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March 2nd yr. 985

After 16 years of teaching her the ways of Luna, I began teaching her how to use the only magic to have the expressed blessings of our dear Princess Luna. Shadowmancy, the magic that bends and weaves the darkness majestically through the air. Displaying the beauty of our deity whom ushers in the nights clear beauty and superiority.

A week ago I began to show her some of the more basic spells. I've decided to start keeping track of my daughters progress tonight. As she has successfully completed her first Shadow spells. Luna would be proud of her if she saw the amount of concentration she showed. As her father I feel I have a right to brag. I feel that my little Kerri could be the best Shadowmancer we've had for many years. She shows the spirit of a star burning brightly in the night, complimenting the moons full glory. I'm sure my little daughter will learn more of the basics in the months to come, I shall write of her superb skills as often as I can.

March 23rd , yr. 985

She catches on quickly. Some of her magic is better than the two year apprentices in the Luna branch. The whole room seems to darken when her shadowbolts smash through the targets, but she really shines through in atmospheric transformation. To manipulate the air is something of a mystery to me, but she takes a keen interest in letting the darkness flow around her. Quite an amazing thing.

She's working on a couple of spells now to take advantage of the shadows brought forth from light. Not exactly an easy thing for a novice. I have faith that she will conquer it though. I will continue to teach her and show her the way of Luna. Her love of it continues to rival mine.

I couldn't be happier.

April 13th , yr. 985

"Simply mind boggling!" Are the words that one of the Priests used to describe my little filly. Her skills in Shadowmancy beat a five year Adept in a match of skill! I can hardly believe it! She's easily better than I could ever hope to be. There's a spark in her that makes the shadows themselves leap at her command.

She has been summoned to the Court of Luna to display her skills to the Princess after her display. I'm so proud that I've cried twice today alone! My daughter is the best in Equestria, only a fool would declare otherwise.

Kerri has been elated at the chance to perform for the princess. She's been practicing ever since we've had the news. The techniques she's using have nearly been perfected and I have no choice but declare her a prodigy. Luna help me, I love my filly. She is the brightest point in the night sky!

May 1st , yr. 985

She has the blessing of Luna! She is to become a Sister! Luna has blessed me with such a perfect offspring!

Ah, but I get ahead of myself. She still must take more training to become one of the Sisters. There are still many obstacles she must pass, but I'm sure it will be no trouble for her. She passed my highest expectations by several years after all.

Her birthday approaches. I must make this one very special for her, but I won't write what I have planned. I'm pretty sure she has been reading this journal. I want it to be a surprise.

May 3rd , yr. 985

Something happened tonight. It pains me to think of my poor little Kerri in the hospital. I'm not entirely sure what happened and neither do the doctors.

She collapsed in the middle of the street as we were headed to worship. She was screaming terribly and convulsing violently. My heart nearly broke as she squirmed helplessly, I tried to comfort her but she pushed me away and gave me a terrified look before finally passing out.

The whole ordeal gave me quite the scare. I carried her to the doctors myself. I pray for her health consistently. I only hope that it isn't something serious, otherwise her whole future is lost.

Arther closed the journal solemnly. His horn glowed a cool blue as he set the quill on the desk. He looked around the cluttered home with weary eyes. The home itself was small, yet it seemed so large without his only daughter. Her smile was the only thing he found himself dearly missing.

He wandered over to her desk where she would study fervently, papers were strewn about the surface carelessly. There was a small mirror reflecting his face. It showed his dark red coat and a deep purple mane. His gray eyes showed nothing but sorrow and his frown deepened slightly.

"She's only been gone for a couple hours, and already I'm a mess..." He whispered to himself.

The books were stacked neatly in the far corner of her desk. They looked well used and many small notes hung lazily from them. She was always fond of studying the lore of Luna. Many had been written by the Princess herself. Kerri always insisted it was a looking glass into the inner workings of Luna, how she felt about certain things, people she respected, and things she enjoyed doing when not pushing the moon across the sky.

Her interest in such things brought him much amusement. He often told her she shouldn't drag the Princess down to mortal level, but she said that it was the other way around. She said that the power of anypony could match that of the Princess' should they apply themselves. Her logic was sound enough, considering everypony was a descendant of the Alicorn race. He warned her that such things would be considered heresy to the populace, but she continued to study without heed. It was possible that her current condition was a punishment for her pride. Arther had reason to doubt that though. The court usually offered to let them defend themselves before a punishment was decided and implemented.

He drew back the curtains on the front windows and winced slightly as the rising sun shone brightly through the glass.

"So bright and harsh." He muttered as he shut the curtains once more.

He headed to his room slowly and blew out candles along the way. The whole house descended into a quiet darkness. He nestled into his bed and stared at the wall. There was a mural of the night sky painted delicately on the hardwood. He remembered the night he and Kerri painted it well, along with the conversation they had.

"Dad?"

"Yes?" He replied.

"Was there ever a time ponies preferred the night over day?" She had asked.

"Hmmm... Yes. It was a very long time ago though."

"What happened to change that?"

"Heh, well, it was short lived darling. It was mostly because food can only grow in the daylight and plants have more vibrant colors during the day." He explained. "The Earthpony's have always reveled in the hours of Celestia. Praising the light that their plants grew in."

"True, but the Earthpony's aren't everypony." She countered. "Why do most Unicorns and Pegasi prefer the day?"

"Well the Earthpony's are the main reason why. The Unicorns and Pegasi depend on the Earthponies for food. They have a natural connection to the earth that allows them to understand and use it. However, the Pegasi had to provide the correct weather to the Earthponies. Like rain, wind, and even the occasional lightning storm."

She nodded in understanding. "What did the unicorns offer?" She asked.

"The rising of the sun and moon." He answered simply.

"Really?!" She said in shock. "But, what of Celestia and Luna?"

"That is a different story child." He replied with a laugh. "The point is that they relied on us to keep track of the two at the time. We all had to work together for a time, in that time the day became the frontrunner for all races. We worked on a schedule for survival."

Kerri was silent for a long moment. "Pity..." Was all she said as she finished painting a beautiful flower near the bottom. "They'll miss the blooming of the Veil lily."

Arther smiled at his daughter. "The night wasn't meant for everypony, dearest. Just those who are willing to see true beauty."

She smiled and continued on with the mural.

Arther fell to sleep with that memory soothing his mind. Hoping dearly that he would share more with her in the future.

Night was falling again as he rose from his bed sleepily. The streets outside were dying down of their usual buzz. His wardrobe was full of his usual dark blue robes and other attire. He changed quickly and went to his kitchen to prepare a small meal. The night ahead promised to be a bleak one.

With his breakfast finished he let out a deep sigh and headed to his desk to finish up some work. A knock at the front door snapped him from his trance. He opened the door slightly and peered out. It was a messenger Pegasus.

"Mr. Constell?" The mail-mare asked.

He nodded silently.

"I have been told to inform you that your daughter has regained consciousness and is in stable condition. You are encouraged to visit her at your earliest convenience." She explained.

He smiled at the news. "I will, thank you." He reached into his pocket and flipped a bit to her. She caught it nonchalantly and took off into the sky.

The world already seemed much more forgiving, he shut the door behind him and walked down the darkening streets.

