//-------------------------------------------------------//
       The Rising of the Brothers of Light and Dark        
                     -by Dark Dienen-                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  Start of Something New                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Beginning
The Beginning
On a lush green plain by the sea just outside an old forgotten castle, all Tartarus was breaking loose. Savage war ponies from across the sea were at war and holding their own in the old fortress against the ponies of the land. There were four kingdoms that united to stop the onslaught from the invaders. The kingdom of earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi. The last was the Crystal Kingdom, the only one in its time that had all three pony races living together peacefully.
The unicorns weaved great spells of fire and launched them at the castle trying to bring down the walls. Arcane Bolt yelled through a spell to make himself louder, "HOLD THE SPELLS LONGER, THEY NEED MORE POWER BEFORE YOU LAUNCH! AND MAKE SURE YOUR AIM IS TRUE PONIES, WE DON’T WANT TO HIT ONE OF OUR OWN!" Then the old unicorn called on his magic and made a barrier to protect his fellow mages from the incoming boulders that were flying out of the castle. The invaders had put up trebuchets and were using them to bombard the unicorns.
The earth ponies were making their way to the castle walls behind siege towers trying to get inside. They were however held at bay by the hail of arrows the invaders were letting loose. Any that tried to move the siege towers forward were soon picked off. An earth pony then yelled as loud as he could "TWISTER, CAN YOU DO ANYTHING ABOUT THOSE ARCHERS?''
Twister soon landed as fast as she could next to the pony yelling at her. Catching her breath she said, "I'm sorry Rune. We are doing the best we can but we are having a hard time as well trying to get through those arrows. Every time we try to dive our way in from the cloud cover they start shooting our way the moment we leave." She then pointed to the sky as her troops made another attempt to land and deal with the archers. As always it failed and this time two pegasi were downed and soon killed by the invaders.
"Damn it. Call for a full retreat, we need to get out of here before we lose any more ponies." Rune said. Twister then flew high in the sky and blew on a horn. All that heard the call then began a full retreat. As the last of the ponies were leaving the field of battle an arrow with a note landed next to Rune. He picked it up and made his way over the hills to the nearby camp they had made in the forest that very same morning.
Later that night, the commanders from three of the four kingdoms were present. Rune, high commander of the earth ponies. He was a plain well-built stallion with a scar across his muzzle. He has a dark red pelt with black runes on his legs. A brown mane and tail with green eyes. Twister, high commander of the sky is a slender pegasus and she has a light blue pelt, with a gray mane and tail. Her eyes are red, but glazed over as if she was blind. Her body has a few small scars on her legs where she was hit by arrows. Arcane Bolt, one of the few archmages of the unicorn realm. He was an elderly stallion. He has a light gray pelt, with a white mane, tail and beard. Although you could still see some black strands here and there that just refused to turn white. All were arguing with each other on what to do next after reading the note that was shot at Rune and the arrow it was on.
The note said
"Hello commanders. I am Nightshade, leader of the forces that now ravage your lands. As you are well aware I have the princes and princesses of your land held here in the castle with me. You also know that I will not give them up unless my demands are met. Your feeble attempt to get them back has angered me and now I will kill them all if my demands are not met in two days. Here is a little gift for you so you know the extent of my displeasure."
Stuck to the arrow was some skin of each of the princes and princesses.
The commanders were still arguing when Rune picked up the arrow and stuck it into the table. "Something has to be done now before we lose the sons and daughters of our rulers! Furthermore, where is Clear Skies with the reinforcements from the crystal kingdom? The crystal king's note said they should be here by now." Just as he finished his statement one of the guards came into the command tent and handed him a scroll. Rune than barked to the guard, "What is this?"
"Half the reinforcements have arrived. On approach to the camp they encountered an enemy ambush preparing to assault the camp from the rear. They engaged the enemy and successfully eliminated them but suffered heavy casualties." Rune put his hooves to his head and started to rub his temples in frustration. The guard then said, "Sir, there is more bad news."
"What!?" said Rune starting to lose his patience with the guard.
Nervously the guard proceeded, "Commander Clear Skies was slain in the skirmish. She's dead sir." All the commanders then looked stunned at this most grievous news.
Arcane Bolt then said, "And the scroll?" because Rune was too flustered to speak.
The guard continued to say, "One of the crystal soldiers handed this to me and said that he received it from a hooded pony. He was told that it is to be for the commanders' eyes only." Rune then dismissed the guard and with a salute he turned and left. Rune, with one hoof, slid the scroll over to Twister and motioned for her to read it.
She proceeded to read the scroll aloud,
"Greetings commanders. You do not know me but I know of you and your plight. My brother and I have been watching from nearby mountains. Normally we keep to ourselves and do not interfere in the affairs of common ponies, but we can see that you are in need of dire assistance. We are willing to lend our aid. Even if you do not wish for our help, our offer shall stand. Though you may not think two ponies could change the tide of battle we urge you to put our skills to the test. If you wish for our aid, on the back of this scroll tell how you would signal us to join in the fray. Then the scroll will be transported back to use."
Twister looked up from the scroll with a puzzled look on her face for she knew that the nearest mountains were miles away. Twister then said, "What should we do? This sounds like a joke to me. There is no way anypony could be watching us from any of the mountains around here. They’re just too far away."
The three commanders then looked at each other for a moment. Breaking the silence Arcane Bolt finally said, "I do agree with Twister on this one. It does seem highly improbable, but there has to be some merit to what is on this scroll. I can sense the spell that has been placed upon it. I say we at least send them a reply. If we need them, we need them and if not, then we don't. My former teacher always said keep your options open for you never know what the future will hold."
Rune took the scroll and flipped it over then dipped a nearby quill into its inkwell and wrote a message on the back of the scroll. Once he was finished he watched the scroll but nothing happened. A moment later there was a bright flash of light and the scroll was gone.
After recovering from the bright flash, Twister asked, "What did you write?"
"Arcane Bolt believes that we need to keep our options open. So if he believes we are in need of assistance, he will then launch a rainbow colored flare high into the sky, summoning these two to us." Rune said. All commanders nodded in agreement and left to prepare for the coming morning.
The following morning they began their attack on the castle again. Thanks to the reinforcements of more unicorns and heavily armored crystal ponies the attack was going well. Since the Crystal Kingdom is the only one that has all three pony races living there, they sent the most troops. The unicorns were able to put more power into their spells and brought down a small section of the castle wall. Thanks to the heavily armored crystal knights, they were able to push the siege towers into place. Though the crystal knights looked like porcupines with all those arrows embedded into their armor. Rune was the first out of the siege towers hacking away at the savage ponies from the beyond the sea screaming "CHARGE!"
Now that the battle was in full swing again and the archers under heavy assault, Rune blew on a horn to signal for Twister and her forces to begin their rapid descent onto the castle. Off in the distance you could hear Arcane Bolt yelling, "Group one get into that castle and aid our allies as you see fit! Group two with me! Now spread out and tend to the wounded. Treat the more severe injuries first!"
Rune was laughing as he split the skull of one of the enemies as he thought, "We've won! The battle is ours!" Just then the loud bellowing of a horn could be heard and the ground began to tremble. Rune looked around and saw a dark purple unicorn standing on top of the tower blowing the horn. The unicorn had a crown upon his head, it was Nightshade. Just as Rune moved to go after Nightshade he heard a loud roar, some screaming and saw the flare that Arcane Bolt was to launch. He turned to see what was going on and froze in sheer terror at what was happening. There was a heavily armored Ursa Major rising out of the ground.
