Chapter Eleven

Daring Do's eyes snapped open, gasping for air and leaning up, wincing from a throbbing headache. "Oh, good, you are awake… Judging by your vital signs, I predicted you would regain consciousness around this time." A voice noted, Daring Do noticing Nyrthal sitting on her bedside, within the mare's personal chambers. "Hold still, there are a few more things I need to check." The Cryptek Lord gently took hold of Daring Do's head, and used his free hand to open one eye at a time. "Dilation seems normal." He suddenly pricked the mare's shoulder, with one of his claw-like fingers, making her wince right after. "Pain receptors functioning… Follow." Nyrthal held his left index finger up, having Daring Do follow it with her eyes. "Good, do you feel any problems at the moment?"

"Just a pounding headache and a sore back, if that counts." Daring Do noted, rubbing her head. "What happened? The last thing I remember, is you doing something to my scarab."

"Is that all you can remember?" Nyrthal asked, pressing the tips of his fingers on to the mare's forehead, Daring Do nodding. "Well, to put it simply and through the words of you Equestrians…" He gave a light sigh, and nodded to her. "You went 'straight up Queen Bitch' on everyone. You mortals have such a colorful language."

Daring Do just stared at the Cryptek Lord, eyes wide in shock. "I… I didn't hurt any of you, did I?" She asked, worried about crossing the line, before such a question brought in another thought. "Wait, what about the Phaeron? Is he alright? Did he get hurt? Was he suc-!"

Nyrthal placed a hand over the mare's mouth, effectively silencing her. "One question at a time, child. Panic will only cause harm to your recovering body." He stated, Daring Do nodding and signaled for Nyrthal to lower his hand. "First, all you did was clear the Flayed Ones from Canterlot, wound the pride of three Lords, and maybe irritated the Dynasty's Overlord."

"Overlord…? O-Overlord Samael?" She asked, blinking at the sudden response. "Wait, how do I know their name?"

Nyrthal rubbed his chin in thought. "Your Nanoscarab probably did that, seeing how you do not recall the encounter with him. Now, as far as the Phaeron…" He reached up, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is a difficult question to answer. He is physically unharmed, and in full control of the Dynasty."

"Physically unharmed?" Daring Do asked, worry starting to build up again.

"Mentally, we do not know, he has been brooding within the throne room, since our return." Nyrthal noted, looking away from Daring Do, the Lychguard at her door lowering their gaze to the ground. "Sunbea-… Princess Celestia was killed, during the siege." His clawed hands tightened, Daring Do placing both hands over her muzzle. "That cowardly mortal rigged the doors, as a trap, for when our Phaeron opened them… The moment he did, Princess Celestia was strung up and ripped apart."

Daring Do felt as if time itself froze, after Nyrthal revealed what had happened to the Solar Princess. Every Equestrian knew that King Dain, and his Caribou, could be cruel to Equestria… But, none of them thought that they would kill Celestia. Unlike Luna, the Solar Princess had been ruling over Equestria for centuries, after the Nightmare Moon incident, and became a beacon for her subjects. She was the exalted ruler of Equestria, the one they all adored and loved… To know that Celestia was now dead, one they thought was immortal, would devastate their Kingdom and wound the Royal Family even more!

"H-How is Princess Luna holding up?" Daring Do asked, knowing that the Lunar Princess must be crushed.

The response did not come right away, Nyrthal seemingly in deep thought. "She is under heavy guard, along with Princess Twilight and Flurry Heart… Our Phaeron is not allowing them outside of the Necropolis. Lychguard have been stationed all around the structure, its corridors, and chambers. Triarch forces have been placed in every reclaimed location, acting as Dynasty Enforcers." Nyrthal stopped, as if taking a moment to think. "The Royal Court will be meeting soon, to determine what will happen now. Overlord Samael has placed martial law, for the time being, the remaining Praetorian Guard seizing control over the Phaeron's throne room."

"Why would Prae'tor seize the throne room?" Daring Do asked, honestly confused by the thought. "Aren't they friends?"

"She honestly does not remember a thing…" Nyrthal thought, seeing honest confusion in Daring Do's eyes, before replying. "Prae'tor, and the Triarch, have a duty to observe our loeaders, enforcing the Silent King's order to follow the Necorntyr Code of Honor." Daring Do just silently listened, brow raised in even more confusion. "At this time, it is unsure if our Phaeron will hold true to the code, and Prae'tor is preparing for if he doesn't. Even now, the Praetorians are ready to perform their sacred duty."

"I-Is… Isn't there anything we can do to stop them?" Daring Do asked, unable to look away from the Cryptek Lord. "If there is, please tell me."

