The Death of a Prince - ACT VIII
It had been over a week since Heart Stopper had stayed with the Cloud family. Things were calm again, though with a bit of a darker tinge hanging in the air; as though some great evil was foreshadowed upon the distant horizon. The actions of Ironhoof had been called into question amid how it was handled. His honor was in disgrace, attacking her without so much as issuance of a formal challenge to combat through her patron Noble.
Adding salt to that wound, he was horribly scarred for life now, having suffered severe burns and disfigurement under Buck's retaliatory strike to his blind side with the sustained effect of his own powerful lightning spell. Thunderbuck was not known for combat prowess, having little to no tactical knowledge and only a few combat spells to use. He was a defensive pony, preferring to teleport away and hide rather than fight in the open, or to discuss things over a meal until a proper deal and gold exchanged hooves; in every sense he was like most of them, a greed driven diplomat without the pandering involved and always wore that unnerving mask.
Ironhoof felt cheated by the proceedings, as his punishment robbed him of most of his land, his slaves, his title as a full noble, and the bulk of his fortune. He watched as Heart Stopper laid claim to the money, the slaves, and the land; while his title was tossed aside and he was given the rank of minor noble, he had to swallow the fact that Stormstride now controlled one-eighth of what was once his most fertile farming land. The worst blow to his ego was that Stormstride herself petitioned for him to not be punished further, which he was certain her vying for something by making herself seem so forgiving. Well, he was never going to forgive her; and if it took three lifetimes he would get even.
With the matter handled, Stormstride announced she had to travel to Canterlot to handle some business that involved her new wine deals. Heart Stopper understood that business never ended, and sent word to the port to make a ship ready for Stormstride and her cargo; however Stormstride requested room for two passengers, instead of one. She indicated that she would be traveling with her brother this time, as he had expressed desire to travel to several places and see if there were more instruments to collect. Heart Stopper agreed, knowing that the eccentric musical pony hoarded instruments like she collected ponies.
As Stormstride left to return home to her castle, Heart Stopper noticed she looked a bit darker in color, and her voice sounded more whisper like; thought he same piercing green eyes shone brightly through that steeled stare, there was a glinting light inside them now. As if some madness lurked within and she was masking it as Buck was known to mask his own face.
Stormstride made her way home, hindered only by the passage of the time it took to get there. Upon arriving, she was met with her family and shared with them the ruling. Once that was settled, she informed them of how things were going and that she needed to go back to Equestria.
"But momma... you have only been home a few days! We haven't even had time to talk about your last trip! Please momma, please don't go," CaramelCream protested, almost in tears. Stromstride knelt down and hugged her daughter; placing little kisses upon the stumpy horn on her head before whispering back to her sweetly.
"My darling, if I don't go, how will they know what gifts to get and how to play your birthday at Canterlot Palace? Your Uncle Blueblood and Uncle Psmith have asked that you have your birthday in Canterlot in the palace with them, and maybe even Princesses Luna and Celestia too." Stormstride watched as that got the reaction she needed from her daughter; seeing the bright, jubilant smile as the filly bounded off to her room to make her present list.
Feather Touch smiled as they watched her run, before turning to his wife and kissing her very deeply. His eyes closed as he felt her hoof caress his cheek and her warm softly lips gently press back into his. He needed her right now, just her touch and her caress. He had run things in her stead for a time, and was used to the responsibilities; however it was wonderful just to hold her in his hooves and know she was there and that she loved him still. As they kissed, the guards prepared the carriage for travel again, making certain that it was refitted with anything they needed.
It was not until Stormstride was inside that she noticed the place was very quiet. There were a couple guards by her modest throne, and what looked like a changeling without the disguise. She saw it was sitting peacefully, quiet and calm with an almost blank stare. The guards waited for her to have a seat before one of them spoke.
