For a Thousand Years... (CableZ) (Finished)

[CableZ]

As Dread and Lux approached the door, Dread had to admire Lux's attitude. There was nothing to make them think that their trials were close to being over yet Lux seemed to remain positive, Dread had read somewhere that this was called being optimistic. Dread didn't understand it himself, but then again he was a creature of logic and observation, not faith or believing. As they approached the door of gold, the light from Lux's dying torch reflected, giving the area a brilliant golden glow. This door was different from the others, there was nothing that was keeping it closed or locked, it was just waiting to be opened. The door only opened from this side however, so Dread and Lux would need to push.

The two approached the door and placed their sides against it, then began pushing with all their might. They felt the door slowly grind against the stone floor beneath it, and it spurred them to push even more. Most of the work was being done by Lux however, as Dread really wasn't a pshyical specimen and his muscle was lacking. After a few inches of the door pushing against them, it finally gave way and it began opening with ease. Hasta would see and hear the door opening long before the two stallions actually managed to open it. As the door began to give way, Lux eased up his pushing so that he could keep his balance when it finally opened, Dread however didn't think that far ahead. When the doors finally swung open, Dread fell through on his side with an audible thud. While Lux walked through after him. As he entered the room, Lux went wide eyed.

"Yathan?! You're alright? You're alright!" He sounded happier than Dread or Hasta had heard him before, he ran over to Yathan and gave her a forced hug, while Dread got himself off the floor.

Dread gave a slightly shocked look when he saw Hasta alive and well, it went against all logic that she was standing before him

"Has-...Yathan, I'm happy to see you're alright" His quiet tone may have been hard to hear over Lux's hugging and going on about his relief that she was ok.

[Xelliea]

As Hasta saw the door open, she sprung to her hooves. There wasn't much she was able to do from her side, as there were no handles and such, but she still did her best to pull on what she could. Her heart skipped when the door finally gave way, and she was blessed with the sight of the two ponies she had missed so greatly. It had only been a little over fifteen minutes since the three had been separated, but to her it felt like a thousand years. She returned the hug that Lux was so eager to give. At the same time, she looked at Dread with a smile wider than he had ever seen, her eyes almost filled with tears of happiness. Lux finally let her go from his vice grip, and she actually had to pant slightly for air. I never thought I'd be this happy to see you both.

She looked a Lux for a second, a slight embarrassment evident in her face. I... I haven't be exactly truthful with you. I've... my name isn't Yathan... it's Hasta. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have lied to you, I was just so confused and I didn't know who I could trust back then... Lux's expression didn't even show a hint of disappointment or anger, in fact he actually chuckled for a moment. Ha... Hasta, eh? I'll admit I feel quite the fool. You shouldn't be sorry. We'd just met, I'd have been confused too. Hasta felt relived that Lux didn't hold any grudge. She'd felt so bad for lying to him, and had meant to tell him before. The two traded smiles, then turned to face the room that Hasta had come from.

I'd bet anything this is the next trial... and from the look of it, given that there aren’t any more doors, this might actually be the last one. We've had laughter, selflessness, trust, humility... maybe there's a pattern. They're all positive emotions, sure, but then what's this one? Lux entered the room first, looking around at the circular room and the raised circular plate in the centre. Wasn't the blessing meant to be here? Perhaps solving the last trial would bring forth the blessing? He looked around once more at the room, both confused and nervous about what would come next.

The circular wall that ran around the chamber was covered in a new theme of carvings. These carvings showed Alicorns, only Alicorns like the ones before, coming together in peace. They actually seemed happy. There was no strife, no rivalry, no hate, only cheer and friendship. Hasta was sure that this can't have been an event that had taken place in the past, it just wasn't in Alicornian nature, maybe this was a prediction for the future. Maybe that was what Noctis wanted: friendship and happiness. Noble, but the ends didn't justify the means. He was far from a saint.

[CableZ]

As Hasta and Lux aired their past deceits, Dread opted to look around the room to see if he could discern anything from the walls as to what their next trial was. The carvings were of little help as they seemed to recap thing that Dread doubted have even happened yet, sighing with frustration Dread rejoined the rest of his team mates. There was little to go on, the room didn't seem to have anything to it but the circular plate in the center of the floor. After a few minutes of silence, something finally happened.

