Fallen Equestria; New Beginnings

Chapters

Blessings
Shadows
The Drift
Whispers In the Dark; Part One
Whispers II, The Storm
The Unwelcoming World
The Angel of Darkness
This Means WAR
Immortal Lovers
Destination Unknown
Redemption of the Goddess
Autumn Heat
Requiem
Before the Dawn
New Beginnings

Blessings

Author's Note

Caution: This story is the SEQUEL to Shattered Silence, and will make absolutely little or no sense if you have not read the first novel. Please read that if you have not done so already. Furthermore; Canon DOES NOT EXIST HERE. You will see some VERY OOC characters throughout the series of the Fallen Equestria saga, where Celestia actually has a bit of a trolling side to her personality, and is obsessed with baked goods. Twilight here is equally as big of a laugh. You have been warned.

Blessings

Fallen Equestria; New Beginnings

Chapter One: Blessings

Luna smiles softly, looking around from her resting position on her cushion. It's another beautiful day in Equestria, five blissful, peaceful years after the end of the war with the parasite. The alicorn can hear the soft sounds of the world around her in the gardens. The birds are singing a beautiful melody, the air calm and serene. She alights her horn and closes her eyes, bringing her porcelain tea cup to her lips.

She sets down the cup upon the small round iron table before her, her eyes open and her attention once again upon her diary. She levitates a quill in her magical grasp, returning to writing her entry for the day. A smile adorns her muzzle as she writes, enjoying the moment of peace she has.

The sound of a stick breaking catches her senses, she quickly swivels her ears to listen intently. 'Not this time...You won't catch me off guard this time.' She thinks, maintaining her position upon her cushion. She keeps her jade orbs focused upon her diary pages, now floating the tip of the quill just off the page, yet keeping it in motion.

Another soft step, followed by the muffled sound of hushed giggles. She smirks and takes a soft breath, tracking the movement with her senses. Her would be assassins almost to her. Another step, slowly creeping behind her in the grass of the royal gardens. She begins to coil energy to her hind legs, ready to spring into action.

Luna figures out the ponies positions within her mind, calculating just where they were ever so meticulously. She licks her lips, dipping the quill into the inkwell again for a moment. 'Three...two...one...'

She leaps back and to the side, her fore hooves held out wide as she tackles her two attackers to the ground, a wide joyful smile upon her muzzle. The would be assassins squeal loudly as she does, pinning the two alicorn fillies into the worst counter attack ever. A mothers tickling hooves.

"Ha ha! The fun has been doubled!" Luna laughs out, feverishly tickling her two children. They giggle and squeal loudly, helpless to defend against the dark alicorns powerful and gentle hooves. She lowers her muzzle down quickly, blowing a raspberry upon their soft belly's, continuing with all of her might.

This continues for several minutes, before the two offending fillies cry out for mercy, out of breath and their bodies aching from laughter. Luna smiles and scoops them into her tight loving embrace, wrapping her wings carefully around them in a soft hug only a mother can give.

"And what brings you two here? Did you finish your studies with Auntie Tia?" She asks, an eyebrow raised as she releases them, a wry smile upon her muzzle. Luna levitates her cup within her magic again, her gaze focused upon her treasures before her.

"We did, Mama..." They both say in unison, their sapphire orbs peering into Luna's jade ones. Moonlight Way steps forward and looks at Luna, a smile upon her muzzle. "We finished all of our reports, and even started to learn how to lift things like you!"

Stardust Kiss scrunches her face for a moment, her horn sparking and flickering, her spell attempting to lock onto the quill laid upon the table. Luna watches tentatively for a moment, pride filling her heart as she sees the filly alicorn try with all of her might, succeeding after a few moments of attempts.

"That is grand!" She says with a smile. "Thou make thy mother proud, children." She says with a smile, embracing both of them. She notices both fillies pawing at the ground with their fore hooves, looking intently to the grass. Luna raises an eyebrow questioningly. "Ok...what is the matter?" She asks, small a gentle and soft smile upon her features.

Stardust Kiss speaks up this time. "Mama...When is Dad coming home? We miss him." She looks to her sister Moonlight Way, who is nodding furiously. "He promised he would be here today!"

"Yeah, when is he coming home?!" Moonlight Way chimes in, both of their eyes watering up and their lower lips trembling. They hit the regal midnight alicorn with the biggest puppy dog eyes they can, even adding the touch of their wings twitching slightly.

Luna sighs, still smiling. "And he will, just be patient. Your father just had some important things he had to do in the Crystal Empire with your aunt and uncle. Have faith, mine children. He shalt arrive in time to tuck thee in." She muses, her own eyes drifting to the sky for a moment, searching for the warbird in the clouds.

The fillies nod and smile, quiet for a moment. "Then...can we go play with Auntie Twilight?" Moonlight Way adds, keeping her sapphire eyes locked onto Luna's. "She's so fun to visit!"

"Only if you promise not to startle her half to death again. It took nearly all day to get her to come down last time." Luna says with a sigh, rolling her eyes. "Go, have fun. Be good and stay out of trouble!" She calls out, watching as they scurry off before she finished speaking with them. She sighs, grinning.

Turning back to her diary, she continues writing, her eyes scanning over her earlier entry to search for spelling mistakes or improper wording. Though it's for her eyes only, she was always known for being a perfectionist. She muses, a happy sigh from her. 'Oh, what a wonderful life this has become for me.'

"Dear Diary,

It has been four moon rises since mine flame hath journeyed to the Crystal Empire, his presence requested by Prince Shining Armor to inspect their new air division defense network. Though we have kept in contact through our link and the radio from our machine, I still find that I miss him terribly...It's still hard to believe that it has been so long ago that he arrived, yet I find that each new day brings mine self that same wonder and joy as if we had met only moments ago, the love within mine heart still as strong, if not stronger than when we discovered our feelings.

On an added note, mine offspring hath begun to understand their magic and talents, learning the ways of the arcaine and heavenly mechanisims of harmony. Mine sister is a great and wise teacher, and I find I am proud of them for trying so hard to learn. It is a wonderful peaceful time, and perfect for them to grow and relish in all that their world has to offer. I pray that it continues as it has, and they they never experience the nightmares that we had from the parasite."

Luna sets down her quill, smiling as she writes the last words upon the page. Her ears twitch as she picks up the faint sound in the distance, a wide grin encroaching upon her muzzle as she hears it. She looks to the sunlit heavens, her eyes searching the clouds as it becomes more noticeable. Her flame, is returning home.

* * * * *

"One to Control, requesting clearance to land." He says into his flight helmet, looking out of the canopy as he sees Canterlot coming into view. His eyes trace the busy city below him through the canopy glass, a smile upon his lips.

'Operator to Talon-One, You are cleared to land at any time. How was the trip, commander?' He hears the voice of Dusty Shine through his headset, her voice sounding relaxed and happy.

"Uneventful and boring. Next time I'm bringing Luna with me for it. This would have been way more fun if I had my co pilot with me." He breathes out, correcting his flight path. The canards deploy slowly open as he throttles back, the nose of the ageing aircraft pointed to the grand palace. "I miss anything while I was away?" He asks, his eyes looking upon the warbird's flight displays.

In the control center, Dusty Shine rests and reclines in a chair, her hind legs propped up on the table as she holds a coffee cup in her fore hooves. She blows upon the liquids surface to cool it, taking a sip. "Negative. It's been pretty quiet around here. Though the twins have been on a prank spree since you've been away. You did miss some of the fun."

The radio is silent for a moment, Dusty Shine looking up at the monitor at the pilot. She giggles when she sees his hand palm his helmet. She hears him sigh into the radio. 'Ok. Who did they get this time?'

"Princess Twilight. And that's fifty bits you owe me." She grins, taking another sip as she watches the display. She chuckles lightly. "Poor thing got her horn stuck for hours this time. Don't worry, I got it on camera."

In the warbird, the pilot rolls his eyes, pressing the switch for the landing gear. He watches at the runway comes closer into view, then begins to enter in the commands. The flaps upon the wings lower, the canards dipping as the air speed brake extends. He tilts the nose of the warbird back as he approaches to land.

"I'm looking forward to seeing that. Is Twi alright?" He asks. The rear wheels touch the ground first with a soft bump, followed shortly by the nose gear. The warbird coasts down the long runway for a moment, before slowing down.

"She's fine. Though I'd imagine Princess Celestia found it much more amusing than she did." Dusty Shine clears her throat, glancing up at the screen. She watches as the warbird coasts to a stop, before turning slowly and reaching the taxi way, bound for the hangar. "Should I send for Princess Luna to greet you in the hangar, Commander?"

'Won't be needed, Dusty. She's already here.' The mare hears through the palace intercoms within the control room. She smiles, listening as she watches the displays. Upon the various screens, she can see images that several cameras scattered around the parimeter are showing, one of them catching the midnight alicorn flying lazily above the war machine, following it to the hangar.

"Welcome home then. Your usual, I assume?" She asks, lowering her hooves to the marble tiles under her. She sets her cup upon her table, starting to get out of her seat.

'Yep. If you wouldn't mind. Just have it to Sunny Butts study. I have a lot I need to brief her on about the mission. She wanted the details as soon as I arrived.' Dusty Shine hears through the intercoms. She removes her headset, letting out a soft sigh as she trots out of the room and to the royal kitchens for the pilot.

Talon looks out of the canopy above him, his eyes tracing his alicorn as she glides ahead of the warbird, coming to a soft landing just outside of the hangar before him. He throttles back the engines a bit, the warbird coasting slowly into the large room. He swings the nose around once inside, turning the warbird to once again face outwards. He closes the wings and canards once in position, powering down the engines.

Luna watches with a smile as the canopy opens, listening as the aircraft's engines dwindle down to a whisper; the banshees cry falling silent in the still spring air. She steps to the aircraft's fuselage and comes to a rest on her haunches, her wings held loosely at her sides. Her features are relaxed and calm, her heart serene and happy. Her flame has returned home.

"Welcome back, mine love." She coos out softly, watching as he steps down the side steps. She nickers and rises to her hooves, stepping to him. Once she reaches him, she wraps him in a tight feathered embrace with her wings, lovingly nuzzling him before she gives him a soft kiss. Her jade eyes focus on his, as she gazes him adoringly.

"Thanks. It's good to be back." He sighs out, stretching after being released. "Dusty told me the twins have been up to their usual antics. Dare I ask how bad this time?" He quietly asks, beginning to step forward to the heavy oak doors leading to the grand halls.

Luna sighs and nods, keeping pace beside him. "Yes, mine flame. You have heard correct. Funny how they only do things when you and I are either in flight, or out. It's curious how they always behave so well whilst we are here." She says in a hushed tone, still smiling softly.

The two walk slowly, passing by several guards and maids within the halls, bound for Celestia's study. "Yes, it is funny, isn't it?" He says calmly with a chuckle. "Remind me again why Twilight and Sunny Butt always put up with it?"

The midnight alicorn laughs, covering her muzzle with her wing as she does. "It is because they love their nieces, mine flame. And because children will be children. It's just that ours are...well, they take up after their father and auntie Tia very well."

"Yeah...not quite calm and relaxed like their mom or Twilight I see." He lets out a huff of air, pausing in his steps to look at Luna. "Tell me they didn't decide to give Twi another makeover with markers again."

"Neigh...they didn't." Luna stifles a giggle. "Tia got one this time. Oddly enough, blue is not her color. Nor does she look good with whiskers drawn upon her." She says, turning away and resuming her gate to her elder sisters study. "Though...Tia not noticing it, and no pony speaking of it until her noon day court was amusing. Best joke so far from our children."

Talon face palms and pats his flight suit pockets, finding his pack of cigarettes in the top left breast pocket. He pulls one out and grasps his lighter, lighting it as they walk to the study through the halls. He inhales and sighs, exhaling out a stream of smoke. "I can only imagine." He deadpanned.

They reach the tall heavy oak doors with intricate carvings of Celestia's cutie mark adorning them, laced with gold and gems. Talon pushes the study door open and enters, the Night Princess trailing behind him. They find Celestia on the balcony looking out at the city. They can hear the regal white alicorn humming a soft tune, noticing her features are relaxed and happy.

Celestia tastes the calm gentle wind with her senses, a smile upon her muzzle. Looking out upon the city, everything appears in order just as it should be. The air temperature is warm and comfortable. Another beautiful day, compliments of the Canterlot weather pegasi.

"Commander, sister. Welcome." She says in her calm regal tone, turning to face them. Her magenta orbs tracing the pair as they both take their seats in her study. Celestia rises to her hooves and slowly walks in, finding her way to her own study chair at the desk. She takes a seat and focuses on the pilot. She licks her lips. "How was the mission?" She asks quietly.

Talon clears his throat, his eyes focused upon hers intently. "Just as we predicted it would go. It looks like Shining Armor and Cadence were pretty serious when they said they were making their own air combat division. It's pretty impressive, in all honesty."

The white alicorn nods slowly, listening. "I did expect as much. After the success we had years ago against the parasite, it only makes sense that they would build a similar force that we have. It never hurts to be ready, should Chrysalis feel like a comeback tour."

Luna clears her own throat. "Mine sister...is it truly necessary to have them build machines such as ours? It's been peaceful for five years now. We hath no reason to weaponize and patrol our skies within our airspace. Mine flames machine is enough to protect our subjects."

Celestia smiles, turning her gaze to her younger sister. "That is true, lulu. But the program to build a few machines here has proven useful. It has provided many jobs, more and more ponies are studying to become wise and wonderful subjects. The technology has also provided us with a new era of science and enlightenment. The spells alone that have been created have brought about safer, better building and infrastructure to our kingdom."

Luna nods, glancing over the reports she grasped off of Celestia's desk. She reads over the latest report from the treasury, as well as the recent report from the last census taken one month prior. "If these reports are any reflection of that, it would show we are prospering..."

"What about the Griffons, Sunny Butt? Aren't they still harassing us about the warbird?" Talon asks, his gaze locked onto the white alicorns. "We did have a problem with them a few weeks back, and I'm still pulling feathers out of my birds intake from that skirmish."

Celestia sighs. "They've since learned their lesson, commander. Of that I can assure you. That was a completely isolated incident from a small faction. The Griffon King has expressed several times to me that they wish no conflict with Equestria, especially after they got a front row seat of what happened to the parasite."

Luna looks at her elder sister, letting out a huff of annoyance. "Let us pray to mother that they never acquire any of the machines. I could only imagine how much destruction they could wreak if they had even one."

The white alicorn snorts, a smug smirk upon her muzzle. "lulu, these are the same Griffons that still believe that the aircraft is some kind of deity spawned by Discord to annoy the subjects of Equestria. Last I heard it was 'The Banshee of Chaos.' As the ambassador put it. The feather-brain even went into a three hour squawking dance to pay it tribute, before he left. Our guards are still in therapy after watching it."

The pilot rolls his eyes and face palms, Luna herself snickering quietly from hearing this. They hear a knock at the study door, all three turning to look. "Enter." Celestia and Luna say in unison. The two look at each other with a slight scowl, then turn their attention back to the door.

Dusty Shine steps in slowly, a tray balanced upon her back as she walks. "Greetings, your majesties." Her silken voice calm and quiet. She walks to the study desk, setting the tray with the pilots coffee upon it down. Over the years, she's since become more comfortable with the alicorns, no longer just a regular maid, but a close friend of the night princess and pilot. Since then, she's also become the head of the control center, and the pilots personal operator.

Talon takes the cup and smiles at her. "Thanks Dusty." He says, taking a drink. He notices her linger, the blue maned earth pony mare tapping her hoof quietly, a smug grin upon her muzzle. He rolls his eyes and reaches in his pocket, producing the promised fifty bits for her. She lets out a soft squeak of delight, before turning.

"Always a pleasure. Feel free to place your bet anytime." She says in a sing song voice, stepping out of the room with a seductive saunter in her step, her hips swaying slightly as she moves and exits the study.

Luna raises an eyebrow, her jade orbs trained on the pilot. "Mine flame....what in Heofon was that about?" She asks, her attention fully on him. She tilts her head quizzically, her expression showing both annoyance and confusion.

He sighs. "I Bet Dusty that Sunny Butt here would be the next one the girls pranked." He muses, taking a sip of the drink. He watches as his alicorns look of confusion and annoyance changes to one of mirth and joy, her understanding the situation.

Celestia clears her throat. "That's still Princess Sunny Butt to you, commander." She giggles out. "So what else do you have to report?" She asks, her horn alighting so she can grasp her own drink within her magic. She takes a sip and leans back in the comfortable study chair, her gaze focused upon the pilots.

"The new aircraft they have, while primitive compared to mine, are promising. Though I have to admit, seeing you space ponies pilot one is amusing to say the least. I still don't get why it's only the Earthen ponies that fly those though. Pegasus ones would equally benefit from one." He says after setting down his drink.

"Other than that, they just need some good solid training and flight lessons. Our own forces are easily better trained and more precise with the aircraft we have available here. At a minimum, it will make for a good airshow if nothing else this year."

Luna sighs and leans over in her seat, resting her head on the pilots shoulder. Her ethereal mane flows lazily in the air, some of it draping over him. "Mine flame, please do not forget that thou promised to show a demonstration during the gala this year. We got out of the last two, I fear mine sister and I cannot cancel another without getting more grief from the nobility." She murmurs, her eyes closed as she rests on him.

Celestia sits quietly, processing what the pilot just said. She sighs and nods. "Lulu is right...We do have to hold one this year. It is some months away, but we should start considering for it. As much as I hate to admit it, that is the time of year when Equestria sees more economic progress then ever, due to the various business trades that the nobility does during the gathering."

Talon snorts, grinning. "And with Blue balls not attending those anymore, it does make it a bit more enjoyable...speaking of the devil, why did he exactly opt for the career change? And why the dress? I still can't wrap my head around that one."

The white alicorn looks away, a small smile upon her lips. "He simply felt the need to serve the community better, as he was not quite fit for his princely duties. As far as the pink dress is concerned...it must simply be his favorite color and style?"

* * * * *

In the darkened bathroom of hers and Celestia's chambers, Princess Twilight relaxes in a long overdue and needed bubble bath. Day court today was long and tedious, her meeting with the Equestrian Tax and Labor board even worse. She lets out a loud satisfied sigh as she finds a comfortable position within the water, her eyes closed as she relaxes.

Today for the young alicorn princess was possibly the worst in a series as of late. She didn't mind helping with her love and mentors duties, but one can only stand dealing with a bunch of monotone zombies that love their bits more than life itself for so long. That, and when you're dealing with the Equestria Revenue Service...it's never ever a good thing.

The only light within the chambers is the soft glow from several nearby candles in the steam filled room, the only sounds the quiet drip from the faucet on occasion, and the soft click tick of the clock on the wall. She lets out a deep and heavy sigh, enjoying the peace and well earned rest for her mind and body.

What she doesn't know however, is that she is not alone within the royal washroom. There in the shadows planning their next attack, were two very mischievous alicorn fillies of the night. They silently creep up behind the nearly asleep alicorn in the tub, wicked grins adorning their muzzles as they approach.

They look at each other giving a knowing nod as they move into position, quietly drawing breath within their lungs as they come close to Twilight's ears. Once in position of either side of them, they lower their heads to get closer, finally unleashing their devastating attack upon the unsuspecting victim.

"HEY AUNTIE TWILIGHT! LETS PLAY!!" They shout in unison, point blank range as they unleash their royal Canterlot voices upon the poor exhausted alicorn. Twilight's eyes shoot open as she literally leaps out of the water in fright. The pair look up grinning as they see small flecks and chunks of marble fall to the tiled floor, their prank pulled yet again this week.

Twilight hangs from the ceiling of the washroom, the tip of her long, sharp horn now embedded several inches within the stone, holding her there as her legs dangle helplessly. Her heart thunders within her barrel as her eyes dart around the room, her mind reeling from fright. She's always been jumpy since her fight with Chrysalis years ago, made even worse now with two very sneaky alicorn fillies on a prank crusade to entertain themselves.

The regal purple alicorn lets out a low growl as her eyes twitch, trying to pry her horn free with her fore hooves as she pumps her wings upwards to create a downward thrust. She grunts in annoyance, gritting her teeth as she fails, before letting out an exhausted sigh of defeat.

"Hello...girls..." Her eye twitches as she says that, her own heart rate having yet to come down from their surprise attack. The sounds of stifled giggles fill the room they're in. "You...you two got me yet again I see." She sighs. "I'll bet your aunt Celestia told you to pull this one again?" She asks, deadpanning.

The two fillies nod in unison, proud of their completed work of startling the purple alicorn yet again. It's hard work being a filly! Even harder to keep up with trying to beat auntie Tia's prank record for most pranks and trolls done in a one week span. So far however, they were getting close.

"Did you have fun in your big meeting?! Was there a lot of cake?!?!" Moonlight Way asks, her grin almost spanning from ear to ear upon her muzzle. Her small feathery wings flap excitedly as she bobs in place on her hooves.

Stardust Kiss comes to a rest on her haunches, looking up at her aunt quizzically. She lifts a hoof to her maw for a moment in thought, studying her aunts horn and depth into the marble above.

"No...I can't say that I did. And sadly they ate all of the cake before I arrived in the meeting today." She sighs out. "So now I'm just...hanging around here." Twilight mutters quietly, rolling her eyes. She feels a sudden hard tug on her tail, rolling her eyes downward. "Ow! Hey let go!"

Stardust Kiss hangs on the tip of the alicorn of magics tail, dangling at the end and holding with her teeth. She pumps her somewhat larger wings quickly, pulling back with all of her might. Moonlight Way grasps her sisters tail within her own teeth, also stepping back and pulling to help. Within moments, Twilight breaks free from her bonds, being sent crashing down into the tub with a resounding splash that sends water in all directions, covering almost the entirety of the floor within the washroom.

The sound of giggles fills the air as now three very soaked alicorns all sit in the steam filled wash room, two fillies rolling upon their backs on the wet floor, and one very annoyed elder purple alicorn sitting on her flank in the center of the large tub. Twilight's mane sticks to her face and muzzle, her ears splayed back as she grits her teeth.

"You know...you really shouldn't do this. You could hurt some pony..." She seethes out, turning her glare at the two fillies. They take notice of her sudden glare and stop giggling, swallowing nervously. Twilight alights her horn with a spell as the two offending fillies scramble to their hooves, a wicked grin upon her own muzzle. Before they can escape however, they're pulled into the steaming and comfortable water with the elder alicorn, the sound of laughter and splashing water being heard loudly in the air, even out in the hallway.

Outside of the sun princesses chambers, two guards stand by the doors, a small grin upon their own features. Captain Jolt Flash and Lt. Iron Sides stand proud, listening intently to the laughter ringing quietly in the air around them.

"Sounds like the twins got their next victim again." Iron sides smugly says, a wry grin encroaching upon his muzzle. He glances to Jolt who grumbles, then produces a few bits to hand to the behemoth Earth pony stallion.

"Yeah Yeah. You won this round. But that doesn't mean I'm going to lose this months betting pool." Captain Jolt Flash says, handing his co guard the hoof full of bits. "I still say they're going to get Princess Celestia to go fire tyrant again before the sun sets today."

"You really shouldn't have given them the idea to put hot sauce in the princesses cake, Captain."Iron Sides quietly mutters, his stoic gaze looking straight ahead. "That was cheating."

"But so. Totally. Worth it." The pegasus guard says with a wide grin. "I'll bet the sun princess never sees that one coming." He snorts out, still hearing the sounds of laughter from the three alicorns within the chambers.

* * * * *

Celestia sets down her cup on her desk, her magenta orbs focused on the setting sun outside of her window. She smiles serenely. "So, lulu. Now that the commander is back, what do you have plans for after you put the twins to bed?" She asks calmly.

The night princess turns her own gaze to her elder sister, a wry grin on her muzzle. "Now what do you think Tia?" A sly smirk crosses her features.

"And what about...her, lulu? Is she still bothering you?" Celestia asks, raising an eyebrow. "You may have been able to hide it from every pony else, and even from the Commander at times...but I've been sensing her power more and more lately. Especially last night."

Luna sighs, her gaze turned downward as she holds a small frown. She lets out a huff of air. "Yes...but I don't believe it will be a concern, mine sister. She seems to only be curious about events as of late, and I don't feel that she is a threat any longer. She was after all, mine salvation in Horseshoe Bay so long ago."

"It's strange really...I never pictured her as the caring type. I remember so long ago when all she wanted was to bring about eternal darkness upon the land. To end all life and extinguish the light forever." The elder white alicorn says quietly. She turns her soft gaze to her younger sister.

"Obsolescence...was always unique, Tia. She did keep me company within our prison for so many centuries. Though...she was always foul tempered and moody, until recently anyway. Something in her changed..." Luna levitates her cup within her magic, taking a small sip.

"You opened her eyes to love, my dear sister. That's what had changed. That's what I would like to believe. You always could see the beauty of things in the shadows, Lulu. So I honestly believe that this is the case here as well." She says, a small smile coming to her muzzle as her magenta orbs trace her sisters features. "Imagine...the darkness in love with the light."

Luna sighs heavily, her head falling gently in her fore hooves. "I know...and what's worse yet is she's becoming harder and harder to repress each day, since I had cast her bindings into the abyss. You can even see her influence within mine children." She murmurs.

"Stardust Kiss. She does seem to be the more mischievous and calculating of the two. Though with how often they're both getting into mischief and doing their practical jokes, I'd swear they both take up after her." Celestia says, nodding slowly.

"Mine sister...you're not telling me you believe mine children to be evil! You dare insult me?!" Luna hotly demands, her eyes flickering to draconic slits for a moment as anger wells up within her heart. "They're nothing like Obsolescence! She was a monster back then! Mine children would never cause harm, or murder any pony!"

The solar princess sighs, raising her fore hooves slowly in defense. "I never said they were evil, lulu. They're so much like you and their father, there is far too much light and good within them to be even considered to be monsters. Brats, yes. But not cold blooded killers like her." Celestia smiles sweetly, her gaze locked onto Luna's.

"Fillies will be fillies, my sister. There is nothing wrong with them getting into small trouble now like they do. For the most part, their jokes are completely harmless, if not absolutely comedic." She says with a laugh.

"Giving thou whiskers with mine art utensils by far the best one yet." Luna mutters, her gaze drifting to the window out of the study. "How did you get that off of your fur anyway?"

Celestia chuckles quietly. "I had to use the coat dye of the solar guards to cover it. You wouldn't believe the look on Lt. Quick Clips face when I walked into his shop. The real fun was the nobility had thought it was a new fashion statement, and some went as far as to draw their own whiskers upon themselves. We had a city of cat ponies for a week after that."

Luna laughs melodically at the statement her sister made, her features softening and returning to one of joy. They both hear a knock at the door, and turn. "Enter." They again call out in unison, then turn and look at one another in mock annoyance.

The doors of the study open, revealing two Solar guards flanking one of the palace chefs, Mrs. Lemon Hearts. The unicorn mare smiles sweetly to them both. "Greetings, your majesties. I was asked to bring the cake you had requested."

The silver dome lid lifts off of the tray, revealing a two layer white frosted cake with sky blue trim upon a small oval platter. Celestia's magenta orbs zero in on the deliciously baked confection, a large smile crossing her muzzle.

Luna raises an eyebrow and tilts her head. "Another cake mine sister? Thou shalt have a massive flank if thou continues your recent trend of cake consumption. Thou must consider mothers advice and 'lay off' as it were."

The elder white alicorn scowls again at her younger sister in mock anger. "Oh please lulu. One cake a day won't change my figure any. Besides, it's been a long day and this is just perfect. But I do have to ask..." She turns her attention to the unicorn mare standing beside the cake tray. "I didn't ask for one today...may I ask who was it that had ordered it?"

Lemon Hearts smiles sweetly, setting the dome lid upon the cart. "Oh? That's strange, princess. The little angels had come into the royal kitchens and said they wanted to bake a special 'we love you auntie Tia' cake for you. It was Princess Sparkles idea. Why, they even baked it themselves! They're so precious."

Luna eyes the cake warily, knowing that if they at all had their mothers cooking talents, the sweet confection was likely more than any pony was going to bargain for. She nods, turning back to Celestia with a smile. "How sweet of them?"

The sun princess eyes the cake hungrily, attempting to hide it behind her calm regal mask. "It certainly was. Thank you, Mrs. Hearts. I'll happily take a slice myself then. Is there anything else?"

The mare shakes her head no, then bows politely. The alicorn dismisses her kindly, and the three ponies exit the room, leaving only the two alicorns and cake remaining in the study. Celestia rises to her hooves from her seat and canters to the cart with a bounce in her step. "Oh this look so delicious! Who knew they could bake? And at so young!"

Luna doesn't move, only watching intently as Celestia circles the cart twice, before helping herself to a rather large slice of the cake upon a clear glass plate. "Yes...mine offspring hath many a talent...are you sure that is a good idea Tia? These are MINE children we are talking about here..."

"Oh lulu, lighten up. Not everything they do is a practical joke." Celestia laughs musically, then levitates a fork in her magic to the cake. "I'm telling you, they're good and loving. They're harmless, honestly! Oh this looks so delicious..." She plunges the fork into a corner, removing a large section of the slice. The alicorn licks her lips, and consumes the piece.

Luna watches as Celestia chews the piece, her elder sisters eyes closed with joy as she munches happily. Luna then turns to the tray, rising to her own hooves to retrieve herself a slice. Why not try her children's cooking? "So, how is it?"

Celestia's magenta eyes shrink to pinpricks as her chewing suddenly slows, then halts all together. She breathes in slowly, sweat running down her face and neck. "Tia...art thou...alright?" Luna asks, confused and concerned.

The white alicorn swallows hard, not thinking, before opening her mouth. She gasps for air, her eyes filled with pure horror and terror for a moment. Luna watches intently as her sister fights for oxygen, before Celestia's mane and tail suddenly explode in a blue hell-fire of billowing flame. Celestia breathes out a jet of fire from her maw, narrowly missing the midnight alicorn as Luna dives for the floor.

"HOT! HOT HOT HOT!!!" Celestia screams out, suddenly leaping out of her now charred seat and making a mad sprint for the washroom. She knocks over various potted plants and small end tables in her wake, before finally reaching the sink within the opposing washroom.

She desperately fidgets with the nobs of the faucet with her hooves, before slamming her muzzle under the running water and taking massive gulps of the soothing liquid. A loud sizzling sound is heard filling the air, steam wafting from the bathroom door as she cools down the fires within her gullet.

Luna sits wide eyed, her maw gaped with surprised confusion. Her eyes glance down at the seemingly harmess cart with the cake upon it, before she gently pushes it away from her with her fore hoof. She chuckles nervously then gulps. "Heh heh...nope!"

* * * * *

Talon walks quickly down the long passages and corridors of the palace, searching for the twin alicorn fillies. He's carrying his satchel, the long since worn out tan canvas bag draped over his shoulder as he walks at a quick pace.

The sound of his boots contacting the cool high polished marble tiles clacks loudly in the empty halls as he walks, the accompanying sound his soft whistling as he continues. The familiar sound of giggling catches his ears, bringing a smile to his face as he turns on his heels and changes direction.

He finds his way to the sun princesses private chambers, the heavy ornate oak doors slightly open, revealing to him his greatest treasures. Inside of the room sitting on a large woven plush rug, was Moonlight Way and Stardust Kiss resting upon cushions, wrapped up in large fluffy towels. Between them was Twilight, her horn aglow as she levitated two brushes within her magic, helping the fillies brush out after what appeared to be a bath.

"Ah, my ladies!" He calls out with a smile, pushing open the door with his free hand. The two young alicorns look up, eyes wide with joy and sweet innocent smiles upon their lips. They gasp and leap off of the cushions and gallop to him, their short spindly legs quickly carrying them as they tackle him to the ground.

"Papa!" They cry out in unison, their small feather wings beating feverishly with joy as they jump up and down happily. They lock their fore legs around his arms and chest, embracing him lovingly and adoringly.

He laughs. "Well I missed you too! Ha ha!" He frees up his arms and hugs the two to him, a wide grin upon his features. Twilight gets up from her own resting cushion with a sigh, a smile upon her own muzzle.

"Welcome back." She says quietly, her eyes studying him slowly for a moment. "How were things in the Crystal Empire with my brother and old foal sitter? She asks, helping the pilot rise to his feet again.

He's about to speak, when Stardust Kiss speaks up. "Was it cold? Did you have a lot of fun?!" She excitedly asks. Her velvet black wings bobbing at her sides.

"Yeah! and did you bring us back anything neat?" Moonlight Way asks, her own wings twitching and bobbing excitedly as she sways on her hind hooves.

He sighs and kneels down, clutching the satchel within his hands. "Maybe. But I heard you two were being a little naughty while I was away. Is this true? He asks, an eyebrow raised and a small smirk upon his lips. He looks up at Twilight.

The lavender alicorn sighs a contented sigh, a sweet smile still upon her features as she lids her gaze. "No more than they usually are. They were good, I promise." She says, holding up a fore hoof to feign innocence.

The two fillies gasp with delight as they turn their attention back on the pilot, their wings and ears twitching more excitedly now. They wait anxiously for his response.

He opens the bag and produces two small wrapped packages out of the satchel, giving one each to the excited twin alicorn children. They cheer loudly in unison, plopping down on their rumps and tear ravenously at the wrappings. He rises to his feet again and grins, his attention back on Twilight.

"Everything is still fine in the Crystal Empire, ma'am. And I must say...your sister Candy can cook one mean chili. Who knew you space ponies knew how to make good spicy food around here?" He says with a low chuckle.

The lavender alicorn bites her cheek with a grin, pawing at the ground with her fore hoof. "Cadence." she corrects him. "If it's the one I think it is, she actually cooked that for me and my brother when we were younger. It really was delicious."

"Then you were one lucky kid. I'd have died to munch on food like that when I was in my younger days. My own parents never were talented cooks." He mutters. "I miss anything while I was out? Any bug infestations, random dragons...crazy mix and match dragon things off of the Walmart reject line?"

She tilts her head for a moment, raising an eyebrow quizzically. "Wal...mart? What the hay is that?" She asks, confused. "Oh..Oh! You mean Discord! Ha ha...no, I'm afraid it's been very quiet around here. Just your normal, peaceful Equestria."

He nods, his attention turned back on the two fillies squealing with delight as they enjoy their new gifts from the neighboring kingdom. The twin alicorns prancing around in joy about the room, playing with one another. He opens his mouth to speak again, his gaze back to Twilight . They suddenly hear a loud blood chilling scream in the distance, followed by a slight tremor in the floor. Twilight's ears perk up suddenly, before a smug grin crosses her features.

"The hell was that?" He asks, an eyebrow raised. He glances out the window behind the lavender mare, watching as steam wafts and billows out of the study's balcony nearby. He raises an eyebrow and folds his arms to his chest.

She turns around and snickers. "Karma, my dear friend. That was Karma serving up some delicious desserts." She pins her ears back and grins wide, watching the steam come out from the opened balcony doors. "And you could almost say it was with a hot surprise."

Talon shakes his head and sighs. "I just...don't want to even know." He mutters, turning on his heels. The two excited fillies follow after him as he exits the room, leaving the lavender alicorn princess to giggle quietly and return back to her relaxing evening.

The pilot cocks an eyebrow in confusion as he's walking, watching as two solar guards meet with a pair of Lunar Stallions, three of the guards producing bags of bits and handing it to Captain Flash, who has a rather smug grin upon his muzzle. He sighs and shakes his head, turning his attention back to the twins as he walks back to the Lunar wing.

* * * * *

Luna quietly steps into her children's chambers, coming to the welcomed sight of the pilot and her treasured fillies. The two alicorns resting upon their over sized ornate beds, the pilot sitting in a chair and telling them a story. She smiles and steps quietly, not daring to make a sound as she tip toes in and watches from the shadows.

"...And you'll never believe what I had seen while I was there. I wish I could have gotten it on camera. I seen your uncle dressed up as Elvis! No joke!" He laughs out. "He styled his mane and all, even wore a gem studded coat to impress your aunt. Can't sing worth beans though."

Stardust Kiss giggles musically, while Moonlight way simply smiles, her own eyes lidded as she fights off fatigue. The sun is nearing its setting point, their normal time to sleep almost upon them.

"And then what papa?" Stardust asks, bobbing in place on her rump while snuggling a large plush pillow in her fore legs.

Luna takes this chance to clear her throat and step into the light, smiling as she does. She cuts in. "Then your uncle decided to sing some Earth music and got every note wrong. Guards came rushing in because they thought some pony was being rough with a sweet little filly."

Talon turns his gaze and grins. "Yeah...he does scream like a girl, doesn't he?" He laughs quietly. His eyes trace the midnight alicorn as she walks in, taking her place at the pilots side. She rests on her haunches.

"I do believe some very mischievous fillies here should be going to sleep now. Especially after they had given auntie Tia such an interesting treat..." She coos adoringly, a small grin upon her muzzle. She leans over to the pilot and whispers. "I'll tell you later..."

He nods. Stardust Kiss protests slightly. "But mom...can't we stay up a little longer? The stars aren't even out yet!" She whines a little.

Luna alights her horn, watching through the window as her elder sister lowers the sun right on schedule. She steps to the open balcony and turns, her jade orbs peering into the darkened room. Her wings open slowly as she turns her attention back to the inky blackness blanketing the land.

She rears back and rests her fore hooves upon the balcony rail, closing her eyes. With a powerful flap of her wings, she lifts into the air, her horn glowing a dark blue glow as she wills the moon into the sky with her power. One by one the stars of the night sky appear, displaying its illustrious jeweled tapestry for the whole of Equestria once more. The stars shine beautifully, more than ever before this night.

She comes back to a rest upon the balcony, then returns to the room, her horn dimming as her magic fades away. She sighs happily and comes to a rest on her haunches between the two beds, smiling.

The fillies watch their mother with lidded gazes and yawns, sleep slowly nipping at them. Luna closes her eyes and smiles lovingly, drawing a soft breath as she begins to sing them a lullaby, the same one she's sung every night for them since their birth five years ago. The same lullaby she sang for the pilot, their night together before the war with the parasite.

The pilot watches from his seat, listening to the soft sounds of the night princesses singing, her every note perfectly timed and in tune. Her every graceful breath and word touching the heavens, calming even his own heart.

~*~ "Fly horizon bound. Find the moon behind darkening clouds...even far apart know our souls together will be. When the storm drawn nigh dreams will shatter before your eyes, know that you're not alone. When the battle starts, I will comfort your restless heart; Know that you are not alone."~*~ She sings to them.

The two fillies yawn one last yawn, their eyes closing as they listen to Luna's soothing voice. She smiles, watching as they drift off to their dreams.

~*~"Keep me in your heart, so we'll never be far apart. Let the bonds of love break these chains imprisoning you. Always you will find, shadows lingering close behind. Lift your spirits now, we shall be together soon." ~*~

The pair watch as the two finally nod off, Luna having since finished her lullaby after a few minutes. She rises to her hooves and turns to the pilot, wrapping her wings around him as the sounds of soft snores and breathing fill the air. She nickers softly and kisses the two goodnight, blessing them with Lunar magic for good sweet dreams. Heofon help whatever Nightmare is foolish enough to plague the night goddesses children.

They step into the hallway, Luna yawning quietly as her flame closes the doors gently. She nickers very softly and nuzzles him, embracing the pilot within her heavy warm wings. "Mine flame...I missed you." She coos softly, nuzzling deeper into his fatigues.

"I missed you too, angel." He says, stroking her wispy ethereal mane gently. They stand there holding one another for what feels to be an eternity, lost in one another's soothing embrace.

The night princess stands holding him, her heart beating slowly and softly within her barrel. Her ears are turned outward and her wings hanging loose at her sides as she's relaxed. They finally break away after a loving kiss, turning to move down the hall into their own chambers.

Luna slowly steps to the large ornate and comfortable bed, while the pilot walks into the wash room for his nightly shower. She yawns tiredly and lays down under the covers after removing her regalia and bracers, her ears catching the sound of running water from the pilots bathing.

She closes her eyes and smiles serenely, herself drifting off to sleep. The minutes pass, the soft click tick of the analog clock resting upon the nearby night stand ticking the minutes away. The pilot exits the washroom some time later, drying off his hair in a towel as he makes his way to his side of the bed in the darkness. As he comes to a rest upon the bed, the night princess stirs for a moment, before letting out a quiet snort and snuggling back into her pillow.

He sighs and lays down, turning out the light as he himself prepares for sleep after the long day. Tomorrow will be a long day as well, meeting with the engineers again for maintenance upon the war machine, as well as re arming the missiles into the bays. As he lays his head against the pillow and turns to face his alicorn, he opens his eyes for one last look around the room. What he finds instead, is a glowing pair of teal draconic orbs staring right back at him in the darkness, their cruel gaze focused right into his own eyes.

Shadows

Chapter Two: Shadows

The pilot stares for a moment, un moving as he watches the teal draconic orbs gazing at him mere inches from his face. He swallows hard, his hand slowly moving to the pull cord for the nearby lamp. The glowing orbs disappear for a second, then appear again as they blinked slowly.

He rips on the light cord, nearly pulling the lamp over as he does. The light shines brightly within the chambers as he pushes himself back off of the bed in the scramble, falling to the floor with a loud thud.

He's breathing hard, his hand scrambling for the pistol on the top of the night stand surface as he takes aim, drawing the muzzle of the pistol and pointing it at the source of the glow. What he finds on the other hand, surprises him.

Luna sits up on the bed, her eyes wide with confusion and a tight frown upon her lips. She blinks slowly, her soft jade orbs tracing him as she looks at the weapon within his shaking hands. She draws a soft breath.

"Mine flame...why are you pointing that weapon at me...?" She asks, her voice shaken and hollow. She swallows hard, her heart thundering within her barrel. She watches in fright as he cocks the hammer back on the pistol, the pilot rising to his feet and glaring at her.

"Parasite!" He hisses out, getting closer to her and peering into her eyes. "Where's Luna?!" He demands, breathing hard. "What have you done with her?!"

The midnight alicorn blinks slowly, completely confused. She slowly inches her way off of the bed, rising to her hooves. "Mine flame...I am no impostor..." She breathes out. "Please lower the weapon, mine love." She whispers, her wings tense and held tight at her sides.

"Your eyes! They glowed like Chrysalis's!" He all but shouts out. He keeps his pistol trained on her as he backs away. His eyes flick down to the bauble hanging on his neck, seeing the star bob lazily and glow a soft iridescent hue. No indication or reaction like it did before with the parasite queen. His eyes flick back to the midnight alicorn.

Luna gasps quietly, knowing what he meant. He confused the eyes of Chrysalis for the eyes of her darker half, Obsolescence. Nodding in understanding she closes her eyes for a moment and lets out a sigh of relief. This would be an easy fix.

"Love...our machine can see through the parasites glamour. Let us travel there, and I shalt stand before its looking glass. Thou shalt see I am no parasite." She says as calmly as she can, her soft jade eyes gazing into his own. "I assure you that I am Luna...Your angel!"

"Bullshit!" He motions with the pistol, keeping it trained upon her form. "Walk." He demands. "And if I see your horn light, I'm pulling this trigger!" His heart pounds within his chest, the blood roaring within his ears. Images and memories flash in his mind briefly, images of the war, his fight against the parasite. Memories of his own death. He's taking no chances this time.

Luna slowly turns to the door, walking as softly as she can to the exit. She pushes open the door with her fore leg and steps out. The guards stationed outside of the door tense up as she emerges, followed by the pilot who is training the pistol on her. They begin to step to him, weapons of their own drawn and confusion upon their features.

"Halt." She says quietly, her eyes flicking to them. "Do nothing, mine stallions. I am managing this situation. Clear the way to the hangar." She says softly, continuing to walk. They nod slowly, still confused as they race ahead and carry out their orders.

The pair walk ahead quickly in the empty halls, passing no pony as they make their way to the once ball room. Luna sighs with relief once they reach the doors, pushing them open once again with her fore legs. She does not protest or argue, she shows no aggression. She knows however, she's going to have to prove to him her innocence so she can explain.

"Stand over there." He points, still holding the loaded pistol near her head. "And nothing funny, parasite, I will fucking kill you if you try anything!" He growls out, slowly walking to the opened canopy of the war bird, while keeping the pistol trained upon her head.

She obeys, not looking at him as she steps to the forward landing gear of the aircraft, coming to a rest on her rump as she gets into position. She stares straight ahead, her expression calm and relaxed as she looks directly into the camera of the nose landing gear. She sits motionless as she does, her breathing quiet and steady.

"Mine love...once I prove this to you, I want you to listen to me so I can explain." She calls out, her eyes still trained on the nose landing gear. Her ears pick up the sound of the war machines computers powering up, switches being flipped and clicking.

Dark Fury as well as several other Lunar Stallions come to the outside of the opened hangar bay doors, confusion upon their features. "Comrade! Vhat is ze meaning of zis?!" The Lunar Elite Guard calls out. His golden eyes flick from the princess sitting down in front of the banshee, then back to the pilot who is standing in his underwear upon the side steps, one hand moving inside of the cockpit, the other holding the strange weapon. "Stop zis foalishness!"

"Stay there, Captain Fury. It's alright." Luna calmly states, her gaze not leaving the nose camera. "Return to your stations. I am in no danger." She draws a soft breath, still looking ahead. Her eyes show she's calm and relaxed, knowing this is about to be brought to a quick end in a matter of moments.

The pilot activates the nose camera of the war bird, peering at the screen. The image displayed is exactly what he sees, simply Luna. He cycles the computer to display the Infrared Laser Targeting, then back to its normal view. The image remains unchanged, just the night alicorn he's become so familiar and in love with.

He lowers the pistol and places it inside of the cockpit, stepping down from the fuselage slowly. Luna remains seated, her gaze now on him. "Satisfied?" She asks calmly, no traces of anger within her voice. A soft smile crosses her muzzle. "It's just me, mine love. It always has been." She coos out softly.

"Your eyes...They were just like that night." He breathes out shakily. The alicorn steps forward to him slowly, her wings opening and wrapping around him. She nuzzles him softly and nickers.

"Calm yourself mine flame. It's alright...I forgive thee." She whispers. The guards continue to stand and watch the display quietly, the air thick with tension. They have no idea how to react to the strange display. First the princess was held at gunpoint by the seemingly rouge commander, then suddenly she's embracing him.

"I will explain in our chambers. For now...lets us return." She says softly, keeping one wing wrapped around him as she turns. The doors of the hangar open again, Celestia and a very confused Twilight sparkle standing at the opening.

"Is everything alright?" Celestia asks, stepping in. "We were summoned by a Lunar Stallion, saying that you two were having an argument?" The white alicorn asks, an eyebrow raised. In truth, she knew what happened, she sensed the dark power for a fleeting moment just minutes before the guard came knocking on her bedroom doors.

"Everything is fine, mine sister." Luna assures her. "Just a small case of confusion. we have already corrected the issue." Luna smiles sweetly for a moment. "Return to thy rest, this is already taken care of."

Celestia nods slowly, her magenta orbs still trained on the pilot. She had a good idea of what the pilots reaction was, and had figured this would eventually happen. 'lulu...you should have told him about her a long time ago.' She thinks. The regal white alicorn lets out a soft sigh and turns, walking back to her chambers. Twilight remains motionless and confused for a moment, before turning herself and following her love.

Luna releases her wing, stepping forward and walking back to her chambers, leaving the pilot and dark fury standing in the hangar near the war bird. Dark Fury comes closer to the pilot, watching him as he digs through the lower section of his tool box and retrieves a pair of fatigue pants from it.

"Comrade...vhat happened? Vhy vere you fighting vith ze princess? Did she tell you zat you couldn't come over for borscht tomorrow night vith me and ze others?" He asks calmly, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"I have no idea what the hell happened, Fury." He discordantly says, watching the alicorn walk down the hall slowly and quietly. "I seriously have no clue what the hell just happened."

"Da...Go to her, comrade. Ve vill talk about zis more tomorrow zen." The stallion chuckles in his thick and husky Slavic voice. "Make her some good borscht. Zat alvays makes ze vife happy after a spat, yes?"

The pilot nods. "Yeah...something like that." He steps forward, making way after the night princess. The guards all return to their posts, leaving the hangar once again empty and alone with the war machine.

He makes his way back through the halls, passing a few Lunar Stallions that eye him warily. They say nothing as he passes, still confused by what just happened. He approaches the hall leading to Luna's chambers, to be stopped by a waiting alicorn resting on her haunches, leaning against a nearby wall. "Commander." Celestia calls out, looking at him.

Talon walks to Celestia. "You know something. What the hell is going on Sunny Butt? I'm gone for four days and suddenly she gets a new trick with her eyes?" He asks, confused.

Celestia sighs and looks at him, her own magenta orbs peering into his softly. "No...she's been able to do that for a very very long time. Listen to me. Whatever she says in there, just listen to her and let her finish. I had a feeling this would happen, just not this soon."

"What would happen? Is Chrysalis making a comeback tour? Did her magic break? What is it?" He quickly asks, growing more confused by the second. "Her eyes glowed, Celestia! They were those glowing slits just like the parasites!!"

"I can't tell you...that's up to her to explain. It wouldn't be right if I was the one to say it. Just listen to her, trust me. It's not as bad as you think." She says calmly, rising to her hooves. "I'm off to bed, just please listen to what she has to say. That is lulu, trust me."

He stays motionless, watching as the regal white alicorn walks away, returning to the Solar wing of the palace, bound for her personal chambers. With a heavy sigh, he turns and resumes his gate, coming to the ornate heavy oak doors of the night princesses chambers.

Talon pauses for a moment, his mind a blur of chaotic thought, steeling his resolve before he pushes open the doors. The sight that greets him, is the midnight alicorn resting upon the bed, looking at him. Her soft jade orbs peer at him, a small sad smile upon her muzzle as tears glisten in her eyes. This was a conversation she never wanted to have.

"Ok...explain. What the hell was that..?" He asks, coming to a rest in the nearby chair he used to sleep in years ago. He keeps his focus trained on her, watching carefully as she licks her lips, listening to her as she draws a soft breath.

"Obsolescence..." She begins. "Or Nightmare, as you've come to know of her." Luna lets out a soft sigh and nods, turning her gaze back to him. "Ever since I set her free in Horseshoe Bay on our wedding night, she's since become harder to suppress and manage. She's been breaking through with her power."

He's quiet for a moment. "How long has this been going on?" He responds. "Does this mean you're going to be evil again?"

Luna shakes her head slowly, a larger, warmer smile crossing her muzzle. "Neigh, mine love. She is merely becoming more and more curious about the new life that we have. During my banishment...I did not know of love. We did not know it's soothing embrace, its magic and splendor."

She draws a breath, her jade eyes focused intently on her flames, tears forming and rolling slowly down her cheeks and wetting her fur. "She remained quiet and content, until the birth of our children, mine love. Obsolescence has begun to surface more recently, because of you."

"Me?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. He reaches over to the nearby desk with his satchel upon it. He retrieves a cigarette and lights it, focusing back on the alicorn. He breathes out a stream of smoke. "What the hell does she want with me?"

Luna sighs, still smiling gently. "Obsolescence...is mine other half. We are one in the same, yet completely separate. She is the darkness, and I am the light." She closes her eyes and breathes deep, opening them again. "She wants to see for herself...the life that we share."

"She is no threat, mine flame. Please have faith. Though she once looked upon creation with hatred and disgust, she only looks upon life now with love within her heart. I feel that she would never allow harm to come to our children, or you, mine love. Her soul cried out for the grave as mine did when you were taken from us. Her own heart screamed for vengeance, for deliverance. " Luna whispers softly. "Losing you would kill us both..."

The pilot finishes his cigarette, putting out the depleted filter into the glass bowl upon the desk beside him. He exhales the final stream of smoke, looking at her. "Well angel...you've never lead me wrong before. I don't see you starting now by any stretch of the imagination." He sighs. "Lets just get some rack time for now. We will deal with this later. It was that power that saved us on our wedding night...So I suppose I owe her a thank you." He says, while getting up and stripping off his fatigue pants again. He returns to his side of the bed, laying beside the midnight alicorn.

Luna nods and rolls back upon her side, facing the pilot and coming eye to eye with him. She alights her horn and turns off the newly placed lamp, ushering the room into darkness, illuminated only by the moonlight from the opened balcony doors, and the iridescent glow from the bauble. "I love you, mine flame." She whispers out, nuzzling into him lovingly. She inhales deeply, filling her lungs with the sweet scent she's loved for so many years. The scent of fuel, exhaust, and that sweet musk she's yet to discover the source of.

He wraps his arm around her and pulls her close, gently stroking her mane and neck. "I love you too. Sweet dreams..." He yawns out, holding her tightly within his embrace. They stay like this as the minutes tick away, not moving. He hears her breathing stabilize into slow, deep breaths, her body relaxed and calm. He chuckles to himself, knowing she's fast asleep. With another yawn, he too drifts off.

* * * * *

Luna opens her eyes, awakening to find her bed and chambers seemingly empty. The air is still around her, the only sounds the ambient whispers of the wind in the night. She sits up upon the bed and looks around, an eyebrow raised. "Mine flame...?" she whispers.

'He isn't here, Luminescence. Our stallion is not within our keep. I've brought you here to talk.' A silken dark voice says quietly. Luna turns her attention to the source, her eyes focused in at the movement. The black alicorn steps forward, her teal draconic eyes boring into the night princesses.

"Obsolescence..." Luna breathes out, her heart rate increasing. Fear begins to well up within her. She hasn't been brought back to this place in years, since the fight against Chrysalis in Horseshoe Bay. "What is it you wish to speak about?" She asks quietly, remaining seated upon the bed within the dream.

'I wanted to tell you...sorry. I did not mean to cause such commotion. I only wished to see him for myself.' The nightmare alicorn whispers. Nightmare comes to the edge of the bed, resting upon her haunches as she stares at Luna. Her features are calmed and relaxed, her unarmored black velvet coat shimmering as her star field mane and tail gently sway in the cosmic breeze.

Nightmares features soften, her draconic orbs turning to the ground, gazing at her bare hooves upon the silken ornate blue rug. 'I meant no harm. I promised you on that special night...that I would not bring harm to our kingdom. I hath given my word that I only wished to help. Now...there is something else I desire.'

Luna swallows hard. "I won't give him to you. I won't give mine children or mine flame to you. I sealed you once in the chains within my heart, I will do so again if you dare threaten to take them from me." She steels her resolve, narrowing her jade orbs. "And I'll give mine life if it means protecting mine herd from thy dark heart."

Nightmare flinches in place, hearing the cold words directed at her. She sighs wearily, turning her gaze back to the midnight alicorn. 'We are one in the same, Luminescence. The heart of our stallion belongs to us, they are our offspring. You cannot deny me what is rightfully mine. And I will take them by force if you challenge me.'

Luna rises off of the bed, coming muzzle to muzzle with the larger dark alicorn. "Then as mine flame would say...'Take thy best shot' as it were. Thou sees for thyself through mine eyes what mine love is. Thou feels within mine heart what love feels like. Thou experiences the joy I cherish with mine children. But thou shalt not steal it for thyself." She growls out.

'All I ask is one night, Luminescence. One. Single. Night. I gave you the strength to defy Gods and Demons. I gave you the courage to stand against the injustice of creation, the lies of the dawn. I cast out her betrayal, shown the ponies that her light could only blind and burn. I have given you power beyond measure. One. Night. That's all I wish.' Nightmare slowly asks, her once powerful and dark voice now but a hollow whisper. Her wings are held loosely against her sides, her features remain relaxed and non aggressive. She almost appears submissive to the smaller midnight alicorn before her.

Luna steps back in confusion, studying the black alicorn before her for a moment, before coming to a rest upon her own haunches. Her jade orbs trace Nightmares form, searching for any signs of deception. She finds none. "I will speak with mine flame and mine sister about thy request. We shalt see what they say." She says quietly, a small smile creeping to her muzzle. "I believe you, Obsolesence."

'That name...it means Darkness.' Nightmare sighs out. She turns her soft gaze to Luna, shaking her head slowly with a sad smile. Her eyes betray the deep pain she's hidden so long within her heart. 'Though by nature Darkness I may be...I no longer harbor the hatred of nights long passed. I wish to be given a new name.' She pleads with the smaller alicorn.

Luna is taken aback with more surprise for a moment, blinking in confusion. She purses her lips forward in thought, before nodding and turning her attention to Nightmare again. "I will also consider this. Thou hath mine word."

Nightmare nods, a wider smile and joy crossing her features. She grins at Luna, bearing her razor sharp teeth within her maw. The night princess shudders at the sight, swallowing nervously. Luna closes her eyes and dispels the dream world, casting the images away to find herself in a more peaceful dream, memories of joyous times with her fillies at the airshow last hearts and hooves day. She looks around within the memories and sighs contentedly, returning to her restful sleep.

* * * * *

Luna awakens from her sleep, feeling the familiar tug on her senses from her celestial charge. She sighs and bleary opens her eyes, yawning quietly. Looking around within the dark chambers, she sees the pilot sleeping soundly, his rhythmic breathing causing her ear to twitch. Not wanting to rise from the comfortable bed, she alights her horn and wills the moon down below the horizon with her magic. A soft smile creeps its way across her muzzle as it sets, a contented sigh leaving her lips as she nuzzles deeper against the pilots bare chest.

The sky begins to alight with the soft grey of dawn, her beloved sisters celestial charge taking to the skies. Luna snorts quietly, burying her snout under the cover and draping a wing over her eyes. Once comfortable, she begins to nod off again slowly.

The door to their chambers creeks open slowly and quietly, soft muffled hoof steps echoing within the room. Her ears twitch registering the sound. Her eyes shoot open dreading what's next. Before she could react, and with no warning, the bodies of two fillies impact her, leaping onto the bed.

"Oof!" Luna grunts out in surprise, her wing now pinned against her neck and head. She feels the weight shift off of her, before suddenly the two fillies in question dive and tunnel under the large plush comforter, coming up beside her and against her back.

"Mama Mama!" The twin alicorns squeak out in unison, excitedly nuzzling the midnight alicorn. "Time to get up! The sun is out to play!" Moonlight Way chimes in, bouncing excitedly on the cushy springy bed.

Luna rolls her eyes and grunts in annoyance, covering herself tighter under her wing. "And Mama is too tired to play..." She yawns out. "Five more minutes..." The pilot stirs and yawns, sitting up in bed as he feels the movement beneath him.

"I'm up...I'm up." He croaks out, stretching out his arms. The sounds of joints popping fill the air as he yawns, his attention on the two treasured fillies. He grunts and smiles, yawning again. "Ok you two...I'll be out in a minute. Just let me get up and dressed."

Moonlight Way excitedly nods and flaps her small feathery wings in joy as Stardust Kiss bounds off of the bed. Moonlight continues to bounce excitedly, agitating the night princess even more as she does. Luna sulks in defeat and whimpers quietly, before she herself rises from bed.

Moonlight way bounds off of the bed next, turning excitedly in circles twice in place before prancing excitedly after her sister, exiting the room. Luna yawns loudly and stares at the analog clock upon the night stand, her tired lidded gaze scowling at it.

"You could just go back to bed you know. I'm used to the early wake up calls from the Navy." Talon says with a smile, finding his fatigues and getting dressed.

Luna snorts and turns her gaze to him, glaring daggers at the pilot. "A mothers work is never done." She murmurs, climbing out of the bed. The midnight alicorn slumps into the washroom groaning quietly, closing the door behind her.

The pilot smirks at the door, his ears picking up the sounds of his alicorns usual morning activity while he laces up his boots. Once he finishes, the door opens again, Luna somewhat stumbling tiredly in place as she covers a yawn with her fore hoof.

"We find we need to place darker drapes within their chambers." She yawns out quietly, stepping to him. She slowly nuzzles him lovingly for a moment, then turns to walk out the chambers doors.

"Agreed. Or give them a later bed time." He mutters, following the princess out of the room, bound for the royal kitchens. Though they have their own duties they must tend to every sunrise, they always do their most important one first; properly feeding and caring for two growing alicorn fillies.

The pair walk quietly together in close contact, the pilots hand resting on Lunas withers as they walk. The sounds of hushed giggles echos in the grand halls, hearing the musical laughter of their children.

They find their way to the royal kitchens, where they come to the sight of a flurry of morning activity. Palace chefs work feverishly on their usual routine, preparing the meals of the palace staff and regal alicorn princesses. They enter and also find the fillies in question already seated at the small counter placed just for them, their wings twitching excitedly as they talk and giggle together.

"Good morning, good morning!" A silken mares voice says behind the pilot and princess. Luna and Talon turn around, finding Dusty Shine standing by the doorway with a tired smile upon her muzzle. She's wearing a white lace robe, the sash tied loosely around her midsection. The robe extends beyond her croup, resting just down to above her hocks.

Luna rolls her eyes with a soft smile, her jade orbs focused upon the earth pony mares amber ones. "Thou art entirely too cheerful this early in the day, fair Dusty." She lets out another soft yawn, making her way to the coffee pot on a nearby counter.

Talon smiles. "Day off?" He asks, looking at her robes. "You're normally in uniform by now."

Dusty Shine nods, still a sweet smile upon her features. "Yep. But I wouldn't miss breakfast with my two favorite trouble makers for all of the bits in Equestria!" She says cheerfully, walking to the two energetic fillies and taking a seat beside them upon her haunches.

Stardust Kiss and Moonlight way both lean over from their seats, throwing a loving hug upon the blue maned Earthen mare, wide grins upon their muzzles as they embrace her. Luna eyes the display with a smile of her own, returning to the table her flame and herself always sit at every sunrise, two full cups of coffee held within her magical grasp.

The pilot takes the cup he's given from the alicorn, returning the gift with an affectionate kiss. "Thank you." He says, taking a sip. "So...what would you two like for breakfast today?" He asks the twins, setting down the cup upon the tables surface.

"Pancakes!" They cry out jubilantly in unison. He smiles, nodding yes. The pilots gets up, making his way to the counter, stopping short as he feels a tug on his flight jacket. He turns around, finding Luna's horn alight, a magical shimmer grasping the corner of it.

"I wish to help." She murmurs, rising to her hooves. "Breakfast would be more fun if we work together on it, wouldn't you say?" she asks with a smile.

Talon raises an eyebrow. "No offense honey...but last time you cooked, we had to replace over half of the kitchen. And I really don't think your sister is going to find it funny for a third time."

Luna blushes brightly, puffing out her cheeks in mock annoyance. Dusty Shine and the fillies giggle melodically for a moment, making her turn an even darker shade of red upon the regal midnight alicorns muzzle. "Oh you blow up one stove and suddenly you're a bad cook!" She whines.

"Um actually princess..." Dusty raises her hoof slowly. "One stove, two microwaves, a toaster oven and three cabinets..." She supplies. "And don't forget the wall that they were attached to..." she trails off.

He sighs. "How about I cook, and you help without using magic this time?" He says with a sly grin, raising an eyebrow. "I don't think you can make anything explode if you work with your hooves..."

Luna sighs in defeat and hangs her head, her ears twitching in annoyance. Suddenly one of the palace chefs speaks up. "Or you can all go rest in the royal dining rooms, and let us do our jobs?"

The group turns their attention to the speaking mare, finding Lemon Hearts smirking smugly, tapping her hoof. "As much as we love seeing you try your hooves at culinary arts, we are paid by both princesses to provide meals for every pony."

Dusty Shine stutters for a moment, nodding quickly. Talon and Luna look at one another and shrug, then turn their attention to the head chef, Mrs. Lemon Hearts again. "Works for us." Talon says, nodding. He clears his throat and holds out his hand, pointing to the open doorway leading to the dining room.

The two fillies and dusty all rise to their hooves and quietly walk, talking amongst one another as they exit and head out. Talon comes close to Luna and embraces her gently, stroking her withers and back.

The midnight alicorn sighs and grumbles, turning slowly as she nuzzles against her flame. Her tail swishes lazily behind her as she hides her mirth. "Mine flame...thou art lucky I love you so." She murmurs as she walks beside him.

"I don't think luck quite describes it." He quips, walking beside the alicorn. "I think blessed would be a better word angel. I couldn't imagine a life without you, or the twins."

Luna smiles and blushes deeper hearing his words, chewing on her inner cheek within her maw. Her heart begins to race hearing him, her face flushed and hot. 'Even after all these years...he's still just as perfect as he was the day we embraced.' She thinks, her heart happy and content.

The wait within the dining hall is short, the fillies happily munching on their stacks of delicious pancakes dripping with syrup and butter, the pilot quietly reading a local news journal, the alicorn and maid talking together. It's a normal start to a normal day, a peaceful, happy day that the midnight princess has come to love and cherish every moment of over the years.

* * * * *

An hour has passed since breakfast, the twin fillies long since with full belly's and ready to start their own days. Today, they're returning to the study of the Sun princess to further train their budding magical prowess, and to learn the wonder of the world.

Talon walks with a smile as he escorts his treasured children, watching them as they prance happily with joy and excitement at the prospect of learning. The three walk the grand halls, passing solar guards, palace staff and maids, all waving happily or saying good morning to the two loved twins.

Once they reach the door, the pilot leans down and embraces them both in his arms, holding them tight. "Now you two do your best today. You've made me proud, and I'm glad to see you learning so much." He says to them as he's kneeling.

"We will papa!" Stardust says, her wings twitching with joy. "Auntie Tia is a fun teacher!" She exclaims. "And today she promised she would teach us about cutie marks!"

Moonlight Way nods excitedly. "Yeah! She said to us that she was about our age when she and mama got theirs! So we might have our own too!"

"Now there's no need to rush on that." He says, still smiling. "You'll have plenty of time to explore yourselves and learn your special talents in life. For now, just focus on your studies and magic. The possibility are endless for your potential."

"He's right you know." Celestia adds in, the doors to the study opening. The regal white alicorn opens the door wide and smiles down at the fillies and pilot, her eyes showing joy. "There is plenty of time to learn the world and what your special talent is, my little ponies."

Talon looks up and grins at the elder white alicorn. "Oi! Kids! Lookie there!" He exclaims, putting on his best Australian accent. "Today we find the great white sunny butt! With one sit, she could squish ya!"

Celestia raises an eyebrow. "That's still Princess Sunny Butt, commander. Are you implying my flank is big?"

Moonlight Way looks up at Celestia, grinning mischievously. "To us, you're huge."

The white alicorn lowers her head down, coming eye level with the fillies, grinning a Cheshire grin. "Big enough to gobble you both up I'll add. Hold the fire sauce this time." She winks.

Stardust Kiss gulps nervously, her ears pinned back. "You can't eat me! I'm too adorable to be a snack!" She says, turning on her hooves to bolt. A magical golden aura surrounds both of the twins, Celestia levitating them within her magical grasp and bringing the twins to a rest upon her back before releasing them.

She chuckles quietly. "Yes, you both are far too sweet and adorable to eat. So I'll just settle for tickles and kisses!" She sings out happily whilst turning around. "Have a good day Commander! I'll take wonderful care of these two treasures."

He nods. "I will princess. Good luck with the lessons today." Turning on his heels as the study doors close, he makes his way for the next stop of the morning: The engineering bays near the hangar. He sighs wearily, not looking forward to the long discussion with Professor Vendington about his 'ideas.'

* * * * *

"Captain Fury, Please send in the next petitioner." Luna says, her eyes glancing over a scroll Twilight had left her. She scowls at the absurd list, annoyed. 'Why do I have to deal with the ERS? This should have been solved yesterday.' She thinks, letting out a huff of air.

"Da, Princess." Dark Fury salutes, opening the large ornate doors to the throne room. A familiar white mare with a flowing purple mane steps in quietly, nodding silently with a smile upon her muzzle to the Lunar Elite guard. She steps to the dais of the throne, coming to a polite bow before the regal midnight alicorn.

Luna stares at the scroll for a moment longer, her eyes not falling on the new mare within the room yet. "Good morning." She quietly says, still distracted by the scroll. She chews on the inside of her cheek. "How may I help you today fair subject?"

Rarity rises from the polite bow, coming to a rest upon her haunches, still smiling at dark alicorn. She clears her throat, still not speaking. She stares intently at Luna, watching as she's distracted.

The room is silent for a moment, the only sounds of papers being shuffled and quiet breathing heard. Luna's left ear twitches and swivels for a moment, before she speaks. "Fair subject...what may I help thee with..." She trails off, her soft jade orbs moving away from the scroll held within her magical grasp, finding Rarity sitting at the dais of the throne. "Fair Rarity! Hello hello!" Luna happily exclaims, rising off of her throne to descend the steps.

Rarity giggles softly. "Greetings, Princess Luna." She smiles, eyeing the regal midnight princess. "Did Twilight dear leave you with day court today, darling?" She asks, concern laced within her voice.

"Yes, mine sisters flame hath shirked her duties today. Tia mentioned to her that the newest story from her favorite Trottingham author was just completed, so she's barred herself in the royal archives and is reading it." Luna says, rolling her eyes. "You would figure some pony like Twilight wouldn't get excited about comedy's about royalty."

The white unicorns right eye twitches and she scrunches her nose in disgust. "Oh dear. That isn't the story about Princess Celestia and that strange stallion she attacks with the bedroom toy is it?"

Letting out a sigh of defeat, the alicorn hangs her head. "The same one. Though I'd love to know where that crazy author got the idea for the way my character was portrayed. I don't dress in costumes or call myself the name of a fictional play character."

Rarity raises an eyebrow. "Batmare? I know darling, I know. Though I have to admit, the story was rather engaging to read while Fluttershy and I were at the spa in Ponyville. I'm still curious as to why he would make the main character such an odd stallion."

They hear Dark Fury clearing his throat for a moment, causing both the alicorn and violet maned fashionista to turn their attention to him. Dark Fury holds up a fore hoof. "Da...princess, if I may offer?"

Luna nods slowly, encouraging him. It was rare when this special guard and friend of hers would speak, and when he did it was always sagely advice or something of grave importance. This, she looked forward to. "Yes Captain Fury?

He coughs, a somewhat sheepish smile upon his features. "Zis book you speak. I read it, da? Laughed so hard I spit hot borscht! Ve should bring writer in at Gala. Show vhat real Sun princess like."

Luna nods, unsure. "We could...that would be an interesting idea...It would show him better how we actually are." She says slowly, catching the gruff sound of the Lunar Elite guards husky laughter. She eyes him as he speaks.

"And have Sun princess scare vith replica toy! Show him in Mother Equestria, you no play vith toy, toy play vith YOU!" He says, grinning wide and holding out his armored hoof to accentuate his point.

Rarity giggles at the Lunar Elite guards joke, understanding the punchline immediately. Luna on the other note, face hoofs at the remark, her ears splayed back in annoyance. This is about to be a very long day. She grumbles.

"My my, he certainly has an adorable sense of humor." The white unicorn says between laughs. She lids her gaze at the guard with a seductive grin, causing Dark Fury to somehow suddenly blush, then snap his attention forward again. She turns her attention back to Luna. She didn't seem to have noticed.

"Indeed, mine guards have had one since mine flame hath come. Now they're all filled to the brim with rhetorical humor." She mutters. Clearing her throat, she looks the fashionista in the eyes. "So, what brings you to Canterlot, friend? Is there something I can do for the Element of Generosity?"

"Oh nothing grand darling, I was simply here for more materials and some light shopping. I only wanted to say hello today and visit with the twins. How is the Commander doing these days? I haven't seen him since the last sky dance." She says with a smile.

"Sky...dance? Oh! Thou means the air show!" Luna says musically. "Well you didn't have to come in through the courts today, you know you're always welcome to the palace at any time. Where are you staying whilst you're in Canterlot?"

"Just a small hotel nearby. I couldn't really get a room at my regular lodging, they were full up wouldn't you know? But that's alright, I didn't plan on an extended stay anyway. You know, things to do, dresses to sew. I have been busy since the war, darling. Princess Celestia had given me the entire line for the nobility, thus keeping me with a constant flow of work." She sighs out.

"Neigh, that simply won't do!" Luna grins as she speaks. "Thou shalt stay in the palace in a guest room. No friend of mine will reside in anything less than perfection." Luna states happily. She turns to Dark Fury. "Captain, what other petitioners do we have today?"

The Lunar Elite Guard shuffles the papers on the clipboard with his hoof, clearing his throat. "Ve have ze former prince, blueblood ze gelded. Today is hearing for duty removal. After him, ve have notzing."

"Hmm..." She thinks for a moment. "Deny mine nephew entry, he has not served out his term I feel. If we have no pony else, then day court is adjourned. Captain! Please escort the fair Rarity back to her hotel and assist her with her personal belongings. I expect her to be cared for a guarded with your very life."

The guard salutes quickly. Rarity stammers for a moment. "Prin--Princess Luna!" She gasps out in surprise. "I wouldn't want to impose dear! I don't mind the hotel. Please don't go out of your way for me."

"Neigh, mine decision is final. Thou shalt also join mine family for dinner, I believe the girls would love to see thee." Luna smiles sweetly. Rarity nods quickly and returns the smile with an honest one of her own, embracing her friend in her fore hooves.

After a few moments, they break away from the embrace, the fashionista turning on her hind hooves and walking down the ornate long red carpet out of the throne room, a seductive saunter in her step as she sways her hips and swishes her tail slowly.

The Slavic Lunar guard traces her movements with his eyes, a slight blush upon his own muzzle.

Luna watches the display, an eyebrow raised. She's never seen Dark Fury act like this, so taken with any pony. He's normally rather stoic, with exception of being around this particular mare. She grins knowingly, turning away and exiting the throne room bound for the pilot.

The walk through the grand halls is quiet for the princess, only passing the usual activity of ponies walking to their destinations and stations. She alights her horn with a soft dark blue glow, her magic probing the area to home in on her flame. She can sense the bauble within her mind and heart calling out for her.

She slows her gate as she nears the point her heart detects, hearing the faint sounds of the pilots voice in the halls. She smiles serenely, continuing forward until she heard another voice. The voice of a mare. She stops.

"Commander, are you really sure about this? I mean...your wife can be pretty scary when she gets mad. I don't want to think what would happen if she found out about what we're doing and takes it the wrong way..." The mares voice quietly murmurs.

"Relax. If there's one thing I know about angel, it's that she's pretty trusting. All we have to do is just keep this under wraps. Just act normal, and she'll have no idea what we're up to, Dusty." His voice echoes in the halls, the sounds of his boots clacking against the marble floors become louder as he approaches.

"You're right. But I'd love to see the look on her face when she finds out! I'll bet it'll be worth getting on camera. So you'll be able to sneak out into my chambers again tonight?" She asks, her voice sounding cheerful.

Luna swallows hard, her heart racing within her barrel. She backs up and ducks behind a corner, her ears strained forward to listen. She doesn't like what she's hearing one bit. 'Sneak..sneak out?! What in Heofon?!?!' Her mind screams.

"Yeah, no problem. Luna sleeps like a log. Believe me when I say she'll be clueless as hell about this. And the kids? They have no idea either. I swear, being a stealth pilot in my day sure has its advantages. Be it in the sky or on the ground, you can sneak around pretty much anywhere. Not like she hasn't been oblivious all this time anyway." The pilot says as they're walking by, passing the midnight alicorn unknowingly.

Luna watches as they continue down the hall a short distance, stopping right at Dusty Shines chamber doors. She holds a baited breath, eyeing them from the shadows. Her heart thunders in her barrel, nightmares racing through her mind as she feels her heart cracking within her.

"I still can't believe you picked me of all mares commander. I know there are far better ones than I am. But I have to admit...I am really glad you did. This has been so fun." She giggles out, blushing. "Luna is so lucky, she really is. I still say it's a shame she found you first." Dusty Shine says, pawing the ground while looking at the pilot in the eyes.

Talon nods. "You're the right mare for the job. I couldn't think of any pony else I'd rather ask to take care of things for me. Luna is typically so busy, that when we do go to bed at night, she just falls asleep these days. And I'm not stupid enough to ask Rarity. This is more her thing, but there's no way in hell she could keep quiet about this."

The blue maned Earthen pony nods, still smiling, her lidded gaze focused intently upon him. "If it were any pony else Talon, I'd say no. But since it is you...I couldn't possibly turn you away for anything you ask. I'll see you tonight." She winks, turning and entering her own chambers after embracing the pilot in her foreleg, then closing the door behind her.

Talon turns on his heels and adjusts his flight jacket, whistling with a bounce in his step as he walks back to the hangar. He didn't see the midnight alicorn watching from the shadows in the corner.

Luna stares ahead blankly, her mind numb from confusion. She struggles, staring off into empty space as she processes what just happened. 'Mine flame...Dusty Shine...could they be...?' She asks herself, chewing on her inner cheek within her maw.

* * * * *

Talon sits back in the chair in Luna's study, glancing over paperwork given to him by the engineers. He sighs, drinking a cup of coffee as he glances over reports and schematics before him. He doesn't hear the door open, the midnight alicorn stepping in.

'As much as I enjoy being a part of the Equestrian Royal Air Force, this is such a pain in the ass.' He mutters under his breath, his eyes tracing the logs and information written down. He closes his eyes and rests his head in his hands for a moment, still not paying attention around him.

Luna quietly steps to the desk, her draconic jade orbs focused intently upon her love as she holds a small frown. Her wings are held tight against her sides as she fights to keep her rage in check within her mind. She clears her throat.

He looks up for a moment, his gaze falling upon his alicorn. He smiles, getting to his feet. "Ah! Angel. How was day court today?" He asks cheerfully. He looks at her eyes for a moment, noticing they're shape. "That bad?"

The regal midnight alicorn nods, not saying a word. She draws a soft breath. Her eyes looking into his own with intensity. She can feel the darkness within her greedily calling to her, the rage filling her blood as her mind is clouded. "It was...a normal day. Mine love, I need to speak with thee."

He steps to her to give her a loving hug like always, but stops when he sees her take a step back. He tilts his head in confusion for a moment, then backs away himself and sits back down again. "Sure angel. What's on your mind? Are you alright?" He asks warily.

She comes to a seat by the desk, gazing at him. She closes her eyes for a moment and draws a breath, crafting her words carefully within her mind before she speaks. Once she finishes, she opens them again and stares into his resolutely.

"Do you still love me? Do you still find me attractive?" She asks, her voice sounding shaken and somewhat cold.

Talon raises an eyebrow in complete confusion, not expecting this question. "You're kidding, right? What the hell makes you ask that?" He retorts. He leans back in the chair while looking at her. "Of course I do. I'd be a complete idiot to say otherwise."

She cuts him off. "Am I the only mare for thee? Art thou still happy being bound to us in marriage?" She asks firmly, her mind and heart slipping further into Obsolescence's control as she sits. She doesn't understand what's going on.

"What?" He asks in shock. "Yes, you're the only one. And yes I'm still fine with being married to a nutty space pony. Where the hell is this coming from Luna?! Did that jerk Blue Balls say something in his hearing today?!" He demands, getting up. "Seriously, he's in a mighty hurry for my boot in his ass."

Luna searches his eyes for a moment with her own, desperately looking for something, anything. Any kind of a hint of deception or lie. She finds and senses none, only his honesty and love. She nods slowly, the darkness releasing her heart as the light regains control for the moment.

"No, mine love. I was simply curious." She says quietly, her gaze falling to the papers upon the desk. Her eyes flicker back to normal as she turns away, letting out a sigh of relief. "It's not uncommon for stallions to become bored with their mares after a period of time if they're not being tended to. I wanted to know the state of our relationship." She murmurs.

He comes to her side and kneels down, taking her muzzle in his hand gently. "Angel, I am many things. Bored is not one of them." He says with a soft smile. "You're perfect the way you are. I told you years ago I would stay by your side until you sent me away. I told you I would defend you until the last missile and drop of blood within me. I meant it."

Talon sighs and smiles. "I'm not going anywhere. And I don't know what gave you any idea that I was, but it's wrong. You gave me a family, a home. You're a perfect wife, a great mother and a dear friend. I would be a fool if I were to even consider giving any of that up for anything."

Luna nods, a small smile creeping cross her muzzle as she eyes him, her features softening and relaxing. She drapes her wings around him in a tight embrace, nuzzling him affectionately as she closes her eyes. She breathes deep and smiles serenely, content with the answers she's heard. "I believe you." She whispers happily.

"On my world angel...we take an oath when we're intertwined and bound. 'Until death do us part.' That's the agreement we take in marriage. I may have already died once, but we never did part. And technically, we had an official wedding before the twins were born. So that sured up the deal." He breathes out, holding her. "I'm not going anywhere."

Luna nods happily, content and happy within the embrace. Her mind slowly inches back to what she had seen earlier, but she sweeps it away quietly within the back of her thoughts. The clock chimes loudly within the study, catching her attention. The pilot releases his hold on her and rises to his feet again, looking at the clock.

"Schools out for the day. We need to go get the twins and save sunny butt from the insanity." He grins. "I wonder what they learned about today?"

The alicorn rises to her hooves, a small smile upon her features as she adjusts her wings slowly. "Mine sister had said she wished to teach them of the formation of the Equestrian industrial age whence we became a productive super power in Equis. It is also the same year span Equestria united and allied with the great Dragon Nation and Legatus." She states quietly.

"I wonder how the big lizard is doing these days. We never did see him much after the war. Think he misses us?" He asks, walking to the study door. Luna falls in at his side, shaking her head.

"Legatus has been very busy managing the expansion of the Dragon Nations borders, as well as keeping peace with the Griffon kingdom. It is very likely that Equestria has not crossed his thoughts as of late, since the feather brains are often the cause of headaches for the dragon kind.

He nods, opening the door and stepping out. Once the two exit, they close the door behind them and turn to walk in the direction of the solar wing. "I swear, that Braxon guy is going to start some serious trouble. Those Griffons have no idea when to stop being so belligerent." He sighs. "We had a country on Earth that was the same way with probably the dumbest human you could imagine running the show over there. He always tried to start trouble with my nation, but was often viewed as more of an annoyance then any kind of threat."

Luna raises an eyebrow quizzically while looking up to him. "What was the solution in dealing with the pest?" She asks.

"We didn't have one last I knew. We couldn't just go over there and put a stop to it, the rest of the world would have seen us as a bully. And they also had an even bigger country keeping tabs on them because they didn't want to deal with us that close to their own borders." He quips. "That, and the rest of the world pretty much ignored the nation anyway, as they were viewed as the annoying little kid who teased everyone, but was really the big nerd so to speak."

Luna nods slowly, still confused. Her star field mane and tail sway lazily behind her as she walks, keeping pace with the pilot. "Ah, an annoying little foal of the world. That would best describe King Braxon of the Griffon kingdom then."

Talon glances out of a window as they walk the halls, his eyes falling on the two flags flying proudly in the courtyard and main gates of the palace. He smiles at the familiar banners, turning his attention back ahead. "Speaking of kingdoms, you never did really explain something to me when I asked about it."

Luna pauses in her steps, the pilot also coming to a stop. She sees his gaze fall back outside of the window, her own eyes tracing the familiar banners in his line of sight. "What is it you wish to know, mine flame?" She asks.

He draws a breath, his eyes still trained on the familiar striped banner flying proudly outside, high above the grounds upon a high polished pole crafted out of Lunar Steel, the peak at the top a golden star crafted of Solar Steel and crystal. It casts a prism of light upon the grounds, as well as light upon both flags waiving lazing in the gentle spring breeze outside.

"Why did you order my nations flag to be flown along side of your own? Last I checked angel, this is Equestria, not the United States of America." He asks quietly. "I'm honored that you would fly that...but I've been a part of your world for years now. I sworn my allegiance and loyalty to you."

Luna clears her throat and smiles, her soft jade orbs gazing lovingly to her flame. "Because mine love..." she breathes out quietly. "To know where one must go in life in the path which they tread, they must first know where it is they had traveled from. I fly that banner proudly for you, so that you can remember those ideals as you have so readily and proudly held to all this time. And it gives my heart great pleasure and pride in knowing it was from such a wonderful place that I had found the love I had wished for so many centuries ago."

Her gaze turns to the banners outside in the beautiful sunlit skies. She smiles and breathes deep, her heart content. "And I do so to honor and thank that place, for giving me the life I lead so happily." She steps to him and nuzzles deeply into his flight jacket, nickering quietly as she does. Her wings twitch and bob slowly as she relaxes, enjoying every second of the moment.

After several minutes of holding one another in their soothing embrace, the pair return to their walk to Celestia's study. As they arrive to the large ornate doors, they hear the fillies giggling melodically inside. The sounds bring a smile to the midnight alicorns lips as they draw closer. The doors are cracked slightly open, allowing the pilot and night princess to see in.

The sight they find as they peer in brings a large grin to both of their faces. Sitting in the center of the room upon the large area rug, the regal white alicorn is holding a pair of dice within her magical grasp. She's overlooking a board game; Ponopoly. Upon her back, the slightly larger of the twins, Stardust Kiss is resting, with her muzzle set atop of Celestia's head, her small black feathery wings bobbing in place idly, whilst her soft wispy pink mane and tail drape down along her sides, golden ribbons and lace weaved carefully and beautifully within them.

Moonlight Way, the smaller dark purple alicorn filly of the twins is sitting upon her rump grinning wide as she counts out the large pile of play paper and coin bits, clearly having of been the winner in the game so far.

Luna traces the scene with her eyes, noting one very interesting fact. Her elder sister seems to have been given yet another make over by the pair, her ethereal pastel mane having been tied in several unbalanced places with bright pink ribbons and curlers, and obviously unprofessionally done cosmetics upon her regal white muzzle. A large pink ribbon adorns the base of her tail, with a series of smaller ones down the length to the tip.

Celestia rolls the dice upon the board grinning whilst she counts out the spaces upon the board, the grin falling as she nears the ending point with her playing marker. She lets out a groan. "Again on the Boardwalk?" She sighs out musically, pushing Moonlight the pile of bits due with her bare fore hoof. "I knew I shouldn't have taught you economics today. You've gone and emptied my treasury!" She laughs out, eyeing the two red blocks upon that board space.

Stardust Kiss lets out a similar groan, rolling her eyes. "How did she beat both of us auntie Tia?" She asks, rising off of her perch and slipping down to the plush rug slowly. She lets out a small cute yawn as she looks up at the significantly larger white alicorn.

Celestia takes the various pieces of the board game within her magical grasp once more, packing everything away in the small tin box neatly in their respective places. "She simply composed a winning strategy, young one. You should be proud of your sister being so smart." She breathes out happily. "I know I am."

Moonlight Way bounds to her twin sister and nuzzles up against her with her muzzle, then falls to her rump again beside the black alicorn filly. "It's ok Star, I didn't eat all of the candy this time!" She grins out, lifting a small wrapped confection to her sister, the edge of the wrapper held within her teeth.

Stardust gasps happily and takes the piece, returning the gift with an affectionate embrace and a draped wing over the slightly smaller indigo filly alicorn. She alights her horn which sparks and crackles at first, flickering for a moment before alighting with a white aura of magic. The spell encompasses the piece of candy for a moment, before slipping off the wrapper and allowing her access to the sweet treat.

The pilot takes the opportunity to knock on the door before pushing it open slowly, entering the study. The three occupants of the large room turn their attention to him, wide excited smiles upon the treasured fillies muzzles.

Celestia eyes the pilot with a wry grin of her own, once seeing her beloved younger sister entering with a serene smile on her lips. She turns her attention to Luna. "How did noon day court go today, sister? The white alicorn asks, rising to her bare hooves. Her regalia and bracers rest upon the far off study desk, her crown sitting upon a nearby end table.

Luna side steps as the fillies tackle the pilot to the ground, stepping to her elder sister. "Things went as well as could be expected. The Equestrian Revenue Service had sent in petitioners today proposing stricter laws for taxes to impose upon our subjects, a couple of wedding blessings and meeting with Miss Heartstrings and Miss Melody for the Gala event. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Celestia's gaze flicks to the pinned down pilot and overly excited energetic fillies pouncing upon him, hearing their melodic and happy giggles as they greet him as any happy child would their parent. She turns her magenta orbs back to the dark alicorn. "The ERS? What did you tell them?" She asks cautiously. Luna was always the more strict of the two when it came to taxes for Equestria.

"I told them no. The existing law itself is already far too strict as is, and I do not believe imposing tighter constraints would benefit the kingdom. I told them to take a walk and never to bring about such frivolous changes again. The laws are in place to help run our nation, mine sister. Not to fatten their purses and bolster the coffers of greedy ponies alike." She states resolutely.

"And what about the Gala, lulu? How did you manage the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra this year?" She asks, relief coming to her heart upon hearing Luna's previous response. "Did you book them for the full night this year?"

Luna shakes her head, grinning a sardonic Cheshire grin. "Neigh, mine sister. I had also booked a second artist to perform later in the evening for the entertainment. I am sure that thou will appreciate my lively choice."

Celestia raises an eyebrow. "Tell me it's not Cyril the rock pony again. He didn't understand that nobility was not the group to form a 'mosh pit' as you called it, and his performance was questionable at best."

"Neigh, Tia. I have him set for Nightmare Night this year. We will be hosting the Gala with the lady Scratch this time. Mine flame listened to her melodies, and had stated she would be best fit to not only serve at the Grand Galloping Gala as entertainment, but at future air displays as well. She as mine Talon would say, 'Drops harder than Skrillex' does." Luna says coyly, alicorn mischief dancing in her eyes.

Celestia face hooves and rolls her eyes. "Only if she promises not to utilize that behemoth speaker system of hers. Those stained glass windows were rather expensive to replace, lulu."

"I know, Tia." Luna says grinning. "We loved the Bass Cannon as she called it. It was most fun to watch the nobility have a conniption fit as it were. As I stated...entertainment." The midnight alicorn says darkly, looking down at her regalia bracer, appearing bored. "We should book her more often."

"Perhaps...but we should leave our pilots music out of it this time. I don't really see a positive reaction coming from any pony with exception of Fancy Pants this time to questionable songs like that one." The white alicorn murmurs.

"Thou art a fuddy duddy Tia. It's clear mine flame knows how to party. Even miss Pie couldn't keep up with the last one." She says still grinning sadistically. "And you are so much more fun once you're loosened up."

Celestia blushes deeply at this statement, the memory glancing her mind. "You're not allowed to alter the punch this time lulu!" Celestia chews on her lower lip for a moment. "And we said we wouldn't speak of that again..."

"Thou means when you started dancing on the dining table top with the lamp shade upon your horn, whilst singing i'm a silly pony?" She grins. "I found it quite fun, as did Twilight as I recall." She says musically, laughing. "Oh...that was such a wonderful party after the days of the war. We should do that again some time."

The white alicorn quirks an eyebrow, a sly grin of her own. "Yes, and your binge on those marshmallow treats Pinkamina Pie had brought. Moon pies as she called them. I remember when you had ordered a thousand of them to be made that night."

Luna puffs out her cheeks, a sheepish smile upon her lips. "Well...we didn't know I was bearing two treasures yet, Tia. Cravings are interesting and strange things, mind you." She sighs. "Now I remember why we agreed never to speak of this again. I still haven't forgotten the taste of those confections."

Talon clears his throat, getting their attention. "Um, ladies. I hate to interrupt, but we do have two hungry fillies here, and I believe we also have plans with Fury for this evening. Perhaps we should consider moving this along?" He asks, glancing at the clock upon the wall.

The two regal alicorn sisters turn their attention to the clock, seeing the time for themselves. Luna pales at the sight, nodding. "He's right, we should get going." She turns, her attention now on her fillies waiting patiently to embrace their mother.

Talon glances at Celestia. "Nice look. You should go with that more often." He says, snickering. "It really suits you, Princess Sunny Butt."

Celestia raises her eyebrows, having forgotten all about the fun she had playing dress up with the twins during their lunch break from the lessons. She glances down seeing the fillies, noting the gold and silver ribbons upon their forms, her eyes tracing the detail and intricate weaves and braids. She turns her own gaze to a mirror, visibly blanching when she sees she herself was dolled up rather unprofessionally, almost comically so by the fillies honest attempts to make their favored aunt prettier. She swallows hard and laughs nervously.

Moonlight Way steps forward, her tail swishing quickly behind her as her wings flap excitedly. "Keep it!" She says jubilantly, cantering in a circle in place. "We worked so hard on you!" She turns to face Stardust Kiss, who is also feverishly nodding with approval.

Celestia glances back at the image in the mirror, letting out a defeated sigh and smile. If it makes the little ones happy, why shouldn't she? "I think I'll wear it a bit longer, Commander. It's adorable." She muses.

Luna stifles a laugh, hiding her mirth behind a held fore hoof. She herself having to of adorn a similar look compliments of two mischievous fillies playing spa ponies with the midnight alicorn.

"I wish mother could see thee, mine sister. She would be amused by such a wondrous sight of thou being so good with mine children." She states quietly, fluttering her wings gently.

Celestia blushes happily. "Years of practice, lulu. Years and years of practice. And don't forget mother will be visiting again before the gala this year. As she has every solar cycle since the birth of our treasured twins."

"And I look forward to it, mine sister." Luna says with a smile, turning to walk out of the study. They follow the excited fillies cantering and bounding out, the pilot walking with them. Luna listens intently to her children telling her flame about their studies today, a wide smile crossing her muzzle, her heart content and warm. 'Mine beloved family...I am so fortunate.' She thinks, musing happily.

* * * * *

Dark Fury steps into the private dining hall of the alicorns, escorted by two of the palace chefs pushing steel dining carts into the room. Seated at the large ornate table in the dimly lit hall was the three regal alicorn princesses, the pilot, two fillies and one white unicorn mare with a flowing violet mane and tail.

"Da! You vill enjoy zis, comrades! I make special family recipe of hot borscht! It give great strength, and filling! You try." He calls out, grinning. "And ve have drink from homeland vith it! Wodka!"

Celestia and Twilight look at each other, swallowing nervously for a moment. They remember their recent experience with said drink all too well, causing them to somewhat shrink in their seats. It was anything but a pleasant night for the royal couple.

"What's wood caw, mama?" Stardust Kiss asks, looking up at the midnight princess with curiosity. "Is it like juice?"

Luna looks down and sighs, shaking her head. "I's something you and your sister are far too young to even know about, or try. Ever." She whispers. "It's a mama and papa drink only. Not meant for growing fillies."

Moonlight Way scrunches up her nose, sniffing the air. "It smells very potato-ey." She whispers, licking her lips. "I'd rather have apple juice."

"And apple juice is good for you darling. My friend Applejack makes it fresh on her farm just for growing fillies like yourselves." Rarity answers happily, smiling serenely at her. "I even brought some of Applejacks special home made fritters for you to have for desert after our dinner!"

Dark Fury comes to his seat as the silver dome lids are lifted off of the service cart tops. The dishes resting underneath the covers consist of a crimson porridge like soup with the bowls, a rich potato and beet aroma wafting from the steaming dishes.

"Ah! Borscht, from my homeland. You like, promise!" His thick Slavic voice rings in the air. The fillies scrunch up their noses in quiet disgust, unsure what to make of the meal before them. The Lunar Elite guard smiles wide at the sight of the food, taking in a deep loud breath.

"Captain Fury...what exactly is this dish?" Celestia asks, eyeing it warily. She swallows hard, the crimson fluid within the bowls making her nervous. She's never eaten, let alone seen anything like it.

"Princess. Is bowl of Heofon, just like mother used to make. Almost as good as Goulash. Da, its good!" He responds, taking a large spoon full of the meal and downing it. Every pony and pilot included watch intently for a moment, as the stallion digs in with gusto.

The regal white alicorn eyes the dish with a degree of fear, before dipping a spoon in held within her magic. She takes a careful test sip of the meal before her, bracing herself for whatever horror is about to grace her muzzle.

There weren't really any words that Celestia could use to describe the sensation and emotion she felt upon trying it. What's above the worst, most awful thing you've ever eaten? Whatever it was, she would have to put her scribes and top researchers on looking into it. She swallowed hard, trying to skillfully hide her discontent behind centuries of her practiced trademark calm regal mask.

"This is...an interesting dish." She says quietly while holding her fakest smile ever. It's quite...delicious?" She says, taking another forced spoon full, then quickly downing a few gulps of the tall glass of Vodka beside her. If she's going to have to endure this, she'll see to it she has at least some form of enjoyment for it.

"Da! Yes it iz!" Dark Fury rumbles out in his deep Slavic husky voice. "Good for growing fillies and colts! Great for skinny princess! It vill put on muscle and make strong, like bear!"

Celestia flicks her gaze to Twilight and her younger sister Luna, disbelieving as she watches them almost guzzle down the strange dish. She blinks in confusion, forcing another spoon full of the gruel down. "I see." She says politely. "Perfect for our two treasures then."

Stardust and Moonlight both swallow hard, unable to process what to do. On one hoof, they are hungry and want to eat. On the other...this might be a fate worse then death to a filly. They look to each other, then to Rarity seeing the fashionista grapple with the same decision.

Rarity leans down and whispers to them. 'Just do your best girls...I promise I'll give you an extra apple fritter if you eat some of this. Just say you're full on half of it.' She hurriedly says to them as quietly as she can. The fillies nod in response and both take spoonfuls of their own. Surprisingly...they like it!

The pilot finishes his bowl before the others, bringing his utensil to a rest within the empty dish. After patting down his lips to be polite, he takes a deep drink from the glass beside him, skillfully hiding any emotion from the group. He couldn't stand the dish, but he's tasted far far worse on board the Enterprise.

"So, comrades, you like dish, da? I make even better one next time. Vith fire ruby sauce, from Stalliongrad! Ve vill enjoy together, and sing of Glory days of families!" He chuckles out happily. The stallion finishes his large bowl of the questionable dish, patting his belly with an armored fore hoof.

Luna nods happily, alighting her horn and refilling her bowl from the nearby pot still resting on the service cart. "That sounds grand, Captain. We believe thy should give our other Lunar Stallions this dish as well. They would benefit from something so delicious." The dark alicorn says contently, beginning to almost inhale the second serving.

Twilight, Celestia, Rarity and the pilot all stare at the night princess, slack jawed and wide eyed. They couldn't believe Luna actually loved this dish. Celestia shakes her head slowly in shock, finishing the final forced spoonful down her throat, and now her third full glass of the Stalliongrad Vodka. Her vision seems somewhat blurred, but she can still function for the moment.

"Well thank you graciously for the meal, Captain. I'm afraid I must go lower the sun soon, however. As well as tend to another urgent matter within my chambers. Please excuse me. " Celestia says quietly rising from the table, a serene smile upon her features, hiding her true contempt for the dish.

"Yes, come back for more anytime, princess Celestia. I have always more for you, da? Always time for borscht." Dark Fury rumbles out with a smile, finishing his second bowl already.

Celestia nods politely, turning to exit the room, Twilight hot on her hooves following her out. The pilot gets up next, glancing at the clock. "That means we need to get the twins ready for bed, and Luna to raise the moon. Thanks for the eats, Fury. Next week, I'll cook you something from my home."

"Dh! Good, Comrade! I look forward." The stallion says with a jubilant smile. The fillies finish their bowls quickly, then sluggishly rise out of their chairs and bound to the marble floor. They follow the pilot out as well, beading for their own chambers for their own routine. Luna gives a polite and grateful nod to the Lunar Stallion, a content smile upon her muzzle.

"Thank thee, Captain. Thou shalt see some extra bits in thy pay this week as a show of gratitude." She promises with a smile.

Dark Fury chuckles. "Princess, I give thanks. Anytime you hungry, just ask. We make together." The alicorn walks out after the pilot, leaving the fashionista and the guard alone. Dark Fury takes another deep drink from his own glass, smiling at the white unicorn.

Rarity laughs nervously and takes a gulp of her own, eyeing the stallion with a soft well placed smile. "So, Fury is it? Tell me about yourself..."

* * * * *

In the chambers of the two fillies, Luna sings them her lullaby as she does every night, after the pair helped the little ones brush their teeth, brush out their manes and tails and prepared them for bed. The moon has since been raised, the stars overhead in the jeweled tapestry that makes up the night sky glistening beautifully.

The fillies yawn and murmur quietly, their lidded gazes turning to soft dream filled snores. The midnight alicorn as always kisses them goodnight, blessing them with Lunar magic to grant peaceful sugar sweet dreams of love and confections. They quickly fall asleep as shadows overtake the room, the pilot closing their drapes tighter than before for hopefully what will be an extended sleep.

They quietly exit the room and close the door bound for their chambers. Luna is silent the entire walk. Once inside their own room, the pilot removes his fatigues, the alicorn her regalia and crown. She sighs heavily and bounds onto the bed from the floor, nestling into her usual spot.

"You alright angel? You've been quiet for a while now." Talon asks, looking to her. Luna looks up from her resting position at him with a soft smile, her jade orbs looking into his own eyes.

"Yes, mine love. I am simply tired after the long day is all. I would like to sleep soon." She quietly murmurs, returning her muzzle to beneath her wing, craning her long delicate neck like a swan.

Talon eyes this display with curiosity, never have seeing her sleep in this position. He shrugs and yawns, taking to his side of the bed and pulling the covers over her and himself. "Alright then...Is there anything you would like to talk about or do before bed?" he asks.

"Neigh, mine flame. Perhaps tomorrow eve, whence the moon is high. I'm afraid it will be another few days before mine estrus cycle begins." She mutters, closing her eyes tightly and burying her snout further into her wing.

He raises an eyebrow. "Um...alright?" He says quietly. He didn't mean his question in that sense. He sighs and turns out the light, rolling over and faces away from the midnight alicorn.

An hour passes, the pilot remaining awake and watching the clock, listening intently for the rhythmic sound of the alicorns breathing. Once he establishes she's asleep, he quietly rolls off of the bed and grabs his uniform in his hands, tip toeing quietly out of the room. He opens the door into the darkened hallway, stepping out silently and getting redressed at the door. He sneaks out.

Luna opens her eyes as she hears the soft click of the doors latch, rising from the comfortable ornate bed. She narrows her eyes and glares hard at the door, chewing on her inner cheek in pure unbridled anger. She's going to get to the bottom of this once and for all.

She alights her horn and casts her Lunar magic, melding herself into the shadows as she quietly slips out of the room, stealing into the night in pursuit of the pilot through her invisibility spell.

She watches her flame quietly walk the grand emptied halls to the maid Dusty Shines quarters, following closely to him. Her rage bubbles further as she watches him avoid patrols and guards alike, reaching the chambers in question. He knocks quietly, the door opening after a few moments.

Luna watches the doors open, revealing the Earthen pony mare open the door and greet the pilot with a whisper the alicorn couldn't understand. Dusty is wearing an even more revealing robe composed entirely of black lace, with a silken sash. She adorns dark blue socks bearing crescent moon symbols, much like Luna's own cutie mark.

The alicorn slips inside the room quickly before the doors close, following the pilot inside and into the large foyer of the maids chambers, staying within the shadow and avoiding touching anything, so she does not reveal her presence. She watches silently, glaring at the pilot. Her heart begins to crack further, disbelieving he actually snuck away and came here after all.

'Once I find out what he's doing...mother herself won't be able to help him.' She thinks, chewing upon her lower lip in anger. She scowls at Dusty, the darkness within her heart greedily calling to her. Her mind begins to cloud as Obsolescence's power begins to surface once more.

"So, are ya ready for this commander? I won't be gentle about it this time." Dusty Shine says with a seductive voice.

Talon sighs. "Born ready. Let's get to work so we can finish this quickly. I do need some sleep after all, Dusty." he breathes out, taking his usual seat at the table. He picks up the fresh cup of coffee Dusty had waiting for him, drinking down a large gulp. Before him on the table are rolls of fabric and sheets of paper, scissors and various prints.

"I still don't know why you simply didn't have another mare handle this for you. I can name any number of them that would jump at an opportunity like this." The earth pony mare says, taking her own seat. "So, which one do you want to do tonight?"

The pilot eyes the patterns, looking over them carefully for a moment, before nodding. "I think we should finish the one for Luna. The two others are nearly completed, I just need to get the rest of the gems stones for the trim to finish them. I already have Captain Jolt working on finding some discreetly for me."

'Gems?' Luna asks herself, peering around the corner. Nothing could have prepared her for what she had seen. Upon three ponyquin stands setup beside the table, were three matching very elaborate and ornate silken dresses in process. Two of them sized for a small pony or a foal, the other almost large enough to fit..an alicorn.

Luna gasps quietly, her eyes tracing the dresses being made. She steps closer and looks from the shadows, her eyes falling to the pictures upon the patterns next. She sees a drawing of the completed dress in full color detail.

The dress depicted in the picture appears similar to the one used at her formal wedding four years ago, just prior to the birth of the twins. It has a long elegant flowing train, beginning just after her croup. The fabric is silk and lace, studded and dusted with stardust and diamonds. Small scraps of finely cut, polished and crafted steel adorn the sash and trim for extra show pieces, the clasps being perfect replicas of her own cutie mark.

She watches intently as the pilot threads a needle carefully, turning his attention to the upper part of the dress upon the largest of the three ponyquins , and begins to sew pre cut patches of fabric.

Dusty Shine stands beside him, watching his movements carefully. "Ah ah, Talon. You need to use a double stitch here just like I taught you. It's for added strength, and hides the seam better for a more balanced presentation."

He nods, changeing the pattern and continuing his work. "Say Dusty. Mind if I ask you some personal questions?" He asks her, not pausing from his work. He gets her attention.

"Sure. What would you like to know?" She asks in response. She watches as he licks his lips and sighs quietly with a huff of air.

"Luna seems pretty down lately, and I just don't know if it's something I'm doing wrong. I was thinking of maybe taking her for a camping trip or something. Even a flight to lift her spirits. But with the twins and everything lately duty wise, it seems nigh impossible just to get a few minutes to ourselves." He says, his voice sounding strained.

"And wouldn't you know it? She asked me today if I still loved her." He scoffs. "Of course I do! If I didn't, you think I'd be here trying to make this for her?" He remarks, somewhat annoyed.

Dusty Shine pauses, taking a seat at the table across from him, working on the opposing side of the dress. "It just sounds to me like she's feeling insecure. Why not let me watch the twins sometime? You two totally deserve some alone time after everything you do. Between you helping Princess Celestia build the new ERAF, and Miss Luna always working so hard on assisting the other princesses with day court AND her midnight courts, she really needs a break."

'He's...sewing? What in Heofon is he up to?' Luna asks herself, Obsolescence's power and presence once again fading back into the corners of her heart. She comes to a rest upon her haunches and watches intently, her jade eyes and sensitive ears studying everything before her carefully.

"I just hope she likes this dress for the Gala this year." Dusty Shine remarks with a grin. "Oh what I would give to wear something like this, and actually attend instead of just being a maid for it."

He coughs for a moment, setting down his cup and getting back to working on his section. "I'll mention it to Sunny Butt that you need the time off. As far as the dress is concerned, I'll give you a hand with it after we finish these. I can only imagine how hard it is to sew with hooves instead of fingers."

"Like you wouldn't believe." Dusty comments with a degree of sarcasam. "That's why I couldn't believe you asked me instead of any of the unicorn maids. They would be able to make a far better dress than we could in even a fraction of the time."

He nods. "Yeah...but it always means more when you build something with your hands, or hooves in this case, rather than using magic or machines to do the job. I want this year to be special for angel. So that's why I picked this route. It's what we would call a gift from the heart. You know what I mean?" He responds.

A tear rolls down Lunas cheek as she watches, a happy loving smile crossing her features. She never once expected this. She never expected him to go this far to make her a gift. And what a gift it was. Her heart begins to thunder within her barrel with joy. 'I love him so much.' she whispers to herself.

The midnight alicorn watches the process for an hour more, the pilot and earthen pony mare working at a steady pace and completeing several sections of the elaborate dress. It's nearly complete now, minus just a few trim pieces. Dusty yawns quietly looking at the clock.

"Talon...I really need some sleep, I have an early shift tomorrow after the twins wake up, and I'm on duty for the command center." She rolls her eyes. "Mind if we finish this later? We have completed a lot in three days, and we still have several weeks before the Gala is even a thought."

He nods, also yawning and looking at the clock. "Yeah. Lets pick up in a few days, your next day off. Thanks for the help dusty." He murmurs, rising to his feet again and walking to the foyer. He passes right by the midnight alicorn, not noticing her presence close by.

"And Talon?" Dusty speaks up. "Just make sure you show Luna you love her. Us mares can get pretty insecure about silly things. As long as she knows you're there for her, you can't lose." Dusty says with a smile.

He smiles with honesty. "Thanks. I'll try a bit harder on that. Hopefully Luna feels better soon..." He says looking down. "Because it makes me sad, to see her upset...and I'm one hell of a lucky guy to have her." He whispers.

Luna watches as he exits, following behind him quietly after the doors close and they enter the hallway. She adorns a happy loving smile, her heart never once having of slowed down a bit. 'Mine flame...It is I who is the lucky one.' She thinks to herself, tears of joy rolling down her cheek and matting her fur.

Luna quickly darts out of an opened window in the grand halls, taking to wing and racing ahead of the pilot back to her chambers. She undoes the spell once inside, leaping onto the bed and positioning herself back how she was before he slipped out.

Minutes pass, the pilot returning to the darkened room and quietly sneaking back to bed. Once he strips down and slips back under the covers, he feels the alicorn suddenly grasp him sightly within her fore hooves, her heavy warm wing draping slowly over him. Luna nuzzled deeply into his bare chest, a contented sigh from her lips.

He smirks at this and closes his eyes, pulling her closer to him. He has no idea she was actually there the entire time, or that she knows now that not only could he be trusted, but just how deep his love for her truly was.

Author's Note

Yeah....you thought he was cheating didn't ya? =p Get your minds out of the gutters people. Our hero isn't ready to double the fun on that scale. Not yet...anyway. ;D

The Drift

Chapter Three: The Drift

"And would thou believe it?" Luna asked with a smile, her soft jade orbs gazing into the cruel draconic slits of the nightmare alicorn. "Mine flame has been secretly creating such beautiful dresses for mine self and mine children. Oh Obsolescence...we never should have doubted him."

Nightmare remains seated upon the plush carpet within Luna's dream realm, smiling a soft sad smile as she gazed longingly at her lighter counterpart. 'Yes...I believe it, Luminescence. I was watching through our eyes when you went to follow him into the maids chambers.' She remarked softly, letting out a quiet sigh.

"I have never seen such a beautiful work of art...so much detail and effort, so much love placed in every stitch and fold. For once, I'm honestly excited for the Gala to come, so I may show off mine beloveds craftsmanship." Luna commented, a serene and calm smile upon her muzzle. She let out a happy wistful sigh, her eyes off of Nightmare for a moment.

'When will you speak to the Sun bringer and our mate? I want their answer...' Nightmare states softly, still looking at the midnight alicorn. Her wings twitch slightly as she holds a baited breath, listening intently for an answer.

Luna looks back, her attention back on the nightmare alicorn before her. She lets out a small huff of annoyance, her mood soured by Obsolescence's repeated request. "Thou has already asked that thrice times, Obsolescence. I will speak with them when I feel the time is right." She states coldly, ruffling her wings.

"Thou knows only one of us may have control of mine body, as it is MINE body, and MINE life AND MINE children, I will do as I see fit for their protection. Whence I feel I can speak to mine flame about your request, I shall. Not a moment before." Luna says, her voice growing with her steeling resolve.

'Luminescence...please.' Nightmare whispers out, raising her bare unarmored hoof. Her draconic teal orbs pleading with the smaller mare resting upon the dream bed. 'Our stallion already knows of us. He already understands. I simply wish just for one night, of seeing through my own eyes. I only ask of you the chance to experience...to feel for myself what love truly is like. I wish to embrace our offspring within my own wings.'

Luna listens to the hollow and haunted whisper of Nightmares voice, her heart sinking within her barrel. She remembers all too well the loneliness of the shadows, what the freezing cold within her heart and soul of being held in the dark felt like. She closes her eyes and sighs, nodding slowly.

The midnight princess opens her eyes after a moment, her features softening as she gazes upon the mare before her. "Thou hath changed, Obsolescence...I can see this. I can feel the longing within your heart." She breathes out. "Thou hath mine word, I shalt speak with mine flame and dearest sister of thy request upon the rising of the beloved sun."

Nightmare Moon begins to try to smile sweetly, her razor sharp daggers within her maw beginning to show as she perks up her ears and sits up, hope filling her for a fleeting moment. She shrinks back however, upon hearing the icy venom within Luna's warning.

"But, understand one thing, Obsolescence...if thou even begins to think of darkness, of bringing harm to mine herd...I shalt rend your soul into tatters, and banish thou to oblivion. Even at the cost of mine life." Luna growls out, her ears splayed back as her wings deploy in a snap. "I will protect mine family from any threat, and thou will see me fight with unmatched ferocity that not even thou can rise above."

Nightmare nods quickly, her eyes wide with surprise at the dark alicorns very real promise. Though she had no concept of love or family previously, she did have access to Luna's memories and thoughts. If there was ever any clear honest truth, it was that Luna would turn reality upside down and rip apart the foundations of creation itself to protect that which she cherished the most.

'I understand clearly, Luminescence. As I had stated before...we are not the selfish blind foals of many moon rises ago. One has plenty of time to reflect upon ones actions when they have a thousand years of solitude to dwell upon it. I give you my word as the Goddess of all which is of the Night, I shalt not bring about harm to them.' The nightmare alicorn states softly, her tone quiet and gentle.

'And you should know...that if any foal even attempts to cause them harm...I would chase them to the ends of Tatarus and Heofon to smite them myself.' Nightmare adds, her voice thickening with her own icy steel. She turns her gaze out of the opened doors of the dream realm balcony. 'You should rest now, Luminescence. I await your answer when we speak again.'

Luna nods, her soft jade orbs focused intently upon Nightmares shined velvet form bathing in the moonlight and gloom of the room. She sighs and disperses the dream realm image, returning her own thoughts to pleasant dreams, allowing her mind to rest for the coming day.

Nightmare watches as the image of Luna fades from her vision, feeling the night alicorns presence slip and fade into the inky shadow and fall into her dormant state. The black alicorn turns and gazes at the mirror in the corner, her glowing draconic orbs studying her own form for a moment. She tilts her head quizzically as she looks on, waiting for the sensation of being alone once again to overcome her.

The minutes pass, she remains motionless as she waits patiently. Once her own mind registers Luna has fallen into her deep dream-state sleep, she wills her own power forward through the breach she formed; bringing her own life force to take temporary possession of the dark alicorns waking form.

Nightmare slowly opens the eyes of Luna's exhausted body, desperately attempting to knock off the vestiges of sleep. Without lifting her head, she gazes about the room with her teal draconic eyes, taking in the sights around her. Her ears twitch and swivel as she registers sounds, her nostrils flare as she inhales deeply to taste and sense the fresh cool night air.

Her gaze falls upon the analog clock illuminated by the moonlight pouring in through the opened window, noting the time she has left to exploit the weakness she found in Luna's captivity spell...before she must return to her proverbial imprisonment within Luna's heart.

She feels a warm brush of contact upon her back, drawing her attention. Craning her long delicate neck, she turns her head to see what it was, her gaze falling upon and studying the pilot of her affections. A small smile creeps across her muzzle as she stares intently, noting and memorizing every detail of his features she can.

Slowly, she rolls over in place as to not awaken him. She gently slips one fore hoof under his pillow, then drapes the other over his chest as she slides into an embrace. Though there was so much she wanted to say, so much she wished to do...she knew and understood now was not yet the time to act upon her plans and intentions. This was not yet the time to act and set her plan in motion.

Wordlessly she studied him, enjoying the contact through Luna's skin and fur, relishing in the warmth and soothing embrace beneath the plush comforter and in the slumbering pilots company. Nightmare has come to this every night for several weeks now, stealing into the night to experience what little freedom she could.

Her bare hoof traces the scars upon his chest and arm, the memory flashing briefly in her mind of the day she unwillingly attacked him. The taste of his crimson flow upon her lips still haunts her as she thinks. She lets out a soft sigh, nuzzling her muzzle against his neck lovingly, softly whimpering and silently begging for forgiveness from him.

Cuddling against him, she drapes her wing over his chest and her foreleg, the soft down feathers warming his skin as she pulls tight into her embrace. She can feel the rhythmic pulse of his heartbeat through her sensitive wings. Her ethereal mane and tail cascade over them, intertwining and weaving throughout their joined visage as she lets out a loving sigh.

She rests her head upon his shoulder, closing her eyes as she feels the rise and fall of his chest, the soft ticking of his heartbeat within her ear. Silently enjoying the contact she's longed for all of this time. Her heart skips a beat within her barrel as she relaxes, her mind fading to peaceful thoughts simply resting here.

Her sensitive ears catch a distressed sigh as Nightmare studies the room, her attention now focused intently on tracking it. She can feel the pilots breathing becoming labored and strained, hear his heart rate beginning to quicken and race. Something is wrong...

Nightmare lifts her head again and watches intently, her teal draconic orbs zeroed in upon Talons visage, watching his expression contort from what was a peaceful sleep to...anger...or fear? She watches for a moment, trying to drag out some of her power very slowly, as not to alert the Sun bringer or another pony of her presence.

Luna's horn alights dimly, Nightmares magic trickling in ever so slowly from the base out of the tip to probe the pilots mind, searching for the reason for his state of distress. It dawns on her quickly as she tracks the signs...he's having a night terror of his own again.

Thinking quickly, the Nightmare alicorn reviews her options within her mind. She can allow this darkness continue to torture the one she's come to watch silently from the shadows, or she can intervene and sweep away whatever it is plaguing his dreams, and possibly alert Celestia as to her presence.

'Perhaps...if I help him...he may give me a chance to prove my own worth.' She ponders. Nightmare continues to watch, her body's sensitive ears picking up the ever quickening pulse of the pilots heart within his chest. It feels to her as if his heart is about to red line and explode from within him. She licks her lips and steels her resolve. 'Some risks are worth taking. This...this is worth it.' She calmly decided. Mother damn it if she's detected!

