A wizard's tale

by Lord Despair

What happens when a dark wizard betrayed by one he once called friend, is teleported to the planet of Equus landing in the kingdom of Equestria; where humans were once pagan gods before the rule of the Alicorns. What will become of the wizard scarred by a bloody past and betrayal in a land where they say is filled with friendship, sunshine, and rainbows. Not all is well in Avalon a

12. Chapter 6

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/ Chapter 6 Rising Darkness unedited/ Story: A wizard's tale/ by Lord Despair/-/

In the Edar, Faust's chambers

Faust's pov

I sent another sleepless night tightly holding the old faded paintings of Venhayia and Aronnos my eyes uselessly graze about my prison that what this room truly is an prison only if you look beyond the vanity and hubris this room presents, you can feel Sleipnir's magic emitting from the unseen corners keeping me trap here...it have been so long since my so called husband sealed me here so long since I had seen my precious daughters. Thanks to Sleipnir's spell I am unable to leave freeing him to continue to poison the Pantheon my Pantheon. The once down to earth Pongaea is now consumed by his vanity and hated for the Minotaurian race, Shining armor so full of distant and ever increasing cruelty... even our own foals were not safe from his poisons once noble Geinzah has fall into an barbaric monster allowing his Sphinx ponies not only to hunt and kill the changelings but sell them off as slaves, Luna my baby girl is tortured everyday by loneliness despite all of his poison he don't use it against his favorited foal Celestia when he looks at her I could the old Sleipnir the kind king I fell in love with eons ago but ever since we abandon Epona to the windigos he changed from the kind and just king into the warmongering tyrant he is now. Yet even now there are still few that could stand him and save Avalon from his hooves Discord; Celestia; Luna; Twilight; Cadance; Blueblood; Delos; Roctar; Grimmnjor; Valeria; the newly returned Alternis only together they could save us from the coming storm. Only together can they restore what we had destroyed. Grief again racks my body ''My foals my babies please forgive me for cursing you with this fate...it must be done if you are to live free then you must face this storm, Alternis my...sigh... I leave their fate in your hands'', I graze at my crystal ball revealing the form of an human carrying an bloody krirn in his arms my hoof reach out in attempt to gently corset the human's face ''hen you look so much like your father''

''Faust'' called an stern baritone voice

The image in the ball quickly changes to an face of another human one that was much wilder yet noble his blue eyes glaring at the ebony Fate goddess

''I have words for you'' said the wild human

''Ah Grimmnjor'' I said happily at seeing my old ally ''I was wondering when you'll have time for me it's been too long''

''We had an deal Faust! you said she wouldn't be harmed now she bleeds'' growled the old god grief in his words ''Why you had me keep my wolves away from coming to my daughter's aid!''

I give Grimm an sorrowful look ''You and me both knew what could happen to Moonlit bloom but Alternis needed someone to guide him to your realm while it's unfortunate-

''UNFORTUNATE!'' Roared Grimmnjor the power of his voice nearly creaks the crystal ''This not an game Alicorn, this is the life of the one who I love as my own daughter!''

'You think I had an choice Grimmnjor this was what the fates demanded of me, it was between failing Avalon or the near death of an innocent''

the old god was breathing heavily his blue eyes burned away revealing red obs fangs poking out his upper jaw giving him an vampireish look ''Fate '' his hiss '' We make our own fate Faust, Aronnos taught you that much''

I felt tears running down my muzzle ''I know but this had to come too pass''

''Try telling that to Valeria'' said Grimm his features returning to normal '' I had to hold her in my arms as she begged me...BEGGED ME... to save our baby girl she still cries Moonlit's name as we speak

with tears in my ear I whimper ''I'm sorry Grimm but this is how things must be at least Alternis manger to save her...''

''Perhaps Faust but still you should of let me protect my little Moon, the Everfree folk should be the ones to guide Alternis not my daughter'' said Grimmnjor before changing the subject ''Have you manger to uncover Sleipnir's plans yet''

''Almos-

click

Both gods eyes widens at the sound quickly I magic the paintings away from sight while Grimmnjor covers the crystal on his side of the world with an blanket giving the illusion of my seeing crystal dark. Closing my useless eyes I steels myself as the sealed chamber creak open at their master's call.

''Wife'' growled an golden furred Alicorn stallion an roes colored eye-patch concealing what was once his right eye, an ghostly mane moved like the storming sea ''Where is he'' the stallion demanded as walked in his good eye jealously darting about the chamber

''Been an long time Sleipnir'' said I my eyes closed refusing to even look at my husband ''What you want this time you already have taken everything I held dear away...''

