Start of Something New

The Start of Something New

The winter has finally come and everypony was getting ready for the New Year’s Fair. This was a five day long party and street fair that counted down to the New Year. It was a great new tradition started to lift everypony’s spirits and coincide with the New Year’s Gala which was to be held on the fifth night well into the morning. The gala was now in full swing and as the happy ponies danced and ate. White Light sat upon the throne next to his brother and smiled while saying, "All seems to be going well dear brother and it’s quiet for a party, though I have yet to see the dignitaries or their rulers tonight."

Dark Heart thought to himself "Yes, quiet indeed... maybe too quiet." Sensing something was wrong but could not quite put his hoof on it. "There they are brother, just walking in. Shall we go and greet our guests?" Dark Heart said.

"Yes, lets." White Light replied. Both brothers stood from their thrones and began to make their way around the dance floor to their guest that just arrived. Everypony made way as Dark Heart and White Light walked and soon they were face to face with their old friends.

"Good to see you are doing well Dark Heart, and a pleasure to see you again White Light." said the dignitaries from the other three kingdoms.

"Good to see you again and have a good time at the Gala." both brothers replied in unison.

Then Rune, Arcane Bolt and Twister all walked up and bowed saying in unison, "Good to see you again Lord Dark Heart and Lord White Light. It has been far too long since we were last together."

"Our friends; lift your heads. You do not bow to us and how many times do we need to tell you not to be so formal with us? We are friends and want you to treat us as such." both brothers said in unison as Dark Heart picked up the three before him and hugged them.

"You should come by more often my friends. We miss playing chess and talking with you all over tea." Dark Heart said before setting them down.

"Yes. Yes we will have to make some time to come by again." Rune replied.

"Good." both brothers said.

"It has been some time since I last beat you at chess." Arcane Bolt said.

"We have both gotten a lot better since we last had a game Arcane, don't think it will be as easy as last time." both brothers replied.

"I do miss the tea you make White Light, and those little snack cakes you make Dark Heart." Said Twister.

"Thank you. Now please, go and enjoy the party." both brothers said stepping apart and motioning to the party.

"I'm going to get a bite to eat. Had a long trip here and nothing to eat on the way." Arcane Bolt said making his way to the food table.

Rune turned to Twister and bowed saying, "Would you care to dance my dear?"

"YES!" Twister blurted out all too quickly while blushing something fierce. She took Rune’s hoof as they walked to the dance floor.

Dark Heart laughed aloud and White Light put a hoof to his mouth to stop his giggles as the two walked off. "They would be good together, don't you think brother?" asked Dark Heart.

"Yes, I do believe they would brother." White Light replied.

"Having fun I see, King Dark Heart and King White Light. It is good to see you are both doing well and the kingdom looks better than ever." said King Swiftwind of the pegasus realm. (Swiftwind was named king after his father’s death twelve years ago.)

Both Dark Heart and White Light stood up straight. "Yes we are, and it is good to see you too King Swiftwind. And where is your lady wife? I don't see her here." they replied.

"S.. she...she past four years ago." Swiftwind said choking back his tears.

"We are so sorry for your loss our friend." both brothers replied.

"Why did you not inform us of the funeral? We would have been there for you our friend." White Light said.

"I'm sorry; I heard you and your brother were having troubles with some of your lords. I...I did not want to add more to your plate, but thank you for your words." Swiftwind replied.

"Here my friend, this is for you. It’s my own blend. It’s very strong but has a sweet taste to it." Dark Heart said while holding a bottle of black brandy in his magic. "I don't care what you heard, you are a friend and I will be there for you when you need it." Dark Heart said in a stern tone while hugging his friend.

"Thank you, I could not ask for better friends. I will have to have you over some time and thank you for the gift." Swiftwind replied with a cracking voice.

"You’re welcome. Now please try to enjoy the Gala." Dark Heart said, letting his friend go.

"Also, try not to spike the punch." White Light said while glaring at his brother.

"No promises there my friend." Swiftwind replied as he took the bottle and walked to the party.

"That was very sweet for someone that is always so mad." two female voices said while Dark Heart’s back was turned as he watched his friend. He turned to see princesses Violet and Starlight.

"Very funny ladies, you both know very well I’m not a bad guy all the time. It’s good to see you again though and you are looking as beautiful as ever might I add." Dark Heart said. Taking a hoof from each and kissing it as he greeted them. White Light then did the same as his brother. Both mares blushed and giggled at the sight of the brothers being so old fashioned.

