>the marble hallway echoes with your footsteps as you make your way to the council chambers
>purple tapestries adorn the walls, inter-spaced with aged portraits
>once arriving at the double spruce wood doors, you push them open as you move on through
>Celestia sits solemnly at the far edge of the grand round table, in her stony highback chair draped with gold regalia
>You notice the second highback is empty, an odd occurrence seeing as the regal sisters always addressed you in unison
>you stand at attention, hands behind your back as you address Celestia
"Your highness, you've requested my presence at the utmost urgency?"
>Celestia gazes up from faded maps as she directs her gaze at you.
>"Greetings Anonymous, we have a dire situation at hoof and it must be handled by someone as capable as you."
>"As you've probably noticed, my beloved sister Princess Luna has gone missing, and I expect foul play to be underway."
>rising from her chair, she walks over to one of the grand windows overlooking the palace courtyard
>the noon sun spills across her face, leaving a white glow midst her flowing aurora mane
>her face however wears a mask of soberness as she continues
>"Usually I would send Princess Twilight and her companions to deal with it, but this is a very delicate matter."
>she turns to you and asks: "Anonymous, are you familiar with the way ponies perceive me?"
"You are one of the rulers of Equestria, responsible for raising and lowering the sun..."
>"Correct. Most ponies are content with seeing me in that light, however there are some who take admiration to me...excessively"
>"Zealots Anonymous, that is what my instinct is telling me to whom may have kidnapped Princess Luna, for who else is able to overpower her elite lunar guard, but leave me undisturbed?"
>you consider yourself an admirer of Celestia, and she is well aware of this
>seeing as she promoted you to her top field agent whenever delicate matters are needed to be attended to
>however, nowhere have you come across the mentioning of any Celestian zealots
>to have more love for her than your own also rings unsettling within your mind
>dismissing the thoughts, you return to the issue at hand
"What will my task be in regards to ensuring the safe return of Princess Luna?"
>"Anonymous, I need you to go to the possible location of the enclave and report back if my sister is still unharmed."
>she walks back over to the grand round table and points at a remote area, surrounded by blue specs
>"Neighagra Falls. The lunar guards had been knocked unconscious by a mixture of flowers native to that area only, the means to make it as well."
"Understood, provide reconnaissance on the compound in that area and search for Princess Luna's whereabouts. What of the extraction however?"
>she levitates a wooden box from the table, removing a crystalline pendant from within
>handing it to you, you admire the amber swirls within the glass as it glints in the sunlight
>"With this Anonymous, you are able to contact a regiment of my royal guard positioned not far from Neighagra Falls to come assist you with the extraction."
>"Only use it until you are sure you are certain my sister is...alive."
>She uttered the last words with some hesitance, her usually confident voice hinting at a tinge of uncertainty
>"Go now, and bring back my dear sister Luna."
>You leave the council chambers, and walk speedily back down the hallway towards the Castle Couryard, a winged chariot awaiting you
>Celestia returns to her seat going over the maps again, before looking at the empty seat beside her
>"I'm so sorry...If only I knew he was still alive..." she utters to herself before reverting her attention back to the maps
>the clouds drift by you as the guard ponies pull forth the carriage through the air
>rising in the distance, you can see the plateau of trees standing tall in the mist
>Neighagra Falls, used normally for smugglers between the Crystal Empire and Manehatten
>the interior is left mostly untouched, the dense jungle adding to the allure of spirits of the falls
>arriving at an enclosed camp of bright tents, you see the guard ponies practice and prepare themselves out in the open
>stepping off the chariot, you meet the brigade leader,
>giving a salute, his engraved armor a giveaway compared to his comrades
>"Anonymous. I'm Corporal Dust Swirl. Follow me and I shall brief you on our intel so far."
>greeting him in return, you follow him inside the commanding tent
>on the table in candlelight, sketches and more maps with bright red crosses tell the story of the area
>"Our aerial scouts were able to find a trail leading further up into the falls, however the mist has proven difficult to progress further, and.... unfortunately some brave stallions who ventured further have not returned"
>you stand at the table and survey the maps before answering
"I see so it's confirmed treacherous terrain if not hostile. I shall proceed with an entourage of two capable guards Corporal, if possible?"
