Fall of Equestria: Return of the Ancient Ones

by The-Black-Knight673

Long ago, Equestria was visited by ancient beings of metal, their leader gaining a strange bond with Princess Celestia and Luna. Once Equestria was safe, and peace had come to their land, the Ancient Ones went North, to enter a deep slumber until Equestria needed them once more. During their slumber, King Dain and his Caribou took over Equestria. Now, they shall return once again.

12. Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

All of those present inside of Ay'therian's Tomb City were in attendance, as a parade of Lychguard and Praetorian Guard escorted Celestia's casket down the street. Warriors and Immortals lined the streets, as they walked, keeping the Equestrians back, Samael and the Royal Court leading said parade. Their destgination, a large red orb pulsing atop of its floating pillar, Crypteks caring for it and lowering said destructive weapon lower for this moment. No dry eye among those attending, Luna and Twilight following behind Samael's towering formDaring Do behind them with Flurry Heart in her arms.

Though, there was one who did not attend this funeral procession, Daring Do glancing back at the Necropolis… Barely seeing the skeletal frame of Ay'therian standing upon a balcony overlooking this event. None knew why the Phaeron refused to attend, Daring Do believing that he had already said his goodbyes or could not bear actually being there.

But, the mare could not dwell on those thoughts, turning her attention back to the task at hand. They continued the walk, until the procession reached the pillar's base, where Ay'therian's Crypeks waited for them. Slowly, Nyrthal walked ahead of them, and looked up at the pulsing orb. The Cryptek Lord turned back around, as Lychguards brought Celestia's casket forward, Nyrthal gently placing his free hand on to its seal. His Crypeks took that as their signal, activating and sequencing different runes on the pillar's form.

The pillar's walls creeked and groaned, forming a stair case leading up to the orb at its very top. Nyrthal placed his hand over the Celestial Sun crest on said casket, and lowered his head. "It is time to go, my inquisitive student." The Cryptek Lord muttered, memories of times he tutored filly Celestia flowing through his mechanical mind. "How I wish we could have spoken again… I bet that you learned a whole library's worth of knowledge and wished to share it with me."

With this, Nyrthal lead the Lychguard up towards the Aeonic Orb, Samael keeping the mortals of their group back. After all, the Aeonic Orb was a prison to an actual sun, radiation killing any non-Necron that gets too close to it. Once the procession was at the very top, Nyrthal slowly raised his staff up, causing a squared opening to appear, flames licking out from within the square.

"We place our dearest child…" Nyrthal stepped aside, the Lychguard lining Celestia's casket with the squared opening. "Within a place she cherished the most, a weapon given beauty by her hand." Slowly, the casket was pushed into the Aeonic Orb, being absorbed by its light. "But, with her passing, may our child's spirit strengthen the Orb's power… So that we may strike down those that have taken her from us, with avenging flames." The entire casket was soon absorbed by the orb, its red light glowing even brighter, enough to blanket the entire Tomb City. Nyrthal faced those who came to observe, holding his staff high. "In the Phaeron's name, we shall avenge our princess! Those of you who wish to join us, take up arms and fight under Phaeron Ay'therian's Banner! For our Master will not let his daughter's death go unpunished!"

The Necrons raised their weapons high, releasing metallic wails, while the Equestrians threw their fists high and let out cries for revenge. Ay'therian, observing all of this from his Necropolis, did not say a word. After a few moments, he turned around and walked back inside of his throne room. He knew what must be done, and who it is that needs to be summoned… Hoping that he could receive such council, without attracting too much attention.

-Hollow Shades Slave Camp-

"Hurry up, and get those slaves loaded up!" A Caribou Sergeant ordered, as his men herded the last shipment of slaves from their camp on to a cage wagon. "With Equestria lost, we need to get what slaves back to our homeland." He looked around, nervous about possibly drawing too much attention to them. "Damn those walking skeletons… We had everything, then they showed up and destroyed it."

"Sergeant, are you sure about all of the slaves?" One of the Caribou Soldiers asked, watching a black collared slave shoved into one of the wagons. "Some of these slaves haven't been broken yet, they could attract what has took Equestria from us."

The sergeant grinned, looking towards a nearby wagon, as a blue mare walked into it. "Don't worry, our pets will have them submitting to our rule, before long." He began to laugh, until the sergeant noticed that his men all looked panicked and terrified. "What? Why aren't you all rejoicing in this fact? After all, there are plenty of mares for us to enjoy, on our trip back home."

