Aurora Praeco
Chapter II : Trophies, Old Wounds
This place is like a tomb.
That thought had been on Twilight's mind for the duration of her time in the cell she'd been placed in. It was spacious enough for her to lie down in a relatively
comfortable position and tall enough for her to stand on all fours without colliding with the the bulkhead. She was surrounded on three sides by walls of some
unrecognizable metal. Its surface was a flawless, inky black, devoid of any imperfection that could provide a prisoner with some hope of escape. Literal walls of
shadow. They unnerved the young alicorn more than she cared to admit. The fourth one thankfully was lacking in the dissmal hue of the other walls, but
still failed to provide any sort of comfort. When the Carnifex had practically tossed her in here, her first instinct had been to attempt to charge out at him. The
result had been her colliding with the back of the cell as she bounced off some invisible energy field.
The largest of the four 'humans' had been tasked with ensuring the alicorn remained imprisoned. Unlike his comrades, the hulking mass of bronze armor
barely spoke a word, exchanging only the briefest of utterances in his native tongue. Most of the time he was addressing the supposed prince, the name Saladin being
heard often. The other two tended to keep their distance from the titan; they were probably even more intimidated by him than Twilight was. Now he sat crosslegged on
the other side of the barrier, directly in front of the prisoner. The young monarch( having nothing else to do at the moment) took the oppurtunity to examine her
jailer. Up close he seemed even more alien than before. First was the armor. In contrast to the sleek, almost organic suit design, the titan's was a cross between large
angular copper plating laced with golden sigils and smoother,rounded pieces of metallic chrome. Several mint green lights glowed across its surface, most noticably
a pattern of dots and lines forming the visage of some alien beast. His massive hammer rested at his side, defiantly contrasting the dark interior of the vehicle they
were residing in. Twilight turned her gaze outside her cell. It was a lighter shade than the walls surrounding her, with cyan and golden
lights pulsing through thin grooves etched into the metal. As she observed, she began to notice it seemed to imitate a heartbeat, as if they were inside the
innards of some beast. Despite her predicament, she couldn't help but marvel at the complexity of this great machine. How her captors had learned to construct such
a wonder of technology was beyond her comprehension.
She grimaced as she felt the device wrapped around her horn pulsating in unison with the ship. The ring of metal seemed to be syphoning as much energy from her as it
could, dispersing it harmlessly into the air to be absorbed by the inky walls. Twilight could only imagine what these strangers and their contraptions were doing with
her magic; perhaps as a means to study her anatomy more in depth? There was no way to tell from here. I don't even know where they're taking me. Her brow furrowed as
she thought of everyone at home. How did she know that the Carnifex hadn't simply destroyed everyone once he had his prize? He'd already proven his technology could
stand up to the most powerful alicorn in existence. It stood to reason his kind possessed far more dangerous weapons. The Carnifex,or Saladin as he called himself, had
seemed to take a particular joy in wreaking havoc. She stifled a shudder upon remembering how easily he'd dispatched Shining Armor. What truly confused her was the fact
that he had spared Celestia's life, opting to take Twilight intead. Why bother with a prisoner when he could've easily removed two alicorns at once, further crippling
Equestria's poltical stability? He had addressed his prisoner as though he'd known her, asking her how she had survived the 'Purge'. She
So, Carnifex; what is it about me that caught your interest?
"What were you thinking Saladin?!"
Saladin cringed for the umpteenth time from his friend shouting. He had expected there to be some level of displeasure to be sent his way from the moment Killian, Athena,
and himself could have some privacy to discuss matters. Killian, being the flamboyant and oftentimes brash man that he was, didn't hold back in berating the Prince for
his actions. He made for an intimidating figure to deal with; standing about two inches taller than Saladin and even more toned, Killian was the prime example of his
tribes philosophy of stregnth being emphasized in all aspects of life. Few were unintimidated by his dark orange hair and piercing blue eyes. Even Saladin found himself
uneased at times by his companion's ferocity. So yes, Saladin could say he expected Killian to react the most drastically to his descision to spare the Corona's life.
