Darkness, an Eternity

I remained in my own robes, but held my great equal held in my hand. I know these ponies would hate me for what I had to do here and so I needed to have him there to enforce my presence more. I had slowed down to a walk upon my arrival, seeing scaffolds about the town, ponies trying to rebuild what they lost. New crops had been planted over the old ones, seedlings most likely sprouted over the nutrients left from the ones that burnt. I continued to approach, walking to Fluttershy's Cottage, a building left untouched. I had made sure that the elements' houses would remain intact after the destruction. As we walked to the door, I looked behind me and saw beauty.

There stood Canterlot, the city still burning on the mountain side. You could see all the ruin and widespread destruction of the buildings, it was no longer a glorious sight for the ponies. It was a marker for my power, it demonstrated to all what exactly I could do and how I could control other races easily.

I knocked on the door and heard the sounds of many animals from inside, ones that didn't sound like Fluttershy's. She must have taken in all the pets of the ponies, I knew the other elements' houses would most likely be filled with citizens then until more buildings became available. The sounds were eventually calmed by a soft voice inside.

"Hush, friends, it's probably just another pony looking to get something to eat." Fluttershy spoke inside, opening the door and holding out bread, smiling at me with her eyes closed, "Here you go, I hope your house is soon to be rebuilt." She froze when she opened her eyes, fear filling her. The blue oceans in her face looked like they experienced the destruction, panic, and fear from that night all over again.

"Hello, dear Fluttershy. If your animals need food, just come up to the castle and my workers will be more than happy to help, Violet may jump in herself. Just don't join the Second Sunlight resistance here, I won't support such an organization." I spoke to her, sheathing my friend upon my back, Vincent following suit.

"I...uh...uh...might come." She managed to squeak out.

"We'd welcome you with open arms. We're trying to build a path out of the Everfree and into Ponyville for such things and secure it, but we can't until I know for sure there is no resistance. We can supply food and maybe build some temporary shelters for ponies here. Do you know of any people in Second Sunlight?" I questioned, my voice being soft toned and friendly, but still holding it's gruffness and depth from being a seasoned war veteran and ruler.

"I'm sorry, I-I don't want to start trouble, but check elsewhere, the group is here." She responded and quickly closed the door.

"A bit rude, but I suppose that means to check the actual village. Come." I ordered Vincent and we both began to walk at a fast pace to Ponyville, arriving after a few minutes.

The citizens began to back away from us, cowering and hiding behind rubble, a few were shaky, but brave enough to stay at the same distance they were when I entered, not budging at all, but holding their ground. I began to make my way to Golden Oaks in attempt to see if Twilight was there or was located some other place. Upon nearing it, I heard loud conversation and a lot of varying noises from inside the library, this was definitely a place where ponies sought refuge. The noise was quite loud when I arrived at the front of it and noticed there was an odd engraved full moon in the root next to the door.

"Vincent, have some scouts check into that mark, it looks like trouble." I knocked on the door after he had nodded to me. The library went a bit quiet, some voices still talking after I knocked.

A pony with a red and deep pink mane and a cream color answered the door and immediately froze in fear.

"Good day, ma'am. I'm sure you know who I am. I came by to see if Twilight was home." I answered with a friendly voice, showing some manners and respect in my words. The mare was frightened beyond words.

"S-she...she she is." The fear filled mare stammered out and stepped aside quickly as I walked in, Vincent staying close to me. The entire pony filled room went quiet.

The pupils of all the civilians landed on me and Vincent, some filled with hate, but most with fear. I began to search about for the tell tale colors of Twilight and found her to not be in the main library area. I walked up the stairs, moving through the silent crowd that was now whispering. I found Twilight's room and knocked on it.

"Just a minute!" I heard her voice called from within. She had answered the door after a few moments, opening it, "Oh, Lucius, it's nice to see you today." I know she had feigned some of that. Her eyes were bloodshot, most likely from the death of her mentor and the stress that being a major political player had. She probably hasn't slept in a while and finished crying not to long ago.