The large heavy set doors closed in an instant, they caused an almighty bang when the closed that caused the trio to jump. The room fell into a darkened state for a moment, all the ponies would see would be each other. However, soon there was an ominous light that illuminated the room. From where the wall met the floor, a pinkish red light seemed to be coming from nowhere. It started of at either side of the door, but then it began moving and soon the entire room was lit by this warming light. The light then started seeping in toward the metal plate through carved out indentations in the floor, it was almost like a liquid. The light made beautiful patterns on the floor, it circled around the metal plate to bring attention to it. The light now covered most of the floor, save for the metal plate and 3 spots on the floor that were left dark. The spots were placed around the metal plate, and it was obvious that some magical presence wanted the 3 to each stand in a spot.

As each pony stepped on their spot, a small chime sound could be heard as they did so. When all 3 were on their spot, the light on the floor began receded, only the light around the metal plate and their individual spots remained. The thin line of light around the edge of the room also remained. The light that had made the patterns in the floor seemed to float up, and made a small mass above the 3 in the center of the room. The pinkish blob of light floated above the 3, leaving them all very confused as to what is going on.

"I must commend you for making it this far my little ponies"

The voice was hard to make out in tone, it was like many differnt ponies were speaking at once.

"I am the guardian of this sanctuary, and I will judge who is worthy to receive its blessing!"

"Now wait one min-"

"I will start with you young Lux"

Lux jumped as he was interrupted by the floating light.

"At the start of this journey, you were conflicted and unsure in yourself. During these trials you have become more of a stallion than you have ever been in your entire life, you have honor and kindness in your heart...you are worthy"
[/color]
Lux was slightly surprised that that this being seemed to know a lot about him, but he simply smiled as he learned that he was worthy

"Now for you...Hasta"

even though the light had no identifiable form, Hasta could still feel its gaze upon.

"Hasta, you are not from this time. You came here as a cautious and untrusting pony who rarely looked out for anypony other than herself. Yet I can feel that you now care deeply about others and you would put your life in their hands...although your trial may prove that you have some ways to go...however I do deem you worthy."

Hasta and Lux then looked to Dread, there didn't seem to be doubt in their eyes that he would be worthy

"Dread Lock..." The way the voice spoke his name did not evoke confidence "You are a pony who seemingly feels nothing, you understand nothing of emotion or feeling yet you somehow made it to the end of this sanctuary unscathed."
[/color]
Dread looked at his two cohorts before looking back at the light

"This trial is one of love, love for others, love for life and love for yourself."[/b]

"Hasta and Lux, you both feel love in your hearts. Lux you have long felt a love for life and the places it takes you, you are confident and sure of yourself now and I can feel a love in your heart that calls out for somepony"[/color] Lux blushed at this comment
"Hasta, you have long loved your inner self, your confidence and sure attitude shows that, you also love life and its many adventures. I am also surprised to feel a love in your heart that warms your very being"

"Dread...you love nothing. You know nothing of what love is or what it means, I can sense nothing but cold stemming from your heart and confusion in your mind...you are not worthy"

Dread looked a little shocked by these words. he then began to feel something. A slightly tingling sensation around his body began, but it soon grew into a pins and needles sensation that flooded over him. He was now visibly in pain for Lux and Hasta to see, however they were unable to move their hooves from the spot. Dread's mane began to slowly float up around him, and soon so did he. Dread began rising, still in pain and shock. Once he was on the same level as the guardian.

"You are no better than the arrogant Alicorns that lord over Equestria, the same blessing that your comrades will receive will burn you"

A magical glow then came from the metal plate in the center of the room, and dust began to rise up from the cracks in the floor. The dust began forming a shape above the metal plate and soon the form of a tablet could be made out. More and more dust from the room poured inward to form this tablet and soon the stone mass was made. It was no bigger than the average scroll. A small shimmer of light then formed at the chests of Hasta and Lux, it was a warm sensation that would bring them peace even in their worry for dread. The 2 lights then slowly floated forward toward the tablet and slowly merged with it. Letters could be seen slowly forming on the tablet, the letters actually glowed with a brilliant golden light. Then the tablet turned to face Dread. Instead of a glow from his chest, A large spark of what seemed light lightning shot forth from the tablet and struck Dread. He writhed in pain but could not scream. It happened again. Each time it did, more and more lettering formed on the tablet.