Unknown to the sergeant, a one-eyed construct loomed behind him, its bladed arms spread open and taloned tail raised up. It had rose from under the ground, like a phantom of myth, while the sergeant was speaking and slowly zeroed in on to him. When it made a rattling sound, the sergeant whipped around, only to have a second to feel nothing but terror before he was impaled by the construct's tail.

Alphion released a hissing laugh, as he brought the grasping sergeant closer. "It was very boastful, very loud, made it easy for us to track down." The Canoptek Wraith tossed his prey to the side, cackling at how they tried to breath and stop the bleeding. "Now, we finish off the rest, reclaim what has been stolen from the Phaeron."

The next few moments had become a symphony of agnized screams and blood spreaking out cleaved limbs, as Canoptek Wraiths descended upon the camp like a swarm of metallic carrion beasts. They slaughtered every Caribou with the ruthless, cold, efficiency expected of machines, the Equestrians watching every second of it. Caribou were impaled, dismembered, cleaved, and even strangled; by the phantom constructs, their own weapons useless against the Necrodermis formed Wraiths. Those that tried to run, were easily run down or shot down by the Wraith. To say that the Caribou stood no chance against the metallic phantoms, would be considered a laughable understatement.

The Equestrians huddled, in fear, of Alphion and his construct forces, the lead Wraith impaling his latest kill with every blade arm. Even when their cages were ripped open, fear kept the Equestrians inside… Until a new voice called out to Alphion.

"Master!" The Equestrians looked towards its source, seeing a pink, blue haired, mare racing towards the Canoptek Wraith. When Aloe was close enough, she leapt towards the construct, Alphion quickly catching her with his tail and twirled around. "Oh, master…" She reached up, running a hand against one of Alphion's bloody blade arms. "You're a mess! When we get home, I am giving you a thorough bath." The mare giggled, her enchanted grin confusing the other Equestrians.

"S-Sister?" Another voice spoke up, holding a more exotic tone to it.

Aloe looked towards the source, along with Alphion, seeing a blue coated and pink haired version in one of the cages. This caused the mare's eyes to widen, quickly removing herself from the Wraith's hold. "Lotus!" She called out, rushing up to her twin and grasping their hands. "I wondered what happened to you! Where have-?" Aloe quickly noticed the red collar around Lotus' neck, and the blanks tare her twin was giving. "S-Sister?"

"Aloe, why do you go against our wonderful masters?" Lotus asked, eyes dulled to the point it looked like there was no soul behind them… A blank slate. "Join me, let use share the honor of pleasuring our benevolent masters."

Aloe placed a hand over her muzzle, the others telling her about this… How the Caribou used some strange potion and spell to brainwash victims into obedient slaves for their personal use. She, vaguely, remembered the process being done to her, but spending so much time with Alphion had nullified its effects… Along with her meeting him shortly after the process had been performed.

Slowly, said Wraith floated up next to Aloe, staring at Lotus intently, before looking down at the pink mare. "Precious, you now this one? They look a lot like precious, which is strange… Because precious, is precious." He looked between them, again, just to be sure.

"S-She's my sister…" Aloe quickly turned towards the Canoptek Wraith, putting both hands on to Alphion's mandibles, looking dep into his large single eye. "Please, Master! You must do something! They have altered her mind, they have turned her into something she is not!"
Alphion looked between the two, slightly confused about the situation. Though, despite the confusion, his back opened and revealed a red prism piece inside. It started to spin and glow brightly, causing those wearing a red collar to suddenly faint and fall to the ground. This caused Aloe to look up at him, tilting her head. "We do not know how to help precious' sister unit. But, Crypteks may know." His gaze went to the Wraiths, who were wrapping their tails around the front of different wagons. "We will return to Tomb City."

Aloe smiled brightly at Alphion, before nodding. "Oh, thank you, Master!" She wrapped both arms around the construct's large head. "You will not regret this, I promise! I'll be sure to have a wonderful surprise waiting for you, when everything is said and done." That caused the Wraith's eye to glow brightly, snatching Aloe up with his arms and commanding the others to start heading north.

-The Tomb City, Necropolis-

Ay'therian sat upon his throne, in a deep state of thought, almost like he was mediating. To his right, stood the ever-vigilant Overlord Samael, ready to protect his Phaeron at all cost. On Ay'therian's left, stood a nervous Daring Do, gently holding Flurry Heart in her arms, knowing full well what troubled the Phaeron's mind. A subject that made every Lord of the Royal Court nervous, calling for the Diviner's assistance.