Thankfully the other two had been more understnading. Protheon had accepted his order to guard the alicorn without question. Athena was leanning against a wall, playing
absentmindedly with her short black curls. Unlike Killian, she preferred to remain a silent.
At least she has the decency to not shriek like an angry bunyip.
Saladin finally gave his answer, his voice calm and level." Killian, I need you to calm down. I understand your frustrated with my actions-" "Frustrated?! Oh, I'm
more than that Saladin: I'm goddamn furious!" The Carnifex groaned internally. Of course he isn't done." You've trained in preperation for that very duel for the past 5
millenia; hell, we all have! You had the wretch dead to rights and whatsmore, that second one would've left the Eq'esi even more crippled than ever! Instead you leave
the Corona to live, and take that purple flesh bag back with us! How could you of all people let that happen?! You had more reason than anyone alive to finish the
duel right then and there!" Saladin glared at his friend, his eyes gleaming menacingly. "Are you implying that the reason I was unable to slay the Corona because I was
too weak-willed? That I would rather settle for that underdeveloped excuse of an alicorn, rather than taking the one responsible for the destruction of our people as a
trophy?!" Athena and Killian instinctivly backed away. Saladin, noticing this, resumed his passive stance. He massaged his temples as he attempted to collect himself.
"Look, I'm sorry; it's just that- I didn't mean to lash out like that. You have every right to be... displeased with me. It was my responsibility to eliminate the
Corona." Athena asked," If that's the case, then why didn't you? I'm assuming it has something to do with our prisoner?" Saladin nodded. "You would be correct, Sister."
He paused for a moment, silently praying for them to not lose all decency.
"I have reason to believe that our...guest...is serving as a vessel for the Dawn Oracle."
"..."
"..."
"Aren't you going to say anything?"
"..."
"..."
"Athena? Killian? Are you two alrig-"
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?"
"Brother, you cant be serious!"
" Would you please calm dow-"
"HOW CAN YOU EVEN MAKE THAT AS A JOKE?!"
To Hell with this.
"Enough!"
That silenced them. Saladin breathed in again, desperately attempting to calm himself before he throttled one or both of his companions." Before our prisoner begged
me to spare the Corona's life, It managed to deflect a direct blow from my blade- a weapon forged during the Golden Age mind you." Athena chimed in. " The alicorn
could easily have formed a spell capable of enduring the Avenged; it proves nothing." " I'm aware of that possibility, and that was the first possibility I considered.
However the mark that creature bares- that is an exact copy of the symbol of the last Oracle!" Killian raised a hand silencing the Prince. " You expect me to believe
a spawn of our most reviled foe that just so happens to bear a mark that is similar to that of the previously deceased Dawn Oracle, is her heir?" He crossed his
arms, the picture of skepticism. "Killian," Saladin replied." You know as well as I that each Eq'esi each have their own unique symbols, and that the Dawn Oracle's
Aegis was never one of them; what are the chances that this is simply chance?" His companions remained silent as they pondered on his words. Killian spoke first, his
tone noticably less irate. " Let's assume what you're saying is true, that an alicorn was somehow chosen to be the Dawn Oracle and thus recieved the mark; how exactly
are you going to convince the Council to believe you and not attempt to strip you of the title of Carnifex?" Athena interjected," They can't 'oust him' Killian: they
have neither the authority or ability to strip him of his mantle." Killian turned to address the woman. " Be that as it may, what's to stop them from claiming that the
reason we didn't come back with the Corona is because Saladin was unable to properly harness his powers, and is thus unworthy to lead our people?"