>"That I can provide..."
>with that, Dust Swirl stepped out and called two guards forth from one of the groups outside
>two stallions entered, adorned with their gleaming bronze armor and spears at the ready
>"Men, from this point onward, you shall follow Anonymous' orders. He is a specialist field agent, who's had experience with this before. Protect him and he shall cover your backs as well."
>you shift uncomfortably for a second
>dangerous terrain you've handled with ease, and hostiles ranging from griffons to minotaurs
>but never before these ghosts of the forest and falls
>the sunlight starts to diminish as you proceed underneath the canopy of leaves
>brush snags your clothes as you whack them aside with your machete
>the occasional insect buzzes around your head, unhindered by your air swats
>as you take the winding slick path uphill, your entourage keeps close by as you enter the wall of mist
>the faint sound of crashing water blends with the cry of birds
>suddenly, a shrill sound pierces the mist, like a nightjar
>deafening silence, before you hear a tormented gasp behind you
>one of the guards clutches his breastplate, a dark wood bolt protruding from it, as thick red blood oozing through his hooves
>a multitude of twangs can be heard, before the struck guard is hit again with many bolts
>you dive forward, yelling at the other guard to haul ass
>you get to your feet as you start sprinting through the trees, the mist only giving their presence away once they are within arm's reach of you
>more bolts whistle through the air and strike the trunks of the trees, cracking as they splinter apart
>eventually the trees give way to a cliff wall, with a cavernous entrance ahead
>dashing inside, you run until you hug the one cave wall, gazing back panting as you do
>the guard is close behind, long abandoning his spear and obstructing helmet in his mad dash
>in labored breath he asks: "Where do we go from here sir? Out there is a deathtrap..."
>regaining your composure, you make out a torch fixed to the wall in the low light
>striking at it with your pocket flint, the erupting flame illuminates the path ahead in an orange glow
>taking it in hand, you hold it before you as you sheath your machete
>"Deeper into the depths of this cave, no other choice I guess..."
>as you proceed further down the limestone cave, you hear the droplets raining down from the stalactites overhead into the pools below
>bats occasionally flutter by, disturbed by the light from your torch, their beady eyes glinting as they do
>you soon start to hear a murmur of voices up ahead, with the faint glow of bonfires beckoning a closer look
"Wait here...I need to go see what's up ahead. Watch my back..."
>the guard nods before you extinguish your torch
>you bend low and proceed to crawl forward up a mound of moist dirt
>peaking over the top, you see the cavern stretching onward much further
>a large group of ponies have gathered in the center. All of them wearing yellow hoods.
>from the center, rises a pyramid of steps, with obelisk pillars standing in-between, connected with strings of crimson flags
>at the top stands two grand pillars, carved with various ruins and adorned with skulls of ponies
>emerging from the darkness behind, a figure proceeds forward till the blaze of the bonfire casts his shadow against the far wall
>dressed in white, with cerulean, turquoise and heliotrope finishing the figure raises it's arms addressing the crowd below
>"BROTHERS AND SISTERS! Fortune has favored the devout, for we have obtained what we needed for so long now..."
>His voice carries zeal and religious fervor, like a preacher addressing his flock in a god forsaken place
>"PRAISE CELESTIA for we have trapped the darkness incarnate!"
>to the side, you see astoundingly Princess Luna revealed, dangling from the ceiling
>she wiggles and squirms futility in her rope bounds, her horn capped, mouth gagged and her eyes blindfolded
>"The dark one's influence and manipulation has spread far, for our community was spied upon by those that seek to free the darkness!"
>"Rest assured though, that the heathens have been dealt with swiftly..."
>the crowd rejoices, as a few ponies thrust spears into the air, the tips skewered through what appears to be the heads of the recon scouts
>their eyes sunken and their helmets bloody
>you glance away briefly, the churning in your stomach leading you to do so
>"You may be wondering, why we are fighting against the guard sworn to protect our Matron of the Sun?"
>"Do not be swayed from your righteous intentions brothers and sisters! These heathens serve the dark one, and Celestia herself sent them here to be purged! It is our test of faith!"