It had to be explained to the Equestrian nobles and royals, but they soon felt the chill of fear when it was mentioned that such an acct could attract another Phaeron's attention. One powerful enough to make Ay'therian cautious, every Warrior, Immortal, Deathmark, Lychguard, Construct, and even Triarch; were put on high alert because of this. Nothing will be left to chance, nor will anything surprise the Phaeron in this matter.

"My Phaeron?" A Lychguard spoke up, drawing Ay'therian's attention. "You have a visitor."

"Singular?" He thought, looking down at the Lychguard. "The Diviner actually came without escort?"

"No, my Phaeron." The reply confused all but Ay'therian, whose left hand suddenly flexed and eyes glowed brightly with anger. "He is here to see you."

Ay'therian's sudden grip nearly crushed his throne's left arm, the Phaeron's suddenly standing up startling Daring Do. "Such arrogance! He believes himself so powerful, so untouchable, that none of us would dare to harm him!?

"My Phaeron?" Daring Do spoke up, nervously, placing her free hand on to Ay'therian's arm, drawing his enraged attention. "Please, calm down… Maybe this is an attempt to rile you up? A way to get you into a mindset he wants?"

"She has a point, my Phaeron." Samael agreed, also drawing Ay'therian's attention. "Much as it disgusts me to agree with a Lesser Race, even one blessed by your favor, she could be right. He is a masterful tactician and doesn't do anything without a well thought out plan… Attacking your pride and enraging you could be part of some bigger plot."

Ay'therians topped for a moment, recollecting himself and thinking about the situation further. With a nod, he looked down at Daring Do. "Take Flurry Heart, and stay back." He lifted a hand up, seven shield-bearing Lychguard stepping forward. "I want you to remain behind them at all times." Daring Do gave a nod, going down the steps and behind her appointed guard. Ay'therian waited until she was safely behind the Lychguard, before lifting his hand up. "Send him in."

It did not take very long, before the throne room's doors opened back up, and a new Necron walked in. His armored frame would make on lookers believe he was some sort of Warrior King, the iron gray plating intentionally dulled but still showed his ancient status. The cape flowed like Ay'therian's own, but held an emerald shine over his obsidian crystaling. The bladed scarab staff was tightly held within this Necron's grasp, an orb on both ends and released an electrified field of green energy around itself. Even his crown radiated sheer power of what this Necron's station held, and to not be underestimated.

Daring Do could feel the power coming off of him, her guard closing ranks and becoming more vigilant. The green energy sending a chill down her spine. "J-Just who is this guy?" She thought, trying to make sure Flurry Heart did not draw their attention.

Once the new Necron reached a preset distance from Ay'therian's throne, said Phaeron walked down to meet his visitor on equal ground. They just stared at each other, as if the two Necrons were having a battle of will within their own minds, attacking each other's mental image or crushing them. Tension hung within the air, Daring Do noticing that all Ay'therian's Necron were on edge, including Dar'kan and Samael.

Then, it happened.

Green energy burst from the newcomer, red raging from Ay'therian, and electrified the air around both Necrons. Without warning, both charged towards the other and counted the attack intending to behead their opponent, the scythe and staff forming an X between them. Their clash created a shockwave of pure energy, strong enough to cause Samael to leapt from his Phaeron's throne and brace Daring Do.

Though, while Samael braced her and Flurry Heart, the new Necron began to cackle about the situation. "It has been far too long, Reaper… I see you haven't lost your touch, after all this time."

"And I see you are arrogant, as ever, since we last crossed paths… Stormlord." Ay'therian countered, before the two broke from each other and kept their gaze locked. "Why have you come here?"

Imotekh snickered at the question, moving his Staff of Light into an upright position. "An old rival suddenly reawakens from his sleep, assembling his Legions for battle, and begins retaking what had once belonged to him? Then sends a request to receive council from one of my vassals?" The Stromlord chuckled, glancing around before refocusing on to Ay'therian. "I think my curiosity is warranted, but I am also here to make a deal."

"And what, dare I ask, is this deal?" Ay'therian did not take his eyes off the opposing Phaeron.

"Oh, simple, really. It is something I have been curious about, for a very long time now." Imotekh looked around more, before suddenly locking on to Daring DO and Flurry Heart, causing the mare to feel her entire body lock up. "In exchange for the Diviner's ability to be used to your heart's content? I would like…" Suddenly, the Stormlord looked back at the throne room's entrance, just as the Lunar Princess walked into view, as if he knew she was going to be there right then. "To meet with, no guards or supervision, with the ones who tamed the dreaded Reaper… He who has the blood of countless worlds drenched upon his hand."