"I am sorry you must witness this, you that are worthy should not have to see the punishing of those that are not"[/color]

[Xelliea]

Hasta couldn't make sense of what was going on. Thousands of thoughts rushed through her head at a mile a minute as the strange entity, this guardian, spoke to them. As Lux was named worthy, her heart began to calm. She could think of no reason why the three ponies would be deemed unworthy. It was true that they had done things that weren't always right, but deep down, after all that had happened, every one of them had been changed for the better. Surely, now, they were all worthy of the blessing. She started to panic when the guardian turned to her, despite her previous thoughts, she still felt a feeling of dread creep over her. Was she worthy?

Soon, the guardian had spoken. It... it said she was worthy... she sighed audibly with relief. All that was left was for Dread to be judged as worthy, and all this would be over. Dread was rather cold, yes, but surely he was worthy, he'd probably done less wrong on this expedition than Hasta or Lux. Her heart sank into the pits below when she heard what the guardian had to say. No... this couldn't be. He was worthy, he was a great pony. She tried to run to his side, but she found she couldn't move. She called out to him, but he seemed unable to act as he was lifted into the air.

Hasta's breath was stuck in her throat as she saw what happened next. The arcs and bolts of energy, the pain... she couldn't stand it. Tears once again formed in her eyes, but this time they were far from tears of happiness. As she saw what was happening to Dread, the tears began to flow from her eyes like a dam bursting its banks. Please... please don't hurt him... please don't hurt my Dread... Through all that was going on, Hasta could hear a slight whistle in her ear. After a moment, she realised it wasn't a whistle, but a voice. Whispering, but strong enough to be audible. I have the power to save him... we have the power to save him...

She had no idea what was going on. Who was speaking to her. She knew she'd heard that voice, that whisper as strong as a shout before, but where. And what did it mean: 'the power to save him'. She thought and thought, searching for an answer. Surely there was something she could do, some way of getting over there and saving Dread from that fate, but she still couldn't move. In her despair and frustration, rage began to rush into her thoughts. And that voice... that strange voice that offered her help. She was willing to do anything...

Stop... stop... just, please... STOP! Her voice shifted in tone immensely with the last word. Instead of the sad, pleading voice that she had begged the guardian with, her voice now rung with Alicornian force and rage. Lux, having kept to a stunned silence before this point, looked over to her having heard the shout. The warm light in Hasta's chest flickered for a moment, flashing unstably. Then it blinked out completely. Her eyes opened, after having been closed as she had spoken, now were engulfed in an aura of azure fire, all traces of their previous rose-colour had faded. Hasta's whole body began to become surrounded in a similar azure energy as she slowly floated into the air.

H-H-Hasta?! Lux burbled in confusion and fear as the flaming pony stopped rising, halting to hover at the same height as the guardian. Being of light your ignorance is profound. You feign power and judgement without deserving either! She held out a hoof and a snaking bolt of blinding energy flew forward, crashing into the pink orb with an ear-shattering boom. In a flash, Dread felt the energies that were coursing into his body dissipate, and fell back down to the floor.

What is this?! Unacceptable! The guardian questioned in anger, but was halted from saying another word as several more bolts of azure fire whipped through the air into its ethereal form. N-No. I-Impossible. was all the orb could mutter in a broken voice as it faded to nothingness. Lux could feel the magic keeping him immobile fade, rushing over to Dread to make sure he was ok... or at least still moving. All the while, the flaming form of Hasta glared down the disk from where the guardian had arisen.

There was a voice like thunder that crashed through the walls all around the ponies. Traitor! Heretic and fool! How dare you commit such blasphemy!? Over the central plate, a shadow started to form. A shadow, but stood as if it were corporeal. The shadow began to twist and solidify, forming the figure of an Alicorn. Its mane and coat were as dark as the void, if not darker. He stood taller than any other Alicorn that had been seen by the age, eyes white as the hottest fire. He looked Hasta straight in the eyes, and she returned a glare with the same strength.

For a moment, there was silence.

A missive crash filled the air as rays of azure and white collided, creating sparks and explosions all through the air. Two ponies, neither of whom seemed to have the advantage, both locked in an epic struggle as the very air around them seemed to burn and boil. You've made your greatest mistake. Eternal banishment, and no less, is the price you pay. In spite of that fact that his awesome power was evident, Noctis was apparently struggling to match Hasta. As the two fought, the very structure of the sanctuary around them began to tremble.

