Troubled Twinsby WayofthepenChaptersHard TimeTime FliesBreaking FreeTattered Past"We'll make history."Hard TimeShe broke through our homes door in a hurried manner. She shouted to me as she galloped up the stairs. “Kin, we have to leave!” I had no idea what she was talking about. Why would we need to leave our home? “Stop thinking and get ready to get the hay out of here!” She knows me too well. I trotted to the stairs to find her coming down as quickly as she went up. “Silent, what’s wrong?” She had a look of anger and fear in her eyes. Much like when she first found out that I had issues. Then I realized what she was worried about. “Why in Celestia’s name did you do it again?!” She shook her head and galloped out the back door, nearly knocking the table over in the kitchen by doing so. I followed her out the back, still wondering why she would have robbed another rich pony, and picked this time to get caught. She has been turning to crime every since our parents left, promising to come back but never did. The last time we heard from them was when we received a letter that told us they didn’t want us. I was indifferent, taking how they paid more attention to Silent. She was standing in the back near the fence in the rain. When I caught up with her, I made sure to let her know what she just did. “You’re such an idiot! Don’t you think they would follow you here? Celestia, you promised you wouldn’t go down that road again.” I was screaming at her, not caring if the guard was near or not. She just looked at me with a little bit of fear. I had always been quiet around her. Never spoke against her ideas, never gave my opinions, only made comments every blue moon. Yet now, I just can’t take it anymore. “Kin...” Was all she could say to me as I used my magic to disguise myself as a unicorn. As if right on cue, a squad of guards came to our backyard. “The elusive Silent Scream, and who’s this? Your accomplice?” I shot a rude glare at Silent before turning to face them. “Are you going to come peacefully or do we have to get rough?” I shook my head and took a few steps towards them. Smirking, I scanned each one of them over. Each wearing the same armor, each of the three a different race, and same bland expressions on their faces. Taking them on would be no problem for me, but I don’t feel like getting myself into anymore trouble than I already am. “We’ll come quietly. Right, sis?” I turned to her once more, giving her a strong glare. She slowly nodded and trotted to the guards, head hanging low and eyes shut in sadness. Whether it was out of guilt of the crime or seeing me this way, I will never know. - - - Four hours later - - - - By the time we reached the prison in our chariot, the rain had picked up even more. As we stepped off of the chariot, the unicorn guard spoke up. “Word of warning. Magic has no effect here. Any spells you attempt to cast or have casted on yourself won’t work anymore. Get ready to live life as an earthpony.” Shit. After walking the chainlink fence path to the main room, I prepared for my disguise to turn off. Surprisingly, it didn’t. The room was just blank, except for the guards lining the walls. We heard one of the guards call out on a radio. “Grease, what’s going on? My magic still works.” A bit of static from his radio emitted. It ended quickly as a feminine voice came from it. “Sorry Captain. Got some strange energy fields, much like when Celestia was here. I have re-attuned the machine and it should start in a few. Grease out.” The guards around us decided now was the best time to put our shackles on and ship us to our rooms. After we followed a extremely long and bland hallway, the path split into two. The signs said “← Mare | Stallion →”. Silent and I were separated, her looking sad and me holding on. She may be my sister, but she’s also the reason I’m here in the first place. As we moved through another set of hallways, I started seeing the cells and their occupants. Ponies of every race in orange jumpsuits, some having made their own modifications to it as well. Each cell was outfitted with two cots, two sinks, two toilets, and one light. Must use electricity here, taking how magic seems to not work. We stopped outside of a cell and it slowly inched open. They forced me into the cell with a very rude shove, tripping me and forcing me to the ground. By the time I got up and turned around, they had shut the door and were staring in awe. I had just now noticed that my wings were once more present and my horn was longer, which must be what they are gawking at. “Don’t you two have someplace to be?” The two just stood there for a few more minutes until their commanding officer told them to come to the barracks. They slowly made their way out of view, obviously still shocked by the existence of a third alicorn. You’d think they would be more scared of the other ponies... “Well, this is a shock. Don’t I know you from someplace?” I quickly turned around at the voice, only to find a small pegasus. He had a light grey coat, clipped ear, and a blueish purple mane and tail. What struck me as odd was he had two orange horns sprouting from each side of his head. “No, they’re not part of the outfit.” I knew only one pony with this condition. “DJ THUND3R? Why are you in here and not with Vinyl Scratch?” He was her partner the last time I checked. They made some of the best techno and other types all across Equestria. He looked a little down at the question, but perked up soon after. “At my last concert, a fight broke out from a group of drunk ponies. They were stupid enough to come on stage and fight me. As for what happened to them, my horns are the answer.” In the middle of the fight, he stabbed them. Let’s NOT get on his bad side. I just let a few nods, remembering that that was where Silent and I went for her birthday. He has been in here for at least a year. “Shadowkin. I expected more from prison guards, ya know?” He gave me a short nod of agreement and acknowledgement. I trotted over to my cot and laid back, looking over to find him doing the same. After he got situated, he turned to face me. “Bet you got all the ponies running up to you.” He gave me a smile, either trying to be nice or playful. I just shrugged. “When you’re in hiding, nothing like that happens. Only pony I had running to me was my twin sister.” He looked dumbstruck at me. “There are two of you?!” He shouted out, causing some of the other prisoners to moan in protest, as it disturbed their un-needed beauty sleep. I shook my head. “I’m the only other alicorn. She’s a unicorn, and for the record, neither of us have our cutie marks.” He shifted a bit and mumbled something under his breath. “I heard that. If you want to call me a ‘blank flank’, the least you could do is say it out loud.” He cringed at what I said. Calling somepony that was DEFINITELY not a good idea, as it is very offensive. I just laughed. It was nice to be able to talk to somepony who wasn’t Silent. “Relax. I don’t plan on sending you to the moon or something.” He let out a sigh of relief, of which I laughed aloud again. “Anyway, what’s your real name?” “Shadow Raven. I think it’s time to say lights out. Night, Shadowkin.” He turned himself over as I said goodnight. I rolled over onto my back and stared blankly at the ceiling. Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts wander. So, my sister takes me to prison and I meet my favorite DJ. I am officially out of hiding and hope that neither of the princesses hear about this. The only thing that would bring is me being taken from my sister. I may not like her at the moment, but we’re family. Those were the last of my thoughts as I drifted into a deep sleep, not having a single dream or nightmare after a long chain of both. Time FliesCelestia sat at her throne, having finished her morning court session. As she let out a sigh of relief, another set of hooves entered her chambers. “I am sorry, but court is... Oh, Captain Chaser. What brings you here?” The pegasus guard captain made haste to the princess and knelt before her. She told him to rise, and the look on his face was unclear. He looked straight at her face and deep into her eyes. “My lady, he’s been found.” Celestia nearly fell back at this statement, even if she was in her throne. She gave him a questioning look. “Black coat, blue eyes, black and red mane and tail. Celestia, he’s in prison. We overhead him talking with the prisoner in his cell. He claims to have lived in secrecy with his ‘twin unicorn’ sister.” Celestia no longer had a surprised expression, but one of being deep in thought. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. “It has almost been one thousand years, and I still have no time to give to him. Only if Luna hadn’t...” She just sat there, mumbling to herself. Some of it being ways to bring him here, others of how she could have approached her sister differently. Captain Chaser reminded her of his presence, and she looked up at him. “In two years time, it will be time for her return. You already foresaw the outcome in a vision, so why not wait until then? Surely with the royal duties split between the two of you, one of you could raise him properly.” Celestia sat for a few more minutes. He is right. I am amazed I was not the one to come up with this plan. She gave the captain a nod and sent him off. It was going to be a long two years. “Get off your lazy flank and get your suit on. It’s time for breakfast.” The voice rang through my ears with a force. After getting out of bed and doing as was asked, and not doing it easily, Raven had just finished doing the same. It was the same unicorn guard as when I first got here, who was also the one to shove me rudely. He slid the door open slowly and stepped inside. He motioned us to follow him, which we did, down the many of hallways that plagued the large building. After four hallways, we finally came to a set of double doors. Pushing us through them, we found it just to be a large room with tables scattered around. There was a line of prisoners, most likely getting food, and none of them seemed happy about it