"I said I have reason to believe; I never said it was a certainty, merely a possibility. The only way to be sure is to present the alicorn to the Aegis." Saladin
waited for an objection; judging by his expression, Killian looked ready to give one, but a glance from Athena was enough to hold his tongue. "If I'm right, if
the Aegis has some link to the Alicorn, than not only will we have a member of our people's greatest enemy under our heel, but we'll regained the ability to link
directly to the Eternal's power." Athena questioned, "And if your wrong?" "If I'm wrong... well, It's an Alicorn; we have more than suitable means of which to glean
any needed information." Saladin observed his two comrades. "Look, I understand how ridiculous this all sounds. That being said, I need you to go along with this for
now, alright? This is the first time we've reached out in centuries; The Refuge was in dire need of a victory, and we've just delivered one! We bring home a
live trophy and left the Corona in a state of critical injury. How much better can it get?" Killian held the bridge of his nose between his fingers. "*sigh* You
really think that the Councilers will let you off without so much as a hitch? Fine; just don't expect me to bail you out when those old bats try to oust you for
failing to," At this he made quotations marks in the air."'successfully fufill your duties as the protector and avenger of your subjects'." The Prince grinned at his
friend's sarcasm.
That's one less person I have to worry about dealing with.
Presently, A dim spark appeared from an opening in the wall, allowing a small green sphere to float over to the three humans. The object was no bigger than a mouse
as it bobbed in the air before them, its mint green surface in perpetual rearrangement. Saladin adrressed the newcomer. "Yes Pilot, what is it?" The orb remained
silent for a moment before responding, its synthesized voice garbling with each word . "My Prince, we are approaching the Poseidos Gate. Shall I notify the Council
of your return?" Saladin nodded in confirmation. "You may." The orb, its task complet gave a final bow( as best it could) before vanishing as quickly as it'd appeared.
Athena finally spoke. "Brother, are you certain you want to go through with this? That alicorn could prove to be a serious nuisance to deal with until we decide what
to do with it." Saladin turned to his sibling." Athena, you know as well as I that we need every advantage we can gather for what's to come. I know what I saw; if the
Dawn Oracle power was passed on to the alicorn, then we have no choice but to use it to our own ends." He addressed Killian. "Come with me." Killian simply nodded in
response, making his way towards the door. Saladin gave one last glance at Athena before following him. The prince pondered her words. What if she was right? His abilities
had always been difficult to fine tune; he'd only used them to finish off the Corona. Bringing a living alicorn to the Refuge could prove to be a fatal miscalculation-
No.
He knew what he'd sensed. It had been faint, but he'd felt the Oracle's ether in that alicorn. How it'd come to rest there was a mystery to him, but of that
much he was sure. This prisoner would be more useful to him alive, and he'd be damned if the Council told him otherwise. He smiled to himself. At the very least, this
provided the perfect oppurtunity to cement his authority over those stubborn old jirah.
Yes.
A wonderful oppurtunity indeed.
Twilight jumped when Protheon's hulking figure jolted awake. She withdrew her hoof away from the magic dampener as she retreatd to the cell corner. His lights in his
armor flared as he stirred. The bronze helmet turned in her direction as the titan examined his charge. Twilight pulse spike as she began to panic. Had he been watching
her attempts to remove the infernal device the whole time? Finally, his voice rumbled. "No sudden movements; His Majesty draws near." Twilight looked over at him
quizically, only to be interrupted by the soft hiss of a door opening. First to step in was the one in red and black armor. With his helmet retracted, she now had an
unobscured view of orange hair and light blue eyes. In any other circumstance, she might even consider him attractive. The newcomer glanced over at her, his features
twisting into a snarl. Twilight made sure to back away into the corner. Thankfully, her turned his attention away from her, standing to the side of the door. The second
one to enter was the Carnifex himself, likewise wearing his armor. Saladin. Protheon bowed in deference to his leader, murmuring something in whatever counted as
their native language. Saladin responded briefly, before turning his attention to his prisoner. " I hope you haven't been up to any mischief in my absence, Princess."
Twilight puffed up her chest a she stood, attempting to make herself look more intimidating. The fact that she was more than a few heads shorter than her captors wasn't
exactly helping helping her cause. "Considering you left me incapacitated and imprisoned from the moment you captured me, no." She replied." That being said, I demand
that you explain the reasoning for your unprovoked attack on my people and our allies." Upon hearing this, the one who'd accompanied him snorted. " Unprovoked? Have
you forgotten the crimes your kind commited against against ours, beast!" The Carnifex raised a hand to silence him. " Not now Killian; you can have your shot later."