With a crack, a large piece of rock from the ceiling gave way, breaking from its ranks and smashing into the floor below, dangerously close to Lux and Dread. Ignorant of this, Hasta pressed harder, the azure flames growing and whipping around in the crackling air. Noctis stumbled for a moment, straining to keep up with his opponent, as more slabs from the ceiling cascaded downwards.

[CableZ]

As Dread fell to the floor, he saw the tears in Hasta's eyes. Was she in pain too, what was going on. His thoughts were then overwhelmed slightly by one thought that dwarfed them all

OW!

He hit the ground with some force, it didn't break anything but he certainly ached, especially after what he had just been through. He struggled to get to his hooves, he appreciated Lux's aide. He stumbled slightly as he got up, due in part to the pain he felt but also due to the fact that the entire sanctuary was shaking beneath them. They had to get out now, Dread knew that even before the building actually started falling down around them. Dread looked around as the rubble began to fall, he had to side step to avoid getting crushed. There was just one thing that was stopping their get away, Hasta. They couldn't leave without her, they wouldn't leave without her. The problem was that she wasn't herself at the moment, Dread turned to look at Lux who was too busy dodging the falling debris. Dread guess it was up to him...it was up to him right.

He took a step forward.

"Um Hasta? We need to go." He was too quiet to be heard

"Hasta?"
"Hasta!"

Dread got angry at this point, it was one of the few times he got angry but he was angry. They needed to leave, it didn't matter about being polite or social anymore. He wasn't about to leave her behind.

"HASTA!!" His voice was loud and commanding, it would actually manage to get through to her.

If Hasta were to look she would see Dread standing before her with a determined look in his eye. His hooves were spaced out as if ready to really start running, She would see Lux narrowly avoid being hit but some debris and look at her with a pleading look in his eye

"We need to go..now!" Dread called out to her again.

[Xelliea]

Hasta didn't relent. She was going to win, she just had to keep pushing, keep concentrating. The energy coursed through her body and soul, she felt invincible... she knew she was. When she saw Noctis stumble, she grinned. It wasn't going to be long, and she'd be able to punish the one who had caused her some much sadness, and Dread so much pain. There was no pity, no mercy in her eyes, at this moment, all that was but sand. She was a being of anger, vengeance and rage, and all that rage was being coursed into her enemy. She didn't care what it took, she didn't care about the consequences... she only cared about judgement.

But when she heard Dread's voice, his shout full of anger and worry, everything stopped for her. In her mind, it was like time had failed to flow. What was she doing? This wasn't her, she wasn't ready to leave Dread and Lux to their fate just for her own anger, just so that she could cast judgement on another. No, that wasn't her. That was somepony else, somepony else who brought rage and hate into her, feelings that she didn't want, no matter how great they made her. Perhaps, this is how Alicorn's felt. Embracing all those negative emotions just so that they could be powerful. That wasn't her.

As the rage stopped flowing, so did the energy around her. The whisper she had heard before returned to her ear, its voice rang with fury. You can do it! Take the vengeance you know you deserve! The Earth-pony shouted out a reply at the top of her voice, a single word. No! At this, the flames around her burnt out completely, her eyes returning to their normal colour as she fell to the floor, like a dropped ball. Hasta! Lux, still dodging falling slabs, dashed over to Hasta. She was out cold.

I have something. A fail safe for if something went wrong. He called out to Dread he pulled Hasta onto his back. He threw his bag onto the floor, and, with a spell, he pulled a small faceted crystal from within. The whole place will come down before we can run for it, but... He was interrupted by a rock landing within an inch of him. Without much thought, he leapt towards Dread, holding the crystal close. You are not leaving this place! Noctis, having recovered from the duel, got to his feet, his horn glowing.

Lux reached forward, gripping hold of Dread's foreleg. He held the crystal up to his mouth, and the three ponies began to become engulfed in a magical aura. Shouting in rage, Noctis unleashed ray after ray of energy into the air, all targeted at the ponies before him. However, by the time the rays had hit the ground, the three were gone.