either. “Enjoy.” Was the last thing the guard said before going into his post. I sat down at a random empty table. Being an alicorn, I found that I didn’t need the simple things that the other races needed. Hunger, thirst, even bathing. So I just sat there, waiting for Raven to come back, when some prisoner decided to try to be funny. He put a hoof down right next to me. “So, let me guess. You must think you will run this place, being an alicorn and all.” I shook my head. “Good, cause this is my turf. You best not forget that.” I let out a slight chuckle. “What are you laughing at?” An evil smirk grew across my face, and it made the prisoners infront of me cringe. “You don’t scare me. Mind your own business before-” “Before what? You know, I think I’ll call you...Peny.” I could hear him snicker at me, at both cutting me off and at the name. “Come on, Muffin. Leave ‘em alone.” Another prisoner from the same direction as Muffin said. He has some common sense. “He won’t do nothing, won’t ya?” I cracked my neck. “Call me that one more time, and you will regret it.” I heard him laugh again. “Or what, Pen-” I brought my left hoof back with lightning speed and connected with his chest. All I heard was a scream of pain and a body slamming a rock wall. “Or that. Anypony else got some comments?” Every prisoner shifted back to their original conversations. I just shrugged as Raven came back over, half shaking. Raven nudged me and I turned to him. “Shadow, do you know who that was?” I just shook my head, as it didn’t matter. “That was Muffin. He is, or was, the toughest pony here. He wasn’t the brightest, either, as you can see.” I turned around, and stared in awe. Muffin’s body was lying on his stomach with blood coming from his back, likely from the shards of rock stuck in it. I turned around and shrugged. “Shit happens.” - - - - - - - - - - - Two years later - - - - - - - - - - - - I laid in my solitary cell staring at the ceiling. They moved me here about a year ago after I kept getting into fights. I hadn’t heard much news on Silent, except that she was getting into less trouble than me. I had been thinking about how to escape, but without my magic it would be difficult. I closed my eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. - - - Meanwhile, in Canterlot - - - - Captain Chaser was standing before Celestia once again, but on worse terms. She once more told him to rise. He looked her straight in the eyes and took a deep breath. “My lady, I bring troubling news.” He hesitated, but the look Celestia gave him forced the information out of him. “He has been placed in solitary confinement. The longer you wait, the more dangerous he becomes.” Celestia trailed off once more, looking outside towards the moon. “I see. I shall venture there to remove him tomorrow. You are dismissed, Captain Chaser.” The captain bowed his head towards her and quickly trotted away. She just sat on her throne, staring at the moon. He seems to be a lot like you, Luna. Acting without thinking rationally. I wonder what you would say if you were here right now... - - - Tomorrow - - - - My door flew open and light attacked my eyelids, forcing me awake. “Kin, we’re leaving. Let’s move.” Silent’s voice rang through my ears, causing me to jump to my hooves. As I trotted outside into the long corridor, Silent spoke her plan to me. “The others are creating a distraction. The device was destroyed and magic is restored. You can thank me later, but now I need you to put all of your magic into one blast and shoot that wall.” She pointed her horn in the direction of the wall. “On the other side is a large forest, and somewhere inside is a cave where we can hide out.” I turned and pointed my horn at the wall. A red aura surrounded my horn and soon spread to my entire body, making me feel my own energy. The aura around my horn collected that of my body and shot forth a beam of red light. As the light connected to the wall, a large explosion sent debris flying everywhere. “Whoa. Let’s get out of here!” She galloped forward the hole with me on her tail. In the large, wide open prison yard, guards and prisoners alike were fighting and killing each other. Better them than us. After dodging a few magic blasts and a couple flying shivs and batons, I had broken through another wall that lead to the forest. We galloped into it and never stopped, even with all the cuts and bruises I was getting from the plants and branches. I could sense a growing energy coming from the distance, but I shook it off as we reached the cave. After stepping inside and panting, we laughed at each other. “I would have never thought you would get solitary.” She said between panting and laughing. “I am your brother, after all.” We both smiled at each other, finally getting that connection other siblings get. What brought us to reality was two sounds of clucking, and I immediately knew what it was. We slowly turned our heads to see two cockatrices gazing right at us. “K-Kin!” I quickly turned to Silent, seeing her slowly turn to stone. I didn’t have to look to notice I was as well. My hind legs felt... Cold. I couldn’t move or feel them, except for wanting to scream. Which is what I did, as my sister and I were fully overtaken by the stone. - - - Celestia - - - - She galloped after him, unknowing of his fate. After following his trail of magical energy, she found the cave they ran inside. She let out a sigh of relief and stepped inside, only to be overtaken by a different feeling. Sorrow. The alicorn and his sister had been turned to stone and with the creatures responsible no where to be seen, she just knelt down. Tears started forming at her eyes. “Not you too...” The sound of hoofsteps brought her back to her old self. It was the captain with two more guards, both looking beaten and bloodied. “Princess Celestia, are you alright?” He looked past her at the stone statues, slow to pick up on the fact that they were once living. When it hit him, his head hung low for her loss. He trotted next to her and put a hoof on her. “My lady, if I may, who was he?” Celestia slowly stood up, still on the verge of tears. She turned to the captain and let out a heavy sigh. “A very old friend. I would rather not retell the story at this time...” The captain gave a nod for agreement. “Gather some ponies and take them two back to the Royal Garden. Look for any cockatrices. For both these two’s sake, and for any other pony who wanders these woods.” The captain gave another nod as the princess left the cave and flew back to Canterlot. - - - Shadowkin - - - - So now I am frozen in stone and alone. There is only one thing I can even think of saying that describes how I feel...Fuck my life. Breaking Free“This statue is directly from the garden in Canterlot! Was very dangerous, too, with all the animals running about.” What? “Starting price for... What in Celestia’s name?!” Bright light surrounded me as I heard the sound of stone cracking. A few seconds later, I was in a room on a stage next to a very freaked out earthpony. I looked around and saw about twenty or so other ponies, staring at me in shock. The pony next to me trotted closer to me, scanning over every part of my body. “Can I get some personal space, please?” At the sound of my voice, he nearly jumped out of his coat. Some of the ponies gasped, others remained quiet, while most just stared. “An... Alicorn? They’re extinct though!” Extinct? That can’t be right. I turned to him, giving him a confused glance. “You must be mistaken. What about Celestia?” All the ponies in the room looked down in sadness at the mention of her name. “You mean... No, that’s not possible. It was just a few moments ago I felt her presence...” At this point, I was rambling. I heard a scream come from beyond the crowd as it split in two, making a clear row in the center. A grey earthpony flew through a cloth and slid up to the stage, still screaming. “Touch me that way again and I will gut you.” A very familiar female voice called as the unicorn entered the room. Silent! She’s here too! And as if on cue, she galloped to the front of the stage and leaped to my level. “Finally! I have been looking for you. Only reason it took me so long was because that little pony decided to get a little dirty.” At this, I shot him a glare that sent him scurrying away. I would have to catch up with Silent later. Now, I need answers. “Listen up!” Everypony looked straight at me, some with fear (likely because of Silent) and some with no expression at all. “Can anypony explain to me what happened to Celestia?” The stallion from before trotted closer and volunteered himself. With a cough to get everypony’s attention, he began his tale. “Five hundred years ago, Celestia disappeared from her rule, leaving all the duties to her younger sister Luna. Celestia had said to have disappeared because of her not being able to handle the job anymore, or because she was looking for something. The whereabouts of both sisters are still unknown, as Luna disappeared one hundred years after. Canterlot now lays in ruins due to a war of power between the three races. Equestria has become worse than you can imagine. Pony’s fighting over food, water, weapons, and even other ponies.” “Well, sounds like this place really went to shit.” The stallion nodded, still eying me nervously. “I’m sorry for what I did to you. It’s all my fault...” I looked around frantically for the voice. It sounded like Celestia, but it’s proclaimed she is missing. “Kin? You heard it too?” Looking back to my sister, she seemed a bit paler. I gave her an agreeing nod. She continued to look around for a little bit, until something caught her eye. Following her glance, there was a group of cloaked ponies looking towards us. “Silent. I got a bad feeling about this.” Her turn to give me a nod. As the pony’s inched closer to us, the feeling grew. When the three were right in front of us, they removed their hoods. One was a blue unicorn, another a red pegasus, and the final a yellow earthpony. The leader inched closer and spoke, “The archives never told of a third alicorn. Who are you?” I gave off