"It is good to see you both again, but where are your fathers? They never miss the Gala." White Light said.

"Yes, I was so hoping to get into another drinking match with the old kings later." Dark Heart said.

"My father is bedridden and I very well may be named queen here soon." Violet said starting to cry but stopped when she was embraced by both brothers.

"No crying this night dear, we want you to have fun and hope for the best. Tears will come when you know for sure your father will be gone." White Light said.

"If I know that tough old stallion, he will be up and fighting by the time you get home." Dark Heart said.

"Thank you both so much and you are right, I should not be so worried till I know my father is going to pass." Violet said, drying her eyes of what tears fell before the embrace. She looked up kissed them both on the cheek then said, “Thank you so very much. You are two are some of the best friends I've ever had. And Dark Heart, I’m looking forward to a dance with you sometime this night, like we have every year."

"You will have it, but I owe someone else my first dance of the night. I will dance with you after dear Violet." Dark Heart replied with a bow.

"Oh. Who would that be?" Violet asked.

"Glave, the commander of the guard. She would not take no for an answer this time it seems. She have been chasing me since her husband left her, nine years ago after the birth of their new daughter, Holly." Dark Heart said while shaking his head.

"Well she has liked you for some time now dear brother and you turn her down every year. I'm not surprised she would not take no for an answer this year." White Light said.

"Oh, so I'm not the only one with my eye on Dark Heart’s heart?" Violet said.

"No you are not, but you may be in for some fierce competition." White Light replied.

"It would seem not Violet." said Starlight.

"Please Violet, go have fun. I will dance with you as soon as I can." Dark Heart said.

"I will and I better see you later." Violet said as she turned and walked off.

"So what about your father Starlight, why is he not here?" White Light asked.

"He was in the middle of a spell when we got the invite to the Gala and sorry to say the spell will not be over till some time tomorrow." Starlight replied.

"But we sent the invite three days ago, what spell takes so....Oh. I understand now. He is trying that spell I sent him a few weeks ago. The one that gives his power to another, isn't he?" White Light said.

"Yes he is, and he told me to thank you for him when I saw you. Now, shall we dance White Light?" Starlight said holding out a hoof.

"Yes, lets. Though I did not think he would attempt that spell so soon." White Light replied taking her hoof in his and off they went.

A very creepy smile came across Dark Heart’s muzzle as his magic lit his horn. A wave of magic went through the whole room. Not noticeable by anyone, yet it did what he wanted it to. "Glave, front and center. If you still want that dance, I want you here now." Dark Heart whispered so low that no one could hear.

On the other side of the room however, Glave could hear the words he said as if he was right next to her. The words ringing loud and clear in her head and she did as she was told. In just a few seconds she was standing before Dark Heart. "You called, my Lord?" Glave asked.

"Yes I did." Dark Heart said looking over the mare before him. She was in a beautiful cobalt blue dress with matching shoes. Her hair was done up with a hairpiece that hid her scar over her right eye. "You look good tonight Glave. Though I don't see why you hide your scar I like it. How do you like the new spell I learned? Puts whatever words I say right into the head of the one I choose."

"Thank you my lord for the compliment. I hide the scar because I don't feel as beautiful showing it when I'm in a dress sir." Glave replied.

"One, enough of the lord and sir for tonight, call me by my name, and second, I think you are more beautiful with the scar out." Dark Heart said. Then magic lit around his horn and all of a sudden Glave could feel her hair falling down. He took the hairpiece away. "There much better. Now, shall we dance?" Dark Heart said holding out his hoof.

"Yes Dar...Dark Heart." Glave answered taking his hoof.

They slowly made their way out onto the dance floor, getting there as the last song ended. Dark Heart used his spell again to talk to the orchestra. He politely asked for them to play a song he could waltz to and they happily obliged. Once the music started, the lights were dimmed and a spotlight was put on Dark Heart as he and Glave danced gracefully to the music. Then a second light was shown on White Light as he and Princess Starlight started to dance. The lights began to slowly expand over the dance floor and as the light hit the other couples they too started to dance. The lighted area was alive with the soft music and the gentle, flowing moves of the dancers. Once the song ended, Dark Heart bowed and took Glave's hoof again and led her from the dance floor. "You moved very well and with much beauty for such a strong and proud solider Glave. Where may I ask did you learn to dance?" Dark Heart said.