___________________________________

Coughing and spluttering, Lux flashed back into existence. He, Dread and Hasta, were all in the same positions as when he had used the crystal, but now stood in what appeared to be Lux's room. It worked! It actually worked! Lux shouted out in rapture, seeming happy just to be back in Canterlot. He lay Hasta, still unconscious, down on the nearby bed, then turned to Dread. I don't care what that... thing said, you one of the most worthy ponies I know. And, hey, take this... I think you earned it. Lux pulled an object from behind him, apparently tucked behind his knotted mane. He threw the stone tablet to Dread, dusting his hooves together. You do what you feel is right with it...

[CableZ]

Dread felt relief wash over him as he saw Hasta turn back to normal, but it turned to worry when he saw her fall. He rushed over to her side when Lux did, there was nothing they could do for her now. Dread continued to avoid the falling rubble, he looked all around. Lux was right, they couldn't out in time. Dread didn't notice what Lux was doing, so when he felt him grip his leg it was quite a shock. Dread could react, Lux had activated the crystal.

To say that Dread was surprised was a but of an understatement, but he wasn't a very dramatic pony so it would look only like slight shock. he looked all around very quickly to get a baring on where they were, Canterlot castle it seemed. Dread watched Lux lay Hasta down on the bed and walked back over to him, it seemed Lux had taken a bit more than just Dread and Hasta away from that sanctuary. Dread looked down at the tablet and then back at Lux.

"Regardless of what you think, I think we should let the truly worthy decide" Dread said looking over at Hasta's unconscious form. Dread started making his way toward the door, but then he turned back to face Lux. "I'll be in my-...our room, look after her" Dread then exited the room and began the task of finding his way back to his and Hasta's room, this would take awhile.

[Xelliea]

Chapter IV - Blessings

Lux respected Dread's decision, it was the first thing he actually understood that the Earth-pony had done in quite a while. He nodded with a smile as Dread left the room, his mind focused on only a single thought... if Hasta was ok. She was still breathing, which relieved him greatly. He assured himself that she would be all right, if given time to rest. His mind went back to what he had seen in the sanctuary's main chamber, trying to make sense of it all. He remembered how the guardian-thing passed judgement on the three ponies, and then began to deliver punishment to Dread for unworthy. That part was, strangely, the part that made the most sense. What happened next was more of a blur.

Something happened to Hasta, but what it was he had no idea. He knew that, no matter how angry she got, Hasta couldn't have done that on her own. Going head to head with one of the most powerful beings of the age, no, there was defiantly more to it. And that rage, flowing like larva from a volcano, he had never seen that in her before, he had never seen that in anypony. To say that she hadn't been herself was an understatement, but it worried him that whatever had happened might have caused her harm. Still, it was gone now. He just needed to keep her safe, and she would be all right.

He looked over to the blessing, the stone tablet that they had gone through so much to recover. There was definitely something more about it than just a good word from an old king. Why had it been protected so fiercely? The words on it were written in ancient Alicornian, a language that Lux couldn't understand, but he still couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was said on that tablet, it was something powerful... something dangerous.

________________________________

Dread was left on his own to navigate the passages of the castle. Without a guide, it was naturally more difficult than before, but by recognising certain features and milestones, it wouldn't be impossible to return to the room where he and Hasta were staying. The light through the windows would suggest that it was still daytime, but the halls were oddly quiet and empty. There were the odd servants, but that was all. Suddenly, causing him to jump in surprise, Dread heard a voice from behind him. A familiar voice.

Ah. Dread. I was unaware that you had returned. The Alicorn prince strode up to Dread in his usual arrogant manner, a look of curiosity on his face. Do tell me, how was the trip?

[CableZ]

As Dread walked the hallways of the large seemingly empty castle, he couldn't help but think back to what happened at the sanctuary. What did happen at the sanctuary? That was a question that seemed to have a lot of answers, a few of those answers hurt quite a bit. Psychically at least, Dread didn't understand a lot of what had been said to him before the pain started. Then what happened to Hasta...it couldn't have just been her could it? If that was the case than there was more to that pony that met the eye, but Dread couldn't know anything for sure. He felt weird, almost bad for leaving Hasta behind. But he passed the feeling off as stress from the entire ordeal they had been through, She had Lux to look after anyway, she didn't need him there.