a smirk, “Depends on who’s asking.” The leader gave a short nod and motioned her ‘friends’ to wait outside. Turning back to me, she said, “I am Eclipse, the new leader of the Celestian Crusaders. Our order has existed for four hundred years, not stopping our search once. Well, until we couldn’t make the trip to Canterlot Castle.” I gave her a confused look, “Do you go in the day or in the night?” She nearly laughed where I stood, “It hasn’t been day since Luna left. No unicorn could raise the sun, as it takes an alicorn’s magic to do so.” I gave a nod and jumped off the stage. Trotting through the crowd and leaving the room, it was nearly pitch black, minus the few lights here and there. I flew into the sky to get a look at where I was, and was horrified. Entire buildings reduced to rubble, shacks built from the debris, ponies slowly inching their ways into the desolate world. After the ponies filling the shattered streets looked up, most stared in awe. Seems like Celestia forgot her place, and let the world crumble. When and if I find her, she’s going to have some explaining to do. I flew back down to the ground and took a deep breath. Letting my magic overtake my body once more, I focused it all towards the moon, which was just sitting in the middle of the sky. It’s time for this eternal darkness to learn it’s not so eternal after all. I put all of my being into focusing on the moon, commanding it to move from it’s locked position. “What is all that... Is that what I think it is?!” A random passerby screamed as the moon inched it’s way out of view, with a bright light starting to overtake the forsaken land. By the time the sun had fully risen into the sky, most ponies ran back inside, afraid of what was happening. I took a deep breath and let go of my grip on the sun. Never again will I underestimate the power required to do this job, as I am currently swaying. I could hear the sound of hooves hitting stone as I fell, darkness overtaking my sight. - - - Canterlot Castle (Past) - - - - Shadowkin was trotting through the halls of the castle, aiming for one room in particular. He turned many corners, escaped long corridors, and finally made his way to a large set of doors with the image of the moon painted on. He gave a nod to the two night guards who opened the door, allowing him entrance to the bedchambers. He trotted into the room with a smile on his face. Luna’s room was quite simple for royalty. She had a bed, dresser, nightstand, the basics. As he searched for her, she called to him from the balcony. As he trotted next to her, gazing at the starry night, he noticed she had a sad aura emitting from her.. He sat down close to her, coat to coat. “What’s wrong? You’re usually your happiest at night.” She slowly turned her head, face matching her aura. “Kin, I feel as if you are the only pony who truly appreciates the night.” He put a hoof and a wing around her, resting his head against hers, “The night may not have a blue sky, but it has the stars of the worlds beyond. I’m sure Tia feels the same way as me, but you know her. Emotionless as always.” The two shared a laugh as they watched a falling star shoot by. “I heard that if you make a wish on a falling star, it comes true,” Luna said, turning her head towards Shadowkin. He turned his head to her, “How about Celestia’s approval? She isn’t hostile, but she isn’t polite either. Do you think we’ll ever get along?” Luna gave a sheepish smile, “Maybe. Would you stay here with me?” Shadowkin grinned and rested his head against hers again. “Nothing could keep me away.” The image of the two started fading from his view as reality grasped him. - - - Present - - - - I woke up to my coat covered in dust and several ponies staring at me, mouths agape. I got up slowly, realizing how tired I was. Shaking myself awake, I addressed the crowd, “As much as I love the night, four hundred years is too long. I am not taking over as the pony to control the cycle, but I know somepony who will. I am going to Canterlot, and I will find our lost princesses.” The crowd cheered, both at his statement and at the sun. The leader trotted up to me, “Then it was true after all. The monsters that live in Canterlot should be gone, as they are all nocturnal, unlike we ponies. If you fly there ahead of us, you could start the search early. It will take us about two hours from our current location.” I gave her a quizzical look, “Where are we?” The rest of her crew, as well as my sister, galloped over to us as she spoke, “The remnants of Ponyville.” With a nod, I flew into the sky and searched for the mountain that the castle was located on. Spotting a half destroyed castle on a equally destroyed mountain, I flew for the entrance. The world has been in the dark for four hundred years, the princesses are missing, and I am having dreams of things that didn’t happen... Or did they? I’ve lived my whole life with Silent, how could I have been even close to the castle? Things just aren’t making sense... Tattered PastA/N: This was written in third person as it was both easier and tied with the flashbacks. Just a bit of warning before you start reading. As Kin approached the destroyed doors, an eerie feeling overcame him. He searched the broken windows of the castle for any sign of life, but found nothing. He shook the feeling off as well as he could and trotted inside. “You need to stop treating her like a foal, Tia!” He scanned the hallway for anything alive, but found nothing but the skeletons of ponies and nearly destroyed rusted swords. As he kept on trotting, he found himself unwillingly following a familiar, yet unfamiliar, path. “The matter is not up to you, Shadowkin. Leave it be.” The garden outside of the tower was void of flowers, as it once was. The only thing of beauty being the fact that there are no skeletons lying here. He climbed the stairs, his hooves echoing throughout the tall, hollow passageway. “Like hell I will! I get the feeling I am the only pony caring for her feelings.” There was a door that was intact blocking his way inside. Putting his hoof on the door, he found that no amount of physical force could open it. In response, he put his horn to the door and used magic to break the spell. As a result, the door slowly inched its way open. The room was barren of anything but symbols on a wall. Trotting closer, the symbols formed writing covered in dust. Unknowing why, a tears formed from his eyes. He read the words aloud, “The only way this would be able to be read is if the sun shines, as it won’t for many years. I am sorry to leave my home, my country, my ponies, my...” He paused, amazed at the words before him. He took a deep breath and continued, “My lost love. I know it’s you who is reading this, and I am sorry for what she did to you. Kin...Turn around and brace yourself.” Shadowkin stood there dazed, reading over the last words. As if for an answer, he felt something slam into his side and launch him into the nearest wall. Struggling to get to his hooves, he felt another blow connect to his jaw, sending him upwards. He collided with the ceiling and fell back down. As he was falling, yet another blow connected with his pack, forcing him to break through the floor and descend at a quickening pace to the bottom of the tower. Kin could no longer move after his body met the ground. The pain he felt couldn’t be compared to anything else he knew. The figure of white dropped right in front of him, kneeling down to his level. He heard a gasp as his vision started to go blurry. All he could make out before passing out was, “You?” - - - Throne Room (Past) - - - - Shadowkin trotted towards Celestia with concern in his steps. Concern for his Luna, and not for the so-called princess who ruled single-hoofedly an entire country. “More of a queen, if you ask me,” he thought silently to himself. He didn’t bother to bow before speaking to her, “What is it I have done to upset you this time?” The princess stepped down from her throne and moved directly in front of him. With her unreadable face, she spoke in a tone to match, “It is about Luna. She has been spending most of her time in her room, rather than the other facilities in the castle. You being with her most of the time, I wanted to ask what was wrong.” “She doesn’t even have the guts to talk to her own sister. Sad, really.” He flipped his mane out of his eyes and took a deep breath. Opening his eyes, “Yes, she told me what was wrong. No, I won’t tell you.” She shook her head, “And why not? She is my sister, and I have a right to know.” His wings began twitching with his growing anger. “The same thing that’s bothering me.” Celestia gave him a questioning look, “And that would be?” His wings were now fully upright from his full anger, his voice matching the volume of it, “You need to stop treating her like a foal, Tia!” He had raised his voice to her, something that no pony ever does. Celestia’s face was finally showing emotion, the same emotion as Shadowkin. Anger. “The matter is not up to you, Shadowkin. Leave it be.” Kin tensed up, speaking even louder, “Like hell I will! I get the feeling I am the only pony caring for her feelings.” Celestia’s wings shot up, being only slightly taller than Kin’s. “I care for my sister, but the country comes first.” “Is that supposed to be an excuse for you to not spend time with your family? You don’t even let her do anything!” Celestia stomped her hoof on the ground, causing a loud cracking sound to emit and echo through the large room. She glared down upon him, “We are done here.” Kin didn’t budge. His wings folded back down, but were still twitching. He returned her glare, “No, we’re not. The ponies across Equestria play and work in the sun, but sleep through her beautiful night. You have no idea what she feels like because you neglect your responsibilities as sisters. She stopped looking to you when you started ignoring her.” He stood triumphantly, but he soon began backing away hastily, still facing the princess. Celestia had begun charging her magic into her horn, pointing it directly at Shadowkin. He began charging his own magic, already