She's watched every night of this mans suffering, always too slow to catch it before it escapes. Tonight, luck was on her side. She could feel the night terrors presence strongly within his mind. She had time and chance in her favor. Until now all she could do was embrace him within her wings and hold him comfortingly in hope that he would find serenity and solace within her care. Tonight however, it was prime chance to put an end once and for all to his duress and time of need.

She slowly and gently touches her already powered up horn to the pilot, pouring her very limited power into him so she could take the dive. Though this would force her back to her prison again very soon...she smiled at the reward of her sacrifice of tonights freedom, for the fleeting chance of finally slaughtering the demon vexing him.

* * * * *

Nightmare opens her eyes in the foreign dream realm, studying the gloom of the sights around her. It's night time under a familiar star lit sky, the sounds of the wind whispering in her sensitive ears singing softly to her. She looks around, her eyes catching the familiar lake nearby her once home, the castle of the two pony sisters. The once grand palace...before her fight and loss against Celestia.

She steps to the waters edge, feeling the soft damp grass beneath her bare hooves as she timidly strides to the border, her eyes falling upon her reflection within the glass like surface of the water. Staring back at her was her true form, a towering black alicorn with soft velvet fur and a billowing star field mane of the night sky.

Her ears swivel and prick forward, catching the sounds in a short distance. The sounds of battle. She turns her gaze ahead and watches, her draconic orbs narrowing at the sight. It's the pilot racing away and running, occasionally turning and discharging his weapon behind him in a blaze of flashes.

The rumbling sound of thunder also catches her ears in the distance, drawing her eyes back to the starlit heavens above her. Her eyes trace the beautiful jeweled tapestry that is the night sky, watching quietly as the scene becomes marred by rolling in thunderclouds coming to blanket the heavens. She flinches as she feels rain droplets fall upon her muzzle, causing her to glare up at the clouds in spite. She really hates the rain.

She returns her gaze to the pilot, her eyes tracing his line of fire, coming to a halt upon something she never expected. Galloping and gaining on him quickly, was Chrysalis, the parasite queen. Rage bubbles within her as she coils energy to her legs, turning quickly to give chase to the demon. She deploys open her powerful glossy black wings and furiously pumps them, her rage overtaking her as she takes to the sky.

She races forward, the details coming into view quickly. This night terror vexing him was no ordinary one, but something far worse. Chrysalis was a much more sinister version of Nightmares memories, her body not one of glossy black changeling armor, but of bone, green flame and metal. Her draconic eyes no longer glowing green slits, but brightly glowing scarlet red orbs. The parasites fangs even appeared longer and sharper as she bared them in her twisted skeletal muzzle.

Chrysalis reaches the pilot and takes him to the ground, her skeletal hooves beating upon his chest and shoulders as she stomps upon him repeatedly, the pilot feverishly trying to fight her back. He jams the body of the rifle sideways into her fanged maw, desperately holding back her attack as she chomps with a feral howl. Blood drips from her gaping skeletal fangs and mouth, ravenously attempting to devour him.

Nightmare sneers angrily and bolts forward, knocking the skeletal demon off of him with all of her force and might. She quickly recovers and stands over the pilot, letting out a loud hiss in rage as she covers him with her opened wings. Her body lowers into a defensive position, her barrel brushing gently against the pilots torso as she protects him. Her ethereal star field mane and tail fall and cascade upon him, enveloping him in its wispy protective magical embrace, gently caressing him to attempt to sooth and calm him.

'AWAY WITH YOU, FOALISH PARASITE! IF YOU WANT HIM, YOU MUST GO THROUGH ME FIRST!' Nightmare Moon seethes out angrily, her tone full of icy venom and malice. She's already at her limit of magic use, so her only option left here is physical combat against the demonic parasite before her. Her heart races within her barrel in the dream, the blood and rage roaring within her ears as her vision turns red with hatred. Even if she is outmatched now, she refuses to fall in this fight.

The skeletal Chrysalis scrambles back to her bone hooves, letting out a demonic rage filled howl that shakes the ground beneath them. She snorts angrily and charges forward, her twisted and warped bone and metal horn aimed right at Nightmares chest.

Nightmare leaps forward and tackles Chrysalis right under her jaw, driving her shoulder hard into the empty rib cage of the parasite and barreling through her. The bones burst and fly apart as she plows through the demon, Nightmare planting her hooves forward and skidding to a stop. She turns quickly and bounds to the pile of bones reforming into their shape, stomping and leaping to crush each and every single one of them with unrestrained fury and rage, bellowing out a fierce battle cry that ripples in the air with a ghostly echo.

Talon sits up wide eyed, his jaw hanging open as he watches the black alicorn grind and stomp the parasite queen into dust, hearing the sickening cracking and splintering of her skeletal frame as it breaks. This continues for a few moments as she rears back and repeatedly comes crashing down, the final blow crushing and shattering the parasite queens skull, snuffing out the glowing red orbs from existence.

She pants raggedly, saliva dripping from her gaped fanged maw as she regains her breath. Physical combat was never one of Nightmare's, or Luna's greatest strengths. Her power was within her magic, not all out brute force. Her heart thunders within her barrel as she turns slowly, panting. She gazes upon the shocked and silent pilot, a wide gentle smile creeping to her muzzle as she eyes him.

The heavens above them seemingly open and let loose the torrents of rain droplets they once held back, the chilling rain now falling to the waiting ground and pair staring one another down in the gloom of the night. Nightmare is the first to recover, a soft almost hidden blush flushing throughout her cheeks as she slowly takes a step forward.

Talon scoots back, his hand fervently searching for the rifle that was cast away from him from this nightmare alicorn coming to his aid. His fingers find the strap and begin to grasp it as he turns away, then turns back his attention ahead. He swallows hard as he feels Nightmares hot breath against his cold wet skin upon his neck and jaw. Turning slowly he sits wide eyed and speechless, looking into a fanged maw baring razor sharp high polished daggers at him.

Nightmare wordlessly pants, her breath softly coming out of her mouth as she eyes him. She extends a wing forward very slowly and holds it above her own lowered head as well as the pilot, shielding them from the rain as she smiles affectionately with a blush. Her draconic teal orbs tracing his facial features and meeting his own eyes. Her mane drapes in front of her muzzle slightly, obscuring one of her teal orbs from his view.

"Lu...Luna?" He asks cautiously, swallowing hard again. His heart races within his chest, watching as the teeth before him become more exposed when the alicorn smiles wider. The mare in question wordlessly shakes her head slowly, as she lowers down further to meet his eyes.

The black alicorn continues to stare at him, her words caught within her throat and feeling like she swallowed an entire apple tree whole. She's waited years for this moment, ever since she rescued him and flew the contraption called an aircraft out of Baltimare to keep him alive. Oh how she's craved this moment in the shadows, the one chance she could speak to him as herself, not as 'we' or as Luna, but as Obsolescence; herself! Her heart races within her with giddy excitement as she leans closer, so close she can pick up the intoxicating scent Luna was in love with. Her draconic teal orbs cloud with lust and pent up desire.

She feels a familiar presence drawing closer to her in the back of her mind, one she holds with great trepidation and fear, the one who could rip away everything she's working for. Celestia; the bringer of the dawn. Nightmare growls quietly for a moment, her glare focused once again on the heavens briefly. She flicks her cruel, hard gaze back to the pilot inches from her muzzle again when she hears him cough, seeing him trying to back up still.

The loud crackle of thunder rips through the air as a streak of lightning illuminates the night sky, her eyes flashing with the light as she gazes upon his form, her teal draconic orbs staring into his soul, studying and fawning over it. Nightmare licks her lips in anticipation, drawing ever closer to him. There's no going back now, she won't allow this chance to allude her! Not when she's so close!

The presence draws closer, she knows her time is nearly up. Without thinking and simply going upon instinct, she rushes forward and plants a deep possessive kiss upon Talon's lips, forcing him to the ground as she pushes into him. She breaks away after a few long moments, and gazes longingly into his eyes with her own draconic teal orbs, before closing them and whisking away out of the dream in a shimmer of black and blue sparkles.

Talon lays upon the ground staring up at the storm clouds looming overhead, the rain cascading down upon his form as he lays confused and surprised. "...What the fuck just happened?" He asks to no one, remaining motionless in his position, the rain crashing down as the mysterious black alicorns words echo in the air around him.

'I love you...'

* * * * *

Celestia quickly throws open the doors with her magic, a worried look of fear upon her features as her magenta orbs scan the room in haste. She quietly pants and lightly steps into the room, drawing closer to the bed. Her soft gaze focuses intently upon the sleeping pair in the large ornate bed, tracing Luna very carefully. She hears Luna and Talon's soft snores quietly echo in the still night air, the soft click tick of the clock keeping pace and time in its rhythmic tune.

Celestia steps closer to the edge of the bed, her horn alight and probing Luna to feel for the presence of Nightmare. She catches a small trail of the wicked alicorns fading magic upon Luna's horn, the trail leading directly to the pilot. She lets out a soft knowing sigh, shaking her head slowly.

'Lulu...' She thinks to herself, quietly turning and backing out of the room. She closes the doors as silently as she could, returning to the grand halls of the palace. She knows what she sensed. She knew she felt Nightmares strong presence. But that's not what scared her. No...what roused the sun princess from her chambers and caused her to gallop like a mad pony was far greater in urgency. She felt that charge of black magic shoot through her like a bullet. The same feeling she had when Nightmare had declared she wished and desired Eternal Darkness.

If there was ever any one thing above all else clear to Celestia, it's that she knew what Nightmare Moon was like. She knew once the alicorn of darkness had set her sights upon a goal, there was nothing short of death that would sway her from that path. It was ever so clear, Nightmare wanted something to do with the pilot. And whatever it was...Luna was clearly an obstical in the way of that plan. Time was of the essence, and she knew that was something that she just may be running out of.

The white alicorn quietly walks back to her chambers, now more alert than ever and desperately scanning the air for more magic. She finally reaches the room and steps in, returning to her large plush bed and slipping under the covers near to the sleeping lavender mare of her own affections. She turns and gazes at the moon through the glass window, letting out a quiet sigh. She knew no rest would be gotten this night, and surrenders to be lost in her thoughts as she awaits the time for dawn.

* * * * *

Luna awakens, feeling the familiar tugging upon her senses to lower her celestial charge for the evening. Her body feels even more tired and sluggish then before she crawled into bed. With a quiet cute yawn she cranes her neck, looking out of the opened balcony doors. She blinks the sleep out of her eyes, surprised at a rather unexpected sight.

Talon stands on the edge of the balcony gazing up at the stars, his arms draped over the stone railing as he leans upon it. In his fingers he holds a half way finished cigarette. He takes a draw off of the filter, his gaze never leaving the horizon as he stares up at his alicorns beautiful jeweled tapestry.

The alicorn quietly rolls out of bed, coming behind the already awakened pilot. She clumsily wobbles as she steps through the plush comfortable carpet, her bare hooves barely making a sound until she contacts the marble floor of the balcony. As she falls in at his side, she comes to a rest upon her rump and sighs, leaning into him sleepily.

"Good morning, angel." He breathes out, his free hand coming to the alicorns long graceful neck and side, stroking her beautiful ethereal star field mane gently. Luna nickers softly and relishes in the contact of her flame, nuzzling deeply into his bare chest and side.

"Good morning, mine flame." She lovingly coos out. She alights her horn and grasps the pilots fire tube within her magic, taking it to her own lips and enjoying what has long since become a custom for herself. She inhales deeply from it, then exhales a stream of smoke through her nostrils and mouth slowly. Smacking her lips she smiles dazedly and returns it to him.

She yawns and looks upon her night sky, the moon ready to dip below the horizon and the sensation becoming stronger within her chest. "I love you, mine flame." she murmurs, trying to ignore the building sensation within her for a few more moments. "What brings you to be awake at this early hour? Are our children already awake?" she asks.

"No." He breathes out another stream of smoke, flicking the ash over the railing. "I...I couldn't sleep that well angel. Crazy dreams and all." He mutters. He looks at the clock behind him, raising an eyebrow. "You're going to piss off your sister you know. She's a stickler for schedules."

Luna rolls her eyes and grins, taking another pull from the now depleted fire tube, then casts the finished filter into the sand filled bowl upon the balcony table nearby her with her magic. "Neigh, mine love. She knows I never was a morning pony." She yawns. Luna slowly turns her attention back to the horizon and wills the moon down to rest with her power, making way for the dawn.

The pilot grunts and sighs, shaking his head. "I'll need you to make more of those today angel. We're down to our last box of them. He casually remarks. "So...sleep well?" He asks, letting out a stifled yawn.

Luna shakes her head and lids her gaze, letting out a small huff. "I'm afraid not, mine flame...I spent much of mine sleep speaking with Obsolescence. She is becoming somewhat of a nuisance as of late, with her continued curiosity about the life we share."

The images of his night terror flash in his mind briefly for a moment, forcing him to shake it off as a chill races down his spine. "Angel...I've been meaning to ask you. Do you still do that space pony dream thing?"

She tilts her head questioningly for a moment. "You mean dream walking? Sometimes. But it's become somewhat difficult lately for me. I can't seem to get enough rest of my own to produce the spell. Though I have not sensed any distress within mine kingdom of nightmares from mine subjects.

"So...that wasn't you?" He asks shakily, his thoughts tracing back to his own nightmare again. The images flash for a second of his mind, seeing the black alicorn standing over him. Her words echo in his mind, ringing loudly.

Luna looks up at him, curious now. "What do you mean, mine love?" She asks and raises an eyebrow. "Is there...something you would care to share with me?" She yawns again, brushing her star field mane from her vision with her bare hoof. "What is it?" She asks, while pursing her lips forward in curiosity.

He sighs, sweeping aside the memory nagging at him within his mind. 'If I tell her...she's going to be pissed.' He thinks to himself. With a quiet snort he shakes his head. "Nothing... It was nothing, angel. I just had a dream about you is all."

The midnight alicorn smiles sweetly. "I hope it was a good dream then, mine flame. I always dream of you and our children. Though..." She yawns wearily again. "I have no idea why I'm so exhausted...I feel as though I have not slept at all."

He nods slowly and sighs, turning his attention to the horizon as he sees the sun begin to creep slowly over the mountains and alight the skies with the coming dawn. "Part of being a parent. Until they're grown, sleep will always evade us I'm afraid."

Luna quirks an eyebrow with a grin. "Perhaps. I was curious about a couple of things...and I wished to speak with thee about them." Her thoughts dance to the previous night when she learned of his secret project. She smiles serenely and lets out a wistful sigh of love, leaning against him more.

"Fire away." He quips dryly.

"First, and most importantly...I am going to speak to Tia today to arrange a leave of absence for us and our children, mine flame. I wish for us to go into the wilderness and enjoy a family outing after tomorrows Canterlot Fair."

He raises an eyebrow and shakes his head, wide eyed in surprise. "You mean a camping trip? I thought you hated the outdoors. You told me last year when I brought one up that you preferred the 'comfort of your new bed' last time we spoke of this."

Luna nods, grinning. "It was because I didn't wish to sleep anywhere but the bed thou crafted, mine flame." She retorts, her grin becoming wider as she lids her gaze to him. "You built that with your own hands, because mine old bed was not large enough for us together. Now...I feel that we deserve a few nights away from the palace, to enjoy time together as a herd."

As he's about to speak, Luna chirps in with another add on of her statement. "We will also be 'camping' as you say...in the royal gardens just beyond the palace main garden, for safety of our treasured twins, mine love. It is secluded, yet close to home, as well as just outside of the training ground for mine Lunar stallions.

"You know...I was speaking to Dusty a while ago...she did offer to watch the twins for a bit so you and I could enjoy some alone time." He quips. "We could also go for a flight together if you want."

Luna nods with a smile, turning back to their chambers and begins to walk slowly back to the large ornate comfortable bed. "Fair Dusty would make an excellent foal sitter for our offspring, mine flame. I trust her implicitly." Luna quips. She reaches the bed and bounds back onto the mattress, nestling back into the warmth of the inviting comfort.

He sighs and follows her, closing the balcony doors and drawing the curtains closed again, casting the room back into darkness. 'Ok...something's not right here.' He thinks, also returning to the bed. He comes to a rest and lays back down beside the midnight alicorn again, turning to face her. He inhales a deep breath and looks her in the eyes. "And what was the second thing, angel?"

Luna thinks for a moment quietly, recalling her conversation with Obsolescence. She did promise her she would speak to her flame about allowing the nightmare alicorn out for a free day, but shoos the thought away for the moment. She drapes her foreleg and wing over him, snuggling closer to her pilot. "We will speak of it later, mine flame. For now, let us rest whilst we still can, before our children awaken and begin their day.

He nods slowly, closing his eyes. The images of Nightmare Moons fanged maw flash in his mind again, making him not want to return to sleep. He ignores it and lets out an annoyed huff. "I love you, angel."

"And I am in love with you, mine flame. I always have been...and I always shall be." She murmurs, nuzzling him deeply. She pulls tighter against him with her wing and smiles serenely, relishing in the contact. Even though she's feeling exhausted, she couldn't be happier or more content. A blush crosses her muzzle as she day dreams about her flame, and the day she will receive the beautiful gift he's working so hard on in complete secrecy. Luna giggles softly to herself, enjoying knowing of the secret, but being able to play along and act as if she was clueless. 'Oh...I love him so much, mother.'

Thirty minutes pass, Luna almost having of nodded off to sleep before she hears the soft click of the door opening to her chambers. She opens one eye, glancing at the clock with a soft smile. She's exhausted, but never, ever too tired for her treasured fillies. The sound of hushed giggles and soft hoof steps echo in the air as she tracks their positions, closing her eye again and feigning sleep.

Luna counts the seconds within her mind, waiting for the final moment before her children would normally bound onto the large plush bed to surprise their mother like every morning. Right as the twin fillies leap, she turns over quickly and catches both of them within her waiting fore hooves and snuggles them deeply, wrapping her large, elegant and soft wings around them.

Stardust Kiss giggles and squeals loudly with joy, nuzzling against Luna's barrel with love and mirth. "Good morning mama! The sun is out to play today!" She excitedly announces. Moonlight Way yawns and nuzzles against her mother as well, wrapping her short spindly legs as far as she can around the midnight alicorns chest and embracing her.

"Yes, it is!" Luna answers with a soft smile and gentle tone. She yawns a small cute princessly yawn and squeezes the two fillies gently within her grasp, a loving and warm smile crossing her features. Releasing them from her embrace, she allows them to slide down her sides before she rolls over, lifting her head to gaze upon them.

Moonlight Way rises to her hooves unsteadily upon the plush mattress of her mothers large and comfortable bed, wobbling before falling to her rump. "Time to wake up mama!" She chirps out, happily bobbing in place. "Today you promised to take us swimming after our lessons." She yawns out. Her stomach rumbles loudly and causes the filly to blush. "And we're hungry."

Talon rises from the bed and smiles at the three alicorns, turning away to search the nearby dresser for a fresh set of fatigues. "Well we can't have that." He calls out while getting dressed. "I guess it's time to go grab some breakfast then!"

The fillies nod furiously with wide joyful smiles, Stardust Kiss unsteadily trotting to the pilots side of the bed. Her hooves sink into the plush soft mattress as she walks, before she finally reaches her destination. Falling also to her rump she looks up at him, her wings twitching with excitement and open upon her back. "Good morning papa!"

After putting on his black under shirt, he turns and bends down, scooping the treasured filly of his into his arms, embracing and cradling her carefully. "And good morning to you sweetheart. Did you two sleep well?" He asks, glancing at the clock for a moment. 'How about that....closing their drapes gave us an extra hour of sleep just about!' He muses in his thoughts.

Stardust Kiss quickly rears up and plants a playful kiss upon his cheek, happily being held as she turns and nuzzles into her fathers arms. "I did papa! And thank you for the stuffed bunny, it's so warm to snuggle!" she chimes musically.

"Yeah! We really like our presents you got us when you visited auntie Candy and uncle Shiny!" Moonlight Way happily announces. She bounds off of the bed with a flap of her short feathery wings, landing gently at the already standing midnight alicorns hooves.

Luna leans down and nuzzles her cheek against the fillies own and smiles, letting out a gentle happy sigh as she strides slowly to the opened door of the chambers. "There will be no studies today, mine children. Today mama and auntie Tia are taking you to the royal swimming pond. But first, we shalt enjoy a breakfast."

The pilot raises an eyebrow as he sets down Stardust Kiss, the black alicorn filly upon her hooves, glancing at Luna. "Oh so I see how it is. I get to go to work and you get to spend the day sunbathing with sunny butt?" He quips with a grin.

The night princess gives him a sultry grin. "You could always just tell the engineers you need a day to rest, mine flame. Thou art a prince now, after all." She breathes out with a smile, stepping out into the hallway. The twins bound and prance around her long elegant legs with jubilant smiles and seemingly endless energy, excitedly flapping their wings as they dance around their mother.

He sighs, shaking his head with a grin. "I just may do that." He replies, stepping out as well after his alicorn and fillies. He quirks an eyebrow when he notices she left her regalia and crown off, deciding it must be the day off for the princesses after all. Hey, there's nothing wrong with them taking a break for family time!

* * * * *

Rarity awakens within the still unfamiliar chambers, letting out a low groan of annoyance as she blearily opens her eyes. Trying to get up, she feels a weight upon her withers pinning her down. 'Drat! He's still in the same position he was in last night.' She grunts, closing her eyes again and silently fuming.

The white unicorn's ears twitch as she hears him snoring loudly again, that same irritating snore responsible for part of her torture of the night. Her nose still burns from the other part of this wretched night from hell.

"Da...more....borscht." Dark Fury snores out as he continues to slumber, completely unaware of what happened the night prior. With his free foreleg not pinning down the fashionista, he scratches his unarmored belly with his hoof, letting out a loud snort before resuming snoring again.

Rarity's eye twitches as she sulks, still unable to believe what happened, the events of last night unfolding in her mind. Being the Element of Generosity sometimes had its huge and fun advantages. In this case, she cursed her luck for all that it was worth.

Hours ago after several drinks with the Elite Lunar guard, Rarity had decided she was done trying to learn of this stallion, only hearing of borscht this, mother Equestria that. It was adorable at first, seeing some pony with so much enthusiasm and drive. It was even somewhat informative of how many ways one could cook that dreadful dish.

However, upon deciding she wished to go to bed, Dark Fury had drunkenly offered to escort the fashionista to her chambers for the evening, saying it was his sworn duty given to him by the princess. She agreed, knowing if there was ever one thing you could count on, it was Stalliongrad ponies tended to take their duties very very seriously.

They walked, or more like drunkenly strode about the halls, Rarity feeling somewhat sorry for the clearly inebriated stallion, and instead offering to help him to bed since her guest quarters were only two doors away within the Lunar wing of Canterlot palace.

Upon entering the chambers of the proud Lunar Stallion, she noticed that he was having exceptional difficulty removing his armor for bed, his double vision from all twelve glasses of Vodka making this a nigh impossible task for a Pegasus to manage alone.

Magic, when utilized by a sober Unicorn is child's play. Magic while used by a blind drunk Unicorn on the other hoof...stupid wouldn't quite cover it. Something as simple as undoing a button, could easily turn into tearing open some ponies head... or worse when magic is not properly controlled and utilized in a safe and careful manner.

Rarity snorted in annoyance, her head throbbing and every little sound playing whack a mole with her brain due to her splitting headache caused from that ever evil creation of Celestia's...a hangover. She wouldn't have been in this predicament had she of not stumbled backwards and tripped over an ill cast armored hoof bracer from the Lunar elite guard as she assisted him climbing into bed. Yep, this was indeed karma from some past life or event coming to bite her hard upon her illustrious toned and perfectly manicured flank.

In her drunken panic of being pinned down by the now completely knocked out stallion, she even went as far as to try and knock him off, bite him; anything she could to awaken him so she could gain her freedom. All in vain. Dark Fury is a legend among heavy sleepers, being drunk and full with five full bowls of his favored meal only making it that much worse.

But that's not quite what made things so horridly arry. Being in bed laying next to a possible love interest? Why not. It's been ages and now seven unanswered heat cycles she's had to contend with. One would say this could have been a blessing, especially when said stallion was the head of the Night Princesses most elite and powerful guards.

'BRRRRRPPPT!' She scrunches her nose and holds her breath, fearing that very dreaded uncouth sound. That, which has been her second and most hated aspect of this hellish nightmare of a stay at the palace. Apparently, potatoes cause this stallion to have an extreme exhaust problem. The smell strikes her like a fright train as her eyes tear up and water, causing her to curse silently and sulk.

Rarity recalls that was the very problem that had nearly knocked her senseless. After Fury had fallen beside her and accidentally pinned her down under his massive and powerful foreleg, he let out the loudest, longest rump trumpet the fashionista had ever had the displeasure of being forced to experience. This stallion put Rainbow Dash and Applejack to absolute shame, even on their fabled taco eating contest nights.

She feels the pressure upon her withers lessen finally, her using the glorious golden opportunity to shimmy out from under her captors powerful, yet very unintentional embrace. After a few moments of trying, she succeeds with one good push and falls to her rump upon the floor.

Rising unsteadily to her hooves, she curses quietly, glaring daggers at the still sleeping stallion. She turns her nose up in disgust and turns, nearly galloping out of the room with everything she has to escape this nightmare. First thing, shower. She needs to scrub the toxic gas from her coat and hair. Second, scrub her brain with some kind of bleach. She never wants to remember this night, ever. As she finally exits the room and closes the door behind her, she stops, slides down the heavy oak door slowly and falls to her rump panting. Her ears catch the familiar loud trumpet again, causing her to scrunch up her nose again. With a heavy annoyed sigh and gritted teeth, she gets up and walks to her intended chambers, rushing to her bath.

Within his own chambers upon the rigid and almost stony stiff bed, Dark Fury awakens with a yawn and a mighty stretch, the last and most recent part of his usual morning routine drawing him from his sleep. He sits up and yawns, scratching his head with his fore hoof as he smacks his lips, his mouth parched from snoring.

"Hmm...strange. Vhen did I return to bed?" He asks himself aloud, dazedly looking about the room. His golden eyes flick down upon the white sheets of his bed, finding a long deep purple strand of hair draped upon it leading to the stiff pillow. His nose picks of the scent of flowers and honey, his eyes opening wide with surprise.

"I vas...valking Rarity to chambers..hers..no, mine? Niet! Ze deeveetsu...ze beautiful Rarity...she vas in my bed. Da! yes...and...and...she stay vith me? Da...yes, zat is vhat..." His mind pieces together what he can only hope. He glances at the nearby mirror he uses to dress in his formal Lunar Guard armor every time before his shifts, his eyes immediately focused upon the multiple bite marks trailing his neck to his shoulder.

With his eyes growing to the size of dinner plates and possibly the largest grin this stallion has ever adorned within his life, he shakes his head in disbelief. "Da! I am ze STALLION!" He nearly shouts, his husky slavic voice ringing in the still air of the room, as he pumps his forelegs into the air in victory.

* * * * *

In the royal dining hall, The pilot, midnight alicorn and Dusty Shine all sit content, enjoying their usual morning conversation over coffee and the morning news articles. The twin treasures sit at a smaller table just for them, munching away happily at today's delicious spread provided by the palace chefs.

Celestia and Twilight quietly walk in, their own regalia and crowns off today as they enjoy the start of their three sunrises and sunsets off of royal duties. This has been a time the three alicorn princesses have planned for, so that they may each partake in the coming Canterlot Fair as well as take time to rest.

"Good morning Tia." Luna casually says, setting down her cup upon the polished cherry wood surface of the table. "Did you sleep well, mine sister?" she asks with a soft smile, after letting out another soft yawn.

Celestia sighs, hiding her fatigue behind her masterful calm regal mask. "I did lulu. And good morning to you as well." She calmly states with a serene smile. Her bare hooves clip clop quietly against the polished marble tiled floor as she steps slowly, making her way to the alicorn fillies table. She leans down and nuzzles them both affectionately with a gentle smile. "And good morning to my two favorite nieces!" She cheerfully sings out.

"We're your only nieces." Moonlight Way retorts with a grin, wrapping her short spindly hooves around the elder white alicorns neck. She gives a playful nuzzle and kiss to Celestia's cheek, giggling the whole while with joy.

Stardust Kiss smiles up at Celestia, her muzzle dirtied by muffin crumbs and butter smears as she grins wide, her eyes closed and a happy expression upon her features. Celestia gently rubs her hoof into the filly alicorns mane, letting out a soft chuckle of her own.

Twilight yawns as she takes a seat at the table with the trio, pouring herself her favorite drink, the black aromatic gold called coffee. "Good morning every pony." she murmurs, levitating the full cup within her magical grasp and taking a deep sip. "So, today is swimming for the twins?"

Luna nods with a smile. "Thou art correct, fair Twilight. Will you be joining us today?" she asks, while bringing her own cup to her lips.

"After I help the commander with today's engine test, I was planning on it." she cheerfully replies. "Our famous aircraft gets a new ability today, if the test works out." Twilight adorns a happy smile. "Oh how I love seeing advances in Equestrian science! Imagine how well this could help the new Equestrian Royal Air Force! It would make for a much more efficient and faster division!"

Luna quirks an eyebrow and tilts her head quizzically, turning her confused gaze to her pilot. "Mine flame? What does she mean? Does our machine have a new talent?" she asks, now very curious.

He huffs, smiling. "Surprisingly, Professor Vendington came up with a way to allow our bird to have vertical take off and landing ability. If this works out, we'll be able to hover in place, fly in a new range, and even land in smaller areas safely. It would also help in situations like we experienced at your old castle a few years ago."

Luna runs the thoughts through her mind, memories flashing in her thoughts of the castle of the two pony sisters, where they faced down against the Timber wolves, shortly before their first air combat mission together against the dragons attacking Canterlot, the ones that had shattered the tranquil skies and peace...leading to the war.

The midnight alicorn smiles, reminiscing over the memories of her and her flames past, enjoying the moments where they first discovered their love, and how wonderful their time together was that fateful night.

"That...that sounds grand. I would like to see this for myself!" She exclaims with joy. "Why don't we all go, and then go to the pond after?" She suggests with a grin. She doesn't notice her elder sister studying her cautiously, Celestia's horn alight for a brief moment and probing Luna for Nightmare Moon's energy. The elder white alicorn senses none.

Celestia clears her throat. "I think that sounds delightful. It would do a lot of good for our fillies to finally see their fathers work." She speaks up with a soft smile. The fillies take notice and look up at Talon, their features betraying their excitement. They stare wide eyed, their wings open and bobbing with enthusiasm.

He nods. "Alright. Sounds good to me." He responds, taking a bite of his own breakfast. Dusty Shine finishes her plate, rising to her hooves.

"I'll report to the control center then, Commander. Good luck on your test flight today." she says with a gentle and contented huff. The blue maned Earthen pony mare quietly steps out of the dining room after a polite bow, being excused by the princesses.

* * * * *

Talon and Luna kneel down and embrace their children together, standing beside the silent warbird within the hangar. "Now you two be good and stay with your aunts, mine children" Luna coos out lovingly. "We'll be quick so that we may partake in our fun."

Talon nods, rising to his feet. "And I'll make it a good show for you." He quips, placing on and securing down his flight helmet.

"We will mama." The twins reply in unison, being scooted along by the elder white alicorns long elegant wing. They quickly walk with Celestia to the safe area just outside of the hangar, to stand with the group of ponies behind Twilight Sparkles large soundproof bubble spell.

Luna lets out a happy sigh, turning to the war machine, then bounds onto the folded canard with a flap of her powerful wings. She slowly steps into her usual seat she's missed for so long, climbing down into the copilots position within the cockpit of the ageing warbird.

Talon climbs up the side steps of the fuselage, getting seated into the pilots seat and begins to activate and power up the on board computers and systems. Luna finishes placing on her headset, a serene smile upon her lips as she goes over the controls within her memory, touching the panels with her bare hooves.

"Ready, angel?" He asks, turning back to glance at the midnight alicorn. "You can just wait with the kids if you want, it's just a test flight and quick run over the city." He asks. He watches as Luna finds the canopy close lever, the alicorn pulling upon it with her fore hoof and bringing the glass down upon the cockpit.

"Neigh mine flame...I missed taking to the heavens with thee. We have not been together in a flight for several weeks now, and I wish to spend time with mine husband." She answers into the headset, a loving smile upon her muzzle as she lids her gaze to him.

"Initiate scram jet sequence!" He calls out into his flight helmet, nodding to Luna and turning around to face forward. He feels his alicorns hoof come to a rest upon his left shoulder, his own hand rising to grasp it. He gives her fore hoof a gentle squeeze, their way of silently communicating their love for one another.

The engines of the aircraft slowly whine to life, then begin to howl loudly into the thunderous banshees cry. They idle for several minutes in place, the engines warming up slowly before they taxi out to the flight line. Luna waves happily at her children and the group of on looking ponies, the fillies returning the gesture with excited waves of their own.

'Operator to Talon One, you have clearance for take off at any time. Good hunting, Commander.' They hear the voice of Dusty Shine call out to them over the radio, the crackle of static followed for a moment after the end of the transmission.

"One to control, we read you. Talon has the ball." He responds, pushing the throttle forward slightly. The engines flare up loudly, the hot exhaust trail causing the air to shimmer behind it from the heat.

Celestia, Twilight and the fillies all watch in awe from behind the safety of the bubble shield, their view perfect and clear. The canards of the warbird deploy slowly, the wings spreading out wide into their daunting and terrifying forms. They stare on in wonder as doors upon the war machines back and belly slowly open and raise.

"That's new..." Twilight comments raising both eyebrows in surprise. "I thought only the missile bays could open like that?" She asks, turning to one of the engineer ponies nearby.

A white Pegasus mare with golden eyes smiles at her, puffing out her chest in pride and shooing a lock of wheat colored hair from her face. "Those are the new exhaust and lift ports we just installed last night, your majesty!" She replies with enthusiasm. "We placed a large fan in the nose section behind the banshees cockpit, and venting ports below the engines! It can even use those now to turn sharper in the air, much like an Equestrian Pegasus! It was an idea given to us by Fleetfoot of the Wonder-bolts Academy." She muses with a grin.

Twilight nods, returning her gaze to the aircraft as she hears the faint sound of the machines high pitched howl. Before their eyes, jets of flame erupt from under the tail section of the warbird, then a powerful whirlwind from the middle of its long massive black body.

The war machine lifts slowly and unsteadily into the air, rocking slightly as it begins to hover in place. Every pony begins to cheer wildly as it lifts higher and higher above the ground, the landing gear retracting within its form as it continues to hover. Celestia waves happily with her fore hooves in the air as the nose of the warbird turns to face them, coming face to face with the group.

Inside of the cockpit, Luna looks around through the canopy glass, a wide approving smile upon her muzzle. "What magic is this, mine flame? Has our machine learned how to lift itself now?" She asks into her headset.

"Afraid it's not magic, angel." He replies, looking over the various screens as he tries to keep the machine steady. He increases the throttle and vectors the aircraft's exhaust, turning the nose of the machine skyward as they move forward slowly. They begin to pass over the watching ponies below from a safe distance. "Some aircraft back on Earth have this ability already. This is just the first time one of these could do it."

Luna nods, somewhat confused but never the less enjoying the experience. "I for one am glad it can now, mine flame. This opens up visit opportunities to every city in Equestria now. There is nowhere our machine cannot go if we can land much the same way"

He continues to do hovering maneuvers around the area, slowly going forward over the gardens, then changing the direction of the jets to reverse in air. With the new modifications provided by the royal engineers, the once brutal war machine has become the first multi-role aircraft in the history of Equestria.

"Mine love, lets give our children something to enjoy. Lets do a small show?" Luna asks, a wide and content smile upon her muzzle. She glances down over the edge of the canard from her co pilots position. She can see the fillies excitedly pointing up at them and smiles upon their muzzles, visible from even a hundred feet above the ground.

The pilot glances at the fuel gauges upon the screens, seeing that he still has roughly an hour of flight time remaining in the half empty tanks concealed within the warbird's wings. "Yeah, we can do that!" He laughs out. "You buckled in, angel?" He asks, his eyes flicking to the mirror he has placed upon the cockpit controls.

He sees her lift a hoof to point out her harness's draped snugly over her barrel and legs, a wide sultry grin upon her lips. "Mine flame, I learned after our first flight with thee to always use these straps." She says with a giggle.

He nods and starts flipping the various switches in sequence, the doors and hatches closing as he ignited the afterburners. Twin jets of focused blue fire erupt's from the aft of the warbird, rocketing it forward as the banshees cry thunders loudly throughout the sky. He pulls back hard upon the flight stick, the pitching almost straight up as they race into the heavens.

On the ground, the fillies and group watch in wonder and joy seeing the show, the aircraft suddenly jetting through clouds in a series of twists, turns and rolls. The warbird aligns with the runway and comes dangerously close to the ground, doing a high speed very low elevation flyby for them before darting back into the heavens again.

This continues for several minutes, the pilot and midnight alicorn putting the war machine through its paces and trademarked maneuvers, before finally slowing down to the runway again. The pilot returns the machine back to its hovering state, the hatches and doors opening once more and bringing the warbird of legend into a slow decent to the ground. The landing gear lowers as it sets down with a very soft bump within minutes, the engines finally winding down to a whisper.

Several minutes pass, Talon guiding in the aircraft back to its hangar and resting place before shutting down completely. The canopy opens slowly once inside and the canards folded in, the pilot and alicorn stepping out and removing their headgear.

Celestia canters into the ballroom now hangar with the fillies in tow, a wide smile upon her features. "Remarkable! I never knew this machine could do that!" she excitedly comments, her magenta orbs tracing its sleek curves and high polished steel body.

The fillies leap around their parents legs with joy, jubilant smiles upon their excited features. They cheer happily as they prance about. "That was fun!" They shout in unison.

Luna turns and looks to her flame, lidding her gaze with a soft loving smile after letting out a happy sigh. "I would say our test was most successful, mine love." She whispers to him, nuzzling his chest affectionately.

* * * * *

The sun shines brightly, few clouds gracing the sky and giving soft shade on occasion. The pilot rests upon a chair at the edge of a large oval shaped swimming pool behind the Lunar wing of the palace, newly built compliments of one scorching summer driving the midnight alicorn batty last year.

He sighs, lowering his aviator glasses to look upon his alicorn splashing and playing in the water with the twins and Dusty Shine. His glances around slowly also noting the heavy Lunar Stallion presence stationed all around the perimeter.

"What seems to be troubling you, Commander?" Celestia asks, rolling onto her side and gazing at him with her soft magenta orbs. "You should be swimming with your family and enjoying your day off, not sitting under an umbrella and resting with an old mare like me." She musically giggles out.

Talon grunts, looking at the white alicorn beside him. "You probably wouldn't understand even if I told you about it, Sunny Butt." He groans out. "Remind me again why I even get days off? You know I should be in the air right now sweeping the badlands to check for the parasite, not relaxing around a pool."

She sighs, shaking her head sadly. "Talon..." She lifts her fore leg and rests a gentle hoof upon his arm. "The war is over. It's been over. Mother herself restored everything, and sent Chrysalis far far away, somewhere into the stars, not upon our soil. You've gone into flights over the parasites former dwellings many many times, never finding a trace they were even there. Calm yourself, please."

He looks down and shakes his head. "Look...mind if you keep something under your crown?" He breathes out quietly, glancing at her from the side. She perks up her ears in attention, concern washing over her features.

"You know anything said between you and I stays between us my dearest friend. What seems to be in your thoughts?" She asks quietly, scooting closer to the pilot. She licks her lips and listens attentively, her gaze focused fully upon him now.

He's silent for a moment, before letting out a strained huff of breath. "You can't tell this to Luna, or the children. This stays just between us. All of it...no matter what you hear." He mutters, his eyes falling ahead again back to the sight of his beloved family enjoying their play time.

Celestia nods quickly, growing far more concerned. She can sense something is deeply troubling him now, something she sensed in passing several weeks ago, but has since been very carefully hidden...even from her. "I promise you Talon. I won't ever breathe a word. What is it?" Her own voice laced with genuine concern and gentle coaxing. She's been waiting for this.

"I've...I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. I keep having the same nightmare over and over again, and until last night it always ended with me getting taken down by the predator hunting me." He hangs his head, a look of shame washing over him. His voice becomes shaken, his military training and hardened mental state crumbling before her as the images flash in his memory.

"It's Chrysalis...only she's much much worse now Celestia. She's stronger, faster...my weapons don't even scratch her. She's some kind of a twisted hellish demon...and those damn eyes. Those fucking red glowing eyes!" He says through gritted teeth.

If Celestia wasn't worried before, she's flat out in shocked terror now. She swallows hard, listening to him. She can tell through his rising heart rate and his tone he's being dead serious. She pins back her ears, her wings tightening against her as she comes closer to him, trying to comfort the distressed pilot. "Go on..." She encourages him.

"Every night it's the same thing...Luna's magic isn't keeping them away anymore. I always find myself in that hellish nightmare, trapped at your old castle. It always starts the same. I'm searching for Luna, I find the bug, she chases me down, kicks the shit out of me and rips me apart." He shakenly whispers. "And the problem is...I feel every bit of it. I wake up still feeling the pain."

Celestia's eyes open wide, her eyebrows raised in absolute shock. The pilot lifts his arms and raises the bottom his shirt, showing her something she never expected. Running the length down his side was a series of faint bruises, and one very fresh looking red streak, almost appearing as if he was sliced then healed by very amateur magic.

"I woke up with those this morning...those are new. Usually I just awaken feeling sore and worn out. I've been hiding this from angel for about a month now. That's why I flinched when you went to hug the crap out of me after getting back from the Crystal empire that day." He breathes out in a low pained tone. "I can't even embrace my own wife now without it hurting like hell."

She shakes her head slowly, her jaw agape as she listens. Her heart sinks in her barrel as he speaks each word, her own mind simply going blank. She knows of this magic...she knows of this black evil magic that was long since banned from use in Equestria, five hundred years ago.

"But that's not the worst of it...I wish it was, but there's something even heavier weighing on me that I can't shake. And that's what changed last night. Getting my wings clipped by that parasite I can take. Feeling like...like I'm a traitor. I can't..." He whispers out.

"A traitor?" Celestia asks, surprised. "What in the name of Heofon makes you feel as a traitor, commander?"

He's silent for a moment more, turning to look into her soft magenta orbs gently gazing into his. "Last night...Luna...or I hope it was Luna anyway...she saved me. She was just like that night in Horseshoe bay. Black fur and all. What gets me is her eyes though...they weren't like before. They were almost...pleading."

Her heart drops into her stomach. "Bl...black fur?" She stutters. "Talon...did she say anything? Anything at all?!" She urgently asks. "Tell me everything...take your time and be very specific. This is very...very important."

He licks his lips, glancing back to Luna. He sees her carrying both of the twins upon her back as she swims, her musical laughter echoing into the calm spring air as she paddles around slowly, Dusty Shine splashing the cool refreshing water upon the fillies laughing happily.

The memories flash in his mind as he turns back to her, breathing hard now. "It started to rain...It never rained before. She was there in the storm after killing the queen. She stepped to me...those fangs in her mouth...it didnt look natural. She almost looked like...like a Nightmare version of angel. The same teeth Luna had when she bit me during that breakfast when I first came here."

He continues, the images playing behind his closed eyes like a movie to him. "She was there staring at me for only a few moments, coming closer to me. What makes me feel like a traitor was..." He swallows. "I know this is going to sound stupid."

The white alicorn gently drapes a wing around him as she sits up in place, giving him a gentle squeeze in her warm and comforting embrace. "Go on Commander. Just say it. I promise you no matter what it is, I won't tell lulu or be angry." She gently smiles, trying to coax him to finish.

"...she kissed me." He breathes out quietly. "I...I didn't kiss back or anything...but she just pinned me down and went for it. Then she just...i don't know, she poofed from the dream. But it's what she said that had me scratching my head and waking up with one hell of a cold sweat." He sighs out.

Celestia nods slowly, swallowing hard. "And...what was it she said to you, if I may ask?" She questions quietly, her tone continuing to be soft and concerned. "Did she threaten you or anything?"

"No...she said she loved me." He responds. "But...that can't be right Celestia! It can't! ...I'm married to Luna. I have children with her. Kissing another woman---mare...whatever. That's a huge no no. That's flat out betrayal." He says with a strained voice. "That's a failed mission in my book."

She lets out a gentle calm sigh of relief, nodding her head. She smiles at him and squeezes her wing against him again, looking forward to her beloved family playing together in the water. "Talon...you did nothing wrong. And neither did Obsolescence." She comments.

"Obso wha?" He quirks an eyebrow. "...The hell do you mean?!"

She giggles musically. "I guess you never did get a chance to learn of Equestria's customs in their entirety...though this would fall under a rather obscure and outdated one that isn't very widely used."

"I'm sure you've heard lulu call your family, you and the twins her herd, right?" she asks. He nods in response, bringing a smile to her features. " A herd as it were, commander...means that lulu has already accepted the ideals of allowing what's called a 'beta mare' in the relationship. For example..." She motions with her fore hoof to the maid Dusty Shine playing in the pool, tossing back and forth a large inflated colorful ball to the children.

"You could in theory ask Dusty there to be what's called your beta. Or second mare. This still means that you and lulu would be married, but you would have another helping hoof with any duties, and thus she would become a part of the royal family. This also implies that you would get the extra...frills...of it so to speak." She blushes, quiet for a moment. "That also means if you ever so desired, you could even ask myself or Twilight..."

Talons jaw almost slams to the ground in shock. "Wha...?" He asks, his sun glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose, his eyes wide with surprise. "How the hell did this come from my trouble with this nightmare?!"

Celestia giggles quietly behind a held fore hoof. "I'm getting to that. You see...that mare that came to your rescue was Obsolescence. Nightmare Moon as you've come to know her. She and lulu are one in the same. Two hearts, two souls, one mind. It was only natural for her to fall for you in time."

The pilot face palms in annoyance. "Oh you have got to be fucking kidding me...you are right? ...Right?" He asks, glancing at Celestia. He sees her muzzle turn pink with a bright blush, her cheeks becoming flushed and hot.

"Not this time, my friend. And I was serious when I said that you could even ask Twilight or myself to be that beta mare. Though...you understand we'd be a package deal..." she says with a growing smile, wriggling her eyebrows.

He pauses for a moment, then shakes his head. "Heh...nope. Not that crazy." He says quickly. "I could handle Twi. She's easy to please, just throw a book her direction and you'll be ignored for the better part of a day. You? I'd be bald in a week from tearing out my hair."

Celestia playfully scoffs, feigning hurt. "Oh Commander, you wound me." she chides gently. "Though I would imagine it would be fun. Then at least I would get lulu to bake moonshine cakes more often."

Talon rolls his eyes. "I still don't see how you can eat so much cake."

"Magic, sweetie. Magic." She quips with a smile. "Any normal mare would have a flank as big as a house...if they had my diet." He nods slowly in agreement at her comment. "My point is my dear friend...you have nothing to be concerned about. You didn't betray lulu. And I had a feeling that Obsolescence was visiting you last night. I sensed her presence not long after you two went to sleep. "

Now she had his attention. "Ok...explain." He retorts.

"At first, I thought she may be wanting to cast Equestria back into eternal night again. When she set her sights on a goal, she'd destroy any pony or anything in her way. But now I know what it is I sensed...it was her love for you. Her deep desire to be noticed and seen by you, Talon. She must have awakened from lulu when she sensed your nightmare." Celestia says with a very relieved sigh.

"To simply state the facts, your nightmare ended at the hooves of none other than Nightmare Moon herself. And thus proving my original theory correct, that love had broken the shell upon her stone heart, and showing she honestly does have a heart full of fire and passion, rather than ice and hatred. You my friend, have just tamed yet another alicorns heart. Bravo!" Celestia says with a wide Cheshire grin adorning her lips. "You sure are full of surprises."

He sighs and hangs his head in annoyance, his eyebrow twitching. "You...you can't be serious." He says through clenched teeth. "So what are we going to do about it?"

"Well...the easiest thing would be to just ask Obsolescence herself what she wants. I've been sensing her appear every night for a short time, but she never leaves your chambers. No magic, nothing. She just simply appears, stays stationary for a while and leaves when it's time for lulu to lower the moon." She draws a soft breath, smiling serenely. "So we just wait for lulu to fall asleep tonight, Obsolescence will appear and you can just talk to her directly."

"And what if she goes psycho again? Then what?" He retorts. "I hate your plans like this sunny butt. I never know if I'm the mouse, or the cheese." He watches Celestia's smile grow almost sinister in appearance, not knowing that was even possible.

"I'll be waiting on the balcony hiding, and listening in. If Obsolescence does show up and somehow becomes violent or attempts anything, I'll step in and put a very quick end to it. You'll be completely safe, I promise."

He nods, as he continues listening to the white elder alicorns plan. "But the only problem is she may sense me...so before hoof we will need me to adorn something of lulu's or even Dusty's. I have a few spells in my study that I could use to hide me from her, but the only sure way to guarantee it is with some ponies most prized possession. Their energy and love will obfuscate my own, thus rendering me nearly invisible to detection."

"So...like a stealth mode. I get it." He comments, leaning forward in his seat and thinking. "She'd just see another Luna if we used one of her items...But she wouldn't be able to detect Dusty at all."

"That's if she hasn't seen miss Shine through lulu's eyes already. We would be wise utilizing something else..." The thoughts race through Celestia's mind, a smile creeping to her lips. "Twilight has a mane pin I gave her for our wedding day. I know it's her favorite item because she kisses it goodnight before she kisses me." She giggles. "Oh I swear that mare is adorable sometimes." With a happy sigh and a nod she turns to look upon the pilot. "I'll enchant that with the spell and wait upon the balcony. Just be sure you keep your routine completely normal until then, and act accordingly. We can't let lulu know or Obsolescence will learn of our plan."

"Heh...can't say this is my first covert mission...but without a doubt my strangest one. Alright, it's a plan then. Lets do this." He agrees. "At this point, I just need some answers. I don't care how...I just need to know I'm not going crazy."

Celestia rises to her hooves and tosses her mane to and fro, shaking out from her head to her flank. Her wings flutter and ruffle as she stretches out. "Then it's a date, Talon. For now, relax, lets go enjoy a swim." She says grinning. Before the pilot can respond, she gallops forward and leaps into the pool, resulting in a massive splash that hits several of the nearby guards with a wave of water.

He watches the alicorns all giggle melodically as they play and splash happily in the water, letting out a sigh with a smile. 'One way or another...we'll get this figured out. I just hope she's right.' He thinks.

* * * * *

Hours after the playtime and relaxation at the pool, Luna takes her time bathing with the fillies in the large washroom within her chambers, all the while singing them a soft melody in her ancient language, soothing the children.

Within the solar wing of the palace, Talon is in Celestia's study. He watches as her horn dims after completing the spell. With a tired huff, she comes to a rest in the newly replaced chair at the desk.

"There, all done. Now all we can do is wait." The white alicorn says with a soft yawn. She tiredly sighs, leaning back in the plush ornate chair. "Oh my heavens...I wish I had slept better last night."

He nods. "I've been saying that for a while now." He folds his arms after setting down his drink, looking at the alicorn in the eyes. "So...this is really bugging me now. I just have to know."

Celestia raises an eyebrow in question. "What is it you would like me to tell you?" she asks, curious. She watches as he fidgets and looks away for a moment, before he lets out a huff of annoyance.

"Were you serious about the herd thing? Like...all of it?" He asks.

"Every word." She answers with a soft smile, a light blush upon her regal muzzle. "There are times that I may joke or pull your hoof, Talon. This is a serious matter however, and I was absolutely serious about every bit of it."

"Even the 'I should pick you' bit?" He asks raising an eyebrow.

Celestia blushes furiously for a moment, her cheeks flushed and hot. "Well...it's not as if I have not shared many things with my little sister. Be it the occasional daisy sandwich, muffins, breakfasts...my cakes on rare occasion...we share everything. You wouldn't be out of the question in that aspect of her life, if you both so desired." She responds, looking away for a moment herself.

He grins seeing an opportunity to have fun at the white alicorns expense. "Oh? Is that right? So I could have both of you...? Ok, I'll bite. But first you have to give me a reason why, that I wouldn't expect to ever hear from you." He chuckles out.

She scoffs, blushing even more now. "Well...it's not as if I've come to find you as an attractive stallion despite my preference in mares, mind you. Or the fact you're sweet, kind, gentle, honest and in all aspects a hero." She stammars out quietly. Her magenta orbs flick to him, studying for a moment before she figures out the game he's playing. With a sultry seductive grin, she counters.

"I mean really...? Have you heard lulu at night?" The alicorns tone almost growling out and oozing with a seductive touch."Even with every soundproofing spell in Star-swirl the Bearded's collections, we can STILL hear you two! Maybe I just want a part of the action?" She says in a singsong voice. Now it's his turn to be caught off guard.

"Ha ha...heh..." He coughs "Heh...Oh hell no." He eyes her as she leans forward upon the desks surface, her fore hoof tapping upon the tabletop. He has no idea she just turned the tables and now she's playing with him. In his eyes, she's dead serious.

"Oh come now, Commander. Maybe even I want a...belly rub?" She asks, batting her long eyelashes at him. She grins inwardly when she sees him squirm, knowing she's already won her probably best counter troll ever. This, she's so adding to her diary and laughing with her love later about after this is all over.

He's sweating profusely as he shifts uncomfortably in his chair. He wordlessly mouths incomprehensible words, incomplete sentences as he tries to respond, the words caught in his throat. As he finally begins to gather his shattered resolve, there's a knock at the study door.

"Enter." Celestia calls out, her soft gaze upon the doorway. The door opens and in steps Dusty Shine. The mare steps forward with a soft smile, her mane and tail hanging against her soft fur from being still damp and freshly brushed.

"Princess, Commander. I'm just letting you know that dinner is ready, and as per your request you will be dining in the gardens this evening." She clears her throat, a soft smile upon her muzzle. "And if I may say, the palace chefs went all out on your flat dish this time."

"Pizza." Celestia supplies helpfully. " It's a dish from the commanders homeworld, Miss Shine. I assume you'll be joining us for dinner? It is your vacation after all, and you are a welcomed friend of the family."

Dusty Shine steps back in surprise, a shocked grin on her features. "Princess? My...my vacation? When did...?" Celestia cuts her off quickly, holding up her fore hoof.

"With the Commander being forced to enjoy the next several days with lulu and I taking personal time off, there will be no flights unless Canterlot somehow falls under duress, my little pony. So this means that you're being also placed on paid vacation with us, and I am formally requesting you to enjoy a few well deserved days off." The white alicorn says with a soft smile.

The Earthen pony mare nods furiously, smiling wide. "Oh! Thank you so much your majesty! I'm really grateful for this!" She says with a very cheerful tone.

"Dusty, you're lulu's best friend, and a dear friend of mine. No need to be formal with me." She says musically, her every feature soft and gentle. "Please meet us in the gardens, we will be on our way shortly. I hope you're hungry!"

With a happy nod, Dusty quickly turns out of the study with a bounce in her step, making her way to the gardens to enjoy this rare chance. They can hear her humming happily to herself as the melody echos in the halls. Talon looks back to Celestia.

"About Dusty." He begins, clearing his throat. "I want her to have the night of the Gala off. No maid duty, She's going as a guest." He states calmly. Celestia raises an eyebrow curiously, pursing her lips forward in thought for a moment.

"Are you saying you've chosen her as your second?" She asks, now very curious. 'This is going to be good.' Celestia muses in her thoughts.

"Negative ma'am. But she did express to me in a recent conversation how she's always wanted to attend one. This year is special for angel, being the gala actually falls on our anniversary this year. I simply think it would be more fun for her if her friend was to attend this time, rather then act as service." He replies quietly.

She nods, rising from her seat. "Consider it done. I'll ensure that she receives a ticket and she sees a dress maker for the occasion. How very kind of you to consider that, Talon." She quips with a smile. "You continue to surprise me."

The two walk out, finding Luna already walking in the Solar wing with the twins in tow beside her long elegant legs. They all converse together on the way, the children excited at the prospect of their favored meal, with the possibility of Applejacks famous apple fritters for desert.

* * * * *

The sun is beginning to set, ushering in the early part of twilight and dusk, the heavens alight with a soft and gentle lavender hue. Torches are lit throughout the area, illuminating the quiet and peaceful gardens with the glow of candle light.

Sitting around several tables spread throughout the seating area just outside of the hangar, are the alicorns, pilot and Dusty Shine. The tables contain a large spread of several pizzas cooked by the palace chefs, three pies already gone as nearby guards on duty have been requested to help themselves to a share of their own.

The fillies prance and frolic jubilantly in the peaceful gardens together, playing with one another as well as their aunt Twilight. She chases them playfully as they play a game of tag together, the lavender alicorn helping tire them out for bed.

Luna nuzzles up against the side of the pilot, her eyes closed in quiet joy as he strokes her neck and mane gently from their sitting positions upon the chairs. Celestia leans back in her chair, patting her soft full belly with a hoof, a wide smile of enjoyment upon her muzzle.

"I never can get enough of that delicious dish. Why didn't pony kind come up with this long ago? It's such a huge hit here in Canterlot." She comments, taking a sip of her tea.

"I agree, mine sister." Luna says with a soft yawn. "Mine flame did all of Equestria a great kindness upon showing us some of Earths confections and delicious meals. It has even allowed several new businesses to form in a few city's, and has grown to be quite popular among our subjects." She murmurs, letting out a soft contented sigh.

"Well...I don't know about it being a 'great kindness', angel. I just wanted a pizza and figured you space ponies would like to try some." The pilot says dryly. "Besides, it's always a good night for pizza, especially on days off. Hell, the kids love it!"

"Mine flame, they each ate three slices each. Considering we have enough trouble getting them to consume vegetation without bribing them with sweets...this is most certainly a favorable dish indeed."

"I don't know about you girls, but I'm stuffed!" Dusty Shine exclaims, a a quiet burp erupting from her sauce stained lips and muzzle. "Whoo...I ate too much."

Talon helps himself to his fourth slice of the savory dish, taking a bite out of it with a contented smile as he chewed. After swallowing his bite, he grins. "Nah, there's always room for pizza."

Celestia giggles. "And apple fritters according to our treasured twins. I for one am pleased they have such healthy appetites for growing fillies. If their eating habits and Luna's past are any indications, I'd say they'll grow into absolutely beautiful mares once they're older."

Luna nods and murmurs quietly her eyes still closed as she relaxes, a soft smile adorning her muzzle as she nuzzles affectionately. She lets out a quiet huff and nickers very softly to her flame. Her ears are turned outward and down, her wings hanging very loosely and relaxed upon her sides. She's clearly very happy with her current position.

The fillies trot up to the group panting softly and out of breath, tired smiles upon their features. "Mama...we're tired and want to go to bed." Moonlight Way yawns out. She turns to look at her sister who is staring at a nearby torch upon a post, her gaze lidded and displaying her fatigue.

"...And that's my que." The pilot breathes out, giving his midnight alicorn a gentle squeeze with his arm around her. "C'mon angel, lets get these two ready for bed." Luna nods, letting out a wide yawn. She smacks her lips quietly for several seconds, before nodding tiredly to the pilot.

Luna rises to her hooves and walks slowly to her children, lowering her head and long elegant neck to them to nuzzle and love on her cherished treasures. She nickers and clicks quietly to draw their attention, gently pushing against Stardust Kiss with an extended wing.

"Come mine children, let us go to your beds." She happily states with a loving, warm gentle smile and a lidded gaze upon them. She takes a soft breath and turns, her illustrious jade orbs glancing at the pilot affectionately.

He starts to rise to his feet when he feels Celestia's hoof rest gently upon his arm, turning his attention away from the departing alicorn and fillies to gaze at the elder white alicorn princess.

"Remember the plan, Commander...I'll be waiting on your balcony for you in half an hour. Just keep lulu occupied and away from there. " She whispers, giving him a quick wink. He nods, silently confirming to her he understands. Turning, he walks away, jogging up to Luna's side, following the twins to their chambers.

The walk is uneventful and peaceful, the fillies walking side by side in front of their parents, quietly enjoying the time together as a family as they make may for their sanctuary. Talon walks closely to the night princess, his hand softly stroking her withers and back to keep her calm and content.

Luna's ears and wings twitch every so often slowly, her features betraying her happy and peaceful mood. This is her favored time of the day, when she gets to speak of bed time stories and sing to her children.

They reach the fillies chambers, the pilot taking his usual seat upon a large comfortable sitting cushion while Luna helped the twins into their respective beds. She sighed happily watching them nestle and snuggle into their positions, before closing her eyes and drawing a soft breath. Her horn alights dimly in a aura of dark blue magic, her power willing the moon into the heavens as she feels her sister lower the sun.

Talon closes the drapes slowly, casting the room into darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of Luna's horn. He smiles and stands beside her for a moment, then falls to one knee as she begins her lullaby she sings for them every night.

~*~My children, my treasures...how you're so dear to me. You'll never know what love and joy you bring.

My children, my angels, how I love thee...You're my whole world, my starlight, my soul and my dreams.

May your sleep be as sweet as can be, may you travel to places of peace. But always know I love you, hold you dear to me. I'll always keep you, as my one true dream.

My children, my wonders, how you mean so much to me. You'll always mean, so much to me.

My angels, my darling angels...May you find your peace. Know that you'll always be held in my wings.

I was lost, with no light to see. It was you who gave me a sense of where to be. My children, my angels. My precious dreams.

Always know that I truly love thee... ~*~

Luna's words echo gently in the still air, her magic weaving lazily and forming small pools of starlight upon the ceilings and walls of the chambers. The room is cast into a gentle glow bathed in her Lunar magic, draping the room in shadow and peace.

The fillies yawn sleepily and quietly begin to nod off, soothed by their mothers graceful and beautiful melody. Luna opens her eyes and gazes lovingly at them, continuing her lullaby.

~*~My children, my treasures...how you're so dear to me. You'll never know what love and joy you bring.

My children, my angels, how I love thee...You're my whole world, my starlight, my soul and my dreams.

May your sleep be as sweet as can be, may you travel to places of peace. But always know I love you, hold you dear to me. I'll always keep you, as my one true dream.

My children, my wonders, how you mean so much to me. You'll always mean, so much to me.

My angels, my darling angels...May you find your peace. Know that you'll always be held in my wings.

I was lost, with no light to see. It was you who gave me a sense of where to be. My children, my angels. My precious dreams.

Always know that I truly love thee... ~*~

The twins snore quietly, their wings twitching gently beneath the plush comforter as they slowly kick and twitch in their slumber. Luna walks forward slowly, lowering her head to them and kissing their cheeks gently. The midnight alicorn blessing them with Lunar magic, bidding them peaceful and restful sleep and sweet dreams. Heofon help whatever nightmare is foalish enough to dare try the children of the Night Goddess.

"Goodnight...mine children." Luna lovingly coos out softly, turning carefully to exit the chambers. Talon also kneels down between the beds and kisses their cheeks goodnight, before rising to his feet and slowly creeping out of the room after the alicorn.

They exit the chambers, the door closing with a soft click behind them. He turns to her, looking surprised. "Angel...that wasn't your usual song...what changed?" He asks quietly. Luna turns and smiles up at him, her ethereal star field mane and tail swaying slowly behind her.

"I felt this was a special night, mine flame. Mine heart...it had a new song I wished to share with mine herd. It was as much of a song to them as it was to you, mine love." She leans forward upon her fore hooves, giving him a slow passionate kiss. She holds it for a moment, before backing away and letting out a quiet breath.

"I love you...mine flame. Thou means more than life itself to me...You blessed me with a family. You gave mine life meaning again. Those words...were the whispers within mine heart. And I meant every word and note of the melody." She says, breathlessly.

"I love you too, angel. I always will." He says, embracing her tightly in his arms. "No matter what happens Luna, I'll always cover your wings. You can count on that for as long as I draw breath. You're my mare. And I'll always be true to you." He holds her tighter for a moment, before letting go.

Luna yawns out and stretches, extending out her long graceful wings to her sides for a moment, quiet clicks and pops are heard in the air, before she lets out a satisfied sigh. "Tomorrow eve is mine normal estrus cycle, mine flame...I hope thou art prepared. Sleep well tonight, thou shalt need thy energy." She says with a seductive tone, giggling softly.

"Heh...I'll keep that in mind." He grins, turning to walk to their chambers a short distance away. They enter the room, the pilot glancing and seeing a white feather peaking out of the corner of the balcony door glass. "Angel, I'm going to take a shower before bed. Would you like to join me?" He asks, closing the door behind them.

Luna bounds up onto the large ornate bed, nestling under the plush comforter and laying her head upon the pillow. "Neigh, mine flame. I have already bathed today with our treasures. I will happily take one at sunrise with you, however." She yawns out, unable to keep her eyes open.

He nods. "Oh...alright then. Well if you fall asleep before I come out, sweet dreams, angel." He calls out, walking into the washroom of the chambers. Luna slowly nods, her eyes closed as she takes in a deep breath.

He closes the door, turning on the shower valve, stepping away from the shower and allowing the water to pour into the empty area, the water splashing loudly and flowing out. He watches the bauble upon his neck carefully, waiting for the star within it to begin to fade in its glow, color shifting from its normal soft red to a light iridescent blue color.

The minutes tick away on the clock as he watches, counting down the moments he knows the alicorn is slipping into her sleep. Skillfully sneaking out over recent times to help Dusty Shine work on his surprise gifts has helped him time her normal routine down to the second, years of observation helping him translate the baubles hidden signals and meanings to him.

When he feels the time is right, he shuts off the water, steam having filled the room already. He cracks open the door and peers out, noting the entire room is cast in darkness. Shutting off the lights, he listens intently, hearing the quiet snores of the midnight alicorn echo in the room.

Talon quietly opens the door and creeps out, coming to a stop near the chair, He turns and looks out of the balcony, seeing Celestia peering in, then hiding around the corner just beyond the door. Opening the doors like usual, he nods to the elder white alicorn showing he's ready to begin the plan.

Celestia slowly raises her fore leg and points with her hoof to the chair, silently telling him to take a seat and wait. He does so, turning to watch intently at the midnight alicorn slumbering in the bed.

The minutes pass, the air thick with tension for the pilot. He silently watches, then finally sees what he was waiting for. Upon the bed, he sees two glowing draconic teal orbs appear slowly, Luna's eyes fluttering open as predicted.

Nightmare extends her fore hoof out, searching for the pilot aimlessly as she gains her barrings, the exhaustion of Luna's body weighing heavily upon her. She lets out a soft moan before sitting up. The sound of metal striking against flint catches her ears. Her head violently jerks and focuses intently upon the source, seeing a glowing red ember of light in the corner.

She narrows her eyes, seeing a cloud of smoke rise into the air suddenly, bathed in the moonlight. The sound of rustling catches her ears next as she scans the area with her eyes for movement.

The pilot exhales a stream of smoke from his cigarette, leaning forward in the chair. "So...you're Obsolescence. Let's talk." He says with a calm but firm tone, his steel gaze locked upon her form as he eyes her warily.

Nightmare feels the breath catch in her as she gasps softy, seeing the pilots face come into view within the moonlight. She smiles slowly, eyeing him longingly and nodding happily.

Author's Note

First: I hope you enjoyed the mini Dark Fury short. If you liked it, let me know! I'll do those in separate chapters from now on.

Secondly; PLEASE write a review, your thoughts on this chapter. Your words, comments, up votes etc WILL affect the outcome of the story, so I seriously need to know folks! Beyond that, thanks for reading, WAY more to come! =^~^=

Whispers In the Dark; Part One

Chapter Four: Whispers in the Dark;Part One

Talon watches as the nightmare alicorn rises from the bed, rolling over onto her side slowly then coming to a rest upon her hooves. She stands unsteadily, and wobbles in place, then takes a tentative step forward to him. She smiles softly, her maw slightly open in awe, her eyes betraying her excitement and unbridled joy.

"Are you real...?" She whispers out softly under her breath, slowly stepping to him as she walks across the soft plush carpet covering the floor of the chambers. Nightmare's teal draconic orbs studying his shadowed visage bathed in the moonlight. Her smile becomes wider as she draws closer, her wings twitching nervously and held tightly at her sides. "Please...tell me you're real...that I am not dreaming?"

He nods, taking another draw off of the cigarette while seated. Exhaling the stream of smoke through his nose, he remains focused intently upon her. "I'll ask you again. You're Obsolescence, right?"

Her breath catches in her throat hearing his firm tone. She comes to a stop several feet away, keeping her distance. Pawing at the carpet with her right fore hoof she nods her head in a slow, long motion. All the while keeping her eyes focused upon his. She stares into his eyes and breathes out quiet, gentle breaths. "I...I never liked that name..." She whispers. "But if that is what you know me as...I am that mare." She answers quietly, appearing crestfallen. This is not how she imagined her first interaction with him would be.

The alicorns ears twitch and swivel as she stands. She lowers her head slightly and looks away, her eyes studying the floor. A deep blush crosses her muzzle as her mind slowly goes blank. Nightmare looks up at him again, not knowing what to do. She can feel her heart beginning to race and thunder within her barrel.

The pilot flicks the ash of the cigarette into the glass bowl placed beside him upon the desk he uses within the chambers. "If you have a different name, then I'll address you as such." He clears his throat. "No need to be nervous. I won't hurt you...We're just going to talk."

Her body feels tired, Luna's exhaustion weighing heavily upon her. She breathes slowly and steadies herself, nodding slightly. She nickers very softly, the tone and intention of which is to show her intent of being submissive and demure. Her wings slowly loosen upon her sides as she tries to calm herself.

They stare one another down for several tense moments, the only sounds within the chambers being their breathing and the rhythmic click tick of the analog clock placed upon the night stand. The pilot is the first one to speak, attempting to ease the tension between them.

"I know that it was you who helped me last night. I also know you're the reason angel and I survived Horseshoe Bay several years ago." He clears his throat, putting out the depleted filter into the bowl. Turning back to her as he exhales the final stream of smoke, he gives a friendly smile. "For what it's worth, thank you."

She timidly studied the pilot for a moment, her eyes darting between his shadowed form in the rays of soft moonlight, and the plush comfortable carpet beneath her bare hooves. Nodding silently while maintaining her small smile, she paws the ground again with her hoof. For having so many things she dreamed of saying, so much she wanted to do...she couldn't steel her resolve to act. She remained awestruck, unprepared for this unexpected opportunity.

Celestia continues to sit hidden just around the corner, outside upon the balcony of the night princesses chambers. She breathes slowly and silently, her ears strained forward to listen in on everything she could from within the room. The elder white alicorn bites her lower lip, the suspense eating at her. 'What in Heofon are you up to Obsolescence? ...I've never imagined you acting like a timid school filly...'

He rises to his feet and stands, folding his arms to his chest as he studies her. "You look tired." He comments, tilting his head for a moment before taking a step. He knows he has to approach the mare carefully to coax answers out of her, and to get her to allow his beloved alicorn some rest. Images of Luna flash in his mind, her smile, her voice, her love. He steels his resolve and begins to pace slowly, circling the frozen nightmare alicorn before him.

"You're tired because you don't allow angel's body to rest. You're hurting her." His tone growing slightly laced with ice. "You obviously have a reason. And whatever it is, I'll listen. There must be a way for you two to co exist peacefully, and you both attain what it is you want. So tell me, Obsolescence. What are you after?"

She remains motionless as the one she's fawned after for so long circles her, like a predator to it's prey, ever so slowly. Her heart continues to thunder faster and faster within her chest, her cheeks becoming flushed and hot. She's growing excited, unfamiliar with the sensation within her heart. Her eyes track him as he steps, her ears focused ahead woodenly. Breathing alone at this point is becoming a major task, the exhaustion taxing her resolve and making this beyond difficult.

Licking her lips, she draws a quiet breath. "I'm not that same foalish wicked mare I once was..." She whispers. "Please...I wish a different name..." Her tone becoming somewhat shaken and even more hushed. "Luminescence...she promised me one...but has not answered my request. That...that name...it means Darkness..." She can feel her heart slowly growing cold again, her soul feeling a dull ache of regrets. 'Perhaps coming out was a foalish decision...He won't give me a chance, not if he sees me as just an evil, wicked mare.' She thinks.

"Luminescence? You mean Luna?" He asks, coming to a stop. He studies her for a moment, carefully noting her tensing body language and posture. He knows he must act quickly before this gets out of control. Letting out a sigh, he focuses his gaze into her glistening teal orbs. Upon looking at them, it clicks within his mind. 'Shit...she looks like she's about to cry. C'mon Sunny Butt! Help me out, I'm dieing in here!' He thinks to himself.

Celestia continues sitting, her own body growing tense as she strains to listen in. Her mind begins to race, remembering ancient customs of before Luna's banishment. 'Name...name...why does she want a new na--- Oh...BUCK!' She thinks as she winces. She begins to quietly step up as she rises slowly to her hooves, preparing herself for the worst possible scenario. She freezes when she hears her worst fear come to fruition; He stupidly answers her.

"Well...if that's all you want, easy enough." He responds. The nightmare alicorn raises her head and stares intently into his eyes, her ears pricking straight forward and in attention. Her eyes wide in surprise. "How about...Nightie? I know it isn't quite as strong or as impressive as something like Nightmare Moon or being called darkness. But from what I've seen of you, you look more like a peaceful night sky back on my world, rather than anything evil or scary. ...So how does that sound?"

Her breath catches within her again as a smile slowly comes to her muzzle, her features softening. "You...you aren't afraid of me?" She asks, coming to a rest upon her rump. Her vision is somewhat distorted from the extreme fatigue weighing upon her, but she refuses to rest. This is her chance!

"If you are what you say, my angel's counterpart, then that means you two share memories...right?" He asks slowly, his tone growing slightly more gentle. Taking a more relaxed stance, he attempts to smooth her over with a smile. "I never was afraid of the night. Why should I fear you?"

Nightmare Moon gasps quietly, listening to his tone as she stares intently at him. A master of deception, she knows when some pony is being dishonest. As she studies him, she finds nothing but...honesty. Her cheeks become flushed and hot, a deep blush crossing her muzzle. "I will...accept that name..." She murmurs softly beneath her breath. "Nightie..."

Upon the balcony, Celestia face hooves in annoyance. 'Oh for mothers sake...why did I forget THAT detail!' She lets out a quiet sigh, her teeth clenched tightly within her maw. 'I need to get in there...this is about to turn very bad.'

"And I will also accept your proposal then..." She muses, her voice gaining strength as she rises unsteadily to her hooves, stepping closer to the pilot. Her eyes flash as a grin crosses her features, her wings opening slowly and rising out in a daunting display. Her heart rate increases with giddy excitement. "If my memory is correct...that special night and even now, Luminescence sees you as our master...So I will happily accept being your beta mare." She takes another step forward, her grin becoming wider as she approaches.

He coughs, completely taken back in surprise. "What..?" He takes a step back. "Whoa whoa...hang on a second here ma'am..." He says, stepping back again and holding open his hands before him. "I think you got the wrong idea here. And I'm pretty sure angel wouldn't like that."

"You are our master, and by naming me yourself you claim me as yours. It's tradition, after all." Her dark voice becoming silken as her eyes begin to cloud, continuing to step closer to him. "I will gladly become a part of your herd, my master."

His back is against the wall now, the dark alicorn in Luna's fur continuing her slow gate, her steps seemingly seductive in her saunter. He swallows hard. "Yeah...about that uh..." His mind races, desperately looking for an answer. "I uh...can't do that you see! Let's talk about this first!" He rushes in response, beads of sweat forming upon his forehead. 'Not good...NOT GOOD!'

The scent of his sweat fills her nose as she draws closer,filling her heart with lust as she lids her gaze. It's driving her wild. "I can assure you...I am well worthwhile. I will do things you could only dream of in the deepest darkest corners of your heart...I know your hidden desires from watching through Luminescence's eyes." She says, then licks her lips. "So allow me to show you the best aspects of the night..." She reaches him finally. Rearing back upon her hind legs, she drapes her forelegs around his shoulders and neck, coming eye to eye with him.

"Uh..." He swallows hard. "Well...two mares. Um, I uh...I.." He stammers, his eyes darting around the room for some kind of idea, anything! He spots Celestia creeping into the room from the balcony, her horn beginning to glow as she primes her spell. "I already have one!" He blurts out in a rush.

She backs up, an inch from his lips as she pauses. Blinking slowly, she stares. "You already have a second herd mate? And just who is...this beta? I have never seen her in our bed." She croons out, a sardonic grin crossing her muzzle.

Celestia pauses, shaking her head quickly as she narrows her magenta orbs. She holds up her fore hoof in a 'DON'T DO IT!' gesture, her features displaying absolute terror. The pilot flicks his eyes to her, not understanding the signal. Nightie leans forward more, slowly continuing to attempt for her prized kiss.

"Sunny Butt!" He nearly shouts. "Yep! I've got good ole sunny butt as that beta. Sorry, just two mares, right? So lets just be friends here, you go back to sleep, and I get Luna back!" He quickly answers. His eyes dart back to Celestia, who is holding the most annoyed expression and face hoof he's ever seen her do. Talon can swear he can almost hear her teeth grinding within her maw in irritation.

'For such a smart stallion...he is one big IDIOT sometimes.' The white alicorn screams out in her mind. She opens one eye, staring up and scowling in question at the pilot and the demon mare before her, her plan completely out the window now. Her horn dims back down as she falls to her rump, counting the seconds he likely has left to live. 'Looks like I'll have to tell lulu why we're burying him...'

She pauses again, rearing back her head quickly in surprise and beginning to breathe hard. "You claimed the Sun bringer as your mate?!" She seethes out in clenched teeth wide eyed at first,Her teal draconic slits narrowing in rage. "You...You!" She fumes, her ethereal mane and tail beginning to sway and billow out violently as she grows angry for a moment.

Talon screws his eyes shut, bracing himself for whatever is about to happen. It's when he hears the alicorn begin to cackle quietly that he flinches, opening one eye, then the other and looking at her in utter confusion. She rears her head back, laughing out a dark sinister laugh. The same one he hears Luna make when she's won a game of Ponies and Castles during their midnight courts.

"Very well then. For you, I will accept that. If Luminescence is comfortable with that...interesting... relationship... Then I shall be as well. You are after all...our master." She muses, grinning a wide Cheshire grin as her draconic orbs peer into his eyes. "You will find that I will be far more fun than either of them." Her features soften as she pushes her opened wings forward, snaking then behind his back and pulling him close into an embrace. "Now I see why Luminescence is so taken with you. Even I would have never guessed you were so...intoxicating." She bites her lower lip and giggles darkly.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Celestia nods, resigning herself to her fate. 'It's now or never.' She thinks, removing the pin from her ethereal mane and clearing her throat loudly to gain the nightmare alicorns attention. "That's our commander for you." She mutters, letting out a low groan. "Hello...Nightie." She snorts in annoyance. The white alicorn adorns a scowl upon her features, her muzzle holding a tight frown.

Nightmare turns quickly on her hind legs, whipping around to face the voice behind her. She slinks back and lowers into a defensive position quickly. "Sun bringer..." She hisses out in a dark voice, her tone dripping with icy venom.

Celestia lets out a loud snort and narrows her eyes, grinning. "Were you expecting the spring bunny?" She watches as the alicorn before her backs up against the wall, splaying out her wings in a low, wide display and defensive posture. Nightmare pins her ears back against her head as she glares daggers at her. Celestia only grins wider. "How nice to see you're up and about...Obsolescence. Now is that any way to greet your herd mate?"

"Luminescence never mentioned you as our stallions choice...it sounds like a ruse to me." Nightmare sneers out angrily. The pilot slips out from behind her and pants for a moment, before getting to a safe distance and seeking refuge beside Celestia's flank and ethereal tail.

"Yes, it's something of a new thing." The elder white alicorn mutters out, raising her right fore hoof and inspecting it, appearing to look uninterested. She lets out a huff of air and focuses her magenta orbs back on the alicorn before her, while spreading her own wings out to defend the pilot.

"There's no need for this to be hostile. I've been sensing you for some time now, and all I wish to know is your intentions. Perhaps we can work out an understanding...if you're willing to talk." She pauses for a moment, drawing a soft breath. "So...what did draw you from the shadows?"

"My reasons are my own." Nightmare growls out, her eyes flicking to the pilot. "You wouldn't understand, Sun Bringer..." Leveling her gaze back to Celestia, she hisses quietly. "Get away from him..."

"I will do no such thing, especially since it's my little sisters husband in question. You heard him, he named me. That means and implies simply that of which he had spoken." Celestia grins wider, while wrapping her ethereal tail around the pilots waist and midsection. She knows she has to make this appear convincing if she intends to fool Nightmare into falling for this.

"Now lets try this again, Nightie. What has drawn you from the shadow...and how can we work out a way to co exist peacefully? You know that Luna can't function without rest, and your constant appearance has left her drained and almost incapable of performing her duties as both a mother and a princess of Equestria." The elder white alicorn calls out, side stepping slightly closer to the pilot. She alights her horn dimly with a golden aura of magic, preparing a shield spell if this should turn violent.

Nightmare takes pause, her draconic teal orbs flicking from the pilot to the white alicorn, then back to the pilot. Letting out a forced huff of air, she growls lowly and glares. "As I have told Luminescence...I only wished to spend time and walk with my treasures myself. Stardust Kiss is MINE. Our flame belongs to ME. It was MY power that had protected them against the parasite, and my body which carried and bore my children. It is within my rights to stand beside them with this threat approaching, Sun Bringer." She hisses out.

Celestia quirks an eyebrow and tilts her head. "Oh? And do tell...what is this threat you speak of? I'm listening." She asks, still holding a smug smirk upon her regal white muzzle. "Because last I checked, Equestria has been quite peaceful for the last several years, and rather prosperous. I highly doubt there is one as you say."

"Then you are as foalish and blind as you once were!" Nightmare hisses out, alighting her horn brightly and snatching the pilot away from beside Celestia. With her magic she grasps him quickly and violently, bringing him beside her own form and holding him tightly behind her. "I know what I have sensed! I know the darkness which hunts all of us! Do not dare trifle with me and cost me my treasures!"

The pilot yelps with surprise and pain as he's wrenched away from the white alicorn, his body being crushed by Nightmares cold iron clad magical grasp. He almost feels as if he's being sheared in two when he feels Celestias own warm solar magic suddenly snake in under Nightmares, gripping him tighter and ripping him back to his former position beside her.

"Who needs a threat when you're the one to try and kill him!" Celestia yells out at the dark alicorn, her own horn alighting brightly and shielding Talon now. "You never knew restraint, and this proves it! Luna wont let you out for fear of her own children's safety!" She returns with her own venomous hiss and icy glare. "You're but a shadow, a miasma that INFECTED lulu centuries ago! That's LUNA'S body, NOT YOURS!" Celestia's magic grips tighter, the sounds of bones groaning and splintering under extreme stress are heard loudly in the air.

Nightmare lets out a loud growl and hiss, her own magic fighting to snake in, under and around the white alicorns power, doing all that she can to regain her superiority over the intruding solar magic. "I AM ALIVE, AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXIST! NOW LET HIM GO OR FACE MY WRATH AGAIN, FOALISH PRINCESS!" Nightmare bellows out in rage, sparks of blue and black magic dancing off of her visage and discharging into the open air around her form.

"Cel--" He coughs out, fighting for air. "S--STOP!" He manages to croak out, feebly kicking against the air to break away. The bauble around his neck begins to glow brightly, the star spinning violently within it and turning dark red. Before Celestia and Nightmare could react, the star within the orb flashes and flickers brightly, unleashing a powerful shock wave and blowing both alicorns back and sending them into the walls of the chambers, breaking Celestia's magical grasp.

He lands on the ground hard, coughing loudly and gasping for air as he feels the pressure released against his body. Alarms scream within his mind as his brain registers damage to his own internals, possibly ribs or other bones having fractures or worse. He pants raggedly as he looks around, seeing two dazed alicorns laying in crumpled heaps at opposite sides of the room. "Eno--" He coughs out. "Enough, BOTH OF YOU!" He shouts angrily.

Nightmare is the first to recover, her eyes opened wide in surprised shock as she watches him get to his feet. She can see the fiery rage within his eyes, causing her own heart to thunder within her barrel. Fear grips her mind and freezes her in place as she eyes him, quickly storming over to her position.

He pants raggedly as he seethes in rage, glaring daggers at the dark alicorn on the ground at his feet. Kneeling down and taking her muzzle firmly into his hands, he leans forward and stares intently into her draconic orbs. "You have one chance, and I'm not being nice anymore." He speaks out in a low, firm tone. "You spoke of a threat, and you had better be very...very clear. Start. Talking."

The nightmare alicorn swallows hard, fighting for words and she begins to tremble, her shaking body very evident to the pilot and white alicorn slowly rising to her hooves across the bed chambers. She flicks her gaze to him and nods quickly, waiting until he releases her snout from his grasp.

As she's about to speak, the nightmare alicorn is struck with a bolt of golden magic directly upon her horn, the night alicorn letting out a quiet shriek of pain before falling limp to the ground in the pilots grasp. Talon whips around quickly, seeing Celestia panting hard for a moment and glaring, fighting for air.

"Sunny butt, dammit!" He shouts. "What the hell did you do?!" He snaps at her. Celestia continues limping forward, stopping a step away from the night alicorn, encompassing her within her soft golden glow of magic. Nightmare's unconscious body is levitated back to the bed and laid to rest gently upon it, the blankets then pulling themselves over her as Celestia releases, turning back to the pilot.

"I put her to sleep, Commander." She groans out, holding her hoof to her temple. "And that hurt by the way." Turning, she fixes her magenta orbs upon the pilots and sighs quietly. "I highly doubt she had anything of value or truth to say when she was speaking of a so called threat, it was likely a trick."

"We don't know that!" He snaps back angrily, stepping to the elder white alicorn. "For all we know, she was warning us of the parasite returning, or that Walmart reject dragon thing!" He's silenced by Celestia resting a gentle hoof over his mouth.

"Neither of those are even remotely possible, Talon. My mother destroyed Discord years ago in that cave before Luna and I... and as for the parasite queen, as well as all of her demon spawn were cast into the stars. Very far away from Equestria's borders and your own world. " She speaks softly, stepping in closer and draping her wings comfortingly around him in her embrace.

She lets out a quiet sigh, and pulls her wings snugly around him. "We will try and speak with her again next time she surfaces, for now...lets let lulu sleep, and get you to the infirmary. I can sense your injuries, and i'd rather not make lulu upset over this."

He nods, breathing out in annoyance. "Very well." He comments. "But next time we do things my way." He winces as he's released, rising to his feet again. He coughs out into his hand hard for a few moments, feeling the warm drip of crimson liquid upon his skin. Celestia eyes him, seeing the blood and lets out a soft sigh.

"Sorry...for squeezing so hard. I sometimes don't know my own strength. Do...do I need to carry you?" She asks, taking a tentative step back.

"Negative ma'am." He sighs out, wiping the blood upon his hand on his fatigues pants. "I can make it on my own. ...Not quite how I pictured this night going. " He starts to walk to the bedroom door, glancing at Luna asleep on the bed, snoring loudly and grunting in her slumber. He turns his attention back to Celestia, who is curiously eyeing the bauble around his neck.

"Even in her sleep deep within the shadows, she still protects you...that's my sister for you." She says quietly while smiling, walking next to the pilot. They close the door and quietly make their way to the infirmary.

* * * * *

In the medical ward of the palace, the pilot sits up upon a medical bed, putting on his flight jacket again after being examined and healed by the unicorn nurses of the palace. Celestia sits quietly upon a cushion in the room, reading a scroll held within her magical grasp as she waits patiently with the pilot.

"So...explain something Celestia. What was she going on about with that name thing?" He asks, turning to her. He glances at the analog clock upon the wall, wincing as he sees the late hour, knowing he's only going to get at most, two or three hours of sleep.

The white alicorn rolls up the scroll and eyes him, letting out a quiet huff as she looks onward. "It's a very very old custom, that falls back hundreds of years before Luna's banishment to the moon. It even predates Discord." She sighs, irritated. "And I can't believe I actually forgot about it. I didn't think lulu even remembered."

"So...what about it?" He asks, raising an eyebrow and getting to his feet. He watches the sun princess yawn tiredly, also getting to her hooves and stretching out. She extends her wings out with a few audible clicks and pops, before letting out a satisfied grunt.

"If my memory serves me, Talon...an 'alpha' as it were in any herd or household would have the right and privilege to 'adopt' another mare or stallion into a family. If that alpha, or master as lulu sees you names the outcast mare or stallion in question, then they would in turn be claiming them to be a part of the family. If said mare or stallion accepts...then they choose to uphold that in a sense of servitude in some manner. Be it helping rear the foals being raised, helping with house and field work, or even being a.." She coughs quietly, blushing. "Mistress, or servant in the bedroom..."

He face palms in annoyance. "You really should have mentioned that as a possible outcome...now what do we do? Can it be reversed?" He asks, looking at her.

"No...I'm afraid not, the only way that such a thing could be taken back is if the said mare or stallion named had committed the same crime they had done to earn outcast status to begin with. That, or the master of the home dies." She comments. After a moment, she begins to snicker quietly, walking by him. Her ethereal tail traces along his form as she steps, the tip of it caressing his jawline and neck. "And don't forget you also named your beta. Not quite how I had imagined, but I'll accept none the less." She says while holding a sultry grin upon her lips, eyeing him.

"You do know that was a joke...right?" He deadpans, scowling at her with ire in his eyes.

"Oh, I do know." She says, still grinning. "But as far as Obsolescence is concerned, it's as real as could be. If you want to keep lulu and our treasured twins protected, we're going to have to keep that up now. Nightmare was a lot of things, Talon. A vicious killer to those who deceived her was one of those. I suggest you play along, and we'll figure something out to fix this."

He sighs, rolling his eyes and folding his arms to his chest. "I'm not sleeping with you or anything." He mutters. "Married to Luna, this means that I'm not going to do the whole multiple wives...mares...whatever you space ponies call it thing. Plain and simple."

Celestia sees this as her chance to continue being playful with the pilot, and continues pressing her advantage here. Whipping up her best teary-eyed, trembling lip look she can, she nuzzles against him affectionately and looks at him. "Awe, but it would be so much fun! And think of all of the cakes, Talon! The moonshine cakes!" She exclaims. "Pleeeaaasssee?"

He lets out a defeated sigh, and shakes his head. "Ugh...look, I'm getting some rack time, we'll deal with this later." He says, walking away and pushing past the white alicorn. He doesn't hear her quiet, muffled snickers as he exits, bound for his and Luna's chambers.

Celestia lets out a quiet snort of victory as the door closes, grinning widely. "Oh...I am so having fun with this." She says quietly to herself. She knows he only named her as the beta mare as a complete accident, but the endless jokes and fun she can poke at her long time rival for trolls and pranks is simply too much of a golden opportunity to pass up. She giggles quietly like a school filly, making way for her own chambers, to return to her own beloveds side and to catch a quick pony nap in her comfortable bed.

* * * * *

Hours have passed since the pilot has returned to the chambers, sleeping soundly next to the midnight alicorn. As soon as he laid down beside her slumbering form, she had rolled over and grasped him within her gentle hooves tightly to herself, snuggling up to her mate. The two have remained held together within an embrace since.

Luna stirs from her sleep, groggily opening her eyes and yawning as she feels the familiar tug upon her senses, the moons time to lower drawing ever closer. She glances tiredly at the analog clock upon the night stand, the soft click tick of the clocks tune causing her ear to twitch in sync with it. She lets out a quiet sigh and smiles, willing the moon over the horizon with her magic, then lays her head back down upon the pilots chest.

"Mine..." She murmurs quietly, letting out a quiet princessley cute yawn as she nuzzles his chest, her soft warm fur upon her cheek brushing against him. Luna smiles serenely, blissfully happy and unaware of the events only hours ago when Obsolescence had forced control through the breach in her captivity spell.

The skies begin to alight with the dim grey of dawn as the sun begins to rise over the distant mountains in the horizon east of Canterlot, bringing in the soft morning light into the bed chambers. The alicorn lets out a quiet snort of annoyance and raises her wing to cover her eyes, draping it gently over her head and resting it upon the pilot.

She's almost having of drifted off to sleep again as she rests in her favorite spot, the sound of the doors latch opening quietly catching her ears. Her mind registers the time and usual routine, rousing the alicorn back to her senses as she hears the soft muffled clip clop of the fillies steps upon the plush blue carpet of the chambers. Luna lowers her wing and raises her head up to greet the fillies, climbing ever so slowly upon the large and cushy bed to their parents.

"Good morning." Luna whispers, smiling at the fillies as they reach the top of the plush bedding, the two excited fillies smiling wide, happy smiles as they see their mother already awake and greeting them. Luna sits up in bed and extends her forelegs out, taking the two fillies into her warm and loving embrace, encircling her wings around them in a tight hug.

"Good morning mama!" Moonlight Way quietly squeak's out, nuzzling affectionately against her mothers barrel. "It's the fair day! And the sun is out to play again!" She exclaims in a hushed giggle.

Stardust Kiss remains quiet, letting out a soft tired yawn, then smacking her lips as she rests against her mothers chest. The sound of Luna's strong heartbeat within the alicorns barrel causes her ears to twitch, the soft ticking sound threatening to lull her back to sleep within moments. She lets out a smile and a soft huff, nuzzling deeper against her mother and burying her snout in the crook between her mothers side and wing.

"Yes, it is." Luna speaks softly, giving them both a gentle squeeze. She turns her head and glances at the still sleeping pilot, a warm smile creeping across her muzzle. 'I am so fortunate...' She thinks, planting a kiss upon her children's foreheads at the base of their horns.

The three alicorns scoot gently out of bed and come to the floor, Luna helping the two fillies to the ground for a soft landing upon their hooves. The two fillies canter happily to the door of the chambers, excited to start their usual routine and day, looking forward to their first ever trip to the Canterlot fair they've seen so many times before from the windows of the grand palace.

As she watches her treasured children walk out of the bedroom chambers, Luna leans her head down beside the pilot and gives him a gentle kiss upon the lips. She rests her fore hoof upon his chest and nuzzles his cheek. "Mine flame..." She coos out in a loving whisper. "It's time to awaken."

Talon stirs and opens his eyes slowly, focusing in upon the alicorn. His eyes fall into her soft jade orbs, seeing her smiling serenely and appearing well rested. "Good morning, angel." He breathes out tiredly.

She nickers very softly and kisses him again. "Our children are already awake and on their way to have breakfast, I'll see you down in our dining hall with mine sister." She whispers. She watches as he nods slowly, then turns and trots out of the room after her children.

Talon sits up in bed and stretches, still tired after getting so little sleep. Nightmares words from last night echo in his mind. 'I know what I have sensed! I know the darkness which hunts all of us! Do not dare trifle with me and cost me my treasures!' He sighs, shaking his head. 'What threat was she talking about...and how much danger is this place in?' He thinks, getting up to get dressed. He mulls over the thoughts in his mind, considering what could possibly have the great Nightmare Moon scared enough to react like that.

He makes his way to the dining area he and the alicorns have gone to every morning for all of these years, finding the familiar sight of breakfast having already been out and upon the tables, the fillies munching happily on a stack of waffles and toast in their spread. Luna is sitting quietly reading the local news paper held within her magical grasp, and Dusty Shine, the earthen pony maid is speaking with princess Twilight. Celestia is not in the room.

"Good morning, Commander." Dusty Shine calls out happily, her attention off of the lavender alicorn for a moment. Twilight eyes him with a sheepish grin and blush for a moment, before nodding her head with a smile.

Talon raises an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of the lavender alicorns expression. "Morning." He replies, coming to a stop behind the twins. He bends down and gives them both a warm hug in greeting, then releases them after getting two sticky syrup laced kisses upon his cheeks by the fillies.

Luna smiles happily and eyes him as he comes to a rest beside her in his usual seat. She leans forward and licks the syrup prints off of his cheeks as a show of affection, and embraces him, then surrenders the paper to him as she does every morning. "Did thou sleep well, mine flame?" She asks quietly, beginning to eat her own breakfast now that he has arrived.

"Kinda..." He discordantly replies, looking off into empty space for a moment. "Where's sunny butt?" He asks, looking around. "She's never missed a breakfast...especially when she's getting her favorite coffee cake."

Twilight clears her throat, getting his attention. "Celestia had mentioned she would be a bit late coming down, she wanted a quick bath before breakfast." She says quietly. "Given last nights interesting turn of events...I can't say I'm surprised she wishes to look her best. She's never been in a herd before..." She trails off.

Luna sputters and spits out her tea in shock, eyes wide upon hearing this. She coughs loudly for a moment, then stares at the lavender alicorn. "I'm sorry..." She says, her eye twitching. "Did thou just say mine sister is in a herd now?" She asks, stuttering in disbelief.

Dusty shine backs up and takes cover by the twins, swallowing nervously. This gets Twilight's attention and causes her to gulp nervously in response. "Y--Yes...Luna..." She says quietly, fidgeting in place. Her wings twitch as she pins her ears back, a brighter blush upon her muzzle. "I couldn't believe it myself, and I'm both honored and kind of surprised...but if that's what Celestia thinks is best...I'm ok with the idea."

Talon nervously holds up the news paper to cover himself, wishing he had brought ear plugs with him. He knew all too well Luna's powerful concussive voice, and didn't look forward to another front row seat of the devastating effects of the mares shock. 'Oh boy...here we go.' He winces in thought.

Luna nods slowly. "I...I see. Very well then. I extend my congratulations to you, fair Twilight. We are certain thou whilst enjoy the lifestyle of having a herd mate. May we ask thee...when did Tia consider another mare? Is it fair Dusty? Or perhaps that lovely author you are so fond of in Canterlot,Mr Zamairiac? Or perhaps she had taken fancy to Captain Jolt Flash?" She asks, taking another drink after cleaning up the fluid she spat accidentally in her surprise.

Twilight sits in confusion, quirking an eyebrow, then lets out a soft laugh. "Oh! Ha ha...good one Luna. No, silly, it's you and the commander! I've always liked you...so this is fine by me. Though I'll have to admit, I didn't see this coming at all. I do look forward to finally having more study sessions with you two again though!" She smiles sweetly.

Luna's eye twitches for a moment as she gently sets down her glass, completely confused in the conversation. She's about to speak as she turns slowly to face the pilot, drawing a soft breath. "Is..is that right?" She asks quietly. Twitch.

"I think it's neat, miss Luna!" Dusty Shine chirps in. "I didn't know that alicorns still believed in the herd concept. I thought that was just a country and small town pony ideal. But even I have to admit, I'm amazed. So when will it be announced to every pony else?" She asks musically.

Talon buries his head closer to the paper, only for Luna to place her hoof upon the top edge of the sheets, then bring it down so she can glare deeply into his eyes. She's clearly not happy at this announcement. "Mine flame...whilst thou care to perhaps...explain?" She asks, grinning a wide fake grin while grinding her teeth within her maw.

Talon mouthed out half words and syllables, trying to formulate any kind of a sentence. "Uh...angel, you...you see..." He swallows hard, sweat beginning to form upon his neck and forehead. "It's...it's not as it..."

Luna leans forward, her eyes narrowed dangerously and a wide, very scary grin upon her muzzle. She bares her teeth at him, a low growl escaping her throat. "Speak...mine flame." She grits out. Just as Talon is going to answer, he glances away and sees the look on his fillies faces, wide, hopeful curious smile upon their muzzles, their lips and fur stained with sugary sweet syrup.

"Good morning every pony!" Celestia loudly calls out, entering the dining room. She's wearing a short elegant dress of lace and semi see through breezy fabric, with gold ornate ribbons interwoven into each seam. The dress extends to her dock, covering her cutie mark. She quickly walks to the table with a bounce in her step, enjoying every second of this golden chance for a long drawn out joke.

She gracefully enters the room, first stopping to lean down and place an energetic kiss upon the fillies foreheads, then smiles wide at Luna, her magenta orbs betraying her jubilant emotion. "I'm sorry I'm late to breakfast. Did I miss anything?" She asks, taking her usual seat next to Twilight.

Luna snaps her attention to Celestia and glares, still grinning with a wide, sardonic grin. "Mine sister...I have heard that thou art now mine herd mate, mine flames...beta? Tell me thou art fibbing." She asks darkly.

Celestia grins at the smaller midnight alicorn and shakes her head, still holding her own warm smile. "I'm afraid not lulu. I do not fib." She quips in return. She flicks her gaze to the pilot, who is in the process of face palming and trying to scoot away from the now enraged midnight alicorn.

"Is that right...?" Luna returns, turning her hard gaze back to the pilot. She sighs and shakes her head, puffing out her cheeks. "Mine flame...though I am surprised you were even for the ideals of a herd mate...and the fact I find thy choice to be both surprising and...frustrating..." She seethes out. "...thou art mine flame...and I will...accept this." She mutters.

Stardust Kiss leans over to her sister and whispers. "What's a herd mate?" She asks quietly, turning her attention to the indigo filly beside her. Moonlight Way turns and shrugs in return, happily turning her focus back to her half finished stack of waffles on her plate.

Dusty Shine leans down and whispers. "It means your aunties Tia and Twilight are going to be spending more time with you two..." Stardust nods and shrugs, not understanding the concept or idea. This to her, just means more chances to prank her favorite aunt and finally beat that record the elder white alicorn is so proud of.

The rest of breakfast proceeds rather quietly, Celestia humming a soft tune to herself as she glances over the news paper. Twilight fidgets uncomfortably in her seat as she glances at the pilot and her own lover, blushing all the while. Luna, on the other hoof, seethes quietly in her seat, only the sound of her eating and pained, frustrated breathes coming from her.

Talon eyes the display around the room quietly, fighting off a migraine. This day has barely started so far, and with only a few precious hours of sleep, he's not looking forward to any of it. He went from being just exhausted, to now having to deal with the confusion of all of this for the sake of Celestia's plan. 'Should have stayed in bed.' He thinks to himself.

* * * * *

Luna quietly stands in front of the mirror of her vanity, brushing out her now normal appearing mane and tail with a brush held within her magical grasp. She adorns a sky blue sundress and white fabric hoof bracers, carefully hiding her wings beneath the dress. She lets out an irritated sigh, flicking her gaze to the pilot seated upon the bed behind her.

"Mine flame...thou hath surprised me. Why of all ponies did you even consider mine sister?" She asks, irritation blatently obvious within her voice. She continues brushing out her dark blue strands of hair, the silken ribbons falling somewhat flat against her body.

"It's a bit of a long story angel..." He mutters. "I can't really go into details, but I can tell you I'm not entirely approving the concept myself." He sighs, watching as his alicorn sets down the brush and slowly steps to him. Her jade orbs stareing intently into his own eyes.

"Mine love...for years, you and I have loved each other to depths unknown. Thou art mine only love, mine one true wish and dream in life. You had stated that thou hath no desires for another mare...yet I find this sunrise that you have eyes for mine sister...please, tell me that thou has not done something so foalish, such as bedding her?"

He swallows hard and shakes his head, holding up his hands opened in defense. "Angel, I have done no such thing!" He declares with absolution in his voice. "You are the only mare for me. No if's, and's, or buts about it. I have NOT done that with sunny butt, nor do I have any plans or intentions to!" He bites out.

Luna studies him for a moment, gazing into his eyes. She nods slowly in understanding, detecting no deception in his words, only honesty. "I believe you." She whispers after a moment, her features softening. She steps in closer and closes her eyes, leaning into a passionate kiss. She holds it for a few moments, her fur on her cheeks matted with tears after she pulls back. "I believe in you, mine flame."

He breathes out a sigh of relief, nodding to her. "The only thing that I can say angel, is that this is something very sudden, and it's a mission I have to do. I can't explain why, nor can I explain my reasons or intentions, it's just very important."

She silences him by moving in for another kiss, holding onto him tightly within her embrace as she quickly wraps her wings around them. After she breaks the kiss, she pants for a moment, her cheeks flushed and hot. "You don't have to tell me." She whispers out lovingly. "Whatever your intentions are, I know they are just and honorable. I will stand by this decision and beside you through any choice you make, mine love. You are mine master...and if this does blossom into something more, I shalt support it and fiercely defend it."

"I'd rather you didn't support it at all." He mutters under his breath, barely audible to the alicorn. If she heard it, she shown no signs. "But I do need to speak with you, angel. It's about Nightmare."

Luna freezes and tenses for a moment, the dress appearing tighter as her wings threaten to snap out and deploy from under it. "What...what about Obsolescence?" She asks, unsure. Now he has her attention.

"We spoke last night. She appeared while you were asleep." He states calmly, carefully watching her reactions. When he sees her come to a rest upon her haunches, he continues. "She tried to warn me before she fell back asleep...something about a threat she's sensing. What do you know about it?"

The alicorn tilts her head quizzically and blinks, confused. "Threat...? Mine love, Obsolescence has not spoken to me about any kind of threat." She quietly states, her mind racing through past conversations. "What did she say?"

He thinks for a moment, trying to recall her exact words, but failing. "Uh...if I remember correctly, something about a shadow, darkness hunting something." He says slowly, thinking. "Whatever it was, she was not very clear about it. Sound like anything you know?"

Luna puts her hoof to her maw, deep in thought for a moment. "Neigh...mine flame. I cannot recall anything like that in any legends, prophecies or foretelling. Nor can I recall any enemy Equestria hath faced that would be considered a shadow, minus Obsolescence herself." She breathes out. "Am I to assume this has something to do with thy mission, and mine sister?" She asks, raising an eyebrow and bringing her hoof back down to the carpet.

"Something to that effect, angel." He responds. "Like I said, I was trying to get more out of her, but she...kinda fell asleep too suddenly." He mutters. "How can I communicate with her again? And not have her take over you."

Luna thinks for a moment, curious herself as to how she didn't know or even notice Obsolescence breaking though her barriers. "When I sleep...I am able to draw her out of the shadows and speak with her within mine dreams. I will ask her then, mine flame." She answers, determination washing over her features. "Leave this to me, mine love. I shalt acquire the answers you seek, and we shall fight this enemy together, before it my strike at our home. With our machine, there is no challenge we cannot overcome and rise above!"

He nods in understanding. "Then good luck, angel. Tonight if you can, lets see what we can find out. Do you have to be here in the palace to do that? Or are we still setting up for camping?" He asks.

She lets out a soft melodic giggle. "Neigh, mine love. We shalt still be camping. Mine Lunar Stallions hath already assembled all of the camping gear as you described to me so long ago, down to the very last item and 'marshmallows' as you spoke of. We shalt still enjoy our family outing as a herd. Though...I would like it if it were just us and our children, mine flame...Please exclude Tia and fair Twilight from this outing."

He nods furiously. "Deal. Definitely deal!" He quips happily. "This, I'm looking forward to angel." He breathes out with a sigh. Luna smiles serenely to him, turning to face her vanity again to finish readying herself for the fair.

He watches the alicorn intently through her reflection, smiling as he sees her applying bits of her makeup here and there as he lights himself a cigarette. His eyes fall to the vanity top at the twin stacks of replicated boxes, each containing a full pack of his fire tubes as she called them. 'Thank God she knows how to make these...I'd have gone nuts within the first few days here.' He thinks to himself.

Several minutes pass, Luna finishing the final touches to her disguise. She has since applied a light shade of red lipstick to herself, also adorning a deep purple eye shadow upon her eyelids, and mascara to extend out her already beautifully long eyelashes. With a smile she smacks her lips and poses before the pilot, giving him a sultry lust filled look. "What doth thou think, mine flame?" She asks the pilot, watching as he places the depleted filter into the glass bowl upon the desks top surface.

He breathes out a final stream of smoke, nodding in approval. "Very nice angel. You haven't worn makeup since our wedding...why now for the fair?" He asks the alicorn.

"Simply put, mine flame...If our fair subjects believe it to be me or mine sister playing the games at the fair, they will likely rig the games in our favor, or they will act unfairly and strange within our presence. If we are to venture out today for our time as a herd, and for our children to enjoy it for what it is, we must blend in." She states with a smile, while pointing to the dress with her forehoof.

He nods in understanding. "Makes sense...but Sunny Butt is going to be hard to hide, given her size. You know she's going to want to go. That mare won't miss the funnel cake for all of the bits in Equestria." He mutters.

Luna grins. "Actually...Tia will be simply going as herself, I believe. She sometimes goes out to these just simply to walk around and watch, and little else. We shall see for sure though soon, however. But you are right, mine love...she does rather enjoy the cakes and sweets of the fair."

As the two step into the hallway, they're greeted by the fillies and Dusty Shine, who also adorn similar sundresses and hats to cover their own appearances as well so it's easier to mingle with the crowds of ponies alike. They make their way through the halls of the palace, bound for the grand gates to enter the city, and enjoy the fillies first ever outing beyond the walls of the palace.

* * * * *

The Canterlot fair is bustling and buzzing with activity, beyond anything Luna or the pilot had ever imagined. Everywhere they looked, ponies all around them were busy going on rides, playing games, eating treats and sweets sold at various vendors and some simply resting at nearby tables and chairs to enjoy the lovely warm spring weather.

Thus far, they've taken the fillies to enjoy a ride upon swirling teacups, Luna enjoying every second of relishing in the time with her beloved children, and Talon standing outside of partitions beside Dusty Shine, holding the cache of cotton candy and treats the fillies have since been sampling on their day out.

"Ya know Commander..." Dusty Shine speaks muffled, her mouth full of seasoned hay fries she's enjoying. "You could ride on some of these too." She chews for a moment longer, then takes a sip of a cold fizzing drink held in her fore hoof. She lets out a satisfied burp and sigh, looking to the pilot with a smile. "You're a national hero. I'm sure these ponies would love it if you enjoyed some of the things here."

Lighting another cigarette, he takes a deep pull and exhales, smiling as he watches Luna and the twins having the time of their lives on the mechanical ride. "Hero or not Dusty. This is their day out. I'm just here to make sure they don't get into any kind of trouble. You remember what happened last time Luna went out like this, when she was still carrying the twins."

Dusty nods, taking another large bite of the hay fries on the plate. She chews in thought for a moment, before swallowing. "That was just some crazy old codger that thought miss Luna was still Nightmare Moon, and had some stupid conspiracy theory that she's the one that brought the parasite to Equestria's doorstep. Besides, you took him down before he could cause any kind of harm."

"That doesn't change the facts that some moron still tried to kill her, Dusty. You know that with any kind of government or ruling party, there's always some individual or group that has issues. Hell, some pony already tried to take a pot shot at sunny butt. I'm surprised they haven't tried me yet." He sighs out, taking another pull from the cigarette.

"They're not that stupid." She responds. "I mean, think about it. You took out eight dragons, fought off Celestia knows how many of the bugs, wiped them out with that bomb, took out three machines like yours, and to top it all off you squared off with the griffons. No pony in their right mind would do anything." She takes another bite. "Besides, every pony that has met you thinks you're great. And I can't think of one mare that hasn't had some crazy fantasy involving you."

He chokes on the smoke for a moment, coughing and sputtering before turning to her with a surprised look in his eyes. "The hell does that mean?!" He asks in mild shock. He rolls his eyes as she starts to snicker after taking another sip of her drink.

"Think about it. Word spread like wildfire after half of Canterlot heard you and the princess the first time. Even so, your average Equestrian stallion lacks severely in the endurance department. I believe the longest ever recorded was still under a minute. To a lot of mares, especially the maids, you're kind of a legend."

Seeing a chance to sneak a snark quip into the conversation, he gives her a malicious grin. "Oh? So does this mean you're another rabid, raving, space pony fan-girl?" He quips, exhaling another stream of smoke towards her.

She goes wide eyed and blushes brightly, stuttering. "Uh..heh...um!" She nervously hesitates. "Well...let's not go there. I think I made that...clear." She says quietly, fidgeting, her right rear hoof twisting into the dirt a bit as she timidly stares at her nearly gone hay fries. "It's not like I've actually stayed up several nights after you left, or clopped while I heard you and miss Luna...or that i'm jealous or anything that Celestia was chosen to be that beta..." She mutters quickly, flicking her tail in violent, fast swishes.

He rolls his eyes. "There's a lot more to that than I can explain, Dusty. Lets just say that it's by no means official or preminant. Even so, don't think for a second I'd do anything...she's not exactly what you would call my type."

The ride draws to a close, Luna and the fillies exiting, the twins giggling melodically as they trot next to their mothers long slender legs. They come to the pilot and Earthen pony mare, Luna raising an eyebrow as she sees Dusty fidgiting uncomfortably and blushing furiously. "Dare I ask?" She says while chewing on her inner cheek within her maw, her gaze falling to the pilot.

"Nope..." He mutters, annoyed. "Trust me...not worth getting into." He watches as Luna nods slowly, then reaches forward and brushes a lock of hair from her muzzle, placing it back behind her ear. She blushes slightly at the contact, nuzzling his hand affectionately.

"Mama mama!" Moonlight Way exclaims. "Lets go play that game next!" She excitedly says, pointing to a booth packed full of large stuffed plush ponies. She bounds over with her sister, who is prancing and galloping happily. The three turn and follow the fillies to the gaming booth, finding two red maned stallions holding a ring toss game and appearing bored.

The booth walls are lined with various plush ponies and animals of all kinds, a giant sized over stuffed plush pony looking like a fluffy princess Luna. The cheeks are especially puffed out, a strange, ill sewn on grin crookedly adorns the muzzle. The mane and tail appear to be made of dark blue lace and netting material fabric, the fur some kind of very plush minky material.

Luna eyes the fluffy puff plush version of herself warily, forcing herself to tear her eyes away so she can focus on the vendors. "Pray tell..." She coughs out, trying to change her voice slightly. "How much is it to play this game, or to purchase one of these prizes?"

The red maned stallion adorning a mustash grins at her. "Why fair lady, these prizes are not for sale at all you see! They are Flim Flam originals, and the best in all of Equestria! To win them, you must play! And what prizes they are, even endorsed by the royal sisters themselves!"

Talon eyes the plush ponies as he looks about the booth, taking notice of one very over stuffed Celestia plush, complete with very odd looking, almost angry looking red eyes and jagged silver triangles for teeth. He snickers, getting the pun right away.

"Very well then. How does a pony play this game?" Luna asks slowly, concentrating hard on her wording so she utilizes only modern Equestrian language, rather than slipping into her dead giveaway ancient speak.

"Why it's simple my dear!" Now the other stallion also with a vibrant red mane and tail speaks. "You simply take these rings, and knock down that bottle pyramid in the back! If you knock down the entire stack, then you win a prize!"

Stardust Kiss eyes the large fluffy puff Luna plush, almost drooling over it. A chance to snuggle a filly sized fluffy version of mama? What filly wouldn't go nuts over that?! "It's so fluffy! Mama, I wanna try!!" She exclaims excitedly, her wings threatening to pop out of her dress from her excitement.

Moonlight Way nods furiously, looking up at her mother as well. "Please mama! I wanna try and get that one!" She points with her hoof, directing Luna and Talons gaze to the back behind the large pyramid of milk bottles. Resting behind it upon a stand, is a copy of her fathers warbird, over stuffed and looking more like a blimpy over inflated version of itself.

Talons eye twitches, hidden behind his aviator sunglasses. 'Creative little bastards, aren't they?!' He thinks, unsure as to if he should be flattered, or insulted at the ill formed creation resting on the shelf. It did however, fill him with some pride that his daughter loved him that much, to pick that one over all other plush toys.

Luna lets out a quiet sigh and smiles, nodding. "Alright then, my little treasures." She coos out adoringly. "How much to play?" She asks, turning her attention back to the two stallions.

"Five bits per player, a total of three rings a piece! The winner gets a pick of any prize they like!" They say in unison. Luna calculates the amount quickly, and produces ten bits out of a small pouch tethered around her long elegant neck, laying the bits upon the bench attached to the booth before her. The twin stallions in return, produce three very off balance and heavy rings of steel.

The fillies, still not good with magic use yet, pick up the rings with their teeth, throwing them together as quickly as they can. The first rings miss, the second set comes close, and the final set bounces off of the bottom of the stand.

"Again!" Stardust Kiss exclaims happily. Talon thinks quietly as he replays their motions in his mind, trying to figure out what could have caused their aim to be off so much. He's played games with them before tossing a disk with them. Their aim should be deadly accurate.

Luna nods and smiles. "Alright, but once more my dear Star...we must save some bits for other games and treats." She quietly states, producing another ten bits. The stallions reproduce the rings again and grin sickly, twisted grins as the fillies make their attempts once more.

The first rings miss all together as they toss in unison, falling even shorter than before and landing in the dirt. The second set of rings tossed fly far behind the stand of bottles, overshooting their target by a good few inches above the top. The third set however thanks to a good deflect off of one another, both rings smack dead center of the bottom bottles, causing them to wobble quickly then suddenly reset.

"Yay!" Stardust exclaims excitedly, watching as the bottles teeter and wobble violently, then surprised as they suddenly stop in their motions and seem to right and still themselves.

"Whoa whoa whoa! What was that?!" Talon asks, stepping forward. "They hit it, I seen it!" He calls out, looking at the bottles. Luna and Dusty Shine also nod, turning their attention to the stallions.

"Sir, you see those bottles?" The red maned one with the stash asks, leaning forward with a sardonic mocking grin upon his form. "You see how they're NOT knocked over?" He asks, in a condescending tone. "Not knocked over, means no prizes. You lose! Have a nice day and move along now. Its not our fault the children were not good enough to win."