There weren't many shops open after sundown, but there were a few that catered to the followers of Luna. He was looking for one in particular. The Florist that sold the most beautiful Veil lily's in the whole of Canterlot.

He approached the stall with a friendly smile, an Earthpony running it returned the kind gesture.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Constell." She said with a laugh. "How may I help you?"

"Good evening Mrs. Laural. How's business been?"

"As well as you would expect. The day provides more than the night." She replied with a frown. "You didn't bring Kerri with you?"

"She's indisposed for the moment." He said simply. "I was just hoping to get a bouquet of Veil's."

"Hmmm..." She mused. "For a special somepony?" She began to prepare a glass vase and filled it slowly with fresh water.

"You know me, I'm a mares fantasy." He said with a wink. "No, Kerri had a fit of some sort and ended up in the hospital."

"Sweet Luna! Is she alright?" Laural asked worriedly.

"Supposedly. I'm on my way to see her now."

"Dear... This one's on me." She said as she finished cropping the stems and placed a dozen in the vase.

He flushed slightly at the kind gesture. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."

"Oh come on now, Arther. You know I'm here for you." She stated with a grin. "Has Selena spoken to you?"

"No, and I doubt she cares. We come second to her duties as the Royal Guard." He said, his voice heavy with disdain. He grabbed the vase with magical concentration, it hovered close to him.

Laural shrugged dismissively. "Give her my best wishes Arther. I hope to see the two of you together next time."

He bowed his head in farewell and began to walk to the hospital. "That much I can promise you!" He called back.

The hospital was as quiet as the entire city during the night. One of the late shift doctors was leading him to his daughter's room. As they approached her room the doctor stopped him.

"Now I know you're anxious to see you're daughter, Mr. Constell, but we feel there are some thing's you should be aware of." The Doctor explained. "She had some severe hallucinations after she had awoken. She wounded several of our staff before finally calming down. We also think magic may have been a factor in this case, but as of now we are uncertain. We have run several tests and found only one abnormality. We suggest utmost caution in approaching her."

Arther gave him a confused look. "I don't understand. Is it alright for me to see her or not?"

The doctor shrugged. "We don't know how she'll react to anything. Whatever happened caused some mental trauma."

"I'll be careful then, thank you." Arther said as he continued on to her room.

The Doctor followed him with caution as he entered the room.

Kerri lie in the bed, eyeing the door angrily. Arther stopped in his tracks as her green eyes pierced him. They had never been that color before, but her coat was the same deep red as before, along with her dark purple mane and red highlights. Her eyes were a color that he could only describe as a fiery green, making her glare seem more intense than it would've been had her eyes still been the same dark blue as they were before.

"Kerri?" He asked, dumbfounded.

She tore her glance from him and resumed staring at the ceiling, not saying a word.

He walked to the side of her bed and placed the Veil's on the end table next to her. "Are you alright, dear?"

She remained silent for a moment. "No." She seethed.

"What's wrong?" He queried as the doctor stood next to him silently.

She eyed him carefully. "I woke up, when I should be dead." Her words were heavy and dark, bearing no resemblance to the daughter he knew just yesterday.

"Why would you say such a thing?" He asked solemnly.

She smiled grimly. "Because it is the truth, Arther." She looked to the Lilies with curiosity, as if trying to recall them from a distant memory.

She had never referred to him as Arther before, it had always been dad, daddy or father. She spoke to him as a stranger now.

"Do you hurt?"

She ignored his question and continued to stare at the flowers. Dark purple petals that were a bright white in their centers.

"Blessed flowers..." She whispered. Her eyes sparked with recognition. "The flowers of Luna. Luna, The God of the night, she who raises the moon during the night. One of two Princess'. Celestia, God of the day, the most celebrated and respected of the two, she raises the sun. They rule equally and totally." She rambled quickly. "I am a daughter of the night with magical expertise. I command the darkness to do my will. I am vastly skilled." Silence filled the room as she stopped talking.

Arther and the doctor stared at her curiously as she tried to roll out of the bed.

"Ma'am, I must insist that..."

"I do not take orders from animals!" She interrupted as her hooves hit the floor. She frowned at the noise and looked herself over. There was a mark on her flank, it was that of a crescent moon. She looked disgusted at herself. "How about you make yourself useful doctor and fetch me some clothes." She ordered.

The doctor paled as she looked at him and he rushed out of the room to do as she said.

Kerri looked at her father. "What do you want?" She asked in a demeaning fashion.

"What has gotten into you?" He demanded. "You would never treat anypony like that before!"

"Sense, that's what has gotten into me." She tried to walk but instead fell to the ground, landing on the floor with a heavy thud. "Damned legs!" She cursed, attempting to stand once more.

Arther tried to help her but she pushed him back.

"You are not to touch me!" She ordered sternly. Standing fully on her own.

He took a couple steps back from her. "You aren't my daughter!" He accused.

She gave him an amused glance and attempted to walk once more. She walked a bit unnaturally for a moment before standing still. "There is more truth behind that than you would care to think." She said derisively. "I'm surprised you picked up so quickly."

He looked at her incredulously for a moment. "What happened to you, Kerri?"

She frowned at the question and turned fully to face him. "What do you think?!" She growled. "I wake up and see these disgusting creatures standing over me..." She stopped, as if she suddenly realized something. "It doesn't matter, I do not have to explain myself to you."

"Disgusting creatures?" He asked absently, mulling over his thoughts. "Do you hear yourself? You sound different."

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I am different, fool." She chided. "Look at me! Look into my eyes and tell me what you see!"

He gazed deeply into her eyes, indeed there was a difference to them. "I see anger and absolution... Nothing of the daughter I once had, her eyes were full of curiosity and an affinity for the night."

Kerri smiled wickedly. "Yes, because your daughter was buried under the weight of several other lives! Do you see them? Your daughter still exists, Arther. She is lost in the crowd that surrounds her. I am her! Would you refuse this?"

He was lost in her eyes, looking for just a hint that his daughter still lived. Whatever had happened last night changed his only child. He prayed dearly that it was only temporary.

"No." He answered.

She laughed quietly. "I would."

The statement hit him like a buck to the stomach. A single tear streaked down his face.

"Leave me alone. I have much to think about." She demanded as she walked awkwardly back to the bed. Showing no remorse for her words.

"Of course... Sorry to bother you, dear." He stifled a sob. "I will check on you later." He went to the door and opened it sullenly before closing it behind him. He thought to himself for a couple moments, trying to convince himself that his daughter would be normal in time. Yet a little piece of him resisted the comforting thoughts and warned of danger. He wandered slowly back to his home, trying to maintain his composure.

The Controlled Mind

Kerri walked to the window with unsure hooves, she nearly tripped twice in ten steps. It was only the very beginning of the night and the sun beamed it's final twilight over the horizon. The city was much like many others she had seen before. The buildings were mostly cobblestone with dry grass roofs. The architecture seemed a bit sloppy around this particular area, it gave it a certain rustic charm that would have made her smile, had it not been for one little detail. The peoples that inhabited this city were animals, Ponies to be accurate.