Just moments before Arcane Bolt and his group were running around the field looking over their injured for any that needed aid. As he was trying to save the life of a pegasus that took an arrow to the chest, he heard the bellowing of a horn. Just then the ground right under his hooves began to move. It looked like a small hill was forming and kept getting bigger till he was well above the castle. The ground began to slide away as a loud roar and the scream of his troops filled the air. He was then falling toward the freshly moved earth. In a split second he shot the rainbow flare high in the sky just in time before he hit the ground and was knocked unconscious.
Rune was soon snapped out of his frozen state by Twister when she screamed, "RUN YOU FOOLS!" The Ursa roared as it ran up to the castle. With one swipe of its claws, it threw ten ponies up into the air and leveled more of the wall. The ponies were dead before they hit the ground. A few were split in two.
Twister was blowing the horn for a full retreat and Rune was yelling, "Get away from it! RUN! Run for the forest!" The Ursa continued to swing it's paws and thrash about injuring and killing more ponies.
Rune stood his ground against the beast as he yelled to his troops, "Run, I'll hold the beast here!" He picked up a spear and threw it, piercing the beast in the nose. The beast, angered by this brought its paw down trying to kill him. Rune however just barely got out of the way, but the force of the blow however sent him flying into the rubble of the broken wall, hitting his head hard. Stunned, with bleary vision and a broken leg he could barely make out his surroundings as the Ursa lifted it's paw again, ready to bring it down on Rune himself.
All Rune could say was "Where are those two!? They said if we called they would come!" He looked up as the beast was bringing its paw down full force. Rune closed his eyes waiting for the end to come. Smiling knowing he gave his life so more of the ponies could flee but the end did not come. Rune opened his eyes thinking he should be dead to barely see a young snow white pony next to him. He looked around to see a dome of golden light stopping the killing blow, but only just. It wavered under the force of the beast's blow, though the white pony was slightly bleeding from the side of his mouth because of the shock wave caused when the beast hit the shield.
The white pony then smiled at Rune and said "Sorry we're late; my brother could not find his helm. Are you okay?" Rune looked at the pony in awe and confusion only to yell when the dome began to crack. The white pony with a strain in his voice then yelled, "BROTHER, NOW!" Rune heard a loud booming noise. Then all of a sudden the Ursa was knocked down on it's side.
Moments before, the ponies that had gotten to the forest edge turned to look at the carnage, seeing Rune stand his ground before the beast. Then getting tossed aside after hitting it in the nose with a spear. The Ursa was just about to kill Rune and Twister was screaming, "NOOOO!" being held back by her troops as it brought it's paw down, throwing dust into the air with the blow. She let out a sigh of relief when the dust had settled and she could see an orb of light around Rune and one other pony stopping the killing blow.
Then she heard somepony shout "BROTHER, NOW!" All of a sudden a loud booming noise filled the air and a black ball of fire was ripping through the sky. The blazing ball smashed into the side of the Ursa Major's head, hurling it to the ground. They all cheered at this sight, but then were struck with fear when the beast began to get back up. Though pieces of the helm that guarded it's head fell to the ground as it stood.
Now under the falling piece of metal Rune was shocked by what he just saw through the still standing ball of light. Once all the metal fell to the ground the white pony undid the spell and Rune saw the Ursa hit by the blazing ball of fire again, this time in the jaw knocking it onto its back. Rune's vision was now clear and he saw what he thought to be a black pegasus come out of the fireball. The pony landed next to him and the white pony that saved his life. He could now see that there was something off about them. They both had pegasus wings and a unicorn’s horn. Rune had never seen anything like them before in his life.
Just as Rune was about to speak, he was tossed onto the back of the white pony by the black one. The black pony then said, "Brother, take this pony to the others I saw by the forest edge. He needs healing and I saw unicorns in the group. I can hold my own against this beast till you return." With a quick nod of his head the white pony was off. The black one then turned and saw the Ursa was getting back up. With a quick jerk of his neck to pop it the black pony said, "Come get some, monster." and attacked the beast once more.
By the edge of the woods, the ponies looked on in awe as the Ursa was knocked to the ground time and time again. Though it did hit the black pony a few times plowing him into the ground, the pony would just get up and charge again. Soon the white pony landed, laying Rune on the ground and said, "Come quick, I need a healer. This pony has a bad head injuries and a broken leg."
Rune could hear two voices shouting for others to move out of the way. It was Twister, who hugged him, after slapping him the moment she got to him and Arcane Bolt who just woke up after being knocked out. Twisted looked up to say thank you but the white pony was already flying back to battle. Arcane Bolt began to heal Rune as he tried to get a good look at the white pony but failed. All the ponies looked on as the white one began to blast the Ursa with spells, throwing up barriers to defend when the beast was sure to land a hit and was still taking some damage.
The battle was fierce, neither side wanting to give an inch, but the commanders could see the two ponies now fighting the Ursa alone were losing. The beast had just caught the black one with a good hit launching him toward the forest. He hit the ground, digging into the earth as he slid. Everypony gasped as they knew no pony could have lived through a hit like that, but what shocked them more was that after the dust had settled, he crawled his way out of the ground, bleeding from one bad gash down his side. Everypony there now got a good look at the black pony and Arcane Bolt had a look of utter disbelief on his face. The black pony growled as his coat began to turn crimson red and said, "Damn beast. You will not be rid of me that easily." Snapping his dislocated wing back into place, he took off after the beast again.
“Rage shift.” Arcane whispered.
Rune saw the look on Arcane Bolt's Face and asked "What is wrong my friend, do you know what that strange pony is and why is he red now?"
"Yes I do, but I did not think them real till I saw him." he replied, then asked "Tell me, does the white one look like the black one?" Rune was puzzled by his friend’s words but answered with just a nod of his head. Arcane Bolt then told everypony what he knew, "They are alicorns! One of the most rare and powerful of the pony races, but I thought them to be just a myth till today. The black one turned red because he rage shifted. It is a unique ability to us unicorns. When we are overcome with rage, and if we have substantial magical power our body's color changes. We get stronger and gain more power for a short time."
Twister asked "What does this mean Arcane?"
"That we are privileged enough to be in their presence, and we may live through this battle to save the princes and princesses with their help." he replied. All the forces watched in awe as these two alicorns traded blow for blow with the Ursa Major. With each hit both the alicorns and the Ursa became more tired. Each hit was as strong as the last. The brothers tore into the Ursa with all they had, landing some gruesome blows, though the Ursa did the same. The battle went on till night fall, but it looked like the Ursa was going to win. In the end, the brothers could not stand up to the Ursa's might and were pinned under it's paws. The beast then tried to crush the life out of the two alicorns. Just as they were about to fall, something happened. The two alicorns each turned into a ball, one black and the other White. Both flew high into the air and mashed together.
Rune asked "Arcane, what is going on?" slightly covering his face with his hoof because the light and force of the shockwave made when the balls smashed together was too much.
"I don't know, throughout all my studies I've never seen anything like this." he replied. Then suddenly as the light appeared it was gone, but now in its place was a new alicorn. This new alicorn was two colors. Split right down the middle, the left half of it's body was white with three black wings. The right side was like looking into an inverted mirror for it's body was black on this side with three white wings.