I felt my body in the Alicornian king's magic grip dragging me to his side ''I heard voices'' he growled his voice darkening ''I know somepony was here Faust tell me who was here and I might 'reward' you''

''I don't know what you talking about Sleipnir '' said i solemnly turning my head away from the golden Alicorn ''No pony has enter these chamber for an thousand years''

Sleipnir rose an eyebrow ''No pony you say?''

''Yes husband'' sighed I ''no-

smack

The sound of Sleipnir's hoof slapping Faust echos throughout the room the force of the hit sends the Ebony Fate goddess crashing into the marble floor ''I DON'T BELIEVE YOU'' roars Sleipnir standing over the fallen goddess his sides breathing heavily with godly rage ''I heard voices and I'm going find out who was here you whore, once I find them I'll make you watch as I give them my 'judgement' ''

I shutter at the taste of blood in my mouth, my legs felt weak as for the first time since he entered the chamber I looked at Sleipnir despite all he has done all the lives he ruined...I still could see his old self weeping as the 'new' Sleipnir stood over me my blood petted his left forelock. He's not your husband...not anymore...Venhayia is my mind whispers, I spit an bloodily glob of spittle on his face '' Buck you son of an windigo horse!''

Sleipnir gives me an murderous look his growling growing darker by the minute before stomping on my hind leg shattering the very bone I grit my teeth refusing to give him the pleasure of my screams

''LET...THAT...BE... AN... LESSON... WIFE'' Said Sleipnir though gritted teeth before turning away slamming the sealed doors as he leaves. Once he was truly gone my horn flashed restoring my shattered leg it will take some time to heal but here I have all the time in the world.

''Grimmnjor you still there? '' I ask hoping that my ally was still there

''Yes I'm still here Faust...should I get Valeria?'' said the wild god concern in his word...concern I welcome.

''Yes Grimmnjor I would like some mare talk but before you go...

In the Castle ruins

Alkeyore's pov

I had an soft smile on my face as my magic pored into the Kirin finishing healing the worse of the wounds thankfully Luna healing spells kept the poor filly from feeling any pain whatsoever pain that is the only draw back to darker healing spells while being some of the best spells in the healing arts they would do nothing for the pain after all pain is an fuel souse for dark magic yet my mind couldn't but help to go straight to the Alicorn filly Nightmare moon... what should I do about her, she is one of my people the dark magi as the Lord of the realm hidden in shadow it's my duty to protect her yet I dread of standing between her and Luna, the scan I placed on her earlier gave was starling to say in the least. An number of magics fused together with Soul magic and the magical essences of Luna and her sister, all of these left two conclusions one Nightmare is an living being made of flesh and blood... the other states that her sire was no other then the princesses themselves. I have no idea if they know that she is their child or not in the end it will only give me even more reason to protect her if they mean her harm and given that she is an untrained dark mage it will leave me one choice to become her mentor since as far I know I am to sole master of the dark arts here in Avalon. but I wonder what will happen from here it seems we all drawn together by an outside force yet for what purpose, what is the reasoning for all of this, still I seemingly have too many questions yet not an single answer.

My eyes wander about the room I instantly knew where Luna had teleported us her old home even in it's great age I can still tell by looking at the markings in the stone that an battle took place here yet I sense no earthbound spirits which is strange then again Luna said it was only her and Celestia that had done battle in this place. I glance over where I had left Nightmare I felt bad for leaving her to sleep on the hard stoned floor She should be in a bed not the floor like some animal my mind chimed ''you could of at least gave her your robe to use to soften the floor

''No that would give her away'' I argued with my mind ''it would best we leave her alone for now''

''Best for whom Alkeyore'' growled my mind ''is it best for Luna to never learn of the existence her own daughter or it is for yourself ''

''What do you mean'' I sneered at the voice in my mind ''I am doing for both their sakes''

''Like how it was for the best when King Dulman Ireheart banish you from Rohnir with an price on your head despite you being Rohnir's greatest hero or when you were forced to abandon Black rock to the Frost elves was that for the best hmmm my mind invoked

''Do not test me'' I growled inwardly ''both of us know that Dulman was looking for any excuse to keep his love stricken daughter away from us and we had to abandon Black rock we couldn't hold it the elven were too many, I do what is best tis what I had always done''

'' Ah but that doesn't answer the question are you truly doing what best for others or what was best for yourself'' implied my mind

''Leave me be voice in my head I grow tried of your needless questioning'' I said sternly '' I do not have the time nor the patience for this''

''Perhaps you do have the patience for this then again perhaps not ''

''Alkeyore'' called Luna interrupting my thoughts which I was grateful for at the moment I notice the her glowing horn had slightly dim she must be tiring I thought

''Yes Luna? '' I asked my eyes ceasing their wanderings founding solace in the forms of my companions even here away from Gaea I still can find the strangest of allies yet unlike in the land I called home I find greater connection with these Avalonians then any Gaeaish why is that...I should have more connection with the land of my birth yet here in Avalon its different why.