Luna narrows her gaze, glaring at the stallions. "Oh, is miss mama now a grumpy pony?" The other red maned one asks, grinning. "You're always welcome to try again, or are you afraid to lose?" He mocks. Luna's eyes flick down to her children, seeing them in absolute horror and sadness of being made fun of.

Luna grinds her teeth within her maw, seething with blistering cold fury. "Ok...my turn." She quietly hisses out, producing another five bits and laying them upon the bench surface. The stallions reproduce the rings for a third time, Luna taking them within her magical grasp.

She steps back away from the booth, each of the rings circling around her as electrons would circle and atom. They pick up speed, faster and faster, the stallions not able to track them as they swirl and slice through the air. With her magic she heats up each ring, reforming and reshaping them, balancing and sharpening their finely honed edges to perfection. They suddenly catch into blazing blue hell fire balls of flame, then launch at blinding speed forward.

They duck milliseconds before the rings strike, a loud howling sound much like the banshees cry ripping through the air as they slice and scream forward, completely obliterating the bottles and entire back wall, side walls and roof supports of the stand. The rings keep sailing forward. They slice through the booth behind it, sounds of surprised yelps and screaming surprised mares are heard, followed by a fruit vendor yelling out "Mah apples!", before they too explode violently into the air and rain down.

The rings continue their path forward, impacting and detonating explosively into the cake judging ceremony seven rows away, where princess Celestia is presiding over the event. She's covered from hoof to horn tip in strawberry cake frosting, bits of sponge cake, and chunks of brownie bits landing all over her pristine coat and dress. One of the rings catches the tip of her horn and swirls around it, Luna having successfully landed a solid ringer upon the elder white alicorns long, sharp horn, the ring sizzling as it cools quickly from the frosting and coming to a rest upon her forehead and snout.

"Knocked oh-ver!" Luna calls out, grinning wickedly at the decimated stand before her. The plush prizes all rain down from the heavens, scattering and landing into the waiting arms of nearby fillies and colts everywhere, and unsuspecting ponies gathered around. The war bird plush lands into the waiting hooves of Moonlight Way, while Stardust kiss happily receives the one of Luna from the stallions who quickly hoof it over to her, then duck for cover behind the charred remains of the front wall. They too, are covered head to hoof in soot from the carnage that was once their booth.

As Dusty, Luna and the twin fillies trot away happily, Talon leans down over the remains, smiling smugly. "And that gentlemen, is why you never piss off a mother." He muses, lighting a cigarette and walking away.

The rest of the fair proceeds perfectly smoothly, the group minus the pilot going completely undetected, their identities somehow kept a secret. No pony nearby seemed to have noticed the various Lunar Stallions and Solar guard walking about unarmored either, keeping a careful watchful eye on the alicorns and royal family.

They did stop to enjoy various treats throughout the day, the fillies discovering their own favorite snack is now hay fries with daffodil and celery sandwiches. Talon didn't find much outside of apple fritters and baked treats he could eat however, since flowers and grass are not exactly items he could consume, let alone process.

The day draws to a close, the fillies and princesses plus maid and pilot making their way back to the palace, where they all enjoyed a peaceful quiet dinner once again in the gardens. Celestia and Twilight finally appear, the elder white alicorn having long since removed the frosting covering from her and the possibly ruined dress.

"Well! That was certainly an eventful day I must admit." Celestia comments, laughing musically. "And I see you seemed to have a good day yourself, lulu." She takes a seat and relaxes by the group, herself resting upon a blanket laid out as she begins to munch quietly on some snacks from the fair.

Luna turns and eyes her treasured children, who are prancing and cantering playfully with eachother in the open expanses of the gardens, enjoying their time together and with their new plush toys. Moonlight Way is levitating the plush blimp bird in her magical grasp unsteadily, while Stardust Kiss chases her sister, towing the fluffy puff princess luna plush pony upon her back. The midnight alicorn smiles serenely and listens intently to their melodic giggles, nodding.

"Indeed it was, Tia." She comments quietly, turning to face her elder sister now. "How was the cake judging this year? Did the pink one take home the grand prize yet again?" She asks, tilting her head.

Celestia grins at her sister mockingly. "Oh there was no winner, lulu. It would seem some over excited mare had blown up all of the confections somehow while playing a ring toss game. Or so I heard. At first we believed it to be some kind of a terrorist attack, but that was quickly quelled once a rather finely made ring had found its way to my horn." She retorts. "You wouldn't by any chance know of the culprit, now would you?"

Dusty Shine and Luna laugh nervously for a moment, the midnight alicorn swallowing hard. "N--No! Not at all, mine sister! It's...it's so very strange indeed, exploding cakes and rings? Why that sounds absolutely dastardly I must say." She replies in a rush.

The elder white alicorn and smaller lavender alicorn giggle quietly, smiling at Luna and the pilot. "Oh calm down lulu. It was in good fun. And those two con ponies got their just desserts. I just wish I could have seen the look on their faces when you decided to beat them at their own game."

"I remember those two from when they stopped in at ponyville several years back. They were a couple of thieving con artists...I'm glad you put them in their place, Luna. I'll bet their expressions were priceless!" Twilight adds in with a cheerful smile and tone.

Talon and Dusty Shine nod in approval, agreeing. It really was an amusing sight to watch, and it did make the fair far more entertaining then they had imagined it would be. Talon glances at the twins still playing and chasing each other, noting the approximate time as he watches the sun nearing its time to set.

"Well if you ladies will excuse me, I'm afraid I must be off to go set up the campsite for the evening. So, I bid you a'due." He says, giving a polite bow to the alicorns after rising to his feet.

Dusty also rises to her hooves, clearing her throat. "If it's alrght miss Luna, I don't mind watching the fillies with princesses Celestia and Twilight if you wish to go help him. Or, I could always do so myself if you like."

Luna nods, smiling. Thank thee, fair Dusty." She glances to her sister and Twilight. "Mine flame and I whilst be enjoying an evening outside of the palace as a herd, doing camping!" She cheerfully calls out, her tone almost bubbling with enthusiasm. "Please excuse me Tia, for I wish to help him also set up."

Celestia nods and waves her off gently, smiling. "I'll also help you watch my nieces, Dusty." Celestia replies with a sweet and serene smile, happily turning her gaze to watch the fillies carefully.

* * * * *

Luna and Talon make their way to the designated spot, finding the tent and supplies already laid out and piled neatly in one small area, a fire pit already dug out and carefully made with rocks and bricks stacked in a wide circle in the area for it. The couple work together in comforting silence, helping one another set up each piece in a precise, orderly manner.

As Talon attempts to start a fire within the pit, Luna crawls into the now set up tent for her and the pilot, carefully rolling out the sleeping bags and bedding materials. She hums a soft sweet melody as she does, then turns her attention to the smaller tent meant for the fillies, carefully set up next to their own.

"You think the twins will enjoy this, angel?" He asks, glancing at the horizon and noting the suns proximity to the edge of the mountain tops, silently counting down the time until Luna must raise the moon and bring about her beautiful night.

"Mmhmm! I believe they will, mine love." She calls out lovingly as she backs out of the fillies tent rump first. She finally emerges and stands, letting out a loud satisfied sigh, proud of her careful work. For it being over twenty five hundred years since she's slept outdoors in that manner, she's proud of herself for doing this!

They hear the sound of wing beats in the air, seeing two Lunar Stallions approaching the campsite quickly. It's Dark Fury and another newly joined recruit to the ranks. "Ah! Captain Fury! Welcome!" The night princess cheerfully calls out. "What brings thou here?"

The Slavic Lunar Stallion salutes quickly and smiles at the princess and pilot. "Da! Greetings, your majesty. I vas simply coming to inform you zat I have insured you vill have a peaceful evening vith your family. I have ordered zat all guards are to remain outside of zese grounds and only quietly observe, training have been postponed. Zis is good, yes?"

She nods in approval. "Indeed so, mine stallion. But please feel free to keep several guards close at hoof. This is mine children's first night ever sleeping outside of the protection of the palace. I wish to insure that they are carefully and ever so meticulously watched over and cared for."

Dark Fury nods, letting out a loud whinny of agreement. "Da, princess. Very good. I vill see to it only ze best guards are posted nearby. Vould you like zem to also setup and camp as vell, so zat your experience is more how vould you say...auzentic?" He asks, motioning with his heavy armored fore hoof to the nearby tents and now roaring campfire.

Luna considers for a moment, then nods in agreement, a smile upon her lips, her features calm and relaxed. "Yes, please do so. If thou hath no plans for this eve, then I humbly request that you yourself be a part of that detachment. We could perhaps even consider cooking your delightful dish over an open fire."

Dark Fury's eyes seemingly light up at the prospect of cooking more borscht, a wide smile of approval upon his muzzle. "Da! Good zen, princess. I vill see to it zat ze guards are deployed right avay, as you vish." He turns and nods to his accompanying recruit, and they both take to wing quickly.

The pilot pokes at the fire he had set with a long stick he gathered from the nearby trees, letting out a huff. "So, which one of us is going to grab the twins?" He asks, looking to his alicorn.

Luna turns her gaze to the pilot, smiling affectionately. "I don't mind getting them, mine love. If you wish, please remain here and I shalt return shortly with our treasured children." She coos out softly, stepping closer to him. She reaches him and nuzzles his chest with her muzzle, nickering quietly and soft as she wraps her wings around him in a warm feathered embrace.

The two remain motionless, holding one another for several minutes and enjoying one another's company, only breaking the embrace as they hear the distant sound of giggles and playful shouts of enjoyment. Luna's ears twitch and swivel, then she cranes her neck and focuses in on the sound. Slowly coming up the hill pass to the new campsite, is Dusty Shine and the fillies. They're still carrying their new plush toys, the maid and friend of the royal couple also carrying her own saddle bags slung across her back and sides. The pilot eyes the bags in the fading sunlight, seeing what appears to be a sleeping bag stuffed in one side, and several unidentifiable objects in another.

Dusty Shine reaches the couple, the twins walking beside her keeping pace. "Commander, Miss Luna!" She calls out, smiling. "Princess Celestia suggested that I escort the twins here to you two, and also asked that I join you if it was alright." She says with a cheerful smile.

Luna nods slowly. "That would be grand, fair Dusty. May I ask though...hath thou ever been camping before?" She asks, raising an eyebrow.

Dusty Shine nods, setting the saddle bags down and opening the flap with the rods and fabric sticking out. "Yes, I did quite often with my father, actually. My parents were never ones for staying in one spot when I was growing up, so I spent much of my own childhood camping out. " She responds, grasping a rod in her maw. She backs up with it in her teeth, pulling it out slowly. Talon watches as the rod seemingly continues on, well beyond the capacity of the satchel.

"How are you doing that?" He asks, raising an eyebrow as he steps over to assist her. He looks inside the bag briefly, unable to see the bottom of the seemingly small satchel. "Is this some kind of space pony thing?"

Dusty smiles up at him after she releases the rod from her maw, pawing at the ground with her forehoof. "I had one of my co workers enchant my saddle bag. It has a 'bag of holding' spell upon it. As long as I recharge the spell with a power crystal every few years, it's essentially bottomless. As long as the item can fit through the opening, I can place as much as I want within it. It's great for sneaking popcorn and candy into plays and those new motion picture things."

Luna snickers. "I believe thou means a movie, as mine flame would call it." She sighs out happily. "We see thou art full of tricks and surprises, fair Dusty. You never cease to amaze me." She quips. The alicorn watches as the pilot begins to set up Earthen pony mares tent for her, making for much easier and faster work since he has use of his hands, rather than hooves.

* * * * *

It's nightfall now, Luna having since raised the moon and lit up the night sky with her amazingly beautiful jeweled tapestry that is the heavens above Equestria. The regal midnight alicorn lays upon a large blanket laid out near the warm fire, her fillies resting very close by. Moonlight Way is draped across her back, her forelegs hanging over Luna's side facing the fire.

Stardust Kiss is laying across the pilots lap, slowly drifting off to sleep as she enjoys his ministrations through her wispy thin mane. Both of the twins are completely stuffed full from snacking so much throughout the day, their full belly's helping lull them to sleep that much faster as the stars glisten and twinkle overhead.

"Angel..." The pilot whispers, getting his alicorns attention. Luna pauses in speaking with Dusty Shine for a moment, turning her attention to gaze upon him. He lifts his free hand and points to Moonlight Way upon her back.

Luna follows where he's pointing and looks down slightly, finding her daughter comfortably asleep and content while resting upon her back. Luna quietly giggles and nods, alighting her horn and grasping both fillies very carefully within her magical grasp. She levitates them both gently, then rises to her hooves and slowly steps to their respective tent. It takes several moments, but the princess and long since experienced mother carefully tucks them into their sleeping bags.

Dusty Shine leans to the pilot and smiles. "I never knew Luna was such a good mother." She whispers to him. "I remember my mom would just leave me wherever I fell asleep."

Talon nods, using this chance of freedom to grab himself a drink from out of a nearby cooler. "I know what you mean. My parents were the same when I was growing up. I'm pretty lucky I actually got a mare that cares about children. When Luna told me she was carrying, I had no idea what her thoughts or ideas were. She seemed like she didn't like kids."

"Until the twins were born, that was the truth." She whispers in reply, watching as Luna slowly backs out of the tent, closing the flap of the tent behind her. "She never attended any of the functions that Celestia had to, be it visiting the children in hospitals, or checking in on any of the schools. She was more pre-occupied with relearning history and Equestrian law. If there was a child involved, she wanted nothing with it."

He cocks an eyebrow in confusion. "So what the hell changed?" He asks, turning his full attention upon the mare now. "A person...pony in this case doesn't go from couldn't be bothered to super mom over night. She had it down to a science from day one after birth."

Luna clears her throat, return to her position close to the pilot. "That's because these are mine children, mine flame. And you always love something more that you create yourself." She says with a soft smile. "A mother develops strong feelings when she is the one to carry the children, and even stronger ones if they can commune with their offspring like Alicorns or some fairly powerful Unicorns."

Dusty Shine goes wide eyed for a moment. "You mean you could talk to them during the pregnancy?" She asks. "I thought that was just a rumor that Unicorns spread."

Luna shakes her head and laughs, eyeing the blue maned Earthen mare. "Neigh, mine friend. It is very much true. In the first several months, one would only be able to commune feelings and very limited thoughts to the child, but it takes great focus. To the end of a pregnancy however, the mothers are able to hold full, fluid conversations with their offspring. It is how a Unicorn mare always knows the gender and proper naming of their offspring. Sadly however, the gained memory of the pregnancy is most always lost due to the stresses of birth. They rarely ever remember those full conversations."

Nodding in understanding, the Earthen mare seems to visibly wilt, appearing crestfallen. "I wish I could have some kind of ability like that. I bet it would be pretty cool to have some pony to talk to on that kind of a level. It must be nice to have magic." She says in a low tone.

Talon reaches out his hand and scratches the mare behind the ear for a moment. "How do you think I feel? I don't have any magic at all, let alone the ability to understand any of it. Count yourself lucky though. There were a few times in the middle of the night when Luna here would zap me with her power due to surges. From what I read up on the subject, unicorn mares have that issue where their power can sometimes go out of control during some pregnancy's. The end results could be anything from harmless changes to the local environment, to catastrophic damage depending on the nature of the surge." He responds.

Dusty leans into the scratching for a moment, enjoying it while she can briefly, before the pilot retracts his hand. She lets out a happy sigh. "Yeah, I heard about that from some of my old school friends back when I was a filly."

As Luna is about to join the conversation, she takes pause after hearing a loud happy laugh from nearby Lunar Stallions all camping very close by. She turns her attention to find the stallions in question all with their armor off, both bat ponies and pegasi, unicorns and Earthen alike all sitting around a large fire pit, enjoying the borscht and various foods being cooked over the open fire.

"It sounds like they're having fun." Dusty Shine comments, also looking over at the group now. "What is that dish Captain Fury is making?" She asks, picking up the rich scent of the spices wafting in the air, amongst the smell of smoke, burning wood and various other smells upon the gentle breeze within the night air.

"Borscht, from his homeland." Luna comments. "He created it several nights ago for mine sister and I...Tia has seemed to rather enjoy it." She muses. "Infact...perhaps thou should get the recipe, and pass it along to the kitchen staff? I'm sure it would make for a lovely cake recipe somehow..."

Talon snickers at the thought, images of Celestia throwing a tantrum over an awful cake running through his mind. He lets out a happy sigh at the thought, turning to light a cigarette as he rests by the fire. 'Wish I thought of that.' He thinks to himself. 'Best. Prank. Ever.'

The three sit and relax by the fire together, enjoying the next hour by the warm fire. Since then, Talon began to do Earths most famed tradition around a campfire, telling ghost stories and making smores. At first, explaining the concept of how to create the sugary confection was easy enough. Two cracker pieces, one marshmallow, one piece of chocolate. Squish together in gooey sandwich. How hard could it be?

Dusty Shine? No problem. She was long since familiar with the treat herself, having of made it many many times in her own foal hood. The alicorn on the other hoof...not so much. The assembly portion was easy. The cooking the fluffy goodness of marshmallowness...

"Oh. Oh! It's on fire!" Luna squeals in surprise, wrenching the stick holding the marshmallows away from the flames quickly within her magic. She quickly flails with the branch having roughly ten of the molten delights around in a blazing show, frantically waving and whipping it around in the air to extinguish the sugary torch.

"Luna! Calm down!" Talon quickly calls out, trying to calm the excitable alicorn down to help her. "Don't shake the stick like that, they'll fly o--" He stops short, Luna running into him in her fright. The stick held within her magic suddenly comes to a jarring stop, several of the marshmallows taking to flight and sailing through the air in fiery balls of delicious goodness.

The first few simply fall short and land harmlessly in the nearby pond, in the dirt or into the opposing campfire with the Lunar Stallions group. One lucky flaming marshmallow however, quickly finds its way to land squarely upon the flank of the unsuspecting Captain Aegis Shield.

Luna stares wide eyed with the pilot and Dusty Shine, as he suddenly leaps nearly a full eight or so feet in the air in surprise, letting out a loud howling yelp. The unarmored bat stallion races around in pained confusion, desperately trying to put out the small flame and molten hot marshmallow stuck to his rump near his tail. Within moments, he gallops for a B-line straight to the now cooling down pot of Borscht being tended to by Dark Fury.

A loud hissing sound is heard for a moment, followed by a sigh of relief shortly after the poor stallion dunks his entire rump and tail into the pot of porridge like gruel, a wide satisfied open smile upon his muzzle. No time to waste however, Dark Fury is returning from the tree line after taking care of some...personal business.

Talon swallows hard and watches as the familiar bat stallion quickly scrambles out of the pot, nearly tipping it over and dashing off quickly, out of sight, unnoticed by the Elite Lunar Stallion returning to finish preparing the dinner dish for the stallions. All of the other Lunar guards however, did see the whole display.

Not a word is said as every pony, pilot included watches as Fury picks up a ladle after stirring the gruel, then takes a big test sip of the Stalliongrad dish. The whole camp is in silence. Dark Fury doesn't seem to notice, and only smiles to take another sample.

"Hmm...Da! Good. It taste like...new flavor? Much like mother make vhen I vas young colt." He comments loudly, smiling. "Comrades! Borscht is done, yes? Come eat! He calls out. The entire camp eyes warily, including captain Aegis Shield, silently watching as their maws hang agape. "Vhat? Is something I say?" Fury asks. Talon and Luna face palm and face hoof, watching from a short distance away.

Dusty Shine holds a notepad in her fore hooves, writing down information into it with the pen held in her teeth. 'And dip one Lunar Stallion butt into dish for seasoning...Bat Pony flavor is associated with true Stalliongrad cooking.' She writes. With a smile she looks over the recipe. "Ah hah! I'll send this to the kitchen staff right away once we return tomorrow."

Talons eye twitches as him and the alicorn glance over at the Earthen Pony mare for a moment, looking over her field notes on how to make Borscht cake. The pilot lets out a defeated sigh, Luna grinning a sheepish grin.

"Heh....oops?" Luna squeaks out quietly. It's going to be an interesting night.

Author's Note

Ok folks, comments. I know you have them, lets hear them! What was your favorite scene? Is this how you hoped it would be for Nightie? Is the threat a bluff? All up to you! :D I look forward to your thoughts~

Edit: I got a note from people asking what Dusty Shine had looked like. Due to my extreme laziness to draw at the moment, here's a quickie through the Hub's pony creator. ^^;;;

Whispers II, The Storm

Chapter Five: Whispers II; The Storm from the Dark

Luna yawns, nuzzling deeply into the pilots bare chest while they both rest within the sleeping bag inside the small tent. The air feels a bit stuffy, her belly uncomfortably full of sugary sweet treats, several cups of tea, and a rather large dinner from earlier. She lets out a contented sigh and relaxes, enjoying the peaceful night.

An hour passes, Luna long since have fallen asleep, her mind drifted far off to dreams and peaceful scenes. In the gloom and darkness of the tent, the midnight alicorns eyes slowly open, glowing teal draconic orbs peering into the area around her. Nightie...has awakened once more.

She searches around the tent slowly, carefully lifting her head and gauging her surroundings. 'This isn't Luminescence's chambers...' She thinks, her eyes tracing the fabric dome around her. Nightie quietly thinks, chewing gently on her cheek within her maw as she processes her location. She can feel the warmth of the pilot beneath her , the slow rise and fall of his chest under her barrel and forelegs. She glances down and sees him sleeping peacefully, a soft, gentle smile crossing her features.

She coos out softly, her breath gently falling upon the pilots skin as she lowers her head slowly, placing a gentle, delicate kiss upon his lips. He stirs for a moment, then lets out a quiet snort and returns to his deep sleep, completely unaware of the kiss. Nightie lets out a soft, quiet giggle, before laying her head back upon his form.

The minutes pass, the nightmare alicorn taking in the sounds of the world around her. Even without using magic, she can tell they're outside somewhere, likely in the gardens or a secluded area a good distance away from the palace and grand city of Canterlot, the only light within the fabric dome being the ambient starlight glow of the pilots bauble, its star spinning ever so slowly and lazily within its glass orb, the light a soft iridescent hue.

She can't sense Celestia anywhere nearby, nor any sources of magic in use at the moment. A small grin crosses her muzzle as she alights her horn with only a small amount of her dream magic, just barely enough to be detected. She gently touches her horn to the sleeping pilot, weaving her spell and entering his dreams.

* * * * *

In the dream realm, the nightmare alicorn opens her eyes, taking in the breathtaking sights around her. She's standing upon an unfamiliar beach, before a vast ocean of beautiful, clear water, the color a deep hue of green and sea blue...the water almost seeming to give off an other worldly glow from the beautiful clear starlight above. The waves are sloshing slowly and crashing gently against the white, silken sand at her hooves, the sounds to her are both calming and soothing.

The sky is blanketed with unfamiliar stars, in patterns and shapes she's never seen, the heavens above alight with bright, twinkling gems of diamonds, sapphires and crystals, glistening and shimmering high above her head in the silken deep, dark blue skies.

She swivels her ears around, taking in and studying the intricate details all around her, relishing in the peaceful salty sea air. As she's scanning the horizon around her, she sees the pilot sitting alone under a strange, tall tree, growing in the sand near the waters edge. Her heart skips a beat within her barrel as she eyes him, soft, gentle smile crossing her velvet muzzle as she approaches.

Nightie clears her throat to get the pilots attention once she comes within a few paces of him, her bare hooves digging into the cool, soft sand as she comes to a halt. Talon doesn't look at her, he simply continues to sit quietly under the palm tree, looking out at the moonlight being reflected off of the oceans surface.

He lets out a sigh, his eyes trained ahead. "I had a feeling you'd show up here if I simply waited for you." He breathes out, still not looking at her. "Angel taught me how to do lucid dreaming before we called it a night tonight, so that you and I could talk."

Nightmare nickers quietly, continuing to study his features as she listens. Knowing that he is aware of her presence and addressing her, she smiles gently and comes to a rest upon her bare belly into the sand, a small shiver trailing down her spine as she experiences the new sensation to her.

"Don't bother trying to snap back and get out of the dream. I have you pinned in so you can't escape until I release you." He says, finally turning his gaze to face her. He notices one odd thing...she's still smiling sweetly, her teal draconic eyes lidded and relaxed.

Nightie takes in a soft, quiet breath, never glancing away from him. She stares intently into his eyes, smiling genuinely with all of her features. "I had no intention of leaving anyway...now that I know the sun bringer will not interfere too much." She coos out gently.

He watches as she nestles into a more comfortable laying position, the black alicorn fluttering her wings gently before folding them against her sides. He looks her over, then returns his gaze to the dreamscape ocean before him. As he's about to speak to her, she interrupts.

"Where is this...where are we, my master?" She asks quietly, finally breaking her lidded gaze away from him to study the marvelous sights around her. The wind is cool, gentle and soft, the most perfect night air if there ever was. She inhales deeply and smiles, studying the wonder of this magical place.

"We're on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. On Earth." He replies, still looking out at the sea of stars before them. "When angel and I spoke earlier tonight, she suggested we talk here together, so that you and I could iron out some details...and don't call me that."

Nightie raises an eyebrow, still smiling, as she turns her gaze back to meet his eyes. Her razor sharp teeth within her maw gleam in the moonlight as she grins, enjoying this. "It's so beautiful here..." she whispers, before she turns to look at him in his eyes. "And what will you have me call you then? Luminescence sees you as our master, tis' only fair that I call you such, since you have given me a new name."

"Talon will do just fine." The pilot groans out in annoyance. "Luna doesn't call me master, neither shall you." He says after releasing a huff of air, then readjusts to a more comfortable sitting position. "We need to talk, Nightie."

The nightmare alicorn continues smiling sweetly, scooting closer to the pilot in the sand. She nods slowly, her soft teal draconic orbs focused intently upon his visage. "Luminescence does call you master...after all, we are one in the same. So I would know best." She takes in a soft breath and exhales, relishing in the salty sea air of this tropical dream paradise. "Whatever it is you wish to speak about, I'll happily listen." She replies, her voice silken with a seductive touch.

Talon chews on his inner cheek in thought for a moment, reflecting on his earlier conversation with the midnight alicorn before they fell asleep. He considers for a few moments in silence, before he clears his throat, deciding it's best to get straight to the point. His tone gentle, but firm. "I want you out of Luna. Your magic is a poison to her, you don't let her sleep, and it's taxing her too heavily."

Her smile falls into a small, tight frown as she listens, her ears drooping slightly. She looks away, her gaze focused upon the sand at her fore hooves. "Oh..." She whispers, disheartened. "You mean...you wish me to leave your herd and my children."

"I know you can't survive on your own, without an energy source. I know you're a miasma, that is dependent on a co-existent relationship. You can't survive outside of a body. So...I have a solution I would like to offer you. " He quickly adds, getting her attention. "A...compromise, of sorts."

She looks back to him, her ears perking straight up as her wings tighten to her sides. He continues speaking. "The gift angel gave me...it contains a star. From what I've learned about it, it's literally its own power source, one with her own magic, but connected to my own energy instead of hers. I will carry you. So you get what you want, she gets her rest, and I take the burden off of her."

Nightmare is quiet for a moment, considering his proposal. 'He's...he's willing to sacrifice his soul for her?' She thinks. She processes what the implications are, then the benefits. She draws a soft breath, and lets out a quiet sigh.

"You do understand...undertaking such a risk may very well end your life, my master. With my soul melding with yours...it would bring with it the knowledge of the ages, thousands of years of memories, emotions and ancient power. You would experience pain unrelenting, your very mind would collapse from the sheer shock of it all. Even then if you did survive...my power would be a poison to you...it would corrupt and twist your heart, turning you into a monster...if your love is not strong enough." She replies, narrowing her teal draconic orbs to him. Her stare feels as if it were laced with icy daggers, dipped in venom and pure malice, then plunged into his heart and twisted endlessly.

He locks eyes with her, his own gaze fierce, determined and cold. "I am fully aware of the risks, Nightie. I also know if what you say is true, and there is light within you...you wouldn't dare allow that to occur. So I'll ask you one last time. ...Leave angels body, and take mine to seek refuge in. I can't stand seeing her in such pain any longer."

Nightmare moon takes pause and thinks, turning away from him. "...I never knew your love was so deep for us...that you would risk your very soul to protect it." She whispers. She knew, deep down, what exactly could happen. She knew that if it were to come to pass, she herself would be torn apart, her own soul left to wander in the shadows of the abyss for all eternity, experiencing far worse of a fate than even the most vile and darkest parts of Tatarus could offer. The pain of loneliness and sorrow.

"I...I need time to think, and consider your request." She quietly breathes out, her voice a haunted whisper. "Please...release me from this dream so that I may reflect on this choice, and consider it carefully."

The pilot nods, looking away from her and returning his gaze back out into the endless expanse of the ocean before them in this tropical paradise. "Take some time to consider it then...I await your answer. One way or another Nightie, this has to come to a close. Luna needs her mind and powers, she needs her body to herself again so she can be the mother and princess she is needed to be."

He waves his hand off, releasing the bindings upon the black alicorn, so that she could exit his dream that he held her captive with. He hears a shuffle in the sand and turns, looking at her. The alicorn is standing on her hooves again, gazing into his eyes with her soft draconic orbs, her breathing slow and gentle. "Something else to add?" He asks, looking her over.

Nightmare Moon lowers her head and leans forward on her fore hooves, placing a deep, loving kiss upon his lips. She holds the kiss for what feels like an eternity to her, before breaking away. A deep blush adorns her muzzle, showing through her black velvet fur. Looking into her glistening eyes as she turns away, he can see shimmering tears streaming down her cheeks before she vanishes from the dream.

He sighs and turns his gaze back to the ocean, shaking his head in silence.

* * * * *

Hours pass, Luna awakening to the familiar tug upon her senses from her celestial charge. She groggily opens her eyes, looking around the tent through her blurred vision, before letting out a quiet, cute princessly yawn. She smacks her lips and lets out a quiet huff, a smile adorning her muzzle as she shifts her weight and position.

The midnight alicorn alights her horn, opening the flap of the tent as she levels her tired gaze at the moon low in the sky, ready to be put to rest for all of Equestria, to allow the sun to take its place in the heavens for Celestia's day. She wills the moon over the horizon with her power, before releasing the tent flap from her magic.

Luna lays her head upon the pilots chest again, nuzzling back into her comfortable spot she once was before awakening. Her eyes focus in on the soft violet light before her, its glow coming from under the pilots neck. She eyes it curiously and opens her eyes wider, blinking the sleep from her eyes.

'What is that...?' She asks herself in thought as she eyes the deep lavender light she's seeing. She carefully reaches her foreleg forward, gently moving the sleeping pilots head over slightly. Her eyes focus in upon the glass orb, seeing its the bauble she gifted him. But...now it feels different, strange. She tries to sense it within her mind, calling out to the star before her. It does not respond.

She purses her lips forward and looks it over, carefully studying it. Within the glass orb is a deep purple mist, swirling around slowly and aimlessly around a very soft blue light at its center. 'It almost looks like...a nebula formation...but why in Heofon would one form there?' She thinks. Her fetlock glances the pilots neck and shoulder as she shifts, feeling the pilots sweat and somewhat elevated body temperature. He feels slightly warmer than normal.

Luna chews on her cheek within her maw, carefully considering what could be the culprit in a series of possible causes to create such a phenomenon within one of her stars. The pilot begins to stir, snapping her thoughts away from the bauble she was curiously eyeing, and bringing her attention to him.

Talon opens his eyes, looking at the alicorn laying over him. She shifts her weight, her muzzle inches from his face, her warm breath falling gently and cascading over his lips. Luna drapes her forelegs over his shoulders, her right fore hoof tracing the scars upon his shoulder and chest. "Good morning, mine flame." She coos out lovingly.

"Good morning, angel." He yawns out, wincing from the slight headache he has this morning. "Did you sleep well?" He groggily mumbles, trying to wake up as the dim light of dawn begins to brighten up the interior of the tent.

"I did." She sleepily replies, smiling at him as she gazes into his eyes, completely forgetting about the bauble for the moment. "I believe we shalt have to come camping again, mine love. It was most fun indeed." She breathes out.

"Which part, the marshmallow on Shield's butt, or the part where Fury set his tail on fire and ran around the camp?" He snorts, chuckling. Luna gives his lips an affectionate lick in response, before letting out a hushed giggle.

"I thought the parts where I made moonshine for every pony and fair dusty got rather snuggely with thee was the most amusing." She jibes gently. "Whoever would of thought thou were considered a 'snuggy honey bun'? " She muses, letting a large, warm smile cross her features.

The pilot rolls his eyes in mild annoyance. "We agreed never to speak of that again." He mutters, readjusting his head to a more comfortable position, on the overly firm pillow he used with his sleeping bag. He yawns, and smiles at her. "We should probably wake up and start breakfast, angel. The twins will probably be up any time now."

With a quiet sigh of protest, the midnight alicorn rolls her eyes and nods. "Perhaps thou art right, mine flame...but I bequeath thee to allow for another few minutes of slumber. It's so comfortable being here with thee in our bed." She whispers, nuzzling him again and placing a soft, loving kiss upon his lips."

He wraps his arms around the alicorn ad embraces her tightly, gently stroking her back and withers. "While I agree, I highly doubt the girls will enjoy that plan." He responds with a smile, kissing her this time. "I love you, angel." He whispers.

"And I love thee, mine flame." She responds in kind. With a quiet groan, she rises off of her pilots chest, getting to her hooves and standing within the small tent. A series of clicks and pops are heard from her as she wakes her limbs, fluttering her wings close to her sides and shaking the blood back into them. She alights her horn and opens the tent flap, stepping out into the crisp, cool spring morning air.

She looks around the campsite, seeing both the beauty and devastation of last night's festivities. The air is cool and feels wonderful, not yet hot, but not cold either...that just right temperature. The nearby plants, leaves on trees and various rocks, logs and even the tents roofs all have a thin layer of morning dew upon their various surfaces, casting a beautiful reflection of light from the shining of the dawn.

Luna turns her head, her eyes gazing about to look around the campsite, tracing the surroundings of the area. The camp for the Lunar Stallions is by the waters edge of the lake, signs of their party obvious for all of Equestria to see. She laughs quietly at the sight.

Captain Aegis Shield lays strewn haphazardly over a log, his muzzle in the sand whilst his flank is held high in the air by his still standing hind legs. Beside him sprawled out is Captain Stalwart Hide, his snout and most of his head covered by a rather peculiar lampshade. Luna quirks an eyebrow and snickers, amused by the sight.

Talon steps out of the tent next, his eyes scanning the area as well. He dose a double take as he glances, disbelieving he's seeing of all things, Dark Fury hanging by his tail, upside down in a tree. The stallion is clutching an empty bottle of what once was moonshine in his forelegs to his barrel, snoring rather loudly with a happy, drunken grin plastered on his features.

"Angel..." He whispers. "Maybe we shouldn't have given them so much to drink last night." He turns his gaze to the other various Lunar Elite guards, surprised to also find one bat pony laying on his back, unarmored, on the roof of a tent, while another is hanging out of the tent door, his hind legs poking out of a sleeping bag whilst the rest of him is stuffed nose first in it.

"Neigh, mine love. They deserved to enjoy the night as much as we, and as I recall, Tia had a similar experience when she had also consumed some of mine moonshine, not long after the days of the war." She says with a smile, turning her attention away and to the fire pit nearby their tent.

She alights her horn and starts the campfire once again, getting it started to cook breakfast. Several minutes after she starts the fire, the nearby tent opens, out stepping a rather groggy and still sleepy looking Dusty Shine, her mane and tail in an extreme disarray from not being brushed. Talon eyes her and smiles.

"Morning Dusty. Love the new look." He jokes, then turns his attention back to making coffee over the fire. Dusty groans and staggers forward, finding her spot on the same log from last night. She lets out a loud yawn and grumbles.

"Oh bugger off Commander...your mane isn't any better." She responds coyly, leaning against the night princess next to her, still half asleep. "Luna...I swear...if I never drink again, it would still bee too darn soon."

Luna snickers quietly. "Neigh, fair dusty. Tis always alright if taken in moderation. When one consumes such a vast quantity like thou however, it tends to come back and bite thee in thy flank." She muses with a gentle smile. "Fear not, the ill effects of over consumption shalt go away after thou consumes some morning coffee."

"If you say so." She yawns out, the blue maned Earthen Pony mare says with a roll of her eyes. "Let me wake up some more, and I'll help with breakfast." Dusty Shine blearily looks around the camp, seeing the devastation brought about by the Lunar Stallions, surprised by the lampshade. "...How the hay did that get out here?" She asks, pointing at it with her fore hoof. "And why is it on his head?"

Talon and Luna look at each other and shrug, then turn back to the mare. The pilot speaks up. "As I've come to learn since I've been in Equestria, Dusty. It's better not to ask, and just go with it. Chalk it up to just good ole' P.F.M."

Luna and Dusty Shine both raise their eyebrows in question. "Mine flame...what is PFM?" The alicorn asks, curious.

The pilot sighs as he lights up a cigarette from his satchel, exhaling a stream of smoke. "Pure. Fucking. Magic." He responds with a grin to the midnight alicorn.

Dusty Shine giggles quietly, the midnight alicorn looking at the pilot with a blank expression upon her features. Luna nods slowly simply rolling her eyes and turning her attention back to tending to the mornings campfire.

"I am going to go awaken our treasures, mine love. I shalt return shortly." Luna says quietly, a soft smile upon her lips. She rises to her hooves and steps forward to the pilot, giving him a loving kiss upon his lips. Luna breaks the kiss after a few moments, a seductive smile upon her muzzle, and a familiar look in her eyes as she adorns a soft, pale blush under the dark fur upon her form. She turns away and walks to the tent with the twin fillies, a small sway in her hips as she goes.

Talon watches as she disappears into the tent with the fillies, then turns and grins at the Earthen pony mare. Dusty Shine quirks an eyebrow and backs up slightly in her spot. "What?" she asks, looking at him.

"So uh...'snuggy honey bun'?" He chuckles out, looking at the mare. "Any other pet names you have for me?" He asks, grinning wider at her. Dusty Shine blushes and fidgets in place, her gaze quickly averted as her pupils shrink down to pinpricks.

She stutters quietly, mouthing incomprehensible words as she tries to recover from the pilots question. "Um...heh...I...uh" is all she's able to get out.

* * * * *

Hours pass, the twin treasured fillies long since awakened and full, their tiny, cute bellies over stuffed with hay bacon, fried potato slices, and a very large amount of freshly squeezed orange juices, compliments of the dedicated Lunar Stallion detachment.

Dark Fury walks up to the midnight alicorn, a genuine happy smile adorning his muzzle. "Princess." He calls out, standing at attention. Luna turns her attention to him, desperately holding back her giggle as she sees her beautiful fillies handy work upon the poor stallions tail. The Slavic stallion pays no mind to it however, swishing his tail slowly, ignoring the poorly tied red ribbons and bows adorning him.

"Ve vished to zhank you for allowing ze guards to accompany you on zis camping outing. I hope ve vernt too much how you say....noisy for you?" He asks, bowing his head down politely, showing respect to his mistress.

Luna lets out a happy sigh and a smile, nodding to him as she pauses helping pack up the camp site. "Neigh, captain Fury. Thou were excellent company, and mine stallions provided perfect protection and entertainment. I would be honored if thou whist join us again in our future family outings." She muses, her eyes tracing the ribbons and the twin fillies sneaking up on the Lunar elite guard.

"Dah, zhank you princess. ze honor is all mine." He says, giving a low bow. As the stallion is falling into his bow, the fillies pounce on their target, Stardust Kiss grasping the stallions tail within her maw, as Moonlight Way quickly leaps into action and ties a long, elegant pink ribbon onto the base of his tail near the middle. Stardust tugs a bit too hard, and causes the stallion to yelp in surprise.

"Gotcha uncle Fury!!" They shout in unison, causing the stallion to fall over in surprise. He quickly scrambles to his hooves and chases after the fleeing troublemakers playfully, shouting in his Stalliongrad language.

Luna lets out her laugh, hearing him shout in Equestrian. "Zat iz it! Uncle Fury iz going to get you! I make you eat so much borscht, you sleep for week!"

Luna traces the three as they playfully case one another, hearing the nearby lunar stallions all laughing wildly and cheering on the twins. Her ears prick forward however, as she hears a far off rumble unfamiliar to her.

Dusty Shine also hears the distant rumble, an obvious shiver overtaking her. This catches both the alicorns and pilots attention, Talon pausing and looking at Dusty. He sees her suddenly fall to her rump, her fore hooves coming to her ears as she begins to shiver uncontrollably.

The pilot removes his sunglasses and traces the horizon, also hearing the distant rumble. He looks off in the direction of Horseshoe Bay, feeling a gentle breeze in the wind. He can see very far off clouds in the distance, then processes it in his mind. "It looks like we have a storm coming in." He mutters, turning his attention to dusty. "What's with you?"

The mare shakes her head quickly, her own gaze fixated upon the distant clouds she sees. "Um...it's...it's hard to explain." She shivers again, her tail quickly whipping around and under her belly.

Luna notices the clouds finally, then simply shrugs. "Fair Dusty, tis only a storm far away, likely it shalt not reach Canterlot. The weather pegasi have not scheduled a storm for another week, and even so it shalt only be a light rain with nothing more than a bit of wind."

Talon eyes the storm clouds in the distance, thinking of how it more less resembled one of Earths storms, rather than the carefully constructed ones from Cloudsdale. He ignores a nagging thought in the back of his mind, turning his attention back to the shivering mare. He sighs and comes to her, placing his hand upon her back by her withers.

"You'll be fine Dusty. If you want, you can head back to the palace, we'll finish up here." He comments, gently reassuring the mare. Dusty Shines eyes remain glued to the far off storm, before she nods and gulps, trying to push back her fear. She didn't want to talk about it.

Dusty Shine remains in her spot, Luna having now come to try and comfort her, draping her large, feathery wing over her friend. The pilot breaks away and resumes picking up the last of the camp, the fire long since gone out, and the fire pit carefully broken down and restored to its original state.

Lunar Stallions come help assist with the gear, the entire group making their way back to the palace.

* * * * *

"What do you mean it's not out of Cloudsdale?" Celestia asks, the alicorn looking over reports from Horseshoe Bay and Baltimare. She turns her attention to the Cloudsdale president and eyes the Pegasus stallion, raising an eyebrow. "Are you telling me this is some random storm from my mother knows where?"

"Yes ma'am." The ash gray Pegasus stallion replies, standing at the base of the throne dais. "Our weather teams were dispatched to try and disperse the storm from the coast, but were unable to due to the strength of the winds. It's estimated to be stronger than even our best ones we've generated in the last two hundred years on record."

The regal white alicorn nods, setting down the papers. "How big is it, and what is likely it's potential range and damage it can create?" She asks, chewing on her cheek within her maw. Her muzzle holding a small frown as she considers what the Pegasus is stating.

The Pegasus sighs, not wanting to have to give her this answer. "Princess...It is my deepest regret that I can't tell you that. It's easily the largest, strongest storm on record. We have no idea how it formed, or even why. The only thing I can tell you...is that it's likely going to cross all of Equestria. What we do know about it, is that it moves like two storms are together, but in the center of the two storms, is perfectly calm weather. We can't fly above it to gauge its size, nor can any Pegasus fly through it due to its strength. It's coming with a lot of rain, and very, very strong winds. We've seen nothing like it."

The alicorn takes pause, letting out a quite huff after a few moments of silence. The throne room is so quiet, that one could hear a pin drop anywhere in the large room, the sound would echo as loud as thunder.

"Many centuries ago..." She begins, drawing a gentle, strained breath. "Back when Luna and I were very young, before the reign of Discord...storms formed on their own quiet often during random times of the year. These storms were very strong, and incredibly large. They were formed naturally, rather than by magic or weather control."

She looks at him, her voice uneasy. "Lulu and I never had a name for them....we just know that we had always watched for these, and could tell they were approaching when members of the Earth pony tribe would suddenly begin acting strange. They feared these storms...one as I recall calling them reaper winds. They destroyed entire villages, especially ones built near the sea. It's been over three thousand years since I've seen one."

The Pegasus shifts his weight on his hooves, listening to the princesses story, seeing her calm regal mask fade away as she seems to be lost deep in her own memories. "These storms...though they didn't last long, were always devastating, and always left behind a mess. Some of them even created giant funnel clouds that would spin so fast and so powerful, it would sweep aside even the strongest castles and fortifications, even the ones built by the Dragon Nation. Though our buildings and towns are built far better than they were back then....we should consider this to be a possible reaper wind." She finishes.

"And...what will you have me do then, princess?" The Pegasus responds, looking at the regal white alicorn. Celestia heaves a troubled sigh, and turns her soft, saddened magenta orbs to gaze into his bright sea green ones.

"Instruct the weather pegasi to fly into any areas that may be in the storms path, and have the ponies of those cities and towns seek shelters in strengthened buildings made of stone, or caverns. Then you be sure your ponies seek refuge for themselves. All that can be done is for us to simply hunker down and wait it out. I will personally look into this matter and speak with the Crystal Empire. This storm formed off of their coastline, so perhaps they would have some answers." She quietly replies.

The Pegasus stallion bows, being dismissed by the princess of the sun. Celestia watches as he leaves, then heaves a heavy, troubled sigh. "Not how I wanted to spend my day off..." She mutters, looking to her personal guard. "Captain Jolt Flash." She calls out.

The Pegasus guard approaches the throne, looking to the tired alicorn. "Yes, your highness?" He asks, saluting formally.

"Contact the crystal empire via the radio in the control center, try and get some answers from their weather teams. I'm going to speak with my sister and Twilight, to see if we can come up with some kind of way to either push this storm back, or perhaps disperse it altogether. Also be sure to cancel all incoming and outbound flights, practices and demonstrations from our aircraft. I want all machines grounded and safely tucked in their hangars. Am I clear?" Celestia states, rubbing her temple with her bare hoof, fighting back her migraine she's had ever since the president of Cloudsdale demanded an audience, rather than politely asking. That stallion was always rather snobbish, and abrasive.

The captain of the guard nods and turns, heading to carry out the princesses orders. Celestia is left alone in the throne room, to think in silence as she considers her options. After a few minutes, she too also leaves the now empty throne room of the palace, off to parts of the castle to seek out her love, Twilight Sparkle, as well as Luna, hopeful to find some answers.

* * * * *

The day has gone by rather quickly for every pony, the storm itself fast approaching Canterlot. The sun has yet to set, the skies darkened by the clouds, overcast and gray. The air feels cold, and smells heavily of salt and the sea. Celestia, Luna and Twilight all sit quietly in the regal white alicorns study, pouring over ancient tomes about weather patterns and previous storm records. So far, they're not having much luck.

Twilight sighs, her snout falling into the thick, dusty book before her. "I give up....we've read through at least twelve books so far, and we're no closer to an answer than we were four hours ago. There simply isn't any recorded history of anything like this."

Luna closes her book, her gaze falling to the window as she hears rain droplets beginning to ping gently against the glass doors and windows of the study. She glances at the clock, seeing it's near time to put the fillies to bed. 'where has the day gone...?' She asks herself in thought. "Mine sister....this is simply a storm we can do nothing about. We should just allow the infernal thing to pass us by. Reports from Horseshoe Bay came in three hours ago, stating they're in the center of the two storms, and they've suffered only light damage to some rooftops, only heavy rains. Perhaps we shalt find this storm to be nothing more than a simple huffelpuff, and we should enjoy it for what it is. A little rain and wind never hurt any pony."

Celestia nods, also closing her book, noting it's near time to set the sun. "So be it..." She mutters. "And I was so hopeful to just enjoy one last day lounging around our pond. Our vacations are so rare, lulu." She mutters. "I didn't even get a chance to have any cake today." The white alicorn quietly whines.

Twilight rolls her eyes and smiles smugly. "I did."

If looks could kill...Twilight would probably be dead a thousand and one times over. Celestia glares at her for a moment, while holding a tight frown. Twilights smile only gets more smug. "And it as Moonshine cake by the way."

Luna snickers quietly, rising to her hooves. " I believe it is time for me to help mine flame place mine treasures to their slumber, before the storm comes and scares them. Thou knows how much young Stardust Kiss loves thunder storms."

"And if by loves, you mean she runs and hides under my bed like her mother, then she adores them." Celestia muses, turning her attention to the midnight princess. Luna blushes brightly and puffs out her cheeks in annoyance.

"Tia! I have done no such thing in quite some time!" She fires back, her wings snapping open upon her back, as she pins her ears back flat against her head. "Thou fibs!"

The lavender alicorn levitates a photo album from a nearby shelf within her magic, the pages magically flipping to the most recent picture. It shows both Stardust Kiss and Luna hiding under the regal white alicorns bed, the date stamped upon the bottom right corner of the photograph dated only a month prior. In the picture after it, it shows the pilot carrying both the large blue alicorn, and the filly in his arms, with the most annoyed expression on his face as he is walking.

"Quite some time indeed, Luna." Twilight mutters, closing up the album. "You do know that you still scare me half to death when you two do that."

Luna's tail flicks quickly in annoyance, as she turns and heads out of the room, quietly sulking. There's a loud crack of thunder heard, echoing within the grand halls of the palace, the windows slightly shaking. The rain picks up in some intensity, as the wind whistles and also picks up strength.

The midnight alicorn walks quickly down the halls, finding her way to the Lunar wing of the palace. She comes to the door of the children's bedroom, hearing the voice of her flame. She smiles and places an ear against the door, straining to listen in on the conversation.

"And then what, papa?" Moonlight way asks her father, a large, toothy grin adorning her small, cute muzzle. "What did you and mama do next?"

The pilot clears his throat, a smile on his lips. "So there we were, facing down your aunt's Celestia and Twilight in the middle of Canterlot. We were pinned in, and had nowhere left to run. We knew that any moment could be our last, as sunny butt started to close in."

"Why didn't you just hop on mama's back and fly away?" Moonlight Way asks, sitting up in bed. Her wings twitch and bob idly upon her back. She snuggles the plush warbird in her forelegs. "I know mama is faster than auntie Tia's big butt!"

Luna can't help but to giggle quietly at her daughters comment, listening in carefully from the hallway. She thinks about her size before the pregnancy, how five years later she has yet to completely lose all of the weight she had gained. The thought makes her grimace, her gaze turning back to her own flank for a moment as her grin falls into a slight frown, then she continues to listen in.

"Your mom did the only thing she could think to do. As Sunny Butt came close enough for your mom to strike, she picked up the cake from her back and just held a big scary grin on her face. Before your auntie could turn and run, mama threw the cake with all of her might, casting it as fast and as far as she could! Your aunts couldn't get away....they couldn't dodge or run, couldn't teleport. It was there Celestia the great had fallen, covered in bright pink frosting and delicious sponge cake for the whole of Canterlot to watch!" He says dramatically, waving his arms in motions to accentuate the heroic tale. "Sunny Butt had fallen, defeated by your moms sharp wits and quick thinking. Thus teaching her never, ever to steal the last of your mama's ice cream."

The door to the room opens, the midnight alicorn stepping in with a huge grin upon her muzzle. "And don't you ever forget it either." She giggles out. Luna walks to her flame and nuzzles him lovingly. "Telling our treasures about the great Canterlot cake fight before they were born?" She asks.

Talon sheepishly nods, smiling. "I figured they would enjoy hearing about how awesome their mom is." He replies, smiling and kissing her. Luna turns to face the children after returning the kiss, a soft, sweet smile upon her muzzle.

"Tis bedtime, mine treasurers." She says, her tone soft and melodic. "Did papa help thee brush thy teeth and manes?" She asks, looking them over. Stardust Kiss yawns and nods, her lidded gaze focused in on the midnight alicorn.

"Yes mama, papa made sure we did that, after he helped us bathe and fed us dinner." She responds, a gentle, loving smile crossing her own muzzle. She looks to Moonlight Way, who is sharing an equally loving smile, and nodding slowly.

With this, the night princess walks between the two beds, coming to a rest on her haunches as she begins her lullaby. The pilot rises to his feet during this, and closes the windows tightly, glancing outside at the storm before drawing the drapes. Luna continues her nightly ritual, weaving her spells and dream magic as she does, helping place her children into a deep restful sleep so they wouldn't have to fear the storm.

~*~My children, my treasures...how you're so dear to me. You'll never know what love and joy you bring.

My children, my angels, how I love thee...You're my whole world, my starlight, my soul and my dreams.

May your sleep be as sweet as can be, may you travel to places of peace. But always know I love you, hold you dear to me.

I'll always keep you, as my one true dream.

My children, my wonders, how you mean so much to me. You'll always mean, so much to me.

My angels, my darling angels...May you find your peace. Know that you'll always be held in my wings.

I was lost, with no light to see. It was you who gave me a sense of where to be. My children, my angels. My precious dreams.

Always know that I truly love thee... ~*~

The fillies yawn sleepily and quietly begin to nod off, soothed by their mothers graceful and beautiful melody. Luna opens her eyes and gazes lovingly at them, continuing her lullaby.

~*~My children, my treasures...how you're so dear to me. You'll never know what love and joy you bring.

My children, my angels, how I love thee...You're my whole world, my starlight, my soul and my dreams.

May your sleep be as sweet as can be, may you travel to places of peace. But always know I love you, hold you dear to me.

I'll always keep you, as my one true dream.

My children, my wonders, how you mean so much to me. You'll always mean, so much to me.

My angels, my darling angels...May you find your peace. Know that you'll always be held in my wings.

I was lost, with no light to see. It was you who gave me a sense of where to be. My children, my angels. My precious dreams.

Always know that I truly love thee... ~*~

She sighs as she completes the last of her spells and nightly ritual, then turns to face the pilot. Her horn alights once more, placing a reversed sound proofing spell around the entire room. She weaves it tightly and carefully, insuring that the room would be completely cloaked in silence, the only sounds being the restful snores of the fillies, and the soft click tick of the analog wall clock placed upon the wall for them.

The two exit the chambers after she finishes the spell, coming into the hallway. The pilot looks uneasily at his alicorn, his hand tracing the bauble around his neck. "Angel...that storm is looking pretty bad out there. We should probably get to bed soon too...I know how much you enjoy these." He quietly states, embracing her tightly in his arms.

Luna nods, nuzzling deeply into his chest. I agree, mine flame. I hath already raised the moon before I came to help tuck our children in...perhaps we should go into our chambers soon. I myself have grown exhausted, and wish for nothing more than a good nights rest, and a warm bath in the dawn."

Turning away after releasing her, the two cross the hall to their own chambers, passing the Lunar Stallions stationed at the entrance of the Lunar Wing, and nearby the grand ornate oak doors of the moon princesses private quarters.

* * * * *

It's been two hours, the control center busier than ever in history this night. Dusty Shine has since retired to her chambers, having worked some on the fillies gala dresses for the pilot, before finding herself exhausted enough to go to sleep, despite the constant sinking feeling within her heart. This however, was quickly brought to a halt as she's been recently awoken by a night guard, summoned from the alarms.

Dusty Shine yawns loudly as she enters the control center, tired after her sudden awakening and rushed call to come to view the problem. As she enters the room, she comes to find several of her day shift co workers all frantically rushing about the area from station to station, every screen and monitor lit up with various warnings.

She stares wide eyed in confusion, her attention turned to the large screen mounted upon the front wall, displaying the large picture of the radar. The screen shows the highlights from the storm and precipitation, as well as a large wave of unidentified contacts incoming to Canterlot.

"What in the hay is going on here?!" Dusty calls out, looking about the room. One of her assistants hears her calling out among the confusion and chaos, the alarms and the chatter. The blond Pegasus mare newly trained, and the one who activated the alarm.

"W- W- We have major incoming, Miss Shine! Our radar picked up multiple contacts inbound, and they're not responding to the IFF! We don't know who or what they are." She responds. "I w-w- was t-th- the one to sound the alarm, ma'am."

Dusty Shine raises an eyebrow, confused. "Well have you tried to radio in any pony? We were expecting in some trainees from the Crystal Empire." She comments, then looks out the window. The rain is coming down and pounding upon the glass, the sound of the howling wind rings loudly, some gusts even overpowering the sounds of the busy and chaotic control room.

'But with this storm...I grounded all flights in and out of Canterlot...so that can't be the squadron.' She thinks, letting out a worried sigh. She watches as several of the staff members attempt radioing out on all known frequencies, hearing nothing but static coming over the intercoms and speakers.

"Lady Shine." A stallions voice catches her attention. The earthen pony mare turns to see the Lunar Elite Guard, Dark Fury. He coughs for a moment, then levels his draconic golden orbs to her. "Zis incoming...it vill reach city within hour, da? Perhaps iz time to vake Commander and princess...and intercept?"

"No!" Dusty shine cries out loudly. "Sending up even a single aircraft, even the Commander's would be a suicide mission!" She angrily thrusts her foreleg out, pointing to the window. Lightning flashes, and thunder rumbles loudly. The storm is growing worse. "If we send any pony out there, they could die! It's too dangerous to fly right now, Captain Fury!"

"Da...but if you do not...ze city could be in danger. Our comrade commander...he iz good pilot. Best. Ve should have faith, as you vould say." Dark Fury rumbles out in his husky Slavic voice. "Princess...vould be very upset if kingdom in danger, and ve sit on our hooves. You understand, comrade Dusty?" He asks slowly.

The room has fallen silent, every pony either watching the signatures getting closer on the radar display, or staring nervously at the two superiors speaking. It all rests on the earthen mares judgement call, as such her job was for being in command of the control center.

She swallows hard, glancing out the window again as the rain pounds and hammers at the glass. Her ears catch the whistling howl of the wind from the errant storm, her eyes see the trees swaying and whipping violently in the unseen winds trying to rip apart the city as the lightning flashes and illuminates the heavens. Her eyes dart back to the room, her gaze falling on the screen and seeing the dots continuing to advance with the storm.

Dusty Shine brushes past the Lunar Elite guard, and grasps the headset from her station within her fore hooves. Coming to a quick seat on her haunches, she presses the button for intercom, and calls out what she hopes is the correct and best order. Clearing her throat, she nervously speaks.

"All personnel and flight teams, scramble to aircraft and launch. Inbound contacts spotted, move to intercept at once." She breathes hard, glancing at the screen. "Commander Masters and Luna Masters, please report to hangar bay one and launch..."

* * * * *

Awakened recently by the storm, Talon sits at the desk chair, staring out the closed glass doors of the balcony from within the night princesses chambers. The sound of wind whistling and howling catches his senses as he replays memories in his mind, memories of similar storms like this one from Earth. This isn't the first serious thunderstorm he's ever weathered, and Heaven knows it won't ever be the last.

He lets out a sigh as he flicks the ash into the glass bowl upon the desks surface from his cigarette, then raises the burning tube to his lips for another draw. Lightning flashes, illuminating his vision of the weather outside as he stares, watching the torrents of rain pound and beat against the glass partitions.

"Mine love..." Luna whispers. "Come to bed, lay beside me please." Luna calls out gently to him, trying to get his attention. "Thou hath watched the storm with such wonder for long enough...I find I cannot sleep without thee nearby.

Turning to glance at his alicorn he nods, exhaling another stream of smoke. "I will, angel. Just let me finish my cigarette." He replies quietly, turning his attention back to the storm. "It's just been a while since I've seen anything like this." He takes another draw and inhales, then exhales the smoke again. "Your weather is normally managed by your Pegasus ponies. It's rare to see a storm like this one, that mirrors the storms back on Earth."

Luna lets out a defeated sigh and rolls out of bed, the sound of her tired shuffling hoof steps in the room, muffled by the plush carpet. She comes to a rest beside him upon her haunches, also looking out the balcony doors now. "Were all storms like this one, on your world?" She asks, tilting her head. She alights her horn and grasps a fire tube of her own, bringing it to her lips, and held in her magical grasp. The pilot lights it for her and nods, keeping his eyes glued to the chaos outside the safety of the chambers.

"Not always, angel." He breathes out. "Just the really bad ones. I remember when we had storms like this while I was deployed on the Enterprise." He flicks the ash in the bowl again, and watches as the alicorn does the same with her own before he continues. "The serious problem with storms like these, is they could sometimes spawn tornado's."

Luna scrunches up her nose for a moment at the new word, thinking. "What is a tornado, mine flame? What do they do?" She asks, turning her attention to him. She shivers from the howling sound of the wind against the windows and cracks in the doors weather seals. The storm is starting to scare her.

"Tornado's...the fastest winds on Earth. A gigantic funnel cloud from the heavens that swirls and wipes out anything and everything in their path. I had seen one form over the ocean once a few years ago back on Earth. They call those ones water spouts." He calmly says, putting out his cigarette. "They're dangerous as hell, but pretty to look at. From a very safe distance, keep in mind."

The alicorn nods, taking a final draw from her own fire tube before putting it out. She glances out the glass balcony doors again, swallowing hard as another bolt of lightning flashes close to the palace. As she unsteadily trots back to the bed following the pilot, a loud crack of thunder startles her, causing her to spring forward in fright and tackle him down in her surprise and terror.

He blinks twice, surprised and dazed for a moment, before his brain registers the shaking and trembling alicorn clinging onto him for dear life. Wordlessly he lets out a soft sigh and slowly strokes her mane comfortingly. "It's alright angel...it's just a storm. You'll be fine." He reassures her gently.

Luna silently continues to tremble in her fright, her eyes squeezed shut so hard tears quickly roll out and down her cheeks. Her breathing is labored in her lost composure, her heart thundering in her barrel from her sudden scare. As she feels his comforting touch and hears his soothing voice, she nods quickly and tries to steady her breathing.

The two begin to make their way to bed again, and come to a screeching halt as their ears catch the faint sound of an alarm suddenly sounding in the distance down the halls. The midnight alicorns ears perk up and swivel as she listens intently, before a knocking at the chambers door catches her attention.

Luna cranes her head to face the door, narrowing her gaze to it. "What is it?" She calls out loudly, unsure. Her eyes open wide in confusion as she hears a stallions voice on the other side, then the door slightly opening. The light of the hallways flows in through the opening, and a guard calls out from behind the door.

"Princess Luna, Commander. Lady Shine has urgently requested you both to assemble to the hangar. We have reports of incoming on the radar, and are unsure of what the nature of them are." The Lunar Stallion quickly answers.

Talon looks out of the windows, seeing the rain come down even harder than before, the wind whipping and bending tree limbs outside in the storm. "We'll be on our way. Thanks for the heads up." He answers for the alicorn, clutching her tighter to him for a moment with a comforting embrace.

As the pilot breaks away and turns to the nearby dresser, Luna timidly steps forward. "Mine flame...thou can't be serious if you intend to do what I believe you are." She says quietly, concern laced deep in her voice. She steps forward again as she watches him pull out his flight suit and other clothes, causing her to swallow hard.

"We have to Luna. If we have incoming, it could be the griffons or some other hostiles coming in. Dusty wouldn't sound an alarm if is wasn't important. Don't worry though. For all we know, this could be nothing..." He replies, getting dressed and putting on his pants first. As he pulls out his shirt next, he hears the sound of the alicorns closet door opening, and turns around. Luna has stepped inside and retrieved her new flight jacket recently gifted to her by Rarity, and is in the process of placing it upon her form.

"If you're going out in this, so am I, mine flame." She says resolutely, smiling a small, smug grin. "Thou promised thy shalt never partake in another dangerous mission without me again, and I shalt see to it you uphold that promise."

Lightning illuminates the room for a moment, and the sound of thunder crashes loudly within the chambers. Nodding, he turns his attention back to getting dressed, taking a seat upon the bed to lace up his boots next. "I did say that...didn't I?" He smirks.

The alicorn slips on her hoof bracers next, and comes to a rest by the door as she waits for him to finish. As soon as he rises to his feet, the two exit the chambers, bound for the hangar.

* * * * *

Luna adjusts her headset with her fore hooves as she looks over her flight controls, the screens and various panels coming to life as the pilot powers up the warbird's computers. She lets out a quiet sigh as she gets comfortable in her co pilots position, then starts to buckle herself in, pulling the harnesses over her soft belly and legs first, then over her top section with her comfortable jacket.

"One to control, we are in position and ready with pre-flight checks, please advise on current orders." Talon calls out into the headset within his flight helmet, looking over the radar screen of the war machine. Much to his surprise, the sweeping needle of the aircrafts radar yields absolutely no results.

'Operator to Talon One, proceed with caution out to the taxi way and await further instructions, we are currently sending up other interceptors first. The runway is not clear, you are not cleared to take off.' The voice of Dusty Shine replies over the speakers within the cockpit.

The midnight alicorn presses the control lever for the canopy closure, then activates her own headset to respond. "Understood, fair Dusty. We shalt prepare for takeoff as instructed."

Talon glances back to the alicorn and nods, then turns forward to look out through the canopy glass. Lunar Stallions are beginning to pull open the massive double doors, exposing the war machine to the chilling night air and freezing rain of the storm.

"Initiate scram jet sequence!" He calls out into the headset. The engines begin to whine and howl to life, the turbines slowly spinning up with the high pitched whistle of the banshees cry. Lightning flashes brightly, a gigantic blue and silver bolt ripping through the darkened skies, showing an eerie silhouette of the fast moving clouds as the backdrop. In the distance, the pilot can see the glowing trails of twin afterburners shooting out from behind his wing mans aircraft, one of several warbird's to take to the skies. Equestria's Royal Air Force.

"Helios three, airborne!" One of the palace operators calls out to Dusty Shine, who is busy staring at the monitors. The windows rattle in the palace as another aircraft takes to the skies quickly, very shortly after the first one did. She bites her lower lip hard, chewing on it nervously as she watches the aircraft seemingly having trouble staying straight and stable, before quickly pitching upwards and racing into the heavens.

"Viper seven, airborne!" The same operator calls out. Within a span of several minutes, a total of four aircraft take off and launch, climbing high above the palace and circling, all waiting for their squadron leader to emerge from the hangar below.

In the hangar, Talon gently pushes the throttle forward, the nose of the legendary war machine inching its way out slowly into the raging storm all around them. The rain is coming down so hard, it pours off of the canards and wings in sheets, the water forming a fall as it cascades off of the aircrafts sleek, polished form.

The marker lights upon the vertical staves and wingtips flash and glow brightly as the forward landing gear beam light illuminates, guiding the aircraft down its path to the runway. 'Talon One, you are cleared for take off at any time. Proceed with extreme caution and intercept the contacts.' They hear over the radio from Dusty Shine.

"Understood, control. Talon one has the ball and will proceed." He responds, lining up with the runway. Rain and small bits of sleet pound and hammer against the canopy glass, obscuring his vision slightly and causing him to switch to the IR Laser Targeting scanners for the HUD.

"Fair Dusty, has mine sister been alerted of the current situation?" Luna calls out to the earthen mare over the radio, turning her head to glance at the palace through the safety of the canopy. She winces as she hears thunder loudly all around her, despite the comforting sound of the engines resonating within the cockpit.

'Affirmative, Princess Luna. Princess Celestia has been summoned and is on her way to the control center as we speak, currently under escort. I will alert you as soon as she arrives.' They both hear the mare respond to them. Luna lets out a soft sigh.

Turning back to glance at her for a moment, he gives her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Luna, I've flown in much worse. Don't be afraid, angel."

Luna smiles in kind to him, placing her fore hoof upon his shoulder. She breathes slowly into the headsets mouthpiece then nods. "I know mine flame. I always have felt safe with thee...and I always shall. Let us face down this storm together." She whispers in reply through the radio.

He grasps her slender hoof for a moment then turns back, giving her a comforting squeeze to let her know he understood. Reaching forward, he pushes the throttle ahead. Outside and all around the aircraft they hear the engines howl loudly and roar, metal under tension groaning and twisting slightly as the machine rockets down the runway through the storm.

The alicorn swallows hard as she sees the rain droplets zip like bullets as the aircraft screams down the runway, then feels slightly queasy as the bird tilts back and begins to climb into the heavens. She can feel the howling banshees cry thunder within her barrel, shaking her heart to its core unlike anything she's ever before. She can't help but to let out a small squeal of joy from it, despite the situation and dire nature of their hasty midnight takeoff.

He joins the other aircraft in the skies, all turning to formation and rocketing ahead, climbing in altitude to rise above the impossibly high storm clouds. "One to control, the storm seems to be affecting my radar, I have no contacts on target. Repeat, no contacts available. Please advise." He calls out, adjusting the wings and turning into the extreme wind-shear. The storm gusts are so strong, it's blowing the powerful aircraft as well as Equestria's newly created ones around somewhat. He's having difficulty maintaining steady flight.

In the control center, other operators get much the same report from all other aircraft. No pony detects anything on their screens, but the monitors within the palace paint a much different picture. Licking her lips, Dusty Shine nervously glances at the screens, then out the window. She can see the faint glowing lights of the warbird's afterburners in the distance.

"Talon One, proceed to bearing one six zero and head south west, contacts are identified over Ponyville, currently closing in from Ever Free and Ghastly Gorge." She responds, then looks back at the computer. 'What is going on...why don't they see it?!' She thinks to herself, chewing on her inner cheek within her maw.

'Roger combat control. Switching to swarm logic, full stealth egress. All squadron pilots, proceed to destination, strike pattern alpha. Engage if contacts are visually confirmed as hostiles.' Every pony within the control center hears over the palace intercoms.

Princess Celestia walks into the room, a worried expression upon her features as she studies and surveys the situation. Her ears twitch nervously, and her wings are held tightly to her sides as she tries to hide her obvious apprehension. She too is nervous about this errant storm, and even less enthusiastic about any pony, especially her younger sister having to be out in it. Even with the pilots’ obvious skill, the thoughts of nightmares still race through her mind.

The five aircraft scream forward, now on a straight course thousands of feet above the Equestrian landscape. Unable to climb above the clouds to safety, it forces them all to fly through the storm instead, bolts of lightning narrowly missing the speeding machines.

Twenty minutes pass within the busy control center, every operator carefully monitoring their screens and equipment to watch events unfold. Princess Celestia has since taken a seat by Dusty Shine with her own headset, observing and listening in on the communications ongoing.

'One to control, we have reached the specified coordinates, the skies around here seem clear and yield no results. Repeat, we have no contacts, negative on visual.' The pilots voice rings over the palace intercoms, causing further confusion upon the occupants muzzles.

"Talon One, we see the squadron transponders, according to our screens, you should be right on top of the contacts. They are currently moving north, northeast bound for Canterlot on course, altitude is unknown." Dusty Shine replies quickly, checking then rechecking the equipment.

"Dusty...is it possible this storm could be causing false readings?" The white alicorn asks, concern written all over her features. The storm has since continued to pick up steam near the palace, growing stronger, the lightning and thunder more apparent, the rain pouring down harder than ever.

"Doubtful...but anything is possible, Princess. This is new technology to Equestria, so I would imagine any number of bugs could still be in the system. The engineers did base this off of two types of radars listed in the commander’s database on board his machine." She replies quietly, still chewing on her lower lip.

Celestia nods, turning her head to face the guard, Captain Jolt Flash. "Captain, awaken one of the engineers who maintains this equipment and summon him or her here at once. I want to know if we are needlessly risking our pilots lives or not." The alicorn speaks. There's absolutely no room for negotiation or question in her firm, uneasy tone.

The Pegasus guard nods quickly and salutes, rushing out to carry out the alicorns orders. Celestia turns her attention back to the large screen displaying the radar, chewing on her own inner cheek within her maw. Her heart sinks with worry, a sense of dread washing over her.

* * * * *

The warbird's all circle wide around Ghastly Gorge and Ponyville, sweeping wide and searching the skies for any sign of something in flight. The pilot listens intently to the chatter between his wing mates.

'Viper Seven here. This storm is too strong for any Pegasus or creature to fly through. My instruments are reading ground wind speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, gusts of over ninety. Flying out there without one of these is suicide!'

'Helios Three, Viper seven, did you just say sixty miles per hour?! The storms out of Cloudsdale have nothing on this monster! Where in Tatarus did something like this storm come from?!'

"Cut the chatter you two, and focus on checking the skies. This is an errant storm that formed out somewhere in the waters from the coast. This isn't exactly normal from what I was told." Talon responds through his helmets headset. He sighs heavily and winces as the flight stick jerks in his hands, having difficulty keeping the aircraft aloft. Higher in the sky, the winds are significantly stronger.

Luna whimpers quietly as she looks out of the canopy, searching the best she can. Her horn is alight, using her magic to probe the area for any energy that would indicate a magical creature. She senses nothing. She flinches as she watches another bolt of lightning streak a good distance away, the bolt appearing to reach the ground of Ponyville.

"Mine flame...I sense nothing up here. We are alone in these skies...Are thou sure that we hath any reason for being here?" She nervously asks, watching the rain droplets zip past and blur her vision through the canopy. The aircraft shudders as it turns against a gust, the wings tipping quickly for a moment before the aircraft is righted again.

As the pilot is about to speak, they hear a crackle of static over the warbird's speakers, followed by the somewhat panicked voice of Celestia. ' Canterlot control to all aircraft, it has been discovered this is a radar glitch, a sensor echo caused by the storms heavy electrical activity. Return to Canterlot at once.'

The midnight alicorn quickly rushes forward and taps the com button on her flight controls. "Mine sister, are thou sure?! Thy wishes us to abandon the search?" She hastily blurts out, a wide smile of relief upon her muzzle.

'Lulu, I couldn't be more sure. Just try and make it back safely if you can. If the storm is too much, land at another airstrip nearby. The radar here malfunctioned, there's nothing there!' Celestia almost yells into the radio. Every pony listening can almost feel the tension and worry in her normally serene and soft voice. 'Get out of this storm, it's too dangerous to fly!'

"Wilco, control. Return orders confirmed, en-route." The pilot replies over the radio to Celestia. He turns and glances back to Luna, giving a curt nod before focusing back on flying again. "All interceptor aircraft, turn one eight zero and RTB. Burners up!" He calls out.

The two listen at the responses of the other four aircraft, a small smile coming to the alicorns muzzle as she feels the warbird turn sharp and correct its course for home. She looks down over the wing, through the canopy, giving out a nervous chuckle as she sees more lightning, striking even closer than before.

Talon hears Luna's nervous laugh, flicking his gaze to the small mirror on his console. "Angel, are you alright?" He asks. Through the light given off by the screens in her co-pilots position, he can see her features in the shadows. He sees one look upon her muzzle that he hoped never to see again...the look of fear. "Luna?"

She taps the control console with her hoof, skillfully switching the radio to internal communication so their conversation would be private. Letting out a quiet sigh, she looks forward, trying to steel her resolve. "I...I have always been afraid of storms, mine love." She breathes out in strained, labored breaths.

He quirks an eyebrow, while pushing the throttle ahead for more speed. The canards of the warbird begin to quickly close as the war machine screams forward, rapidly approaching supersonic speeds. The other aircraft follow suit, each of the Equestrian fighter craft igniting their own afterburners, keeping pace with the legendary warbird.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, angel. It's just a light show with some noise. You're safe up here with me." He responds, trying to reassure her. Just for good measure, he reaches his now free hand back to give her a gentle touch upon her snout. "We'll be back in Canterlot before you know it, then I promise we will go to bed right away, alright?" He asks.

The alicorn swallows hard and nods quickly, appearing crestfallen once he removes his gentle hand from her muzzle. "Mine flame...please. I..." She thinks, trying to word what it is she wants to say. In a moment of clarity, she breathes out the only word she needs to say. " Faster."

He looks at the mirror again, seeing the look of determination in her eyes, understanding the request clearly. 'She must really hate storms after all...' He thinks. Switching his communications over, he calls out the order. "All aircraft, double time! Going hyper sonic!" He releases the radio control, his hand grasping the throttle lever and pushing it all the way forward.

The engines howl and whine loudly, roaring to life with the fury of hell within them. The aircraft races ahead with an explosive burst of speed, the remaining four war machines coming in close for swarm logic. They seemingly cut through the air in formation, going at a mad sprint back to the grand city, the machines racing as if the devil himself were on their vertical staves. Mach one...Mach two...Mach three...Mach four... The warbird's computer chirps.

In the control center, Celestia tilts her head as she hears the machines computer chirping in her headset. 'Why did they pick up so much speed suddenly...?' She thinks. Celestia levels her magenta orbs at the smaller screen before her, watching the split images of the feed from within the warbird's cockpit. She stares at her sisters image, studying the frightened expression of the midnight alicorn. 'Sister...'

Canterlot quickly comes into view, the image of the grand city blurred by the rain pounding against the canopy glass. The aircraft slow down in a line abreast formation, Talon and Luna's war machine at the center of the wing. The canards of all five aircraft deploy open quickly as they slow, all making a line for the runway at the palace.

The storm seems to have gotten much worse, the winds howling and whipping over the wings and steel bodies of the machines. Landing is going to prove difficult for the group. "One to all aircraft, begin landing sequence. Await conformation from combat control."

Over the radio the pilot listens in as Dusty Shine begins to relay instructions. He turns into a wide bank, circling the city below as he awaits the four less experienced Earthen and Unicorn pilots begin their own landings first. Looking back, he glances at his alicorn. "Luna, we'll land last, so we can insure the runway is clear." He smiles, glancing back to the HUD before him. The nose camera of the war machine displays the runway below, the first of the aircraft making its decent into the palace grounds.

'Operator to Helios three, you are cleared to land first in line. We have you on radar and visually confirmed by Night guard. Please begin your landing immediately.' They hear over the radio. Luna watches the aircraft line up and quickly descend, then touch down safely. The skies continue to flash all around her with lightning, rain continues to pound and ping against the body of the war machine, small bits of sleet and large rain droplets glancing the canopy loudly, despite the roar of the engines.

One by one, the aircraft continue to land over the course of several minutes. Turning into a wide bank, the pilot finally aligns the nose of the aircraft with the distant runway once he hears Dusty Shine give the clearance. 'Operator to Talon One you are cleared to land on runway two. All other aircraft are secured and docked.'

Luna flinches as she sees a flash of lightning very close to the warbird's port wing, the blinding flash leaving stars in her vision. She lets out a frightened squeak loudly, then curls into a ball quickly as she trembles with fear.

"Easy, easy angel. We're almost down. Just relax." He reassures her, hearing her frightened shriek then seeing her reflection in the small mirror. He switches over to the external radio to contact the control center. "One to combat control, we read you. On approach vector now."

He lowers the landing gear and flaps, altering course and beginning his decent to the runway. As he approaches, a bolt of lightning strikes the wing of the war machine. Alarms and warning lights activate, the sounds screeching loudly in the cockpit. The aircraft shudders violently and the consoles and controls flicker, the machine struggling to remain aloft with the power surge disrupting its circuit’s and engines.

"Control! We have just had a lightning strike, landing sequence is altered. I'm going to need the net!" Talon calls out hurriedly, attempting to regain control over the plummeting war machine. The wings violently sway and dip as he fights through the high cross winds of the storm, the engines trying to power out of the sudden altitude and control loss.

From the safety of the warbird's hangar, Celestia watches wide eyed with great trepidation as she sees the machine get struck suddenly by the high voltage discharge, causing the warbird to suddenly begin to fail in its flight. Her eyes catch the flickering of the nose landing gears forward light, her ears the sounds of the strained roar of the pulse detonation engines.

Inside the cockpit, the midnight alicorn cries out in terror as the alarms scream, her heart thundering out of control within her chest. Her mind is blank with absolute fear as the ground comes dangerously closer with each passing second. As the wings level out closer to the runway, another bolt strikes, this time hitting the canopy right above the alicorn.

The violent electrical surge effortlessly penetrates the glass, striking Luna's alit horn directly and hitting the wailing alicorn with amazing force unlike anything she's ever felt. All she can feel is the searing pain as it strikes her, the screams drowned out as the world around her suddenly whites out.

From the ground, every pony outside and in the busy control center watches in horror as the aircraft is engulfed in a bright flash of light, followed by the loud concussive force of a massive shock wave. As the light fades from the blinding light, the warbird is gone from view, completely vanished into nothingness. No wreckage, no debris, no flames.

The elder white alicorns eyes go wide, her breath catching in her throat as she looks on with horror, her heart nearly stopping in her barrel as she scans the skies with her eyes, frantically searching for signs of her sister and Talon. The rain continues to fall, the only sounds in the air being the water cascading to the ground, and Celestia's strained, panicked breathing.

The Unwelcoming World

Chapter Six: The Unwelcoming World

Luna awakens, a stinging pain and loud ringing in her head and ears. She winces and holds a hoof to her head as she groggily opens her eyes. All is quiet around her. ‘Where am I? …last I remember I was…’ She glances around her, the alicorns mind piecing things together quickly. She’s inside the cockpit of the war machine, but no longer in flight. The canopy glass is open, her pilot nowhere to be found.

“Talon?” She whispers hurriedly, her heart beginning to thunder within her barrel. Her eyes open wide with panic. “Talon?!” She calls out louder. “Mine flame, where thou art?!” The alicorns ears swivel and turn as she feverishly glances around, whilst unbuckling herself from her harnesses.

“Mine flame?!” She calls out to him again, no answer. Once free of her bonds, she climbs out of the cockpit and bounds onto the opened port canard of the warbird, then to the ground. She nervously titters as she searches frantically for the pilot.

The sound of something splintering in the distance catches her attention, startling her for a moment. Her ears prick straight up as her wings tighten against her sides, the midnight alicorn backing up quickly in fright against the fuselage of the downed aircraft. Her eyes dart around in fear, searching for its source.

With her soft jade orbs, she takes in the heartbreaking sights around her. All around the alicorn, is death incarnate. The earth is a barren wasteland of scorched, cracked and broken dirt, perhaps the sight of a once now long since cooled lava bed or flow. The skies are darkened a deep and dirtied gray, the sound of thunder rumbling faintly in the distance, echoing in the chasm of this endless abyss. The world to her feels barren and lifeless, dead and sorrowful as the grave. The air is hot, tasting of sulfur and ash, foul as the void of darkness deep. “Mine flame…please come to me…I am afraid…” She whispers, tears of sorrow and terror running down her cheeks, matting her fur and dropping to the barren cracked earth at her hooves. “Save me…”

A gunshot pierces the air loud and clear, followed by the rapid popping of several more. She snaps her head to the source, a flash of heat overcoming her as she senses the bauble she gave to the pilot drawing closer. Luna strains her ears forward and follows the sounds, then breaks into a gallop at full speed, taking to wing quickly to get airborne. She screams forward, pumping her massive blue wings quickly to gain more and more speed, a trail of starlight in her wake from her violently wavering ethereal mane and tail behind her.

“Shit shit shit SHIT!” The pilot screams out, as he turns quickly and fires off another volley of rounds from his assault rifle at the demonic creature chasing him down. A gigantic skeletal wolf, or a hound quickly gaining on him, it’s glowing yellow eyes devoid of any signs of life or thought, only feral of lusting for a meal. He races on foot back to the crashed war machine, his heart pounding in his chest as he’s losing this race. The hellhound almost to him. He turns and fires again, the gun now empty and only clicking. “Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh FUCK!!!!!!”

Luna’s eyes go wide, her pupils’ pinpricks as her heart nearly stops and leaps into her throat at the sight. She banks hard and dives, her horn alight brightly as she prepares an attack spell. “AWAY WITH THEE, FOUL BEAST!” She screams out in the Royal Canterlot Voice, the concussive force enough to stun the hellhound for a moment. She fires and discharges her spell, smacking the hellish creature directly and scattering its bones in every which direction.

Luna doesn't’ slow in her rapid descent, and crashes head on into the fleeing human, the two quickly snowballing together into a crumpled heap upon the barren wasteland. Disoriented for only a moment, Luna quickly shakes it off and wraps her forelegs around the pilot, squeezing him for all she can. “Mine flame!” She cries out in joy. Luna peppers her husband with kisses between incoherent words and nuzzles, then licks his cheeks and neck affectionately. “Thou art safe!”

Talon coughs hard, regaining his breath. He struggles and fights for air, the weight of the alicorn upon his chest making for difficult breathing. She continues to smother him, before she wraps her wings around him in a warm feathered embrace. He sighs defeated, and coughs again. “Glad…you’re alright.” He squeaks out.

After another moment of nuzzles, Luna registers the strain within his voice, and allows the pilot to get air as she rises off of him and to her hooves. A hot wind blows quickly with some force against them, the scent of sulfur, ash and brimstone heavy in the air. Turning to face the direction she came, Luna looks in the distance and sees the warbird upon the ground. It’s landed upon its belly, the landing gear still tucked within their respective bays. It appears damaged, the nose of the machine buried somewhat in the dirt, its wings covered with ash and dirt as well, black smoke slowly rising from its engines.

“Where are we…?” Luna asks, searching the area. It appears completely devoid of life, minus the remains of the skeletal Hellhound, if one could call such life in any definition. Sniffing the air, the sulfur stings her nose, the harsh smell causing her eyes to water and burn, irritating her and adding further to her pounding headache.

“…I was hopeful that you could tell me, Angel.” He responds, rising to his own feet and looking around. He removes his sunglasses and searches the horizon. In the gray skies of this barren, dead world, they can’t tell if it’s day or night. They see no signs of the Sun, or of the Moon. There are no stars, no way to ascertain their location or even direction. The only sights he can see, is dark, ominous clouds that have blotted out the heavens, adding to the gloom and feeling of despair overcoming him.

The alicorn shifts her weight on her hooves, folding her wings to her sides as she sighs. “The magical currents feel different here. They’re strong, but isolated and scattered. It almost feels as if it hasn’t been used much, or at all in quite a while…I can’t sense my sister either.”

“Well that’s not good…” He mumbles, looking around. “I tried to reach any pony I could at the palace. There’s no response, only static. I couldn't even ping for an IFF or anything. Even the compass is going crazy and just spinning.” He responds, turning to his alicorn.

“What happened, mine love?” She asks, turning to face him. “Why has our craft crashed?” Luna asks, looking over the downed machine. Her eyes trace its form, taking note that it has indeed taken some damage, obvious scrapes and deep, large scratches run the length of the air frame. The insignia's upon the wingtips and vertical staves also appear scuffed, the markings of the alicorn in flight with sharp contrails shows signs of burns. ‘That must be where the lightning bolt struck us.’

“We got zapped while we were on approach to the runway. We took a hit to our wing, which made our birds systems go haywire. Then another one hit us. Next thing I knew we were in a dead spin and had no systems working. I didn't have enough time to put down the gear before we crashed here….wherever here is.” He explains to the alicorn. With a sigh he feels around his flight suit pockets, retrieving a cigarette and his lighter. He lights it, and exhales a stream of smoke.

Luna chews on her inner cheek within her maw, her ears swiveling in apprehension. “Mine love…we must find a way to get our craft into the skies again, and find our way home.” She whispers. Thoughts of their children race through her mind, terror once again beginning to fill her heart at the thought of not being able to see her two precious treasures.

“Let’s get it set back on its gear again, then try and figure out the damage.” He sighs out. Nervously turns his head and glances at the various bones of the creature that was chasing him only moments ago. “Believe me…If I never see this place again, it’s still too damned soon.” He shivers.

Luna nods curtly in agreement, falling in at her flames side as they begin the short walk back to the downed war machine. They don’t notice the still glowing eyes of the skeletal Hell hound, and the bones slowly inching their way close together again.

Luna alights her horn when they reach the aircraft, encompassing the machine within the soft dark blue glow of her magic. The pilot climbs into the cockpit again and begins trying to power up systems. The computer flickers on, the image of controls and various system settings appearing on the cracked display of the pilot’s console. He sighs as he starts flipping switches. “Ok angel, lift the bird up a few feet so we can lower the gear.”

The alicorn giggles softly. “This reminds me of our first night together, mine love.” She smiles sweetly and lets out a wistful sigh. Doth thou remember?”

Talon nods, his gaze focused upon the flight controls as he begins to lower the landing gear. “I think you and I remember that night very differently, angel. It was in a nice garden just off of our balcony, not whatever this freaky place is.”

With a roll of her eyes she sighs and nods, concentrating on lifting the aircraft carefully within her telekinesis. “Not quite what I had meant, mine flame. Thou takes things too literally, like the lady Sparkle.” She watches as the landing gear bay doors open slowly, the war machines tires and landing struts emerging out from within its steel body slow and underpowered. With several moments they lower into place with a loud metallic clatter and click, then lock. Luna lowers the machine to the ground gently, setting the couples warbird upon its tires once more.

“Fuel wise we’re at a little less than half capacity, angel. We should probably refuel before we bother trying to get airborne. Think you can do it?” Talon asks, climbing back out of the pilot’s seat and coming down the steps of the fuselage.

The alicorn pumps her wings and bounds onto the canard, her horn still alight as she opens the fuel bay hatches. She begins to weave her spell as she closes her eyes, swishing her horn to and fro slowly. Her horn dims after a moment. “Neigh, mine flame. The moon must not be out, nor can I sense its presence in the heavens.” She murmurs, chewing on her cheek within her maw again. “I can’t make mine moonshine without moonlight, my love.”

He sighs and folds his arms to his chest. “Well…this just gets better and better, doesn't it?” Before his alicorn can respond, they hear a low rumbling growl close by, and the eerie blood chilling sound of bones clattering behind them. Talon turns slowly, only to stare at the glowing yellow orbs of the Hell hound inches from his face. He swallows hard as he feels its blisteringly hot breath against his flesh.

Luna gasps as her breath is caught in her throat, her heart all but stopping. “Mine flame…don’t…move.” She whispers, narrowing her eyes at the demonic creature. As she takes a step forward to the edge of the wing, the creature lets out a feral bark and a loud growl, indicating it’s about to attack.

The Hell hounds maw slowly opens, the razor sharp white teeth gleaming like a knives edge as they move, the serrated nightmare only inches from the pilots face. Talon stares wide eyed and frozen with fear as the creature continues to breathe on him. It’s hot, rancid breath reeking with the stench of rotting meat, decay and death.

The creature lunges forward at the pilot in the blink of an eye, only to be struck by a bolt of black magic and sent flying back in a scattered pile of bones. Another three bolts of black inky shadow strike the various parts, before a blur of dark blue miasma screams by the human pilots head, the force of its speed knocking him to the ground.

A short distance away a figure in a tattered, gray hooded cloak stomps on the Hell hounds skull, grinding it into the broken and cracked earth. Dirty and mud caked hooves dance in a quick and amazing display upon the creature’s remains, pouncing and leaping from bone to bone. Sounds of bones splintering and shattering, feral and enraged equine screams are heard ringing throughout the air like the deafening crack of thunder.

Luna bounds off of the canard of the war machine and steps over the pilot, slinking down into a defensive position over her husband as she spreads her wings out in a daunting display. Her eyes narrow into slits and her ears pin back as she alights her horn. Lowering her barrel to the pilots’ chest, she stares at the newcomer carefully and with a degree of fear and curiosity.

The figure stops grinding the now decimated creature, only to turn its own glowing teal orbs upon the couple. Draconic slits appear from within the hood, its face impossible to make out or see. A deeply powerful, but feminine voice calls out to them just above a whisper, its icy voice all too familiar to the pair. “Demon…”

“Obsolescence…” Luna grits out, hearing the voice loud and clear within her sensitive ears. “How did you get out?! What is this hell thou hath made?! Where’s Tia?!” She demands, rage clear within her voice.

The hooded figure takes a step forward, the crumbling earth kicking up a small cloud of dust beneath her heavy cracked hoof. “This ends here demon…you should have stayed in your keep!” The figure calls out, the hood and cloak falling away. Black feathered wings spring up and out, as a powerful mare of the shadow stands before the couple. Caked, dried mud, blood and dirt cover her from hoof to horn, but her ethereal chaotic star field mane, Cutie mark, and razor sharp teeth are impossible to mistake. Standing before them, is Nightmare Moon herself. “I’ll grind you into dust for murdering my subjects and my kingdom!” She begins to charge forward her horn alighting with an inky, shimmering black shadow.

Talon scrambles to his feet and stands in front of Luna, his arms held out wide at his sides to defend his alicorn. “Nightie! Stop this!” He yells out, his eyes focused in on the demonic alicorn. The bauble around his neck glows bright red, the star spinning violently as a thin shield springs out and surrounds him and Luna. The bolt of black magic deflects off harmlessly.

The black alicorn fires again and again, bewildered that her magic simply slides off of the shield. “Out of my way devil spawn! That monster dies!” She cries out, her eyes betraying the icy venom and malice within her tone. She rears back upon her hind legs, beating her fore hooves against the shield. Once again, she’s deflected by the Lunar magic within the bauble.

Luna alights her horn brightly and casts forward a bolt of her own magic, the bolt simply slipping off of the black alicorn as if she were covered in the slickest oil in creation. No spell would touch her, the midnight alicorns magic rendered completely ineffective and useless against Nightmare. Luna’s eyes open wide with panic and fright as she desperately tries again, while standing behind the safety of the pilot and the shield.

Talon lunges forward and tackles the mare to the ground, quickly wrapping his arms tightly against her barrel and pinning her legs between his and her chests. “Let me go!” She yells out.

The pilot continues to hold her as he squeezes and strains against her incredible strength, desperately trying to maintain his grip on her while not harming her. “Nightie! Calm down! That’s just Luna!” He yells back at her.

The midnight alicorn backs away in surprise, watching the sudden turn before she moves closer again. Nightmare continues to struggle for a few moments, before she suddenly stops and pants raggedly. “Mine flame…?” She whispers, her gaze flicking between the nightmare alicorn, and her husband.

She heaves a heavy sigh, and flops her head weakly against the ground within the humans’ arms. Talon can feel the strained rise and fall of her chest, the rapid heartbeat threatening to explode from her alicorn breast. He notices something else as well, he can feel her bones through her thin, seemingly frail form. She begins to chuckle quietly for a moment. “Go on…finish me you weak, foalish bastards. Kill me like you did every other poor soul in my kingdom. ”

Talon loosens his grip slowly. “We’re not going to hurt you Nightie. Just calm down!” He breathes out, looking at the alicorn in her eyes. He notices she’s staring into his own eyes intently, trying to read his thoughts. He can feel her relaxing slowly, the tension of the demonic mare’s muscles showing her submission. “I’m going to let go now, and you’re going to stop attacking…deal?” He asks slowly. He watches as she nods equally as slow, before he releases her. The two remain on their sides staring intently at one another, human nor alicorns gaze breaking for even a moment.

Luna swallows hard as she comes close, then falls slowly to her belly, folding her legs under her and resting her wings at her sides over her flight jacket. “Obsolescence…how did thou escape from mine soul? How art thou within thy own body?” Luna asks in a bewildered, hushed tone.

The black alicorns eyes flick to Luna close by, as her horn dimly alights with inky black shadow. The magic once again slips off of Luna, completely unable to probe or read her. “What are you…why do you speak as if you know nothing of your crimes?” She asks, her voice showing deep irritation and anger. “Why did you leave your keep?! Was it not enough to murder every life on this planet?!”

The pair is taken aback in surprise by her inquiry, leaving them speechless. Nightmares eyes flick to the dirt and ash covered warbird, as she regards it with great trepidation and fear. “And what is that thing?!” She cries out to them.

Talon and Luna’s eyes meet for a moment, confusion upon both of their features. He clears his throat and looks back at the alicorn inches from him. “…I…I think we’re not in Equestria anymore angel.” He mutters.

“I do not believe so, mine flame…” Luna responds, looking at the alicorn before her carefully. She clears her throat. “I believe we have a very severe case of a misidentification, mine love.”

The dirtied and frail alicorns eyes open wide, hearing their conversation. “And why do you call me Nightie?! My name is Obsolescence! Former queen of Elysium! Do not act so crass with me, Devils!”

This time, Luna clears her throat, some irritation in her voice. “Mine name is Luna Masters. Princess of Equestria, Regent of the Stars and all realms of dreams. This is mine husband, Talon, Master of the skies and of the banshee. Thou have us confused with another, for we are no devils or demons. Nor do we wish any harm to thee. Our machine hath crashed here after a storm from our realm, and we simply wish to return to our home.”

Talon lets out a sigh and sits up, turning to look at his alicorn. "Well...I guess this explains why we couldn't reach anypony at the palace...kinda hard to do that when you're not even on the same planet." He rises to his feet and shakes his head, unable to contain himself from letting out a small, uneasy chuckle.

Luna shakes her head and turns away from the demonic alicorn, taking a step back to the warbird. "We wish no conflict with thee, fair queen Obsolescence. Fair thee well and good day." She remarks, turning her muzzle up with annoyance.

The pilot shrugs, then nods to the queen. "Okay angel...let's get to figuring out how to make it..." He's cut off.

"WAIT!" The black alicorn cries out to them, scrambling to her hooves. She gallops and darts in front of the couple, panting quickly. You can see her rib cage expanding and contracting rapidly through her thin, clearly undernourished coat and skin. "You two...you're really not of my world, are you?" She asks. Her panicked, teal eyes glance quickly to the downed war machine, then back to the midnight alicorn and pilot.

He quirks an eyebrow and folds his arms to his chest, looking at the mare incredulously. "Really...as if the aircraft or myself isn't enough of an obvious answer?" He sighs. "I'm not even from HER world, let alone yours. We just want the hell out of here so we can return home."

Luna rolls her eyes, falling in at her flames side. "Mine flame is correct. We only wish to depart as quickly as possible, so that we may be reunited with our treasures and herd." The midnight alicorn flutters her wings, several dark blue feathers falling gently to the barren and cracked black earth at her hooves. "We know nothing of thy world, nor its conflicts, nor do we seek to partake in them."

A far off rumble like thunder catches the trios ears, seemingly sounding as if its slowly moving closer to them. The pilot notices right away the clear apprehension of the demonic mare before them, as if she knows and senses a threat approaching. Luna's ears also prick straight up and swivel, as if she's scanning the air for something.

Queen Obsolescence heaves a heavy sigh, lowering her head and staring at the ground silently. She grits her teeth, her ethereal tail and mane seemingly flickering and losing cohesion for a moment. "Why not...it isn't as if I don't welcome death anymore...for what reason do I have to continue?" She mutters under her breath, turning away from the pair and walking forward.

Talon looks at Luna, noticing she's focused intently at a point far off in the horizon. The hot wind continues to blow harshly, scattering some dust and flecks of the cracked wasteland in its breeze. "What is it?" He asks, tracing her line of sight. He sees nothing.

"Obsolescence..." Luna calls out, turning to look at the demonic mare. "It's that which you confused us for, is it not? Is that the power I sense?" She asks. The rumbling sound catches the wind again, a slight tremble is felt within the ground. Luna shivers for a moment, stepping nervously in place.

The queen stops in her tracks, gritting her teeth. She turns on her cracked, mud caked bare hooves and looks to the night princess, nodding slowly. "That it is. The demons that have slain my kingdom, and left me to wander this barren world alone for eternity as punishment for defending my subjects." She grumbles out between clenched teeth, sorrow upon her features. "I am sorry for confusing you with them, outsider. Please be on your way...so that the demons don't come for you. If I still had my power...I would have helped you return."

Talon steps forward, holding up his hands. "Wait...would some one please explain this demons and magic shit to me? I'm lost." He breathes out. "You fucking space ponies always confuse the hell out of me."

Luna nods, her soft jade orbs tracing the black alicorn before her. She finally begins to see the mare for what she is, rather than as her reflection; her own darker self, she sees a princess like herself, stripped of her kingdom and reason to exist. She silently gives a knowing nod, while extending her wings out erect upon her back. "We wish to hear thy tale, fair queen. Perhaps...perhaps we can help thee, in exchange for information of how to return to our own home. Clearly thou needs aid, as do we to obtain our own mission completion."

Queen Obsolescence raises her eyebrows, genuine surprise written all over her features. "You two must be off-worlders. No one has offered help to me in several hundred years." She comments, shaking her head. "Very well..." She chuckles darkly. "I will tell you my history if you so desire. But we must return to my shelter." She motions to the horizon with her hoof, pointing to a very dark, ominous cloud in the distance. "There is a powerful storm approaching, it comes whenever the demons unleash their guard hounds to search for me. The one I had slain for you was only a foal. A child. These are much bigger and more powerful...we will not survive an encounter with one. Bring your...thing, and let us be on our way with haste."

The pair look to one another briefly, then nod. With a sigh, Luna alights her horn and encompasses the warbird within her magic. The dark blue field carefully grasps the aircraft, then levitates it within her telekinesis spell, cradling it gently and lifting it off of the ground. She then kneels forward and presents her back to the pilot, where he quickly mounts and gets positioned.

"Tell me, Obsolescence, can thou fly? It would be the fastest mode of travel." She comments, holding her large, elegant wings out to her sides in a wide display, presenting them to the frail black alicorn. In turn, the queen nods and extends out her own wings, taking to wing quickly and leaping into the air. Luna pumps her own wings, gaining altitude as she tows the aircraft behind her, in pursuit of the black mare.

* * * * *

Luna stood in the center of a dead city, looking around at the remains of the dilapidated buildings and structures. The area they were in was small, the city couldn't have possibly been any larger than Ponyville or Dodge City, perhaps smaller. To her left at the top of the calderas, was the remains of possibly a church, or some house of worship. The inscriptions of the broken and crumbling stone resembled a very intricate carving of a four clef knot or braid within a circle.

To the edge of that some distance away, a snapped board, broken and rotting at its center was suspended by a wooden post, crumbling and held together by ancient looking rope and twine. A long since broken and decayed cobblestone path leading from the remains of the sign, was decrepit and decayed steps leading to a platform with large sections of the floor caved and fallen in, perhaps once a food service place or a pub.

She sighed as her eyes scanned the depressing area, her sight falling on a structure with the thatch roof long since caved in. There was a depiction of a single bit or coin carved into the rotting and fallen door leaning against the frame, perhaps once the sight of a bank or financial institution.

Just a short ways from that, and currently what is covering and hiding their war machine was the remains of a once blacksmiths shop. It's anvils having long since fallen into dis-use for quite some time. Luna raises an eyebrow, seeing a small flow of molten lava flowing slowly through a channel just behind the main area of the decrepit shop, suspended in a bench or table like structure. The heat from the flow is forming a sheen of sweat upon her coat forcing her to remove her flight jacket before she falls due to heat exhaustion.

Talon whistles, looking around. "Looks like this place could use a little help..." He says with a slight nervous chuckle. "I'll take a guess and say this wasn't always so...depressing." He asks quietly, looking to the dirtied and frail black alicorn.

"No..." Queen Obsolescence states. "This was once my home. After the arrival of the demons, many of our cities had fallen. Our capital city was destroyed by the smaller demon...the one that looks like your mare." She motions with her hoof to Luna. "The skies were once a beautiful soft blue, the lands were green and lush, our oceans deep and clear. Elysium was a proverbial paradise to all of its inhabitants."

"So what happened? Surely this didn't occur in a single day." Luna asks, taking position at her flames side. She continues to look around, her eyes tracing the depressing and gloomy surroundings all around her.

"I...I know this will sound strange to you possibly....but there was once a time when I had power, will over both the day and night. My power moved the heavens, painted the skies with beautiful light, and kept my home a beautiful, wondrous place." Obsolescence quietly states, while settling to rest in a small nesting area of old, torn cloths and dried straw. The black alicorn glances up at the warbird, eyeing it carefully as she begins to tell her tale. "And then they came..."

"These demons...they appeared to be just like myself. They had both wings and a horn. My subjects...my ponies. They knew only of peace, only of kindness. They didn't know the horrors of which they were about to encounter. The demons called themselves Formors...with them they brought monsters to my lands. Creatures of nightmares that were thoughtless and feral. In Elysium, we had no conflict, no wars, nor violence. We had no weapons to fight them back. Our magic...our drive as a society was to better ourselves, and others to help the greater good. We helped one another, explored and always thirsted for knowledge."

She breathes out a tired, raspy sigh, staring off at the gray skies with dark clouds of ash moving lazily in the heavens. "At first...we were able to contain most of the creatures within chasms and keeps, sealing them within the bowels of Elysium with a simple ward and a statue of our deity, the all mother...Goddess Nehimaine. But then...those two appeared."

Talon and Luna take a seat before her, listening to and hanging onto her every word with great interest. The pilot digs through his satchel and searches the pockets, retrieving a candy bar for his alicorn and handing it to her. Luna takes the confection within her magical grasp and opens it, then breaks off a piece and offers it to the black mare.

"What is this?" She sniffs it, pausing from her story.

"Food, from our world." Luna comments, still holding the piece within her magic. "We have plenty more, thou art welcome to partake in its enjoyment."

Obsolescence eyes it warily, before gently pushing the piece of chocolate away. "Perhaps later..." She mumbles, turning her gaze away. Luna shrugs, and returns the piece close to herself where she nips at it, enjoying the treat to herself.

"The demons came...one of fire and light, the other of ice and darkness. As our struggle seemed to prevail, the last of the creatures being forced to the depths of the keeps...it enraged their masters, these demons. They came...and slaughtered all who were within their reach. The dark one blotted out my sun and my moon, covered the skies in a shroud of shadow and dark magic...my powers were rendered useless, my connection with my celestial charges lost. Then the fire demon...she set the entirety of Elysium ablaze...her fury had scorched and burned everything to a cinder."

"It was only a matter of weeks before the planet was lifeless...I watched scores of my subjects die at their hooves...and I was powerless to stop them. My every attempt to communicate and make piece with them, foiled. Then...then they cursed me with this body." She holds up her mud caked foreleg letting out a weary sigh. "As a punishment...a torture, what have you. They cursed my body, turned my soft violet fur into...this. They made my eyes like theirs, my power to darkness. In my rage, I turned to the shadow, to try and drive them back...They had stolen a part of me, and dragged it into their keep. My heart...it was a physical manifestation of my power, called Le Fal. If I had a way to retrieve it...I would be able to clear the skies, and reset the heavens. If I had that part of me back...I could undo their crimes, and bring back life to my planet. Mother had called that power the Falasis piece, the heart of creation. "

Talon nods, standing up. "Sounds pretty simple then. We just need to help you get this piece of you back, and we both get to return to our homes. So where is it then? Where is this keep?" He asks, lighting a cigarette.

Queen Obsolescence snorts. "It isn't so simple as you believe, outsider." She rolls her teal draconic eyes, then points to a small mine shaft a short distance away from them. The only still intact structure within the city. "It's five floors down in the most hellish place you could ever endure, guarded by the most powerful Formors in existence. Even with all of my strength and wit, I've never made it beyond the first floor without failing and having to flee. Nothing short of an insane monkey, a big miracle and unlimited power possibly make their way through. And even some pony could, they would have to fight against the demons themselves in the final room of the keep, the fire demon being the worst of the two. ...it can't be done."

"Well then lucky for you, I happen to be that said insane monkey. And right now that pair of demons are standing between me and our treasures. So point the way, and let me do the rest." He says, cracking his knuckles and grinning.

Obsolescence stares at the pilot, wide eyed and shaking her head, before she glares and scowls. "You two mention a treasure, what could gold possibly be for you that you would throw your lives away?"

Luna smiles and shakes her head, also rising to her hooves. "Not gold or bits...our treasurers are our children. Mine offspring. We have twin fillies...Stardust Kiss and Moonlight Way. Mine flame and I wish to return home so that we can be with our family."

A soft smile comes to the queens muzzle, nodding in understanding. "I too...would go any distance to be with my own family if I had one. I was never blessed with sisters or brothers, nor did I ever bare children in my years. Looking back...I wish I would have considered it, rather than distancing myself from my mortal subjects."

Luna smiles and nods. Before she can speak, the queen interrupts her. "However, if I may ask...why are you two so willing to help me? Why would you take such a risk for some pony that you know nothing of?"

The midnight alicorns gaze falls to her flame, who gives a small nod for her to respond. Luna lets a small smile cross her muzzle, then turns to look at the black alicorn before her. She draws a soft breath. "In a simple and short answer...it is our way. It is how we of Equestria all are. Every pony works together to strive for harmony with one another, as well as for our own daily lives. " She sighs, her gaze softening as her own illustrious jade orbs bore into the black alicorns teal ones.

"As my flame once told me...'evil only prevails when good fails to act.' I myself, am the co-ruler of mine own world, where I care for the moon and all matters of the night. We...on our world, had our own demons to battle, years ago. The parasite, as we called it, attempted to do to us, what these spawn of Tatarus do to you. We drove the parasite back, then cast it into the abyss. Mine flame had helped us with our own war against these creatures, had protected us, watched over us and sheltered mine subjects under his own steel wings. Mine flame now hath answered thy call, and wishes for us to help thou reclaim thy world. I shalt follow him to the edges of Heofon, without question or fail. So if mine love states we shalt slay these demons for thee, then that is what thou whilst expect to be." Luna answers with a wry smile.

The pilots gaze falls to the bauble, the star a deep violet hue spins lazily and slow within the glass orb. He sighs and nods, then turns his gaze to the warbird. "When we finish this...I hope you keep to your word and help us get home. We'll get your heart back, and we'll put an end to this...once and for all." He breathes out, rising to his feet.

He climbs up into the cockpit, and collects the pistols and spare clips, then collects the remaining three rifle magazines. He sets the strap of the rifle around his neck and chest, then checks the breach bolt for a round after installing the fresh magazine into it. "So...it's now or never. Let's get to it."

"Perhaps...perhaps you should rest first." Queen Obsolescence whispers out, her ears folded back to her head as she stares blankly at the barren earth at her mud caked hooves. "It's...quite hellish within there. We will all need our strength if we are going to succeed..."

* * * * *

Several hours have passed, the three resting still in the same spot just under the still intact thatch and wooden structure within the dead and desolate city. Luna and the pilot have completed some repairs and looked over the warbird, whilst answering a long and wide list of questions to the newcomer queen about Canterlot, the aircraft and their own history.

Talon steps down from the cockpit, dusting off his hands as he smiles. "Well, should this turn into a dogfight, we for sure have enough fuel and ammo to put a quick end to it. We also still have the VTOL functions available on the bird angel, so we'll be able to also take off again with no problems."

Luna smiles, her gaze somewhat unfocused and distant. 'why do I feel as if I'm still missing something...' She asks herself, not paying attention completely to her flame. She chews on her cheek within her maw, silently doing an inward search. Despite the situation and all that has happened, she still can't help but feel lighter, as if a great burden has been lifted from her own heart.

"...Equestria to angel?" He says, waving his hand in front of the regal midnight alicorns muzzle. She snaps her attention to him and blinks rapidly for a moment, then smiles and nuzzles his hand. He cocks an eyebrow. "And where were you just now?"

She nickers softly and steps forward, giving him a soft kiss. "Lost in thought, mine love." She breathes out with a gentle smile. "I know this may sound odd...but I still can't help but too feel...better than I have in years."

"So....should we consider this a vacation spot for our next family camping trip?" He retorts with a grin. She scowls at him with a grin of her own, then playfully bats him with her hoof. He chuckles in response.

"Neigh mine love. I can't explain it...but mine own heart just feels lighter these days, as if a great weight hath been lifted from me. For the first time in over a thousand years, I can state that I almost feel completely at peace with mine self."

He sighs uneasily, his thoughts trailing back to the dream he had the night of the camping trip. "Heh...probably just something you ate, angel. I'm glad you're feeling better." He looks at his wrist watch for a moment, then shakes his head. "The girls should be getting up in about another half hour...I just hope Sunny Butt is able to come up with a good excuse as to where we are so they don't worry themselves sick."

Luna visibly wilts a bit, hearing that, her thoughts drawn to their children. "I hope we will be able to return to our home soon, mine love...I already miss mine treasurers. I...I know that Tia and fair Dusty shalt take good care of them in our absence...but I wish to be with mine herd. I cannot bear being away from them. "

"I agree, angel. I agree completely." He quietly responds, embracing her tightly. "I already miss them too..." He whispers. As the couple are holding one another in each others soothing embrace, the queen clears her throat quietly. Talon and Luna turn to look at her.

"It's time." She says quietly, a look of tension upon her features. She turns her draconic gaze to the keep entrance, letting out a heavy sigh. "Hell will hold no surprises for me this day...so let us be off, so that you may return home and be reunited with your family."

With a curt nod, the pilot releases his alicorn from his embrace, then adjusts his fatigues jacket. "So...lets do this." Luna titters nervously, and falls in at her flames side as they walk. Talon swallows hard, grasping the grip of the rifle tightly as they go.

The three turn and walk into the mineshaft entrance, a feeling of dread washing over the pilot and midnight alicorn as they enter the dark room. They look around, the pilot and Luna surprised upon what they find once their eyes adjust to the dim light.

The room itself was completely contrast to the world outside, the feeling the atmosphere itself had presented was enough to make even the most battle hardened Lunar Stallions turn tail and run while screaming out for their mothers. The air was hot, thick and hard to breathe.

The ground at their feet and hooves, had deep cracks that ran every which way, the cracks themselves glowing with a deep red, signs of the torment and hell that waited below the trio. In the center of the basalt and onyx floor and magma veins, was a large statue.

"Mine flame...that looks like..." Luna's eyes go wide her pupils pinpricks as she stares at the statue before them. A pony? No...she would have expected that, they all would have. Perhaps even an alicorn statue, or a depictions of the all mother. No...what stood there upon the obsidian platform, towering over them was...

"A human angel." The pilot finished for her, breathless and wide eyed. It was of a human, or human like woman, very beautiful and carefully carved, with large, elegant black wings upon her back, each feather painstakingly detailed down to the individual fibers within each feather. The woman was kneeling at the edge of the obsidian platform, holding a large, long stone sword with the blade exposed and pointed down, her expression silent and almost seemingly in prayer.

Talon walks around the statue, then gazes at the black alicorn queen. "Is this what your kind consider your deity? A human angel? He asks. "She looks like something from my own world."

Obsolescence nods, looking at it, reverence and relief clearly in her features, faith deeply laced within her eyes. "That is the Goddess Nehimaine. She is one of three sister Goddesses that have always watched over and protected my planet. It was always said that she was the Goddess of War, and Vengeance. My subjects placed these statues in the entrance of every keep, to deter Formors from trying to escape into the outside world. Thus far...it's worked and kept the demons locked within the bowels of this one."

Luna lets out a soft sigh, nodding. "We shalt have to talk about this later. Let us begin this, so that we might return to our own realm, and thou return yours to its prior state." She says, turning to face the black alicorn.

The pilot also heaves a sigh, then looks around the room. "So...where's the door?" He asks, not seeing any exit, other than the one they entered through. He quirks an eyebrow, then turns also to face the black alicorn.

"Via the platform. You offer an item for sacrifice to the statue, and it transports you through wave motion energy to the lower levels." The queen says quietly, not looking at the pair, her gaze still focused upon the statue. When she hears the strained confused breaths of the pair, followed by the rustling of their jackets, she turns her draconic teal orbs to them, seeing their confusion. She sighs and rolls her eyes. "Just drop any item on the floor of the platform at the base of the statue, and you get sent into the keep like magic." She groans out.

Talon looks to Luna and shrugs. He takes a step, then turns to look at her, waiting for his alicorn to join him. "So, just any old item?" He asks, while digging through his pockets for his cigarettes and a lighter. "Sounds simple enough." He sighs and ignites the cigarette, then breathes out a stream of smoke.

"Yes, that is essentially all there is to it. All three of us simply get on, one of us drops an item and we're in. That's really all there is." The queen breaths out, her voice showing some signs of irritation laced deep within it.

The pilot begins to check his pockets for another random item, pulling out anything he can find of little or no value. As he's digging through his flight jacket pockets, a single bit slips past his hand and drops to the platform before he could catch it.

Queen Obsolescence and Luna's eyes go wide, their breath both catching in their throats. All is quiet for a few tense moments, before the black alicorn speaks up quietly. "...what did he drop?"

Luna furrows her brow, confused. "I do not know..." She steps onto the platform and stands for a moment, waiting to also go into the demons keep. Nothing happens. She turns to look at the queen, who has a rather terrified look upon her muzzle, her breaths quiet and rapid. The gears slowly turn in the midnight alicorns mind, before she narrows her eyes. "...why doth it matter what item mine love dropped...?"

The black alicorn swallows hard, her stare blank. It takes her a moment to answer, her voice a haunted whisper. "Because unless we know what it was...we shall not be able to enter...only one party may enter the keep at a time...to prevent the Formors from being able to escape between drops..."

Luna's eyes go wide, her pupils pinpricks. Her heart nearly stops in her chest, as her mind processes what was just said. "You mean that..."

The black alicorn nods solemnly. "Unless we know what he dropped and also drop the same item...he's going it alone."

* * * * *

Inside the opening of the keep, Talon looks around the empty and dark cavern, waiting for Luna and the black alicorn to enter with him. He sighs as he waits, it already having of been half an hour according to his watch. The minutes continue to tick away, the only light within the hot, stagnant room was the light given off by the bauble.

"Eh...they'll catch up." He says, growing impatient. He looks around, his eyes since adjusted to the darkness and gloom of the room. The walls are all black and ashen basalt, with veins of onyx and obsidian running through them, peculiar rock formations in both the ceiling and the walls. In the center, is a duplicate statue like the one he had seen earlier, only this one was strangely off. The wings...were opened wide upon this ones back, the eyes open.

He quirks an eyebrow as he studies it, unzipping his flight jacket as he walks around it and studying the statue. It's hot, and very hard to breathe. The air reeks of decay, ash and the scent of burning. Worse than it was upon the surface. The air...is thick with tension and evil. He swallows hard as he finishes taking off his jacket, wrapping the sleeves of it around his waist, leaving only his black t-shirt on covering his top. He adjusts the strap of the rifle upon his shoulder, then turns to face the stairs going down, behind the statue. "Heh...here we go then." He says to no one.

Much to his surprise, he finds an empty room at the base of the stairs. What also greets him however, leaves him mortified and wishing he didn't let that bit slip out of his pocket. He swallows hard, his eyes wide with surprise. "Oh...shit."