knowing where this was heading. A bright beam of white shot from her horn, aimed directly at his head. He discharged his own beam, but it’s colors being a swirling mix of black and red. “I will not back down to the likes of her,” Kin thought as he put more of his magic into the beam. The two were evenly matched, but that only last a few short moments. Celestia’s beam began to overpower his own, sliding him back a bit. “I...See how it is...” He mumbled as he fell to a kneeling position, still trying to keep her attack at bay. Still sliding back, “Have fun explaining...This to Luna...” That was all he could say before his magic reserve emptied, dispelling his only protection from the opposing force. He closed his eyes as the beam hit him head-on, emitting a blinding white light. Celestia opened her eyes and looked at the spot where Shadowkin once was. All that was left was black scorch marks in his form. She trotted back to her throne and sat. Putting a hoof under her jaw and letting out a sigh, “What have I done...?” - - - Present - - - - His eyes flashed open and he bolted upright, finding himself in a different area than where he blacked out. In the distance he could hear two feminine voices arguing. “I told you it was him, but you didn’t believe me. I knew it was time when the sun rose, and you neglected to listen.” “I had other issues on my mind, little sister.” “Still having the same issues as when I left, Tia?” There was silence before the door swung open. His eyes adjusted to the light of the room to find it was nothing but a bare white room, minus the open door that stood before him. Luna charged in the room like a rhino, somehow coming to a complete halt right in front of Kin. She scanned him over, as if she couldn’t believe he was really there. “I remember. All of it. And I thought I was rough around the edges now...” The two let out a laugh as Celestia entered the room, a look of shame on her face. “I let my jealousy of my sister take over that night, and I am sorry.” Her head hung low, as if it has bothered her all this time. Kin smiled at her, “If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have my sister. Although, getting cast into the lapse between time and space grew boring.” She loosened at the sound of his kind words. His happy smile was replaced by a grim frown soon after, “You left to find a way to fix the wrongs. Then you asked Luna to aid in your quest, and left the moon in the sky for me to change, to signal my return.” Celestia gave a nod, as well as Luna. Celestia gained a large grin, “I found it, too. The way to send both you and your sister back. Should I bring her here?” Shadowkin nodded his agreement. Celestia’s horn glowed brightly as a figure began to form right in front of him. When the particles of magic subsided, his sister appeared fully and confused. She swayed a moment before getting a grasp on herself. As her eyes landed on Kin, she leaped and tackled him. “We heard loud sounds coming from the castle as one of the tower collapsed, and thought that you might have been in it. I was afraid when there was a lot of blood coming from the debris...” Tears formed in her eyes and she just wrapped her forehooves around his neck. “Tia, it’s time to send us back. Right before we broke free, if you would be so kind.” He gave her a quick smile and looked over to Luna, “I’ll see you when you get back from the moon, my night princess.” She gave him a teary nod as the two were engulfed in the same light as before. The scene around them faded into nothingness, and then they were stripped apart and placed back into their bodies before the outbreak. Him in his bed sleeping, and her doing the same in her own bed. “To think, I have had one hundred years with Luna taken away from my memory because of a lack of self control. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have Silent, though. There are so many tiny things that could have changed the entire course of history, as I am now. Wonder if Tia realized this when she sent us back...” "We'll make history."When Kin opened his eyes, he was confused. Only a moment ago, he was arguing with Celestia and having an intense magical battle with her, in which he lost. Why did he feel like he was forgetting something, something important... It’d have to wait. He got a look at his surroundings. He was in the middle of a field... And surrounded by two groups of ponies of equal distance from the other. The group to his right wore golden armor, the Equestrian sun symbol prominent on every single one of them. The same symbol was on the banner being held up by several ponies. On the other end, was a dark blue set of armor, and a mix of normal ponies and bat ponies. The moon was imprinted on their armor, as well as on the banner being lifted up. The armor looked vaguely familiar... “Down with Lunars!” “Death to Solars!” “End the- Who is that? Is he a Solar?” “A Lunar? He must be!” Kin just looked around confused. This wasn’t what he had expected when he returned. A small group from both sides, none looking happy. The 'Lunar' side was armed with a strange metallic weapon. He swore he had seen one before, but couldn’t place where... The words of a ‘Lunar’ broke through his thoughts, “The cease-fire only lasts a little while longer. So who be you? A putrid Solar, or a glorious Lunar?” “Of course he’s a Solar! Did you see how close he was to us when he transported here?” “No one was talking to you, minion of the tyrant.” “Tyrant? How dare yo-” “...While this arguing is lovely to hear... I’m looking for someone.” Kin spoke out, interrupting the argument. The Lunar looked at him curiously, finally taking in all of Kin’s features. “...And who might you be looking for? The Night Princess?” “Yes, actually. Where is Luna?” A shadow fell across the field as a new contestant joined the field, and landed on the side of the Lunars. “I am here, and the ce-...” It was... Luna, Kin thought. She looked different. Darker, her mane more starry and not as gentle. Her eyes were like that of a dragon, slitted and more greenish-blue than before. Her teeth were sharper... Was it really her? “...Luna? Is that you?” He asked, his head cocked to the side questioningly. “I used to be called that, until my sister changed it. I am Nightmare Moon, rightful ruler of all Equestria!” She yelled out, causing an uproar on the side of the Solars. Another figure came to the middle of the field, only this one he could recognize easily. Celestia was trotting up, surprised to see him. “Shadowkin... It’s been a while. As you can see, things got... Complicated.” As she said complicated, she looked towards her sister. “It would be appreciated if you would aid the Solar Empire in restoring Equestria back to normal.” “Would you dare help her? After what she did to you? To me? ...To us?” His love’s words rang through his head for a while longer than he had expected. They were filled with true emotions, not the fake ones Celestia often used. He was conflicted. He either chose what was right, or chose the love of his life. Happiness, or sadness. Joy, or depression... “I...” He moved to Nightmare Moon’s side. “...Choose her side.” Celestia looked taken aback by this, “What? I thought you’d choose what was right.” “I did... I chose what was right for me.” Kin said coldly to her, making Nightmare smile a wicked smile. “You see, dear sister...” She started, her horn charging a spell. “...He knows where his loyalties lie. As for you...” She turned to her massive army, and gave a nod, causing all of them to raise their weapons and aim at the Solars, who in return did the same thing. “...You’ve got a lot to learn.” And she cast her spell, she and Shadowkin no longer being on the battlefield. Celestia made a hasty retreat, not eager to be caught in the crossfire between the two armies. And when she re-appeared after casting her spell, she was looking up at Canterlot. A new banner hung from its side, and on it was the large moon. She knew she was losing, and now with Kin returned and against her... She didn’t think she’d win. - - - Canterlot Throne Room - - - - They appeared in said room, Nightmare Moon bringing herself to the throne and sitting down, watching as Kin took in all of the room. There were significant changes in decor. Instead of it being bright and having several banners praising the sun goddess, it was dark and those banners had been replaced by the same ones that were used in the battlefield. “Luna, what’s going on?” Kin asked her as he trotted up the stairs to take a seat by her side. She looked at him with a face almost as emotionless as Celestia’s, “Not many may call me Luna, but you are the exception. As for the answer to your question, I am claiming what is rightfully mine. The era of magic still stands, but in your absence, we found other means. Technology can advance, and benefit both the ponies, and us. We’ll rule together, my love. And together, the world shall be changed for the better.” He could feel that she was ‘darker’ than her usual self. The way she talked, the way she walked, and more importantly, the rising against her sister. Something was off... But he found himself liking it, and he knew not why. “...Are you so certain?” She turned her head to look out one of the many windows strategically placed around the throne room, “Yes. I am very certain. With you by my side, we shall rule a new era, and that era shall never end.” “...And of your sister?” Her head jerked back to Shadowkin, anger obvious in both her expression and tone, “Do NOT speak of her. She shall share the same fate as her followers. Either exilement, or execution.” “I’ve always followed you before... Now will be no different. I’ll do whatever it takes.” Kin draped a wing over her, and she smiled. “I could always count on you... But it won’t be all smile and happiness from here on out. The war has been going on for a while, and due to Celestia shunning the use of technology, we have the advantage.” “I see... Just give me orders, my night princess.” His tone and expression was very serious. “Tomorrow, you’ll begin your reign as an official prince by my side. Together... We’ll make history.”