"My father wanted me to be a proper mare and had me take many lessons as a filly. However as I grew older I wanted to join the guard, not be some trophy wife for a rich stallion. I wanted to protect those I love, and that is why I am soldier now, though I still put all those lessons to good use, and will never make my daughter take them." Glave replied.

"I see, well I dare say you would make your father proud this day Glave. How are your little girls?" Dark Heart said.

"Thank you your majesty, and Holly is fine, though she gets into a lot of fights for an earth pony filly. Her older sister, I have not seen since she left the kingdom." Glave replied.

Just then the doors to the hall were flung open and a squad of guards and a unicorn medic came running in with a stretcher. "Make way, we must see the kings and Commander Glave at once! Make way!" one of the guards shouted. Everypony got out of the way fast, as Glave, White Light, Dark Heart and the visiting royals made their way to the group. "Put the boy down, King White Light can save him!" the guard said.

Once they reached the stretcher they all gasped. On it was a colt no more than nine or ten years old. He was covered from head to hoof with small cuts and bruises. He had a few bad cuts, but the worst thing they saw was that his horn was broken in half. He was bleeding badly and if something was not done soon this colt would die. "Move back, give me some room!" White Light shouted quite angry. Then he lit his horn and everypony was blinded for a brief moment. Once the light had faded the cuts and where the horn was broken were closed and there were scars. "What happened to this poor child?" White Light asked trying to calm himself.

"We don't know sir. He came running at the gate like this saying he needed to see Dark Heart. As soon as he got to us he just toppled over and passed out. We took him to the hospital, but they said we should bring him to you. We rushed here as fast as we could." the guard replied. White Light stretched out a hoof and gently touched the colt's muzzle.

Just then the boy sprang to life and grabbed White Light's hoof and screamed "PLEASE YOU HAVE TO HELP! THE TOWN IS UNDER ATTACK! THE RAIDERS CAME BACK FOR THE SILVER AND REVENGE FOR WHAT DARK HEART DID! PLEASE THEY ARE GOING TO KILL EVERYPONY! PLEASE SAVE MY MOM!" As soon as he finished he passed out again releasing White Light's hoof.

Just then, White light felt a chill run down his spine and heard a light gasp from the ponies in the room as he slowly looked around to see what caused this. He saw a small black flame dance in the air past his cheek. Then he turned to see Dark Heart and he knew what was coming. "OH NO!" he said.

Black flames were coming out of Dark Heart's shadow and making a cage like sphere around him. Inside everypony could see the changes happening to him. His clothes were burnt to ashes. The black of his pelt slowly withdrew into his eyes enveloping the whites. His pelt was now a bloody crimson red. His irises turn the same color as his pupils became slits, giving him the eyes of a dragon. "NO ONE HURTS MY PONIES WHILE I LIVE! THEY SHALL PAY DEARLY FOR THIS!" he said in a voice so dark and terrifying it made everypony tremble in fear. He then lifted his head and opened his mouth to show his newly grown fangs. White Light was barely able to get a strong enough shield spell up in time to protect everypony, as Dark Heart roared like a beast from the very depths of Tartarus. As he roared, the fire around him spread out in a shockwave knocking everypony on their plot through White Light's shield, though no pony was hurt, just stunned. As everypony was getting to their hooves, the castle was shacking and there was the sound of breaking glass. They turned to see a hole in the window and part of the wall, just past the door and a blood red, pony sized comet racing across the night sky.

"What was that... that beast?" Princess Violet asked very scared and shocked.

"That beast as you put it IS MY BROTHER! It pains me to see him this way, but once he gets like this even I don't stand much of a chance at stopping him." White Light replied.

"But how can that be Dark Heart? He is so kind and gentle to everypony." Starlight said.

"Yes, Dark Heart is a kind and gentle pony at heart. Though caged deep inside him rages a monster fighting for control at all times, a monster born and bathed in blood and war. You all know that in times of stress or anger a unicorn can rage shift, yes?” said White Light looking around the room.

"Yes, we do." everypony replied.

"Well so can us alicorns. Though for my brother, doing so is something he never wishes to happen. For you see, Dark Heart cares for this kingdom and all in it so much that just the thought of something happening to them makes him angry beyond all belief. The monster in him feeds on this rage and uses it to break free from its cage, turning him into what you just saw. Though take heart, for no pony other than my brother’s enemies will be hurt. The monster may be free, but my brother is still in control." White Light said.

"Your brother is by far the strongest stallion I've ever met. To hold back a beast such as that for his whole life and not go mad is truly a sight to behold. You can truly feel his love for his ponies if he is willing to let that monster free just to save everypony." said Violet.

