Chapter Five
The Phaeron's chambers had an eerie silence within its halls, more Lychguard were awakened and now guarded their ruler with unwavering vigil. This added to the foreboding feeling Daring Do received, as she stepped into the chamber, a chill creeping up her spine. Her escort did not even tell Daring Do what is going on, leaving the mare completely in the dark… Standing before Ay'therian, who sat upon his throne, in a position befitting the Dynasty of metallic skeleton's ruler.
Daring Do, sensing the change in atmosphere knelt before Ay'therian and gave a respectful bow of her head. "You have summoned me, Phaeron Ay'therian?" She asked, looking up at the seated Phaeron, trying to hide her growing anxiety.
"That I did, Daring Do." Ay'theran started, a chill going down the mare's spine, when he said her name out loud. "Tell me something, what drove you to seek out my Dynasty? Who told you where to look for us, to risk your life for a supposed myth?"
The question made her hesitant, not expecting such a sudden inquiry. "I searched for you, because Equestria needed your help. The only ones that could possibly stop King Dainn and his army, our only hope for freedom, were you… I had to go." Daring Do looked away, for a moment, which drew Ay'therian's attention. "As for who told me where to look…" An aura of confusion and sadness appeared, which caused the Phaeron to become even more curious, rubbing his metal chin. "Had been one that I thought was my nemesis, and would enjoy seeing me, and Equestria, suffer… His name was Ahiuzotl, he freed me from a slave camp near White Tail Woods. When the Caribou Soldiers came after us, Ahiuzotl told me to go into the Far North, find a jagged sea of glaciers and look for a black temple door, before he turned around and went to fend them off."
"Do you know why he did this, or where he may be now?" Ay'therian asked, carefully studying the mare.
Daring Do shook her head. "I do not know either answer, Phaeron Ay'therian… Last I saw, the Caribou overwhelmed Ahiuzotl, and dragged him away." Her tone held confusion, uncertainty, the kind not found within a lie. "If I can make a request, Phaeron? If you find him, and he is alive, I wish to ask these questions myself."
Ay'therian pondered her request, then nodded. "I will do what I can, such questions need to be answered." He replied, motioning upward with his hand, as if to emphasis his point.
"Thank you, my Phaeron." Instantly, after saying those four words, Daring Do covered her muzzle, blushing deeply. Even Ay'therian reacted to her impulse, the Phaeron becoming more erect and grasped the throne with both hands, tightly. "I am so sorry, Phaeron Ay'therian! I-It just slipped, and-and… Uhm… Please, for-?"
Ay'therian held his hand up, causing her to fall silent, and just stared at the mare. Uknown to Daring Do, Ay'therian could see the more seductive mental image of her, kneeling next to the mare and smiling up at him… The Phaeron shook such an image away, before refocusing on the real Daring Do. "No need for that, Daring Do… If you complete what I have planned, that will be how you shall address me from then on."
Daring Do blinked, standing up when Ay'therian did. "What do you have planned, Phaeron Ay'therian?" She asked, the Lychguard looking towards her.
"A trial by combat." Ay'therian answered, walking down the steps of his throne, and then up to Daring Do. "If you prove to hold the traits of us Necrontyr?" He slammed the war-scythe's butt on to the ground, as if Ay'therian is making a royal decree. "You shall be inducted into our ranks, give a device to control Scarabs and Canoptek Spyders, along with other devices to assist your newest charge." The Phaeron's red gaze looked on to Daring Do, who returned it with shocked eyes. "You will become the envoy between my Necrontyr and the Equestrians, speaking with my voice and authority."
The mare blinked, confused by the thought, before speaking. "W-Why me? What makes me so qualified for this? I mean, before the Caribou's invasion, I was just a writer and archaeologist adventurer…"
"You do realize I see, and hear, everything my Necrontyr experience, correct?" The response only continued to confuse Daring Do, before Ay'therian continued. "I watched all that went on today… After discovering your name, I had my warriors find out more. Which includes a book series involving you." He lifted a hand up, one of the Lychguard walking up with a box. "For this trial, I had the Crypteks perform a rush order on a weapon specially designed for your use."
