MLP FIM: Season 4 Rise of the A.M. (a what if story)

Chapter 8: Acceptance

“And it will be my solemn duty to serve and protect her majesties with my life,” said Dark Heart said in the throne room, his fellow guards watched from the side lines. Princess Celestia smiled at him and placed a hoof on his shoulder.

“Then I hear by dub you a Royal Guard of Canterlot! May you protect this city like many of the stallions and mares before you!”

“Thank you your highness,” said Dark Heart bowing his head.

His fellow guards stomped their hooves and cheered as they welcomed their new recruit. Whirl Wind patted him on the back congratulating him. The second Princess, however, did not seem so pleased to see a new member of the guard. She stared off into the distance refusing to make eye contact.

“Who’s that?” asked Dark Heart. “I swear I’ve seen her somewhere.”

“That’s Princess Luna,” replied Whirl Wind. “She rules the night.”

Dark Heart’s eyes widen in surprise. “Wait that is… The Princess of the night, Nightmare Moon?”

“Carful rookie,” said Whirl Wind. “That’s a subject you don’t want to bring up with her. She used to be Nightmare Moon until Celestia’s student and her friends defeated her with the elements of harmony. Ever since then she has rejoined to rule by her sister’s side as equals.”

“So, the Nightmare is over?” questioned Dark Heart.

“Yes, now come on, we need to celebrate! Why don’t you join us at The Leaky Road for a night cap?”

“You go on ahead,” said Dark Heart. “I’ll catch up.”

Whirl Wind looked at his friend then to Luna and gave him an understanding grin and left with his group of guards. Dark Heart approached the princess of the night and bowed to her.

“Your highness, We haven’t met yet, but I’m Dark Heart. Protecting you and your sister will be a true honor.”

“How sweet,” said Luna glancing down at Dark Heart from her throne. ”Sister we shall take over from here,”

“Goodnight Luna,” said Celestia “Dark Heart,”

“Your highness,” replied Dark Heart.

The two were left alone in silence. Knowing that he had to get the princess of the night to trust him he broke, the uneasy silence by offering to escort her to where ever she was going.

“I can find my own way sir guard,” she said and by passed him, heading out into the main hall.

Whirl Wind was the last pony he wanted to take tips from, but if he didn’t act soon he would miss his chance. Swallowing his dignity he hurried after Luna and found her at the top of the stairs.

“Please, allow me to accompany you my princess,” he said before he could stop himself.

“Does though really wish to accompany us at this hour?” asked Luna her eyebrow raised.

“I see why not,” replied Dark Heart.

“Shouldn’t a morning guard such as yourself be resting like our sister?”

“Yes, but I just couldn’t believe it,”

“Believe what?”

“That it’s really you. The stories I’ve heard…”

“Oh? Do those stories describe us as a monster?”

Her voice was stern and had succeeded in placing him on the spot.

“Well, yeah, but… I don’t see what’s so monstrous about you. You were said to bring nightmares to life; rule over Equestria cleansing it in everlasting night.”

“And what does though see now?”

“I…”

But before Dark Heart could answer, he saw that there was sadness in the princess’s eyes as if she was expecting him to criticize her. Even possibly hate her. As the moon from outside shun its light through the glass windows and hit her, the dark mane and tail sparkled as if hundreds of stars were trapped inside. Dark Heart paused for a moment before saying, “I see somepony who has more light in her than she knows. I also see a mare who is trying to rewrite her mistakes.”

Luna stared at him her saddened expression slowly subsiding.

“Sorry,” said Dark Heart shaking his head in disbelief of his own words. “That was a corny thing to say,”

“No, don’t be,” pronounced Luna in a different much softer voice. “Twas a kind thing to say to us,”

“I uh… Guess I’ll leave you to it princess,” said Dark Heart wanting more than anything to call it quits now and try again a different time. “I wouldn’t want to hold you up from your duties longer than I already have.”

He left the princess of the night where she stood, not realizing that if he had staid a moment longer he would have heard her say, “Good night, Dark Heart,”

Dark Heart would have slept in, if it wasn’t for the Sergeant’s right hand man swinging his door open and waking him up

“WAKE UP ROOKIE! ON YOUR HOOVES SOLDIER!”

There’s got to be a better way to wake somepony up? Dark Heart thought to himself drowsily as he stumbled out of bed and left his room. He had expected to be greeted by sunlight hitting his face once he had stepped outside. Instead he saw to his disappointment that the sky was still black and the stars and moon were still out. He wasn’t the only one confused about the unnecessary wake up call. All around the day Guards were looking around scratching their heads wondering if this was some kind of joke conducted by the night guards. They headed down to the training field where the Sergeant stood fully awake and alert.

