Day After War Nexus

Chapters

Chapter 2 - The Student and the Teacher
Chapter 3 - Course on the mountain
Chapter 4 - Family of Three
Chapter 5 - Visit from Princess Luna
Chapter 6 - Ice Valley
Chapter 7 - Forces of Nature
Chapter 8 - You are life
Chapter 9 - King of Dragons
Chapter 10 - Aftermath
Chapter 11 - Six Flowers
Chapter 12 - Original
Chapter 13 - I Hate Your Sanity
Chapter 14 - Two Sides of the Coin
Chapter 15 - R.A.K. Briefing
Chapter 16 - R.A.K. Training Days
Chapter 17 - Interrogation
Chapter 18 - Maker of Orphans
Chapter 19 - Flint. Spark. Fire.
Chapter 20 - Rise of a Tyrant
Chapter 21 - Other Side of the Coin
Chapter 22 - Truths
Chapter 23 - Starflare
Chapter 24 - Reliving the Past
Chapter 25 - Infiltration
Chapter 26 - Immortal Choice
Chapter 27 - Origins of Kishi
Chapter 28 - Mysteries
Chapter 29 - Ascension of the Armies
Chapter 30 - One for power. One for control.
Chapter 31 - Betrayal
Chapter 32 - The Hooded One
Chapter 33 - Reunion
Chapter 34 - Underground Beauty
Chapter 35 - The Passing Storm
Chapter 36 - A New Family
Chapter 37 - Warmest Winter
Chapter 38 - The Ones of Memories
Chapter 39 - Sight of the Blind
Chapter 40 - Old Friends
ACT II: Chapter 41 - Escalation
Chapter 42 - Loss of the West
Chapter 43 - Odd Allies
Chapter 44 - Grim Future
ACT III: Chapter 45 - Voyage
Chapter 46 - Heavy Eyes for the Defeated
Chapter 47 - Blockade
Chapter 48 - Welcome Home
Chapter 49 - Fallen Star
Chapter 50 - Day After War Nexus + Epilogue
Prologue + ACT I: Chapter 1 - The Academy

Chapter 2 - The Student and the Teacher

Chapter 2 - The Student and the Teacher

After the 30 laps, Shadow and the others met Knight Black Soul in the middle of the track where she properly introduced the unicorn and earth pony.

"Since, Seng took so long I had to bring some assistance, everyone meet the ponies who will aid you if you are injured. Leader of the medical team Fyn Cour(fine core) and her assistant Dust."

Fyn Cour was the unicorn, her cutie mark was a red heart under a pair of crossing swords. Dust, the earth pony, had a cutie mark of a medical cross formed by two swords. Every single pony except Shadow and Black Soul there on the track were about 18-21 years of age. Shadow and Black Soul were around the ages of 27-30.

Black Soul addressed her students,"You may return to your barracks for a few hours to get to know each other. Dismissed."

They arrived at the barracks. It was a steel rectangular prism but, that was the only one there. The other C.O.s had different barracks for their recruits elsewhere.

"You a little bit older than the rest of us, Shadow." Seng remarked.

Shadow replied,"I stalled and my a few mistakes, I'm correcting those mistakes right now."

"Any family?"

Shadow chuckled,"And I just made another, hehehe. I have one daughter.You?"

"Never knew my parents. I was raised in an orphanage until I was sixteen. I waited two years in the frontier by Canterlot before coming here."

The two kept asking each other questions you would if you just met someone. Meanwhile, at the frontier Shadow's daughter was on her way to school. Her coat was a light orange, mane and tail were yellow. She is 14. Her cutie mark was a white sun. She arrived to class a few minutes late, the teacher was already giving a lecture about the rules. Though that Dawn has been alive, her and Shadow are both immortal, for so long she has gained the knowledge of many teachers from different parts of the world. She kept herself busy by attending school.

"Okay class this must be our first tardy student of the year on the very first day of school, Dawn. Go find a open seat." the teacher scolded.

Dawn kept quiet and felt the other kids staring at her since she was the only one standing besides the teacher. The teacher's name, according to the chalkboard, was Ms.Grazer. Her coat was a maroon, her mane was curved and had stripes of a light pink and pink. Her cutie mark was a ruler laying against an apple. Dawn chose a seat in the back of the room by a sky blue unicorn with a mane and tail the same color. She had no cutie mark yet even though she should.

"Now for a social activity. Look at the neighbor next to you and introduce yourself."

"Hey, my name is Flake, what's your name?" the sky blue unicorn asked. She sounded nice but, Dawn still didn't respond, she was already sleeping on her desk buried underneath her hooves.

Flake responded awkwardly,"Uuhhhh......okay."

Dawn didn't want her feel left out so she lifted her head and said,"Well, you should already know my name."

"I know I was just trying to start a conversation."

"Good job at that."

"Where did you come from?"

"Fall....I mean, I came from the Crystal Empire(this was just an excuse)."

"That's cool, how long have you lived here?"

"For two years now."

"I've been here for 3. Any family?"

"Yes, my father and a dear friend."

"What's their names? If you don't mind me asking."

"It's fine. My father is Shadow and my friend is Excaelum(ex-say-lum)."

"The only family I have with me here is my mother." Flake said.

They too, engaged in a generic conversation.

Back at the Barracks. Knight Black Soul entered.

"Alright, tomorrow we will test your speed in a time trial. For the next two hours you are all going to be flying the track at a pace you find fitting. To the track, NOW!!"

Seng mumbled,"Unnecessary shouting."

"It's only unnecessary if we don't hear her." Shadow said.

"I guess that's true."

"Well, I'm guessing she's like that so we can see her as a leader and take her seriously."

"I think we should hurry before our serious teacher yells at us."

Back at school with Dawn.

The class had a long social activity but, they were starting to get rowdy.

"Class, please sit down."

Ms.Grazer was getting blocked out by the loud class,"SIT DOWN!!"

The class sat down as fast as lightning strikes.

"Good." She waited for the next minute until the early school day ended with the sound of a bell.

RIINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!

Chapter 3 - Course on the mountain

Chapter 3 - Course on the mountain

After their 2 hour workout, the 20 students were allowed to rest for a chance to re-cooperate for 15 minutes before their C.O. briefs them on their upcoming task. They were to meet at the briefing room located next by the clerks office.

It was late noon, around 12:58 PM.

"Find a spot to place yourselves. Okay, your next task will be a time trial to test your speed, agility, and acceleration. It will be here on training grounds. The task tomorrow will be much more difficult." Soul said.

Seng whispered to Shadow,"How hard can it be?"

It seemed Black Soul heard him because, she looked right at him and said,"You have to up half a mile up a mountain while dragging a 200 pound cart in under 10 hours. That's how hard it can be."

"Damn. That sucks." A pegasus to the right said.

"You think that sucks wait until Dry Ocean and Ice Valley. Alright enough talk. Let's start the time trial." Soul replied.

The course had 10 rings with a diameter of 8 feet each, they were closely packed together. Shadow knew it was for agility. There was a flag at the starting, that was for acceleration. The faster you take off, the more violent the flag would wave. The finish line was about 7 meters away from the rings, that tested your speed.

"Alright, line up in an orderly fashion so we can begin. You will have one minute to complete this course." A pegasus was by the starting line. He had a dark gray coat and his mane and tail were dark red. His cutie mark was covered by his armor.

"I would like for you to meet Knight Storm, he will be aiding me during your training. First up, Aero."

Seng and Shadow were too busy chatting so they didn't see how he looked like or how well he did in the course. It was over quick though, the next pony was up. And within no time it was Shadow's turn. Soul blew a whistle signaling to start. The whistle sounded off. Shadow felt like he was slacking off but when he came back Knight Storm said,

"Wow. New record, Knight Black Soul, Shadow here beat your record."

"What was his time?" Soul asked.

Storm answered,"23 seconds."

"You beat me by 4 seconds, Shadow. Congratulations. Seng you're up."

"What?! I can't beat that."

"SHUT UP AND GO TO THE STARTING LINE!!" Storm yelled.

Seng went up to the line nervously because, Storm was there. The whistle sounded off again. He returned with a time of 37 seconds.

"Not bad. Next" said Storm.

3 more times the whistled rung the ears of those who finished. The trial was done. Black Soul gave the top 3 times.

"Shadow: 23 seconds. Aero: 31 seconds. Seng: 37 seconds. You may return to your barracks."

They relaxed for the rest of the day, preparing for the course on the mountain.

Knight Black Soul came in to wake up everypony. She was wearing a similar type of armor that Knight Storm was wearing but, Soul's was full gold. Storm's armor had a golden armor with a outlining of silver. The colors on their armor distinguished the ranks. The 9 types of armor were: solid bronze, bronze with silver outlining, and bronze with gold outlining. Silver with bronze outlining, solid silver, and silver with gold outlining. The top were gold with bronze outlining, Storm's, gold with silver outlining, and finally solid gold.

It was early morning, 4:00 AM.

"We are going to the base of a mountain east of Canterlot. We leave now to go there in an hour." Soul started,"and after this you'll be granted 2 days to spend with your families. After those 2 days are up, you report back here."

They flew to the mountain base and saw 20 loaded carts that belonged to the earth ponies so they did not hover as the ones designed for pegasi did.

"You will drag these up the mountain using your wings. If I see any of you use your hooves, you will be kicked out. Understood?" Soul said in a firm voice.

"YES, KNIGHT BLACK SOUL!" the 20 nervous pegasus said simultaneously.

"5 minutes to start. Get ready." Soul added as she flew up.

Starting time 6:00 AM

Goal, before 4:00 PM

Current time 5:59 AM

Goal distance 804 meters(half a mile)

Current distance 0 meters

Storm yelled,"Begin!" then he flew back to the city in the clouds.

"YEAH!! FEEL THE BURN!!" Seng said while struggling to make a pace.

"Yeah. Come on, we just started." Shadow replied.

After a few minutes, they both found a pace that was comfortable.

"I wonder how the others are doing." Send said as he looked back.

There was one pegasus coming up behind them. It seemed he was rushing.

"Whoa, there. Slow down you're going to pass out before you finish this." Shadow said.

He replied,"I don't want to fail though."

"Yeah but, you don't want to die either. Just stick with me and Seng. You'll pass so, don't worry. What's your name?"

"Lancer, and you're Shadow from the looks of it. You beat Knight Black Soul's time trial record."

"Yes he is, and I got third place, thank you very much." Seng said trying to pitch his name in the conversation.

"Oh yeah, you're the one who got yelled at by Knight Storm."

"Great now everypony is going to remeber me as 'the pony who got yelled' at." Seng said then added sarcastically,"Yay me."

"Haha." Shadow quietly laughed.

They kept a steady pace for a while and made good progress. They did not make a sound until they heard a thud behind them. Somepony passed out.

Current time 6:32 AM

Current distance 94 meters

Fyn Cour and her team were following them at the back of the line, waiting for either somepony to give up or pass out. Unfortunately, for one it was passing out.

Shadow heard Fyn Cour say a few words,".....worked........too hard. Take.........down......please."

"I feel bad for that one. He did all this just to have it end where he began." Lancer said.

"Yeah." added Seng."

Shadow stopped the conversation,"Back to us. Less talk more flying."

For about two hours they again didn't make a sound.

Current time 8:41 AM

Current distance 254 meters of 804

Lancer broke the awkward silence,"What do you think Dry Ocean and Ice Valley will be?"

"Hot and cold." answered Seng.

"What he said." Shadow exclaimed.

"You two are blunt aren't you?"

Shadow and Seng looked at each other then looked at Lancer and they both said,"Yeah."

"This is going to be a long course." Lancer sighed.

A few hours passed.

Current time 2:17 PM

Current distance 697 meters of 804

"Okay.You guys are really boring." Lancer said.

Shadow replied,"That's because, we're concentrated right now."

"Yeah but, that doesn't mean you to have to be brick walls."

"Fine. I was getting bored anyways. Start a conversation."

"Where were you born?"

Seng answered first,"The frontier. How about you Lancer?"

"I as well. Shadow?"

"Southern Equestria."

Seng responded,"Isn't that where dragons usually live?"

"Yeah. I never had a problem with them though."

Lancer sounded happy,"I can see the finish line."

The three used the rest of their energy they had to finish strong.

They completed the course on the mountain.

Chapter 4 - Family of Three

Chapter 4 - Family of Three

After this painful training, Shadow was allowed to leave from there straight back to the frontier with others he did not know, he was eager to see his friend and daughter. The sun was beginning to set. Shadow owned a cottage by the Everfree Forest, where it was quiet and relaxing. He saw Dawn sitting on a hill, just basking in the evening sun, he joined her.

"Dawn, it's nice to see a familiar face again."

"Hello father. How was your day."

"I'm tired but, I won't have to go back for two more days."

"We get to spend some time with each other then."

"Of course."

"Hopefully, we can contact Luna and Celestia soon too."

"I'm sure they will contact us first."

"Speaking of contact, where's Excaelum(ex-say-lum)?"

"I don't know. Haven't seen him for a couple of weeks."

"He's probably busy."

They both saw something emerging from the thickness of the Everfree Forest. It was Excaelum. He was a dragon, fairly large about 18 feet tall, 35 feet in length, and with a wingspan of 60 feet. Even though he was too big for the cottage, he had a separate compartment connected to the cottage so, he was still able to chat with his 2 friends. His scales were gray outlined with black, his eyes were a deep blue. He had 6 limbs: 2 legs, 2 arms, and wings. He blew flames of blue, the color of his father's flame, Dragaitas(dra-guy-tis). His skull and crest also looked like his father's, triangular and sharp. He also had a back and tail covered in spikes. It looked like he was exhausted.

Shadow asked Excaelum,"Where have you been?"

"Shadow. I've been searching for something. How have you two been?"

"Well, I've been lonely because of you and my dad is tired."

"I'm sorry Dawn. I will try to be here more often."

Shadow said to the both of them,"The sun feels nice, doesn't it?"

"Yes it does. It feels like we won't be able to do this for a long time though." replied Excaelum.

"Why do you say that?" asked Dawn.

"This is just something you can't do everyday." the dragon answered.

"It won't be special if we did." Shadow added.

The three sat on the hill, the sun was set, and the frontier's lanterns started to be lit. At night was cool by the cottage due to the neighboring trees absorbing the heat. Excaelum's compartment was by the fireplace so, he can light the firewood, his flames also gave off a blue light. When the dragon wasn't there Dawn or Shadow would light the chandelier and lamps that gave off a normal light. Tonight the lamps and chandelier were lit and Dawn went to her room upstairs.

"Shadow, how were you today?"

"Fine, Excaelum. Thanks for asking."

"I've been occupied lately."

"Doing what?"

"Looking for something very important to me."

"If it's important, I won't ask. Do you think the princesses know that we're here?"

"I can go pay them a visit."

Shadow chuckled,"Ha, the first time they saw you they almost jumped out of their skins."

"What I recall was Celestia pushing her sister to me as tribute not to eat her."

"And I'm guessing they were surprised when they saw me walking up to you and telling them that you're not going to eat them."

Dawn came down the stairs and continued the reminiscing,"And when they saw me behind you."

"That was a fun day." said Shadow.

"Yeah, except for that time Celestia kept on trying to use her stun spell on Excaelum." Dawn added.

Excaelum had a grin on his face,"I still hate her for that. All those spells gave me were headaches."

"I'm sure she's sorry for that and now I think she got over her fear of dragon." said Shadow.

"That was over 50 years ago." Dawn said trying to convince Excaelum that she didn't mean it.

Excaelum replied,"I don't care about that anymore, now that I think about."

"I remember the first time we met you, Excaelum." Dawn said as she walked over to the kitchen to find something to eat."You didn't like us at first, though because of your father you started to."

"I think your dad would've killed us if he didn't." added Shadow.

"Well, aren't you two immortal?"

"Yes. From aging, disease, and unnatural causes so, everything." It seemed Shadow was not saying something, something important.

"Then how do you explain Dawn."

Shadow hesitated for a moment then answered,"Oh her, her age accelerated to that age for some reason." It sounded like he was trying to hide something. Dawn heard their conversation but didn't care and continued her business in the kitchen.

It was getting late. They blew out the lights and turned in. In the morning, Shadow went downstairs to greet Excaelum. He was gone.

Shadow said to himself aloud,"I don't understand that dragon sometimes." He rummaged through the basket of fruit but, they were all rotten so he threw them out and went to the town market. There were a couple hundred others living but, the frontier hasn't been given a name yet due to no leaders to do so.

It was a normal day, ponies commuting, joking around, fillies heading to school. Parents buying the weeks dinner and deserts. The stands available sold fruits, grains, pastries, nuts, vegetables, home decors, flowers, and clothing. There were stores but, they were being fixed and designed so the store owners decided to continue selling things outside. Shadow stopped by the fruits, grains, and vegetables bought a bag from each stand and continued home. When he opened the door he saw that Dawn had just come downstairs. He went to the kitchen and placed the bags on the counter.

"I thought you were supposed to be at school."

"I don't need anymore knowledge than I already have."

"It wouldn't hurt to get a little more."

"Well, I learned from both the princesses and Dragaitas. And you have to admit they are the most smartest and wisest teachers out there."

"Garren was also a smart and wise teacher. I miss him. He was like a father to me."

"I hate that place." Dawn said as if she was angry.

"What place?"

"Fallen Star. I hope we never have to return to that damned island."

"I hate that place too. We lost many friends there."

"At least we have a chance to make new ones."

"Remember our promise at the cliff. How we promised that we were not going to get any friends or get ourselves attached to anyone else."

"Yeah, why?"

"I broke that promise."

"I did to. As long as they don't suffer the way our friends did at Fallen Star, I won't mind getting a few friends friends."

"I made 2 so far. You?

"Just one."

"Maybe we can meet your friend after school is out."

They waited until 3:00 PM when the schools were dismissed.

"Her name is Flake and she's very nice so don't scare her. I know you have the tendency to scare ponies with your serious tone and look."

"I'll try."

They waited for Flake at the front of the school.

"Hey Flake. How was school?" greeted Dawn.

"Good." Flake looked at Shadow,"Who's that?"

"My dad. I thought it'd be nice for you two to meet."

"Hello, my name is Flake."

"It's nice to meet you." Shadow said with a deep firm voice.

"DAD!!"

Shadow's voice went back to normal,"I'm sorry but, I couldn't resist."

"Okay. Ummmm.... well I have to go now. Bye."

"Bye Flake." Dawn looked at her dad with a stern face,"I told you not to do that."

"Sorry. Old habits die hard."

They went back home where Excaelum was in his compartment sleeping.

"Is that all he does when he's here?"

"I guess."

"I'm sorry daughter but, I have to leave now to the barracks. Please say 'bye' to him when he wakes."

"Okay. When will you be back?"

"Tomorrow after we go to Dry Ocean."

"Alright then bye." Dawn went up to her room.

Excaelum woke up as Shadow opened the door, "I'll be off to." He said.

"See you tomorrow then."

"Take care, my friend."

Excaelum didn't leave for a while though.

Dawn was in her room opening a few old books.

"What chapter was I on? Ah, Chapter 7 - Advanced Spells. To be read. DO NOT ATTEMPT." Dawn ignored the chapter's warning,"I'm still going to do these spells. Let's see, this spell is used to create a ring of objects orbit the caster fast enough to cut through the strongest rock and to use the winds of the objects to hover. Seems simple enough, don't know why it says 'DO NOT ATTEMPT' and they show you how to do it. It just makes you want to do it."

Dawn shut her eyes. She started to lift the nearby shelves and books. They dropped.

"Let's try again." She said to herself.

This time the objects came up more violently and and dropped with a loud thud. Dawn's eyes opened and they started to glow. The room was ever more violently as her mane, tail, and cutie mark started to glow. A beam of light shot out of her horn and it ripped of hole in the ceiling. The beam continued to for 3 more seconds. Something crashed down next to Dawn. The beam began to fade and Dawn fell and with her blurred vision she saw a figure of another pony.

It said,"Dawn, can you hear me? Dawn? DAWN?!!"

Dawn blacked out.

Chapter 5 - Visit from Princess Luna

Chapter 5 - Visit from Princess Luna

Dawn woke up on a bench outside of their home,the moon was starting to set, she wondered how she got their. She went to the front door, opened it, and saw debris up the stairs. She investigated and saw that her room and half of the hallway were completely destroyed. She was in shock. She heard voices coming from the backyard, one sounded like Excaelum, the other sounded familiar. Dawn went downstairs and opened the door to the back where she saw an alicorn that she loved with all her heart.