"He was found outside town after you left this morning My Lady. He was hitched to a cart full of odds and ends, dressed in simple clothing and his disguise kept flicking back and forth. He has presented no resistance, stating he knows Thunderbuck, yourself, and Miss Caramel. His wares are that of a traveling sales pony. Common odds and ends, nothing more. We have nothing to hold him on, but he requested an audience with you for Asylum." The guard then stepped back and motioned the changeling forward. The being took a slow step forward, and Stormstride noticed it looked... hungry. It was almost starving, as if it were unfed in sometime.
"May I have your name, please?" Stormstride said as she leaned forward in her seat.
"My name, Lady Stormstride is Tincho." The changeling muttered, as if half asleep. It seemed he was tired and hungry. But that name rang a bell. She remembered in flashes the day of the wedding attack in Canterlot, then the smoother memories of more recent times when the changeling had met her while traveling with Buck and his friends. He provided them with supplies as much as he could, and they provided him with company and a willing supply of love to feed on gently. He was the one that ran away from the battle, who wanted to hide and not fight; the only one she felt was really a pony inside a changeling disguise.
"I remember you Tincho. Please, come with me," she stood and motioned for the guards to leave. They did so, but then Stormstride paused to call out and have them bring his cart inside the castle walls to be secured for him to use when he needed. He was in no disguise now, and had no need for one. Stormstride continued to lead him on, her husband walking with her and looking curiously at the changeling. He had met a few before and they seemed an ok bunch if they were honest about it.
She led them to the guest rooms and opened the door to the best guest bedroom, before sending Feather Touch to get his most trusted and open minded apprentices. He nodded and went to fetch them as Stormstride took a moment to close the door and take a breath.
"Can feeding harm an unborn foal?" she asked him quietly. He knew what she was asking but it still confused him as to why she was asking. He shrugged and thought back as far as he could. To the best of his knowledge they fed and fed and fed until a host was too weak to feed on, then disposed of them quickly.
"I don't know. We never let one stay around that long. But I have never fed from a pony that was pregnant. I try to take as little as possible. Just enough to get by on, why do you ask?" He turned to her and she came to him, slowly leaning in and her voice was a soft whisper.
"I will let you feed a little from me, but under no circumstances are you to feed from Caramel or any other pony in this town without their express permission. You keep that in mind Tincho. Now, as gently as you can please, try to feed. Just go slow, we have a few moments." She spoke not with the tone of threat, but the sternness of a military commander. Tincho nodded as his horn lit softly and the glow began to surround her. She felt the drain, though it was almost more like feeling sleepy after a big meal at dinner.
He took very slowly, and after some time he perked up and released the feeding. She yawned and stretched, feeling sleepy but also smiling as she saw him feeling rather refreshed. He stretched as well, looking to the door when it opened and Feather walked back inside with two of the mares he trained in massage. They saw the changeling, and were instantly curious of him; coming close to him they asked if he was tired or sore, and if he wanted to have a bath or a massage.
Tincho was quite surprised, as usually ponies did not want to get near him; though a bath sounded wonderful. He opted for a bath and a light massage, as he was mostly restored now. As Stormstride and Feather Touch retreated to their own bed chambers, they were met by CaramelCream with her birthday wish list. It was relatively short, asking for a few things that could be easily obtained though Stormstride did notice that the cake was requested to be chocolate fudge with a strawberry and raspberry cream icing. Giving their daughter affectionate hugs and kisses, the married couple retired to their bedroom for some privacy.
Feather Touch locked the door, and turned to see Stormstride disrobing herself quietly. He watched her for a while, just admiring her body. She had her scars, but then every pony had some scars in their life; it was just that she had them both inside and out. He couldn't do anything for the scars on her body, but he was trying to mend the ones on her heart as best he could. He was beginning to wonder if his efforts were successful at all, until he saw her in times like this when she looked to him with that gentle, almost sultry smile as she slid onto the bed and reclined her side. Her tail flicked softly, drawing his attention to that firm and toned flank of hers.
He felt the heat in his cheeks as he snorted softly, knowing she wanted something from him. Feather Touch had a way that was far gentler than most males, and took much longer. He preferred to tend his lover until she was almost fully spent before he got what he wanted that day; and by the look on her face Stormstride was tired of the excitement. She looked at him with a craving look of love that she wanted something softer, she wanted him and him alone. No servants in the room with the door locked and both getting completely undressed from their finery. The stallion snorted again as his shaft slid from its sheath. It thumped against his belly as he slowly walked to the bed and got up with her.