“Good morning soldiers!” he said pacing the field.

“Morning?” questioned Whirl Wind sleepily. “Sergeant, it’s still the middle of night. And it’s the weekend,”

“And your point?” the Sergeant questioned back not seeing anything wrong. “Listen up, ever since the surprise attack on Crystal Empire’s princess, the guards aren’t going to be taking anymore chances!”

“Right, and that’s The Crystal Empire,” said Whirl Wind. “You do know that we’re in Canterlot right?”

“Never the less, we aren’t going to be taking any chances either! From this point on expect to be woken up for a surprise drill! Consider this one the first! An attack could happen at any time and anywhere so be ready to get moving!”

“You really think that the A what’s its would really plan on attacking when they might be miles away from Canterlot? They’d be a very lucky bunch if they could pull off being intimidating when tired of traveling for hours without end.”

“For that Whirl Wind, you can take ten laps Pegasus style and earth pony style while the rest of us begin to set up for combat training!” said the sergeant impatiently.

While Whirl Wind took off to the sky the rest of the day guards followed the sergeant to a stash of blunt weapons he had brought out and took what ever their hooves touched first. Dark Heart had strapped a sword to his side and waited with the rest of the line for orders. When the sergeant was satisfied with their effort so far he glanced down at the darkened field where nothing was seen at the other end besides a black abyss.

“Alright Soldiers, what I’m about to tell you is no bull! For this exorcise I have asked the night guards to help you out before they headed in for the day! I want one of you to use your magic and tell me what you see!”

“I see a… Field of scattered cover sir!” replied one of the unicorn guards who had his horn glowing.

A beam of light was shining from the tip lighting up the field as far as light stretched.

“Correct!” boomed the Sergeant, “Now in a couple moments the Night Guards will begin firing their spells at you!”

“What?!” came an uproar from the day guards.

“Relax! These spells are meant to stun or knock you over! Nothing too severe!”

“That’s a relief!” came Whirl Wind’s voice as he had just passed by them running on his hooves.

“Do you need an extra five laps Whirl Wind?!” spat the sergeant threateningly.

“No sir! Sorry sir!” came Whirl Winds voice as he reached near the half point of the field.

“This exorcise is meant to simulate a real life situation of our kingdom being under attack!” started the sergeant again. “If we are going to be ready to face a real fight, we better prepare for it properly!”

There was a cold silence amongst the day guards who looked like they were being ordered to go strait into a cave and poke a sleeping bear with a stick.

“Night guards, are you ready?!” hollered the sergeant to the blackened part of the field.

He was answered by the battle cries of what sounded like fifty night guards. Nodding in approval the sergeant turned to the day guards again and called over to Whirl Wind who came galloping toward the herd.

“Soldiers get ready! All you have to do for this training session is get to cover and try not to get hit! The simulation will end once twelve minutes are up! Stay on your hooves gentlecolts! BEGIN!!!”

With in seconds Dark Heart galloped off shining light from his horn that lit the way for him. He came across barricade of barrels and potato sacks and slid for cover just as he heard something fly passed his head. He night was filled with the shouts from his fellow day guards as they ran for cover and hid to the best of their ability. From the other side of the field, the night guards cast their spells at them relentlessly. The ground before him kicked off bits of grass as Whirl Wind slid to cover next to him. A second guard wasn’t as lucky. A stunning spell hit him directly in the back. His body stiffened and he fell to the ground unable to move. His look of surprise was frozen to his face. Above them multi colored light flew by hitting the grassy field and forming spots where they made contact with the cover the day guards were using.

“So what now?!” asked Dark Heart to Whirl Wind over the sounds of the spells shouts of surprise all around them. “Do we return fire or what?!”

“I think we just wait for the time to run out!” replied Whirl Wind.

“We can’t just stay in one spot!” argued Dark Heart. “ If this was the real deal we would have to keep moving up!”

A loud popping sound emitted in front of them as another stunning spell hit the barrels. Dark Heart poked his head out of cover to see the waves of spells being cast in the distance and pointed his light to where he saw more cover.

“I’m going for it!” he yelled and before Whirl Wind could respond he had abandoned his position and galloped to a new hiding place.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw that he wasn’t the only one. Thirteen others had the same idea and braved the treacherous field. Dark Heart kept his head low and found himself behind a sack of hey. The only thing going through his mind at this point was…

This is going to suck!