"I feel very sorry for those who are hurting our ponies right now. I truly feel pity for them." White Light said.

"Why? Shouldn't they reap what they sow?" asked Swiftwind.

"Yes, they should. Though you see my brother is not only physically the strongest pony anypony has ever met, but he is a master of battle magic and dark magic. With the monster fueling him my brother will use his skills to not only end their very lives, but torture them before he ends them in the most grueling ways possible. This I have seen this only once before and it is a fate I would not wish upon my worst enemy." White Light replied.

"He knows dark magic, how can this be? What few records of dark magic are locked away in the lowest and most heavily guarded part of my castle. Nopony could get to them without my say so and it is not something I would let anyone use ever. They twist and change the pony that uses them into pure evil. No wonder that beast lives in your brother." said Starlight.

"No, the monster was in him before he mastered dark magic. Our father was the one that created dark magic and after using it saw fit to not teach it to anyone. That was until my brother and I were born. I was gifted with great magical potential. While growing up, I some saw great feats of magic performed on a daily basis by both alicorns and unicorns I observed while hidden. Watching these feats drove me to learn about the many great things magic could do to aid and improve the lives of all by both studying what knowledge we had, as well as creating new spells that the world had never seen before.  It was this love of learning magic, making new spells and using them that got me my cutie mark. I saw the hope and light I could bring to the world and it showed by this." pointed at the glowing mark on his flank. "My brother on the other hoof got unrivaled strength, though he is still good with magic. Father feared I was too kind to learn the dark arts and that it would corrupt me. Dark Heart on the other hoof showed his inner monster when he was very young, brutally killing some bandits that were going to rape and murder a mare and her filly. That was when his cutie mark appeared. The heart in the fire showed his love of rage and all things brutal, though the broken pieces in the heart show that his acts of violence chip away at his soul and hurt him greatly."  A single tear falls from his face. "Father helped him control the beast within through the use of dark magic and showed him all he needed. My brother took to the dark arts like he knew it his whole life. The records of dark magic you have are my brother's. He wanted to train ponies that could handle it and began to write down all he knew, but lost them after he left to save a pony." White Light said.

"I can't believe it. I never thought that the author in the dark magic tomes was your brother. He only signed the books with D.H. and there are over three whole shelves of tomes." Starlight said.

"There are thirty eight full shelves in my brother's hidden study and many more to come. You do not know the depths of the dark knowledge my brother knows." White Light replied. Starlight stood there stunned. "In the end, my brother will save the ponies that are left and not one enemy will escape his fury. I only pray my brother is not too late." White Light said. He then turned and looked back to the young colt and felt sorry for he knew the little unicorn would never be able to perform magic now that his horn was broken in half for there is no spell that can mend a broken horn. Though there were other ways around this.

"What will become of the poor colt?" asked Violet.

"If his family yet lives, they will keep him. If not, then I'm sure my brother will care for the colt till he can be put into a good home, or my brother my raise this child himself for failing to save his family. We will have to wait and see." White Light replied.

"That would be a sight to see, Dark Heart with this cute little kid all the time." giggled Glave.

"Yes, it would be quite the sight." the others said.

"Now everypony, please go back to the party and enjoy yourselves we will wait for my brother’s return." White Light said.

Later that morning, just after all the guests had left other than the royals and their companions, a horn could be heard coming from the front gate. They all rushed to the window to see Dark Heart leading a group of ponies into the city. He took them to the hospital and then made his way to the throne room. He entered and the gloom and dread could be felt coming off him in waves.

Everypony in the room rushed him at once. "Brother, are you alright? What happened out there?" White Light asked very concerned.

"I...I fi... I failed our ponies brother. I... I di... I didn't make it in time. I'm so sorry, so very sorry. So many of our ponies are gone now because I was too slow, why was I so slow?" Dark heart said tears forming in his eyes.

"Dark Heart, it is not your fault that they died." Violet said while she hugged him.

"She is right sir, you did all you could. That is enough." Glave said while she also hugged him.

"NO! I couldn’t save them, they are my ponies and I failed them!" Dark Heart shouted while standing and moving away.

"And what of the enemy brother?" asked White Light.