''How is she '' asked Luna tiredly her horn dimming by the second

''She'll be fine, the magic is working slowly but surely '' I said without skipping an beat '' we got to her in the nick of time, the worst of the wounds will be only scars but the real question is are you ok ''

'' I am fine Alkeyore'' Luna states right before an yawn said otherwise '' don't worry about me, we need to focus on the Kirin she needs our powers right now ''

I rise an eyebrow at the midnight blue Alicorn not fooled in the sightless, I knew she was already emotionally tired form our spat with Celestia combine with what had happen when we found the Kirin it was easy to say that she was emotionally on her last legs. I found it enduring that she was more concern with well being of our 'guest' then her own. ''Truly the mark of an great ruler if she had the chance she would be one of the greatest'' I thought but the inner healer in me says otherwise '' Luna you need to rest if you keep your spell going in your state it will break and the lament pain would rip back into the Kirin.''

Luna looked like she was going to retrod an refusal but I eased all notations of that by beating her to it '' The wost of her wounds had stink away into scars so your free to rest, I can handle the rest from here ''

''But Alkeyore I can't rest knowing that one of my subjects-

''Luna'' I cut her off with an look before adding ''Healer's orders''

''Fine '' sighed Luna her horn almost dark canceling the spells she placed on the Kirin ''it's time to rise the moon anyways''

I watched her get to her hooves turning away with her back to me cantering to the shattered windows I let open an soft gasp a gasp so soft it went unnoticed by Luna the fading light of the sun bounce off of her causing her starlight mane to sparkle like jewels her beauty shown even greater by the twilight of day. ''Truly she is an goddess'' I whispered softly, '' I wonder why such beauty as she was shun by both her family and subjects so, it leaves me questioning how they'll see me one who knows that to be an dark magi is to be lone''

The sheer beauty of Luna had me bewitch like I was in the present of an fairy queen, her horn glow brightly with an sliver aura rearing up on her back hooves she begin to sing an hauntingly familiar song and each note the moon roused as if singing back to her soon I find myself lost not only in the music of the night but softly singing with her, I don't know how she knew the song yet I didn't care at the moment. The song itself had no words, none was needed just an gentle melody so beautiful it even bring the elves to tears. Sadly once the moon reach it's perk the song ended I had an tear in my eye as did Luna when she faced me warped in the glow of the moonlight just the mere gentle light enchanted her wiping the tear away I give my companion an true smile ''Beautiful...Luna you have a beautiful singing voice that only your own radiance can out match''

Luna blushed madly while wiping away her own tears with her magic '' Thank you Alkeyore nopony had ever complimented me on rising the moon outside my parents, Discord and Celestia ''

''Surly you jest Luna'' I retort an little outrage at the very notion ''even the elves would be jealous of your singing and that something not to take lightly ''

''Elves?'' asked Luna cocking her head questioningly ''what are elves Alkeyore''

'' They just one of the many races that called Gaea home unfortunately they one of the less desired Gaeaish '' I explained giving an small hidden grimiest at the memory of the long lived race of fairies

''less desired'' growled Luna her giving me an hard look cutting her eyes at me '' less desired that what you say what make them so undesirable as you called them''

''Because the Elves believe that themselves are the master race of Gaea in the past they had enslaved other Gaeaish many times over, they are so arrogate, so full themselves one couldn't bear speak to one let lone even in the same room as them in the elder days the elves were an great people but they destroy any respect they once had due their bigotry '' I said in a firm tone ''trust me Luna I know how their like I had fight and bleed beside one.''

Luna's eyes soften ''I sorry Alkeyore it just...sigh it just when I heard those words my mind turns to Sleipnir''

''I know Luna ''I said with an understanding look on my face '' but Luna I am not Sleipnir and I never will be, you are my only friend in this world I'll never treat you like the others unlike them I truly want you around''

Luna gives me an hopeful if a bit tearful smile '' do you truly mean that Alke-

Just then an loud groan erupted in the room interrupting Luna my heart nearly stops as my mind screams '' The blasted sleep spell is failing Nightmare is waking up'' This is bad the spell suppose to last much longer then this...Senna I hope those acting lessons of yours will sever me well as they once did you.

''What was that ''asked Luna looking in the direction of the four thrones.

''Tis the wind nothing more '' I said in an nonchalant manor but with an hidden hope that she'll take it.

''That was no wind '' replied Luna an curious look on her muzzle ''I fear that we are not alone here Alkeyore''

''If it was no wind then it must be the waking of our Kirin here'' I said pointing at the aforementioned being who were warped in the gentle touch of sleep as magic hard at work heal her wounds.