It wasn’t the best form of cover and all to soon, spell after spell hit the hey sacks sending bits of it every where forcing Dark Heart to drop to the ground and stay hidden hoping that the scattered hey had covered his body. If this worked, the night guards would have thought they hit their mark and continued firing somewhere else. He felt like he was trapped under his itchy blanket forever until he heard the spells subside and the sergeant bark orders at the day guards to come out of hiding and help get their comrades who had been stunned, back on their hooves. Dark Heart tried to rise from his enclosure but found that he couldn’t move. He tried to open his eyes too, but they were closed shut. He had been stunned, and now he had to wait until someone found his body under the hey.

“I found him sir!” came Whirl Wind’s voice.

“Get him up then!” came the sergeant’s voice.

Dark Heart felt his statue like body being dragged as he waited to be helped by a unicorn who wasn’t in the same condition.

“Man,” said Whirl Wind, “If you had waited for a second or two, I would have told you that there was better cover to your left.”

If Dark Heart could protest he would but he had to endure being a statue for while longer until he felt his body relax and he could open his eyes. Whirl Wind helped him to his hooves and the sergeant spoke to them as the sky started to turn pink and the night was overtaken by the day. The night guards marched off, having been done for the night and saluted the day guards as they walked passed them.

“Alright Soldiers!” rang the sergeant’s voice once everyone was silent. “For the next few hours we will go over battle positions! Then we will practice combat!”

Dark Heart found these training sessions easier than the simulation. He formed a line of defense with the rest of the day guards as they drew their swords and readied their spears and staffs. He was paired up with a large Pegasus for the combat training. Their weapons had been blunted to prevent serious injuries but they treated the fight as if it was the real thing. Dark Heart had to avoid the Pegaguard’s blow by ducking and using his height to his advantage; he swung his sword hitting the tall stallion in the chest making him grunt. Before Dark Heart could strike again, a second Pegasus wielding a spear brought the weapon down. Dark Heart’s training from the mountains kicked in and in just a few second his sword blocked the spear and he bucked his attacker in the leg making him shout with pain. He disarmed him and with his horn glowing he caught the dropped spear and swung it around just in in time so that the tip was pointing threateningly at the first Pegagaurd who stopped dead in his tracks. Dark Heart for a moment looked from one guard to the next making sure that none of them tried a sneak attack.

“Not bad rookie,” said the staff wielding guard nervously as he eyed the tip of the spear. “Where did you say you trained again?”

“I didn’t,” said Dark Heart calming down and levitating the spear back to its owner. “Let’s just say we were taught how to fight in more than just one way.”

The next part of combat training had to do with hoof-to-hoof combat. The field was littered with ponies being flung over and standing back up to try a different approach. At the end of the surprise training drill they quickly took a shower and began their day patrols. Luckily Dark Heart’s group had a day off so without hesitation they went back to sleep. A knock came to door making Dark Heart answer it before he had settled in to get back to sleep. His mane was still wet but he didn’t care. He opened the door and was given a package and letter. Once he signed his name, he took his mail and wondering who could have sent him something, he opened it half expecting it to be junk mail. In the package was a mirror and a see through crystal. Opening the letter he saw that there were instructions on how to use the mirror.

“To use this mirror all you need to do is touch it with the tip of the crystal. I will see you soon.”

There was no name signed, just a short instruction letter. Curious he placed the mirror on the desk and with levitating the crystal he placed the tip on the glass. It was like watching ripples in a lake as the glass seemed to become like liquid and once the crystal had been placed down Dark Heart stared into it. His reflection stared back at him. He was about to touch the mirror with his hoof when a blurry image of something swam into view. Dark Heart squinted his eyes thinking that it would make the image focus, but it was useless. Suddenly a voice called out to him from inside the mirror. A cold stern voice and the image reviled itself to be a gray Pegasus with purple eyes and grey mane that had black parts showing. It was the leader of the A.M. Night Blade

“My son,” he said. “Tell me, what do you think of this ingenious way of communication?”

“Its incredible my king,” replied Dark Heart. “How did you do it?”

“A few tweaks in magic is all it took for your mother to enchant it,” said Night Blade. “Come Dark Heart, have the princesses gained your trust?”

“But how did you know I…”

“Dark Heart, Dark Heart…” said the Pegasus silkily. “You do not think that you are the only one we sent to Canterlot do you?”

“I thought you trusted me enough to do this?” said Dark Heart sounding a little sulk.

“Trust has nothing to do with it,” said Night Blade darkly. “I still need you to carry out your task, but until then I need an extra pair of eyes in the castle.”