Dread was knocked out of his thoughts by a booming voice from behind, it made him jump slightly. Dread didn't need to guess who it was to know who it was, the voice gave it all away. Caelum wasted no time asking about how their trip had gone, Dread had to think on an answer for that, albeit not for long.

"Eventful.." was the word that crept from Dread's mouth, however he knew the prince would not let him keep on going to his room unless he told him if they had retrieved the blessing or not.
"We got the blessing...it's safe" Dread's voice just just as emotionless as ever, he then turned and began walking back to his room, he needed to rest.

[Xelliea]

Caelum listened as Dread gave is short and monotone answer. By the look of the pony that stood before him, Caelum could work out with no problem that the trip had been a little more eventful than it had seemed during his planning. His ears perked up when he mentioned the blessing, causing his expression to change in a blink. You have it? Outstanding work, Dread, I'm impressed. I'll let you rest for today, it looks like you need it. Bring the blessing to the throne room in the morning, would you. Was that a tone of sympathy in his voice? Did he actually care about Dread resting? Such things had never come from Caelum before, maybe Lux was right when he said he had a nicer side.

With Caelum having finished speaking, he strode off down a separate corridor, leaving Dread alone once again in the maze of passages. Looking around, Dread noticed that he wasn't too far from his room. Given all that had happened, it would be good to be able to finally lie down on a real bed.

_______________________________________

You failed. How could you have failed? In the shadows of the plane of dreams, the sickly-green Alicorn stood alongside her two siblings, a look of utter contempt on her face. You do realise that this is it now? We're trapped in here for thousands of years now! Beside her, the ex-sovereign Alicorn glared back, rage coursing though her stare. How was I supposed to know that mule would do what she did? The blessing was right there, it was mine!

Shout and argue all you want, it's not helping anything. We're all out of chances now. There'll be another time, I know it. Gather your children, Electrum, for on that day, we will all walk in the light of day once more!

_________________________________

Lux pulled a dusty tome from a wide bookshelf that took up much of his east wall. The book was titled 'An Age Forgotten', and was colossal in thickness. Lux had been given it by his grandfather, who had hopped that one day it he would find it useful. It concerned the time of Noctis's rule, and went into a large amount of detail about even the most trivial things. In fact, most of the book was taken up by said details. Lux only hoped that it would contain something on the subject of the blessing, or at least a way for him to understand better what the blessing actually did. He glanced over to Hasta, completely still if it weren't for her slow, rhythmic breathing, then flipped the book open.

[CableZ]

Dread breathed a sigh of relief as Caelum went away, something about that pony made Dread feel uneasy. He continued on his way toward the shared room that he and Hasta had been given by Caelum, it would be good to rest. Actually on further thought Dread wasn't all that tired, he felt more drained, but not tired. He shrugged slightly and decided that he would write down some notes about the days events, Dread was really begining to think that this story would be quite popular in the future. At least he hoped it would be, the main reason he had never written his own book was that he didn't exactly know what ponies liked. He could write a story that somepony else had asked him to write because he didn't need to worry about characters and things, he could just write amazing stories. But writing his own story? That would really take all of his social knowledge. He was getting more confident in himself however so it was worth a try, less for the fame and more for the self confidence he would get from it.

He had climbed the rather ridiculous amount of stairs that lead to the room in the time he had been thinking about this book he planned on writing, really who puts a bedroom so far up? He was slightly tired after that nonsense, thats for sure. He opened the door and entered the rather cold dark room, he flipped a switch a the lights above him came on. The cold was probably due to the altitude he was at, that and the day was beginning to get on slightly. Dread lit a fire and was finally able to begin writing. Wait...where was?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dread trotted down the long stair case with a annoyed look on his face, this is why he preferred to handle his own things. Now he had to find his way back to Lux's room and get his bag, it was all just a bit tedious. That and he really didn't want to have to climb those stairs again. Dread now wished he had payed more attention to where Lux's room had been as now he was well and truly lost, it took him 20 minutes of wandering to realize he had walked in a circle. Dread eventually asked one of the scarce servants, which was a task easier thought out than done. Dread was still not good around new ponies nor was he good as asking for things. However he managed to get some directions and soon found himself at the door to Lux's room once again. He knocked on the door lightly and soon found himself looking at the rather surprised eyes of Lux

"Err Dread? what are you doing here?"