''No she still sleeps the groan came from my old throne '' said Luna as her began to trot to the mention throne

With her back to me I faded from the Kirin's side into the shadows of the room reappearing before Luna cutting her off from the throne ''Luna'' I said ''surly Luna I implore that we are the only ones here after all this ruin had been abandon for long it had faded from living memory plus we in the middle of the Everfree a place you claimed that your ponies tin to avoid like an plague''

''Perhaps Alkeyore but that doesn't count for the Gryphons, the Everfree folk and of course our Kirin here'' said Luna wisdom in her words before an look dawned on her muzzle ''wait...you know what is here...don't you Alkeyore''

''Shit'' I mentally cursed while I remain silent not daring to give Luna an answer.

''What is behind the throne'' said Luna accusingly

''Nothing'' I lied ''nothing is behind the throne ''

''If it was nothing then why you are barring the way'' said Luna

Before I could retort, I felt an small hoof brush up against my leg there was no question in my mind of who the hoof belonged to slightly bending my head down meeting the dark furred draconian eyed filly she was staring at me wide eyed with the hint of fear but there was something else in the those eyes something I haven't seen for an long time so long I had forgotten it... She must of heard me trying to keep her hidden from Luna I thought ''But why had she shown herself now surly she had some sort of plan . I hear Luna giving an sharp gasp that the sight of her 'other self' I could see many emotions on her face disbelief; anger; self-loafing and regret but most of all rage while Nightmare's shown fear, hope and longing I held my breath as the little Alicorn timidly walked up to elder Alicorn who eyes were growing with rage.

''Mother?'' said nightmare timidly stopping in front of the bigger Alicorn mare her hoofing start to reach out touch Luna hope of her little face ''mommie is that you''

Luna flashes with rage as she slaps the little hoof away before it could touch her earning an yelp from the filly who quickly gallops away from an breathing heavily Luna hiding herself behind my legs like an young child shyly holding on to their sire. I give an enraged Luna an dirty look which she ignores while she gives the filly an murderous look.

''Why'' Luna growls venomously ''why is that thing...(she jabs an enraged hoof at the filly who is about to burst into tears)... is still alive, the elements should of destroyed it! Why you tried to keep it way from me, you should of destroy it Alkeyore '' Luna's words causes the filly to start whimpering ''

At hearing Nightmare's whimpering I stood over her protectively growling back at the raging Alicorn '' She has an name Luna use it''

''but that is all it is Alkeyore an name!'' yelled Luna stomping her hoof glaring hatefully at me and an heartbroken Nightmare ''Nightmare moon isn't real she's just an product of my Jealousy for my sister and the longing for my subjects love that thing your are protecting is nothing but an abomination!''

''An Abomination '' I say though gritted teeth my magic leaving the Kirin's body gathering in my hands the blood it had fed of turned the magical aura red '' She is not an abomination Luna she is your daughter ''

Despite the shock look on her face Luna growls deep ins ''What did you say''

''You heard me'' I growled my magic burning bright red from the blood ''you are her mother I scanned her myself she bares the essences of both you and your sister I do not know how she become to be, it matters not she is a real living breathing pony if you can't see that then your no better the Sleipnir '' I may had gone too far with that but Darkness damn it she must see reason.

Luna's hateful glare melted away into tears slowly shaking her head ''No-nnnoo I-I'm n-not-thing like-e him!''

''Yes you are '' I pressed, picking up the heart broken weeping filly out from under my legs holding her out to Luna ''looks familiar Luna''

As Luna looked at the filly I saw in the Nightmares reflection in Luna's eye changed from her to an little blue filly all lone weeping. Soon she too starts whimpering at the sight of Nightmare moon her eyes increased with tears as she too begin to weep ''What had I done'' she whispers mournfully ''how could I do this to her''

'' Tkae ths yihos yuq goir durhirm '' I said bringing the weeping filly to my chest she warp her fore hooves around my neck allowing her to cry into my chest wetting my already ruin robes gentle rocking back and forward my hand rubbing her on the back ''buyik hiic torc amu yiato gaso ba cane Luna ''

''What '' said Luna horsey blinking tears away ''what dose that mean ''

''it's ancient Gaeaish Luna'' I said beckoning her closer with my magic she readily follows ''The first part in translation simply means The past is dead and gone yet the future is yet to be and the second part means if you wish do right by your daughter then be her mother Luna''

''But how Alkeyore I-I don't know how to be a mother '' Luna said lowering her head her ears flat against her head ''What if I end up treating her like how Sleipnir did me''

I gave Luna an small smile ''That Luna is the first sign of being an good patent worrying about how you will rise Nightmare and remember my friend as long you are at my side I'll aid you in rising her as both her friend and mentor ''

'' Why Alkeyore why you want to help me and nightmare so, we barely know you '' said Luna with concern and worry fulling her voice

''Luna hold out your hooves'' I said once I felt nightmare felled sleep in my arms, Luna unsure of what I was going to done shaking reach towards me.