He gazed into her eyes as he leaned in, claiming her in a soft, gentle kiss as he slowly slid the clip from her mane, letting it tumble down around her gently. Her horn glowed softly and cast a gentle glow as the curtains were drawn, leaving only the light of a few candles to illuminate the large room. The stallion gently lay his mare back as he smiled in the glow of her horn. The pale gray-blue light reaching out to gently caress his lowered wings.
He leaned down, breathing on her neck as he began to massage her back softly, relieving the stress of carrying the world on her shoulders and the triplets in her womb. His hooves were tender, slow, caressing every inch of her shoulders and back; working her softly as she moaned and flicked her tail slowly, which seemed to glisten in the low light as her horn glowed brighter for a moment. It reached out and started the auto piano that Buck had built for their room. It played soft, subtle music that helped relax a pony, complimenting Feather's aroma therapy and massage.
She could feel him grinding himself against her flank. His shaft was not exactly long, but it was easily as thick as a hoof when he was fully hard and he knew how to use it. She moaned softly as she finally gave in, her horn losing the glow as she just relaxed and let him have his way with her body; letting him pop her back and bring out those tense spots to work out. As he worked his way slowly down toward her flank he lay on his side and began to move up behind her, spooning her softly as she lifted her tail aside. Her snatch winked open in delight as the warm hard member gently grinding on her flank. She was already wet, and his leaking only added to it when he slowly lined up. She teasingly wiggled her hips, keeping him from getting in just yet.
That brought a soft snort and chuckle from him, as he leaned down, softly biting her neck where it met her back. She gasped out, as her body shook and she couldn't resist any longer. Her tail pulling fully aside for him as he laid claim to what was rightfully his. His thick girth spreading her mare cunt wide; though he did so slowly and lovingly.
Hilting inside her, he just held still as he continued to massage her back and flank, caressing her softly as his hooves began to reach around and hug her swollen stomach. He loved his wife so much more than he had thought was possible; for the start of their marriage had been arranged and for the convenience of keeping him out of prison. However now he was so in love with her he felt his heart hammer in his chest as he just held her close, her scent like fresh rain in the air and the feel of her mane was like a warm summer raincloud.
The mare herself felt the same, his tender caress of her body was like nothing any pony had ever done for her before, and the smell of his scent in their closeness was like a warm inviting candle that always welcomed you to a safe, inviting place to rest. She shivered softly and let out a long deep sigh as she felt him begin to kiss and nibble her neck with loving passion. Thunderbuck stood outside the room, he had wanted to knock and ask Stormstride why she had requested him to go with her, but he heard the auto-piano and smiled softly. They needed time, having had none in over a month himself he figured it was time to just relax.
Descending the stairs to the guest floor, he heard a familiar voice. Going to the guest room, he knocked softly and waited for the door to open. After a couple of minutes he thought to knock again, but the door opened slowly; at that moment Buck's eyebrows about flew up and off his face. Looking down at the familiar face of a good friend.
"Thunderbuck?" Tincho asked softly, looking up at the stallion and then at the rather impressive build he had now.
"Tincho! What are you doing here? And..." Buck paused as his nose began to pick up scents and the mix of alcohol and food before he continued, "In the guest room?" Buck was confused and wanted to be blunt, however his mind was still processing the fact the changeling was here.
Tincho turned and let him in. The room was scented with candles, the food cart by the small table. It had a small selection of cheese, wine, and various fruits. All of those were simple foods that the stallion knew Tincho would eat if they had the coin back in the day. Coming inside, the musical stallion let his friend shut and lock the door. Turning to him, Buck looked confused but Tincho held up a hoof and then brought out a note. He held it up to Buck and let the stallion take it and read over it.