"There is…" Nyrthal admitted, standing up and backing away from the mare. "It must be proven that our Phaeron has not lost his way. Only then, will the Praetorians stand down."

This caused the mare to hesitate, thinking of some way to help. "Prove that the Phaeron has not lost his way…" Daring Do muttered, before a thought came across her mind. "How much time do we have? If there is enough, I bet Zalimor and I can get it done."

"Within the hour, his Royal Court will be convening then-… Did you just say Zalimor?" Nyrthal asked, catching what Daring Do said at the end.

"Of course, after all… He sent that alert, which tells me that he's alive somewhere." She looked around, trying to find said Lychguard. "Which reminds me, where is he?"
"By the Silent King, she doesn't know…" Nyrthal thought, unable to tell the mare that Zalimor's body was too badly damage, that there was no possible way that they could have brought him back. That he was gone. "He is… Within the Necropolis, I do not know where." He lied, leaning forward. "Whatever it is you are planning, I suggest doing it quickly."

Daring Do quickly nodded, throwing her blankets to the side, and rushing up to the pair of Lychguards watching over her. "I need the two of you to follow me." They bowed their head,s before following Daring Do out into the corridor.

All the while, Nyrthal simply watched her depart, lowering his head a bit. "Whatever she does, I pray it works." With that, a portal opened and the Cryptek Lord vanished.

-Moments Later, Chambers of Luna and Twilight-

"I-I cannot believe it…" Twilight started, hugging the sleeping Flurry Heart tighter. "First Cadence, now Princess Celestia?" Tears continuously flowed from her eyes. "This has to be a nightmare, b-but I know it isn't."

A navy blue hand rested itself upon Twilight's shoulder, making the mare look up and see Luna, who was struggling to control her own sorrow. "C-Come now, d-dear Twi-Twilight." The Lunar Princess' voice cracked, adding to how difficult it must be for her to maintain the composure. "T-Tia *sniffle* w-would not wish u-us to remain he-here, mourning." A tear started to form, but Luna quickly wiped it away. "W-We need t-to look after ou-our subjects."

"But, Princess Luna…" Twilight started to wipe away some of her tears. "What are we going to do?"

"I-I… Do not kn-know." Luna admitted, looking at the fifteen Lychguard guarding them. "But, after father li-lifts his isolation c-command, I-I will seek h-his council."

"Princess Luna! Princess Twilight!" A voice called out, causing the two to look towards its source, their guardians preparing for battle… Seeing Daring Do appear in the entrance of their chamber, with two of her own Lychguard. "Thank goodness, I found you!" She quickly rushed up to the two princesses. "Please, we don't have much time! The Phaeron may be in terrible danger!"
Luna's eyes widened, at the comment. "W-What? Who could possibly threaten father?" She asked, as Twilight reluctantly handed Flurry Heart over to Daring Do.

"I will explain on the way, but we must hurry, before Prae'tor acts." She turned around, urgency in the mare's tone. "This may be our only chance." They nodded, quickly following Daring Do, with their guards right behind them.

-Just Outside Ay'therian's Throne Room-

Confidence burned up until this moment, Daring Do staring up at the obsidian black doors leading to Ay'therian's throne. She held Flurry Heart closer, feeling both hesitation and anxiety well up inside of her. Thoughts of failing started to appear, or ones arriving too late, they kept her from approaching those doors. Daring Do didn't know what to do, her actions, hesitating, and wasting valuable time. Both Luna and Twilight looking at each other, wondering why they are waiting. It felt like Daring Do's hooves were attached to the metal floor, unable to-...

A Necron's hand grasped Daring Do's shoulder. "Get in there, Envoy… I am right behind you, as always." The hand then pushed her forward, shattering what spell had taken hold of her.

"Zalimor?" Daring Do thought, looking back at the war-scythe wielding Lychguard standing with the others, nodding. She smiled, returning the nod, and walked forward. Having the Lychguard opening a path for them.

The moment they entered, and aura of sheer terror reached out and gripped the mortal beings that had walked in. Its maliciousness choking the three, causing it to be hard for them to even move a single hoof… But, they knew what must be done, and summoned what courage and determination possible, before moving closer. Inside, every member of Ay'therian's Royal Court had been assembled, and stood before their Phaeron's throne. However, when the doors were opened, their gaze went to those that had dared to intrude upon their meeting. After discovering the three mares, and their escort, Samael was the only one to walk up and challenge their presence, the Overlord now wearing his ceremonial half kilt.