Hard TimeShe broke through our homes door in a hurried manner. She shouted to me as she galloped up the stairs. “Kin, we have to leave!” I had no idea what she was talking about. Why would we need to leave our home? “Stop thinking and get ready to get the hay out of here!” She knows me too well. I trotted to the stairs to find her coming down as quickly as she went up. “Silent, what’s wrong?” She had a look of anger and fear in her eyes. Much like when she first found out that I had issues. Then I realized what she was worried about. “Why in Celestia’s name did you do it again?!” She shook her head and galloped out the back door, nearly knocking the table over in the kitchen by doing so. I followed her out the back, still wondering why she would have robbed another rich pony, and picked this time to get caught. She has been turning to crime every since our parents left, promising to come back but never did. The last time we heard from them was when we received a letter that told us they didn’t want us. I was indifferent, taking how they paid more attention to Silent. She was standing in the back near the fence in the rain. When I caught up with her, I made sure to let her know what she just did. “You’re such an idiot! Don’t you think they would follow you here? Celestia, you promised you wouldn’t go down that road again.” I was screaming at her, not caring if the guard was near or not. She just looked at me with a little bit of fear. I had always been quiet around her. Never spoke against her ideas, never gave my opinions, only made comments every blue moon. Yet now, I just can’t take it anymore. “Kin...” Was all she could say to me as I used my magic to disguise myself as a unicorn. As if right on cue, a squad of guards came to our backyard. “The elusive Silent Scream, and who’s this? Your accomplice?” I shot a rude glare at Silent before turning to face them. “Are you going to come peacefully or do we have to get rough?” I shook my head and took a few steps towards them. Smirking, I scanned each one of them over. Each wearing the same armor, each of the three a different race, and same bland expressions on their faces. Taking them on would be no problem for me, but I don’t feel like getting myself into anymore trouble than I already am. “We’ll come quietly. Right, sis?” I turned to her once more, giving her a strong glare. She slowly nodded and trotted to the guards, head hanging low and eyes shut in sadness. Whether it was out of guilt of the crime or seeing me this way, I will never know. - - - Four hours later - - - - By the time we reached the prison in our chariot, the rain had picked up even more. As we stepped off of the chariot, the unicorn guard spoke up. “Word of warning. Magic has no effect here. Any spells you attempt to cast or have casted on yourself won’t work anymore. Get ready to live life as an earthpony.” Shit. After walking the chainlink fence path to the main room, I prepared for my disguise to turn off. Surprisingly, it didn’t. The room was just blank, except for the guards lining the walls. We heard one of the guards call out on a radio. “Grease, what’s going on? My magic still works.” A bit of static from his radio emitted. It ended quickly as a feminine voice came from it. “Sorry Captain. Got some strange energy fields, much like when Celestia was here. I have re-attuned the machine and it should start in a few. Grease out.” The guards around us decided now was the best time to put our shackles on and ship us to our rooms. After we followed a extremely long and bland hallway, the path split into two. The signs said “← Mare | Stallion →”. Silent and I were separated, her looking sad and me holding on. She may be my sister, but she’s also the reason I’m here in the first place. As we moved through another set of hallways, I started seeing the cells and their occupants. Ponies of every race in orange jumpsuits, some having made their own modifications to it as well. Each cell was outfitted with two cots, two sinks, two toilets, and one light. Must use electricity here, taking how magic seems to not work. We stopped outside of a cell and it slowly inched open. They forced me into the cell with a very rude shove, tripping me and forcing me to the ground. By the time I got up and turned around, they had shut the door and were staring in awe. I had just now noticed that my wings were once more present and my horn was longer, which must be what they are gawking at. “Don’t you two have someplace to be?” The two just stood there for a few more minutes until their commanding officer told them to come to the barracks. They slowly made their way out of view, obviously still shocked by the existence of a third alicorn. You’d think they would be more scared of the other ponies... “Well, this is a shock. Don’t I know you from someplace?” I quickly turned around at the voice, only to find a small pegasus. He had a light grey coat, clipped ear, and a blueish purple mane and tail. What struck me as odd was he had two orange horns sprouting from each side of his head. “No, they’re not part of the outfit.” I knew only one pony with this condition. “DJ THUND3R? Why are you in here and not with Vinyl Scratch?” He was her partner the last time I checked. They made some of the best techno and other types all across Equestria. He looked a little down at the question, but perked up soon after. “At my last concert, a fight broke out from a group of drunk ponies. They were stupid enough to come on stage and fight me. As for what happened to them, my horns are the answer.” In the middle of the fight, he stabbed them. Let’s NOT get on his bad side. I just let a few nods, remembering that that was where Silent and I went for her birthday. He has been in here for at least a year. “Shadowkin. I expected more from prison guards, ya know?” He gave me a short nod of agreement and acknowledgement. I trotted over to my cot and laid back, looking over to find him doing the same. After he got situated, he turned to face me. “Bet you got all the ponies running up to you.” He gave me a smile, either trying to be nice or playful. I just shrugged. “When you’re in hiding, nothing like that happens. Only pony I had running to me was my twin sister.” He looked dumbstruck at me. “There are two of you?!” He shouted out, causing some of the other prisoners to moan in protest, as it disturbed their un-needed beauty sleep. I shook my head. “I’m the only other alicorn. She’s a unicorn, and for the record, neither of us have our cutie marks.” He shifted a bit and mumbled something under his breath. “I heard that. If you want to call me a ‘blank flank’, the least you could do is say it out loud.” He cringed at what I said. Calling somepony that was DEFINITELY not a good idea, as it is very offensive. I just laughed. It was nice to be able to talk to somepony who wasn’t Silent. “Relax. I don’t plan on sending you to the moon or something.” He let out a sigh of relief, of which I laughed aloud again. “Anyway, what’s your real name?” “Shadow Raven. I think it’s time to say lights out. Night, Shadowkin.” He turned himself over as I said goodnight. I rolled over onto my back and stared blankly at the ceiling. Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts wander. So, my sister takes me to prison and I meet my favorite DJ. I am officially out of hiding and hope that neither of the princesses hear about this. The only thing that would bring is me being taken from my sister. I may not like her at the moment, but we’re family. Those were the last of my thoughts as I drifted into a deep sleep, not having a single dream or nightmare after a long chain of both.
Time FliesCelestia sat at her throne, having finished her morning court session. As she let out a sigh of relief, another set of hooves entered her chambers. “I am sorry, but court is... Oh, Captain Chaser. What brings you here?” The pegasus guard captain made haste to the princess and knelt before her. She told him to rise, and the look on his face was unclear. He looked straight at her face and deep into her eyes. “My lady, he’s been found.” Celestia nearly fell back at this statement, even if she was in her throne. She gave him a questioning look. “Black coat, blue eyes, black and red mane and tail. Celestia, he’s in prison. We overhead him talking with the prisoner in his cell. He claims to have lived in secrecy with his ‘twin unicorn’ sister.” Celestia no longer had a surprised expression, but one of being deep in thought. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. “It has almost been one thousand years, and I still have no time to give to him. Only if Luna hadn’t...” She just sat there, mumbling to herself. Some of it being ways to bring him here, others of how she could have approached her sister differently. Captain Chaser reminded her of his presence, and she looked up at him. “In two years time, it will be time for her return. You already foresaw the outcome in a vision, so why not wait until then? Surely with the royal duties split between the two of you, one of you could raise him properly.” Celestia sat for a few more minutes. He is right. I am amazed I was not the one to come up with this plan. She gave the captain a nod and sent him off. It was going to be a long two years. “Get off your lazy flank and get your suit on. It’s time for breakfast.” The voice rang through my ears with a force. After getting out of bed and doing as was asked, and not doing it easily, Raven had just finished doing the same. It was the same unicorn guard as when I first got here, who was also the one to shove me rudely. He slid the door open slowly and stepped inside. He motioned us to follow him, which we did, down the many of hallways that plagued the large building. After four hallways, we finally came to a set of double doors. Pushing us through them, we found it just to be a large room with tables scattered around. There was a line of prisoners, most likely getting food, and none of them seemed happy about it either. “Enjoy.” Was the last thing the guard said before