"Dear Lord Thunderbuck,
_ This is Princess Luna. It has come to our attention the events that took place in Ponyville some time back involving yourself and Princess Twilight Sparkle. We would like to extend our most sincere apologies about this matter. We understand that you were attempting to obtain knowledge of how to heal your sister's horn and help rid her of the darkness. It has also not escaped our notice the worry her use of dark magic causes to her husband. Events being what they are, we are troubled by this._
_ Princess Twilight acted in poor judgement, however the result was not the intent of her spell. She had meant to cast a minor and temporary hypnotism spell that would only bring about what she felt a compelling force in your mind alone that would make you be unable to lie. This is a serious offense to your pride, and a crime in your lands punishable by severe means we understand. However, she is young, and we implore you to forgive her this transgression. She truly meant you no harm, and had only in her heart the desire to protect her precious friends and the ponies of Equestria._
_ This said, we feel that relations with your family are strained at best, now more than ever. It is no secret your sister was once a shining example of the REA's finest. However through misfortune, miscommunication, and harsh indifference on the part of several officers, this was diminished to her eventually ending in her leaving and uttering disgraces upon the REA. We are also well aware that many ponies in her employ, her township of Venti Scorrivoli, her personal staff, and her soldier force are former Equestrian citizens that denounced our country, our ways, and our friendships. There have been rumors of dark magic involved, which is no crime in your lands, however it is a crime in Equestria to alter a pony's state of mind to make them subservient, similar to how Twilight Sparkle attempted a gentle but misguided spell on yourself._
_ For this reason, Twilight Sparkle has been placed under probation pending decision by Celestia that she understands fully the actions she took against you. As a show of good faith, all princesses of Equestria desire to meet with you and discuss this matter amicably as civilized ponies of good standing within our respective communities. Your presence would be greatly appreciated. We will do our best to offer you any advice we can, including the use of the Royal Canterlot Library here in the palace to seek any knowledge of healing and mending spells you may need, as well as the appropriate spells to counter the corruption the use of Dark Magic can cause if mishandled by a user unknowing of the true dangers it poses. _
_ Secondary, but by no means less important, it has been brought to the attention of Myself and Celestia that your niece has an upcoming birthday, and that Prince Blueblood himself has requested that we throw her a party here at the palace. This is not something we would do for any pony normally, even a friend of our own. However, given the circumstances and the preexisting bad relations, we thought it might be in the best interest of young CaramelCream to host the party in proper fashion of her choosing. No foal should ever have less than then best that can be provided to them, especially on such an important day as their very own birthday._
_ Please respond as soon as mortally possible_
_ Princess Luna of Canterlot._
Thunderbuck fold the letter quietly and tucked it into his breastplate. Then he sat and smiled at Tincho. Reaching out and gently placing a hoof on the changeling's shoulder. Slowly he hugged the changeling, before chuckling and asking how he had been.
Tincho was confused but answered honestly, asking Buck how he had been as well. The pair discussed the trivial matters of life, travel, wealth, and music. Buck was drawn to return to his days of wandering with his friends, looking to perform again; though now he had serious and powerful obligations to tend too. Tincho nodded, expressing a desire for the older days as well, but saddened that in the days since Buck and Caramel joined Stormstride here, Equestria had become a bit darker with a few small hit and run attempts by rouge changelings. Now most were treated poorly on sight, even those that were peaceful and did not hide from public view, at least in places like Manehattan.
"Is that why you sought asylum here?" Buck asked softly. Tincho nodded, sighing as he explained that he felt it was safer for their friends if they parted ways. He left them as much coin as he could spare and headed to Fillypdalephia to catch a ship here. He was met on the docks by one of Luna's guards, told to bring the letter to Thunderbuck and was given a ticket for the ship and papers for safe passage across Kastrot as a courier.
He had skipped feeding properly and it made him very weak; even now he was still hungry and normal food did little more than help keep up appearances. Thunderbuck knew how that felt, his own dark little secret side was often a problem when winter came and it could not find enough fruit to feed itself. The stallion then smiled at his friend and pulled him close, whispering that if he needed more to come see him. Tincho wanted to protect, remembering Stormstride's words; however Thunderbuck was not letting him go, and the larger stallion was now just waiting.