"Princess Luna!!" She shouted excitedly as she ran to her to give her a hug.

"Dawn!" Luna replied happily. She wrapped her wings around Dawn.

"Do you mind telling me what happened?"

Excaelum opened his mouth,"I saw a beam of light behind me as I was above the clouds then I noticed it came from our place"s direction, I came back but as I saw the cottage in sight, it stopped. Luna brought you outside to ensure the place doesn't come down on you. You were out for at least 12 hours."

"We have to fix this before Shadow gets back." Luna said.

"Oh he won't do anything. And Excaelum I still don't know how a dragon your size gets around without being noticed."

"Really? Out of all what happened that's what curious about. Okay well, I use the sun to hide myself."

"I still wonder what happened to you Dawn. I mean, that was a kind magic I have not seen before. Where did you learn that?" asked Luna.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Were there any bystanders watching?"

"The whole frontier." said Luna.

"She yelled at them with what she calls her "Royal Canterlot Voice". Remember that ?"

"Oh come on, I didn't yell at them with that."

Excaelum looked at her with a face that denied her statement.

"Okay, maybe I did, a lot. They left though so, it wasn't pointless."

Dawn asked,"What did you say?"

"I told them," Luna said it like she was going to reenact it,"CITIZENS," and she did,"YOU NEED NOT WORRY!! THIS IS TRADITIONAL CANTERLOT CEREMONY WHERE WE SHOOT A BEAM OF BEAUTY INTO THE SKY TO MARK THE ANNIVERSARY OF MY FIRST MOON RAISING!! GO BACK TO YOUR HOMES AND ENJOY THE NIIIIIIGHTTT!!"

"I see." Dawn stood there next by Excaelum staring at Luna awkwardly."I still need to know what I did. Do you think Celestia will know?"

"I don't think so. Big sister and I were never taught anything like that from Star Swirl the Bearded."

"We need to find somepony who does. Excaelum, do you have any idea on someone that can help?"

"No." he answered bluntly.

"Big sister should be raising the sun in a couple of hours. Let's start fixing this place."

"We can improve it while we're at it." Dawn suggested.

Excaelum replied,"Why?"

"So you can fit through the doors and have enough room to sleep in the living room."

"Well, how are we going to do that?" asked the dragon.

Luna made a comment,"Maybe Dawn could blow it up with her magic."

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny Luna."

"I can just bring it down my claws and you and the princess can levitate the pieces so, it won't make any noise."

"Alright, let-" Dawn was interupted.

"I don't think it'd be wise for you to use your magic now Dawn. I can handle it, for now just relax. Ready Excaelum?"

They brought down what remains of the cottage in 20 minutes. They waited for the sun to rise so, the can start with lighting. The sun rose and 50 ponies from the frontier came to help, Excaelum went to the Everfree to avoid being seen. The townsfolk were really helpful and, since they thought Dawn was hurt they did all the work and Luna oversaw their progress. Late afternoon, the frame of the house was completed. It had a second floor with two rooms, a study room, and a balcony. The first floor was built large enough for Excaelum, of course the townsfolk didn't know why they were building it that large. Luna told them to also build a library next by the future kitchen. Luna left to Canterlot and came back with the nicest furniture: a couch, 2 beds, chairs, rugs, lamps, etc. Luna came over to check on Dawn.

"Where did you get all those stuff?"

"Your dad's bed and the other things I got from a furniture store.'

"Where did my bed come from?"

Luna had a evil looking smirk on her face,"From a special furniture store. Hehehe."

Meanwhile at the Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia walked into her room, she saw something missing.

The evening was coming and surprisingly the new cottage was almost done. The townsfolk had nothing else planned so, they helped out the whole day. The only thing left to do was bringing in the furniture and they're done. Luna went inside to observe. Shadow came back with a friend.

"Hey, I'd like you to meet Ae-. What're they doing to the cottage?"

"Remodeling." Dawn answered.

"Wha-Why?"

"It kinda got destroyed."

Luna came back outside.

"Oh I see why." said Shadow.

"Shadow, didn't expect you to be here."

"Well, I live here so."

"Who's your friend?" Luna asked.

"Aero introduce yourself."

"Hello, Princess Luna." he bowed.

"We'll continue this conversation later. I have to raise the moon."

"You didn't tell us you knew the princess." said Aero.

"Yeah, I kinda left that out didn't I?"

Dawn walked to the new house. Shadow and Aero followed.

"Wow. You two have a big place."

"It wasn't like this before Aero."

"Well, I didn't see the other look but I prefer this one. You have a library, a large living room, and nice kitchen. I wish I knew a princess."

"Let's check upstairs." Dawn said.

A few townsfolk were coming down the stairs. They just finished their job and now are returning home.

The first door Dawn opened lead to the study room, the 2nd her room.

"Why is that bed so big?" Aero exclaimed.

"And why does it have a sun at the top of the bed?" added Shadow.

"Luna said she got my bed from a 'special' furniture store."

"Let's check my room."

They went over the next room but, it lead to the balcony.

"Nice." Aero said.

They next door lead to Shadow's room.

"Why is my bed half the size as yours Dawn?"

"I don't know, ask the princess."

"I don't think I can handle another visit from her."

"I'm to rent a room at a INN. See you at Ice Valley Shadow. Bye Dawn it was nice meeting you."

They had a bit of trouble getting used to the new house, especially Shadow he was so used to the old version. The next day, Dawn and Shadow explored their new place. It was nicely polished. The rugs and carpets had a fresh fragrance. The kitchen was loaded with different utensils, pots, and had a basket of fresh fruit. The large front door was made so, that Excaelum was able to get in, it went well with the large living room. Luna was asleep on the couch that was comfortable as a bed. Shadow woke her up.

"Why did you come here?"

"Well, Dawn destroyed the house with a beam of light."

"That was her? I saw that beam from the clouds."

"Then how come you didn't come back father?" Dawn asked

"I saw Luna go down there and it stopped so I thought she had it covered."

"I didn't stop it. The magic faded away on it's own." Luna replied.

Shadow said,"Hopefully it doesn't happen the next time you come to visit."

The three spent the rest of the day catching up. Later that night Excaelum came inside.

"Well this is different." he said.

Chapter 6 - Ice Valley

Chapter 6 - Ice Valley

"I can't believe I fit through that door." said Excaelum.

"Kind of a nice thing to make the door that big. What is it like 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall." Shadow added.

They continued exploring their new living space. Luna went back to Canterlot to stay with Celestia. The next came upon them, Shadow and Aero were to report back for their next course. They arrived to the briefing room and Knight Black Soul was starting her lecture.

"Ice Valley is not like Dry Ocean because, instead of blazing temperature over 143 degrees Fahrenheit you will have freezing temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Now remember what happened at Dry Ocean, 7 of you friends were taken out because, they suffered from heat strokes. You have the decision to leave my regiment before we go to Ice Valley."

No one left. Yet.

"I have been informed there is an unusual amount of activity from Yeti but, we will still go because they usually don't bother us. If you don't want to take that risk, leave now."

2 pegasi left the room.

"We still have to take precautions. We will give you a pair of these, what we call, hoof-blades. They do not go past the bottom of your hoof so you're able to walk with them on. This precaution shall be another flag saying to leave while you still have the chance also, Knight Storm and I will be over-watching you from the sky with our team, this should also be another flag."

Another 2 pegasi left, one sitting next by Seng said something that stopped Black Soul from giving any further warning.

"The rest of us aren't going anywhere."

"Is that right, Cloudfire. Do the rest of you agree with him?"

They all answered,"YES SIR!"

"Alright." Soul continued,"Go get some rest we have a long day ahead of us."

There were only 8 pegasi left: Shadow, Seng, Lancer, Aero, and Cloudfire. The others were known as Voyager, Echo, and Hail. The next early morning they had to leave early to Ice Valley, a blizzard was stirring. The valley will protect them form the harsh winds but, if they take too long they can be buried by the snow.

Arrival time 4:31 AM

Time starts at 5:00 AM

The weather was freezing and it didn't get any better as the sun rose. The blizzard will block all the sunlight from reaching the valley. Knight Storm had a team of 3 pegasi with him their names were Fencer, Razor, and Canon. Knight Black Soul also had a team of three: Tint, Bladedancer, and Flood. The storm was getting worse.

Seng asked Shadow,"Do you think it's that dangerous in the valley?"

"Maybe, but I doubt it unless we run into a few yeti on the way."

"Let's not hope that happens." said Lancer.

They were going to start in less than 10 minutes.

Storm came from the starting to the back where the carts were,"We modified the carts so, 2 of you can drag one together. We can't afford to lose anyone in the blizzard. We will travel in a small compact group so we can all see each other. My team and I will be in the front, Black Soul's team will be in the rear. Any questions?"

The 8 remaining pegasus answered,"No, sir."

Shadow and Seng chose their cart. Lancer with Aero. Cloudfire with Voyager. Echo with Hail.

Formation

Storm

Fencer Canon

Razor

Shadow-Seng Lancer-Aero

Cloudfire- Voyager Echo-Hail

Soul

Tint Flood

Bladedancer

They began, it was freezing so they had to keep moving to keep their body temperature up or else they catch hypothermia.

"The halfway point is a ways from here." sighed Aero.

"Let's just focus on something else other than that." Lancer tried to get his mind off of that idea.

"Did any of you see the beam of light a couple days ago?" Seng asked the group.

"I did, I thought the world was going to end." Aero exclaimed.

"Maybe it's a sign of the beginning of the end." said Lancer.

Shadow stayed quiet and listened to the three talk about what they thought the beam was. Shadow started having memories replay themselves. They were blurred, he saw the accident at Fallen Star. He shook his head, to stop that horrible memory. He wondered why he was seeing that. Again, he saw his old friend Dragaitas opening his great wings, he again shook his head.

"Why I'm I seeing this now?" he mumbled to himself.

He heard a scream of pain,"AAHHHHH!! LEAVE ME!!" Shadow looked up and saw everything besides the blizzard, was normal. They were still flying the carts with no problem.

The screams in Shadow's head continued, he wanted to cry because, those screams brought back terrible memories but that's all they were. Memories. The past.

Through all those painful memories, came a soothing and happy one he heard the voice of his deceased wife,"Dawn, don't run too fast. You're going to hurt yourself."

The memory was as clear as the sky after a storm.

"Starflare you can't baby her, for the rest of your life. Let her roam free."

"Yes I can, dear. And do you really want Dawn to hurt herself again?"

"No, honey. Last time she did Dawn kept on crying. My ears are still ringing."

"That was a week ago, Stop exaggerating you big baby."

Shadow saw his daughter turn around,"Who're you calling a "big baby" mom?"

"Your father. Even though he's strong you can still beat him in a race, can you hon?"

"Yeah dad, you're slower than a rock."

"That hurt my feelings Dawn. YOU BETTER RUN BEFORE THE TICKLE MONSTER CATCHES YOU!!"

He chased his daughter and started to tickle his daughter with his wings. They both rolled down a hill and laughed. Starflare was standing on top of the hill, smiling.

The memory ended, and Shadow started to tear up.

"I'm so sorry Starflare. It was all my fault." Shadow began to cry under his breath so the others won't hear him.

He heard Seng, wiped the tears away then looked at him.

"Shadow we're stopping for some reason. Pay attention, Soul's going to tell us something"

Shadow looked ahead and saw the valley was littered with holes on the sides.

"There are a lot more. Now, leave the carts. We have to fly our way out."

"A lot more what?" asked Voyager.

"Yeti. They may try to attack us."

"Damn, we need to go now Soul, I can see them." Storm said.

They were poking their large white, fur-covered faces out from the holes. Yetis stood at least 9 feet tall and had arms that were 6 feet long each and weighed at least 750 lbs.

"Ready your blades. I will decided whether you die or not." Soul exclaimed.

One yeti charged toward Shadow. Shadow left his cart and sliced it's thick throat. It landed next to Storm.

"Stay together." he said.

Soul replied," And who gave you command?"

"That body. Now are you going to criticize me or help me?"

"Hit their joints, head, and as Shadow displayed their throat or neck. Lead the way."

"Alright. On 3, fly as fast as you can. Ready?! THREE!!"

They flew straight in and the yetis started to pour out of the holes. The group was broken when one of them jumped straight in the middle of them.

"DAMN!! KILL IT!!" shouted Soul.

Storm and Razor pulled back and charged to him. Razor went for the joints on it's legs, when it was down Storm finished it off with a swift hit to it's throat.

They saw the end of the valley but, it was blockaded by yetis. They had to go straight through, if they fly up the blizzard would've forced them back down, leaving them stunned on the floor. Soul's team was attacked. A yeti grabbed hold of Tint and started to pull on his wings, within a few seconds he would be a pegasus without wings. Bladedancer and Flood stopped him just in time. They both made crossed cuts to the back of the yetis neck. It went limp and fell.

"That was close." said Flood.

"It was." Tint replied.

"Can you two shut up and help me??!!!" screamed Bladedancer was facing a yeti that was over 10 feet. Soul got it's attention by cutting it's wrist. It got angry. Blinded by it's rage, Soul cut it's neck but, the cut wasn't deep enough. She cut it again, and again in the same spot. It finally fell.

The blockade was ahead. Soul and Storm's team teamed up against the wall of at least 8 yeti. There were 6 total from the two teams.

Cloudfire and Hail were also attacked but, were saved by Storm and Echo.

Echo being a recruit didn't have enough speed to make a clean cut. His cut was rough and slow. Storm finished was Echo started and killed his target.

"You need to be faster Echo!"

"Sorry sir!"

The blockade had a hole in it and they were able to go through. The yetis didn't follow for some reason.

Lancer, Seng, and Aero ganged up on one 7 foot yeti. They striked simontaneously, it had three gashes on different places.

"I killed it!!" Seng joyfully shouted.

"NO!! I did!" Lancer argued.

"Does it matter? We all know I killed It!!"

"SHUT UP AERO!!" Seng and Lancer screamed.

The three then screamed for a different reason. The alpha yeti was behind them. It was 14 feet tall. The power it possess was more than they can handle so they chickened out and flew to the end of the valley where the two teams, Cloudfire, and the others were. The only ones missing were Soul, Storm, and Shadow.

"The alpha is here." Storm said.

"Just like old times, huh?" Soul replied,"Eliminate it. COME ON!!"

The two old friends met the alpha, it swung at them. It was slow but, if it got hold of either one of them, it would've been over.

"Joints!! Hit them!!" yelled Soul.

They both atttacked the same one on it's left leg and right leg. It was still standing. They did it again. It still was standing. Shadow came out of nowhere and joined.

"Need help?"

"SHUT UP AND HELP US!!" Storm screamed.

The three were able to bring it down to it's knees. Three deep simontaneous cuts to the throat killed it. Or so they thought. It began to rise even with blood running down it's body.

Soul shouted,"BRING IT DOWN!!"

Another three cuts to it's red throat finished it for good. 7 more alphas appeared. Shadow, Soul, and Storm reteated to the end. Shadow stood at the end waiting for them.

"What're you doing?!!! Get back here!!" Canon shouted.

Shadow landed. One of the alphas swung at him. It's hand was slashed off by something. And Shadow didn't even flinch. None saw it but, Shadow's wing was covered in blood.

"You will not harm anyone." Shadow said.

Shadow's eyes, mane, tail, cutie mark, and wings started to glow. He ascended, wrapped himself in his wings, and opened them. The glow from his wings blinded the alphas, the wind generated by his wings kept them from advancing. He used to glowing wings and flew past the beasts so fast no one could've seen it. The alphas fell to pieces, in halves, thirds. Shadow emerged from the snow their lifeless bodies kicked up, still his body was glowing. His head was jerked back and he shot a beam of light into the sky that dispersed the blizzard from his out of his mouth and eyes, it continued for 3 seconds. The beam faded away and he fell. He saw his friends fly to him.

He blacked out.

Chapter 7 - Forces of Nature

Chapter 7 - Forces of Nature

Seng and Lancer carried Shadow to the train that was waiting a few minutes away, everyone else were watching their backs just in case anymore yeti came around. None did. They safely got back to the frontier where they put Shadow at the little medical clinic that was there. Soul and Bladedancer were talking.

"What happened to him? He killed all of the alphas with one move." said Bladedancer.

"I don't know and I think he did 3 moves."

"How? That's impossible."

"I'll ask him when he wakes."

Shadow was having a dream, only it didn't feel like one. He was near the edge of a cliff, he saw someone looking out to the ocean. It was Starflare. He ran to her.

"Star, how are you here?"

"I should be asking you that, my love."

"What do you mean?"

"You're in the spirit world."

"I'm dead?!"

"No you big dolt. I brought you here."

"Why?"

"I have to tell you something. Something terrible is going to happen."

"What is it?"

"2 of 3 lights have been lit. After, they will be blown out by an opposite wind."

"I don't understand."

"You will soon enough Shadow."

The world Shadow was in began fade.

"Star, when can I see you again?"

"When the moon is brightest. Take care."

Shadow woke up and he saw his daughter.

"Hey dad. How are you?"

"I feel unwell, thank you for asking."

While Dawn and her dad chatted, Excaelum was south of Equestria. He met up with his brethren, the Forces of Nature. This organization was made up by 7 different elements of life, before there were 8 but the Star dragons went extinct. The remaining forces were:

Time

Rock

Fire

Water/Ice

Air/Wind

Thunder/Lightning

Gravity

1st, Chronin(crow-nin)- She was the lead dragon of time and a non-combatant that wishes only to have peace. She had the power to stop or slow time within a 20 meter range, teleport from her location up to 10 miles away, and the rarest powers of all time dragons, to be able to see the past of a location she is currently in and to see the true memories of whomever she wished by putting the tip of her claw on their head. Her time control only worked on weaker being so, she isn't able to control any member of the Forces of Nature or any stronger being. Her subordinates addressed her as, Lord Chronin. Her scales and wings were golden, her eyes a darkened yellow. Her size in length 40 feet, wingspan of 60 feet, and a height of 22 feet. She was part of the first team of dragons before this, this was the second formed. She was at the bottom at their ranks but, after the top leaders died, she took their places. Any fight she fought, she comes out the victor but, she didn't like fighting. She is very intelligent and wise with most situations that came up.

2nd, Mesadraco- He was the leader of the Rock dragon and a combatant. He had the powers to control the earth below him. Even though he had no wings he was able to run on all fours as fast as 350 mph. His body was rough, covered in sediments from the ground below. He can also, create caves and tunnels underground to move unnoticed and if he wanted to, he can make earthquakes happen without warning. Dark brown scales went perfectly with the floor and his eyes were green. Height, 25 feet and length, 35 feet. Addressed as Lord Mesa. He only cared for his force only, the other forces could die out and he would do nothing about it.

3rd, Pyrodia(pie-row-dia)- Leader of fire and highly combative. His fires were able to get as hot as 450 degrees Celsius, he used his powerful wings to push the flames to his enemies. His scales were red scorched by fire, eyes orange. Height, 18 feet. Length, 30 feet. Wingspan, 40 feet. Addressed as Lord Pyrodia. He always searched for a fight whenever possible, others don't know why though. It could have something to do with the anger he held inside from the fact he wasn't on the top of the ranks.

4th, Aquabellina- Lead water dragon. Her ice is maybe the only thing that can fight off Pyrodia's fire, it got as low as negative 130 degrees Celsius though she didn't fight as much as he did. She can create hurricanes, typhoons, and maelstroms in her strongest state. Also able to dive down in the ocean to 5,000 feet. Her scales light blue, eyes yellow. Height, 15 feet . Length, 30 feet. Addressed as Lord Aquabellina. She sided with the ones she believed she could use to her advantage, a user of users.

5th, Olganna(ol-gan-a)- Air leader. The winds she conjured up could blow 200 mph, she used her wings to raise the speed of it. Her more evil power, her ability to drain the oxygen of a living being, she never used this unless she needed to. Scales cyan and eyes violet. Height, 20 feet. Length, 35 feet. Wingspan, 50 feet. She doesn't fight much, she's like Chronin, believing in a non-violent solution.

6th, Zartez- Thunder leader. The volts of his lightning reached to over 500,000. The Amps he generated went over 200, more than enough to stop the heart of whatever it touched. He's a non-patient type, he especially had none for those not in his force. Addressed as Lord Zar. He is also very stupid and arrogant that is what leaves him at one of the bottom ranks. Height, 17 feet. Length, 25 feet.