The now identified Killian grumbled something under his breath, turning his attention to fiddling with one of his gauntlets. The Carnifex turned back to the alicorn.
"My comrade does make a fair point. If anyone's guilty of 'unprovoked' attacks, it's you. However, I didn't bring you here for the sake of something so unpleasant
as a trophy kill; the Corona was meant to serve that purpose." Twilight's face remained neutral. " In that case, why take me to wherever it is you're going?"
At this, the alien royal replied, " I thought it would've been obvious. Our understanding of how much has changed since our exile is...limited at best. You will serve
as a means of gleaning whatever information we find to be of use. Cooperate, and you have my word that I will inflict as little damage to your home and your people
as is feasible." Twilight faltered slightly, replying, "And if I refuse?" The Carnifex grinned. "It's not like you really have a choice Alicorn, but should you choose
to be...difficult," at this his eyes gleamed malevolently."you saw what just four of us were capable of doing. Do I really need to elaborate on just what entire
legions would be capable of?" Twilight shook her head fervently, the threat having been made perfectly clear. "Good." His attention turned to Protheon. "Bring her
to the observation deck." The titan bowed. "I hear and obey, Carnifex." His superior nodded, and without so much as a glance in the young Princess's direction, left
as suddenly as he'd arrived. With his leader gone, Killian turned his atention to Protheon. "Make sure to restrain It." He glared down at Twilight, his features the
picture of contempt. He sneered, then exited the cell block, hurrying after his leader.
Twilight watched him go, slowly realizing how truly dire her situation had become. Either submit to these mysterious creatures and provide them with whatever information
they required, or risk the possible annihilation of her people and their allies. Judging by the apparent complexity of their technology and whatever else they had at
their disposal, these aliens seemed more than capable of backing up whatever threats they made. Their ferocity and seeming hatred of Equestrians, especially
alicorns, only made the situation more mysterious. Twilight was an avid reader, often perusing through some of the most arcane records she could find. Not once had she
ever found any records of 'humans', advanced or otherwise. It left many unanswered questions.
What most confused her though, was the Carnifex's previous behavior. He hadn't hesitated to slaughter any who wre in his way, and he'd very nearly sent Celestia to her
grave. Why had he been so hesitant to do the same to Twilight? He'd acted as though he knew her. What did he see that had intrigued him enough to capture her alive?
Presently, she was drawn from her musing as the energy field of her cell flared. Its surface shimmering white, then gold, then cyan as it powered down and finally
disappeared. Protheon wasted no time in reaching to grab Twilight, dragging her out none too gently. He held the prisoner up he made sure the magic dampener was still
in place. Satifised, he proceeded to carry her through through the door and down a dimly lit hallway. At the end stood a chrome cylinder like device, just tall enough
to fit them both. Protheon entered, and a blue field appeared in place of the opening. For a moment, the cylinder remained still. Then it plummeted, the sudden drop
sending a jolt up Twilight's spine. Their descent lasted only a few seconds, ending abruptly as they reached their destinatiom. Twilight blinked in suprise. They were
flying over the ocean. The inky blue waves were a blur only a few metres beneath them. There was nothing between them and the rapidly passing waters below. Twilight
gawked at the sight. Protheon stepped out of the pod, barely seeming to notice the marvel before them. Twilight tensed, fearful at his movements. Had the Carnifex
ordered his servant to sacrifice himself and the prisoner? She flexed her wings against the binding, attempting to free herself in order to captor, noticing
this, tightened his grip around her neck in warning. "Be still." he growled. He stepped forward again, and then-
Nothing.
There was no sound of rushing wind, nor the senssation of icy water colliding like a stone wall beneath their legs. In fact, as the giant of a warrior stepped out, there
was barely the soft padding of his boots on the ground as a light blue glow pulsed underneath each step he took. Now assured that there was no immediate danger, Twilight
took the oppurtunity to observe the rest of the space. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed the entire room was bathed in a pale light. She looked up to the source, and
was met with the Moon, shining in all Its glory. Around it, she could make out numerous constellations, many of which she didn't recognize. She took in a breath, and
was met with the distinct odor of sea spray leaping up up from the waters below-
Wait, smell?