Tincho tried to keep a tight hold on his feeding as he closed his eyes and started to draw it out. What surprised him was the influx of love coming off Buck. Not like the typical love between a couple, but the sheer love of his whole family and all his friends. So much love was available and as TIncho let things proceed more naturally, Buck showed no signs of strain under the draw and pull of it all. When Tincho had his fill, he felt Buck sway slightly, but the stallion showed no signs of serious fatigue as he smiled and hugged his friend. Telling Tincho to rest, Buck headed down to the courtyard to pack his travel bag for the journey to Canterlot and hopefully speak to the princesses about this matter of what Twilight had done, and reversing it before his cutie mark completely faded.
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Thunderbuck traveled to Canterlot ahead of his sister, due to her having multiple stops to make and he wanted to see and price several items in Canterlot. She nodded to his explanation that the bees wax one finds in Canterlot music shops was of a quality that was better than what Kastrot provided and he wanted to find the best price and stock up. That was well within her line of thinking that his mannerisms should be.
Buck stepped off the train, and instantly spotted the two REA guards standing at the platform looking over the passengers. He pulled his mask on a bit tighter and waited for them to notice him and begin to approach; only speaking to them when they were close enough for normal conversation tones.
"Lord Thunderbuck of Kastrot?" one asked as the other looked him over and threw a glance at the bag he carried, noticing it was full of scrolls and quills.
"Yes. That is me," Buck replied in a monotone voice. He did not want to hint at his own agitation just yet so he willingly let them believe he had lost that bravado and confidence.
"Lord Thunderbuck, please follow us to an awaiting carriage. The princesses are assembled to speak to your lordship." Turning on hoof they began to march, with Thunderbuck following behind at a measured pace and keeping his cloak tightly about himself. Coming to a rather normal looking carriage, they held the door for him, as they would for any other VIP of Canterlot nobility. As the carriage began its path along, Buck closed the curtains and opened his cloak. He knew better than to trust that this was not some trick, and had come prepared thanks to Heavyhoof this time.
He held a summoning stone in his hoof and called out for his sword this time. As the blade manifested on his belt under the cloak, there was also the full covering of chainmail that covered him from neck to hoof and armored shoes that plated his once bare hooves. Now armored and armed, he took a breath and reached up, knocking the cloak off his shoulders and letting it fall toe the floor of the carriage. Now free to move he peeked at the approaching palace gate through the curtains. The usual minimal guard was in place, but beyond the wall he could not see yet.
Magically rolling his cloak up, he tucked it inside his bag and pulled the back tighter, making certain he could draw the blade in such close quarters if he needed to. Satisfied that he had sufficient clearance around himself he stood and steadied himself on the floor. The armor felt strange, something he was not used to wearing; taking a moment to look it over he took a breath. He wore the chainmail over his entire body now, save for a small slit around his tail to let it hang freely. His shoulders and back had a think leather armor sheet, with a few dotted metal spikes to deter a pony trying to take him in a hold. His left leg held a buckler shield that he would use to deflect physical blows if they got close. The right side held the scabbard with his short sword tucked inside.
Is lessons were only in the basics still, but he could magically wield the blade at a short distance, increasing his reach, as well he leaned how to call his blade back to him if it were knocked away. He relied more on his barriers and teleportation than active aggressive combat. If he could just combine them, he could at least last long enough to find a hole for escape and teleport to a good distance. From there he could always rain lightning back at them to prevent being chased.
The carriage came to a stop and the door opened slowly. Both the guards jumped back at the armored pony that stepped out and held himself with an aggressive posture this time. However they were calmed by the call of Shining Armor. Shining offered Buck a hoof shake, but got that blank stare in return. Lowering his hoof slowly, the guard stallion knew this was certainly not going to be a pleasant experience. To that end, he straightened up and spoke more like a captain of the guard to a visiting VIP.