“Perhaps I could be of assistance to our second spy my king?” requested Dark Heart hopefully.

“No, you are perfect where you are. Having an extra pair of eyes in the same place would be too risky. You will stay where you are.”

Dark Heart muttered something so quiet that he knew if his father had heard him he would be in for full extent of his wrath. He looked into the glaring purple eyes and nodded his head indicating that he had understood his orders.

“As I was saying Dark Heart, have the princesses gained your trust yet?”

“Only one has so far, but the other hasn’t. You won’t believe this but the second princess is…”

But his father cut him off before he could finish. “Then you must earn her trust as well.”

“I… I’m working on it,” said Dark Heart.

Night Blade smiled wickedly at him. “Patients my son, patients and soon the kingdoms will fall. One by one… Now, back to work. You have a kingdom to betray and a princess to manipulate.”

Dark Heart nodded in response and the image of his father disappeared leaving only his own reflection staring back at him. Feeling at a lose for what to do about getting Luna alone so that he could earn her trust, Dark Heart began thinking about the best possible approaches. He was able to come up with two acceptable plans. The first was for him to wait until night for a chance to spot Luna wherever she might be. The second idea was to see if she had any shortage of night guards and see if he could volunteer for a night shift. Yes, somehow the second idea seemed to be his best bet and if that should fail he’ll just have to rely on the first. Dark Heart let himself inside the castle and made his way toward the throne room. Celestia was focusing on answering important mail when she glanced up to see the new day guard waiting in the corner.

“Dark Heart, excellent timing I need to have a word with you.”

“You do?” said Dark Heart perplexed.

“Yes, Its been brought to my attention that you made quit the impression on the training field today,”

“Uh, about that, you see I…”

“What I would like to know is, where did you learn such tactics?”

“I was trained in various forms of combat your highness. I only acted out of instinct. If I somehow had offended or harmed anypony, I’m sorry and it won’t happen again.”

“Don’t worry, its nothing like that. However, I am pleased to hear that you are concerned about your fellow guards safety.”

“Then what is it?”

“My sister, Luna… I apologize for her behavior. She’ll come around, but if it’s not too much to ask, could you possibly talk to her?”

“I don’t think its that simple,” replied Dark Heart trying hard to hide his excitement. He couldn’t believe his luck. “She doesn’t seem to like me that much,”

“Don’t worry,” said Celestia kindly. “I’ll see to it that you are on the night shift tonight.”

“As you wish, princess,” said Dark Heart bowing his head.

That evening Dark Heart had switched out his gold armor with dark blue and waited until the last of the sun’s light disappeared behind the mountains. The familiar sounds of the day guards heading in for the night were heard and soon the night guards would begin their duties. Dark Heart stepped outside being greeted by the croaks of the frogs and chirps of the crickets. In the distance, the moon was being raised. Dark Heart looked around trying to see where the night guards were. He spotted a small group heading down to the castle entrance. Thinking that he should head inside the castle and begin searching, once again he let himself in letting the doors shut behind him with a soft click. His first inspection was in the throne room, but when that turned out to be a bust he headed up the stairs and began searching the halls. The castle was bigger than he had first thought. Pausing for a break he came inside a small room that was unlocked and found himself isolated inside it. The moons light shun through the windows illuminating the tile floor. And in the center of the room was a piano. Thinking that he must have stumbled across the music department. He walked over to the instrument and ran his hoof across the keyboard. In his home in the mountains he may have grown up in the shadows, but the one thing he had forever placed in his head were the sounds of the piano and other musical instruments the inhabitants had brought with them. He had always loved the piano. The soft notes fitting in between the heavier ones. The melodic rhythm it kept always enchanted him for some reason. While he may have not taken any lessons, he had memorized each note from one particular song and as he stared at the instrument in front of him, he wondered if he could somehow play it?

He pulled out the stool and sat in it. His horn glowed and he started to move down the notes. Softly at first but when he felt more relaxed, he pressed down with the appropriate amount of force and began to experiment with what his memory would allow. When he had found the right starting notes the rest came naturally to him as if he had played it before. As he played, the notes carried through the castle halls. Up on the balcony of the north tower, Princess Luna stared out into the horizon. The night breeze made her mane and tail dance. She found herself humming a soft tune, but when she stopped she thought she could hear a faint sound of something coming from inside the castle. Curious as to what it could be she opened the door and made her way down the stone steps. The farther she descended the louder the noise became. Except this noise wasn’t meant to cause any annoyance or wake anyone. No, the sound she heard was coming from a piano. Luna followed the music until she came across the opened door. Peering inside, she saw Dark Heart sitting on the stool completely focused on what he was doing. She watched as he continued to play, and with the notes slowing down she knew that he was coming to an end. The song stopped abruptly and Dark Hear sat there gazing at the piano lost in his own thoughts. Quietly Luna walked over, wondering how she should approach him, she opened her mouth but no words came out. She tried again this time a small gasp came out. Dark Heart snapped out of his trance and turned. When he saw her he jumped.