The halls are alight with the fires deep within the barren earth, flows of magma bordering the narrow corridors and each room. The walls, are towering sheets of basalt and twisted metal, the metal glowing red from the heat. The air is unbearably hot, a sheen of sweat forming all over his body, down his neck and dripping off of his flesh. The ground was black, cracked and uneven, the cracks filled with small veins of magma coursing through them deep below, giving off unreal heat and some light.

In the center of the opposing wall, far on the other side of this chamber, was a tall door made of heavy wood, metal and stone. He points his rifle in front of him and trains it, carefully searching for a target as he slowly enters. The room appears to be empty.

In the corners of the room, each one has a pillar of onyx, with a carefully made and polished red glass orb, easily as big as a small foal resting upon its top. He lowers his rifle and walks up to one of the orbs, studying it carefully. He can see a small light glowing within the center of the orb. He eyes it curiously, then moves along to the other orbs, finding their much the same.

He studies the orbs carefully for some time, then moves on to the door. He knows he can't lift it, the large and towering barricade much too heavy to even push, the metal too hot to grasp. His eyes trace the outer edges of the door, before he finds mechanisms and gears, leading to a very intricate pulley system and cables leading off of the top, the cables going into a black wooden box above the door, then being routed to other pulleys in the corners of the high ceilings. His eyes follow the cables, leading to the base of each orb.

He shrugs, letting out a quiet sigh as he walks up to the red glass orb closest to the closed door. Looking it over, he sees no switches, no signs of mechanisms or devices. He lifts his hand and gently taps on the orb, then sees the light within it flicker and glow bright for a moment, before dimming back down. He quirks an eyebrow and repeats the action, slightly more forceful.

He gives it a good whack with his fist, the orb fracturing slowly for a moment and glowing bright. The screeching sound of metal being twisted and pulled fills the air, before the door suddenly lifts up slightly and raises into the stone arch above it. His eyebrows raise as he steps back and looks at it carefully for a moment, before he grins. "Ah! ...so that's how this works." He says, his tone somewhat hopeful. He steps back into the center of the room and takes aim with his rifle, then squeezes the trigger. A single round fires and shatters the orb, the door quickly being drawn open.

He moves forward to the next room and checks, sweeping with his gun left, then right, finding an identical set up. The room is of equal size, another four glass orbs adorning the corners on top of onyx pillars that shine with a deep black luster, against the magma flows only a few feet away behind them.

He takes aim at the pillar to the left of the next door this time from his position, and discharges another round from the rifle. The orb shatters and glows brightly with a red sphere of magic, the next door flying open quickly into the stone arch above it. He lets out a chuckle and walks through the empty room, grinning. "Five floors of hell indeed." He grunts out, wiping the sweat from his forehead on the sleeve of his shirt.

He exits the room, following the narrow corridor slowly, his rifle trained forward as he approaches the next and third room of the first floor of the keep. He comes to find yet another room with the same setup as the last two, the door at the other side closed, and no sign of Formors anywhere. He looks behind him down the corridor, still not seeing his alicorn or the other mare.

"Luna...hurry up." He whispers, checking the third room. His confidence now growing and his doubt raising of the true danger of this hellish place, he picks the orb to the right of the opposing door and takes aim, discharging a round. The orb shatters...the door does not open.

He quirks an eyebrow and looks at the door, waiting for it to raise, not noticing the swirling black energy in the center of the room beginning to form. He takes aim at the orb to the left of the door this time and fires again, that orb also shattering. Nothing happens.

The energy grows darker, and begins to take shape. Now the pilot notices, as a second swirling black mass forms. His eyes widen and he quickly ducks behind the cover of the wall beside him in the corridor, as he watches. The mass continues to swirl, before it takes it's shape. Standing at the center of the room where the mass once was, two large, black skeletal hellhounds, easily twice the size of the one chasing him earlier. Their eyes glowing deep crimson.

The hounds begin sniffing the air, their empty rib cages glowing with a swirling red ball of energy at their centers, the ribs expanding and contracting as they intake air. He can hear them moving around, clawing and scratching at the keep floor, their bones clattering together as they move.

'I...just HAD to say something.' He thinks, face palming. He breathes hard and thinks, planning out his next move. The noise on the other side stops. The air suddenly silent, the only sounds of it being the hum of the magma flows, and the pilots own breathing.

He waits for several moments, the area still completely silent of the hounds, before he leans over to check behind the wall. He lifts his rifle and grips the handle hard, squeezing it before he turns to peak around the corner. As he does, he comes to stare into two glowing red eyes filling his vision.

The Angel of Darkness

Chapter Seven: The Angel of Darkness

Talon stares into the eyes of the Hell hound, facing his death. The hell hound growls, a sinister guttural groaning coming from it's gaping maw of razor sharp daggers. He doesn't think, only reacts to his instinct. Before the skeleton monster can move, the pilot leaps back, pulling the trigger to his assault rifle.

The rounds clear the barrel, firing in rapid succession, each and every speeding bolt of lead striking it's mark, shattering the demons skull into pieces, and leaving behind a collapsed pile of bones in a crumpled heap. As he's taking aim on the second hound, it leaps over it's counterparts remains, taking the pilot to the hot basalt ground.

He screams out in anger, jamming the body of the rifle sideways into the feral monsters deadly jaws, kicking wildly into it's empty rib-cage. The bauble around his neck glows brightly, the star spinning violently and turning a deep amethyst hue. He plants his boot on the exposed inner spine of the hound just below its ribs, pushing out with all of his strength to flip the monster onto its back.

The skeletal hell hound is vaulted into the air, it's teeth embedded deeply into the rifle as it continues biting, severing it's skull from its spine as it flips. The bones of its body continue to fly, colliding with the back wall of the room, then sliding down in pieces from the impact. Most of the bones fall into the magma channels beside the door, bursting into a puff of smoke as they incinerate.

"Holy shit!" He cries out in surprise, trying to shake the still alive skull off of the rifle as he rises to his feet. It continues to growl and hiss darkly, it's still crimson eyes glowing bright, the jaws still snapping and moving to try and get to the pilot. He grabs the muzzle of the rifle, swinging it hard against the door opening and shattering the skull.

He pants, regaining his breath as he looks over the room, checking for anymore of the creatures. He finds none, only the sounds of the flowing molten rock, and his strained, rapid breathing. He calms his breathing after several minutes, then finally looks at the damaged rifle. It's now bent in the center, several of the teeth remaining embedded in the body and barrel of the steel; the weapon now unusable.

"Fuck." Talon says to himself, wide eyed and surprised. He shrugs and tosses the broken rifle to the ground, his hands grasping the twin pistols he brought into the keep with him. He checks the clips, then readies the pistols with rounds as he cocks the hammers back. Heaving a tired, irritated sigh, he takes aim at the two remaining orbs of the room, and pulls the triggers. The orbs glass shatters, the door flying open into the ceiling of the chambers, no further monsters spawning.

The pilot presses on, moving slowly through the long hallway connecting the rooms of the keep. He's sweating profusely, the droplets of sweat falling to the ground and hissing in puffs of steam. He has no trouble seeing in the darkness of the halls, the ambient light from the magma and blisteringly hot cracks in the floor illuminating the path.

The hall splits off into two directions along the ground; a proverbial fork in the road. He stops, looking down the long corridors of each path. It's unbelievably hot in the keep, the pilot becoming dizzy from heat exhaustion more and more with every passing moment. Swallowing hard and wiping the sweat from his face on the sleeve of his undershirt, he turns to the right and begins to follow the pathway down.

Talon continues to walk for several minutes, arriving at a dead end. He shakes his head, letting out a defeated groan as he turns around, and begins to trudge back through the twists and turns, then finding the hall he was once in. Taking the left corridor this time, he walks ahead for a few more minutes, before arriving in yet another chamber similar to the last three. He grits his teeth in annoyance, wiping the sweat from his face again as he looks over the room.

'If there is a hell...I know where I'm going for some R&R after I get the fuck out of this place.' He thinks to himself. He takes in a deep breath, coughing from the heavy scent of sulfur and smoke in the toxic, hot air. He raises one of the pistols, and fires upon the orbs. The first orb shatters, a inky shadow forming in the center of the room, the darkness swirling. He quickly targets two more orbs, the inky shadow mass growing exponentially in size with each orb. He then fires upon the final orb, the glass shattering and the door flying open.

The shadows suddenly vanish, no trace of them being left behind. Talon quirks an eyebrow, standing at the doorway of the rooms entry, waiting for the mobs to spawn. Several tense, sweat filled minutes later...nothing appears. The room remains empty, the only occupant being the pilot.

He chuckles nervously, before continuing to move forward to cross the room. Walking through the opposing door without incident, he doesn't notice the shadowy mass trailing behind him slowly, keeping pace with him as he walks forward, heading to the next room.

* * * * *

"We must find a way to enter!" Luna cries out in desperation, pacing around quickly and tittering nervously. "Your kind built these keeps! Surely thou made some kind of a back door to sneak into?!" The midnight alicorn nearly shouts angrily.

Queen Obsolescence shakes her head sadly, still continuing to paw at the broken earth within the keeps entrance. "Again...for the one thousandth time. There isn't a back way. One way in, one way out. The only way he can get out now is either to touch the statue inside the initial room, or to exit through the treasure room at the end of the keep. Otherwise, no. There isn't a way out. Nor for us to get in. We have to know what he dropped, and drop that same exact item..."

Luna silently screams in her mind, furious that her flame is trapped in such a hellish place alone. Memories of the nuclear detonation of the parasites hive, and the crash flood her mind, forcing her to remember when she had lost him to deaths icy grasp once before. As she's about to speak, the black alicorn before her lets out a heavy, tired sigh.

"What we could do is watch what is going on. If your connection to his heart is strong enough, you may be able to get some message to him that way. Telling him to touch the statue and to exit the keep. If he does, we'll simply make sure we're on the platform this time." Queen Obsolescence mutters, her horn alight with inky black shadow magic.

The midnight alicorns ears perk up, her mouth slightly agape. It takes a moment for her mind to process what she just heard, before her anger flares. "THOU HAD A WAY TO SEE HIM THIS ENTIRE TIME, AND YOU JUST NOW SPEAK OF IT?!" She shouts, her eyes narrowed into slits, foam slightly peeking from the corners of her maw in blistering fury.

The black alicorn rolls her eyes, ignoring the midnight blue alicorn shouting at her. "It's....been a few hundred years since I've had to watch some pony else enter one of these. I can't help that I had forgotten about that ability. Besides...the items it would take to form the mirror pool are hard to come by. We need a polished surface of a very hard to make material, and liquid moonlight. I have the base and material, but no moon to create the fluid. The last drop of it was used long...long ago. With the skies blackened, I cannot form it."

Luna blinks in confusion, then thinks. "Liquid...moonlight..?" She takes pause, her mind screaming back to the war machine just outside the keeps front door. "Thou means moonshine! We hath a great quantity with us!" She cries out in joy, rushing to the door. The queen quirks an eyebrow and turns, galloping after the midnight alicorn to the exit.

She follows Luna to the downed war machine, confused when she sees her leap upon the wing of the warbird, her horn alight and two small doors upon the canards base opening within the gentle magic glow. Luna looks to the queen and hisses. "Gather thy materials! Make haste!"

The black alicorn tilts her head, tittering quietly for a moment. "Unless you somehow had control over the moon in your realm, outsider...you wouldn't have the same liquid moonlight. It's nigh impossible to make, unless you have a great deal of power. Mother taught me how to create it, and it's a sacred liquid only used in blessing rituals, scrying and purification ceremonies. It wouldn't be held by some Mother forsaken...banshee...as you called it."

Luna narrows her eyes, a smug grin upon her muzzle. "Oh ye of so little faith." She croons out, reaching into the warbird's fuel tanks and grasping a small sphere of the moonlight fuel in her magic. "Thou forgets, I AM the Night princess, I control the moon and all of its wonder within mine realm." The midnight alicorn recovers a small amount of the liquid from the tank, lifting it out carefully and holding it suspended within her magic. The silvery silken liquid sloshes around within the bubble gently, it's heavy, intoxicating scent wafting into the air. "Only I can make it in my world, and it is used for many things, including fuel for mine war machine."

Queen Obsolescence stares at the sphere of fluid, disbelieving her eyes and her senses as she takes in the sight of it. 'It...it cannot be...' She silently looks on at it, then regains her train of thought. Her horn alight with inky black shadow, she calls the items to her from the wreckage of nearby buildings, a large sapphire and silver saucer like container, covered in centuries of soot and dust to her. With an effortless flick of her magic, it knocks all of it off, polishing its form to perfection within a heartbeat. "Place that in here then, 'moon princess.' Let us see if you hold the genuine article."

* * * * *

Talon pulls the triggers again and again, emptying the pistols into the mammoth monster trying to slaughter him. He's gone through another twelve rooms, each one the same before he found a nightmarish creature already spawned within the depths of the keep. Despite the demonic creature having almost two full clips of rounds emptied into its chest, it continues coming for the pilot, un phased by the humans weapons.

"Fuck!" He shouts, using a pistols grip to block the blade from it's fall to him, the heavy swords edge only inches from his nose. The creature flaps its leathery, tattered wings in anger, barring its fang filled maw at him with a guttural laugh. Talon pushes the creature back again with all of his strength, falling forward to the hot basalt ground to his knees as the creature is tossed.

He has no time to react as the gargoyle recovers, taking aim and slashing at the pilot with its free and opened clawed hand, the sword being drawn back for a death blow. The claws strike on target, cutting deep into Talons shoulder, tearing the flesh from his body and wounding him severely. Blood gushes and spurts out from the deep wound, causing him to cry out in pain.

He dodges and rolls out of the way from the blade, its honed and sharpened steel edge embedding itself deep within the stony floor. The gargoyle yanks back hard on the blade, quickly freeing it once more and turning its attention back to the wounded pilot.

"Itichaim Manna Paean Prowl!" The creature bellows, swinging the swords tip against the ground and kicking up a wave of sparks as it contacts it. It continues its slow gate to him, grinning menacingly as it approaches its prey.

Talon scoots back against the hot wall of the keep, forced onto the floor of the room from his injuries. He can't stand, his legs not responsive from exhaustion, his mind a fog from the pain. Blood continues to rush out of him from the deep wound, his life force slowly draining from him. His blood falls to the floor and begins to puddle under him, some of the crimson flow falling into the glowing cracks of the basalt and obsidian floor, sizzling as it contacts the hot and super heated rock surfaces within the cracks.

The gargoyle raises the sword above its head, preparing to deal the final deathblow to the invader of its masters keep. "Defrock Die Eshuna!" It bellows in its gravelly voice, its glossy pure black eyes focused with murderous intent on the invading life form.

Talon closes his eyes, waiting for the final, painful blow that ends his journey, ready and having already accepting death as the outcome. He hears a loud, surprised hissing, followed by the sound of steel contacting steel and clashing. The strike never comes. He opens his eyes quickly, widened in pure shock.

A shadowy mass of lavender light swirls before him, between him and the demonic creature that nearly ended his life. The sword frozen in place as the miasma holds it, a ball of shadow swirling at its center before lashing out and striking the demon in its center, launching it HARD to the other side of the room. The blade is then cast into the magma flow in the corridor, melting and disappearing in a puff of flame and smoke.

"You shall touch nothing of him..." A dark, malevolent voice hisses icily, the temperature of the room sharply plummeting. The fires within the keep suddenly seem to quell, as frost and ice begin to form and quickly overtake the walls. The pilot can see his rapid breath being released as steam, as if he were standing outside again in Canterlot on a very cold winters night.

The gargoyle shakes its head in surprise, trying to regain its senses as it finds its footing. The shadowy mass takes shape before the two of them, black and blue arcs of energy dancing rapidly off of its visage, angry, evil hisses of rage and pure malice heard from it. As the gargoyle charges forward with a loud roar of rage, it's suddenly snatched up within the miasmas tendrils, suspended in air several inches off of the ground. The sound of pained, agonizing howls of the creature, followed by the loud, blood chilling cracking and splintering of bones is heard. The temperature continues to plummet, a sheet of ice now having formed within the rooms walls, extending out several yards into the halls, the orbs shattering from the quick temperature change.

"Suffer...YOU SHALL SUFFER! AN ENDLESS NIGHTMARE OF PAIN FOR YOU! A HUNDRED THOUSAND DEATHS FOR YOU!" The voice darkly calls out in a silken, eerily calm voice. The pilot shivers, trying to keep awake and focused upon the sight before him. He watches as suddenly the gargoyles wings twist and snap upside down, its limbs all twisting and ripping away from its body, its chest compressing and caving in before its head finally tears from its neck. It's jaws open wider and wider, snapping and ripping from its hinges and finally away from the rest of the demonic creatures skull. The pilot watches in absolute horror as its flesh shears off of each piece of its broken body, carelessly being tossed to the corners opposite of him, before they fall into the hardened channels of the cooled lava flow.

As the last scraps of flesh are torn from the remains of the gargoyles parts, the cloud hisses and turns, floating slowly to the pilot. It stops right above his body, tendrils of wispy lavender light flowing over him. He breathes shallow, ragged breaths as he feels an odd warmth over his damaged and exposed flesh of his shoulder, the sounds of a wet, sickly almost licking filling the frozen room. With each lapping sound, the pain within his body begins to fade, a sensation of being warmed and caressed by a soft, gentle warm breeze passing over his skin and body. He tries to turn his head, but finds his neck muscles frozen, as if he was being held in place by a rigid, unmoving force. The wet lapping continues, the squelching sounds growing and filling the air. The wound continues to seal itself, the blood ceasing to flow out as it somehow cleanses and sutchers itself.

"Shhhh...shhhh...be still now." A soft, dark and loving voice whispers and croons out adoringly. "You're safe now." It whispers into his ears. He can feel the hot, gentle sensation of breathing upon his neck and shoulder, the comfortable warmth enveloping his whole form, as if he were being wrapped in Luna's gentle, feathered embrace. It's lulling his mind away into a almost euphoric state, unable to process and nearly pulling him into a sleep. He tries to fight it, willing his mind to focus as much as he can. His legs twitch and feebly kick, a feeling of weight bares down upon him in his lap, pinning him in place.

He tries to fight the presence around him, desperately trying to regain his footing and get away. The blood flow completely stops from his deep wounds, the pain now completely replaced by a sensation of gentle warmth and comfort, a feeling of security suddenly washing over him. Despite the extreme temperature drop within the chamber, he feels warmed and comforted as if he were sound asleep, laying with his alicorn in their bed chambers.

"Master...be still and allow me to mend you. Your body has grown weak, exhausted. Let me help you now." The gentle light calls out all around him, it's tone silken, sincere and loving. It continues to take shape, a ghostly transparent alicorn appearing upon his lap, her hooves and wings wrapped around his body. The pilots blood stains her maw, her ghostly white, sharp daggers stained a light pink now from it, the scent of copper heavy upon her breath. She leans back, her teal draconic eyes staring into the humans lidded emerald eyes.

The ghostly nightmare alicorn raises her fore hoof, wiping the cold sweat from the pilots dirtied face, the feel of his stubble beard tickling against her fur, yet another new sensation to her. Nightmare leans forward and plants a gentle, careful and loving kiss upon his lips, smiling at him with a calm, loving smile.

"How...how did you..." He barely manages to speak, before she silences him with a hoof softly being placed upon his lips, then followed by another kiss. She leans back again, shifting her weight carefully upon the pilots lap, her eyes trained upon his.

"I was in the bauble since you called me to you yesterday. I was asleep, until I felt your heart. ...my master...I have heard your call. And I see you. I am with you." She whispers to him. Nightmare draws in a soft, gentle breath, before exhaling slowly, her lidded, loving gaze fixed upon his still. She draws in another breath, in taking his mixed in with the fresh air, the scent of the pilots breath, sweat, and the old smells she fell in love with, the fuel, exhaust and the sweetness she couldn't even identify herself all being drawn deeply into her form. "Talon...my answer is yes. I have chosen to seek my refuge within your heart, and here I will stay."

He carefully eyes her, feeling his strength returning from the rest. He nods his head and coughs, turning away slightly to not do so on her. Nightie lets out a soft giggle, then adjusts her heads position to look him in the eyes again.

"Use my power now, let's do this together." She whispers, helping the pilot back to his feet. She watches as he tiredly picks up the empty pistols, checking for any remaining rounds. He searches his pockets, not finding anymore either.

"I don't see how we are going to get out of here now." He responds discordantly, shaking his head. "I'm out of ammo Nightie. We can't go any further if I have no way to fight. These aren't exactly things I can fight hand to hand, I can't reach the orbs as fast as I can shoot, and I'm exhausted." He breathes out, coughing more. He looks at the tear in his shirt, seeing the wound completely healed, as if it never happened. Only the scars from several years ago, in the gardens.

Nightmare Moon cackles quietly for a moment, raising her bare hoof to meet his cheek softly. Her ghostly body leaves a small, shimmering after image in her movements wake, the touch upon his flesh feeling cool, and somewhat refreshing. "You forget just who I am. Do you not recall my legends, the tales of the monster I once was, my master?" She smiles smugly to him, a sardonic grin and eyes glittering with a hint of malice. "Allow me into your heart then. I'll show you just how weak these creatures are against a TRUE Nightmare."

He recalls her warning to him upon the beach in the dream world, thinking over her offer. 'You do understand...undertaking such a risk may very well end your life, my master. With my soul melding with yours...it would bring with it the knowledge of the ages, thousands of years of memories, emotions and ancient power. You would experience pain unrelenting, your very mind would collapse from the sheer shock of it all. Even then if you did survive...my power would be a poison to you...it would corrupt and twist your heart, turning you into a monster...if your love is not strong enough.' He takes pause, then looks her in the eyes, seeing her smiling sardonically still. He takes in a breath and responds. "You said it could kill me though. It would poison me."

"Not if I don't completely intertwine our souls. You and I shall not be what Luminescence and I were." She responds. "I wish to still remain who I am...self aware and my own self. But I can take refuge within your heart, join ours together. I will be your strength when you are weak, I can be your wrath, your justice here. Talon...let me in. Let me fight with you. I promise you here and now, upon our children...I won't let you suffer."

He laughs, falling back to the ground and taking a seat upon the frozen obsidian floor. The ice seems to glow from the magma channels and cracks deeply below them. "Why not....I'm already in Hell...It couldn't hurt to make a deal with the devil now."

She nestles beside him, wrapping her ghostly ethereal tail around him, the chaotic star field encircling him like a blanket. He shivers as the icy energy of the nightmare alicorn clings to him. "Throughout the centuries I was known for my hate...but now thanks to you...I have seen the light. I only wish to do good now. I want us...you, Luminescence and I to return to our kingdom, our treasures. You have my word, my master. I offer you power...take it."

He looks at her, letting out a sigh. 'Why not....I'm dead anyway if I don't.' He thinks. He knows through the next door could be the end. And with no more weapons, he has no prayer of escape from the fire demon, or the ice demon at the end. He heaves a heavy sigh and nods.

Nightmare cackles loudly, a sinister, wicked laugh coming from the ghostly alicorns image. "Time it is then, my master. I hope you're ready to die." Her voice echo's around him as her image fades, the miasma retaking its lavender light and mist, swirling all around him quickly and violently as a maelstrom. He feels her power snaking all around his body, constricting and wrapping tightly, the sensation of thousands of needles all piercing him at once.

His eyes open wide with the new pain, taking him to the floor completely as he lets out a howl of agony. Nightmares powers and mist wrapping all around him, the sensation of cold washing over him everywhere. His heart pounds in his chest faster and faster, the miasma hardening all around him, the final piece encased of him being his head.

* * * * *

Luna leaps down from the canard, carefully holding the moonshine within the sphere of magic. She walks to the saucer, placing the moonshine within the container. The midnight alicorn looks on at the silvery liquids surface, not seeing anything other then the bottom of the polished saucer.

"Patients, outsider." Queen Obsolescence breathes out, recalling the spell weaving necessary to create a mirror pool. "This takes a moment to create the connection. I need a personal effect of your flames to finish the right of ritual." She says cooly, keeping her eyes glued to the fluid settling into the pan.

The midnight alicorn quickly turns on her hind hooves, galloping back to the corner of the decrepit blacksmiths shop remains, getting the pilots satchel. She grasps the strap within her maw, then rushes back to the mirror and black alicorn. Her chest heaves, out of breath. She titters nervously, pulling back quickly on the flap of the satchel and burying her snout in the bag. She pulls out the pilots noise block that has caused her so many headaches, the bane of her existence. She holds it in her teeth with a grin. "will thish work?"

"If it is his, yes. It will work fine. We simply need to toss it into the fluid for it to..." She trails off, seeing the midnight alicorn unceremoniously drop the music player into the liquid, curious how and why Luna would have a large, satisfied grin of seeing the glow of the screen flicker and die out. "...work." She finishes, rolling her eyes.

Luna seems to trot in place, staring at the moonshine with a smile. "Hurry, hurry! The sooner we tell him, the sooner we can get in there and help him!" She blurts out, excited that now she has a way to reach her flame, so she can help him. The night princess eager to escape this nightmare and return home to her treasured children.

They watch together as the saucer seemingly starts to glow with an other worldly light and iridescent hue, before it flashes with a bright white light, releasing a small mushroom cloud of smoke. Luna and Queen Obsolescence cough from the smoke, stepping back.

"I don't" she coughs heavily several times, hacking loudly. "I don't remember the smoke" Cough cough cough. "Being that heavy before!" Cough cough. "Yours must be..." Cough cough. "More potent!" Queen Obsolescence coughs loudly, then sneezes from the smoke filling her nose.

Luna fans away the smoke with a wing, before quickly regaining her senses and narrowing her eyes at the black alicorn Doppelganger. "Practice. Lots of practice." She states, before turning her attention back to the ceremonial saucer. She sees the inside of the container, the liquid now having of taken on a still, hardened surface of a high polished mirror, before turning into a smokey image of the keeps interior. Looking intently at the image, she watches as if she were seeing the screens back in the control center of the palace, looking through the war machines forward cameras in flight. The image races through the keep, clearing room after emptied room. Luna's breath catches in her throat of seeing the carnage so far, seeing every broken orb, dead monsters and hellhounds, scattered bones and a trail of blood. Her heart nearly stops as the moving image catches the broken rifle of the pilot's laying on the ground, but her flame nowhere near it.

"The spell is seeking him. He's moved deep into the keep now. He's alive...if it's able to follow his trail." Queen Obsolescence comments quietly, her own attention drawn to the images. She opens her wings erect upon her back, twitching slightly with curious wonder. "So many emptied rooms...I've never been that far within the keep..."

"He's mine flame...what did thou expect?" Luna retorts, chewing on her lower lip nervously. Her wings are held tightly to her sides, as she titters nervously and looks upon the images. Room after room, the image shows the same. Broken orbs everywhere, more blood drips along the ground, the blood dried and hardened. The image takes them down several long hallways with dead ends, then turns back to the correct path. It's when they both see a sheet of ice suddenly appear on the edge of the current hallway, they gasp.

Luna's heart almost stops within her barrel as she sees an eerily familiar light resting upon the pilot's lap and chest as he sits down against a wall of ice within the current chamber. He appears heavily damaged, his shirt and pants torn in several places, blood and dirt covering parts of his neck, legs and arms. "Mine flame!" She cries out, trying to dive into the pool. He's there, RIGHT THERE! and he's HURT! She lets out a loud, desperate whinny and cry, before the black alicorn grabs her within her wings and forelegs.

"You cannot simply jump in!" The queen shouts, trying to steady and calm the outsider down. "We must try and communicate! Calm down for a moment!" The image suddenly changes, the pilot rising to his feet, the cloud of purple mist moving away from him slightly. They watch in curious wonder, listening him talk to himself. No words are heard, just his lips moving, and the cloud pulsating and flashing with a gentle glow. "What is he doing....I've never seen a formor like that one before..."

The midnight alicorn does an inward search, desperately seeking that old familiar black magic. It's missing...something within her mind suddenly snaps, and comes together. The bauble, the nebula formation, the pilots odd behavior. It all makes sense now. She lets out an angry hiss in rage, seething with blistering cold fury. "OBSOLESCENCE! THOU HATH TAKEN MINE FLAME?!" She shouts angry, her voice nearing royal Canterlot levels.

The queen steps back in surprise. "I have done no such thing!" She retorts, her teal draconic eyes wide with fear. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing, off worlder!"

Luna thrusts her fore hoof out, pointing at the miasma. "Not thou, thou foalish twit! The miasma! That devil mare hath escaped mine bindings and hath taken refuge in mine flame! That trixie wicked mare!" She seethes out angrily between clenched teeth. She gasps with shock when the tables suddenly turn, the miasma swirling around the pilot and taking him to the floor, the human falling to his hands and knees upon the ice. They can hear a faint sound akin to a blood curtailing scream of pain and anguish, before its silenced. The miasma clinging to his body and taking form. They watch for several tense, soul rending minutes as he writhes in pure agony upon the ground. The only sounds around them being the ambient gentle wind of the barren world, and their strained, quiet breathing.

The pilot stops moving altogether now, still as the grave for several tense seconds. They see the miasma harden and take shape, turning into cobalt blue armor, high polished and strong, with soft, blue lights in several areas, focused ahead as beams of light, shining against the icy ground of the chamber. The human gets to his knees and hands again, before standing upon his armored feet. The image circles around to see his face, now hidden by a helmet that clings to his form perfectly, the armor completely covering him now from head to toe. Once focused upon his face, they see only a strange, honeycomb like visor as the only distinct feature of the helmet.

The image pans down, showing the rest of him. A jet of flame, akin to the same of the war machines engines launches out forward from his center of the chest, before calming to a hot, focused glow of pure hot, blue fire. His stance seems rigid, his movements almost machine like. The human steps forward, the ice cracking and breaking under each step as if he weighed an unfathomable amount now. They watch in disbelief as he reaches the still frozen door of the chamber, their maws opened with surprise, their jaws hanging open as he suddenly brings back a fist and punches the door. It shatters like glass, the pilot now stepping through it as if it were never even there.

'mine flame...what happened to thou...' Luna asks herself in a haunted whisper below her breath, looking on in pure horror of the armored monster shown in the mirror pool. Her eyes must be playing tricks. She must have been deceived by what her eyes clearly see! This is wrong! It couldn't be! Luna shakes her head in disbelief, her heart and mind not willing to accept or process what is clearly before her.

* * * * *

He awakens again after blacking out for a few moments, his eyes focused ahead at the ground now. His body feels cool, as if he were in a nicely air conditioned room once again, comfortable, not too hot, and nowhere near too cold. That just right temperature. He feels heavy, like he was weighed down by his armor that Rarity gave him years ago before the war.

'Get up, my master. Rise to your feet.' She whispers to him, tightening her hold all over his body. The pilot obeys, finding strength his body nearly had forgotten deep within himself, a surge of power coursing throughout his blood unlike anything he's ever felt. The room is filled with sounds of metal under tension and groaning, metal twisting and grinding slowly with a deep, bone chilling screeching.

He rises to his feet, his vision now filled with an almost orange glow. The room seems different, he can see things he never did before. Turning his head to look around, the creaking sound of metal echoes in the room again. He sees the remains of the broken orbs, three of them glowing with a black shadow, one of them glowing a bright red. He turns again, looking upon the door. It's frozen shut with a thick wall of ice, but he can see the door is partially opened.

"What happened...am I dead?" He asks quietly. He can hear the soft, silken giggle of the dark alicorn echo in a ghostly, wicked voice. The tone sardonic and malicious. He shivers, hearing her speak all around him, both in his ears, and echoing within his mind.

'No, you foalish mortal. You are not dead. I have taken this form because it best suits our intentions here. I am your shield now...I am your sword. Now with us joined together, I shall protect you. Together, my master....we shall defy Gods and Demons today. Move now. Go forward, and finish this fight!' The disembodied voice of Nightie responds.

"The door is frozen shut. I can't open it." He groans out, dizzy from the exhaustion and fog from the earlier pain. The alicorns voice cackles wickedly again, a sinister, dark laugh.

'You forget just who I am. If I could strike down Celestia, smite that foalish parasite and break through Luminescence's bindings effortlessly...do you really think a simple door would be a problem for me? Hah! Your faith in my abilities amuses me. ...BREAK IT DOWN!' She answers with a firm, silken and seductive tone.

Walking to the door, his every step feels heavy, mechanized. Almost to him as if he was wearing the warbird itself as a suit of armor now. The sounds of metal remind him of the wings and canards deploying, or the landing gear raising and lowering. He comes to a halt near the door and draws back his fist, clenching it tightly. As he does, he feels the alicorns energy snake around the arm, propelling it forward with unimaginable force. His fist contacts the ice, breaking through it and shattering the door like glass, the shards all falling away. "Huh..." He responds, stepping through the remains into the next chamber. The walls are partially frozen, the flowing magma cooled and hardened up to the halfway point of the room.

"I'm not going to be stuck like this, am I?" He asks, looking at the orbs. He quirks an eyebrow within the helmet, seeing the strange sight from before. Three of the orbs glow with black shadow, but the orb closest to him on his right glows a bright red.

'No. Once my power runs out, or we've exited this hellish nightmare, you'll return to normal. This is my power you're using, not your own. If I were to merge our souls together as I did with Luminescence, you would surely die. Think of this more as...you're wearing me as you would your uniform.' She answers him in a coy tone.

"So I'm still mortal." He asks, walking to the glowing red orb within his vision. "I'm still me then, I take it?" Drawing back his fist again, he punches the glass orb, it shattering and the door flying open. With a grin he changes direction, turning to exit the room. His every step thunders, bits of the basalt ground cracking and breaking away, leaving impressions of his boot imprints with every step. He exits the room, coming to a set of stairs heading downward to the next level.

'Yes, my master. Though there will be side effects of having my power throughout your body like this. It will either shorten your life significantly...or extend it. Which, I do not know. But whatever happens, I am now bound to you as I once was to Luminescence. You will be able to call upon me in your time of need from now on...do not so carelessly do so however, I do like my sleep, after all.' She responds with wicked glee, the pilot could almost see the black alicorns fanged smile within his minds eye. 'The only way to separate us completely now...would take the all mother herself. Otherwise, I'll be within the bauble again, and tied to your heart.'

"I can live with that." He responds. "Though...angel will probably be pissed when she finds out." He answers, heading down the long flight of steps. He comes to the next level, it appearing much like the first floor did. He still feels cool, his body wrapped in a pocket of comfortable, sweet smelling air. To him, it smells within the suit almost like Luna, the scent of cherries and grass after a spring rain. "Thank God I'm not cooking in here anymore." He mutters, coming to the first room of the second floor. He sees more orbs, much the same as the last nineteen chambers. The orbs all glow again with shadow, one orb glowing a soft red. He walks to the first orb with the red glow, punching it hard again. The orb glass shatters, the door flying open without incident. He grins and turns to exit the room, coming to the next one.

'That's only thanks to me, Talon. I am using a fraction of my power to control the air temperature I have encased around you. Without it, you would feel what I do...the room feels as hot as Tatarus to me.' She responds within his mind again. 'Thankfully for you, I once camped on Celestia's sun for a year out of sheer boredom before I made my contract with Luminescence. So this heat is nothing to me.'

"You'll have to tell me all about this later." He responds, entering the next room. He quirks an eyebrow as the room has a new sight, the orbs gone, now the only object being a wooden chest with metal straps on it, the door closed. "Um...where's the orbs...?" He asks.

'This is likely a chest room, Talon. Like the one with that beast I had slain earlier. We have to fight in this one.' Nightie answers, forcing the pilots body to move to the chest. Her power lashes out and strikes the boxes lid, ripping it open.

Two shadowy masses appear, swirling on both sides of them a short distance away, a bright red key being highlighted in the center of the mass on the left. 'Get ready. Here they come.' She answers to him. Talons arms move on their own violation, four sharp, steel blades unfurling from the tops of his armored wrists and arms to the elbows. They spring out, appearing like a scorpions pincers, the black blades edges glowing with ruins and black fire.

He grits his teeth and waits, taking a defensive stance as the masses take shape, towering over him and the black alicorns heights. His eyes narrow when he begins to recognize their shapes, the snouts and heads forming like the skeletal hellhounds.

'Ooh...Lycanthrope's. I haven't seen their kind in ages.' She responds, a hint of a sadistic laugh within her tone. 'These will be a simple kill for me. Just watch!' She calls out to him, echoing in his mind. The pilot feels her take control of his legs and arms again, causing him to charge forward. The sounds of metal twisting and scraping against metal fills the air loudly as he does, the heavy stomps of his boots digging into the basalt earth. The blades lash out on his right arm, decapitating the first formor before it can fully form. The pilot twirls on his heels and tackles the second mass to the ground, his arms thrusting the blades into the center of the demons mass. The blades dig deep and slice through it like a molten hot knife through butter, splitting it in two and silencing the demon before it ever had a chance to strike. Nightmare laughs sadistically, enjoying the carnage and murderous actions. 'Just like old times. HAHAHAHA!' She yells out with wicked glee.

The pilot reaches into the dead monsters chest, pulling out the key and ripping it from its body. The key is wrapped in the lycans entrails and heart flesh, the blood and sickening fleshy bits dripping off of his armored hand. He begins to feel nauseous, fighting back the urge to vomit within his alicorn armored suit.

'Oh, you of such a weak stomach. You're entirely too soft you know.' Nightie cackles wickedly, bringing the pilot back to his armored feet. He steps forward, jamming the blood and flesh soaked key into the doors lock, turning it and opening the door. It slowly rises once he releases the key, revealing a long, dark hallway to the next series of chambers.

He rolls his eyes and keeps walking. "Unlike you, nightie...I never killed for fun." He responds, continuing forward. "Let's just try and get to the end. Angel is counting on us to get that Falasis piece for the queen here. Once we get that, we can go home." He retorts bitterly, his mind drifting back to his wife and children. "I want to go home, back to the kids. I have a promise to keep."

'You mean to our children, Stardust Kiss and Moonlight Way?' Nightie responds within his mind, the voice having a ghostly echo. 'I am well aware...' She drifts off, her voice now sounding sad. 'I'm...I'm not a monster, my master. I too feel and understand love now. Especially to our children. I'm a part of your herd now...even if it means I have to accept the sun bringer as such. ...I promise you, I will get us out of here. ...I promise.'

He nods, pressing forward to the next room, finding this one has orbs again. He rushes to the glowing red orb and shatters it, watching as the door opens. He says nothing, continuing his gate through the keep. Eager to put an end to this hellish place once and for all. 'Angel...forgive me. Please be patient and forgive me.' He thinks, his thoughts focused upon his family. That cute, adorkable midnight alicorn and his two trouble making fillies. If it meant him being with them to the end of his days...he'll walk through this hell a thousand and one times over for them, without a second thought. Nightie hears his thoughts, smiling inwardly and says nothing. The feelings she gets of warmth and determination, the light and purity within him gives her unfathomable strength, and the steeled will she has always sought so feverishly.

* * * * *

The two alicorns watch from the mirror pool, disbelieving in what they're seeing. Room after room, passage after passage, the pilot and the devil mare, Nightie, walk effortlessly through the demons keep. Luna breathes hard, seething with blistering cold fury, while Obsolescence, the dark queen watches with an almost giddy excitement.

"He's so powerful...now I see why you have claimed him." She whispers, jumping with a long forgotten smile as she sees him barrel through a mimic pit in a corner, slashing and decimating several of the treasure chest Formors nestled in the hall to attract would be victims with their false promises of riches and release.

"Neigh...tis only...Nightie...aiding him. Mine love would never be so vicious, even against such demons. He fights with control, honor and skill. Obsolescence, mine darker half is a blood lusting wicked mare who enjoys tormenting her prey before the slaughter." Luna groans out, face hoofing as she watches the pilot in armor pick up one of the formor boxes struggling to get away, only for him to so callously toss the formor into the lava flow in the passage, the armored chest heaving as if he were laughing. "Ooh...that had to hurt."

Queen Obsolescence only smiles wider, her teal draconic eyes focused intently on watching. "Outsider...your husband and that devil mare are doing what has never been done, they've made it to the third floor of the demons keep now. If your so called darker half is enjoying slaughtering these Formors to get me back my kingdom, I bless her actions, and his!" She responds in kind, her wings twitching excitedly. The pilot clears another orb room, his pace quickened as he runs through the new floor. The queen shakes her head while grinning a wide, joyful smile. "He's already completely cleared forty three rooms...no one of my world has ever been so far..."

Both of the mares gasp in fright as they see the room ahead, filled with three hulking behemoths. Obsolescence's jaw opens wide, as if unhinged. "No...NO! Three Argus's?! No pony has ever defeated one!" She shouts. Turning to Luna, she nervously stutters for a moment. "Call out to him! Turn him back!"

The midnight alicorn panics for a moment. "What?! Uh..um..Mine flame!" She shouts into the mirror pool. "Turn back! Flee at once!" It's hopeless, the pilot can't hear her, he only continues forward into the hall, nearing the room. "Run away!" She shouts, not understanding he can't hear her, the nightmare alicorns magic is blocking communication to the bauble.

They watch as the armor begins to glow a dark blue all over, the blades extending out more and seemingly gleaming with their razor sharp edges. Unexpectedly, the pilot and nightmare alicorn move forward with selaritis movement, turning into a blur and a shadowy after image as he begins to attack and slash apart at each of the Formors. All that can be seen in his lightning movements is limbs flying off, body parts and flesh being sheared and cut away, and one formor falling after another. The two relentlessly and viciously work together in a terrifyingly dark symphony, killing without any form of remorse or trepidation. This keep...this hell was no longer a safe haven for demons, it was a blood bath and a slaughter, and the nightmare alicorn was the butcher.

The two alicorns look back at the mirror pool once again, moving their forelegs out of their vision to continue watching the disturbing murder of every formor in the pilot and nightmares path. the minutes tick away as he clears one room after another, running through the dungeons of Tatarus. Every orb room is cleared without incident, every chest room quickly brought down before the formor's could even hope to counter attack, or completely form. Another floor cleared, another flight of stairs gone down.

* * * * *

"Remind me never to piss you off." Talon mutters within the helmet, still in disbelief of how easy this really has become. He can hear Nighties soft panting, then the sound of fatigue within her voice as she responds.

'This...this is quite a workout. I don't recall ever doing this much in all of my years in a single stretch.' She replies quietly, panting and regaining her breath. The energy within the star is beginning to run out, she's expended too much power trying to rush through the floors of the keep. The heat is beginning to get to her, the spell to keep the pilots body cooled wavering.

"If you need to rest, we can, nightie." He quietly breathes out, also panting from being forced to run and fight. Despite the alicorn controlling his body like a puppet at times, the weight of the armor is wearing him down quickly. He's exhausted, to the point where he could easily pass out and sleep at any moment.

'No, my master. We do not stop until we are free of this place, and these demons are sent to their graves!' She snaps almost angrily, picking up the pace. They've cleared all twelve of the orb rooms on the fourth floor without incident, not a single formor appearing. Nightmare Moons gift of Darkness has enabled her to see the correct orb choice without fail, so each room is child splay to the night mare.

He shrugs, continuing running. Once they find the final flight of stairs, they descend down them, the alicorn boosting her magic to almost glide down them with haste. What awaits them, however...was unlike anything they've ever seen or experienced. It was not another floor of the hellish rooms and chambers, but rather a large, expansive cave.

Above and all around them, the onyx and obsidian walls tower high above them to the cave roof, at the end of the massive chamber lays a large structure, a castle, or palace like a twisted, dark version of both Chrysalis's and Celestia's mixed together, added in with a flair of pure scary and a dash of what in the actual fuck. Upon the steeples of each towering peak, were bones, pony skulls and disembodied heads all held upon them like pikes, piles of bones, the scent of rotting flesh and meat thick in the air, wreaking of decay and death. Flows of molten lava cascade down one of the walls in the back, much like a waterfall, a large molten pool of it flowing and bubbling on the side like a large lake or river. Flames jet and leap from them, dancing like the corona of the sun.

"This must be the end..." Talon whispers, seeing movement in the distance. He spots something moving, turning away and rushing back into the structure, a hint of a star field mane and tail trailing behind it like smoke. "Angel..?" He asks, starting to pick up the pace and trotting to it.

'Luminescence? I don't sense her presence...how would she have gotten ahead of us?' Nightie asks, trying to resist the pilots forward movements. 'This isn't right, my master. Don't approach her! It could be a mirage!'

"No, that's Angel!" He shouts, running ahead. The sounds of metal groaning and screeching against itself fills the air as he finally slows, entering the decrepit entrance of the demons palace. They hear a low, guttural laughing coming from all around them, the pilot stopping in place and listening. Silence, several tense moments of silence, only the ambient sounds of the lava flows outside of the demons palace.

All is quiet as Nightie tenses up. 'Something is coming...' She whispers in his mind, probing and feeling the air around her with her magic, desperately searching for movement. The pilot and alicorn turn in unison, the armor creaking and groaning with every inch of the movements, before they're sent flying forward into a wall within the chamber of the palace from a bone crunching impact.

He shakes his head to shake off the initial shock, trying to regain his senses. They turn their head to locate the source of the impact, their vision locking onto the ice demon herself. Talons eyes open wide, seeing, but not believing. A demonic version of Luna, red eyes and long, blood soaked fangs stands a short distance away, its wings deployed out wide, the stance clearly defensive and ready for a fight. It hisses darkly, it's black tongue slithering out between its clenched teeth, its glowing red eyes flashing with rage.

The pilot stands, getting to his feet as he stares down the demon. Talon clenched his fists tightly, holding his guard up, ready for the fight of a lifetime. He's sparred against Luna and Celestia of his own world before...but this was no friendly bout or match. This time, it was to the death. Gritting his teeth his eyes flick down to the bauble against his armored chest, nodding. "Alright Nightie, get ready. This is for real!"

The creature before him let out a loud, angry hiss. It leveled its cruel draconic gaze at him, its long black tongue tracing its blood soaked fangs in its opened maw. Rearing back, this demonic alicorn bellows out a concussive roar as its lower jaw splits open like a snakes, casting out acidic spittle as it slinks into its defensive posture.

'It's horn! We must break off its horn and wings if we are to kill it. It's the only way to put an end to this nightmare so we can return home!' Nightmares voice echoes in Talons mind, her energy and will coursing through his veins and armor upon his form. She feels him nod as the muscles within his neck and body tense for a moment, signaling he's ready. She knows this could be their end, but is willing none the less.

The creature lunges forward and charges at the armored human, only to be pushed forward in its continued path as he evades the initial attack. It lets out a loud howl of rage as it's suddenly grabbed from behind, feeling one of its wings being wrenched away from its socket and ripping out. Talon has since grasped the wing interlink within his armored hand, crushing and twisting the bone away before ripping it completely out from its body, then casting the bloodied appendage behind him.

Watching from the mirror pool safe and away from the grand battle beginning to unfold, Queen Obsolescence and Luna stare onward, their breath held in silence. Luna's eyes widen as she sees Talon apparently winning so far in the beginning of the fight against her demonic self, disbelieving that her flame and nightie could work so well together as a pair. The midnight alicorn jumps with a start as she hears Queen Obsolescence suddenly cheer loudly. "Yeah Talon! Kick its ass!"

Talon is knocked back hard as an armored fore hoof connects with his chest, sending him flying backward and winded for a moment. The demonic Luna lets out another rage filled howl as it charges forward, tackling him down to the broken tiles and dirt floor of the derelict palace. As he's trying to get back up and rise to his feet, the creature squeezes him into a bear hug, crushing the armor around his midsection and tossing him about like a rag doll, before twisting and casting him away. He sails through the air and crashes through a wall.

He rolls upon the ground, crashing through various debris and stones scattered about the courtyard of the once grand palace, finally skidding to a stop nearly two hundred feet away. He hisses in pain for a moment, gaining his bearings as he searches the area with his eyes through the helmets visor, looking for the demonic mare he was sent to kill.

They watch as the demonic Luna crashes slowly through the remains of the wall, walking through the crumbling stone as if it was never even there. It cries out in another loud rage filled howl and hisses, before coming to a stop. Its gaze meets the pilots and Nightmare alicorns, before charging forward to kill its next victim. It barrels ahead faster and faster, its massive hulking form crashing through the debris field as it charges like a freight train would down tracks at top speed.

Talon rises to his feet and charges ahead, running forward. "Come on! Let’s do this together!" The bauble glows brightly with a deep violet light, Nightmares magic rushing throughout his form as he leaps into the air above the creature, his fists held tight above him as he brings them down and slams into the demonic alicorns head, knocking it square on the snout and to the ground.

Talon grabs the creatures twisted and cracked horn, using it as leverage to pull it in closer as he brings down a heavy punch to its face. He draws back again after the first bone crunching impact of his fist knocking it, sending down another to its jaw. The sounds of bones breaking fills the air as his armored knuckles connect, causing the demonic alicorn to let out a pain filled scream. The pilot does not relent.

He draws back his arm for a third time, his eyes locking onto the demons as he grins through his helmet. "Now!" He yells out. Nightmares magic snakes around his arm, propelling it forward with even more force than ever before. It slams into the skull of the demon, warping and breaking its eye socket with the impact.

The demonic Luna is knocked back briefly by the attack, it's eye now crushed in and bleeding profusely, a black fluid oozing from its deep wounds that seemingly glows with pure evil light. In a defensive move, it grasps a stone pillar within its demonic magic, knocking the pilot and alicorn down to the ground with a mighty swing. It hisses loudly and casts the stone pillar away beside it, continuing its slow, wounded gate to its victim.

As the pilot falls, he grasps two large stones in his hands from the debris, quickly rising to his feet. Both him and Nighty are breathing hard as he does, opening his arms wide to box the ears of the demonic Luna. As soon as she's in range, he slams his arms together, smacking the demons head with both stones and crushing her head. The jaw and face crumple, the skull warping with the crushing impact. She lets out another angry howl, only to be silenced as one of the stones are rammed into her maw, followed by the pilots armored fist.

The demon is knocked down again, the large rock stuck in its jaws. The demonic Luna bites down and splits the rock into dust, then tries to rise to its hooves again, only to be picked up from behind by the invader. It's tossed a short distance away, thrown into one of the stone columns in front of the demons keep. Letting out a loud concussive roar, it charges forward and rushes him, slamming into him to drive him back, forcing him to the lake of fire.

"Nightie! Now!" He yells out within the helmet, Nightmare channeling the remains of her power into a shadow sphere into his hand. She wills his arm to move with her remaining strength, forming and casting out hot plasma bolts of power into the demonic alicorns chest. She fires, again and again and again, each blast tearing away massive chunks of flesh and bone. One of the demons forelegs is blown off as they speed to the lake of molten rock, the night alicorn digging her and the pilots heels into the basalt ground to slow the push. Again and again, she fires, each blast more destructive than the last. One final blast, the demon falling dead in his arms.

He stops an inch from the edge, one heel hanging precariously over the edge, the heat of the magma reaching his foot. He pushes the demon mare off of him, moving ahead slowly and away from the carnage. "One down." He groans out, beginning to move to the palace. Nightmare stops him, freezing his body in place with her will.

'Wait...' She calls out in his mind, turning their bodies together to face the demon mares carcass. 'I Think it's dead...but as you would say, let's check for a pulse...' She replies, a hint of her sadistic nature still evident even in her exhausted tone. She powers up another massive plasma bolt, firing it into the chest and neck of the demonic mare, blowing it wide open in a plume of amethyst and sapphire blue fire. She wills the pilots body back to the mare and raises his heavy armored boot, stomping upon the base of the demons skull and horn, shattering it completely. 'No pulse.' She jubilantly cheers out, turning back to face the castle.

This Means WAR

Chapter Eight: This Means WAR

Luna and Queen Obsolescence continue to watch the battle unfold between Talon and the ice demon, Luna's demonic form. They sit wide eyed, jaws hanging open in pure wonder and awe as they see hit after incredible hit, disbelieving the sheer carnage and destruction of it all. As the final blow is thrown from the human in alicorn armor, they see the demon fall once and for all.

The pair hold a baited breath in pure silence, completely shocked at the quick and decisive victory, their gaze frozen in pure horror and curious wonder. Obsolescence is the first to speak, her voice shaken and a haunted whisper. "He did it...The crazy son of a whorse did it..." She utters quietly. As she speaks, the rumble of thunder rings throughout the air, droplets of cool, cleansing rain begin to fall upon them. The first rain in Elysium in over seven hundred years.

The black alicorn, the dark queen looks up into the heavens, seeing the clouds darkening overhead, the winds picking up and the clouds rolling in thicker, heavier. No longer were the skies above them a ghostly gray, the color of ash and death, but for once the color of a wondrous and beautiful storm, the rains finally coming to wash away the decay of the ruined world. Tears well up under her eyes, as for the first time in centuries, she feels the refreshing rain falling upon her fur, the droplets heavy and large, each and every splash against her beginning to wash away the centuries of mud, blood and bitterness upon her. She turns her muzzle up and sniffs the air, a long forgotten smile crossing her features as tears fall down, hidden in the rain.

Luna alights her horn, grasping the mirror pool within the gentle glow of her blue magical aura, taking refuge with it under the opened wings of the war machine. She tilts her head and smiles as her soft jade orbs catch the sight of her counterpart doing the unexpected. The dark queen, now thoroughly soaked to the bone, has since discarded her cloak, and is prancing happily and joyfully in the soothing rains, her raspy and dry voice now turned softer, to a melodic symphony of laughter and hope. She watches as the mud streams off of her coat, her cracked and broken hooves finding their strength once more in her euphoric dance of joy. The heavens above, bringing with them the cleansing rain, the life giving liquid needed for restoring the long dead planet. Luna's gaze shifts down back to the mirror pool, watching with trepidation as her flame begins his walk into the depths of the demons keep, the final battle yet to come, the chance to finally return home, after what felt like an eternity.

In truth, it's been nearly two full days, the alicorn completely exhausted, keeping awake and worried about her husbands life, his fight for survival within the hellish nightmare known as the Formors lair. Her ears perk up when she hears the nearby panting of the dark queen, her gaze falling to Obsolescence.

"It's almost over now...if he can defeat the fire demon...my kingdom will be avenged. I can finally restore life to my world. Luna...princess of Equestria. I cannot express to you how grateful I am that you two have by some miracle of my mother come. Nor can I express just how deep my gratitude is to you both." She murmurs, a gentle, weathered smile upon her features. "I pray that he succeeds...The fire demon will be soon...and that is when the real fight begins."

Luna quirks an eyebrow. "What doth thou mean, the real fight? Hath thou not seen mine flames victory? This shalt be over with haste. Have faith, mine friend." She retorts, her gaze focused once again watching her husband through the fog of the mirror pool.

"Baol...the demons keep was merely a test, the ice demon the weaker of the two. The fire one...is by far the strongest and worst of the demonic sisters. I have seen her lay to waste thousands who were considered the strongest of their clans in magic, sweeping even the best and the brightest aside as if they were nothing. Your flame is tired...even I can see the strain in his every step. Call out to him now...let us try and journey through the emptied keep to assist him, so that we may all work together and put an end to this."

* * * * *

Deep inside of the structure now, the pilot cautiously steps through the large chambers of the demons keep, knowing full well what may very well await him. His armor groans and grinds, the resounding sound of metal against metal echoing in the air all around him within the room. Arriving at one final, large door already opened, they come to an even more massive chamber, different than the rest.

The room is dark, only a faint, soft blue light glowing across the other side of the chamber is all that illuminates the room. The pair follow the rays of light within, tracing them high above to be shining faintly from a hole in the roof. The sound of water dripping slowly is their only company, the air feeling stagnant and dank.

"That must be it..." Talon says quietly, seeing an object far against the wall, illuminated by the faint light. A large, circular, ornate shrine; something akin to a sacrificial table or offering place for a deity rests against the back wall. The pilot in alicorn armor creeps closer, getting a better view through the orange haze of Nightmare's vision.

'Those leaf engravings in Equestria would indicate it's a shrine...if these creatures of this realm are anything like our own, then that could be as well...I sense something, a hidden power being suspended within it. A powerful light being repressed.' Nightie's voice echo's in the pilots mind, Talon almost able to imagine the black alicorn resting upon her rump, a hoof held to her maw in thought.

He gets closer, finally reaching the end of the chamber. Floating within the soft ashen blue light of the world above them, was what they came for. A small chunk of crystal in the shape of a wing, embossed with a silver locket the size of the humans palm; the Falasis fragment. The heart of creation.

Talon studies the twin leaf pillars, looking upon them with curiosity. Their shape, almost reminded him of the crown Julius Ceaser once wore on Earth in ancient Rome, but standing on end as if to frame...or guard this prize. With a sigh and convinced this day couldn't possibly get any harder, he looks around, checking for the fire demon. With no sign of her, he nods, reaching for the fragment.

'No wait! Don't tou---' Nightie shrieks out, sensing the field. She's cut off when he contacts it, the magical barrier surrounding the fragment blowing him back and sending him flying half way across the room. He lands hard against the basalt ground, a trail of sparks left in his wake as they skid to a stop. Nightie groans out a low, pain filled hiss. 'Oohhh...ouch.'

"The hell...was that?" The pilot groans out, trying to get back to his feet. He lifts his armored hand to the helmet, wincing in pain from the searing headache caused by the knock back. "What just happened?"

'You really shouldn't have done that.' Nightie hisses within his mind, the sounds of her clicking her tongue echoing in the pilots thoughts following her cold statement. 'I mean really, you couldn't have waited for me to take apart the field first?' She bites out.

"How the hell was I supposed to know it had more space pony magic?!" He responds, getting to his feet finally. He shakes his head and blinks the stars out of his vision, walking slowly and a bit disoriented. His eyes trace the object floating a small distance away, eyeing it carefully. "So now what do we do?" He asks.

"You die." A voice responds from the darkness. The pilot whips around to face the direction of the sound, not seeing anything through the orange haze. His eyes scan feverishly for its source, Talon swallowing hard and balling up his fists. A dark cackle rings throughout the air, the sinister silken voice echoing off of the cavern walls.

'Master! Be careful!' Nightie whispers within his mind, pushing her nearly depleted magic to the limits to sense its location. The black alicorn knows her time is nearly up, her magic too far drained to maintain her form much longer. She digs deep within her soul, desperately trying to hold on so she can shield her mate. The temperature spell within the armor is beginning to waiver more, the internal temperature of the armor rising slightly.

Talon continues to move around and searches, the armor grinding and groaning loudly as metal contacts metal, twisting and screeching. As he turns away, a pair of glowing red and yellow draconic eyes open just behind him, their cat like black slitted pupils focusing on the light emitted by the armor. The demon begins to rise from her nest, her body emitting a faint red glow in parts, the coat cracking and breaching, glowing like the hot basalt earth with the magma channels.

"Where is it? I cant track it!" He whispers in response to Nightie, turning around once more and coming face to face with the demon. It towers over them, this demonic alicorn easily taller than the very tip of their Celestia's horn. A pair of glowing red eyes glare at him a foot above the pilots head, it's muzzle coming into view as it lowers down to meet his gaze.

"To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of a meal?" She quietly calls out, the light of the hellfire within her maw being exposed as she speaks. A metallic silver forked tongue snaking out between her razor sharp teeth and flicking like a snakes.

The pilot freezes in place, unable to move out of sheer terror. He looks up at the massive beast through the visor, swallowing hard as he tries to find his voice. He didn't expect her to be this big. When he doesn't answer her, the demon lights its horn and encases the pilot in its magical hold, the aura of the demons magic slipping off of him like oil and water.

"It's no wonder you defeated my sister...she couldn't grasp you with her touch." The demon speaks out, a faint hiss hidden in her every whisper and word. The horn dims, the demonic alicorn taking a step forward. As she moves, her blackened basalt fur upon her legs begins to melt, her hooves becoming like a magma flow and melting the ground with her every step. The mane and tail ignights and come to life, a brilliant hot flame billowing out from her in it's deadly chaotic dance.

Nightie wrenches the pilot within her magical grasp, forcing him to back away quickly as she takes control of his limbs. She snarls angrily and flicks out the pilots arms, the scorpion blades deploying with a snap. Nightmare raises the arms of the armor, willing them into a defensive stance.

"Surrender the Falasis piece, and I shall let you live." Nightmare calls out, her voice and the pilots speaking in a dark symphony together, their dual voices speaking as one as she tightens her hold upon the humans mind.

"Confident I see." The demonic Celestia hisses out, circling the pilot in alicorn armor as she steps slowly, every step calculated and precise. "Small words, from an insignificant life form. I've heard them before...many have tried to end my reign of terror, and all have failed. This is my planet now, my kingdom to rule, and my keep. You will bow before me, insect."

Nightie gives off a sardonic grin within the pilots mind, still controlling the armor and human with her magic like a puppet. She wills to speak again, her and the pilots voices together as one. "I bow to no pony."

The fire demon hisses quietly, a sinister guttural laugh echoing from it, the voice darkening and dripping with venom and malice. The glow of her hellfire becomes more intense, the heat increasing exponentially. Without another word, the mane shoots and billows forward, impacting hard against the pilots armored chest. There's no time to react, the pilot in alicorn armor sent sailing across the room and crashing against the far wall.

The pilot hisses in pain, the metal dented in severely and limiting his breathing. Rising back to his feet, he has just enough time to look up, seeing a massive flaming hoof speeding to his face. Before he has any time to react, it connects again hard with his helmet, the force of the blow cracking the visor glass, knocking him into the air and flipping, landing with a sickening crunch against the stony floor some distance away.

'Get up! We're BOTH going to die in here if you don't start fighting her!' Nightie screams out into Talon's mind, her magical hold on him beginning to slip. The bauble flickers brightly, the stars energy becoming unstable. He rises to his feet again slowly, the jet of flame from his chest piece beginning to grow in intensity, He looks up, seeing the demonic Celestia charging in for another assault.

The demon reaches him, rearing up on her hind hooves and kicking out with her molten fore legs. Using this chance, the pilot rushes forward inside of her kill zone, thrusting the scorpion like blades deep into her chest and armpit areas. The demonic Celestia cries out in pain, the pilot twisting and digging the blades in her body, desperately trying to wound the demon enough to force a retreat.

The demon lashes out with it's tail of billowing flame, controlling it with deadly precision and smacking the pilot hard again center of mast, knocking him back and the blades out of her body. She comes crashing down upon her fore hooves, not giving the pilot a chance to land another strike.

Talon turns and rolls on the ground quickly, dodging the charging alicorn just milliseconds before she could trample him under her deadly hooves. Nightie wills the pilots limbs to move again, her magic flickering, the cooling spell now dieing out within the armor. She channels her remaining strength into a plasma bolt of arcing energy, the ball of shadowy magic sparking brightly in the pilot's armored hand. She pours more and more into it, sending the blast right into the exposed belly of the demonic alicorn before them.

The blast tears through the air with a high pitched whine, the arcing ball of plasma penetrating the demons body effortlessly and breaching through, entering through a soft spot just below her ribs and exiting out the top near the withers, blowing a large, gaping hole through. The demon collapses instantly and comes crashing to the ground, still and silent as the grave.

The pilot stands up once more slowly, the armor groaning and screeching with the twisted metal parts scraping against themselves. He looks through the orange haze of Nightmares vision, his eyes scanning the still and lifeless body of the demon. He pants hard, sweat dripping from his skin within the armor. A rush of cool air overtakes the internal pocket within the armor again, Nightie re balancing the power once again. He stands for several moments, looking over the corpse of the flame demon.

"Is it over?" He asks quietly to Nightie, his voice just above a strained whisper. He swallows hard, stepping forward slowly to investigate. His every step thunders within the room, bits of the hot basalt ground kicking up with his movements, his heavy armored boots still digging into the ground and leaving step impressions as his foot falls.

'Lets make sure...' Nightie replies, a sardonic, dark grin upon her muzzle within the pilots mind. She focuses once more, channeling the last remains of her power into a powerful blast of plasma magic to her mates hand. The star within the bauble begins to flicker violently, the Nightmare alicorn quietly wincing in pain as the vital life energy leaves her soul. She pushes past the pain and magical exhaustion, wanting to make this shot count.

They step to the demon, the blast will be point blank range, the magic aimed right at the demon's very core. Talon raises his hand and takes aim, the bolt nearly finished charging within his hand. He can feel Nightmares magic burning through his arm like liquid lightning, the electrical discharges dancing off of his fingertips through the armor and out into his palm. Right when he's about to fire, the demon opens its eyes and lunges up and forward, knocking the arm out of the way.

The demonic alicorn quickly whips her head around, craning her neck and smacks the invader, her gaping maw connecting with the armored shoulder of the creature within her keep. She sinks her teeth into the armor, biting down and through the metal effortlessly, her jaws wrenching closed and clean through, biting into flesh and bone, then closed all together.

Alarms scream within Talon's mind, the arm still holding the magical charge falling away and to the ground, the plasma bolt arcing and discharging electricity off of it still. He screams out in pain, howling loudly inside of the armor. He can hear the nightmares cries of agony within his mind, the sound nearly enough to drive him into madness right then.

The fire demon crunches the metal and flesh bits within her maw, rising quickly to her hooves again and swallowing the tasty morsel. She tackles him against the wall with her hot, magmata fore hooves, kicking and beating against the armored chest with all that she's got, her jaws snapping with a feral lust for more. Her head lowers and the horn upon it aims, stabbing the pilot in the chest and running him through. Arcs of magic discharge and fly out in a shower of sparks, erupting from the open wounds of the missing arm and now through the back. Celestia withdraws her horn and continues beating the pilot savagely, a loud, maniacal laugh being emitted as she torments her prey.

The Nightmare alicorn can take no more, the last scraps of her power drained. She can't hold back any longer the power she has, the remains of her blood magic crashing through the carefully constructed barriers she set up to protect the pilot. Her power begins to spiral out of control, the alicorns everything flowing into him. All that she held back, all of her love, her pain, her power, her poison. It all begins to exchange with him unintentionally, all of it coursing through his broken and bleeding body. Nightmare begins to lose herself in the pain, unable to hold herself together for much longer.

The demonic Celestia bites down once again, her feral jaws digging deep into the pilots collar bone near his neck, the bones and armor snapping like twigs under the stress. His mind is flooded with searing white pain, the world fading to nothing as he loses the ability to process. He can't even scream out, the agony overloading his mind as he begins to feel the nightmare alicorns agony with his own. Another impact, another hit upon his chest, the armor flying away and being ripped apart. He can feel it, as if the armor itself was a second flesh, and each piece was being slowly torn from his body, the pain so great.

Celestia finally knocks him to the ground, the pilot landing in a crumpled heap of twisted metal, blood and flesh. Blood begins to pool under the lifeless body, the demonic alicorn letting out a fierce whinny of victory, echoing deeply within the cavern. She turns her draconic orbs upward to the cave roof and howls out in rage, her wings of basalt and magma snapping open powerfully as she bellows her concussive roar. Pumping them furiously she takes off into the air, roaring louder than before.

* * * * *

Luna and Queen Obsolescence stare wide eyed with horror at the mirror pool, their jaws wide open with utter shock. The breath hitches within the midnight alicorns chest as her heart all but stops completely. "Mine...Mine Flame!" She cries out, blinking back tears. She stares in disbelief, then screams out in anguish.

The black alicorns head lowers, guilt and shame written upon her features. She can't take her eyes off of the mirror pool, in absolute disbelief of what's shown before her. The pilot lays upon the basalt ground within the demons keep, still as the grave within the damaged and war torn armor. His arm missing, his armored chest torn wide open and blood pooling out below him onto the ground.

Beneath their hooves, the barren Earth begins to tremble and shake, quaking as a loud, blood chilling roar is heard, the fire demon breaking through her bonds and tearing through the cavern roof. The two alicorns whip their heads around to face the direction, seeing the demonic Celestia suddenly bolt into the skies above them, just a short distance away.

"No...it's...it's all over." Obsolescence croaks out, not even bothering to stand. She slumps to the ground upon her rump, eyes closed. "There's no use fighting it outsider...that demon will come for us now...if your flame and that devil mare couldn't stop her...we have no hope of survival."

Luna stares at the demon in flight, her draconic jade orbs tracing the demonic creature in the heavens, tears matting her dirtied fur upon her cheeks. She growls in blistering cold rage as darkness begins to overtake her mind, revenge her only thought. Without thinking, Luna stands, galloping to the nose of the war machine and bounding onto the starboard canard. She doesn't care anymore. Nothing else matters.

"Thou shalt pay with thy life...demon." Luna hisses under her breath, climbing into her flames seat within the cockpit. She alights her horn and grasps her own headset, stretching the cord to her as it slides over her ears. "Initiate scram jet sequence!" She yells into the mouthpiece, the warbird beginning to come to life. She wills her magic to work the controls, the canopy closing. She watches as the black alicorn scrambles away from the war machine, the engines beginning to howl and screech loudly.

"Thou shalt pay...thou shalt PERISH!" Luna screams out, her tears flowing freely as her hoof grasps the flight stick. She squeezes it hard, her other fore hoof slamming the throttle control forward as her magic works the other surfaces, the engines screeching loudly and howling as the afterburners ignite. The doors upon the dorsal sections, as well as the ones on the belly open quickly, the afterburners turning downwards and blasting its white hot fires to the ground. The aircraft begins to lift into the air as she channels more power through the engines, her own magic helping drive the powerful machine higher and faster than it could on its own.

The fire demon takes notice of the aircraft lifting to the skies, changing course to intercept. It roars out loudly, the concussive hot breath causing a small shock wave to part some of the overhead clouds around her. Luna can see the hellfire within the demons maw, the alicorn glaring at the demon through the canopy with murderous intentions.

The bay doors begin to close as she changes the exhaust directions, the war machine powering forward to the creature, the midnight alicorn already squeezing the trigger upon the flight stick for the guns. Torrents of golden death ribbons scream forward with the blazing and buzzing of the aircrafts forward weapons, some of the projectiles striking their mark and strafing the enraged demon upon the side. The warbird shoots past the demon, the midnight alicorn pulling into a steep climb to turn around.

Obsolescence watches from the ground, in absolute disbelief that she's seeing this unfold before her. She watches with her jaw agape, seeing the midnight alicorn turn again, chasing the demonic alicorn through the skies quickly, the strange black war machine staying right on the tail of the demonic Celestia, pursuing it through the clouds above and around the area, Luna matching turn for turn and continuing to fire the golden hailstorm of bullets in short bursts.

Her eyes flick down to the mirror pool for a moment, regarding the other off worlder. She stares closely for a brief moment, her sensitive eyes catching but a single twitch of the pilots fingers as he lays upon the ground in a broken heap. Her breath catches within her as she turns and bolts, her threadbare wings deploying open with a snap as she takes off, diving down into the cavern. If there's even a remote chance that he could be still alive, she absolutely must save him.

"Missile Lock. Missile Lock." The war machines computer chirps, the alicorn having already armed the aircrafts waiting supply of missiles. The warning tones blare loudly and ring throughout the cockpit, well over the ambient noise of the aircrafts concussive roaring engines. The midnight alicorn narrows her eyes in rage, pulling the trigger.

The missile rack rolls out from within the warbird's belly, deploying missiles one after another, launching twin side winders after the speeding demonic mare. Celestia hears the screeching of the missiles rockets, turning its head briefly to glance right as the first missile impacts. A large explosion erupts as the warhead tears through the demons flesh, the second missile then impacting powerfully. The warbird blazes past the demon again, whipping around in a sharp turn to follow the creature. The alicorn within it shouting in unbridled rage.

The demon falls, its wing sheared off and smoke trailing from its torn open side, plummeting to the ground, howling out in agony. It opens its eyes to see the warbird powering to her from a distance, launching more and more of the missiles to it. One by one as the rack turns and rolls, the weapons scream forward in rapid succession. The second rack rolls out from the aft bay, launching its compliment. The demon can only stare wide eyed as it impacts hard to the ground, landing with a bone breaking impact.

The missiles scream forward, every single one of the war machines deadly weapons finding their target with absolute needle precision, the detonation casting out a massive plume of fire and smoke. The warbird with the alicorn zips past the explosions, pulling hard and maintaining full afterburner as she whips into the turn with a roll.

Luna works the rudder pedals and aileron controls with unmatched precision, following her flames training exactly as she fly's the war machine. Looking out the canopy, she watches as she's banking, keeping the port wing tipped to the ground as she circles high above the wasteland below her. Her eyes focus intently, watching the smoke clear, seeing only a billowing wall of fire left in the wake of the air strike.

* * * * *

Queen Obsolescence makes her way down to the cavern floor, her hooves gently touching down upon the basalt ground within the demons keep. She had no idea this entire time below her hooves, she could have simply come through this way and stolen the Falasis piece back. She sees the treasure floating a short distance away from her, the wounded off worlder opposite to it, herself in the middle.

She steps with trepidation in place, nervously tittering for a moment trying to decide which to go to first. The sound of the war machines engines echo within the keep above her, her ears swiveling and twitching as she catches the sound. Swallowing hard, the black alicorn turns on her spindly legs and cracked hooves, bolting quickly to the wounded creature upon the floor.

Her horn lights with inky shadow magic, probing the human with it through the breach in the armor. She lets out a nervous nicker, her horn dimming down as she quickly draws a sharp breath. The dark queen rolls the human upon his back with her fore hooves gently, her draconic orbs tracing the damage to his armor and body. Her eyes catch the flickering light of the bauble, the armor then phasing out of existence as the last tendrils of Nightmare's magic fade and vanish. The cloud of miasma wisps off and to the side of the human upon the ground, the shape forming to a ghostly image of an alicorn.

Nightmare's ghostly body is missing a wing, a great deal of her form flickering in patches of black fog, the alicorn unable to keep her form for much longer. The dark queen regards her quietly, tittering silently and nodding her head in short, jerky movements. Nightmare's eyes roll forward, a ghostly hoof reaching out to the pilots broken body. Nightie smiles softly, her eyes closing one last time as she whispers silently, Obsolescence unable to hear the ghostly alicorns final words before her body fades in a shimmer of amethyst light.

Talon opens his eyes, gasping deeply for breath, letting out a grunt of pain. His arm raises and moves, his hand coming to and covering the hole in his torso where his other arm used to be. He lets out a low groan of pain and tries to sit up, Queen Obsolescence's hoof gently resting upon his chest and pinning him down. She lets out a soft nicker, her head lowering to the pilots torn shirt near his still intact arm. Gently grasping the pilots clothing within her maw, she bites down carefully and pulls, backing up with all of her strength and dragging him to the Falasis piece. She grunts and snorts with exertion, every step difficult as she tries to pull against the weight of the human. A trail of blood is left behind in their wake, the still alive human bleeding to death from his injuries.

With one final heave, she makes it, turning her attention to the piece floating within the field. Lighting her horn again, she grasps the pillars within her magical aura, the stones beginning to hum and vibrate as she engulfs the pillars within her will. They instantly shatter to dust, the treasured Falasis piece dropping to the table top with a quiet clatter. The dark Queen smiles widely, grasping the locket within her maw. It begins to glow with an other worldly light, the alicorn's energy resonating with the magical frequency of it. The light intensifies, a massive flash illuminating the entirety of the chamber.

* * * * *

Luna circles around overhead within the warbird, her eyes trained on the billowing flames from the missile impacts. She grinds her teeth within her maw, rage clouding her mind as she stares onward, searching for any movement. There's a small flash of distortion within the billowing smoke, Luna's draconic jade orbs zeroing in on it. She pulls the flight stick hard, turning sharply and nosing the aircraft to come about for another attack. Knowing the missiles are all out, she switches the weapons back to guns within her magic, her hoof grasping tightly and ready to pull the trigger once more.

Out of the billowing plume of smoke, the demonic Celestia rushes out, propelled upon wings of fire forward into the air, the alicorn connecting with the wing of the aircraft. She impacts hard, tearing through the wing tip and port canard, shearing off plates of metal and wire. Luna activates the afterburners once again, rushing forward as the demon begins to chase down the aircraft.

Smoke begins to billow from the wing and engines, the midnight alicorn pushing the war machine to its limits as the fire demon somehow keeps up. The canards close as the aircraft begins to approach super sonic speeds, the demon keeping on her tail effortlessly, a loud concussive roar overtaking the engines and resounding within the cockpit.

Alarms within the war machine begin to screech as blasts of fire bolts shoot forward, the demon spitting balls of magma from within her gullet at the machine. Every shot misses, Luna twisting and rolling the aircraft expertly and pulling into a dive. The midnight alicorn looks back through the canopy glass, fear finally coming to her features as she sees her pursuer gaining on her, the demons feral maw chomping ravenously at the war machines vertical staves. She is completely unaffected by the war machines hot exhaust.

With one final blast of hot fire magic, the glob of magma connects with the port vertical stave, burning through the alloys effortlessly and sending the aircraft into an uncontrolled spiral downward to the barren earth.

Luna looks onward with horror as the view violently changes through the canopy, the ground spiraling wildly before her and filling her vision. Alarms blare within the cockpit as the computer chimes. "WARNING. EJECT. WARNING. EJECT." Luna wails out in terror, her fore hooves quickly flipping switches and fumbling for the ejection handle below the seat. The ground speeds closer to her, only seconds left.

She closes her eyes, squeezing them shut as the cracked and barren earth of the world fills the canopy completely, knowing she doesn't have enough time to escape. As she cries out, the aircraft is sent lurching to a sudden stop inches from the ground, the jolt wracking the alicorns body hard, sending her head first into the consoles and controls. She shakes like a leaf for a moment, one eye opening slowly, then the other with shock. She sees the nose of the war machine floating an inch off of the ground, a gentle white, shimmering field surrounding the black metal of the aircraft. The field flickers violently as impacts of the demons magma are deflected harmlessly off of the shield, the aircraft being set down gently upon the ground. The landing gear comes out on its own violation, the machine set down once again and the engines winding down to a whisper.

Luna looks up, seeing the fire demon hovering high above her though the canopy, the field releasing. She looks around through the glass, searching for the source of her salvation. A high pitched piercing scream cuts through the air with the crackles of thunder, a bright white beam of light shooting from the hole in the cavern roof a short distance away.

The beam of intense white light strikes and impacts the fire demon in the chest with surgical precision, blasting through its body and clean through the other side into the heavens. The clouds of ash and rain burn away, revealing deep blue skies hidden behind them. Another beam fires again, a bright, blazing white light bolting forth from the ground and launching into the heavens above with blinding speed.

A primal equine scream of rage echoes in the air, ripping through it with a ghostly battle cry. Bolts of white light fire off in rapid succession, each and every needle of light piercing the fire demon and sending it to the ground. Luna's eyes focus upon the ball of white light, the glow coming from a pure white alicorn with a billowing blue and silver ethereal mane and tail.

The new alicorn of light darts forward, chasing the fire demon to the ground and impacting with an earth shattering crunch, the force of which sends dirt and debris flying in all directions. The fire demon lets out a loud whinny of pain, before being silenced entirely. The flames go out, the body dimming to a blackened, charred pile of ash and bone.

Minutes pass, rain now pouring down from the heavens and clearing the dust from the air, the loud crack of thunder echoing loudly all around. Luna swallows hard, lighting her horn and opening the canopy of the aircraft. She primes an attack spell, climbing out of the cockpit and slowly stepping to the glowing white light.

Luna's draconic jade orbs trace the carnage, seeing the now dead and broken body of the fire demon, her mind sensing the energy vanishing from creation entirely. She studies it carefully for a moment, then flicks her gaze to the white alicorn standing over it, her own horn still primed with her most powerful attack spell.

The white alicorn lets out a quiet snort, the glow of her body fading, the light dimming down. She turns her soft aqua eyes to the off worlder midnight alicorn, drawing a soft breath as she smiles. "It is done. It is over." Her soft, silken voice calls out, gently coaxing Luna to her. "Attack no more...the demon has been slain, outsider."

Luna narrows her gaze. "Obsolescence." She retorts bitterly, turning her gaze away. "That does not ease mine pain, or bring back mine love. " The midnight alicorn shakes her head solemnly, a look of pain and anguish taking over her features.

"Thou has thy powers returned...but at what cost? Mine flame is dead, mine other half now lost to the abyss with his passing...I am alone, and away from mine children. Please...do me a kindness and end mine life. I hath no reason to continue without him." She whispers, tears forming at the bottom of her eyes, rolling down her cheeks.

The white alicorn only quietly giggles in response, stepping forward and placing a gentle hoof upon the midnight alicorns withers. "You speak as if you have the already preconceived notion that all is lost, off worlder. You forget, you stand before the gift of creation." She responds cryptically. Her horn lights in a silver and white shimmer, the clouds parting overhead and the rain stopping. The storm quells within moments, the heavens clearing as the moons and stars finally come out. The stars above shine with a heavenly glow, twin blue moons shine in the distance with rings of pastels and soft iridescent glows about them.

Luna hears a coughing and wheezing sound behind her, her ears perking up quickly and swiveling. She turns her head, finding her flame, her Talon standing beside the aircraft. The pilot appears worn out and tired, dirty and rough, but alive and whole before her.

Talon lets out a quiet laugh, falling to his knees and arms held out. Luna gallops to him with a wide smile of joy, her wings quickly deploying open as she nuzzles him within her feathered embrace. She coos out quietly, sobs and tears of joy wracking her body as she holds him, squeezing with her wings and fore hooves with all she has. She cries out in joy, "I love you, I love you!" again and again, peppering her flame with kisses and more warm, loving nuzzles.

The queen quirks an eyebrow, a soft smile coming to her muzzle. Letting out a contented sigh, she turns around, her gaze falling upon the wasted and barren earth at her hooves. She closes her eyes and turns her muzzle to the wind, her horn lighting up and glowing bright. The time has come to return life, to restore what was lost. Finally she can achieve her dream, and revive her long dead home to its past splendor. She smiles with a loving glee, and a small, un regal squeal emitting from her throat.

* * * * *

The days have passed quickly, the pilot resting next to the sleeping midnight alicorn in a soft, silken bed of the finest materials he's ever known, far greater luxury than even Canterlot had within the palace. He can hear the sounds of bird song quietly ringing in the still air of the morning breeze from the nearby open windows of the room, the silken white lace drapes swaying lazily in the cool, refreshing breeze.

Luna lets out a quiet moan and snuggles deeper into the pillow, her fore legs squeezing against the pilots bandaged chest. Talon smiles and strokes her mane gently, his fingers running through Luna's fine, soft hair from her normal mane and tail. Since parting with Nightmare, her form has regressed once more to her smaller stature, but her coat seems to be darkening once again as her power continues to recover, the poison of the black alicorns magic slowly purging from her soul.

He looks down at the bauble, held within his free hands fingertips, seeing the star also returning to its former shine, a faint, lavender mist swirling slowly and lazily within the glass orb. He smiles with a contented sigh and lays his head back down against the pillow, his thoughts drifting through his experiences in the demons keep. "Baol..." He whispers to himself, still disbelieving he survived his romp through hell.

A knock at the door gets his attention, his head turning to face the direction. The door slowly opens, the pure white alicorn stepping in gingerly, a soft smile upon her calm, regal features. Her mane and tail sway gently in the unseen breeze as she eyes him with her aqua orbs, a gentle sound of wind chimes echoing with her quiet laughter.

"I'm glad to see you're finally awake." She quietly whispers to him, coming to a rest upon her rump. "I was beginning to worry you were beyond my power of saving."

Talon lets out a quiet snort and smirks at the alicorn Goddess, shaking his head. He draws a breath slowly, then speaks. "That makes two of us. I was cooked for sure until you finally shown up to get your trinket."

"The heart of creation." She gently corrects him. "The everlasting gift and promise of the Goddess to always watch over and protect my kingdom. Without it, none of this would even be possible." She states, motioning her hoof to the room. She stands up upon her hooves again, stepping to the opened window and looking outside.

In her view, she can see the lush, green expanse of her world, beautiful plants, towering trees, and pure, clean air with a crisp scent upon the wind. Soft, fluffy white clouds lazily float in the heavens above, the twin blue moons high in the sky in a celestial dance together just over the horizon, the rings of the nearest moon painting a beautiful, majestic picture. In the distance, she can see the great mountains suspended by the planets natural magic, lush, green vegetation connecting them in a chaotic chain of beauty and wonder, She smiles serenely and turns her gaze down, seeing her subjects far below in the revived city going about their day, most paying no attention to the gleaming and shined war machine resting quietly at the base of the palace steps.

"Thank you...for saving us, off worlder. You kept your promise, and you restored life to my kind. I will forever be in your debt." She speaks softly, turning her attention to the human and sleeping alicorn princess.

"You're welcome." He responds quietly, a soft smile crossing his own features. "But there is no debt to pay. If you could send us home however...I'd be eternally grateful. I miss my kids, and I know angel wants to return home as well." He says, his fingers still gently stroking through Luna's wispy mane.

"Once she awakens and you two are ready, I'll do just that. I've restored your machine, and filled its belly to the brim with the sacred moonlight liquid. With my worlds twin moons, I would imagine the effect would be of great benefit to your machine." The queen quietly breathes out, a smile adorning her features. "I also left a gift for the both of you within it's hold, a thank you of sorts...I hope you treasure them well upon your world."

"I'm sure we will." Talon says, nodding. The white alicorn nods with a gentle smile, turning on her hooves and walking back to the door. She lights her horn and opens it, stepping into the grand halls and exiting the room, the door closing quietly with a soft click behind her as she releases the silver magical aura.

Looking down with a sigh, Talon smiles at his alicorn, gently rocking her awake with his hands. It's time to return home.

* * * * *

Luna smiles serenely, her hooves tracing the control surfaces of the co-pilots position within the cockpit. She looks down upon her fore leg, the still shined and polished wedding band adorning her. She lets out a wistful, contented sigh as her eyes trace it, glad within her heart that her flame is still very much alive, her heart never feeling more free and as light as it is now.

"Ready, angel?" Talon asks, his voice coming over the radio of the war machine and into Luna's headset. She flicks her soft jade orbs to him, a wide, hopeful smile upon her muzzle. She gives a happy, cheerful nod and her eyes closed, signaling she's ready to leave.

Outside and all around the war machine, the area is buzzing with activity as thousands have gathered from all parts of this unknown world, mares, stallions, fillies and colts all waving happily and cheering. A short distance away standing tall and proud, a pure white alicorn adorning a pure silver crown and regalia sits with a regal poise and smile, slowly and gently waving her own fore hoof to say her own goodbye.

"Yes, mine love! Let's go home to our herd." She excitedly responds, her hoof resting upon the button for the war machines radio. Her attention turns as she smiles and waves to the crowd through the canopy, her jubilant features obvious to all who can see her.

The war machines engines whine and power to life, the flaps, ailerons and canards all moving for their preflight checks, before the bays open slowly. The forward fan spins up quickly with a howl, as jets of flame erupt from the aft and belly of the aircraft. It comes to life quickly, the banshees cry ripping through the heavens upon the foreign skies of Elysium. It lifts into the air slowly, the landing gear tucking into its protective bays and the doors closing behind them.

The queen lights her horn brightly, opening a rift of shimmering light far above the grounds, just ahead of the war machine. She gives a curt nod, then watches with a smile as the fires of the machine turn, focusing backward in focused blue jets of flame, rocketing the machine forward and into the rift. It closes with a flash of white light behind their exit, the heavens falling silent, the war machine gone.

"Enjoy your world, you three. You deserve all of the blessings and luck I can give." The queen whispers out with a soft smile. She mulls over the thoughts of them, hopeful that one day, she can visit their world to see their lives, and the splendor that is Equestria. With a quiet sigh, she looks onwards to her own, knowing there is still much rebuilding to do, many more lives to restore. The capital city of Bangor was only the start. The revival of the animals and the plants only the beginning. She would find all of their graves, all of the beloved subjects yet to be returned. She would restore them all one by one, undoing the damage of the Formors wake.

* * * * *

"Chris…I, do you want to-"

"Yes." He interrupted bitterly. "There's another Human and Luna has woken up, that's interesting in itself." He looked at the Alicorn with a blank expression, not wanting to show her just how much hurt he was feeling...even if she could feel it.

"But...we can talk later...about this?" She asked timidly, her expression becoming slightly happier when Chris nodded curtly.

Celestia smiled at him and quickly teleported them back into the throne room. She panted at the exertion she felt from the sheer distance but quickly shook it off as she noticed a rather incredible purple swirl in the center of her throne room.

"Tia!"

Celestia turned around and smiled widely at her sister. She quickly noticed that there was indeed another Human running beside her but all that was quickly stolen as the portal produced a loud snapping sound, before it vanished and left nothing but black smoke billowing where it once was.

Chris had flicked his wrist and immediately donned his armor and sword, holding it warily as he noticed a figured kneeling in the smoke.

"Celestia there's some pony there." He said quietly, getting a nod in return as Celestia saw it too. Suddenly the figure stood up…and it was clear as day to Chris that this wasn't a pony.

"Tia the shadow!" Luna cried fearfully, her body shaking as she pointed at the wall.

Everybody and every pony looked at where she was pointing and had mixed reactions. Chris and the new Human just looked at it in confusion. But Celestia and some of the guards gasped in surprise.

"Impossible…it couldn't be."

The shadow on the wall was one that not many ponies would forget…or could forget. It was the shadow of a svelte, tall pony…with a billowing mane and tail. The smoke cleared and every pony's eyes widened at what they saw. Not a pony. But another Human.

"Oh...we're in so much trouble Moony."

With the crackles of thunder, a sound akin to a banshees cry rips throughout the skies above Canterlot, instantly drawing the attention of the two alicorns and humans away from the third newcomer. Jason takes this chance to bolt, running out of the room and diving out of a window to escape the coming fight for another chance at a preemptive strike.

High above the grounds, the aircraft jets out overhead, going full afterburner and twisting in the air. Talon and Luna both look out of the canopy of the war machine, their eyes scanning the grounds. Luna's heart nearly stops when she notices what's missing...there isn't a runway anywhere in the palace area, the gardens, or even nearby. There are no hangars, no other aircraft, and the war machines radar is completely clear, the sweeping needle showing no results.

"One to control, requesting a status update and clearance to land." Talon breathes out, his fingers on the communication controls of the flight consoles. They both only hear static over the radio, no responses what so ever. "One to control, respond!" Talon calls out, the pilot also noticing the distinct lack of a runway.

Luna swallows hard, her sensitive eyes catching what appears to be yet ANOTHER human like her flame running, the man wearing a black cloak or coat of some kind, rushing away from the palace, then suddenly another armored human giving chase to him, leaping from the window and wielding a solar sword in his grasp.

Mine flame..." Luna whispers into her mouthpiece, her eyes tracing the activity below as the warbird circles overhead. "I...I don't think we're in our Equestria yet..." Talon responds with an annoyed groan, also seeing the other humans running, then of all things, Celestia and Luna far below chasing after them. He shakes his head, turning the warbird slowly in a soft bank, unknowingly getting the attention of every pony below in the city, including the unwanted attention of now two VERY confused regal alicorn sisters.

Author's Note

And so ends the Demonic Saga, beginning anew with the LONG awaited Immortal Lovers. This arc will be a single chapter, posted only when Zamairiac pre-reads and approves it in it's entirety. This is HIS show, and only fitting he has complete involvement in it's execution. With any luck, it will give him a good, strong starting point to begin the tale, and finally bring about this coveted story for the world. I'll be sending him the revised and edited copy of the completed chapter soon, so please be patient! As always, R&R! Let me know what you thought of the Demonic saga! I look forward to your comments! XD

Immortal Lovers

Chapter Nine: Immortal Lovers

Luna stares out of the canopy, watching the events of below from the safety of the warbird's cockpit. "Mine flame...where in Heofon are we?" She calls out over the war machines radio. She hears the pilot sigh into her headset, her gaze tearing away from the view to directly ahead, looking at Talon.

"I have no idea, angel." He responds, turning the aircraft into a gentle bank. The wing tips downward to the grounds of the city below, the pilot searching for a wide enough street or area to land, hopeful to try and get some answers. "It looks like our Equestria...but last I checked, I was the only human, and you were here with me, not running along side your sister below."

She nods, turning her gaze back down. She watches as the ponies and humans below pass her vision quickly, the war machine leveling out and turning away from the city, it's nose pointed to the horizon of what might be Ever free. Luna hears the pilot's voice over her headset again. "If this place is anything like our Equestria, we'd probably be better off finding a safe landing zone away from every pony. We can start trying to figure out a spell to send us home from there."

The midnight alicorn nods in agreement, her eyes tracing over the screens on the co-pilots consoles. "If there's any sense or logic to this world, it should be like our own. I think it would be best if we proceed to the outskirts of a small city, perhaps Ponyville, or mine old castle in the Ever free Forest, mine love."

Looking over the fuel gauge, the pilot corrects his course for what should be the correct direction. "We'll have to set down soon. The engines are showing they're starting to redline. I don't want to think what could happen if they malfunction here..."

Luna swallows hard, nodding in agreement once again. She lets out a heavy sigh, taking her eyes off of the screens to look ahead. She leans forward in her seat, placing her muzzle upon the pilots left shoulder and resting her chin there. "Mine flame...why doth we always have such horrid luck and end up in such crazy adventures?"

Hearing the alicorns voice through the flight helmets headset, he lets out a small chuckle and grins. "Because Luna, a normal day for us would make entirely too much sense."

* * * * *

"Damn it! He got away Tia!" Chris seethes out, his hand coming to his face as a frustrated groan slips past his lips. "Why didn't you tell me that thing was still alive?! What else have you been hiding from me about all of this?!"

Celestia comes to a rest upon her rump next to her human, a tired sigh from her. Her chest heaves, out of breath and exhausted as she looks ahead, disbelief written all over her own features as she sees the spot of broken cobblestone where Nightmare, and the mysterious boy once were. "I didn't know...she was still alive. I didn't even know about that thing in the sky until now." She calmly states in reply, still catching her breath. Clearly this Celestia was far out of shape.

"And since when does teleporting leave a smoking crater in the ground? What the hell was that?" He mutters, his eyes tracing over the crater just a few feet away from them. The thoughts race through his mind as he tries to process the events just moments prior. He had almost caught up to the human with the nightmare shadow, his fingers but mere millimeters from grabbing his collar on the coat. Then next thing he knew, a black discharge of energy knocked Chris back, the human he was after now gone; only a smoking five or so foot crater left in his wake.

"I had no idea that thing that possessed Luna was still alive Chris. I was so sure Twilight Sparkle and the element bearers had destroyed her that day six years ago in the Ever free castle. If Nightmare Moon is back though, and with a body...there's no telling what havoc she could wreak upon this world. Her last appearance left me sealed in my own sun, the land cast into darkness. A lot of ponies died that day..." She extends her wing around the human, attempting to pull him close into a comforting embrace, hopeful his anger would have bled off by now.

Chris brushes away the alicorns wing from his shoulder. "I'm still mad at you, so don't get snuggly." He clears his throat for a moment, coming back to his feet again. "Wait..." He pauses for a moment. "...Is that castle still there? The one from our own past?"

The white alicorn quirks an eyebrow, tucking in her wing at her side again. "Yes...I'm sure it still is. Though I have not visited it since my sisters return, and the defeat of Nightmare Moon. Why do you ask?"

Licking his lips, Chris turns to her, then folds his arms at his chest."If I was a psychotic Nightmare who just brought a weapon from the human world here, and I'm not! ...the first place I would go to gather some strength and forces, would be a place that my own pursuers wouldn't think to look. That old castle of yours is as good of a place as any to start hunting."

Her magenta eyes go wide at the mention of the word 'weapon'. "Weapon from the human world...what are you saying? Is that what the noisy black thing was in the sky? Some kind of weapon?! What is it??"

Chris turns away, looking to the sky for a moment, his eyes following the vapor trail left by the engines of the aircrafts wake. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that was some kind of military aircraft. I couldn't tell what, but it looked like one of the American ones. It's not from my country, that I know for sure. But if she brought that thing here with him, and they can control it...you should get ready."

Celestia looks up, her own eyes becoming pinpricks. "Ready for what...Chris?" She asks, finally having caught her own breath.

"For the highest death toll in Equestria's history. There's no telling what that machine has on board, and no idea if it's being piloted or not. If those two are in control, and it's one of the bloody yank's birds, you can count on an overblown load out that could easily kill over one hundred and fifty thousand or more. Bloody Americans always believe their guns should strive for absolute overkill."

* * * * *

With a crackle of thunder, the slip space rupture tears open, and out falls the human to the ground, coughing and holding his sides. He lands hard upon the dusty floor of the dark castle, his body kicking up a cloud of dust upon the impact. Opening his eyes, Jason coughs more and wheezes, slowly climbing to his feet.

"Moony...what happened?" He asks between coughs, Jason looking around slowly, blinking the stars from his vision. His nose catches the smell of smoke, drawing his eyes down. The corner of his jacket tail is smoldering and singed, causing him to quickly pat it down with his hands to put out the would be fire. His hands, face and most of his skin is covered in black soot, like he was just hit with a big cloud or sack of ash.

"I Teleported us out of there, though I didn't calculate the distance right. Sorry about that, my Jason." Nightmare replies smoothly in his mind, her voice echoing with a velvety allure. "You were almost captured by the dawn bringers flunkies. What else was I to do? You should be grateful I had acted so quickly."

He coughs again, looking around in the dark and dusty room. The air reeks of heavy mildew and mold, holes in the roof letting in small rays of light from the shining sun outside. The shadows around Jason's feet contort and bend, twist and turn until Nightmare frees herself from within the humans form. Letting out a quiet sigh, she inspects her own naked hoof, then shakes her head. The black alicorns teal eyes shift about, searching the room their in.

"Looks like you can separate again." Jason remarks, moving away from the alicorn to inspect his surroundings. "That's a good thing for you, right moony?" She turns her head and only shrugs in response, quietly continuing to observe the large room their in. Jason's ears catch the sounds of dripping water nearby, following the sounds to the source unconsciously. He continues to walk, finding some water gathered in a small pool in the corner of the derelict chamber, running off of some plants and into a clean basin of what may have been a decorative fountain or drinking area.

"It looks like I was correct where I teleported us to, my love. This appears to be Luna's old chambers in this castle. It was in the adjacent chamber to this one where I was separated from her by the Elements of Harmony so long ago..." Nightmare Storm murmurs, her ears swiveling around and listening to the area. She turns and walks slowly to where Jason has gone to, finding the pool of water. Without even thinking, the black alicorn alights her horn, touching it to the pool of stagnant, impure water, quickly turning it into fresh, clean drinking water for them. A soft smile escapes her lips as she watches her human kneel down to it, beginning to greedily intake the water to quench his thirst. "Jay...I'm sorry I got you into this mess...your mother, everything."

Jason wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his coat, turning to look at Nightmare as he comes to a rest on the floor by the water. "These things happen Moony. I have no regrets." He replied quietly, adverting his eyes. "It's....it's better this way. We both decided to come here, to just get away from everything. Mother's death was...unfortunate, but not you. It was the blasted A.M.A. that had taken her. We...we avenged her though as we left."

"True...but we didn't count on one of their kind following us through the rift. Didn't you see as we were escaping? One of the machines from your world had gotten through behind us. The flying contraptions we had seen every day on our walks to your old school." The alicorn sneers out, turning to look at Jason. "Jay...what if the A.M.A. has followed us to Equestria? There's no telling what harm they could bring. Though I would love to see them capture and slaughter that goodie two shoes prissy Celestia..." She hisses out. "They're still after us in the first place, my love."

Jason sighs and looks at Nightmare, placing his hand gently upon the alicorns fore hoof as she settles in and rests next to him. "I don't think that's them, Moony. We pretty well trashed the entire facility there, and they wouldn't send just a single jet. I may not be the smartest human on Earth, but I do know this much. That thing carries a very limited supply of fuel, there's no place it can land, and if all else fails, there's no way it could carry the same portal tech we found at that facility on board. From just a sheer logical point of looking at it, there's no way they're from the same organization. That thing came from something else. It's probably from here in Equestria...did they have those while you were here?"

Nightmare shakes her head. "Even for as long as I was trapped in this castle before, never once had I heard any sounds like that contraption makes. I never smelled, or seen anything like it either. Even so...I could feel something the instant we teleported. I sensed something familiar...but at the same time so foreign. Whatever it was, it's not from here, Jay. "

As Jason Storm is about to speak in reply, the two catch the faint sound of a high pitched whine in the distance, the rumbling roar of the aircraft in questions engines steadily growing louder by the second. Jason quickly pulls Nightmare to his chest, crouching in the corner as best as they can to hide. The sound gets louder and louder to them, almost as if the machine was just beyond the wall. The roar is deafening. The banshees cry howling and thundering within their chests.

Nightmare somewhat struggles, her horn alighting with inky shadow magic when the humans hand quickly wraps around and grasps her horn, stunning the alicorn and breaking her concentration. The two breathe hard in place, listening intently. Hot wind and dust kick up, blowing through the cracks in the wall as the maddening sound of the screaming jet engines gets louder for a few moments, the heavy scent of hot exhaust being pumped into the room.

Jason and Nightmares eyes go wide as they meet, staring at each other in complete disbelief. The sound begins to dwindle down within minutes as they stay seated, frozen in fear and panic. Not a word is said between them as their hearts pound within their chests, not a thought crossing their minds. For several minutes they stare out at the door far away from them on the other side of the chamber, waiting for the fight to come to them as the area goes silent.

Breathing hard still, Jason is the first to move, raising himself up on his palms slightly and looking over his shoulder, to peer out between the cracks in the stone wall outside, searching. In his absolute disbelief, he's looking right at what he never expected in his life. There, less than a hundred feet away, was what they both feared; The war machine from the sky.

"Jason, let me go...we can kill them now if we strike first!" Nightmare whispers to the human in a hushed tone, lifting her own head to peer out of another large crack in the wall behind them. She watches intently as a large glass lid lifts up from the aircrafts front end, then slides back. She stares at the machine, unsure of what to make of it. It's engines have long since fallen quiet, the metal of the strange machines tail glowing red from the heat.

"Not yet moony! Stay put!" He bites out, still looking at it. "We don't know enough yet. If anything, we should just ambush them when they come in here..." He whispers in reply, watching as a taller, older man climbs out of the aircraft's cockpit first. He notices the torn flight jacket wrapped around the mans waist, the human removing his helmet and tossing it into the cockpit again. They both curiously stare on as the man smiles and looks back at the machines fuselage, the pilot of the craft lifting both of his arms up as if to catch something.

As Jason is about to speak now, Nightmare places her hoof over his mouth to silence him, the alicorns ears strained forward to listen. 'Talking...? There's another in there? This one sounds...No. It couldn't be.' She thinks, her sensitive ears catching a familiar, melodic voice upon the wind.

Their jaws almost slam to the floor as they watch a blue furred hoof daintily step down upon the smaller wing on the front of the machine, then another and another. Their eyes go wide as they then see a beautiful, sapphire blue, winged pony- an alicorn emerge completely from the machine, and jump down into the mans waiting arms. A soft smile crosses the blue alicorns lips before she gives a genuine, loving kiss to the older man , before she's set upon her hooves by him. The two remain turned facing away from the room, more interested in looking at the area by the fountain outside where their machine had landed.

* * * * *

"Angel...I'm starting to think that every world has the same oddball designer for your architecture." Talon mutters, pulling out a cigarette from his flight jackets pocket. The pack is crushed from him sitting on it, the cigarette somewhat bent and twisted, but still able to be smoked. He pats down his pickets in search of a lighter, unable to find one.

Luna sighs, knowing full well what her husband is looking for, a small grin crossing her features. She lights her horn, casting a small, localized flare spell and igniting the fire tube for her flame. With a satisfied smile, she alights her horn and grasps the fire tube within her own magic, stealing the first draw before returning it to the pilot. Blowing the smoke out of her nostrils, she grins again and looks at him. "I see what you mean, mine flame. It would appear that this world also has similar buildings fashioned. This does play in our favor, as its easier to navigate around, and a far cry better than the last world we were on."

Exhaling his own stream of smoke now, he offers Luna another draw from the cigarette, before returning it to his own lips. "Don't get me started. If we never see that hell again in our lifetimes, it would still be way too soon." He sighs out, looking around. The fountain where they landed near is much like the one from their own past, this one however still very much intact, since it wasn't blown apart by a throat ripper missile. A small smile comes to his lips from the memory of that night, before he shakes it off.

Clearing his throat, he turns his attention back to his alicorn. "Alright, let's give the engines some time to cool down, and look everything over before we take off again. I don't know what Queen Obsolescence put in our fuel tanks, but that fuel burns way too hot. It'll end up damaging the engines if we keep using it. Think you'd be able to refill the tanks with your moonshine from this moon?" He asks, his eyes focused in on hers.

Luna lifts a hoof to her maw in thought for a moment, then looks at the position of the sun in the sky. "We have a few hours before sunset, mine flame. I believe I should be able to, if this world is anything like our own. Though it would be best if we take it slow, and I only do a little amount at a time. We don't want to alert this worlds Celestia and the other...me...that we're here, if we can at all avoid it. I don't want any more interruptions to keep us from our treasures, mine love."

With a sigh, he nods in agreement. "This is true...let's just not plan on sticking around too long. Since we don't want to use any magic, we can't do your barrier trick to keep out the timber wolves this time...all we have left onboard our bird is about another three hundred or so bullets, and two rockets left in the bay. Those unguided air to air won't do us any good against those." He grumbles. "Speaking of....did you have to use all of our missiles on the fire demon? You couldn't have held back even a little?"

She lifts her nose up and shoots her pilot a sideways glance, a small grin upon her muzzle. "Thou loved it and thou knoweth it." Watching as he can't hold in his own laugh from the comment, Luna also lets out a light, happy laugh of her own. She flutters her wings, folding them back to her sides as she walks around in a small circle, her eyes and head turning and looking over the old castle. "Do thou remember, mine flame...it was at our own palace upon our world were we first confessed our love."

Turning and looking at the buildings around, he points at the one to the right of the aircraft, the central chamber leading to the courtyard near the castle proper. "Yeah...it was in that room, if I remember right." He says, taking another pull from the cigarette, before flicking the depleted filter into the old, broken fountain beside him.

Luna comes to Talons side and nuzzles him lovingly, wrapping her wing around his back as she comes to a rest upon her rump beside him. She shivers, despite wearing her own matching flight jacket gifted to her by Rarity. "The air feels colder here, mine love." She whispers. "Almost like it's winter time in our own world."

Talon shrugs, wrapping his arm around her as he also takes a seat, the couple leaning back against the nose landing gear of the warbird. "It's probably because we got used to the temperature of the other place. In our defense, angel...that fucked up place was hotter than hell."

The midnight alicorn nods in agreement, then lets out a gentle sigh. "Mine love...why couldn't we simply be sent back to our own world? Was it not enough to save one, that we cannot simply return?" Luna asks, her voice deeply laced with sadness. "I miss our treasurers..."

Talon places an arm around the alicorn, giving her a good comforting squeeze to reassure her. "I know Luna, I know. Let's just figure out a spell and see if we can be sent back. There has to be something we can use to find our way off of this Equestria and back into our own. Believe me, nothing would make me happier than to get back to the kids."

* * * * *

"Moony...she looks like you." Jason whispers to the black alicorn, turning to look at her for a moment. "I doubt the A.M.A. would have one of your kind employed by them. Safe to say they're not after us."

Nightmare Storm rolls her eyes, sneering quietly. "I never said I knew for sure they were a part of the A.M.A., Jason. I merely stated that it was a possibility. They could still be a part of them, we should still look into it." The black alicorn responds, returning her attention to watching the unaware couple through the cracks in the chamber wall.

The breath catches in the human boys throat for a moment, before he slinks back down to the ground. "You promised you wouldn't hurt anymore innocent people, Moony. This means no getting in and scrambling their brains."

The alicorn scoffs, then pats Jason on the head with her hoof. "I won't break their minds, Jay. I'm simply going to look around as they sleep, and search for an answer on their intent. I promise I won't kill them without provocation."

"You're a terrible liar." Jason mutters under his breath, shooting the alicorn a sideways glance. He turns and peers through the large cracks again, his eyes tracing the war machine. His vision is somewhat inhibited, but he can make out a few features. The words 'Navy', and the partial image of the alicorn in flight as the tail art upon the vertical staves. He strains to listen as the pair talk, unable to make out a word they're saying.

"Any idea what they're talking about, moony?" He asks in a hushed whisper, trying not to give away their presence or location to the pair just outside. He backs away from the wall to look at Nightmare Storm, sighing as she simply shakes her head in response.

* * * * *

"Tia! You can't possibly expect me to simply run away with our niece and Tony to the Crystal Empire, not when there is that THING on the loose again, and with that strange object in the sky?! You can't be serious!" Luna complains, her rage nearly ready to boil over. "My place is here, to assist you with defending our subjects and kingdom."

Celestia lets out a sigh and shakes her head, finishing the last of the packing of Luna's things into a small trunk, then magically levitating it over to a palace bell-pony. "Lulu, it is because Nightmare Moon has returned that I'm sending you and Tony to the frozen north. We can't have her taking possession of your body again, and I don't want your young human to be pulled into this conflict. Chris and I will manage things here, and we'll try and get this resolved in a few days. For now, just consider it a vacation and get going. That's final, my little sister."

The blue alicorn flares her nostrils and stomps her fore hoof in protest. "Nay, my sister. I could help! You can't possibly expect me to simply run away, and leave you to fight all alone. It would be unthinkable."

"And you're just looking for another silly way to redeem yourself for something that has long since been forgiven, Luna. Now you can either go, or I'll make you." Celestia says with narrowed eyes. Her horn alights with her golden magical aura, before the drawers to Luna's dressers in the bed chambers fly open, the white alicorn grasping a feather duster within her telekinesis. "You have until I count to three."

Luna's eyes go wide, her iris's turn to pinpricks as she eyes the item within her sisters magical grasp. "You wouldn't dare!" She stutters, backing away quickly. Her tail whips around and under her belly, the ethereal billowing mass wrapping her mid and lower sections like a shield.

"One." Celestia states firmly, taking a step forward. She smiles smugly as the smaller, blue alicorn swallows audibly hard. "Two." Another step. Before she can begin to form the third and final word upon her lips, the midnight alicorn bolts out of the room, as if the devil himself were on her heels. "Three." She says with a sardonic grin, then replaces the duster into the drawer again, turning and walking out of the chambers back to the main hall, where Chris is assembling with some guards.

With a soft sigh, the elder white alicorn turns and walks the corridors, the clip and clop of her hooves echoing upon the stone and marble floors of the grand palace. minutes pass as she walks by herself, finally coming to the throne room, where Chris, Firefly, and several other Pegasus and unicorn guards await. She notices they're all in armor, Chris himself even adorning a similar set he had worn to the birthday celebration in the arena.

She hears them all mumbling amongst themselves, Chris going over a map laid out on a massive table, discussing a plan of attack with Firefly and the other guards. She clears her throat to get their attention, the room falling silent as the group takes notice of her presence.

"Tia." Chris greets her with a somewhat cold, neutral tone in his even voice. "We were just planning out how to scout your old castle. A report came in just an hour ago according to..." He trails off, pulling a scroll off of the table and glancing it over. "Ah, according to a miss Cheerilee of Ponyville, that a 'black object with the howling of a banshee'..." His face somewhat contorts into a small, smug grin at the description. "Was spotted heading towards the Ever free. It looks like I was right."

Celestia smiles, genuine pride in her eyes. "I had imagined as much, Chris. I had no doubt you would be correct." She says, coming close to and planting a stolen kiss upon his cheek. Her heart sinks slightly when she sees him immediately flinch, and quickly wipe his face with the sleeve of his cloak. With a quiet sigh, she ignores the looks on the faces of the guards and party, then looks over the map. "So then...what is the plan?"

Firefly clears her own throat, stepping beside Crystal and coming forward. "If I may, princess." She begins. Chris nods in approval, then she continues. "Uh...we think it would be best to go in with three small teams, under cover of darkness to catch them off guard. If our ground Intel is any indication, it would be best if we have two teams of Pegasus pulling chariots, and two unicorns per chariot to cast a shielding obfuscation spell to mask our approach. The third team will be best to sneak in on hoof after an airdrop near the castle here." She points with her left fore hoof to the image of a crudely drawn bridge over a canyon. "To catch them by surprise. Being that we are dealing with the human that has Nightmare Moons essence within him or her...anti-magic bands possibly will have little effect. We should focus our attacks to be quick and decisive, or possibly use knock down spells to suppress and sedate the intruders."

Celestia backs up slightly in place, raising an eyebrow. "If possible, we don't want to kill the human. I think that he is an innocent, poisoned by the miasma that is Nightmare. If we can subdue him without harm, that would be the best. What are the other two pegasi teams for, if I may ask?" Celestia responds, looking at an image of a unfamiliar shape, written across the top of the scroll as the 'visual account of "it".' Her magenta eyes trace the odd angles and design, unsure of what to make of it.

"Tia, if that is what I believe it was, it would be best to destroy that machine before it can bring any harm. The idea of the two air teams is to possibly shoot it down if it is airborne, or capture it intact if it's on the ground and un-piloted. If it is indeed a threat, the squad of four unicorns with the pegasi will cast incendiary spells and blow it out of the sky." Chris responds, looking at the white alicorn through slightly narrowed eyes.

Celestia hesitates for a moment, before nodding. "Very well. Then every pony get ready. I will be personally joining you on this mission as a part of the ground team, and that is final. To your stations to prepare. Dismissed." She watches as the guards and human salute, then walk off. Before Chris can turn away, she clears her throat. "Chris...I want to speak to you."

He turns and stops in his tracks, Firefly by his side. He watches as she levels her gaze at him, a tight frown upon her muzzle. "Alone, if you please." She says, her tone also flat and cold. He turns and nods to Firefly, the Pegasus mare eyeing him carefully before she too turns and walks out.

He waits for a few moments, then lets out a weary huff, folding his arms to his chest. Shifting his weight onto one foot, he glares at the elder white alicorn princess. "What is it, princess?"

She shakes her head, a hint of disgust at hearing him call her by her title. "Chris..." She murmurs, turning to look at him in the eyes. She takes a tentative step forward. "Why must you be so cross with me? Is it truly so bad that you're here? So hurtful that you're with me? I love you...please...just give me a chance to make this right." She pleads with him, tears on the verge of flowing out.

Chris simply stands, still a neutral, impassive look upon his features. "You ruined my life, Celestia. You had to work your crazy magical voodoo that screwed up everything for me. You have no idea what hell I went through over the years, all of the bullshit I've had to fucking deal with. And you think a simple I'm sorry will cut it? What in the fuck, princess?"

She cuts him off. "Then TELL ME what I must do! Tell me what must be done to make it right! What, will you have me give up the throne? Then fine! I renounce my title and rights as princess. For you I would, and I wouldn't think otherwise for a second!" She blurts out, taking another step forward. "You're my everything. You ARE The reason why I raise and lower the sun. Please. I know you love me. I know our bond will always be there, and strong. Won't you please....just give me another chance?"

He sighs, turning his gaze to look at the ground, unable to keep eye contact for the sake of trying to keep himself from breaking down into a puddle of mush. Her pleading, doe like eyes easily able to subdue his righteous anger within. "Tia...." He begins, trying to think of what to say. "You must understand, I..."

The alicorn cuts him off again, forcing him to the wall and rearing up on her hind legs, throwing her fore legs around his shoulders. She snakes her long, elegant wings around him into a tight embrace, planting a deep, loving and possessive kiss upon his lips. She can feel him fight it at first, as she alights her horn with a golden and red aura.

The kiss breaks, Chris left panting for a moment as he fights to regain air, a soft, golden mist being exhaled from his mouth as he backs away. His vision clouds for but a moment, before he almost suddenly feels completely at peace, and as if something was missing. His eyes focus lazily on Celestia's magenta ones,. As he gazes into her eyes, he watches in a dream like state nearly; seeing her horn dim and her eyes flicker.

"Now Chris...won't you give me just...one more chance?" She asks, her fore hoof tracing circles upon his chest as she looks into his eyes, her lower lip slightly trembling for added effect as she pouts. "I promise I'll be your extra special good mare."

Nodding dumbly for a moment, He despondently responds, forgetting completely what it was he was so furious about only moments ago, a completely dopey, love struck grin plastered upon his features. Celestia kisses Chris again, before she lowers herself back down onto all fours. "Ah, excellent then... Shall we head out and prepare for the mission, my love?"

* * * * *

"Whew...that's the last of the fuel." Luna comments, levitating the final orb of the moonshine suspended within her magic out of the fuel tanks concealed within the war machines wings, then carefully setting the orb of sloshing liquid into the fountain beside them onto the ground. She watches the sky as the sun is setting, a small, sad smile coming to her lips.

"Good work, angel." Talon says with a smile, also watching the sunset while he sits on the canard of the warbird. He turns and watches the forlorn expression of the alicorn, then scoots closer to her and wraps his arm around her side. "I know how strange it may seem, watching some pony else raise the moon. "

She nods slowly, her eyes watching as the glowing white celestial charge unfamiliar to her takes to the heavens, as the sun begins its final trek into the dark. "It is, mine flame. This simply increases mine drive to return home as quickly as we can. I miss feeling mine own magic craft the night for thou."

He pats and rubs her side, then smiles. "If we can get the bird in the air, there's no reason why we can't get home. I think I have this figured out." He smirks as he sees Luna suddenly snap her gaze to him, enjoying the curious look upon her muzzle for a moment. "Our problem was that you didn't cast that portal spell. Some pony else did."

Luna stutters "Por...Mine flame? What gibberish doth thou speak?!" She begins to sweat, memories of her tossing that book into her fireplace on the first night of his arrival creeping to the surface of her thoughts. 'Does he know...?'

He clears his throat. "Well, think about it. You're the one that got us to the demon planet when you got zapped. Your mind went haywire when that happened. So it makes sense that if you're the one who cast, you've got to be the one to cast again. So...we just find another storm, fly into it and zap you again." He grins.