"Lord Thunderbuck, the princesses await you in the garden sire. If you will accompany me to the location," Shining turned to lead Buck, however the ripple of magic was all he needed to know Buck had teleported. Shining rushed ahead to catch up. Rounding the side of the palace he spotted Thunderbuck standing there in his armor, though not as imposing a figure as Stormstride's guards cut in theirs. Buck wore far less than they did.
He could see Celestia and Luna were already prepared for any aggressive action against his little sister and wife, they were standing and between Buck and the younger allicorns. Thunderbuck made no aggressive moves, but his posture did not soften. Celestia and Luna both knew that he was still very angry with Twilight, and until they could be certain he was not here for combat they were not about to let him at her. Shining approached and gave a bow before speaking.
"Your majesties, I present Lord Thunderbuck Cloud of Kastrot." The full name and title of Lord was just formality to Thunderbuck, and Shining knew it. He was making an effort to make the pony seem important, and Celestia and Luna gave bows to him, which gave Buck the view he needed to see Twilight was upset, and that her crown was replaced with a much smaller tiara. Buck turned on hoof and walked to the nearby table, taking a seat that was left with no mark on it. He noted that the other chair seemed to have each princess's own cutie mark displayed on it. As he sat there, they slowly moved to join him. Once they sat he finally spoke.
"Explain what this is all about, because I know your letter was very eloquent, but it reeked of a lie from a mile away. Using poor Tincho like that was a filthy trick. One I'm well aware you have used in the past to send letters to Feather Touch, and to a few ponies in our town. Visiting friends and family brought their own letters? That's very unusual, even in our town. Now then, do you want to actually apologize, or are you all sitting here for show in the vain hope that I might reconsider turning the entirety of Maretonia against you? I assume you were smart enough to know that was a bluff. I am the brother of a minor noble. I would have to take command as steward only until Caramel came of age to take the seat herself, and trust me... by the time she did she would bare even greater hatred than her mother."
Shining took his place by Cadence, whom opted to remain silent. Luna looked to Celestia, whom listened to every word, weighing the tone and how it was pronounced. Twilight lowered her eyes and looked to the ground, glancing up on occasion to find that Buck was ignoring her and looking directly at Celestia. He thought she was the one in control of everything and was testing her with his bluff, assuming it was a bluff.
Celestia went to stand and the table in front of her face erupted as lightning burst from it. Shining jumped but the thunder peeling across the gardens was deafening and forced him to cover his ears. When he looked back, he saw Celestia talking to Buck softly, no thunder, no destroyed table, but Buck was looking at him through the sideways glance. Shining stood back up and brushed himself off. Celestia was very cross now, but given that it was just an illusion she could honestly do nothing. She had been prepared for it well in advance, as had Luna and both had stalled their reaction to such an effort to startle them. Celestia had been going to offer tea and food to Buck in an effort to calm his temper some, however she saw he was in no mood for it given his horn still flickered as he let the illusion die.
"Sit down. Now Celestia," Buck's tone was level, but bordering on dangerous. Luna did not like it, however she had seen the illusion for what it was instantly, and so had Celestia. The only ones really affected by it were Twilight, whom was still trying to decide who it was directed at, and Shining Armor and Cadence that were just along for the ride at this point. Celestia lowered down in the seat, knowing full well she could overpower him easily, but that would just be playing into his design. He was here for a display of intent and force, though he was just one pony.
"I came here only for the sole purpose to see what this was about. Not to be talked at, talked down too, or meddled with like some foal at the school ground by bullies. The only reason we are not at war right now is because my sister does not know yet. And I assure you if she did you would be facing the near full might of her forces. The town would be raised in under an hour, civilians included. After that they would just bombard the foundation of the castle until it caved in and left you with a pile of rubble for a home. You think I jest, just ask yourself something Celestia... you have lived on this hill for 1000 years. Have you ever walked down there and just had lunch with some of the common ponies? No. I thought not. Gods don't mingle with mortals." He reached up and lifted off his mask, and they got a good look at the enraged fire in his eyes.
