Haunted Dreams

"Dark Wing has returned." I explained, hoping this not so feeble mortal would understand.

"Dark what now?" Star Dust asked, baffled.

"Dark Wing. He... he used to be our brother..." Celestia stopped, embarrassed, ashamed.

"Your brother!? But... but that's impossible!" Star dust said.

"Oh, but you are wrong, young filly. It is more than possible. It is true. However, the truth can be more harmful than you could ever imagine." I answered, hoping to cover up for my sister.

Star Dust shifted her gaze uncomfortably. "So, I'm the only one who knows this next to you and Celestia?" she asked, looking me in the eye, challenging me to object.

My breathing became shallow. "Yes," I croaked.

She smiled with sympathy. "Why have you never mentioned that you have a brother? Why is he evil? What happened to him? How could you cover up such a thing?" A flurry of questions came out of Star Dust's mouth.

Celestia raised her wing for silence.

"We have never mentioned him because he wasn't ever supposed to be born. Our mother, Sun Flare, created this world along side our father, Moon Beam. They taught us everything they knew,knowing that one day they would have to merge their power with the world so it could keep balance. they were willing to make such a sacrifice for us. One day, they announced they were going to have another foal, a colt, but it would not make it alive. Luna and I were horrified at the thought of dying. how could this wonderful time one day all...end? out mother saw this, and reassured us that, since we were alicorns, we would never die. A day after they had... merged, a young colt appeared in a clearing. We knew this was our new brother, and decided we should name him Dark Wing. We did, and watched him grow." Celestia's voice cracked, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

I comforted my sister with my muzzle, willing my self not to cry as well.

I continued for my sister. "One day, we were playing in a temple. We pretended it was a castle. Dark Wing disappeared into a room, and got possessed. When we came looking for him, he attacked. We defended ourselves, and banished him. He vowed in 5,000 years he would destroy Equestria, and disappeared. Now the 5,000 years is up. You are the only one who can save us. You must help us save Equestria!" I ordered, hoping the 'Canterlot Voice' would be persuasive.

Star Dust munched un her bagel thoughtfully.

"You know, I've read a bunch of books, and in some of them the hero says 'no' when asked to save something." she looked at me, and turned to look at Celestia as well.

"Ok," Star Dust said, almost cheerfully.

A flicker of hope lighted up in my heart.

"You'll do it?" I asked, hoping I was right.

Star Dust nodded, and got up from her seat.

"May I rest a bit? I came home late after work yesterday." she inquired.

"Of course! We'll start tomorrow. I'll send a sandwich to your room at 12:00." Celestia announced, relieved.

I got up to show Star Dust to her room. Once she knew were it was, I trotted back to my own room. Everything was going great!