7th, Excaelum- Leader of an endangered race. He has the ability to make an area within 40 meters of him have no gravity or a extremely heavy one. He is able to generate flames, not as strong as Pyro's but still strong, over 150 degrees Celsius . He is the only known thing to be able to go to space and survive. Height, 18 feet. Length, 35 feet. Wingspan, 60 feet. Addressed as Lord Excaelum. His large wings and powers he possessed were passed down from his father. Dragaitas was one of the first to create this organization. He was in the 2nd rank, the top was taken by a Star dragon bu, he later took his place when he proved himself the wisest and strongest of all dragons. Dragaitas, even after his death forever withholds the title, The King of Dragons. Dragaitas' flames were much more powerful than Pyro's and his gravity powers were far more developed than Excaelum's. The stories of his powers shows the potential for Excaelum. Excaelum doesn't know how to excel his powers because, he has no one to teach him how. Excaelum may become even stronger than Chronin one day and take the title of king.

The star dragons went extinct, the reason is unknown. They had the power to harness power form the sun during the day and the stars in the night. They can learn all powers from all the forces. The top leader in the previous group is known as, Duesiden(dew-sid-en). She controlled a bit of all the forces but, she wasn't a master. Her race either died or disappeared. It still remained a mystery.

The ranking system also included dragons they were able to command.

Forces of Nature(Top)

Solitaries

Ambassadors

Pawns(bottom)

Solitaries are dragons that follow whoever they want no matter what force they are, they of course can follow their own force. For example Chronin has a rock solitary, Jakal(ja-cal) and Olganna has an air solitary, Gulfstream. Their leader has to approve them before they become their solitary. Solitaries are usually strong dragons and the max number of solitaries allowed is 5. They can command the ambassadors and pawns only during a battle or war.

Ambassadors are higher ranking pawns they are brought up a rank by either solitaries or lords. They are only able to command pawns. They must be the same force type as their lords to be a ambassador. Tend to be stronger than pawns but, weaker than solitaries. Can only order pawns if given permission by either lords or solitaries. Max limit of ambassadors 8. Ambassadors can become solitaries only if approved by a lord.

Pawns have no order in the ranks but, can go to the level of ambassador. They are the common weak dragons and must follow the orders from higher levels of the same force. For example, a thunder pawn must follow the orders of a thunder ambassador, solitary, or lord. They follow the orders of the higher rank. There is no limit of how many pawns are allowed.

If a lord were to die the best solitary of the same force must take their place. For example, when Dragaitas died Excaelum took his place but, takes the bottom rank. You must earn your way to the top of the ladder. If no solitary is available the best ambassador will take the place as lord but, must be approved by the other lords by a voting session.

War laws. If another force wants to fight another first they have a trial battle of any of the choices to hopefully satisfy the leaders. 1 solitary v.s. another, 2 ambassadors v.s. another 2, or 5 pawns v.s. another 5. If the problem is not resolved, they must gather together with the other lords and state their reasons to fight one another with a full force. Wars don't start between dragons often because, the lords are smart enough not to start one because, if war were to begin both forces and innocent bystanders will be majorly devastated. Only for drastic measures will another lord fight another.

The lords are discussing the population of the dragons.

"We need more territory if our species prefers to lived civilized." said Mesa.

"Yes. I say we take over the frontier of mark bearers." Pyro agreed.

"No. We should just hold a tournament for pawns to kill each other and whoever is left promise them a spot as an ambassador." Olganna argued.

Chronin and Excaelum didn't say a word during this argument for they had no population to worry about because, they had no pawns or ambassadors. They would only get involved if a vote was called but, for now they just had to listen.

"I will rather kill others than my own kind, Olganna." Mesa replied.

"The others have nothing to do with our problems, you fool."

"Watch your tongue."Mesa said angrily.

"I just don't believe in punishing others for our mistakes Mesa."

"I understand where you're coming from but, we cannot live like those yeti."

The population is under control, the reasons of this conference were not found. Suddenly out of nowhere a vote was called in.

"I suggest we vote on whether or not to attack the mark bearers." Zartez said.

Excaelum broke his silence,"Objection. As I recall the population is at a perfect balance so, why are we having this conversation in the first place?"

Pyrodia seemed like he wanted to put a word in but, something caught his tongue and he answered in a shameful way,"I."

The voting began.

"I."

"Nay."

"I."

"Nay."

"I."

"Nay. Pyro, I thought you were different." Excaelum said.

"Silence. We have made our decision. We attack in 2 days." Mesa said.

Mesa, Pyro, Aqua, and Zartez went outside, it seemed they wanted to end the conversation early for some reason.

"I don't want to do this." Pyro sighed.

"We have to, to bring the Star dragons back." Aqua said.

"How do we know we can trust the mark bearer?" Zartez asked.

"He said he knows where they are. We just have to trust him. Now gather your army, we have to awaken Excaelum's power." Mesa said.

Back in the council room.

"I can't believe this is happening." Olganna whined.

"I'll give you and Excaelum temporary command over my solitaries. I will not be there to assist you. And Excaelum."

"Yes, Lord Chronin?"

"I understand you have mark bearing family, is that correct?"

"Yes it is."

"In that case protect them. Olganna don't bring any awns they will just be in the way. Just bring your solitaries that should be enough."

"They will bring an army of pawns. How will we fight all of them off?"

"When the light is lit, you will know."

"What?"

Chronin disappeared.

"Damn. Excaelum will Harvest be able to fight?"

"She's outside."

"Her and Luster are probably talking right now then."

"They make a good team."

"Enough talk we have to get to the frontier while it's still dark."

They left the council room and saw 8 of the solitaries at their command.

"We'll brief you when we get there. Let's move." Excaelum ordered.

The 10 dragons used the night sky as cover. Excaelum's only solitary is Harvest, she is a water dragon, she flew alongside her lord. Two of Chronin's were Ula(oo-la), he is a wingless time dragon and Jakal the winged rock dragon. Olganna had 5 solitaries: Nelo(knee-low)- a wingless thunder dragon, she used her thunder cloud vessel as a vehicle. Shortsnout, he is a fire dragon, flew behind his lord. Karnage and Gulfstream are both air dragons, though Karnage had no wings and Gulfstream did. Karnage always tries to prove herself stronger than her older brother, Gulfstream. She used a similar technique to Nelo so she can move without using much energy. Luster and Harvest are best of friends, they both had wings and the force of water.

When they arrived to Canterlot, they set themselves in the courtyard. A maid was walking past a window when she saw them.

"AAHHHHHHH!!!!" she yelled.

A voice inside calmed her down,"What is it?"

"Look outside."

"It can't be that ba..........AAAHHHHHH!!!!"

"Princess Celestia, I thought you got over the fear of me." said Excaelum.

"I did. Your face scared me."

"Ooooohhhhhhh. She got you my lord." Harvest chuckled.

"Nice one princess. Haha." Nelo laughed.

"I'm just joking Excaelum. What business do you have here?"

"An assault on the frontier." Olganna said.

Chapter 8 - You are life

Chapter 8 - You are life

"What do you mean?"

Excaelum answered,"An army of numerous dragons are going to attempt to takeover your fair land."

"Can you stop this?"

"Yes but, I may need Shadow's help. Where is he now?"

"I heard he's at the hospital."

"Can you tell someone to get him?"

"Yes. Iril, can you fetch the group that just came back from Ice Valley."

"Of course but, isn't Shadow injured?"

"What happened to him?" Excaelum asked.

"We don't know but, he's fine. He's resting."

"I get him your highness."

Iril is a maid at the castle, Celestia took her in after the frontier was created, she was just a filly back then. Now, she is a 20 year old earth pony proudly working for her princesses. Her coat is close to white it's yellow. Her mane and tail were purple and tied in a bun. Celestia didn't require her to wear a maid outfit because, she saw her more as a friends not a worker. She went to the hospital and went to Shadow's room.

"Who're you?" Dawn asked.

"My name is Iril. You must be Dawn."

"How did you know?"

"The princess told me about you. I must take your father to the castle."

"For what?"

"The princess didn't say. Can you fetch his friends as well?"

"Sure."

"Thank you."

Iril brought a couple of colts with her to get Shadow and his bed on the train. He was still in a deep sleep. Dawn looked for the group of pegasi that brought her father to the hospital.

"Excuse me, are you Knight Black Soul?"

"Why yes my dear, what do you need?"

"The princesses request your assistance at the castle, my father is on his way there now."

"Alright. SENG WAKE UP!! I'm sorry I didn't catch your name?"

"My name is Dawn."

"That's a beautiful name."

"Thank you and you are beautiful yourself."

Black Soul smiled and led Shadow's daughter to the train along with the rest of the group.

Time till attack 48 hours

Current time 6:00 AM

They arrived at Canterlot and Iril led them to the dining hall where they discussed the situation. Shadow woke up in one of the castles suites, when he opened the door he saw Excaelum waiting for him. Excaelum explained the attack to him after, Shadow left Excaelum and joined the others in the dining hall.

"Celestia, your guests have arrived." Iril said.

"Thank you Iril. You may join us if you like."

"That's fine. Thank you for the offer."

Iril left the room.

"Princess you requested our presence. How may we serve you?" Echo asked.

"Not serve. Help. I need help defending our land from an attack."

"From who?" Soul asked.

"This can't be good." Aero exclaimed.

"Is it a gang of thugs?" Seng asked.

"If it was a gang of thugs, she wouldn't have asked us." Lancer replied.

"We're going to die, aren't we?" Aero asked.

"No we are not. Geez. What's with you ponies?" said Voyager across the table.

"Silence, please." Celestia silenced the ponies,"This attack is to happen in 2 days. This is an attack to takeover our frontier. There will be numerous counts of enemies and, we must evacuate the town before the attack begins."

"Why must this enemy need our land?" asked Soul.

"Their population is getting too large."

"Where is this information coming from?" Hail questioned.

"A reliable source."

"Who is it?" Canon continued the questioning.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out."

"What will we need in order to stop this?" Storm asked.

"Any weapon that's sharp."

"We can go to Wrench and Wither's foundry in the Everfree Forest." suggested Soul.

"That you can do after this."

Razor said,"You still haven't told us who we're fighting against."

"Can you tell us? We need to prepare for whoever it is?" Fencer added.

"Against...........dragons."

"WWHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?" exclaimed Cloudfire, Canon, Bladedancer, and Tint.

"I told we're going to die." Aero said.

"I take back what I said and agree with you." Voyager added.

"Alright, who wants to stab me? I will not haunt you if you do." Seng said.

Lancer replied,"I will if you stab me."

"Okay."

They both got up and used their wings to pick up the nearest object close to them.

"SIT DOWN!!" Soul yelled.

Seng and Lancer were about an inch away from stabbing each other with a spoon(Lancer) and fork(Seng) before Soul stopped them.

Seng whispered to Lancer,"Did you really have to pick up the spoon?"

"What?!! You were going to stab me with a fork so, why not."

"Quiet. How do they plan on executing their attack?" Fencer asked.

"A full assault. You need to prepare for this now, I have brought a few friends to help you. They are in the courtyard."

"Who're they?"

"You'll see but, you need to go to the foundry to pick up armor and weapons."

Black Soul obeyed her request,"As you wish. Seng, Lancer, Shadow, Aero, and Knight Storm accompany me."

They followed her to the forest and began to walk deep into the trees. They began to see a broken down building in a clearing ahead.

"Is this the right place?" Seng asked.

"Don't seem like it." said Aero.

"It's the right place." Storm answered.

Knight Black Soul opened the door, and inside were nice white walls, polished floors, furniture, a kitchens, and anything you would find in a nicely done house. There was a steel door in the back, it had a little window that looked into the mini foundry that was run there. They looked through the window and saw flames and molten.

Inside the foundry was completely different from the living quarters. The walls were hidden by finished and unfinished weapon and armor, they were unpolished and had oil spills all over them. There seemed to be a ventilation system, vents over the main fires lead smoke out to the atmosphere. There was a filter that somewhat purified the smog to at least take out some toxin from the smoke. In the back were 2 ponies, 1 earth and 1 pegasi. They seemed to be finishing a piece. The colt was the pegasus, he was wearing a mask that protected his face from the heat and sparks but, it had small cracks all around it. Part of his mane was and tail were burned but, they both seemed to be orange. His coat was scorched by burn marks, his coat was a light red. The earth pony, she seemed like a fragile one but, worked with deadly machines. Her mask was perfectly taken care of, no cracks or anything like that. Her man and tail weren't burned, she kept her yellow mane and tail short to avoid a fire that can bring her utter pain. Her coat was protected by a jacket that prevented any ambers from burning her. They poured the hot molten into the mold that created a future deadly weapon. After the molten had hardened the casting would be taken out and hammered down to a desired flatness.

Soul told them about the workers,"Wither, the earth pony, was taken in by Wrench when he found her wandering the Everfree by herself. She doesn't know what happened to her parents and, she came from no place of good."

"Where was that?" Shadow asked.

"She says if was full of torture and pain. It sounds a little like my old town, Green Fawn."

That town sounded familiar to Shadow.

"I wouldn't be here today if, the pegasus that saved me hadn't come along."

It all came back to Shadow. He was the one that saved her. He saved her from a griffon raid and, never has Black Soul thanked her savior.

Wrench and Wither came inside their living quarters and saw an unexpected surprise. They saw the 6 pegasus freeloading off of his fruit put their for Wither and himself.

"What a surprise, Black Soul. How are y-" Soul interrupted Wrench.

"I'm sorry but, we have no time to talk. Do you have anything that can do harm to a dragon?"

"What're you going to do kill one?"

Knight Black Soul and Storm looked at Wrench with a stern expression.

Wither said,"I think that means yes."

"Let's see, ah. We just made 20 pairs of fresh blades and a few sets of armor a couple days ago, they're in the storage cabinet in a crate. And if you are willing to wait we can finish our hoof-swords by tomorrow."

"Shadow, Lancer. Go get them. I'm we would but, we're short on time. Thank Wrench. We will tell you about this later."

They took the crate and head back to Canterlot. There seemed to be commotion coming from the courtyard. They saw Cloudfire, Razor, Bladedancer, and the others getting thrown to the ground by dragons. Storm saw the princesses just watching, he went over to them and asked what was going on, they said they were sparring with them to prepare for the attack. After the crate was placed down, Shadow and the others joined in on the sparring. Hours of pain went by, the pegasi were sore and tired. They had dinner and went to bed. Shadow however, was talking to Celestia at the tallest tower.

"How are you princess?"

"I'm worried. We never had a problem with the dragons before and now, they want to take our land."

"I'm sure there is something more to it than that but, we just don't know what yet."

"So, I heard about your incident at Ice Valley. What was the magic that you used?"

"I don't know. I never thought a pegasus could use magic."

"That's still a mystery then. Did you see the beam of light coming from the frontier a few days ago?"

"Yes, I did. I suppose you don't know what that is either."

She chuckled,"No, I don't."

"Aren't you sore from the sparring? You should get some rest." she added.

"I'm fine."

"What do you think Excaelum is going to do?"

"I don't know. I have not seen him fight any other dragons but, if he's like his father he will not go down easy."

"I pray he won't have to."

"Pray to whom?"

"Not whom. What. That "what" is destiny."

"We'll have to wait for destiny's decision then."

The next day came around.

24 hours left.

Current time 6:00 AM

The sun has been risen and the courtyard was lively in a couple of hours after, everypony has been awoken and fed. Shadow, Seng, Lancer, and Aero grouped up against Excaelum's solitary, Harvest.

"I will train you with the time given now and in addition, the time you missed yesterday to make up for your absence. The weak points on a dragons body are the stomach. The stomach is usually unprotected and it's the softest part of the body compared to the rest of the body. The next is the neck, it has vital blood vessels but, is protected and hard to reach without getting killed. NEVER fight a dragon in their own force. If you were to attack me and I was in water you will be killed. Take the target out of reach of their element or in an environment opposite to their force. The opposite of water is rock. Thunder to fire. Wind to rock. The forces without an opposite are gravity and time. Each of you will each have to land at least one hit on me to rest. Begin."

The 4 charged and were hit by the back of Harvest's claw, they were launched back, they hit a wall.

"OW!! DAMN THAT HURT!!" exclaimed Lancer.

"I don't feel a thing." Seng muffled with his face implanted in the wall.

"We're going to die before tomorrow comes." said Aero.

"Get up. We need to- ah. Right in the sore spot." Shadow said.

They kept this up and again and, again they were tossed back by Harvest's strength until Lancer hit her on her neck while she hit the other 3 against a wall.

"Good. Three more times." said Shadow.

A few dozen more time and another hit was landed by Aero on her again her neck.

"The more you do this the more frequently you will hit me." Harvest scolded.

She was right. Seng landed one on her stomach on the next round.

"Now let's see how you do against a dragon in their force. Since there is no water supply nearby you will spar with Gulfstream, he is a wind dragon. You will fight him in the air." Something blacked out the sunlight behind them, they looked and saw Gulstream. He is a dark green colored dragon with only legs and wings with yellow eyes. He was small 10 feet tall. 20 feet in length and had a 35 foot wingspan. He was bulky which made his enemies think he was slow, they were wrong.

"So, I'm going with them? This should be easy." he said.

"You guys will have fun with him." Echo said to Shadow and his group.

"Let's watch them since we're done with ours." suggested Voyager.

"Good luck." Hail said.

"This is going to be bad isn't it?" cried Aero.

"It can't be too bad." argued Lancer.

Gulfstream took off straight into the air so fast it pust the ones standing nearby back.

"You should take that back." Seng said.

"I think he already did." said Shadow.

Harvest said,"As a treat, any of you get to hit him to pass."

They chased after Gulfstream in the air, Gulfstream came down to them, opened his wings right before he made contact with them, and they were thrown down. Hard.

"Oooohhhhhhh." exclaimed the others watching.

"Wow, haha. That must have hurt. Are you okay Seng?"

"No, Cloudfire. We just hit the ground at over 1,000 mph and we're fine. Ahhhhh....thanks for your consideration."

"Stop exaggerating. come on we'll take you to Fyn Cour." Tint said.

Gulfstream landed and he felt a nudge at the bottom of his claw. It was Lancer.

He wheezed,"I............win." and passed out.

"Did I go too hard on them?"

"Yes you did." answered Karnage.

"Well, let's leave be. They had enough."

They were taken to the infirmary where Dust and Fyn Cour were tending to their injuries. Fyn Cour's magic allowed her to see through coats to render care to the muscles, bones, and nerves. If bones were fractured she can easily fix it but, if it was broken it may take a few hours depending on the injury. If nerves were severed she too can render easy care to it. If a muscle to torn or pulled it can be easily fixed. If small outside scrapes or bruises can be done as well.

"This is going to hurt. Your wing seems to be dislocated. On 3......1....3." Fyn said.

"You forgot 2." Seng whined.

"I'll get him to rest." Dust said.

Lancer and Aero didn't have any major injuries. Only a few fractured bones. They were tended to and she moved to Shadow next. She examined his body.

"Amazing, there seems to be no fractures or anything on your body."

"I guess I'm just lucky." Shadow got up and walked normally.

Their training was over and the real fight will begin in 12 hours.

Current time 6:00 PM

Dawn and Luna were talking in Luna's room.

"Princess, do you have any thing we can talk about, I'm kind of bored."

"Well, we do have a problem with cargo going to Saddle Arabia and Los Pegasus."

"Really?"

"Somepony has been robbing the cars that contain metal that were going to be recycled into new metal and a few of unused metal cars as well."

"Do you know who is behind it?"

"No but, we may ask help from your father to help escort the cargo safely after this is all done with a month from. We stopped shipment until we can get escorts."

"Do you at least have an idea of who it is?"

"No but, there were sightings of a strange pegasus in a black cloak at the incidences according to most of the eyewitnesses."

"Is there a pattern?"

"No. They just happen randomly."

"Okay new subject."

The two talked about random things. Meanwhile, Shadow and Celestia again were talking at the tallest tower.

"How was your day Shadow?"

"Fine besides the sparring."

"We should just wait here and enjoy the full moon my sister is going to raise."

"A full moon?"

"The brightest."

Shadow mumbled to himself,"When the moon is brightest."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing."

"I don't want to see anyone hurt."

"That won't happen. At least I hope not."

"Shadow, how does it feel to live forever?"

"What do you mean?":

"Exactly what i just asked."

"Being alive to see loved go is painful."

"I know how you feel. I used to have many friends until we grew up and I saw their lives end."

"Hopefully I can die someday."

"That's quite a thing to say. And you can't die, right?"

"That's where you're wrong princess."

"How?"

"Dawn and I have the choice to- Will you promise me not to tell anyone this?"

"Of course."

"Dawn and I can give up our immortality for only, a great purpose."