going into his post. I sat down at a random empty table. Being an alicorn, I found that I didn’t need the simple things that the other races needed. Hunger, thirst, even bathing. So I just sat there, waiting for Raven to come back, when some prisoner decided to try to be funny. He put a hoof down right next to me. “So, let me guess. You must think you will run this place, being an alicorn and all.” I shook my head. “Good, cause this is my turf. You best not forget that.” I let out a slight chuckle. “What are you laughing at?” An evil smirk grew across my face, and it made the prisoners infront of me cringe. “You don’t scare me. Mind your own business before-” “Before what? You know, I think I’ll call you...Peny.” I could hear him snicker at me, at both cutting me off and at the name. “Come on, Muffin. Leave ‘em alone.” Another prisoner from the same direction as Muffin said. He has some common sense. “He won’t do nothing, won’t ya?” I cracked my neck. “Call me that one more time, and you will regret it.” I heard him laugh again. “Or what, Pen-” I brought my left hoof back with lightning speed and connected with his chest. All I heard was a scream of pain and a body slamming a rock wall. “Or that. Anypony else got some comments?” Every prisoner shifted back to their original conversations. I just shrugged as Raven came back over, half shaking. Raven nudged me and I turned to him. “Shadow, do you know who that was?” I just shook my head, as it didn’t matter. “That was Muffin. He is, or was, the toughest pony here. He wasn’t the brightest, either, as you can see.” I turned around, and stared in awe. Muffin’s body was lying on his stomach with blood coming from his back, likely from the shards of rock stuck in it. I turned around and shrugged. “Shit happens.” - - - - - - - - - - - Two years later - - - - - - - - - - - - I laid in my solitary cell staring at the ceiling. They moved me here about a year ago after I kept getting into fights. I hadn’t heard much news on Silent, except that she was getting into less trouble than me. I had been thinking about how to escape, but without my magic it would be difficult. I closed my eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. - - - Meanwhile, in Canterlot - - - - Captain Chaser was standing before Celestia once again, but on worse terms. She once more told him to rise. He looked her straight in the eyes and took a deep breath. “My lady, I bring troubling news.” He hesitated, but the look Celestia gave him forced the information out of him. “He has been placed in solitary confinement. The longer you wait, the more dangerous he becomes.” Celestia trailed off once more, looking outside towards the moon. “I see. I shall venture there to remove him tomorrow. You are dismissed, Captain Chaser.” The captain bowed his head towards her and quickly trotted away. She just sat on her throne, staring at the moon. He seems to be a lot like you, Luna. Acting without thinking rationally. I wonder what you would say if you were here right now... - - - Tomorrow - - - - My door flew open and light attacked my eyelids, forcing me awake. “Kin, we’re leaving. Let’s move.” Silent’s voice rang through my ears, causing me to jump to my hooves. As I trotted outside into the long corridor, Silent spoke her plan to me. “The others are creating a distraction. The device was destroyed and magic is restored. You can thank me later, but now I need you to put all of your magic into one blast and shoot that wall.” She pointed her horn in the direction of the wall. “On the other side is a large forest, and somewhere inside is a cave where we can hide out.” I turned and pointed my horn at the wall. A red aura surrounded my horn and soon spread to my entire body, making me feel my own energy. The aura around my horn collected that of my body and shot forth a beam of red light. As the light connected to the wall, a large explosion sent debris flying everywhere. “Whoa. Let’s get out of here!” She galloped forward the hole with me on her tail. In the large, wide open prison yard, guards and prisoners alike were fighting and killing each other. Better them than us. After dodging a few magic blasts and a couple flying shivs and batons, I had broken through another wall that lead to the forest. We galloped into it and never stopped, even with all the cuts and bruises I was getting from the plants and branches. I could sense a growing energy coming from the distance, but I shook it off as we reached the cave. After stepping inside and panting, we laughed at each other. “I would have never thought you would get solitary.” She said between panting and laughing. “I am your brother, after all.” We both smiled at each other, finally getting that connection other siblings get. What brought us to reality was two sounds of clucking, and I immediately knew what it was. We slowly turned our heads to see two cockatrices gazing right at us. “K-Kin!” I quickly turned to Silent, seeing her slowly turn to stone. I didn’t have to look to notice I was as well. My hind legs felt... Cold. I couldn’t move or feel them, except for wanting to scream. Which is what I did, as my sister and I were fully overtaken by the stone. - - - Celestia - - - - She galloped after him, unknowing of his fate. After following his trail of magical energy, she found the cave they ran inside. She let out a sigh of relief and stepped inside, only to be overtaken by a different feeling. Sorrow. The alicorn and his sister had been turned to stone and with the creatures responsible no where to be seen, she just knelt down. Tears started forming at her eyes. “Not you too...” The sound of hoofsteps brought her back to her old self. It was the captain with two more guards, both looking beaten and bloodied. “Princess Celestia, are you alright?” He looked past her at the stone statues, slow to pick up on the fact that they were once living. When it hit him, his head hung low for her loss. He trotted next to her and put a hoof on her. “My lady, if I may, who was he?” Celestia slowly stood up, still on the verge of tears. She turned to the captain and let out a heavy sigh. “A very old friend. I would rather not retell the story at this time...” The captain gave a nod for agreement. “Gather some ponies and take them two back to the Royal Garden. Look for any cockatrices. For both these two’s sake, and for any other pony who wanders these woods.” The captain gave another nod as the princess left the cave and flew back to Canterlot. - - - Shadowkin - - - - So now I am frozen in stone and alone. There is only one thing I can even think of saying that describes how I feel...Fuck my life.
Breaking Free“This statue is directly from the garden in Canterlot! Was very dangerous, too, with all the animals running about.” What? “Starting price for... What in Celestia’s name?!” Bright light surrounded me as I heard the sound of stone cracking. A few seconds later, I was in a room on a stage next to a very freaked out earthpony. I looked around and saw about twenty or so other ponies, staring at me in shock. The pony next to me trotted closer to me, scanning over every part of my body. “Can I get some personal space, please?” At the sound of my voice, he nearly jumped out of his coat. Some of the ponies gasped, others remained quiet, while most just stared. “An... Alicorn? They’re extinct though!” Extinct? That can’t be right. I turned to him, giving him a confused glance. “You must be mistaken. What about Celestia?” All the ponies in the room looked down in sadness at the mention of her name. “You mean... No, that’s not possible. It was just a few moments ago I felt her presence...” At this point, I was rambling. I heard a scream come from beyond the crowd as it split in two, making a clear row in the center. A grey earthpony flew through a cloth and slid up to the stage, still screaming. “Touch me that way again and I will gut you.” A very familiar female voice called as the unicorn entered the room. Silent! She’s here too! And as if on cue, she galloped to the front of the stage and leaped to my level. “Finally! I have been looking for you. Only reason it took me so long was because that little pony decided to get a little dirty.” At this, I shot him a glare that sent him scurrying away. I would have to catch up with Silent later. Now, I need answers. “Listen up!” Everypony looked straight at me, some with fear (likely because of Silent) and some with no expression at all. “Can anypony explain to me what happened to Celestia?” The stallion from before trotted closer and volunteered himself. With a cough to get everypony’s attention, he began his tale. “Five hundred years ago, Celestia disappeared from her rule, leaving all the duties to her younger sister Luna. Celestia had said to have disappeared because of her not being able to handle the job anymore, or because she was looking for something. The whereabouts of both sisters are still unknown, as Luna disappeared one hundred years after. Canterlot now lays in ruins due to a war of power between the three races. Equestria has become worse than you can imagine. Pony’s fighting over food, water, weapons, and even other ponies.” “Well, sounds like this place really went to shit.” The stallion nodded, still eying me nervously. “I’m sorry for what I did to you. It’s all my fault...” I looked around frantically for the voice. It sounded like Celestia, but it’s proclaimed she is missing. “Kin? You heard it too?” Looking back to my sister, she seemed a bit paler. I gave her an agreeing nod. She continued to look around for a little bit, until something caught her eye. Following her glance, there was a group of cloaked ponies looking towards us. “Silent. I got a bad feeling about this.” Her turn to give me a nod. As the pony’s inched closer to us, the feeling grew. When the three were right in front of us, they removed their hoods. One was a blue unicorn, another a red pegasus, and the final a yellow earthpony. The leader inched closer and spoke, “The archives never told of a third alicorn. Who are you?” I gave off a smirk, “Depends on who’s asking.” The leader gave