"I came here on business. I'm just here to thank you for accepting your role that I handed you so willingly, even if it is more stress than you are used to. Remember that I do guard your world now so nothing can ever happen to it again. I was hoping you could help me look into this Second Sunlight resistance, I am not allowing such a group to fester in my own new people and cause a disruption to my own people's lives." I spoke out the long sentences and she came out of her room and quietly shut the door. I had now noticed when she moved out of the way that the room was filled with sleeping bags and linens and ponies were strewn across the floor sleeping.

These citizens were smart when recovering from a crisis, they had worked out a schedule so that there would be constant rebuilding until everything was back to normal. By some sleeping during the day, there would be workers repairing at night. They weren't much for reacting to an immediate crisis though.

"Come." Twilight whispered and began to walk to a closet opening it and entering inside. I followed suit, Vincent remaining outside the closet, staying vigilant. The closet door was shut.

"I suppose you do know something." I began.

"First of all, I'm a bit mad at you for appointing me to such a high position without my consent, most of are except Rainbow, she's accepted it quite quickly. But yes, I believe I know something." She began in a harsh tone and lightened as she spoke.

"Then do share what you do know."

"I'm sure you saw the full moon mark on the root by the door when you came in. That mark was not there until you..." She faltered for a moment until I nodded, showing the signal that I knew what she was talking about, "but that may have something to do with this resistance you are talking about. I am pretty sure the members will not near the library or any of the others' houses. But check into the marks, they must mean something." She finished.

"Thanks for the info, Twilight. I'll supply the town with food and temporary shelters when the resistance is dealt with. There will soon be a road made."

I exited the closet and began a hurried walk outside the library and back toward the Everfree. Vincent followed close behind me and began a sprint as we hurried back to the castle. I quickly rushed past my room and entered my study, beginning to record my findings and writing on the parchment with a speed and sloppiness that only an urgency could force. I began to send letters out to my best sneaks, informing them of where to go and what information to get. I told them to observe for an entire day and watch the workings of all the citizens, keeping a close log. I continued to write for the next two hours, preparing scrolls for delivery to the scouts. I had written twenty before finishing and walking out of my study, holding some written papers for a different use.. I walked into the quarters of the guards and began to gather a large amount. I ordered them out to the front of the castle to begin cutting a path through the forest and to Ponyville. They most likely inferred to make a stone pathway atop the grass as well and lights along the way.

I entered my bedroom and was quickly greeted by another hug and it immediately broke my concentration as I took in soft skin, warm arms, and a gentle embrace.

"I see you missed me." I spoke, a slight smile on my face.

"Very so, you were gone for quite a while." Violet responded, looking up at me with a large smile before burying her head once again into my robes.

"I'll have to soon depart again and gather some forces to watch over Ponyville sternly. And don't worry, I'll be careful about that too." I laughed with my lips sealed, a deep sound vibrating in my throat up to my mouth. She smiled up at me once again.

"I...need to talk with you when you have time." Her smile fled her face and a neutral expression replaced it even though her eyes told stories of worry.

"I'll return quickly then." I bent my head down and kissed her forehead, sliding from her grip. My hand traced down her arm that she left outstretched. Her hand gripping my own at the end.

I gave her a glance with a smile and received the same as I left her sight from the doorway. I quickly made my way into the guard's quarters again and rounded up many more guards and soon had them on a march, following me to Ponyville. These plans would be sure to find them or prevent them from doing any major operations and if not, more drastic actions need to be taken.

I led the small, but yet big group of guards compared to other forces through the Everfree, drumming up a lot of synchronized metallic noises. We heard no animal approach and the sky remained quiet as we continued on, going on to Fluttershy's cottage and soon Ponyville. I turned to them as they halted we I did.

"Today, we crush resistance in this town. All of you are to form a barrier around Ponyville as we bring you supplies. Camps will be established soon. Take shifts to ensure that there is a constant watch on who enters and who exits." I had amplified my voice so that all could hear, even some of the citizens within the town.

The guards began to organize themselves, few staying where they are at while others circled around all the buildings, even cutting off the trail to Sweet Apple Acres. I entered the town, pulling out one of the papers I had in my hand.

