggers at Marigold, while putting on their most fake smiles. They nodded, then all but stomped away. Marigold didn’t know what just happened. She looked over to Ciaran, who was sticking her tongue at the mares as they stalked off. Meanwhile Aldus was enamored with his drink.

Marigold felt the wing around her move up and down, she looked up at Rigel and saw him grinning, “Rigel... you didn’t have to do that.”

“Do what?” he chuckled

“Those mares-”

“Were rude.” Rigel said, “Calling you a filly? You’re ten times more mature than they are. Ridiculous.”

Marigold rested her head against him and whispered, “Thanks, Rigel.”

Ciaran whispered to Aldus that she was going to go check her information, then return shortly. He nodded and let her go. As Marigold and Rigel talked and enjoyed each others company, Aldus poured himself another glass and looked around the room. There were statues and paintings decorating bar and restaurant, they depicted a particular stallion. Aldus assumed it was the owner, a dapper, arrogant looking earth pony. Strange, the Silver Isles nobility and wealthy class were mostly unicorns due to their magic and lineage. This stallion was a rarity.

Eventually their food arrived and Aldus ordered more to drink. Ciaran returned and began to eat with Aldus.

“What did you find?” he asked.

“This place might be a front for an organization that traffics illegal substances and foals to make them.”

Aldus slammed down his glass and glared at Ciaran, startling her. The alcohol was starting to take it’s toll. “What?! Child slave labor?” He noticed Rigel and Marigold staring at him, along with a few neighboring tables. Aldus shook his head and calmed down, “I apologize, that was rude of me...”

Ciaran leaned over to Aldus and rubbed his back, “I think the filly they’re after might have been taken by these criminals. It makes sense that she’d be an easy target, but they likely don’t know who she is. Otherwise they’d have attempted a ransom by now.”

“If this is true,” Aldus said while lowering his head, “Then Frost does need my help, I don’t care what Desalia says.”

“Is this personal?” Ciaran asked, knowing a little about his childhood.

“As bad as my life was back then, at least I wasn’t forced into servitude and slavery. What horrible lives those children lead, they don’t deserve it. If we find the ones responsible, I’m going to kill them.”  

Ciaran nodded and saw Marigold looking at her expectantly across the table. “Excuse us, we’re going to use the little fillies room.” she said while slinking away with Marigold.

Rigel poured himself some cider and nodded to Aldus, “You’re really putting that away, you should slow down.”

Aldus chuckled, “Shut up, Rigel.”

“You know I think she’s starting to care about you, Aldus.”

“Ciaran?” Aldus asked, “She just wants to suck on my love.” he said with a hiccup. “That... sounded dirty. Not what I meant.”

“It was dirty,” Rigel said with a laugh.

Aldus and Rigel burst out laughing and toasted their glasses. “I’m glad you’re hitting it off with Marigold, she’s a special mare. I wish more mares like her were around one thousand years ago.”

“I agree,” Rigel said, “Listen Aldus, I was serious about Ciaran. Maybe enjoy yourself tonight? No harm in a little fooling around.”

“You plan on ‘fooling around’ with Marigold?” Aldus asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m not going to force anything,” Rigel said while stretching his wings, “Whatever happens, happens.”

The mares returned and questioned what the two stallions were laughing at, neither could do anything but grin. The two couples conversed about their time in the Isles and told some stories about ancient times, one thousand years ago. Once Aldus was out of liquor, Ciaran smiled and left to get some more. Then some music started to play. Marigold smiled brightly and whispered something in Rigel’s ear. He nodded and led her out onto the small dance floor, leaving Aldus alone.

Ciaran returned with more alcohol, which Aldus poured immediately. “Would you like to-?”

“No... not really,” Aldus muttered, “I’m not a good dancer, never was.”

“Oh come on, it’ll be fun.” she insisted.

Aldus sighed, “Fine.”

He stumbled into the center of the room and had to be supported by Ciaran. She wrapped her forehooves around him and swayed back and forth. “Isn’t this nice?”

“I know what you want, Ciaran.” he said while pulling her close and whispering in her ear. “No need to order more liquor for the room tonight, I’m too far gone to put up a fight.”

Ciaran licked her lips and stared Aldus in the eyes, “What are you saying?”

“No harm in having some fun, and this way I can’t say you took total advantage of me.” he said with a laugh.

“But... what about her?” Ciaran asked.

“Breezey’s been dead a long time, I should have joined her, but... that’s not how things turned out. I think it’s time I moved on, she would have wanted that.”

Ciaran looked down as they swayed back and forth, then her eyes slowly opened as she felt Aldus’ hooves wandering toward her flank. “Naughty colt, Aldus...” she cooed.

“This is love given willingly, what are you waitin fo-?”