a short nod and motioned her ‘friends’ to wait outside. Turning back to me, she said, “I am Eclipse, the new leader of the Celestian Crusaders. Our order has existed for four hundred years, not stopping our search once. Well, until we couldn’t make the trip to Canterlot Castle.” I gave her a confused look, “Do you go in the day or in the night?” She nearly laughed where I stood, “It hasn’t been day since Luna left. No unicorn could raise the sun, as it takes an alicorn’s magic to do so.” I gave a nod and jumped off the stage. Trotting through the crowd and leaving the room, it was nearly pitch black, minus the few lights here and there. I flew into the sky to get a look at where I was, and was horrified. Entire buildings reduced to rubble, shacks built from the debris, ponies slowly inching their ways into the desolate world. After the ponies filling the shattered streets looked up, most stared in awe. Seems like Celestia forgot her place, and let the world crumble. When and if I find her, she’s going to have some explaining to do. I flew back down to the ground and took a deep breath. Letting my magic overtake my body once more, I focused it all towards the moon, which was just sitting in the middle of the sky. It’s time for this eternal darkness to learn it’s not so eternal after all. I put all of my being into focusing on the moon, commanding it to move from it’s locked position. “What is all that... Is that what I think it is?!” A random passerby screamed as the moon inched it’s way out of view, with a bright light starting to overtake the forsaken land. By the time the sun had fully risen into the sky, most ponies ran back inside, afraid of what was happening. I took a deep breath and let go of my grip on the sun. Never again will I underestimate the power required to do this job, as I am currently swaying. I could hear the sound of hooves hitting stone as I fell, darkness overtaking my sight. - - - Canterlot Castle (Past) - - - - Shadowkin was trotting through the halls of the castle, aiming for one room in particular. He turned many corners, escaped long corridors, and finally made his way to a large set of doors with the image of the moon painted on. He gave a nod to the two night guards who opened the door, allowing him entrance to the bedchambers. He trotted into the room with a smile on his face. Luna’s room was quite simple for royalty. She had a bed, dresser, nightstand, the basics. As he searched for her, she called to him from the balcony. As he trotted next to her, gazing at the starry night, he noticed she had a sad aura emitting from her.. He sat down close to her, coat to coat. “What’s wrong? You’re usually your happiest at night.” She slowly turned her head, face matching her aura. “Kin, I feel as if you are the only pony who truly appreciates the night.” He put a hoof and a wing around her, resting his head against hers, “The night may not have a blue sky, but it has the stars of the worlds beyond. I’m sure Tia feels the same way as me, but you know her. Emotionless as always.” The two shared a laugh as they watched a falling star shoot by. “I heard that if you make a wish on a falling star, it comes true,” Luna said, turning her head towards Shadowkin. He turned his head to her, “How about Celestia’s approval? She isn’t hostile, but she isn’t polite either. Do you think we’ll ever get along?” Luna gave a sheepish smile, “Maybe. Would you stay here with me?” Shadowkin grinned and rested his head against hers again. “Nothing could keep me away.” The image of the two started fading from his view as reality grasped him. - - - Present - - - - I woke up to my coat covered in dust and several ponies staring at me, mouths agape. I got up slowly, realizing how tired I was. Shaking myself awake, I addressed the crowd, “As much as I love the night, four hundred years is too long. I am not taking over as the pony to control the cycle, but I know somepony who will. I am going to Canterlot, and I will find our lost princesses.” The crowd cheered, both at his statement and at the sun. The leader trotted up to me, “Then it was true after all. The monsters that live in Canterlot should be gone, as they are all nocturnal, unlike we ponies. If you fly there ahead of us, you could start the search early. It will take us about two hours from our current location.” I gave her a quizzical look, “Where are we?” The rest of her crew, as well as my sister, galloped over to us as she spoke, “The remnants of Ponyville.” With a nod, I flew into the sky and searched for the mountain that the castle was located on. Spotting a half destroyed castle on a equally destroyed mountain, I flew for the entrance. The world has been in the dark for four hundred years, the princesses are missing, and I am having dreams of things that didn’t happen... Or did they? I’ve lived my whole life with Silent, how could I have been even close to the castle? Things just aren’t making sense...
Tattered PastA/N: This was written in third person as it was both easier and tied with the flashbacks. Just a bit of warning before you start reading. As Kin approached the destroyed doors, an eerie feeling overcame him. He searched the broken windows of the castle for any sign of life, but found nothing. He shook the feeling off as well as he could and trotted inside. “You need to stop treating her like a foal, Tia!” He scanned the hallway for anything alive, but found nothing but the skeletons of ponies and nearly destroyed rusted swords. As he kept on trotting, he found himself unwillingly following a familiar, yet unfamiliar, path. “The matter is not up to you, Shadowkin. Leave it be.” The garden outside of the tower was void of flowers, as it once was. The only thing of beauty being the fact that there are no skeletons lying here. He climbed the stairs, his hooves echoing throughout the tall, hollow passageway. “Like hell I will! I get the feeling I am the only pony caring for her feelings.” There was a door that was intact blocking his way inside. Putting his hoof on the door, he found that no amount of physical force could open it. In response, he put his horn to the door and used magic to break the spell. As a result, the door slowly inched its way open. The room was barren of anything but symbols on a wall. Trotting closer, the symbols formed writing covered in dust. Unknowing why, a tears formed from his eyes. He read the words aloud, “The only way this would be able to be read is if the sun shines, as it won’t for many years. I am sorry to leave my home, my country, my ponies, my...” He paused, amazed at the words before him. He took a deep breath and continued, “My lost love. I know it’s you who is reading this, and I am sorry for what she did to you. Kin...Turn around and brace yourself.” Shadowkin stood there dazed, reading over the last words. As if for an answer, he felt something slam into his side and launch him into the nearest wall. Struggling to get to his hooves, he felt another blow connect to his jaw, sending him upwards. He collided with the ceiling and fell back down. As he was falling, yet another blow connected with his pack, forcing him to break through the floor and descend at a quickening pace to the bottom of the tower. Kin could no longer move after his body met the ground. The pain he felt couldn’t be compared to anything else he knew. The figure of white dropped right in front of him, kneeling down to his level. He heard a gasp as his vision started to go blurry. All he could make out before passing out was, “You?” - - - Throne Room (Past) - - - - Shadowkin trotted towards Celestia with concern in his steps. Concern for his Luna, and not for the so-called princess who ruled single-hoofedly an entire country. “More of a queen, if you ask me,” he thought silently to himself. He didn’t bother to bow before speaking to her, “What is it I have done to upset you this time?” The princess stepped down from her throne and moved directly in front of him. With her unreadable face, she spoke in a tone to match, “It is about Luna. She has been spending most of her time in her room, rather than the other facilities in the castle. You being with her most of the time, I wanted to ask what was wrong.” “She doesn’t even have the guts to talk to her own sister. Sad, really.” He flipped his mane out of his eyes and took a deep breath. Opening his eyes, “Yes, she told me what was wrong. No, I won’t tell you.” She shook her head, “And why not? She is my sister, and I have a right to know.” His wings began twitching with his growing anger. “The same thing that’s bothering me.” Celestia gave him a questioning look, “And that would be?” His wings were now fully upright from his full anger, his voice matching the volume of it, “You need to stop treating her like a foal, Tia!” He had raised his voice to her, something that no pony ever does. Celestia’s face was finally showing emotion, the same emotion as Shadowkin. Anger. “The matter is not up to you, Shadowkin. Leave it be.” Kin tensed up, speaking even louder, “Like hell I will! I get the feeling I am the only pony caring for her feelings.” Celestia’s wings shot up, being only slightly taller than Kin’s. “I care for my sister, but the country comes first.” “Is that supposed to be an excuse for you to not spend time with your family? You don’t even let her do anything!” Celestia stomped her hoof on the ground, causing a loud cracking sound to emit and echo through the large room. She glared down upon him, “We are done here.” Kin didn’t budge. His wings folded back down, but were still twitching. He returned her glare, “No, we’re not. The ponies across Equestria play and work in the sun, but sleep through her beautiful night. You have no idea what she feels like because you neglect your responsibilities as sisters. She stopped looking to you when you started ignoring her.” He stood triumphantly, but he soon began backing away hastily, still facing the princess. Celestia had begun charging her magic into her horn, pointing it directly at Shadowkin. He began charging his own magic, already knowing where this was heading. A bright beam