The alicorn then said in a voice that hurt the ears of Ursa Major and all of the ponies listening, "YOU SHALL NOT KILL ANOTHER THIS DAY BEAST, NOT WHILE I HAVE THE POWER TO STOP YOU!" After it finished speaking it shot a beam of pure magical energy at the Ursa, tearing it's armor asunder and launching the beast, a few yards away. The beast along, with the invaders went running for their lives. The fight ended a swift two minutes after the two alicorns transformed. The new form split back into two balls again and landed on the ground. The ponies by the woods came running over and cheering with all their might, but that soon stopped once they saw their saviors. They laid on the ground, breathing heavily and cringing from their wounds. They were covered in small scratches and scrapes, but they also had a few bad gashes that were bleeding badly.
Rune, now limping to them with the aid of Arcane Bolt and Twister asked, "Are you both okay? You look like you’re on your death beds."
"We are fine, just used too much power." was all the white one could say before he passed out and a sort of crystal cocoon formed around him.
"Need to rest... So tried…" the black one replied before he too was encased in a crystal cocoon.
"What is going on Arcane? We need to help them, they save our flanks." Rune barked.
"It will be okay; you heard them just as I did. They are fine Rune, they just need rest. So don't yell at Arcane." Twister snapped.
"But then what's going on with them?" Rune replied.
"I believe that this is a form of defense to keep them safe when they're recovering from that form they turned into. It looks like it drained them of all they had to save themselves." Arcane said. Though everypony could tell he was guessing.
One of the soldiers stepped up, "Sir, what now?"
Rune thought for a few moments and said, "Twister, you take three fourths of the troops and see if you can find the princes and the princesses. The rest of you, make two stretchers. We are taking these two to the camp and guarding them till we are given our orders by our respective royal ruler's child." Everypony saluted and went to their assigned tasks. Once at camp with the two alicorns, the troops got the fires going and waited on good news from Commander Twister.
Twister and the troops soon returned with the princes and princesses. She ordered a medic to look at the three foals.
The field medic acted quickly, making sure that no dark blue feathers were out of place or tangled within the thundercloud colored mane and tail on Swiftwind. That no damage was sustained to Starlight's sunset colored horn or covered by her cherry red mane and tail. That Violet's purple limbs were in as good, if not better shape than here butter yellow mane and tail. The medic turned to Twister and said, "Other than the little bit of missing skin, the three foals are fine." He then turned to the young earth pony, Prince Soul Stone and asked, "Do you need to be examined as well?"
"No. I'm fine; please do not worry over me." Soul Stone replied.
All the pegasi troops ran over to see the Prince and yelled "We got Prince Swiftwind back. Hip, hip, hooray." Arcane Bolt and what was left of the unicorn mages did the same for Princess Starlight.
Rune and what was left of the earth pony forces saluted their princess till she said, "At ease soldiers."
Rune then said, "Good to finally have you back Princess Violet."
"Good to be out of there." She replied.
Rune then turned and walked over to the crystal prince, standing taller than the younger royals, at eye level with his remaining troops. Then he said, "Good to see you again Prince Soul Stone."
"Ah, Rune my good friend, how long has it been? Oh, by the way, where is Clear Skies? I know father would only trust her to come get me." Soul Stone said.
"I'm sorry to report sir that she was killed in action. The enemy was about to flank us as we made camp for the night. Her and her troops ran into them on the road as they made their way to join us. They killed all those that stood in their way, but you lost half your troops and the commander. She is a war hero sir, as are all your troops that fell. I'm afraid not but one fourth of your troops stand here. We could not have won without them." Rune replied as he saluted the prince as all the troops there saluted him.
"At ease." Soul said as a single tear fell from his face. The prince then snapped back to reality. "What happened to the field, the castle and what became of the enemies?" he barked.
Before Rune could answer, Violet asked, "And why do so few stand before us?"
Rune choked on his words as he tried to tell the royals before him what they wanted to know, but could not. Twister replied "The field, castle and lose of troops were cause by the enemy's Ursa Major." the royals gasped, "Furthermore the Ursa's defeat and the full retreat of the enemy, plus the saving of the lives of what few troops still stand is thanks to those two there." Twister pointed to the crystals by the fire.
All the royals went over and looked at the would-be heroes. "What are they, and why are they like this?" Starlight asked.
"Yes, please tell us." Swiftwind said in a commanding tone.
"Based on their appearance, I believe them to be alicorns your highnesses, and as for their current condition, they are resting in a defensive crystal shell to recover their powers. What we saw them do was unbelievable." Arcane Bolt replied.
"You must be joking Arcane. Surely you don't expect us to believe them to be mythical alicorns, now do you?" Swiftwind said.
"What else could they be my young lord? I mean just look at them, they both have pegasus wings and a unicorn’s horn. Plus they took down the once armored Ursa Major the enemy was controlling with little more than their own hooves." Arcane said in response.
"The beast was armored?" Starlight shockingly asked.
"Yes my lady, but that is not all. They traded blows with the beast as if they were one themselves. Then the Ursa pinned them and just as it was about to kill them, they turned into black and a white orbs which smashed together causing a blinding light and a shockwave." Twister excitedly yelled.
Rune finally found his voice again and finished the story, "Once we could clearly see again the orbs were gone and in their place was a new alicorn. The left half of its body was white with three black wings and the right was the exact opposite, black body with white wings. This new form blasted the armor off the Ursa and launched it a few yards. After the Ursa and the enemy ponies all fled, they split apart and said they needed rest and then crystal grew on them."
All the royals looked at the two alicorns in disbelief, but they could tell by the look on the faces of every soldier standing there that they were not lying. Rune spoke one last time. "My lords and ladies, I request we stay at camp tonight and rest before moving out. It has been a long and trying day for all of us." he said. The royals agreed and that was it for the night.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         Prologue                          
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Loss of the Crown
Loss of the Crown
The camp was packed and everyone was saying their goodbyes as they prepared to leave to their respective kingdoms. Rune, Twister and Arcane Bolt stood together talking with each other. "Well the past few days have been nuts to say the least, but we did what we came here to do. I also got to meet some amazing ponies. Twister, I see why you’re the Sky Commander. I've never seen a pegasus move as fast as you or be able to pull off those maneuvers. Your own troops could barely keep up with you." Rune said.
"Stop it. I was just doing what I do best." Twister said while blushing.
"I mean it, you were great out there. And Arcane, you are far wiser than you let on. Your power and understanding of so many spells is well beyond any unicorn I've ever met. You’re a great strategist and excellent healer to boot. My leg feels great." Rune said.
"I was just doing what I could to help, and don't sell yourself short Rune." Arcane Bolt replied.
"He's right you know. You’re very strong and brave. I was one of the first to reach the forest and when I turned to see you throwing that spear at the Ursa, I was shocked. To see you risking your life to save your troops put me to shame." Twister said sheepishly.
"We all did good, didn't we? I hope to see you both again someday my friends. I was hoping to go with the crystal prince to make sure our new friends are okay, but duty calls." Rune said.
"I feel the same way." Twister and Arcane said simultaneously.
The three saluted each other and all at once said "Till we meet again." They then turned and started to walk to the group of princesses and princes. On approach, they could see that the royals were arguing about something and soon they were close enough to hear.
"They have strong magic. They should come to my realm where it can be put to good use." barked Princess Starlight.