The Lychguard presented Daring Do what he held, before opening it up… Revealing a whip-like weapon, forged from a Canoptek Wraith's tail and altered to fit Daring Do's size. Its length seemed to be barbed, to be used to either latch on to something or rend a foe's flesh from their bones. The whip's talon end had been edged to resemble a stinger-like edge, its carving edge obviously sharp enough to cleave off a foe's limb, or impale them.
She looked back at the weapon, thoughts of finally helping all her friends coming to mind. This weapon, and her charge, could finally allow her to protect and save Equestria from the Caribou, alongside Ay'therian's forces. To finally strike back, personally, against those who have ruined everything… Her hand tightened around the whip, before allowing it to swing out, and snap at full length. "I accept, Phaeron." Daring Do jerked the whip back, allowing it to wrap around her leg, the talon end held in her opposite hand… Smirking up at Ay'therian. "Who will be my opponent?"
Strangely, the Lychguard present began to chuckle, lowly, Ay'therian snickering. "Your opponent…" His stance opened, the cape flowing back, as Ay'therian lifted his war-scythe up to strike the mare. "Shall be me!"
Daring Do eyes shot open, only having a split second to dodge, and barely moved out of Ay'therian's swing. The sudden action caused the mare to slide back, coming to a sudden halt, and watched her opponent take a two-handed stance with his weapon. "The Phaeron can't be serious? There's no way I can defeat him in combat!" She thought, before the Lychguard started to tap their weapons against the ground, as one would see in ceremonial duels. "H-He is! He is serious!"
The mare just stared at Ay'therian, who simply waited for her response. After a few moments, she smirked and whipped her weapon out, to its full length, and allowed her wings to open. Daring Do shot forward, her whip trailing behind her, and headed straight for the Phaeron! Her action confused him, preparing to counter the mare's head on attack… Until she opened both wings, coming to a dead halt, and quickly spun, allowing the whip to crack forward!
Now, Ay'therian only had a split second to defend himself! However, the Phaeron held his war-scythe in front of himself, forcing Daring Do's own weapon to wrap around it. Once the whip's end caught hold of Ay'therian's war-scythe, he quickly swung it back, which yanked the mare forward. Using the momentum to her advantage, Daring Do attempted to swing her leg around and strike the Phaeron's head, but he ducked under it…. Looking up to get a full view of under the mare's dress, and caused her face to blush a deep red. Though, this only lasted a few seconds, before Ay'therian used his metal strength, and sent her up into the air, which the mare used her wings to keep in control while there, until her whip went to its full length.
The moment Daring Do reached her weapon's remaining length, she dived towards her waiting opponent, once more. Yet, the mare corrected her flightpath, aiming to wrap Ay'therian in her whip… Only for the Phaeron to grasped her whip, Daring Do's eyes widening, and swung it into the opposite direction! This sent the mare flying, her back colliding with the metal wall, stunning the mare enough for Ay'therian to stride up to her.
Trying to shake the daze off, Daring Do only caught a glimpse of metal feet rushing towards her… Before seeing Ay'therian towering over her, scythe raised like a specter of death. Something clicked, and the mare swung her right arm, which still held the whip's handle.
CLANK!
The chamber echoed with a loud clank, before several weapons were dropped on to the ground by shocked Lychguard. Daring Do's eyes were filled with terror, even as her whip's stinger end bounced on to the ground, a red haze of energy dissipating off its blade. The mare just stared at the long, glowing red, gash on Ay'therian's faceplate, where her weapon had struck him. Slowly, the Phaeron lowered his war-scythe down, freehand tracing the gash, almost like he is making sure it actually happened.
Silence lingered within the chamber, as none of the current occupants knew how to react. The Phaeron, ruler of the Ay'therian Dynasty, had just been wounded by Daring Do, a simple mortal had wounded one considered a god to her people.
Quickly, Daring Do dropped her weapon, going on to all fours, eyes filled with panic as she stared up at the wounded Ay'therian. "P-Phaeron! I-I am so sorry, I did not mean to, I swear!" Her words did not seem to reach him, as Ay'therian continued to focus more on the wound, that started to heal. "Is t-there anything I can do to-?"
Laughter.
The Phaeron actually began to laugh about being wounded by Daring Do! The mare, and Ay'therian's guard, seemed confused by this reaction. "It has been millennia since I was last wounded!" He looked down at Daring Do, lowering his hand down to her. "That action, alone, told me how this fight would go."