ATTENTION
Citizens of Ponyville

There has been word of a resistance known as Second Sunlight and the new ruler would like them to be stopped. These political warmongers will cause innocent deaths and unneeded force. The King Lucius asks for direct apprehension of these criminals that conspire to overthrow your planned perfect afterlives. Arrest them on site or come with information to the castle in the Everfree. There will soon be a road established to the castle through the Everfree that will be guarded at all times. Report any immediate instances to the patrolling guards

A direct arrest and confirmation of the charge of conspiracy on the arrested individual will earn compensation of protection, and wealth or status.
After conformation of an anonymous tip, compensation of wealth and minor protection will be given.

Removal of this poster will enforce strict repercussions.

King Lucius

I went around the town, quickly posting them at turns in the roads and common areas of meeting. The ponies viewed them once I was a good ways away. The guards now constantly patrolling the areas of the town, even peeking into the alleys at times.. I knew this would heavily deter their activities and give a slim chance that I would receive a tip to find them. I soon began on my way, returning to the castle quickly, the guards having gotten a third of the way through the thick brush and trees. I found may way up to my bedroom, the sun now showing the lateness in the day. My wife was napping, and even though I yearned to hear what she was wishing to talk with me about, I refused to wake her. I quietly walked over to the balcony, not making a single sound due to my training in the arts of stealth, an option that proved useful countless times when I hadn't gained all the power I did. I looked out to the courtyard, watching the guards train once more.

I began to think of the human "soul farm" I had made. They refused to help me and they were only sitting there, giving me souls very slowly. I would need to find a way to get more out of them and receive more benefits than just souls from them. Integrating them into the normal pony towns here, would most likely help to understand them and learn more of them as they return back and slowly become more friendly with me through my kindness. This, sadly, was a problem for later, a new species suddenly being included in Equestria would cause a bit of a disruption.

I continued to watch the guards train for quite a while until I heard a movement from the bed. I turned behind me and saw Violet was indded, waking up, dressed in a simple nightgown. I walked over, crouching before here as she lay, slowly stretching on the bed, eyes closed. When she opened them as she had decided to stay laying, she instantly noticed me and smiled.

"I'm ready for that chat you wanted." I smirked, all seriousness and thought of the current resistance leaving my mind.

"Then allow me to dress myself better, I'll see you at the entrance to the forest. Go ahead and wait for me." She responded, still laying still.

I wrapped an arm around her and drew her into a warm, gentle embrace; kissing her forehead as I stood, I began to walk to the door, looking around and giving her a smile as she slowly sat up. I headed down the many flights of stairs and walked to the bridge, waiting at it patiently, the sun had barely moved from it's position, but there was already a noticeable amount of sunlight that left the ground, giving a softer view of all the colors about me.

After a few minutes, maybe ten or twenty, she walked out and began walking to me, wearing a simple purple dress that was laced tightly in the back. She bore flat shoes as she walked, the grass barely tickling her ankles. As she neared, I offered my hand, her taking it and we soon crossed the bride and walked into the path that the guards were making before she lead me into the actual forest through a small break in the bushes. After a long ways in, she began to speak.

"Well, we're alone now, so I can share what I've been thinking with you." She spoke, facing ahead and looking at all the flora in our way.

"Do tell, I'm eager to know." I had a goofy smile that only she could give plastered to my face.

"Cadence helped me to remember who you were and who I was very well. I remember that I sometimes was present when you called war council to plan movements, and I learned a lot in them about what we on. I was an active person in our activities and I sometimes inputted points, changing your plans slightly." She began.

"Yes, you did. I had avoided some areas for battlegrounds to preserve the nature and wildlife there as well as some people and their peaceful ways of living." I was recalling many memories on the many maps I had drawn plans on.

"I know that you were strict when it came to business and strict training the guards so they were ready for any battle and to defend themselves and their fellow men. But you were kind to the people, you never harmed them unless you had to. And this 'war' here that you won, you did the exact same. I remember you and me and all the things we had done. I'm no longer an agent of holy forces." I smiled big as her words and halted, stopping our walk. We had turned to face each other, hand-in-hand.

"I'm back and I'm yours again." She spoke in the simplest words that rung the most beautiful noises to my ears. We embraced and engaged in a long delayed kiss that held for just a few seconds, but it felt much longer and so much more meaningful than just a simple symbol of love.