"No, they should come with me. My troops are the most fit." Prince Swiftwind barked back at her.
"Everypony calm down, surely we can settle this without starting a fight. Prince Soul Stone what are your thoughts? You have yet to say anything on the matter of what should be done with those two in the crystals. Since you're several years our senior, I believe you may be able to come up with a more well-thought out solution." Princess Violet said.
"I do agree with you and our men, without their aid we would still be in the dungeon and I would feel terrible if we just left them here like that. Although I think they should come with me. I have more troops at my disposal and my kingdom is just a day’s walk from here. By the time we leave I could be home just after nightfall. Plus I only intend to keep them in my kingdom till they're fit to leave. From what the commanders said, these two like to be alone and normally don't meddle in our affairs. So if they want to leave I will let them, but if they want to stay they can. I believe the ponies of my kingdom will be more welcoming to them since I have ponies of all races living there. Though I don't know why you don't want to take them Violet." he replies.
"For the same reasons you said dear. I've the least amount of troops between the four of us and my kingdom is the farthest from here." Violet answered.
"So will you allow me to take them with me?" Soul Stone asked. The other royals replied with a small nod of their heads just as the commanders got to them.
Rune saluted before saying, "The camp is packed and everyone is ready to go. Shall I have those two hooked up to your crystal knights Soul Stone?"
"Thank you, but I will handle it Rune. You and the rest will be leaving before me. I hope to see you again and wish you a safe journey my friend." he replied before leaving to his troops. The signal was given and the three royals and their troops moved out leaving Soul Stone and his troops alone. "Okay ponies, we're going to be taking those two with us till we know they are okay. Get hooked up and move out, I want a defensive perimeter around them and me at all times. I truly doubt the invaders are gone I want everypony on high alert. Is that understood?" Soul Stone barked.
"Sir, yes sir!" the troops replied as they followed their orders. Once the two alicorns were on the stretchers they were placed on two sets of crystal knights to carry them. With the help of a levitation spell from the unicorn troops some of the weight was lifted off the crystal knights since both alicorns were still in the crystal cocoons. The prince stood between them and the formation he ordered was set.
"Okay troops, move out but keep on your toes. I don't want any surprises on this trip. Lets go home." Soul Stone said with a smile. Then they were off walking through the forest as quiet as they could be. It was close to midday when they finally reached the other side of the forest and just as they were about to clear the woods they heard a noise from behind them. They quickly spun around swords drawn and spells ready just to see a rabbit hopping by. Everypony let out a sigh before resuming their walk. Just a little after midday they made it to a cliff which led down to the valley where the Crystal Kingdom could be found. This cliff was called The Cold Stairs.
"Okay ponies, we'll have a fifteen minute break here before we descend down The Cold Stairs. Once at the bottom we will make camp, I know we’re not far from home but I don't want to be out in the wastes at night." Soul Stone looked back at the forest as if waiting for something "Something is off, I can feel it..." he said. All the troops set their gear down and the two crystallized alicorns then took out their rations and ate.
"Here Prince Soul Stone, you need to eat as well." one particularly battle worn mare said while handing half her rations to him.
"That is quite all right lieutenant, I'm fine. Besides, you need the energy more than I do, so please keep eating." Soul Stone replied with a smile only to have his stomach betray him.
"Please sir, eat and I prefer Glave, sir. I've been in many battles where all I got was half rations, I’ll be fine." She said happily. "Plus, I'm on a diet anyway." she whispered. Soul Stone look her over a minute. She was a earth pony that had a dark blue pelt with a black mane and tail. She was built like a soldier should be. He could see by the amount of scars on her, more so the one big one over her closed right eye that she was not lying.
Soul Stone laughed a little as he thanked the lieutenant again. He ate the small meal then walked over to the cliff’s edge and sat down, looking out into the frozen wastelands that hid his kingdom from view. Looking back at his troops he could see they were happy to be going home, but his gaze drew again to the woods where his gut told him danger was about. He sat there quietly till time was up got up and shouted, "All right ponies, time’s up. Get everything together and lets move. We are going down single file. I want one unicorn in the front and in the rear, the last two in the middle. Throw up a barrier spell to keep falling rocks off us. Am I understood?"
"Sir, yes sir." The troops yelled back. Soon they were a fourth of the way down and it was quiet. Too quiet. Soul Stone could not hear the birds, nor the wind. It was as if The Cold Stairs were in the grip of death. Suddenly a noise caught his ear. He quickly turned to where the noise was coming from and saw a few big rocks coming at them.
He screamed "Brace yourselves!" just a little too late. The mare that shared her meal with him took a hit and went over the edge. The rock was just too big for the unicorns’ barrier to stop. Soul Stone screamed, "Glave, NO!" as he tried to grab her before she fell, but was just too slow.
Then they heard a very malicious laugh in the air. "You're slow boy. You were too slow to evade capture and now you were too slow to save her life. What a shame, I hoped to take more of you out with that trick." the strange voice said.
Soul Stone looked above him trying to find the source of the voice and yelled, "I know it's you Nightshade, show yourself coward and face me!"
"So you remember my voice, do you boy? Good! Don't you worry; I'll face you soon enough, once I've gotten rid of more of your troops that is." Nightshade replied.
"What are you playing at Nightshade, you lost. What could you possibly gain by staying here?" Soul Stone barked.
"This land, boy. I saw the power of those two you have in the crystals just as well as your troops did. If I take them from you, I can harness the power they wield and taking over this land will be easy." Nightshade bellowed.
"You shall not have them monster, not while I still hold breath in my body!" Soul Stone yelled.
"Well, I guess I'll have to remedy that then won't I?" Nightshade said as his laughter died out on the winds.
"All right ponies, move it double time. I don't want to lose anypony else to those falling rocks." Soul Stone barked. Then they were off again this time much faster trying to get down The Cold Stairs as fast and safely as they could. Once they finally reached the bottom, they caught their breath before setting up camp. Soul Stone saw they were placing more than one tent up and thought of a nasty plan.
"Hold ponies, set up one tent. With the weather as cold as it is, we will need to huddle together to stay warm tonight. Though we won't be in the tent. Just past it, I want a hole dug under the snow big enough for all of us and these two. Unicorns, can you cast a spell to make it look like we are in the tent and then if the tent is opened in anyway, make it explode?" Soul Stone said.
The unicorn troops looked at each other and thought for a moment before they answered "Yes Prince, it can be done."
"Good, lets get every..." Soul Stone stopped talking as he stepped on something and it groaned. He started to dig into the snow as fast as he could and found Glave who was knocked off the cliff. She was alive… but just barely, she took a good hit to the head. "MEDIC!" Soul Stone Yelled.
"What is it sir, did you get hurt?" the medic unicorn said. Then once he saw Glave he went to work. "Is that hole ready yet?" the medic called out.
"Yes sir." one of the knights digging the hole said.
"Then get her in there, we need to get her out of this cold NOW!" the medic barked.
"Once you’re done with the spells get into the hole. The rest of you get in there now." Soul Stone barked.
"Sir, yes sir." the troops replied.
Once everypony was in the hole made under the snow the prince ordered it sealed shut and it was done. "Is she going to be okay?" Soul Stone asked.
"Yes, the snow stopped her from taking too much damage from the fall. She is lucky you found her when you did sir. Any longer and she would have been beyond any help. I did what I could, but she is still in danger we need to get her to the hospital soon or she will not make it." the medic said.