Using my magic I gently levitated Nightmare moon into Luna's hooves ''Easy Luna easy now don't drop her'' I said while helping Luna candle nightmare in her hooves. Luna had an small warm smile on her muzzle as she look down on the sleeping nightmare the little filly instinctively nuzzle into her chest fur gently Luna begin to rock the filly slowly with an mother's grace.

''How did it feels Luna? '' I asked with an knowing smile

Looking up from Nightmare Luna smile's grow soft ''It's feels right somehow Alkeyore is this how all patents feel ?''

''I don't know you tell me after all I was never a father, I never had the time nor chance to become one'' I said recalling my years in Gaea 'to answer you why I wish to help you with Nightmare is... as the word word left my mouth an memory made itself known an darker memory.

Flashback

I coldly stare down at the burning city in the valley the screams of it's people were beautiful music to my ears. Oh how I relish their suffering they deserve every single last thing I did to them truly the gods had abandon them to my wrath...The wrath of the dead. These poor people these poor foolish Tahuians they should know that when you hunt wizards the shadow devil comes I let out an dark chuckle ''tis such an grand sight to see the hunter become the hunted what say you brothers and sister.''

''I fear that I don't find this barbarism grand brother clearly you are enjoying their deaths too much '' said an musical highborn elven voice ''even if they deserve such garish ends.''

''Bah I say Alkeyore your relining on your magic too much my enchanted ax hungers for true combat nothing even magic can beat good old fashion steel on steel '' boasted an low deep voice the sound of chain-mail rattling.

'' Brother'' said another sadly

The sad voice caused my attention to be ripped away from the fires and screams ''What is it Teigue '' I ask as my cold eyes fell upon the meek wizard dressed in priest robes his wild blond hair danced in the ashen wind

''Why must you torment the Tahuians so ''said Teigue pointing at the burning city ''this isn't the our way the Lords of magic's way these people had nothing to do with those enslaved wizards and magical creatures all you are doing is give them an reason to fear us.''

''Eh spoken like an true Ernian'' mocked an bronze beaded dwarf with arms thicker then some tree dressed in hand forged suite of armor that rattles with each step '' hey Teigue isn't true that all Ernians are born with sliver spoons in mouth and has somebody to wipe their ass for em too''

''Hagi Krak-v-Drum'' reprimanded an tall graceful she elf in an long smiling rose colored dress ''Leave the priest lone he placed an good question why we are letting Alke harm those Tahuians an question like that deserves an answer''

''Senna you elven winch why must you ruin not only my fun but act like an bitch in heat when that knowledge to be had'' pouted Hagi as he reached into his pouch for a flask of Torthish mead instantly drain the whole thing once it touch his lips ''oooh that's a good burn''

''Why you little drunken runt'' sneered the elf her magic glowing in a deep green aura ''how dare you call me an high elf an winch how about I turn you into-

''Senna that's enough'' I growled at the swearing under her breath elf before turning to the lord of light, '' you want to know why I set the city ablaze''

''Yes Alkeyore that I do'' said the priest meekly

'' These so called innocent Tahuians as your call them were nothing but innocent '' I said giving the white wizard an hard look

''What you mean Alkeyore'' asked Teigue curiously

''It means Alke here found our missing Orc shamans as well the missing children '' said Senna solemnly answering for me which I was thankful for ''his necromantic magic led us straight to them while you are giving our report to the Elder''

''His necromantic...'' Teigue's green eyes widen with realization ''You mean...oh sweet Ramnosshia ''

Hagi grunts bringing out more mead an flask for each of us '' Their more dead then a Black rock winter the poor sods tis a shame really they were so full of life even worse one of them orcs by the name of Null had an dream of joining us too, he would made an good lord if given the chance and time''

''An Orcish Lord of magic I fear he would of been too barbaric too wild to be one of us no matter how well he could cast '' Said Senna with an air of superiority emanating for her form ''But still it is shameful on us that we couldn't save them lour that Alke refuse us to see the bodies for ourselves till after he sent them to punish the Tahuians *she shudders at the memory* Alke daring I never get why you wield such fowl magic it's unnerving and so unrefined''

''I have my reasons'' I said looking away for the others returning to the sight of undead avenging themselves by destroying the very people that stolen their lives from them ''and I could careless if you find my gifts unrefined their are mine not yours''

Senna gives me an indignant humph while I could feel an glare from Teigue digging into my back as I magic an flask of Hagi's brew 'You despise my power don't you White wizard '' I said with sneer ''Are you going to lecture me about robbing souls of their eternal rest damming them to an false life or you going to try to make me see the error of my ways if I refuse to see things your way you'll have me burn at the stake after reassuring the people that you freed them for the vile Black wizards again''