Dread walked in with a sigh

"You still have my bag" Dread sounded like he wasn't in the mood to chat.

"OH! right of course I'm sorry, let me get that for you"

Dread looked over to Hasta while Lux went over to find Dread's bag, she was still unconscious it seemed.

[Xelliea]

Lux lifted the saddle bags from the other side of the room, making sure that they were still in once piece after all that had happened. Surprisingly, they were, even after the destruction that was all around them back in the sanctuary. He lifted them onto his back, trotting over to where Dread was standing. He was about to pass them to him, then he stopped for a moment. Um... Sorry to have to keep you, but would you mind doing me a favour. I'd like to make a small trip down to the castle library, there's a certain book that I could really use. Would you be all right staying here and making sure Hasta's ok while I'm gone?

Lux was happy to hear that Dread at least didn't say 'no'. Although Lux didn't hear his exact words, he assumed Dread would be ok with giving him the help he needed. Thanks Dread. I'm not sure if I've said this, but you're a good friend. He sped out of the door, leaving Dread's bag at its owner's feet. He didn't want to keep Dread waiting any more than he had to, so he jogged as fast as he could without attracting any time-consuming questions. Dread was left alone as the only pony awake in the room.

Hasta, although she was completely unconscious, her mind still spun with thoughts. She had no idea what was happening outside her head, in fact she could have still been in the sanctuary with an angry Noctis about to banish her to the void for an eternity, as far as she knew. There was so much to think about, about that anger... so strong... so unnatural. She had never felt something that strong, well except maybe one thing... her feelings for Dread. She'd never felt love for another, and the emotion was overwhelming. She had no idea what to do, what it all meant... but it was a nice feeling.

Dread only stood in silence. He waited beside Hasta, the way he stood caused his shadow to be cast over her still form. His eyes looked over her, only breaking his gaze every so often to glance at the door to see if Lux had returned, but each time he did Lux was nowhere to be seen. He was sure he saw her nose twitch. Was she waking up? Dread's eyes looked her her with more vigour, trying to see if she was going to move again.

Then, in one swift action, her eyes jolted open. Without even thinking, she reached out with her forelegs, gripping her hooves behind Dread's mane. In the same motion, she pulled his face to hers, and in length of a blink, her mouth met with his. She held him there for a second, locked in a kiss. Then, almost as automatically as she had held him and pulled him towards her, she let go of Dread, staring at the ceiling. Oh sweet Celestia. She muttered in a voice of shock and rapture, then she slipped back into the dark sea of unconsciousness.

[CableZ]

Dread sighed, he didn't have much choice so he simply agreed to stand by Hasta's side and watch over her. He didn't mind to be honest, he was warming to Lux slightly. Wait...
Dread Lock actually didn't like somepony? Now that he thought about it why didn't he like Lux, or more to the point what clicked in his head that he decided that he didn't like him. Dread thought it over, he had reasons sure but it was not cause to dislike somepony. Dread smiled to himself, not because he didn't like a pony, but because he was getting better at social stuff so that he could not like somepony...it made sense in his head at least...he thought.

He pulled up a seat and sat by Hasta's side, there wasn't much to do but wait at this point. He didn't want to be rude and put his notes on the bed over Hasta and he didn't want to leave her side because thats what Lux had asked him to do. (Dread was still a bit literal)
Still it wasn't the hardest job in the world, it just wasn't all that stimulating. He sat by her side, looking to the door every so often in the hopes Lux would return. He never did. Then he noticed something...was she waking up?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What in Equestria just happened?

No really what just happened??

Dread was in a state of shock, he had absolutely no idea how to process what had just befallen him. Did Hasta just kiss him?

Dread of course knew what a kiss was, he knew all about pony biology and what not but have never experienced it first hoof. He was never sure if it was something he wanted to experience first hoof. But here he sat with somepony else's saliva on his lips...was that gross? he wasn't sure. He was just...AH!
After he managed to calm himself down he went about thinking just why in the wide wide world of Equestria Hasta would do that. Dread came to a sound conclusion after ruling out the absurd things...she was delerious. That had to be it, she was dreaming or something, it was a relief to get it out of his head. But still his first ever kiss was with Hasta, an unconsious mare...wait had he just taken advantage of somepony? Scratch any thoughts that he might be getting better at social stuff because Dread's brain was now working so hard it was going to melt down.