"Do we have enough supplies to make another stretcher for her?" Soul Stone asked the troops going through their bags.
"If we move the remaining supplies to other bags so we got three empty ones we can use those and two spears to make one for her. That is the best we can do sir." the troops at the bags replied.
"Make it so." Soul Stone barked. "Can we rest for a bit or do we need to move out now?" he asked turning back to the medic.
"We can rest but not for long sir. I would say an hour, tops." the medic said.
"All right ponies, you heard the medic. You’ve got one hour, get some rest." Soul Stone said as he and the troops huddled up around the injured mare. Shortly after giving his orders Soul Stone began to write a note, once finished he stuffed it under his shirt. Then fell asleep shortly after the others.
Lost deep in her mind, the injured Glave wandered down a dark tunnel toward a bright light. Once she reached the source of the light it was a white door. She slowly reached out and grabbed the handle just as she was about to open the door, she heard a faint voice calling her. She stopped and turned around to try to see who was calling her and there right behind her was now a brown door. "Who's there?" she called.
"Don't worry, I'm a friend. Please, you must not go into the light. Your friends found you at the bottom of the cliff. They still need you. Come back to us." the voice said as blue light flashed under the brown door with each word.
"I don't know… the other door seems so peaceful." the mare said while turning back and looking at the white door.
"Yes it is, but that is because it's the end. I will not stop you from the benefits of the afterlife, but there are ponies here that still need you. Think of your little girl." The voice said.
The lieutenant thought of what the voice said and turned quickly opening the brown door. She suddenly found herself sitting up next to her comrades in a hole dug out under the snow. She then saw a blue light trailing away from her to the crystal the white alicorn was in. She looked at the sleeping form inside and said, "Thank you." She then saw a dark eerie cloud around her hooves it seemed to be coming from the other crystal but she felt no harm from it. It sort of made her sleepy, but before she could go to sleep the cloud receded. Once it was all gone, everypony started to wake from their slumber.
Soul Stone was the first to wake and when he saw the injured lieutenant was up on her hooves. He ran over to her and asked "Are you okay, Glave? What happened? You were on your deathbed just a bit ago."
Glave pointed a hoof to the crystal and said, "He helped me find my way back, I was almost lost."
Soul Stone turned and looked just shaking his head while smiling. "Sir." one of the crystal knights shouted as he opened their hiding hole.
"What is it, soldier?" Soul Stone replied.
"It's dawn sir." the soldier answered as the sun just started to creep over the horizon.
"But how? We were..." Soul Stone started to say but was cut off by the mare.
"It was the other brother sir. When I woke I saw a dark mist coming from his crystal and as I breathed it in, I felt like I was being put to sleep." she said.
Soul Stone put a hoof to his forehead and laughed while saying "One brings the lieutenant back from the brink of death and the other makes sure we got the sleep we needed. Even in their current state, they're trying to help. Wow, those two are amazing."
Moments later the medic gave the all care for the lieutenant to move on her own after looking her over. Once out of the hole, Soul Stone and his troops laughed as they saw their little trick worked. While they slept the enemy attacked the tent they thought they were in and it blew, leaving a few dead in the snow. Then they were off. They headed down the trail leading to the Crystal Kingdom and they were less than half a day away.
Just when the Crystal Kingdom was in view and the troops' spirits highest, they saw something out on the road blocking their path. It was Nightshade and his invaders. Once Soul Stone saw who was on the trail ahead of them, he reached into his shirt and pulled out a note and gave it to the lieutenant. "Listen, I want you and the four knights with the crystals to go around the enemy to the kingdom and get help. The note is for my father, be sure he gets it. Me and the others will stay here and hold them off." he said.
"But sir..." the Glave said.
"No buts, I gave you an order and you will follow it." Soul Stone barked.
"Of course, my lord." She replied then took the note.
"Just give them up boy and I’ll let you and your ponies go free." Nightshade hollered.
"Over my dead body, Nightshade. I won't let such power fall under your control." Soul Stone said. He then turned and looked at the lieutenant and said "Go." Soul Stone and his troops then charged Nightshade.
With an evil grin on his face, Nightshade said, "I was hoping you were going to be this stupid." Then he and his ponies charged the prince. Both forces ran head first into each other crashing, hard against each other’s armor. As the battle unfolded, the mare and the four ponies carrying the crystal cocoons followed their orders running as fast as their hooves could, carrying them to the kingdom.
Once in the border the Glave yelled, "Get those two to the magic school, they should be safe there. I'll go to the barracks and get troops to help the prince. Also, once you get them to the magic school take this to the king, it’s from the prince." tossing the note to one of the four crystal knights. With a nod of their heads they were off. The knights carrying the crystals followed their orders to the letter. Once the crystals were dropped off at the magic school, they hauled flank to the unicorn king and gave him the note.
"What is this?" the king asked.
"It's from the prince, we were ordered to give it to you." they knights replied.
"And where is my son?" the king asked.
"Just outside the green of our land in the frozen wastes fighting the leader of the enemy forces." they answered.
"Well don't just stand there, get more ponies out there to help my son!" the king barked.
"Lieutenant Glave is already on it sir, she went straight to the barracks while we followed our orders." they said.
"Good. Now go home to your families and get some rest, you've earned it." The king said as he opened the note from his son and started to read it to himself.
Dearest father,
If you are reading this I am either dead or soon will be. With the few of our troops that are coming back will be two guests. Without their aid, none of our troops would be coming back now from the fight you sent them to so I could be retrieved. Because of their deeds, I would like for them to be granted full citizenship and be given a home here in the kingdom. They are nice ponies and very powerful. I believe they will make great allies if you can convince them to stay.
From your loving son,
Soul Stone
Just as the king finished reading the letter the doors to the throne room burst open. Crystal knights were carrying Soul Stone's body to his father. The king got up from the throne and ran to his son's side. He then picked his son up into his hooves and began to weep at the horror of losing his only heir.
"Your majesty?" Glave said.
"What happened to my boy? I was told you were getting more troops to aid him, so why is he dead?!" the king bellowed in his sadness looking at the lieutenant with tears in his eyes.
"We were too late. By the time we got back most of our troops and the enemy were badly injured and out of the fight. Nightshade, the enemies’ leader had a sword to the prince's neck and demanded we throw down our arms. Soul Stone ordered us to kill Nightshade even if we had to kill him too. One of the archers had a clear shot and I ordered him to take it. He hit Nightshade dead center in his chest but as he fell, he managed to cut the prince’s throat open. We took the injured to the hospital and brought the prince here straight to you my lord." the lieutenant replied.
"Who are these two guests of which my son spoke of in his letter?" the king asked. He sat there on the ground holding his dead son while listening to the lieutenant’s story of the two alicorns that saved his troops and that without their intervention, the prince would still be in Nightshade’s hooves.
"Take my son's body to be prepared for his funeral. I will do the same." the king said as he got up and left for his room.
Once in his room the king began to weep again looking at a painting of his dearly departed queen. "Oh Maria, what am I to do? Our one and only son whom you died for to bring into this world has been slain and I'm far too old to try to bring another heir into the world. I just don't know if I can go on. I wish you were here my dear." he said to the painting of his wife with tears rolling down his face. Just then a twinkle of light shone through the window onto the note Soul Stone had wrote. "Well, from what the lieutenant told me of those two they would make great rulers. They are very powerful and young. From what I know of spells and based on the ones I was told they used in their fight they must be very intelligent." the king thought aloud.