of white shot from her horn, aimed directly at his head. He discharged his own beam, but it’s colors being a swirling mix of black and red. “I will not back down to the likes of her,” Kin thought as he put more of his magic into the beam. The two were evenly matched, but that only last a few short moments. Celestia’s beam began to overpower his own, sliding him back a bit. “I...See how it is...” He mumbled as he fell to a kneeling position, still trying to keep her attack at bay. Still sliding back, “Have fun explaining...This to Luna...” That was all he could say before his magic reserve emptied, dispelling his only protection from the opposing force. He closed his eyes as the beam hit him head-on, emitting a blinding white light. Celestia opened her eyes and looked at the spot where Shadowkin once was. All that was left was black scorch marks in his form. She trotted back to her throne and sat. Putting a hoof under her jaw and letting out a sigh, “What have I done...?” - - - Present - - - - His eyes flashed open and he bolted upright, finding himself in a different area than where he blacked out. In the distance he could hear two feminine voices arguing. “I told you it was him, but you didn’t believe me. I knew it was time when the sun rose, and you neglected to listen.” “I had other issues on my mind, little sister.” “Still having the same issues as when I left, Tia?” There was silence before the door swung open. His eyes adjusted to the light of the room to find it was nothing but a bare white room, minus the open door that stood before him. Luna charged in the room like a rhino, somehow coming to a complete halt right in front of Kin. She scanned him over, as if she couldn’t believe he was really there. “I remember. All of it. And I thought I was rough around the edges now...” The two let out a laugh as Celestia entered the room, a look of shame on her face. “I let my jealousy of my sister take over that night, and I am sorry.” Her head hung low, as if it has bothered her all this time. Kin smiled at her, “If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have my sister. Although, getting cast into the lapse between time and space grew boring.” She loosened at the sound of his kind words. His happy smile was replaced by a grim frown soon after, “You left to find a way to fix the wrongs. Then you asked Luna to aid in your quest, and left the moon in the sky for me to change, to signal my return.” Celestia gave a nod, as well as Luna. Celestia gained a large grin, “I found it, too. The way to send both you and your sister back. Should I bring her here?” Shadowkin nodded his agreement. Celestia’s horn glowed brightly as a figure began to form right in front of him. When the particles of magic subsided, his sister appeared fully and confused. She swayed a moment before getting a grasp on herself. As her eyes landed on Kin, she leaped and tackled him. “We heard loud sounds coming from the castle as one of the tower collapsed, and thought that you might have been in it. I was afraid when there was a lot of blood coming from the debris...” Tears formed in her eyes and she just wrapped her forehooves around his neck. “Tia, it’s time to send us back. Right before we broke free, if you would be so kind.” He gave her a quick smile and looked over to Luna, “I’ll see you when you get back from the moon, my night princess.” She gave him a teary nod as the two were engulfed in the same light as before. The scene around them faded into nothingness, and then they were stripped apart and placed back into their bodies before the outbreak. Him in his bed sleeping, and her doing the same in her own bed. “To think, I have had one hundred years with Luna taken away from my memory because of a lack of self control. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have Silent, though. There are so many tiny things that could have changed the entire course of history, as I am now. Wonder if Tia realized this when she sent us back...”
"We'll make history."When Kin opened his eyes, he was confused. Only a moment ago, he was arguing with Celestia and having an intense magical battle with her, in which he lost. Why did he feel like he was forgetting something, something important... It’d have to wait. He got a look at his surroundings. He was in the middle of a field... And surrounded by two groups of ponies of equal distance from the other. The group to his right wore golden armor, the Equestrian sun symbol prominent on every single one of them. The same symbol was on the banner being held up by several ponies. On the other end, was a dark blue set of armor, and a mix of normal ponies and bat ponies. The moon was imprinted on their armor, as well as on the banner being lifted up. The armor looked vaguely familiar... “Down with Lunars!” “Death to Solars!” “End the- Who is that? Is he a Solar?” “A Lunar? He must be!” Kin just looked around confused. This wasn’t what he had expected when he returned. A small group from both sides, none looking happy. The 'Lunar' side was armed with a strange metallic weapon. He swore he had seen one before, but couldn’t place where... The words of a ‘Lunar’ broke through his thoughts, “The cease-fire only lasts a little while longer. So who be you? A putrid Solar, or a glorious Lunar?” “Of course he’s a Solar! Did you see how close he was to us when he transported here?” “No one was talking to you, minion of the tyrant.” “Tyrant? How dare yo-” “...While this arguing is lovely to hear... I’m looking for someone.” Kin spoke out, interrupting the argument. The Lunar looked at him curiously, finally taking in all of Kin’s features. “...And who might you be looking for? The Night Princess?” “Yes, actually. Where is Luna?” A shadow fell across the field as a new contestant joined the field, and landed on the side of the Lunars. “I am here, and the ce-...” It was... Luna, Kin thought. She looked different. Darker, her mane more starry and not as gentle. Her eyes were like that of a dragon, slitted and more greenish-blue than before. Her teeth were sharper... Was it really her? “...Luna? Is that you?” He asked, his head cocked to the side questioningly. “I used to be called that, until my sister changed it. I am Nightmare Moon, rightful ruler of all Equestria!” She yelled out, causing an uproar on the side of the Solars. Another figure came to the middle of the field, only this one he could recognize easily. Celestia was trotting up, surprised to see him. “Shadowkin... It’s been a while. As you can see, things got... Complicated.” As she said complicated, she looked towards her sister. “It would be appreciated if you would aid the Solar Empire in restoring Equestria back to normal.” “Would you dare help her? After what she did to you? To me? ...To us?” His love’s words rang through his head for a while longer than he had expected. They were filled with true emotions, not the fake ones Celestia often used. He was conflicted. He either chose what was right, or chose the love of his life. Happiness, or sadness. Joy, or depression... “I...” He moved to Nightmare Moon’s side. “...Choose her side.” Celestia looked taken aback by this, “What? I thought you’d choose what was right.” “I did... I chose what was right for me.” Kin said coldly to her, making Nightmare smile a wicked smile. “You see, dear sister...” She started, her horn charging a spell. “...He knows where his loyalties lie. As for you...” She turned to her massive army, and gave a nod, causing all of them to raise their weapons and aim at the Solars, who in return did the same thing. “...You’ve got a lot to learn.” And she cast her spell, she and Shadowkin no longer being on the battlefield. Celestia made a hasty retreat, not eager to be caught in the crossfire between the two armies. And when she re-appeared after casting her spell, she was looking up at Canterlot. A new banner hung from its side, and on it was the large moon. She knew she was losing, and now with Kin returned and against her... She didn’t think she’d win. - - - Canterlot Throne Room - - - - They appeared in said room, Nightmare Moon bringing herself to the throne and sitting down, watching as Kin took in all of the room. There were significant changes in decor. Instead of it being bright and having several banners praising the sun goddess, it was dark and those banners had been replaced by the same ones that were used in the battlefield. “Luna, what’s going on?” Kin asked her as he trotted up the stairs to take a seat by her side. She looked at him with a face almost as emotionless as Celestia’s, “Not many may call me Luna, but you are the exception. As for the answer to your question, I am claiming what is rightfully mine. The era of magic still stands, but in your absence, we found other means. Technology can advance, and benefit both the ponies, and us. We’ll rule together, my love. And together, the world shall be changed for the better.” He could feel that she was ‘darker’ than her usual self. The way she talked, the way she walked, and more importantly, the rising against her sister. Something was off... But he found himself liking it, and he knew not why. “...Are you so certain?” She turned her head to look out one of the many windows strategically placed around the throne room, “Yes. I am very certain. With you by my side, we shall rule a new era, and that era shall never end.” “...And of your sister?” Her head jerked back to Shadowkin, anger obvious in both her expression and tone, “Do NOT speak of her. She shall share the same fate as her followers. Either exilement, or execution.” “I’ve always followed you before... Now will be no different. I’ll do whatever it takes.” Kin draped a wing over her, and she smiled. “I could always count on you... But it won’t be all smile and happiness from here on out. The war has been going on for a while, and due to Celestia shunning the use of technology, we have the advantage.” “I see... Just give me orders, my night princess.” His tone and expression was very serious. “Tomorrow, you’ll begin your reign as an official prince by my side. Together... We’ll make history.”