Still confused, Daring Do took his hand, and got on to her hooves. "What do you mean, Phaeron?" She asked, as the Phaeron walked towards his throne.
"It means, while others would have accepted death, and be slain… You refused, and tried to deny death's hand." Ay'therian walked up to his throne, slowly sitting down. "In other words, you have passed the trial… And shall be my envoy." He lifted the war-scythe up, before tapping it three times… A Cryptek walking in immediately after. "Take Daring Do to be outfitted with what she will need, to be my Equestrian Envoy. Once she is properly inducted, we shall begin our true assault on the Caribou."
"Your will be done, my Phaeron." The Cryptek gave a respective bow, before walking over to Daring Do. "Come with me, child. We have much to do, in so little time." She gave a nod, before the Cryptek ushered her out of the chamber.
Ay'therian giving a nod, before leaning on to the arm of his throne. "She reacted rather well… Most would have just given up on the first strike." He thought, leaning back some. "I wonder how she will adapt to-?"
"Ooooh, my Phaeron~"
"By the Silent King, not this again." Ay'therian slouched down on to his throne… The mental image of seductive Daring Do, wrapped an arm around him, sitting on the Phaeron's lap. "Though, watching Daring Do fight was… Stimulating. Maybe I shall indulge the image, for now." The image seemed to beam, before straddling Ay'therian's lap, who only sat passively… Not exactly caring what she does.
-Just Outside the Everfree Forest-
The meadow seemed peaceful, as its grassy fields swayed within the wind. That is, until three Ghost Arks sped across it, shifting the wind's current for a short period, as they raced towards the Everfree Forest. On board two of the Ghost Arks were two full squads of Necron Immortals, ready to be deployed on command, while the lead Ghost Ark carried Ay'therian, a routine of Lychguard, and the newest Envoy. Their destination, the ruins where Ay'therian's most elite warriors were entombed, silently guarding the most powerful weapon at their Phaeron's disposal, all other attacks being distractions and to conceal their real target of interest.
Daring Do, who held on to the Phaeron's and a Lychguard's arm, since she had not been big enough for a harness, did her best to hold on. Though, her body still ached from the Cryptek's work, especially where that blasted scarab latched on to the base of her neck. The plus to having it attached to her, meant that Daring Do had control over any Scarab not under Ay'therian's immediate control, and two Canoptek Spyders, that currently flanked the lead Ghost Ark. One she called "Pincer", since its pincer mouth was larger than any other, while she called the other Spyder "Heavy", for the two cannon-like weapons mounted on its back.
What made the mare even happier about her newest duty, had been the fact they changed Daring Do's attire. She now wore a primarily crimson silk-like robe, with pure black trimmings and accents across the metal forming its fabric. One could have imagined Daring Do's surprise, when Ay'therian told her the robe doubled as armor. Least it is light weight, and she no longer wore that slave outfit.
A fussy whine drew Daring Do's attention to the right, and smiled at the precious cargo Pincer currently carried in his arms. "Don't worry, Princess, we are almost there!" She called out, over the Ghost Ark's roaring engines, smiling at Flurry Heart. "I will feed you, once we arrive!" Daring Do glanced back at the Lychguard, making sure the one carrying her baby bag still had it. Mentally sighing in relief, when she saw that the metal being still had the pink bag strapped to his shoulder.
When they closed in on the Everfree Forest, the other two Ghost Arks sped ahead of their own. The Immortals were to secure the area, before they would disembark. Ay'therian looked down at Daring Do, curiously. "Daring Do, what can you tell me about this forest? It had not been here, when I last walked this Kingdom."
"Well, for starters, the Everfree Forest is considered Equestria's most dangerous location… Because of the different beasts that dwell within it." Daring Do answered,a s their Ghost Ark slowly came to a halt. "There is also strange plants within the forest, some would be very in convenient to us. Otherwise, nothing too big of a problem. We just have to be careful of Timberwolves, or being spotted."
"Being spotted will not be an issue." Ay'therian gave a nod to his Lychguard, who started to put on their cloaks, his cape letting out a serpent hiss before surrounding him like a cloak. "We shall be cloaked, the immortals staying hidden within the forest."