''No '' sighed Teigue no doubt rubbing his eyes '' Alkeyore it just-

''I don't want too hear it '' I interrupted'' I had heard your kind preach my entire life darkness knows that I am sick of it you need to learn that even the darker magics do have an place in the world unless you want to take it up with not only Wanderer but Morning star and the Elder again'' I finish with an hidden dark smile

''You know that I hate Wanderer '' growled Teigue though gritted teeth ''He's nothing but an-

I activated my stigma the pale blue fiery glow leaked like an mist steal the warmth in the air leaving the cold touch of dark magic '' Finish that sentence and you'll be meeting your goddess Ramnosshia early''

I hear the white wizard gulp while Hagi and Senna both laugh at the expanse of him if one could see us they will be never be able to tell that we were the closest of friends and trusted companions even if I never told them of my past outside the tales of my days as Rohnir's greatest hero wizard the only one that knew is Wanderer my dearest friend...it was thanks to him that I hadn't given up on life after Dulman's betrayal, sadly despite of our close friendship soon he will be leaving these shores to continue his wanderings, I will miss him an part of me wishes to join him on his quest but I have an duty to Gaea that comes first after all this is my place here fighting along side the other lords and my friends it will be with them I will find solace.

''Alkeyore!'' shouts Teigue in an annoyed tone cutting me off from my thoughts '' didn't you heard me, I asked you an question''

''My apologies Teigue my mind was displace'' I said turning from the city was again looking at the meek wizard sometimes I wonder why we became friends we are nothing alike I was an battle tested killer that walked an path full of blood and darkness, he was an priest that lived in comfort of an temple not even once had he ever caste an spell aim to kill and mane his enemies yet here we are two of the most deadliest warrior magi in all of Gaea. Each of us sworn to defend Gaea no matter the cost, this is the life we choose to walk an path painted by blood and up held by the copses of all who dare to seek Gaea's destruction. To be an Lord of magic is to dance with both life and death...in one hand we are seen as heroes in the other we are seen by our enemies as monsters with fangs bare in knowing smiles. ''What was your question?''

'' I asked two questions Alkeyore, first why you refuse to allow Hagi and Senna to see the bodies before warping them with your magic? '' asked the Lord of light '' Second how you know if those Tahuians had anything to do with it they could be innocent of doing any wrong doings?''

My pale blue flaming eyes cut at the questions, I was not surprised that the he would ask those questions it was only an matter of time but still it only sever to stoke my anger I could see Senna waiting for my answer with hopeful eyes... Hagi was right about her she does act like an bitch in heat when she has an chance to learn something yet I was not ready to tell them why I knew it was Tahuians that done the killings. It was an good thing they knew of my time defending Rohnir the tales were well known in and outside of the kingdom of my birth they'll sever just as good enough reasoning for now...

'' Teigue do you know of my time protecting Rohnir '' I said taking an swing of the almost forgotten mead.

''Yes I heard the tales an thousand times over and an thousand times again no thanks to Wanderer and Hagi '' said Teigue nonchalantly with an hidden distaste for both the dwarf and my known regard

''Aye then it won't help to tell your that all of them are true as the rising sun, I really did all those things...every single last one'' I said lost in my memories recalling each fantastical tale

''Surly you jest'' said the three other wizards together each not believing the word coming from my mouth, I couldn't blame them they didn't seen what I had seen Hagi and Senna hailed from the north-lands far from the worries of this part of Gaea while Teigue spent his entire life in an temple shielded from the outside world yet I too would call it an jest if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

'' This is no jest my friends heed my words well for I will only speak them this once'' I said drinking more of the mead darkness knows I needed it, '' I will only tell you this and this only me and the Tahuians have an long history...I pause gathering my thoughts of the blue skin race of half breeds before continuing... an very long history, many times we hast done battle over many things each more costly then the last I know them well and they know me just as well I had seen many of a dieing man and beast felled by an Tahuian blade I know their methods of cutting down their foes yet their methods for prisoners are even worse low I don't have the heart to recount each one...

''What they do with the prisoners '' interrupted Senna curiosity in her words an quail in her hand taking notes Hagi could see my reluctance to speak about what the Tahuians do he quickly brought out more of his people's mead I must find the dwarf who invented the brew and give him my thanks.