They talked like Humans, but they walked on all fours like beasts. How could it be possible? Such a thing should not exist. She looked herself over with a sneer. She was one of them, much to her disdain. It had been not long ago she had been totally fine with the fact of her body being that of an animal. Now however, it disgusted her. She had half a mind to end herself, but as she looked back unto the city she remembered parts of her old life. The beliefs she held, the friends she had, all of it lost to her now. This life had been empty. She only ever had contact with her father and a select few outsiders. One of her contacts however, is a God Princess.

Kerri smiled deviously at the thought as she continued to stare out to the city, known as Canterlot.

"This is going to be fun!" She whispered to herself.

She was uncomfortable with her body and practicing walking wasn't making it easier to accept. She could remember this life before she Snapped, but still some things took getting used to. At least the doctor had brought her a hospital gown to wear. She felt it covered her at least a fair amount, but not nearly as much as she would have liked.

"I wouldn't suppose you have more, fitting clothes?" She asked the doctor.

"No ma'am. That's all we have for patients." He replied.

"Of course it is." She said with a frustrated sigh. "How much longer must I wait here?"

"Well, as soon as we can figure out why you suffered such a serious... attack. We will figure out what to do from there. In any case, rest will likely help."

Kerri waved him off dismissively. "I'll be fine. Your tests will prove inconclusive."

"Yes well, there are some tests that I must run to see if it's a magical hex of some sort. Which will require your consent."

She searched through her memories to see if she could guess what the test would be, but her mind revealed nothing. "Why would this test require my consent?"

"It would let me read your mind as if I walked through it. The benefit of this is that I'll be able to see any hex's that block you from remembering them or noticing their effects." He answered professionally. "If however you object to it, you would be placing yourself at serious risk."

Kerri smiled. "You may do what you wish doctor, but I suppose I should warn you that my mind will test you as well." She said with an ill meaning grin. "I will try to help you through it though."

He nodded. "Nurse!" He called. A mare walked into the room and looked to him questioningly. "I am going to search for magical tampering, I would like if you would observe."

The nurse simply nodded in response and waited patiently.

"Now Kerri, we may begin. Cross your horn with mine and concentrate on the status of your mind." He ordered.

"Why must she observe this?" Kerri queried.

"She is to witness in case anything should happen and break the spell. She can also listen to any conversation we should have and take note of them."

The nurse had quill and paper hovering next to her lazily.

"Very well, get ready to hear some strange things." Kerri warned with a smile as she moved closer to the doctor. She bowed her head and closed her eyes before she readied her mind for an intruder.

The Doctor also took a moment to prepare his mind before bending his legs ever so slightly to touch his horn with hers. There was a spark of magical origin, he could fell his consciousness plunge into her mind. This kind of magic was dangerous for anypony who dared wander in another mind. He had much practice at it though, if he came across any deep secrets he was required to keep them to himself. Due to his oath when he was hired.

With this spell it was difficult to do anything specific. Any thought would catapult you to a totally different place in your mind. Staying focused was incredibly difficult within the confines of your mind. His body formed around the point of his thoughts so she could locate him. Any experience now would be akin to a dream.

He looked around himself quickly. He was hovering in empty space and unable to comprehend anything for a moment. Soon Kerri appeared next to him in splendid detail, her robes covered nearly her entire body save her head and front legs. Her mane was styled casually along with her tail and her face showed no expression.

"What is this?" The doctor asked with a gesture around himself.

Kerri smiled. "A controlled environment, wouldn't want to drive you insane all at once." She explained.

He marveled at her mental control for a moment. "I can't help you if you don't show me anything."

"Have patience. Tell me what you need to see and I will take you there." She said simply.

"Very well..." He said with an unsure tone. "I think a good place to start would be when you were struck with the frenzy." He stated.

Their surroundings suddenly changed. Faster than he could possibly conceive, they stood in the middle of a street. It seemed to be midnight, but the traffic seemed heavy regardless of that fact. They were on their way to Luna worship.

"This is where it happened?" The doctor asked.

"Yes, this is the spot. The masses eagerly go to please their gods." She said with an uninterested tone. "You will find nothing here, only a clue if you're sharp."

"Maybe the spell is making you forget." He noted as he looked around. He could see the patient and her father walking down the street, they seemed to be talking and laughing. He eyed the mare standing next to him curiously. The memory of her looked to be far more joyful than her current state. It looked as if she watched herself with disgust.

It all happened relatively fast. Her body fell to the ground and convulsed violently. Her father rushed to her side. The doctor watched them closely. The mare looked to be in extreme pain and her eyes were closed tight.

"Just looks like a physical anomaly." The doctor said with assurance.

"Wait just a moment." Kerri said, watching the body that writhed before her with little interest but looking as if she were expecting something.

That's when he felt it, They were growing steadily more powerful. It was very faint pulses coursing through him. They weren't emanating from the body, but rather flowing into her. They reminded him of the pulses seen in certain curses. It was as if someone was cursing her at this moment. The doctor focused on the pulses and their incoming direction.

"So you can feel them?" Kerri asked, seeming to notice his distraction. "You are sensitive to magic then?

He nodded silently, trying to feel where they were originating from. There wasn't one point of origin, they seemed to come from all around. As if the very air was cursing her. Then there was the mother of all pulses. It blasted through him and struck into the helpless body. His eyes opened wide and he let out a pained gasp, but Kerri's body cried out and her eyes flared out in a color of green. There was no doubt now, it was definitely magic that plagued her. The only thing was that the doctor had never felt such a powerful and sudden curse. He watched the pony curse to herself as she flailed about on the ground.

She tried to stand on her two hind legs but fell over rather suddenly. Her eyes lay angrily on her father as she tried to crawl away from him. Her mouth spoke in an odd tongue.

"Ellet! Hak ekun! Cherd'onab illiun!" She yelled as her horn glowed in pitch darkness.

"Kerri? Are you alright dear?!" Arther asked. Walking towards her with a worried expression.

"Tuhak ekun!" She yelled as tendrils of darkness shot out at him. Arther reacted quickly and nonchalantly to the attack. He continued to walk forward with his own tendrils of darkness blocking against her's.

"Calm... My daughter... Be calm." Arther said as he cast another spell. It was a light tranquil spell, but it was enough to render her totally unconscious.

The memory stopped there and her mind went silent. Kerri's form appeared in front of him once more.

"Well, what do you make of that doctor?" She asked with a hint of smugness.

He gathered his thoughts for a moment. "It... was something like a curse, but a curse shouldn't be so sudden. It functioned like a higher level spell. Maybe from an arch-mage."

Kerri cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "You're closer than you would care to think. Tell me, what is the strangest thing you have seen in anypony's mind?"

He eyed her curiously. "I've seen some odd things." He answered simply.

"Then let me assure you, this will be something totally new to you. Would you believe you've entered the mind of a human?" She queried with a devious smile.

"Uh..." He thought for a moment. Humans were nothing more than an old myth. Believed to be the great enslavers of all species across the world. There was little known about what they were or where they were now. They were little more than a footnote in the histories of Equestria "No." He said, firmly shaking his head.

The Equestian that stood before him suddenly shifted into a different form. She stood up straight on two legs. The creatures face seemed flat yet full of defining features. Dark red hair hung from under a wide rimmed hat that was perched on her head, it was dark purple with a blood red feather flowing from it's belt. Her facial expression looked down onto him with a pride that nearly broke his own. Her dress was long and suited her curves well and was the same dark purple as her hat. Her arms were folded over her chest and she kept one of her gloved hands tucked under her chin.