"You two aren't natural immortals, are you?"

"No. I had to do horrific things to gain this immortality for me and Dawn."

"Like?"

"I went to a witch that goes by the name, Great Tear. She had me sacrifice 20 lives each for our lives to be spared from fate."

"I can't believe you." Celestia sounded angry,"Why would you do that?!!"

"I don't want to kill another loved one. That's why." Shadow silenced Tia for a moment. She spoke again.

"What? What are you saying?"

"I KILLED STARFLARE!!" Shadow screamed.

"Star Swirl the Bearded's granddaughter?"

"Yes. And Dawn's mother. The love of my life." Shadow began to cry.

"Come here." Tia put her hooves and wings around him, trying to comfort him.

"I just want to be with her again but, I can't leave Dawn." Shadow cried even more.

"Please stop your tears. You are going to make me start to cry if you don't."

"I'm sorry but, it's just so hard to."

Tia looked at Shadow in his eyes and said,"We are here for you. Your daughter. Excaelum. Even your friends, are all here for you."

Shadow cried for a few more minutes during the cold night. The clear sky with the stars and the moon lit the night. In the distance were the lights of the frontier.

The same night Shadow journeyed into the spirit world where he saw Starflare.

"Star, I'm sorry I told Celestia about you."

"It's fine, don't beat yourself up. How's Dawn?"

"Can't she see you in this world?"

"No. I can only be seen by somebody with a strong memory of me. And you have a very strong memory of me."

"Who can she see? And is this for everybody?"

"Zaz maybe. This is only for the ones with the power of Lumen Fulsi."

"Lumen Fulsi?"

"Light beam."

"And Dawn has it to?"

"Yes. One more positive power. There are 3 negatives."

"Positives and negatives?"

"You have much more to learn about this. Hehehe." Star chuckled,"The positives are life, love, and mercy."

"And the negatives."

"Death, hate, and merciless."

"Which positive is Dawn and who are the others?"

"I can't reveal that. You on the other hand. You are life."

The world faded along with Starflare. Shadow woke up.

3 hours left until attack.

Take time to look at this.

http://azndragon123.deviantart.com/art/Hoof-sword-concept-art-400987717 just imagine the sword a wee bit longer and sharper. and there is also art for the hoof-blade if you look.

I hope you guys enjoyed your reading so far. The frontier is again future Ponyville I'm putting this because, I think it wasn't shown in the other chapters, I put it in the authors notes and thought it would show to you guys and if it did i'm sorry for putting this but, i'm making sure. The city in the clouds is future cloudsdale. I use 'anybody' and 'somebody' and 'somebody' during serious conversations I would use 'anypony' and 'somepony' and 'somepony' for the more casual parts.

Chapter 9 - King of Dragons

Chapter 9 - King of Dragons

Shadow went to the castle lobby where the others were equipping themselves with the hoof-blades. Luna and Celestia just came back from the frontier.

"The frontier is evacuated, Excaelum and the other dragons can station themselves there while, you will stay and defend Canterlot just in case he fails. We do NOT want them to fail." Celestia scolded.

"The wind dragon, Olganna, will be here for additional support if they get through. Any questions?"

Knight Black Soul explained the plan,"Good. The plan is, the dragons fend off the enemy and we all live our happy lives. If they fail and they come to Canterlot, protect the princesses, and most importantly don't die. Understood?"

The pegasus cried,"YES SIR!"

While Olganna stayed at the castle, Excaelum and solitaries waited in the center of the frontier. The outskirts were lined with pawns, ambassadors, and solitaries. When the time struck 6 the fight began.

There may be some descriptions that can disturb some readers. It's not that bad but, if you picture it, it might be. Just kidding it's pretty disturbing in my opinion. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

8 dragon were sent, one for each solitary. 5 of them were winged, the rest were not. Karnage, Nelo, and Ula took the wingless ones because, they too were wingless.

Karnage made the first kill. She dodged a fireball the dragon shot at her, went behind it and clawed his head leaving it stunned. She then tackled the dragon, used her sharp teeth to rip flesh from it's throat, then she finished it off by jamming her claws in between it's scales to it's chest and pulled it's heart out. She knew it was a pawn by the way it fought, it didn't attack smart, it just charged without a brain. The dragon lied on the ground bloodied up.

Nelo, didn't use much effort to make her kill. When her dragon charged head first, she grabbed it's head and started to shock it to death. The head was left burned and so much electricity was put into it, the body didn't know it died so, it kept moving, thrashing on the ground hitting rocks, trees, and whatever was nearby. It then, began to move slower and slower until it finally stopped.

Ula's kill was just as brutal as the others. He didn't need to use his time ability to make his kill. His target was more smarter than the ones Karnage and Nelo killed but, it was still stupid. It was a rock force dragon, it threw a large stone at Ula, he caught it and threw it back harder, it killed his target by hitting his neck. Ula went over the body and saw bones from the neck sticking out. He moved the body over to the side because, the sight of it wasn't pleasing.

Gulfstream took a more gruesome path. The dragon was diving down at him was going to suffer. Gulfstream grabbed the dragon by it's neck and slammed it to the ground, it was dazed. Gulfstream then used his right claws and placed them on the upper jaw, left on the bottom jaw, he pulled them away from each other. The bottom jaws ripped off and upper was completely bent. The dragon was left to bleed to death.

"4 more." Gulfstream said to himself aloud.

Shortsnout's target was too a fire dragon, that didn't matter, Shortsnout would kill anything with no remorse. He flew to his target and went for it's wings, Shortsnout burned off the joint connecting the wing to the rest of the body. The dragon was roaring in pain. Shortsnout silenced the noise from it's mouth by welding it shut with his flames. The dragon unsealed it's mouth by tearing it apart and blew flames at Shortsnout. Shortsnout being the higher level dragons, flames of lower levels had no effect on him. He flew straight to the dragon and tore his claws through it's stomach causing it to scream in pain.

"Just finish me!" it screamed.

"As you wish." Shortsnout grabbed the dragon by it's head and started turning until he completely snapped his neck. The limp body fell down.

Luster was nearby a small lake, she used as much water as she can to create sort of an icy armor for her wings. She encrusted her wings with ice that had sharp jagged edges, a dragon was going for her. Her kill was swift, she simply flew straight to the other dragon and left a long gash on the side of it's body. The body fell in the lake mixing the remaining blue water with it's red blood.

Harvest was getting attacked Luster assisted her by launching the water she had for her wings to her. Harvest deflected the water to the dragon attacking her, she froze it, flew into the air, and slammed it to the ground leaving pieces of the other dragon everywhere. She melted the water, it change color from blue to red violet. She seperated the blood from the water and placed the water back in the lake.

Jakal's target was not a pawn. It was one of Mesadraco's solitaries, Staok(stowww-k). He had a similar look to Jakal. He had a rough looking body but, his head was smooth. The scales on his body were tan, his eyes yellow. The difference between him and Jakal were the color of the scales and the eyes. The shape of both their bodies were similar, just not the color of them. Jakal had reddish colored eyes and brown scales.

"You must be Jakal. Do you consider yourself a worthy opponent?"

"Yes. Do you?"

"You should step aside my target is not you." Staok looked at Excaelum.

"You think you are worthy enough to fight him. You are a fool if you think that."

"So you think you can defeat me?"

Jakal nodded,"And if you want to get to Lord Excaelum you have to kill me."

"Very well."

Staok raised a spike right under Jakal fast enough to kill him. Jakal evaded his surprise attack and broke the spike, he then used the rock in the air. He made the sharper edges point to Staok and shot them at him. Staok slammed his claws on the ground creating a wall to protect him from the bullets. He put the wall down and charged to Jakal. He swung for his head but, was blocked by Jakal's left, Jakal countered using his right to get Staok off of him. Jakal used this tiny amount of time to try and land a hit on his enemy. Using his left, he tried to gash Staok's neck, it didn't work. Staok pushed him off and put some distance in between him and Jakal to have a little talk.

"What region are you from?" Staok asked.

"The south."

All the forces had regions they shared with each other. The rock force had a large region in the northern territory while the southern had a much smaller region. Jakal and Staok were from opposite regions.

"You fight well." said Jakal.

"As do you."

They both exposed their claws and charged. Jakal left three gashes along Staok's chest but, he too was struck. He had cuts running down his face. Neither died.

"Until we meet again." Staok flew back to the outskirts.

It seemed his lord wasn't pleased with him.

"Why did you return without attacking Excaelum?"

"Lord Chronin's solitary got in my way sire."

"I see he left you a souvenir. Leave before I finish what he started. Time to execute our little plan. Zartez, Pyrodia. Ready your strikers."

Excaelum and the solitaries regrouped.

"Why did they stop?" asked Harvest.

They didn't stop. The next thing that happened was of destructive beauty. Lightning and rock dust were launched at the castle. The fire Pyro's dragons provided gave the shots more speed and velocity. It moved fast towards the castle. They kept on shooting the compact rounds of 3 different forces to it. Olganna blocked the first few then one made contact. There was a huge explosion. The other shots were stopped by a shield that surrounded the castle. The shield protected it but, it might not hold on for long. That didn't matter to the opposing lords. They stopped firing.

The rock pawns all raised the land of the frontier destroying the houses and other buildings. Aquabellina's air solitaries kicked up the dust and rocks. The fire dragons created a smoke screen. Excaelum and the others could not see well. There was commotion coming from left of Excaelum, he was irritated so he used his powers to push the smoke down. The area was clear, the buildings were aflame and crumbled. He looked around and saw that Ula, Jakal, Nelo, and the other solitaries to be alright but, there was one missing. Harvest. He looked around shouting her name. He saw her head sticking out from rubble. He removed the rubble and pick her body up from it, only to see that a spike that punctured her scales and went through her heart. Excaelum took her far from the outskirts and gently placed her at the edge of the frontier. She spoke.

"I'm sorry I can no longer protect you." She coughed.

"Save your strength, I can get you well again. Just hang on."

"We both know I'm not going to make it." She coughed up blood.

"Don't say that."

"You can try and hide the truth but, it will find it's way to reveal itself."

"Stop talking." Excaelum began to tear up.

"I promise this is the first and last time I make you, my lord, cry."

"No, you can continue to after this."

She laughed weakly,"You were always looking for the good in the bad."

Her head went limp. Harvest died in the arms of her leader.

The heart-torn solitaries were just as sad as Excaelum. They looked down with their eyes closed, gave her a moment of silence.

Rage was building up inside Excaelum. He opened his eyes.

"Stay here. Protect her." he ordered.

The solitaries obeyed his command. He slowly trudged his way to the border of the outskirts where he won't harm Harvest's body. Each step he made was brought down with great force. The enemy was about to regret their presence in the anger of Excaelum. He opened his wings and flew high into the air, a tear on his head fell. The tear stopped falling, Excaelum was concentrating on his power. He again shut his eyes, they opened and changed color. They were white, they weren't glowing. His body also change. His scales darkened to black, his wings grew to 100 feet in wingspan. His length grew to 65 feet and his height wasn't easily determined. The fire that came from his nostrils were colored white. This appearance belonged to a dragon that died decades ago. The King of Dragons. Lord Dragaitas.

Excaelum's power grew immense, the dragon on the outskirts felt a power stronger than all the lords combined. The solitaries guarding the body of Harvest bowed. The enemy was frightened and nervous. They had the right to. The spirit of Excaelum's father took over his body. He roared, white flames were blocking out the sun, it lit up the sky. Fueled by rage Excaelum charged to the ones responsible for the death of his dear friend. They tried to fight back. That was pointless. As they attacked, Excaelum forced them down without even touching them. His gravity powers was much more stronger than before. He brought down some dragons so hard their internal organs were crushed inside their bodies, leaving them to bleed internally. He walked over to the 4 lords. Each step sounded like thunder. Like the coward he is, Zartez tried to flee. Excaelum brought him down using his power. He slammed the coward on the ground, brought him up, and did it again and again. The body of Zartez was limp, dead. Mesadraco is more of a fool, he spoke words that were his last to the lord.

"I killed Harvest. And I enjoyed watching you weep like the weakling you are."

The voice of Excaelum was not his. This voice was compelling and deep.

"You will regret those words."

Lord Dragaitas took the neck of her killer and crushed it. He threw his body in front of Staok.

"You always deserved a seat at the top."

Staok bowed,"Thank you. My lord."

Dragaitas looked over to the other lords. He was talking to someone but, none of them.

"I feel your anger but, you must resist. Show mercy even to those that caused you great pain."

The white eyes shook the bodies of Pyrodia and Aquabellina.

Dragaitas flew back to the body of Harvest. The solitaries bowed to him.

"Lord Dragaitas, can you bring my sister back?" Luster asked crying.

"Rise my pupils." They all lifted their heads and the lord said,"No. I'm sorry but, this is her destiny. I must ask you all a favor, can you pass this message to your lords?"

"Anything." Shortsnout answered.

"Look after my son."

Lord Dragaitas' appearance faded. Excaelum had his own appearance and control over his body and his own size. The tear that was in the sky from Excaelum began to fall and when it hit the ground, another great power came from Excaelum. His eyes and wings were glowing bright. His head was jerked back and he shot a beam of light through his mouth. A whirlpool of wind formed from him, the solitaries stood in front of the body of Harvest, shielding her from the great winds. This continued for 3 seconds, the beam faded. His head slowly went down, his eyes closed, and slowly opened. They were not glowing anymore, so did the glow from his wings. The whirlpool of wind was still active, he dispersed it.

Excaelum spoke,"Thank you. Father."

He blacked out.

Chapter 10 - Aftermath

Chapter 10 - Aftermath

Luster took command of the group due to the black out inflicted to Excaelum.

"Stay sharp, they may attack again."

"I'm sorry for bringing this up but, were you two actually sisters?" Shortsnout asked.

"No, I just felt like she was. We knew each other ever since we were hatchlings."

Gulfstream announced,"They're retreating." he seemed confused,"Why?"

"Doesn't matter. We need to get Lord Excaelum somewhere safe, some stragglers may be still around."

"I'll scout the area and see if there are any." said Jakal.

He flew into the air and started his search.

Back at Canterlot.

"HE'S LOSING TOO MUCH BLOOD!!!" shouted Dust.

"Hold him still, I need to clamp his artery!" yelled Fyn Cour.

The explosion shot by the dragons has critically injured Fencer, he had almost half of his front left hoof blown off and part of his wing center was cut deep but, luckily the others had scrapes. Fencer was at the center of the explosion along with Shadow, Razor, and Cloudfire(positioned left to right). When the shot was spotted Olganna came in from the right to left and used her body as a shield but, the shot was faster and affected Fencer the most.

"He fainted!"

"Not good, he may slip into a coma! Damn!! Who else had any medical experience?!!"

Dawn spoke up,"What do you need?" her voice was slightly deeper and her mane was also, kind of darker. No one noticed, they were to in shock to.

"I'm sorry but, this is much too important Dawn." said Dust.

"I can handle it."

"Like we have a choice. Get over here!" ordered Fyn."I need you to hold his hoof in place so it won't fall off while I go in to clamp his artery. Ready?"

Dawn nodded.

They were working on Fencer for a couple of hours and he was stabilized but, he was in a coma. They did not know how long it would be until he awoke. Dust and Iril moved him to a infirmary inside where he would not be disturbed.

Olganna was injured as well but, her tough scales kept her from being majorly damaged. The others just woke up, the explosion knocked them all out due to the force and loud sounds. They were all pushed against either a wall or pillar.

"Is everyone alright?!!" Soul yelled.

They all replied with yeses and yeahs.

"How about the princesses?" Flood said.

They turned around and saw that Celestia and Luna were talking to another unicorn. She was old and frail looking. Her coat was a mix with gray and white, her mane and tail were messy and white. She wore a hat that was pointy, like a wizard's hat.

"I'd like you all to meet the unicorn that conjured up that shield and saved our lives, Gandore." said Celestia.

"I must get back to my studies now." she said.

"Really? She just left." exclaimed Aero.

"She's stubborn and too much of a bookworm but, hopefully she can help us another time." Luna replied.

"Where's Shadow? I must talk to him." Celestia scolded.

They looked around and saw he wasn't anywhere near them.

On the top of the mountain where they did the course, Shadow woke up. He walked around wondering how he got there then he saw someone he thought died many years ago. This pegasus had a white coat and a mane and tail that were golden.

"Master Garren?"

"Ah, your awake. How have you been?"

"Fine but, how are you still alive? We thought you were dead."

"You're not the only one that has visited Great Tear."

"Oh."

"I would like you to join me."

"Join?"

"Yes. On my journey back to Fallen Star. I have a few friends dying to meet you."

"Why there?"

"We have plans for this fair land for deserting our cry for help during the siege."

Shadow's tone toward his old teacher changed,"What plans?"

"To destroy it."

"How are you going to go about it?"

"You? You're not joining then."

"Why would I destroy my home?"

"Fallen Star is your home."

"Never. It will never become my home again."

"Don't worry me and my associates cleared of those griffons."

"How many associates do you have?"

"Including me, 3."

"Three? Fallen Star is a big island. How did you do it?"

"I understand we have been connected ever since the days we were born."

"How?"

"We both, Excaelum, and 3 others all have a gift. A rare type of magic."

"Lumen Fulsi."

"That is correct."

"Which one are you?"

"I am death. And you are?"

"Life. How do you expect us to fight together when we are opposites?"

"We control our destiny. We can rule the world together."

"I see. I don't want to rule the world. I don't want to go against my friends and family. I see how we can opposites."

"This is your last chance. Are you with me?"

Shadow hesitated to answer but, he did in a firm voice,"No."

"Wrong answer."

Garren had a hoof-sword equipped, he flung out the sword and stabbed Shadow in the right scapula(shoulder blade). He was too quick for Shadow to evade him.

"Ahh. You can't kill me." groaned Shadow.

"That doesn't mean you can't feel pain. Since you were my student I'll give you another chance. Will you join me?"

"Go to hell."

"I just got back."

He pulled the sword and stabbed Shadow in the neck. Garren pulled out his sword and secured it back into place.

"When we meet again I won't be so friendly."

Shadow passed out and didn't wake for a few hours. The sun was setting and mountain air was getting cold. He was to injured from Garren's attack to fly so, he walked down. He continued to the frontier, the moon was already up. He saw Olganna and a golden dragon, Chronin. Excaelum was up and he was talking to them. Shadow saw the golden dragon nod and it moved to the center of the frontier. The buildings were going back to normal. Chronin was using her magic to turn the structures back to their original form before they were destroyed but, this power only worked for inanimate objects. The body of Harvest was brought to her feet. Excaelum levitated her body and took her over to the small lake. Luster cleared the water of the blood and she encased her body in ice, she then was placed gently by Chronin. Shadow walked closer and was noticed by Excaelum, he walked closer and spoke to him.

"Who is in the ice?" Shadow asked.

The gray dragon sighed,"A friend."

The ice and the body started to dissolve. Lord Chronin was speeding the process of the decomposing. The body was not falling apart, it simply turned to dust and drifted into the night sky joining the stars.

"I am sorry for your loss." Olganna said.

"Come here Excaelum I must know something."

Excaelum walked over to the great dragon, she placed the tip of her claw on his head. She saw what his father did when he took over his body.

"So, you wanted to kill the other lords but, your father told you to show mercy and he killed 2 of the lords and many others."

"I am sorry." Excaelum replied.

"No need to. He made a wise choice promoting Staok to a lord but, we need to find out who Zartez's replacement is and I believe you have somewhere to be."

"Yes I do."

Excaelum flew and headed towards the moon.

Lord Chronin looked at Shadow.

"Who is this?"

"One of Excaelum's mark bearing friends." said Olganna.

"I mean you no harm, I just need to go back to the castle."

"We have to go back there anyway." Olganna said,"I'll take you."

She lowered her wing allowing Shadow to get on.

"Well, if you would rather walk be my guest."

"No it's just I haven't rode a dragon for awhile."

Shadow rode on her back and started seeing flashbacks.

He saw himself, Dawn, and Garren sobbing on the back of Dragaitas. They were crying because, Zaz had died.

"I'll make them pay." said Garren.

The memory ended and they arrived at Canterlot.

"Shadow, Celestia wants to talk to you." Iril said.

Olganna lowered her wing so he can get off.

"Where is she?"

"Inside I'll show you the way. My name is Iril by the way."

"Nice to meet you Iril."

They walked inside the castle and continued up the stairs and turned left into a hallway.

"The room she is in should be the last door straight ahead."

"Thank you."

Shadow opened the door and saw both the princesses with his daughter chatting.

"You made it we have something to talk about." said Tia.