The alicorn was confused. It was faint, but the fragrance was unmistakeable through the strange material. This was an observation deck of some kind, though the spells
required for such an advanced design was something even she was unfamiliar with. Then again, these creatures seemed to have had more than enough time on their hands to
construct whatever tools they found use of. If only she could get a closer look at the inner working of their systems...
She thoughts were interrupted at the sound of metal plates rubbing against one another. She turned her head in the direction of the sound. A figure, this one smaller
than Protheon, was reclining on what appeared to be a hovering metal chair. Twilight could make out a pale blue light emenating from the bottom. The one sitting in it
was wearing a similar set of armor to the Carnifex's. This one was colored mint green, with several patterns of cyan lighting etched into the surface. There was the
lack of a helmet however, revealing a mass of neck length hair, charcoal black with specks of blonde. It seemed to be a reverse of the Carnifex's, come to think of it.
Judging from the slimmer body under the armor, this human was female. The woman was presently occupied with a set of green glass panels floating before her. Her hands
moved speedily overits surface moving small glowing symbols across the screen. Their purpose was completely lost on Twilight. Protheon spoke up. "Princess Athena. I have
arrived, per your brother's orders." The woman, finally noticing the newcomers, turned to face them. Now that Twilight could see her face the resemmblance between this
Athena and the Carnifex was striking, the only differences being the lack of marking on her face and that both her eyes were that bold splash of gold. Her expression
was blank for a moment, examining Protheon and his captor. Upon noticing the alicorn, her eyes narrowed as she glared. Twilight recoiled slightly in return. Finally
the human princess spoke. " Very good, Captain Protheon. I expect Saladin and Killian will be joining us shortly?" " I'd imagine so, milady." Athena nodded, before
adressing Twilight. "Understand that you've only been allowed to see this because the Carnifex wills it. Step out of line, and it's back to your cell. Understood?"
Twilight nodded. "Perfectly." Athena, seemingly satisfied, turned back to her interface. She point to another chair. "Restrain the prisoner." Protheon grunted
in acknowledgement. He walked over to the seat, and promptly placed Twilight in it. Almost immediately, a pair of arm (or in her case hoof) rests folded out from the
sides of the chair, before each produced a ring of white light that wrapped around her forehooves. She squirmed a bit, attempting to make herself comfortable. The
restraints were warm, almost pleasant against her fur, but she quickly noticed the temperature increased when she struggled. If that wasn't enough, the entire chair
seemed to be bolted to the floor rather than being equiped with a hover unit. These humans definitely weren't taking any chances with her; did they really see her as
that much of a potential threat? Protheon, now relieved of his burden, took a place beside her, his massive figure towering over her. She somehow
doubted that even if she'd managed to escape the bonds, Protheon would snap her neck if given the oppurtunity. Better to wait it out. Presently, a low chime echoed
through the room, and a small green orb materialized itself. It floated over to Athena, bobbing through air. "Princess Athena, we have been granted entry through the
Poseidos Gate, and the Carnifex has requested that you take us in without his supervision. The woman glanced at the orb, confused. "Why can't he come down himself?"
The orb replied," I believe he was cotacting one of the staff at the Citadel, though for what purpose is something he did not wish to disclose to me. Rather odd, I
might say." Athena mutted something in her native tongue before responding. "Whatever; just make sure the defenses don't blow us out of the sky." The orb lowered
itself a few inches in an attempt at bowing, before promptly floating away. As it passed Twilight, it stooped to examine her, the patterns of runes and other markings
on Its surface shifting endlessly as it did so. Finally It spoke, the cheerful tone it used very much out of place with the words. "You needn't worry, Prisoner. Unlike
your own species, we of the Remnant treat those we capture with the utmost repect. Unfortunately, there's a chance that hospitality won't be extended to you."
Twilight stared with her mouth agape at the orb. The amount of cheerfulness in its voice when uttering that not so subtle threat was even more unnerving than the threat
itself. Protheon growled ,shooing the little pest away with his hand. It buzzed out of the way, before vanishing into thin air. Twilight stared at the area where it had
flickered out of existence before being interrupted by the sound of the pod descending onto the deck. She turned to see the Carnifex and his escort entering the room.