"That isn't fair! She has a whole nation to run! She had lost her sister and her teacher abandoned her!" Twilight snapped, however Celestia reached a gentle hoof over and softly pat her apprentice on the shoulder to silence her. She knew Twilight was still too young to fully grasp that Thunderbuck was trying to get a rise out of her, and Twilight had just given him one from herself.
"Let him speak Twilight. It is best to hear him out first," the solar princess said softly. Luna was irritated, but agreed with her sister's judgement. Thunderbuck was a most curious pony. He was doing nothing to hide his emotional state from them. He was unrestrained and easily read. However there was more here than met the eyes.
"Maybe my sister does use dark magic openly, however I think now she might be better off for it. She can walk in her town without escort, knows almost all the ponies in her town by last name and often strives to keep the peace without involving her troops. She's a hooves on mare, even fully pregnant with triplets and certainly with a damaged horn reducing her magical output. She can still tear you a new face before you peg her down. Now, since I have your attention I will speak plainly. Your pet idiot there nearly scrubbed my cutie mark off my flank because she either didn't cast the spell properly on purpose, or doesn't know what the hell she's doing about keeping concentration at all times through all distractions no matter what. Magic is not a thing to study and tamper with lightly. You spread your focus so thin you can barely control any one type of magic you use. You have to keep tight focus, even if some pony is shaking you violently. Otherwise a combative spell might strike a bystander or a comrade in arms. If you are so well aware as you say of our home situation, you will know what I mean when I say the name Ironhoof."
Twilight was wanting to speak, but bit her tongue and waited for him to say more. However she noticed the silence. She glanced at him and he stared at her. He was furious, bordering on vicious about it. However he did have a point about magic. It was useful and many unicorns had only simple spells to use, unlike herself whom had delved deep into magical studies and had a wide array of spells available to herself.
"I tried to apologize and explain it before, however you scared me with a threat I could not ignore. And at the time I felt you were being untruthful and withholding information that could potentially endanger all of Equestria. There was little for me to do aside from try to glean that information with as harmless a method as I could. I tried to work with you, but you could have told us you were transforming into a bat pony and raiding the orchard at night! And then you just dump money on Applejack's porch with no note or explanation. What more could I have done to get you to speak to me?!" Twilight was about to burst into tears, but her emotion did little to move the stallion's heart.
"You look for sympathy in a pony that can no longer feel it; though I suppose that is your own fault. You cast that spell and the reason why matters nothing to me. What does matter is that I have lost the ability to play music, I no longer feel for my family as strongly as I did and every day that feeling slips a little more. I can control the transformations now, but at the same time I'm too apathetic to care about it anymore. You have robbed me of my gift, my love, and my pride as a pony. As far as I am concerned the only reason I have not slain you is because I would get nothing from it. I would rather live the coward I was, hiding from you and your repetitive questions over and over again, than live like this. So I suggest you figure out how you messed that spell up before I work up a good itch to test how sharp my blade really is." Thunderbuck threatened, at which point Shining Armor shifted stance some. His horn flickered softly, to which Cadence stood very slowly.
"We have been working on that end my lord. If you would please, we have a sufficient counter spell prepared for you. It will require only that you stand still for us to use it. It should take effect within a matter of hours and slowly restore you to the way you were. From there, you will be free to return home as you please and we can speak to your sister when she arrives to discuss your niece's party.
Thunderbuck went to speak when he felt the distortion and teleported behind twilight, grabbing her by the wings and throwing her away as he flung up a barrier to block the blast that came from the center of the table. The sheer force of it rocked the palace. Celestia and Luna were pushed back, their barriers cracked, but not broken. Cadence and Shining were stunned and he was unconscious from having been closer, though Cadence was quick to start casting healing magic on him and he was almost immediately beginning to come around. Buck was thrown clear as his barrier shattered under the magical impact. His unconscious body landing with a thud beside twilight as she sat up to rub her aching wing joints.