"What is it?"

Dawn answered,"Lumen Fulsi."

Chapter 11 - Six Flowers

Chapter 11 - 6 Six Flowers

"Do you need me to get Gandore sister?"

"Yes Luna. She can make more sense of it than I can. Shadow are you aware of the magic you posses.?"

"I am. What of it?"

"What of it? Father I had a dream of Zaz and he said to "Give love to those who lost it." Right before I woke up. What does that mean?"

"You must be the love positive."

"Love?" said Tia.

"I talk to someone in my dreams as well, she said there are three positives and an opposing three negative. The positives are life, love, and mercy. Negatives are death, hate, and merciless. They are all part of a power chain called as you said earlier, Lumen Fulsi which means light beam."

"Which are you dad?"

"I am life. I heard the dragons outside and Excaelum may be the mercy."

"Who're the others?" asked Tia.

"I know who one of them is, he is death."

"Who is he?" Dawn asked.

"You remember him Dawn. He was the father of Zaz, my old teacher."

"Master Garren, why him?"

Luna and Gandore came inside.

Garren said,"All who posses these powers are connected in some way."

"How do you know that?Dawn asked the old mare.

"According to legend the magic was forged by 6. The magic was meant to bring balance to the world but, was split in half when they grew a different point of view."

"When was this magic made?" Shadow asked.

"400 years ago. It also says that all 6 powers must be awoken before the conflict can begin."

"Where's the piece of material where you got this from?" questioned Dawn.

She pulled out a dusty old book titled Six Flowers. The binding was coming loose so, no one could touch it only use magic to read it. It was very thick and yellowed. The cover was faded and curled.

Tia questioned Gandore,"This is it?"

"Yes, I was reading this because sadly, I ran out of material to read. It's written in code princess. At first I didn't get it either but, I've spent 2 years decoding it and I still don't fully understand. The first and last three words of each chapter are they only words that matter and I have looked through the chapters to make sure I didn't miss anything, the rest is just about fillies that spent time together. That is why the book is so thick, to contain it's secrets."

"What do they say?"

"I haven't fully read the words because, I spent some much time trying to understand what the first few sentences meant but, I can show you what I have so far. The field was. Covered in grass. The six lived. On a five. Pointed piece of. Land that has. Fell from the. Dark cold skies. The six flowers. Grew apart now. They shared a. Sun and moon. They grew different. From each other. Three of the. Flowers died under. The moon and. The rest thrived. In the field. Of green grass. Red mist showered. The remaining three. Flowers lived on. Two visited a. Memories that calmed. The mind of. One before it. Died and all. Eventually dead, passed. On and the. Remaining lived to. See the future. Six were reborn. I need to read it over because, it seems this dusty old book is more important than I thought."

"That's it?" said Shadow,"Some of it doesn't make any sense."

Dawn spoke out,"I know what it is saying. The six who posses the powers will fight and four will die there. The other two will eventually die, then the six will be reborn. The location of the fight will be Fallen Star."

"Fallen Star?" Tia was surprised.

"Five pointed piece of land that fell from the dark cold skies. Most shapes of stars have five points and it fell from the skies. Fallen Star. I do not want to go back there."

"Looks like we'll have to go there again." said Luna.

"I can't let you go sister."

"I'm not going to let them go and have the legend become a reality."

"Father who was the one who spoke to you? In your dreams."

"Your mother. Tia and Luna haven't met her because, she died before Fallen Star became an island of death. That island used to be filled with life but, now it's probably nothing but a wasteland."

"So I'm assuming three have already awoken. Dawn, you, and Excaelum. What about the other three?" said Luna.

"Let's not worry about that now. Let's just mind our own business until they do but, Shadow we must take extra precaution for now. Since we just got this done we will wait for a month before taking another action." Tia scolded.

"Thank you, we do need to re-cooperate and Fencer is in a coma right now. What do you need?"

"We need help transporting cargo to different locations: Saddle Arabia and Los Pegasus."

"I recall no train tracks going to Saddle Arabia."

"You'll have to go there by hoof. There will be two groups both of them will be headed towards Los Pegasus, one will stay there and wait for the delivery to Saddle Arabia to be done. I want one group to stay so the cargo that has already been delivered will be protected."

"What's the cargo?"

"Metal."

Shadow thought in his head,"That explains the swords Garren stabbed me with but, how did he get them? Did he raid Wrench and Wither after we left?"

"Shadow, can you do this?"

"Of course, I'll notify the others when I can."

One month has passed and both the cargo was safely on board the train. Fencer had awoken from his coma a week before this mission was scheduled and he joined the mission. Seng, Shadow, Lancer, Aero, Tint, Bladedancer, Flood, and Knight Black Soul were to be stationed at Los Pegasus. The Saddle Arabia team was led by Knight Storm and he had the other recruits and his team from Ice Valley with him. Both teams were give armor and hoof-swords. The armor for pegasus was little. It only had the helmet and for the center of the body, they weren't given full sets of armor because, they had to more agile and quicker than their enemy. The pegasus were all standing on top of the train, Seng and Soul were talking.

"Perhaps after this you all can be knights." said Soul.

"After all we went through so far, I hope so." Seng replied.

"I have been planning on this for awhile and with all of you I may have enough pegasus to make my own group."

"Of what?"

"The Royal Airborne Knights(R.A.K.). I have just been approved by Princess Celestia to form it whenever I wish."

"That's cool maybe you can put me as one of the leaders. We should rest, it's going to be awhile before we get there."

"I'll consider it. Everypony inside! Get some shuteye." Soul ordered.

Shadow was speaking to himself,"Garren, you will not bring death to this land."

They were all tired from standing of the train that was forcing wind in their faces so, they happily obeyed her. The train was silent even in the day. In a day or two they would arrive in Los Pegasus.

Chapter 12 - Original

Chapter 12 - Original

Excaelum hasn't been seen for a while since the attack on the frontier. He was sitting still on the moon, just sitting in one spot. He was meditating.

"Father, I've been doing this for awhile now. When are you going to teach me how to use my power?"

Since he was on the moon, Excaelum didn't need to wait for a full moon to see the one he had a strong memory of, Shadow and Dawn have to wait for a full moon.

"In time. This power if used incorrectly, can end the lives of the ones you love."

"I'm I the only one with this power?"

"No. Shadow and Dawn have this power. And another three do also. Shadow and Dawn are allies, the others intend harm to you and them."

"Who are the others?"

"You know one very well, Garren. He and the others haven't awaken their powers."

"When will they wake?"

"Positives activate when in a time of need but Dawn, her power activated without needing it. That remains a mystery of why it happened. Negatives activate when the user wants to do harm to another being. You are all connected."

Excaelum sat their awhile longer, quiet. He wanted to ask a few questions not about the power but, the first organization of dragons.

"You never told me about your generation. We have time we should talk."

"I was one of the original dragons so is Chronin. We excelled our power, size, wisdom, etc. Our members were far more powerful than yours."

"How so?"

"Pyrodia's flame, are you familiar with it?"

"Yes."

"His flame was cold compared to my own and Flamekken(fla-mech-kin). Flamekken was magnificent, her flames were burning of vivid red, yellow, and orange. Her scales too were also bright as her flames and the slight blue in her eyes were contradicting the rest of her body. She was about the same size as me, well we all were similar sizes except Chronin, who we called the runt of our group. Flamekken was a happy one, usually she was the one who kept on making nicknames for us. Flamekken died a peaceful death, she passed in her sleep. We were all saddened but, an egg was by her corpse the one inside was as you know today, Pyrodia. The original rock dragon named him."

"Who?"

"Yaforn(ya-forn). She named him Pyrodia because, of his dark scales and his aggressiveness, I had to teach him the basics of fire. Yaforn was odd, she would disappear for the longest time coming back more negative. Her scales were rough, they were brown and tan striped. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of yellow that looked like they were the sun. The stripes were distorted and uneven but, that made her significant from the rest of the rock dragons. Her death was wrong, she was killed in her sleep by her own offspring, Mesadraco. That's why I was not happy when he killed your solitary. It reminded me of his evil laugh when we found him standing over the body of Yaforn. We had to keep him alive before we found a replacement, Staok seemed to be more of an appropriate choice than his lord, that's why I gave him Mesa's place. Pyro, Aqua, Mesa, and Zartez all grew up together."

"Why did you kill Zartez?"

"I didn't, you did. It seemed like you didn't like seeing a comrade leaving his allies."

"Did you hate that?"

"Of course I did, that's why I let you kill him. His father also hated that, Okin. He was strict when it came to Zartez but, when he was with us, the originals, he was optimistic and telling stories. He once told us a story of how he kept on electrocuting Zar in his sleep to teach him a lesson when he was behaving in a intolerable matter. His scales were dark violet and his eyes were blue. He was always blending in with the sky as we were cruising them during the night."

"Sounds like you had quite a time during your rule."

"We didn't worry about other affairs, we just minded our own business. That has changed since your group came into power."

"We are no longer united now."

Pyrodia and Aquabellina were talking to another mysterious dragon.

"He killed two of your lords?"

"Yes, we did not intend for that to happen. At first we were working with you to bring the star dragons back but-" the mysterious dragon stopped Pyro.

The mysterious dragon was laughing maniacally,"HAHA!! You two are fools, the stars can never be brought back. HAHAHA!!"

"Why have you lied to us?" Aqua was angry.

"To get mercy awaken. What're you two going to do about it? It's not like you can defeat me."

"We'll see about that." Pyro shot a ball of flame at him, the fire did not effect his target. Pyro was scared.

"That was very foolish of you." the dragon had a evil look in his face.

The dragon charged towards Pyro, tackled him on the ground, and blew a dark blue flame in his face until the roar of the fire dragon stopped. Pyro's body was set on fire by the dragon, his body was burning fast and the heat from the flame made Aquabellina step back.

"What have you done?!" Aqua was shaking.

"I simply punished a traitor, will you be joining him?"

Aqua summoned the moisture from the air and went into a fighting stance.

"I take that as a yes."

The dragon charged towards Aqua, she avoided the enemy and landed a clean mark of her claws on his neck.

"That's all you got?" the dragon chuckled.

He forced Aquabellina on the ground without moving.

"Your family will not be pleased with your betrayal Orcusin(or-kiss-in)."

"I don't plan on pleasing."

Aqua wasn't able to move, she was overpowered. The dragon went over to her, used it's claws to grasp her head, it started turning her head. It kept turning Aqua's head until there was a sound that told the killer that the neck has broken.

"One member doesn't make a family." it said.

Dragaitas or rather his spirit has just finished reminiscing of his friends in the first group of forces. Excaelum continued to sit there. A day or two passed by.

"This meditation is to calm your mind, clear it of all disturbances, and to test your patience. You have proven yourself ready for the next phase of your training."

"Have you had this power before?"

"No."

"How do you know about the training then?"

"The original creators of this magic cast a spell having a close one to the users heart teach them. I was given the gift to watch you grow until it was time. The knowledge of each power is passed to only the one chosen to teach the current user."

"What happens after you're done?"

"I will be able to rest."

Excaelum slowly raised himself and looked down at the planet below. It was covered in blue, the water, and white streaks, the clouds. Suddenly he saw a beam of black shoot into the atmosphere.

Chapter 13 - I Hate Your Sanity

Chapter 13 - I Hate Your Sanity

"What's that?" Excaelum asked himself.

6 hours earlier, the train has just stopped at Los Pegasus and the first of the cargo has been delivered. Knight Storm and his team are on their way to Saddle Arabia. Since they had to watch for enemies, there were earth ponies pulling the cargo while Knight Storm watched the horizon.

"It's hot now. Whew, the sun just came up to." Hail whined.

"Dry Ocean was a lot than this." Echo replied.

"I can't believe how much I hated that place. Ugghhhhh. Just thinking about that place makes me sweat." Voyager added."What was it like 121 degrees Fahrenheit there."

"Add a couple more numbers and you might be closer. I just chugged those canteens that were given to us during the first few hours." said Echo.

Hail chuckled,"That backfired on you when you had no water left. I had to share some of my water with you."

"I was greedy with mine." laughed Cloudfire.

"I wasn't so generous either." Voyager said.

While Voyager, Hail, Echo, and Cloudfire were talking about their memories of Dry Ocean, Razor and Canon were going ahead of the convoy to see what's ahead. After a few minutes they came back.

Razor reported,"There is an abandoned warehouse up ahead Knight Storm, should we rest there for awhile before we continue?"

"It'll give some time for the earth ponies to rest from all that hauling they've been doing." added Canon.

Storm answered,"Why not. We can avoid that sandstorm coming."

Canon was shocked,"What sandstorm?"

"That one."

Storm directed his wings in the direction of the storm, it was behind them. It was moving slow but, soon enough it would impact them. When they reached the warehouse the sandstorm hit against the boarded windows, broken walls, and windows. The warehouse wasn't much, it was large and dusty. There were opened boxes that were filled by sand.

"It appears that nopony has been here in a long time." exclaimed Fencer.

"What do you think this place was used for?" asked Hail.

"Probably a post office or something like that." Voyager said.

"Not so much post office, I mean look at the size of this place. It's pretty big for a post office in the middle of this desert-like terrain." Echo argued.

After an hour the storm still hadn't died out so, Fencer and Storm went to look around just for the fun of it. They were searching the back to see if there anything of value. The warehouse was bigger than they thought, they went further in the mysterious warehouse. They walked between two tall polls and a smell overwhelmed their noses.

"What the heck is that stench?" said Fencer."Did something die in here."

They found something that startled them.

"GET OVER HERE!" shouted Fencer.

All the pegasi flew over to the calls.

"What is it?" Cloudfire asked.

"This is no post office, look." Storm turned his head down to what looked like a cargo bay.

They looked down and saw bodies, hundreds of them stacked upon each other. Most of them had what looked like stab wounds, some of the bodies had limbs missing. There was something that disgusted them all, not the stench but, the tools that were hanging on the walls. They were covered in blood, they were not cleaned. Hooks, chains, saws, nails, etc. That wasn't all.

"These kills were very recent, someone has been here within the past few days." Storm scolded.

"Is that what the residents at Los Pegasus were talking about? I remember they said that a whole town went missing about a month ago. Could these bodies be the citizens of that town?" Razor said while shaking.

"But the kills are still fresh and if it was a month ago then that means the......." Canon was speechless for a few seconds, his eyes widened,"....the killer tortured them before-"

Storm stopped him,"We need to get out of here."

Hail said,"The storm is still-"

"Would you rather stay here and meet whoever did this? That's what I thought, come on."

They went back to the main storage room only to see the earth ponies dead on the ground. One of the workers was still moving. Voyager flew over to the injured one.

"Who did this to you?" he asked worriedly.

"B......hind.."

"Tell me."

"Behind..............you." the worker stopped moving.

"Behind me?"

Voyager slowly turned around, the others looked towards the same direction.

Voyager looked at the others and said,"I don't see anything."

Suddenly there was loud pop from the direction he turned his back to, Voyager turned back to see what it was.

"GET AWAY FROM THERE!!" yelled Storm.

A spear was shot from a giant bow concealed in the boxes and cranes. The spear pierced Voyager's neck and stuck him to a wall. His head was hanging by only a thin piece of skin. The blood was pouring out from his head.

"HOLY SH- VOYAGER GET AWAY FROM THERE!!" screamed Razor.

In all the panic something stopped them, a cry. It was coming from the entrance they came through. A pony wandered inside sobbing, it was wearing a hooded coat.

"Grab the pony and let's go!" Storm ordered.

Fencer flew to grab the crying pony, it wouldn't move. The crying stopped and turned to a laugh. The doors were slammed shut, the walls and windows were being closed by magic. The pony looked up at Fencer and said,"Where are you going?"

Fencer fell over with a dagger jabbed in his side. The hooded pony looked up with a sinister looking smile. The hood was taken off and they all saw it was a unicorn, it performed a spell knocking out the ones closer to it first, Storm was near the back, he heard the voice of the murderer. And he had a glimpse of what it looked like as it walked closer.

"More things to play with." it laughed hysterically. Storm passed out.

Echo and Cloudfire woke up, they saw that they were still in the main storage area only chained up to the wall along with Storm, Razor, and Hail.

Echo was out of energy but managed to ask,"Where is Canon?"

"I don't know. Where did that bastard go? She's going to pay for what she did"

"We can't get him if we're chained up like this."

The looked down and saw their weapons were taken form, the chains that kept them from escaping were not rusted but, new and strong. Razor tried breaking it, he didn't leave a scratch.

THIS IS WHERE THE GORE COMES IN

"My, my. You aren't trying to leave are you? We just got started." the unicorn returned with blood on her face and carrying a bag. She threw the bag and a pair of wings fell out.

"What have you done?" asked Cloudfire.

"I killed one of your friends, isn't that obvious. I feel bad for the other two I killed," she looked up, she was looking at the bodies of Voyager and Fencer hanging above them."I never liked killing ponies instantly, it was never any fun so I thought if I was going to kill anyone instantly, I might as well be creative. That bow I used to kill the first one, I made that. First I ha-"

Cloudfire was angry,"Shut your mouth."

"That's not a way to treat the one who has your life in their hooves. I'm going to have to punish you."

The unicorn walked over, looked at Cloudfire, and levitated a brick and hit Razor in the head.

"This is what happens when you disrespect me."

She kept on hitting Razor in the head with the brick again, and again Cloudfire heard the impact it made on Razor's head. Razor didn't make a sound, he was dead. The unicorn dropped the brick and left snickering. Cloudfire was speechless.

After a few minutes, the rest woke up.

"What's going o-" Hail saw the body of Razor and started screaming.

"Canon, Razor." Storm was sad, the last of his personal team was killed. A tear fell from his eye.

Echo felt a drop on his head, he looked up and the saw the bodies. Voyager's head fell and landed right in front of him."AHHHHH!!"

Cloudfire was silent, he didn't know what to do.

"I see you are all awake. You know it's rude to fall asleep when you're visiting someone, it says that they're boring and nothing they do interest you." the unicorn returned and Echo's screaming stopped.

Her coat was clear of blood and the jacket she wore was hung by a hook. Her coat was a dark yellow, her mane and tail were dark violet. Her eyes were light green. Her eyes, her eyes were bloodshot and they looked menacing.

"Speaking of rude, I have not introduced myself yet. My name is Lacoden(la-co-den). And yours?"

She was looking at Echo. He answered,"You are going to die."

"You are ungrateful, I show you the finest hospitality and this is how you repay me. With words of hate. You must be insane if you have the guts to say that. That's good though because....."

She levitated a broken pipe from the ground, both sides were jagged. She took it and stabbed Echo in the stomach.

"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

"I hate your sanity. Don't worry we're not done having fun. If I pull it out now you'll bleed to death, let's go to the back where we can have some privacy."

Storm was trying to stall Lacoden,"How did you kill the workers without us hearing their screams?"

"Those two polls there, I put on spell on them so that when you pass in between them you can't hear what's happening from the side you entered, I cast another little spell that blocks the fragrance of the bodies also. I'll take the spell down so you can hear us have fun."

Lacoden dragged Echo to the back. Storm heard something coming from the entrance, it wasn't the sandstorm it stopped. He focused his teared up eyes and saw Knight Black Soul. She quietly came over, she walked to Cloudfire and wondered why he was silent, she walked to Storm.

"We're going to get you out of here."

"What about Echo?"

"I hate to say this but, we have to leave him. I'm going to use his screams as a cover to break these chains."

Soul had her sword ready.

"You can't just leave him." Hail whispered.

She heard a scream and hit Hail's chains to set him free.

"Shadow and the others are outside go."

"I'm sorry Echo." Hail said, he went outside.

Soul waited for another scream and broke Storm's chain. Lacoden heard a faint echo coming from the storage bay. She got suspicious, she looked over at Echo, she got closer to him, she stabbed him with the same dagger she used to kill Fencer, and right before he screamed she covered his mouth. Lacoden heard a clear sound of metal hitting each other.

"I told you, you are going to die."

"Still so rude." She jabbed the dagger into his skull."Have you learned your lesson?" she stared at the body,"Good, you have. Now I have to greet your friend." She walked to the front humming a cheery tune.

"Cloudfire we need to leave. Can you hear me?"

Cloudfire didn't respond.

"I'll have to drag you out then."

"I couldn't save him."

"Look at me it wasn't your fault. Now we have to leave before she comes back, are you with me?"

Cloudfire looked up at his commanding officer, he stuttered,"Y-yeah. We can kill her later."

Soul had a small grin,"That's the spirit. Get up."