>The crowd cheers again, their voices filled with renewed bloodlust
>"Tonight however, our time will come. I shall lead you all into the promised illuminated paradise of Celestia's grace!"
>you see a yellow hooded figure leaning over and whispering something into the central white figure's ear
>"Our scouts have spotted the dark disciple coming here. Find him, but do not slay the heathen, bring him to me and I shall make an example of him in the glorious name of our Princess of the Sun!
>you duck down, and slide over the hill into an alleyway.
>brown tents line each side, with dirty pots and stained clothes hanging from lines and hooks between them
>ducking into a tent, a group of zealots walk past, muttering to themselves about tonight
>you emerge again, before proceeding cautiously further
>reaching the far side of the cavernous compound, you find the path snaking upwards with worn stone steps
>slightly above, you see an aged yellow tent, with small flags adorning the sides
>climbing the steep steps, you decide this will provide a good vantage spot and hideaway from your pursuers
>you draw your machete as you lift the tent flap, gazing inside to see a solitary pony gazing back at you
>The pony you see lies reclines against the wall, his staff in his lap
>his face bears many years of wrinkles, his mane silvery white
>his staff is adorned with charms as well, from silver coins to yellow beads
>"Ah, we've been expecting you. Though you have to pardon this old pony, I feel the age right down to my bones. Come come, sit here by me...I have much to tell you."
>hesitantly you sheath your machete, walking closer you look around, over the shoulder too from whence you came
>this does not appear as a trap, for it would have already sprung the moment you walked through the tent door
>nor does this old pony seem much of a threat
>you sit cross legged, and look again at the old equine in front of you
"Who are you? And why should I believe you have something to say, when the next moment you could just as well be alerting your fellow cultists to come string me up?"
>he shakes his head disappointingly
>"Such hostility. Has Celestia not taught you anything of the magic of friendship?"
"Answer my question then. Who are you, and why should I trust you?"
>"My name is Little Walker. Kinda ironic seeing as I can barely do that nowadays. Well, I was one of Celestia's top guards back in my day. Used to be by her side, or by her door at all times, so I knew a lot about the happenings of the kingdom from the conversations I heard."
>"The ones I remember most is of her and our leader... they would spend days and days chatting to each other from everything important to everyday mundane."
>the old pony sighs, wrinkling his brow as he gazes into the distance
>"She was truly happy those years, it took her mind off of the pain of her sister by talking to him."
>"Though that changed one day. I remember him pleading, tears flowing like that of the waterfalls here, at her hooves"
>"She turned away, ignoring his pleas. In defeat, he stormed off, vowing to return one day to be with her."
>"He took with him a regiment of his most loyal guards, and their families as he made his way north."
>"Celestia, in grief as if she had lost one of her children, ordered me to watch over him until his return."
>"Its been many years since that event, and I've been but a humble follower watching over him. But my age has gotten to me, and I'm afraid I won't be able to perform my duties anymore."
>you raise your hand objectively, chiming in
"But what of this whole cult following of his? Why is he doing this?"
>he looked at you sternly before he smiled
>"If one does what Celestia does enough times, one will become as Celestia is. You put it together, you get being wanted and desired enough times."
>"He believes he will become one who is wanted and desired and accepted..."
>"Because Celestia has power...and if one does what Celestia does enough times, one will become as Celestia is."
>"Though you do remind me of him. That very same glint in your eye. Same species too after all.."
>before you could get a chance to question him about what he said, the Leader's voice came booming through the cavern
>"Behold brothers and sisters! We have found another heathen among us. A fallen angel..."
>Rushing outside, you see the large crowd gathered again in the center
>atop the pyramid stood the Leader brandishing a wicked looking blade that shone in the firelight, standing over the unconscious pegasus guard
>he spots you, then with a sweeping gesture, he points at you, along with the gaze of the entire mass of hooded ponies
>"You have come! A witness to the end! It is coming, it is coming indeed. It was foretold you would come."
>"BEHOLD! a human being, the dark disciple to Nightmare Moon!"