(I should mention that he didn't ever think of the possibility that Hasta might like him when he was ruling things out...didn't occur to him once).

[Xelliea]

She may have been trapped in her own thoughts, but Hasta was happier than ever in her life. Had she been awake, he smile would have spread from ear to ear. Sure she'd heard about ponies kissing, her brother was married after all, but that had actually been her first kiss... and oh and great it was. To have the pony who, by now she was sure, she was in love with in such an embrace... nothing compared to it. She wanted to reach out again, but she was left with only her thoughts by her side in the darkness of her subconscious. A new thought arose at this point, one that made her worry quite a bit. Did he know why she'd done what she'd done? Did he realise that she loved him? Did he love her?

The thoughts spun around her, almost making her literally dizzy. Of course he knew about kissing. He might never have had one before, but surely he'd seen others kiss, or read a book about it. At the same time, that would mean he'd have to know why she did it... right. He must have known that when you kiss somepony, you love them? But the last question was the most grating, the most concerning: he did love her? Didn't he? She had no idea when it came to this point, and she wasn't going to just turn around and ask him. She'd have to be much more subtle. It would be harder than tricking ponies that could read your mind.

________________________________________

Lux trotted out of the library, a couple of books stashed an old saddlebag. He'd left his newer one in the sanctuary as it was collapsing, and it was probably as flat as a pancake or dust by now. Thankfully there wasn't many important things in it, and he had kept his old bag in his room just in case it would be needed again one day. It didn't look too grand, a hole there and a patch there, but it did its job well enough. The books he had gathered from the library were on similar topics to the book he was reading over up in his room. One concerned translating ancient Alicornian, while the other was about spells of the past. He hoped they might help him know exactly what the blessing did.

The book back in his room had been useful in learning about the history of the blessing, but said little about it. It said that the blessing had something to do with how Noctis had came to power, but it said little more. Lux hoped that with the other books, he would be able to put together the pieces of the puzzle. What confused him the most was why the blessing was written in ancient Alicornian. From what he knew, ponies hadn't spoken that tongue for many many years, so why would Noctis write it in such a language?

Lux pushed open the door, trotting back into his room a little short of breath, having just climbed a mountain of stairs. He saw Dread, visibly shocked, though by what he wasn't sure. Hey, Dread, are you all right? You look like you've had the entire world fall down on you. He pulled the two books from his bag and levitated them over to the table where the first book still lay. Afterwards, he wandered over to Dread, still unsure as to why he looked so spooked.

[CableZ]

Dread didn't notice Lux come in, he was trapped in his own thoughts and too busy trying to figure out some things to notice. However he was knocked from his thoughts when he heard Lux speak, it caused Dread to jump slightly. He looked at Lux for a moment before looking back to Hasta, then back to Lux. Dread realized after a few minutes that he hadn't actually said anything, what would he say. He was about to open his mouth when he realized that his lips had more moisture than he was used to and would end up spitting if he spoke (thanks Hasta.)

He wiped his mouth with his hoof and hopped down from his seat, standing in front of Lux.

"Uh...it's nothing, Hasta woke up for a moment but she...she fell back unconscious soon after" Dread said, looking back at the sleeping mare. The new made Lux quite excited, at least she was alright. Lux went over to check that Hasta was alright, he could have sworn she had a smile on her face. He then turned back to a still shocked looking Dread.

"Um..Lux, do you mind if I stay here awhile?...I..I need to think some things over and I'd rather not be alone...if thats ok, maybe?" Dread was just as he always was it seemed.

"Of course Dread, you don't even need to ask" Lux said with a smile

"But...then how would you know I wanted to stay?" Dread asked rather confused

"Never mind" Lux had to chuckle, this stallion really didn't have a clue. Lux went over and began reading his books again, sorting through the relevant material and the not so relevant.
Dread opted to go back and sit on his seat next to Hasta, he still couldn't get over what had happened. Despite the shock and surprise of it all, not to mention having no clue as to why it happened. Dread had to admit it was sort of nice, Dread was an inherently cold pony both in nature and literally, he had back circulation. That was one of the first times he felt warm in a long time...it felt nice. Dread sat there with a slight smile on his face as he watched over Hasta.