"Old stories have a habit of being true." She said with a shrug.

The doctor's jaw hung slack. What in the hell was this creature? He had never seen anything like it. "What are you?" He asked, dumbfounded.

"Weren't you listening?" She asked with a chuckle. "I am human. In mind, heart and soul... but not body."

"Impossible..." He said.

"Unlikely." She rebutted. "But remember why we're here, doctor. You want to know if I was cursed? The short answer, yes, but perhaps you would like to see the culprit?" She asked simply.

He watched her in disbelief. "You know who did this to you? Do you know what it is?"

"Yes, I know who did this to me. No, I don't know for sure. But I have a pretty good idea."

Suddenly another figure appeared next to her. He was taller than her by several inches. His clothes were dyed a bright green, it was almost offensive to his eyes. His clothes were also trimmed in a bright yellow. Under the man's large hat was short golden hair. His smile was nothing short of exaggerated, yet it seemed entirely pure. The man's facial hair seemed trimmed and well groomed. His eyes were the same bright green as Kerri's.

"C'mon Kerri, you know I'm always looking out for you!" He said in a light and cheery voice. His smile stayed glued to his face. There was a well crafted rapier in his right hand. Apparently of master smithing.

Kerri seemed to be angered by this memory. She waved it off and once again he was alone with her.

"As much as I hate to admit it, he was my husband." She said with disdain. "Since I've married him. I have been unable to..." She paused to look for the right word. "stay dead. It took me many lives to finally figure out the problem. To the extent of my knowledge, this curse cannot be undone."

He was utterly lost in the implications of what he was seeing and hearing. Human's, curses and marriage? This procedure was becoming something of a boon to his sanity.

"Doctor?" Kerri called to him.

He snapped out of his confusion and looked into her eyes. "Uhm... Yes?" He asked dryly.

"You have magical capabilities, correct?" She queried.

"I... Yes." He replied dumbly.

"Perhaps you could..." She froze in mid-sentence.

He waited for several moments. "Perhaps I could what?"

Eternal Curse

Kerri disappeared instantaneously. The doctor looked around himself quickly. He was in empty space and totally alone.

"Cursed parasite." A booming voice said.

Okay... maybe not _ totally alone _. He thought to himself.

"You search for her secret... but it is not hers to give. Cursed is she who binds her life with an Eternal." The voice seethed.

"Wh... Who's there?" He called out meekly. His wits were reaching their end.

"I am a bearer of the Void. I walk with it and fight for it." The voice explained. "Hatred guides me to you, creature."

A huge dragon with red scales stood before him. The thing was as large as a mountain with a crown of horns circling on it's head. "I am Conclusion. Arch-Drakon and defeater of the Arch-Dragon Iconoclast." The beast said with a sneer. "You trespass in the mind of an exiled under my watch."

The doctor made no attempt to resist, but rather fell to an option he hoped would work. "Nurse! Break the spell!" He called out.

"I think not. You will answer to me now." Conclusion demanded.

The doctor let out a small whimper.

"I will have your name."

A surge pulsed through his body and pulled words from his mouth. " Alsamier!" He said suddenly. But that wasn't his name, why would he say that?

"Your husk will have the answer he seeks, Alsamier. Then I will ask you a question that I expect you will answer truthfully." Conclusion explained.

Alsamier nodded fervently.

"You seek the curse that plagues the exiled? It is one that my master had created long ago, and is still used on occasion for special cases. Those who defy Consumption are often rewarded with it. Souls that are influenced by their husks are not tolerated in Origin." Conclusion stated.

"I don't understand." Alsamier said. "What's going on? Why are you telling me this?" He pleaded.

"You're the one who came looking for answers, parasite. Against the suggestions of your soul, you came. These are simply parting gifts. You seek knowledge, it is the price I must pay." Conclusion stated simply.

"What are you paying for?" Alsamier asked.

"The curse is said as such," Conclusion continued, ignoring his question. "kel, Leq shädra emure umúhura! Canm Leq'as hekan!"

A pulse surged through him, but nothing seemed to happen to him. Alsamier looked to the dragon curiously.

"You now have the knowledge you seek." Conclusion chuckled. "You may use it as you see fit. Now, Do you wish to return, Alsamier?" The dragon asked.

Alsamier nodded solemnly. The dragon smiled warmly and opened his mouth.

The doctor felt a sudden surge shake the core of his body, like something was being torn from him. His thoughts suddenly became wild and erratic, almost like it had snapped. A bright point of light passed from his lips and hovered inches from his nose for several moments before flying into the dragon's open maw.

Conclusion closed his jaw and looked down at him. "You are welcome to return to your home." He smiled deviously.

The doctor was unable to gather his thoughts, something seemed seriously wrong with him. He nodded absently and willed himself home. The darkness was overwhelming.

The Eternal Conundrum

Kerri's focus shattered mid-sentence and the spell was broken. A flare of magical light lit the room suddenly, temporarily blinding both her and the nurse. They let out surprised gasps simultaneously as their sight was restored. The doctor lay upon the ground, his lifeless eyes stared to the wall.

"Doctor!" The nurse cried out as she dropped the quill and paper. She rushed to his side and checked for any signs that he may live, but his corpse was cold.

Kerri looked down at his corpse in surprise but made no attempt to assist the nurse. What was that? She thought to herself. The Doctor looked as if he had been dead for several minutes, if not hours.

"What did you do?" The nurse asked with accusing eyes. "Why did you..."

"She did nothing." A feminine voice said from the shadow's in the corner. Both Kerri and the nurse looked and saw a Unicorn with a deep purple coat and dark blue robes. The darkness seemed to flow about her as if she stood in mist, her horn seemed to glow in the faintest of black. Calming, yet threatening at the same time. The robes were magically stitched to appear as the night sky on a moonless night. There were royal Lunar bands made of sterling silver wrapped around her front legs, each emblazoned with the seal of Luna.

Kerri remembered this one. It was her mother, Selena Constell. Personal guard of Luna.

"Who are you?" The nurse asked, somewhat bewildered at the sudden appearance of Selena.

Selena's horn glowed slightly more intense before she spoke. "I am here to relieve you of your watch. You may rest now." She walked closer to Kerri as she spoke. The nurse fell over on her side, and breathed steadily as her eyes slowly closed. She drifted into a light sleep.

Kerri showed no particular interest in the nurse's status, but rather watched Selena approach her.

"Greetings, my daughter." Selena said with a flat tone.

"Selena." Kerri replied simply. Showing just as much emotion as her mother.

More figures poured from the shadow in the corner and moved towards the dead doctor and unconscious nurse, using their magic to drag them back through the darkness.

"I assume you didn't come here for just them." Kerri said after a long silence between them.

Selena smirked "You always were a sharp one. Luna wishes to speak with you."

Kerri cocked an eyebrow. "What for? I have nothing that interests her."

"You expect me to believe that?" Selena rebutted. "After what just transpired?"

Kerri laughed in amusement. "And what exactly just happened?"

"You told him that you are human, Kerri." Selena noted. "That in itself is cause for some concern... You also said something about a curse. I must ask that you accompany me to her majesty, if you wish to hear more. She does not explain her personal reasoning to me."