The midnight alicorn glares at him for a moment, before she playfully bats him in the back of the head with a hoof. "Mine flame, thou art a mad pony." She deadpans. "Neigh, thou art right about me casting, but I do not believe a storm will be needed. If I am correct, I just need to concentrate on our home when I begin the spell. If I focus an astral Eddie on a specific pinpoint, I could possibly transfer us into our very chambers...should it be done right."

"Hmm...good idea, but I don't think the bird will fit in there. The landing could make a mess." He replies with a chuckle. "But that sounds about right. We just need to target the right destination. Think of something that's our world specific, such as our children. They've got to be unique to our own world alone, I would imagine. So as long as you focus on that when you do the spell, it should in theory work out."

Letting out a sigh of relief, she huffs and relaxes. "Let's hope."

"And be sure you focus on our children in our world, angel. It would be weird if we ended up somewhere else, like meeting some freakish place where our genders are reversed, and I end up being in your position. That would be weird." Talon adds, shivering at the thought.

"Neigh, mine flame. Thou would probably look quite charming as a mare." She giggles out, letting out a soft sigh of joy. She laughs again at the thought, then alights her horn. "The moon is right in placement, time to get to work."

Talon nods, sliding off of the canard and onto the ground. He watches as his alicorn swishes her horn slowly, her age old routine that she's done over the years of forming the moonlight into moonshine fuel. A small grin crosses his lips as she works tirelessly, pride filling his heart. 'This has to work...we'll make it home this time. I know we will.'

* * * * *

Three hours pass, Jason and Nightmare Storm watching from the shadows of the chamber just beyond the walls, hidden away from the couple outside. Nightmare lets out a delighted huff as she sees the human man yawn, the stranger leaning against the front landing strut of the looming machine.

"Jay, it looks like they're finally going to sleep." She whispers, grinning ear to ear. She does not hear a response, only a soft, light snoring. "Jay...?" Nightmare turns and looks down, craning her neck. She sees Jason leaning against the wall, uncomfortable in his position and sleeping soundly. She sighs and smiles genuinely, then pulls him within her wings to give him a better sleeping spot. She coos softly to him, then turns her attention back outside to watch. She arcs an eyebrow when she sees the blue alicorn snuggle up to the human, also letting out a big yawn as she lays down, unceremoniously plopping down on her belly and getting comfortable.

'Oh? Night princess indeed...The Luna I know and remember would have never slept through one of her nights. This one must be a fake for sure. No mare in her right mind would respond to some Era forsaken name like...yuck...angel.' Nightmare thinks, A look akin to disgust upon her muzzle. No mare should ever change for any stallion, no matter how good that stallion is! For an alicorn, the one she was watching seemed to be more of a mewling pet, than a dominant mare that claimed a human as her own. How unthinkable! How disturbing. She shudders at the thought, and sneers quietly.

The time continues to pass within the dark, musty room. The black alicorn keeping watch as she eyes the couple outside. The man has since pulled his jacket off of his waist, using it as a blanket to cover the mare outside, and himself laying beside her upon the ground. She senses that they've since fallen asleep, and as such, have now become her prey. With a sardonic grin, the black alicorn melds with the shadows, passing through the cracks of the wall and coming outside into the open. Alighting her horn carefully, she chooses her first target; the human man. His mind would be weak, the most easy to break. Soon, very soon...she would know all she needed. And if he died in the process...well, such things occur, now don't they?

It didn't take much to enter his mind, the human seemingly unprotected. There was no mind shield, no spells to counter her intrusion, it was almost as if his unguarded brain was laying out a welcome mat with a neon sign that screamed "Come right in and fuck shit up!" This should be easy.

As the black alicorn begins to poke about, her sleeping spell forcibly cast upon the pair to keep them sedated, a cold shiver runs the length of her spine, from withers to croup. "So tell me, just how much buck shot do you need, invader?!" Nightmare storm hears. She turns around, only to be greeted by two very heavy iron clad hooves to connect with her snout, forcibly ejecting her from the pilots mind and soul.

The black alicorn stumbles in place, shaking off the very real pain to her muzzle. Anger flares within her chest, as she notices a strange, amethyst glow coming from the humans neck. In the blink of an eye, a ghostly version of herself is standing between her and the couple. This ghostly version...looked very, very angry.

'I should have known this world would also have another foalish witch that would attempt to harm my master. You couldn't resist the temptation of your own demise, now could you?' The voice echoes out, as the miasma cloud forms and appears directly before the black alicorn.

"Oh? Now this is interesting." Nightmare storm comments, narrowing her glaring gaze at the new alicorn before her. "Not at all what I expected. And just what are you? Another of this humans pets?"

'Mind your tongue, insect.' Nightie sneers out. 'I don't give a damned what you look like, or who you think you are. This human is MINE. Touch his thoughts again, and you will be ripped to shreds!' She seethes out with clenched teeth in her tightly held maw. Her teal orbs cast a piercing gaze to the Doppelganger. 'Speak another word, and I promise you I'll cut your tongue from your head.'

"As if you could hurt me." Nightmare Storm counters, slowly stepping to circle around the ghostly alicorn guarding the couple. "You're with the damned A.M.A., aren't you? Come to take my Jason away from me? I'll kill you and your friends, just as Jay and I did at your precious base."

Nightie cocks her head in confusion for a moment, before leveling her cold glare back at the Doppelganger before her. 'Master and I have nothing to do with whatever that is, Neither does Luminescence. I can sense you're also not even from our world...as if your appearance alone didn't give that answer away. No, insect. We're not after you and your..."jay" as you put it. Leave. NOW. And I won't be forced to rend your soul to the abyss. '

"Then you wouldn't mind if I have a look at his memories to confirm that, if you have nothing to hide. Now would you?" Nightmare Storm counters, coming to a stop. "Or is it you do have something to hide, and that's why you removed me from his mind...pet?"

Nightie growls and steps forward, her ghostly body forming an after image in her wake as she flares her wings out, her body since fully healed and recovered from her ordeal in Baol. 'Try it, and you won't live to tell the tale. I may be my masters pet, but don't believe for even a second that I won't defend him with my life, and chase you to the deepest, darkest corners of Heofon to do it.' She counters, her deployed wings giving her a dauntingly awe striking appearance. 'Last chance. I can sense your humans presence nearby. I promise you. If you don't leave my master and Luminescence be this instant, I -will- slaughter him. Test me, you will fail.' The ghostly alicorn warns, her tone dripping with pure venom. 'I've eaten things scarier than you. I've slaughtered scores of Demons in the blink of an eye. Ripping out your precious humans heart and crushing it beneath my hoof will be child's play to me.'

Nightmare Storm blinks in surprise, then back steps slightly. "And just what makes you think you would get the chance? Don't you know who I am? You're nothing to me." The black alicorn grits out, snorting in disgust. "You're not even worth my time, peon! It would be beneath me to smite you down this instant for being crass with me. I take my leave only because you're not worthy prey. But I swear to you now, come one inch near him, and you'll be sorry."

Nightie lets out a snort of her own, a smug, smirk of victory plastered upon her lips. She watches at the Doppelganger melds back to the shadows and vanishes into the dark, before she lets out a breath she never knew she was holding. With a weary huff, she turns back to face the pilot of her affections and her former host, and alights her own horn to lift the sleep inducing spell placed upon the two of them. She smiles serenely as she senses the presence of the other alicorn move further away, then leans down, craning her neck to place a gentle kiss upon the pilot, then returns back to the bauble around his neck. Though she is resting once again, her power remains engaged around the area of the couple, just in case the interloper should be foalish enough to return.

* * * * *

Celestia, Chris and Firefly all walk silently through the brush disbelief written upon their features as they see the gleaming and polished form of the aircraft shining in the moonlight, the gentle rays of the evening stars illuminating the area, and bringing a pair into view sleeping near the machine. Nearby, one of the unicorn teams dispatched earlier nears the castle foyer, ready to strike on the boy hidden within the palace chambers of what was once Luna's bedroom.

Chris nods, giving the signal to the other two teams to enter the castle, as he and firefly prepare to ambush the sleeping human and pony just outside in the night. The attack is swift, the capture precise and perfect. A wide range paralysis and sleep spell works so well to suppress targets quietly, The four captured without too much of a struggle.

"This went too easy, Tia." Chris comments, walking up to the bound and sleeping human and pony. Pulling the tattered jacket off of the mare, they all step back in shock once they notice key features. Her form adorns wings and a horn; her Cutie mark an exact copy of Luna's. But something is off! This Luna looks far different, her form is that of how the night princess was nearly a thousand years ago! The mane and tail not a star field ethereal mass, but normal, silken azure hair. The fur a deep, sapphire blue.

"Luna...?" Celestia says in a confused whisper, unsure what to make of it. She pokes and prods the sleeping alicorn with her fore hoof, jumping at the touch of feeling the similar warmth. Surely this couldn't be her Luna! For one, this one looked too young! And secondly, too fat! This Luna knock off seemed to have some extra fluff around her belly and rump, far from being the trim and sleek mare that was the Celestial Goddesses sister.

"Princess, what should we do with them?" Asks one of the unicorn guards, carrying the sleeping form of Jason Storm held in a magical suspension field, his wrists and ankles bound by tight, thick ropes, a sash gagging the boy.

"Place him, and these two in separated chariots, keep that one isolated and held in a field at all times. I want these two placed in my chariot with me." Celestia responds, her eyes glued to the Luna impersonator.

"Should we destroy the machine here, your highness?" Firefly asks, walking around it in curiosity. She's unable to process just what she's looking at, never having of seen anything like it before.

As Celestia is about to respond, Chris steps forward and jumps in. "No! We should bring it with us. Looking at this guy." He points to the unconscious older man, also bound in a similar way to Jason. "I'll bet that this aircraft is his. We should bring it back to the palace, and interrogate him when he wakes. Something tells me there's much more to this than we thought."

The unicorn guards all look at each other for a moment, then back to the human. "Pri--Prince Crystal, it would be very difficult to do. It would take a team of unicorns to carry such a large object, and many, many days to transport it on ground from here to Canterlot."

With a sigh, Celestia alights her horn and casts her magical aura around the machine, she too finding it is indeed difficult. She strains slightly, the deeply embedded Lunar magic laced throughout the war machines fuselage fighting the invading solar magic. What seriously confuses and concerns her, is not only does she feel Luna's near exact magical signatures...she feels one very, very close to her own. A shiver races down her own spine momentarily, as she completes the levitation spell, and lifts the machine. "Then I shall carry it." She squeaks out. "If my Chris wants this...thing, then I shall carry it for him."

Nodding in agreement, they all quickly return to their chariots, the war machine in tow and the three interlopers all unceremoniously dumped in heaps into the cabins. Celestia struggles somewhat to maintain her hold as they take to the skies, bound for Canterlot.

* * * * *

'Where....where are we?' Jason thinks, looking around the strange new room he's in. This one is easily worse, the scent of mildew and mold heavy in the dank and depressing air. He slowly turns his head into the darkness, his eyes adjusting as he searches. In his vision of the shadow, he can make out the appearance of cold, iron bars just a few feet away, with nothing more in the desolate room but a single cot suspended to the wall by great, heavy chains, and a small mound of what might be hay stuffed into one of the corners.

'This looks to be a prison cell, Jay.' Nightmare answers in reply within his mind. 'There must be an anti- magic field in the area. I can't form my own body right now, nor can I force control of yours.' Her voice echoes in his thoughts, the tone laced with ice and contempt.

"So it wasn't a dream..." He whispers, rising to his feet. As he moves, he feels a heavy steel collar tugging at his throat, his hands coming to and tracing a long metal chain coiled upon the floor, with an anchoring point in the center of the small room. At his full standing height, he nearly touches the ceiling within the cell, the top of his hair brushing against the cold, dusty concrete.

'I had sensed something for a brief moment, before everything went dark. I...I'm sorry Jay, I must have been knocked out as we were captured. Who---or whatever had done this is going to die once I get us free.' Nightmare Storm fumes within Jason's thoughts. He can't help but to grin at her optimism for a moment, before returning to laying down upon the cot.

"Looks like we were caught by the bloody bastards then after all, moony." Jason whispers, letting out a sigh. "So much for escaping the A.M.A. Why couldn't we just be left alone to live in peace?" As he's about to speak more, he freezes when he hears the sound of rusted, cold metal screeching against more metal; the sound of a heavy iron door opening quickly, the swinging of rusted, squeaky hinges.

"Back to the dungeons with you, human! No pony disrespects the princess, not on my watch!" A guard all but shouts. There's the sounds of shuffling feet or hooves, another sound akin to something being dragged, then tossed into the neighboring cell. "You should be grateful her highness Celestia didn't fry you for being so foalish!"

Coughing, then the sound of an angry, raspy and yet deep voice replies in the shadows. "And I'll do it again to old sunny butt, every time! So fuck off, asshole!" The voice responds. Nightmare Storm can't help but to chuckle at the nickname for Celestia.

"We'll see how long that attitude of yours lasts when the prince gets down here to interrogate you two personally! Impersonating either one of the princesses's is a crime, and considered high treason to do so in mockery! You two and your wretched sky demon will pay for sure, so keep talking you filthy beast!" The guard shoots back. The sounds of keys being tugged at echoes in the air, followed by the clip-clop of heavy hooves approaching.

"Bring it on, mother fucker!" The mans voice shoots back, the sound of him possibly kicking the iron bars echoes loudly with a resounding whump. "I've eaten things scarier than you AND sunny butts flunkies! I've had to deal with Twilight's cooking!"

A soft laugh at the comment echoes in the air, right after the guard passes by Jason's and Nightmares cell, heading to a set of stairs leading away from the dungeons. A feminine voice. "Mine flame...ha ha...did thou honestly have to mention fair Twilight's cooking? It surely wasn't that bad."

"You're right. Yours is scarier." The mans voice replies.

Silence, followed by the sound of a loud THWACK! in the darkness. "Thou art so mean sometimes, mine husband!"

Jason lays quietly, listening to their conversation. Knowing those two from earlier are also detained in this place gives him some comfort, at least he knows now they weren't A.M.A., which also means that for whatever reasons they're detained, now they all have a common enemy.

"Fuck!" Another loud kick against iron, followed by a sigh from the male voice. "And the bitch even had to take my smokes. Fucking inhumane fiery cu--" He's cut off.

"Mine flame! Hold thy words. Even if this worlds Tia is such, thou still insults mine sister and your beta. Thou shouldn't utilize such words." A pause for a moment. "Besides, thou knows it likely isn't fire down there in her nether, likely nothing more than a mass of sand in her plot."

Deciding he's heard enough of the conversation, he clears his throat to interrupt and possibly communicate. The two other prisoners fall silent, as Jason begins to speak. "Oui...you sound like a yank. Did the white blimp catch you two as well?" He asks, hopeful they don't know his identity. Ask questions first, give information in exchange later. If all else fails, follow the faithful advice of his alicorn. Lie, deny, lie.

Coughing again, followed by the mans voice. "Yeah, We were just trying to get a few hours of sleep in before we tried to make it home, and next thing we knew I had a huge horses ass pinning me to the ground, and some asshole and a butch Pegasus mare trying to hog tie my wife. They hit us with some stun spell, and next thing we knew we were here. Scary thought...being the last thing I seen was the glaringly wide ass cheeks of sun butt the heavy. That mares plot should be labeled as a weapon of mass destruction!"

Again, Nightmare Storm laughs loudly within his mind at the comment, unable to keep it in. 'Oh, I like this one Jay. We really should have tried communicating after all.' Jason rolls his eyes, unable to help himself from grinning at the way the man described.

"I'm Commander Masters, United States Navy. My wife and I were simply lost, and had landed nearby to refuel, then we were going to try and get home. Whatever these guys want, we had nothing to do with any pony or anything here." The man replies.

"Well Mr. Masters, my name is Jason." He responds in kind. "What's a Yankee navy guy doing in Equestria, and with a mare that looks like one of the alicorns doing here?"

"Tis a long story." The mares voice chimes in, the voice sounds close by in the shadows. Jason strains to search in the dark, trying to find a location or get an idea of their placements within the prisons. "They seem to have some strange and outdated law in effect, and they're foalishly accusing us of a crime that they themselves have no comprehension of." The voice thickens with steel and venom. "Thou may call me Luna. Mine flame, Talon and myself are not of this world. We art simply lost thanks to a magical mishap, and are trying to find our way home."

'So the other mare I had encountered was real after all. It's just as I thought Jay...these two really are not from here! That might actually be another princess Luna!' Nightmare Storm whispers in Jason's mind, an almost uneasy giddiness within her words. 'We can use this. If these two aren't from here, then we have a common enemy, and a way out of here. Luna was a lot of things when she was my host. A powerhouse and the original element of magic for the harmonic elements makes her all the more useful.'

Jason clears his throat, thinking quickly. "It's the same for me. I got uh...pulled here by some strange rift thing. One minute I was at the pub in Brighton, next thing I knew I was being chased by a madman and a few of the locals here. It's like every bloke here has a few screws loose, or short a few drops of a pint."

'Oohhh, good use of euphemisms. I taught you so well.'

"Hush you. I'm working on a way out of here." Jason whispers to Nightmare, then focuses back to the pilot. "So, any ideas how to get the hell out of here?"

Silence, followed by the mare known as 'Luna' speaking up. "There's some kind of suppression field in here, likely this is the detention cells in Canterlot Dungeons. They usually only throw the most dangerous unicorns in these old catacombs beneath the palace. On our world, these have fallen into disuse, and haven't seen any pony in a single cell for the last several hundred years. We decided on our world that it's too barbaric to hold one in such, and by some miracle of mine mother haven't seen any serious crimes within mine kingdom since we closed these. As to how or why this world still utilizes such barbaric things, I'll never understand."

* * * * *

"Tia...do tell me what part of that operation required you to sit on the American." Chris deadpans, looking at Celestia with an un amused glare. "Are you seriously telling me that with all of the Godlike power you wield, your only solution to subdue the man was to sit on him?"

The white alicorn blushes for a moment, looking away with a sheepish grin. "Well...my magic nearly slipped off of him. I don't know what it is, but for some reason him and that lulu look-a-like have some resistance to my own harmony. I couldn't explain it, so I did the only thing I could think of."

"And you never thought to ask one of the dozen guards, or even myself to take him down? You just decided your posterior was perfect for the job of holding down that things flunky? What would you have done if he was armed?" He retorts, shaking his head.

Celestia eyes him carefully, sensing and feeling the rage within her lover. 'The spell must be wearing off...' She thinks. Drawing a soft breath, she comes back to her hooves and approaches the bed within their chambers, a seductive smile upon her muzzle. "Now Chris...it turned out well, didn't it? Everything will be just fine. I just wanted to help take these three in, and insure no harm came to any of them." She states, her voice light and loving. "I simply did the safest thing that came to mind to protect you."

As he's about to speak in response, the white alicorn sneaks in yet another deep kiss, holding him against the bed for a moment. His world once again turns to haze for what feels to be an eternity, before she breaks off. A golden mist is exhaled from him as she backs away, this time...he noticed it. Through the brief fog, he suddenly feels quelled of his anger once more, his thoughts drifting to serene and peaceful fields. He nods dumbly, a dopey, stupid grin once more upon his features.

"Now, let's go to bed, my lo--" She's interrupted as she hears a knock at the door. Celestia sighs and rolls her eyes, pausing in her advance. "On second thought...hold that for just a moment." She turns on her hooves and walks to the door, taking a deep cleansing breath. The door knocks again, before she adopts her serene, calm regal mask and opens it, completely forgetting her regalia and crown.

"Princess Celestia..." The guard states, hiding a blush under his stoic, well trained demeanor. "Uh, Your highness, the prisoners are all awake now, and communicating. I was ordered to alert you, and ask what you would have me do."

The white alicorn takes pause, thinking for a moment. Almost as if a light bulb clicked on in her mind, she smiles sweetly to the faithful solar guard. "Iron Hoof, is it?" She asks. The guard nods with a smile, his muzzle alight as if just hearing his name spoken by the princess was enough to send him to Heofon. "Please post a guard near to monitor their conversation. The prince and I were just...discussing what to do with this situation. We will personally oversee the matter once we come to a viable solution that befits every pony well." She states with her regal, even tone that sounds gentle, motherly even.

The guard salutes and bows. "As you wish, princess. Please return to your important conversation and plans with the prince. I will personally oversee the prisoners."

She smiles sweetly again, planting a small peck on the forehead of the earth pony guard. "Thank you, Iron Hoof. We will see you at dawn then." She says as she closes the door, the love and awestruck guard backing away from the door as she does, the expression as if he had just won every lottery in Equestria. Twice. On one ticket.

Turning back to face Chris in the bed, she smiles with a seductive, alluring smile, sauntering back to the inviting comfort of the plush mattress and the sirens call of her lover. "Now...where were we?" She asks him, eyeing the dopey, love struck grin plastered across the humans face. "Ah yes...I was just about to reward you for your heroism tonight..."

* * * * *

In the gloom of the dungeons, Talon rests against the wall, holding his midnight alicorn close to his chest, keeping her warm and wrapped in his jacket, trying to share his own ambient heat with her. He sighs uncomfortably as the sleeping alicorn shivers uncontrollably, wishing this hellish nightmare would end. His thoughts drift to their children, wondering if they'll ever make it home at this rate. He misses his family. He misses Dusty Shine. He even misses his Sunny Butts antics and crazy pranks. But most of all, he's being driven to insanity not being able to see he cherished and treasured daughters.

"Hey...Talon." He hears, perking up and listening. Jason is speaking to him again. "I know this is going to sound weird...but I think I have an idea of how we can escape."

The pilot cocks his head to the side, confused, but nods silently. "What do you have, Jason?" He responds.

"Call me Jay. All of my friends do." The voice speaks in reply, echoing off of the walls in the depressing darkness of the dungeons. "Look...I haven't been completely honest with you. I know this is going to sound weird, strange even. But I know a bit about this world. I have an alicorn...spirit I guess you could call her. I call her Moony." The pilot can hear him draw a breath. "She thought up a plan to get us free, but it's going to take us working together to make it work. It's an old, way outdated law they had here back when Jesus walked the Earth, but it might still be in effect if we can use it."

Talon glances down at his sleeping wife, pulling her tighter to him. He speaks up. "Jay, where I'm from, I've seen and heard some crazy shit. So if you have your own ghost-icorn thing, I'll just chalk it up to PFM and run with it. So what's the plan?"

"Oh yeah, you're an American alright." Jay responds, Talon almost able to hear the smile that crosses the younger mans features in the dark. "So I was thinking we could...---" He's cut off by the loud clacking of approaching hoof step echoing down the stairs. A single guard approaches, coming to a rest between the two prison cells, eyeing both of the captive humans and alicorn.

The minutes pass in silence, Talon glaring at the guard. 'Well son of a bitch. Just when things were starting to turn around.' He thinks, lifting his hand to flip the guard a rather vulgar hand gesture. The Earth Pony disregards it, never having of seen it before, therefore not understanding the insult.

Tap.- Tap Tap Tap.--- Tap Tap.-- Tap Tap Tap Tap. The pilot listens, instantly recognizing the pattern. 'Well...I'll be. This kid must have been a military nut like I was at his age.' Talon thinks, listening intently to the message. Morse Code...pure genius. There's no way these ponies here would have any clue of an Earth language like this one. With a smile, he tests the theory and responds, using the wrist bangles of the bindings to communicate, tapping the metal against the concrete ground in response.

The tapping echoes in the dungeons, then silence for a moment, before Jason responds on his own. They watch the Earth pony guard, who only seems to be annoyed by the constant tapping, completely unaware of the communication ongoing.

It takes a few minutes more, before the guard gets annoyed. "Will you two humans stop that pesky noise?! I wont be driven off by your attempts of idiocy. We of the Solar Guard are far to proud to be beaten by something so stupid."

The pilot grins, his theory correct. That idiot guard just proven him correct. He inhales deeply with a smug grin, his response perfect. "That's good then bub. We can go all night. So lets test that iron clad nature of your training, shall we?" He replies, trying to be as abrasive as possible. Normally he would be more kind, as most of his friends back on his world were in the guard. But even on his Equestria, this particular guard was known to be a total douche bag. And even reprimanded by Celestia herself twice for being such.

Tap.- Tap Tap Tap.-Tap. He responds to Jason, letting him know the coast is clear. He waits for a few moments, before he hears a response. Listening carefully, he wishes he wasn't so rusty on this method of communication. It's been years, nigh a decade since his last use of it, but he gets the jist of it never the less.

The two continue to communicate, formulating the battle plan on how they intend to carry things out. The pilot thinks on it, running over every detail in his thoughts, tracing it again and again. It's crazy. It's foolish. It's just insane enough to work. Anything this insane has to work. Because fuck you. That's why.

* * * * *

Princess Celestia raises the sun, A calm, serene smile upon her features as she begins her morning routine as she does every day. Breakfast in her private chambers, reading over reports, and the newest addition to her routine, enjoying time with her long lost- and now found lover.

As she watches Chris awaken to the rising of her beloved celestial charge, she turns to approach the bed again from the balcony, a warm smile upon her features. "Good morning, my prince." She croons out adoringly. Did you sleep well?" She asks, her tone gentle and sincere.

Chris rubs his temples, a slight pain akin to some pony jamming an ice pick in his brain, throbbing at the front of his head. "yeah, Tia...I have a bit of a headache, but otherwise I'm fine."

"I'm happy to hear that. She states with a smile, finally coming to a rest on her haunches by the bedside. "I've already ordered breakfast for you, my love. I was thinking perhaps a hearty helping of your favorite would lift your spirits before we go speak with Nightmare Moon and that poor, poor confused boy she's holding captive.

Chris quirks an eyebrow. "You ordered maple bacon and eggs, and corned beef hash for me? Where the hell did you get the meat?" He asks. "I thought ponies here only eat vegetarian stuff, and fish. I don't even like fish!"

Celestia stutters for a moment and flinches, almost as if she was just slapped across the rump. "Uh..." She blushes. "Well, It's...soy...bacon. I know you can't consume hay like I can...so I ordered something that would be close. But I'm sure you will hardly notice the difference!" She quickly adds.

"Tia." He deadpans. "One does not simply eat fake bacon."

Changing the subject before she walks into dangerous territory, she lets out a sigh. "Well...we must eat a good breakfast, Chris. It's the most important meal of the day, and we do have a very important matter to attend to. We should interrogate that elder human and that Era forsaken copy of my sister, and see how we can dismantle that wretched machine that Nightmare brought with her. I refuse to allow such a device within our kingdom, and left unchecked."

Chris shakes his head. "You...you just don't get it, do you?" He asks, his senses long since returned to him. "You can't just go around making decisions for everything, against their own will. Just because you're a princess, a so called benevolent one at that-, You can't just say something and poof, it's done. I highly doubt that man and the other pony have anything to do with that thing. There's just no way they got their hands...hooves on something like that. I'm telling you there's more to this than we initially thought."

The white alicorn smiles coyly, raising her hoof to her muzzle as if to inspect it. "Chris, it is because I am a benevolent ruler that I must do what is right to protect my subjects. Even if what you say is true, such a weapon should not be permitted to exist. Even if the man you speak of is innocent. They were all found together in the same area, and sleeping peacefully. You can't tell me it's just sheer coincidence that they were all together, just like that."

"I can, and I will." He responds, rising to his feet. He begins to put back on his clothes he had on yesterday, searching the chambers for his underwear. Looking up, he notices them hanging precariously on the chandelier above the center of the room. Shaking his head, he moves to the nearby desk to get a chair, climbing up to retrieve the errant article of clothing. "You and I have no idea what the situation was. It was your fucked up planning that screwed up my life. It was your fucked up, half baked plan that made everything in my world turn upside down and inside out. You need to think things through before you make such decisions. I don't care if you're wise or not, I don't care if you're older than dirt, Tia. You have no rights to make that call without finding out the details first."

She flinches in place at his harsh words, as if she was just kicked in her muzzle. "Chris...I." she begins, coming close to him. "You must understand, I was young and foolish back then, but it was my love for you that made me make that decision. Please...be at peace with it." She says softly, moving in to kiss him.

Chris backs up. "Oohhh no, not this time you crazy mare." He holds up his hands to defend himself. "You're not going to ninja my brain this time." He lets out a sigh of relief as she halts her advance, confusion written all over the white alicorns features. "Look...I'll forgive you in time, I'm sure. But if I'm going to do it, it's on my terms. Not yours."

"So...you will forgive me? You'll put this behind us?" She asks, hope laced within her voice. A small, thin smile crossing her muzzle. She watches as he puts on his clothing finally, letting out a huff of relief as he nods.

"In my own time, yes. But you have to let me handle things my way. Humans aren't as easy to push as you may think. And if you have any respect and love for me, you'll do this and listen to what I have to say. Let's talk to them first. I honestly have a feeling that the American and his alicorn are here all as an honest mistake like she was trying to say, and not here to hurt any pony. As far as the other guy goes...There's something up too. There's a lot more to this than you or I know at this point."

Celestia nods, agreeing with him. "Very well. We'll do things your way then, Chris." What harm could come of it anyway? She clears her throat, to ask a question. "I would like to know, however...are all...Am ear-ee-kans..so brash?" She inquires, having extreme difficulty pronouncing the word.

"Americans. 'Murica'." He responds. "Yes. The blooming yank's were always like that. Once I met this bloke visiting from some place called Arizona, he came to London on vacation. The bloody idiot drove on the wrong side of the street, and blimey, he was such a snobbish jerk. Called me a blooming limey for telling him how to drive correctly. Though I have to admit, It was a spot of a laugh to see him struggle with a roundabout. The bastard must have circled the bloody thing a dozen or so times before he got out of it."

"So then...it's normal for them to talk like they're mindless oafs?" She asks. "Then how is it he seemed as if he knew me...he even knew the nickname you gave me, with an added flair." She notes, thinking on her initial conversation with him. "He just seemed so...angry."

"Well in his defense." Chris starts. "I would be pretty riled up if some pony woke me up by immediately sitting on my chest, and their opening line was 'Welcome to Equestria. You're under arrest by the crown.' Just so you know."

She shrugs, nodding in agreement. There's a knock at the door, followed by the entrance of two solar guards, and a palace chef wheeling in the breakfast cart. The couple watches and greets them formally, Chris paying no mind that the three are practically seeing Celestia and him in all of their God given glorious birthday suits, minus a thin, short bit of fabric covering his jewels. The ponies leave, the now unattended cart with the silver tray and polished domes bearing their meals remaining in the room. The white alicorn smiles with satisfaction. "So then, breakfast? May I feed you, my love?"

* * * * *

The dimly lit dungeons have been busy with activity throughout the night, a series of taps, clicks and more taps being the constant sounds, followed by the annoyed, pained breathing of one very, very close to snapping royal guard. The two have completely formulated a plan, with a backup plan on top of a backup plan. More guards have since entered, now bearing shackles fashioned for the humans, and one heavily armed Pegasus mare carrying a series of bands that glow with an eerily dark light, held by a black pillow. Luna eyes the bands with extreme terror, backing up quickly against the wall, her wings held tightly to her sides as she begins to shake violently.

"Mine flame!" She whispers hurriedly, Talon stepping in front of her to defend her. Luna begins to shake uncontrollably, her jade orbs pinpricks with fright. She knows exactly what those rings are for. Talon studies them, then glares at the guards.

"Come one step near her with those, and I'm going to rip out your throats." He warns, holding up his fists. "I won't give you the chance."

The Pegasus mare clears her throat. "By orders of the princess, her royal majesty Celestia, you three are to be escorted to the throne room under guard and magical inhibitors. Resistance, would be unwise."

"Then feel free to try. I promise you motherfuckers I'll give you a real taste of American Firepower. You came looking for a fight, so let's go!" He shouts in anger, balling up his fists in a defensive stance. "I won't let you near her!"

The guards open both gates at the same time, three into Jason's cell, three into Talon and Luna's. As the pilot pinpoints the other gate opening, he charges forward. "Now!" He shouts, tackling the three ponies within his cell to the ground. Luna whirls around and gives a double back kick HARD to the Pegasus mare's muzzle, sending her flying back through the gates, scattering the rings in different directions.

Jason does the same, delivering a hard punch to one of the guards within his own cell, then clothes lining and kicking the other two away. He bends down and steals the keys from one of the fallen, before rushing over to the seventh and final guard, the douche Iron Hoof, and knocking him out cold with a single, terrifyingly hard punch.

"Well, how about that. The field only affects the cells, not the hall." Nightmare storm comments, her dark voice coming through the mouth of Jason's form. A sinister grin crosses the boys face as he turns and bolts out of the dungeons to the stairs, Talon and Luna hot on his heels.

The three run in close quarters together, rushing through the staircase and into the open halls of the castle proper. As they run, more and more guards come in their path, Jason knocking them against the walls with a discharge of dark energy, the black crackling arcs of lightning discharging off of his fingertips. They cut down scores of the seemingly endless and comically small guards, blowing past blockades as if they were never even there.

"This way!" Luna shouts, turning left down a corridor. "If this is like mine palace, this should lead us to the courtyard! Perhaps they have mine flames and I's war machine, so that we may escape!" The two humans follow her, none of them noticing the shadow cast beside them on the walls, the shadow of a black alicorn running with them.

They continue to run, coming to what Luna and Talon never expected. A dead end. "What?! How is this possible?!" Luna cries out, confused. "There should be a door here!" She turns and looks, only to be blind sided by a golden arc of arcane energy and sent impacting against the wall with a bone crushing crunch.

The pilot and Jason turn to face the attacker, only to be nailed by two more golden plasma bolts, also sent flying. Caught off guard, the Solar Diarch stands. Celestia's nostrils are flares, her wings held out and twitching with absolute rage. Talon tries to stand again, only to be sent smacking against the wall with another agonizing blow to his torso. He coughs and wheezes, knocked down and the wind taken out of him.

"If you want something done right...do it yourself." She says, an impassive tone to her voice. "Restrain them, and place a double seal upon the mare. If she's a true alicorn, one ring won't even begin to smother her power." Celestia steps forward, placing her hoof upon the pilots back, driving her weight into him to keep the man down. "And here it was I was just simply going to talk with you, and possibly let you go. Now I know you're indeed a threat to this kingdom." She says, looking down at the human from her muzzle. "So tell me, are you working with that demon mare? Is your so called con artist pet with her too?"

Jason Storm coughs, getting to his feet, only to fall back down into a sitting position. Blood trickles from his lips, the blow to his body more damaging than he had initially thought. He wheezes to get his air back into his lungs, before speaking.

"Kil...Kul Neigh Var!" He shouts, coughing repeatedly. "We challenge you to the rite...of grievance!" Celestia looks at him, wide eyed. He continues. "You...YOU MUST OBEY THE LAW, DAWN BRINGER. We challenge you to the rite!"

Celestia backs up, turning her head and glancing with her magenta eyes to the nearby guards, Crystal Justice coming to her side. His forehead glows with the sun crest upon his form, his gaze unrelenting. She lets out a defeated huff, then removes her heavy hoof from the pilot. "Very well."

They watch as the two humans and unconscious alicorn are brought to their feet and hooves, dragging them to the arena. Celestia personally snaps and embeds the anti-magic bands upon Luna's horn, glaring at the smaller alicorn with absolute disgust. This imposter infuriates her, and she will see to it justice is brought before her hooves this day.

* * * * *

The arena lights all kick on, thousands of candles upon the walls all sparking and erupting to life in an instant, guards, nobles, and palace staff all filling the seats. Jason Storm and Talon Masters are dragged to the arena floor center, their wrists and feet bound in heavy solar steel chains, laden with rust and corrosion of the ages. Two dull, blunted swords are dropped at their feet as their shackles are removed, the bruises and marks obvious to all who can see. Both of the humans are bleeding from their lips, and several cuts upon their faces, necks and arms, Talon appearing the worse of the two.

"State your claims, before every pony here." Celestia demands, her tone neutral, a tight, impassively discordant frown held upon her muzzle.

Talon looks to Jason who nods, the shorter, younger man looking up to the pilot in agreement. So far, all according to plan. The pilot turns and spits blood upon the dusty arena floor, then glares up at the regal white alicorn. "Our demands are that you release us, ALL OF US, including my aircraft. We want nothing to do with your oversized sunny butt, and simply wish to depart that God forsaken hell you call a kingdom."

The arena falls silent, a hushed murmur being said between the viewers and spectators present as Celestia steps forward onto the podium, looking down at the two humans from her muzzle. She completely ignores the midnight alicorn being held in binding restraints, at spear point by the heavily armed solar guards, the spears nearly piercing the wounded alicorns neck. Talon can see the small trickle of blood falling on Luna's fur, rage boiling over within him.

"Very well. If you defeat our champion, then you shall have your grievances annulled, and I shall release you." Celestia dismisses, the crowd gaining momentum with her declaration. "I will also see to it your machine is returned to you, unharmed, and all we ask in return is that you leave peacefully should you win."

Talon clenches his fists, almost shaking with rage as he seethes and fumes with unbridled fury. This Celestia was in his eyes not a benevolent ruler as his Celestia as. This one was but a selfish, spineless teenage girl in his eyes, one that he looked forward to wiping that smug smirk off of her muzzle just to do the universe a favor.

"But." Celestia interjects. "If you both shall fall before this gathering of your peers...then the result of your failed challenge will be banishment. Your machine will be dismantled and destroyed, and you three must never return to this kingdom, or the Crystal Empire, under pain of banishment to my sisters moon, for no less than ten thousand years."

Jason swallows hard, looking at the white alicorn with a degree of disgust.'See Jason, I told you she wasn't the kind hearted mare you thought she could be. You can't trust any pony but me. No pony from this world can be trusted.' Nightmare Storms voice resides and echoes within Jason's thoughts, the boy nodding in agreement.

"Let's just get through this moony. I'm counting on you in here." He whispers to his love in reply. The truth is in his mind, however; no matter where he goes, be it off on their own to be free, or banishment to the moon for an unfathomable amount of time, he would be happy to be with his moony.

"Your terms are accepted!" Talon calls out. "I promise you this though, you crazy bitch. When this is over, I'm going to make you eat those words." He sneers, angrily glaring at her. "And before this is all said and done, You'll be the one wearing those wicked rings you placed on my wife. I swear it!"

The crowd all boos, some taking to throwing whatever snacks their eating at the pilot, one lucky piece of an ice cream cone colliding with his tattered uniform shirt. He grumbles and ignores the crowd, leaning down to talk to the boy.

"You remember the plan?" He asks, muttering under his breath so only Jason could hear.

"Yeah, Tal. We kick some ass, steal your bird, and fly the fuck away from here." Jason responds, nodding slightly. "Just make sure you do your part, and moony and I will do ours."

"Ok Jay. Just make it look real when their idiot comes out. If we work together, we can save both of our ladies and make that crazy mare pay. I've got a score to settle for that ass crushing my dignity, and stealing my smokes."

Jason raises an eyebrow. "I'm glad I don't smoke. I'd be an insane asshole by now like you."

"Hey...whatever works." The pilot responds. The horns bellow, and the arena falls silent, a door on the far eastern wall opening. Slowly stepping into the arena, Crystal Justice and Firefly enter side by side. The Pegasus mare escorts the prince into the arena, before removing his cloak for him, and hoofing over a saber. Talon looks the guy over and sizes him up, noticing this individuals sword is perfectly weaponized and razor sharp. Glancing down to the ground, he sees the dull and useless sword at his feet, rolling his eyes. "Now how the hell is this fair?" He asks to no one. Jason only shrugs, and nods in agreement.

"Our champion, prince Crystal Justice!" Celestia announces with joy. The crowd cheers wildly and stomps in enjoyment, eager to see the match begin. The last recorded rite was over nine hundred years ago, so this is more than a rare treat for any pony lucky enough to be present.

"Here we go." Jay comments, his voice suddenly taking on a dark, dual tone as he speaks. Talon notices in his peripheral vision a glowing black aura growing and pulsating around the boy, Jason holding out his hand and the sword magically flying into his grip. Black arcs of arcane energy dance off of his visage as a cold ghost wind blows through the area suddenly. "Time to die, everyone..."

The pilot grasps the sword, standing beside Jay as the Pegasus mare leaves the arena, the doors of the high, towering marble walls closing, leaving the three humans to fight in an anything goes contest of strength, will and endurance. Celestia amplifies her voice with her magic, calling out to every pony. "BEGIN THE KUL NEIGH' VAR!"

Crystal Justice begins to charge, his palm opened wide as he blasts a golden arc of energy at the pilot, Talon being the first to be struck, the wind taken right out of him. The pilot is sent tumbling backwards as he reels from the blow, knocked to the ground.

"Oh...so that's how it is." He grumbles, coughing and rising to his feet. More blood fills his maw and he spits to the side, wiping the blood on the sleeve of his shirt. "You think that's going to stop me, you fucking limey?" Talon calls out, laughing despite the pain. "We Americans kicked your ass in seventeen seventy six, and I'll be sure that I keep my countries polished record!" He charges forward, throwing insult after insult to try and cause the enemy to lose focus, to make mistakes in the fight.

He tackles Chris to the ground, pouncing on the smaller, lighter humans chest, landing blow after devastating blow upon his face and chest. Talon swings again and again, bludgeoning him with all of his might, wanting to quickly pulverize him right here and now.

Jay comes in from behind, circling around to deal a deathblow to Celestia's human, rushing quickly to aid the pilot. Before he could get close enough however, Crystal Justice suddenly kicks the pilot off of him, blasting Talon in the chest again with a massive plasma bolt of golden energy. The cutie mark of Celestia glows brightly upon his forehead, his eyes seemingly glassed over as if he were naught but a doll.

Jason Storm is knocked back, sent flying against the wall with a bone crunching impact from the sheer shockwave of the bursts from Crystal. Shaking off the initial shock, he looks up to see Talon dodging the attacks and sword swings from their enemy.

The pilot rushes forward and rolls onto the ground, narrowly missing the enchanted blade wielded by Crystal Justice. "Holy Shit!" Talon exclaims in surprise. "Why does everyone want me dead?!" He cries out, grabbing his fallen sword from the ground and taking off running again. Shadow bolt discharges detonate behind his heels as he steps, the shots fired by Jason Storm aimed just behind the fleeing pilot.

'Master, now would be a VERY good time to let me intervene! These two have magic, and YOU don't!' Nightie chimes in, her voice echoing in the pilots mind. Talon rolls his eyes, continuing to dodge and evade the constant barrage of energy and physical attacks by the other two humans in the arena.

Up in the stands held by guards spear-point, Luna dazedly watches the fight below, the anti magic band embedded into her horn numbing the world around her into a near drug induced haze. She fights her hardest, trying to steel her mind enough to focus and find a way out of her captivity. Her legs and body feel heavy and numb, like a limb that has fallen asleep. Her wings feel the prickly sensation of a dull, stinging pain, her mind unable to communicate with them. All she can do is remain helpless for the moment, held captive by the princess Celestia of this nightmarish world.

"Your human doesn't have a chance you know. Not against my Chris, and especially not against that accursed mare and her human." Celestia sneers out, watching the match unfolding below. "Rules are rules however...though I still don't know how Nightmare Moon managed to teach that Jason boy about the Kul'neigh'var right."

Luna slowly turns her head, trying to focus in on the distorted and spinning world around her through the haze of the anti-magic band. Celestia's voice rings out to her in a dark, almost demonic tone, her glassed over fogged eyes blankly staring at the white alicorn a short distance away. The midnight alicorn swallows dryly, her attention turned back down below as another detonation from Jason Storm rocks the arena floor, her flame and Crystal Justice both sent flying into the nearby wall, both humans landing with a crash.

"Oh this is too easy Jason. You really didn't have to worry about a thing. We'll be out of here in no time, and finally away from that foalish Sun Princess once and for all. Not our problem if the outsider gets squished in the crossfire." Nightmare Storms voice echoes darkly through Jason's mouth, another shadow bolt forming and crackling with arcane malevolence from his palm.

Talon rises to his hands and knees, his eyes blearily focusing upon the dirt floor of the arena. He's panting hard, blood trickling from his brow due to a deep cut upon his forehead from the impact against the wall. He heaves a tired breath and coughs loudly, his fingers fumbling for the grip of the dull, useless sword given to him for this fight. 'Outmatched and out gunned...looks like this is the end.' He thinks. He nods while coughing, returning his gaze to Jason Storm and the now standing and charging Crystal Justice. Even from here, the pilot can see the glowing crest of Princess Celestia upon his forehead. "Alright Nightie...let's do this." He coughs out. Drips and spatters of blood spill from his mouth, the blood droplets collecting upon the floor just below him.

The bauble dangling around the pilots neck begins to glow and flash brightly, casting out a blinding light that stuns and freezes Crystal Justice's and Jason Storms ongoing fight in it's tracks, the flare illuminating the whole of the arena. He lets out a blood chilling roar as Nighties miasma once again overtakes his form, the ghostly mist swirling around him momentarily. As the flare of light fades and the two other humans within the arena regain their vision, they're greeted by something no pony expected. Now charging toward them at full speed, was a cobalt blue armored tank, the orange honeycomb visor somehow appearing to be the most frightening and menacing thing ever. There's a loud sound of metal screeching as sparks erupt, twin sets of scorpion like blades springing out from the armored bracers, the pilots every step thundering and shaking the ground below their feet.

"What in Tatarus is that?!" Celestia cries out in alarm, her heart nearly stopping in her chest as a solid, bone shattering punch is delivered to Crystals jaw, sending the human flying clear into the stands on the top, back row of the arena. She stares in absolute disbelief, then screams out in fright. "Guards! Kill the humans and the mare! Put them to death at once for this witchcraft!"

The pilot in alicorn armor looks up and seethes in rage, the poison of Nighties power causing his aggressive nature and anger to surge with unfathomable torrents of pure malice. Nightie never liked the sun bringer. But this one was a thousand times worse than the one she fought upon her world. She coils power to the legs of the armor, thrusting the pilot high into the stands, landing just a few feet away from the wicked, white mare. All hell breaks loose.

Jason also rushes to the stands, a blast of arcane shadow kicking him high into the air, Nightmare Storm also bringing the fight to Celestia. They fight in unison, throwing guards over the walls edge and into the arena floor, Jay laughing darkly as they see the hundreds of ponies gathered all swarm the exits, fleeing like cockroaches do from the light. Celestia backpedals and launches attack after attack at the duo from her horn, the blasts of energy bouncing harmlessly off of some kind of field suspended just off of their armored bodies.

The cobalt blue behemoth in armor grasps the midnight alicorn, quickly removing the rings upon her form with absolute precision and delicacy, then grasps them within his hand, thanks to the diversion provided by Jason.

"You should have killed us when you had the chance, dawn bringer. Now...my love and I will kill you and your vile subjects." Nightmare Storm seethes out through Jason's mouth, the dark energy around his form turning into a towering shadow of the black alicorn of death. "For you, it is whom the bell tolls!"

Talon holds out his arm, blocking Jason's path, before he steps forward silently to the fleeing solar princess. He grasps her tail root and yanks hard, ripping her back to him with unimaginable force. Celestia cries out in agony as the silent tormentor towers over her, feeling the dull stinging pain as the rings are slid over her horn, then crushed in place by his incredible strength. He then picks her up by her chest regalia, and tosses her into the ring where she lands on the pile of still alive guards with a resoundingly dull thud.

The pilot picks up the still woozy alicorn mare laying in the stands, and gingerly holds his beloved carefully, clutching her to his armored chest. 'Master. Luminescence is still alive. We must get her to our machine, so that we may depart! Please, Hurry!' He hears Nightie speak within the armor to him.

The two turn and rush out, the pilot carrying the dazed alicorn in his arms as they race through the palace, hunting for the war machine to make their escape. They take twist after turn, blowing past the scattered and disorganized guards trying to bar their way as they run. They come to a long hallway shortly, a bleeding Chris standing and panting before them.

"Move, boy. Or my friend here will give you another right hook." Jason growls out, stepping forward. "We just want a way out of here, so they can return to their home, and we can find a peaceful place to exist."

Chris drops the sword, the saber vanishing in a flash of light. "I wasn't in control...so I understand. Your machine is here!" He says, opening the door beside him, leading to the ball room. "Tia...she said she wouldn't hurt you. But that punch you did broke her spell on me and let me see what she did. Believe me...we're going to have a long talk about her control issues when this is over."

The two follow Chris into the ballroom, the aircraft exactly where he said it would be. Talon looks around through the orange haze of the visor, disbelieving that this palace would not only have a bigger ballroom, but Celestia of this hell would actually put the warbird in the same damned place. What weird fucking luck! The armor wisps off of his form, the miasma returning to the bauble as he quickly walks, returning to the aircraft and climbing up the side steps without a word. He frees one arm and punches in the code into the canopy lock down keypad, then struggles and hefts the delirious alicorn into the co pilots seat.

"Hey, Yank!" He turns looking at Chris. "Where are you two from...why did you bring a military craft to Equestria?"

Talon shakes his head, climbing into his own pilots seat. "I was brought to her world a few years ago on a mission by mistake. He says, nodding his head back to the alicorn coming to. "We came to this one by mistake, while we were on a return trip from a botched portal spell."

Jason turns, tearing open a rift and stopping to look at Chris. "Hey, no hard feelings mates. But I'm out of this place. Moony and I never wanted a fight, but your bloody insane mare friend kinda of picked it." He turns and looks at Talon. "I'd go with you, but you two aren't heading my way, and your cabin looks a wee bit cramped."

Chris looks at them, completely shocked by their candor, as if the fight didn't mean anything to them. He watches as the pilot continues to flip switches, hearing the beeps of the machines computers coming to life. "Nightmare." He calls out. "If you use a portal...she'll just find you again. Your best bet is to scramble on foot, or fly out if you can."

Almost as if on Qu, the shadows around the room once again contort, an eerie darkness settling in. Pounding on the doors behind them leading back into the castle proper can be heard, shouts of guards attempting to break down the very walls to get at them.

"Oh? You would help us, despite betraying your precious Celestia? My my. whatever would the prissy princess think?" The shadows all call out, then coalesce into a solid form of a towering, terrifying black alicorn. Her teal demonic eyes focus in on Chris's, staring him down.

"Hey, she needs to learn it's not always going to go her way." He shrugs. "Consider this my own form of payback for making this mess to begin with. Now get going, I'll hold off the guards!" He calls out, turning to the doors.

"Wait!" Talon shouts, looking at Chris. He pauses for a moment, then nods. "You have my thanks...listen, once we're out of here, you'll be better for just talking things out. I know she's a crazy, manipulative bitch... Mine can be too, but trust me. The Celestia I know has a heat of pure gold. Give it a chance, you'll be surprised."

Chris nods, then smiles. "I think I will. Good luck, you four." He says over his shoulder, heading back to the door to secure it.

Jason watches as Nightmare Storm kneels with her forelegs, crouching down so he could mount her back. "Where do we go?!" He shouts, looking to the pilot. Talon begins to close the canopy, moving to speak to him still.

"Head west, I'll cover you!" He shouts, over the sound of the canopies mechanical components. As the canopy closes, he turns and looks to the computer, throwing only his headset on. "Initiate Scram Jet Sequence!"

They see guards, Celestia included beginning to form up just outside the opposing wall leading to the outside, the unicorns and Earth ponies all backing up and away from the massive doors. The jet engines begin to screech and howl as they come to life, the fires of hell leaping from the turbines.

"Fire, every pony fire! Stop that machine!" The alicorn screams out, fury written all over her features. Her mane and tail seemingly spark off in wisps of flame and smoke in patches. Nightmare Storm only grins.

"Oohhh. I haven't seen Celestia this pissed off in ages. This human. I really like him, Jay. Can we keep him?" She asks, a sardonic Cheshire grin upon her muzzle. She cranes her head to look up at her love, only to see him also grinning. It's when she sees his look suddenly turn to terror, she whips her head to look in front. A loud, groaning metallic clatter overtakes the sound of the screaming jet engines, as two bay doors below the war machines belly suddenly open. A large rack from the forward bay rolls out, a rocket at the ready. Nightmare scoots on her hooves quickly, bolting for cover as Chris does the same. Without any further warning, the pilot pulls the trigger within the cockpit, sending the projectile forward, blowing the entire side wall and guards half to hell.

The ponies outside, princess included are all caught in the massive hellfire explosion, sent flying backwards end over end. As the flames billow out, the smoke overtaking the area, the howling increases louder and louder, the nose of the war machine inching out of the broken castle room.

The aircraft lifts off of the ground, it's turbines turned downward as it begins to take off, igniting the afterburners as it takes to the heavens, quickly ascending and retracting it's landing gear. As the smoke begins to clear, the black alicorn and human step into the clearing, quickly bolting out and also joining the machine in the heavens, racing away to safety, far,far away from Canterlot.

* * * * *

"Luna, angel? Are you still with me back there?" The pilot chokes out, placing the machine on auto pilot. The aircraft levels out its wings, reducing itself to a cruising speed as it's computers take control. Turning around, he sees the midnight alicorn coming around, a hoof to her head as she fights off a headache left by the bands.

As the pilot slips her headset over her ears, she pants gently, placing her hoof on his hand. "I am...I am here, mine flame. I'm alright." She squeaks out in response. She tries to catch her breath, the effects from that wretched band ebbing away finally.

He sighs with a smile and takes back control of the warbird again, climbing higher and higher into the heavens, far above where even Celestia could fly safely. After a few minutes of letting her rest, he switches over the communications, turning on the radio. "Angel, just take your time. When you're ready, open the portal and bring us home."

Luna nods, heaving a tired, irritated sigh. She closes her eyes, then concentrates, focusing on only one thing. Their children. Her only thoughts are on them, the fillies Stardust Kiss, and Moonlight Way. Opening her eyes, she alights her horn and casts.

* * * * *

Walking out amongst the rubble, Chris steps to the woozy, but very much alive Celestia. Despite the total carnage, there was surprisingly no fatalities! He nods, impressed by the pilots handy work, then helps the regal white alicorn to her hooves.

"I told you Tia...you should have asked questions first, and not played God." He groans out, patting the dust off of her sides and coat. "This is what happens when you just make decisions on the fly." Chris watches as her lower lip begins to tremble, the dirty white alicorn on the verge of tears. He sighs and wipes away the salty tears from her, smiling. "Come on, let's go get you cleaned up. You've had enough excitement for one day."

Celestia only quietly nods watching was all of her disoriented, but still alive guards climb to their feet. She lets out a tired huff, debating what she should say to them.

* * * * *

"Hey Moony..." He says, enjoying the scenery while in flight, never before having actually been off of the ground before, not like this. "So...what do we do now?"

"Well Jay...not bad for your first day in Equestria. I think...I think we should find some place to call home now. We've come this far...and endured this much. My mother, Era did state we would have hope. So let's find it, together. Let us enjoy our new world together, my love." The alicorn responds thoughtfully, gliding upon the wind.

"Yeah...home. I like the sound of that."

Destination Unknown

Chapter Ten: Destination Unknown

The bells of the analog alarm clock ring loudly within the darkened chambers, the sound of a hoof sluggishly fumbles around on the nightstand table top. The alarm continues to ring, until the hoof finds it's target, finally silencing the dreaded sound. Within the darkness and gloom of the bedroom, a figure begrudging, sits up upon the plush and comfortable bed, yawning and stretching, blinking the sleep from their eyes as a hoof tiredly searches for the drawstring to the nearby lamp.

The light clicks on finally after several attempts, the cream colored hoof retracting to brush the blue, frizzy mane from the face and muzzle of its owner. Dusty Shine yawns loudly again, her hoof coming down to scratch her bare chest as she turns upon her rump, slowly rising out of the inviting warmth of the bed to begin her day. She glances out of the opened window, seeing the desolate night sky outside, still few and far in between stars out, sparsely decorating the heavens.

'Oh Luna...it's just never the same without you.' She thinks to herself, a saddened, solemn sigh escaping her lips as her bare hooves touch down to the cold tiled floor of her private chambers. Once she rises and stands, she slumps into the washroom to begin her daily routine. First thing is first, answer natures ever annoying calls, then make the aromatic elixir of life to get her brain processing.

Several minutes quickly pass within the dimly lit chambers, the Earthen mare stepping out into the open room wearing her favorite white and blue silk robe, a long, dark blue sash adorns it, keeping the robe clinging to her form as it ties just below her soft, somewhat padded belly and dangles just a few inches above the ground at her hooves.

The mare makes her way to the small kitchen within the royal apartment, making herself a pot of coffee to jump-start her mind and body for the ever busy day to come. It's been a little over twenty three weeks since everything for her changed, the time driving her life into a complicated maelstrom of increased duties and worries. The minutes continue to tick away within the quiet and sparsely decorated room, the still groggy mare walking to her small table to have her cup of coffee. She stares at a small, silver framed picture resting upon it's surface, her heart sinking somewhat as she studies the image.

The picture was taken by one of the palace staff, a fellow maid, for her the day of the most recent fair. In the photograph, Luna and Dusty stand hoof in hoof, laughing merrily as before them the adorable twins pose for the camera. Behind the two elder mares stands the human pilot, his welcoming arms around their necks and backs, a warm, friendly smile of joy upon his features. Dusty Shine lets out a soft sigh of saddened discomfort as she stares at the image, as she has every morning since the accident.

Turning her head, she lets out a soft sigh, eyeing the materials she didn't put away last night after getting the twins to bed. She curses herself for staying up, taking the time to complete the project dresses for Stardust Kiss and Moonlight way, her eyes now falling on the still incomplete dress for the midnight princess. Her heart sinks somewhat within her chest, memory flashes crossing her mind of the pilot and herself working on that dress. Lifting the cup to her lips once again, she drinks deep, considering the idea of finishing the dress on her own; should the missing couple be located.

After finishing two cups of the heavenly elixir that is coffee, she steps slowly to the nearby dressers beside the bed, fetching herself her white stalking socks, coming to a rest on the bed as she carefully and meticulously puts them on her hind legs, the tops of the socks reaching just below the gaskin of them. She slips on her silver shoes onto her rear hooves, then trots to the nearby closet next to the washroom. With some effort, the wooden door slides open, the small, steel wheels squeaking loudly within the room as it moves upon its tracks.

Glancing at her old maids uniform, she lets out a huff and brushes it aside with her fore hoof, reaching to the left and hooking the hanger containing her control center uniform on it instead. Lowering her leg, she grasps the hook within her maw, carrying over the uniform back to the bed where she gets dressed. First the light, loose hanging skirt, slipping her hind legs within the circle of fabric, before pulling it over her rump and grunting. 'I really need to see about getting these re-sized...I must have put on a bit more weight recently.' She thinks with a slight shudder, annoyance written on her features as she silently chews on her lower lip. Finally after a few minutes of the usual, daily struggle with hooves and buttons, she manages to get to the soft tan fabric coat, slipping her forelegs into the short sleeves, then pulling it over her back. She lets out a huff of air as she searches for her mane brush, finding her way back into the wash room to groom her ever unmanageable mane and tail.

The sun begins to rise outside of the palace for the world, the rays of the morning sun finding their way into the still dimly lit chambers. Dusty turns and looks at the nearby clock, her eyes going wide for a moment as she realizes one very important fact: She's late. 'Sweet Celestia's perky nipples! Why did I take longer than normal to finish getting ready?! I'm going to be late again!' She turns and opens the door to her chambers, quickly exiting the room into the hallway of the Lunar wing, closing it and fast trotting to her destination. The sound of her hooves and silver shoes clacking with an echo within the halls, the usual morning activity just barely beginning to form within the still awakening palace.

The mare passes by the commander and princesses still emptied chambers, glancing and nodding to the two Lunar Stallions still posted by the doors, dutifully watching the rooms entrance, should the royal couple be located and safely returned to their home. The guards nod back in response, shaking their heads sadly as they answer the unspoken question of the mare. The owners of that room, have still not been found.

She lets out another discontented sigh as she reaches the doors to her first stop, readjusting her uniform and mane before reaching for the doorknob. With a deep, cleansing breath and a warm, friendly and loving smile, she opens the door, ready to greet her beloved and sacred charges left into her care.

"Good morning girls! It's time to begin your day!" She states with a cheerful, loving and warm voice, walking to the drapes as she has every morning since appointed this task, and drawing each curtain open with her maw. She grasps the left side first with her teeth, backing up quickly and dragging the heavy fabric to the wall hook, pushing it into the slot with her fore hoof. Moving quickly, she canters with a bounce in her step back to the center of the large glass door of the balcony opening, repeating the action for the other side. The warm rays of the dawn flood and fill the room, casting a beautiful orange light within the chambers, rousing two very special fillies from their slumber with the rising of the sun.

Twin sounds of groans and mumbles of irritation fill the room like every morning, followed by pillows being pulled over the heads of the bed occupants trying to hide from the light. She smiles serenely and canters to the bedside of Stardust Kiss first, pushing aside the pillow with her forelegs and placing a loving, warm lick upon the fillies cheek, followed by a friendly and nurturing nuzzle. "Rise and shine my little princesses! It's time to begin your day!"

Stardust lets out a low groan as she nestles deeper into the comforter, trying to avoid the earthen mare's warm wake up call. "Mamma...I don't want to get up!" The filly complains, burying her muzzle into the mattress. Dusty steps back, ears drooping slightly as she hears the precious treasure call out for the midnight alicorn.

'No...I'm not your mother. I wish I could return her to you, little one. I wish I could be her for you, but I'm not.' The blue haired mare thinks to herself, shaking her head sadly. She grasps the comforter within her teeth, pulling it back to expose the still sleeping child. Puffing out her cheeks in mirth at the adorable sight, she smiles a small, gentle smile of seeing the filly grasping the fluffy puff plush of her mother for dear life, the muzzle of the alicorn buried in the plushiest nooks of the wings.

She reaches with her fore hooves and lifts the protesting filly onto her back, the usual morning routine going exactly as it has for the past several weeks. She goes over the normal list in her mind, trotting with an extra bounce in her step to awaken the little alicorn strewn across her back. She shivers as a bit of drool once again glances her side, feeling the wetness soaking quickly through the thin jacket and fabric of the shirt.

'Overly sleepy mischievous one on back, check. Drool once again on my side?' She turns her head and looks at the jacket, another repressed shudder later she turns away, continuing her overly exaggerated canter to the next bed. 'Check. Clingy affectionate one who tries to crush me with her good morning hug?' Peeling back the corner of the oversized comforter on the next bed with her teeth, she quickly backs up, all in vain. A pair of short, spindly legs spring out and snake around the waiting earth ponies neck, quickly squeezing with strength that would make Applejack blush. Her eyes somewhat bug out for a moment as the squeeze occurs, followed by the still half asleep yawn and nuzzle by the alicorn filly. 'Check.' Dusty Shine forces another smile, turning on her hooves despite the added weight of the twins upon her form, bound for the washroom.

With absolute precision and care following her morning routine, she gingerly steps around, dragging Moonlight way from her front, all the while balancing the squirming and still snoring Stardust Kiss upon her back. She works the dials with her free foreleg, turning on the bath within the children's private washroom, the steaming and comfortable water pouring from the spout and rushing into the large marble tub. Her ears swivel as she hears another set of hoof steps quietly walking into the room, following the soft click of the door closing behind their entry.

"Good morning Dusty." Comes the soft, friendly voice of the elder white alicorn. Celestia smiles sweetly, pushing open the washroom door of the fillies as she enters, amused with the daily spectacle of this morning routine. She herself always doing the same repetition, to help keep questioning fillies occupied, and not poking around for answers.

"Good day, Princess." Dusty Shine greets, her attention still focused ahead as she tests the half full tub with her fore hoof, then pouring in some bath suds for bubbles. She knew above all else, the twins loved their bubbles to wake up with.

"Dusty, you know we've been over this. You by no means have to address me by that title. You are the one appointed to assist with lulu's treasurers, and a trusted member of the royal family. Please, see me as more than just a title?" Celestia asks, stepping closer to the smaller mare, her regal mask dropped as she smiles down at her. The alicorn tests the water temperature with her bare hoof after removing her regalia bracer, then lifts the snoozing filly off of the Earth ponies back, carefully separating the plush toy from her hooves with a golden, soft aura of magic. The toy is levitated to the bedroom once again, being set upon the child's bed as Celestia effortlessly and gently sets the filly into the water to help awaken her.

"I know, pri--" She coughs slightly, then corrects herself. "Celestia. It's just hard to get used to. I still don't know why I was appointed to watch over the twins...You and the lady Twilight are so much better at it." She responds, pushing herself up onto her hind legs at the edge of the tub, then lifting and setting Moonlight way into the water. Once the alicorn fillies hooves and rump touch the bottom, she releases the mare from her kung fu death hug, and sleepily yawns as the warmth begins to awaken her.

"You were appointed this task while my sister and her husband are away, because you were the most trusted and the best for the task. Twilight and I can only do so much while maintaining everything in Lulu's absence, but you are and always have been the best for foal sitting." Celestia admonishes with a grin, taking a seat on her haunches as she searches for the mane shampoo to begin her morning ritual with the twins. "Besides, Cadence is on her way here as we speak, to help assist you further."

"No offense, Celestia. But Cadence wasn't much help last week when she was here. Playing games with the twins and loading them up with those crystal candies didn't do any pony in the palace any good. These two were bouncing off of the proverbial walls of Canterlot for hours after that!" Dusty Shine squeaks out, rolling her eyes with a smile as she turns off the flowing water, then begins to work on Moonlight Way's mane.

"Such is a job for an aunt, to spoil their nieces absolutely, then laugh at the consequences for the guardians of the children." The white alicorn replies with a large grin upon her muzzle, a hearty laugh escaping her. "You're doing a wonderful job as always. I'm very proud of you."

The pair of mares work in silence from then, the twins finally awake within the bath and ready to begin their daily lessons. Their schedules being the norm since their parents were 'urgently summoned to delegations.' Bath first by their loving aunts, followed by a big breakfast, then escorted by Dusty Shine to their lessons with auntie Tia. Lessons, lessons, cake break, lesson, then play time and meet with Dusty Shine, to spend the evening in play, dinner, more play, then bed.

Moonlight is the first to speak out in the silence, her eyes closed so the bubbles don't get into her eyes again. "Are Mommy and papa coming back from their trip yet? I miss them." She squeaks out, then holds her breath as she feels the water cascade over her head. Celestia lets out a quiet, well practiced sigh in response, once again her motherly, gentle regal voice being heard.

"They're still busy little one, but I promise as soon as their ready to come home, you'll be the first I tell." The elder white alicorn speaks in reply, giving the same answer she has every time that question was asked. Her heart sinks within her barrel, guilt washing over her as she speaks, the thought of a lie, no matter how small or even in good intent bothering her deeply. "I know that mommy lulu and your father miss you both very, very much."

Stardust Kiss continues to sit quietly in the water, her sapphire orbs staring off into space, a forlorn look of sadness upon her features. She's completely ignoring the white alicorns ministrations as she feels the gentle hooves carefully washing her coat. The voices her ears catching nothing but muffled sounds she pushes out of her senses, as she sinks deeper into her world. A sense of bitterness constantly growing within her own little heart with each passing day.

"Stardust?" Celestia coos out in a genuinely sweet and motherly tone. "Are you feeling alright?" She asks, combing the conditioner through the fillies mane and coat as the Earthen mare works gingerly on the other filly. "You've been awfully quiet lately. Is everything ok?"

Stardust snaps, her sapphire orbs flickering to draconic slits briefly. Celestia notices and flinches back for a moment, before regaining her calm regal mask and pretending not to notice. The black alicorn filly takes a small breath, glaring at her aunt with something akin to cold aloofness. "I'm glad they're gone." She mutters. "Mom and dad left without saying goodbye. If they cared they would have at least used the voice box thingy by now."

Dusty Shine and Celestia's eyes meet for a moment, looks of sorrow and worry washing over them, the fillies comment but a knife twisting within their hearts. Dusty Shine recovers first, her voice shaken. "Now...now Stardust. You know they love you both very much. They're just...busy is all. I'm in the control center every day now, and I'm sure they have a very good reason for not using the radio. I'm trying my best though to improve it. They're probably just out of range for us to get a signal!"

Celestia nods, trying to agree, hiding her pained expression and the hurt in her eyes as she works. She lowers down her head, craning her long neck to meet with the fillies eyes. "Now you know that your parents love you both very much little one. And I know that they want to come back to you to spend all of their time they can. I promise when they return, I'll tell them never to leave again just so they can spend their days only with you two. How does that sound?"

Moonlight Way, the indigo filly nods with hope and a smile upon her soaked muzzle, her gaze fixed on her sister. "Star, mamma wouldn't just abandon us. I know auntie Tia is right! Papa probably just broke the big black birdie again, and mama is probably fixing it for him! You remember when he got stranded at Las Pegasus with auntie Twilight, right?"

The black alicorn filly lets out an annoyed huff of air, her tone still dark and somber. "If they did love us, they would have come back by now... This isn't fair!" She yells out, that ever present bitterness fighting the way to the surface of her emotions. "I hope they never come back!"

The words of the distressed filly are like a slap to the face for the white alicorn, the words twisting the dagger within her own heart more. She heaves a heavy, tired sigh and leans into the water, pulling the soaking wet filly to her chest and wrapping her wings around her. The black alicorn filly shivers, removed from the warmth of the bath, not even bothering to struggle against the significantly larger mare holding her.

"Stardust..." Celestia begins, closing her saddened eyes and letting out a soft, quiet whimper. "I know you don't mean that. I miss Luna and your father too. Very much." She pauses. "If it was within my power to have them back this instant, I would have a thousand and one times over by now, I promise you." She coos out gently, resting her muzzle on top of the fillies head. She ignores the wetness upon her fur, feeling the trembling sobs of the filly held tightly within her embrace, the white alicorn desperately fighting back her own torrents of tears. "They'll come back. I know they will. And I know it will be soon. When they do, I want to be able to tell them how good you two have been, how strong you both are. Alright, my little one?"

The black filly nods, loud sniffling can be heard from her, despite being muffled by Celestia's warm and comforting wings. She does not speak, only the sound of the sniffles and held back sobs making it to the air. Dusty Shine continues focused on finishing Moonlight Way's bathing, doing all she can with her willpower not to break down. It felt wrong to the Earth pony mare, to deceive the children like this. She felt within her own heart, that they should have been told the truth that morning after the freak storm had cleared. They should have been made aware that their parents went missing after they were called to save Equestria from a ghost. It bothered the Earth pony to no end, that she was forced to keep her silence, all because the white alicorn was afraid of how the twins would react to the loss of their parents.

Dusty knew, that the regal princess was right to an extent, however. An order of silence was given to all of the staff by royal decree, that they were never to mention the absence of the midnight princess, or the pilot. An order that some had deep troubles of following, others simply took as the rumors of them being sent on a mission of importance being true. Only those who were on the flight line and within the control center knew that truth however. The truth that before the cameras and eyes of all observing; the aircraft had mysteriously vanished into thin air.

"Why don't we skip lessons today, and auntie Twilight and I take you both to the swimming pond? Won't you enjoy that?" Celestia muses, now rinsing off the conditioner upon the black filly. She watches as Dusty Shine removes the indigo one out of the tub with her fore hooves, pulling a nearby towel with her maw off of the ring upon the wall, beginning to dry her off whilst resting on her rump, the filly shivering slightly.

"Celestia...doesn't Twilight have the meeting today with the delegates from Cloudsdale and Fillydelphia?" Dusty inquires, quirking an eyebrow. "She did seem rather animate on meeting with them over last nights dinner."

The white alicorn nods for a moment, thinking quietly. Chewing on her cheeks within her maw, she pauses in thought, before her own eyes seem to alight with an idea. "Well then I'll just have to take you two by myself then." She says with a smile. "Dusty, when these two finish with breakfast, have them ready for the pond. I'll meet you there after I manage a few things this morning."

The Earth pony nods silently, her attention focused on helping the filly within her care dry and brush her damp mane. Stardust Kiss is next to be lifted from the tub, Celestia lighting her horn to remove the water plug and summon a nearby towel as well. The minutes tick away within the wash room, Celestia happily humming a soft melody, magic laced heavily within the calming sounds to help sooth the hearts of the children. The fillies seem to respond well, Stardust Kiss adopting a more familiar, gentle and soft smile upon her muzzle, her eyes showing she's far more relaxed. Moonlight Way appears unaffected, her own emotional state having already been stable and friendly.

After the twins are dried, manes and tails brushed to perfection and teeth brushed, Celestia rises to her hooves and gives them both loving nuzzles, before departing to her study and parts unknown. Dusty Shine lets out a tired huff, rising to her own hooves, trying to ignore the damp stockings and uniform. She escorts them to the palace dining room, where the fillies have enjoyed breakfasts every day since their birth. They take their usual seats, the plates of steaming hot pancakes with extra butter and syrup, chocolate chip muffins, and stacks upon stacks of toast await the group.

Dusty reluctantly takes the seat where Luna sits, nearest to the children. The one thing she noticed about this particular seat, was the view from the large, tinted glass window within the room. One of many. This one however, had a direct and clear view of the entire flight line within the palace grounds, Luna always seeming to enjoy watching inbound and outbound flights in the mornings. The mare takes the seat, her own gaze fixed on the usual fixed wing aircraft preparing to take to the heavens. Their mission the same as it has been every day since the storm; to sweep and search the area for signs of the missing aircraft.

The windows rattle as they have every day since that morning after the storm. The sounds of the thundering engines powering the fighter aircraft into the heavens. She jumps with a start when she feels a touch upon her foreleg. Looking down, her gaze falls upon Stardust Kiss. The mare smiles. "Yes, Star?"

"What kind of birdy is that?" The black filly asks, pointing outside as another interceptor takes to the heavens, rocketing down the runway with long twin afterburners. Dusty turns her attention back to the window, then back to her precious charge.

"Aircraft." She gently corrects her. "That aircraft is one of the newest models that have been built here. The engineers here in Canterlot said it was modeled after one from your fathers world. ...I think that one is an F-18?" She comments, her own eyes turning back to it as it pulls up quickly, its nose pointed to the skies as it rockets into the heavens. She looks at the vertical staves of the war machine, then nods. "Yes, that one is an F-18. If you like, you two can come to the control center after swimming with auntie Tia, and I can let you talk to the ponies flying them. "

Stardust Kiss perks up her ears, her eyes drifting downward to the floor for a moment. 'Maybe...maybe I can talk to dad that way? Maybe one of those ponies knows where mom and dad are?' The filly thinks, running the thoughts through her mind. After a moment, she turns back to her foal sitter, who seems to be concerned as she stares at the filly. "That sounds fun, can we go now?"

Dusty Shine lets out a sigh, shaking her head slowly. "Auntie Celestia said she wanted you two taken to the big pond in the gardens, so that she can spend the day with you. But after we get you both all dried up and clean, I wouldn't mind if you came to visit me there." She replies with a soft smile upon her muzzle. It's hard for her to remain so chipper and cheerful, her own real emotions leaning to far darker skies. "It could be a lot of fun. And if you're really good, I'll even let you instruct some of our aircraft to land."

Moonlight way nods excitedly, her wings bobbing upon her back showing her joy. She's always been curious about what the earth pony mare does, 'aunt Dusty' being more of a mystery than auntie sunny butt and purple smart.

The remainder of breakfast passes quietly, the twins continuing on their meal, the elder mare quietly nibbling on a single muffin as she watches the flight line. Things have become much more busy for the control center as of late, the regal white alicorn ordering more and more aircraft, Pegasus and guards to comb every inch of the palace and city grounds, searching for any kind of evidence or clues of the missing royal couple and war machine. Fighter aircraft constantly circle wide around the skies of Canterlot, patrolling for any hint of a radar signature. Pegasus guards and volunteers from Cloudsdale all search other areas, forests, wilderness and near the newly rebuilt and refit naval yards of Horseshoe Bay. Thus far...no results have been found.

* * * * *

"Princess, you must understand, I can't keep diverting my weather teams and workers just so we can search for something you won't even give us the details of!" A gruff Pegasus stallion all but shouts, his wings splayed out erect upon his back, his posture somewhat aggressive. "It's a waste of valuable resources, even if they're being paid by the crown. You have to at least tell us what it is we're looking for!"

Twilight sighs, shaking her head as she eyes the delegate from Cloudsdale. "You know I am not permitted to say more than I already have, mayor Breezelin. All I can tell you is that we've lost one of our aircraft, and that we need every pony available to search for it. It's of extreme importance, and could have gone down anywhere in Canterlot or the surrounding areas. I know I'm asking a lot of you, but please understand that this is urgent."

Speaking up with her own usual confidence, a cyan Pegasus steps forward, a tight frown upon her features. Beside her stand two other Pegasus mare's adorning blue jumpsuit's, golden lightning bolt patterns decorating their sides and collars. "Egghead, while I disagree with this guy, and we are willing to keep looking...you do need to tell us more details. I've had the entire wonderbolts academy, even me AND Fleet foot searching personally. We haven't found or seen anything, not a single aircraft, or even signs of a crash! Fill us in here."

The purple alicorn only face hoofs, trying not to grit her teeth at the name, or the fact of being called it in front of a politician. "I know. And I really wish I could give more details. If it means anything, we've doubled our own search efforts to locate it. I know this is a burden upon every pony, but I'm asking you to just keep working and helping for just a little longer. Princess Celestia and I both agree that hope is not yet lost, and that we can find it for sure. We ourselves have even taken time to search the areas personally."

"Then why not call back the lunar princess and prince? Surely they should be helping recover this machine if it is so important. Why would you have them away in non essential trade and peace talks with the Dragon Nation, when such a travesty has already befallen our own kingdom? Orders of the crown or not, I need my weather teams pulled back to Cloudsdale to help make ready for winter this year. As it is we're already three weeks behind schedule for production, and we are facing drought issues in Ponyville and Dodge City."

Rainbow Dash turns and listens intently to one of the accompanying mares beside her, her ears perked straight up as she nods. She clears her throat. As she's about to speak up, Twilight stands upon the dais of the throne and glares, her own regal mask broken from irritation. "Enough. " She speaks, her tone taking on a flat and tired sound. "The commander and princess Luna are both away on a very important assignment that requires them to manage it right now." She turns and looks at the stallion. "I'm well aware that winter will be late, and I'm very aware of the drought issues with those areas. We've already sent all of the assistance we can to those in need, and even Legatus of the Dragon Nation, as well as Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire have dispatched their own weather teams to come assist. Now please...cooperate with this operation for just a little longer."

The gray Pegasus stallion only grumbles, his tail flicking in annoyance. "You in my eyes, are entirely too young to be on that throne, even if you are our blessed Sun princesses betrothed and favored student. Princess Celestia wouldn't continue pushing this meaningless search of yours. Where is she anyway?! We were told we would be speaking with her, and yet no pony has seen the princess in weeks, anywhere!"

Twilight Sparkle lets out a huff of annoyance, her own patients all but ready to snap. She grits her teeth within her maw, trying to keep up the regal poise of a princess, but failing. "Celestia is extremely busy with her own important matters, and technically can operate Equestria from anywhere she pleases, be it from her chambers, or a cloud above some random lake. She granted me the authority to manage day court in her stead, and has personally asked you via written correspondence to honor that. Now please, sir. Show more respect, or I will have you removed from this throne room and speak with your staff instead."

The guards within the throne room all tense up, Captain Jolt Flash himself clutching his spear within his wing. He didn't like where this was going so far, or the extreme disrespect being displayed here by the stallion. All of the guards patiently await the order, their faces not betraying their readiness apart from their silent, stoic demeanor.

One of the palace advisors enters the throne room from a back door, quietly stepping from behind the golden throne to the regal purple alicorn, quickly whispering something into the alicorns ear. Her posture becomes rigid for a moment, before she nods, her eyes falling to the cyan Pegasus. "Every pony with exception of Rainbow Dash are excused. Guards, please see that they are escorted out." She says, rising from the ornate throne and descending the steps, turning to the exit behind the dais. "Rainbow, please follow me."

* * * * *

"Helios Three, you are cleared to land upon runway two at any time. Please proceed to taxi path three and await refueling, then re-stage for take off." Dusty Shine calls out into her own headset, the mares eyes glued to the screen as she and several other operators track the sixteen aircraft all currently in the skies.

'Roger combat control, three reads loud and clear. Set to land and ready.' The unicorn stallions voice speaks over the intercoms, the cameras tracking the F/A-37 of first Combat Division upon the multiple monitors. The war machine turning into a tight bank as it aligns with the runway to land.

"Viper two, you're outside of your search zone. Please proceed to bearing three three zero and resume your sweep." Another operator calls out into her own headset, the aircrafts transponder showing outside of a red box displayed upon her own monitor. Upon the wall, a massive screen shows a wide, green grid upon a black background, dots, letters and numbers all moving around as a sweeping needle rotates like clockwork, tracking everything.

"Striker One, we have you on approach to runway one, cleared to land at any time. Proceed to repair bay three for repairs and equipment check." A stallion speaks over his own headset, keeping his eyes focused upon the machine he was charged to oversee.

Dusty Shine sips at her own coffee mug held within her fore hooves, her eyes falling to the two black screens resting before her. She lets out a quiet, discontented sigh as she stares, her heart still gripped with a depressing feeling. Her emotions as empty and hollow as the screens appear. Upon her own desk is an assortment of papers, a few empty candy wrappers, and one small, overflowing waste basket at her hind hooves upon the ground, crumpled up documents and more wrappers spilling out around the bottom. She keeps her eyes focused, almost missing the collision alarm suddenly chirping into her headset.

"Tel-Ellos Two, Alter course to bearing one six one, you are on a collision course with another interceptor." She quickly blurts out into the headset, nearly spilling the coffee into her lap. The alarm quits chirping, the dot representing the fighter aircraft changing course to move to a different location for the search.

The mare beside her lets out a huff, bringing her hooves to her muzzle as she shakes her head. "I remember when we were all tracking just one machine. Things were so much easier back then." The unicorn with hazel eyes and a frizzy, pink mane comments. "It was much less of a headache."

"Tell me about it." Dusty speaks in reply. She turns and looks at the unicorn, arcing an eyebrow. "Flur...you're night watch. What are you still doing here?" She asks, surprised as the mare only smiles at her.

"And miss my chance to poke a little fun at you? The heresy." She speaks in reply, her voice oozing with a seductive touch in her prance accent. "Fancy Pants is away in Las Pegasus overseeing the new residential area for the foals charity's. So I don't have much to do at the mansion."

The earthen mare only nods, a mildly shocked expression on her features. "That still doesn't explain why a noble mare is working as a tower technician, instead of doing your...fashion shows?" She replies cryptically. Dusty has always felt self conscious around this mare, a sense of bitterness secretly within her. Flur was always one to prod at her eating habits over recent weeks, and on occasion, the former maids weight at times lately.

"Now how else would one have a chance to spend time with an old schoolmate, and witness all of the fun action within Canterlot? Just because I'm a noble, doesn't mean I spend all of my time at frivolous parties and functions. Even I like to lend a hoof where I can. Besides, it's a fun job, and something to do other than attend those...oh how did you put it?" The slender unicorn speaks up, raising her spindly, long and thin foreleg to her chin in thought.

"Overstuffed suffocating feather-brained fabric shows." Dusty supplies helpfully, rolling her eyes and sipping at her coffee. "You're night watch for a reason. Princess Celestia is still cross with you for instructing a flyover of the lunar wing last month, just to see if the maids were awake."

Sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry in response, the unicorn mare only smiles wider. "How else was I to keep them on the tips of their hooves? The disorder of your desk is proof enough alone that the maids cannot perform their daily functions without their plucky, pudgy, fearless leader telling them how to do things. Speaking of...shouldn't you be dusting something, Dusty? It IS your special talent after all."

Dusty Shine grits her teeth within her maw for a moment, a witty comeback flying from her muzzle before she could reign it in. "I don't know. Shouldn't you be primping your mane or posing for another one of those Play colt articles?" Dusty Shine narrows her eyes, a sardonic, dark grin forming. "Or perhaps you are in need of a hooficure? We have things covered here, Flur. Go home and sleep so you can actually make it to work on time for once."

The white slender unicorn model mare scoffs, venom from her silken accent as she glares. "I was only in play colt three times. That's hardly a reason to point a hoof at me for being indecent. Besides, at least they actually ask me. You should go and check into it. I hear heavier mares are the thing these days." Flur De Lis retorts, rising to her hooves and turning, walking away and out of the control room. Dusty only rolls her eyes and chews on her lower lip in agitation, her eye occasionally twitching.

'Combat Control, requesting clearance to land. Please respond.' A stallions voice comes through Dusty Shines headset, the mare flinching as she seethes. 'I'm almost out of fuel up here. It's not like these tanks are very large.'

She snaps unintentionally at the voice, the comment shooting out before she could catch it. "I AM NOT FAT!" She yells, the whole control room quickly falling silent. Dusty pants in rage, then notices the eerie silence settling within the room. Her eyes shift about for a moment, before she nervously chuckles, sweating slightly. She lets out a quiet, uneasy laugh, before clearing her throat. "Ah hem. Heh...cleared to land on runway..." She glances at the screen, trying to ignore the shocked expressions of her co-operators staring at her. "One. Anytime. Quickly." She responds, removing her hoof off of the communications button. She comes back to her seat and lets out a quiet huff, embarrassment written all over her now bright red muzzle and cheeks.

* * * * *

"Darling, you can't be serious!" The white unicorn exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. "This entire time you and Princess Celestia have had us all searching the entirety of Equestria has really been to locate Luna and the commander?!" Rarity nearly spat, her eye twitching. "Why in heavens didn't you tell us sooner?! We would have...we would...!"

Twilight simply sighs heavily, her hooves holding her head upon the surface of the desk. "Celestia told me that we were supposed to keep quiet to every pony. If word got out to the public, or the twins for that matter about their parents missing...there could have been some serious consequences. Every pony knows now that Nightmare Moon is still VERY much alive after her showing up during the war. That means that same power could be within one of the fillies. Could you imagine the sheer chaos that it could create if we had mini nightmare's rampaging because their parents might be dead?!"

Fluttershy, the butter yellow Pegasus speaks up next, hiding somewhat behind her soft pink mane. "Oh Twilight...I don't think those poor, sweet, adorable children would do that! But I do understand how heart breaking it would be...to hear their parents are missing. Oh...I know! I could...I could help with them! I mean...if that's alright with you." She speaks softly, an adorable squeak escaping her muzzle.

"Feh." The cyan Pegasus retorts, letting out a very annoyed snort. "You should have had more faith in us, egghead. We wouldn't sell out our friends, nor would we have let any harm come to the twins. But now that I know my favorite flying buddy is lost, you can count on the wonderbolts checking over every INCH of Equestria! No way am I going to be disloyal to fly boy, or PL!"

"Now I reckon I agree with RD, Twi. Ah understand where you and the princess were a comin' from. But shucks girl, it didn't make a salt-lick of sense to keep it from us now, ya hear?" Applejack calmly states, her voice a soft, friendly and almost pleading tone in her southern drawl. "We're here for ya, Twilight. Just like we always have been. You can count on me and mah kin to keep an eye out, and our ears up. Ah'm sure that the commander and night princess will turn up fer' sure."

The lavender alicorn can only weakly nod in response, her voice choking out a hollow whisper. "I know, and I told Celestia all of that." She lets out a heavy huff, her chest heaving as if a great weight were being tossed, the burden increasing. "It's been nearly six whole months since that storm. I just don't know how it's even remotely possible that they could have been missing this long. We all seen it as it happened. No wreckage, no debris...not even a single clue as to what happened. It's almost as if the lightning strike just vaporized the whole aircraft."

Pinkie Pie sits quietly, an unusual thing for her, her sapphire orbs glued to the fireplace, her mind lost in a sea of thought. "What if they're not on our Equestria anymore..." She whispers. It's barely heard, but every pony within the room turns their attention to her. They notice one key feature, pinkies tail continuously twitches, almost as if it were being jerked by a string or some invisible line by a puppeteer.

"Pinkie, that's just crazy. What gave you the crazy idea that they're not on Equestria. It's not like a lightning bolt could cast them into Discords fridge or something!" Rainbow Dash scoffs, trotting over to the pink Earth pony and prodding her side with a hoof. "That's crazy nonsense."

Rarity only glances at Pinkie Pie, then holds her hoof to her maw in thought. After a few moments of careful deliberation without further input, she simply shrugs, giving the group the familiar 'I have no idea' gesture.

"Land sakes pinkie, RD is right. It's not like the Talon or princess Luna have your strange ability to bend reality to their will. Shucks girl, Ah swear you had one too many fritters, doing crazy talk like that." The orange cow pony says with a grin plastered on her muzzle.

Twilight raises her hoof to silence the other mares, turning her attention solely on Pinkie. "Pinkie...explain. What do you mean they're not in 'our' Equestria anymore?

She turns to face the group, the sight almost enough to send them fleeing under their beds. The pink Earth ponies mane hangs limply and flat against her neck and sides, weighted down by some evil force from Tatarus. Her eyes seem off, deeply staring into space, as if she doesn't see them, but she were viewing something that scared her immensely. "I don't know...I just feel like something is off, completely wrong with harmony all together." She whispers. "But...something inside of me says we should be ready...something big will fall."

"Pinkie...?" All of the mares ask in unison, silence overcoming the room. The air almost feels a deep chill within it, causing Twilight to shiver immensely. They stare at the pink, normally excitable mare intently, all of them uneasy as they see the constantly twitching tail growing more rapid in its jerking movements.

* * * * *

Celestia walks to the control center, the twin fillies in tow prancing and cantering around her long, spindly elegant legs. She adorns a large towel draped around her neck, her pastel mane and tail gently flowing freely, despite her still somewhat damp coat. She smiles with a genuine, warm smile, listening intently as the precious treasurers in her care talk and giggle. She is happy their minds are for the most part distracted with play and today's lessons in swimming, rather than asking more questions she couldn't answer.

"I can't believe you did a big belly flop, auntie Tia! The splash was huge!!" Moonlight way jubilantly cries out, her wings bobbing idly upon her back, a massive, toothy smile adorning her muzzle. Stardust Kiss canters nearby on the other side of the larger white alicorn, her wings held loosely at her sides as she trots to keep up with the larger hoof steps of Celestia.

"Well, it was better known as a pony dive. I just didn't judge the waters distance right." Celestia giggles out, turning her gaze to the fillies at her hooves. They round a corner, passing the walking guards on patrol within the palace, the alicorn nodding to them as they salute. "I'm sure your auntie Cadence would have done a far bigger splash than I could have if she attempted it."

"Auntie Tia? Are we going to go visit Miss Dusty now? She said we could talk to some of the ponies in the birdy's!" Stardust Kiss squeaks out, her ears help up at attention. She looks up, craning her neck to look into the much larger alicorns eyes. "I wanna see what Dusty does all day!"

"Well...Dusty isn't off of her job for another hour. But yes, my sweet little treasure. We are going there early because you both were so good today. I already spoke to your auntie Dusty, and she said she would be happy to let you talk to one of our ace pilots today." She muses. "If you like, I can even take you out to the hangers to see our newest models, and let you speak to our engineers afterward."

"That sounds fun!" Moonlight blurts out, stepping in a circle as she jumps into Celestia's path. "Do you think mommy and papa will be there too?" She asks, excited. "Papa is always around the big black birdy!"

She winces, Celestia coming to a stop for a moment. She holds a soft, small frown as she lowers her head, her eyes betraying her sadness, despite her best attempts to hide it. She nudges the alicorn filly with her muzzle, and nickers quietly to get her attention. "Moonlight...I don't think your father and mother are back yet. But we'll ask Dusty Shine when we get to the control center if she's heard anything yet. I promise both of you though. When they are back...I'll be sure they never go away again."

Stardust Kiss stops next on her hooves, turning quickly to face the white alicorn. What she says next, takes both Celestia, and the nearby solar guards trailing behind them by surprise. "Pinkie promise then!" She shoots out. "You can't break a pinkie promise! Auntie Twilight even said those can't be broken!"

Celestia takes pause, then nods, smiling. "On my word." She huffs out, raising a hoof to her muzzle. She glances at the guards who are staring ahead, then nods. "And they'll even promise with me, to be safe." The guards appear somewhat shocked, then follow her motions, understanding that when the princess makes such a royal decree and based on historical records...it's best to be followed, rather then tempt the wrath of the pink one. "Cross my heart" She begins the motions, moving the golden hoof bracer to accentuate her motions across her barrel. "Hope to fly." A subtle shake of her wings, the guards repeating the process. "Stick cupcake in my eye." She says with a smile, moving the hoof to her face, then back to the ground. She nudges and nuzzles Stardust Kiss with her muzzle. "I promise, my sweet little one."

* * * * *

"There it is again!" A stallion exclaims in the center, his hoof pointing to the erratic signature popping up at the edge of the screen. The position of the blip places it just off of the coast, right outside of the beaches at Horseshoe Bay. "I knew I seen it!"

Dusty Shine and several other mares of the tower command crew all crowd around the screen, watching intently as the radar shows something, then suddenly vanishes after a few moments. The Earthen mare quirks an eyebrow, confused. "What aircraft do we have patrolling that sector today?" She asks.

"Lady Shine...all aircraft are currently in for refueling, and we have nothing staged." A blue Pegasus mare with glasses speaks out, shooing a lock of ashen wheat colored hair from her muzzle as she glances at a computer monitor. "I'm also showing that none of the nearby air strips were ordered to check off of the coast today. That patrol is set for tomorrow."

"Well then what could that be?" Dusty asks, returning to her own desk. Her silver shod hooves clack quietly upon the marble tiles of the palace, her own eyes skimming across her private screens for a moment. She glances at the two most important screens to her, the two still black faces of the monitors to watch the pilot and moon princesses war machine, disheartened when she sees the screens still dark, and unchanged. "Don't tell me it's the griffons getting gutzy again just because we're patrolling our own airspace. It's not like we're ever near their borders during the sweeps."

A crackle of static overtakes the control rooms intercoms for a moment, before being silenced. The strange reading once again pops up on the radar, then vanishes again in the same location. Dusty perks up her ears for a moment, the two swiveling like radar dishes upon her head for a moment.

"It's probably another glitch. We've had a few of those since that storm a while back." The same pastel blue Pegasus mare speaks up, checking the connections on her own computer. "We are running the equipment a lot more since the princess asked us to recover that experimental drone. It wouldn't surprise me that there's some kind of malfunction by now. I'll call in the engineers to come have a look at it." She says, turning on her hooves to walk out.

Dusty grinds her teeth within her maw in repressed anger, hearing her friends and aircraft being written off as an 'experimental drone.' It takes all of her will power not to simply shout out the truth, and order her fellow staff members to get back to work with an absolute vengeance to find the missing couple.

The Pegasus mare stops and backs up as she's intercepted at the door, stuttering and bowing before the new pony entering the room. "Princess Celestia! Wel---welcome to the tower control!" She shakily gets out, then smiles widely when she sees the children in tow. "Oh! And the twins too! Welcome, welcome!"

The entirety of the crew, minus Dusty Shine all turn and swarm to greet the princess, the Earthen mare paying no mind as her eyes remain fixed on the large screen on the wall. She stares intently, her breath unknowingly being held within her and completely not noticing the regal alicorn or her charges entering.

Celestia smiles, raising her foreleg to greet every pony within the control center. "Hello, hello." She breathes out. "These two wanted to talk with their auntie Dusty Shine, and were hopeful to learn about what kind of work happens in here. You wouldn't mind if we observe for a while, now would you?" She asks, her magenta orbs tracing the activity in the room.

"Not at all, your majesty! The unicorn stallion speaks up. Celestia eyes him, noting he's one of the oldest crew members working the center. She muses for a moment, remembering his name.

"That's great then, Mr. Pony Stark. Would you mind taking these two little ones to your station first? We may as well give them a full tour while we're here." She asks, her tone even and motherly to him.

The tan unicorn with a deep brown mane and muzzle stubble nods with a full smile. "It would be my pleasure, your highness." He clops his hoof against the floor to accentuate his point, lowering his head down to greet the prized fillies of the palace. "Well then! My name is Pony Stark. My friends call me Pony or just starkey. Whichever you prefer, little ones!" He says, his voice betraying his genuine warmth and friendliness. He really liked foals, and was always noted to be excellent with them. Surprisingly...the unicorn play-stallion never was known for having any of his own.

The twins nod happily, following the larger unicorn leading them to his station. He pulls out his chair and offers it to both of the fillies, and begins to explain in detail what everything on the screens did, and what all of the equipment was for. The twins seem genuinely interested in his teachings.

Celestia bypasses the crowd now returning to their own stations in wait to have their turn with the fillies, the regal alicorn noticing one peculiar sight. Dusty hasn't moved from her spot, and has remained studying the screens intently, while screening a nearby radio to check all of the incoming traffic.

"Dusty...what is it?" Celestia asks quietly, coming to a stop next to the mare, then resting on her haunches. "What's going on?"

The blip appears again on the screen in the same place, followed by the louder crackling of static over the intercoms. Dusty Shine quickly flips through the radio frequencies again, desperately scanning to find some kind of an answer. Still...no results. She all but ignores the alicorn, then jumps nearly out of her shoes when she feels a hoof come to rest upon her back.

"Dusty...what is going on?" Celestia speaks up, whispering again. Did you find something?" She asks, her own eyes now watching the screen. She sees the signature once again crop onto the screen, this time a set of numbers suddenly flashing with a marker, then vanishing a moment later. She was unsure, but it nearly appeared to be a transponder marker.

"Oh sweet Celestia's perky..." She blurts out, stopping short when she notices just who it was standing beside her.

"My perky what?" The alicorn muses with a grin, leaning forward. She follows the terrified mares line of sight and looks down for a moment, then whips her ethereal pastel tail to cover her own belly. "Oh come on...they're not that perky!"

Dusty Shine blushes for a moment, then turns her attention back to the screens. "You and the twins are early." She recovers. "I don't have any aircraft up right now."

"Then...what is that?" Celestia asks, pointing to the smaller screen on the desk, a bright red signature clearly recorded on the screen and logs. Dusty Shines eyes go wide for a moment as her breath catches within her throat. She knows that signature.

The fillies are at another of the operators tables, one of the solar guards waiting patiently with them as the twins listen to the next of the technicians explaining her job. Stardust is eagerly awaiting the next table to inspect, the one with the radio, and the flight coordination technician. Her chance to finally get some answers coming up.

"And here we are right here!" The mare says, gently placing the ill fitting headset upon the filly. "This, princess Stardust, is where we talk to all of our pilot's and flight line workers outside." She says, pointing to her screen with the cameras. One the screen there's one of Equestria's newest fighter interceptors, the F/A- 18 D model. "You just press that button right here..." She says, pointing to a small yellow dome like button at the edge of a large keyboard. "And it will let you speak with that nice stallion in that aircraft! It's exciting, no? Give it a try little one, say hello!"

Stardust Kiss climbs into the open chair, lifting her small body up with the rapid beating of her small, feathery wings, and pushing with her fore legs. The nearby guard assists her with the climb gently, every pony watching smiling at the sight. The filly licks her lips, pressing the button. "Hello mister pilot sir. Are you in the big gray birdy?"

Static crackles within the headset for a moment, before a gruff voice speaks over the intercoms. The mare flips the audio output to both the headset and small, external speakers so she too can listen in and ensure the stallion is friendly. Though they were all informed earlier about this, she wasn't sure if all of the pilot's were informed they may have special guest speakers in the tower today.

'This is Boss Hog. Tower, are you pulling my hoof?' The voice replies, a gruff and husky laugh echoes into the speakers.

"I'm not tower. My name is Stardust Kiss!" The filly exclaims. "Nice to meet you mister Boss Hog! What a strange name for a pony!"

Silence, followed by the crackle of static, before more hearty laughter. 'My my! I never heard we would have a princess being my tower bunny today! Well then, Princess Stardust Kiss. Boss Hog is my call sign. And yes, I am in the big, gray birdy. Ha ha! How can I help you today, little one?'

She smiles inwardly. Finally, she's getting somewhere! "Do you know where mom and dad are? Are they coming back today?" Celestia and Dusty Shine overhear the sudden turn in conversation, their eyes wide in panic as they turn and bolt on their hooves to try and get to the power button. Before they get the chance however, fate cruelly conspires against them. The mare at the station, has no understanding of what's really going on.

'Well little one, I've flown with your pop pop. And as far as I know him and your momma are still out in the sky somewhere, doing some big important stuff.' The husky voice replies, the tone sounding genuine and warm, almost as if the pony behind the radio understood the fillies emotion. 'If it means anything, we're all hoping your pop pop gets his fuzzy flank back here. We still have a show to practice for you, considering it's coming up in just another few sunrises! But don't you worry little one! I know Talon, and I'm sure he's just itching to see your smiling muzzle.'

Dusty Shine and Celestia both let out a sigh of relief, remembering that this particular pony, Sledge Hammer from Macintosh Hills, was one of the pilots sent up in that storm. Their hearts start to calm down, both remembering the earth pony was briefed, and knows the full situation regarding the missing aircraft and couple.

The mare at the station smiles. "Princess, why don't you ask him if he's ready to take off? If he is, you're welcome to send him up! Just follow these instructions.

Stardust clears her throat, looking at the feed upon the small screen before her. "Mister Boss Hog, are you ready to take off?" She asks following the Pegasus mare's advice. She reads the hoof writing on the sheet of parchment, with very simple words on it. 'Cleared on runway one. Good hunting.'

'That's a big yes, little princess. I'm all ready to go any time you say so! So just give the word, and i'll make the big gray bird do a neat trick for you!' The stallion in the aircraft responds over the radio. A laugh is heard loudly over the small desk speakers and in the headset.

"Then cle...cle...what's this word?" Stardust asks, pointing at the paper. Moonlight Way grasps the paper within her telekinesis and reads it, then replaces it back on the desk.

"It says 'cleared on run away one. good... something?'" Moonlight Way supplies helpfully, grinning wide and beaming with pride. Stardust gives a thankful nod and grin back to her twin sister, all the while the remainder of nearby ponies all watch, stifling laughs at the precious antics.

"Cleared on run a way one, do good something!" Stardust kiss excitedly responds to the stallion on the other end of the voice box, pressing down the button again. "And tell my dad and mamma to come back home!"

'Ha ha! I'll do that for sure, princess. You have my word I'll do my dandiest to do just that. Ok then! Here I go, just for you!' The voice replies. The thunderous sound overtakes the crackle of static of the speakers, followed by the windows rattling quickly within the room. The fillies both watch excitedly as they see the image of the aircraft on the feed rocket forward, multiple cameras all moving to watch the machine power down the runway. Within moments, the nose tilts skyward, the war machine taking to the heavens, then doing a rapid series of rolls as it retracts its landing gear.

"Not bad, Stardust. Not bad. Maybe you should come work with me!" Dusty Shine chimes in, several of the workers within the room all clopping their hooves together, Celestia included in applause for the successful launch. This elicits a blush from the black alicorn filly, who shimmy's down the high chair, and removes the headset to return to the kind Pegasus mare who helped her.

* * * * *

Celestia and the twins continue their rounds, the regal white alicorn patiently assisting in the care of the fillies, all the while learning a few things she didn't know about the control center. It's when they hear an alarm chirp, followed by a loud klaxon suddenly sounding in the busy room that everything changes. Several screens all suddenly switch to flashing red, a warning symbol being displayed and flashing in sync with the siren. A loud crackling of static suddenly comes over the intercoms, this time...words accompany it.

'Can...---ol...Ma--- ay! Ma....da' The static increases with intensity. all eyes suddenly shift to the radar screen on the wall, the alicorn and Earth ponies eyes going wide. The transponder upon the screen shows in plain view, clear as the sun is in the sky. The missing aircraft.

"Dusty!...is that?!" Celestia doesn't have time to finish, before the mare rushes to the communications equipment at her desk. The monitors are alive and filled with static and snow, images barely intelligible being shown. Images of the pilot, and missing princess.

"Operator to Talon one! Do you read?!" Dusty Shine shouts in a hurry into the headset after struggling with it for a moment. "Come back one! Do you read!"

Silence only follows, the dot moving further from the coast to the edge of the map, then quickly vanishing over the water. The transponder continues to transmit, showing it's previous location.

"Captain Jolt Flash! Take the twins immediately to Twilight at once!" Celestia barks out, pushing aside a pony quickly in her rush to get to a headset. The guard pony quickly nods and extends his wings out, carefully and gently corralling the twins to him. They protest, Stardust and Moonlight both staring at the screens, before Celestia turns to them. "Now Captain! Make haste!"

"Talon one, please respond!" Dusty Shine shakily cries out into the headset, her eyes glued to the screen. The images shown faze in and out, before showing for a brief moment the horrors she never expected. The clear image for but a moment shows the cockpit with absolute clarity, the pilot and alicorns heads leaning down, as if they were knocked out. The cockpit...is filling with water slowly through cracks in the canopy glass and the gunnels seals.

"Celestia...!" Dusty Shine shrieks out, before the images blank out and the screens darken. Their hearts all but stop, the entire control room suddenly gasping and falling silent. Only going on instinct, Celestia presses the button for the intercoms to broadcast to all radios of all machines, the flight lines and nearby ponies listening.

"I want every available aircraft in the air! NOW! Proceed to Horseshoe Bay IMMEDIATELY!" The regal alicorn cries out in desperation, herself bolting on her hooves and barreling out of the doors. She forgets the headset still upon her own head, tearing out the cable as she makes for the exit, nearly taking the doors clean off of the hinges as she gallops. She sprints for the outside and takes off to wing on her own, a trail of fire left in her wake as she bolts.

All staff members within the control center snap into action, coordinating machine after machine to the flight lines, sending up two at a time in rapid succession. The missing have been found, the search now over. Now...it's a race against the clock as two lives hang in the balance.

* * * * *

"Mayday Mayday! Control, do you read?!" Luna shouts into her headset, watching as the view of a large body of water comes into view from her co pilots position. "Mine flame! Do something!" She screams out to the pilot.

"Luna, the engines are dead! I've got nothing! We have to eject!!" He shouts in response, the controls and screens all blanking out from the under powered war machine. They're in an uncontrolled spiral down, the warbird's engines dead silent as they plummet from the heavens like a stone.

"Get us out of here then!" The alicorn yells out, fumbling for the ejection handle below her seat. The pilot rapidly begins flipping switches to blow off the canopy, the view of the ocean growing larger. They have less than a minute before impact.

"It's dead! I can't pop the hatch!" He screams in response, his eyes focused ahead as the water begins to fill his vision out of the canopy. "Brace for impact!" He shouts. The alicorn and pilot unable to do so as the machine plummets and collides with the waters surface. Within the blink of an eye, the nose dips down into the icy waters, splashing down. Steam wafts from the tail section as the nose comes back up out of the water for a moment, followed by another dip. The aircraft begins to sink into the shallows of the ocean.

They're knocked out, unable to struggle, move, or free themselves as the water begins to rush in through cracks. Precious minutes tick away, the water level rising steadily within; Luna awakening with a start as she feels the freezing water come up to her soft belly.

She shivers, staring out the canopy, seeing it completely submerged into the dark waters around them. "Mine flame!" She calls out, shaken, shivering and terrified. She unbuckles her harness and leans forward, shaking the unconscious pilot awake. He lets out a groan, blood streaming from his opened cuts and gashes from smacking the shattered screens, blood pouring from his nose.

The alicorn alights her horn with the last scraps of her magic, clinging onto the pilot as she casts one final spell. The two vanish as she teleports them out to the shore a short distance away, placing them still in the water of the coastline. Luna kicks and fights the current, dragging them both to shore as she grasps his shirt within her maw, getting them to the beach as she collapses on top of him.

Talon lays on his back, coughing profusely as they materialize, the alicorn laying on top of him now, also coughing. She struggles weakly to get to her hooves, collapsing back onto him. Talon lifts his head, staring out and watching with disbelief as they see the war machine slowly sinking into the waters, only it's vertical staves and engines showing now, slowly bobbing at the surface. It appears almost as if it's settling at the bottom, the nose of the machine burying itself into the shifting sands of the ocean floor.

Minutes pass, the couple only coughing and breathing, trying to regain their senses from the crash landing, Talon thankful that the two didn't die now in a watery grave, after all they've endured. Luna is the first to speak.

"Art thou... alright...?" She weakly coughs out, finally rolling off of him. The pilot only coughs and nods in response, too weak to lift himself up, his injuries preventing him from rising to his feet. They lay there on the beach under the warm sunlight, the salty sea breeze blowing gently as their only company.

As they're laid out upon the beach, the alicorn nearly falls unconscious from exhaustion, her sensitive ears catching a faint sound in the distance, growing progressively louder. The pilot also hears it, rolling their eyes to look around. Within seconds, several aircraft scream by overhead going full afterburner, their wings dipping to the water as they bank in a sharp turn.

He laughs, looking up. Making out the markings, they both know where they are. "They're..." Cough cough. "They're ours, angel! They're ours...." Luna joins him in the laughter gently, her chest heaving heavily as she rolls onto her stomach and crawls to her husband, collapsing finally onto him again, before her vision fades to comforting darkness.

Redemption of the Goddess

Chapter Eleven: Redemption of the Goddess

"Will you die for them?"

Celestia, Dusty Shine and Twilight all stand quietly within the dimly lit hospital room of the medical wing, their eyes transfixed upon the sleeping forms of the pilot and midnight princess. The room has been blanketed in silence for some time now, only the steady hum of the monitoring devices and the soft blips of the machinery ring into the air. It's been several hours since their careful return to Canterlot, Celestia herself having of carried both of them upon her back, escorted by over half of the interceptor aircraft from all over Equestria.

The white alicorn stares at their slumbering forms, unable to take her eyes off of them as she lets out a quiet, soft murmur. Her magenta orbs tracing along their faces and muzzle, her mind unable to comprehend the ordeals and terrors they must have faced. Half of the pilots face is swollen, his right eye so badly damaged that she's unsure if even magic could heal it. Deep cuts, lacerations and dark bruises adorn both of them, deep, obvious cracking showing upon Luna's horn. The midnight alicorn has two broken wings, both forelegs and hooves showing significant trauma from the crash.

"Celestia...I never knew it was this bad..." Twilight speaks up, just barely above a whisper. Her mind simply unable to process the extent of the injuries, her thoughts trying to piece together just what could have inflicted this extreme level of harm upon her friends. She alights her own horn to probe the two with gentle magic, only to quickly snap it away as an arc of pain shoots from her own horn to her tail. The alicorn lets out a soft whimper, her eyes tearing up at just what the couple must be feeling, yet grateful they're not awake to experience it.

There's a very gentle rapping upon the door, followed by it being slowly opened by the Pegasus doctor, chief medical officer of the palace, gingerly stepping in. He quietly clears his throat, signaling the trio to come with him into the hallway. Celestia and Twilight both turn to follow, the earthen mare on the other hoof, remains planted where she stood.

"Dusty?" Celestia whispers, turning her head. "Dusty...?"

Shaking her head, she comes to a rest on her rump, letting out a quiet, defeated huff. "Go ahead, Celestia...I'm not leaving them." She discordantly responds, her tone soft, almost sounding as if the sight of this were cutting her very heart from her barrel. Celestia watches as the mare lifts both fore legs, coming to rest upon the edge of the human's bed, before laying her head down upon her fore hooves. Dusty's muzzle gently touches and nuzzles the pilots hand, Celestia able to see the streaming tears falling from the ocean blue orbs of the earthen mare, cascading down to the floor. The regal white alicorn can only give a ghost of a small smile, before turning on her hooves and stepping out into the waiting hallway, the door closing behind her as she exits.

Letting out a soft sigh, Celestia turns her saddened gaze upon the Pegasus stallion. "What is it, Doctor Life Flight?" She asks, her heart sinking within her barrel. She studies the stallions body language, her mind already racing to darker thoughts when she senses the apprehension. Clearly...the news she was about to hear was anything but good.

The doctor adjusts his glasses with a hoof, before retrieving his clip board from under his left wing, and clearing his throat. "Well your highness...I'm afraid I have some bad news." He starts. He flinches as he sees both alicorns step back, the sun princess clearly the more distressed of the pair. Her doe like magenta orbs pleading, memories of that very same look when princess Sparkle was within his care, shortly after the war.

He clears his throat, looking down at the paperwork before him held in a foreleg, before turning his attention back to the two princesses. "Though we will be able to heal most of their injuries...I'm afraid that there will be lasting, permanent damage. Human...and alicorn physiology are still a bit of a mystery to us I'm afraid. We're unsure if we can repair your sisters horn...the extreme power she must have used at some point didn't do her any favors. Her wings, while able to be mended...are still going to be significantly weakened by the fractures we found. It could be weeks...perhaps months before she's able to fly again. ...if ever at all."

Celestia flinches, almost as if she were kicked square in the stomach, turning her gaze to the floor. She turns her eyes back to the Pegasus before her, then croaks out. "And...Talon?" She asks. "What of my sisters husband...?

Doctor Life Flight let's out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. "That's the bad news I'm afraid. He's in worse shape now, than he was after the ordeal in Horseshoe bay years back. We've detected signs of internal bleeding when we had them both in for surgery. We've done all we can...but at this point it's up to your mother if he makes it through the night. We've found evidence of extreme trauma to his chest, shoulders and back. Even if he does by some miracle survive...we don't know if he'll be able to walk, or pilot the banshee ever again. It's all up to their own will power and determination to survive at this point. Whatever happened to both of them, princess...is far worse than just that crash could have done. The best we can hope to do now is...pray, and let them both rest."

"When can we bring the twins to come and see their parents?" Twilight speaks up, a grim expression upon her features. "Perhaps if they see how much their children have missed them...it may give them the strength to carry on and recover."

The Pegasus doctor sighs, shaking his head. "I'm sorry princess...but even if that were a possible outcome, I can't allow the fillies in the infirmary. Bringing the children in here will introduce an unstable element for now, and they're at the impressionable age where seeing their mother and father in this condition would do a lot more harm than good. Until we see how things will turn out, I'm afraid I can't even allow visits."

The white alicorn clears her throat, interjecting. "You will allow Dusty Shine to remain, doctor. At a bare minimum, I want her to remain by my sister and the commanders side. She has more than earned that right, and she is well versed with medical procedures from her training before coming to the palace in service of the crown. I decree she is to be given free access and allowed to stay."

Doctor Life Flight eyes the regal white alicorn, nodding slowly. "Medical...training, your highness? I wasn't aware of this." He stares her down for a moment, watching as her ears swivel, her features showing she's not willing to give an inch. With a defeated sigh, he places on his warm award winning smile, his tone even and calm. "Very well, your majesty. I'll allow your sisters friend to remain and observe their care. But only to observe, mind you! They're patients in my medical bay, and I take my job as lead physician very seriously. But...if you believe having a close friend will assist in their speedy recovery, then I will oblige this once."

Twilight and Celestia nod, the solar princess seeming to visibly relax at this concession. "Please alert us should any changes occur, no matter how minor they may seem. I would like to be updated on my family's status regularly." Celestia speaks out, turning slowly on her hooves.

"Ah, it would be my pleasure, your majesty. Please give the twins my regards, and let them know that they have Equestria's very best looking after their parents." The Pegasus doctor breathes out with a smile, his warm, friendly bedside manner showing through very clearly in his tone.

As the two alicorns begin to walk out, Twilight leans over to Celestia and whispers. "I didn't know Dusty had nurse training...do all of the maids know first aid too?" She asks.

Celestia leans down, whispering under her breath into the lavender alicorns ear, smiling at her small victory. "She doesn't. Dusty started working here at the palace when she was still a teenager, and I have no idea what the maids are taught." Twilight can only nod, surprised by Celestia's small lie, but understanding the reasons behind it.

The lavender alicorn alights her horn, opening the doors to the exit of the medical ward, the pair stepping out into the hallway. Celestia comes to a stop near the window in the grand hall, her eyes watching the sun near it's setting point. She lets out a sigh and shakes her head. "I think it would be best if the twins slept in our chambers with us this evening. I have no doubt that they're going to be very upset after seeing what they did in the control center, and young Stardust catching me carrying them in."

Twilight also stops, coming to a rest on her haunches for a moment. "While that's a good idea...you may want to bathe first. I don't see the twins reacting very well with their mothers blood upon your back. Fluttershy had told me earlier they seemed inconsolable, and the other girls are keeping the twins occupied the best they can for the moment. I'll take them to dinner and help while you get cleaned up, and we'll both put them to bed tonight. I'm ok with them sleeping in our bed with us, if it will help."

Craning her neck to look and inspect her own form, Celestia blanches, having completely forgotten about the now long since dried blood smears staining her white fur. She cringes, the thought of it making her feel somewhat of a sour stomach. She nods and continues on bound for her chambers, while Twilight turns and heads for the gardens where the others are with the twins.

* * * * *

In the gloom and darkness of the room, Dusty lets out a quiet, sad sigh of despair. She's remained stationary, her head still resting on top of the mattress, positioned where she can continue to nuzzle and comfort her friends in her own way. The Earthen mare gently breathing, barely making a sound. She hears the latch of the rooms door lock click open, the handle moving slowly as the door opens. Into the room steps an unfamiliar cream soda colored unicorn mare, with a deeply vibrant crimson mane. Dusty notices her Cutie mark is an inkwell and a quill, with small golden stars trailing off of the quills tip. The emerald eyes of the mare stare into Dusty's own, causing an icy shiver to race down her spine.

As Dusty begins to lift her head to greet the new mare, the unicorn quietly steps to her, raising a hoof to her maw and simply whispering "Shhhh." A sensation of vertigo overtakes the former maid, before all of the room blacks out into comforting darkness; the earthen mare falling into a coma like sleep, the earth pony crumpling to the bed's surface.