Aldus felt Ciaran’s lips close around his in a forceful, yes passionate kiss. He closed his eyes and felt a warm sensation around his mouth as Ciaran siphoned energy. She began to take more and more, causing her horn to glow.

Aldus cracked and eye open and struggled to break away, but Ciaran was having none of it. “Ciaran, mm- your horn” he stammered, “Mmm- you’re going to draw attention.”

“Let them look,” she purred, “I don’t care.”

She kissed Aldus again, then did something a little different. She transformed only her tongue back to its original state. Then proceeded to tease him with it. Soon both were giggling like school foals trying to hide what was really going on. Eventually the dance ended and they returned to their table.

“Well,” Rigel said with a yawn, “I think I’ve had enough excitement for one night. How about we get our rooms.”

Ciaran sat Aldus down and smiled at Rigel, “I’ll go get them.”

Marigold trotted off after her while Rigel shook his head at the now very drunk unicorn. “Who knows what trouble you’re going to get into tonight, Aldy.”

“I think I know what I’m going to get into...” he said with a laugh.

Marigold joined Ciaran in the lobby and trotted over to her. “Well, this was a fun excursion. Thanks for asking me along.”

Ciaran smiled, “Think nothing of it.” she turned to the mare working the desk, “I’d like the keys to our rooms, should be under Willow.”

“Willow... Willow...” the mare muttered while searching through some documents. “Here we are. Two rooms, single beds.”

Marigold’s stomach dropped when she heard her say that. Ciaran thanked the mare and tossed one of the keys to Marigold, “You can thank me later, have fun tonight!”

“Ciaran!” Marigold shrieked. The cider wasn’t helping her control the volume.

Ciaran giggled and wrapped a hoof around her, “I almost envy you, it’s what you wanted, right? We should go find those waitresses tomorrow and rub this in their faces.”

“How are we doing?” Rigel asked. He trotted over with a nearly passed out Aldus slung across his back.

“I have our key, lets go.” Marigold said with a bit of apprehension. Ciaran and Rigel followed her into an elevator and ascended to the thirty fifth floor. They walked down the hall until coming to their rooms. One was on one side of the hallway, and other on the opposite. Ciaran opened the door to her room and turned on the lights so Rigel could see. He trotted over to the bed and sat Aldus down.

“Thanks, Rigel.” Aldus muttered.

“No problem, I’ll see you two in the morning.” he said while leaving to join Marigold in their room.

Once the door shut, Ciaran closed the windows and pulled the drapes over them. She locked the door and turned around to find Aldus trying to get up. He fell off the side and struggled to stand.

“Where are you going?” she asked playfully.

“Washroom.” he groaned while stumbling toward it.

After finding the light and relieving himself, Aldus looked in the mirror and splashed water on his face. He wanted to have a clear head if he was going to be dealing with Ciaran. But who was he kidding, he probably wouldn’t remember anything in the morning.

He walked back into the room and sat the towel down on one of the chairs, then he turned his attention to the bed. Ciaran was in her natural form, sprawled out atop the covers. She was drinking a bottle of expensive cider. Aldus chuckled a bit at how she was doing it, the neck of the bottle was threaded through one of the many holes in her forehooves. It was kind of hot.

She finally noticed Aldus and seductively wrapped her tongue around the bottle, “Oh, you’re finally done. Come to bed sweetie.” she cooed while opening her forehooves to him.

Aldus chuckled, “Must have killed you to have to wait this long before feeding again.” He crawled onto the bed and fell into her hooves. “You knew this would happen eventually, you knew I’d let you have it.”

Ciaran pulled Aldus close and kissed him, “Maybe... but don’t pretend that you don’t want this.” She rolled over and leaned back on top of him, then upturned the bottle in her hooves and downed what remained of it.

“Wow...” Aldus croaked.

“I want this...” Ciaran cooed while leaned over Aldus and conjuring magic in her horn, “But so do you. You still remember the ecstasy from my sister... oh yes, Aldus.”

Aldus’ eyes widened as violet circles began to form inside them. “I- I-”

“Shh...” Ciaran motioned with a hoof. “Now is your time to relax.” Her eyes burst forth with violet spirals and completely took control of Aldus.

The changeling slid down further toward his waist, then grabbed what she was looking for. Aldus’ eyes widened as he gasped in pleasure. She then began gyrating her body, adding to the hypnosis. Aldus moaned, “Ciaran...” She silenced him again with another kiss.

“Now that I have your complete attention, before we have our fun, I have some questions. Wait... what’s this? You put barriers in place? Mental magic? Interesting. You thought with this I could only use a weak version of hypnosis, a safe amount of it? You’ve underestimated me, handsome. I suppose I should have told you I’ve mastered our race’s particular brand of hypnosis and control spells. Silth might be older, but she’s an amateur compared to me...”