The human royal barely acknowledged her presence as he made is way to the front of the deck. "Athena, has Poseidos Gate been alerted of our arrival?" "Yes, My Liege."
"Good." He clasped his hands behind his back. "Take us in." Athena nodded, and manipulated the controls. The entire ship jolted as it descended before it picked up
speed, the ocean transforming into a uniform blur beneath them. A low hum seemed to emenate from all around them, drowning out the sound of the wind and waves. As their
speed increased, Twilight could make out two specks of light on the horizon. They were small, yet the glow that each released seemed to pulse brighter as the ship
approached. As they drew closer, Twilight could finally discern thier true form. Twin obelisks, each measuring at least 20 metres in height, rose out of the water like
sentinels carved of pure white marble. The lights were generated their peaks. The aura illuminated the air around it with a kaliedescope of shifting colors. She could
make out inlays of gold and silver placed all over the gigantic monuments, forming a menagerie of unreadables hyroglyphs. It was beautiful. Still, something about them
seemed... off. Twilight squinted. As they drew closer, the obelisks appeared to be damaged. Cracks ran across their surface, ruining the intricate writing etched into
them. Chunks could be seen to be missing from the areas closest to the water, almost as ifthey'd been dropped there. Judging by their size, each mass of stone likely
weighed at least a ton; what could possibly have moved them? Her musings were interrupted as Athena spoke up. "We're now on approach. Linking with Poseidos Gate now."
As she said this, the humming noise rose higher as the craft increased Its speed. Soon another pair of pillars became visible, nearly as time worn as the first. A few
minutes later, another appeared. Then another. Soon, they were whizzing past a pair of towers every few seconds. The lights turned from repeating blips into a pair
continuous beams above them, growing brighter with as they passed by. Twilight was having difficulty keeping track. Then she heard the roar. Her head whipped
around, searching for the source. Then she saw It. outside the pillars she could make out a mass of glowing aguamarine stripes and markings keeping pace with them.
Because of the light from the obelisks, it difficult to make out, but it seemed whatever was out there was easily several times larger than they were. She could
almost make out a pair of cobalt pupiless eyes rising above the water. They seemed to be staring directly at the alicorn. It bellowed again, the sound thundering across
the waters. Before she could get a better look, the creature dove down, revealing a gargantuan triple fluked tail covered with glowing blue and green marking rose 10
metres above the water before splashing down. As quickly as It had appeared, the beast had vanished into the sea. Twilight exhaled, only just realizing she'd been
holding her breath. Was that creature another one of their creations?
"The Leviathan."
She looked up to see Protheon's helmet gazing down at her. "It guards the waters of this region for us." He turned away, his hulking figure shifting as he returned to
his silent watch over her. Twilight let the word settle in her mind. Leviathan. A beast of untold proportions. The name seemed appropriate. Not that it revealed much.
Judging by Its size alone, it was obvious this 'Leviathan' could easily tear the comparably miniscule ship they were in to pieces. Did these humans have some form
of control over it? A piece of her hoped they weren't planning on using It for more... offensive purposes. Presently, the orb's voice could be heard. " We've achieved
maximum charge. Preparing to enter the Threshold. The rumbling began to intensify, as if the ship itself was acknowledging this annoucment. As it sped further forward
over the waves, lightning arced from the peaks of the obelisks as they impacted the hull. Webs of white hot electricity spread over the darkened metal until it was
blanketed in the crackling aura. Twilight squinted as the light began to obsure the ocean. The light grew even brighter until they were enveloped in the blinding light.
The rumbling peaked, sounding as if the hull was about to tear apart around them-
It stopped. The light was gone as quickly as it had accumulated. It was quieter too; only a faint breeze flowing over the ship could be heard now.
Twilight's eyes adjusted to take in her surroundings. She looked around as she tried to regain her bearings. It seemed brighter here, wherever 'here' was.
She looked up at the sky. Thin fog obscured her vision, but the stars and moon shone starkly against them. In fact, they seemed clearer despite the drop in visibility.