Kerri thought for a moment. "What if I have no desire to speak with her?" She asked.

Selena looked surprised at the question. "I will be forced to subdue you and return with you anyway, whether you have the desire or not." She replied.

"Then I don't really have a choice." Kerri said with a shrug.

Selena eyed her carefully before gesturing to the darkness. "You first." She ordered. Kerri smiled and trotted into the darkness.

It was a higher level teleportation spell. One that only very few shadowmancers could use successfully. All you would see was a flash of darkness, then you would be at the other end of the spell target. Kerri came out inside of the royal palace. She recognized it from the last time she was here. It was Luna's wing. Draped in dark cloths and murals of the night sky along the walls. The windows had intricate designs through the panes, most depicting Luna or the moon. She remembered how taken she was by the art last time, but now they seemed nothing special.

Selena came through the darkness behind her. Selena had the notes of the test pocketed in her robes, just barely visible.

"Get rid of the body," Selena ordered to her guard. "and take her for processing." She gestured to the nurse. "Continue normal duties until told otherwise."

The guards all nodded in response and went to do as ordered.

Selena trotted next to Kerri. "The Majesty wishes to speak with you. Follow me." She demanded casually.

Kerri followed without objection. The hallways were long and silent, few torches lit them. Only the occasional figure walked by them. They didn't make an attempt to acknowledge them as they passed. Selena led her to a relatively modest door and opened it with magic. She waited patiently for Kerri to pass. Kerri walked into the well lit room, Selena followed and shut the door behind them.

It was a study. The walls were lined with shelves of books. There was a desk near the far wall where the Princess sat and stared into the pages of a book with a tired expression. Her horn glowed with magical concentration. Selena bowed deeply, Kerri stood casually.

"Majesty, I have done as you asked." Selena said obediently.

Luna looked at the two Unicorns. "Well done, you may approach."

They both stood at the end of her desk. Kerri showed no respect in the way she looked to the Princess. Almost as if she was angry with her. Selena eyed her carefully before looking back to the Princess.

"So, what did they find out?" Luna asked.

"Not much. Only that she is human..." Selena replied. "and that it is a curse."

Luna cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "A curse? How peculiar. May I have those notes, please."

Selena relinquished the notes without hesitation.

The Princess looked over them quickly and was silent for several moments. She set them on the desk next to her and looked to Selena. "You may leave us."

Selena looked shocked. "But, Majesty! She could be dangerous!" She objected.

"I can handle this, Selena. I need to have a talk with her. You are excused." Luna ordered.

Selena bowed politely before turning to leave. Kerri and Luna stood in silence until the door closed.

"Who are you?" Luna asked simply.

"We have met before, Majesty. I am Kerri Constell. You know this." Kerri answered.

Luna gave her an unconvinced look. "No, I don't. What I do know is that you aren't the same pony I once knew." She said with certainty.

This caught Kerri off guard. How could she possibly know that? "You must making a mistake Princess."

"No, I'm not." Luna said. "I know of another who was just like you. Green eyes, stunningly so. The way you are looking at me reminds me of him."

Kerri eyed her carefully. "Who is this, other, you speak of?"

Luna lifted the book she was reading. It was titled, The Horse of War. There was a painting of a stallion covered in full plate armor. He was wielding a broadsword in his jaws and his eyes were a familiar bright green.

"I knew him long ago, his name was Paldorin. Long forgotten in the histories of Equestria. This is the only remaining piece of him in existence." She said as she set the book back on the table.

Kerri studied the picture intently. The stallion himself didn't look familiar at all, but there was something in his stance. He rang a bell in her mind. Luna seemed to see her recognition, vague though it was.

"You know him?" Luna asked, genuinely curious. Something in her voice made her seem eager to know the answer.

"No, but he seems familiar." Kerri replied.

Luna looked disappointed at her answer. "Oh, very well." She said as the book came to rest. "Right now though, I'm more interested in you. Why are you here?"

Kerri looked confused at the question. "I didn't choose to come here." She stated.

"Really?" Luna said in surprise. "How is that possible?"

"How much do you really know of my particular condition?" Kerri asked with a cocked eyebrow. "I mean sure, you have a book that speaks of one like myself but how much do you honestly know?"

Luna gave her a cautious glance. "I knew the Stallion that this book depicts. He was to be my husband at one point."

"Hm. How fortunate for you then." Kerri said.

Luna looked hurt by these words, but she kept her composure. "He was an Alicorn as myself." She explained. "As he came of age he suffered a serious magical attack. One that we had all felt at the time. I felt similar pulses not that long ago. Honestly, that is the extent of my knowledge."

"That would be me." Kerri said simply. "You would think a god princess would be better informed of magics such as this."

Luna slammed a hoof on the desk. "That's quite enough, Kerri Constell! I will not be insulted in such a manner!"

Kerri's face hardened. "You know nothing, Princess! Tell me, how did your betrothed respond to you after he had awakened and recovered?!"

Luna was taken aback by her bluntness. "I..." She stuttered. "... That is none of your concern."

"Did he look at you as if you were a stranger?" Kerri pressed further. "Did he treat you differently than he did before?"

Tears welled in Luna's eyes. "Hold your tongue..." She demanded weakly.

Kerri decided she would relent and let Luna regain her bearings. "You must understand. If you wish to know more of this curse, you must share your knowledge with me."

Luna dried her tears casually before regaining herself. "So you suggest an exchange of knowledge? You would've gladly told me these things before."

"I am not that person anymore. That I will tell you, free of charge."

"Odd phrasing." Luna noted. "Then pray tell. Who are you?"

Kerri bowed politely before her. "My name is Kerri La'roux, formerly Entaren. I am a guardian of my family's legacy."

Luna nodded respectfully. "We find ourselves in a delicate situation Mrs. La'roux. Pony's such as yourself have left scars in Equestria." She said as she set a hoof on the book. "Scars that cannot fully heal."

"Oh, do tell." Kerri said.

"What do you know of the work my sister and I do?" Luna asked.

"It is said that you raise the sun and moon, respectively. A fact which I find hard to digest, if it's not an outright lie."

"It is the truth... mostly" Luna admitted. "There was a time long ago when our magic was not required."

"And what changed that?" Kerri queried.

"Paldorin." Luna replied in near whisper. "When his mind was broken he became uncontrollably violent. I tried to calm him, but he wouldn't heed my words. He would've killed me had my father not intervened. My father's magic was powerful enough to subdue him, thankfully. When he finally did calm himself he was somepony else. He became obsessed with something he called war. Never had we heard the likes of it before, the Alicorn had always been kind to one another and enjoyed the sharing of knowledge and magic. As such, we asked him to teach us of war. He taught us eagerly without hesitation. He taught us forms and tactics, stuff of conflicts and rivalries. He showed us armor and weapons and even showed us how to construct such items. My sister and I both made our objections clear to the council. What need of such knowledge had we? Our cries fell on deaf ears however, they continued to study the subject."

"I don't understand." Kerri said. "What did he have to do with the necessity of your control?"