''You don't want to know'' I said solemnly truly not wishing to recount the methods '' as I was saying once I saw the bodies I had to keep Hagi and Senna away so the orcs and the young ones can be remember unsoiled unfortunately their spirits were anger so very anger they begged me for the chance to average themselves, to repay the Tahuians in full...I point back to the burning city slowly growing silent as an grave...so I gave them what they wanted I made sure they knew the price for the power but I couldn't convince them to follow an different path they choose to rise again as undead for an limited time they are free to do what they wish before the rise of the third day once that comes to pass they will return to where they belong in the crossroads of life and dead''

''Alkeyore tell us what they do to the bodies'' Senna asked again determine to gain my knowledge Teigue also voice his wish to learn as well while Hagi was content with his mead but his eyes spoke to me '' I will not pretend that I'm not curious but I honor your wish to remain silent on this matter''

Again I refused to tell them of the horrors yet elf and the white magi also refuse to let sleeping dragons lie they kept on pressing me to give up the knowledge, they insistent arguing I lasted for an long time before I snap.

''You want to know what they suffer under the half breeds hands'' I snap they both nodded madly if they nodded any faster their heads would fly off ''Fine but remember you asked for this.'' I felt my stigma growing darker before I began to speak once more as my breathing becomes heavy, ''First they cut you an thousand times with an rusty dull knife in an thousand places where the knife makes an cut doesn't matter as long it cuts then they slowly start to skin you in certain places and force you to eat the skinned flesh after that they make an hole in your gut placing still burning coals before sowing you back up leave you like take for hours while they make medicine to keep you live as long as possible. After that it gets worse they rape you male...female...child to them it doesn't matter which gets which as long they can take you while you show them your tears and screams after of have their way with you they leave you hanging in boiling tar and watch as you boiled alive if you survive that they pin you to the walls by spears piercing your limbs then whip you like an wild beast if you still alive after all of that they'll you open ripping out your inners lastly they paint an portrait of your ravaged body using you own blood as paint.

Once I finish the tale Senna eyes were widen staring at me her quill and notes long forgotten while Teigue had fallen unconsciousness along with an sleeping drunken Hagi, drain eight flasks of mead laying about the dwarf.

''H-how y-you know of this...this '' said Senna with an shaking voice ''... barbarism!''

I close my burning eyes memories of another life one from before...so many faces...faces I once knew staring back at with long dead eyes they haunt me still each screaming and begging me to average them all. Why must you haunt me so those who were responsible for your deaths are already been repayed in full I hunted down each one to the last...what more will you ask of me? ''how I know of this is that what you seek Senna''

I open my eyes revealing the dark cold orbs watching the elf pale under my gaze ''I had seen it with my own eyes when I was just an boy...I watch them as they do the very acts I spoke of''
End flashback

Staking myself free from the memory I continued my sentence ''The reason why I wish is help is you don't have to face this challenge alone Luna because that's what friends are for '' I said before mumbling under my breath ''so she doesn't end up like me''

In The Badlands not far from the Zerican border

*unknown pov*

Celestia's setting sun still hellishly burn on us as if it was still high in the desert sky, it's heat easily made it's way though my venally fur to the skin beneath. oh how I hate the desert I can't count the many reasons why I hate it, the sand makes me itchy; the sun loves to give me an sunburn even if I was in the shade; if one couldn't guess by now I hate the desert!

''you know Zabby for an zebra you sure don't like the heat '' mocked the unmature Sphinx stallion that just so happens to be not only my coltfriend but my partner

''Buck you Simba'' I sneer at the tan sphinx unlike me he was perfectly fitted for life in the desert his fur almost allow him to disappear into the sand '' please remind me as to why we are wasting away in this heart when we could be at the osiais'

''Nopony said that this job was going to be easy hon after all if we get lucky we'll be swimming in bits'' he said with an seedy look with an spyglass in his hoof ''so shut up about the heat and look for Changelings the faster we git one the faster we can take a dip''

I gave the greedy stallion an indifference humph as I pick up my own glass. Hours passed in silence as we waited in the dark watching the darken desert for any sign for our prey. I myself don't care of this job but it pays very well and I could care even less for the bug freaks they should've been slaughter like the animals they are. Boring as this job can be at times it dose help me sleep at night knowing that there one less changeling free especially when the going rates for the bug are higher then ever and I have them to thank for that ever since they attack Equestrians the asking price for changeling slaves had all but sky rocketed the males are worth 500 while an female will go for 900 but what really pays are the Changeling nymphs or foals they can go to 1300 bits and higher an head even more if they female the nobles love the little bugs so but you get an buyer from up north...persay the Crystal empire 3000 bits for an single bug, 5000 if it's an female. I know what happens to them once they are led off the stage at the market by their new owners Geinzah knows the many tears of an crying nymph as they are rip from their mothers and the cries of both parents struggling with their chains and horn locks reaching out for their foals trying to save them before they too are sold. I get so wet when I see an changeling hive being sold off yet truthfully I don't care what happen to them as long I get paid and some time with Simba unless if you talking about ponies being sold at the market that's different after all the bug are not ponies.