"Well that's touching. I killed five of your friends and yet you still have the motivation to live. If I kill her," Lacoden looked at Soul from one of the polls,"maybe you will be more damaged." She launched a spear at her with her magic. It was too fast for Soul to react. There was a loud sound that stopped the heart of Cloudifre. Soul was still standing without a scratch on her. Soul looked back.

"Sorry I was late."

"Seng what're you doing here?"

Seng's sword broke and the sword fell on the ground with a clang. He stopped the spear but, he had no defense now. His hoof was shaking.

"That hurt more than I thought it would." Seng chuckled."Shadow is preoccupied outside, you should go check on him before he gets himself killed."

"Thank you." Cloudfire said.

"Don't thank me yet, we're not out of here yet."

Seng looked at the two,"What? I never said I was going to stay here, look at her she's crazy!"

They flew out, Lacoden didn't stop them.

Outside Shadow, Lancer, and Aero were outside. They were just finished killing a few Changelings.

"I'd never thought I would ever fight a Changeling before." Lancer panted.

The bodies of the Changelings were laying on the ground as there normal form.

"We need to get back to Canterlot." said Shadow.

"Not so fast." Lacoden was at the entrance."I have to say hello to my friend. Shadow I missed you"

"How are you alive?"

"Great Tear had my life spared and I became immortal."

"You are merciless I suppose."

"No I'm hate. Now it's time for me to awaken."

Her horn, eyes, mane, and tail were giving off a black light. A beam of black shot out of her horn, this continued for 3 seconds.

Excaelum was on the moon,"What's that?" he asked himself.

Back on the ground, Lacoden fainted.

"This is our chance to kill her." said Hail.

"She's immortal, you can't. And if we take her with us she'll only break out and kill more of us."

When they returned to Los Pegasus they saw that the cargo had been stolen.

"All this for nothing." Aero sighed.

Lacoden woke up, she was sunburned.

"I can't wait to kill her."

Lacoden was laughing her lungs out.

Chapter 14 - Two Sides of the Coin

Chapter 14 - Two Sides of the Coin

A funeral was held a few weeks after Lacoden has awaken her hate, there were two seperate funerals. One for the workers and one for Knight Storm's team, Echo, and Voyager. Celestia and Luna attended the workers funeral to apologize for what had happened. Knight Soul and Storm and the others were silent during the ceremony. Five caskets were lowered 6 feet into the ground, all in a row. They were empty caskets, they didn't want to get the bodies back, they were too frightened by Lacoden's power to. Dirt covered the caskets as soon as they touched the ground, no tears were shed. They were all too sad and too angry to cry. They went to the frontier, to Shadow's place.

Soul told them all,"If you want to avenge our friends you cant stay, if not you have my permission to leave. Anyone leaving?"

Shadow replied,"I think we all have a score to settle with her."

Lancer added,"We are prepared for whatever happens next."

"Good, I will be making my own group of elite flyers, Royal Airborne Knights(R.A.K.). There will be four divisions: Scouting/intelligence, attack, defense, and support. You will be able to choose your division, you will be training for a long time, about three months at the most. Since this is the very first time this has been formed we do not know our full potential."

"When do we start?" Hail was eager.

Storm said,"After we go back to the clouds, we got a gift for you all."

They flew back to the clouds and were led to the barracks. They all saw solid bronze armor.

"I know it's kind of late but, you are now officially in our military. Do you accept our gifts to you?"

Aero walked over to the armor and placed his hoof on it,"I'm in."

None of the pegasi left, they were loyal to Equestria.

"A start for a new beginning." said Soul.

Garren and Lacoden were having a conversation at the warehouse that was used to torture innocent beings.

"When do I get to kill her?" Lacoden asked.

"In time. Merciless and death haven't been awoken yet. Our powers take more time to mature, not like the others."

"It was fascinating how you got the yeti to attack Shadow and to activate his power."

"Yetis aren't intelligent it wasn't that hard."

"And how Orcusin(or-kiss-in) convinced those reptiles to attack their own for no reason, genius."

"You are the only one of us that has their power activated but, like the positives it can't reach it's full strength without all three activated. The positives have already got their power activated, they know only need to learn their light command. Once we've all learned ours the war can begin."

"How should we awaken death and merciless?"

"A simultaneous attack on both the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. I will be visiting Shadow and Dawn while, Orcusin will be having a family reunion."

"What about the after effect?"

"Me, Shadow knows I can break out of their bars so, I won't have anything to worry about because, they would just leave me be. Orcusin, I don't know."

"I can work on my teleportation spells to get him out."

"You're thinking smart now, nice job."

"I learned a lot after the siege."

"I hope you liked killing those griffons as much as I did."

"Oh, I did."

They both walked to the back of the warehouse wear the bodies were kept. Lacoden moved the bodies to the side, there was a door under all the limbs and blood. She cast a spell that opened it, the door led to a underground foundry, they followed the great staircase going down. It was large, they didn't need a ventilation system for Lacoden used her magic to filter out the air. There were hoof- swords, blades, and armor in a distribution part of the foundry. This foundry was ran by Changelings, they were obedient to Garren. They obeyed his every word in return for food and Equestria as their new territory. There were hundreds of Changelings, they worked day and night. The only time they were allowed to rest was when they were fed.

"The metal we stole from them will come to be useful in the future." Lacoden said.

"The foundry in the Everfree Forest is nothing compared to this."

"I can't believe you gave them your blueprints for your weapons. Why did you do it?"

"I want to have some fun killing others with weapons than rather killing defenseless ponies. That would just be boring don't you agree."

She chuckled,"I hope they know how to use them. That way we can make a sport out of it. Hehehe."

"Once we activate the Magnas Lumen on Fallen Star the world will be pure."

"Too bad, we all have to be there for it to start."

"Our troubles will be paid off. We watched our friends and family die because, the princesses didn't even help us. They will regret the day they were born."

"We wouldn't have to do this if they only would've helped us!" Lacoden kicked a pipe down into the foundry out of anger.

"Calm down, once they have fallen we can lead a world for the greater good."

"How can we get the amount of ponies we need to get to Fallen Star?"

"They will come of their own free will. After the world has been purified they can bow to us. How does that sound?"

"If Dawn suffers, I'm all in. She deserves pain for abandoning me."

Garren was silent then said,"I will be attacking Canterlot alone, I feel the need to encourage the citizens of the frontier and Canterlot personally."

"Are you sure? I will be at your side if you wish."

"Yes, if we both went we would destroy everything."

"You're kind of old. Are you sure you can?"

"I'm not that old but, until our spy informs us that they are complete with their R.A.K. training we will wait to attack."

"How can you trust our spy? Maybe they will reveal them-self."

"Our spy won't, don't forget we have leverage. A single life in your control can give you command to another."

Chapter 15 - R.A.K. Briefing

Chapter 15 - R.A.K. Briefing

"Which division will you be joining?" Seng asked Shadow, Lancer, and Aero.

Aero answered,"Defense but, I want to know more about the divisions before I decide though."

"Well, I think they will brief us on the division before. I'm thinking scouting." Lancer added.

"Hey, me too." Seng sounded happy,"Shadow, how about you?"

"Attack, simple as that."

Cloudfire and Hail were having the same conversation with Tint, Bladedancer, and Flood.

"Me and Hail are going to be in support. We can't go through what happened again. It just..." Cloudfire paused.

Hail said,"It's okay you don't have say anymore. They understand our situation, Cloudfire I know we went through a hard time but, I may join the scouting division. I want to help bring them down."

Tint added,"I will join the support, I'm more of a stay back and watch the fireworks pony, I'm not the one that sets them off."

"I will join the defense, it just seems like my area." Flood said,"How about you Bladedancer?"

"Maybe attack, maybe."

Knight Black Soul, Storm, Fyn Cour, and Dust walked in.

"Alright settle down, we have some explaining to do. Before you decide your division, we will explain the job of each also, Fyn Cour and Dust will be having their own little division in it also, this was a last minute change up. They will have the medical division which will be connected to all the other divisions." Soul scolded.

Storm took over,"I will introduce the leaders of each division. Mist, leader of the scouting/intelligence division. Barrier, leader of the defense division. Tal, leader of the support division."

They walked in as Knight Storm announced their names. Mist was an earth colt, she had a light brown coat with a black mane and tail, they were both long and well taken care of. She was small in size, that's probably why she was hard to spot during scouting missions. Randall is a female unicorn, her coat is orange and her mane and tail were green. The colors in general looked fine together but, on her it looked good. Her mane was tied in a bun while her tail was short. Tal is a male earth pony. He was gray coated and his mane/tail were red. although he was intimidating he seemed very nice, by the way he walked, he walked casually not like he was some serious pony but, like he was walking in a park.

Bladedancer asked,"Who is the leader of the attack division?"

Soul answered,"We haven't decided yet but, we do have someone in mind." She was looking at Shadow tentatively.

Mist started talking, her voice was sweet and soothing but not so much as her words,"Which one of you pansies will be coming with me?"

Seng, Lancer, and Hail hesitated to step forward but eventually did.

"Alright, you all look like a confident bunch. Your mission is to go behind enemy lines and to gather information that can help us in anyway. None of you will be flying for that will give away your position so, instead for now on you will be running and sprinting to get your legs in shape. Your flexibility will be tested as well, it will come to be useful. Your creativity will be what's tested the most, you will be tested on how creative you can make your movements seem normal in the natural environment to get in further in the enemy territory. I will get more into detail when we start, Any questions?'

Seng had a smile and asked,"How deep do we have to get in the enemy?"

Lancer and Hail snorted trying not to laugh.

Mist answered,"So deep that-" she realized that Seng didn't say territory."Oh, we have a funny one here." her tone changed,"GET OUTSIDE AND RUN 80 LAPS AROUND THE FRONTIER!!"

"Are you kiddi-"

"NOOWW!"

Lancer and Hail laughed a little.

"You two can join him, GO!"

She chased them outside.

Randall was chuckling,"She hasn't changed a bit." Randall's voice was also sweet and soothing s were her words. "I apologize my sister can't take a few jokes. Who will be with me?"

Aero and Flood weren't scared to step up. Shadow knew she was too perfect, she had to have something wrong with her.

"Hey there, you guys are some good looking colts. Maybe we can all get together sometime and-"

"Randall. Are you serious? Haven't you...... nevermind."

"Storm don't say anything that's not nice. Speaking of which Flood you got some strong legs, maybe you can help me-"

"Randall. Can you not do this like you did when we became knights as a matter of fact before we became knights." Soul said.

"Calm down I was going to ask him to move some of my things." She looked at Flood with a smile, he was blushing.

"Let's go get started." Randall walked outside, Aero and Flood followed her like bees follow honey.

Tal was also laughing,"Brings back some memories don't it Storm?"

"Yeah. I almost fell for her one time too."

"We all did." Tal chuckled.

"You two are pigs." Soul said, she walked upstairs.

"Unlike our colleague, I will explain our task." As friendly as he looked, he was.

Cloudfire and Tint walked up.

"We will offer aid to any division that asks so, we will have to learn a bit about every division including medical well, all the divisions will be learning medical together. Isn't that right Fyn Cour?"

"Yes it is."

"Okay, follow me outside. I will give you more details."

Shadow and Bladedancer were the only ones left.

Fyn Cour said,"So I'm guessing you two want the attack division."

"Yes we do." replied Shadow.

Storm said,"Shadow we saw how you handled yourself at Ice Valley. You were impressive with your attacks and that thing that you did with the lights, that was quite a show."

"I'm not sure what to say."

"You will to this. How will you like to be the leader of the attack division?"

"Excuse me?"

"You are well trained, Soul and I don't know who or where you learned how to take down yetis by yourself but, we would also like to be your students."

"What?"

Soul came back downstairs,"Come on, yes or no."

Shadow looked at Bladedancer and back at Soul

Soul added,"You will be also given the rank of solid gold, same as me."

Shadow could hear the shouts of Mist coming from outside, he was distracted. He wanted to say no but, that would be disrespectful and deep inside his heart he wanted to say yes. He heard Starflare.

She said,"Follow your heart, your heart is always in the right place."

Shadow was having a flashback. He was sitting at with Star under a tree and there were three cups, all upside down. Dawn was sleeping on Starflare's lap. The breeze was nice and the skies were clear.

"What is that supposed to mean Star?"

"It's obvious, come on you can solve it."

"'My heart is always in the right place'."

"It is, always in the right place. Now what do you choose?"

"Hmmmm....the second cup."

He saw the memory of her lifting the cup he chose, the rock he was trying to find was under it.

Star was smiling, Shadow missed her but, this time he didn't shed a tear for the past. The memory went away and he heard Soul asked,"Well?"

Shadow looked over to Bladedancer to see if he had anything to say.

Bladedancer said with a big smile,"On your go, Knight Shadow."

Chapter 16 - R.A.K. Training Days

Chapter 16 - R.A.K. Training Days

Knight Mist has just finished working Seng, Lancer, and Hail to the bone but, they're not done yet. Mist will give them all she has to offer in training. The night after the 80 laps of running, the three were all sore, Mist didn't care.

"DID I GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO REST?!! GET UP!!"

The three got up, Seng was to tired to make anymore smart remarks.

"You're going to be standing here until the sun rises."

"Yes, sir!"

"I'm going to be a bit nice. Since you are all pegasi I'm going to make you with you didn't have wings. Each of you will be carrying one of these buckets using your wings until I say you are done."

There were 6 silver buckets in the corner, they were all already filled.

"Any questions? Good."

They hustled over to the buckets and held them up, they weren't sore. Yet. She worked mostly their legs but, their wings were about to go next. The same night Knight Randall was busy with Aero and Flood. She wasn't sure what to do with them since they were pegasi and not unicorns, she found something though. She, Aero, and Flood visited Wrench and Wither in the Everfree.

"Randall, good to see you."

"You too Wither. Say do you still have the shields?"

"Yeah, they're in the storage closet. Please try to not make a ruckus, Wrench is asleep right now."

"Okay. Go get them you two."

She watched them get the shields, she had drool coming from the side of her mouth.

"Randall." Wither saw what was going on in her mind and she wanted to distract her,"So what have you been doing lately?"

Randall was still distracted,"Uhh...ummmm...." she snapped out of it,"Oh nothing. You?"

Aero and Flood brought out the shields. They weren't plated or anything special. They were made out of metal. Their design was like a sock only made out of metal. They would use them as brass hooves as well as shields. They were very sturdy and well maintained. They each got a pair

"Let's go, bye Wither. See you later."

"Bye, Randall and don't be such a creep."

Randall and her students went to an open field. The moon was overhead and the breeze was cool. Crickets chirped and the owls who'd. There was a box where Randall went to.

"Put those shields on. I will strike you as hard as I can, your goal is to block my attacks and to withstand the force, not to be pushed back."

"What will you be using?" asked Aero.

"This." she hoisted a hoof-sword from the box and readied it."This may hurt a bit, Flood you're first."

He wasn't prepared for what was going to happen. Randall is fast, she disappeared without teleporting. It was just sheer speed. She was strong as well, she struck Flood but, he was lucky enough to get the shield up . His hoof was shaking and he was pushed back a few inches.

"I might have gone too easy on you, you're still standing. You know, I didn't become a knight just by luck, I earned it."

"You're up." Flood walked to Aero before sitting himself on the ground.

"You're not resting, come on get up. Just wait until it's you're turn again."

"I'm ready." said Aero.

Again she struck the shield, his hoof was shaking as much but it still was.

"We will continue this until the morning. Flood, your turn."

Tal took Cloudfire and Tint to the water reserves. The frontier wasn't active because, it was night. There were still a few residents just trotting around but, they didn't notice them.

"What're we doing here?" Cloudfire asked.

"I want to see how long you can hold your cool. We will stand in the cold water until the sun rises, if you get sick I won't care. Now let's get in."

Cloudfire went over t the water and touched it."Nope to cold." he backed away.

"Don't make me get you in here."

"It's way too cold so, I'm staying right here." he stayed about a foot from the water.

"No you're not." said Tal.

Tint pushed Cloudfire in and started laughing.

"HAHAHA!!" he laughed.

"Why'd you do that for?" Cloudfire replied angrily.

"Got bored."

Tint got in the water by will. They both were shivering.

"Only a few hours left boys, get comfortable."

"What is this suppose to do?" asked Tint.

"I want to see if you can get comfortable in the worst conditions."

Shadow took the offer, he only had one condition. That he started at the bottom, he wanted to earn his rank. Soul and Storm agreed and Bladedancer was happy that somepony other than Soul was giving him orders. They got hoof-swords and were getting ready. They were just outside Shadow's house.

"We will each spar each other, Soul who would you like to go against?" asked Shadow.

"You."

"Bladedancer that leaves you with Knight Storm."

"I never beat him in a sparring match." whined Blade.

Storm replied,"Keep at it and someday you might."

"Obviously no lethal hits, we only want to hit metal not flesh. Show your opponent where you got them. This is just a warm-up so, after I will show you how to properly use the weapons."

They split and Soul was eager to see how well Shadow fought. They were across from each other and Shadow charged towards Soul right as they were positioned.

"Don't give your enemy time to prepare themselves as soon as your ready, strike."

She evaded his attack and countered, she attacked back. Shadow blocked.

"Good hit, hit harder next time." He pushed her off, she was off balance and he tackled her, he landed on her with his sword at her neck."You're dead."

"So are you." Shadow looked down and saw her sword was at his stomach.

He let her up.

"Who taught you how to fight?" she asked.

"An old friend but, he is dead now."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay, his lessons are still in my head. Again?"

"Of course, I want to get you without you getting me."

Bladedancer and Storm were having a fun time.

"I can never get you."

"Come on Bladedancer. You are one of Soul's squad members, you can get me."

"I'll try."

He flew towards Storm,he was sluggish.

"Faster, come on." Storm knocked him down.

The four divisions were busy training while Fyn Cour was inside with Dust and Dawn.

"What are they doing out there?" Dawn said.

"They're training maybe they could be a bit quieter." replied Dust.

All they heard were the clashes of steel outside and the sound of the crackling fireplace.

Fyn said,"So do you not go to school anymore?"

"Once in awhile I do but, I really don't have a need to. Usually I just stay home and read books, practice magic, that kind of stuff."

"Can you show us a spell?" asked Dust.

"Anything in particular?"

"No, just show us what you can do."

"Okay let's see....."

She went over to the kitchen and got a glass of water, she set it beside her. She made the glass disappear but, not the water. The water was still in a shape as if the cup was still there.

"Where did the cup go?" asked Fyn.

"Behind you."

"Wow. Impressive."

"That's nothing. I just noticed it's a full moon tonight."

She put the cup back in it's place, holding the water.

"It's getting late, I should head to bed. Goodnight."

Dawn went up to her room, she still had Celestia's bed. It was comfortable for her. She fell asleep rather quickly. She was in a dream, she was walking around and she saw her old friend, Zaz.

"Thank you for helping me save Fencer."

Zaz was about her age when he died. He was a white-coated unicorn. His mane/tail was black. He was Dawn's very first crush. He was joyful and optimistic.

"I am sad though, he was killed by Lacoden, she wasn't like that before."

"I know, she was nice and shy. I'd never expect her to be that way."

"When will your father be taken over?"

"Like when you took over my body to save Fencer?"

"Yes, it is necessary for the 6 powers to be taken over by their loved one in a time of need. From what I know, Excaelum's father took over when someone he cared for was killed."

"I haven't seen him ever since then. Do you know where he was?"

"No, I tried to contact Dragaitas but, he won't let me talk to him."

"You can talk to him?"

"We can communicate through telepathy. If he doesn't want to talk he can block me off."

"How?"

He chuckled,"It's one of the perks of being connected by this power. I can only communicate with only the positive powers."

"Lacoden and Garren are negatives."

"Sadly yes."

"Who is the other negative?"

"I don't know for sure, I never met the merciless holder while I was alive. Merciless is a dragon though, from my knowledge."

"When will this so called "war" going to start?"

"Not anytime soon."

The spirit world started to fade.

"Dawn remember, give love to those who lost it."

Dawn woke, it was morning. She went downstairs and saw that the division leaders were in the large living room. She saw that they were all tired.

They relaxed for only a bit and then went back outside to talk.

Mist ordered,"Everypony give me 80 laps around the frontier. No flying."

Everyone but, Shadow, Soul, Storm, and the other division leaders went.

"How was your night?" asked Tal.

Randall answered,"Good. Seems like your pupils are sick though."

"Yeah, I kind of made them stay in the water for a long time."

"So Soul, how was your training?" asked Mist.

"I think it went well. You Shadow."