The ramp lowered, allowing them to disembark their Ghost Ark. "And what about the Spyders assigned to me, my Phaeron?" Daring Do asked, Pincer handing Flurry Heart to her, one of the Lychguard handing the mare a bottle of formula. "Thank you."
They gave a nod, backing away and allowed Daring Do to start feeding Flurry Heart. "They will travel alongside us, do not worry." Ay'therian answered, before the Lychguard helped Daring Do on to Pincer's mid-section, allowing her to ride the Canoptek Spyder. "If we get surrounded, they will be able to keep you out of reach."
The mare gave a nod, cradling Flurry Heart while feeding her, the group heading out. Ay'therian only had his Lychguard join them, while the Immortals went to set up near Ponyville and keep watch over the Caribou stationed there. After all, they required information, about where one of Equestria's princesses is being held, and how to approach the situation.
Carefully, the cloaked Necrons walked into the dark forest of Everfree, Lychguard prepared to combat whatever tried to challenge them. Daring Do remained on Pincer's back, feeding Flurry Heart, while Heavy silently hovered behind them. Groans and growls echoed from the darkness, as eyes appeared within the shadows and began to watch them carefully, causing the mare to hold Flurry Heart closer to herself… Which the Canoptek Spyders started to release scarabs all around them, creating a protective swarm around the four.
When they reached the bridge, that has been the only entrance to the Castle of Two Sisters, Ay'therian had his Lychguard stop, looking around. "Is something the matter, my Phaeron?" Daring Do asked, both her and the Spyders not yet into the ruin's view yet.
"Yes… Something does not seem right." Ay'therian answered, his hooded gaze scanning the ruins before them, and the bridge leading to it. "This place is supposed to be abandoned, with no caretaker… But, the bridge seems to be repaired enough for use, but also trying to give off the impression of being old." He motioned towards the bridge, allowing Daring Do to see the replaced boards, with moss to cover their newer looks and areas cut, instead of broken or rotten. "We may have company, best keep the Spyders back. Their larger frames would make maneuvering in tight areas difficult."
Daring Do gave a nod, one of the Lychguard helping her down, both Pincer and Heavy reversing back deeper into the forest. The mare walked upnext to Ay'therian, holding Flurry Heart close, as they started across the bridge. "I do not know who would hide here… Such a place is practically a death trap."
"I know who." Ay'therian noted, as they went across the bridge, and walked into what was formally the castle's courtyard. "The Caribou will not come here, because it is far too dangerous, and there is no reason to waste resources by placing a garrison in the middle of a ruin, surrounded by an untamed forest." The Lychguard moved ahead and opened the castle's doors for them, quickly moving in to make sure no traps were set, as the two entered behind them. "It is the perfect base for a rebellion, a place where none would think to look." They walked into the former throne room and stopped.
"How can you be so sure, my Phaeron?" Daring Do asked, looking up at Ay'therian. "Have you seen such tactics befo-!"
An arrow shot out of the nearby doorway, flying straight for Daring Do, but the Phaeron caught it an inch away from her muzzle. "Because they have been following us, since the bridge, and currently have us surrounded." He snapped the arrow in half, his Lychguard quickly forming a protective circle around them.
In seconds, mares wearing Royal Guard uniforms or slave outfits rushed out from every chamber, surrounding the group. They seemed tired, worn, quite a few looked to be in a near starved weakened state. This was not a rebel group, by Ay'therian's standards, but a mere group of runaway slaves with no hope of victory. If he was correct, their first real engagement would end in a slaughter, barely any having the true strength to fight. These mares were no threat, Ay'therian's Lychguard lowering their weapons after noticing the same thing.
"Identify yourselves! And tell us why you have Princess Flurry Heart!" A yellow pegasus mare, wearing a blue flight suit and a Captain's rank, demanded.
"Whoa! Wait! Hold on, Spitfire! Everything is alright, I swear!" Daring Do shouted, coming more into view, standing in front of Ay'therian's cloaked form. "They are not our enemy!"
Spitfire stopped and blinked, narrowing her eyes for a moment before smiling. "Daring Do! I can't believe you survived, I thought those bastards caught you, sometime after the White Tail Camp had been attacked!" They relaxed, but only some due to the cloaked figures around the adventure. "Where did you find these cloaked creeps and get Princess Flurry Heart?"