Dark Heart turned to the ponies in the room, his eyes once again red and draconic. "OH, THEY GOT WHAT WAS COMING TO THEM! THEY BEGGED AND SCREAMED FOR MERCY BEFORE I WAS DONE! THEN ONCE I THOUGHT THEY HAD PAID ENOUGH, I SENT THOSE BASTARDS’ WRETCHED SOULS STRAIGHT TO THE LOWEST PITS IN THE DEPTHS OF TARTARUS! WHERE THEY WILL BURN FOR ALL TIME!" he yelled in his frightful and hateful voice.

This put great fear into everypony before him, say for his brother. They now knew what was in him, but still could not believe that the kind and gentle pony they knew could have such hate and malice. Dark Heart then fell to his haunches, taking deep breaths to calm himself down. Then he said, "Where is the child? I must speak with him. I ask that you all come with me but stay out of the room while we talk please. I don't think I can face him alone. Once I have spoken with him, I will tell you everything that happened."

"He is in one of the guest rooms." White Light replied.

"Of course, we will go with you." Starlight said.

"You are our friend and what has happened and what you must now do weighs heavy on your heart." Swiftwind said.

"We would not dream of leaving you alone now even if you begged us to." Glave and Violet said in unison.

With that, they all got up and left for the room where the young colt was sleeping. Dark Heart walked beside his brother and each step closer to the room made the aura of grief and guilt build more and more. Once they reached the door, Dark Heart heard crying. He knocked on the door and waited. The crying stopped and the young colt said "Co... Come in."

Dark Heart slowly opened the door and walked in. He sat next to the bed the colt was on and said, "I'm sorry little one, I was too late I could not save your mother. I understand if you hate me for this little one." (She was the mare that told Dark Heart of the raiders the first time. He met the colt after the first time he went to help the ponies of the mining town.)

The colt broke out into tears once more and Dark Heart slowly took the colt from the bed and held him in a loving embrace. "My m... mo... mom is go... g... gone? Did you try to save my mom?" the little colt asked.

"Yes, she is gone and yes I tried my very best to save her, but I was too slow. I'm so sorry little one. I did save most of the town and no little ones were killed." Dark Heart replied.

"I don't hate you. You saved a lot of my friends and their families. Plus you tried to save my mom. She was right, you are a nice pony." the little colt said hugging Dark Heart tight.

"Who is your father little one? I'll go get him for you." Dark Heart asked.

"He is gone, daddy died when the mine caved in a few years ago. I'm all alone now." the colt said, crying again.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Little one, what is your name?" Dark Heart said.

"I... It's Bain. M... my name is Bain."  He replied.

"Well Bain, how would like to live here with me and my brother?" Dark Heart asked.

Bain looked up with shock and happiness on his face. "You want me to live with you?" Bain asked. Everypony at the door was so shocked at what Dark Heart had just asked, say for his brother.

"I know I am not your dad and I could never replace the family you lost, though if you would let me, I would like to be your dad. All though I know there are a lot of good ponies out there that would love to have you. I am the one that could not save your mom so I will care for you; since it's my fault you are now alone. So what do you say Bain, will you be my little prince?" Dark heart asked tears in his eyes.

"Are you sure? I'm not royalty and my horn’s broke, so I can't use magic any more. I'm no use to anypony." Bain said.

"Now you listen to me, you’re a kind, sweet little colt who is alone in the world now and so am I. I don't have and foals of my own and I would be glad to have you as a son. I can help you with your horn as well. I can't fix it, but I can make it to where you can use magic again." Dark Heart said.

"Really?" Bain asked.

"Really really. So Bain I ask again, will you be my little prince?" Dark Heart replied.

Bain's grip tightened around Dark Heart as he said "YES!"

"Now, lie down and rest, you’ve had a hard and exciting day. Plus there is a lot to do tomorrow." Dark Heart said as he tucked Bain in and kissed him on the forehead.

"Night Dark Heart." Bain said.

"Good night, my little prince." Dark Heart replied as he shut the door. Once outside the room he hit the floor.

"Dark Heart, are you okay? You’re not hurt are you?" Glave and Violet asked.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine, just really worn out is all. Thank you all so much. I would not have been able to do that without you here." Dark Heart replied.

"That is quite all right. That is what friends are for and as I have said you are a friend." said Swiftwind.

"I'm so proud of you brother, you turned a bad situation into a good one and gave a young colt a new loving home." Said White Light.

"That was so cute and you will make a great father Dark Heart, we just know it." Glave, Violet and Starlight said in unison.

"Now, let us go to the throne room so I can sit down. I will tell you of everything that happened once we are there." Dark Heart said, and off for the throne room they went.