"We got a good start with our sparring session."

Randall asked,"Aren't you suppose to know how to use the swords before you spar?"

"I wasn't taught like that. I was taught by fighting."

"How will that work?"

"Lancer and Aero did a fine job taking out some of those Changelings without proper training at the warehouse."

"Now that I remember, Seng blocked one of Lacoden's spear and he isn't that trained either." said Soul.

"We have some natural fighters with us then." Storm exclaimed.

For the next few days they repeated this routine. The pupils were getting tired of it eve, the leaders did as well. The leaders wanted to step up the game. Hell week. In the Canterlot Castle one night Gandore was wandering around the castle. She entered her study room. The room was messy, it had books piled high and had many candlesgiving off light. There was only a small couch and a large desk. She was reading an old book.

She was reading aloud,"There is a temple in the center of the island, it contains a crystal that can have amazing power to cleanse the world. The last time it was activated something stopped it from purifying the world. Three residents of the island came from the temple after the activation of the crystal was stopped. One was a young dragon, another a filly, and the last one was a pegasus. That pegasus was called the "Six-winged Pegasus". The whereabouts of the three are unknown."

She was at the end of the book, there was a drawing of a group of ponies that were there. The description said,"Survivors of the last activation of the crystal." There was a date.

"That's odd, this was made around 50 years ago but,... he and she are.............must be a coincidence."

She shut the book and Iril came inside.

"Gandore aren't you tired?"

"Not really."

"I am, do you mind if I rest here for a bit?"

"Not at all."

Iril untied her bun and her long purple mane fell and she set herself on the couch and began to sleep. Gandore stayed up for a few hours reading books. She made a stack of books to sleep on. She had the book that she just finished reading on her desk, it was titled The Crystal of a Star.

Fyn Cour was snooping around late after midnight. She was following somepony. She was in the frontier, she turned a corner so did Fyn Cour.

"Where is she going?"

"What are you doing?"

Fyn was startled and turned around,"Storm, you almost gave me a heart attack." she looked back and saw that the pony she was following was gone.

"Nothing. Did Shadow end your training for the night?"

"Yeah, he went back to his place with Soul and Bladedancer. I saw you and wanted to ask what you were doing."

"I was just out for a stroll, let's go back."

They both went back to the house, everypony was just sitting down.

Tal spoke,"Hell week starts today, all of you will be experiencing it together."

"There will be endurance and stamina training." Mist added.

They slept for only a hour then there was shouting all over the place. They ran, ran, and ran everywhere. There was no need to work their wings as much because, Soul did most of that at Dry Ocean and Ice Valley, they flew everywhere before this. Shadow was doing the training, he wanted to be moral support. He knew he could do this but, this training was absolutely almost mental. They say it's physical but, actually it's to see if you have the will and determination to go on. Anyone can be physically fit, it takes even more to be mentally fit. They ran for 8 miles under 40 minutes, Seng and the others were all tired. Shadow pushed them to keep on going, the next part was a push-up session of 120 in sets, in between the sets they had to run to a post 10 yards away and come back to continue. And again it was routine, routine, routine for five days. They weren't allowed to sleep but, they were fed every 6 hours that didn't help for they threw most of it back up. They ran even more during the night when it was cooler. They were almost always moving, after 5 days they were done. They were outside of Shadow and Dawn's house. The sun had just risen.

"I.....don't....want.....to.....move." whined Seng.

He was laying on the ground.

"It's not that bad, at least none of us failed." said Lancer.

"No time to whine. Now we will still be training only this is not like hell week. We will finally teach you skills in your division." Storm announced.

"Seng, Lancer, and Hail. Come with me." ordered Mist.

Hail complained,"Damn we just finished too."

Mist replied,"Don't worry it's just talking."

"My division come with me, I'll be teaching you how to turn your defense into an offense."

"Tint and Cloudfire, follow me."

"My division stay here." said Shadow.

Mist was giving orders in the Everfree.

"Okay. I'll give you all 1 hour to make ghille suits out of whatever is in this area. You'll have to reach the center ahead and to set off one of the fireworks. That will signal that you have evaded us."

"Us?" asked Hail.

"I have help to get you. 15 of us will start from the center, and go in different directions, and when the horn has been blown that is the start of this training. If you are caught you'll have two more chances before you are failed." she whistled and a pegasus and dropped a kit. "This is a small thing of materials that can help you make your suits. There is clear glue, tape, and some other things. Three suits are also in there, they are adhesive on the outside so, you'll be able to cover it with what you wish, they also have hoods so you can cover your head. There are many ways to get to the center, you can choose which path you want. Any questions?"

"Time limit?" Seng asked.

"None, we will take our time with this. We will be inspecting every little crack in this forest for you three. Now begin working, I'll leave so I can't see your suits."

She and the pegasus flew back to the center. There was a slight commotion coming from there. It was very faint, the three thought it was just Mist yelling at them and went to talking to each other.

"What's going to be your approach?" Lancer asked.

"Probably a brush type. Yours?"

"Thinking about a-" he looked to the left and saw a creek going to the direction of Mist, the creek was very close by ."A mud type. Hail?"

"Probably a tree, something like that. Let's start fixing up these things."

An hour later a horn was blown. It started. Seng has made a suit that had pieces of twigs, grass, and lots of leaves, and it was covered in a thin layer of dirt. This was his choice he stayed near where they were left at. He moved slowly when the wind blew to minimize the noise he made while traveling. After a hour or so of doing this he heard sticks breaking ahead.

You may be a little impatient but, these next few scenarios contribute to progressing the story.

"One of the 15." he thought."Stay still and let him pass."

The earth pony was looking around, listening for the slightest noise. He was getting close to Seng. Seng thought that he had seen him. A spider was crawling of Seng's face, he stayed as still as he could. His heart was beating like crazy and he had a hard time controlling his breathing, he had to breathe as quietly as he could. There was a noise that caught the attention of the patrol, he moved on and Seng let off a big sigh of relief and knocked the spider off of his face.

Hail took a more active approach, he put bark all over his suit and lathered on some dirt on it and climbed the trees. The forest had thick leaves and large trees, Hail used this to his advantage. Going from branch to branch he also advanced fairly slow. He and Seng both went in the same general direction. In the trees he saw a slight movement in the bushes a few yards away.

Hail thought,"That's Seng."

There was a patrol coming. Hail quietly broke off a piece of bark. The earth pony was looking around, listening for the slightest noise. He was getting close to Seng. Seng thought that he had seen him. A spider was crawling of Seng's face, he stayed as still as he could. His heart was beating like crazy and he had a hard time controlling his breathing, he had to breathe as quietly as he could. There was a noise that caught the attention of the patrol, he moved on and Seng let off a big sigh of relief and knocked the spider off of his face.

"Your welcome. Hopefully that patrol doesn't notice me." Hail threw the bark that he broke off to get the patrol off of Seng, he of course threw it away from his own position to help him as well.

He walked right under Hail.

"The center must be far." thought Seng.

Lancer covered his suit by first dunking it in dirt and threw some water on it to make dirt, then he finished it by again throwing another layer of dirt on it. His suit was heavy. Half of his body was in the water and the other half was on the muddy ground. He had to use a lot of his energy to move against the water with his suit on. A piece of bark landed a foot away from him, he heard a patrol go there. Lancer flattened his body as much as he could. Two more patrol members were on the opposite side of the creek.

"Any luck?" one of them yelled.

The one in front of Lancer replied back,"Not yet, they are a tricky bunch."

The other two left, the one in front of Lancer walked a few inches from him, a loud sound was coming from the forest. He ran to the source. The two on the other side of the creek flew to the sound as well. Lancer knew this was his chance to get some distance. He wormed forward and saw another patrol coming down the creek, Lancer heard a sound behind, he stopped his movements. It walked right passed, a small filly in a hood.

"What're you doing here?" the patrol asked,"Who are you?"

The filly didn't answer and took off it's hood.

Lancer's heart was racing,"Lacoden!" he thought. He wanted to warn the patrol but, he was frightened of her. Lacoden took out a dagger and turned into a black pony with bug-like wings and with holes in their hooves. The patrol screamed, the Changeling stabbed the patrol and took his form and threw the corpse down the creek. The patrol from earlier returned with 2 more patrol members.

"Damn that hurt." Hail had fallen from a trees weak branch, it collapsed right as he stepped on it.

Hail heard a sound.

"Hail wh-. Be quiet." Seng and Hail hid in the largest bush they can find

Five patrol member came along. Two coming from direction of the center and three from the creek.

"What was that?"

"I don't know."

"Let's look around, it may be the ones we're looking for."

"How many again are we looking for?"

"Four."

They rummaged around the area, a scream came from the creek. They left.

"Four? What were they talking about? Hail are you okay? You took quite a fall."

"I think my wing is dislocated."

Seng checked his right wing and saw that it was.

"I will put it back in place and we need to find Mist. Something doesn't feel right. Bite on this."

Seng placed a stick in his mouth and popped his wing back in place. Lancer's heart was racing,"Lacoden!" he thought. He wanted to warn the patrol but, he was frightened of her. Lacoden took out a dagger and turned into a black pony with bug-like wings and with holes in their hooves. The patrol screamed, the Changeling stabbed the patrol and took his form and threw the corpse down the creek. The patrol from earlier returned with 2 more patrol members.

"I just offed the last patrol member. Have you found their commanding officer and the three hiding."

They changed back to their original forms. They were all Changelings.

"I think Master Lacoden would be happy if she found out that you were using her look."

"She won't find out."

Lancer wanted to fight them but he wasn't properly equipped. The commanding officer they must be speaking of must be Knight Mist.

"It was satisfying seeing that she came back to start the training but, instead she saw us finishing off her friends. Her screams filled me with joy. It only took 5 five of us." they laughed.

Lancer realized something,"That must have been what we heard before we started."

"Seng. Hail. Help.....me."

The two thought it was Lancer but this voice sounded more feminine. Mist. She was wounded.

They slowly went to her.

"What happened?" Hail sounded frightened.

She fell down.

"She's bleeding. We need to get help." said Seng.

Hail was panicking but got himself together.

"Put pressure on the wound, we need to slow the bleeding."

Lancer was watching them laugh. Something whizzed past Lancer and one of them fell over. A sword pierced one in the neck and it died. It was Shadow. He killed four of them but, left one injured. He knocked it out.

"Lancer!" Shadow yelled."

Lancer stood up,"What is going on?!"

"I don't know. We were training a we saw a body coming down from the river. I'm going to ask this one what's going on." He kicked the Changeling on the ground."Fyn Cour and Dust are searching for Seng and Hail. Soul and the other leaders are going back to Canterlot to protect themselves and the princesses from whatever is coming."

Fyn and Dust located the three.

"Let's go we can't stay here!" exclaimed Fyn.

They arrived at Canterlot and put the Changeling in an interrogation room. The one-way windows allowed Luna and the others to view what was going on. The Changeling regained consciousness. Shadow was in the room with a sword.

"Who sent you?"

The Changeling smiled.

Chapter 17 - Interrogation

Chapter 17 - Interrogation

"Your old friend, hehehe."

"Surely you idiotic Changelings didn't do this yourselves. Who helped you?"

"We aren't idiotic but, we did have some help from one of your own."

"Who?"

"You have to find out when she decides to reveal herself."

"When is that?"

The Changeling killed the subject,"Mist, how did it feel to watch your friends die? It would've been easier if you didn't send one of them to search the creek for any 'disturbances'. We wanted to see you see us kill them all in a breeze. The one you sent was a coward."

Mist had enough strength to be there, after she heard that she was angry. Only Dawn, Luna, Celestia, Gandore, and the division leaders were there.

"Calm down. Let Shadow deal with it." Randall said.

The Changeling ran up to the wall, he knew where the others were.

"You Dawn, you are next."

Shadow hit the Changeling with his hoof,"Threaten her again and that's the last thing you'll do in your pathetic life. Tie him. Randall and Soul came in and restrained it against the wall and left again.

"Why did you do this?" Shadow asked in a firm voice.

"To get you back home. Why else?"

"Garren did a poor job training you. You are giving me whatever I ask for."

"That's because, he was going to come here and tell you himself."

"If he does I will kill him."

"Stop lying. If you lie to me, you're lying to him. Remember what happened the last time you lied to him?"

"He told you?"

"He gave me everything to anger you, even her appearance."

The Changeling's hooves changed to pink.

Shadow readied the sword,"Finish your transformation and you die."

"I suppose I can have more fun." it went back to normal.

"Are you planning another attack?"

"Garren will be coming here after merciless has been awoken."

"Who possesses merciless?"

"You'll find out when Excaelum returns."

Tal was curious and asked Luna,"Who's that princess?"

"Our friend."

"And Garren?" Randall asked.

"Now, an enemy." Tia said.

"Remember the crystal Shadow?"

"What of it?"

"It is to be activated."

"Is he-DOES HE KNOW WHAT IT CAN DO?"

"The prophecy is to be fulfilled."

"I will change and destroy the prophecy."

"You can't change fate. The powers will never become whole again." it laughed.

"That does not matter."

"We'll see about that." it continued to laugh. Shadow left the room.

"What crystal does the Changeling speak of?" asked Gandore.

"You don't mean the.." something caught Dawn's tongue.

"Yes it is that one."

"Dra...... he died stopping it."

"No one will die. It won't happen again, I promise."

Shadow went back in the room.

"I would like to speak to Dawn."

"Why would I let you speak to her?"

"I would like to share my knowledge I have with her."

"What knowledge do you have that my daughter doesn't know?"

"Let me talk to her so you can find out."

Shadow was puzzled, he wanted to know what he was talking about. He didn't want Dawn to speak to him though. Shadow went back inside, Dawn went in.

"Come closer I want to ask you something."

She walked closer.

"Lock the doors." he whispered.

She wanted to play along so, she used her magic to lock it without anyone else knowing.

"Now what is it?"

"Excaelum, he has a friend, a golden dragon."

"No. Do I want to know know her?"

"Yes. If you want to learn the truth."

"What truth?"

"Do you remember your mother?"

"No. She died when I was born. Why is that relevant?"

"Are you sure that's what happened?" it grinned.

Dawn was irritated and changed the subject,"Why is Lacoden different?"

"She needed help, she went to Garren because, you abandoned her."

"..............taken over by their loved one in a time of need."

Dawn thought,"She knew why I had to leave her, I didn't abandon her."

"Have something stumped you?"

"Shut up."

"This may jog your memory."

Shadow saw what the Changeling was going to do, he tried to open the door. It was locked.

"DAWN ! UNLOCK THE DOOR!"

She couldn't hear her father's cries. She looked back at the Changeling. It was now a pink-coated unicorn with a white mane and tail that had streaks of light pink. Shadow stopped his struggle and saw what the Changelings turned into. He didn't know what to do.

"Who are you suppose to....." she stopped.

"Do you know who I am Dawn?" the Changelings voice changed. It was now sweet and soothing to the ears."I'm your mother."

"W-what?"

"Dawn it's me your mother, Starflare."

The others inside were also shocked.

"Is that who I think it is?" exclaimed Storm.

"Shadow is Star Swirl's granddaughter her mother?"

He didn't answer.

Dawn was confused.

"I haven't met you but, somehow I remember your face."

"You have met me, many times."

Dawn realized what she was doing,"You're lying."

The Changeling changed back to normal.

"This look may suit you more."

His coat was whit, his mane and tail were black.

"Dawn, do you remember me?"

"I remember the appearance but," Dawn was no longer fooled by his mimicry,"He would never asked if I remembered him. Of course I did." She used her magic to snap the Changeling's neck.

She unlocked the door and left the room. Everyone one in the room was kind of frightened by Dawn, witnessing one such as her killing with no hesitation was different for them.

They were tired and wanted to get some sleep. They continued their training only that one team trains at a time to avoid more casualties. Two weeks later it was a week before the division leaders graduate their pupils. A pegasus came to the frontier to visit some old friends. A white-coated pegasus with a golden mane and tail.

"Looks like death will have to come first."

Chapter 18 - Maker of Orphans

Chapter 18 - Maker of Orphans

Garren was trotting down the road, the stores and buildings were all done with their finishing touches so the store owners moved inside. Garren concealed his sword with a cloth but, that didn't last very long. Two ponies just exited a store with some items that they have purchased. Garren went into an alley next to him for they were going to his direction.

"Mom why did you have to buy these antiques?"

"It may have some value in the future."

"This old junk? Are you sure?"

"That's why the word 'may' is in the sentence. You just have to hope for the best Flake."

"I'll try, for you."

"That's my girl. Let's go to th-"

Garren stuck something in the mother's side. Flake's mom looked at her side. Flake saw what Garren had done.

"Flake.........r...run." her mom fell to the side, Garren had pulled out his sword.

"Listen to your mother." Garren looked into new orphan's eyes.

Flake ran away screaming and crying.

The division leaders, Celestia, Luna, Dawn, and Gandore went to the courtyard where the others were. Shadow went somewhere to try and clear his mind. Tia informed the others on the situation.

"I can't believe Shadow won't tell us anything, after all we been through together. Does he not trust us?" whined Aero.

"No it's not that. He just doesn't like to relive the memories of his homeland." replied Tia.

"Where is that?" Lancer asked.

"Dawn will it be okay if I told them?" asked Tia.

"They're going to find out sooner or later but, I want to tell them. Me and my father are from Fallen Star."

"That place was destroyed over 50 years ago. How are you still alive?" Soul questioned.

Dawn avoided the second sentence."Fallen Star is still there."

Iril came running outside,"Prin..princess" she was out of breath,"some.....one is killing the residents of the frontier."

"Who?" asked Luna, her voice was raised.

"Eyewitness accounts say it's a white pegasus with a golden mane."

Dawn said under her breath,"Garren." Dawn ran to try and find her dad.

"Is it over?"

"No."

Garren was flying , he was laying waste to only the adults and leaving the juveniles to witness the deaths of their parents. He had a smirk on his face as he did it. The sword he had on was sharp on both sides allowing him to stab his victims with ease. He went to one to another swiftly, the screams of the children filled his dark heart with joy and delight. The adults were trying to protect their children, hiding them behind crates and behind doors. Garren wasn't targeting them anyways. The adults tried to fight him off but, failed. He continued his senseless massacre, he killed many parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts. A father was protecting two of his children, he was shielding them from the horror that was happening before his eyes. Garren took his life, the sword went through the father's neck and nicked one of the child on the ear, they were both shaking and speechless. Something changed in Garren, he struck down at the foals. Another sword stopped his strike.

"Why don't you fight me?"

"Shadow, you're late as usual."

"You two, get away from here."

One of them said,"Thank you for saving us."

"If only you were on time you could have saved Starflare."

"Shut up!" He knocked Garren back and charged, Garren was overwhelmed by his former student. Shadow's strike were fast and strong.

"Where did you find your strength?"

Shadow threw Garren into a window, Shadow was out of breath. Garren came out,"My turn."

He charged at Shadow ruthlessly also delivering stronger and faster hits. Shadow kept on blocking his strikes until he had an opening. He found one, Shadow ducked under Garren's strike, stabbed him, and flew into the air with Garren at the end of his blade. He slammed Garren as hard as he could on the ground, Shadow backed away. The dust kicked up by the impact was beginning to clear, he saw Garren standing, laughing.

"Do I look like the griffon that killed her?" he was laughing some more,"Pathetic how you managed to kill him, HAHAHA!! I think I change my mind about her death not being your fault, you killed her! I agree with you!" he was laughing, and laughing.

Shadow's anger was building up inside, he didn't know how to show it. He loosened the tightness of the sword, winded his body back, and shot the sword at him. It hit Garren in the chest.

"Do you really think that can kill me?" Garren did the same thing, Shadow stayed where he was.

"You missed." Shadow said.

Garren smiled,"Turn around."

Shadow saw that Garren's sword had penetrated the skull of his daughter, Celestia, Luna, and Soul were there also. Dawn was on the ground. Shadow's anger grew even more great."Get Dawn out of here Soul!"

"What about you?"

"Don't worry about me! Just go!"

Black Soul and the princesses flew back to the castle.

"You wondered why I was laughing so much I suppose, I noticed Dawn there behind you right after I said that you killed her mother and now your secrets will be revealed to the ones you call friends."

Shadow forced himself to Garren, Garren shot a beam of black out of his mouth. His eyes, cutie mark, and wings were giving off a black light too. Shadow was pushed back, he charged again but, this time he was stopped.

"Lacoden, what're you doing?!"