“So good...” Aldus moaned while playing with her mane and slowly bucking his hips.

“Lets take down those barriers, shall we?”

“Yes...”

“Excellent,” Ciaran said while kissing him again, “Now, I’m going to tell you something, Aldus. It’s an instruction. I’m planting it deep in your subconscious, you won’t remember it, but when the time is right you will obey.”

“I’ll obey...” Aldus said between gasps.

“When Desalia lets you into the archives, you’ll take me with you. Understand?”

“Yes,” Aldus nodded.

Ciaran leaned back and let her mane fall behind her, she dragged Aldus up and held his head against her chest. “It’s been too long since I’ve felt romantic love and charnel love at the same time,” she growled. “Hngh, once we’re done we’ll take a break so I can follow up on that lead to help Frost, then we’ll play some more.”

“Play some more...” Aldus repeated with a complacent smile.

“Good...” Ciaran grinned, “Now you’ll see I’m better than my sister at just about everything. And I do mean everything.”

----------------

Across the hall, Marigold fumbled around in the washroom and stared at her image in the mirror. She decided to take a quick shower before facing Rigel. After she finished, she stepped out and let him take his turn. Rigel didn’t shower, but he did spend some time preening. Once he was done, he saw Marigold sitting on the bed with a frown.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Rigel asked, taking a seat beside her.

“Nothing,” Marigold replied, “It’s just, this was the best date I’ve ever been on. I’ve never really done something like this.”

“Really? What do you mean?”

“I know I’m flirty and I try to be playful, but I’m awkward and usually screw things up. It’s something my sisters and parents always ridiculed me for. Don’t get me wrong, I love them, but you should have seen their reaction when I decided to join the royal guard. It was even worse when they learned I would be serving under Luna when she returned.”

“I see,” Rigel said. “It’s like they had an image for you all picked out, then you had the audacity to be your own pony with your own desires.”

“They were certain I was just trying to make a statement, trying to rebel. ‘You don’t need to prove anything’ they said.” Marigold recited in a mocking tone, “I felt at ease around Luna, I could tell she was different and didn’t go with grain. Her mannerisms, style, moods, and personality were all different. She helped me overcome anxiety in my dreams. She’s like a big sister to me, perhaps better than my actual sisters.”

“I can relate to that more than you know, Marigold.”

“Really?”

“Yes, my family expected much of me. I was destined for great things, even when I was small. It’s just... those things weren’t exactly what my family had envisioned.”

“Tell me about your family, about your little brother.”

Rigel shook his head, “My brother is a conversation for another time. I don’t enjoy remembering what happened. I’m sorry, Marigold. I’ll tell you, eventually.”

“Did you disappoint your family like I did?” Marigold asked.

Rigel frowned, “My father and uncle, yes. My mother died when I was young. I was to be a champion of Celestia and take command of the Wonderbolts. My father didn’t enjoy the ponies I became friends with. Polaris, a foreigner from another kingdom. And Aldus, especially Aldus.”

“What was wrong with Aldus?”

“Aldus was a small unicorn, my father detested weak appearances, and held little respect for what he called, ‘over reliance on magic.’ Also, Aldus eventually became head of Luna’s court. My father didn’t want me associating with Luna’s ponies. They were not as privileged or respected as those who served the sun.”

“Why was he so against them?” Marigold asked. “What did he want from you so badly?”

Rigel turned toward Marigold, his eyes started to glisten. “Marigold... are you aware of the things they called me back then?”

“Yes...” Marigold replied.

“There is a reason they called me Blood Hurricane...”

Marigold’s mouth dropped, “You’re related- you’re a descendant of Commander Hurricane?! That’s why that ancient armor was adorning the statue in your prison!”

“I’m the ‘apex of our species,’ and ‘the image of all pegasi,’ or so my father said” Rigel scoffed. “Destined for greatness, but not the kind dad was thinking...” he said with a sinister grin. “My heritage doesn’t matter, Marigold. I know what it’s like to disappoint your family.”

Rigel felt forehooves wrap around his stomach as Marigold embraced him. She buried her face in his chest and wept, “I just wanted to be happy, you just wanted to be happy, Luna just wanted to be happy. We’re all so similar.”

Rigel wrapped Marigold in his wing rubbed her back, “We are, and it’s not all bad. We have each other.”

Marigold caressed Rigel’s wing with a hoof and smiled, “So that’s why these are so big...”

Rigel gently laid down with Marigold and shook his head, “Yeah, they’re definitely useful for some things.” he said with a chuckle.

Marigold snuggled against Rigel and sighed, then both of them heard playful screaming across the hall.

“Sounds like they’re having fun,” Rigel said with a laugh.

“They don’t have to be the only ones,” Marigold said with a blush.

Rigel grinned and embraced Marigold, “I love forward mares"