Moments later, Lieutenant Glave came to the king’s chambers and knocked on the door. She waited but received no reply. She opened the door to the horror within. With her scream more guards and some of the king’s court came running to see the king hanging from the ceiling dead. Below his body was a note. The lieutenant picked it up and read it for all to hear.
My Dearest ponies,
I could not bear the thought of living on without my son. It was hard enough going on without my wife so I have ended my life. I wish for my son and me to be laid to rest next to my queen. Though I will leave you in capable hooves, I wish for the two alicorns that saved my son and troops to be your next kings. They will be able to keep you all safe.
Farewell.
Everypony there was shocked by what they heard. It was true the king was heartbroken over the loss of his wife and now with the loss of his son everypony thought this was inevitable. Though to leave the kingdom in the hooves of two young strangers was bordering on the ludicrous, but they would do as they were commanded. The king and prince were laid to rest by the queen in a big fancy funeral. Just around dusk as the ceremony was concluding, Lieutenant Glave was informed that the two alicorns broke free from their crystal encasements and woke up, looking better than ever, not one scar shown from even their most grievous wounds. She then prepared herself to give them the news.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     Loss of the Crown                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Taking to Responsibility
Taking to Responsibility
Just as dusk was settling in, the unicorns of the Crystal Kingdom's Magic School were looking over the crystals that Glave and the returning troops brought back with them by Prince Soul Stone's orders. One unicorn tried to cast a spell on the crystal holding the black alicorn. Once the spell hit its target it was absorbed. Then a black line of magical energy reached out of the crystal and touched the unicorn that cast the spell, knocking him unconscious. The crystals holding both alicorns then shattered and they slowly started to rise off the ground from where they fell. "Go get a medic unit from the hospital and inform Lieutenant Glave that they’re awake." barked one of the unicorns.
The black alicorn was the first to his hooves. He then shook his head violently, and then proceeded to look around the room. He saw the shock and awe in the eyes of the unicorns around him as he stretched out his legs and wings. His gaze then fell to the unicorn on the floor. He rushed over asking "What happened to him?"
The unicorns looked at him in confusion, and then one stepped up and said "He tried casting a spell on your crystal and it was absorbed. Then black magical energy came out and touched him. He was rendered unconscious."
The black alicorn then swung his head around looking at his brother and yelled, "Get over here! This unicorn needs your help. I've done it again."
The white alicorn, who was just finishing stretching out trotted over and looked at the unicorn. Just then Glave and the medic team came into the room. "All right, we’ve got a unicorn down and no one knows why. Plus the alicorns brought here on Soul Stone's order were badly wounded. I want them treated and back to full health. Now!" Glave barked out her orders. She and the medic team stopped in their tracks once they saw the two alicorns. They were fine, not even a scar on their bodies anywhere. This shocked Glave most of all because she saw the wounds those two had and they were severe.
The medic team went to work on the unicorn that was unconscious but couldn’t find anything wrong with him. The white alicorn bent his head down to the medics and said "Please move aside? I can help your friend." The medics did as they were asked and then the white alicorn slowly moved his flowing mane into the unicorn lying on the floor. Light began to come out of the unicorn and soon he opened his eyes. Standing back up shaking his head he slowly moved to where the others were standing.
"What just happened?" Glave asked. Not being able to understand what just happened.
"Well you see my brother here unwillingly takes magical energy from anything that has it even the world around him unless I am near. You see his body feeds off of the energy and also lets him cast what few spells he knows. When your friend there cast his spell against the crystal my brother was in, his natural feeding and self-preservation instincts took over. He then ate all the magical energy from the unicorn, knocking him out. My body makes massive quantities of magical energy and I can give it to those my brother feeds from, like I just did. Though sometimes I can't control who or how much energy I give them. That is why my brother and I are always together. He feeds off me and we keep our abilities in check. Oh, we would greatly appreciate you not telling anypony of what you just learned." the white alicorn replied, turning to look at his brother who was now blushing and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Sorry everypony." the black alicorn sheepishly said.
Everypony in the room looked shocked beyond all belief. Glave then broke the silence and asked "We will not tell anypony, but just who are you two? What was that thing I saw you turn into back at the battle field and why the hay are you not injured anymore? I mean, you don't even have any scars and I saw your wounds, they were bad!"
"Oh, please do forgive my rudeness. I am White Light the Magic Bringer and this dark pony behind me is my brother..."  White Light said before he was cut off.
"Dark Heart the Magic Eater!" Dark Heart said in a dark and menacing tone. The other ponies in the room slowly took one step back as Dark Heart raised his head and flared out his wings.
"Brother, enough!" White Light said stomping a hoof near his brother.
"What? I was just trying to have a little fun with them." Dark Heart said with a creepy smile on his muzzle.
"Please don't mind him. He may look mean and scary, but he's a good pony at heart. I can't recall the number of times he has begged me to let him go help someone, even if it was just to get into a fight." White Light said with a smile as he looked back at the others. "Now as to your other questions, that thing as you put it, is what my brother and myself turn into when we are in grave danger or are pushed to our limits when we are trying to help those in need. As you have seen, after it happens we go into a type of sleep to recover our energy and heal our wounds. The crystals that form around us are a defensive mechanism. It’s unbreakable until we are ready to come out."
"Thank you for clarifying." Glave said.
"So where are we and how do we get out? I'm ready to go home." Dark Heart asked bluntly.
"You are in the Magic School located in the Crystal Kingdom. After your timely rescue at the battle field and falling into your sleep as you put it, the princes and princesses agreed that we could not leave you there like that, even more so because we did not know what became of the enemy. It was agreed that you would be brought to the Crystal Kingdom so you would feel comfortable while recovering from your wounds. You see, out of the four great kingdoms ours is the only one that has all three pony races living together peacefully. Now here is the hard part…" Glave said looking to the ground tears forming in her eyes.
"What is wrong miss…?" Dark Heart asked raising her head with his flaming mane.
"Glave, My name is Glave your highness." Glave replied while amazed she felt no heat or pain from his touch.
"Highness?" they exclaimed in shock as both brothers looked at each other.
"Yes, you see Prince Soul Stone died making sure you were brought back to the kingdom safely. Upon hearing this news the king said to prepare for the funeral. When I went to get him, I found him dead. You see, he lost his wife while their son was being born and now with the loss of his only child, the king was overwhelmed with grief. He took his own life. After hearing what we told him of you and whatever Soul Stone put in his letter to his father. The king left a note saying we were to make both of you our new kings." Glave said.
"No, this is not our problem!" Dark Heart said stomping a hoof to the ground cracking the floor. This made everypony jump.
"But we are leaderless. If you do not take the throne, there will be a power struggle in the city. Not to mention once the other three kingdoms learn of this, they will all start fighting to try to claim our land for their own. The ponies of the Crystal Kingdom would not survive the infighting and the war from the other three kingdoms. Please, you must help us!" Glave begged.
"No, we cannot..." Dark Heart began to say but was cut off by a hoof to the jaw from his brother.
"Damn you brother! We would not be in this mess had you not begged me for us to help them." White Light said, very much angry while glaring at his brother.