"Oh Shadow you will never understand us." Her hood was partially on so Shadow could see the evil in her eyes, Lacoden turned around and saw that Garren's power was done. She said,"One more to go." She walked to Garren and teleported somewhere with Garren. The juveniles saw that their parents killer had gone and came outside to grieve over their bodies. Flake came over to Shadow.

"He killed my mother and your daughter." Flake had tears running down her face.

Shadow hugged Flake,"Dawn is not dead, she's far from it."

"How?"

"We are cursed. I have to go help my daughter now, you are free to join me."

"My mother needs me right now."

Shadow nodded,"You will become a strong mare someday. Feel free to stay at our place near the Everfree Forest until I come back." Shadow flew to the castle.

The foals at the frontier are now scarred and without parents. Orphans. The blood of the dead painted the walls and the ground. The stench of the red water filled their sinuses, some threw up it was so disgusting. The older foals including Flake gathered the bodies of the parents,

Shadow arrived at the castle's front gate where the others were standing over Dawn.

Seng met up with Shadow,"I'm sorry your-"

"She's not dead."

Shadow walked to Dawn and pulled the sword out, blood flowed out for a few dozen seconds then ceased. The wound on her head closed up a minute after. The paleness on her face faded and her color returned.

"That's amazing." Storm exclaimed.

"Take her inside, let her rest. I'll take her home later. I have some other business to intend there. You all should go help those poor souls at the frontier, witnessing that much death, I don't think they can handle it."

The princesses, division leaders, and pupils all went to the frontier. Fyn Cour, Dust, and Iril joined. They saw that the foals had already placed the bodies in coffins. They were shocked by how grown up the foals have become in a very little amount of time. The princesses gave the best burial ceremony they can.

"Princesses my name is Flake and I have a question."

"What is it my dear?" Luna replied.

"How can we avenge them?"

A court of the Forces of Nature was called and Excaelum arrived there after training with his father. Chronin, Olganna, and Staok were the only ones there.

"Where are Pyrodia and Aquabellina?" he asked.

"They were murdered."Olganna answered.

"By whom?"

"After examining the bodies, I found that her organs were internally damaged, slammed to the ground. The only external wound was her neck snapped, that was the cause of her death. I only know of one dragon who can deliver internal damage without touching them." Chronin looked at Excaelum.

"Are you saying I committed this heinous crime?"

"Who else could use gravity Excaelum? You are the only one left of your kind. If you can find a explanation to prove yourself innocent I'll be glad to hear it. We don't want to pin this crime on you but, we have no other choice." Olganna said.

Garren woke up in the Everfree Forest.

"Garren I am sorry I interfered."

"I do not care, I revealed his secrets. And now it's time to reveal another. Where is Orcusin?"

"At the warehouse, or he should be anyways."

"Let's head there, in a week he can go to the Crystal Empire we can reward our spy there."

Dawn woke up in her house. Flake was beside her along with Shadow and Soul.

"What're you doing here?"

"I heard that you always wanted another sibling."

Chapter 19 - Flint. Spark. Fire.

Chapter 19 - Flint. Spark. Fire.

Orcusin has just arrived at the warehouse, Garren and Lacoden met the dragon outside. It was midnight.

"When will you be in the Crystal Empire?" asked Garren.

"What business do I have there?"

"You wish to have Merciless awaken don't you?"

"I have no business with any other mark bearers. I will greet my own kind during the migration."

"How will we get the two nations is assault Fallen Star?"

"You and Lacoden can do that yourselves. I have to start a fire that will burn the dragons."

Orcusin went inside the warehouse.

Lacoden asked,"How can we take down the Crystal Empire?"

"We don't have to. I know of someone who can for us."

"Who?"

"His heart is as black as night but, if we were to convince him to do our dirty work it may take longer to get the war started. He's a loose cannon."

"Some risks are worth taking."

"Wait you're my sister now?"

"Yeah, your father, well now it's our father, adopted me after my mother was killed. Knight Black Soul is planning on adopting too."

"Really?"

Soul replied,"Yes, I believe am not ready to raise one of my very own yet." she left the house.

Shadow muttered,"That's not it." and followed her outside.

He saw her overlooking the Everfree, he saw a tear coming from her.

"I haven't known you for very long but, you aren't fairly good at lying. Why are you really adopting one?"

She sighed, wiped away her tears and answered,"I am sterile."

"Sorry I asked."

"It's fine. I found out years ago."

"Must have been tragic."

"It was for the both of us."

"Who was the father supposed to be?"

"He is one of my most trusted stallions, we worked with him for awhile now."

"Storm?"

She nodded.

Shadow added,"I can't see you two together. He's really strict while you are strict as well but, you have a very kind side to you."

"He has a kind side as well but, it's hard for him to show it."

"That's hard to believe."

"He's more open once you get to know him."

"So what are you thinking about?"

"My adoption. I always wanted a colt maybe a Pegasus. How do you feel about adopting Flake?"

"I feel like she could be a good sister for Dawn."

"Graduation is in a few days."

"Hopefully with no disturbances."

Graduation came with no disturbances whatsoever. At the graduation they were give a coat with a logo on it, a wing. And an I, representing that this was the first installment of R.A.K. The coats were colored differently to show the different divisions. White for support, yellow for defense, brown for scouting/intelligence, and gray for attack. The medical division received a red coat, and since all the divisions got a bit of medical training they were all red on the inside. The hoods completed the look and were comfortable on the inside. The division leaders got coats with a blue stripe going from the front of the chest area to the back of the neck, it sort of resembled a necklace. There were holes on the side for the Pegasus coats for their wings, the ones for the unicorns and earth ponies were the same just without the holes. Sine the Pegasus coats had holes, then holes were stitched more securely to prevent rips.

They celebrated their accomplishment with a small party in the Canterlot ballroom. They filled their stomachs until it couldn't hold anymore. They relaxed for a bit and Knight Black, one of lead attack division leaders, spoke.

"We will have a few days off but, after that we will have to get to work. We will meet at the frontiers town square. How do you all like your outerwear?" they nodded and cheered to answer "yes".

Soul continued,"Good, take good care of those they represent our homes and our family. What is the name of our family?"

They all shouted,"R.A.K.!"

Soul let Randall take the spotlight, she was flirtatious,"Hey there you stallions , how do I look?" she was posing in a very intimate way. Her mane was up by it's own for a few seconds then it fell and covered her face. Randall blew her hair back up into position.

Shadow saw that his friends were all drooling over her and that they were all dumbstruck by her beauty. Mist pushed Randall over and took over,"Get down you perverts!" Shadow's friends arousal was wiped clean from their minds. They weren't standing though and Shadow wondered what Mist meant when she said,"Get down you perverts!". Mist asked Randall,"Don't you ever get tired of trying to seduce stallions?"

Then it popped in Shadow's mind, he said in his head,"Oooooohhhhh, I get it.'Get down.'" Shadow started laughing aloud, he stopped himself before he went nuts over such a immature reference.

Mist scolded,"Always remember your family." she left with a big smile on her face.

Tal took over,"We made it this far together. I want to see if R.A.K. will go even further than this. I hope it does, this is the first time I felt so welcome around strangers,no offense. We can never reach a limit, we can grow as a family and spread our love for peace. Well I kind of find that hypocritical, an army of peacekeepers? Does that sound like it makes much sense?" They all chuckled at Tal's mild joke,"I didn't think so. Well, whatever good influence we can share, share it with the world." He stepped down.

After those speeches, the princesses and pupils applauded their leaders. They were glad that they had such an amazing group of knight leading them. The division leaders, not including Shadow or Fyn Cour, went to the courtyard to talk among themselves, under the clear night sky and under the bright lights of the infinite darkness.

"Sister, I've never seen you so happy before."

"And I never seen you so stimulated before." Mist chuckled,"It just feels good to be back together in a family Randall."

"I just have special needs sis. Aren't we family?"

"Of course we are but, family is more than siblings. We have a whole family tree now. "

"I see what you mean."

"I remember when we were in training our C.O.'s would be hard on us." Storm said.

"I wondered if they were as close as we are." Tal added.

"They were, I spoke to Knight Athen before she passed away."

"Soul, why do you still refer to your mother by that name?" asked Mist.

"She was my best friend first, and my mother second."

"Back at Green Fawn we had our fun times, didn't we Soul?"

"Oh Storm, I can't believe how much trouble we got into."

The next day the dragon migration passed over the frontier but, earlier there was a dark gray dragon that flew over. Later Shadow noticed Excaelum following behind the huge pack. Excaelum and the other dragons arrived at the migrating area there was one problem, a dragon not allowing any to pass. The pawns,ambassadors, and solitaries were all forced to the ground. Excaelum was at the very back of the pack therefore he did not know what was going on, he saw the dragons on the ground and wondered why they were doing that then he saw the only standing dragon. Excaelum confronted the dragon, it said,"What are you doing here?"

Excaelum answered,"I'm here for my trial."

"Why don't you just leave?"

"I am honest and loyal."

"He said he was going to teach you to be that way." The dragon's eyes were dark blue but, the color wasn't what Excaelum noticed it was the shape of his pupil."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Pity, he still doesn't trust you." the dragon quickly went over to the nearest dragon and snapped it's neck. Excaelum had just noticed what has happened and retaliated. He tried to force the dragon down with gravity, it wasn't working. The dragon felt Excaelum's weak power trying to force him down.

"You are weak." it said.

The dragon used it's power on Excaelum, he tried to fight it but, it was too strong for him.

"Gravity?! You are one?"

"Is it not obvious. I won't be able to control you with time for you are stronger than that and the Star dragons are extinct."

"How?"

"For years I hid my presence until it was time to unravel myself."

"Who are you?"

"Orcusin."

"Orcusin?"

Orcusin walked over to the nearest dragon and again murdered it. He continued his killing spree. Chronin and Olganna arrived and saw Orcusin killing. Chronin flew down in front of Orcusin.

"Stop." she commanded.

"The golden time dragon what a pleasant surprise." there was an evil pitch to his voice, Orcusin grabbed Chronin on the neck. He flew into the air and used his powers to bring her down, he left a crater where Chronin landed. She was still alive, weak but alive. Olganna was furious,"How dare you treat her like that?"

"Olganna, the offspring of Witasen(wit-toss-in)."

"How do you know her name?"

"I killed her."

Olganna went into a state of anger and started towards Orcusin, she was no match for him.

"I am here thinking you'll be more of a challenge." he knocked her on the ground and grasped her head. Excaelum broke out of Orcusin's gravity hold and stopped him before he killed her. Excaelum threw Orcusin on the ground and tried to burn him. Orcusin was impervious to his flames.

"I would think you'll be stronger, then again I took down Chronin without a problem." Orcusin countered with a darker-blue flame and it scorched Excaelum.

Excaelum roared in pain. Orcusin set some of the other dragons on fire, they died, turned to ash. Orcusin went up to Excaelum and said,"Don't you remember me? Brother." He pushed down Excaelum leaving him to struggle on the ground. Orcusin was laughing, he stopped all of the sudden. His head jerked back and a beam of black shot of his mouth, this continued for three seconds then he went limp on the ground. He disappeared. Chronin was standing and she said,"He doesn't belong here." She had teleported Orcusin far from the migrating area. A few water dragons put Excaelum out before he burned to death.

Olganna exclaimed,"I think I know who the real perpetrator is."

"He can control gravity." Chronin sighed,"The only other gravity dragon wishes death upon his own brother. Darkness in his heart." Chronin seemed sad as if she realized something.

"Merciless." Excaelumm said weakly.

Shadow was asleep in one of the castle suites. A voice woke him up, he was in the spirit world.

Starflare was on the cliff,"The six lights have been lit."

"It's to be true then." Shadow said.

"The prophecy can't be changed. A few words before you awake."

"What is it?"

"A shroud of darkness will consume the empire of light and love."

The spirit world faded away and Shadow jolted himself up from his sleep and panted,"The.......Crystal Empire." Shadow calmed down his breathing and jumped out of his bed,"Our break has been cut short."

Chapter 20 - Rise of a Tyrant

Chapter 20 - Rise of a Tyrant

Excaelum has just recovered from the fire Orcusin put on him but, his scales were charred and lathered with soot. With time his scales would go back to a normal light gray color. Excaelum was still having trouble absorbing the fact that he had a brother and that he just tried to burn him to death. Olganna went to calm the lower-class dragons while Chronin was speaking to Excaelum.

"He said he was my brother."

"He is dangerous. What do you plan on doing?"

"My father said I can't do anything until we return to Fallen Star."

"Why did he attack you then?"

"He thinks he can change the prophecy. That's impossible."

"Nothing is impossible. The prophecy is what the ones who created it foretold, not saw."

"I think it's impossible that he is stronger than you."

"He is the direct descendant of Dragaitas, so are you."

"He seemed to be older than me by a few centuries. His voice was striking and his eyes weren't complete, they were disrupted."

"You and your father's eyes are complete meaning your souls have good intentions. My eyes are complete also."

"Mesadraco's eyes were complete, explain that."

"He wasn't always like, one day he was calm and collective, he went missing for a few days and he kills Yaforn."

"Lord Yaforn was the first one to have an offspring wasn't she?"

"No, Dragaitas was the first. He was born many years before Measdraco. You were the last and the only second offspring of an original."

"What happened to the rest of the gravity dragons."

Chronin avoided to answer that question,"Gravity is the rarest and strongest force in nature, yet we go on our lives not knowing it's there. Star dragons harvested their power from the sun during the day and the stars during the night to master all the other forces except for gravity and time. Time is the weakest of the forces and uncommon. Yes we can control time but, it has it's limits. Against an opponent with the same or greater amount of strength our powers will have no effect on them. Gravity however, can overpower all the forces for the other forces depend on gravity to work, except for time. That doesn't matter though, Orcusin and you are well past the point of time control."

Up north of Canterlot near the Crystal Empire Garren and Lacoden were going to meet up with somepony. This pony lived on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire in a house. Garren approached the door and walked inside, Lacoden followed in.

"What do you want?" This pony was a unicorn. He had a dark gray coat,mane and tail. His eyes were red. His horn was also dark gray at the base and, faded into red toward the point.

"What a lovely home you have here."

"Who are you? How do you know my location?"

"I'm not important, what's important is the grand city you envy."

"I don't envy it, I just rob from it's shops and live my life."

"Don't lie to yourself, I've seen you scrutinizing every detail of the Crystal Empire. You want it's beauty to yourself with all who live there to be at your command."

"You make it sound as if I was obsessed with the city."

"I'm sorry did I say the Crystal Empire, I meant to say the Crystal Heart."

"I have no desire for that. I must ask you to leave or I'll have to force you out."

"One you are lying to me, the last time someone lied to me he lost his wife. Two, you threatened me and her."

This colt was smart and decided Garren was right. The unicorn's tone changed.

"Why do you want me to conquer it?"

"Me and my friend have a score to settle with the princesses. They left our nation to perish, we wish to see one of her nations fall."

"Why don't we just take Canterlot then?"

"Would you rather die or watch something you love be torn to pieces?"

"I would die."

"If we had the choice we would die as well but, we suffered through the second option."

"Do you mind if I ask where you come from?"

"Fallen Star. Are you with us? If not you will die watching the city that exiled you to the cold thrive and prosper."

"How do we begin?"

"Wise choice. Myself and my friend,Lacoden, will grant you enough power to do what you wish with that city for as long as you want. You do have to endure some amount of pain and I will have to teach you how to control your powers before you are able to use it properly."

"What's your name?"

"Garren. And yours?"

"I don't have one."

"You can make yourself a name once you succeeded in your path. Lacoden, time to empower him."

Garren took him outside, made the unicorn stand outside while he and Lacoden got into position. Lacoden was to the left of the unicorn and Garren on the right.They both took a deep breath and blasted the unicorn with black beams. The unicorn within the epicenter was yelling, the whites of his eyes turned green during the process. It ended and the unicorn was panting on the ground he got up slowly, he maintained his balance.

"How does it feel to have this much power?"

The voice of the unicorn deepened,"I need more."

"You can have more once you have the Crystal Heart to yourself."

"When do we start?" the unicorn asked, looking at Garren.

The sun was still out at the highest point in the sky this gave them enough to start their first session.

"Guard up!" Garren yelled.

The newly born unicorn wasn't prepared and was knocked to the ground by Lacoden. The unicorn got up and tried to attack her but, Garren attacked as well.

"Learn to fight by fighting." Lacoden said.

"Guard up!"

Garren gave him enough time to get his stance and charged with great force. The unicorn was pushed back a few feet but he was still standing.

"Now you can either attack me or her."

The unicorn charged toward Lacoden, he was aggressive, striking with his bare hooves didn't give him any sort of pain. Lacoden had difficulty keeping up with him, she was knocked down by him. He stopped and looked up to Garren.

"Don't give you enemy time to recover." said Garren.

He looked back down to strike Lacoden, she was gone. Lacoden tackled him on the ground and relentlessly pummeled him into the cold ground.

"Lacoden that's enough. Lesson 1: Never give your enemy time to recover." Garren walked over to the unicorn and pulled him up,"Lesson 2: Suspect an attack from your enemy if they do recover." Garren hit the unicorn in the face stunning him and he flew as hard as he could running the unicorn over and colliding with a side of a mountain. The unicorn's body took all of the force. The unicorn was laying on the ground and Garren scolded,"Lesson 3: Stun your enemy to deliver an effective blow."

Garren and Lacoden tortured the unicorn preparing him to gain control over the Crystal Empire for days until Garren had an interest in what his current disciple's talent was.

"I can conjure illusions real to the eyes and mind." he said.

"How do you plan on using that against your enemy?"

"Like this." the unicorn melted in front of Garren and the real one was behind him.

"Amusing. You need more than that to defend your prize."

"How so?"

"You can make a portal of some sort to create a nightmare most fearful to your enemies heart."

"Tell me."

"Concentrate, shut your eyes and listen to only my voice. Focus on your greatest fear."

The unicorn took a deep breath and did as he was told.

"Good. Make your fear become as real as I am."

The unicorn cringed a little.

"Use your fears, force it onto an inanimate object, your vessel."

The door started slamming violently on the house.

"Eliminate your fears. Put yourself in the skin of others, find their fear and embed it into the door. "

This step took a few weeks. The unicorn signaled he was done with a deep and long breath.

"Etch those fears you have discovered onto your vessel."

The invention was done. Garren ordered Lacoden to open the door, she did and something startling happened. She was still for a moment, then she went over to the nearest wall and started to bask her own head against the wall yelling,"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Garren saw that her head was starting to bleed and stopped her before she did any permanent damage to herself. He laid her down on the unicorn's bed.

"It works." the unicorn said.

"Perfectly. I think that process would've been a lot longer. How did you complete your vessel so quickly?"

"I went into Celestia's mind once I found her fear it was easier for me to find the fears of the ones weaker than her therefore making it faster. I didn't find your fear though along with a few others."

"That's because we're stronger than her. What did you do for the future fears of the ones that haven't even existed yet?"

"My vessel will evolve to find their fear on it's own."

"You are indeed talented."

"Thank you."

"Do you feel you are ready?"

The unicorn looked up with an evil smirk.

Garren said,"At midnight we attack."

It was only a few more hours until it was midnight. The night went from calm to flames and destroyed buildings everywhere. Within minutes the Crystal Heart was already in possession of the unicorn. He threatened that if the heart were to remain unharmed the residents had to do his every bidding . He broke their spirits so they could not give power to the heart.

"Slavery. That is your way of destroying a nation?" Garren asked.

"Yes it is. Is that wrong?"

"No, in fact I love it."

"I thank you for granting me your knowledge and your power, Master Garren. Now with the Crystal Heart in my control I can harness it's power."

"Have you come up with your own name yet?"

"No but, I gave myself the title of 'king'."

This king wore silver armor and a crown that was pointed, they resembled horns.

"I like it." exclaimed Garren.

Word got out to the frontier and Canterlot a month after the king took the Crystal Empire and the R.A.K. was to take action. The R.A.K. met up in the castles council room to discuss their priorities.

"We have to recon the surrounding area to-"

"Mist that won't be necessary."

"Princess Celestia with all do respect you can't just go in there blind, you might die out there."

"I have done nothing long enough, this time I will be the one to save them."

"Sister I will join you."

"Luna you can't."

"I have the guilt as you do for letting Fallen Star fall. We must do this together."

"We depart tomorrow. Any objections speak out now."

Shadow said,"This may not be a normal takeover princess."

"I'm aware of that. You and your friends need to stay here and look after our kingdom while we take care of the Crystal Empire."

They were dismissed and the princesses prepared to take the Crystal Empire out from the enemies grasp.

Chapter 21 - Other Side of the Coin