The room is silent, minus the blips of the machines, and the quiet, steady breathing of the occupants. Alighting her horn and shifting the lock upon the door, the unicorn seals the room, stepping to the foot of the bed, a small, gentle smile adorns her muzzle as she eyes them, swishing her horn slowly into the air. "Not yet...you three. The time has not come for you." She whispers, her muzzle not moving, her lips remaining firmly sealed. Her eyes flash as her smile grows, a pure white aura of magic and stardust coat the entire room, the gentle magic falling upon the sleeping alicorn and human.

"Your final task awaits you, the end, draws quite near. I bid you come out of the shadows, it is time to face your fears. May you be laid bare before me, confess all of your crimes. I hear the requiem, the soft sound of an eternal lullaby. I bid you come forth for your final test, to show truth from all of your lies." The words echo off of the walls, the mare's mouth still not moving.

She watches as the occupants of the beds fall into a deeper sleep, her eyes tracing the glow of the bauble around the pilots neck. The amethyst light holding strong, flickering violently in her presence. "The time has come for you, Obsolescence. For you the bell has had it's final toll. You will answer for your crimes this night, so I have spoken to you, my desert rose."

* * * * *

"Mine flame...where are we now?" Luna asks, searching around the darkened room. It feels unfamiliar to her, the atmosphere tasting full of sadness, pain and regret. She lets out an unconscious shiver as she steps timidly in place, the sensation of nervousness and loss overcoming her.

The pilot lets out a sigh, shaking his head as he stands beside her. "Well...we just can't catch a break, now can we?" He mutters. "Last I remember, we were going down and about to crash. Now we're...wherever the hell here is."

The midnight alicorn perks up her ears, a faint sound akin to shouting in the distance, on the other side of a door. She nudges her human's hand, then motions with her muzzle to the direction. "I hear something, mine love...we art not alone, I fear."

He notices the door, not hearing the sounds that seem to have the alicorn interested. With a shrug, he steps to it, raising his hand to meet the cold, metallic surface of the door. It pushes open as if it were free standing all along, the way opened and beckoning them to step forward. The air smells of ash, smoke and wood, oils and mildew. Talon checks his form searching for weapons, finding none. He swallows hard and clenches his fists, then steps out into the hall, motioning for the alicorn to follow.

Luna obeys, galloping to his side quickly, and following close behind him. Her horn is alight with an attack spell primed, ready to leap into action should they be engaged in a fight. Down a long corridor, they see a small crack of light, obfuscated as if it were being held back by a curtain or drapes.

They hear the sounds of shouting and murmurs, cries and discontented pleas. A heavy scent of smoke permeates the air as they draw ever closer, approaching the hidden room. The two peer through the crack in the fabric wall, Luna gently nudging the drape aside with her fore leg to see. What the two find, leaves them breathless with shock.

Standing in the center of a large, dark room, is none other than a familiar black alicorn. Heavy chains bind her hooves to the ground, steel bands with malicious looking spiked locks hold her wings uncomfortably tight to her sides. There is a large, heavy collar wrapped around her neck, with connecting chains leading to the shackles around her legs, and one running to the band restricting her wings to her form. She's standing in the only pool of light, Luna and the pilot unable to make out the shadowed figures all standing high above the arena like room.

"Obsolescence, you stand accused of multiple counts of murder, heresy and treason. You have been brought before this tribunal this day to stand trial, before your execution. This court bids you to confess your sins before your sentence. How do you plead?" A dark voice of a mare rings out.

Luna flicks her gaze to the far right, seeing a heavily cloaked figure standing at a podium, a hood draped far over her face and her only feature shown is her shadowed muzzle. She gasps as she sees an object fly from the stands towards the black alicorn, striking her in the cheek and drawing a sharp, pained whinny from her.

Talon grits his teeth in anger. "Luna...we have to do something." He whispers, observing the area. He looks around through the narrow slit from their hiding spot, searching the area for any possible guards that may prevent their rescue attempt. "They're going to kill her if we don't do something."

"Mine flame, be still!" The midnight alicorn urges in a hushed, angry whisper. "This isn't right...How is Obsolescence out and in her own body? She hath taken refuge within your heart, and thus cannot be removed even by force! This must be an illusion, or another mare like ours!"

The black alicorn peers up at the shadowed mare presiding over this witch hunt, her teal orbs almost pleading as she speaks out. "I have changed, I only work as a force for good now! Please, you must see reason!" She cries out. "In the years that followed mine and Luminescence's banishment to that wretched place of silence, I learned from my sins! I have seen love, and light! I have born life out of that very love, and forgotten of my own rage! I beg of you to allow me to return to my herd! Let me repent for my sins and atone, to bring justice for my world, for my master!"

"Heresy! No stallion would take a devil into his care! It is a lie!" A shadow from an unknown side of the arena counters. Talon and Luna watch in horror as the area erupts in more shouts, voices cursing and insulting the black alicorn, sounds of pure malice and hate. Several voices boo and scream for her death before them.

"It is true! I beg of you, release me back to him!" The black alicorn pleads desperately. "He had given me a name! I made peace with the bringer of the light, and he had even treated me to a view of his worlds splendor! It...it was a beach he said! He is of the light! A hero to the kingdom! Seek him if you wish, my master is the prince of the skies!"

Talon swallows hard, clenching his fists. "Luna...that sounds an awful lot like our Nightie." He whispers, trying to step past the midnight alicorn. "Even if it isn't, we can't let them do this to her."

"And you'll do what?! We have no weapons, we're mother knows where and clearly outnumbered! Think things through, mine love! We need a plan of attack first!" Luna retorts, blocking his passage with her rump. "Stay your wrath for now, mine husband. We need to observe!"

The sound of a heavy clacking overtakes the arena, drawing the attention of the couple arguing, and ushering in a silence over the tribunal. Luna stares at the shadowed mare in the stands, watching as her cream colored muzzle moves on the edge of the hood, the appearance being almost akin to a twisted snarl.

"You have no proof, and have only made yourself a foal before this trial. I see no evidence of your so called master you claim. I hereby give my decree, that you shall be executed post haste before your peers this day. So I have spoken." The dark voice rings out, the crowd cheering out in an uproar.

"Your crimes have stayed your hooves, your sins weight your soul down. No one has come to your defense, and it is your final hour, Obsolescence. You shall have your horn removed, and your wings sheared from your form. As punishment for your heresy, I shall personally rend your heart from your very core, and display its wretched darkness for all of creation to see. You should have known the price of evil."

The pilot forces Luna to the side against the wall, glaring at her. "I have a plan. Attack! Give me a distraction, and I'll get her free. There's no time, angel!"

The midnight alicorn nods, arcs of soft blue electricity dancing off of her horn as the two charge through the drape, Luna firing shots of arcane magic wildly into the stands and shadowed mare. As she's rushing out, the pilot charges to the black alicorn, quickly going for the chains and pins securing them to the ground.

The blasts of the alicorns magic strike several of the shadows, simply passing through them harmlessly and colliding with the walls in the distance. One of the bolts lands a lucky glance on the cream colored mare in the cloak, somehow ricocheting off and being harmlessly deflected away. The cloaked mare does not move, but merely adorns a clearly un amused frown look upon her muzzle.

"Angel, the chains!" The pilot shouts, hurriedly motioning to the midnight alicorn. He feverishly rips and yanks on the bands links around her body, trying to bend or pry the metal free and off of the black mare.

"Master! You came!" Nightmare cries out in joy. She holds still as he works on her bindings, her eyes wide with hope. "I knew you would come for--mmmph!" She's silenced as he grasps her muzzle with a free hand, the pilot turning to look her in the eyes.

"Shut up, I'm busy." He retorts. Luna gallops to him in the confusion, sounds of angry shouts and hooves shuffling to them coming from all directions. Luna and the pilot both look up at the cloaked mare, who still hasn't moved from her position.

Luna touches her lit horn to the chains, the interlinks upon the bindings shattering to dust in an instant. Nightmare flares her wings out and alights her horn, dark blue arcane sparks erupting all around her own visage. She primes her own attack spells as she begins to prance and buck around, firing her own magic into the stands above them.

More hoof beats pound and thunder around them, several hulking, cloaked stallions coming into view, towering over the pilot as they gallop to the three. Talon quickly whirls around and swings with his fist, connecting a powerful right hook to the jaw of one of the stallions and knocking it to the ground.

Luna whips around on her front hooves, kicking wildly with her powerful hind legs and bucking another stallion hard in the muzzle, sending him into a high arc free flight into the stands, where he collides with several of the moving shadows, then vanishes.

As another stallion in a cloak rushes forward to the group, it rears up on it's hind legs and kicks forward wildly, nearly getting the human with it's deadly armored hooves. Nightmare lunges forward and gores its soft unprotected underbelly with her horn, then whips her head back and flings the large stallion behind her back into the shadows.

"Mine husband! We must flee! NOW!" Luna shouts, her horn unleashing a powerful burst of magic and knocking two oncoming stallion guards back. She quickly turns her head, the corner of her eye catching the pilot mid flip kick, sending another stallion to the ground, before he races forward and sends a bone crushing punch upon its head, his fist sinking deep into the skull and possibly shattering it.

"No shit!" He fires back in a shout. They all try to make their way back the way they came, fighting off what seems to be endless pairs of the shadowed and cloaked stallion guards attacking in waves. As they're nearly out, Luna glances back to the cloaked mare in the stands, who still sits watching. The mare has yet to move, or do anything. As the midnight alicorn begins to turn and flee through the drape, she can almost swear she had seen the cloaked mare...grinning.

The three race through the halls, twisting and turning quickly as they feverishly search for the exit. The midnight alicorn pants raggedly, her heart thundering within her and blood roaring in her ears. She's exhausted.

"In here!" Talon shouts, knocking open a door inside of the hallway, his shoulder ramming the door wide open. The two alicorn mares rush in ahead, the pilot whipping into the darkened room after them and pushing the door closed. He braces it from the inside, sounds of hooves thundering past them within seconds of the three sealing the door.

Luna and Obsolescence pant raggedly, desperately trying to catch their breath and slow their heart rates. Several minutes pass in darkness, before the midnight alicorn alights her horn, casting out a soft, pale blue glow to illuminate the darkened room.

There's two windows far off on the other side of the massive room, bars covering the outside and hindering the view. The room is for the most part empty, the windows far too small to climb out of and escape. She walks around within the chamber, searching for anything that may be useful. Her hoof bumps an object on the floor, a dull clatter overtaking the room for a moment before it's silenced.

"Mine love...come here." The midnight alicorn beckons, motioning with a swish of her horn. Her ears turn and swivel as she hears his soft panting from running, the sounds of his boots clacking quietly against the cold stone floor. "What do you make of this?" She asks, pointing her fore hoof at an unfamiliar object upon the ground.

Talon carefully eyes it, looking it over. "Looks like a bow of some kind..." He responds quietly, picking it up. It feels almost as if the frame were made of metal, the cord feels like tightly woven wires. He quirks an eyebrow as he studies it, picking it up and testing the draw. "Why...why would there be a bow here?"

"More importantly, why are we here?" Luna mutters, looking around. "This seems out of place, mine flame. We had come through the rift I remember, and we were in the air still. ...where is our machine, and why is Obsolescence here?"

The pilot turns his head, watching as the black alicorn rests against the door a short distance away, using her own body to barricade it closed for them. He turns his attention back to the bow in his hands, then nods in agreement. "This does seem off, and a human weapon in here to boot is a little too convenient. I don't like this."

"Nor do I." She responds, her ears swiveled behind her to track the black alicorn in the room. Luna chews on her cheek within her maw, her heart filled with an unsettling feeling. "This isn't right...none of this is."

Talon looks down at the bauble around his neck, the glass orb appearing completely empty and dark. Tapping it with his fingers, he motions to the midnight alicorn to show her. Luna notices it too. The star within it is missing.

"Master..." Nightie breathes out, a small, relieved smile adorns her muzzle. The pilot and night princess turn and look at her, the soft glow of Luna's magic highlighting the black alicorns fangs within her maw. "Thank...thank you, for saving me. Thank both of you."

"Don't thank us yet, we still need to find a way out of here." Talon replies quietly, looking around. "We need to figure out what's going on. What all do you know about this place?" As she's about to respond, Luna steps between the pilot and the approaching black alicorn, her lips twisted into a cruel snarl.

"She's not our obsolescence." Luna seethes out, taking position and blocking the black alicorns path. She flares out her wings, her gaze glaring dangerously at Nightmare as she gives a warning hiss. "This is some kind of a ruse, thou must be one of our captors!"

Nightmare stops in her advance, her hoof steps coming to a screeching halt. Her own wings fold tightly to her sides as she begins to back up. "Luminescence, that's not true! I am no impostor!" She quietly cries out. "Please...let me explain!"

"Then explain." Talon buts in, holding the bow still in his hands. "Where the hell is this, What in the fuck is going on? You can start by explaining how you're out of this charm, and where the hell my damned plane is."

More hoof beats thunder past the door, sounds of rushing and muffled voices from the other side of it. The three remain quiet for a moment as the ones seeking them pass, before the black alicorn lets out a heavy sigh of relief. Nightmares eyes focus on the pilot, before she inhales a gentle breath.

"I...I don't know where we are. Nor do I know what has become of our machine, master. I am the one you named, the one you call Nightie. As to how I am outside of the bauble Luminescence gave you...I don't know either. The last memory I have was dreaming about the place you talked to me and asked me to come to you. The...the Earth ocean!" She quickly adds. "I had fallen asleep after I used my power to save our machine from it's crash!"

"Crash...?" Luna quietly mouthed under her breath. She searches through her memories, vaguely recalling the landing into the water. Flashes overtake her thoughts, glimpses of swimming to shore with her human in tow, a brief sensation of the cold water over her fur. She remembers the sound of jet engines before the darkness.

"We...we were in free fall. I woke up right before we hit the water, and covered the banshee with my remaining power to protect you. The...the force was too much, and I was knocked out from the impact. I...I don't remember anything after that. I just woke up, and was being dragged to that horrible place in those awful chains." She falls to her rump, her ears turned outward as her gaze remains locked onto the couple. "Please...believe me. I am Nightie. Your beta mare and Luminescence's other half. Our...our children. Stardust Kiss, and little Moonlight. I am...I am Nightie."

The midnight alicorn primes her horn, she's had enough of this show and lie. "I'm going to end your life here, you deceitful mare." She growls out. As she's about to fire, Talon wraps his free hand around her horn and gives a gentle tug, breaking her concentration and dispersing the spell.

"No...don't." He quietly whispers, then steps around the midnight alicorn. "Luna...more light. Make it brighter in here." He gives a gentle command, stepping to the shaking and frightened black alicorn before them. He reaches out to her as Luna obeys, and gently grasps her wing, lifting it off of her side. His eyes study and trace her soft form, his fingers feeling along the outstretched wings frame. He can see what appears to be heavy scars along the underside, as well as wounds still mending.

"You are Nightie." He quietly comments, noticing how she's slowing in her trembling under his touch. "The one I know had gotten these in Baol when we fought off the demons." Turning his head, he looks to his alicorn. "Luna...this is Nightie. I don't know how, I won't even pretend I understand any of this...but this is our Nightmare Moon for sure. "

Nightie slowly stops shaking under the pilots gentle touch, relishing in the soft, warm contact of his hands caressing her sensitive wings. His fingers pass lightly over a deep cut still mending over the Ulna ** , causing her to shiver intensely, the massive wing shuttering for a moment as she bares the pain silently.

Talon releases the wing carefully, very gently assisting the black alicorn in folding it back against her side. As he's turning to face Luna, his eyes glance down at the sensation of wetness upon his fingertips, seeing the Nightmare alicorns blood upon him. With a sigh, he turns to face Luna. "I...I can't explain any of this either, angel. Somehow or another she is real." He says, holding up his hand and showing the small patch of blood upon his fingers, the crimson fluid glistening under the soft glow of the night alicorns magic. "And that's good enough for me. There's just no way even with all of her power she could fabricate any of this."

Luna growls out, glaring daggers at the black alicorn as her husband takes position standing beside her once more. Luna's jade orbs maintain their cold, unrelenting gaze upon Nightie. "Neigh, mine flame. Obsolescence was once known as the Shepherd Of Fire ages ago, the very evil that was a plague upon creation that both mine and my sisters powers could barely defeat. She hath far greater power than thou could ever fathom. Illusion magic was one of her many vast skills." The midnight princess clicks her tongue within her maw, narrowing her gaze. "This could still be a great ruse...I dare say."

Nightie shivers in place, looking at both the pilot and midnight alicorn before her, maintaining her seated position upon her rump. "Luminescence...there is no reason why I would create any of this....whatever this is. I made you a promise that day when we met, and I fought the vile insect for you. I promised that I would never bring harm to you, the kingdom or children. Above all else, evil I may have once been....I never did break any promise I had ever made. Even I had no love for a liar."

Talon sighs out, face palming as the two quietly argue. "Both of you cut it out, this is neither productive nor answering just what the fuck is going on. Let's figure out a way outside, establish where the fuck we are and get the hell out of here. If we can make it to sunny butt, she could get this crazy shit figured out." Turning away, he looks around the empty room for a moment, pulling the bow string around his shoulder and chest to free his hands. "I swear to God...you nutty fucking space ponies are going to be the death of me."

Luna rolls her eyes, letting out a quiet snort. "And yet it was thou who wed a 'nutty fucking space pony', mine flame." She counters, letting loose a swift punt against his side with her fore leg. She turns her gaze to him with a wry smile, her eyes hinting at her playful nature despite their situation. "And don't thou forget it."

"First thing is first, we need to find some kind of weapons we can use. As much fun as it is bashing in skulls..." Talon states after clearing his throat for a moment, ignoring Luna's witty retort. "We'll be a lot more effective if we can wound our enemy, rather than just beating them senseless."

Nightmare rises to her bare hooves once again, her own horn alit to give off some light within the dark room. She begins to slowly walk around, her teal orbs scanning for any objects they could fashion into a weapon, or other useful devices. Her ears swivel as she hears the pair also shuffling about together, searching the darkness as well.

Minutes pass, the three finding nothing of use within the room. The decaying wooden shelves against the wall are too far gone to even serve as any kind of blunt weapon, no hint of metals they could quickly sharpen with their magic. Even if the two alicorns were to attempt replication magic, there would have to be some kind of comparable matter nearby as a source that they could for transmutation or synthesis. After all, one cannot copy matter if none exists to begin with, even with magic.

The hall has been silent for some time now, Luna, nor Nightmare hearing any activity even in the distance. Luna slowly creeps back to the door, the pilot in tow behind her as they check to see if it's clear. With a baited breath, she turns her head and nods to the pilot, who quietly steps around her to crack open the door and search. The decaying door lets out a low groan and squeak as it's drawn open, the three wincing at the sound. Several intense moments pass, still no activity from the outside heard or seen. He pokes his head out and glances around, his own heart thundering in his chest with some fear. The hallway is empty.

He lets out a quiet sigh of relief, then motions for the two alicorn mares to follow. Luna is the first to step out behind him, her horn alight, arcane magic sparks dancing randomly off of her horn from a primed attack spell. Nightie exits next, the tall svelte black mare emerging from the room last, willing the door closed with her magic. They continue forward in the dark and foreboding hall, searching for any more rooms, anywhere that could lead to an exit. They follow the twists and turns, coming to room after empty room again, the feeling of grave despair washing over them more and more with every unsettling step.

The very air all around them is thick with tension, tasting with the same sullen feelings that Nightie and Talon had experienced in the toxic atmosphere of Baol. As they pass another opened door, Luna's jade orbs catch a shimmer in the darkness, light reflecting from her horn. She comes to a halt and clicks quietly within her maw, gaining the pilots attention. She turns quietly on her hooves and pushes open the worn out door more, stepping into the shadowed gloom of the room. Talon quickly follows behind her, the Nightmare alicorn hot on his heels as the three enter the unknown.

A few steps in, Luna is able to make out more and more of the shimmer, the light dancing off of the metallic object. Resting against the wall in some kind of a leather pouch that smells of blood to her, she can see a series of long, cold solar steel rods with feathers adorning the ends rigidly. She tilts her head silently studying the strange pouch, watching as the pilot picks it up and begins to remove one of the objects from the pouch.

"Oh now this...is just a little too convenient." He quietly breathes out, holding the object in his free hand. "Now what are the odds of these just happening to be here?" He asks, turning to the two mares with him.

"What are those, mine love?" Luna asks, her eyes tracing the long rod, ended by a menacing razor sharp triangle at the opposite end. She knew whatever it was, it was made with the intent to kill. Her heart begins to quicken in its pace as he removes the bow from his back, the strange object quickly being drawn with the bow.

"It's an arrow." He responds, testing the draw once again, the arrow docked at the nock, the shaft resting against the top of the grip. He stares down the shaft for targeting for a moment, before releasing the tension of the draw. "And I'll bet these white fetching on this one are probably space pony feathers to boot." He mutters, grasping the strap upon the quiver, and slinging it over his shoulder and chest as the bow once was. "Human bow...now human arrows, and quite a few at that." He says, counting them in the pouch. "The sad thing is....I was a lousy shot at these when I trained in basic. I never could shoot one of these worth a shit."

"What do these things do, master?" Nightmare calls out, her own teal orbs studying the human weapons the pilot is holding.

"Specifically, these were the forms of guns, before guns were invented. People of my world used these in the old days to take down prey, or other humans at a good distance. It's a form of ranged combat that allowed one to do damage from a safe distance. It doesn't quite have the same range as one of my pistols, but a lucky shot or an arrow through an enemies eye socket would do about the same job." He responds, pointing at the head of the arrow. "These ones were made to do a lot more damage being removed, rather than penetrating the target. Those razor ends were designed to sink into the enemy and embed, making it very hard to remove, and garenteed to cause more harm upon the exit. Whoever left these here, must have either been a hunter I would imagine."

"Why would this be here though?" Luna asks, following as the pilot begins to exit the room once more. Her ears swivel as she hears Nightie following behind her again, the three making their way back out into the hall.

"Like I said...this is just a little too convenient, angel. On my world, we had these things called video games. And the one common bit of knowledge was any time you got a lot of useful items in it, often meant something very very bad was about to happen. Being how incredibly cliche this is all turning out to be, I'm going to say we're likely going to get very unlucky up ahead. I swear...this is like some kind of very bad dream."

Luna nods, her horn once again lighting with her attack magic. Her mind processes all of this information, unsure what to make of any of this. Nothing makes sense to her. The stars outside feel so foreign, yet look so familiar. The air tastes nothing of Equestria, yet she feels the very fabric of harmony within the heavenly mechanisms. She can feel her power, yet nothing feels as if it's being drained within her like it would be with normal magical use. Nothing feels right at all.

* * * * *

Stardust Kiss sighs, looking up at the lavender alicorn quietly reading a large dusty tome upon the desk in the dimly lit chambers, the flickering light of the fire lighting up the cozy room of the regal white alicorn. She turns her head and glances around, chewing upon her cheek within her maw.

Princess Celestia is resting on the bed, Moonlight Way tucked safely under her large, elegant left wing, sleeping peacefully and snoring softly, the elder white alicorn holding a gold laden, intricately patterned white and silver banded brush within her magical grasp, passing the bristles slowly over the mane of Stardust Kiss.

"Auntie Tia...why can't we go see our mom and dad yet? Why is mamma sick?" Stardust moans out, the brush passing through her fine hairs and brushing out, the ministrations ebbing away at the tension and boredom within her. "You said we could go see them when they came home."

Celestia lets out a gentle, soft sigh, desperately trying to hold back the sadness within her voice. "They will be fine, my little treasure. Your mother and father are simply resting after their long trip, It's...normal...for ponies to be checked up by the nice doctor ponies, after they have an extended trip outside of our kingdom. " She says uneasily, hiding the white lie within her calm and regal words. "Your auntie Dusty is with them right now to insure they're being tended to...and we may be able to go see them with the sunrise."

The black alicorn filly alights her horn quickly, forming a thin veil of magic into a field, and deflecting the brush away. This startles Celestia, as the filly rolls onto her back and glares at the elder white alicorn, her sapphire orbs boring into Celestia's magenta ones. "Then raise the sun! I want to go see them!"

The clatter of the brush falling away, knocked out of the regal princesses grasp and falling to the floor startles Twilight, causing her to nearly jump off of the cushion and out of her fur. She turns her attention to the bed, seeing the surprise on the white alicorns muzzle. Clearly Celestia didn't expect that.

She's silent for a brief moment, before she regains her composure and lowers her head down to the black alicorn filly. She raises her bare hoof against the treasure before her, brushing a strand of the silvery pink mane away from the child's eyes, her soft magenta orbs locked onto the filly. "It's isn't as simple as that, little one. Even if I could this very moment, it wouldn't be right for me to place all of Equestria into a blind panic of suddenly raising the sun, after I had set it not but an hour ago." She quietly breathes out. Centuries of dealing with even the most difficult politicians and nobles have honed her skill of dealing with even the most trying of ponies, yet she was finding it hard tonight to maintain her calmness in this situation. She desperately wanted to tell the truth now, every fiber of the white alicorns being was screaming within her to demand that the children be with their parents. But she knew, she must stay this course. For the safety of both Equestria and the hearts of the treasured children of her beloved sister, Stardust Kiss must never find out the truth of her mothers state.

"I will keep my promise, my darling treasure." Celestia says, giving a loving nuzzle against the black fillies neck. "Your parents will never again be sent away on any kind of dangerous, or extended mission again. And as soon as the nice doctor tells me they're ok to return to their normal duties, I'll be sure they have a full month of doing nothing but spending time with you."

Twilight clears her throat, rising off of the cushion and stepping to the bed side. She rears up on her hind legs and places her fore legs upon the bed, coming to a seated position on her haunches, her violet eyes looking into the blue orbs of Stardust Kiss. "That's right." She says with a genuine, soft smile. "Your aunt Tia and I have decided that we're going to close the night court for a little while, and make sure your mom and papa have plenty of time with you. We're both even putting your studies on hold, and throwing your parents a big party. I'm sure Pinkie Pie would love it if you helped too, since the grand galloping gala is only a couple of days away. You could help make the hangar all pretty for your parents, since that's where we are hosting it this year."

Stardust chews on her inner cheek more, her horn fizzling out finally as the field comes down, letting out a soft sigh. She looks away and quietly murmurs for a moment, then nods. Celestia smiles softly as the filly once again rolls back upon her belly, tucking her hooves back under her, allowing the regal alicorn mare to continue brushing the mane and tail of the filly. Her horn once again alights with a golden glow, the brush rising off of the marble floor of the chambers and back to it's owners side, where she resumes the task of trying to calm the disheartened fillies sorrows away.

Twilight turns away and walks to the balcony, sounds outside catching her attention as her ears swivel. Her hooves lead her to the closed doors, where out of the glass she can see the black warbird being wheeled back indoors finally by the Lunar Stallions and members of the engineering teams. The nose of the war machine is crumpled in, the port wing bent upward at an unnatural angle and the glass of the canopy littered with massive cracks. Water leaks out from various panels, leaving a wet trail upon the stone work in its wake. The forward landing gear skids against the ground as they all push the aircraft back indoors, the alicorn knowing over the course of the next several days the engineers will be busy around the clock repairing the still soaking wet aircraft.

She lets out a soft sigh and nods, turning away from the doors and drawing the drapes closed tight, her magic lacing around the fabric so that only Celestia or herself would be able to draw them open once more, to keep curious filly eyes off of what shouldn't be seen. With another flick of her magic, she locks the grand doors of the chambers for the evening, signaling to the guards standing outside that so pony is to enter or disturb the occupants of the room for any reason, short of a flat out emergency requiring their attention.

Twilight returns once more to the massive tome upon the desk within the room, resuming her in depth study of what the engineers have learned over the last several years about human machines. If she could be of any use in the speedy repair of the star of the show of the upcoming night airshow before the gala, she will do all within her power to make that a reality. Memories glance her thoughts briefly, flashes of helping plan and coordinate each and every single maneuver with both the pilots and pegasus air demonstration teams, the joy warming her heart of knowing she could finally be a part of that dream soon enough. Her heart aches, wondering if the royal couple leading that very demonstration, would still be up for the task.

* * * * *

Turning down the darkened corridoor, they come to a stop at a massive wooden double door. The wood is splintered, cracked and broken with age, a gentle, icy cold wind blows through the cracks, bringing in the fresh scent of salty sea air. Talon lowers the bow slightly, grasping the redied arrow and bow in one hand, while pushing open the decrepit door with his free one. After a good heave, the door swings open slowly, revieling exactly what they have sought; the outside.

"Looks like this is it." He whispers with hope, stepping out onto the cold gravel. He looks around, seeing patches of dead grass and weeds, leading to a cliff a short distance away. Luna and Nightie quickly follow behind him, the trio exiting the large sturcture to the outside. The midnight alicorn serches around, the skies feeling so incredibly unfamiliar now, the stars not resonating with her magics call.

"Where in Heofon are we?" She asks, stepping close to the cliffs edge. Far below, she can see the waves of the ocean crashing against jagged, sharp rocks at the bottom of the chasm, waiting to end ones life should they take that wrong step. She gives a test flex of her wings, extending them out fully and pumping them for a few good, powerful flaps. A sharp pain shoots throughout her, forcing her wings to quickly retract in.

"You alright?" Talon asks, watching as her muzzle contorts to a pained expression. He comes to her side and brushes the strands of deep blue silken hair from her face, his eyes locking onto her own.

"Flying is out of the question, mine flame. My wings are still damaged from that hellish copy of our kingdom." She sighs, looking around. "We must find a way down to the sea, perhaps we can find or fashion some kind of raft to allow us escape from here."

Nightie takes position at the pilots side, the wind causing her chaotic ethereal mane to sway in the breeze. Talon turns to her. "Any of this look familiar to you, Nightie?"

The black alicorn shakes her head solemly. "No, my master. I do not know this place." She sighs quietly. "Luminescence is correct, we should attempt to find a way down. I do not believe I am capable of flight either at this moment, nor can I carry both of you safely down."

"And this is where your journey ends." Calls out a dark, feminine voice. The trio looks up and behind them, their eyes finding the owner of that voice. Standing upon the roof above the door of the structure, a cloaked, towering mare. Long flowing strands of crimson ribbons drape out from the hood, blowing about in the gentle breeze.

Luna steps forward, her horn alight once more with her most powerful, destructive attack spell. Arcane sparks fly off in every direction as the aura flickers violently, the power building with the sheer rage within her heart. "Who art thou! Why hath you brought us to this prison?!"

Talon draws the bow and takes aim, the razor sharp tip of the arrowhead gleaming menacingly as he brings tension to the bow string. His aim is directly at the mares chest, with no possible chance of missing at this range. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the black alicorn lower herself into a defensive position, her own wings held tensely at her sides as she growls darkly, the draconic teal orbs trained on the cloaked figure.

Sounds of thunderous hoof steps come to their ears, as a great many of the cloaked shadow stallions step forward beside the mare upon the roof. The trio's eyes widen as they see the sheer number of enemies take position upon the roof tops of the structure, all three of them losing count quickly as the numbers continue to grow.

"Surrender that wicked mare now, and I may just spare your lives. Obsolescence must atone for her sins with her life. I will see to it that her punishment is carried out with haste. If you do not, you forefit your own lives." The cloaked mare calls out beneath the hood. Talon stares at the figure unrelenting, unable to make out any of her features to identify just who they were facing. A sensation of great fear washes over him as he feels her piercing gaze upon him directly, almost as if whomever it was under that cloak was looking through his very soul.

Luna steps with trepidation in place, her eyes breaking away to glance at the pilot, unable to decide what to do. A part of her is willing to sacrifice that darkness that held her within it's icy grip for so long, that caused so much pain. She processes quickly, and licks her lips to speak.

"We will do no such thing lady. If you want her, you're going to have to do it over my dead body." Talon fires back, drawing more tension upon the knocked arrow. "Even with my aim, I won't miss at this distance. So if you back off, we'll let you live." The pilot calls out, steeling his will. "I accept your surrender."

The creme colored mare under the cloak laughs darkly. "So insolent...it's almost cute. I wonder just who gave you that?" She responds. Raising her hoof, she points forward, the black steel of her armor gleaming under the moonlight with a wicked other worldly shimmer. "Kill them."

Without even a moment to respond, the stallions are upon them before they can even react. Luna and Talon are quickly taken to the ground, the bow flying off of the edge of the cliff, the midnight alicorns magic snuffed out as her horn is somehow blocked by a very powerful force, unlike anything she's ever felt within her thousands of years. The pilot lets out a howl of pain as a blade is suddenly plunged within his back, breaching his body and burying itself deep into the ground, holding him in place.

Luna also screams in agony, as a very long sword is also thrust into her withers, breaching her barrel just the same, and another dagger type blade through her right wing. She quickly flaps uncontrollably to try and throw the powerful stallions off of her, as her other wing is crushed and shattered under the weight of massive powerful hooves.

Nightmare charges forward and barrels into the stallions upon them, only to be knocked back by a massive beam of white light. She's struck again and again, a bolt piercing through her side and blasting clean through her chest, exiting and burning through her folded wing. She cries out in agony before she's taken down by a pair of brute stallions, pinning her muzzle first to the ground. She desperately fights, hearing the screams of her herd mates, trying to free herself to save them.

"This can end, right here." The cloaked mare says darkly, her voice resonating with the very air around them. "You can save them, if you surrender and atone for your sins, Obsolescence. Admit your heresy, and I shall spare them, and send them away."

A black armored, cream colored hoof stomps the ground, kicking the black alicorn in the muzzle. Nightmare coughs out a jet of blood, spitting it upon the ground before her, as another armored hoof quickly finds its way to her soft underbelly, kicking her hard in the gut. Nightmare gags upon the blood within her throat, rolling over and vomiting more blood upon the ground. Her eyes roll into the back of her head as she fights for air, pain searing through her every nerve.

"I ask you now..." The dark, cream colored mare calls out. "Will you die for them?"

Nightmare Moon hears the world around her, muffled screams and the dull sound of the wind and waves. Her world is a haze, as she makes out the soft, subtle, yet clear question almost directed at her soul.

"Will you die for them?!" The mare asks once more, shouting out. She turns her shadowed gaze to the pilot and blue alicorn, signalling to the guard stallions to dig in more with their blades. Luna lets out a pained howl of anguish as her flesh rips, crying out in horror and torment.

Nightie finally draws a breath back into her form, then cries out. "Yes!" She screams, falling against the ground limply. "...yes...I will die for them."

The cream colored mare draws a blade from her own side in a white magical aura, the dagger twirling within her magic slowly. The blade speeds down, as the world around the nightmare fades to darkness, releasing her final breath.

* * * * *

Dusty Shine awakens within the room, blinking the sleep out of her eyes rubbing her muzzle with her bare hoof. She blearily looks around, her ears swiveling as she catches the sound of stirring within the room. Perking her ears straight up, she whips her head around, the earthen mare's attention now completely transfixed upon the royal couple.

"O ooh...my head." Luna groans out, raising her bandaged hoof to her face, rubbing her head where the mild ache is felt just below her left ear. She lets out a loud yawn and tries to move, her eyes opening as she notices the IV lines bandaged against her fore leg.

"Miss Luna!" Dusty Shine blurts out with joy, rushing around the bed. After a few moments, the pilot also awakens slowly, his own eyes fluttering open as he begins to sleepily stir.

"Dusty...?" Luna asks absent minded, turning her head. Before she could react the cream colored Earthen mare wraps her forelegs around the night princess, squeezing the very air out of her lungs. Luna coughs in surprise, then slowly wraps her own fore legs around her friend. "Dusty...what...?"

"I was so afraid we lost you two after the crash! Thank the All Mother you two were alright!" Dusty Shine squeals out in glee, her voice carrying out into the hallway. Within seconds of the giddy mares cries, the door opens by a nurse, not seeming to notice the other occupant in the room resting quietly upon the plush cushion in the corner.

The nurse mouths words silently, before quickly bolting out of the room, sounds of her shrieking out and calling for the Pegasus doctor. Luna quirks an eyebrow at this, but gives a gentle pat upon the earthen mares back. "Yes...crash. Dusty...where are we?" Luna asks, trying to free herself from the kung fu death hug.

Talon snorts and sits up in bed, coming to his senses. Before he could react or protest, suddenly the excited former maid lunges and bolts on top of him, switching her crushing hug to him instead. "Oof!"

"Commander, you're alive!" She squeaks out in excitement, tears of unbridled joy flowing out uncontrollably. "You're alive! You're...alive!!" She cries out. Her tears continue to flow out, soaking the bandages around the careworn pilots chest.

Not another moment passes, before the door flies open, the room being swarmed by Doctor Life Flight and several nurses, quickly coming to pry away the excitable Earth pony from the human pilot, and the stallion doctor rushing to his charges. They still have not noticed the cream colored mare in the corner, smiling smugly as she quietly reads a magazine.

"Guards! Summon Princess Celestia at once!" Doctor Life Flight orders gruffly, turning his attention upon the royal couple. He begins to feverishly check the humans vitals without a word, mumbling to himself as he stares in absolute disbelief at the screens. Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, all normal! These results are nothing like they were only two hours ago.

Talon remains still as the Pegasus seems confused, poking and prodding him with the stethoscope and medical devices, unsure what to make of the situation. He turns his head, a confused look upon his features as he looks to his midnight alicorn, who is currently also being swarmed over by the nurses feverishly checking her.

Luna raises her eyebrows, silently communicating to the pilot with her eyes what's on her mind. He only nods in response, understanding the unspoken message. Neither of them have any idea just what the hell is going on.

Minutes pass, the confused medical staff becoming even more confused by the second, fussing over the pair. Celestia finally barges in the door, out of breath. Her mane is in curlers and ribbons once again, her face bearing exhaustion and fatigue upon her features as she stares with wide disbelief and joy. "Lulu! Talon!" Celestia cries out, wobbly stepping to the bed side as she enters the room, a wide, relieved smile upon her muzzle. As she's about to speak, she hears a soft echo of a giggle, the sound akin to the melody of wind chimes ring into the air.

The occupants of the room all turn their gaze suddenly, finally seeing, but not believing. There in the corner, holding her regal hoof to her muzzle to cover the amused snickers and giggles, sat a cream colored alicorn, with vibrant emerald eyes and a flowing, luxurious crimson mane and tail. She flutters her wings, unable to hold back the chuckle at the sight of Celestia, the handy hoof work obviously of a very tired filly.

The room goes completely silent as the Goddess continues to reign in her light laugh. She regains her composure and rises to her hooves, Celestia suddenly falling into a low bow, splaying out her wings, the white alicorns long, sharp horn tipping down and touching the marble stone floor. Unable to process what is occurring, the other occupants minus the midnight princess and human remain frozen in shock.

"M...Mother?!" Luna whispers out, her jade orbs wide with surprise.

"Now...I told you I would visit, now didn't I? My sweet child...you always get yourself into the most interesting affairs." She steps forward, extending out her wing and gently glancing over Celestia's back with her primary feathers." And you...Celly, are just as silly as little Luna. Rise, my daughter. You never need bow before me."

The all mother smiles gently as Celestia rises to her hooves again, letting out another uncontrolled chortle at the sight. "I really must drop in more often, I always miss the most exciting things."

"Mother...I don't understand." Celestia questions, stepping forward. "What is going on? Did you know of their plight?"

She does not respond, her emerald gaze transfixed upon the pilots chest, a soft, gentle smile crossing her lips silently as she sees the iridescent glow of the bauble, the star and mist within spinning lazily within, the amethyst mist a shade lighter.

"I believe...you three have some children to greet upon the rising of the beloved sun, as well as an air demonstration to show me. Rest well...I will explain all in due time." She finally speaks out, her gaze not breaking away from the star as her smile widens.

Author's Note

Well here we are! The beginning of the most important, and best part of this arc, where you not only find out more about the ever deepening mystery, but just how and -why- Nightmare Moon was given redemption, and drawn back into the light. In the next chapter set, you will be thrilled, as the absolute unexpected happens. But who knows Perhaps some may have figured it out? Post your comments below, let me know what you thought! I'd love to hear from you, and look forward to seeing the theories about the fate of Nightmare! Until next update~

**See image for anatomy of a wing, to better understand the terms used in this book.

Autumn Heat

Chapter Thirteen: Autumn Heat

Talon runs through the dark corridors, sweat dripping off of his neck and chest as he fights raggedly for breath, the air is hot and toxic. All around him for miles upon miles the landscape stretches out. Lava flows through massive rivers at the edges of the halls, they boil and bubble as if straining to contain some monstrosity within them. Through the chambers and down the tubes within the walls an endless nightmare of torment is hunting him. Each breath is intense as he continues to run, desperate for a way to escape the horror that tirelessly pursues him. He can hear her shrill demonic cackle echoing not far behind, another weapon in the demonic mare’s arsenal of fear, as if she were toying with him from the very deepest pit of hell.

Every step he takes echoes through the halls, the soles of his boots seem to be melting against the hot basalt and onyx ground within the keep. He runs as fast as he can, turning down corridors and opening orb rooms one after another. Talon’s mind is racing to find a means of escape, but all seems lost in the maze of fire and brimstone. As he rounds a corner he comes skidding to a stop and planting his heels before he slides into a massive ocean of molten rock and fire. Terror wells up inside him as he realizes that now he’s run out of places to move, very soon he’ll be at the mercy of his pursuer. Talon’s chest heaves with each breath as he take in the landscape of destruction around. Hope quickly leaves him as he feels the ground tremble, signaling the inevitable approach of the doom mare. He can hear her slow, rumbling steps over everything else, a dirge to his imminent destruction.

Swallowing hard, the pilot quickly turns around and runs back into the halls, moving with every last ounce of energy left within his aching legs in the vain hopes of finding another passage. The miserable conditions don’t help him, his vision is blurred by sweat and his skin feels as if he’s standing next to an atomic blast. His lungs are sore and burn with great intensity, every other muscle was on the verge of giving out altogether. The man feels his heartbeat pounding in his head, it seems to go in time with the only other sounds reaching his ears. The blood chilling laughter of the demonic mare perusing him mixes with the sound of crackling fire and bubbling lava. Out of panic he seems to have lost track of his pursuer, but this rapidly changes as he rounds corner and smacks head first into her barrel, the demonic alicorn knocking him back and to the ground.

The pilot hears a faint hissing emanating from his body, the palms of his hands and other exposed flesh burning from the contact against the hot ground. He quickly moves and pulls away, returning his gaze to her once more. His eyes widen with terror as he watches flames flicker within her maw. Her tongue slowly slips from within, dripping glowing red lava as she slowly licks her lips. Puffs of smoke escape her nostrils as she stalks towards the pilot, a look of murderous intent upon her face. Talon desperately tries to scoot away, his legs kicking with whatever pitiful strength they could muster in an attempt to some how escape. His hands grasp at the hot basalt ground, searching for anything he could use as a weapon or diversion, all he receives is a painful reminder that he’s reached his end. Slowly he turns his gaze back at the creature, the mare casts a piece of magmata spittle upon his leg, the droplets of molten rock sending shooting pain throughout his body, his mind screaming with absolute horror and agony.

His gaze flicks back to her as he screams in utter anguish, the mare lunges forward, bringing her maw inches from Talon’s face as she lowers her head. The man stares into her glowing crimson eyes with fear as they pierce his soul with promises of eternal torment and anguish. The mare hisses with contempt, quietly seething as she looked him over. "I shall rend your soul from your wretched helpless body, mortal...” The demon whispers out, her every word dripping with poison and hatred.

Without a single word more, the fire demon of Baol darts forward with her maw agape. The dagger like teeth find their mark in the human pilot’s throat. She takes him to the ground quickly, pinning his head against the basalt as her jaws begin to slowly close, her knives piercing his flesh effortlessly as she crushes the life from him. Blood filled gurgles of pain fill the depths of the keep, the sounds of his death as he loses his final breath in his screams.

* * * * *

Talon awakens with a start, his body covered with a clammy cold sweat. He can feel his heart pounding fast in his chest like he’d just run a marathon. Talon opens his eyes, the emerald orbs darting about rapidly, scanning the area. The sight that welcomes him is one of familiar comfort. Above and all around him are the quiet walls of the night princess’s chambers. As his breathing calms, comforting sounds reach his ears. A musical symphony of heaven, the slow, steady click-tick of the analog clock mixed masterfully with the soft rhythmic sounds of a mare breathing beside him. He turns his head and glances at the clock, but in his bleariness he fails to notice that it's well past the time he would normally be awakened by two very perfectly punctual precious fillies.

The drapes are drawn with only small, thin rays of light entering the dim room. He lets out a sigh of relief, knowing the nightmare to be nothing more than a painful memory. Rolling over and closing his eyes again, he drapes his arm over the alicorn mare in the bed, pulling her close in his embrace. Feeling slightly emboldened he finds himself compelled to give the mare’s rump a gentle squeeze, not bothering to open his eyes.

The mare smiles as she's held close, enjoying the contact. Not wanting to let this opportunity slip through her hooves, she snuggles herself closer to the man. She’d sensed the nightmare that haunted him. At first, she was simply going to banish the dream, but in her thoughts, she knew better. This was a demon that he had to slay. He had to find his own way and face his fears for the coming travesty ahead of him. If Talon didn't find the strength in himself she knew all too well the end that could be.

The alicorn can feel the man’s heartbeat slow and steady against her withers and spine. A slight shiver races down the length of her body, thoughts flooding her mind of the wonders of having a flesh and blood form could bring. She smiles to herself as she feels his grip around her tighten, already having to suppress her giggles at his earlier bold moves. Slowly, the mare turns over in the bed, slipping her foreleg under the pilot’s side, wrapping her other leg and wing around him in a tight embrace. The pilot murmurs something before resting his head on her neck, not really focusing on anything in general.

"Perhaps so Luminescence, but we shouldn't bother master. He requires his rest, and you have me now. There's no reason to awaken him when he is sleeping so peacefully." The voice of Nightie echoes in the hall, coming closer to the door. The mare’s eyes open, a small, mischievous grin upon her muzzle as she watches the door with interest, talon’s hand still in a rather compromising position, it’s owner near comatose with sleep.

"Nonsense, thou silly mare. Thou should know mine flame hath had all the rest he needs. Mine husband was never one for late mornings, now move thy flank and let me pass." Luna's voice speaks out now, the words becoming clearer as they near the door. That got the attention of Talon’s sleepy mind, it began the slow process of figuring out exactly why that was. "I hath mine husbands cup of coffee for him, and shalt see to it I'm the first he sees. Step aside." She growls out.

"I will not. The twins have all the care they need with us, and the maid. Pesky Squeak...or whatever her name is. You can give him that drink later. For now, we shouldn't awaken him. Let him be!" Nightmare moon counters. The sound of a swift bump against the door reaches the mare’s ears as she perks them forward. She doesn't notice the pilot awakening, hearing the voices just outside.

Talon groggily opens his eyes, pulling his head back slightly. He's crushed against the barrel of the alicorn again, feeling the warmth of her gentle feathered wings. He can feel her bare chest shifting slightly as she soundlessly giggles, confusion settling within his mind. 'Wait a minute...' He thinks, his nose catching the faint scent of fresh clean wind on a winters day. The fur against his skin seems to be different, more silken and softer than he's ever felt. The voices register in his mind, it finally clicking. An equation that simply went ‘Bedfellow + Not your wife = PANIC!’. And panic he does, letting out an extremely loud yelp before scrambling out of the bed, his mind was acting on base instinct.

“Holy-shit-what-the-fuck!?” He belts out as he land on the floor with a thud, causing a painful sensation to make itself known in his elbows. Hearing his cry, the mare’s outside the door quickly kick it open. Meanwhile, the mare in the bed is contently smiling to herself, pleased with the chaos unfolding around her.

"Mo...Mother?!" Luna whispers out as she scans the room for a threat, confusion growing stronger in her mind as she spots just who is present. "Mine flame, what is the meaning of this?!" The sounds of teeth grinding fill the room next, Nightmare Moon quickly growing angry. Luna drops the porcelain cup held within her telekinesis, its contents spilled as the cup shatters against the floor.

Talon blinks in confusion and finally pulls himself off the floor, just enough to turn his head and see who is in the bed. His eyes trace the two alicorn's standing at the foyer of the chambers, the sounds of hoof steps clacking against the marble floors of the hall now approaching quickly as well.

He stares at them for a moment, then sees Celestia come up behind the pair. "Good morning Talon, it's time for you to..." Her sing song voice drops off as she stares, her maw agape in surprise. "Wow...I knew you were into older mares, commander...But I can't say I'd have thought you'd go for our mom." She says with a confused grin. "Felt like adding another to your growing harem?"

Nightie seethes in anger as she stares at the sight, her nostrils flaring as her eyes narrow. "Morrigan...what are you doing?"

The cream colored goddess only giggles in response, her emerald orbs tracing the pilot’s face as he seemed to stare at her, almost as if the hamster had fallen off the wheel within his head. Her eyes lock onto his, Morrigan moving her muzzle closer to his face. Macha’s form flashes in his mind where the cream-colored alicorn now is, instantly freezing his mind and heart with absolute terror. "Grabby this morning, aren’t we? " She whispers in response, before planting a friendly lick upon his lips, and disappearing from the chambers in a flash of light.

Talons breath hitches in his chest as it dawns on him, he's left alone now with three now very irate alicorn's in the room, and absolutely no idea what's going on.

“Grabby this morning?!” The midnight alicorn shrieks out in a voice that easily could rival the banshee's cry, he could just about imagine her smacking a rolling pin in her hooves. "And just what was it thou grabbed?!" In all his tired confusion, his mind can only formulate a single word.

“Shit.” The pilot mutters, his head falling into his palm as he lets out a frustrated groan.This is not how he imagined waking up this morning.

* * * * *

Talon looks around the breakfast table slowly, his eyes tracing everything that's going on. This was anything but normal now, the room not filled with laughter and warmth, but feeling icy cold, filled with the sounds of strained, angered breathing, silverware clacking against plates subtly, and the sound of a newspaper crinkling as the pages are turned. His eyes fall upon Luna and Nightie, who are chewing their food quietly with looks of disgust and rage upon their muzzles.

Celestia quietly picks at her food, the silence of the room almost too much for her to bare. She remains in dumbfounded shock, her magenta orbs glancing up from her still full plate of food every few seconds, confused as to the events just an hour prior. Sitting across from her, and directly facing the pilot as she files her fore hoof with a file held in her soft, white magical aura, as well as reading the newsprint, was the crimson maned Goddess.

Morrigan appears bored as she reads her paper, her emerald orbs skimming through the various stories written by the Canterlot press, an occasional grunt escaping her maw while she files her hooves. The Goddess seems perfectly content and impassive at the moment, as if she either didn't care what had just occurred, or she enjoyed it.

Princess Cadence clears her throat, attempting to break the agonizing silence. "So...I take it you slept well, Talon? You were awake awfully late last night." She breathed out with a gentle smile. "Not that I blame you, the gala, the air show...you do so much here."

Nodding quietly, the pilot lets out a sigh of his own. "About as well as normal...save for this morning." He mutters, glancing at the pink alicorn. "Thanks again for helping with the twins yesterday. I'm grateful."

"Oh it was nothing!" Cadence chimes out. "I used to foal sit Twilight when I was younger, and I adore your fillies. I honestly do love foals. You're so lucky to have a family, really. You don't know what I would give to have foals of my own."

Pausing while chewing his breakfast, he thinks quietly for a moment, before swallowing the bite. "If you don't mind me asking, why don't you and Shining have foals yet? Just isn't the time?"

Twilight stops mid bite of her food, her breath hitching in her chest as she looks on at Cadence and the pilot. The room seemingly freezes for a moment, an uncomfortable silence overcoming the room. The pink alicorn clears her throat, then looks away. "Well...you could say that, Talon. It's...rather complicated."

Talon raises an eyebrow in confusion, not knowing what seems to be the problem. He can sense the tension that suddenly added to the already sullen and hostile atmosphere, seeming to darken the somber mood more of the morning meal. "I don't mind listening...if it's something I can help with. If it's about him watching sports so much, I could talk to him for you."

Nightie looks to Luna in confusion, then leans over, whispering in the smaller midnight alicorn's ear. "Luminescence...what in heofon is a sport?" Luna only raises her eyebrows, before folding back her ears in annoyance.

"I wish that's all it was..." Cadence mutters under her breath, picking at her food once more. With a heavy sigh, she shakes her head in sadness. "Since you and Luna were gone, I can't say I'd have expected you to hear anything about it, it's alright though...I'm working on the situation." Morrigan raises an eyebrow at her, then clears her throat, speaking with an almost unnatural tone.

“Well, I know a certain stallion who’s good at dealing with situations…” She trails off, Cadence shakes her head.

“I’ll figure it out on my own.” She says with a small sigh, then looks at Talon who sits quietly picking at his food. “So, I hear you’ve been quite the busy man. What’s the count up to? Three demi-goddesses and the creator of all life as we know it?”

“I only want to set an example.” Morrigan cuts in, her gaze falling on Nightie and Celestia. “Honestly, Celestia. You’re in a herd now? Still no lovely grand foals for me to spoil?” Talon had begun coughing as she spoke, nearly choking on a bite of his breakfast.

“Mother!” Luna and Celestia say in unison.

“Can we all just shut up and eat.” Cadence suddenly snaps. “Enough of this talk about foals and the act it takes to make them. Can’t we have a normal breakfast conversation for once!?” The room fell completely silent after that, save for Talon’s coughing. All those present went back to eating in silence for a few moments, Luna and Nightie fidgeting somewhat in their seats.

“Cadence.” Morrigan says, breaking the silence. “What seems to be the problem?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” Talon sits up, all eyes shift to the pink alicorn.

“Nothing!” Cadence snaps again, again there’s silence in the room.

“So, as I was saying Celly...” Morrigan begins. “What seems to have you shirking your duties as a herd mate?” Celestia sighs as she hears this, as does pretty much everyone else at the table. “You may groan and complain, but that does not change the fact you made a commitment to the herd.”

“Can you please shut up about commitment?” Cadence whispers under her breath, tears beginning to form and well up under her eyes. The pink alicorn of love's muzzle seemingly twisting with sadness and anger. The pilot glances at her, taking notice right away.

“Well, mother.” Celestia replies with a shrug. “I’ve got a country to run. You can’t expect the nobles to accept a sign on the throne room door that says ‘Gone rutting.’ do you?” Morrigan raises an eyebrow. “Then again, I suppose I could delegate that duty to someone else. What do you think? Could I delegate that to you?” Celestia chides with a heavy layer of sarcasm, wishing to get off of the subject quickly.

“Don’t answer that!” Luna, Nightie and Talon all say at once, each of them having abandoned their food to pay attention to the conversation at hand. Talon closely watches the verbal sparring as Nightie and Luna affix Morrigan with their own irritated eyes. Cadence is silently staring at her plate, idly moving her fork in her magic. Morrigan shrugs at all the heat she’s receiving and backs off a bit, Luna takes the opportunity to pick up her fork with her own magic field.

“I can somewhat understand, Celestia. You have Twilight to worry about.” Morrigan states, going back to her own food. “But what about you, ‘Nightie’. You’re more than capable now, I made sure of that. I’m also certain he is more than fertile enough to-”

“Hey! I’m eating here, can’t you see I’m eating?” Talon says loudly, unfortunately his outburst only drew the attention of the grand foal obsessed alicorn.

“Yes I can, is that how you keep up that sexy military bod-”

“SHUT! THE FUCK! UP!” Cadence suddenly silences the room with a fiery outburst. “Sure, toss around jokes about screwing each other’s brains out all you want! It’s cute when it’s in house, isn’t it!? What about other people who don’t have three demi-gods and the creator of life as we know it, huh?! IS IT FUNNY TO JOKE ABOUT THEN!?” She’s panting with anger, an icy cold feeling permeating the room. All those present look at her with concern. “No, it isn’t funny is it? Joking about the people you love stabbing you in the back isn’t funny when it ACTUALLY HAPPENS!”

“Cadence…” Talon asks. “Is there something-”

“Shining is FUCKING the palace staff!” Cadence yells angrily, tears beginning to brim in her eyes. Very subtly the mood shifts from uncomfortable humor to serious. Talon steeples his fingers and leans forwards, meanwhile the alicorn's all look at Cadence. “He’s screwing the maids and pretty much any mare he sees… Every mare but me.” She begins quietly crying, prompting Talon to stand from his seat and walk towards her. He sits beside her and pulls her into a hug.

“I didn't see that one coming...” Morrigan mutters under her breath vaguely, rising to her hooves from her own seat and heads to the door. Luna and Nightie watch as Talon quietly cradles the sobbing pink alicorn in his arms.

“W-Why doesn't he want me anymore? I’m pretty, right? ...Right?” Cadence asks, Talon only nods in response. Luna and Nightie slowly make their way over, sitting beside Talon to offer their own support. Celestia is somewhat numb, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She’d married her niece, given the union her blessing, and now it seemed she’d failed to spot a textbook mare bedder closest to home.

“My dear, perhaps it would be best if we went someplace quieter.” The all mother suggests, looking at Cadence and extending a wing. Talon gives the candy colored babysitter a pat on the back.

“What do you say, Cadence? Why not go with her? I’ll go have some words with Shining.” He says comfortingly, Cadence shrugs quietly and goes to Morrigan’s waiting wing. Talon stands and straightens himself out, then looks at Luna and Nightie. “I’ll be back…” Without another word the man turns and walks towards the doors. He steps out into the hallway and begins walking bound for the hangar, ignoring the sound of the doors opening behind him.

“Talon, wait!” Luna’s voice calls out to him. She sighs, not wanting to get involved. As much as she loves her niece, this was the absolute worst time for them to try and save the world yet again. “Please, we must think further on this!” The man stops and looks at her with a raised eyebrow. “Mine flame, this is their problem, correct? Perhaps we should wait for Cadence to tell us whether she wants us to interfere or not?”

“Luna, come on-”

“TALON MASTERS!” Luna suddenly yells, stomping her fore hoof heavily in place, the sound akin to a thunderous crack echoing into the hallway. She appears slightly surprised at her own loudness. “Please, Mine Flame. This is not a matter we should intervene with, especially now. Perhaps it would be best if we wait for the situation and our emotions to calm, before we approach with a solution."

He furrows his eyebrows and sighs, folding his arms to his chest in protest. “...Alright. We'll play things your way...for now.” Talon says, somewhat taken aback by Luna’s outburst. Nightie emerges from the dining room as well and the three of them begin walking along, Talon standing behind them. He raises an eyebrow as he catches a whiff of something, possibly a new perfume, judging by the sweet smell.

* * * * *

Nightie sits uncomfortably upon the plush pillow within Luna's study, her mind running in circles of the events over breakfast, the new sensations she's experiencing, her mind nagging and itching. Her body feels hot to her, her heart thudding within her barrel loudly as she chews her lower lip in thought. Despite sitting in front of the opened balcony doors and the cool autumn wind blowing gently over her, she cant help but to still feel overheated.

Also within the study, Luna, Twilight and Cadence all sit at the nearby desk, quietly murmuring about just what to do with Shining Armor and his recent behavior. Celestia is angrily pacing in the center of the room, her rage upon a razors edge, ready to fly out to the Crystal Empire herself just to teach the cheating stallion a lesson about respecting mares.

Nightie sighs as she watches events unfold, her coat around her neck and chest still shiny from a small coating of sweat. She pants quietly, her mind carefully processing all of the new information about her body. Minutes passing by in silence, the only sound being the click-tick of the analog clock within the study. Her ears swivel as she finally notices the eerie silence, the black alicorn's teal eyes drifting to the room again. Surprise overtakes her as she sees the other 4 standing over her with curious expressions upon their muzzles, Celestia seeming to sniff over Nighties coat. "Sun bringer...what in the hell are you doing?" She asks, her eyebrows raised in confusion.

Celestia cocks her head to the side, sniffing the air again. "Nightie..." She breaths out under her breath. "You're sweating...a lot. It's got to be only fifty degrees out today." She remarks, a small grin forming over her lips.

Luna steps in, her own coat having formed a slight sheen to it as well. The midnight alicorn knows well what her symptoms are from, but is doing her very best to suppress the urges for the moment, until she can get some alone time with her husband. The alicorn sniffs the air as well, her jade orbs locking onto the Nightmare alicorn's own. "Uh oh..." Luna whispers under her breath, her sensitive nose picking up the sweet scent upon the air. Luna swallows hard, her mind piecing it together.

Nightie looks at the two of them, her eyes wide with confusion. "What difference does the temperature make? There's a fire clearly over in the hearth. I'm just simply not used to the heat of it with this body yet, that is all." She retorts bitterly, turning away from the gathering mares. Nightie chews upon her cheek within her maw, trying to ignore them now.

Celestia snickers, placing her hoof to her maw, hiding her mirth with little effort. "Well well...I knew the time dilation would affect Lulu's summer heat, but who knew our little filly nightmare would have one of her own so soon?" She says, grinning. Her mind now completely off of her plot to seek revenge upon a soon to be castrated stallion in the crystal empire.

Cadence now cleared her throat, the pink alicorn mare resting upon a pillow at the desk. "Wait...I'm a little out of the loop here. Just what do you mean she's in season? It's the fall. I've heard of some late bloomers, but there's no such thing as an autumn heat." She says as she cocks her head off to the side, her eyes tracing over the midnight and nightmare alicorn's. Sure enough, all of the biological signs are there. Sweat build-up on the coat, increased heart rate, pheromones going bonkers, and a light scent of copper in the air. All there alright.

"I think I can explain this one." Twilight comments as she clears her throat. "Because the commander and Luna were away on that strange world, time passed differently for them. It was right before the summer season for mares. My guess is Nightie here was split off from Luna around then, and since she was originally a part of Luna...it would only make sense if biologically, the two were the same down to even the cellular levels. Their biological clocks would be synced perfectly, meaning they would both go into season at the same time. Being that only a matter of two weeks or so passed for them, I'd say now is about that right time..." She interjects, trailing off.

The pink alicorn shakes her head and sighs, rising to her hooves and walking to the black alicorn now. Nightie locks onto her with her teal orbs, energy coiling to her hind legs to spring out of the room. She's quickly becoming uncomfortable, with all of this sudden attention on her. Nightmare Moon slowly channels some magic through her horn to form a thin shield, arcs of electricity dancing off of the tip as her magic forms an unstable field.

Cadence looks her over, nodding her head slowly. "First seasons are always hard, regardless of age. I was twelve years old before I got my first...I still remember how painful it was for me." She breathes out. "I'm guessing this is your first..." She quietly speaks out, still shaking her head in disbelief. She giggles softly. "I never thought I'd have this conversation...the Goddess of Death, Nightmare Moon herself in front of me...and I'm discussing seasons with her." She whispers to herself.

"Well, believe it." Celestia bites out, her hooves rubbing her temples now. Luna is bad enough during a season...Nightmare Moon in season would only be...a nightmare. Celestia feels a headache coming on, the thought of a lust drunk, savage alicorn of death with no concept of restraint, on the loose running rampant throughout Canterlot looking to be rutted. She could already see the headlines, causing her to cringe. "There has to be something we can do...even my own seasons are rough, and I've had several thousand years to curtail them. My first one was so painful, I still remember it even today."

Luna only gazes at Nightie, not with anger or contempt, but a soft sort of pity. She lets out a quiet sigh, seriously considering finding her flame now, to ask him to help service Nightie to help alleviate this. As a wedded mare, she never had to worry about this. When her own seasons occurred during the summer and even the occasional winter surprise, she always had Talon to fall back on. Just a few hours of locking herself in a room with him a few times a week was all it took until it bled off. Unless she turned human with her transformation spell, pregnancy was never an issue. Now seeing what she herself experienced before the pilot had come into her life, Luna feels her heart sink slightly. She knew the pain all too well.

First the seasonal signs appeared, almost like warning lights within her mind. Sweating even at sub zero temperatures, rapid heart rate, headache and light nausea. Then it got bad...cramps, oh such agonizing cramps, a feeling of fire within ones belly and neathers, followed by the most awful mind twisting lust. It would drive even the most faithful and devout mares to another stallion, if their own was unable or unwilling to service one in bed. The night goddess had seen all too many guilty dreams where the mares had dreamt of the secret partners they had, the painful guilt stressing them within their slumber. For some mares, the guilt was so dark and heavy, that it drove them to suicide.

She was nearly ready to go find the pilot and ask for his help, before she was snapped out of her trance like thought by Twilight jubilantly cheering. Luna turns her head to look at the lavender alicorn, her ears swiveling and listening.

"Why don't we just cast a suppression spell for now? It will at least alleviate some of the symptoms, if only long enough to figure out how to reset the season. I mean...how awful would it be to have an autumn heat every year, right? That would make foals born during...what, the summers? I know I couldn't do a summer pregnancy. I have just the spell I've been wanting to try anyway. Cadence and I were working on it, to help with the teen foaling rates in the Crystal Empire." She speaks up with a grin.

"You foals are reading too much into this." Nightie grits out between clenched teeth, all of this talk about her making the nightmare quickly become angry. "You all speak as if I'm not even before you, as if I'm some kind of animal. I may be new here within the herd, but show some respect." Her ears fold back against her skull, the black alicorn's teeth gnashing within her maw, her wings slightly vibrating with rage. More pronounced sparks of blue electricity arc off of her horn and form now, as she glares daggers at the four alicorn's in the room. "I am simply warm from the fire place, not in season. Now please, return to your brooding and sulking about the pink ones issues, so I can return to studying my master's machine from here in peace." She accentuates with her hoof, extending her foreleg out and pointing to the hangar below the balcony.

"Oh no you don't, Nightie. And my name is Cadence. Not pink one." She fires back, grinning. "Say what you will, but your hips don't lie. And we can definitely smell it from here. You." She says, lowering her muzzle down to Nightmares face, grinning. "Are." She prods Nightie's chest with her left for hoof. "In heat." She finishes, dragging her hoof edge gently across the black alicorn's velvet fur. "And it's only going to get worse."

Celestia sighs and nods, her magenta orbs focused in on Nightie. "I think my niece is right, and while I do want to trust you Obsolescence, the idea of you lust drunk and hunting down the one and only stallion who would willingly rut you and grinding his hips to dust isn't my idea of fun. Your first heat and first time would very likely kill him. Weather you like it or not, you need to undergo Twilight's plan. If we're mistaken and it is simply the heat from the fire..." Celestia motions with her horn to the distant fireplace, the white alicorn barely able to feel the heat of the flames from dwindling fire. "Then the spell will simply do nothing at all, and you can resume your sulking on the balcony."

Nightie glares at Celestia, chewing upon her cheek within her maw. "There is no need, Sun Bringer." She warns with a venomous hiss. "I am more than capable of controlling myself no matter what state of mind I'm in. Don't insult me with your pathetic reasoning." She declares hotly, through clenched teeth. Her wings seemingly vibrate more with her increasing anger at this, Nightmare's only thought being to leave the room now. To hell with the pink ones problems! She has no part of this!

Before the black alicorn could notice or react however, Cadence and Twilight had already managed to weave their spells together and encased the now surprised and helpless mortal mare within it. Blue and black discharges of electricity quickly shoot off in all directions from Nightmare Moon, causing a feedback surge right into the casting alicorn's horns. The room is engulfed in a magenta light from the three incompatible magic's merging, that creates a massive shock wave that shatters the glass windows, vases, picture frames and computer screens within the study.

* * * * *

Talon stares at the board before him in absolute confusion, stroking his stubble bearded chin as he contemplates his next move. This was near the end for him, his pile of play paper bits and candy nearly gone, with two giddy fillies giggling and scarfing down said candy now. If he rolls above a four, he'll make it over the two taunting red blocks on the board, and be back in the game for another round. If he rolls less than a four, it's game over, and two energetic fillies get to play house with one very exhausted fighter pilot.

Stardust rocks back and forth on her rump, eyeing the board with glee. This time she was the clever pony this game, learning from her sisters example during the last ponyoply game. This time...she set up the two hotels on the Canter-Walk and Hayseed Place spaces. She smiles as her papa finally picks up the two dice, the pilot rattling the two blocks with dots in his closed hand, the sounds causing her ears to twitch. The dies drop and roll on the board, causing the sweet filly to grin even wider. Her father rolled a three.

Moonlight Way jumps up and cheers loudly at the loss, watching the pilot scoot his piece to the first blue space, then pushing over his play bits and candy to Stardust. 'It's a great day!' She thinks to herself, knowing she gets to choose the next game.

Talon smiles tiredly, giving a gentle, loving pat on the head of the indigo filly, running his fingers through her mane. "Good job you two. I see your auntie sunny butt taught you both really well how to play this game. You might just be the Equis world champions at this game someday." He comments with his smile still, honestly proud that his daughters understood capitalism, at least in the sense of a game.

Stardust Kiss smiles up at her papa, before she rises to her hooves and steps to him. She rears up on her hind legs, her small feathery wings extending out for balance as she embraces him with her forelegs. The black alicorn filly nuzzles his neck lovingly, happy that her papa is home and safe, and spending quality time with them. Her tail sways and swishes slowly from side to side, displaying her glee and joy from the very bottom of her heart. In return, he picks her up and sets the filly in his lap, giving her a gentle, loving hug in return before stroking her back softly.

"Papa, can we go see the big birdies today? I really want to see what it's like to fly with you high in the sky." Stardust remarks with a smile, her muzzle turned up so she can eye her fathers face. His stubble beard tickles her nose, causing her to sneeze.

"Bless you!" He says with some surprise, wiping off his cheek of the spatters of spittle and filly nose goo. After he's convinced he's clean enough, he nods. "I don't see why not, we'll have to check with Sledge Hammer if his team is finished with all of the repairs though. The big birdie needs it's check ups too, just like a pony." He responds, giving the filly a scratch under her chin. "But if it's all fixed up, I think we can make some time to go for a flight. I can only take one of you at a time though, is that alright?"

Moonlight Way chirps quietly, finishing swallowing the last bit of candy from her pile, now that she's finished putting the board game away in the metal tin box given to them by Auntie Tia. "Why can't we both go, dad? Mama's big butt can fit, and we're not that big."

The pilot can't help but to let out a loud laugh at his daughters comment. After a few moments of the guffaw, he calms down and shakes his head, still letting out an uncontrolled chortle. "Yeah...your mom does have a big butt." He clears his throat, adopting a mock serious face. "Just don't tell her that."

With another happy sigh and a gentle scratching of Moonlight's scalp, the pilot heaves a tired breath. "There's only room for one in the seat, in case there's an emergency sweetie. If the big birdie has a serious problem, we'll have to eject out with the special chairs in the cockpit. Since the seat was only made for one rump, not two..." He says, lifting Stardust Kiss off of his lap, then rising to his feet. "It would be dangerous to have you both strapped into the chair. I love you both too much to ever risk anything like that. So one at a time."

Both fillies come to a rest on their rumps next to each other, craning their necks to look up at him. Their ears twitch and swivel like a radar dish as he leans back and pops his spine, the twins hearing satisfied grunts of relief from their father. Stardust Kiss yawns quietly, her maw opening wide and exposing her small canine fangs within her jaws. She licks and smacks her lips. "We understand papa." She responds with a soft, chipper tone. Moonlight Way nods and lets out a quiet chirp from her throat, smiling in agreement.

As Talon is about to speak and kneel down to the pair before him, a massive explosion rocks the floor, shaking the foundations below his boots. Hung pictures on the walls instantly come crashing down to the waiting carpet and marble landing with a resounding clatter or the sound of glass fracturing. He falls over from losing his balance, only to be caught within Stardust's gentle magic within a blink of an eye, held in place mid fall.

Sounds of shouting guards are heard in the distance down the hall, Stardust releasing the field and helping her father stand up again. Talon has an extremely worried expression on his face as he looks at the two fillies. "Girls, wait here a minute." He says quickly, turning on his heels and bolting to the door.

He opens the oak door slightly, glancing out into the hallway for any sign of trouble or an enemy. Seeing nothing, he quickly and quietly latches the door again, rushing back to the twins. They also have confused and scared expressions upon their muzzles, both fillies having their ears pinned against their skulls, somewhat shaking.

"Star, Moonlight, remember that game papa taught you? The hide and seek game?" He quickly asks, kneeling down to them. The fillies nod quickly, sounds of swallowing in unison audibly. "Good!" He breathes out quietly, nodding. "Let's play that game. I want you two to go hide in that safe spot I shown you, and don't come back out until I tell you it's safe, ok?" He says, his hands grasping each filly on their shoulder. "Go hide, papa's going to go see what's going on."

Stardust quickly turns on her hind hooves, running for the secret door hidden under her bed. Moonlight Way pauses in place, looking up at the pilot with eyes wide with fear. "Daddy...are you going to go fight the monsters again?" She asks, her wings twitching as her whole body begins to tremble. The sounds of shouting is getting closer down the hall, hoof beats and confused voices growing louder.

"Moony! Come on! We need to go!" Stardust hurriedly squeaks out to her sister. Moonlight keeps her hooves planted, her sapphire orbs staying trained on her father. She sees the man nod with a resolute look in his eyes.

"If the mean monsters came back, yes. But don't you worry even a little honey. This time, papa has a really big surprise for them." He responds with a smile. Go hide, just like mama and I taught you. I'll come get you when it's safe." He answers, watching her nod in understanding. She scampers off in a gallop to her sister, diving under the bed being magically suspended on it's side by Stardust Kiss. Once the two get into the stairwell under the bed, the wooden door with a carpet lid closes, the bed falling back upon it's four legs again with a dull thud, released from the fillies magic. Talon takes a deep breath and opens the door to the hall quickly, locking the fillies chamber door behind him as he exits.

Talon makes his way on foot down the corridor, finding the splintered and opened door to the study in pieces, a gray dusty smoke billowing out from the room. No guards have arrived here yet. Talon gasps for air greedily as he prepares himself mentally for whatever horror lay beyond the door. Changelings, Discord, a dragon attack...even an exploding cake assassination attempt from the pink meanace. He balls up his fists and forces the broken door open more, desperately searching the smokey haze for signs of life. The bauble around his neck glows brightly, the pilot not noticing the deep crimson light emanating from the orb.

* * * * *

Celestia moans out softly, shakily rising to her hooves moments after the spell shockwave had discharged. The room around her is in shambles. Chairs are overturned, potted plants absolutely destroyed and broken glass and mirrors everywhere. A thick cloud of dust is in the air, making the room hazy and the air difficult to breathe. Sounds of four other mares coughing reaches her ears, her magenta orbs tracing the silhouettes of the other occupants of the room slowly rising to their hooves. She quickly counts in her mind, seeing all four are safe, despite the total carnage.

"Oh ohhhh....what happened?" Luna asked, holding a hoof to her head. Her body feels as if she's on fire now, every inch of her furry hide aching, her mind a dull fog from the sensations she's experiencing. Her eyes lazily search the room in confusion as she comes to a rest upon her rump. She groans as her hoof falls to her aching and cramping belly now, the feeling of her estrus quickly becoming unbearable as the heat within her seems to become a raging inferno.

Twilight lets out a coughing fit, followed by a loud sneeze. "The..." Hack hack cough. "The magic...must have!" Hacking and coughing more. "Been incompatible! The spell backfired!" She groans out, her own fore hooves falling to her own aching barrel and belly, the alicorn mare falling on her side and curling into a ball, her tail whipping between her legs as she whimpers from the feeling.

Cadence only nods slowly, her eyes clouded over. Her heart is racing within her barrel, beating out of control. Her everything hurts. Muscles in places she didn't even know she had twang with pain and a dull prickly feeling. She feels as if she's in her very first season again, her mind numb and scattered as she stares blankly into the dusty haze.

The splintered and broken door swings open quickly, the sound of wood splitting as it's kicked in and smacking against the wall, before the hinges and screws give way and it collapses. Celestia can see a familiar shadowed figure of her white knight in the dust, a dull smile coming to her muzzle as she heaves tiredly.

"Luna!" Talon yells out, coughing as he fans away the dust with his hand. "Angel! Is any pony alive in here!" He shouts again, quickly rushing to the first mare form he finds. Nightmare Moon is laying on her side, limp and unconscious. He checks her pulse on her delicate throat, insuring she's breathing and unharmed.

"Mine flame..." Luna murmurs in a slurred voice, her eyelids drooped as she dully tries to focus on him. The wind from outside flowing in through the broken balcony doors and now the opened hallway door helps vent the dust out, aiding in clearing the air again quickly.

Celestia slowly steps forward, holding her fore hoof out to him. "Talon...over here!" She speaks out, shuddering as another wave of the haze within her overtakes the alicorn mare once more, Celestia's mind slowly piecing together what went wrong subconsciously. The pilot steps to her quickly, kneeling down to meet her gaze.

"What happened? Who attacked you?" He asked, looking around at the devastation within the room. 'Did a bomb go off in here or something?' He thinks, his eyebrows raised in confusion. All of the signs of an explosion were there, but no signs of burns or scorching anywhere. The one thing he could tell however by the direction of the cracks in the floor and walls, was that whatever happened originated in here, and right between Nightmare Moon and Cadence.

"We weren't attacked." Celestia breathes out, shuddering again and gasping for air. She closes her eyes for a moment and breathes. "A spell seriously malfunctioned, and caused a violent and destructive power surge." She coughs out. "I've...never seen one this bad before just from incompatible magic's intertwining..." She says as she collapses to her rump again.

The sound of a low, lust filled malicious growl fills the air, causing the hair on Talon's neck to stand up as his blood turns ice cold. Celestia and Talon both turn to face the direction in unison, seeing Cadence standing awkwardly. Her legs were spread far apart, her stance low and in an attack position, with her wings and ears splayed back and out. Her eyes were dull violet glass orbs, her chest heaving with a heavy breathless pant.

Twilight also slowly rises, her horn flickering with her purple magical aura, showing identical symptoms to Cadence. Her eyes appear almost slitted and draconic, her mane and tail beginning to fray and spring out unevenly in places.

"I...I won't wait any longer mine flame..." Luna coos out seductively, her jade draconic orbs almost glowing with a magical aura of pure malice and lust. She pants and licks her lips as her body is dripping with sweat, her breath visible steam as she breathes. Nightie awakens and moans out, also rising to her fore hooves and rump as she pushes herself up. Talon's eyes flick over to her briefly, as he sees the familiar teal slitted eyes focused upon the ground at her hooves with a dull numbness.

Celestia's eyes go wide with terror as she finally understands just how badly the spell backfired. It didn't cancel anything...it infected them all with a lustful death. Her eyes darted around quickly as she seen the four other alicorn's slowly stalk towards Talon and herself, the mares licking their teeth within their maws, their bodies shuddering with absolute desire--a burning need to sooth the fires within their neathers and bellies. A fire that could only be put out with the help of a single stallion. ...and there's only one that would do.

"Talon..." Celestia whispers. "You need to run." She hurriedly adds, quickly rising to her hooves. She alights her horn, the magic flickering and dieing as she begins to lose control. She swallows hard, knowing it won't be long now. She knows she's been infected as well.

"Sunny butt...what the fu--" He's cut off.

"RUN!" Celestia shouts, launching a burst of magic in a wide band field and knocking the four lust drunk mares to the ground. The all skid on their rumps and slam against the wall, Celestia tackling the man with her shoulder and putting him over her back. She sparks her horn again, encasing him on her now within her magic, and galloping with a mad sprint to the balcony. Her wings snap open, the force enough to make her cry out as she takes to the air. Her every muscle burned, her only hope to keep from plummeting to their deaths was to keep her will strong long enough to land in safety. She pumps her wings to gain altitude quickly, desperately trying to get away from Canterlot. She has to keep him away long enough for the spell to wear off, or she knew he would be killed by them. Talon as strong as he may be, could never hope to stand up against four lust drunk, frisky alicorn mares at once. No mortal could survive that.

Her magic begins to fail as she climbs higher and higher above the towers, the man slipping off and unable to grasp anything to prevent his fall. Celestia continues her dead vertical climb, tears streaming from her eyes as she fights to keep climbing. She couldn't let him be slaughtered by them! Even if they were out of their minds, she refused to let him die!

"Tia!" He shouts, desperately trying to wrap his arms around any part of the white alicorn he could. Right as he almost had enough freedom in his arms to grab around her barrel, the magic failed, gravity beginning to take effect again. He screams out in horror as he falls away from her, the pilot flailing and kicking against open air in free fall.

Celestia immediately stalls out, folding her wings in and turning back into a nose dive, then pumping her wings again to gain speed. The alicorn holds her forelegs out the farthest she could, fighting to grab him as they fall over a hundred miles per hour back to the castle. They pass the peaks of the towers quickly, roof tiles and windows nothing but a blur. She inches closer and closer, closing the gap. Almost to him!

She makes contact, grabbing Talon in her embrace, then snapping her wings back again to change course. They barrel uncontrolled back to her balcony, crashing through the rail, into the balcony doors and shattering the ornate glass. The couple tumble freely into the room, Celestia losing her grip upon impact, sending Talon smacking into the wall on the opposing side of the room, while she crash lands and obliterates the vanity next to the bed, leaving an alicorn ass impression in the stone wall behind what remained of the once beautiful centuries old furniture.

Talon groans in pain, holding his left arm and cradling it. "Gah!" He spits out, rolling over on his side and breathing hard. His back and neck feel like someone just beat the ever living shit out of him repeatedly. He gasps for air and recollects himself, rising to his butt as he gets to a sitting position, panting hard. His head falls back against the wall with a dull thump as he blinks the stars out of his vision, trying to process what happened.

The sounds of a gentle giggle reach his ears, the pilot opening his eyes again and focusing on the slowly moving form of the white alicorn. Celestia rights herself and begins to push her body back up onto her hooves, the soft giggling from her throat quietly turning into a low maniacal laughter.

"Oh Talon..." she whispers, her speech slurred and slow, the alicorn sounding as if she were drunken. "He he he...oh Talon my love...I've been such a naughtypony...." She says, licking her lips. He goes wide eyed, seeing, but not believing. His jaw drops in horror as he stares her down. Celestia's glowing magenta eyes turn hot pink, the pupils turning into draconic slits as she emits an almost demonic laugh. "...I think you need to come punish my filly bits..." She slurs out, slowly stalking to him. He swallows hard, shaking his head slowly in terror.

"H--Hey now..." He scoots back against the wall more, rising shakily to his feet and moving for the exit, never taking his eyes off of the alicorn. "Come on Sunny Butt, we're friends, right? You can't be serious."

Celestia stalks forward, her hips swaying slowly to and fro, her tail swishing behind her. The pilot can smell the heavy sweet scent in the air wafting from her nether's, a small trail of shiny, milky semi clear fluid being left in her wake. "Oh...but I am so very...very...serious." She slurs out, her glowing pink draconic orbs glassed over. Her wings fold back against her sides as she steps to him, closer and closer. "I've never been so serious in my life...watching you every day, wanting what I couldn't have. ...and now you're all mine." She says breathlessly, her muzzle colored a deep blush.

He inches to the door more the closer she steps to him, his eyes never leaving hers. "Tia...come on now, something is wrong...simmer down a bit and we'll get you fixed right up!" He rushes out, swallowing hard as she begins to shake her head slowly, licking her lips. His eyes go wide as her horn begins to spark off with golden light.

He crosses over the doorway to the washroom, his hand grasping blindly for the handle. He watches with fear as the alicorn lowers herself into a pounce position, her tail swishing side to side as she shakes her rump, ready for the strike. Right as she springs into the air at him, he twists the handle and drops to his back, Celestia flying right over him and crash landing into the bathroom. Without thinking he scrambles to his side, then back to his feet as he tries to escape.

Celestia also scrambles to her hooves, the white alicorn slipping and sliding as if she were on ice, over the marbles well polished surface. Sounds of her bare keratin hoof walls connecting and scuffling against the tiles reach the pilots ears, him catching her struggling for balance and traction out of the corner of his eye. The pilot quickly exits, slamming the door shut behind him as he flees for his life now.

She belts out an enraged equine scream from deep within her barrel, the white alicorn rearing up and kicking the door, her forelegs and hooves beating mercisily against the thick, ornate oak door. Talon rests against the other side for a moment, catching his breath. Celestia continues to beat against the surface with her bare hooves, screaming louder and angrier, her piercing cry almost primal in nature. "Talon you open this door this instant! I won't be denied being rutted! I demand to be bent over and given a roll in the hay until either of us can't walk fly boy!" She howls in rage to him, continuing her kicks to the oak partition.

Talon on the other side of the door continues to hold the handle tightly, taking the brunt of the impacts against his back from Celestia's continuous bludgeons of the door. After a few minutes of this, she seems to quiet down suddenly, the pilot not hearing her strings of insults and howls. He breathes hard, blinking in confusion. "...you done yet?" He whispers to himself, getting ready to release the chrome door handle from his hand. Right when he starts to move away to face the washroom door again, the door suddenly splinters as a panel is breached. He goes wide eyed, seeing her bare rear hoof hanging out of the hole now, only inches from his face.

Celestia belts out another primal equine scream of anger, before retracting her hind leg and turning around within the washroom. She lowers her muzzle down and looks through the hole she made in the door, staring out at the man with one glowing magenta orb. She breathes out an angered huff, grinning maliciously, her eye narrowed as she spots her target, the cat like slit contracting to an almost razor thin line.

"...nope...uh uh." Talon shakes his head quickly, releasing the handle and making a break for Celestia's chambers door. He starts to run, quickly exiting as she continues to tear down the washroom door behind him. He runs into the halls, sounds of wood splintering and shattering echo into the grand corridor. Talon breathes hard, rounding corners quickly and running at his top speed back to the Lunar wing. He can hear the sounds of a loud, maniacal laughter in the distance behind him, the echo of hoof beats quickly making it's way to his ears. "Shit shit shit SHIT!" He breathes out, continuing to run.

* * * * *

Dusty Shine pants heavily as she tries to calm her nerves, sitting at her dining room table in the dark of her chambers. Her mind is reeling in confusion, trying to process what could be wrong with herself. The Earthen pony mare chews on her cheek within her maw, staring at the black liquid within the coffee mug contemplating, a perplexed expression on her muzzle.

She had awoken fine just two hours ago, nothing strange or out of the ordinary. While she was cleaning her chambers just a few minutes ago however, something felt terribly off, just seconds after she had felt a strange tingling sensation overtake her form. Now, nothing made sense. Her body felt hot, the highest concentration of it between her hind legs. Her belly had felt simply awful now, with horrible cramps beginning to take hold. The pain not necessarily bad and debilitating, but uncomfortable and nauseating. Her head felt light and dizzy, her heart felt as if it were thundering within her chest like a drum. She sighs and blows a loch of blue mane from her vision, her facial expression one of a perplexed scowl.

A heavy knock upon the door gets her attention, the mare looking up with some annoyance. "Who is it?" She calls out, looking to the foyer of her chambers. The voice that answers back leaves her wide eyed with concern, causing her to push her contemplation of her problems off to the back of her mind.

"Dusty! It's me, let me in!" Talon rushes, out of breath. "Hurry!" He calls out again, looking behind him. He can see a shadow in the distant corner down the hall, the shadow of an alicorn in heat chasing him. Celestia's melodic voice echo's in the halls, the sounds of laughter. '...Damnit, where the fuck are the guards?! Isn't there some protocol for crazed alicorn's?!' He whispers, knocking again. "Dusty, open up!"

She quickly canters to the door, careful of the wet floor tiles to prevent herself from slipping. She sighs with confusion and opens the door, her disbelieving what greets her. Talon is standing at the door for just a moment, before he forces his way in, pushing the mare to the side before he quickly and quietly closes the door behind him, locking it. He's panting, completely out of breath.

"Commander, what's wrong?!" Dusty speaks. The sounds of laughter get closer to the door. "What in heofon is goi--- mmmff!" She's cut off when his hands clamp down on her muzzle, silencing the former maid.

He keeps breathing hard, desperately trying not to make a sound as he listens carefully to the sounds outside the door. Celestia's voice and hoof steps skipping by almost echo beyond the door, the quiet clacking of her bare hooves against the marble floors ringing out softly in the halls, before passing by and continuing on, the deranged princess continuing her search for the pilot.

As he pants for a few moments, Talon continues looking at the very confused mare in the eyes, Dusty only staring back into his emerald eyes with confusion and worry. She breathes deep the scent of sweat from his palms and skin, her mind running in circles, slowly hazing over and bewitching her. It's not painful by any means, his grip and touching her snout while leaving her bewildered, was also welcomed and somewhat enjoyed.

He releases her snout from his hands, backing off before heaving a tired breath. "Sorry for doing that. Sunny butt has gone nuts, and you almost gave away our position." He comments bitterly, letting out a quiet sigh. "Something is wrong with all of them Dusty. It all happened so fast..."

She chews on her lower lip, nodding slowly while the two stand in the dimly lit foyer. Her nether's and hind still feel hot, an almost dull ache, an itch nagging and gnawing at her mind. She tries to suppress it however, the mare trying to focus and concentrate on the matter at hoof. Her herd mate seemed to be in trouble, her lover in danger. Dusty swallows her own problems and perks her ears forward and at attention, listening carefully to him as they remain stationary by the front door. "Yes, go on. What happened?" She quietly asks, her nostrils flaring as she inhales deeply, picking up the scent of the pilot. She can feel the body heat from his exertion warming her fur, even from a few inches away. Dusty slowly steps forward, her eyes glued to his.

Talon closes his eyes for a moment, thinking. "I'm not sure where to begin. ...I was with the twins playing a game with them, when I heard and felt some kind of explosion. I had sent them to the safe room you and I built, then went to check on things. The explosion came from Luna's study." He opens his eyes and looks at her. "When I got in there, Celestia had said some kind of spell had gone really bad, the next thing I knew she was screaming at me to run away. She kinda...ponynapped me out of the office, and we landed in her chambers. The crash must have jumbled up her brain, because now she's just as nutty as the other four...there's something seriously wrong with them Dusty. Their eyes...they were glowing, slitted like Nighties...or..."

She listens attentively, the feeling still building within the pit of her belly, the almost unbearable sensation to her private area gnawing at her mind. Her eyes continue to haze over while she listens, the mare fighting to maintain focus. "Or what, Talon?"

"Chrysalis." He breathes out. "Their eyes were looking like the parasites...Dusty, could they have been taken over by the parasite somehow?" He asks, worry laced deep in his tone.

Dusty Shine shakes her head. "N--no...I don't think so. The bugs were all slaughtered when you detonated that weapon on their hive, and as far as I know, Chrysalis was the only queen in existence. The drones never went far from her, and there were never any other hives spotted. Any additional drones that were located in other cities after the war were all either dead or dieing when the hive mind collapsed. The surviving ones were all terminated, as per Celestia's orders. The parasite is an extinct species, commander." She responds, her ears swiveling now as she shifts her weight on her hooves, her tail fanning away at her rump to help relieve the pressure and heat building there. "If Celestia said it was a spell, then it was probably a spell. My guess is probably one of Princess Twilight's shenanigans again. It'll probably wear off in a few hours. You're welcome to wait here for a while, until we can sneak out to the safe room to get the twins."

He nods, waiting for the mare to move out of the way so he can at least take a seat and catch his breath. The mare turns around, not thinking as she continues to swish her tail, giving the pilot an impromptu view of what's behind the tail hairs. He averts his eyes out of respect, fighting with himself not to look. "Would you like some coffee? I just made a fresh pot." She says stepping carefully over the slick floor tiles. She presses her hooves down firmly, the frogs gripping like suction cups for traction over the wet surface of the marble.

"Considering this morning, I'll take it with a splash of whiskey." He says, shaking his head. He takes a couple of steps, before his heel slips. Without a thought and only on instinct, he frantically flails for something to grab to save himself from the fall, but to no avail. The pilot loses his footing, and comes crashing down, his head slamming against the door hard, knocking him out cold.

She hears the struggle, her ears swiveling backward before she hears a sudden thunk. "Commander?" She asks, turning around quickly. Her eyebrows raise in confusion, seeing him on the ground. "...Talon?" She breathes out again, worried. Dusty Shine turns around slowly over the slick tiles, returning to him. Bending down she nudges his face with her muzzle. "Come on now, it's not the time or place to lay down. Get up." She calls out, reaching out to shake him with her foreleg. She studies him for a moment, her eyes drifting upward against the door, tracing where she sees the door handle. 'Great...' she mutters.

* * * * *

Dusty heaves a tired breath, coming to a rest upon her rump. It was a struggle carrying the unconscious man to her bed, the mare having no idea he actually weighed so much. Even for being a mustang Earthen mare of eleven and a half hooves high, she's still winded from the sheer strength it had taken. Dusty was no lightweight, but she was no farm maiden either. Living out in the wild of Hollow Shades planes, she had gained endurance, not overwhelming strength like most domestic Earthen mares had around this part of Equestria. Being sick as she is now didn't help either. Her whole body felt hot and achy, just as if she was suffering from the equine flu, or in a very high grade estrus.

She hears the man moan out, her ears pricking forward as she looks him over. He remains asleep from the klonk to his noggin. She studies him as she sits up in her rigid posture, her eyes tracing over his features. 'Heh...I wanted him in my bed...I can't say I ever thought this would be the first time.' She thinks, trying to suppress a laugh as she thought about it. She breathes deep, about to leave the room to get him an ice pack for his head, when another random thought drifts into her mind.

'What if he gets back up before I mend him...head wounds can be so dangerous after all...' Her hooves stop and freeze in place, her tail swishing side to side quickly as she considers everything. The mare bites her lower lip harder, the taste of copper within her maw. Dusty turns around, looking at him briefly. She goes to turn away again, her eyes spotting her sash from her robe laying on the floor. She glances at the sash for a moment, her eyes drifting back to the headboard of the bed. She continues this process, repeating it for several moments, before she swallows hard, her vision becoming somewhat blurred and hazy.

'It would be such a shame if he were to hurt himself...I'm just tieing him up so he can't escape my care...yep...because he's such a stubborn stallion, never wanting to take care of himself, but he'll go out of his way for others. Miss Luna always has to force him just to eat! ...I'd be doing him a favor...right?' She thinks, still chewing on her lower lip. She nods slowly, then walks slowly and quietly over the carpeted floor of the bed chambers, drawing out the silken sash slowly from the loops. She grasps it within her maw, then slowly climbs back onto the bed, stepping slowly over the man as not to awaken him.

Dusty comes to a rest upon her haunches, hovering just over him carefully, the mare using her fore hooves to move his arms up. She binds his wrists together, looping the sash through the wooden slats and tieing it off carefully with her maw and hooves. Satisfied with her work, she begins to climb off of the bed again, bound for the kitchens ice box to make him a cold compress. As she's slowly reversing off of the bed, the lips of her marehood brush against the humans pants, causing a wild, uncontrolled shudder to overtake her body.

It takes her a moment to reclaim her composure, the short, but powerful wave of pleasure tearing through her like lightning. She pants quietly, her tongue poking out of her maw slightly as she tries to resume her course of climbing off of the bed. Once she succeeds, she attempts to shake off the feeling from before. 'whew...ok, get it together old girl.' She thinks, turning away once more. Her hooves remain planted, the mare unable to take her eyes off of him. His scent is heavily in the air, all of her senses amplified now. Her heart continues to thud within her, her mind almost numb, as if she's on some kind of drug.

She continues to pant quietly, sweat building and trickling down her sides, her mane sticking to her neck as hot flashes race throughout her form. Within the mare is a very serious conflict. Her body and mind are not responding to her will, only her heart and her soul within her demanding to leave before she pushes this too far. But the will of the flesh is sometimes louder than the will of the heart, her mind seeming to ignore the other now tiny voice within her, the mustang not moving. Without realizing it while she stared at his sleeping form, her hoof had drifted down to her belly, then slowly down to the hot spot between her hind legs, stroking and rubbing slowly. Her ears failed to register the wet, squelching noises slowly and quietly drifting into the air as she unknowingly rubbed, still eyeing him.

Her body felt hot, her mind nearly completely gone, the heat of estrus once more taking control of her. Her eyes glass over as a glimmer of saliva drips from the tip of her tongue, the mares brain slowly rationalizing and sorting through thoughts. To her, the room feels hot...wouldn't that mean her herd mate was hot too? She glances at the thermometer on the window of her bedroom, the silver fluid within the vial reading at the halfway mark...surely it must be broken the thought, the sweat still forming along her coat and giving her a glossy sheen. She swallows hard, her eyes focused back on the pilot. Instinctively she rises to her hooves again, her body moving with a will of its own, a primal sort of need filling her, commanding her to be closer. The scent of his cologne mixed with his natural scent, the sweet smell of fuel, engine exhaust and a sort of sugary sweetness filling her lungs. Her eyes lid themselves as she comes to a stop, the mare leaning over him, slowly unbuttoning and unzipping his flight jacket. Once it's undone, she moves her fore hooves slowly, slipping the jacket open. Her eyes trace her own hoof, seeing the glistening wetness dipping off of the tip of her bare hoof and onto his skin and shirt.

She breathes deep, the scent of the pilot overwhelming her now, only the primal instinct within her left screaming, calling for what needs to be done. She can't take the waiting anymore, the endless nights of being alone, of never feeling the urge within her being quelled. She quietly begins to laugh softly, her muzzle drifting downward and to the side. Her eyes close as she works with her teeth, tugging and ripping gently at the leather belt and fabric of the uniform, her ears turned back and lazily outward.

It's not until Dusty has successfully removed his uniform pants mostly and climbed on, until Talon wakes up. He groggily murmurs, the pain in his head leaving his ears ringing and his vision blurred. He feels a weight pressing down on his hips, with the same warmth and texture of his alicorn, Luna. Shaking his head slowly, he groans, trying to move his hands to his head. "Uhgh...Angel...not now honey." He grunts. His arms wont move, he can't pull them from above his head. This immediately registers within his mind, bringing the groggy humans senses back to full red alert now, alarms screaming within his brain. His eyes open wide and focus down as he hears a moan, the pilot lifting his head. What he sees, leaves him dumbstruck and beginning to become angered.

Dusty doesn't stop in her movements, the mustang mare slowly grinding her hips and nether's against his exposed flesh, feeling her lips separated and stimulated as she moves back and forth. Her fore hooves come down and press on his chest as she leans down, her eyes closed as she goes to kiss him, the mare completely on instinct and out of her mind. As she bends down, she rocks her hips a bit, aligning the prize with her entrance, slipping back slowly and pushing her weight into it. Her eyes open once she feels the pressure building on her insides, something within her ripping slowly as it expands. She gasps with delight as she feels it filling her, stretching and finally breaking that virgin seal within her almost with a small 'pop'. A loud moan escapes her throat as she purrs lovingly, her lips meeting his.

"Dusty...stop it." He whispers quietly, desperately trying to ignore the heat and wet cavity encompassing him. "Snap out of it...this isn't you!" He's silenced as she continues to kiss him, the mare hungrily doing so, even going as far as to steal the breath from his lungs in her kiss. She pulls away, her glossy, amber orbs unfocused as she smiles in a daze, a thin thread of saliva bridging from her gaping maw to his lips, the mare panting breathlessly as she tries to soothe the primal need, the mindless lust that overtook her sanity.

Her hips rock as she steadies herself, her muscles contracting as she slides further down him, greedily taking more and more, until she reaches her limit. Her mind finally registers a new sensation far deeper than any of her toys have gone, her wall breached and a new depth penetrated. Her weight comes down onto him now, the pilot grunting and beginning to seriously rip at the sash, the headboard creaking under the stress of his strength. She only giggles mindlessly, her eyes closed partially as her tongue hangs out of her maw, the mares ears splayed out to the sides. She rocks faster, squeezing with her nether's, the primal instinct within her blood guiding her body of how to gain the seed she needed to quell the fires deep within her.

"Oohh...this...this is..." She murmurs, continuing to push herself up with her hind knees and fore hooves, then falling back down to force him deeper. Her breathing becomes more labored as she exerts herself, her eyes staring unfocused as she continues, the sheets and bed becoming soaked with her pleasure., her moans becoming louder with her every movement, the mustang mare only held in the throws of pure ecstasy now.

He can't take this. His body just wont respond to the minds command to shut down. He continues to rip at the sash, trying to twist his hips from side to side to throw her off, the mares near alicorn strength holding him in place too much to put up much of a fight. The sensations of her grip are more than even Luna's was the first time, the heat unbearable. Talon knows if he doesn't get her off of him very soon, he's going to have a whole hell of a lot of explaining that could easily result in his death, to do to one very selfish midnight alicorn. The thought of Luna races through his mind, wishing it was her he was trapped under right now instead. The wooden slat continues to groan and creak under the stress, the wood beginning to give way and fracture under his continued hits. He continues trying to ignore what's happening, his only thoughts on escape without hurting her too badly.

"Dusty! This is a spell! Snap out of it!" He yells at her, the sounds of the sashes fabric ripping and breaking fill the air, along with the creaking bed from the shifting weight. The bindings begin to loosen, he can almost break free!

She clenches down, clamping live a vice on him as she orgasms, every muscle within her squeezing and pulling. Within seconds of emptying her lungs of air, she feels a new sensation flooding her, an intense heat releasing deep within her, pulsing again and again. She continues to rock her hips, slowing down in her movements until the pulsing stops, the feeling of the fire within her finally quelled, the crippling heat relieved. She stops finally, lowering herself forward and resting her muzzle in the crook of his neck, on his shoulder. She grunts and breathes tiredly, the sweat dripping off of her fur as she lets out a low whickering nicker.

Talon breathes hard, eyes wide with horror at what just happened, staring blankly up at the ceiling. His brain just refuses to process what the hell just happened. Minutes pass, the mare not moving from her resting position on his chest, the pilot able to feel her rhythmic breathing and slowing heart rate. He nudges her head with his jaw, no response from her other than a soft whinny.

'Son of a bitch...' He thinks to himself, understanding the mare is fast asleep. His upper lip quivers and scrunches with a degree of anger. 'Ho'kay...she's under a spell...space pony voodoo is weird like this...and apparently... getting laid by the maids is now par for the course.' The sash finally rips enough for him to break free, the man freeing his hand to untie his other arm from the bed. He heaves with all of his remaining strength, pushing the slumbering mare off of him, and quickly rolling off of the bed to the ground. He pants for a moment before grabbing the waist of his uniform pants, getting his clothes back on properly. His ears are ringing from his head being hurt earlier, a dull throbbing running the length of his neck down his spine. He rises to his feet and turns to the sleeping mustang mare, shaking his head. "Dusty...when you're fixed, you and I are going to have to work on our communication." He mutters, turning to exit.

He closes her bedroom door behind him, turning to the darken kitchenette and living area. First priority: find a sink and wash this off. Next priority, get to the twins, get in the bird, and fly the hell away from Canterlot until this blows over. He's already been surprised by the mother in law in bed, yelled at by the wife, almost raped and murdered by his most trusted friend, and now actually raped by another. Thus far, this day isn't going well. He shakes his head with disbelief as he makes his way to the sink, grabbing a random rag from Dusty's kitchen drawers to begin cleaning off the mares fluids.

Minutes pass, the pilot scrubbing feverishly with the rag and soap, wiping off any evidence of what just transpired, his fatigues soaked in places where he spot cleaned, his skin sensitive in other areas now. He rolls his eyes and buckles everything back up, fixing his uniform back to Navy regulations. He sighs, a small twitch from his right eye. 'After we land wherever...shower...Shower for sure....' He thinks. He quietly walks to the door at the foyer, tip toeing silently as not to awaken the lust drunk mustang mare for another round. No way his hips could take another beating like that.

He cracks the door open, checking through the small slit to see if Celestia or any pony is within the halls. Breathing hard, he searches, finding no pony. The halls are empty. He opens the door wide enough to exit, and steps out into the hallway, making a break for the twins room.

* * * * *

He continues to sneak around the empty halls, sounds of some commotion in the distance, with no sign of any pony. Sweat beads up on his forehead as he quietly steps, the man's heart thundering within his chest as he scoots closely to the wall, peering around the corner.

He hears the sound akin to wind chimes, a sweet scent in the air suddenly like fresh clean wind on a crisp winters day. He feels a brush of warm air on the nape of his neck, causing him to freeze in place suddenly.

"And since when do princes sneak around their own palace?" She speaks, a warm, loving smile upon her muzzle as she eyes the pilot. She grins as he turns around, the all mother maintaining her position and meeting his gaze. "You seem distressed, young one. Whatever could be that which troubles you?" She asks, still grinning like a Cheshire pony.

"Oh good God..." He whispers, knowing there's no escape from this alicorn. He braces himself for whatever is next, screwing his eyes shut and waiting for what happens next. This only causes Morrigan to giggle softly, the Goddess gently pawing his chest.

"I am a Goddess, my friend. Not a God. But I do believe I am truly good as you would say." She whispers to him, leaning forward and placing a delicate, friendly lick to his lips. "Calm yourself, you won't be harmed." She says sweetly, trying to reassure him.

He opens his eyes in surprise, swallowing hard. "Ma'am...I need your help...please. Something terrible has happened! All of the mares around here have lost their minds!" He rushes out, eyeing her. "You have to help me."

She moves a hoof to her maw in thought, before bringing the foreleg back to a rest and shaking her head, still smiling. "No...I think I shan't do a thing this time. This is too exciting." She says with a smile.

He stares at her dumbfounded. "But--"

She cuts him off. "What is happening, my dear Talon, is that a spell has caused a surge that has reduced every mare to their most primal instincts. Instincts that I myself had programmed into each and every single one of them. What's more, I had a hoof in insuring that it would only drive the mares to the ones that they loved the most....truly, it was meant for only Nightie and Lulu...as I only wished for more grand foals for me to spoil while I'm here in this form. But alas...my meddling daughters Cadenza and Twilight Sparkle had to try to undo my careful work. They should know that everything has it's fair price."

He balls up his fists, the pilot squeezing so tight that his nails dig into his palms, small droplets of blood beginning to fall to the marble floor at his boots. "Morrigan...please I beg of you...set this right. This backfire had caused an innocent friend of mine to hurt herself...and something very wrong became of it. Please...undo this madness."

She smiles softly, a sad look in her eyes. "I will not..." Clearing her throat, she rises to her true height, her wings slowly extending, her illustrious emerald orbs gazing into his own with such intensity that he begins to feel somewhat afraid. "Talon...as I stated, I corrected the spell mishap so that it would only drive them to the ones they loved. The ponies they truly loved with their heart and soul. The same true love that exists as the foundations of Heofon. You didn't harm Dusty Shine...nor did she harm herself. What it was that transpired was something of beauty, and her baring her eternal soul to you. You yourself had declared she could be a part of your herd, your family. It was not my hoof work that had made this come to pass. As her master, she felt the only way at her most primal level was to give herself to you...and in doing so sealing the bond for eternity. Just as Celestia and Cadenza will soon do as well...and just as my dearest Obsolescence. There is no escape from your fate, so I speak."

"Morrigan!" He breathes out with frustration. "I beg of you, release their minds from this madness! Even if this is just a spell, it could seriously throw off their anatomy. You could be damaging them! What of the children, the teenage mares out there?! The ones here?! What of my own children?! Your madness will kill them!"

"Watch your tone, mortal." She declares with a warning hiss, narrowing her eyes slightly. "What has been done will only affect those of age...not the young and innocent. You insult me by even thinking for a moment I would allow harm to the innocence of childhood." She eyes him as he stands his ground defiantly, bringing her muzzle close to his face. She's so close, he can smell her breath. "I am not my sisters...I would never bring harm to the innocent...Do not ever compare me with Macha...Do not ever compare me to Nehimane."

With a soft sigh she folds her wings back to her sides, her expression lightening and a soft smile returning to her lips. "I will guard my precious grand daughters, I shall entertain them in the room you have built with your own hands, and the strength of your back. You needn't ever worry about them coming to harm from any stallion or mare this day. I would rip apart the foundations of reality with a fury unknown to immortal minds should any creature ever even consider it...Now you will play the game. Your machine is your only source of escape. So I'll make you a deal...make your way to your beloved war machine. If you should be able to take off safely and make it into the sky, I will undo the spell and everything which has occurred, to return your life to what it was. You shall awaken safely in your bed, and no pony but you will remember this day. You will be able to choose when my daughters will birth foals for me to spoil of your own free will."

"But...should you be captured by any one of them...you lose the game, and you must allow it to time out once they are all satisfied and their instincts have been quelled, the fires within them quenched. Cadenza will become a part of your family, and Celestia and Obsolescence shall birth many grand foals for me to enjoy for eternity...so I have spoken." She finishes. She eyes him with curiosity, seeing him nod slowly. "Now...run...let the chase begin." She finishes with a grin. Before she could blink, Talon had taken off on foot like a bolt of lightning, racing as fast as his feet would carry him for the ballroom.

* * * * *

"Ok mom...you wanna play a game? Let's change the rules a bit..." He whispers under his breath, halfway to the hanger. It'll only be a few minutes now, the pilot close to being able to bring this insanity to an end. He swings around a corner, bumping right into what he dreaded the most right now...another mare. This one stopped in the middle of the corridor. He backs up, his breath held in fear as she turns around, the pilot immediately recognizing her. It's Fleur Di Lis.

"Oh! Commander Masters. Pleasure seeing you today." She cheerfully says, smiling to him. He looks at her eyes carefully, seeing the mare seems to have a clear head. She pauses and holds still, the once unicorn super model, now night watch for the command center mare gazing over him. "Commander...is there...something you need?"

"Uh..." He breathes out. "No...nothing at the moment...you ok?" He worriedly says, backing up slowly. "You're...fine, right?"

She qwerks an eyebrow and nods slowly. "Oui, I believe I am fine, monsure." She replies smoothly in her Prance accent. "I was just on my way home. Madam Dusty was...not in the command center today, so I was working a little extra." She comments. "It's a little warm today, no?" She says, fanning herself with a hoof.

He swallows hard. "Oh hell no..not another one..." He swallows hard, backing up slowly. The unicorn mare steps forward , smiling sweetly.

"Monsure, are you alright?" She asks in her silken accent, her eyes focused on him. "Perhaps you should rest...you seem winded, and that you could use a shower." She mentions quietly, sniffing the air. She can pick up the scent of a mare on him, her nostrils flaring slightly. A door opens behind them in the hall, an olive drab coated Earth pony emerging from a supply room, sighing, then lighting a cigar before adjusting his Stetson and turning to walk out.

Her eyes light up with joy, Fleur side stepping the pilot mindlessly and walking straight for the stallion. "Oui! Magnific!" She chimes out loudly, quickly cantering down the hall to him. Talon breathes out a sigh of relief and continues his course, only to suddenly stop as he hears a yelp.

'Whut in tarnation?! What are ya doing, ya silly mare?!' The voice belts out. The pilot turns around with surprised curiosity, seeing, but by no means believing. There in the hall just fifty feet away, Fleur had the stallion pinned against the wall, passionately kissing him, giving love bites to his neck and ears. The stallion while surprised, didn't seem to be struggling too much. He cracks a smile, then turns to walk away.

"Monsure Sledge...I can't wait any---" The voice fades as he rounds the corner, continuing his walk to the hangar. It won't be too much longer before he beats Morrigan at her own game, with the help of his secret weapon.

* * * * *

The walk continues quickly, more sounds of commotion up ahead. He slows his walk down now, seeing Dark Fury in the hall a short distance away, the elite Lunar Stallion reading over a report with another Thestral, the guards look appears concerned and frustrated.

"Fury!" he speaks up, waving him down. The elite Lunar guard looks up, smiling.

"Ah! Comrade Commander! You are ok, yes? For zis I am glad!" He jubiliantly calls out with a wide grin. The stallion walks up to him, then embraces the pilot with a bone crushing hug. "I vas so vorried vhen princess study explode! And strange...yes? Princesses...zey seemed to be looking for you! Somezing seemed very interested in finding you. Vut I say 'I do not know vere is comrade!' And here you are! I can take you to zem!" He smiles with glee, puffing out his chest.

"No! No fury...listen uh...we're playing a game! Right..a game. Look, it's hide and seek, and I win the game if I can make it to the war bird. Can you help me out buddy?" Talon asks, with a hopeful smile.

"Hmm...ve are investigating a crime vith night princesses study, comrade...a game iz not good timed, yes?" He responds, bringing a hoof to his maw. "Maybe ve should play another time?"

"No! The study was...it was me. I was working on a new project, and it went up in smoke. Don't worry my friend. I'll fix it all up later after I win, ok?" He nods furiously. "Now look...I just need you and the other guys to distract the princesses while I make it to the bird, can I count on you?" He asks.

The Lunar Stallion pauses, deep in thought for a moment, before nodding. "Done, comrade! I vill see to it every guard iz helping you!" He salutes, grinning. "You can count on ze Lunar Stallions, Comrade Prince, for glory of ze motherland!"

Dark Fury gives Talon a hard pat on the back, the force of the blow from the armored guards hoof nearly knocking the wind from him. Talon then follows the guard to the Lunar Barracks just down the hall, to the joining parts of the castle, close to the hangar.

They arrive, the sounds of a loud ruckus in the air just beyond the door. Talon and Dark Fury raise an eyebrow to each other, looking with confusion. The stallion opens the door quickly, only to wish he hadn't. Beyond the door, Lunar Stallions were being pinned down and dragged around by various female solar guards, some maids, and two members of the kitchen staff. "Vhat iz ze meaning of zis?!" He bellows out, scowling. One of the mares glances up at the pair, only to respond by throwing a pillow, then returning to mounting her prey, Captain Aegis Shield.

Talon stares wide eyed at the massive pony piles taking place, shaking his head and closing the door. He pants, wishing he had some form of brain bleach for what he just seen. "Fury....we don't ever speak of this." He comments, the stallion nodding in agreement.

They turn around, looking for an alternate idea or path. "Vell Comrade, it looks like I shall escort you, yes? Come! Let us vin game! Ve bring pride to motherland for being best at ze game of seek and hide!"

The turn to trot and jog back the way they came, bound for the hangar. Minutes pass, the pair nearly there, only to come muzzle to muzzle with a white unicorn mare. Talon raises an eyebrow, all too familiar with the look in her eyes.

"Fury...we need to run lil buddy." He breathes out, beginning to back up. "There's something wrong with these mares...they're in heat or something."

"Nonsense comrade! It is Autumn! Zere is no such thing as an Autumn Heat!" He laughs. "You are scardey mouse, yes? Iz only ze lady Rarity." Fury steps forward in greeting, bowing to her. "And vhat a beautiful mare she iz."

Several tense seconds pass, Talon never taking his eyes off of the fashionista. She breathes quietly, panting softly as her eyes were glass orbs, appearing dead, and lost. She shifts her unfocused gaze to the Lunar Stallion, her horn sparking to life with an azure magical aura. Talon swallows hard. "Fury...RUN YOU FOOL!" He belts out.

"Vhat? Comrade you have surely lost your marbles---WHOA!" He suddenly shrieks, being picked up and slammed to the ground by the unicorn element of generosity. Rarity pants with a sinister grin, her field constricting to his rear hooves, the mare suddenly dragging him to the guest chambers she was staying in.

"Run Comrade Commander! I shall hold her off!" He says, looking at first to the human pilot with a fearful expression, then turning his head rearward to see Rarity, a grin forming upon his muzzle. "I vont let her get you!" He shouts back, his grin wider as the door opens, the stallion dragged in by his heels with a lusty unicorn. The scent of her heat was wafting to his nostrils, the Thestral knowing full well that Talon...was speaking the truth. The door slams shut, only an echo of the stallions 'resistance' being a memory now.

Talon shakes his head, dumbstruck. "Morrigan...I would have never guessed that one." He whispers, before turning around. Just one more hall left, and he'll reach the war machine, his salvation. Talon picks up the pace and starts to run, the sound of freedom so close at hand. He can almost hear the whine of the jet engines powering him back to sanity.

As he rounds the final corner, he comes face to face with his absolute worst fear. There...just a few feet ahead of him, was Princess Cadence. The alicorn's eyes were glossy, her eyes lidded. She's panting heavily, sweating and dripping. Talon eyes the ground below her hind hooves, seeing a small pool of the milky white fluid, another small drip trickling down her hind legs. Cadence is somewhat laughing, her head cocked off to the side as she gazes at him. The alicorn of love's wings hang loosely at her sides, her ears splayed out. "Talon..." She breathes out, taking another step.

He quickly turns on his heels to bolt, only to be knocked down by another. Nightmare Moon now stands over him, the black alicorn dazedly grinning, cooing lovingly as she eyes him. She extends a wing forward, brushing her primary wingtip feathers against his face as a sign of affection. "Master..." She whispers, taking a step and lowering her muzzle. Talon can see her pearly white, flat teeth within her maw, the alicorn smiling happily now that she has her prey.

"Nope! Gonna fix this!" He shouts out, scrambling to his feet and running. He tackles Cadence to the wall, shoving her aside and making a break for it at top speed. He pants as he gulps for air, running. He's almost to the hangar!

He smacks against the massive double doors of the ballroom, expecting them to be unlocked. The impact knocks him back to the ground, leaving him dazed and confused for a moment. He shakes his head to get the stars out of his vision, then slowly rises to his feet. "No...No way. No...fucking way!" He shouts out, getting up and kicking at the doors. They shudder and flex, but wont budge. Talon steps back and starts ramming the doors with his shoulder, desperately trying to break free.

A clicking noise gets his attention, the pilot glancing back briefly...he wished he didn't. All five alicorn mares stand there now in a horseshoe formation, each wearing their own twisted grins...each of their eyes glowing draconic slits. He stops ramming the door, and realizes one thing. No matter what he does now...he is absolutely...completely, one hundred and fifty thousand percent...fucked. he swallows hard, and does the only thing he can do.