"He was too powerful." Luna continued. "After he taught our people of such things, he asked us if we were ready to use them. We were... More so than my sister or I could possibly imagine. He said we should wipe out the other species to show our strength. He promised glory, wealth and our rightful place as the dominant ones. We were easily swayed in this. We proclaimed him a prodigy of sorts, we would learn all we could from his bottomless mind. In the end, we both became soldiers at our fathers request. To study and observe, even participate. There was no way the other species could prepare for what we had learned. We gathered a small force as we Alicorns stay low in number. We donned our armor and marched with him into the plains. The Earthpony's fell so easily, so quickly. He convinced us they were weak. That they deserved to die."

"We left none alive to our knowledge. Yet word spread of our slaughter. Paldorin insisted that we keep moving. Villages stood no chance against us. Earthpony's, Unicorns and Pegasi stood no chance against our weapons and magics. Blood flowed in the first full scale war we Alicorn had waged in Equestria. Even looking back on it now, it was foolish. Their counterattacks were increasing in strength, but most had decided to run out of our path. Before we reached the kingdom of the Griffons, our self loathing began to set in. We began to see where our quest for knowledge was leading us. Paldorin however, had no such inhibitions. He was content marching over the bodies of those he deemed weaker. At the border, were the last villages of the three races. We refused to follow him further. We tried reasoning with him, but he was not swayed. He said that if we did not continue he would deem all of us weak and dispose of us. Indeed we were weak, far more weak than him. Our wills were strong though, we refused once again."

Kerri looked to be interested, but she seemed confused on the point of this tale. "So you all teamed up and killed him once and for all?" She guessed.

"No. We fought against him and lost." Luna said.

"Then how did you survive?"

"We ran to tell the others as ordered. Paldorin insisted that we return to warn the others what hell we had unleashed on them. We did, he descended on us the next day. He slaughtered us without discrimination. He let my sister and I live, so we could witness him burn the weakness off of our world. He was slowing the rotation gradually. His magic far exceeded our own. We pushed against his magic and ultimately failed against it. So we struck at him physically. The distraction caused by his magic gave us an edge and we drove our blades through his heart. Instead of a scream, he offered us parting words: You are strong."

"So he's the reason your magic is needed?" Kerri said in wonder. "How did he get so powerful?"

"I don't know, but the damage caused by his magic was done."

Kerri was deep in thought. There were more people like her and Flen. It was an intriguing discovery to say the least. Paldorin, the one with this name was violent. He intended to end all creatures on this world. "So you and your sister were able to kick-start the worlds rotation?"

"Yes." Luna answered. "But it was not easy at first. We knew the people depended on us however, even today it taxes our concentration."

"I am curious to hear of you Mrs. La'roux." Luna said. "You have his eyes and symptoms of his sickness."

Kerri chuckled in amusement. "It is no sickness, rather a curse. A gift from my dear husband."

Luna cocked an eyebrow. "How would he have cursed you so?"

"I'm not sure. The curse itself is hard enough to explain. It doesn't affect one until the proper age. You are granted with all the memories of previous lives. It is akin to being able to live forever, with the unfortunate ability to die. Locked forever in consciousness, unable to live a fulfilling life. Are Alicorn immortal?"

"No, but we live for a very long time relatively." Luna replied.

"If you don't mind my asking, how old are you?" Kerri asked.

"I am 4985 years old." Luna answered simply.

Kerri was shocked. "Well, you're the first one I've met that's older than me. I am nearing my 1200th year of consciousness. The first life I remember was the one I shared with my husband, a man named Flen La'roux. My life was untainted by the curse until his death. I died shortly after him... It was unpleasant when I awoke next to find myself in an unfamiliar bed with an unfamiliar family in a strangers house."

Luna listened to her intently. "How do you know it was him that cursed you?"

"At first I wasn't sure how I was cursed or what the curse was. I killed myself a couple of times, to see if it would stop. I gave that up quickly as it was a waste of time. As for the reason I suspected him before it was confirmed, it was one of the first conversations I had with him. He asked me what I thought was a hypothetical question. What would you do if you could live forever? The question was simple, but I was naive. I said I would be the best that I could be."

"Then there was the color of my eyes. The same bright green as his. Then there was the final damning piece of evidence, him. I saw him in the streets of a city. No one else would wear such colors. I have run into him several times since." Kerri explained.

"You mean to tell me there's another?" Luna asked.

"Yes, if the past holds true to the present. He and I seem to be bound to each other."

"So, Paldorin suffered from this same affliction." Luna said curiously.

"That would be a safe assumption." Kerri stated.

"I don't understand something. Does this curse radically change your behavior as it did with Paldorin?" Luna asked.

"He probably had several lives before that one. Maybe that's just who he is, but yes, a persons mood, idea's and demeanor can change drastically from the childhood personality." Kerri said.

"Besides being considerably less respectful. You seem relatively tame." Luna noted.

"I am not obsessed with war and valor." Kerri replied. "The only thing I have on my mind is learning of this place."

Luna gave her a brief cautionary glance. Kerri managed to catch it before she straightened her face once more. She would have to earn her trust. "You are welcome to study in the library, but do you plan to continue with the Shadow courses?"

"I suppose I could." Kerri said with a shrug.

Luna called for Selena. Selena walked in almost immediately with a guard in toe. She stopped next to Kerri and looked to the Princess obediently. "Yes, Majesty?"

"Take her to the library." Luna said to the guard next to Selena. "I would like to speak to Selena privately."

The guard nodded and gestured for Kerri to follow him. She followed without objection. Luna waited until the door shut behind them.

"I want you to watch her closely." Luna said. "I want you to report to me what she is studying."

Selena gave a slight nod. "If you don't mind me asking, Princess. Why would it matter?"

Luna looked back to the book, the picture of Paldorin stood on the cover. His armor was stained in the blood of his victims. "She is a threat."

Harmless Knowledge

Kerri sat at a study table in the silent library. She had a couple of weeks worth of books piled around her neatly she took notes from one of the books. Selena watched her intently from the shadows. It had been nearly four days since she had been ordered to observe her own daughter. So far nothing seemed out of the ordinary. She only left to eat or use the restroom in that time, she slept very little at the desk every now and then. The books she read were common knowledge to everyone. Books of Luna and Celestia were seeming to be her key studies. There were even some books on magical theory and some history mixed in them.

Selena decided to step from the shadows to talk with her daughter. Maybe even talk with her of her studies. She walked across the room slowly eyeing her surroundings curiously. The library was kept undecorated and had simple windows of clear glass, much unlike the rest of the palace. She never had spent much time in this library, she had access to the Royal Study whenever she wished. She sat at a seat across from Kerri.

Kerri gave her half a glance and returned to her work. "Did you come to check up on me?" She asked.

Selena was silent for a moment. "Yes." She said after a long pause. "I must be honest with you, you are starting to worry me. I have never seen you recluse from Arther for so long."

Kerri smiled. "Is that so? Maybe I just want to study up for my acceptance into the sisterhood. Can't have all the distractions of him blurring my focus."

"Don't lie to me Kerri." Selena said with a dark tone. "You would be nothing without him. I know..."

"about my curse." Kerri interrupted.

Selena was taken aback.

"Any decent guard would have listened to the entire conversation." Kerri said. "You think I would underestimate you? I would even venture to guess you've been watching me the whole time." She continued, not looking up from her books. "Does Luna know that you know about this situation?"