"HAD I NOT BEGGED YOU TO LET US HELP THEM, THEY ALL WOULD HAVE PERISHED! YOU SAW THE BEAST THAT LAY IN WAIT FOR THEM JUST AS I DID BROTHER, AND IT WAS EVEN STRONGER THAN WE FIRST THOUGHT! STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE US GO INTO THAT FORM JUST TO SAVE OUR FLANKS!" Dark Heart screamed in a voice so loud that it hurt everyponies’ ears, say for White Light, even breaking the windows in the room. Everypony looked very scared now as Dark Heart’s eyes turned from blue to red and the white of his eyes turned black. His pupils even turned to that of a dragon. His flaming mane and tail growing bigger and now giving off great heat as he bared dark flaming fangs at his brother.
"I'm sorry brother, you are right. Now please calm down, you are scaring everypony. I'm sorry everypony, my brother has a short fuse even at the best of times and tends to let his temper flare up." said White Light. Dark Heart then took several deep breaths and calmed down, his mane, tail and eyes also returning to normal.
"That is quite all right. I can see your brother is very strong willed and passionate about what he does." Glave replied with a weak smile.
"Thank you. Finally somepony gets me." Dark Heart replied, while shooting his brother a nasty look.
"Though really we understand that you need a leader and we are somewhat to blame for what happened to your king and prince, I can honestly say that having us would be a bad idea." White Light said.
"Oh, and why is that?" Glave asked.
"Well you see, we all agreed that it would be a bad thing to let the world know of us. Seeing as there are very few and we are quite strong...." White Light replied. Then with his mouth hung agape, he facehoofed and thought to himself, "I so just bucked up." but before he could go on Glave stopped him.
"Whoa, hold it there, you mean to tell me there are more? There are others of your race out there that are just as strong as you?" Glave asked very shocked.
"Way to go hoof for brains!" Dark Heart said scornfully, while busting his brother in the back of his head knocking him into the ground and cracking it. “You just blew the biggest secret of our race; we have had for millennia!"
"Yes, but now so did you!" White Light said hitting his brother.
"Just how old are you two?" Glave asked.
"Well, our race has been around for just as long as all the others have. We've been hiding in the background helping but always staying out of sight, till today. Though to answer your question, me and my brother are in fact twins and have been around for… what is it, a good two hundred years now brother? Give or take a few decades."  Dark Heart said looking at his brother.
"Yes, and that is still very young." White Light replied. Glave and every unicorn in the room stood there with their mouths agape at the shock of this news.
"Holy pony feathers, you two are really that old?" Glave asked, her mind still completely blown.
"Yes we are. I mean our mother was one thousand and fifty years old before she passed away from illness." Dark Heart replied. He and his brother laughed at what they saw. If Glave and the unicorns’ jaws could go any lower they would have hit the floor.
"Now as I was saying. Yes, mine and Dark Heart's brothers and sisters all agreed that we should still stay hidden from you normal pony folk for many reasons, but we did change one rule so that we could start to help you out more. In older times we were not allowed to help at all unless it was extremely dire, but we were to stay hidden at all costs. Now with us known, others will start to come out of the woodworks and not all of us are keen on helping the other pony races." White Light said.
"We were hoping to walk away from this with nothing bad happening. I was simply going to erase the minds of all that saw us like I do every time." Dark Heart said while smiling.
"You were going to do what now?!" Glave shrieked.
"Oh, it’s perfectly painless; you just wake up and have no clue who you are. Oh man, do you remember that king a hundred years back? He was such a hoot." Dark Heart said while laughing and rolling on the ground, crying. White Light simply put a hoof to his forehead greatly trying to repress his laughter.
"But I… we… it's just that…" Glave said trying to form a sentence.
"Oh don't worry; it's far too late to do that now." Dark Heart said finally getting off the floor.
"Now I know you need a king, but you must really think about this. Not only would we be breaking our own laws to help you, but with more of our race coming out into the open things could get very hectic. Is that what you really want?" White Light said.
"Yes. Even after all you have told us I feel you are the best hope for our kingdom, even more so now than ever. Besides like you said, it’s a little too late for damage control now." Glave replied.
"Not really, I was just saying that for your sake. Just a little fast flying and memory draining spell and all will be right as rain." Dark Heart said. White Light again slapped his brother in the back of his head.
"Never the less, my answer is still yes." Glave said with more confidence in her words than before.
"Then it has been settled. Though it goes against our better judgment and laws, we shall act as your rulers till you can find one suitable enough to take our place so we may go home." both brothers said simultaneously.
It has been twenty long years since that hellish war and the two brothers were made kings. Though they looked, not one of the nobles that served under the old king thought themselves good enough to replace Dark Heart and White Light. Under their rule the Crystal Kingdom was flourishing beyond what any could have hoped for.
The first few years were hard for the brothers. The outcry from the ponies was very bad and the fact the brothers had to learn how to run and maintain the kingdom did not help anything, though over time Dark Heart and White Light won them over by aiding all the ponies of their lands and by shows of power when dealing with the dangers of the frozen wastelands. Dark Heart, having seen the way the earth and pegasus ponies fought knew they needed work. After showing his power on many missions, he was finally able to talk the troops into taking on his own training and after a few years the troops were better than ever. White Light was asked to head the Magic School after he added his vast volumes of magical knowledge to their archives and improved the unicorns’ ability to use and control magic twofold.
Even with the power of the Crystal Kingdom increased by so much, beasts and raiders from the frozen wastes that surround the kingdom still attacked. Though thanks to this power boost, the ponies of the Crystal Kingdom on several occasions asked their new rulers if they could start to try to colonize more of their land. After giving this much thought and finding ponies and nobles willing to lead them, White Light and Dark Heart finally said yes. It was these few outlining colonies that made the kingdom grow so well.
Over the years many nobles from all over tried to convince White Light and Dark Heart to marry their daughters, even Princess Violet and Starlight showed up, though none never got as far as a first date, for not one of them seemed right in the eyes of White Light, let alone Dark Heart. This fact concerned the ponies of the Crystal Kingdom greatly, for even though their kings were powerful they had no heirs to carry on once they died, if they ever did.
Over the years White Light had started to watch over the day. He would hold talks with the dignitaries after he had finished listening to the day time petitioners. Dark Heart watched over the night. He did this out of love for his ponies for he knew night was the best time to attack and he was the stronger of the two. Also he knew the ponies of the land loved him, but they also feared him. Dark Heart was the strongest and was quite fierce, though what made the ponies fear him most was his temper. He was easy to anger and even harder to calm down. Once he was mad, his temper would soar to the surface and sometimes even cause him to rage shift. Every now and again he would go out into the wastes to cool down. Though Dark Heart was truly happy because even though most feared him, he still had plenty of ponies come see him to petition to their king of the night.
One night a mare came to Dark Heart and said, "My lord, I am..."
"Please come closer, I will not hurt you little mare." Dark Heart interrupted.
The mare did as she was asked and spoke again. "My lord, I am from the outline colony that found the silver and has been mining it." The mare said.
"Yes my dear, what seems to be bothering you?" He asked.
"Well my lord, raiders have been taking the silver and killing any who try to come to see you or Lord White Light.
"WHAT! WHY DID YOU NOT USE MAGIC TO SEND A MESSAGE?" Dark Heart roared as his eyes flared with anger, and the mare cringed and backed away a bit. "Wait, I'm sorry! Please don't go..." Dark Heart said.
"They are stopping our magic with theirs’ my lord and I barely made it here alive." the mare said.
"My lord, should I assemble some troops and head out to deal with this?" a guard asked stepping up to the throne.