As the alicorn's begin to step to him, he throws up his hands. "Wait wait wait!" He shouts. They freeze mid step, watching him. He reaches into his breast pocket, pulling out his twisted and bent sunglasses, the lenses cracked and chipped. In the other pocket, he retrieves a single cigarette from his crushed pack, bringing the fire tube to his lips and lighting it. Moments pass, with a sighed exhales the stream of smoke, then looks to the deranged alicorn mares. "...Ok." were his final words, before they moved in on their prize.

Requiem

Chapter Fourteen: Requiem

The pilot sighed quietly, enjoying the peaceful autumn morning upon the balcony of Luna's chambers. The sun had just risen only an hour prior, the man awake and sipping at the cup of coffee made just for him by none other than Nightmare Moon. The morning had started off rather unusual, but delightfully so. Behind him, soft sounds of slow, gentle breathing are the only melodies to grace the air. He turns his head and looks into the bed chamber, seeing his beautiful fillies sleeping peacefully with their mother, nestled safely under her outstretched wings as they sleep in this day.

Beside him, a black alicorn rests upon her rump, keeping silent vigil beside her master. She waits quietly, eagerly awaiting any opportunity to serve him in some capacity or fashion. She tenses up for a moment as he moves, ready to spring to her hooves if he leaves the balcony. When she sees he remains seated, and returns his attention to the cup of coffee and watching the activity of the palace grounds, she relaxes once more, licking her lips in anticipation.

Talon eyes her out of the corner of his vision, while taking a sip of the delicious elixir that was coffee. Setting down the cup on the table, he lets out a huff of breath. "You seem tense Nightie...what's wrong?" He asks, turning his gaze to her. "Is something on your mind?"

She freezes in place for a moment, chewing her cheek within her maw briefly while she contemplates a response. The alicorn folds her ears back against her skull for a moment as she looks away, then quietly speaks under her breath. "Master...it's...it's just..."

The pilot focuses on her now, turning all of his attention to her. "Nightie...whatever it is, let's talk about it...you don't think I'm upset about yesterday, do you?" He asks, uncomfortably adjusting his position in his chair. His hips and back are still sore from the beating he took only a few hours prior, after becoming the favored toy of five frisky alicorn's, and one Earthen Mustang under a spell of lustful death.

The nightmare alicorn nods slowly, her ears swiveling about as she lets out a quiet sigh. She turns her gaze to him briefly, and nearly flinches as he reaches out to touch her. His hand comes to a rest upon her neck, his gentle touch stroking her slowly, reassuringly. It takes all of her will to remain in place, resisting the urge to leap upon him and embrace the pilot within her large, raven black wings.

"I'm not upset. I kind of figured it was some kind of accident. Morrigan seemed too amused by the situation to do anything about it, and I'm pretty sure there isn't a single guy around the city that's complaining right now. ...well, other than having a sore back from it. I have to admit though...Luna's cycles were never that bad, even her actual summer estrus. I can't even begin to imagine what you were all going through." He comments with a smile. Talon pats her on the side and returns to the chair, grasping the cup of coffee within his hands once more, enjoying the last bit of the delicious fluid within the mug.

Nightmare looks to him with surprise, blinking in confusion. "Master...you're sure you're not at all angry? We...I was..." She stutters, finding it difficult to voice her thoughts. "I...I never meant for it..."

"Nightie, relax. It wasn't that bad. ...well, being chased around by sunny butt and all...can't say I enjoyed that part. And I really don't know what to say about Cadence. The fact that Twilight viewed it more as a science experiment, actually taking notes during the whole thing was what got me weirded out." He replies, setting down the now empty cup upon the table again. He turns and looks to her, a smile upon his features. "I understand that you were unable to control yourself. I get the fact that there was weird space pony magic that I can't even begin to understand at work. Just do me a big favor...next time you start to get that feeling again, don't hide it from me because you're afraid of what I'll say. It's perfectly natural for your unique physiology to have the extreme drive and need to do that when the time comes. I'm sure there was a time when my people were the same way, thousands of years ago. It's nature. You can't fight your biology."

The nightmare alicorn nods slowly, her teal orbs locked onto him with curious wonder and hope. A small, gentle smile crosses her muzzle in understanding, her heart slowing down as the panic fades from within her. She nods happily in understanding, sensing that he was speaking his heart, and that her master had held no contempt for her actions.

The pilot begins to rise to his feet, causing the alicorn to spring to her hooves. "Master, where are you going?" She asks in a hushed voice, backing up slightly, her hooves dancing in place with anticipation. "Is there something you need?"

Talon stops, turning to look at her. "Well...I was just going to get more coffee. The twins and Luna are still asleep, and it's rare that I get a quiet morning like this one. I figured I'd enjoy the peace for a bit longer." He says taking a step. He winces as the dull ache in his lower back throbs, shaking his head and grunting in pain.

Nightie steps forward, raising one of her fore hooves and pushes him back to the seat very carefully. "Let me get it, please!" She speaks up with some excitement. "Please, continue to rest, I'll return with it in just a moment." Alighting her horn, she grasps the mug within her telekinetic hold. Her magic flickers briefly, before she's able to maintain her grip upon the cup. Her power hasn't been completely restored yet, her body still adapting to the purely light magic. The alicorn flutters her wings with gentle shakes, some loose feathers falling away and to the ground as she turns and walks, exiting the balcony and entering the chambers quietly. As Nightie disappears, the pilot leans down and picks up one of the feathers, studying it with curiosity.

He notes the feathers from Nightmare Moons wings are somewhat different than those of Luna or Celestia. Unlike those two, the shine upon the sleek black feather is not due to material and fibers, but more to a slick, somewhat sticky form of oil in a light coating. He holds the feather up to the sunlight, looking at it carefully; noting one very strange fact as well...Light does not penetrate it at all. Not a single speck of light passes through even the spaces between the fibers, the feather completely opaque and as black as the deepest expanses of ocean at night.

As the pilot is rubbing his index finger and thumb pads together, studying the oil, he hears a mare clear her throat, coming to a rest beside him. "That's called preening oil, Talon." Celestia comments, letting out calm, gentle sigh. Her feathers are ruffled, her mane and tail not the wavering, ethereal banners that they usually are, but normal hair that lays limp against her form in long, multi colored strands of silken ribbons. Her mane and tail are a tangled mess.

If he as startled by the elder white alicorn sneaking up on him, he made no effort to show it. Talon looks up at Celestia, who leans her head down and nuzzles him lovingly. "Did you sleep well, Talon?" She asks, a gentle, content smile upon her muzzle as she backs her head away, the mare resting upon her rump against the marble floor of the balcony. "I know I sure did. I almost didn't want to get out of bed to raise the sun this morning, since you left me feeling very full..."

"Yeah, for what little sleep you nutty space ponies let me have, I slept just fine." He mutters, turning his attention back to the feather. "Preening oil? I've never seen this on Angel's feathers before...or the twins for that matter." He comments. The pilot turns his gaze to Celestia's wings, then without warning, reaches out and plucks a random feather from her. She flinches in surprise, before glaring at him. He ignores her smoldering stare, grinning as he holds both side by side. Much to his surprise, he noticed the same oil coating upon her feathers as well.

Celestia sighs, forgiving the pilot without a second thought as she smiles, watching him study the feathers. "That's because you manage their care so well. When we preen ourselves, that's what comes out of our saliva as an after affect. And judging by the amount on that black feather, which means the owner of it was looking to impress some pony with her plumage. It's a known fact that pegasi use their wings as a form of communication, attracting the opposite sex with their shine isn't out of the question."

The pilot nods, not looking at her. "I get that, but this feather belongs to Nightie...not a pegasus."

Celestia laughs quietly, resting her fore hoof upon his arm. "I was getting to that. The fact that there's so much of the oil upon that feather, means that Nightmare Moon was looking to impress you. Not just sexually, but to be noticed. Any mare takes pride in their wings especially. Luna doesn't use her oil anymore in heavy coatings, because she knows you will always love her no matter what. Now whenever she does, it's just to maintain her feathers. Looking at that one, I'd say Nightie wanted all of your attention she could get."

He nods in understanding, setting the feathers down. "Is that the reason? Why though? If she needs something from me, she's more than welcome to ask. Morrigan briefed me on everything regarding her redemption, and I'm aware that she's fully in my care...though I can't say I agree with any of it. This is a fresh start for her; she shouldn't be relegated to anything like this, let alone viewing me as some form of master. None of you, especially her are any form of slaves or pets. If anything, I should be in service to all of you. Since I've come to Equestria all those years ago, I was taken in, clothed, fed....you repaired my aircraft I don't know how many times over, and moved your lives around mine in ways I can't even begin to describe."

The elder white alicorn nickers quietly, lowering her muzzle down to his sitting height and plants a gentle lick upon his cheek. "That's because we loved you from the moment fate brought you here, commander. You were everything Luna ever needed, all in a single answer. You fought for us, you were our strength when we were weak, and above all else, you died to save us. I know in my heart...that I couldn't possibly continue on if you were not here. I still don't know how I personally managed before without you."

Celestia breathes deep the calm, cool autumn wind of the city, a warm smile as radiant as the morning sun upon her lips. "Without you being here, we would have never had the advances that we do. You brought with you revolutionary ideas that changed how we see things. Your machine brought advances in technology that have saved and bettered countless lives, weapons that defend that very way of life, and principles that pony society were slowly losing over the years. We as pony kind have never been so peaceful, and so fulfilled. Our economy is stable and strong, thriving and providing even the most destitute of areas with quality education, cutting edge medicines and jobs. We can safely say that since the last census, the country has been in the best shape it has ever seen since the reign of Discord. It would have taken Luna and I another thousand years to bring any of this about, yet it was done in just a few years thanks to the wonder that is humanity."

"Not all humans are as good as you think..." He says quietly. "On my old world, it was weapons like these that had brought about power struggles over resources, wars that were meaningless, and death upon innocent people. Humans had their good and bad points...and sadly I have to keep reminding you that we're not nearly as wonderful as you may dream. Even my country that I had come from had its darker times, and very dark, blood soaked chapters in its history. "

"But it's the fact that you didn't bring about any of it is why we love you, Talon." Celestia admonishes with a loving gaze, smiling sweetly to him. Her ears are turned outward and low, her eyes lidded and showing she's relaxed. "You had brought with you uncorrupted morals, an unwavering faith in love and light, and a good intended purpose for that very war machine. You turned something that was meant to be a tool of destruction into a symbol of peace and prosperity. These machines that we have now..." She says, motioning with her fore hoof to the flight line below. “Have become so much more than they were ever imagined form on Earth. They bring goods and items to faraway places that need them. They defend the skies from threats by the griffon empire and zebradic nations. Enemies that once preyed upon my ponies now run in fear when they hear even the faintest whisper of a banshees cry. Mothers now know they can allow their foals to play outside in complete safety, because somewhere, some place, one of our many legions of the ERAF is protecting them from anything. Even the EverFree has become tame, without a single incident in years from a monster attack on Ponyville. Believe it or not, the ponies of Equestria are very grateful that you were brought to us."

He sighs shaking his head. "I don't think you get my point, sunny butt."

"But I do, Talon." She says, her voice showing signs of strain and urgency. "It's much more than that too...you also gave us all the greatest gift that not even our mother could give. You had not only tamed the night with your love and compassion...but you had given Luna a reason to live. You had saved us all from our greatest threat...Nightmare Moon. My only solution was to send her away for a thousand years, to try and weaken her hold on Luna...I had failed. You however...you had taught them both what true love is. You purified her, and you had changed something so evil into something that can only be described as love in its purest form."

The elder white alicorn grasps the black feather from the table within her magic, holding it up to him. "Talon...The Nightmare Moon of my past was a vicious killer that had thought of no one and nothing other than the absolute and total annihilation of all life, she was the deepest part of hate that ever existed. But this...this is more than enough proof to show that you changed that. No mare would ever go through this much trouble to show affection, if they didn't honestly feel love and adoration. That Talon...is my point. That...is why we love you."

The sound of muffled hoof steps reaches their ears, the pair turning their attention to the balcony entry. Nightie has returned with the cup of coffee held within her flickering magic, the black alicorn eyeing the cup warily as it hovers shakily in the air, bound for the table. Her neck and sides appear to have a small sheen of sweat building upon her fur, the alicorn clearly struggling with her magic for even such a simple task. Right when it appears she's about to lose her grip, Celestia smiles gently and alights her own horn, the gentle golden glow of her magic securing the cup effortlessly and stabilizing it. Nightie sighs with relief, as the coffee is then given to her master without incident.

The elder white alicorn eyes the reformed Nightmare Moon, her eyebrow rose with concern. "Still having trouble, Nightie?" She asks, rising to her hooves and gazing at her herd mate. "You seemed to be having some difficulty adjusting to your new body still."

"It's nothing I can't manage, dawn bringer." Nightie sneers out, before she can catch herself. The pilot and white alicorn eye nightie with surprise, before she coughs with a shocked blush, then averts her eyes away. "I...well..."

Talon shakes his head, and sips the cup. The coffee is once again near perfect, if a bit bitter. He smiles as he looks at the dark gold liquid, the thought of just where the hell the alicorn’s keep finding milk from crossing his mind briefly. "Nightie...it's probably like Twilight said yesterday, that your pathways just haven't fully established themselves yet. Morrigan and Luna also mentioned that you would have difficulty for a few days until you have your magic flowing properly. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Besides, sunny butt was only trying to help."

Celestia gently bats the pilot with her wing, a wry smile on her lips at the comment. "Your beta mare or not, that's still princess sunny butt, Talon." She nods and turns her magenta gaze back to the nightmare alicorn, who seems to be chewing her inner cheeks angrily. "Nightie, it's alright. You may be an adult, and still a very powerful alicorn...but you're still adjusting to a new life, and filling in a new body. Don't discredit yourself. Give it a bit; you'll be back to shape shifting and tossing out lightning in no time."

Before Nightmare Moon could speak, Celestia yawns loudly and stretches out her wings to full spread, the mare shaking out her plumage and returning blood back to her flight surfaces. A few loud pops and clicks are heard, followed by one very satisfied grunt. "If you two will excuse me, I'll be returning Twilight and myself to our chambers, so we can bathe and meet with you at breakfast." She folds her wings back in, running her hoof through her tangled mess of a pastel mane. "And wash my hair...it's amazing the sheer hell estrus can play on a mares mane." Talon and Nightie nod, the black alicorn stepping out of Celestia's way, the white mare disappearing into the darkened chambers.

Talon lets out a gentle huff of air, turning his attention back to the coffee mug before him. He takes another sip and relaxes more in the chair, smiling as he takes in the view of the palace grounds from high up on the balcony, enjoying the crisp autumn air and beautiful morning skies. Nightie once again comes to his side and comes to a rest upon her haunches, quietly observing him out of the corner of her vision. Her ears swivel and turn rearward, the dark alicorn listening intently to the sounds behind her.

Nightmare picks up the soft sounds and sleepy murmurs of the occupants in the bed, as well as the gentle snores of the pink alicorn sprawled out on the sofa within the night princesses’ chambers. She inhales a quiet breath, licking her lips to speak. “Master…things will change here, won’t they?”

The pilot turns his attention to her now, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well…it will no longer be just Lumin…” She pauses for a moment, and then corrects herself. “Luna and myself serving you. Now our heard has since expanded greatly, including the dawn bringer, mistress Twilight, and now, the pink one.”

“Cadence.” He quips, nodding. “I don’t really know how to answer that. I couldn’t even begin to explain that situation, Nightie.” Setting down the coffee mug on the table, he turns around to glance into the chambers, looking right at the still sleeping Cadence. He rolls his eyes as he sees her with one foreleg above her head, her maw wide open and tongue hanging out. A small glimmer of drool glistens on her fur, the pink alicorn letting out a loud snort, followed by more snores as she scratches her belly with her other foreleg. Talon sighs, and then turns his eyes once more upon the black alicorn, who is staring at him with curious wonder. “Morrigan was pretty clear yesterday. She said that Cadence was to join our herd. As to why, I have no idea. But…I’m not even going to try and argue with the lady.”

“Yes…one does not simply argue with the mother of all creation.” She quietly breathes out. "For whatever may come our way, just know I promise to always be by your side. No matter how things turn out with this, I will never stray from you, my master.”

Talon shakes his head. “Nightie…I really wouldn’t mind if you just called me Talon. Or even Tal. Hell, I’ll happily take being called dumbass. I’m not your master. You’re free to make your own decisions and choose your own path in life. Part of free will.”

“So I may call you any name I wish?” She asks, her lips curling into a small smile.

“Yes.” He responds, picking up his coffee again and taking down a gulp.

“Then I choose to call you master.” She replies, smiling smugly. The alicorn watches as he nearly chokes on his drink, raising her hoof to her maw to cover her gentle giggle at his reaction. Talon only shakes his head in response. As she’s about to speak again, a long, loud trumpeting blast is heard from the chambers, Nightmare glancing quickly to track the source of the sound. Nightie crinkles her nose with amused disgust, quickly picking up the all too familiar stench of the Cadence butt trumpet special. Her eyes trace the snoozing alicorn’s tail flicking and swishing, the sleepy sound of a quiet giggle reaching her ears, followed by more snores.

Talon holds back a laugh, taking another gulp and finishing the remainder of the coffee. “Believe it or not, Luna’s are worse. That mare can clear a room after a few bowls of chili.”

* * * * *

Sledge adjusted his cigar as he looked over the latest repair manifest, sighing quietly as he realized more and more of his veteran crew was being picked off to work at the growing network of airfields. He stood at one of the many workbenches in the hangar, trying to figure out just what any of his new workers were good at. He had a couple metal workers, a couple guard rejects, and on top of that the first mare to work under him. She had been a gardener, and yet it was looking like she was shaping up to be the best out of all the new recruits.

“This is an absolute fuckin’ mess.” Sledge mumbled to himself as he turned around to look at the aircraft a couple of his veterans that hadn’t been picked off where giving it a once over on the welds and hydraulics, a couple were showing the new recruits how it was done. Sledge kept his eyes on one of the guard rejects; a brash douchebag of a stallion by the name of Checkered Record. He was a trust fund kid, and that just put him higher on Sledge’s shit list. His sand colored mane was unkempt and long, perfect for getting sucked into a jet engine. He never picked up any greasy tools for fear of ruining his pristine grey coat, and Sledge was stuck with him.

Sledge continued watching the recruit with his rather annoyed expression, smoke drifting upwards from his cigar. Checkered was supposed to be maintaining the hydraulics in the starboard wing, instead he was ogling the mare who was anything but interested in his advances. Sledge dropped his cigar from his mouth and stepped on it with his hoof before marching towards the recruit, without stopping the stallion grabbed a couple bullets from an ammunition crate sitting on a rolling toolbox.

“Head’s up!” Sledge shouted before chucking the bullets at the recruit, Checkered flinched as the bits of metal pelted his side. “Get your head in the fucking game, idiot!” The younger stallion looked at his approaching superior and puffed out his chest in an attempt to appear intimidating, it only made Sledge want to punch him in the face.

“What?! What?! You want to go, huh!?” Checkered shouted as he got up into Sledge’s face, Sledge simply exhaled and the smell of his cigar breath caused the stallion to take a step back.

“You keep your head in the Goddess damned aircraft, you understand me soldier!? This isn’t a toy; we can’t just buy a new one if you fuck it up!” Sledge shouted at the recruit, a vein bulging on the side of his neck. “You fuck up here and pilots get killed, I have a hard time believing I haven’t conveyed that to you by now!”

“I was doing what you told me too!” Checkered shouted back, still trying to gode Sledge into a fight.

“Did I tell you to stare at Daisy’s flank?!” Sledge bellowed, taking a couple more steps towards the recruit who held his ground. “Now here this, Private Record! You will straighten up and fly right, because so help me if you cause a crash I will personally lead the firing squad! Do you read me?!”

“Loud and clear, sir.” Checkered replied in a sour tone, he hated being talked down to, especially by lowly earth ponies. His entire life he’d been the one telling them what to do, and now the smoker in front of him had the gall to demand him to do actual work like a savage. Despite that, he knew very well that the punishment for disobeying his commanding officer was far worse than simply working on a stupid monkey’s plane.

“I didn’t hear you!” Sledge shouted again, by now the entire hangar had stopped to watch the chewing out. He didn’t mind, he wanted his new recruits to realize there were consequences, and those consequences included a chewing out by one of the most intense officers in the Equestrian military.

“Loud and clear, sir!” Checkered yelled loudly, his heart now pounding in his chest as he realized that his parents money wouldn’t help him here. He’d been transferred to Tartarus, and this smoke breathing earth pony in front of him was Larson, lord of the underworld.

“Get back to work, soldier!” Sledge ordered, with that he started walking back to his desk. Checkered Record let out a pent up sigh of anger and turned to his tool box, the stallion groaned and picked up a couple tools before poking his head inside the service hatch of the wing. The metal of the aircraft had turned the service area into a hot box, sweat began to form on Checkered’s brow as he overlooked the hydraulics. It was dark, so the stallion quickly brought up a flashlight to get a better look.

As far as he knew everything looked alright, the stallion reached into his coveralls pocket and withdrew a small booklet titled ‘Flight Control Manual’. He flipped through a couple pages before stopping on hydraulics, then compared the picture in the book to what he was looking at. To him everything seemed to be in place, that was, until he spotted what looked like a wrong connection. In actuality, Checkered was looking at the page for the port side hydraulics, which didn’t house a special backup connection like the starboard side. The connection was an Equestrian innovation, just in case something went wrong with one of the pumps.

Checkered reached in and gave the offending connection a hard tug, it didn’t budge. He gave it a few more tugs but nothing seemed to happen. Again, something actually did happen, in the form of minute cracks in the nozzle that went into the hose. Hairline fatigue cracks in a very unlikely spot. Perhaps if there had been more light, or Checkered had given one more tug and pulled the hose completely off, someone would’ve noticed. But there wasn’t, and he didn’t. With a shrug Checkered concluded that he’d ‘maintained’ the hydraulics well enough, he began to climb down out of the service hatch.

As he moved downwards he lost his grip on his flashlight, the heavy object made a crashing noise as it clattered around inside the wing. Checkered Record was glad it hadn’t fallen out of the wing, he grabbed it and continued making his way out of the area. Little did he know, but more cracks had formed along an aging weld, cracks that were close to numerous other growing cracks that spread throughout the airframe like a malicious spider’s web. They were hidden by the paint and their relatively small size. If they were to fail at once, especially at high speed, the entire aircraft would shatter like an eggshell.

“Alright, everyone front and center! It’s time for our weekly lecture!” Sledge shouted from across the hangar, gradually the crew made their way away from the aircraft. Checkered followed along at the very back of the group, muttering to himself before taking a seat in front of a white board. “Today’s subject is proper paperwork management.” A slight groan went up through the group, loudest of all was Checkered. “I know, no one likes paperwork, but let me tell you why it’s so important that you do it properly.” Sledge gestured to the whiteboard where several items of properly filled out paperwork were being held on with magnets.

“About two weeks ago we were doing a deicing boot swap on a strike fighter, during that job was a shift change.” Sledge said as he pulled a cigar from his olive drab jumpsuit, he lit it quickly and took a couple puffs. “Both boots on the rear horizontal stabilizer were set to be removed, but the night shift only took changed the one on the starboard side. The shift before had removed the leading edge screws on both wings.” A couple murmurs went through the gathered maintenance crew, Checkered Record was just sort of tuning it out. “Now, thanks to proper paperwork, we found out the screws were gone before the plane could take off, and you didn’t read about a fiery plane crash in the newspapers and a pilot got to go home to his family in one piece.”

Checkered Record zoned out after that, his eyes wandering over the assembled group and landing on Daisy once again. The former gardener was the only mare he’d seen in awhile, being that his guard unit had been made up of only stallions, and most of the ground crew as made up of stallions. He’d made a couple passes at some of the mares in the tower, but decided against it when he realized that one was interested in his boss, and the other was interested in his boss’ boss.

“Private Record!” Sledge shouted, snapping the young stallion out of his thoughts. “You paying attention to me or to her?!” Checkered began to speak, but stopped as all eyes turned to face him again. “Let me give you some advice, son! Keep your thoughts out of the gutter or you’ll end up in the commander’s office! Get out of here if you’re not paying attention! Go on!” Checkered stood up with a scowl and started walking away, again he was muttering to himself as he got closer to the hangar doors. As he passed by the aircraft he suddenly felt compelled to lash out, with a grunt he punched the wing. It didn’t seem to leave a mark, the noise was rather quiet and Sledge hadn’t seen it happen.

Unfortunately, once again the impact had had some consequences, as the hairline cracks grew several millimeters closer to one another. At that rate, the aircraft wouldn’t last another day in the air, unfortunately no one seemed to be able to detect the small fractures yet, and the technology just didn’t exist on the Equestrian front. Checkered Record continued walking away from the hangar, leaving Sledge to continue his lecture and the aircraft to wait for its next flight.

* * * * *

Sitting in the comfortable chair with a plush cushion beneath her rump, Stardust Kiss stares thoughtfully at the scene before her and her sister. Across the table from her, Talon, her papa seems to be very uncomfortable as he’s being fretted over by three pushy alicorns. Her mother, the new black furred svelte mare that looked like mama, and auntie candy. The filly flicks her ear as she blinks in confusion, watching the event unfold with curiosity.

Talon sighs and rubs his temples, quietly wishing for space that just wouldn’t be had. ‘And the morning started off so nicely too…’ He thinks to himself, letting out a quiet breath. He’s nudged gently by a pink muzzle in his side, Cadence attempting to regain his attention on her. Talon looks down as the alicorns snout works its way under his arm, followed by her leaning closer to him and coming to a rest against him. He backs his head away a bit to prevent being poked by her sharp horn tip. “…Yes, Cadence?” He asks, looking down at her. She stares up at him wide eyed with a smile, her muzzle covered with crumbs of a recently devoured muffin.

Princess Cadence only smiles and silently chews on her mouthful, rubbing her cheek against the pilot in a display of affection. After a few seconds she swallows, then grins, showing her pearly white flat teeth. “I’m just enjoying my time here with you as all. I’m really grateful you’re letting me stay with you guys now, with everything that’s going on back home.” She speaks out softly, a happy lilt in her voice. “I can’t express how wonderful it is, knowing now I have an actual herd to be in with an honest stallion!” She beamed. Her eyes go wide and she lets out a squeak as she feels a sharp yank on her tail root, the alicorn being pulled away.

Luna lets out a frustrated snort, her dimming as she powers down her magic she used to pull Cadence away from her husband. “Will you mares leave mine flame to his meal? Clearly thou hath no understanding that I am the alpha, and this means I shalt be the only one to nuzzle him so early on mine sisters morn!” She grunts out, her eyes narrowed dangerously at the sheepish looking Cadence. “And t’was I who hath agreed, mine niece Cadenza, not mine flame. Take heed that it would be foolish for thou to become so brash in thy affections so quickly to mine husband. Harrumph!”

Nightmare Moon only lets out a soft sigh, coming to rest upon a blue crushed velvet cushion beside the midnight alicorn, quietly focusing on using her magic to eat her meal. Her horn sparks to life, a small crackle of magic and arcane blue sparks dancing off of the tip as she attempts to grasp a doughnut lying upon the silver platter near Moonlight Way. It takes several moments, her light pink tongue poking out of her parted lips in concentration, the offending confection continuing to lie upon the plate and taunting her. The glow of her magic surrounds it, but it barely budges. The black alicorn scowls at the treat, her teeth grinding in her maw as she attempts again. Harmony magic was still very difficult for her to use, her neural pathways still developing and remapping themselves to restore her power.

Moonlight way watches as the black mare attempts-and fails at the levitation spell, the small filly feeling a small sense of pity for her new family member. Thoughts run through her mind of how difficult it was for her at first, Stardust Kiss mastering the spell long before she herself had even the concept. With a soft huff of breath and a loving smile, the filly reaches out with her telekinesis, the pink gentle glow of her magic enveloping the pastry and lifting it over to Nightie. Her eyes meet the black furred svelte mares teal ones, the two exchanging a glance of quiet gratitude and understanding. Nightie, not wanting to show anything but the greatest of love and sincere thankfulness, happily leans forward with her snout, extending her neck a bit and taking a bite of the treat mid-air. The filly only giggles quietly in response, happy to see her intentions were understood and welcomed.

Stardust Kiss leans over and whispers into her sister’s ear. “That was really nice of you Star.”

The indigo filly only nods silently, shifting her eyes to her twin sister. Licking her lips, she whispers back. “You helped me when I couldn’t do this…and papa says that she’s our mama too. So I wanted to help and make her feel welcomed.” Stardust extends her wing around her sister and gives a gentle squeeze, giving her a fanged-grin in response. Moonlight looks at Stardust through the corner of her eye, and then inhales. “Besides…you two look the same. So she is pretty fitting to be our mama mama.”

“Yeah…not many fillies in Auntie Tia’s school can say they’re the daughters of Nightmare Mooney.” The black filly quips, still grinning.

“That’s Mama Celestia now you two.” Dusty Shine whispers, sneaking in between the two fillies and planting a gentle warm kiss on each of their snoots, before pulling up a chair and sitting beside the indigo filly alicorn. “We’re all a big family now, Cadence and I are your mama mama’s now too. So you have lots of mama’s to love you!”

Nightie swivels her ears and listens intently to the conversation, Dusty and the twins completely unaware that the black alicorn was hearing every word in perfect clarity. She finishes the last bite of the doughnut suspended in Moonlight Way’s magic, before using her fore hooves to grasp a glass of cranberry juice to take a drink. Dusty continues speaking. “Twilight, Celestia, Miss Luna, Nightie, Cadence and myself, we’re all officially your moms now. So no matter what, you’ll always have at least one of us nearby to keep you two happy with all of the cuddles, games and love you can handle.

Talon, nods in agreement, still feeling awkward about this herd concept, but willing never the less. He reaches out with his hand and strokes the midnight alicorns’ mane with his hand, before picking up a glass of orange juice for himself. “And I’ll always be here too. We have a big family now just like Dusty said. You two are the luckiest fillies ever.” He says grinning, his own eyes turning to Luna who nods happily in response, scooting closer on her cushion to her husband. It was moments like these chaotic breakfasts he enjoyed really and truly, that gave his life meaning. He felt blessed and happy to be alive for this.

“Speaking of you, Cap—I mean Commander.” Dusty pipes up, turning her attention to him. A slight blush adorns her cream colored muzzle, her eyes focused upon his with a slightly lidded gaze. “You do have an important meeting today with Celestia in the throne room this afternoon. She told me to tell you to wear your dress formal uniform, and that you absolutely can’t be late. The same goes for you, Luna.”

Luna and Talon pause in their meals, confusion washing over their features for a moment. “What do thou mean?” Luna asks, her curiosity piqued. “What crazed feather-brained antics doth mine sister have now? And for that matter, where is fair Twilight and mine sister? They never miss breakfast.”

Clearing her throat with a knowing glint in her eyes, she grins sheepishly. “I’m afraid I’m not allowed to go into it, Spoilers …Celestia forbade me from saying anything beyond that message. She just told me to say that it’s extremely important, and that I had to get you two fully dressed up in your formals and there in the day court at exactly three in the afternoon. No exceptions.”

Talon considers her words carefully for a moment, going over the sentence in his mind. ‘Was she about to call me captain?’ He asks himself, before quickly dismissing it and nodding in response. “I promised the twins I’d take them for a flight around the city today. I’ll be sure to land long before we are due in the throne room. Do we have any major flight exercises this morning?”

Dusty shakes her head, while reaching out with her fore hoof to grab a muffin. “Not today Talon. The only flight we have scheduled is yours. The air space all over Equestria is cleared today, in observance of the Winter Star festival starting this week. Pegasi teams from Cloudsdale will be moving weather fronts from their factories to all over the nation to prepare winter. These are the last few days before we start the season, leading to Hearts Warming eve. But don’t worry, your machine is always cleared to fly at any time, and I will happily alert the Cloudsdale ponies of your flight plan. It won’t be a problem no matter where you decide to venture off to. Just…be sure you do make your meeting with Celestia today.”

The twins’ pause their breakfast, wide eyed hopeful expressions focused on their father, their wings twitching in excitement. He looks to them and nods, grinning, before returning his gaze to the mustang mare. “Thanks. I’m planning on two flights today, just a few laps around Canterlot is all. Nothing big or flashy planned.”

Luna leans forward and clears her throat, garnering attention to herself. All eyes focus on her now, before she speaks. “About that…mine flame. Three flights…I feel that thou should take fair Nightie up first. She hath expressed her desire…” Luna shifts her narrowed eyes to the nightmare alicorn, an irritated edge in her voice now. “…Repeatedly…to partake in a flight herself in our machine. Being her actions lately, and how she was kind enough to wait on thee this sunrise, I believe she deserves the first flight.” She relents, her voice becoming level again as she returns her gaze to the twins, smiling a sweet, motherly smile.” After that, thou may take our treasured foals up and dance in the skies all to thy hearts content.” She finishes, her horn alight and grasping the next confection for her to devour.

Nightmare sits wide eyed and hopeful, looking at the black and indigo fillies before her. Both of the foals nod in approval, shrugging and returning to their meals. Stardust speaks up, her mouth full of a peach crumble muffin. “If Mama Nightie wants to go first, then I’m ok with it.” She says between bites. Moonlight way bobs her muzzle in agreement with her sister, now ignoring everypony else and digging into her bowl of oatmeal.

Princess Cadence, the pink alicorn of love nestles up against the pilot’s other side and lets out a deep breath, her tail flicking and swishing on the ground. She says nothing, her mind mulling over thoughts of what she intends to say to Shining Asshat, wondering if she should make his eviction a big deal and publicly remove him for his misdeeds, or if she should quietly send him on his way with the maids he was having coitus with. None of that mattered now, her place in this herd a sure thing and forever secured now, by none other than the all mother herself.

It was strange knowing ones future, even stranger knowing that foals unborn still already had names and a place in this world. Mortal, like herself. Her fluorite orbs drift upward at the pilot, the alicorn quietly admiring his features. She had always felt a small degree of affection to him, but had brushed it off since it was considered forbidden. A wedded mare had no right to look at the stallion of another, especially when that one was already considered a form of very distant family. But now that idea didn’t seem so far-fetched. Last night, after they had been released from the lust drunk spell hiccup, Morrigan had sat Celestia, Dusty Shine, Luna, and herself down, explaining her grand plan for everything. Much to her surprise, Luna had agreed to all of it, very willingly so. Even more surprising, was the number of foals in the future. If Morrigan was anything, it was definitely a clever, clever pony, with grandiose plans that were mind blowing. How does one react exactly, when they find they are going to be the mother of champions? Unicorns so powerful that their power rivals the titans of old?

Or for that matter, how does one react to knowing that they share a common future in creating a world with perfect harmony, learning that it was that very event which had taken place when she lost her mind to passion and her carnal desires, that would craft a masterpiece of love which would last throughout the ages…it was a lot to take in. But knowing this, it gave her the one thing she had been lacking for the last year of her own darkness twisting her heart from Shining Armor. It gave her hope. And very soon, it would give her one called Faith. Cadence let out a contented sigh, unknowingly giggling softly as she nuzzled against the pilots arm like a love sick filly. The future looked bright, and she intended to rush into it headstrong and with reckless abandon. Exactly what the doctor ordered.

*****

Leaning down, the pilot wraps his arms around the midnight alicorn, placing a kiss only a loving husband could give upon her eagerly awaiting lips. Luna’s tail flicks and swishes slowly, the alicorn mare enjoying every moment of it in bliss. After a few moments, Talon rises to his full height after breaking away, smiling at her.

“Enjoy the flight, mine flame. Thou may take Nightie around beyond the city, to give her a worthwhile experience that she shalt remember. After thou returns and we make the meeting with mine sister, thou may take our fillies up.” She leans up upon her forelegs, extending her neck and muzzle up to meet his ear, whispering to him. “And tonight, I shalt give thee an experience thou shalt never forget, mine love.”

Talon grins, clearly understanding what the midnight alicorn had meant, and despite being a little sore and overused, he knew he would be up for the challenge. He nods to her, fighting the tiny voice in the back of his mind to scrub the flight and have some real fun, rather than this. Nightmare steps beside him, her ears splayed back and a somewhat dry and annoyed expression upon her muzzle.

“If you two are quite finished now, I’d like to get underway.” She speaks up, a bored scowl upon her brow. “There will be plenty of time to discuss playtime later.” She finishes with a huff.

Talon coughs, and then nods to the black alicorn. “Right then…shall we?” He asks, both of his eyebrows rose as he smiles sheepishly. The pilot holds out his left hand and points with an open palm to the black war machine. “Ladies first.”

Luna turns and walks away, pausing in her steps after a few moments to watch Nightie climbing into her seat. She lets out a quiet amused snort, seeing the alicorn leap up, nearly stepping and falling off at first upon the gunnels of the fuselage, then squirming and wiggling her significantly larger rump and wings to fit in the cramped cockpit. Talon is standing facing the black alicorn now inside of the war bird, helping her strap her harnesses on her form. The midnight alicorn lets out a chuckle seeing Nightmare Moon fumbling with the straps and clasps, her uncoordinated hooves not helping in the slightest with getting belted in.

After a few minutes of this, Talon succeeds in getting the over-sized mare safely nestled in the cockpit of the fighter aircraft, before he himself gets buckled in and ready to go. The computers all flicker to life within the machine, displays and gauges, dials and buttons illuminating and chirping. The canopy begins to close slowly, coming just two inches above Nightmare’s horn, leaving very little room for the alicorn to move. Luna lets out a sigh and leaves the hanger, bound for the control center.

Inside the war machine, Talon places on his flight helmet and repositions the headset within it, turning on the internal communications equipment. The on-board computer completes the pre-flight and pre-launch checks, before displaying the ammunition load out on the main screen. He takes a mental note of the air to air missiles, as well as the air to surface guided bombs, before changing the screen over and checking the radar. Nightie waits patiently while he does this, a small ghost of a smile gracing her lips as she watches him in wonder. The headset placed upon her ears, as well as the headband is somewhat tight and uncomfortable, clearly being fitted for a much smaller alicorn than her. She lets out a soft sigh, her gaze falling to her hooves as she sits in silence.

“Are you ready to go, Nightie?” She hears through the headset speakers. She immediately snaps to attention. “If you need to go to the bathroom or anything, now would be the time before we take off. This will be a long flight for you, and we can’t exactly stop and find the nearest bush or restroom.”

The alicorn blushes brightly, not expecting the pilot to be so crass with her. He didn’t even use toilet humor with Luna! Scrunching her muzzle she scowls at him briefly, before defiantly upturning her snoot. “I’m not some little filly, master…I am well capable of holding such functions off for quite some time. Do not think that I had such luxuries as a toilet on the moon for a few centuries. I even give you my word I won't fart like the pink one in here.” She replies with a snark tone. She opens one teal eye and raises an eyebrow, still holding a defiant grin as she folds her forelegs across her barrel.

“Juuust checking.” He replies, shaking his head and turning his attention forward. The double doors of the hangar open, Solar Stallions pulling them to the sides and clearing the path for the war machine to exit. With a soft huff he focuses ahead, then nods. “Initiate scramjet sequence!” He calls out into the microphone, the war machine whirling to life.

The engines begin to whine and whistle, slowly spinning up before taking on their telltale howl. Everything appears normal and good across the consoles, before he gently pushes the throttle forward to exit the once ballroom. Inch by inch, the nose of the aircraft emerges from the palace, its gleaming black wings extended wide open. The concussive roar of the engines becomes louder once he exits safely, more throttle being applied, the thrust accelerating them forward to the flight line and taxi ways.

*****

In the control center, Luna takes a seat beside Dusty Shine at the earthen mares’ desk, watching the monitors. Dusty hooves over a headset for her herd mate, and returns to the screens. The pair, as well as several other mares and three stallions watch the live feed from the cameras, each camera observing the flight line following the black fighter aircraft in its path.

“Talon one, you are cleared for takeoff on runway three at any time. Authorized use of one hundred percent military power. Skies are clear commander.” She finishes relaying the instructions, her eyes briefly glancing at the radar board upon the wall for one final check, before flicking her gaze back to the video feed.

‘Rodger combat control. Talon one staging for flight, preflight checks green. Verified runway three.’ The pilots’ voice responds over the intercoms, Talon answering her in return. ‘Flight-path request to Horseshoe Bay Harbor, following return to Canterlot, subsonic flight only. Please confirm.’

She flips through her papers upon a small clipboard, before quickly tapping away upon a keyboard to check the route. No Pegasi were scheduled to be in those areas today, the first cities to receive snowfall over the next two days being on the west coast, far from the pilots’ flight plan. Dusty clears her throat and presses the communications button again, her demure voice professional and curt. “Confirmed and approved Talon one, you may proceed upon flight path. Be advised all airbases are still in operation should you need to land at any time. Cleared for takeoff commander, good hunting.”

Releasing the button, she leans back in her chair and grasps her favorite coffee mug within her fore hooves, taking a deep drink from the cup and watching the aircraft on the screen. The machine is staged at the end of the designated runway.

“It’s so strange, seeing it from this side of things.” Luna murmurs, her horn alight as she levitates a piece of candy out of the small bowl upon Dusty Shine’s desk, quickly unwrapping it and popping it into her waiting maw. She chews in thought, observing the screen. “Normally, I see this from inside mine flames’ machine.”

“Don’t I know…I’d love to see what it’s like to fly with him at least once. I’ll bet it’s an absolute blast!” She responds, grinning. Dusty sets down the mug and grabs a candy for herself, her eyes glued to the screen. Luna suddenly extends her hoof over the earthen mares barrel, the alicorn flipping the switch upon the computer to override the aircrafts’ radio. A devilish grin overtaking her lips as she waits for an expected laugh. Retracting her hoof, she glances at Dusty.

“I believe I may be able to convince him to take the up into mine heavens. Nothing is more beautiful than a fight into mine night sky, fair Dusty. Of all of the mares in mine herd, I believe I like thou the most…so it would be fitting that I shalt share the experience with thou.” Luna quips with a smile.

Dusty gasps in delight, throwing her forelegs around the midnight princess in a tight affectionate embrace, missing the image of the aircrafts’ engines igniting in full afterburner. The whole of the command center now hears loud and clear over the intercoms exactly what Luna was waiting for, the delightful screams of terror, followed by a string of unladylike curses spewed from the black alicorn.

Luna and dusty are lost in a fit of giggles now, savoring every sweet syllable and sound of the alicorns’ misfortune within the war machine, the quick takeoff being the crucible for anyone who desires to take to the skies within one of the many powerful machines of the ERAF. They didn’t know that Morrigan, the all mother herself had snuck into the room, now behind them, the crimson maned Goddess staring at the screen with a grin of her own plastered upon her muzzle. Raising an eyebrow, the beautiful alicorn lets out a gentle snort and mutters under her breath. “Be careful what you wish for, Obsolescence…you just may get it.”

*****

Talon banks gently, tipping the wing to correct his course heading to Horseshoe Bay, the reconstructed harbor city that now houses the mysterious fleet he’s been hearing about from Celestia. The flight has been uneventful and relaxing, the two hours in the tranquil skies thus far proving to be enjoyable for the black alicorn as well. Nightie seemed to be unaware the internal communications has been active this entire time, the pilot listening to her softly singing a tune to herself through his headset.

The skies are clear and beautiful in the mid-morning sun, the soft, fluffy white blanket of clouds thousands of feet above the Equestrian landscape masking everything below as the war machine flies overhead, giving a peaceful view of the heavens. A quiet chirping from the computer sounds, alerting the pilot of large objects far below being detected by the radar. With a smile, he turns his head back to look at the nightmare alicorn. “Nightie, we’re approaching the harbor. Are you ready to see this?” He asks through the headset.

Nightie turns to focus on him, her gentle teal orbs locking onto his through the flight helmet. The alicorn smiles and nods, her demeanor calm and serene. “Yes, master. I have been looking forward to this. I’ve always known Luna has loved flying in this machine with you…and now I know just why.” She responds. When the pilot turns around again, she returns her gaze back to the left looking out of the canopy glass, her eyes tracing the wing and the blanket of cotton colored clouds below. She can feel the nose of the aircraft begin to dip slowly, the clouds coming closer and closer, before the whole of the machine is enveloped in the white embrace, obscuring her vision.

She scrunches her muzzle in contempt, the layer of cloud cover preventing her from seeing anything. The aircraft rocks gently as it passes through some turbulent air, before the clouds begin to break away. As the view begins to clear through the canopy glass, she’s left awestruck and breathless at the sight below.

Coming quickly into view, rows upon rows of ships as far as the eyes could see, nestled safely in the harbor. There were a great many giant skeleton frames being built upon land, ships of unimaginable sizes being built. Ponies below looked like tiny specks in the activity, small flickering lights on sections of the constructed ships. Giant floating completed ones rested quietly in the bay, each vessel seemingly bigger than the last. She hears the voice of the pilot come over the headset once more, as the war machine slows in its decent and fly over of the city below.

“Those are Iowa class battleships that you’re seeing.” He comments with a smile, turning the aircraft to line up over the rows of ships anchored against the docks. “On my world, we had many of those that served in the Second World War, floating fortresses that protected the seas. “ Talon also looks around, leveling out the flight and slowing the cruising speed further, so he can enjoy the sights more. As they start to approach the larger ships further to the center, his eyes go wide with wonder. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. There, just ahead he could see numbers painted upon the hull, flight deck and super structure of the largest ship he had ever seen, numbers that were a familiar and welcomed sight. ‘CVN-65.’ Talon adjusts the course of the flight to run parallel to the vessel, flying further out to sea before pulling a sharp U-turn and coming up the transom of the great ship. There, painted on in bold black letters against the dull gray paint, the words that he had missed the most. ‘E.R.N. ENTERPRISE.’

“Master…that’s like your old vessel I had seen in your dreams…she’s beautiful.” Nightie whispers out in the headset, a giddy squeak emitting from her throat. She lifts her forelegs against the canopy glass and presses her snout to it, disbelieving the sight. And what a sight to behold! Gleaming in the sunlight, there was what she could only describe as a floating city. Standing silently at the bow and the stern, four massive cannon turrets stood silent vigil, their guns pointed forward and rearward, quietly awaiting the day they would rain down death upon an unfortunate enemy. The massive black flight deck was a whirlwind of activity, several groups of Pegasi lifting aircraft from the waiting docks below onto the carrier, where waiting teams of Earth ponies would then pull them to elevators and positions on the surface to secure them in place. The aircraft continues its course overhead, some of the ponies below stopping to observe the alicorn and pilot, some waving, others simply smiling at them.

Talon stares at the massive vessel, studying the new design. This ship seemed different, far larger, far more menacing looking in appearance to anything he had ever seen in his time on Earth. He nods slowly, inhaling a sharp breath before turning away, changing course again to observe and fly over more of the harbor to see the other ships. “She’s a predator…” He remarks with a smile. Further ahead on land, nearby the Enterprise, he could see another ship in dry dock being built, with two large incomplete structures being added on the sides of the hull. Clearly this was meant to be another super carrier he surmised. Seeing this one out of the water, he could observe it had many more hidden cannon turrets that would be hidden below the water break line. What confused him the most though was the structures being added on the ground. He pulls up slightly to gain more altitude, twisting the war machine in a gentle aileron roll to see more.

On each side of the vessel, were large ring frames that were being assembled and pieced together, one of the empty rings being attached by a team of hard working ponies below. ‘I wonder what those are for…?’ He asks himself, blinking in surprise. He didn’t see anything at all in the paperwork about these two ships. Talon had known about the Iowa Class battle ships, the various cruisers and destroyers being built. The fleet was told to be massive, being a joint effort of both the Crystal Empire and the Equestrian militaries, which would be split.

There was however, no mention of the two aircraft carriers that were here. There was absolutely no mention of the Enterprise. He smiled and changed course again, now cruising high above to the edge of the harbor, so they could see the other smaller ships docked in the bay. He flicks his gaze to the mirror upon the cockpit controls to see his RIO, briefly for a moment forgetting it was Nightie, and not Luna behind him. He chuckles quietly when he sees her, the alicorn pressed up against the canopy walls, both of her hooves and snout seemingly glued in place. The alicorns’ light pink tongue slightly hanging out with her open maw, her features betraying her excitement at the sight.

A crackle of static comes over the intercoms, followed by the voice of Dusty Shine. The pilot snaps his attention forward, and listens. ‘Control to Talon One.’ He hears, the voice of the mustang mare sounding professional and calm. ‘If you and Princess Nightmare are done sightseeing, you do have an appointment to keep here at the palace.’

Nodding and pulling the flight stick back gently, Talon angles the nose of the aging war machine upward and begins to climb into the clouds again, changing course to return to Canterlot. “Rodger combat control. Talon one VFR redirect to base, ETA is approximately zero-two hours.”

‘Understood Talon one, proceed at your discretion for air speed, Non-emergency redirect. Air Traffic is clear, avoid fly over of Hollow Shades Plains. Airbase in area confirms reports of poor weather conditions, not safe for flight. Proceed on current course, you have the ball.’ Dusty Shine finishes, the communications channel falling silent. The pilot pushes the throttle forward, pouring on speed the canards beginning to close. A low groaning can be heard, the sound of metal grinding against metal causing the aircraft to shudder in flight. He raises an eyebrow and turns to look at the right wing, unsure of what to make of it. The canard seems to vibrate for a few seconds, before quieting down and remaining somewhat still. The flight now levels out, the course bound for the EverFree.

Minutes pass, the flight quiet now, only the sounds of the engines whistling can be heard within the cockpit. The aircraft banks gently, flying along a river streaming through the EverFree leading away from the bay. The tree tops whiz by below them, giving the nightmare alicorn a high above view of the forest below. Nightie continues to watch the landscape through the safety of the canopy glass, taking in all of the sights around her and memorizing everything.

This flight would be a moment she would cherish forever, spending time with her master just as her counterpart Luna had done so many times before. The experience was so much better, seeing it through her own eyes, smelling the sweet scents within the war machine through her own snout, and feeling the elegant control panels with her own hooves. Truly, the alicorn was fascinated, and in love with all of it. She really did understand now, why Luna had fallen so deeply in love with this man.

Nightie in her mind now, understood above all else why Luna had done what she had, surrendering her divinity and immortal life for the fleeting one of a mortal. It made perfect sense now, why one would sacrifice so much for this. This flight, moments just like these were worth every second of that endless eternity. She licks her lips, a warmth filling her heart as she turned her gaze forward. Though she could only see the back of Talons’ flight helmet, and the reflection of the controls before him upon the canopy glass, it was more than enough for her.

This to her, was what made life something to finally cherish, the feeling within her that made her surrender everything to pure, unconditional love. In that moment of clarity she had made a life changing decision; she would give anything indeed to remain at his side, go to any lengths to please him, and above all else, she would die for him willingly. This was her family now, her herd. This was her life, and before her the father of her still unborn foals. Nothing of her past, no treasure could ever compare to this. She smiles serenely, a gentle blush coloring her muzzle. She inhales a soft breath to speak, wanting to tell him everything in her heart.

A massive shudder and screeching overtakes the war machine suddenly, cutting her off and silencing the words in her throat. Before her the panel flickers to life with activity, the screens showing strange images and flashing with an ominous red. The aircraft rocks again, jerking in flight, right as sounds begin to chime all around her.

The warbird bobs and shakes, tremors overtaking the airframe in flight, Talon eyeing the displays carefully as he pulls back on the flight stick, gaining altitude. Nightie sits wide eyed in Luna’s RIO seat, her fore hooves springing out to brace herself. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, the alicorn frightened of the new development. All around her and through the headset she can hear various chirps and beeps from the war machines computer, warning tones chiming out.

“Talon one to combat control requesting an emergency landing at any nearby landing strips. Flight control has degraded severely, situation critical.” The pilot calls out through the headset microphone, his eyes searching the lush green expanse of the Everfree Forrest below him for any sign of direction or marker to indicate their location in proximity to a nearby airbase.

‘Talon one, you are currently three-five miles from Ponyville airbase, fire rescue teams are being mobilized and dispatched. Cleared to land once you’re in range on any runway, you have priority. Pegasus transport will be waiting for Evac to Canterlot.’ The voice of Dusty Shine comes through the war birds speakers.

The aircraft rocks again, the sounds of screeching metal quickly overtaking the loud concussive roar of the engines. The displays suddenly change to scarlet red, warning indicator lights illuminating. ‘Port wing inoperative. Starboard canard frozen.’ The computer chirps out. The aircraft rocks and shudders violently now, as the starboard wing begins to rattle in place. Talon and Nightie look in unison, turning their heads just in time to see a sudden spray of fluid erupting out of the fuselage joint to the wing, right before it fails altogether and emits a loud groan. His breath hitches in his chest as the wing jerks violently, his mind frozen in terror as he sees it quaking.

Alarms screech within the cockpit as the sensors within the war machine detect the failure of the wing structure. ‘Complete systems failure. Start eject and auto destruct sequence. Twenty five seconds. Twenty four…twenty three…’ The wing shears off completely now, the aircraft spiraling quickly out of control as the remains of the shredded wing begin to spew smoke and flame.

“Combat control, mayday mayday! Flight has degraded to zero! We’re punching out! Locator beacons are on! Talon one is going down, repeat, Talon one is going down!” He shouts out, flipping switches quickly and fumbling for the assault rifle by his feet. “Nightie! We have to eject!”

In the control center, Luna and Dusty Shine watch in shocked horror, the displays all lit up red all around them. They can do nothing as they hear the frantic calls of their stallion through the palace intercoms, their hearts nearly stopped within their chests. Silence fills the control center as all of the staff members sit wide eyed, watching events unfold in the worst nightmare scenario. An aircraft, the legendary one that carries the prince himself, is now going down in flames.

Talon begins flipping switches rapidly, his hands moving as quickly as he could. As the broken war machine spirals out of control, he keeps his wits about him. This was no time to panic. He had to remember his training; failure to do this would mean his death, as well as Nighties. He ignores the dark alicorn’s screams of terror as he continues the sequence, finally hitting the last of the switches. ‘Seventeen…sixteen…fifteen….fourteen…’ The computer continues counting down, the weapons within the bay, as well as the internal charges arming themselves for self-detonation. The canopy blows off of the cockpit, Talon waiting a precious two seconds before forcibly launching out Nightmare’s ejection seat. The rockets ignite and deploy under the mare, the seat launching quickly into the skies, safely away from the out of control aircraft.

‘Nine…eight….seven…six…five…’ The pilot grasps his side arm assault rifle within his hands tightly, pressing the switch for himself now. The ejection seat deploys, launching out from the crippled machine at breakneck speed, Talon safely ejected and falling away from his war bird. Seconds pass as he looks up at it in free fall, his chest heaving from the forces upon his body as he plummets to the waiting earth below.

The aircraft explodes above him, bits of shrapnel and pieces of the once war machine set ablaze in the powerful fireball, scattering the parts and flaming components in all directions, thousands of feet in the air above the Everfree Forrest. Talon can hear the howls of the wind all around him through his flight helmet, his ejection seat falling faster and faster to the ground.

Nightmare flails helplessly, fighting her bonds and trying to escape the restraints holding her into the chair. The alicorn can see her mate several hundred feet above her, also falling helplessly to his death, a rain of fire and molten metal globs chasing him to the ground. She grits her teeth and howls out in rage, her powerful wings snapping open and slicing clean through the harnesses. Nightie bolts forward and up, pushing off of the falling ejection seat and pumping her massive black wings furiously, her heart racing within her as she tries to save the pilot.

She reaches him, her forelegs’ held out , tackling the ejection seat with enough force to send them both into a flat spin, the alicorn holding onto him now with everything she’s got. Her wings beat feverishly hard now, trying to slow and stabilize their decent. They continue to fall, the wind whipping her wings hard, the directions changing constantly and preventing a solid air foil for her. Her teeth bared, she clamps down upon the clasps with her maw, ripping at any part of the shoulder harnesses she can, desperately trying to free him from his seat so she can fly him to safety.

Nightmare Moon can’t hear Talon’s voice, shouting instructions to her to stop. The wind whistles and howls loudly around them as they plummet with the wreckage and burning debris, the man shouting to her to let go before the parachute deploys. She continues to rip and yank at the buckles and clasps, giving everything she’s got into tearing him away from it. As they continue to plummet, she begins to resort to punching with her fore leg, swinging as hard as she can at the metal brackets. Her hoof splits open at the frog, the keratin wall cracking with the force of her repeated blows.

The harnesses break free, the black alicorn now ripping away the buckles and harnesses with her teeth, before securing the pilot in her forelegs. They’re falling at terminal velocity now, plummeting dangerously fast as they continue their free fall thousands of feet above the equestrian landscape. The wreckage continues to fall and chase with them. Her wings snap open, the alicorn mare crying out in agony as the force of the wind rips at her. The mares every muscle within her wings and back screaming at her in pain. She continues to fight hard to slow their descent; Nightie tries to angle her wings and vectoring primary feathers, her flight surfaces to change their direction.

A massive flaming chunk of one of the war machines engines screams by them now, the burning debris delivering a hard glancing blow to her wing tip, then a long heavy braided steel hose whipping out behind it. The hose contacts her wing joint with a snap, the force of it instantly breaking her wing. Pain now shoots throughout her, the couple beginning to plummet again as she cries out. Talon can do nothing as the nightmare keeps him held tightly against her barrel with all four of her legs. Her wings flail, one of her massive wings flapping almost dead and whipping with the wind. They’re close to the tree tops now. Within seconds they come crashing through the tall pines and various other trees, snapping branches and limbs as they descend into the vegetation below.

The tree tops fly by quickly, branches and various brush clawing at the pair as the crash through, smacking branch after limb, the alicorn wrapping her one good wing around the pilot as tightly as she can, her forelegs squeezing tighter against her mate. They continue to barrel through the spaces between the thick trunks, rapidly approaching the floor of the Everfree. She cries out as each stinging lash strikes her flesh, before coming to a mind jarring stop, smacking shoulder first into a thick tree trunk several feet off of the ground. She’s knocked unconscious from the force of the impact, Talon flying free from her grasp and crash landing upon a sharp, large bolder just below the tree.

The pilot belts out a cry of pain, a surge of pure agony rocketing from his leg and hip ripping through him like lightning. He breathes hard through his nose to work through it, slowly turning back over onto his back, afraid to look down. He blinks quickly, looking up at the tree tops from the ground, his mind a whirlwind of chaotic thought as he tries to sort through events and prioritize his objectives. He finally has the courage to look down after a few moments, seeing the cause for the nightmarish pain. His left leg just below the knee is broken, the tibia bone shattered, the lower half twisted at an awkward angle. He reaches forward shakily, his eyes seeing the blood upon his own fingers, torn glove and shredded flight jacket. He breathes hard, laying his head back against the rock, desperately trying not to howl in pain, so he doesn’t attract nearby predators.

Minutes pass, Talon not moving from the ground. His training prepared him for this. His military mind finally taking over and sorting facts. First off, his war plane was destroyed. Somehow, he managed to survive the ejection, the fall, and is now in an enemy territory. His alicorn is nowhere near him, and he’s positive the locator beacon went dead the moment the chair splattered against the ground from the chute not deploying. He’s injured, and he’s losing blood from somewhere. He continues to slow his breathing down, working on a plan of action while he tries to ignore the pain from all over his body.

There’s a sound of sticks breaking above his head, somewhere behind him, close by. His eyes fly open, the man reaching for the rifle strapped to his other leg. The gun is missing. He turns his head quickly, then sees it buried muzzle first in a muddy puddle, several feet away out of his reach. The sounds of the steps grow closer, another sound of snapping twigs and leaves crunching. He braces himself for death, not knowing what kind of monster lurks nearby to consume its wounded prey.

Nightmare Moon limps closer, using her wounded fore leg to push aside a branch, now seeing her quarry before her. She heaves a tired, but relieved breath upon sighting her master, taking solace in the fact he’s alive. Nightie snorts quietly, blowing the droplets of blood out of her bleeding muzzle, then takes another step forward. Her left wing hangs broken and limp, dragging upon the ground as she hobbles to him. Her two forelegs contact the earth below her hooves normally, the alicorn then stepping with her right hind leg, the left rear leg being favored and weight kept off of it. Bloody hoof prints are left with each step, the right front hoof cracked and bleeding profusely from her repeated strikes against the ejection clasp only minutes ago. Nightie lets out a quiet, pained nicker from deep within her chest, trying to call attention to herself from Talon. Her eyes trace him as she approaches, seeing his leg twisted and broken. She sees a slow trickle of blood pouring down the side of the boulder from under his back, as well as a large tear in his flight jacket on the chest area. There’s too much blood to identify the source of the injuries.

“Master…” She quietly calls out in a strained voice, limping to him as fast as her injured and worn body would carry her. Talon slowly turns his head to meet her gaze, the pilots’ lips curling into a faint pained grin. He nods to her, letting her know he is still alive, and happy to see her. She reaches him finally, her bloodied snout nosing against his cheek as she shows affection and joy of knowing they’re both still alive.

* * * * *

Thus far for the olive coated earth pony, the day that was supposed to be good, hadn’t gone well at all. Today was the day that promotions were finally hooved out, the stallion officially taking command in Talon’s position, while his dear friend and comrade would have received the long overdue promotion to Captain, the official overseer to all of the Equestrian Royal Airforce and Naval Command, as well as the gift of the Enterprise by the crown. Instead however; after preparing himself in his best dress uniform, he was given the most horrible news any command pony could get- an incident report. This one the absolute worst kind of them all, the report of possibly the single most important machine in the military being obliterated from a catastrophic failure. What was worse…they had yet to even begin staging a rescue mission.

Sledgehammer, the pilot of Talon squadron, unit 02 finally takes a seat at his desk again after pacing in his office for quite a while, itching to get this meeting over with so he can rush to his aircraft; with-or without clearance, to begin looking for the missing pilot and princess. The earthen pony leans forward upon his elbows against the edge of the polished Cherrywood desk surface, taking a long drawn out pull off of the mostly depleted cigar, before bringing it to a rest again in the ash tray. The clock continues to tick away, every second thundering on like the crack of a whip in his mind, the stallion growing more agitated.

Sledge sat patiently in his office, his hooves steepled as he stared at the door in deep thought. The crash report had just landed on his desk; the aircraft computer had managed to send some of the information before it fell from the sky. Something had happened on his watch, under his command. As the stallion looked around his dimly lit office he picked up a cigar from the ashtray on his desk, it smoldered as it burned close to the end. Sledge wore his dress uniform, decorated with numerous pins and his pilots wings, his peeked cap sat beside his hooves on the oak desk. There came a faint knock on the door, one that Sledge had been waiting for some time.

"Come in." Sledge said, not taking his eyes off the door. The door swung open and two MPs escorted a red eyed stallion in, his clothes were disheveled and he reeked of alcohol. He hadn't taken learning about what he'd done well, and had been getting drunk to try and numb the feeling of shock, not that it seemed to help. "Gentlecolts, you're dismissed." The MPs nodded and left the room, closing the door behind them and leaving Checkered Record behind. The officer and the subordinate sized each other up before Checkered sighed faintly. "Private Record... You were the one working on the wing last, correct?"

"Yes, sir." Checkered said quietly, the entire experience had very quickly humbled him.

"What do you have to say for yourself before I issue my report?" Sledge said simply as he leaned back into his chair, he was a hard officer, but a fair one. Everyone had a right to explain themselves, especially when the consequences of ones actions were so dire.

"I... I misread the manual, sir. Furthermore, I failed to notice fatigue cracks in the wing. There is no exonerating evidence whatsoever." Checkered Record said as he straightened up and stood at attention. "I will accept whatever punishment you and my other superiors bestow." Sledge sighed quietly and adjusted his uniform; the stallion cleared his throat and looked down at the report on his desk.

"The data we received indicates that the fatigue cracks were there long before you worked on the wing, if a trained maintenance officer couldn't spot them, I doubt you could." Sledge flipped through a few more pages as Checkered continued standing in front of him, his anger had abated early on. Being in command of the entire air force now had forced him to grow an exceedingly strong temper, the stallion paused on one page and looked back at Checkered Record. "I didn't train you properly to read the manuals, and I didn't keep a close enough eye on you when you were working. I blame myself as much as anyone else for letting this happen." Checkered continued watching his commanding officer nervously as Sledge closed the report and picked up a rubber stamp from his desk drawer.

"You're confined to quarters until further notice while I decide what to do with you, barring an air raid or other emergency. There will also be a formal reprimand placed in your service record, as well as a freeze on any further rank advancements until a full investigation is completed, based on your behavior." Checkered Record snapped to attention. "I'm not finished yet." The stallion continued to stand there nervously. "That red haired alicorn, the one with the big ego that thinks she owns the place, if she gives you any trouble let me know. This is my area of operation; I won't have it usurped, even by someone that says they're 'Princess Celestia’s Mom'."

"Understood, sir." Checkered said quietly.

"Good. Dismissed." Sledge replied as he watched the stallion snap to a salute and turn to leave, Sledge sighed and went back to the report on his desk. He dabbed the stamp on a red ink pad and brought it down on the front, leaving two words in its wake. 'Ruled Accidental'. He rises to his hooves, not caring about changing into his flight suit, heading straight for the hangar to begin pre-flight checks and taxiing to the runway. He fully intended to bring his friends home.

* * * * *

The control center in Canterlot palace is a whirlwind of activity, shouting ponies and sobbing alicorns’, inconsolable fillies and constant radio traffic. The only one within the room eerily calm is the crimson maned Goddess; Morrigan. She lets out a frustrated breath and rises off of her haunches, clearing her throat quietly. No pony takes notice of this, every pony still focused on the last coordinates of the accident. The all mother alicorn turns her fierce gaze to the screen, seeing a flashing blip in the corner Just above Horseshoe Bay Harbor, with a bright red flashing [X] signaling the words ‘Unknown Event’. Turning her head back to look at the Earthen pony mare and posh unicorn arguing at the desk several feet from her, she sighs and lifts her right front hoof an inch off the ground, then slams it back onto the marble tile. The sound of the hard impact akin to a great clap of thunder, shaking the windows and rattling all of the screens and bulletin boards hanging on the off white walls. The room falls silent, all eyes upon her now. The fillies continue sniffling, being held close to the midnight alicorn within her enclosed wings.

“It would seem to me…that none of you have grasped the concept, nor the gravity of the situation.” She says in a low voice. Narrowing her eyes to the former maid, and unicorn model, she lets out a gentle snort. “Out there…right now, is one of my daughters, as well as my son in law, the father of my granddaughters. They have passed beyond my sight, and are in mortal danger. I can sense the life draining from them both as we speak…Now you have two options. You all either work together, and bring my family back to safety…or there with be dire consequences.” The Goddess warned with a whisper of a venomous hiss hidden in her every word.

There’s an audible swallow from somewhere within the now deathly silent room, Morrigan shifting her eyes now to Luna and the twins. “Luna…You are to take the children from here. This is no place to be right now. You too, Celestia.”

“But mother, I can---“ Luna begins to speak, before she’s silenced by Morrigan, who extends her left wing out with a snap, the largest of her primary feathers gently pressing against the midnight alicorn’s lips to silence her protests.

“I have spoken, Luna. You will obey me now. Worrying about them will only bring disharmony to your herd, and bring stress to the children. I will personally make sure they are returned home quickly, before the dawn of tomorrow. And I give you my word, my solemn oath…I shall find the one that caused this.” Morrigan speaks softly to Luna, a ghost of a smile upon her lips. Luna stares into her eyes, seeing the hurt hidden behind the all mothers mask of tranquility. The midnight alicorn knows the wellspring of pain that runs deep behind the all mothers emerald pools, the barely contained torrents of rage being held back.

Luna nods slowly, her elder sister Celestia stepping closer to her. Celestia extends a wing over the much smaller alicorn’s back and uses her body to gently turn Luna away from Morrigan, her horn alight as she grasps the fillies within her magic and places them softly upon her own back. The four exit the control center without a word, leaving Morrigan alone with the occupants of the room.

Letting out a breath even she didn’t know she was holding, the cream colored alicorn turns her gaze back to Dusty Shine, who is trembling slightly under the withering gaze of the Goddess. Morrigan curls back her lips, exposing her teeth slightly as she begins to speak. “My son’s machine had failed somewhere over the cursed lands of Oiche Gcathair, The last remains of the Heofon war that warped and damaged the mechanisms of Harmony…the one place that I cannot go. If my memory serves me correctly…that area is accessible by a large and deep river, the same waterway that had once fed the fertile lands of my daughters former home within the place you now call EverFree. Magic will have no meaning there. A Pegasus cannot fly, and a unicorn’s magic will do them no good. Only an Earth pony may enter there unharmed. You will begin your search here.” Morrigan alights her horn with a gentle white light, a small trail of glimmering star dust in the horn tips wake as she points, releasing a tiny glittering ball of light the size of a bit. It floats to the large screen in the front of the room, coming to rest several inches under the indicator of the crash location.

Dusty Shine nods, her gaze returning to the Goddess before her. “We…we do know our aircraft can fly over those areas, and we do have one carrier and battleship sea worthy now. We were going to launch them with the fleet this spring…” She quietly admits, swallowing hard. “There’s a skeleton crew onboard the Enterprise…not enough for a naval assault, but more than enough personnel to launch the ship and send it up the river to look for the commander and princess Nightmare Moon.”

Fleur nods quickly, also looking to Morrigan. “Oui, madam Shine is quite correct! I know this river you speak? But the water is not deep enough! The ship will be stuck like a foals hoof in a cookie jar. We can only use aircraft for air support, to locate and protect our comrades while we have a rescue party go and get them. We could launch one of our smaller cruisers up the river, however. I believe that a small team of our night guard would be able to reach them quickly by sea.”

Dusty Shine murmurs quietly, debating on whether or not she should mention the carrier in question didn’t actually need water at all to reach its destination. This was a very special vessel, built completely off the books in secret, known only to the workers in the shipyards, and the highest levels of command. Only Princess Celestia and a small hoof full of the control center staff knew of its true existence and capabilities, the ship designed by Twilight Sparkle herself. Dusty licks her lips and starts to stand, as the cream colored alicorn steps closer and peers at the unicorn next to her.

Morrigan raises an eyebrow, staring down at the posh unicorn from her muzzle. “Thestrals…their shadow magic would not protect them in that labyrinth. There are creatures there that were imprisoned while Celestia was still a small filly. Creatures as old as I…they have been dormant since long before the defeat of Discord two thousand years ago…and would only be awakened by the presence of the Thestral guard. They feed off of shadow magic…would you like to trade one disaster, in exchange for awakening Titans that would ravage and rape all of Equestria? Beasts that were so foul and powerful, they could not be contained in Tartarus?”

Fleur shrinks down in her seat, letting out a frightened peep as her pupils shrink down to pinpricks. “I…I had no idea such beings were there!” She stutters out in surprise. She dares not question the mother of all creation.

“It was two thousand years ago, when all forms of history and written text were all but destroyed after the reign of Discord. I cannot say that I am surprised that word of these creatures was lost to lore and legends over the centuries.” Morrigan comments, a gentle smile coming to her lips. “The creature there confined to a prison of eternal sleep is named Scorch, the Usurper. He was a Fae creature, a Titan of Flame and Shadow that had been a main figure in the war of Heofon. He was the general for my youngest sister Macha, which had deceived one third of my guardian aingeal’s, the watchers of Creation. This Titan had headed some of the most devastating battles in the war, before I had him struck down by my arch aingeal Mikjall, the swords pony of Light. Most of the fallen were cast into the abyss of Tartarus, but the ones that had staged the uprising were too dangerous to remain intact. Scorch the Usurper was the most dangerous of them all, defiant to the end. His final revenge was the defilement of the bloodline that would later lead to the one you called Sombra.”

The room remains silent, every pony hanging onto every word the ancient Goddess had spoken. They sat in wonder, listening to and remembering every syllable spoken in awe. Morrigan licks her lips, coming to a rest on her haunches. “It was the only thing I could do, to imprison him there. His destruction would have marked the end of the mechanisms of Harmony, which would have also blinked another world out of creation. It is because of the already poor balance within creation, the loss of these once aingeal’s that had served my selfish sister, and the place your prince hailed from had lost all but a fraction of their magic. Removing the titan would have only served in further destabilizing the balance. My younger sister Nehimane had helped me restore as much of creation as we could after the battle…but the loss was too great.”

Morrigan looks away briefly, her eyes darkening as she reviews the memories in her mind, a sense of sadness washing over her features briefly. She inhales softly and continues. “With our failure, she had left to create her own pocket universe, Elysium. The Thestrals you know of were her kiss of life to this plane of existence. Pegasus ponies to watch over the ponies of the day, Thestrals to cherish and protect the dreamers of the night. So you see my child, we cannot use the Thestrals, for their natural instincts would draw them to the remains of the titan, which would awaken him. He would unleash a plague of death that would wash over this world, and cause much damage before I could stop him. I fear the disturbance to Harmony he would cause…” She finishes quietly. “Earth Ponies, my personal kiss of life to this world, can tame even the most troubling of land and plants through their will and magic of their souls alone. Earth ponies like you, Dusty Shine. It must be an earthen pony that seeks them.”

The breath hitches within her chest, feeling the pure love radiating from Morrigan as she spoke. Dusty shine felt as peace, her mind clear and tranquil, as if she were wrapped in the safest blanket ever, and held in the forelegs of her mother. The mare nods slowly, her mind piecing together the pieces quickly. Dusty Shine turns away from the alicorn Goddess, her hoof slowly finds the intercom button for the flight line. Speaking into her headset, she closes her eyes and breathes. “Attention all pilots of First and third combat divisions, stage for flight immediately. This is not a drill. SledgeHammer, Helios Three and Viper Seven, you are cleared on runway one for takeoff. “

Fleur also turns in her chair, her attention now focused on her own screen. Lifting her headset to her ears, she shows a look of grim determination. “You heard the mare everypony, we must get to work! Let us bring our comrades home, oui?! Chop chop!” The fancy mare speaks out to her fellow tower workers, who all take the que and begin contacting other squadrons, nearby airbases in Equestria, and pilots. The white unicorn with the frizzy pink mane types in the command codes to the Horseshoe Bay naval port, contacting their air traffic control tower to inquire about any able bodied pilots and aircraft.

Morrigan quietly sits, observing the activity, a small smile coming to her muzzle as she watches. Pride fills her heart, her sensitive ears swiveling and listening to the maelstrom of activity taking place now within the room.

The Earthen mustang mare quietly studies her screen before her, watching the transponders moving on the grid reflecting the aircraft currently being deployed. Thoughts race through her mind, and one nagging, burning question silently rests there. ‘If Morrigan created me…and her younger sister Nehimane created the Pegasus and Thestral…does that mean Macha made…unicorns?’

* * * * *

Nightie comes to a rest upon her belly, her legs folded under her, the broken wing splayed out beside her body. The alicorn continues to nuzzle into her mate, burying her bloodied muzzle into the crook of his neck as he lies upon the bolder. A small pool of blood has formed from the slow trickle of crimson leaving his body through the wounds hidden under his flight uniform, the life giving fluid soaking the black alicorns fetlock fur and matting it. Talon wheezes, his breaths labored and slow.

“Nightie…you have to go from here.” He gasps out, closing his eyes. The sunlight filtering in through the tree tops blurred within his vision, the world around him slowly growing darker and fuzzed. “I can’t walk like this…I’ll only slow us both down. The naval port is not too far from here…you…need to get help. Leave me here…I’ll be…fine.” He says to her in a wheeze.

The black alicorn’s ears perk up as she listens attentively, the pilots’ words sounding wet and muffled with each breath. She breathes in deeply through her nostrils, tears stinging her eyes as she squeezes them shut. “No, my master…I will not leave you here. I’ll stay forever here with you, my love.” She whispers out in a strained breath to him. “I told you…that no matter what happens, I will remain at your side. We are leaving this cursed place together…I shall carry you away from here.”

“I’ll only slow you down.” He replies softly, ignoring the pain throughout his body. “You are also wounded…we need speed, Nightie. You can’t carry me and run. We…we have no communication…and no way to get a signal for aid. Leave me here…I’ll be fine.”

Nightmare shakes her head slowly, moving her bloodied muzzle away from his neck, opening her eyes once more to gaze at him. She contemplates his words briefly, considering and weighing his logic against her own. Her gentle teal orbs stare into his as he looks at her. Through their connection, she can feel the life slowly leaving him. Her own heart thuds out of rhythm within her barrel. As she studies him, a constant thought rings in her mind, snapping her to reality. Morrigan’s words echo into her soul with an alarming conclusion. ‘You will share in his pain; you will feel his every ache and sorrow. When he bleeds, your blood shall also be spilled upon the soil below your hooves. You will be the death of him. The source of your life, will be his vital energy that keeps breath within him.’

An alarm instantly screams within the nightmare alicorn, one that brings her absolute clarity of the situation. If she does not act quickly, they will both meet their end, right here, right now. She rises to her hooves, towering over him once more. Looking down, she can see the flow of blood bubbling out of his chest just under the rip in his blood soaked flight jacket. “No…my master. You are coming with me.” Nightmare whispers out to him, her voice gaining an edge of steel. “I cannot heal you…but I will mend you to stop the blood. You are climbing upon my back, and we are getting the hell out of here. Brace yourself my love, for this will hurt.”

She focuses her mind now, all of her thoughts directed to her horn, as she attempts to call out a localized fire spell. This will be quick, but painful. She remembers from the battle against Celestia so long ago, how she had once seen the white alicorn use this same spell to seal her own wounds in battle. Her horn begins to spark, but nothing more. A soft crackle of magic emits off of her failing horn, a brief whiff of ozone in the air, before the black alicorn’s horn shorts out and ceases function. Her eyes widen with confusion, before she scrunches her bloodied muzzle up and tries again, dumping more of her energy into it. Her horn does nothing in response, the magic not working.

Talon looks away from her, taking a ragged breath and moving his blood covered hand to her, slowly reaching out and touching her right foreleg. “Nightie…just go, leave me here. Please…save yourself.” He winces out, ignoring the pain the best he can. His vision continues to darken slowly, his body feeling colder than it should to him. His fingers feel numb and tingle with pins and needles, like a limb that has fallen asleep from being sat on for too long. He knows in his mind his injuries are too severe. It was a good life…his only regret now not being able to see his family just once more.

Nightmare lowers herself back down, hissing with anger as she feels the stabbing pain within her wing, shooting up through her spine like a hot blade ripping through flesh. Using her good wing, she snakes it around his body, and pulls hard with everything she has left in her, dragging him to the edge of the rock, before the man rolls off and onto her back. She ignores his weak protests and the pain within her, rising once more to her hooves and standing shakily. She gains her balance, her body adjusting to the added weight of him upon her, before she takes a tentative step forward. With one hoof in front of another, she continues to walk, trudging through the pain, mud and blood. She reaches the spot where the rifle had landed, lowering her head down and hooking the strap with her horn after a moment of several attempts. She raises her head again, the weight of the weapon awkwardly sliding around her head and ears, before coming to an uncomfortable rest against the side of her neck.

She can feel the pilots blood matting her fur against her side, the alicorn ignoring his wheezing and coughing the best she can, wincing with sympathy silently for him as she slowly makes her way out of the clearing they were in, looking for any still burning wreckage and parts of the aircraft she can use. She knows she needs fire, anything she can manipulate to her will that can serve as a triage to save him, and mend her own wounds. This was her mate. Hers! She refused to let it end here. The alicorn lets out a grunt through her maw, gnashing her teeth as she contained her bitter anger at the situation. Her broken wing continues to drag on the ground at her side; the feathers collecting dirt, mud and mother knew what else upon the forest floor.

* * * * *

Dusty Shine looks over her shoulder, seeing the cream colored alicorn pacing near the rear wall of the control center, the Goddess of creation clearly appearing anything but tranquil. The earthen mare licks her lips, her eyes following the crimson maned mare walking to one side, then turning on her hind hooves and changing direction for another, this being the case for the last half hour as fighter aircraft were scrambled from Canterlot and Ponyville to search the skies above EverFree. Everypony knew the dangers within the forbidden forest, the only chance of saving the downed pilot and princess being as much close air support as they could, praying for a miracle of a signal from them.

The wreckage had been found only an hour ago, a trail of blood on the ground followed to some burned fragments of the fuselage, a clump of feathers, and one jagged piece of a canard with residue of seared flesh and black fur. The ground teams from Ponyville and Hollow Shades had definitely found evidence they were alive, unfortunately; the trail of blood ended there. They had no way of knowing where the couple had gone to next. Rising to her hooves, she slowly steps to the Goddess.

‘Where could they have gone…how are they masked from my sight? This shouldn’t be possible!’ Morrigan thinks to herself, her emotions finally unable to be held back. Rage, sorrow, hatred…all things she had cast off eons ago were coming back full force to her heart. Somehow, she had failed to foresee this, something somewhere had blocked her ability and omnipotence, and now placed her loved ones in mortal peril. The Goddess was confused, but above all else, she was angry. Who or whatever had spun this web of fate to transpire this day, would answer to her. If Hell had no fury like a mare scorned, the guilty would soon find out that the so called fury of the scorned mare would pale in comparison against the wrath of the enraged Goddess of War.

Dusty clears her throat gently, garnering the attention of the Goddess before her. Morrigan comes to a halt in her pacing; now gazing at the plucky former maid before her. “What is it, my child? Have you any news?” She asks Dusty, a curious and gentle look coming to her features as she composes herself.

“Not…not yet, milady.” The earthen mare responds, steeling her resolve. She breathes deep, her stance strong and fast before Morrigan. “But…I did have an idea of how we can find them. The sensors on the aircraft while advanced…are limited in their capabilities. We do have one option we can use to locate them very quickly. It would also give us more than enough firepower to rescue them from…well, even you.” She hesitates on that last part, swallowing nervously.

Morrigan’s gentle smile falls quickly, the alicorn Goddess stepping very close and narrowing her burning gaze into Dusty’s eyes. “You have my attention…speak quickly.” She whispers under her breath, just loud enough for the earth pony to hear. “Time is of the essence my child…I need every detail.”

Nodding quickly, Dusty licks her lips and takes a deep breath. “We need to get to Horseshoe Bay.”

Author's Note

And here we are! With probably the biggest cliff hanger EVER. But don't worry, I'm actually in a writing mood, and fully intend to release the next segment of the arc this week. Like it? Love it? Leave your comments below! I look forward to everyone's review, and can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Scorch the Usurper character copyright to Kudzuhaiku, Author of the exciting tale (and probably longest fanfic in history...) The Chase. Character reference used WITH permission.

Sledgehammer scenes co-written with my good friend and pre-reader, The Boss

Special thanks to Kimmi for being a great editor and coach in getting these scenes out. I had a lot of trouble writing due to dealing with depression, she's the special gal pal that helped me work through it. Thanks to her, I have the motivation I needed to be able to write again.

Until the next chapter~

Before the Dawn

Chapter Fifteen: Before The Dawn

“Slow down! Please for the love of all that is sweet and fluffy slowdown!” Dusty Shine shouts out as loud as she could, her eyes screwed shut as she flails and kicks in vain, held within Morrigan’s magical grasp. The cream-colored Goddess towing the earthen mare within a sphere of telekinetic force behind her, as her wings leave a trail of fire in the heavens. “I’m sorry I made the comment our fighters were faster! Now please just slow down some!!!” She screams out again, shrieking and squealing in fright.

The crimson maned alicorn, Morrigan, continues to ignore her, the mare pouring on even more speed with every flap of her majestic wings.Time was something they didn’t have to spare, and she knew it. Her eyes narrow as she senses her destination in her mind, the mare tucking her legs in against her belly and pushing herself even harder. The tail hairs of the alicorn whip and flick in the wind, glowing brightly behind her as if they themselves are set ablaze, leaving a long intense luminous streak of scarlet ether in her wake. Turning sharp and now into a dive, the pair plummets from the heavens and speeds towards the deck of the largest ship in the harbor, the Enterprise.

With a thunderous crack, she lands, her hooves touching down and skidding against the flight deck and metal surfaces of the large vessel, Morrigan’s bare keratin hoof walls leaving behind a small trail of sparks before she comes to a stop. Ponies all around her and Dusty Shine suddenly stop in their tasks, gawking and shaking in a terrified surprise of the pair’s sudden appearance. The Goddess appears angry, her muzzle twisted in a vicious scowl and tense, tightly held frown.Her horn dims down as the earthen mare is suddenly released from the field, dropped unceremoniously down upon her rump upon

Dusty shakily rises to her hooves and wobbles in place for a moment, before quickly falling back to her rump and placing both of her forehooves over her maw. Morrigan turns to her, glaring. “This is the ship you spoke of?” She says quietly, shifting her eyes to look around. “Speak my child…time is very short!” She gently urges, her features still tense and postured. Morrigan’s feathers seem to fluff out upon her massive angelic wings, a sign any Pegasus nearby could understand that the Goddess was very apprehensive and worried.

She nods slowly, Dusty Shines cheeks puffed out as she attempts to swallow back the bile building in her throat from the motion sickness. Right when she thinks she has it under control where she can compose herself, she lurches over and let’s loose the floodgates, vomiting off to the side upon the flight deck. It makes a sickening splattering sound, the fluids and remains of her previous meal quickly exiting her form and coating the surface of the ship.

Morrigan crinkles her nose and sighs, extending her foreleg and rubbing against the former maids’ withers and spine, gently attempting to sooth the sickened pony before her. Once Dusty finishes emptying the contents of her stomach, the alicorn lights her horn, the offending mess and smell quickly vanishing from existence as if it never occurred, before assisting Dusty back to her hooves. She glances up, seeing the ponies around them still staring, her emerald orbs quickly falling upon a set of very large Earth pony stallions fast walking to them in black uniforms, the insignias upon the sleeve cuffs showing they’re military police. She rises to her full height and holds her wings erect upon her back high, letting out a loud snort of a challenge to them through her snout. Clearly, the Goddess is in no mood to talk.

“Halt. This is a restricted…” The first uniformed stallion begins to call out, before coming to a stop before the towering alicorn, almost double his own height. Upon seeing the wings and horn upon her form, the stallion falls silent, bewildered as to why an alicorn he’s never seen before, and a very small Earth pony mare in a Canterlot uniform would be upon the ship, from out of nowhere.

Gaining her bearings finally Dusty Shine rises to her hooves and steps to the stallions, doing her best to ignore the taste and probably foul smell within her maw. Clearing her now parched and burning throat, she hoarsely speaks up. “I am Senior Chief Dusty Shine of Canterlot Command, here upon orders of the crown. I need this ship ready to launch right away.” She growls out, puffing out her chest slightly, doing her very best to hide her nervousness.

The stallions all look at each other briefly, before turning to face the pair again. “With respect misses uh…”

“Senior Chief Shine will do.” She responds curtly, maintaining her gaze upon the towering stallion looking down at her. Dusty readjusts her glasses upon her snout with her left forehoof, her tail flicking and swishing behind her against her will.

“Senior Chief Shine.” He corrects. “But I’m afraid we will need to see some identification, even if you are from Canterlot and came with…her.” He finishes, his gaze once again drawn to the towering alicorn mare eyeing him from her upturned muzzle, her piercing gaze seemingly seeing through his very soul, causing the normally stoic and hardened officer to feel small and meek in her presence.

Dusty rolls her eyes, holding out her foreleg to the group. “Radio Canterlot if you wish, I just came from there. Princess Celestia is well aware of our presence here. I just came from the control center in Canterlot Castle base. We are now taking command of this ship, to conduct a search and rescue mission. Delaying us will only further place the prince and princess in harm’s way. Please make haste!” She speaks out, bringing her hoof back down against the rigid flight deck of the ship, her hoof landing with a small clink as her silver shod shoes contact the deck plates.

Morrigan continues to look around her, mildly annoyed at the time being wasted speaking to these ponies before her. The Goddess ruffles her wings, giving them a gentle flap before folding them against her sides. Letting out a sigh she finally turns and locks her gaze off towards the EverFree Forest, her ears perking straight up as she scans the area. She can feel something, a terrible tightening within her chest. The alicorn can feel a mortal stab of fear within her heart, dread washing over her.

There is something out there blocking her telepathy and full power, some force that’s preventing her from simply flicking her horn and correcting this. Whatever it is, she decides, is going to feel very, very foalish about its actions before she wipes it off of creation.Dusty Shine continues to speak to the stallions, the exchanges of not-so pleasantries continuing before another pony, a smaller unicorn stallion approaches from the superstructure upon the ship.

“Gentle colts, stand down please!” The unicorn chirps out, his galloping coming to a stop quickly as he approaches the group. Holding a set of white parchment within his magical grasp, he holds the paperwork before the group of guards. “Lady Shine, please forgive the protocol process here onboard. We are under orders from the Equestrian Naval Command that no pony was to be authorized without written consent. We have just received a verified communication from Canterlot that you and your guest are authorized, please follow me.”

Heaving a sigh, Dusty turns and begins to walk with the unicorn stallion the two talking and exchanging information about the current crises, and their intentions here. Morrigan turns to follow, before coming to a stop before the tall stallion they were stopped by moments before, lowering her head to whisper in his ear. The stallion visibly blanches, his dark brown coat of fur seemingly turning a very pale shade of gray, the Goddess now holding a wicked, devilish smile upon her muzzle. She raises her head again and trots back to Dusty and the unicorn officer, following them to the interior command center of the vessel.

Moments pass, the stallion frozen in place, shaking in disbelief. His jaw trembles as much as his knees, the earthen ponies ears drooped low as his face holds sheer shock and horror. The other crewmen with him turn to the shocked-white stallion, shaking him with a hoof. “Hey Carl…what did she say?”

With a large, terrified hard swallow, he squeaks out in a haunted whisper. “That…was the mother of the princesses…The All Mother.” He shakes his head and twitches. “I…I think I just shat myself.”

******

“I just had a meeting with the head of aircraft maintenance, from what they stated after reading over the data logs transmitted; it was only a matter of time before something like this occurred.” Celestia sighed out, looking to Luna and Twilight.

Twilight nods while looking over the reports before her on the desk.She turns her gaze to the white elder Alicorn with a confused expression upon her features. ”Why were we not able to detect something like this sooner? Our engineers went over every inch of his aircraft, and duplicated all of the available technology. How the hay could we possibly miss something this big?!”

Celestia turns away, a sad raspy sound escaping her throat. As she fights back the emotions threating to break free, her calm regal mask cast aside and broken. “I’m not sure how any pony could have missed this, even with this being new technology to Equestria, we should have had a way to look for problems like these before they occur.” Turning to Twilight her muzzle twisted with sorrow and anguish her ears pinned back against her skull. “Now I fear our lack of foresight, may have just cost us our special some ponies.”

Luna’s eyes are fixed out the window gazing at the forest in the distance. She hisses in rage, still in shock of the sheer absurd level of bullshit. “It never ends, does it? It is too much to ask that just for one mother forsaken day that everything can go right, mine flames life is not in mortal peril... Is that too much to ask?!” She says with a hint of psychotic laughter. The other two alicorns in the room now eyeing her warily. A cold chill races up Celestia’s spine, the regal mare feeling a very icy sensation of fear for a moment.

*****

Standing in the center of the bridge, Dusty looks around her in sheer amazement of the sights and sounds before her. The cold deck plating under her hooves, the brush blue painted bulkheads all around her, all marvels of the latest technology. She struggles to contain herself, to stay focused on the task at hoof. Right now the mare was standing on the bridge of the most advanced warship in the history of Equestria, the heart and soul of the ERN, The Enterprise. Now would be her maiden launch, though not the one intended for the grand vessel just weeks away in the spring. Dusty closes her eyes for a moment, relishing in all of its majesty and wonder.Today is the test, the true test of Equestrian innovation and power. This is history in the making, the ships very first mission one of dire importance; a rescue.

“Chief Shine, all decks report ready status. We’re sealed for travel and ready for combat.” One of the bridge officers comments to the earthen mare, drawing Dusty’s attention.

Morrigan stands against the rails in the forward section of the bridge, gazing out the glass at the world. Below her hooves, she can see a flurry of activity, ponies scrambling around to quickly check the restraints on the aircraft still on deck, others rushing to safe locations for theHelicarrier’s launch.Her ears swivel rearward as she hears Dusty issuing commands to set out, the ship’s many sensors already focused far away to their destination. Turning her head and leveling her gaze at the earthen mare, the all mother gives a slow nod of approval.

Breathing deep, Dusty glances around and speaks up. “Cut our dock tethers and disembark. Helm set our course for the crash site of the Commanders aircraft, all engines ahead flanking speed once we’re clear of the harbor.Radio our escorts the same instructions!”She calls out loudly.

All around them they can hear the gentle hum of the engines deep within the bowels of the great vessel, sounds of the ship's props churning slowly in the water deep below the surface of the waves, the sudden gentle shift in the deck plates beneath the hooves of all on board. Within minutes, the bow of the ship is turned to the mouth of the harbor, slowly leaving a massive wake behind it. Several other vessels have since also disembarked from their respective docks, skeleton crews as well now manning each ship as they prepare to escort the new supercarrier on its mission.

“Once we’re clear I want this ship in the air!” The earthen mare barks loudly to the bridge crew, issuing commands. “I don’t care if half of Equestria learns of this ship's true abilities, time is critical, and I expect you all to prove that you’re worthy to crew this vessel. Lives are at stake, so please do your best!”

Next to the elder alicorn, two unicorns stationed at the helm and ops positions at the front of the bridge silently work quickly with the controls, following their orders to the letter. A grey haired, white-furred unicorn mare turns her head away from the ops console, her gaze focused upon the Canterlot earth pony from the palace. Her teal eyes wide with hope and determination, she speaks loud and clear.

“Air vents reporting sealed and secure! Weapons depot is reporting green lights on all aerial countermeasures!” She calls out, her skilled fore hooves still resting on the console touchscreen, the ship continues to rock and lurch in preparation for its maiden voyage.

“Fire crews on standby! All deck personal report safety tethers are secure; we’ve also secured the aircraft below decks.” Another pony announces. It’s at this point that Dusty Shine sees an earth pony wearing a tan uniform with a captain’s eagle pinned to the collar step onto the bridge. His fur was light grey, his mane was shaved short, but definitely a darker shade of orange, and his cutie mark was a sword crossed with an anchor. He has a bit of a scruffy, half shaved beard, and judging by the remnants of shaving cream that was on his cheek, he wasn’t expecting to have his routine interrupted.

“Captain on the bridge!” Shouted an MP standing near the door.

“Status report!” He demands, his voice laden with a thick Stallion grad accent, as if he doesn’t notice Morrigan and Dusty standing on the bridge, the other bridge officers begin reading off what had just been announced. The stallion looks at a couple dials and screens on the bridge, then sighs. “Alright… As you were.” The stallion runs a hoof over his head and finally turns to look at the two ponies that were out of place, his eyes have bags under them, and there’s the distinct smell of too much aftershave emanating off of his coat.

“I suppose you’re Senior Chief Shine…” The stallion says in a voice that showed he really, truly, was trying to be polite. “I’m Captain North Star, and this is my ship. I apologize if I don’t bow and scrape at the moment, things have been hectic here and my back isn’t in the best of shape.” The ship lurched again, vortexes of water beginning to form on the four corners of the vessel.

“Sir, we’re about to break surface tension. Should I give the final order?” Announced another one of the bridge officers, North Star turned and nodded.

“By all means. Make our altitude twenty-five hundred to start out with, I didn’t like the looks of our last high altitude simulation, and comply with any orders these two have given in my absence…” North Star said, the officers nodded and went back to work.

“Surface breach in… Five… Four… Three…” The front officer shouted as the ship gave a hard lurch, by now the vortexes were massive, revealing the massive spinning blades that were pushing the carrier out of the water. “Two…One!” On cue the ship sprang up from the water, causing large waves to ripple through the harbor as water fell from the hull like rain.

“Initiate JATO boosters!” There was a tremendous whine as large jet turbines mounted on various points in the ship fired, giving the carrier even more lift and momentum as it began ascending. “Take off complete!” The captain turned to Morrigan and Dusty while the ship began turning on its maiden course.

“Now, with all possible respect, would either of you mind telling me what you’re doing with my ship?” North Star said as it appeared he had been working himself ragged, but what can you expect when you’re in charge of an experimental flagship.

Clearing her throat, Dusty turns her attention to the pony before her and nods. “We are dispatching the Enterprise and the battleship U.S.S New Jersey up river to the Oiche Gcathair area of the Everfree Forest River. The aircraft Talon-01 of the ERAF carrying the prince as well as an Equestrian princess has suffered a catastrophic failure, and thus they had to eject.They are both in hostile territory and in extreme danger. We are here upon orders of the crown to rescue them, as well as retrieve any possible pieces of the aircraft.

The massive carrier continues to gain altitude as it leaves the harbor, sounds of the engines outside howling as they power the great vessel into the skies.Morrigan watches one with wonder, never once in her many years has she ever thought something like this was possible. Yet all around her, it is. ‘Never doubt the power of innovation when great minds collide…’ She thinks to herself, a small, gentle smile creeping upon the Goddess’s muzzle.

* * * * *

The black alicorn sighs quietly as she stares into the firelight from the flames of the campfire.A shiver runs down the length of her bare back from the cool air of the night, the sun setting slowly just over the horizon, bringing the dangerous forest of Everfree into a shroud of darkness.It has since become too dark to see, forcing the wounded alicorn and human to take refuge within a small cave hidden in the shadows. Nightie turns her gaze to her side, raising her good wing and looking at the human pilot safely nestled beside her. She watches the slow rise and fall of his chest, taking comfort and solace he’s still alive.Lowering her muzzle carefully, she nuzzles him gently with her maw, her tongue extending out slightly, affectionately licking the dried blood off of his face and cheek, attempting to clean him. Talon has been passing in and out of consciousness through ought their aimless journey to Ponyville, or anywhere she could bring her master to seek medical attention.

Nightie shifts uncomfortably, lowering her wing again to cover her mate within her protective embrace once more. She can feel the heart within her barrel gently ticking away, a sign to her that the human is still alive and stable for the moment.Hours ago, they had found some of the still burning wreckage of the aircraft, where they had to make do with what they could, to heal themselves.The memory of intentionally holding her cracked hoof to the glowing orange metal of the broken vertical stave still fresh in her mind, sending another unwelcome shiver down her spine again at the painful memory.While it did stop the bleeding and cleaned the wound, it didn’t make it any more enjoyable by any stretch of the imagination.

Her mate was awake and coherent long enough to help set the broken bones in her wing, before tying it to her side in the remains of his blood-soaked and tattered flight suit in a makeshift sling. Her head turns to the broken wing where she glances at it, a tight frown once more gracing her features as she studies it. Pain was not something she was accustomed to as an immortal, the realization of just how incredibly fragile life truly was hitting home in her thoughts, the fleeting briefness of mortality. ‘Perhaps if I had known all those years ago…’ the alicorn thinks, understanding the torments she had inflicted upon Celestia in that battle so many centuries ago. A regret of so many of her past sins crosses her thoughts, gripping her heart with sorrow.The first thing she intended to do once they returned to Canterlot was speak with the dawn bringer. Perhaps she would try to be nicer to her new herd mate now, having a greater understanding of life and what it means to actually feel more than just anger and bitterness.

Talon groans quietly under Nighties wing, prompting the alicorn to once more draw her attention to him. The heavy warm blanket of feathers lifts off of his face slightly, a new sight of the dark alicorns tranquil teal pools now greeting him. He can smell the faint hint of copper on her breath, the scent reminding him that this particular alicorn had no qualms about her vampire tendencies, nor any shyness of blood.He turns his eyes to her and breathes deeply, opening his parched mouth to speak. “Nightie…” He hoarsely croaks out. “Where…are we?”

She purses her lips forward and coos quietly in response, her velvet voice low and gentle. “Rest now, Master. I have brought you to a safe place for the night. It is too dark to navigate this labyrinth deathtrap. We must remain here in this place for now, and continue to find our way once the dawn bringer lights the way. Please, sleep…regain your strength. I shall watch over you this night and protect you “ Nightie leans her neck down further, bringing her lips to his and kissing him lovingly.

The minutes tick away, the alicorn doing her best to fight off the urge to sleep. It has been a taxing day for her, the new body she has still unfamiliar in every way.She stares into the flickering flames of the small campfire before her, almost in a trance.She does not notice the soft sounds of leaves crunching beneath hooves approaching the mouth of the cave.

“Bless my luck, and what do I find? The ones I came in search of, after falling out of the sky. It’s a gift unto itself that you should have survived…but what’s this I have before my eyes?” A soft, friendly voice calls out in rhyme. The alicorn looks up, alert and awake now, tensing up. Nightie snaps her gaze to the entrance, her ears perked straight up at attention. The figure of a cloaked mare appears through the brush into the clearing.

Nightie can detect the subtle scents of spices, wood smoke, and oils. Flaring her nostrils, she inhales deeply, the alicorn attempting to decide her actions of what to do. The hood lowers on the cloaked mare, revealing the smiling muzzle of a zebra. “Please, rest easy my friend.I bid you welcome, and mean not to offend. You are protecting the prince of the skies I see, and the fur upon your form would speak of you as the princess Nightie?” Wordlessly Nightie nods, the alicorn studying the newcomer before her.

“That was the name given to me by my master…you are a zebra? I have not seen your kind since long before my banishment.” Nightmare responds to her, searching her memory of these ponies. Her instinct and heart tell her that this is a kind-spirited one, giving her some solace to relax slightly.

Seeing the alicorn before her slightly calm down, she takes another tentative step forward. “My name is Zecora, a shamaness of the western isles. Outside of Ponyville, I have lived for a long while! It’s a pleasure to meet you, fair Nightmare Moon. I mean you no harm, so please do not show gloom.A safe place to rest, this is not. Come follow me, for I will give you a warm place, food, and a cot. I can mend your injuries that I see, and help send you on your way, safely out of EverFree.”

“Please…my master is hurt badly, I fear he may not survive long. His breathing is troubled, and he cannot remain awake. He has lost a lot of blood!” Nightie hurriedly speaks, lifting her wing to show the zebra the human partially hidden beside her. Zecora’s muzzle twists and scrunches in alarm, her bright azure eyes focusing in on the wounded man.

She reaches the couple quickly, coming to a rest in the nightmare alicorns makeshift nest. Zecora looks the pair over, her eyes scanning quickly the damage upon the two. “Good this is not I fear, my dear. But not all is lost, for help is here. A salve for your broken hoof I have, bandages and dressings also in my bag. Place your hoof in this basin, it will numb the pain into a tingling sensation.” She speaks out in rhymes, digging through the satchel with her muzzle, then bringing the jar to Nightie within her maw. “Once your hoof is properly dressed, carry your mate to my home is what’s best. Stopping the bleeding will be no easy feat, but within my abode, there is plenty for which I can treat.” She speaks out, at the same time twisting the lid off of the container to open it for Nightie.

Nightmare sniffs the container briefly, staring down into the opened jar with tired curiosity. The contents of it are what appears to be a milky green paste, with bits of shredded and crushed plants mixed in. It has a strong mint scent to it, the vapors of the alchemical compound causing her to feel light headed. As Nightie begins to reach forward with her broken and burnt hoof, the Zebra gently pushes the alicorns wing aside. Nightie turns her head slowly and eyes the zebra warily, but still gives her some leeway and lifts her wing, exposing Talon to Zecora completely. She turns her attention back to the salve, slowly reaching into the paste and pressing her hoof into it. The effect is almost immediate, the dull painful spike fading quickly to a numb cooling sensation, bringing a faint smile of wonder to her muzzle.

“By your stars, this is worse than I feared, we must act quickly, and get away from here. This wound I cannot treat now, without a special brew. Let me dress your hoof quickly, to prevent his doom!” Zecora speaks to the large black alicorns before her, turning her piercing blue eyes to look into Nighties teal ones. “It is with haste we can stop this fate, to stop the prince’s passing, with death as his mate.” She reaches forward, scraping the salve against her own hooves, then rubbing the cream upon the alicorns extended foreleg and fetlock. Nightie complies, watching in a haze, exhaustion numbing her senses.

“Once treated with my healing brew, you and he will feel like new. Many natural cures I have from the wild, all safe to use, some tasty, and some vile. Rest easy princess Nightie, for you there is hope, as you shall soon see.” Zecora finishes, tying the bandages around the hoof of the nightmare alicorns, and rising to her own. “Place him upon your back and follow me, I have my home not far from here, safe from hungry things in the Ever free. “

* * * * *

Hours pass, the nightmare alicorn resting quietly in the living room of the Zebra’s home. She looks around curiously, watching as the shamaness treats the wounds of her mate carefully. Talon’s wounds have all been dressed, bandages carefully wrapped around stitches expertly done by Zecora.

“Rest easy now, fair Nightie, for your worries are all gone, and trouble-free. His injuries have been mended, I believe quite well, and it won't be long that he will be awake in good health!” Zecora speaks, washing the blood off of her hooves in a small sink. She turns her gaze to Nightmare, her luminescent blue eyes focused on the black alicorn. “How is your wing, might I ask? Do you feel as though flying will be quite the task?”

Nightie licks her lips perking up her hears and nods. “I am afraid I’m still in some pain, my friend. My hoof and wing are quite sore but much better. I thank you kindly for the help.” She speaks out softly, eyeing the careful bandages done to her foreleg. In truth, the fabric of the wrapping is itchy against her fur, and the crude splint is rather uncomfortable. Her wing feels as though it was wrapped a bit too tightly as well. If anything, the alicorn is looking forward to returning to Canterlot as soon as possible, so she can climb into a comfortable bed after seeing Doctor LifeFlight in the palace infirmary. She chews quietly on her lower lip, her heart still feeling out of rhythm in her chest from her blood loss. She feels somewhat dizzy from fatigue and pain, but nevertheless still alert to watch over the sleeping human pilot.

In the distance of the night, since the sun had set an hour ago, the three occupants of the small home have been hearing the sound of jet engines. Every so often one would come close, but for some reason turn away and fade back into the distance.

“Sore you will be for quite some time, that was quite a fall from the sky! But worry not, my alicorn friend, you two are soon on the mend. I am grateful to see you both took well to my homebrew, because with it you seem almost as good as new. Close your eyes and dream, by the dawn you will be out of the Everfree.

Nightie nods again, smiling softly, rising to her hooves and slowly limping to the sleeping man. She comes to a rest on her rump once she’s beside him, finally lowering herself down to her belly and resting her head on his shoulder. A quiet nicker is let go from deep in her chest, the alicorn breathing deeply his scent. That same familiar smell of fuel, exhaust, and that ever-present sweet scent.

A gentle knock at the door grabs the Zebra’s attention, Zecora rising to her own hooves and answering the door. Nightie is about to get up, when Zecora waves her off lazily, telling her to rest. Upon opening the door, several earth pony stallions in golden armor greeting her. She stares blankly at the group of them, her mind freezing for a moment as she looks like a deer caught in headlights.

“Greetings, we are the solar guard of Canterlot. Her majesty Celestia has dispatched us as a search party, attempting to locate two pilots of an aircraft that had crashed several miles from here earlier today. We came across your home, and are checking to see if you have perhaps seen or had contact with them. This is a matter of great importance.” The lead stallion speaks out tiredly, looking at the zebra with a friendly smile.

“Welcome gentlecolts, for you are in luck. I have the two here safe in my hut! You seek the princess Nightie and her mate, and yes, they have been saved from their fates.” She responds happily, seeing the muzzles of several guards suddenly turn to face her in shock. She steps aside and motions for the stallion to look inside, the guard doing so slowly.

Greeting his vision is the black svelte mare holding her head high, her teal orbs looking at him with sleepy confusion, with her good wing extended over Talon protectively. She narrows her eyes at the guard and lets out a soft, demonic growl from deep within her barrel saying simply ‘Hurt him, and I’ll eat you.’

“Princess Nightmare, I am Buck Sargent Hard Hoof. We were sent here by Canterlot to retrieve you and bring you and the prince to the Ponyville outpost for medical examination and transport to Canterlot palace. Please do not be afraid, we serve the crown and you.

“A cart you and your comrades will need, for neither can walk easily out of the EverFree.” Zecora speaks up, motioning to the alicorns bandaged foreleg and hind leg, as well as to the pilot. The guard looks over the human, stepping closer very slowly and carefully so not to anger or startle the wounded alicorn of death in the room. He knows Nightmare Moon has been declared as a ‘reformed citizen of Equestria’ by Princess Celestia herself, but Nightmare Moon is still Nightmare Moon.

“Corporal!” He calls out, slightly turning his head, but keeping focused on the alicorn. “Take private Pear Apple with you back to the station, fetch a cart on the double. Get Fleetfoot here also to pull it. She’s still on call, even if she is a show pony. And radio Canterlot, let them know that we found the missing couple.”

* * * * *

Morrigan shoots up to her haunches from her belly, the sensation of a dark energy wave firing up her spine like a bullet. Her eyes go wide with terror as she snaps her gaze to the bow of the Enterprise flight deck. “No...NO!” She shouts, scrambling to her hooves, the Goddess’s bare keratin hoof walls kicking up sparks upon the deck plating. She had thought it was only a small chance her presence would be felt, but she never imagined it was her energy alone that would awaken the demon sealed here. Fear races through her form now, a deep-rooted fear that made her stomach clench.

“Miss Morrigan…?” Dusty Shine chirps out in alarm, her gaze torn away from the screens, now looking at the all-mother. “What’s wrong?” The earthen mustang mare stands straight up now, more of the bridge crew of the helicarrier now turning their attention away from their tasks and focusing on the mysterious alicorn on the bridge.

Morrigan alights her horn, her eyes narrowed dangerously as she glares ahead. Wordlessly she breaks into a sprint, rushing forward to the glass at the front of the command bridge, before leaping over the two sitting bridge crew members at the navigation and ops stations. Her glowing horn contacts the glass, shattering it into dust as she bounds forward, her wings deploying open in a snap as she takes to the skies. Flames ignite from her wingtips, mane and tail as power pours through them, the alicorn mare leaving a trail of fire in her wake as she veers off to the side and away from the massive ship, darting straight down to the EverFree below.

She flaps her wings hard, gaining speed as she approaches her target, a glowing blade of pure light energy having formed above her with her magic. The goddess screams in fury, bolting down through the tree canopy and bringing the energy sword down, smacking straight into a field and stopping short. Materializing below her slowly, a blade of flame and shadow appears.

A massive shockwave of inky shadow energy discharges in a wide band sphere, knocking over bushes, uprooting trees in a large radius, and flattening all nearby vegetation. The shadows burst into flames around her and the slow forming shadowy figure below the Goddess. A dark, low whisper of a demonic voice speaks in a hiss.

“…good to see you…Morrigan.” The mare stares ahead of her in unbridled rage, glaring into the luminescent teal slitted eyes of the creature she came to destroy.

“Scorch!” Morrigan screams out between gnashing teeth, puffs of smoke and flame escaping her maw and she digs deep within herself and focuses all of her will into the energy blade, trying to cleave the titan before her. “How the hell did you awaken?!”

The titan of flame and shadow materializes fully, swinging his own sword and knocking the all-mother of creation back with ease, sending her flying back and crashing hard into an uprooted tree. He snarls angrily and steps forward, bringing a clawed hand up to his chest and clenching it into a fist. “No prison you can conjure will ever hold me, vile thief. I will finish what my mistress commanded, and place you in the grave!” The demon raises his arm holding the sword of the netherworld high above his head, a dark swirling vortex forming quickly above them, casting the EverFree into a stormy night of wind and shadows. “The formors will once again claim this world, and with them Macha upon her throne of creation once more…You will suffer for your treachery, young one!”

Morrigan rolls over off of her back and sets herself upon her hooves once more, coming to a standing position. She looks up at the skies in bewilderment, staring up in horror as demonic formors, her sisters army begin to pour out of the rip in space-time. Massive beasts of shadow and pure evil take to the skies, bone dragons, wyverns and the like, all scattering out in different directions, some heading straight for the Enterprise, others flying toward the battleship steadily steaming in from the river. Within seconds of this happening the effect is immediate, the massive turrets and deck guns of both ships begin to open fire, targeting and attacking the various demons. Loud thundering booms of weapons fire pierce the air.

A symphony of jet engines is heard, the nearby fighter aircraft escorting the massive carrier in the skies, her ponies of the ERAF responding in kind to the new threat. In the air the battle for Equestria commences, as brave souls take on an enemy they cannot even begin to comprehend.

The alicorn goddess turns her head to the titan approaching her, Morrigan spitting blood upon the soil. “My sister has been sealed in the eternal abyss, her death has already happened. You have no mistress now scorch, fade back into the depths of Tartarus where you belong!”

“My mistress is eternal, thief! It is you who will be sealed away. Stop hiding in that stolen form, and show the real you, or I will cut your black heart out and show what you really are to this world!” Scorch shoots back, swinging his sword again at the Goddess. A whip of shadow energy launches from the blade, striking the all-mother hard across the chest and knocking her to the ground again.

The alicorn struggles to get breath into her lungs from the force of the impact, the sensation of pain ripping through her barrel all the way to her spine. She gasps out in agony and falls to the ground again after struggling to get up. Her horn alights as she attempts to form a shield with her magic, only fractions of a second before another blast sends her flying backward again.

Morrigan lands several hundred feet away, coming to a dusty roll into a clearing, near the dilapidated castle of the royal pony sisters. She struggles to her hooves again, coughing out a spittle of saliva and blood from her maw.The titan swoops down from nowhere, swinging his sword of shadow over his head, bringing the flat of the blade down upon the alicorns skull. Morrigan, the crimson maned goddess sees stars in her vision, before a vicious kick is delivered to her snoot, sending her rolling again.

She can taste the blood and hear a grinding crunch in her jaw, the alicorn mother of creation’s vision becoming distorted and hazy with pain. Sounds become murky and muddled, a painful ringing sound overtaking her world in her ears. Scorch slowly walks forward, the tip of his longsword dragging upon the cobblestone path, grinding out a small trail of sparks. Overhead an aircraft erupts into flames as its brought down by a former wyvern, the skies still filled with a massive aerial battle as machine and monster meeting in the heavens, the ships and aircraft valiantly fighting for the souls of the world.

“You should have ended me when you had the chance and help of your temptress of a sister, Nehimahe…but your folly has brought about your end instead, thief. Cast off that stolen form, and show your true self! Have you no honor?!” The demon hisses out in rage, bringing his sword up once more. Scorch the Usurper stops in his tracks, setting his stance with the tip of the blade aimed straight and true. He will rush the wounded young goddess, and pierce her heart with the sword known as Sinhala, the cleaver of light.

Morrigan begins to chuckle quietly, a sardonic, dark laughter bordering on an insane cackle. Her wings slowly open and raise upon her back, the alicorn struggling and pushing herself up on her front hooves. Wisps of flame flicker and dance around her, her feathers glowing a deep blue and orange as flame overtakes her body. “Be careful what you wish for…” She whispers in a venomous hiss.

* * * * *

“Chief shine, all available fighters have been launched!” The unicorn officer at the ops station calls out. A bone dragon crosses over the flight deck in view of the bridge, before shattering into pieces by a lucky shot of the deck gun. The unicorn lets out a shriek of fright, unable to maintain composure.

"Comm, get Canterlot and Ponyville on the line, tell them we need more air support at once! We are under attack, situation critical!” Dusty Shine shouts, her voice strained attempting to talk over the droning sound of the guns and fight taking place outside of the ship. “Helm, hard to port, we need to lend as much support as we can to the all mother! Target that thing she’s fighting with the break line canons, and open fire! Danger close, use only small caliber rounds for surgical strikes!”

The ship rocks hard, throwing everyone standing to the deck plating, the carrier beginning to list to the starboard side. The forward engine near the nose of the carrier explodes into a massive fireball of debris and twisted metal, after an aircraft had been sent crashing into it by one of the many bone dragons and other airborne threats.

“Engine number three is out!” One of the bridge officers shouts. “We are on fire!”

“Fire teams to deck one and flight deck! Balance the power between the remaining three engines and pull back from the battle! Fighters, close the gap and provide close air support!” Another commanding officer shouts over the blaring alarms on the bridge.

A large wraith dragon formor barrels through the fray, swiping at one of the nearby F-18’s and clipping a horizontal stabilizer, the aircraft knocked into a spiral and narrowly missing the superstructure of the carrier. It continues its course, the foreboding glow of its demonic energy illuminating its path through its broken and hollow ribcage. Dusty punches in commands on the panel she’s working with, taking control of one of the grand canons on the rear of the flight deck, targeting and firing the weapon. The eardrum-shattering sound of the gun causes everyone’s teeth to rattle in their skulls, as the dragon explodes in a cloud of bone fragments and red mist, the round obliterating the threat in the blink of an eye. “You will not touch my husband's ship…” she whispers under her breath angrily. “Continue to engage! Comm, check on that fighters status, make sure it’s still ok to fight!”

“Senior chief!” The communications officer calls out, grinning from ear to ear upon her muzzle. “Fighters, and lots of them! We have incoming from Van Hoover, Canterlot and Ponyville! Massive waves of aircraft! Talon squadron is in-route at hypersonic! Canterlot also just got word from Ponyville, Captain Masters and the princess have been rescued and are being brought to Ponyville airbase! Condition stable!!”

“Now we’re getting somewhere…” Dusty smiles wildly, trying not to laugh. The battle is about to turn in their favor, the full might of the military coming to bear down now on this threat. Ahead she sees more flashes of flames and golden ribbons, a hailstorm of firepower from the battleship below. The Iowa Class battleship unleashing hell upon the enemies, its massive 16-inch guns firing in a droning harmony of death. Dusty glances down at the screen at her station, seeing the transponder markers of several small destroyers approaching the combat zone. It won’t be long, the fleet coming to aid in its first real test. The paint hasn’t even dried on most of the ships, and already they will test their mettle in combat. Today, the world will know the true strength of Equestria.