The very moment Ay'therian noticed Luna and heard Imotekh's next words, the raging red energy erupted from his body again. "Silence, Imotekh!" He roared, causing the chamber to tremble. "My past, before meeting them, is to never be said within their presence!" His words were like thunder, making the other Necrons back away and Daring Do to hide behind Samael. "As for your blasted deal? You honestly believe, after losing one child, I would entrust another to be alone with a rival Phaeron? Do you think I am a fool?"

"Of course not, you wouldn't be a Phaeron, if you were." Imotekh stated, chuckling a bit, and leaned on to his staff. "But, I give you my word, on my honor and title as a Phaeron, no harm will fall on to them. If one of ill intent towards them appears, I will protect them, personally."

"Why?" That was Ay'therian's only reply.

"Because, like it or not, the Necrontyr need to be together again, to be as one… The Silent King is making his move again, and our forces cannot be divided by petty infighting." Imotekh looked directly at Ay'therian. "An attack on one of us, is an attack on all of us… And, despite what many others of our kind believe, these mortals are your heirs. So, I will treat them so." He snickered, before looking back at Luna. "Besides, they interest me greatly."

Ay'therian did not like the idea of leaving Luna, alone, with Imotekh. However, to solve his problem of locating the Caribou Kingdom, their King, and know what they are planning next… He required the Diviner's gift of prediction. A possible poisoned deal, and one he'll be forced to accept or the Caribou will simply return once his forces return to their slumber.

"I…" Ay'therian sighed, looking away from Imotekh. "Accept your deal, Stormlord."

"Good." Imotekh snickered, a sense of victorious arrogance about him. 'I will await her in the usual Guest's Chamber, when she is ready."

The words were like some poisonous virus to Ay'therian's systems, causing him to stumbled backwards. Samael quickly rushed forward, and braced his Phaeron before they could fall… Imotekh, having turned his back to them and leaving the throne room. Though, when he walked up next to Luna, the mare nervously staring up at him… The Stormlord leaned over and cupped her chin teasingly.

"I await with baited breath, child. Don't make me wait too long, there is much for us to discuss." Imotekh's words nearly froze the Lunar Princess, even as he walked away laughing.

Samael gripped his glaive, fury building up to the point of bursting out of his mechanical body. He prepared to chase after the rival Phaeron, to make him pay for such insolence… But, stopped when Ay'therian suddenly gripped his arms. "No… Do not fall for it, Samael, he wants you to do try." The Phaeron's eyes narrowed on to the throne room's door, anger within his voice. "Like you said before, we aren't falling for his tricks and taunts."

"My Phaeron, you cannot be serious! Moonbeam alone with the likes of him? There is no telling what will happen!" Samael argued, unable to believe what had been agreed upon.

"I do not like it any more than you do... But, there is no other choice, and we cannot waste resources and energy searching." Ay'therian explained, hand tightening around the warscythe. "We can only pray that Imotekh keeps his word." Samael just looked at his Phaeron, simply nodding. "Though, I want you to escort her there, and be ready in case something happens."

"As you command, my Phaeron." With that, the Dynasty's Overlord left with Luna.

-Sometime Later, Luna's Chamber-

Luna paced back and forth within her personal chambers, nervous about what will soon come. She often looked around at the night themed décor, from her room in Canterlot, and Necron devices that displayed the galaxy's wonders, to calm her nerves… But, it did not work, like she hoped.

When the chamber doors opened, Luna spun around and saw Samael standing there. "It is time, then?" She asked, the Overlord giving a light nod before he stepped inside, the door closing behind him. Without warning, Luna jumped into Samael's arms, pressing her forehead into the Overlord's abdomen. "I-I am scared, my Knight in Crimson Armor… First, I lost the Kingdom in which we have ruled since I was a filly, to that monster Dainn. Then, I lost my dearest Sister to his sinister plot to break both us and father… Now, I must go to this new Phaeron, without guard or you there to protect me? I do not know if I could truly face being alone with him."

Smaael just looked down at her, unsure of what to truly do about the terrified princess. Like their Phaeron, Samael was granted a more advance body, and so retained much of his former self during the process in which he was placed within it, and so was not emotionless. Though, slowly, he reached up and wrapped his left around around luna, embracing her like a lover. "Do not fear, dearest Moon of my Twilight Vale…" He started, Luna pressing herself more into his metal frame. "I will not let harm befall you… I will be right outside the chamber, waiting to be at your side and be the shield that protects you from harm."