>the crowd unanimously gasped, before starting to shout threats at you
>"Burn the dark one!" "Cleanse the earth of her wicked ways and all those who follow her!"
>the Leader spoke once more
>"You see, we have prepared. The devout know. This is the Twilight Winter!"
>"I am ready to be her SON! It is now! I will RISE to her side!"
>"For you see, I, yes I, have fought against these fallen angels! I wear their flesh and I drank their blood!"
>he strips off his coat, revealing a vest made of stitched together skin adorned with faded bloody white wings on the back.
>"I have scanned the reality. I see it, the corruption of flesh and blood by the Dark one"
>he starts walking over to where Princess Luna was dangling, brandishing his blade, he stroked it across her cheek
"No!"
>you jump down the raised platform, rushing towards the pyramid
>however, you were caught blind-sided as you were hit square in the stomach, causing you to buckle over, clenching your chest for breath
>stout hooded stallions surround you and hold you at bay, keeping your struggles in check
>"You see Anonymous, the flesh of fallen angels come to me. A secret, living on by the skin of reality."
>"With the ascension of Twilight, student of Celestia, we knew it was the dawn of the Twilight Winter."
>"What is it about Twilight that made her into an alicorn you might ask?"
>"THE WINGS! THE WINGS! The secret is just underneath the skin!"
>his fingers curled as if trying to crush the life out of something that was not there
>his neck twitched and his eyes were ablaze with madness unfathomable
>"For you see, Celestia has blessed me with a bounty of fallen angels. With their wings, I shall ascend into alicornhood, and be reunited with her..."
>facing Luna once more, ripping off her blindfold, his menacing view befalling her
>her eyes were wide with fear, as she tried to struggle away from the blade before her
>"The final ingredient needed for this sacred act is the blood of the kin to our Princess Celestia, blood of the Princess of the Night."
>he grabs he throat, gritting his teeth into a wretched smile
>"Though just to be sure, we wouldn't want the Dark one's influence to ever spread again across our promised land..."
>In a mock Royal Canterlot voice he declared
>"Nightmare Moon is thine name, devour thy wings to make thee tame!"
>In a sudden moment a blinding light filled the cavern
>with the clap of thunder across the sky, deafening to all
>the ringing in your ears soon cleared to the sound of clashing metal and breaking bone
>regaining your senses, you behold a flurry of bronze armor and steel tipped spears
>the royal guard hit right into the crowd, like a wave crashing upon the shore
>seizing the opportunity to break free of your captors, your wrenched your arms out of their grip and dashed forward, up the steps of the pyramid
>you shove zealots out of the way, sending them falling down the steps as you drew your machete
>you notice a pegasi guard diving in from above, donning a pair of blacked out goggles, tackling into the Leader
>they tumble backwards, almost into the roaring bonfire
>you run towards Luna, fumbling with the thick cord wrapped around her
>sensing it futile, you attempt to cut through it with your machete
"Fear not Princess, we shall get you out of here..."
>before you are able to finish that last sentence, a strong hand grips your shoulder and pulls you backward
>slamming into the ground you gaze upward, seeing the Leader standing over you, gripping the wicked blade in his hands
>the machete knocked out of your hand, you notice the guard groaning in pain not far from you
>"Dark Disciple, you know not what you are up against!"
>he plunges the blade at you, however you grip his arms, the blade inches from your chest, quivering with force
>"I shall end you, and reclaim my place at her side! As her rightful son!"
>you tuck in your knee, before kicking him off from you.
>you grasp your machete again, raising it between you and him as you stand,
>he himself raises his gnarled hand, keeping his blade by his side
>you see the stitching of his leather vest starting to unfurl
>"Your blood shall drench these floors once I'm done with you!"
"I don't have the time to bleed. Your reign here shall end in the name of Princess Celestia"
>he lunges forward, the blade nicking your sleeve
>a small line of blood is drawn, wetting your arm
>"You speak as if you know your place, yet you do not. You are merely a replacement for her. A simulacrum."
>you rush forward, and swinging down with your machete
>he side steps it, grasping your arm, his knife punctures through your forearm in a blitz of steel
>you grimace, feeling the sting, as if a hot poker lay embedded in the wound
>you toss the machete to your other hand, tucking in your wounded arm as you ready yourself again
>"I have seen beyond the world of skin, the sun as my guiding light."