"What business is so important, that you three deemed to break isolation and intrude upon a private council, being your most logical choice?" He asked, holding his glaive in a commanding vertical position.

Daring Do stared up at the Necron Overlord, knowing that he was AY'therian's second-in-command and deserved the respect placed upon such a title. Her gaze then went to those within the chamber, before settling upon the Praetorian Guard aiming their weapons towards Ay'therian's throne, Samael blocking Daring Do's view of the Phaeron. "We have been informed of what this council is truly assembled for, and wish to make a case for the Phaeron's sanity." She awnswered, looking up at the Overlord. "Do you wish to prevent both the Phaeron's heirs and envoy, who have every right to be here, from being heard?"

The fact she acted defiantely had angered Samael, mae evidence by the OVerlor'd sgrip tightening around his weapon. He glanced at both Luna and Twilight, focusing more on former, before looking back at Daring Do. "Your arrogance best be kept in check, mortal. But…" He placed the glaive in a horizontal position, with both hands around it. "I cannot deny your claim." Once Samael moved, they got a full view of the Phaeron.

Ay'therian sat upon his throne, with absolutely no lights appearing on his metal frame. A black aura of both malice and cruelty radiating from his body, like it could sense the dark intentions Ay'therian had for the Caribou and manifested itself. The only indications they had of him being concious, had been the Phaeron's left index finger tapping his throne's arm. He did not say a word about anything, even when Daring Do walked in between Nyrthal and Prae'tor, Ay'therian's black gaze directed at all of those present.

The sight and aura made Daring Do tremble, fear of the Paheron's mind over thrown by this dark arua. However, Nyrthal placing a hand on to the mare's shoulder, snapped her out of it. She looked up to the Cryptek Lord, who gave her a nod of encouragement. "It is time, child. I hope you prevent the Triach Failsafe from being enacted."

Daring Do returned the nod, looking back at Ay'therian, her hold on Flurry Heart growing tighter. Taking a deep breath, the mare made her way up to the throne, Ay'therian keeping his black gaze forward. Every step, every slight movement, was as if time had slowed down, the feeling of this moment being recorded appearing within the back of the mare's mind. Her heart beat was so loud, Daring Do wondered if it could be heard by all of the Tomb City… Terrified that the dark aura around Ay'therian would lash out, striking both her and Flurry Heart down.

Before long, Daring Do stood before the Phaeron, mind racing about if her plan was going to work. Taking another breath, to clam her nerves, the mares knelt down. "M-My Phaeron?" Her words caused Ay'therian's black, cold, gaze to turly lock on to her… Daring Do feeling like the Phaeron is peering into her very soul. "I understand that you are in pain, that the loss of Princess Celestia has inflicted a terrible wound upon your heart." Despite every instinct telling her not to, Daring Do gently held Flurry Heart up to the silent Phaeron. "But please, my Phaeron, do not give in to despair. Do not allow her death to change you, Princess Celestia woul not want that." Daring Do looked up at him, hoping to see any kind of sign… But, saw nothing. "You still have Princess Luna, and two new daughters, one in dire need of your care."

Slowly, Ay'theian's left ahnd rose up, causing both Prae'tor and the Praetorian Guard to prepare for combat. But, relaxed whentheir Phaeron simply cradled Flurry Heart into his hand and brought her into his chest. The action confused many present amoung Ay'therian's Court. Each sensing his murderous intent.

Carefully, Daring Do moved closer to Ay'therian and placed both hands on to his knee, drawing the Phaeron's attention. "Please, we cannot not lose you, now." She looked away, fr a moment. "I… Cannot."

Ay'therian just stareda t the mare, gaze remaining blank and dark. The court lowered their heads, Daring Do's attempt failing to return their Phaeron to sanity. This had caused the Praetrian Guard to ready themselves for the failsafe, a tear falling down Daring Do's cheek.

They all froze, as Ay'therian's right hand reached forward, and whiped the tear away with his index finger. Despite his eyes still being black, they could tell something was going on within the Phaeron's mind. "Please, we need you to come back to us." She motioned towards Flurry Heart. "Especially Princess Flurry Heart, now that her mother is gone."

That got a reaction from the Phaeron, Ay'therian looking down at Flurry Heart, who looked up at him. The giggling foal reached up at him, before she started to tap against Ay'therian's metal frame. He just watchedFlurry Heart, as she played, the Phaeron reaching towards her. Slowly, Ay'therian carressed Flurry Heart's cheek with the back of his hand, the other giving her something to play with even more… Daring Do watching all of this, eyes wide at how gentle Ay'therian is being with the foal, and red lights flickering across his body.