''Hey '' cried Simba breaking the silence ''We got bugs in sight, start ahead even you cant miss 'em hon''

''oh ha ha I forget to laugh'' I mocked my stallion before looking in the direction he indicated. True to his word two little bug were over the next dune one female and one male most ponies couldn't tell the difference between the two genders yet there are a few ways to tell them apart one is the crest while both do have manes the males are the only ones with an crest changeling warriors would shave their manes leaving the crest to show proudly. The females may lack this crest but they do have something the males don't pupils only the changeling mares have pupils instead of the solid blue eyes that changelings are known for.

''Eeyup your right Simba if we take them to the right buyer we're walk away 8000 bits richer right...Simba?'' taking my eyes off of our meal tickets to see why he didn't ans- ''AHHHHHAHHHHHHHHHAH SIMBA NO! '' I shirk as an fully grown Changeling warrior dress in ancient looking purple plated armor ripped out an wicked barred spear out of the back Simba's head taking lot's of flesh as it leaves before thrusting it back again this time the spear's head piercing though the dieing stallion's head the spear coming out of his mouth like an flutter-pony coming out of it's barrow. The overgrown dark colored bug standing over the dead sphinx his solid blue eyes glance in my direction as I scramble to my hooves the bug just grins Simba's blood drip off his hole fulled hoofs. Unable to do anything for my stallion I did the only thing I could I ran away from both Simba and the bug while my mind rushed as me how did the bug gotten so close to us without us noticing how I thought in horror we should of heard it's approach with all the armor on did it caste some sound proofing spell no it's horn dark that's doesn't make sense just how di-

The little bugs

''A trap...this was all an trap '' my mind dawns on me as I ran the louse sand slowing me down to a near halt I could hear the sound of wing beats in the air my heart was beating faster now with the fear that I wasn't going to get away '' Geinzah damn this bucking sand'' I mentally scream

''Little pony brave when hurting nymphs but pony turns tail when changeling is hurting pony ''mocked the changeling warrior from behind me floating in the air '' pony picks bad day to hurt nymphs''

The very desert itself had turn against me the sand begin to creep up my legs slowly harding become like stone stopping my attempts to run from this place. I begin sobbing once I relies that I was trapped ''L-let me go please let me go''

''And why should we do that zebra '' my eyes widen the two tone voice...an voice that haven't been heard in years ''after all you slavers never let us go remember''

I felt the touch of magic gap my body turning me till I faced not only the bug that killed Simba but an entire warband each giving me an murderous look they eyes oh their terrible soul piercing blue eyes my very instincts screamed for me to run. I felt nothing but fear and despair when my eyes felled on their leader an changeling like all of the race had short dark colored fur but that where all similarities ended she was even bigger then the Alicorn Luna, her mane an moth eaten seaweed green with lighter green catlike eyes.

''Queen Chrysalis '' I fearfully whisper with an even smaller voice I heard stories from others about Chrysalis the most powerful changeling mage, the mare who had defeated Celestia herself in single combat also called the rose of the badlands. she would of been the greatest prize an slaver could get if you could catch her that is the only way to find her is when she catches you.

''oh I see my reputation proceeds me slaver'' said the Queen with an sneer '' Razorhoof come forth''

I suck in an breath when the same bug that killed Simba step forward dropping Simba's mangle body unceremoniously blood staining both the sand and the bug's fur ''Yes your highness'' said Razorhoof saluting the royal bug pony

''Please big brother no need to be formal especially on the slaver's account'' said Chrysalis with distain but I could tell if was directed to me or royal titles '' Of confuse Chissy'' said Razorhoof with an smile his wings beating an bit restlessly

''Relax big brother '' said the Queen in an caring voice attempting to calm the older changeling ''your plan worked masterly as always''

''Yes the using the Arachnaponies illusion magic were brilliant but what are we going to do with her '' said Razorhoof jesting toward me '' she was going to be let go to sever as an warning but now since she know where you are baby sister we can't risk the Equestrians, Concordians, Saddle Arabians and Zericans learning where you are but us and our allies are too few in this part of Avalon to fight them all off''

Chrysalis hums in though '' there only two things we can do with her...drain her of emotions till she cant move allowing the desert kill her on it's own or take her with us to camp''

I gulp at hearing the opinions both are more or less death sentence but if it was up to me I choose the desert over being held captive by Sleipnir damn bugs. It's funny I rather die in the place I hated most then lived with changeling draining me of my love for Simba...Simba I'm sorry I never meant for this to happen now your dead if I never brought you in this mess you still be at your little book store bored but still alive''

''I suppose an vote ''called the Queen ''should we eat and leave her to die or we take her home...What say you!