>"I have gazed upon the architecture of blood and marrow. Equestria needs a prince. A son of the light."
>placing his hand on his breast, he points the blade at you
>before he could utter another word, a spear bursts from his chest, through his palm
>gazing down in disbelief, his mouth agape, before he falls to his knees
>the blue glow dissipates from the shaft of the spear
>Luna stands beside you, her fur matted and her mane dirty with dust
>he stands yet again, before agonizingly pulling the spear from his chest, the wound gushing blood
>"I have tasted her eternal love..."
>he stutters in his breath, haggard and weary
>"it runs through my veins. It fills my being..."
>"Anonymous, I see within you the same..."
>"Even as death approaches, I know I will not dwell there eternally alone..."
>"For one day, you too shall fly too close to the sun and end up keeping me company."
>he stumbles back, and falls into the bon-fire
>his body consumed by the flames, his limbs twitch as the fiery coals envelope him.
>you lower your machete, and gaze at the cremating body upon the pyre
>Luna wraps her wing around you, her silence sufficient for an answer
>you finally step outside the cave, into the sunshine
>your eyes still struggle to adjust to the bright light, similar to the burst of light the unicorn guards used as they burst onto the gathering
>leaning upon your shoulder is your entourage from earlier, still dazed from the whole ordeal
>A nurse unicorn rushes to you, as other guards help your companion away
>white bandages levitate from her saddlebag and wraps around your wounded arm
>Corporal Dust Swirl comes to stand before you, looking weary from the battle earlier
>"Glad to hear your signal reached us before everything went to hell."
>that moment of getting the wind punched out of you gave you opportunity to activate the amber amulet at least
>"We will clean up the area here and bring into custody any surviving zealots. For now, you need to return to Canterlot to inform Princess Celestia that the operation was a success and that Princess Luna is safe."
>you salute him, before heading heading down the path
>"Anonymous, please wait for a moment..."
>Luna walks over to you, her expression slightly despondent
>"I did not much know of him, whilst I was trapped on the moon. Even with my return, my sister did not elaborate on her relationship with him."
>"Before you return to her, please keep in mind, her heart is still in play here."
>you sigh and bid her farewell and safe travels back to Canterlot
>back at the base camp, you step back onto the chariot before it takes to the sky, onward to Canterlot Castle
>arriving at the castle, the afternoon sun starts to set low across the mountains
>the evening star shining lonesomely in the twilight sky
>you set down in the courtyard, before dismounting the chariot
>climbing back up the tower, the steps seem to stretch on forever, until you arrive at the top
>you knew Celestia would sometimes retreat here, during times of stress to wind down as she lowers the sun
>going through the glass doors, you see Celestia's horn glow as she stood out on the balcony before the darkness enveloped the world
"Princess Luna is safe your highness. We suffered some casualties, but the enclave of Zealots have been disbanded."
>She turns to you, with a smile, yet you still see in her eyes a doleful expression
>"Thank you Anonymous. It brings relief to my heart hearing my sister is safe, however I still mourn for his passing..."
>"You have a right to be inquisitive. I sent you into this...unknowing of who you would be up against. A fellow human being..."
"Tell me princess, was he truly that close to you?"
>you let the words linger on in the air, waiting for her to respond
>"Yes, he became more than my most faithful subject. He became a student, I treated him like a son..."
>"He became my lover..."
>"Yet, that love started to blind him. I was his everything, and his desire to be with me eternally saw him abandon all sense of compassion for anyone but me."
>she gazes out across the valley, the lights of the towns and homesteads dotting the landscape
>"When I told him this, he began to think that his form was inferior, not worthy to be loved by me. He vowed to return, to be seen worthy as my true son no matter the cost."
"I see..."
>you stand against the railing looking out across as well
>Celestia places her hoof on top of your hand, looking at you with a subtle pained expression
>"Please Anonymous, do not let my love turn you into the monster that I once created before."
>you clutch her hoof with your hand tightly in response
 
-end-