"Well. It seems the young noble doth be much faster to teleport and save his rival than I expected. Likely he doth wants to kill you himself purple one. I was aiming for yourself, as ye are most likely to get in my way. None the less, this will suffice. Cadence I suggest ye return to thine own Empire forthwith. The matter at hoof is more urgent than this silly mare's misguided use of so called dark magic. If ye choose to sit and bare witness, so be it. However thou shall not be permitted to interfere, lest I be tempted to harvest your energies instead." The words came from nowhere and everywhere all at the same time, without an echo but reverberating in their very bodies.
It spoke in the voice of a male as it floated down and landed before the allicorns gently. It was near solid black in coat, but with patches of black-gray blended in. The piercing green eyes of Stormstride now bore slitted pupils as it brandished a menacing weapon.
"Tis nothing personal my Princesses. I merely require the life force and magic of one of ye. Though I doth believe Celestia hath matured the longest and thus, will have the sweetest flavor. If the Princess Luna would step away from the ring please, we may begin our battle." It spoke again, the same disembodied voice, even with the lips moving. Luna looked not at the pony but the weapon. It radiated black magic, nearly dripping it from both curved blades which sat on opposite side of the pole. A dual headed scythe, and at the other end, a short, hooked blade for gutting.
Luna summoned her armor and her own scythe, her eyes flaring in rage. Celestia put a hoof before her sister, blocking her path. Luna was confused as Celestia stepped forward, keeping her barrier up.
"Explain yourself Stormstride!" Celestia commanded, only to be met with an unearthly cackle that made the solar princess shiver.
"I see you speak not the old tongue. Lest we forget the pleasantries I shall use this modern, guttural language myself. My avatar may be the pony you believe yourself able to command, but her sheer hatred of your rules defies even your commanding voice. I am immune thanks to her alone. Oh? You knew nothing of the hate in her heart for your kind? Why, she loathed your very breath. Your hoof beats upon the ground were all she could bare most days, knowing she shared a plane of existence with you. Your rule of law ruined her life. It allowed corruption through blind ignorance. Though, she allowed me to corrupt her by choice. She craved the power I once held. The power to place her family back in a position of prominence, with wealth and power. She was coming to humor your vain attempts to make merry using her own daughter's birthday for an excuse to study you.
"But I have grander plans. Your life force shall be my own, and your magic shall fuel my body when I return to it. I have no name, save the name I gave myself. I was expunged from history by this mare's own name sake and my own sister. A failed attempt to keep me from returning. I am Grim Death himself. And your hourglass has run out. Oh so defensive of your jailer Luna. And yet to strike would only harm this misguided mare and her three innocent foals. She bares within her three lives that have the power to do bring the family honor and glory in the proper way. Would you ruin their unborn lives so readily?"
Luna lowered her weapon, but kept it close. Celestia's armor formed around her slowly, as her sword took form beside her. The princesses had not had combat like this in ages, however their combined power certainly outclassed this being that possessed the mare. Their hesitation to strike however was due to the need to preserve her life and her foals' lives. Stormstride had dabbled in dark magic with what it seemed was a genuine intent to raise her family back to their former glory. A noble goal indeed, but with all things came a price, and she had dug too greedily and too deep into the wells of power.
Twilight looked at the prone form of Buck beside her. He had wood slivers sticking from his side where the table exploded and impaled bits of charred wood through his armor. And yet he was only wounded saving her. Was it because he thought she was the only one that could cure him, or was it that he truly wanted to forgive her, and needed the youngest allicorn's help to do so? Looking toward what may have once been the feared Stormstride she realized now why Buck had been so desperate. Then the ring of blades clashed as it charged Celestia. Blow for blow, it matched her in augmented speed and agility. It seemed whatever this thing was, it was magically twisting reality around itself to make it easier to move in such a heavily laden pregnant mare.
Luna tried to help, but every time she got close she was chased away by lightning. This being was interested in Celestia alone. Celestia parried and blocked quite easily, seeing as this being was still using a cumbersome mortal body as a puppet, and that slowed it down just enough she could stay ahead of it. However, Stormstride's body was under so much stress. She would certainly miscarry if the battle continued on like this. Twilight knew it, and tried to rouse Buck. Using magic to remove the shattered wood fragments as she healed each of his wounds to the best of her knowledge.