A thought came to Daring Do, noticing how this was getting a reaction. Taking a deep breath, the mare prepared to tak another gamble.

(( watch?v=W-qbyS9eXmE ))

Those present became confused, when a soft melody began to hum from Daring Do, those that have been around since the awakening instanlty remembering it. The melody's rythum flowed around all those present, even Samael became enchanted by what Daring Do started. Ay'therian froze, completely, Flury heart yawning and snuggling against the Phaeron's body, as Daring Do remained kneeling before them. Both of the mare's eyes were closed, not wanting to know if this attempt was working or not.

Soon, Flurry Heart was fast asleep in Ay'therian's lap, as Daring Do continued the melody. The Praetorian Guard relaxed their stances, every Necron slightly swaying back and forht to the melody's rythum, their bodies starting to glow. It was like a spell had gripped their mechanical minds and bodies, even the two Equestrian Princess were enchanted by it. Ay'therian looked towards Daring Do, her song echoing around him…

A red, pin point, light appeared within his right eye scoket, a fading version appearing in certain points. The black arua around the Phaeron started to be invaded by a red version of it, mixing like the two were fighting. Ay'therian's left eyes socket remained black, while the other kept its red light. A conflicted had been initated within the Phaeron's metal body, Daring Do's melody being its cause. But, the black aura started to consume the red, until said mare started to cry through her song… And the red light flared to life.

Daring Do slowly ended the melody, opening her eyes at the same rate and heard no reaction from the Phaeron. Her heart began to break, believing that she had failed. That the Praetorian Guard will have no other choice but to terminate Ay'therian. She had failed to-?
"Oh, my precious Daring Do." Her eyes widen, when Ay'therian's hand cupped her cheek, causing the mare to look up at him, seeing the red eyes and aura around his metal body. "If you keep this up, I may place you as my personal living melody, instead of my Envoy." Daring Do smiled brightly at the fact that Ay'tehrian no longer had the murderous arua around him, as said Phaeron looked around. "It seems that… I was not in the right frame of mind, since Sunshine was murdered."

Ay'therian passed the sleeping Flurry Heart to Daring Do, who gingerly accepted said foal, while he walked towards his court. They all knelt before their Phaeron, Luna excited that her adoptive father had returned to his senses and Twilight unsure of what to do. "My Phaeron, and one true master." Samael started, looking up at their Dynasty's lord and placed a fist over his chest. "We await your command, our forces patrol Equestria for any of the invaders that dare to remain."

Ay'therian nodded, before throwing out his right hand, causing the cape to sway back. "Send out the Wraiths, King Dainn's forces are hidden somewhere, and I do not want them resurfacing when we enter the sleep once more!" The Phaeron ordered, his court standing up. "Until we discover where these insects hide, we shall bury our daughter… Within something she had always loved and held dear."

"The Aeonic Orb, my Phaeron?" Nyrthal asked, Ay'therian simply nodding. "But, even after the fact we managed to unearth it… I do not think it would be wise, to do such. It has never been done before, it would be illogical to-!"
None of those present even saw him move, Ay'therian now standing in front of Nyrthal, glaring down at the Cryptek Lord. "Then I believe you will be venturing into the illogical unknown, discovering what was otherwise left undiscovered. Or…" He leaned forward, making Nyrthal lean back. "Maybe I had made an error, in assigning you as my Lord of Crypteks?"

Nyrthal looked around, nervously, then nodded. "By your will, my Phaeron."

"Good." Ay'therian leaned back up, walking towards the chamber's exit. "Now, I have somewhere to be, you are all dismissed to your duties, until I deem otherwise."

Those of the Court bowed their heads, as their lord took his leave. "All hail, Phaeron Ay'therian the Reaper, Fallen King of Equestria!" The Necron Lords announced, before Ay'therian disapppeared into the corridor. Though, Daring Do raised a brow, never hearing the second title before, as she walked up to Prae'tor and Nyrthal. "Excuse me, lords?" The two turned towards her, nodding. "What do you mean by 'Fallen King of Equestria'? You have never said it before."

"You three never informed the Envoy of our Master's past?" Samael demanded, walking over, looking towards Nyrthal, Prae'tor, and even Dar'kan; before his gaze returned to Daring Do. When they did nto answer him, the Overlord released an irritated sigh. "Since they will not give an excuse, I will tell you, Enovy." Soon, Twilight and even Luna joined Daring Do, curiosu about this title as well. "When our Phaeron claimed Equestria as a protectorate of the Ay'therian Dynasty, also discovering the strange energy that allowed our personalities to come out more… Word spread to the other Necrontyr Lords, and they were not pleased with how he was protecting a mortal race. Moonbeam was too young when this occurred, and would not remember what came from this." Samael was obviously aggiated by having to explain this, but did so anyways. "Equestria became a battleground once more, Necronty Lords wanting to overthrow the Phaeron for his offense and wishing to claim what he had discovered. To make it short, our Phaeron defeated every Lord that challenged him, but was labeld as a rogue. Prae'tor and his forces were charged to watch our Phaeron, until he goes against the Silent King or the Corde of Honor, to make sure that he is not truly rogue and has the Necrontyr race's survival in mind."