"It is my duty to protect her at all costs, even if that means disobeying her. I didn't know why she would want to see you, but now I do." Selena explained. "You are something that cannot be trusted."

"You hurt my feelings, mother. I have done nothing." Kerri mocked. "I sit here and read my books quietly, gathering some harmless knowledge."

Selena gave her an unconvinced stare. "There is no such thing."

Kerri shrugged. "Believe what you wish."

They both sat quietly as Kerri scribbled away in her notebook. Selena tried to read what she was writing, but it was written in a different language. She had a stack of notes next to Kerri written in the same markings. "So what is it that you are studying?" Selena asked.

"Just reading a little family history." Kerri offered. "Seems this family in particular has a knack for magic. They have Alicorn blood in their veins and every generation one of the children is blessed with magical expertise."

"Is it important?" Selena asked.

"Crucially so. All these notes will prove useful to Luna." Kerri said.

"How so?"

Kerri stopped writing her notes and closed the book. "By making her more important to the world." She said with a smile. She folded the notes magically and slipped them into her hospital robe pocket. Some new robes were being made for her, but she would have to wear what she came with for the time being.

"Anyway, isn't there a Sisterhood thing I need to get to?" Kerri asked.

Selena gestured for Kerri to follow her. "So how would some notes make Luna more important than she already is? She's the Princess of Equestria."

Kerri sighed. "A Princess of Equestria." She corrected. "She probably feels overlooked by the populace on a nightly basis. I have an idea to make the night just as loved as the day. I would like to speak to Luna once this is done."

"If you pass this advanced combat testing, it will prove that you are capable of being a Sister. Technically making you a royal guard. It will be Luna's place to decide your duties from then on." Selena explained. "I hope you can make the nights a little more bearable for her. She's been awful depressed as of late."

"Oh, I'll do what I can." Kerri replied with a slight grin.

It was a relatively large room for the palace. It seemed well polished and lightly furnished compared to the other rooms. There was a stage at the far end of the room which three Unicorns stood on. A small group of Unicorn stood at the foot of the stage in a group of seven. They were all clothed in dark purple robes except one of the three whom stood on the stage was wearing deep black robes and a hood over her head.

The one in black stopped speaking to the other two and eyed Kerri as she walked in. "Here comes the prodigy, Constell." She said with disdain. "Coming to prove that she is mediocre in our midst."

All the Unicorns turned to watch her approach. "She wears hospital attire? Is she capable of magic in her state?" One asked.

"She looks sick." Another noted.

Kerri came to a stop next to them and paid them nary a glance. Selena hopped onto the stage and stood next to the one in black. "If she's as good as she thinks she is, she'll be fine." She said. "Forgive our tardiness, Cassara. She was busy studying."

"It is well." The one in black stated. "We have only just begun." Her voice sounded lightly seasoned and carried a tone of authority. "These two here were about to show their skill against one another. You may begin when ready."

Selena and Cassara both stepped back several feet as the mares both prepared their selected spells. Kerri watched with disinterest as their shadow attacks flew at each other. It seemed so painfully slow paced to her. The others were talking and noting slight techniques. The Unicorn standing next to Kerri watched the dual with fascination.

"Amazing, isn't it?" The Unicorn asked absently.

"The spells are slow, along with themselves. They're making no effort to dodge." Kerri said.

"It is difficult to be able to move and concentrate on magic at the same time." She replied. "Especially with the variation they're using."

"They appear to be rookies." Kerri rebutted. "An actual battle will not be so forgiving."

The Unicorn cocked her eyebrow. "It's just practice. More training will be required after we join the Sisterhood, Kerri."

"You know my name?" Kerri asked.

"There isn't one of us here who doesn't. You've been a topic of much speculation since you performed before the Princess herself. Most say you sent her jaw slack." She giggled. "An exaggeration I'm sure."

Kerri smiled slightly. "Yes, a bit. What is your name?"

"I am Chaaya Ilume. First in my family to be a Shadowmancer." She said with pride. "Bound to be a Sister if this goes well."

The name itself wasn't familiar to Kerri, but she did look familiar. "Are you any good?" She asked.

"Best in the class so far." Chaaya answered honestly. "Unless dethroned by you."

"Well, I'll let you defend your title. Perhaps we should spar?" Kerri suggested. "I'm sure you'll stand more than a chance."

Chaaya looked to her with a smile. "I would like nothing more. If the rumors are true you should be able to at least teach me something."

The fight continued on for what seemed like hours. The two mares finally tired each other out and finished their mock fighting. "Very good." Cassara said as they stood at attention. "The Sisterhood accepts you both."

The two Unicorns bowed to her before stepping off the stage.

Cassara looked to the rest who seemed eager to begin. "Are there any volunteers for the next round?" She asked.

Kerri and Chaaya both flared their horns in unison.

"Oh, so the class star and the expected prodigy would like a chance. I will allow it." She said. "Step up."

Both the unicorns took their places on the stage, facing each other.

"I see we are eager to begin." Cassara began. "Considering Kerri has not undergone normal tests and practices as we, I will lay some simple ground rules. All forms of Shadowmancy are permitted. Any attempted lethal strikes are frowned upon, but accidents do happen." She said with a grin. "It is in your best interests to keep the fighting within this room. If you do not, the guards will intervene and you will be escorted off the palace grounds where you will receive a slap on the hoof."

"Sounds simple enough." Kerri said. "Are we ready to begin?"

Chaaya nodded confidently.

"Very well, you may begin." Cassara stated.

No sooner than she finished speaking did the spells lash out at each other. Kerri stood absolute in her position, seeming totally focused on her magic. Chaaya was desperately dodging the superior magic. She was caught off guard but luckily the first tendrils only grazed her. She fired back some shadowbolts as she continued to dodge. The shadow tendrils seemed to leap from the ground to protect Kerri. The shadowbolts were caught by them and absorbed.

Chaaya could see a grin form on Kerri's lips. She needed to get some distance between them. She jumped from the stage and ran to the far end of the room before turning to face Kerri once more. Kerri watched her intently as the students parted to the walls on the side. The torches that were lit around the room seemed stifled suddenly, the room darkened deeply. Chaaya could see shadowy claws slowly rise to the torch heads. Her jaw went slack as she once again locked eyes with Kerri. Her horn flared with darkness and a smile spread across her face.

Nightmare's Catalyst

The claws overcame the flames of the torches and the room plunged into solid darkness. Chaaya stood with her back to the wall. She couldn't see a thing and the silence made her breathing sound hoarse. How was such powerful Shadowmancy possible? Kerri couldn't possibly be so skilled with her magics.

The darkness around her seemed to swirl lazily like a fog. Twisting and turning at odd angles. It almost made her feel unstable on her hooves. She felt panic begin to overtake her.

"Calm down Chaaya..." She whispered to herself. "The ground is solid beneath your feet, your eyes try to trick you." She closed her eyes and immediately lost her feeling of vertigo. "I am the darkness, I feel it weave around me." Her horn flared in magical concentration. The darkness flowed awkwardly around her.

The darkness shifted quickly and a tendril flew at her. Chaaya focused intently and tried to command the darkness to her defense. The darkness hardened at her order and absorbed the full impact of the blow. No sound was made as darkness struck her shield.