Strange. She hadn't detected a shift in energy, even through the magic dampener. Wait, there was something. Faint but detectable, a sensation made Itself present. The
entity made no discernible sound, yet she could feel Its presence seemed to call out to her. It felt almost... familiar? Her confusion mounted upon realizing this
fact. The presence was as alien as her captors; how did that even make any sense? Her eyes scanned the area, looking for the source as It called out to her. Her
mind suddenly felt drawn closer to the presence, and her neck swiveled to face the direction from which it came.
There!
A small light could be seen floating in the distance above the mist. It pulsed and writhed in the night sky with the same eery light produced by the obelisks. As the
ship drew closer, Twilight could discern shards of debris orbiting around it. She glanced away from the mysterious presence, finally noticing a change in demeanor in
the humans. The Carnifex clasped his hands behind his back as he let out a brief sigh. Athena had leaned back from the controls of the vessel as she examined
one of her gauntlets, absentmindedly coiling a strand of hair around her other hand. Killian, who'd spent his time on the bridge glaring at the alicorn from across
the deck, turned away as he popped his neck, grunting softly. Even her massive overseer alowed his shoulders to slacken partially. The Carnifex turned to look over at
his 'guest'. His trademark smirk was gone, replaced by a neutral gaze and a glint of pride in his eyes. Finally he spoke.
"Allow me to clarify something for you, 'Princess'; you are about to step foot in a place none of your kind have even laid eyes upon in millenia. There is no escape
for you here. Cooperate, and the safety of your people and your own person are relatively assured. Should you fail to comply, or attempt to reveal the location of
this place, and I will personally hunt you down to the ends of the world." He leaned in closer to Twilight, his face inches from his muzzle. "Have I made myself
clear?" Twilight returned his steely gaze. "Crystal." Satisified, the Carnifex gestured towards Portheon. Wordlessly, the titan pressed the back of the chair.
The cuffs around Twlight's legs evaporated, allowing her muscles to relax as the bloodflow returned to normal. The Prince turned back toward the light, now seeming to
glow brighter as they apporached. He continued. "In that case, it with great pleasure that I welcome you to the haven of my people, the last bastion from the perils
of the lands beyond. I give you... the Refuge!"
As he said this, the mist finally cleared, recealing in full detail the source of the illuminating entity. It was a tower, signifcantly taller and larger that the
obelisks outside. The light could be seen pulsing with an infinite array of colors as rectangular slabs of chrome metal floated around the peak. The entire structure
was painted ebony black, contrasting sharply against the patterns of gold and platinum running over Its surface. What caught Twilight's attention the most
however, wans't the tower: It was what else was there as well. As gigantic landmass stretched across the horizon, nearly escaping the width of the observation deck.
The black ziggurat was positioned atop a towering mountain, swaths of blue, green, and red vegetation blanketing Its face. The landmark stood above spacious ocean
bay. It was there that Twilight noticed more structures. These ones were shaped like gigantic mushrooms. The caps were wide and flattened, covered in a brass like
material the reflected the moonlight from miles away. This blended in perfectly with the stalky marble white stalks that made up the main body of them. They all came
in numerous sizes and colred, all glinting as they reflected the night sky. Also, there hundreds of them all clustered together below the tower. It was a city. A
massive city on an even larger island.
Presently, the lught from the tower glowed brighter, and Twilgith could hear faint whispers, tingling at the edge of her mind. It was a multitude of voices, both
male and female,calling out to her as they spoke in unison. She strained to disern the phrase they kept saying over and over again. It was just two words repeated
by the chorus, calling out to the alicorn.
Welcome Home.
Almost 4 months. This was a tough one to write to say the least. I wanted to take time to flesh out the personalities of the four humans introduced so far, as they'll
each play a role in later chapters of the story. Not sure when the next chapter will be, but be assured that I'm working on this as often as I can. Hopefully with
summer break, I can finish things up significantly faster. Next page will focus on more characters from the human perspective, as well as briefly checking on matters
back home. I'll see you all then!
Sincerely, Sierra Nova ^_^