“Sorry,” exclaimed Luna holding up a hoof. “We didn’t mean to startle you.”

Dark Heart felt his heart beating fast as he tried to catch his breath. How long had she been there?

“We are curious as to why you are up at this hour?” said Luna, her serious voice returning.

“I’m on night duty this time around your highness,” Dark Heart replied, his heart beginning to beat normally again. “Your sister wanted me to try out the night life.”

“Is that so?” inquired Luna.

“That, and I’m afraid that we got off on the wrong hoof the other night,” said Dark Heart taking action. “Let’s start over. I am Dark Heart.”

Luna looked at him as if she was seeing him for the first time. He was different than the last time they met. He seemed to give off a different ore.

“We didn’t know you played,” she said finally.

“This?” said Dark Heart, “Oh, this is just something I used to hear a lot as a colt. I’m no musician. I just memorized the notes, that’s all. Please excuse me for interrupting your duties princess. I just couldn’t resist.”

“Not at all,” said Luna, shocked that her voice had switched to a softer tone, “Twas a nice song you played.”

“I think we should get back to work,” said Dark Heart standing up. “Shall I escort you princess?”

Luna hesitated for a few seconds and before she had known what she had done she accepted his kind jester and followed him out of the room. Once they were walking down the halls she had a feeling that he didn’t have the faintest idea of where he was going; so she led him to the top of the north tower. They scoped the castle grounds, watching as a pair of night guards marched along the grass.

“Sir guard, may we ask you something?” said Luna.

“Of course,” said Dark Heart.

“How can we trust you? We know nothing about you and yet our sister is willing too. Does that make us look bad?”

“Your in the right to suspect me your highness,” began Dark Heart. “Somepony has too and I don’t blame you for it. I would have done the same, if it were me. You’re just being cautious.”

He paused and waited for Luna to respond. He hated every bit of himself for saying such things, but if this was the only way to gain her trust then he would have to endure it. Luna kept quiet obviously surveying the new guard next to her. Trying to see if there was a hint of lies in his words. Before she was about to say something the sound of the guards yelling at someone made them alert.

“What are you doing her?!” demanded a Pegaguard.

“I wanted to thank a guard for what he did for me,” replied a mare nervously.

“Is that so?” asked second night guard asked. “for what?”

Before she could respond they heard wings behind them. When the guards turned to see who it was they stood at attention. Princess Luna walked over to the mare who bowed, her legs shaking.

“Princess!” she exclaimed. “Please forgive this intrusion.”

“Its alright, citizen,” said Luna, her voice soft and understanding. “What is your purpose at this hour?”

“I… I wanted to thank a guard for what he did for me.” The mare said still bowing.

“Please stand,” said Luna.

The earth pony stood and stared nervously up at the princess of the night. Behind her, Dark Heart came galloping up. When he spotted the mare, she smiled at him.

“That’s him princess,” she said. “That’s the unicorn who stood up for me.”

Luna turned her attention to Dark Heart who approached the mare.

“Thank you,” the mare said gratefully. “Thank you for what you did.”

“Don’t mention it,” said Dark Heart, his face going slightly pink as the mare bowed her head. “Those creeps shouldn’t be bullying anypony for being blanks.”

The mare giggled, gave him one last appreciative thanks and left. Luna stared at Dark Heart as he made to leave. The two other night guards continued their patrol while Luna left to catch up with the new guard.

“I see,” she said when she caught up. “You were the reason why those ponies had to go to the hospital.”

“I had a helping hoof, but yeah I suppose I was,” said Dark Heart.

Luna gave him a disapproving look.

“What?” said Dark Heart. “Are you trying to say that I shouldn’t have done it? I wasn’t going to stand by while somepony was being bullied. Blank Flank or not, nopony deserves that!”

“It appears that we may have misjudged you,” said Luna thoughtfully.

“Are you actually going soft on me?” said Dark Heart humorously. “Now that I know that you have suspected me, what will I do without having you on my case?”

“Oh, Ha ha,” said Luna sarcastically.