Dark Heart walked down the throne and gently nuzzled the mare on her neck and said "No, I will take care of this myself and no one is to follow me. These raiders will pay for hurting my ponies. Understood?" The mare smiled.
"Sir, yes sir!" the guard said with a bow.
"Please, hop on my back and show me where you last saw the raiders." Dark Heart asked and the mare did so. Then Dark Heart took off into the air and going to where the mare pointed.
That morning, just after White Light was finished speaking with petitioners he was magically summoning a table into the room so he could sit and speak with the dignitaries when Glave came running in. White Light asked, "What brings the captain of the guard here in such a hurry?"
"My lord!" stops and breaths heavily "I just got the report from the night watch. A mare came and told Lord Dark Heart that raiders were taking the silver from the mines and killing any that tried to leave to tell us. They were also using magic to block our ponies’ magic." Breathing heavily still. "Lord Dark Heart put the mare on his back and went off with her with no troops and told no one to follow him. That is all I have to report."
"That damn fool! He is a ruler now yet he still wants to do things like we did before. Go get some troops and head out to..." White Light was interrupted.
"That will not be needed brother, I'm home and well." Dark Heart said though no one could see him.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that you are fine. What of the raiders?" White Light said.
"All that I found are now dead or are not long for this world, though they bore the mark of Nightshade. I fear his men still linger in our lands." Dark Heart said while limping out of a shadow on the wall. He was covered from head to hoof in blood and had some nasty looking gashes on his body. The worst on his front right hoof and was keeping it off the ground as he limped in.
"My Lord, you’re hurt!" Glave said in a gasp "I'll go get a medic."
"I'll be fine with some rest Glave, do not fret over me. Brother, I'm going to get a bath and rest, I am so tired." Dark Heart said with glee in his voice.
"Fine brother, but please show some manners, we have guests here today." White Light said and with a hoof motioned to the dignitaries.
Dark Heart turned and looked at the shocked faces of the dignitaries and slammed his hurt hoof to the ground making it bleed and stood proud. "I’m sorry you had to see me like this and hear of the news this way, please forgive my rudeness." he said. He then turned and walked off not showing the limp he had.
White Light laughed at his brother's display. "What is so funny Lord White Light? Your brother is hurt and could be mentally scared, he just said he killed many ponies." said the earth pony dignitary.
"My brother is too proud and stubborn for his own good. He will never show pain or weakness in front of anyone other than Glave and I. Plus I know my brother will never be scared by what he does to those he sees as an enemy. He is a warrior to the core. He revels in the blood and gore he causes, showing no mercy to anyone. He has been like that since he was little and fell in love with the pain he can bring to the battlefield." White Light replied.
"I see; that's how it is then." the earth pony dignitary said.
"Yes it is. Though he is kind and gentle at heart and will never hurt anyone without just cause, the anger and hatred will never leave him, it is his true power. That is why he does not speak with you just yet. My brother has a short fuse even at the best of times. Does he not Glave?" White Light said.
"Indeed my lord. Dark Heart is very kind, but I have never seen somepony turn to rage as fast as he does. Nor have I ever seen somepony do the things he does on a battlefield or anypony that can match his might." Glave answered while blushing something fierce.
"I do hope you and your rulers will be attending our annual New Year’s Festival and New Year’s Gala again this year." White Light said.
"Yes." all the dignitaries replied.
"Good, that will be all. We shall not meet again till then, so unless you have anything else to add I bid you a good day." White Light said as he turned and started to walk away. "Glave, get them a troop escort home. Then meet me in the library, we have plans to make for the festival and the gala." he said looking over his shoulder.
"I'll get right on it sir." Glave said with a salute. "If you dignitaries will follow me, I'll get you set up with our best troop escort." she said walking out the door.
White Light walked to the bathroom in his brother's room and walked in seeing Dark Heart being washed by two hoof maidens. "How are the gashes and your hoof brother?" He asked in a casual tone.
"Just fine, already healed. I'll just be sore for a few days is all. How are the dignitaries and Glave?" Dark Heart replied.
"The dignitaries are fine, shocked but fine. Glave is okay as always, though she is still smitten with you." White Light replied.
"Which is why I left her with you as the day guard commander. Though I have yet to find a night guard commander, but don't worry I will brother and soon." Dark Heart said.
"Okay brother, just try to stay clean and out of trouble please?" White Light asked.
"I'll try, but no promises." Dark Heart laughed. A laugh came from White Light and both the hoof maidens at this remark.
"It is good to see you smiling and having fun my lord, it has been some time." one of the hoof maidens said.
"Well, it has been some time since I have tasted the sweet bliss of battle my dear." Dark Heart replied.
"That is true my lord." she replied
"You may go, I am done." Dark Heart said stepping out of the bath with a puff of fire, drying himself off.
"Yes my lord." both hoof maidens said as they left.
"I'll be in the library if you need me brother. Go get some rest so you can stand as vanguard tonight." White Light said.
"I will brother, good day." Dark Heart replied. White Light then left and made his way for the library.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 Taking to Responsibility                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
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.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       The Beginning                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Prologue
The Rising of the Brothers of Light and Dark
By
DarkHeart the MagicEater and Lunashonorguard (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/lunashonorguard)
Art by
2135D (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/2135D)
Proofreading and Editing
By
Alticron (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Alticron) and Shadow Shard (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Shadow+Shard)
Prologue
Long ago, before the corrupt and treacherous rule of Discord. Far beyond where Canterlot will one day stand lies the Crystal Kingdom, ruled by two alicorn brothers. One of the brothers was a frightful, nightmarish creature. His body was blacker than the darkest of nights, mane and tail ablaze in the eternal dark flame of his rage. He had power and anger enough to shatter the very mountains around his land, yet tempered by kindness and compassion. This figure that would protect all with his body, yet destroy those that would harm those he cared for is Dark Heart the Magic Eater.
His brother a beautiful, angelic creature with a body as white as freshly fallen snow, mane and tail a glow in the peaceful ethereal light he brings. He has an affinity for magic and a will stronger than the very stones of the earth. His powers are enhanced by his will to protect all and his lust for knowledge and growth. The brilliant vanguard that stands against all evil and uses his light to enrich those he rules. This being is White Light the Magic Bringer.
In their light and wisdom they shared with their kingdom that they each had a rare and unique gift. Dark Heart's great power and immortality came from his vast stores of magical energy, which he would unwillingly consume from any magical creature that drew to close. He would even take the magical energy from the world around him.
White Light had as much power as his brother and was immortal as well but he did not eat the magical energy like his brother did; instead he made it and gave it away. Any creature that fell to his brother's unwilling and insatiable appetite, White Light could restore to full magical power. Though at the same time he could unwillingly overload them or any other magical creature, for he cannot control how much magic he gives or to whom. Though as long as they are together they hold each other in a unique and splendid bond that keeps their gifts in check.
While in their darkness, they neglected to inform their new subjects of their horrible secret. They feared the ponies would come to hate and fear them as monsters if they were ever to find out the truth. The brothers were in fact two halves of one whole. When they merge together they would turn into a malignant, destructive force which is only known by the one word anypony can say when they see it. Apocalypse! This obscene magical force they turn into is their purest and most powerful form. This form is only used in times of dire need but comes with a hefty cost as the ponies of the Crystal Kingdom will one day come to know.
And this is their tale.