"But, how does that make Father the 'Fallen King of Equestria'?" Luna asked.

Samael seemed to relax, when Luna asked. "Because, Moonbeam, our Phaeron noticed how you and Sunshine were far too inexperienced to rule. He exhausted every option, while becoming attached to the two of you, before coming to a single conclusion." The Overlord looked over the Eqeustrians. "He adopted the two of you, ruling over Equestria until one of you was truly ready… His status deeming him Equestria's Fallen King, he who fell from grace yet still rules."

The three just stared up at Samael, eaching have a mental image of Ay'therian either going toe to toe with another Phaeron or leading his Dynasty against another.

-Deep Within the Phaeron's Necropolis-

It took the Crypteks some time, but they managed to repair Celestia's torn body, unable to revive her, for the expected funeral. Now, she quietly laid on top of a metal slapb, with a white blanket on top of her frame. Those that worked within the laboratory requested to leave, which left the slain princess alone with another… Said requestee walking up to Celestia, cape limply dragging on the metal floor.

Ay'therian halted next to the slab, reaching up and gently pulled Celestia's blanket back, revealing her peaceful features. The Phaeron's left hand was next to be puleld up, and placed itself on to Celestia's right cheek, his eyes not moving away from his adopted daughter. "Hey there, little sunshine, how do you do?" His words were heavy, slow, and filled with sorrow. "There is a great kingdom, waiting for you." Ay'therian's body began to tremble, lights flickering. "As you lay your tiny head, dream of the world. They're going to love you, their sun will return."

The Phaeron fell to his knees, trying to hold the song's melody, Celestia's favorite song as a filly.

"Little sunshine, little sunshine, let your radiance show. Little sunshine, little sunshine, let your kind heart glow." Ay'therian began to carress the Solar Princess' cheek, left keeping him up riht. "Though the shadows may close in, you will stay strong. Your little spark of love, will cast out the dark." His body started to tremble even more, as the memory of first singing this song flowed… Celestia's fear of the dark disappearing, as AY'therian read it off a paper given to him, by said filly. "Know that you are not alone, the moon is at your side. Together you will cleanse the world, and you will always be my pride."

More memories began to flow through AY'therian's mechanical mind. Eveyr tea party both he and the Lychguard were asked to attened by his girls. The games of hide and go seek, pretending not to see said fillies in a tree or behidn a Lychguard's shield. When Celestia and Luna brought him an injured bird, then having Nyrthal show them how to care for it. Finally, a memory that was forever saved within his mind, the coroniation of Celestia and Luna.

"Little sunshine, little sunshine, let your radiance show. Little sunshine, little sunshine, let your kind heart glow." He leaned away from the table, eyeing his slain daughter, as Ay'therian remembered when his Dynastay went into their slumber. "I may not always be here, to guide your way. But I know you will be fine, ruling the day."

AY'therian's gaze went down to his chest, as the armor began to open up. When it revealed his bare metal chest, the Phaeron even had it open up to bring out a core device underneath, with a red beating light. Slowly, Ay'therian placed a hand over its core, the very heart of his metal body.

'Dance among the clouds, my dear. Bring in the light." Ay'therian pressed his hand on to the core, causing it to light up brightly. "Be good for me, m-my dear. As my soul alights." While his body continued to tremble, like it was in agonizing pain, Ay'therian pulle dout a small cloud of energy. This caused the core to dim for a few moments, before it regained its light. "Little sunshine, little sunshine, let your radiance show." He placed the cloud of energy over Celestia's heart, allowing its mist to attach to her. "Little sunshine, little sunshine…" Ay'therian watched the energy pass through Celestia's body, even feeling it being absorbed into her heart. "Let your kind heart… G-Glow…"

The Phaeron, weakly, pulled himself up and then stumbled towards the laboratory's exit. Though, when he reached the door, hand grasping its frame, Ay'therian looked back at Celestia, as if to see the peaceful princess one last time. After a few moments, not seeing what he wanted, the Phaeron finally left… Not seeing the glow coming from Celestia's heart.