His words made her giggle, looking up at the crimson Necron Overlord, tears in her eyes. "So cheesy… But, you always did have a way with words. To be my strength, when I wish to be weak." Luna reached up, placing her hand over Samael's core. "When I heard about your appearance, and every second since, it took every ounce of will to not throw myself upon you… Fearing father's eyes would see us, together."

"I still do not know what to tell him." Samael admitted, reaching his hand up and cupping Luna's chin. "As I slumbered, though, my dreams were filled with us finally being together, not having to hide from anyone."

"You are a poor Necrontyr purest." She smiled, allowing her hand to caress the core. "Do not worry, doing this reminds me of when our love first blossom, but…" Her eyes were suddenly filled with sorrow. "My body is not pure, as it were then."

"And I intend to make every last one of those foolish Mortals pay for it, their streets shall be flooded with their blood and they shall know the Wrath of Samael." He vowed, hand gripping tightly.

Luna looked up at Samael's faceplate, her eyes half lidded and a sadistic grin upon her muzzle. "I love it, when you speak in a vengeful manner." "With those final words, the two separated and left Luna's chambers.

-Imotekh's Guest Chambers-

The air was filled with tension and caution, with Luna staring at the Necron Phaeron standing across from her. It took every ounce of will and assurance that Samael is right behind the door, for the mare to even enter. They had been staring at one another for almost an hour, neither saying anything to their company. Such things made the Lunar Princess even more nervous about this whole situation.

Then, the silence was broken. "I must admit, child, you are not what I expected." Imotekh started, staying where he was, but Luna pressed herself more against the wall. "But, it is the Reaper, and to tame him? Takes something very special, and even I can tell that you are very special."

"Thou can stop with the flattery, Phaeron Imotekh." Luna replied, trying to keep her stone-cold royal demeanor. "We are still Phaeron Ay'therian's daughter, if thee have business with us, then we expect thou to-EEP!"

Somehow, Imotekh went from the other side of the room, to having his faceplate an inch from the tip of Luna's muzzle, free hand slammed over her head. "And does the Reaper know of your close relationship with his Overlord?" His words made Luna's eyes grow, confusion written across her features. "Dearest child…" Imotekh cupped her chin with his hand. "I have a Cryptek who can predict the future or discover unwanted secrets, the very one your father wishes to employ." He slowly stood straight up, keeping the hand under Luna's chin. "But, there are worse secrets out there, your father hides his fair share."

"Wh-What does thou mean?" Luna, nervously, asked as she tried to pull her muzzle away. "Our Father does not hide anything from us."

"He doesn't, huh?" Imotekh released Luna's chin, backing away and turning around. "Then… Who might this be, hm?" The Stormlord suddenly held out a device, allowing it to display an image and make Luna gasp in shock.

The image was of Ay'therian, but not how Luna had always seen him, even when the Phaeron fought in battle. No, this was a much darker side of him, and new to the Lunar Princess, something she had never seen before. Ay'therian had some hairless, pointed ear, female creature grasped within his left hand, another with its head crushed under his foot. The Phaeron's scythe and body drenched in blood, as he was taking a commanding stance. Though, what had made Luna gasped, wasn't how gruesome he looked… It was the fact that these creatures looked like children.

"N-No… That cannot be father." She slumped on to the ground, staring at the horrific image. "Father would never do such a thing."

Imotekh snickered at her response, before having the image vanish. "He would, and has done such things, child. The Reaper has drowned hundreds of worlds in their own blood. Entire races were brought to extinction, at the end of his scythe." Then, the Stormlord hesitated, as he gathered his thoughts again. "Which brings up a question, what is it about you, that caused him to change?"

Luna snapped out of her shock, looking up at the Stormlord. "W-What?"

"The Reaper I knew, would have struck me down for even thinking about attempting what had been done today." Imotekh began pacing back and forth, Luna watching him, as he verbally pondered. "In fact, the Reaper would have wiped out all life on this planet, yet he did not. This would be my question towards you…" He looked down at Luna, as if he were examining her. "What did you, and your dearly departed sister, do to him? That is what I wish to know."

"W-We do not know, to be honest." Luna admitted, a look of confusion about her. "We were really young, when we first met. Sister would be answer that, but…"

"The slain Solar Child, huh?" He pondered, before giving a nod and walked towards the chamber door, but stopped. "If you wish for proof of what I said being the truth? Then ask him about the Nighbringer's Shard, which is hidden within his armory." Imotekh looked back at Luna, eyes glowing. "And I will keep your secret, but I will be expecting a favor in return for such."