She could have sworn she heard laughter emanating from the darkness. It was difficult to pinpoint, it seemed as if the darkness itself laughed. Chaaya had a hard time believing that Kerri could be so skilled with her magic.

"You plan on sitting in a defensive stance forever?" Kerri chided. "You have to retaliate eventually."

"I can hold out as long as you can deliver." Chaaya replied coolly. "Your magic is far superior to my own. That leaves me with only my defensive magics."

"A sound strategy." Kerri noted.

Chaaya blocked another one of the tendrils narrowly. An amused laughter reverberated through the darkness.

"But doomed to fail." Kerri finished.

The darkness beneath her began to weave and acquiesce. Chaaya barely had enough time to react as a Tendril struck her in the stomach. The Tendril lifted her and pinned her to the wall. The darkness in the room subsided slowly as the torches were re-lit with magic. Revealing Chaaya pinned to the wall by a shadow tendril and only a shadow shield stopping it from piercing her totally. Kerri seemed surprised for a moment.

"Very good!" Cassara said with glee. "That's by far the best I've seen."

Selena watched her daughter with her jaw slacked. "How?" Was all she managed to say.

Kerri continued to eye Chaaya in disbelief. She dispelled her magic and let her fall to the ground in a daze. Chaaya gasped for breath.

Cassara stepped down from the stage and walked to Kerri excitedly. "You are the one I've been waiting for!"

Kerri turned toward her and cocked an eyebrow.

"That is the power of a true Sister running through your veins, my dear. My soul cannot deny this." Cassara stopped in front of her and bowed deeply. My fellow Elders would love to have a chance to speak with you."

Kerri seemed confused, as did everyone else in the room.

"What do you speak of?" Kerri asked, seeming to demand an answer.

"I am unable to answer that question here." She replied, standing fully. "You will follow me." She walked past Kerri and opened the door with her magic, where she waited patiently.

Kerri followed without objection, curious to hear what this pony was talking about.

They both left the room without a word. Chaaya watched from the floor with shame. Sure that she would never be able to join the Sisters after such a defeat.

"So... are we to wander these halls all night in silence, or are we meandering without purpose?" Kerri asked after 30 minutes of walking through Royal halls.

Cassara had yet to state a reason for leading her through the many halls. However, she was reasonably sure they were in the basement levels at this point. There were racks of food and fine wine stacked neatly in some of the rooms to the side. There wasn't anyone in the halls and the torches burned dimly.

"There is a secret entrance down here to the Elders of the Sisterhood." Cassara finally said. "Somewhere where we may speak in private, without the prying ears of the Celestial Guard."

Kerri scoffed. "So you have a secret society down here?"

"Hardly." Cassara replied with a chuckle. "We are the Luna Guard and we are here for all to see. Technically this is an escape route should the castle ever become overrun. Who better to guard it than those who dwell in the shadow already?"

Kerri shrugged in response as they approached what looked to be a normal wall. She could feel that it was imbued with a complicated magic however. Cassara's horn glowed as she carefully focused her magic in the required locks. The door quickly slid open, there was compete silence as it did so. Stairs receded far down into the darkness on the other side.

"Come, we are close." Cassara said in a hushed voice. She walked down the stairs quietly as if this empty tunnel were sacred. Kerri followed behind closely.

The door slid shut behind them as they continued down the stairs.

"We must say that you surprised us at your display against our best student." Cassara said.

Kerri expressed no interest in that topic. "It's a simple magic, I'm surprised I didn't think of it sooner."

"What do you mean simple? It took us years of training and study to perfect the more advanced spells." Cassara stated.

"Then it's a magic affected by perception." Kerri guessed. "I must admit that it's elegance is quite something, the way it moves at my command. It's almost as if it dances with me." She mused.

They reached the end of the stairs. The walls and floor were lined with crystal formations and glowed an eery light that illuminated the entire tunnel. Kerri was unaware that such tunnels existed beneath Canterlot. "What is this place?" She asked.

"Mines of the old world... before our Queen came unto us." Cassara replied. "The ancestors dug into these mountains for the odd gems that line these walls."

"There is no record of them." Kerri noted.

"There was a time we had no knowledge of how the sun and moon danced around our kingdom. We tricked the Pegasi and Earthpony's into believing we controlled them. Solidifying our alliances with them, making it easier to maintain our studies. It was an intricate plan and incredibly risky. Yet there is no surviving record of it, only the words of our Elders."

Cassara led Kerri through many caverns until finally they hit a nexus for all of the tunnels. There stood older mares at the entrance to each one, there were twenty. Each had dark robes covering their heads and flanks. Their horns stood proudly from their hoods.

Cassara walked to the center of the room and knelt, Kerri walked with her but made no effort to kneel.

"Dear Sister's, we bring you our most promising student." Cassara proclaimed.

"We have seen her deeds Younger." All the mares said in unison. "Indeed she does have promise." They continued.

"Is she to be the spearhead?" Cassara asked.

One of the mares shook her head. "No, her mind is to powerful."

"I agree. Something is different about this one." Another said.

One of them lifted a hoof to her chin. "She is to be the Impulse?"

"The Genesis." Another said.

"The Catalyst."

Cassara looked to them questioningly. "But she is strong. We thought that you sought strength."

"This one cannot be controlled." The one standing to the front said. "She is exiled. Her touch would mean death."

"Her strength is one we may not possess." One explained. "What does she seek here?"

Cassara looked to Kerri expectantly and gestured to the Elders.

"I seek... power." Kerri said carefully.

"You already have much child." The one in front said. "Where do your allegiances lie?"

"Mine lie with Luna." Kerri answered. "I have noticed a status quo among the lordship here. Celestia is above Luna, when they should be considered equal.

The Elder nodded. "In this area most have fallen under Earthpony prejudice." She said. "However, what is your stake in this?"

"Respect is earned, Luna has earned just as much as Celestia. Yet, she gets less." Kerri said. "I am willing to do what it takes to help her secure what she is owed."

There was a silence in the room for several moments.

"It is as she said." One of the Elders finally said.

"Her ears must have picked the whispers of time."

The Elder in front watched Kerri closely. "Are you sure, Cassara?"

"We are certain. We still believe Chaaya will still be the Spearhead." Cassara replied. "There is no equal to Kerri, but Chaaya can still be made useful."

"Very well." The elder said. "Selena."

Kerri perked her ears and looked around the room. Selena was standing at the tunnel back to the castle and eyed Kerri suspiciously.

"These circumstances work to our favor. She has our blessing to progress to stage two." The Elder stated.

Selena bowed humbly at the order. "We will grant her a position at our side, should it please us."

"It would. Her part in this has yet to be seen, but Cassara insists it will ultimately benefit us." The Elder explained. "You are dismissed. However, we must ask that Cassara stay. We must discuss the bearing of Chaaya."

Kerri turned to her mother and walked to her. Selena gestured for her to follow.

"Your new robes await you. Once you have donned them we must inform Luna of your success. I assume she will be pleased that we have all deemed you trustworthy."

"And then what?" Kerri asked.

"You are an asset to the Sisterhood, Kerri. We have a plan in place to cheer up our Princess, one that's generations in the making. We are the Sisters of the Nightmare."