"Cloaked freaks?" Ay'therian repeated.
Daring Do physically tensed, looking at the mares nervously. "U-Uh… Sp-Spitfire, that is not nice to say about the ones who saved Princess Flurry Heart, and those within the Northern parts of Equestria…" She gave a nervous laugh, hoping the Phaeron had not become angered by the rather unpleasant comment.
"These guys are responsible for the Crystal Empire going silent, and its garrison being destroyed?" Spitfire asked, looking at the cloaked figures around Daring Do, along with their strange weapons. "They don't look that tough…"
"Is that so, child?" Ay'therian asked, a chill jumping up Daring Do's spine, as he stepped out in front. "This coming from the leader of a ragtag group of runaway slaves, that would not survive their first engagement and only achieve being slaughtered on their battlefield, or possibly worse? Become slaves with even less freedoms than before?"
"How do you know! We have gathered enough equipment to raid the nearby camps, and done so successfully, we have the supplies to prove it!" Spitfire argued, crossing both arms under her breast. "And, for your information, I am only the second in command here."
"Oh? Impressive, compared to what I see, before me." Ay'therian said, looking at the other mares, trying to find one of higher rank. "If you are not the leader, then who is?"
"I am!"
They all looked up, to the booming voice's source, every mare kneeling and the Necrons staring in shock. Ay'therian could not explain the strange feeling welling up inside of his metal chest, as the midnight blue alicorn floated down to the ruin's floor. It had been so long, since he last saw her, and she had grown into a strong mare, from such a fragile filly. It took every ounce of will Ay'therian possessed, not to do something out of his position and rank… Even when he saw the hardened eyes of a ruler, within the mare's own blue ones.
"I am Princess Luna, and I lead this group of Freedom Fighters." The Lunar Princess walked up to Ay'therian, her black armor clanking with each step. "And I do not take kindly to some trespasser insulting those willing to lay down their lives, to retake Equestria from those tyrants." Her stance could only be described as a confident warrior, unwavering in what cause they take up.
The Phaeron remained frozen, unable to respond. Daring Do became worried, never seeing Ay'therian falter so, but kept silent and held Flurry Heart closely.
"However, for saving dear Flurry Heart, I shall over look this." Luna's gaze went towards Daring Do and Flurry Heart, a smile appearing on her muzzle. "It is good to see that-?"
"Princess Luna! Princess Luna! Emergency! We have a big emergency!" Two mares yelled, practically sprinting into the chamber.
Without delay, or care of the second party being present, Luna rushed over to them. "What has happened, my subjects? Did King Dain discover our location?" She asked, looking at the three.
"W-Worse, Princess!" The wall eyed gray pegasus mare answered, obviously in a panic. "Vanhoover, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia; are under attack! Manehatten is currently being blocked off by an army!"
"Yeah! They are wearing red armor, which makes them look like skeletons, with strange weapons!" The mint green unicorn mare added, in a shocked state. "They came from the North, and started wiping out any Caribou garrison or force in their way!"
Luna blinked, confused by their report. "From the North? But, no army or Kingdom is beyond the Crystal Empire."
"Are you so sure? It seems you have forgotten… My little Moonbeam." The pet name caused Luna's eyes to snap fully open, pupils shrunken to pin points, now she was the frozen one. "I do not blame you… You were so little, back then." The sound of snakes hissing caused the mares to move away, Luna still frozen in place, as Ay'therian's cloak turned back into his cape. "Not very many truly remember whom slumbered in the Far North, a secret both you and Sunshine kept well hidden."
Spitfire approached the Lunar Princess. "U-Um… Princess Luna? Do you know h-him?" She asked, staring at the skull faceplate of the Phaeron.
"I-I…" Her voice cracked, Luna physically trembling. "Do." Streams of tears suddenly dropped down her cheeks, before the Lunar Princess whipped around and soared straight for Ay'therian... Arms wide. "DADDY!"
"D-Daddy!?" The mares shouted, as Luna wrapped her arms around Ay'therian, who returned the embrace… The Lunar Princess wailing happily, like a filly seeing their father after a very long time. "That's right, my little Moonbeam… Daddy is back, and he is reclaiming what belongs to him.