* * * * *

As Scorch begins to step in to rush Morrigan, the blade of his sword lowers and aims. He growls out in a battle cry, completely ignoring the flames and energy radiating from the goddess. He gets closer and closer, the tip of the shadow dark blade inches from her chest. Even at the closeness, he can’t see the alicorn's eyes hidden behind her mane. The blade stops short, held in place by her field, millimeters now off of her flesh. The titan pushes and forces, electrical discharges dancing off of the edge of the blade from her power.

“Elohim Gibor…” A massive shockwave bursts from her horn, sending the demonic titan flying backward, and through a castle tower. The building collapses down upon him now, stones and glass raining down and covering the area in dust and fire. She takes a step forward, her hoof impact shaking the ground as power explodes throughout her form. Morrigan opens her eyes, her once illustrious emerald green orbs now changed to a deep crimson, the pupils slitted and filled with the grief and anger of eternity.

Her mane and tail rise, igniting into a billowing hellfire of white flames, the fires of her power dancing along her visage. The fires take shape, turning into solid material, then wavering into a cloth-like form. The goddess reaches deep into the ether of the leylines of Heofon and creation, drawing energy from creation itself. The shackles of mortality cast away as she summons her will, focusing and drawing out the ancient armor of her soul once used in the first Heofon war. An astral dress covers her from withers to croup, long flowing sleeves of fire ribbons covering her forelegs. Morrigan tears open a rift in creation, pulling her most powerful weapon from the depths of hell itself. “Cameal!” She calls out, the energy rod coalescing and shapeshifting into a glaive. Her rear hooves ignite into flames, the keratin walls turning white and glowing with a soft orange hue. The goddess twirls the weapon in her fore hooves above her head, a trail of fire dancing off of the tip of the blade, creating a ring of fire in the air. She whips the blade down, the force of it casting out a massive energy spike, erasing several of the overhead dragons and wyverns from creation in the blink of an eye.

Overhead more aircraft arrive from several directions, entire air wings joining the fight. The skies alight with missiles and the buzzing of forward guns, the war machines cutting down scores of formors with ease.

As scorch launches stones off of himself to re-engage the all mother, he’s greeted by the sight he truly didn’t want. An angry alicorn Goddess of war barreling straight towards him, the glaives blade aimed right at his throat. “Scorch! Your final hour has come!” Morrigan shouts, her cosmically amplified voice shaking the heavens.

The battle once again commences, Scorch deflecting the glaive with his sword of shadow and flame, the enraged immortal titan forcing the alicorn back, and climbing to his own clawed feet. Before he can react, Morrigan is upon him again, laying siege with her heavy glaive, attacking furiously. Hit after hit he deflects with relative ease, the centuries of slumber having no effect in slowing him down even slightly. Morrigan over swings, the titan sidestepping and catching her off balance, then pins her weapon to the ground with his foot. “And where did you find this strength?” He growls out, cocking back his free arm and throwing a solid punch to Morrigan’s muzzle, striking the Goddess with enough force to snap her head back.

She grunts in pain, then rears up on her hind legs, letting go of the glaive. “I’ll never tell you!” She responds, kicking out both forelegs and smacking the titan hard directly on his face, her razor-sharp hoof walls cutting deep into the cheek and nose of the bipedal demon. Now with the fight tipped in her favor, she lands hard on her forehooves and twirls around quickly, whipping her flank as fast as she can to bring up a powerful twin back kick with her hind legs. Scorch is sent flying after millions of tons of force were thrown into the kick from the alicorn, the sound of her hooves creating a sound akin to the clap of thunder. Morrigan lets out a loud snort of victory and alights her horn to pick up her weapon. This fight is far from over she knows, it won’t take long for the titan to recover.

The goddess spreads her powerful wings, pumping then and taking to the skies. With her glaive in tow at her side held within her forelegs, she starts to gain altitude to join the overhead battle in progress against the formors.As she gets closer to the carrier above, she can feel her magic returning to her horn, the further she gets from the cursed lands of the Everfree. Up in the skies, she knows she has the best possible chance of eliminating the titan. Two aircraft wiz by her fairly close, being chased by a somewhat large thunder wyvern. The goddess blinks, staring at it emotionlessly, then simply grabs it within her magic. Using a small flick of her power, she applies thousands of tons of force in a telekinetic bubble, and crushes the offending formor in the blink of an eye, saving the two machines from a further chase. Morrigan turns her gaze back to the aircraft, their pilots having noticed her kill the creature, begin to turn around in a steep high-G turn, rejoining the fray themselves.

It isn’t long before she hears a rumbling howl from down below, Scorch quickly finding the alicorn mother of creation in the open skies. Morrigan, in turn, sees him rushing from below, and speeds closer to the ground to meet him halfway, the battle continuing. Swing after swing, metal strikes metal as the two deities fight, small shockwaves and bright flashes of light that can be seen for miles around as the two engage in immortal combat.

* * * * *

“Chief shine!” A bridge officer at the radar console calls out, drawing the attention of the Earthen mustang. As Dusty looks up and away from the screen she’s using to direct various aircraft to separate engagements, she can see the thing she was being notified about. Upon one of the many view screens against the front of the command center of the Enterprise, one of the aft deck cameras is watching the battle unfold between Morrigan and Scorch in perfect clarity. She stares wide-eyed, her mouth agape, not believing what she’s seeing. There on the screen, is an almost exact copy of what she had watched on the classified feed from Talons war machine from when Luna and Talon were on Elysium. On the viewscreen….was Macha.

Horror overtakes the mare upon the bridge, only mouthing half words and gibberish in absolute fear. Red eyes, fire for the mane and tail, ashen black wings and coat in places. The alicorn like creature on camera was a carbon copy of the demon Talon and Nightie fought off world. Dusty continues to stare wide-eyed, not believing what she’s seeing. The demonic alicorn on the screen slashed at the bipedal creature with a large ax-like weapon, sending it crashing back to the ground below. Dusty zooms in with the camera control on her station, pulling up a much more clear image of the alicorn like monster.

A crackling static comes over her headset while she stares in disbelief, Dusty hearing a familiar voice over the speakers. ‘Can’t even take a perty ship out for a day without runnin into a bunch of trouble, can ya?’ The voice grunts out.

“Sledgehammer!” Dusty calls out in response joyfully. “How close are you and the other squadrons?!” She asks, her eyes still tracing the camera feed of the demon mare on the screen.

‘Less than a minute out, ah can already see the slobberknocker of a fight ahead of me. You betch yer ass I’m not missin this now.’ The sound of static briefly overtakes the communications channel, before the stallions voice crackles through again. ‘Whuts the status of the captain and princess’s rescue?’

“A team located them in one of the locals care, a very helpful Zebra named Zecora! The medics are giving treatment to their injuries and getting them to an extraction point for evac! The transport will signal when ready, Talon squadron is to protect that chariot at all costs, extremely precious cargo!”

‘Rodger that. Alright you buckin degenerates, you heard tha lady. Do whut you boys do best and start killin these here demons. Showtime!’ Sledgehammer, the pilot of Talon’s squadron responds. The four surviving F/A-37 aircraft trail behind their lead, their weapons bays opening one after the other.Five separate missile racks roll out, followed by each aircraft selecting a long ranged target, and letting loose their own missiles. The battle for them begins, as more and more fighter craft now enter the fur ball.The weapons each strike a target, exploding violently and downing or killing a formor. The pilots of the ERAF all seem to notice one thing, suddenly they outnumber the formors, and the enemy numbers are beginning to decline rapidly, with each successful strike from the naval forces below, and the air force above.

Sledgehammer sees one target that piques his own interest, ahead through the canopy the eagle-eyed stallion sees Morrigan engaged in her own fight, against some two-legged monster. He turns his war machine sharply in the sky, lining up. ‘Missile tracking. Missile locked on’ The computer chirps, showing a bright red square and diamond highlighting the titan on the HUD. “Dusty, tell that thar mother of the princess to back off, I’m gonna let one loose on that monster she’s brawlin!” He gruffly speaks into the flight helmet.

‘Sledge, are you sure that’s Morrigan? What are you seeing on your screen?’ The mare responds over the radio.

“What the hell do you think I see ya dense woman?! It’s Celestia’s mom with her hair on fire, same cream coat, bright red hair, resting bitch muzzle. Now tell her ta back off!” The computer continues to chirp out, indicating he’s closing too close to strike with missiles. In mere seconds, he’ll have to either line up again or switch to guns.

* * * * *

Morrigan is sent crashing back to the ground after failing to deflect a powerful strike from Scorch the Usurper, the Goddess landing in what remains of the ruins of the former castle of the alicorn sisters. As she’s falling she opens her eyes, watching with disbelief of what’s happening, wondering if the pain she’s experiencing has finally driven her to insanity. A black switchblade aircraft exactly like Talons is coming up fast on her enemy, just ahead of the war machine is a trail of smoke, leading up to a speeding missile. Her eyes go wide as she brings a wing over her face, shielding from the coming explosion. The missile impacts, a massive concussive boom is heard, followed by an angry howl.

Scorch is sent down now, a trail of smoke and blood in his wake from the missile impact. He falls helplessly for a moment, now under attack again this time from the massive carrier some distance away. The Enterprise is cutting loose with three of its grand canons on the flight deck, the impressive weapons raining down hell as they fire in a symphony of death. Each round impacting with surgical precision, each canon firing again and again. Even when the titan of flame strikes the ground, the carrier continues to attack. Within seconds, aircraft now join in, attacking as a giant swarm of metal and fury. Missiles are let fly, forward guns blaze relentlessly, the fireball and surrounding crater of stone and debris growing larger and hotter. They all continue to fire, nary a one relenting unless the machine depletes its complement of weapons.

The alicorn all-mother regains her flight stability, climbing high into the heavens again. Her horn tip glows brightly like a beacon in the night, flashing brightly as a star. Her wings spread wide, her body rolling gracefully, twin contrails of fire from her wingtips. For but a moment the attack stops, for only seconds it seems time itself freezes. Morrigan lets go one final attack and within it all the fury of Heofon itself. A massive pillar of unimaginable magnitude and power is cast from her, the column of light itself reaching from the ground all the way beyond the stars. The area falls silent as the grave, not even the afterburners of the aircraft making a sound. The flash of light while bright is not blinding to those of pure heart. To those worthy of Heofon’s grace.

She pulls in her wings close to her body and turns in the air, force stalling herself out into a dive, returning to the ground. Her glaive burns brightly at the blade tip, an energy ball forming and coalescing at the end. Morrigan lands upon the ground a few feet away from the still smoking crater. She can hear the sounds of creation returning again, the sounds of Scorch grunting and trying to climb out of the hole soon to be his grave. She narrows her crimson eyes with hatred, scanning the massive plume of smoke for his demonic form. She sees a glimmer of a reflection from a distortion, with no time to react. Before she can back away, Scorch darts forward with his readied sword, and stabs the goddess, impaling her through her barrel and out of her shoulder.

Morrigan cries out in pain, blood trickling out of her mouth, crimson flowing from the wound in her chest. Her eyes fall to look into the titans own, Scorch bleeding profusely, burned and on his last thread of life. “If I am to die here, vile thief…you shall too! I will see you in Tartarus!”

Wordlessly, Morrigan grunts and gasps, her horn letting out sparks and electrical discharges. She focuses will the last scraps of her will, grasping the glaive in her failing magic, just barely out of the cursed lands field. Her glaive rattles and struggles to float, finally hovering shakily in the air. Ribbons of fire once again coalesce into a ball, the glaive flying forward and burying itself into his back, before discharging powerfully into scorch. The explosive blast blows a hole through the titan, his chest now torn open and gaping. Scorch the Usurper’s knees buckle, the titan of flame and shadow falling to the ground for the last time.As he lays dying now, the rift in the heavens closes, with it the formors disappearing and fading from the world of Equestria.

The alicorn screams out in rage and pain, grasping the blade of the sword with her forelegs, slowly and shakily pulling it out. A small patch of flame flickers violently where the sword once was, the Goddess sealing the wounds with the last traces of energy from the leylines into Heofon. Looking down upon the fallen-but still alive titan, she can feel the mechanisms of harmony beginning to move once more. Her eyes fade back to their usual emerald orbs, the astral dress wisping away, the Goddess taking on her mortal form once more.

The Enterprise continues to hover over the smoking battleground below; aircraft from all over Equestria circling wide and slowly, waiting for signs of trouble. Morrigan turns her gaze to the sky for a moment, before returning her focus upon the crippled titan before her hooves. She sneers in anger and disgust at the pitiful sight, a low snarl escaping her lips.

Standing silently after rigidly folding her wings to her sides, the cream-colored alicorn’s piercing gaze boring into the broken and utterly defeated Scorch, the Usurper. “I can’t very well allow you to live now, after all.” Morrigan hisses darkly, her emerald eyes glowing with murderous hatred of the creature before her.

Scorch simply coughs, turning his gaze away from her as he lets out a low chuckle, defiant to the end. “Filthy wench…your time will come soon enough.You and I both know…this is not your planet to rule…My mistress will return to claim it from you, vile thief. Macha shall be seated upon her throne of creation, and it will be you who is sealed in the abyss of Baol once more.”

Morrigan darts forward, pressing her forehoof into his throat, forcing it down until she feels his spine snapping beneath her weight. The titan lets out a guttural choke and a gurgle, before falling silent. Glaring harshly, she allows for a subtle, wicked smile.“This world is mine….” She whispers in a venomous hiss, finishing off the broken demon. As the life glow of Scorch leaves his body, the Goddess can feel the mechanisms of Harmony slowly shifting more; her power and the flow of magic being restored to her once again. “And I’ll kill my sister before I ever give it back.”The alicorn whispers, a sinister smile crossing her muzzle.

Morrigan looks back to the skies, spreading her tired wings and pumping them powerfully, taking to the air and heading to the carrier. She reaches about halfway when her senses finally catch the faint lifeglow of the human and the alicorn Nightie. A soft, grateful smile graces her muzzle, as she banks gently and corrects her course, now bound for Ponyville. The dawn is still hours away, her word kept true to Celestia. She pours on more speed now, seeing the outskirts of the little town just ahead, soft candles in windowsills and faintly glowing streetlights illuminating the way. Somewhere near the center of the town is the location where the pair is being kept, the sense of them in her chest growing stronger.

* * * * *

Fleetfoot lands the sky chariot gently on the ground, coming to a slow, soft bump of a stop. Looking back she stares at the royal couple, grinning. "I'd never have imagined I'd be a taxi for royalty...perk of the job I guess." She says joyfully.

Nightie sleepily looks at the wonderbolt pegasus with a mildly annoyed scowl, nodding slowly. "Thank you for helping my master and I." She responds, letting out a quiet sigh. This day has been beyond taxing for the former alicorn of death. It's not every day you fly in an aircraft, wind up falling through the sky and end up on a painful, terrible nightmare of an adventure. The alicorn looks up at the pegasus unhitching herself from the chariot, tilting her head. "Please tell me we will be returning to Canterlot on a train or a chariot like this one...I don't think I would like to fly in another banshee again for a while. "

Fleetfoot laughs lightheartedly and grins. "No your highness, Ponyville only has a hoof-full of military aircraft, and all of them are a single pilot only. I'm afraid I'll be the one flying you two back myself, unless you'd prefer to take the train. The next one won't be here until morning two days from now. Not much traffic through Ponyville ever since miss Twilight and Rarity left for Canterlot. The only original celebrities we have here are Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. The pink one because Princess Luna banned her from any events in Canterlot after the famed underwear and socks run in the palace several years back." Fleetfoot grins sheepishly, then takes a step forward to the chariot. She looks down at the human pilot after removing her flight goggles, and whistles. "Looks like he got roughed up pretty bad from that crash...he probably won't be up and walking around for weeks."

The nightmare alicorn lets out a snort, extending her free wing out a bit and covering the still unconscious pilot protectively. Zecora's drugs that were administered were powerful sedatives and pain relievers, it'll be a miracle if he wakes up before tomorrow nights moonrise."Yes...my master's leg has been broken, and he may have severe internal injuries.Were his heart not so strong, he would have faded today." She responds quietly, her muzzle turned downward as she gazes at Talons sleeping face serenely. "And if he should need to go somewhere, I would gladly carry him on my back if needed. I will shoulder any burden he asks, and do so happily."

The Pegasus mare nods enthusiastically, smiling. “Oh, I feel the same way for Spitfire. Even before we got married, honestly. Love makes us do crazy, weird things. But in love, we have incredible strength. …keep that fire about you, princess. Don’t ever let it go for even a moment, and things will always work out.”

As Nightie is about to speak in reply, the pair hears the sounds of wingbeats, as well as the very far off distant sounds of jet engines. The alicorn looks up to the night sky, searching. Moments later, she sees an unexpected sight, the all mother. Looking at her, Nightie can see a slight tinge of dust on her coat, as well as her mane slightly out of place. To any outside observer, the alicorn goddess would appear perfect and not having just went rounds with a titan, barely surviving. To Nightmare Moon, however, that slightly out of sorts would mean Morrigan was distracted on a cosmic scale. The black svelte alicorn swallows hard, wondering if the crash did worry Morrigan that much, her not having any idea what transpired while they were in the care of Zecora.

Morrigan comes in for a graceful landing, her eyes showing slight fatigue as she gazes upon the three with an amused, gentle expression. “Well, you’ve had an eventful day I see.” The goddess casually speaks out, her voice containing laughter and love that only a mother could have. She lets out a soft giggle, the sound akin to distant gentle wind chimes on a summers eve. “Are you two ready to go home?”

The black alicorn lets out a snort of discontent, her eyes never leaving the all-mother. She watches as Morrigan steps closer to the chariot, slightly confused and worried when she sees the horn of the goddess spark to life with powerful light magic. Morrigan casts off three orbs of starlight, the magic gently glowing an iridescent hue in the cool night of Ponyville. One of the orbs floats to the human pilot, fading and disappearing upon contact, the sleeping human’s face now no longer twisted in fitful pain and troubled sleep, but a peaceful one. His breathing also seems to stabilize now. The second orb touches Nightie, her quickly noticing the dull throbbing pain in her wing and legs fading to a minor ache if at all noticeable. Her wing still can’t move, but the pain is now gone. Lastly, the third orb touches Fleetfoot on the snoot, the Pegasus mare taking on a dopey, borderline over caffeinated smile.

“Rest now, little one, I’ll take them from here. You did well.” Morrigan speaks out softly to Fleetfoot, lowering her head and giving a gentle snoot-bump to the wonderbolt Pegasus. Fleet foot only nods dumbly in response, a drunk, happy blush illuminating her pastel blue muzzle. The goddess sidesteps her and lifts the harnesses to herself, using her magic to hitch the chariot. The straps are tight and ill-fitting to her significantly larger form, Morrigan letting out a quiet irritated snort. With a flick of her magic, they stretch and deform, loosely wrapping around her Lilith frame.

Fleetfoot begins to quietly trot away, bound once again for her own home, her mind blank and completely forgetting her orders to care for the royal couple, only a hazy thought of home for herself now. She no longer notices the three behind her. As she’s walking away, Morrigan breaks into a slow trot, her wings spread as she takes off, the chariot in tow behind her now. Moments after she’s airborne, several fighter aircraft appear on the outskirts of Ponyville, followed by complete air wings of several dozen others. The air fleet bound for their respective bases of operation. A hoof full of roughly twenty aircraft creep up behind and beside the goddess, escorting her safely back to Canterlot. The flight will be somewhat long at low speed, but quiet and safe. The battle for Equestria is over, for now, the missing pair found and recovered.

* * * * *

Waiting outside of the ballroom turned hangar, an anxious midnight alicorn paces, a worried and mournful expression upon her features. Her wings are hanging limply at her sides, her steps erratic as her bare hooves clack quietly against the pavement. It was only an hour ago she and her elder sister Celestia had received the news from Dusty Shine over the radio of the events that transpired. Though her husband is being flown back in the safest care possible, she’s still fretting uncontrollably. An ancient evil she’s always feared was reawakened, Her heardmate and former reflection is now crippled, and to top it all off to end her day, her husband still has not come out of his comatose state, and their beloved aircraft of which they’ve had so many memories have been completely and utterly destroyed. Today was not even remotely a good day for the alicorn princess of the night.

“Sister…it’s cold out here. At least wear a blanket while you wait for our husband.” Celestia speaks softly, sitting in the empty hangar. “Mother and nearly every aircraft from Canterlot are protecting those two right now. He couldn’t possibly be in better hooves.”

She pauses in her steps and glances to the elder white alicorn, her gaze tired and empty. “I know Tia…it’s just so hard to believe that everything fell apart like this…Even with mine flame being back home safely soon…it still feels as thou we hath lost a member of the family this day. Mine machine has long been a symbol of hope for our subjects and myself…and now with it lost, I feel as though there will always be a hole in mine heart.”

Celestia nods slowly, turning her attention back to the book she’s holding in her magic. “Your aircraft was scheduled to be decommissioned after hearths warming day, Lulu. You already know it is being replaced. That’s part of why I was going to have Talon and you in his promotion and retirement ceremony in the throne room. We were sending it to a museum of aviation anyway. Machines can be rebuilt, sister. And this one is no different. With Scorch now dead, you and I can go out to the EverFree any time, and gather the pieces. It’ll be like when you and I built puzzles before Discord.”

“Mine sister, I hath doubts of our abilities to properly assemble such a complex machine when we art missing so many of the pieces,” Luna replies sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Though also knows even if we art forcing mine flame to retire from the Royal Air Force, he would still wish to fly among mine stars and thine daylight skies.”

Celestia has had about enough of the pacing at this point, and sets down her book. She rises to her hooves and walks to her younger sister, extending her wings around her and holding the midnight alicorn in place. “And you know I have a special gift for you two. I’ll just have to give it to you earlier than expected is all.”

The sound of jet engines rumbles in the distance, getting the attention of the two alicorns. Up above the hangar in Luna’s personal chambers, a pink alicorn sleepily pokes her head out of the balcony doors, her own attention now drawn. Coming into the airspace above the grand capital city, are the aircraft deployed earlier. At their center, is the all mother herself, towing a chariot. Cadence leaps off of the balcony railing, extending her wings open and gliding down to the opened hangar bay, waiting patiently for her herdmates to arrive home. The minutes pass like what seems forever, before Morrigan finally comes to a graceful landing. It only takes seconds before the chariot is mobbed by alicorns, the goddess of creation not even having a moment to unhitch herself before she’s bombarded with questions, and the black alicorn and pilot being smothered by nuzzles, sobs and hugs.

“Patience, my little ones…calm yourselves down. These two are fine. …While I feel your husband should heal his broken leg naturally, I have removed the blood poisons from both him and Nightie and mended their most dangerous wounds. She will be up on her hooves in the morning…you will have to care for him. He needs rest, take him to your chambers, so I speak.” Morrigan speaks out curtly, a mildly amused smile upon her lips. She simply yawns and walks off without another word, completely ignoring the questions and calls of her three daughters.

The black alicorn rises to her hooves, slowly stepping out of the chariot and to the ground, the wheels of the cart letting out a faint creak as she exits. She sighs and stretches out, her joints stiff from laying down for so long. The nightmare alicorn is exhausted, and in no mood to talk. As she’s turning around to gather Talon out of the cart, she sees Celestia hoisting him upon her back with magic, and Luna walking to her instead. Nightie qwerks an eyebrow at this, confused.

“Nightie…” Luna speaks out quietly, her left forehoof shuffling slowly in circles against the pavement. “I wanted to thank thee…for protecting mine flame again. I am…I am quite proud of thou…and grateful to have thou at mine side. I trust thee…” She quietly trails off, looking away from the taller black alicorn before her.

“Luminec--…” Nightmare speaks in reply, stopping short. “Luna…” She corrects herself. “The honor and joy is mine. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for our heard, I would go to the same lengths for you as well.” She sighs. Their ears all perk up as they hear a groggy moan from the human, still dazed and heavily drugged under painkillers and sedatives. “Let us speak at the sun rise…our master needs his rest, and I can think of the perfect way to give it to him.”

Luna nods, with a knowing smile. “Captain Fury!” She calls out to her personal guard, the thestral now walking to her from his watchful post at the hangar doors.

“Da, princess? Vhat may I do for you?” The Slavic guard speaks, his thick stalliongrad accent rumbling out softly.

“After we take mine husband to mine chambers, thou are to find a wheelchair for him in the palace infirmary. After that, bring it to mine study, and thou art dismissed for the evening. “

“Da, yes princess. It vill be done.” He responds, snapping out a wing in salute, then marching off to carry out his orders. Celestia and Cadence have since carried off the human, trying their best to keep quiet their chatting, as not to awaken him. This is absolutely not the first time Celestia has carried him, much less had him laying upon her back, and it absolutely won’t be the last. Luna eyes his bandages and wrappings, letting out a soft pained whicker knowing how much he had to of suffered needlessly in that crash. She couldn’t even imagine what nightmare her mother had encountered. Once she has a chance in their bedroom, she intends to heal him the best she can and rebadged him and the black alicorn properly. Years of being married to her husband have given her a unique edge in the understanding of human anatomy that the palace doctors didn’t quite have, the lunar princess having of becoming quite proficient over the years at mending his wounds.

The aircraft overhead all begin to land in sequence, one by one at the direction of the control center, any one of the fighters possibly being the one carrying Dusty Shine home as well.

* * * * *

In the bedroom chambers, Luna has since carefully re-wrapped the bandages done by Zecora on Talon, and Nighties by the Ponyville detachment of the royal guard. She winced and nearly vomited when she had seen the black svelte alicorns broken hoof, disbelieving that Nightmare Moon could have walked miles like she had, with a heavy load on her back through mud, uneven surfaces, rocks and sharp sticks, and still casually walked with barely a limp, only her left rear leg being favored.

It was discovered by Celestia that Nighties rear leg was not actually broken, but being magically shared pain through the link she has with Talon. It is because of his broken bones that she felt as though her own were also broken. Luna sighs quietly, having a newfound respect for her past reflection.

Celestia, Twilight, and Cadence and Nightie are all on the large ornate bed of the night princess, the human carefully nestled between the elder white alicorn and Cadence, Cadenza already fast asleep with her chest and wing being used as a pillow for him. Her loud rhythmic heartbeat lulling the man into a restful sleep as the painkillers slowly fade. Dusty had returned to the palace a short while ago, the mustang mare electing to bathe and rest in her own chambers for the evening, after such a stressful day. She simply wished to take some time to rest and recover by herself. Luna understood that need all too well. It won’t be long now, perhaps only a few more hours before she’s due to lower the moon, and Celestia to raise the sun. She tiredly yawns, then places her own fire tube in the sand bowl on the balcony table, turning to join the pony pile in her bed. She climbs up on her side after crossing the room, her bare hooves barely making a sound on the plush peacock carpet, the midnight alicorn bounding up on the comfortable mattress. After getting situated beside her husband closely and planting a soft kiss on his lips, she finally falls asleep, looking forward to what the dawn will bring. A new direction for her herds future, a father reunited with his children, and if Celestia’s cryptic words were any indication…possibly a new machine to make new memories with.

New Beginnings

Chapter Twelve: New Beginnings

Talon sighs as he looks over the tables within the hangar, seeing all of the instrument clusters laid out on the surfaces. Some are open to let the moisture dry out, while others are too far gone and needing to be replaced entirely. He takes a draw off of his cigarette and exhales a stream of smoke, shaking his head.

"Ya know boss, I reckon that these fine colts in here ought to have the old girl back up and flight ready for our grand performance, ya hear?" The bronze coated earth stallion comments, chewing on a sprig of wheat grass within his maw. "Why, we've seen this machine survive far worse, a simple bath isn't going to be too big of a problem to fix. I trained all of em youngins myself."

The pilot looks away from the parts to the stallion and nods, exhaling another stream of smoke. "It's not that simple Sledge. You and I both know all of this is delicate electrical equipment. I don't think even sunny butt could voodoo her way out of this one." He retorts coldly. "You and the team are just going to have to fly this one without me. There's no way Luna and I can put on a show with this bird." He says, motioning his hand with the still burning cigarette in it to the war machine. Looking at the aircraft, the forward section of the fuselage is opened in some areas, the nose panels removed exposing the bare, bent framework. Several sections are missing as both Earth ponies and Thestral Lunar Stallions are hard at work repairing the mighty war bird for it's flight next sunset.

Sledge Hammer sighs and shakes his head, striking a wooden match against a wall, then raising his own cigar to his lips. The olive coat stallion quietly puffs on his cigar in thought, before taking a deep draw and releasing a plume of smoke. "You need to have faith Talon. I've seen both you and this machine get out of some tougher scrapes than that splash down. We've flown together for years, and been in every engagement our princesses have called us to fight in, both of us surviving side by side. Trust me my friend, we'll have this big gal back up and flight ready in no time. She's tougher than an old boiled owl. I should know, been helpin you keep her up for years."

Talon nods, before putting out the cigarette in the sand bowl near the tool box. "Remind me again why you quit this full time to fly?"

With a harsh cough the stallion smiles, then gives the pilot a good whump in the side with his fore hoof. "Because, you crazy son of a gun. Some pony needs ta watch your back up in the sky, like you've been watchin ours." The earthen pony snickers, then takes another long draw before releasing another plume of smoke from his maw. "Now go on, scoot and spend some time with your family. We all missed you two while you were off saving the world elsewhere. Don't you worry none, I'll be sure she's right as rain before the show. Bank on it brother."

The pilot nods and gives Sledge, his wing-pony a friendly pat on the side before turning to walk out. All around him, ponies and palace staff are placing tables and decorations for the Grand Galloping Gala, while a section of the converted ballroom turned hangar was being used for repairs. The entire palace is a buzz, with incoming flights coming in throughout the day and night from the Crystal Empire, Las Pegasus and the newly built airbase in Baltimare. As he nearly reaches the doors, the earthen stallion calls out to him.

"Oh and Talon?" The pilot stops and turns, looking at Sledge. "Your sweet little ones missed you something fierce amigo. Princess Stardust was askin about her pop pop just before you fell outta the sky. Be sure you let that little treasure know that ole Boss Hog will make sure her pa fly's right, ya hear?"

With a nod, Talon smiles and turns back on his heels again, bound for Celestia's chambers, to go and finally see his beloved twins, wanting to be the first one they see when they awaken in just a few minutes with the sunrise.

* * * * *

"Pray tell, mother...why thy ruse? Doth thou have any incline as to what hellish nightmares mine flame and I hath endured? Was it really needed to test Nightie so quickly like that?" Luna asks staring ahead at the Goddess before her, the all mother simply stirring her coffee with an amused smile upon her muzzle, completely ignoring the night alicorn's clearly obvious irritation.

"I already told you, my silly daughter. I have no intention of explaining myself again. I did what needed to be done, because it simply needed to be. I've been watching very closely for quite some time now, and with great interest. Never once in creation has some pony so evil had the capacity to change to something so good. Without my intervention even so! I'm still amazed at just what the power of love can do, if I say so myself." The red maned beauty replies, a small smile upon her muzzle as she stares at the swirling liquid in the cup. "Don't worry, my precious little one. Everything will become quite clear very, very soon."

The dark alicorn only quirks an eyebrow, clearly not amused. "And why did thou remove mine gift from mine husband? That star was meant for him, and only him. Thou hath no rights or claim to it, and no reason to remove it from his form. Even if it does contain the soul and essence of Nightmare, thou knows she shan't survive without her energy source nearby. Thou created her when thou cast thy dark energies away to regain thy purity, yet you made her so that she may only survive when she hath a heart to feed off of."

The cream colored alicorn smiles and nods. "I can't say."

"Thou refuses, more like it." Luna retorts bitterly, her anger nearly reaching the boiling point. "Thou knoweth that errant storm swept mine love and I away to dangerous skies, even allowed us to be put through Tatarus for a time, forcing us away from our children, and then that foalish dream?! Mother! Thou art mad!"

"It had to be done, Luna." She replies cryptically, now locking her deep emerald orbs upon the night alicorn. "Don't question my motives, I knew full well what was happening, and it was the path chosen for you. You both did exemplary. Had you of been in any real danger, I myself would have intervened and put a stop to it, just as I did with Discord. I placed those challenges for you, because I knew you could overcome them. What's more, I knew you both had the strength to undo the damage my sister had allowed for her charges. Make no mistake, your trials and tribulations were both deliberate and intended, and played out exactly as they were foretold. You ran your course, and now you must both complete the task I have set before you." The all mother alights her horn, the cup carried to her lips in her soft, silver laden magic. Taking a small sip, she smiles. "I had almost forgotten just how delicious these concoctions your sister created were."

"Coffee." Luna corrects sharply, while she puffs out her cheeks in irritation, her fore legs crossed upon her barrel as she leans back in her seat. "And it was mine creation, mother. Tia had made Tea."

"Oh? Did she now? I could have sworn it was her idea to boil, then filter the liquid from the ground beans from that plant to make it taste better. Your idea was to simply allow the beans to soak in water, and dry them out in cakes to eat. How many different attempts did you make on that recipe? I'm afraid I lost count after the ten thousandth one." She muses, smiling gently at the midnight alicorn.

"Eleven thousand, one hundred and thirteen." She replies, her cheeks flushing red. "And please don't remind me of those failures, I still get sick when I think of some of them." Luna rises to her hooves, turning away quickly and huffing in annoyance, shooing a lock of sapphire mane from her muzzle. With a sigh she shakes her head. "Mother...you had no right to do any of this. You should have left our lives be in this case. Whatever it was Nightie was to become, you were wrong for ending her in such a way." She says as she's walking out, her hoof steps heavy from fatigue.

The all mother quietly sips her drink, rolling the bauble around in her magic as she stares into the flickering mist lazily circling the star. A soft, knowing smile crosses her lips as she sees the energy continuing to fade within it, being starved without it's fuel source close by. "Oh Luna...you should know this is far from over...in time you'll come to understand why I did what needed to be."

* * * * *

Luna's hooves quietly clack against the marble floors of the grand halls, leading to the solar wing of the palace. As she rounds a corner she sees her flame up ahead just a short distance, increasing her speed to reach him. Her hoof steps echo into the air as she trots, rapidly catching up. With a tired huff, she ducks her head under his arm and nuzzles deeply into his side.

"How'd things go with your mom?" He asks, taking pause to stroke her mane and back. "You get any of the answers you were after?"

"Neigh, mine love." Luna sighs with irritation. She looks up, locking her jade eyes with his. "Nor would she explain why she felt the need to remove your bauble from you. All she stated was that she had some featherbrained reason, and wouldn't go into detail."

Talon stood uneasy for a moment, his hand drifting up around the collar of his uniform jacket, absently searching for the bauble without thought. Having of worn this gift from Luna for years, he felt naked without it, a sense of loss overtaking him when the Goddess had forcefully removed it from his neck. It was as if a part of his very soul was being torn in two from its being taken.

The midnight alicorn notices his hand, her eyes seeing his appear staring off for a moment. She lets out a soft discontented sigh under her breath and nuzzles his chest lovingly. "It is alright mine love, I am sure mother had her reasons...I give thee mine word, I shalt delve into this matter deeply, even if I must take back that which is yours by force if I must."

He silently nods, his eyes still staring off into space as the thoughts of all they have endured race through his mind. The unwelcoming other world, Baol, the demons keep that held his greatest enemy ever faced, thoughts of Jason and his Nightmare, even a stray thought of wondering if Chris and that immature excuse for a Sunny Butt knock off had patched things up. His thoughts are pulled away when he feels Luna's hoof pressing into him, shaking him back to reality.

"Mine flame, Tia shall be raising the sun any moment, if we wish to be the ones to awaken our children, we must go now." She calmly states, her eyes displaying her deep concern for her lover. "I have missed our children so...I want to see them."

The pilot nods again and smiles, the two turning and resuming their course down the hall to reach Celestia's chambers. As they round the corner a short distance away, they find Princess Celestia already waiting for them just outside her doors. The white alicorn stands with a smile, her form adorning her favorite fluffy, white robe embroidered with her cutie mark on the pockets.

"Good morning you two...how are you feeling?" She asks, stepping to them and brushing past the guards. She walks in a circle around them as the pair comes to a stop, her soft, magenta eyes tracing them over. "It looks like you're alright...mother was always very thorough with her healing magic."

Talon sighs, shaking his head. "We're patched up and physically fine, but I'm still exhausted. That doctor of yours seen the need to use me as a pin cushion after your mom left, and Angel and I haven't really had much of a moment to rest all night."

The midnight alicorn nods tiredly, her own eyes betraying her own exhaustion. "Mine flame is correct, Tia. After we were released from the palace infirmary, it would seem every pony felt the insatiable desire to speak with us. Mine love had gone to check on our machine, whilst I had to speak with mother about her game. Thou has no idea what we hath been through these past moonrises." She sighs and brushes away a lock of her mane from her muzzle and eyes again, letting out an annoyed grumble. "We have not even had a moment to bathe yet, as thou can see." She groans out, lifting an open wing and displaying the dirt and scorching from their battles, the sand from the beach, and patches of blackened sulfur staining her coat and feathers.

Celestia quirks an eyebrow, looking over Luna carefully. "Your magic must be very drained for you to slip into this form, lulu. Would you two rather rest for now, and come see the twins after you've had a few hours’ sleep? I would be delighted to watch them for a while longer."

"Absolutely not!" The pilot and alicorn say in unison, extreme tension in both of their voices. Celestia slinks back slightly with an amused smile. The pilot clears his throat, looking at Luna for a moment, then back to the elder white alicorn.

"They've waited long enough. We have waited long enough. I don't give a damn how tired I am, there is no force on this planet that's keeping me from them a moment longer." He says with absolution, grinning.

Luna smiles, nodding happily. "Mine husband is right, mine sister. We wish to see them with all due haste." Hearing this, Celestia's smile only grows, as her heart swells within her barrel.

"Well then, let's not delay any further!" She jubilantly says, stepping forwards and embracing the pair within her forelegs. " You two can tell me all about what happened over breakfast. They're still asleep, so go on in and wake them up after I raise the sun." She states, turning away and pushing the door open with her fore hoof.

The three enter the room silently, the chambers illuminated only by faint candle light. The sound of water pouring into the bath is heard, the water quietly filling the royal washroom, made ready for the twin fillies morning ritual. Luna's heart nearly stops within her chest as she turns, seeing their children. The twins, Stardust Kiss and Moonlight Way lay together, both resting peacefully and close together under the covers of the large, ornate bed. Stardust Kiss holds her sister snugly, a wing draped over the smaller indigo filly, carefree, warm expressions upon their muzzles as they slumber.

Celestia quietly exits to the balcony, opening the doors silently and stepping out. Luna and Talon both look at each other for a moment, before the midnight alicorn leans against her love and wraps a wing around him in a comforting embrace. His hand comes to the side of her delicate throat and gives her a gentle stroke, before he moves away and comes to a seat on the edge of the bedside.

The midnight alicorn follows closely, coming to a rest on her rump and propping her fore hooves upon the plush mattress. Light begins to filter through the windows as dawn comes over the horizon, the warm, gentle rays of Celestia's sun bringing a soft illumination into the chambers, giving the sleeping children a near angelic appearance as they dream sweet dreams in peace.

The pair wait in silence, only sounds of the fillies quiet snores and occasional ear flicks are heard, several minutes passing before the rays of the morning sun reach the four posted bed and bathe the twins in a gentle glow, causing them to stir and slowly awaken. Luna watches intently, her eyes watering and tearing up as she sees the happiest sight ever before her. Her greatest treasures, her absolute most important aspect of her life.

Moonlight way is the first to slowly open her eyes, sitting up slowly and pushing her sisters wing off of her. She rises to her rump, yawning a cute, small yawn as she rubs her eyes with her fore hooves, tiredly looking around. She has not noticed her parents yet. Stardust grumbles, her heat source and snuggle companion removed from her, as the blasted rays of the morning sun threaten to rip her from the sweet embrace of rest. The black alicorn filly re-positions her wing over her eyes, and groans, letting out a loud, discontented snort.

Seeing and hearing this, Talon can't help but let out a small, subtle chuckle as he reaches forward with his left hand, gently running his fingers through her mane under her small feathery wing, giving a soft scratch to her scalp to awaken her. Moonlight hears the sound, her head snapping to the direction, before her eyes go wide with excitement and realization. Her parents have returned home.

* * * * *

Under the gloom and gentle glow of the moonlight, the black alicorn slowly stirs, her ears swiveling lazily as the world around her comes into focus. Sounds reach her sensitive ears unfamiliar to her, the call of a strange bird, the sounds of crickets quietly playing a midnight serenade, the sounds of running water flowing serenely through a stream nearby. The sweet scent of the freshest grass she has ever smelled dances in her nose, with even sweeter scents upon the light breeze in the cool evening air.

Nightmare inhales a deep breath, her mind hazily processing all of the new sensations, the dampness of the dew upon her silken coat, the warm breath cascading from her maw to her fore hooves, and the dull prickly feeling within her right wing from laying upon it with all of her weight. She allows herself a gentle smile as her eyes remain closed, enjoying the sounds of the world around her. It's when she hears a soft, melodic giggle ring into her ears, she opens her eyes groggily and tries to move, the world quickly now coming into focus.

Her eyes flutter open, the dark alicorn's teal orbs zeroing in on the sound quickly, nearly causing her to jump straight out of her fur. Resting on her belly with her long, spindly legs tucked under herself, lay the cream colored terror Nightie feared more than anything. She shoots up in absolute shock, breathing hard with her heart thundering within her barrel, threatening to burst out of it and keep running after it escapes her form.

The cream colored Goddess only giggles louder in her joy, seeing the sight she exactly expected. reaching up slowly with her fore hoof, she covers her maw and blushes with her amusement. "I see you're just as jumpy as ever. And you looked so endearing sleeping so peacefully, Obsolescence." After a moment of reigning in her light hearted mirth, she smiles serenely and focuses her vibrant emerald eyes upon the black alicorn mare before her, returning her foreleg under herself. "You can calm down, you will not be harmed here." Her smile widens as she speaks softly, the melody of her voice both soothing and as gentle as the softest breath of wind in all of creation. "Do you know where you are?"

Nightie looks around for a moment, before her ears droop. She lowers her head as she comes to a rest upon her rump, letting out a defeated sigh. "The night side of the Garden of Eden, the place of honor for only those worthy of your highest praise and glory in Heofon." She answers, her voice a shaken, haunted whisper. Her teal draconic orbs tear up, a small droplet that shimmers like a diamond rolling down her cheek and dropping to the ground. "Even groveling upon my knees, I don't belong in the presence of this place."

The all mother nods, a gentle, serene smile still upon her features. "You're almost right, this is the very place you named. You do rest within the most secluded and sacred of all within my garden, all of which perhaps a small hoof full of souls have graced over the ages of time." She responds. "But it is my right to name whom shall be worthy of it."

Nightie shakes her head slowly, her wings twitching as she fights back the sobs wracking her body. Her chest heaves as a wave of bitter remorse and despair crash throughout her heart and mind, twisting and rending her soul in pure sorrow. "So this is the end for me after all I see..." She whispers.

The cream colored alicorn flicks her ears attentively, still watching the smaller black alicorn before her in amusement. She silently draws a breath within her, before she rises to her hooves, her wings slowly spreading open. She moves quietly, her steps not making a single sound as they pass over the damp, plush, green grass, taking a seat beside Nightmare as she extends and drapes her right wing carefully and lovingly over her. "I can recall a time when all you wished to do was burn this heavenly place to ash, if only to watch the fires within your own soul consume it for the sake of removing it from every pony else." She comments.

Nightmare freezes and tenses under the gentle wing encircling her, desperately fighting the urge to leap unto the all mothers chest and cry her heart out. She wished and begged for forgiveness, wanting so badly to end the centuries of bitter hatred, if only to finally find peace within her death. She remains silent, her eyes focused forward to the ground, unable to help stop the tears blurring her vision as she continues to fight back the trembling within herself.

"Come with me, Obsolescence. Let us take a walk together. It's been a very long time since I myself have been here, and a stroll would do us both some good." She quietly states, once again rising to her hooves. She retracts her wings and holds them erect upon her form, the wings flight surfaces leaving a small ethereal trail in their wake as she slowly steps forward. As she walks, Nightie feels compelled, almost willed into following the crimson maned Goddess before her, even against her protesting mind.

The two walk in comforting silence side by side, Nightie timidly stepping and glancing about as she moves, taking in all of the new sights and sounds laid before her in utter disbelief. As they round a corner around a large white barked tree with leaves and flowers that illuminated with iridescent hues with an other-worldly gentle blue glow about the foliage, The black alicorn looks back, seeing their every step had created a trail of hoof prints within the grass that seemed to glow with gentle starlight, the tracks dimming out after a short distance and following them.

"That was a very brave and noble thing you did within my test. You performed and exceeded my very best expectations of you throughout your trials and tribulations. I'm very proud of you, Obsolescence." The cream colored alicorn states, before coming to a stop by an apple tree. She glances up and rears upon her hind legs, grasping a branch within her maw. With a gentle shake of her head, two large, golden apples fall from the trees branches, both coming to a stop midair before the pair. The all mother returns to her hooves and takes them within her magic, holding out one for Nightie, the other she claims for herself. "Eat, you require sustenance, my daughter."

Nightie obeys, grasping the fruit within her fore hooves. She comes to a rest upon her haunches, bringing the apple to her maw. She bites in, the dark alicorn's razor sharp teeth effortlessly breaking through the skin of the golden apple, the sweet, heavenly nectar that is the apples life giving liquid dribbling out and into her mouth, some upon her lips and bare hooves. As if of their own violation, the nightmare alicorn's eyes close as she savors the sweet taste of the fruit for the very first time in her life, relishing and reveling in the indescribable feeling and flavor of it. She eats in silence, waiting and listening for the all mother to continue speaking.

The all mother quietly consumes the apple, core and all as she chews thoughtfully, her eyes remaining focused on Nightmare. Drawing in a gentle breath, she finally speaks. "You evolved beyond your station, Obsolescence. You exceeded my expectations in every way, and performed exemplary. So it is because you have indeed changed with the power of love...I have decided to make you an offer. Free will is the greatest gift I could have ever conceived for creation, and it is today that you have the right to make a choice."

She pauses for a moment, a soft, gentle smile crossing her muzzle. "You have not only saved countless lives...but placed your own life at risk to save a world, fought against my very own sister Macha...and above all else, you fell in love. All of which I had foreseen, but never truly believed would come. I am very happy to see that you did so well, my precious treasure."

Nightie speaks, finishing her apple finally. Her belly feels warmed and genial, for the first time in her years, she felt satisfied, and content with everything. Looking upon the Goddess with some hope within her, she swallows hard and finds her voice. "I did...what I had believed would be the right thing to do, even knowing full well it was the Goddess of destruction." Nightie looks up. "But the love I feel within my heart has always been there for him, Morrigan. Perhaps....perhaps it stared as curious wonder, and had grown into a content infatuation...but from the moment I had seen him within my dreams I had known he was the harmony that would break the chains binding my heart."

The all mother smiles serenely, her eyes drifting to the heavens above for a moment, gazing at the stars shimmering peacefully overhead. "It's been thousands of eons since I had heard anyone speak my name, Obsolescence. The only others being Nehimane and Macha. It's comforting to me to hear it every now and then." With a soft sigh, the cream colored alicorn turns her gaze upon the Nightmare alicorn once more.

"What I offer you, is very simple. A clean slate, a fresh start, but...there's a catch." She speaks candidly, coming to a rest upon her own haunches. "Obsolescence...you may retake your mantle as the Queen of the Darkness once more, returning to your station to ferry the souls of the damned to the hell-fires of Tatarus, and to continue to strike fear upon the wicked, to help them change their ways so that they do not go to the place of fire and shadow. You will be granted eternal youth and life once more...but you must never see, or even think of the children, Luna or the human forever more. You will never know love again, for all of eternity and the grand expanse of time, until which I deem it ready to close the gates forever and seal the flames and wicked into the chasm of the abyss, and release you from that post of eternal damnation."

Nighties ears droop, her expression appearing deflated and crestfallen as she feels her heart being crushed within her barrel. She grits her teeth and squeezes her eyes shut, tears streaming down her cheeks, desperately wishing to escape this cold and silent fate. The all mother takes pause, and smiles once more.

"Or... your second option...you may return to the world you once knew. You may love, you may be with your herd that you have found and come to adore. You shall help raise the two gifts I have given to Equestria, to teach them of honor, life and light. But...you shall not be granted eternity as so. Your life will be bound to the human, your heart and soul to him. Though you may walk freely among them, you will grow old...and you will die, just as he does. Though you shall have a long life, you will eventually come to see me again, where I shall judge you according to your works. You will share in his pain, you will feel his every ache and sorrow. When he bleeds, your blood shall also be spilled upon the soil below your hooves. You will be the death of him. The source of your life, will be his vital energy that keeps breath within him. Your mantle, shall be that of his reaper. Your final task will be to ferry him to the gates of Heofon, where he will take his place in Neamh, and find his final rest for his valor. It is up to you, if you shall be joining him and Luna when they pass." She finishes.

The nightmare alicorn perks up her ears. "What do you mean...when Luminescence passes? You have stolen her divinity from her? She is no longer immortal?" She asks, her eyes locking onto the emerald orbs of the Goddess.

Morrigan, the All Mother takes a breath again and nods, exhaling gently. "Luna had known as part of her wish, to return life to the human, she would have to share her divinity with him. Half of her soul, to make him whole. She had chosen to lead a mortal life herself, where she would also grow old with him, though they shall age slowly, they will eventually find each other in the grave together, where they both shall find glory in Neamh as a loving pair. Their children shall live on, to take the charges of the Night for their mother. Moonlight Way shall guide and carry the midnight magic and all of which is the realm of the night. Stardust Kiss...shall have the gift of the tapestry which is the heavens jewels, as well as her power to watch and protect those who have innocence within their hearts, and the mantle of being the guardian of dreams."

Nightie contemplates for a moment, before a smile crosses her lips and continues to grow. Her heart picks up its pace as it quickens within her breast, hope once more filling her. Her wings tense as she licks her lips and draws a breath, knowing what was her hearts fondest fancy. "I know my desire then, I have made my choice, Morrigan."

The cream colored Goddess raises an eyebrow with an amused grin, nodding and listening. She watches as the alicorn before her titters quietly for a moment, before a look of resolution comes to the Nightmares features.

"I choose...a mortal life." Nightie whispers, smiling serenely. Tears mat her fur upon her cheeks as she sniffles quietly, her eyes glistening under the starlight as her draconic teal orbs flicker. Nodding slowly and closing her eyes, she breathes deep the wind of Eden. "I wish to live in the Light. I want to be there for the treasures, I want to protect my family...I wish to serve my master in every way that I can, and to adore as well as be loved and adored. I want to do good, and bring justice to Equestria without harming innocence. Mother...I choose a mortal life."

With a soft, gentle smile, the goddess drapes her large elegant wings around the black alicorn, embracing her with all of her love and kindness. Morrigan's eyes close as she happily holds the alicorn before her. "Well then..."

* * * * *

Celestia smiles serenely as she watches at the foot of her bed, her heart finally at peace this sunrise. With the light of the dawn, a family once torn apart was reunited. Her ears pick up the hushed cries of joy, the subtle sounds of tears falling to the plush fabric of the beds comforter. Her gaze softens as she sees the children dive into the loving arms of their parents, the midnight alicorn and pilot holding the fillies for dear life as if they were afraid they would disappear the moment they let go. Her ears swivel as she hears the air foil over the wing beats of the fillies, their small feathery wings flapping aimlessly and expressing their sheer joy and excitement.

"What do you think we should do?" Twilight whispers, leaning in close to the regal white alicorn. "Should we let them be for a while, or bring them downstairs to breakfast?"

Celestia thinks quietly for a moment, a content smile still upon her muzzle. With a quiet breath, she answers, her eyes remaining fixed upon the joyous reunion. "Have breakfast brought here, Twilight. I think this is too precious of a moment to interrupt...also summon Dusty to join us. This is her family too...it's only fitting she be here for this as well."

With a nod and a soft smile of her own, the lavender alicorn rises to her own hooves and quietly steps out, walking around the bedside and to the door as she makes her way to the grand halls. Before she exits, she looks back and sees the midnight alicorn embrace the twins within her fore legs, wrapping her smaller wings around them. The primaries of her wings barely touch together now, the smaller stature of Luna more obvious now because of her form change. Twilight giggles quietly, before turning once more and exiting the room.

"Why were you gone so long papa? Why didn't you call us?" Stardust Kiss sobs out, her snout buried in the pilots torn flight jacket. She breathes deep the heavy scent of sulfur, smoke, ash and salt, her tears only matting the dirt more upon her muzzle from the pilot. He lets out a soft sigh and runs his fingers through her mane, gently stroking away the pain in the fillies heart.

"We...we didn't want to go anywhere, Star." He responds quietly, continuing his ministrations throughout her mane. "Mama and I had to go take care of some things. But it's over now. We're home, and we won't be going anywhere ever again without telling you first."
She sniffles, wrapping her fore hooves even tighter around her father and refusing to let go. Luna coos out softly, nuzzling the black alicorn's neck gently with her muzzle, before returning her own full attention back on the indigo filly within her own embrace. The midnight alicorn glances to the pilot, worry and heartache clearly written all over her features.

Celestia clears her throat, stepping to the bedside and close to the family. "I'll be sure they don't, you two. They're home now, just as I promised...now why don't you two let your parents get cleaned up, so we can all have breakfast together. Twilight will have your favorite brought up to my chambers so we can all enjoy a quiet meal together." She says quietly, her voice even and gentle. "I'll even have their garments brought here as well, so they won't be far away."

"That...won't be necessary, Celestia." Talon responds, turning to look at her. "These two have waited long enough. I've been in this uniform a while, I think I can wait a bit longer."

She holds up her hoof, glancing to Luna, then looking back at the human pilot. "I insist. I mean no offence, commander. But you two both smell like a dragons wings after playing hoof ball with a sulfur golem. Breakfast would be far more enjoyable for all of us once you are both back to normal. I'm sure the twins here are willing to let their parents bathe for a few minutes, now that they can see they're home?"

The twin fillies take pause for a moment, sniffling softly and nodding slowly, their eyes glued to the regal alicorn. Celestia smiles and nods to the royal couple, watching as the fillies climb down from the bed and hop onto the plush carpet of the chambers. The door to the room opens, a disheveled looking blue maned Earthen mare stepping in. Dusty's robe sash trails on the ground as she quickly steps to the twins and alicorn's, the mare quickly scooping up the fillies in her warm and welcoming embrace and holding them tightly.

"Good morning, Dusty." Celestia greets her warmly. "I see Twilight didn't bother to tell you that you could take your time getting here?"

She responds with a cheerful nod, smiling enthusiastically. "Princess Twilight had just mentioned that the twins were awake, and that I should get over here to start their morning routine. I wouldn't miss this for all of Equestria." She says with a grin, snuggling the now happy fillies. She takes pause and sniffs the air for a moment, then looks to the pilot and night princess. "Tough night?" She questions, seeing they have yet to have a moment to care for themselves.

Talon and Luna look at each other, before the regal midnight alicorn clears her throat, running her own hoof through her dirt and blood caked mane. "You have no idea." She deadpanned.

* * * * *

"So what do you think happened to them?" Dusty whispers to Twilight, leaning over to speak in a low voice as not to get the fillies attention. "They were gone for months...but the engineers say the data logs from the aircraft couldn't have been more than a couple of weeks at the most."

Letting out a quiet sigh, Twilight looks up from her book, her ears swiveling as she listens to the muffled sounds of the washroom. Her eyes trace forward, seeing Celestia playing games with the twins and distracting them with breakfast. She turns to the Earthen mare and shrugs, then turns her attention back on the twins. "I have no idea, to be honest...the injuries they sustained were far more than the crash could have done. I mean...did you see their jackets and the pilots chest and shoulder? Those rips and that smell says they were in some serious trouble."

"I know what you mean. And all of that blood in Luna's mane...It didn't smell like her own. Whatever happened, I'll bet it was some pretty crazy stuff." Dusty replies quietly. "I've got Stark on the data retrieval from the on board computers from the commanders machine." She licks her lips and draws a soft breath. "No promises since most of the electronics were fried in the crash...but he thinks he can get the video from the forward camera at a minimum. It would at least help explain what happened after that storm."

"And I have every engineer and technician from here to Las Pegasus working on fixing the machine. The Gala is tomorrow...I don't think any pony is going to be thrilled about us canceling the entire air show. Especially after we've had half the nation on a search that we suddenly called off." The lavender alicorn whispers. "Don't we have a backup aircraft for instances like this where one is down for repairs?"

Dusty shakes her head, her own gaze focused on the twins still distracted and playing with the regal white alicorn. She stifles a giggle as Celestia suddenly makes a crudely aircraft shaped waffle dripping with syrup start to fly slowly above the table, Moonlight Way excitedly chomping at it in an attempt to catch and eat it. "I'm...I'm afraid not for this type of aircraft. They're so expensive to build that we only made a hoof full of these. They're not like the air wing we deployed to the Crystal Empire, these cost over seventeen million bits a piece just to frame up. Don't get me started on their maintenance costs. The closest one we could use as a filler is docked on the new carrier in Horseshoe Bay, and even then the ship and all aircraft are still in moth balls until next spring's launch. We'd never have it flight ready in time, even if we started last month."

Twilight takes pause for a moment, still intently listening in on the sounds of running water from the washroom. She thinks for a moment, then nods. "I had almost forgotten about that project since the storm...they've been working on that for over a year now. Is it really ready to launch?"

"That's what they're saying. I still can't believe that Celestia and Princess Cadence had both commissioned a whole fleet of these. Yes, it's provided a huge break for the economy and we've never seen so much progress...but we already have the ERAF. Is it really necessary for us to have total superiority over the oceans too?" The Earthen mare asks, smiling as the filly finally catches her prey, only for Celestia to dice several more smaller waffle aircraft in her magic, now three more flying about to entertain the children.

"I know what you mean." Twilight responds with a low groan. "I do agree to a point, but if we as Equestria continue building our own military like we have been, I imagine it won't be long before places like Griffonia or the Zebradic nations begin to get the wrong idea. Let alone Saddle Arabia. Those ponies always take things out of context and way too far. Still...the idea of a Navy comparable to the one Talon keeps talking about is sure going to be something else. I can only imagine how much more secure our borders will be from things like another Changeling attack with that kind of firepower at our hooves. If we had even half of what we do today, that war wouldn't have even happened. We could have struck out against the parasite from a safe distance, and lost no pony from the fighting."

The two sit in silence for a moment, memories of the war flooding their minds, sending an icy chill down the lengths of their spines. Those were dark and terrible days, filled with uncertainty. It's not every day you escape death, especially on that grand of a scale. Twilight lets out a wistful sigh, and turns to Dusty. "How much have the engineers completed repair wise? You were down there before coming here, right?"

"Not before you snapped into my chambers with that teleportation trick of yours I wasn't. You really need to learn how to knock, you know. I could have been busy with something..." She blushes, trailing off. She inhales sharply and clears her mind for a brief moment, then responds. "The last I had seen before I went to bed after visiting Luna and Talon in the medical wing, was some of the guards helping wheel in the replacement engines. They had both of the engines out, and had removed that bent wing to replace it. I have to say though...I don't know how much more that machine can take. You of all ponies should know this, but the metals in that airframe can only take so many flight hours before they're no longer useable...even if the all mother fixed it all over again, this years show will probably be the last one before we have to do a serious overhaul of it. That's saying it's even fixable to begin with."

"Yeah...the last time we seen an aircraft go for a swim was when my brother Shiny tried to fly one. If Cadence wasn't there to watch, we would have probably had more of an issue. Now that machine is sitting as a display piece at the aviation museum because it can't fly anymore." Twilight comments with a irritation laced heavily in her voice. "If my brother was meant to fly, He would have been born a pegasus, not an accident prone nerd who wrecks multi-million bit machines while over the radio he tells his co-pilot to hold his cider and watch this."

* * * * *

Luna stands under the shower, the multiple heads cascading water over her as if it were rain. She hums a soft melody while she relaxes, a warm smile upon her lips while the pilot carefully works on her extended right wing. With a happy sigh, the realization finally hits her. They're home, finally home, and safe at last.

"Christ, angel...I can't believe your wings got this bad over that short of a time. How the hell could you stand it?" Talon asks, plucking out another damaged feather and casting it aside. He runs his fingers through each of her primaries and secondary flight feathers, removing nits and debris, shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm surprised you haven't gone absolutely bat shit like last time we ignored wing care for just a couple of days."

She takes pause for a moment, turning her head to look at him. She lowers her muzzle a bit and opens one of her eyes, trying to avoid some of the water rushing over her from the rain shower. "Mine love, with all that we hath endured over these recent days, I can assure you that the parasites and itchy wings were hardly my top concern. Had we of not been forced into those dreadful dungeons by that foal, I wouldn't have had to endure this at all. Even Elysium was not so dirty as that wretched place. And that planet was nothing but dirt!" She comments, irritation creeping into her tone. "I'm just glad it's all over now..." She finishes, then winces as the pilot plucks an especially bothersome feather.

"No kidding." He sighs out, finishing with the wing finally. "There, all done. That's two full scrubs, preening and your mane and tail washed and conditioned. Anything else? ...I know it's our first shower back home honey...but I really don't think it would be nice of us to use half the hot water in Canterlot this morning."

Luna snickers, then nods. "Were it possible, yes, mine flame. But Tia hath every faucet within her washroom enchanted with a phoenix pinion. It would be nigh impossible for us to do so, even if we had used it for several moonrises straight." She smiles. "Have thou finished cleaning thyself?" She asks. The pilot nods, turning off the water.

As the pilot begins to dry off, the midnight alicorn gives a sinister grin to her husband, right before she plays a trick she pulls at random. Shaking out from horn to tail, she flings water droplets in every which direction, giving the human an impromptu shower once more. She giggles musically as he protests, shielding himself with the towel. After a few moments, she finishes, the two laughing for the reprieve. It's good to be home.

"I'll take it you're feeling better then." He questions, sighing as he runs a dry towel over the alicorn, helping her finish drying off and smoothing over the fluffed areas of her fur. She gives a happy nod, raising her head quickly to steal a small kiss as a thank you, before the two exit the large shower. The pilot looks around the washroom as he sets down the towels onto a bar to dry. "Sheesh...I thought our bathroom was big. Sunny Butt could play baseball in here if she wanted." He notes, while beginning to put on his fresh uniform.

The night princess takes a seat at the vanity, lifting a brush off of the countertop within her magic, and brushes out her dark blue silken mane. "It wouldn't surprise me if that was Tia's intention. Though I believe it's just so she can turn around without knocking over half of the items upon her washrooms surfaces, Talon. Mine sister has a massive flank, after all, and she was known for constantly toppling over any glass bottles, soap trays or such within our old castle before mine banishment."

The two freeze in place as they hear a shout from the other side of the door. 'I heard that Lulu! My flank isn't that big!' Their eyes meet at that moment, as the two burst into laughter. 'And for the record, you knocked over more when you tried to fly indoors!' After a few minutes, they quell their mirth, finishing getting dressed. The fighter pilot, in his freshly pressed, and proud uniform, the American flag in clear display upon his arm. The princess of the Night in her formal regalia and silver, high polished cross, with the onyx bands polished to brilliant luster. As she sets down her brush upon the vanity, she inspects herself, a soft, gentle smile coming to her lips as she eyes the somewhat tarnished, yet perfectly intact wedding band she proudly wears upon her horn, as well as the well-worn band of Lunar steel upon her left fore leg above her pastern, loosely around her fetlock joint.

The door to the washroom opens, the couple finally coming to sit down at the small table where the others are gathered. Twilight and Dusty smile as they greet the royal couple, the former maid having of already prepared dishes for them. As they take seats upon the cushions, they hear the telltale sounds of an engine’s roar just outside, the windows of the balcony doors gently rattling in place.

Talon looks to Celestia, picking up his fork to dig in. "...why are we sending up aircraft now?" He asks, glancing at the analog clock on the nearby nightstand close to the elder alicorn's bed. "Do you need us to head down to the flight line?" Luna looks up from her dish as well, her eyes flicking to her children, then to Celestia as she holds her first bite of breakfast within her magic.

She clears her throat, the sun princess smiling gently. "Not this time, commander. The flights this morning are escort fighters that were already scheduled. Since tomorrow is the Grand Galloping Gala, Princess Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor are being flown in this afternoon. They're being sent to escort the air wing from the Crystal Empire for tomorrows display. You two on the other hoof, are not going anywhere."

She pauses, nuzzling the fillies beside her with her muzzle. "I promised these two you wouldn't be going anywhere, and your machine is in no condition to fly. Your place is here, and the only thing you will be doing today is resting, and telling us all about your ordeal. I want details."

Luna chokes on her food for a moment, coughing and sputtering for a moment as her eyes go wide, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks. "What?! The gala is tomorrow?! How is this possible?!" She shrieks out, dumbfounded. "We were only on Elysium for several days! And stuck with that tyrant with the stick in her plot for perhaps a single moonrise! Tia, thou fibs!"

Celestia, Twilight and Dusty all fall silent, looking to each other out of confusion. The elder while alicorn pauses for a moment, then clears her throat. "Lulu...what day do you think it is? What is today's date?"

Luna and Talon both look to one another now, in absolute confusion. "Tia...The Canterlot fair was but perhaps two weeks ago. Today's date is Dé Domhnaigh Aibreán Ochtú." She glances to Talon again, who seems to nod in agreement. "It's the eighth day of the fourth month, Two thousand fifteen after the defeat of Discord. Every pony knows that."

Celestia blanches, shaking her head solemnly. "No...no it is not, you two...You've both been gone for seven months, twelve days. It's Samhain Fiche, lulu. This is the eleventh month, and the twentieth day...Hearts-warming day is next month, as well as the beginning of winter. The harvest season has already passed, and the weather teams are due to begin work on winter in just three weeks...You two have been missing for a very long...long time."

The pilot and alicorn both drop their utensils, in complete shock, the night princess close to the verge of tears. 'How has so much time passed...How long did our children suffer?' The twins immediately notice their mothers sudden mood change, leaping from their cushions and clinging to her for dear life with open hooves. Luna begins to sniffle, tears rolling down her cheeks and matting her fur, hearing this unsettling news. "Mine angels...I am so sorry..." She whispers, choking back sobs of sorrow.

"Seven months..." Talon whispers, still in disbelief. "How...just..." The three mares also rise from their positions, wings and fore legs extended as the comfort the distressed couple. Celestia wraps her large, elegant wings around the group.

"It's alright now...you're home safe. That's all that matters now...We all missed you dearly, these two especially." She murmurs, holding the twins, Luna and pilot within her gentle loving embrace. The realization hits home within the pilots mind, understanding in numb shock just how long they have been gone. Time was displaced somehow...and he missed so much time with his children. He himself begins to weep, unable to hold back the sadness of it.

* * * * *

It had taken nearly a full half hour to calm the grieving couple, both of them brought to tears of sorrow knowing the pain their children must have felt. The fillies themselves crying and sobbing, joyful to finally be reunited with their parents. After they had all calmed down, they had begun to explain everything, every last detail of their journey through hell. Baol, Elysium, Nehimane, the fight against the fire demon, even the mirror world of Equestria where they were nearly killed. They all listened as Luna and Talon explained every detail, Celestia unable to comprehend the nightmare they endured.

She sighs. "Well...that explains why mother had taken your lunar charm, Talon. That also explains why she was so insistent on healing you herself, rather than allowing your injuries to mend naturally. When you were so severely injured by the demonic alicorn, everything Obsolescence was had poisoned your soul. She had given you the armor of Darkness, and her blood mixing with your own would have killed you in time." She finishes. "You're both very lucky she was here to help. None of our finest doctors in all of Equestria could have undone that."

"You can't be serious." He scoffs. "Nightie saved us in there, Sunny Butt. Just like she bailed us out when I had to deal with that tyrant knock off of you. Say what you will, but after her actions, she'll never be considered evil in my book."

Luna nods in agreement. "Tis true, Tia. I had seen for myself. Obsolescence has indeed turned a new leaf, as it were, and her sacrificing herself to save us in mothers test was proof enough. Her evil has long since left her nature, and I believe she is redeemed in every sense. I do not think for even a moment her blood would have poisoned mine husband, especially to ferry him unto Heofon."

Twilight clears her throat, gaining the attention of the table. "None of that matters now. The all mother has clearly made her judgment, and we have absolutely no say so in this. The only thing we can do now is move forward, and hope that she has some explanation she's willing to give while she's here. I do admit...I never in all of my years imagined Nightmare Moon was any form of a heroine, even when she did save you two in Horseshoe Bay five years ago. An anti-hero perhaps...My question though, is how is it possible so much time passed here, but so little for you two? The engineers did say there was at most two weeks’ worth of data on your machines computers, but the way you two described events, it really sounds like you were constantly in conflict."

Celestia nods in agreement now, her eyes turning to the couple. "Twilight is right. Regardless, time has indeed passed, and the Gala is tomorrow. Cadence and Shining Armor will be here within several hours, and we have you two home safe and sound. I'll go and speak with mother while you two rest with your children...I believe you absolutely need the time to heal and be a family again. Twilight and I will manage everything, for now, please take time for yourselves."

"Tia, mine flame and I must still help with the air show tomorrow eve. Even if we hath just returned, it is still our duty, as our subjects have traveled from all over our kingdom to join the event. Thou said it thyself, we cannot simply cancel it this year, for the state of Equestria's economy." Luna speaks up. "Even if mine war machine is crippled like a lame pegasus, we must still perform. Tis our duty not only as the diarchy of Equestria, but as a promise to mine treasures."

Talon looks down at the black alicorn filly resting in a curled ball upon his lap, taking pause of stroking her mane gently. She looks up at her father, her sapphire eyes sparkling as she smiles gently. "Papa, Are you and mama going to go away again in the birdie?" He sighs and shakes his head, smiling down at her.

"No, I promise we won't go anywhere, Star. And if you would rather mama and I don't fly...we won't." He whispers. "But I'll never leave you again. Never ever." He adds, scratching gently under her chin.

The filly smiles dazedly, letting out a happy sigh as her ears fold back. Her wings twitch gently at her sides, before she opens her eyes again and looks up, then to her sister. The fillies’ eyes meet as they silently communicate, before Stardust Kiss returns her gaze to the pilot. "You can make the birdie dance, papa. We wanna watch you and mama's show!"

* * * * *

Her hoof steps echo through the near empty halls of the palace, the earthen mare humming a soft melody as she makes her way to her private chambers. It's been an eventful morning for the former maid, her life finally put back in order. Her friends, the royal couple she had secretly seen as family, were home. Reunited with their children once more in a heart rending, tearful reunion long overdue. Her duty was finally over, and she could return to the sense of normalcy that she had been accustomed to for years.

Dusty knew now, that the twins she had come to cherish and adore, the charges that she had forged a deep connection to, would now be in the proper care of their mother. A small sense of loss filled her heart, knowing that the joys of awakening the treasured fillies and routines had drawn to a close. She approaches her door, and lets out a soft sigh as she reaches for the handle. It's been a long several weeks, carefully finishing the dresses her and the pilot had worked on together, all the while balancing her own duties and helping with children. She was tired, outright exhausted...but happy. Dusty had stayed awake all night, unable to sleep, thinking of the night princess and her flame, both sick with worry, and relief of knowing their state now.

The mare enters her bed chambers, closing the door behind her as she walks in. To her left of the foyer, the small dining table, still covered with sewing supplies and materials, small bits of metal and thread bobbins. Beside the table, stood three ponyquins, completed gala dresses resting upon their forms, silently waiting to be gifted to their owners for the special event in just another moonrise. She smiles as she looks upon her completed work, thoughts of how happy Luna and the twins will be in their specially made hoof and hand stitched ensembles, feelings of true love and light woven into every stitch by herself and the pilot.

A glimmer of light catches her eye as she passes by the dresses, a small reflection of light shining in the darkness of the bedroom. Curiously, the earthen mare steps forward, her course now changed for its source. Her eyes begin to adjust to the shadows of the room as she steps in deeper into the chambers, reaching the edge of her bed finally. She turns on a light within the room, finding an unexpected sight, a black, heart shaped box, bearing the crest of the solar princess upon it in the center. Attached to the box was a deep blue silk ribbon, with a small piece of parchment folded and tucked under the bow.

Dusty,
Enclosed within this parcel, is a gift requested by the commander for your hard work. I'm very sorry to have kept this in secrecy for so long, but I'm quite sure you will find it within yourself to overlook my silence. Thank you, for helping with my sisters precious children, and performing above and beyond the call of duty with precision and gentle care. Please accept this formal invitation for the Grand Galloping Gala, as well as all future social engagements for the palace. Feel free to try on your gift.
Your dearest friend,
Celestia.

Dusty stands confused for a moment, before taking a seat upon the bed and lifting the package onto her lap. The mare studies it carefully, licking her lips in anticipation. She traces the smooth lines of the ribbon with her fore hoof, before carefully pulling at the ends of the bow through the knot, unshackling the parcel from it's bonds. The silken ribbon falls away onto the floor as she carefully opens the lid of the box, bracing herself for whatever explosive surprise the sun princess may have left within. She winces as she quickly pulls the lid off now, her ears pinned against her skull while she waits for the gag to detonate in her face. ...nothing happens. Dusty slowly opens her eyes, looking down into the gift box.

Within the box was a folded garment that left the mare awestruck, as well as a carefully laid golden laced parchment, and a smaller oval shaped, cherry wood box. Dusty licks her lips as she reaches into the parcel with her fore hoof, grasping the smaller mystery box first. She eyes it curiously, using the edge of her hoof to open it and undo the clasp. The lid opens, revealing a finely made charm crafted out of Lunar steel and Sapphire. 'This...this is the same symbol Miss Luna and Talon wear...The symbol of their faith.' She thinks, taking the charm out of the box. She inspects it with a sense of wonder, the silver laden chain shining in the rays of light in the room. Her eyes fall upon the silver cross, studded with small flecks of sapphire stones and diamonds, the reflections casting a prism effect as it dances in the light.

She smiles and slips the necklace and charm over her head, the necklace fitting perfectly, the cross resting right above her heart within her barrel. Setting down the small wooden box, she grasps the ticket next and reads it, her smile growing even more as she sees it's an official invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala, signed by Celestia herself. Dusty lets a small squeal of delight escape her throat as she sets it down next, her hooves now eagerly digging into the box for the final item. Her hooves find their way under the bottom fold of the fabric, the mares eyes widening with surprise. Dusty rises to her rear hooves, steadying herself carefully as she balances, holding up the full length of the stunning dress so she could see it. The dress was made of fog silk, imported all the way from the Crystal Empire.

Dusty studied it as she wobbled in place, twirling on her hind legs and laying the dress down upon the surface of the bed. She falls to her fore hooves now, standing in shocked silence as she stares in wonder. The garment was as black as the night, but semi see through and light. The stitching and seams were laced in threads of enchanted ice, sparkling and glittering softly as she moved to inspect it. A blue sash of ice silk was woven around the midsection, the crest of the Lunar Goddess embroidered at the ends of the ribbon. She stares absolutely speechless at it, the thoughts finally hitting home. With a sharp breath she gives a giddy squeal of excitement, unable to contain her joy.

* * * * *

Within the chambers of the Lunar princess, a soft, shallow breathing can be heard, the gloom and darkness of the room masking what slumbers within. The bed is soft...she does not wish to awaken. The air is cool, and fresh, the breeze from the opened window allowing in the sweet scents of the autumn wind, the soft melody of the city. The mare in the darkness lets out a soft murmur as she dreams peacefully, rolling over on the cloud like softness of the inviting bed.

A low pitched whistling in the distance causes her ears to twitch unconsciously. This continues for a few minutes, before the whistle turns into a deafening howl that rattles the windows and picture frames upon the nightstands and walls. The alicorn mare shoots up in pure fright, an absolute blind panic and surprise overtaking her as she flails aimlessly, her wings snapping open and flapping haphazardly, knocking over the lamps, clock, picture frame and brushes upon the nightstands. She breathes hard, her heart thundering within her as she kicks wildly, becoming quickly tangled in the sheets and comforter, then rolling off of the edge of the bed and landing with a sickening crack as the back of her head slams to the floor.

Nightie opens her teal eyes, blinking with shock as she stares up at the ceiling of the dimly lit chambers, her mind struggling to put logic to her new situation. She pants raggedly as her eyes dart around the room, desperately trying to make sense of it. Pain sears in her skull as her brain rings and rattles around, her neck at an incredibly uncomfortable angle.

The nightmare alicorn fruitlessly tries to kick her way out of her blanket cocoon, quickly running out of breath and stopping within moments. Her forelegs are pinned against her barrel, her right hind leg extended painfully and slightly twisted, still touching the top of the plush mattress as she lays inverted. Nighties ear flicks in irritation as she struggles, helplessly caught in the comforter, trapped and absolutely confused.

The roar of the fighter aircraft outside the balcony quiets down as it takes to the heavens, a soft, thunderous rumble left in it's wake as it moves into the distance. Her breathing calms down as she rests, still upside down with her head upon the plush peacock blue carpet. Her ethereal mane flows freely, cascading around and spread around her, rippling softly in the cosmic breeze, casting a soft light upon the shadows of the floor.

"Ouch..." She whispers and winces, her eyes closing as she remains motionless for a moment to think. Her breathing slows as she begins to register her surroundings, her ears ticking with slow twitches as she takes in the sounds, her nostrils flared as she identifies the scents of the room, the heavy scent of the blanket being fuel, exhaust, and that sweet musk she knew all too well. "H...how...?" She asks, twisting again in place to work herself free of her bindings.

"...just be a moment, mine love. Dost thou need anything?" The nightmare alicorn's eyes shoot open in fright as she hears a familiar voice echoing in the halls, coming closer to the door with the clip clop of hooves. The door opens slowly, the wood creaking upon it's hinges as light begins to flood the room.

"Papa! Will you pick me up and carry me? I want to snuggle!" More sounds of hoof steps, these ones lighter and seemingly dancing in the hallway as they clack quietly against the floor with a gentle echo. Nightie hears a happy sigh and the subtle sound of joints popping and fabric rustling. Her ears swivel and focus woodenly as she quietly gasps, desperately trying to free herself now.

The soft harmonic melody of Luna's humming reaches the black alicorn's ears next, as she makes her way to the closet within the royal couples chambers. The midnight princess canters happily, opening the door of the small whicker armoire positioned beside the dresser and large walk in closet, using her magic to open the drawers within to retrieve a long wool scarf. She smiles as she wraps it around her delicate throat, tying it in a loose knot. Luna walks to the vanity, inspecting it in the mirror briefly to make sure she covered herself correctly, her eyes falling straight to her cross charm the pilot fashioned for her their official wedding night five years ago, the black steel cut directly from the war machines old wing aileron, just for her.

"Angel, I'll take the kids down to the garden. I'll meet you down there." Talon calls out, the sounds of two happy fillies giggling and chattering to each other as they're being carried. It's not every day they get to enjoy a piggy back ride and being cradled together.

"I shalt see thou shortly then, mine flame!" The alicorn calls out in reply to her husband, turning away and walking to the washroom within the chambers. She still has not noticed the nightmare alicorn laying at the awkward angle on the other side of the bed, Nighties mane flowing freely and billowing under the bed skirt, a small tuft of her wispy mane reaching clear to the other side. Luna flicks her magic, closing the door to the chambers as she enters the washroom, also closing that door behind her.

Sounds of boot steps and giggles echo in the halls begin to fade as the pilot walks away, bound for the gardens to play with the treasured fillies. Silence overcomes the air briefly, Nightie beginning to panic as she attempts in vain to free herself again. With the searing headache and constant discomfort to her wings, neck and back, she's unable to use magic to free herself, her horn not responding to her thoughts. She struggles as she hears a toilet flush, then the sounds of running water just beyond the washroom door.

The washroom door opens, Luna flicking her magic to turn off the light as she exits. She begins to correct her course for the exit of her chambers, quietly singing a lullaby to herself. As she steps, she hears the sound of glass breaking beneath her fore hoof, causing her to freeze in place for a moment. Luna looks down and raises her foreleg, seeing a now broken picture frame upon the carpet. 'What in Heofon's name...?' She thinks, her eyes now catching the other objects scattered upon the floor, following the trail to the nightstand. She sees her bed now in disarray, the comforter tangled and lumped at the opposing edge.

Her ears swivel as she now notices the soft sound of strained breathing, the midnight alicorn narrowing her eyes as she walks carefully around the bed, her horn alighting with a primed attack spell. When she comes into view of the pony the breath belongs to, she stands dumbfounded. There, upon the floor, wrapped up in what could only be described as a mind boggling scene, was Nightmare Moon herself. Her jaw drops in absolute shock as her horn quickly shorts out.

Nightie rolls her eyes to the side, blushing profusely in shocked silence as Luna stares at her, completely helpless. She swallows hard, refusing to meet the midnight alicorn's gaze out of embarrassment. There's an awkward silence that overcomes the room, Nightie remaining completely still, her only movements the rise and fall of her chest as she breathes.

"Ob...solescence..." Luna whispers, standing frozen in place. "How art thou here?" Luna asks, bewildered at the sight. Nightie only pins her ears back in response, still silent and blushing even brighter now.

With a gentle sigh, the night princess alights her horn and gingerly takes the comforter to her bed within her magical grasp. In the soft, ambient glow of her gentle magic, the nightmare alicorn is released from her bonds and slumps to the floor, Luna returning the bed to its made setting. Her horn dims as she steps forward, extending her fore hoof out to help Nightie back to her hooves. "I can't help thee, if thou dost not speak, Obsolescence."

Nightie looks away, her blush showing through her black fur brightly, her ears pinned flat back against her skull as she sulks. She lies upon her belly silently and paws at the plush carpet with her fore hooves, unable to think of a response. Luna carefully studies her, walking closer and helping the nightmare alicorn up. Her eyes trace Nighties form, seeing faint scars running the length of her barrel and throat, with thin, spider web like scars formed under her wing and down her side. Luna chews on her cheek within her maw in thought, remembering these injuries from the dream only hours ago.

The night princess probes the black alicorn with her gentle magic, giving a subtle nudge to Nightmare's aura to check for life energy. A realization quickly dawns upon her when she senses and tastes the ambient flavor of the ki. It's a heavy mixture of the baubles Lunar magic, and her flames life energy. She pushes her senses further, feeling the soft pulses of Nighties heartbeat. Her eyes widen with genuine surprise. "Obsolescence...thou art a mortal? But...how?"

"Morrigan has granted me life, Luminescence...just as she has granted you mortality for sparing the life of our mate, so long ago." Nightie whispers in reply, wobbling in place as she tries to adjust to all of the new sensations around and within her. The air feels cool to her, her source of warmth removed. Her mind is quickly processing the scents of the world around her, the alicorn greedily taking air into her new lungs, soft breaths through her maw allowing her to taste the air and its subtle nuances. She sighs and loosens her wings upon her sides, giving a gentle shake to them as she turns her head to face Luna. "Please...I mean no harm to you, or this herd. I only wish to live peacefully, and to be granted the joys of a family. I wish to serve as your beta mare, and to devote myself to our master."

Luna nods slowly, carefully considering everything. She knows Nightmare did indeed earn her redemption. The Goddess of Death was redeemed by the all mother, her soul now pure and her mantle removed. The midnight alicorn purses her lips forward for a moment, then turns her jade orbs upon Nightie, giving her full attention now. "Thou hath earned it...but the decision is not mine choice, Obsolescence. Thou art correct, mine love is mine master, and I shalt be the one to serve him. Thou however, must be accepted by him as such. Now is not the time to bring thee to his attention."

"What in bucking hell do you mean?!" Nightmare grits her teeth, her eyes narrowed dangerously. "After all we have endured, and my sacrifices, you're going to make me wait another few years?! How in the absolute BUCK is that fair?!" She nearly shouts, her temper quickly flaring. Her wings snap open of their own violation, tipping the black alicorn off balance and sending her to the bed top.

Luna holds up her fore hoof, smiling sweetly. "Obsolescence, thou forgets who is the alpha mare in this herd. I was here first, and those art mine children that I conceived and carried within mine womb. I have the right to withhold thee for however long I wish..." She trails off, a smug grin now forming upon her muzzle. "And I hath never stated it would be years, now did I?" She says darkly, eyeing the nightmare before her struggling to rise again to her hooves.

Before Nightie can speak, Luna lowers her muzzle to within inches from Nighties own, a cruel, sardonic grin overtaking and twisting her features. Luna's eyes flicker violently to draconic slits with a hint of malice, her words dripping with pure venom.

"If the date is truly as mine sister speaks, then tomorrow eve is mine sixth year of being a wedded mare. It is also the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. " Luna states darkly, bringing her crushing hoof down upon Nighties side, pinning the weakened mare to the bed. "Thou forgets half of thy energy that gives thee life is from mine own soul, therefore...thou belongs to me as well. Thou art no longer a poison within mine mind, and I can take mine revenge upon thee now." Nightie swallows hard the lump building within her throat, fear overtaking her mind for the first time in her history, her heart beginning to race in fright. "So...I know exactly what I shalt do to thee." Luna finishes, the grin upon her muzzle becoming darker and more sinister within the shadows of the room. The air temperature begins to plummet around them, ice forming in a thin sheet of frost along the bed posts, nightstand surfaces and walls. Nightmare lets out a violent shiver as the cold sends chills down her spine, her breath being released as steam in rabid puffs.

"Luminescence...please...I don't wish to die..." Nightmare pleads quietly, her mind unable to communicate with her horn still, the mare of darkness unable to use magic now to defend herself. "Please!"

Luna narrows her eyes more, her muzzle now bumping against Nightie's as she gets in closer, trying to strike fear into her heart. "Oh no...what I have planned for thou is a fate far worse than death." She smiles sadistically. She stares into the teal orbs of the nightmare alicorn, waiting for the right moment. With a quick flick of her neck, she backs off slightly and licks the black alicorn's nose and lips, surprising the terrified mare into a state of absolute shock. Luna gives a soft laugh, releasing her magic and returning the air to normal. The forming frost and ice quickly vanish as she backs up more. "I'll present you as a gift for him."

Nightie sits up in shocked silence, her eyes as wide as dinner plates. Her maw hangs agape as she's stunned, the words dead in her throat as her brain desperately tries to make sense of her new situation. Luna gives a soft grin. "Thou hath a new body of thy own, and Tis' clear that thou has no idea how to yet control it. I'm simply giving thee time to adjust so that thou may give a proper introduction as mine gift to mine love, and not embarrass thyself by falling every which way."

Nightie blinks in astonishment, nodding slowly in understanding. "Then...you will let me out? Then I may join you and our treasures?" She quietly asks, once more rising unsteadily to her hooves. Her body still feels unbalanced, so many sensations registering all at once. The plush feel of the carpet beneath her hooves, the sounds of the gentle ticking of the clocks, her mind unable to process it all.

* * * * *

"Any idea what's taking her so long?" The pilot asks, turning to the elder white alicorn. "Luna did mention she had to use the bathroom...but she's been in there for half an hour already." He glances at the door again, then back to Celestia.

The white alicorn sighs, her gaze upon the fillies being tended to and played with by the element bearers. She stifles a giggle as Rainbow Dash, the cyan pegasus attempts to do a midair trick with the indigo filly, only for the little one to crash the pair into the nearby pond. Her ears twitch as she hears the elder pegasus laughing, and now splashing water to the soaking wet filly.

"Talon, now you know lulu has never been fast with doing any activity; she did have a lot to eat this morning, so I would imagine she may be nursing a sour stomach again. Unless...of course there isn't something you're telling me and you two will be welcoming more of these blessings into our family." She causally murmurs, her magenta orbs flicking to the pilot with a wry grin. "Of course, since I am still your herd mate, I fully expect us to have some fun with that. ...you don't think I'll gain as much weight as lulu did, do you?"

He face palms, shaking his head. "You know that was just a quick get out of dodge deal, sunny butt. I already told you that there's no chance in hell of us doing that." He deadpans. "Besides, Nightie's been taken captive by your mom for reasons I can't even begin to understand. We don't have to keep that up."

"Now where's the fun in that?" She replies with a hint of sarcasm. "The whole of Equestria knows about it, just imagine the heresy of lulu being the only mother around the palace." She presses further. Celestia has every intention of dragging out her joke further, just to see what could happen. "And you know Twilight has always been fascinated with you. I'm sure she's even looking forward to it."

The pilot turns to look at the alicorn with a raised eyebrow, before grumbling under his breath. The solar princess only grins wider. "I'm sorry, what was that?" She asks.

"I need an adult." He groans out, another heavy face palm.

"I am an adult." Celestia quips, her Cheshire grin only widening.

The pilot qwerks an eyebrow at this, only shaking his head. Talon glances back to the door, then up to the balcony above where Luna's chambers are. With a sigh, he turns back to Celestia. "I'm going to go check on her, and make sure she's alright. Would you mind keeping an eye on the twins for a few minutes?" He asks.

Celestia gives a curt nod, still smiling. "I don't mind at all. Just please hurry back, commander. I know they both missed you very much, and they, myself included would like to spend as much time as we can with you. Perhaps later this evening we can all go have a look in on the engineers as well, to check progress on your machine."

He rises to his feet, turning to walk back into the palace from the table and chairs in the gardens. As he reaches the door, he's stopped by a white unicorn with a deep purple mane and tail. She quietly clears her throat, gaining his attention. "Darling, wherever are you off to? Is there something I can help with, dear?" Rarity asks.

He continues walking his course bound and set, some worry upon his features. "Just to go check on Luna, Rares. She's been in the room for a good while now, I just want to make sure she's alright." He responds, not stopping. The unicorn quickly turns on her hind hooves, cantering quickly to his side, a warm smile upon her lips.

"Then if you wouldn't mind, I shall like to join you. It's been so long since you two have been gone, Talon dear. I know I for one am glad to have you back. I was just curious..." She speaks, keeping pace right by his side. She turns her head and looks up at him as she trots, her shorter legs having minor difficulty maintaining her speed and matching his foot falls. "The Gala is tomorrow night, You wouldn't have already had an outfit in mind for the event, now would you? I did bring some materials with me just in case..."

Talon shakes his head, his eyes focused forward as he picks up his pace, trying to escape further questions from the element of generosity. "I'll just wear my formal uniform for it, ma'am. That worked out just fine at the previous ones." He replies, trying to evade yet another interruption. "Trust me, if all else fails, I don't mind just going in my standard uniform."

Her hoof steps clack loudly in the near empty palace halls as she trots, still looking up at him. "But I insist! I'm very sure I could come up with a magnificent ensemble again this year, deadlines are nothing to me, and I still have your measurements from when you came to get your uniforms adjusted before the Canterlot fair. It wouldn't be a problem at all, darling."

The pilot sighs and comes to a stop, turning to face the white unicorn. She too skids to a stop on her hooves, then repositions herself in front of the pilot. Talon kneels down to meet her gaze, giving her a gentle scratch behind her left ear. Rarity leans into it, a dopey, relaxed smile upon her muzzle.

"I appreciate the thought, but as it is we have a lot on our plate, and neither of us can afford to spare any time for the moment. Sunny butt already told me you're busy enough as is helping your friends get the hanger ready for the event tomorrow. I can't ask you to work more on my account." He breathes out, bringing his hand down now to scratch under the mares chin. She tips her muzzle up, gladly receiving the affection and friendly care. "I am very grateful you're thinking about that though. As always, you live up to your name and title." He finishes, removing his hand and giving her a friendly pat on the side. "Thanks anyway."

She frowns slightly at the enjoyable scratching ending so abruptly, eyeing the human pilot. "I simply must insist. Why, I even have time to put together another glamorous dress for the wonderful princess, commander. It wouldn't be even a slight problem. I have more than enough materials to even do dresses for your darling children!"

"Got that covered." He groans out. "Dusty and I took care of those before the storm hit, and I still need to meet with her and finish up Luna's tonight." He comments, rising to his feet again and continuing his gait. "Don't breathe a word about that by the way, it's a secret surprise for angel. I just hope I have enough time to finish it off."

"I wouldn't dream of it dear!" She responds, trotting quickly to follow the pilot once again. "If you like, I'll happily look over these dresses you have in mind, If you already have the base, I'm sure I could easily complete the final touches for you in minutes. It wouldn't be a problem at all."

The pilot rolls his eyes, nodding. "Sure...we'll do that later." He grumbles. Thinking quickly, a grin comes to his face. "Oh hey, I heard Fury was looking for you. Why don't you go see what he needed. I think I seen him and the others out by the west gate."

Rarity stops in her tracks, a light blush coloring her muzzle, her eyes pinpricks. "D...Dark Fury was looking for me?" She shakes her head rapidly, then gallops back to the pilot's side. "Well...I'm...I'm sure whatever it is isn't important. I simply must see these creations of yours first."

The two round a corner, his eyes catching the aforementioned Thestral guard himself, Dark Fury. The pilot blinks in surprise of his dumb luck, grinning wide and thanking God for all it was worth. "Oh now how about that." He laughs. "Hey, Fury!"

The Lunar elite stallion turns his head after hearing his name called, seeing the pilot and unicorn. The guard bows respectfully, and locks his gaze on the pilots emerald eyes. "Da, comrade commander! Is good to see you! Comrade princess said you and your vife vere safe and sound. How glad I am, da?" He calls out, quickly trotting to the pilot and unicorn. Rarity has a shocked blush coloring her muzzle, her eyes averting away from the Thestral. "Ah, and you have ze beautiful lady Rarity vith you. Princess Luna must smile upon me zis day!" He bows again, then takes the unicorns fore hoof into his own, giving it a warm, sloppy stalliongrad kiss in greetings.

"Eh heh...Hello, Dark Fury." She grumbles out, desperately holding back and straining to hide her disgust. "My my...how wonderful it is to see...you." She comments. She still has not forgotten the night so long ago where she was trapped in his bed under his heavy body, forced to endure a full night of fury farts and snores. Her eye twitches as he kisses her hoof, an ice cold shiver running the length of her spine.

"Such a beautiful mare, yes? I am blessed to see you this day. How may I help both of you, comrade prince?" Dark Fury jubilantly chimes out, the welcomed sight of the pilot, his longtime friend being safe, causing him to completely forget the stoic nature of his guard status. His bat like leathery wings twitch with minor tremors, the excitement apparent in his features.

Talon clears his throat, and scoots by the love struck guard. "I'm just heading to go see Luna. But...I think Rares here could use some help with the hanger for tomorrow. Think you can stay on her wing?"

"Da, I vould be delighted to! But go get eyes checked, comrade, lady Rarity is a unicorn, not a pegasus! She has no vings, yes?" The guard looks over the unicorn, then back to the pilot.

"Oh no, I couldn't dream of troubling you, Captain Fury, I'm having no..." She trails off, watching the pilot quickly jog away from the couple in the hall, the man rounding the corner again down another corridor and leaving her to her fate. "...problems." She groans out.

"Da! It's no trouble, devotchka! Fury is at your service, yes? Come! Let us go to ze banshees room, I insist zat we have perfect for comrades and gala!" The husky stallion rumbles out in his rich Slavic accent. Rarity yelps as she's dragged off by the stallion to the ballroom, him not noticing her discomfort. "And ven ve are finished, I make you hot borscht to keep healthy! Is cold outside for pretty mare, borscht vill put weight on you, make strong like Ursa Major! Ha!"

* * * * *

Dusty smiles with joy as she's exiting her chambers, looking down at her barrel and admiring the craftsmanship of the fine silver cross. The earthen mare lets out a giddy squeal of delight as she sees the prism of light reflect from the stones vibrantly, her never owning anything so personal, and yet so touching and beautiful. She turns and grasps the door handle with her hoof, pulling back on it as she exits and closes the door.

The familiar sound of boots contacting the ground in a rapid stride catches her sensitive ears, her cheeks quickly flushing and becoming hot. 'Oh sweet Celestia! He's coming this way?!?! What on Equestria do I say to him?' She nervously titters, the clacking of the pilot’s boots approaching quickly. She turns, her cheeks as red as a strawberry as she see him rounding the corner quickly.

Talon continues forward, his destination in mind and his only thoughts on Luna as he makes way for his chambers further ahead in the Lunar wing. He looks lost in thought as he's walking, his eyes not noticing the earthen mare. As he continues, Dusty steps in front of him, blocking his way. Talon comes to a small skid on his heels, coming to an abrupt stop and nearly bumping into her.

"Commander" She softly calls out, her eyes averted to the marble floors. "I wanted to...I wanted to thank you. For this." She coughs as she points her right fore hoof to the cross, her blush deepening. "I never knew you had felt that way...but with Celestia hoofing this gift from you to me I..."

"Uh, dusty...are you feeling alright?" Talon inquires, his eyebrow cocked. He tries to side step around her, glancing ahead down the corridor. He can see the large, ornate wooden double doors to Luna's chambers, almost mocking him in his attempt to reach the Lunar Goddess."

The mare murmurs quietly for a moment, before glancing up, seeing the pilot looking from her, to behind her, then back to her again. Dusty paws the ground with her hoof for a moment, before she inhales sharply, and nods. "I'm...never better, Talon. I've never been better. You have no idea what this means, and I happily accept." She speaks softly under her breath, just barely audible to the human pilot. Looking into his eyes as she has his attention once more, she nods with a small, slow motion of her head. "Thank you for giving me this chance!"

"Uh...alright?" He responds. "Dusty, have you seen Luna?" He asks, completely missing the mares intentions.

"Miss Luna?" She asks, both of her brows raised. Dusty Shine shakes her head slowly. "N--no, I haven't seen her, Talon. But if you like, I can go to the control center and check the cameras for her."

Talon shakes his head. "No need, she's probably still in the room. If it's alright, mind if we catch up later? I'd like to finish off the dresses before tomorrow’s Gala. I'm pretty sure we should be able to get it done with just one more late night."

"The dresses? ...Oh! I already completed all of them for you. They're hanging in my chambers now, and ready for Miss Luna and the precious twins, even my own dress is complete, thanks to you. You're welcome in my room anytime you like...since I'm in your herd now."

Talon blinks in surprise. "Oh good, you...wait, herd?"

"Yes" Dusty blushes and exclaims. "I'm really grateful...I mean, you know I love the twins, and that Miss Luna is my very best friend, but having you both as my special someponies...I'm...wow!" She quickly blurts out, her resolve and confidence rebounding and restored. Before the pilot can react, she lunges forward, rearing up on her hind legs and wraps her hooves around him, squeezing the air from his lungs. The blue maned Earth pony holds the embrace tightly with all of her strength, nuzzling affectionately into his chest. Talon stands in absolute confusion as she does, before she tips her muzzle up and presses her rear hooves at a tilt, planting an affectionate, but timid lick upon his cheek.

She quickly lets go and side steps him, trotting merrily away. "Thanks again, Talon! I promise I won't let you down!" She calls out, cantering away quickly to the control center with an obvious bounce of joy in her step. The pilot remains motionless for a moment, staring ahead at the door to his chambers, his eyebrow twitching and his jaw dropped.

"...what the fuck just happened?" He sighs out, feeling one hell of a migraine coming on.

* * * * *

"Luminescence, as you can clearly see, I am a grown mare and fully capable of walking. Now step aside and let me go to my master!" She says through clenched teeth, trying to move past the smaller alicorn before her. "I'll be perfectly fine!"

Luna opens her mouth to speak, right as the door to the chambers begins to open. In a snap decision and panic, Luna quickly rams into Nightie and tackles her to the ground, alighting her horn and throwing the blanket over the stunned nightmare. The door swings wider as she leaps from her position, planting her rump on the undercover alicorn and wrapping an energy whip around Nighties muzzle with her horn, silencing the surprised Nightmare Moon.

"Luna?" Talon calls out, looking around the chambers. "Angel are you....angel?" He asks, seeing Luna grinning wide at him from sitting on a mound of ruffled blankets, her chest heaving, her iris's pinpricks.

"Hello, mine flame!" Luna exclaims, shifting her weight on top of the blanket mound, her rump pinning the nightmare alicorn's head to the plush peacock carpet. Nightie growls as Luna tightens her magic noose around the black alicorn's muzzle. Luna bucks her hips and shifts her weight in her flanks to suppress the struggling alicorn.

"..." Talon stands in the foyer of the chambers, completely confused. He looks over the situation, seeing the alicorn shifting around subtly, his eyebrows raised with concern.

Luna begins to sweat for a moment, small beads forming around the base of her horn and around her neck. "Yes, mine love?" She asks, before quickly lifting her rump and thumping down hard. The blanket pile suddenly jerks and stops movement, the lunar princess letting out a small grunt of satisfaction.

"...What the fuck are you doing?" He asks, stepping slowly to the bed. He looks around on the ground, seeing the lamp knocked over, broken glass and various brushes, the clock and broken picture frame upon the floor.

"Everything is fine!" She chimes out, her horn glowing dimly. "Please return to the gardens, mine husband. I shall be along soon."

Talon continues forward to the alicorn, coming to the edge of the bed. "Luna...what's going on? Are you alright?" He asks, his eyes glancing down to his chest. The bauble is missing, he has no way of telling the midnight alicorn's mood or thought without the telltale color shifts of the star. "Is there something you would like to tell me?"

"Neigh, mine flame." She quickly blurts out, her horn flashing brightly for a moment. Talon stops short of the bed, bumping into a shimmering starlight shield. "Now please return to the gardens, I'm simply tidying our chambers, and I shalt be down with haste."

The pilot places his palm from his right hand upon the field, the area around his touch flickering violently, creating a soft crackle of static noise from it. "Angel..." He breathes out, narrowing his eyes with frustration. "You're hiding something."

"Mine love, if thou loves and trusts me, than please obey my wishes." She responds, her breathing rate increased. The blanket begins to shift slightly, as she slams her rump down again. A low groan is heard, the night princess sweating a bit more. "This is our first day back from that insanity, and I simply need to busy mine self with this task to return to mine routine. I promise thou that I hide nothing that shalt endanger our marriage."

Talon stares at her for several intense, quiet moments, before shaking his head while holding a tight frown. He says nothing as he releases his hand from the field, turning away. He turns to the door again, walking over the broken glass, the sound of the glass cracking and breaking more beneath his boot step. With a sigh he reaches the chamber door, not bothering to look at her before he exits. Talon pulls the door closed quickly, the heavy wooden partition clacking against the door frame with a clatter and shutting with a dull thump.

Luna perks up her ears, hearing the echo of his footsteps echo further and further away, before disappearing entirely into the distance. She lets out a huff of relief, before a pained groan reaches her ears. Her eyes shoot wide open with realization as she rises to her hooves, removing her weight off of the nightmare below.

The blanket moves slowly, the night princess dimming down her horn and lowering her head, grasping the comforter within her maw and dragging it off. Nightie remains on her side, slowly moving with a dazed, pained look upon her features, her eyes lidded and showing little life.

"Oh get up Obsolescence, mine flanks are not that heavy." Luna groans out, face hoofing in annoyance. "There is no way in Heofon the great Nightmare Moon was brought down by a rump to the head."

Nightie only moans in pain quietly, whimpering in her spot as she struggles to rise back to her hooves, her brain attempting to reboot itself.

* * * * *

Talon returns to the gardens, a twinge of annoyance on his features as he finds his way back to his chair. He has a confused, cold look upon his face, the pilot lost in thought. The white alicorn looks at him, raising her eyebrows with concern.

"Talon, is something wrong?" She asks, leaning over to him. "You look like you've just seen a ghost."

He sighs and shakes his head. "I don't know, Celestia...I honestly don't know anymore. I found Luna...and she's acting strange." He responds. "She put up a field to block me from coming near her...she's never done that."

Celestia sighs, draping a wing around him and giving the pilot a gentle squeeze. "I'm sure whatever it is lulu is doing in there, commander, is probably something simple. Most likely she's just doing another feather brained scheme again to make you some crazy, half-baked gift. Your anniversary is tomorrow."

He nods in understanding. She licks her lips and smiles, leaning into him as she tightens her wing around the man. "Remember last year when she snuck around the palace, trying to be as secretive as possible, but cracked and blabbed everything when you and I were just asking if she wanted to join us for our game night? It's probably the same thing. I can sense her emotions right now, very deeply. Whatever she has in mind, the whispers I'm feeling through our connection are love, and the urge to give you a grand gift. I don't think it's anything to concern yourself with."

The pilot thinks carefully for a moment, remembering the incident quite clearly. Luna was many, many things. A liar was clearly not one of them. He could tell she was for sure hiding something, very poorly at that. But the words echo in his mind. ' I promise thou that I hide nothing that shalt endanger our marriage.' He sighs and nods again. "Alright Celestia...I'll bite on this. You're probably right."

"Of course I'm right." She gently laughs out. "Have I ever steered you wrong before?" The human pilot turns his head, giving her a dark 'are you fucking serious' look. She rolls her eyes, then smirks. "You're never going to let that one time go, are you..."

"You convinced me into following through with your antics that it would be perfectly normal for you and I to participate in the running of the leaves, sunny butt." He deadpans. "And that it would be fine for me to ride on your back like you were a horse, when you were actually just setting up one of your tabloid pranks so you could be called the banshee princess for a month."

"Ah, yes, I remember the headlines well." She quips. "Prince crashes into low tree limbs by Celestial Banshee, Prince caught piloting experimental alicorn aircraft. Botches test with muzzle plant." She chews on her inner cheek within her maw, stifling the giggle. "In my defense, I didn't think you would not think to duck your head before you got a ringer of a hit."

"You turned into that tree and you know it." He grunts in response. "Remind me again why I even help you with your weird fantasy of being ridden?"

"Because you're the only pony on this planet who wouldn't fawn and pass out at the request. That, and I do enjoy our evening strolls together when we can." She responds. "If you like, after the twins go to sleep we could go for a ride together. It could be fun. I think lulu would benefit from the time alone as well, so she can work on your surprise without us snooping."

"...can we please use a saddle this time? Your ass may have some give, but you've got a bony back from hell. With the way you trot, I don't think I'll be walking right for a while, considering it's been a good while since Luna took care of things..." Talon questions, considering the thought of how relaxing a midnight stroll with the elder white alicorn could be. It would help get his mind off of recent events, and grant his alicorn the time she needs for whatever she's doing.

She grins. "That would explain why you've been a tad on edge lately. Don't worry though, I'm sure since you two will be sleeping in your own bed again, she'll probably be a bit more willing. If all else fails, my offer still stands." She whispers, her muzzle colored slightly.

"..." He face palms hard again, scooting away from the sun princess. "I'm...I'm good, thanks." He groans out.

He scoots away from Celestia, getting up and stretching. The sun is approaching the horizon overhead, nightfall coming in just a couple of hours. 'where has the day gone...' Talon asks himself. The sound of giggles reaches his ears, the pilot turning his head. A smile crosses his lips as he watches the orange, Stetson wearing Earth pony, Applejack giving the twin fillies a show as she wrestles with the cyan pegasus. The twins cheer jubilantly as the cow-pony pins the rainbow maned mare to the ground.

* * * * *

"And then what happened papa?" Stardust asks, her forelegs wrapped tightly around the plush war machine, the black alicorn lying on her side in the plush comfortable bed. Moonlight Way is resting in the opposing bed, her gaze lidded as she stares up at the slowly spinning fan blades swirling above.

The pilot clears his throat and leans forward in his seat, propping his chin in his palm, his arm and elbow resting upon his knee. "It was the greatest Naval engagement in American history, it was also the most tragic. This group of people on my old world, who called themselves the Japanese had launched a sneak attack on a Navy base called Pearl Harbor. They came in the early hours, just after the sun had risen with nearly four hundred fighter aircraft, and they did a lot of damage. It's because of that attack that my country had entered into the Second World War."

"Did you fight the bad guys in that battle too, papa?" Stardust asks, a wide smile upon her muzzle. "I bet you and the other ponies had scared all of the meanies away!"

He sighs, and shakes his head. "That was a long time before I was born, Star. The calendar year was nineteen forty one. I was born in nineteen eighty. Your great grandpa was in that fight though. He wasn't a Naval Aviator like me. Your grand pop had a really cool job though."

Moonlight Way turns over in her bed on her side, looking at her father. "Was he an American like us?" She asks, curious.

"Well technically, we are citizens of Equestria since we're not on Earth. It's a very different, far off place..." He trails off for a moment, his thoughts of his once home. A small twinge of sadness settles over his heart, the human missing portions of his past life. "But if we were there, yes, you would be a part of the United States, just like all of my family was since the revolutionary war in the late seventeen hundreds. Your grandpa was a very brave, honorable man. He was my hero that inspired me to join the Navy after a very bad thing happened on Earth."

"So what did he do for his job? Was he really famous?" The indigo filly asks, yawning as sleep slowly creeps on her. "Was he a prince like you too?"

He laughs. "No, it's pretty safe to say I'm the first prince in our bloodline, honey. Your grandpa worked on a really big ship called a battleship. Its name was the U.S. S. Nevada. His job was the weapons systems operator. It's thanks to your grandpa and other men like him they were able to defend the ship and the harbor. I remember the stories he told me when I was growing up...He was really something special. He alone shot down twelve Japanese planes that day all by himself."

"Do we have any big battleships like that in our Navy?" Stardust asks now, her wings bobbing with excitement. "Can we go see them?!"

Talon leans back in his chair and smiles, nodding. "Your mom and auntie Celestia actually commissioned a whole fleet that we started building just after you two were born. As a matter of fact, the first ships will be launched out to sea next spring, from what auntie Twilight was telling me. They're even naming some of the ships after ones on Earth. Now that's really cool." His eyes drift to the open doors of the balcony, looking off to the speck that is Horseshoe Bay, the sun nearly to the horizon and ready to set very soon. He looks back to his daughters and grins. "And yes...I promise I'll take you there as soon as we can go. I want to go see them too."

Moonlight way grumbles as she tries to find a comfortable position in her bed, letting out a defeated huff. She turns to her sister and pouts, the black alicorn filly only rolling her eyes and lifting her own covers, knowing exactly what her sister wanted. Moonlight quickly grasps the overstuffed plush of her mother within her maw, climbing quickly out of her spot and bounding across the gap to Stardust's bed. She shimmies in a warm, cozy spot by her sister, and lets out a happy sigh as she rests her head upon the pillow, her wings nestling close to her sides.

"Papa, are those battleships like the one you were on when you and mama met?" Stardust asks, letting out her own yawn. "Did mama say it was row...row-man-tic, and that's where you two said you loved each other?"

He laughs at the question, shaking his head. Talon is genuinely happy to be spending time with them like this. "I think you're just a silly pony, honey." He sighs and smiles, reaching over and giving her a pat on the head after a friendly scratching to her scalp. "No, I was on what's called an aircraft carrier, an even bigger ship. Your mom and I had met right here at the palace a long time ago, actually."

Talon glances out of the balcony doors again, his eyes seeing the sun finally dipping below the horizon, nightfall settling over the lands. He waits a few moments, then glances back at the chambers doors, a sliver of anger creeping into his thoughts. 'Damnit angel...what the fuck is so God damned important that you'd miss putting our children to bed with me?' He thinks, his jaw tensing as he turns his head again, watching the moon begin to come over the horizon now. He sits in absolute disbelief of Luna's actions tonight, the sense of anger continuing to increase. The pilot hears the sleepy voices of the fillies calling out to him softly, bringing his attention back to them.

"Papa...where's mom?" Moonlight Way asks, her eyes showing sadness. "Isn't she going to come sing to us tonight?"

Stardust nods slowly, laying her head down upon the pillow and draping her small feathery wing over her sister. "You and mama aren't leaving again, are you?"

Talon tries to keep calm, restraining himself for all it's worth from getting up and cuddling the fillies first, then storming the palace to find the missing alicorn, only to drag her back to these chambers by her tail root. He quietly huffs, shaking his head. "No...I promise both of you I'll never leave your side again. Mama and I are not going anywhere. She's just...busy. You know how busy she can be some nights. I'd sing to you myself, but I don't think you want me to hurt your ears with how bad I sound at it." He comments. "I love you both...my daughters. You don't have to worry, I'll always be here for you. Your mom and I will never, ever abandon you."

Stardust yawns again, nuzzling the top of the smaller alicorn's head with her muzzle as she pulls Moonlight Way tightly to her barrel, to comfort the distressed sibling. "Papa...will you stay in here with us until we fall asleep?"

He smiles gently. "Yes. I will." The pilot rises to his feet, walking to the balcony and closing the doors, pulling the drapes shut after. The room is cast into darkness, the only light within being the gentle glow of enchanted crystals upon the nightstand between the two beds, casting a flickering star field upon the walls and ceiling. He makes his way back to the chair, his boots barely making a sound against the plush amber carpet within the chambers.

The fillies both close their eyes, sounds of their hushed, steady breaths slowly filling the air as they begin to fall into their slumbers, the rhythmic sound being music to the pilot's ears. He smiles in the darkness as the minutes tick away, amazed at how quickly the children find peaceful rest. 'Don't ever worry, you two...I'll always be on your wings. Always.' Talon whispers under his breath, quietly getting up from his seat. He bends down over the bed, placing a soft, gentle kiss on each of their cheeks, before turning to exit the room. As he's closing the door, once in the hall, he hears the quiet clacking of hoof steps approaching. His anger quickly reaches the boiling point as he closes the partition, not turning to greet the mare now standing still behind him.

"Luna..." He growls out. "I don't know what the fuck your problem is today, but you serious..." He stops as he turns, his eyes going wide as he sees the cream soda fur of her fore legs, his eyes tracing their length to a cream colored barrel, and crimson locks of a long mane draped over the sides. "ly..." He trails off, blinking in surprise.

Morrigan, the all mother simply smiles gently to him, her vibrant emerald orbs gazing at him in amusement. "Seriously what, my child?" She quietly breathes out, her features betraying her enjoyment of catching him off guard.

He swallows hard as his eyes meet the taller alicorn's own, the absolute shock rendering the words dead in his throat. Images flash in his mind as he looks at her, his thoughts playing tricks and deceiving him for a split second as he sees flashes of the fire demon from Baol before him. The humans pulse begins to skyrocket for a moment as absolute terror washes over him from the memory, Talon frozen with horror.

Her soft smile falls into a small frown, the ancient Goddess effortlessly seeing his every thought as she stares into his eyes, her own heart feeling his fear, the emotions so powerful. Her horn alights with a very soft ethereal light, shimmering sparkles trailing off of the tip as she bends down her long, elegant neck and touches her horn to his forehead. She whispers a spell within her heavenly language, washing away the memories and pain from his mind, quelling the fear within moments and slowing his heart back to normal. "Shh..." She whispers, now audible to the human’s ears. "It's alright...you're safe now. I won't harm you, my child."

Talon stands dumbfounded with confusion, an eerie calm washing over him as his mind recollects itself. He blinks in a daze, before turning again to look at her as she backs away. Morrigan once more gives him a gentle smile, her pristine, soft white, flat teeth being shown to him as she turns her ears outward and back, the alicorn mare giving him a welcoming nicker as she nods her head with a long, gentle motion.

"I was hopeful to say goodnight to my granddaughters before they had fallen into their dream worlds...children are so precious at that age." Morrigan sighs wistfully, before returning her gaze to the still shocked into silence pilot. "Mr. Talon...we need to talk." She quietly states, alighting her horn once more.

From within the depths of her crimson ribbons, she withdraws the bauble gifted to him by Luna, the star floating within the orb lazily, it's soft glow shimmering and twinkling beautifully as the glass of the bauble comes into contact with his skin. She binds the necklace once more to him, the star now casing off a warm light as it returns to its owner.

Talon looks down at the necklace now resting once more upon his breastbone, back to the all mother, then back to the orb once more, before wordlessly mouthing words, unable to speak within her presence. The mare simply smiles sweetly, before drawing a breath to speak.

* * * * *

"This is absolutely ridiculous, Luminescence." Nightie growls. "Sneaking me around corridors and corners, when Morrigan had already released me." The black alicorn fumes, wobbling upon her spindly legs.

"Obsolescence, I hath made mine decision, and that is final." The midnight alicorn groans out, her ears flicking with irritation. "Thou knows Tis not the right moment to present thee, and we must find thou chambers to rest before the gala."

The pair around the corner, unawares of the Goddess and human in the hall just ahead around the next bend in the maze of halls within the Lunar wing. Nightie sulks, her head lowered as she follows the night princess closely, heaving a tired sigh, wishing she had seen something, anything interesting along the way. Thus far the path has been clear, devoid of any staff or guards, since the entire palace is busy with preparing the hanger to be once more a ball room, while other members help with the arriving flights from all over Equestria, still waiting for the air wing from the Crystal Empire to touch down with the royal couple.

"When I have my full power back, you will pay dearly for this." The nightmare alicorn mumbles under her breath, looking away. The two continue to walk forward slowly, Luna stopping short suddenly to a screeching halt. Nightie isn't paying attention, and bumps muzzle first into Luna's rear. She goes cross eyed at the scent, the smaller azure alicorn's silken tail ribbons draped along her snout. Luna quickly turns and arcs her neck back, glaring at the nightmare with an angry blush, before Nightie quickly backs away in confusion.

"Luminescence, why the hell did you--mmmph!" She's stopped short as Luna jams her smaller hoof into Nightmare's maw, silencing the protesting Nightmare Moon.

"Shh!" Luna hastily scolds, her ears swiveled backward and listening to the conversation between the two voices up ahead.

'So let me get this straight...' The voice of the pilot echoes off of the walls of the empty hallowed halls. Luna leans forward and listens intently, taking a tentative step to peer around the corner. She watches as her husband folds his arms, his posture rigid and defensive. Luna creeps forward more and spots the All Mother standing before him, her flank turned to the two hidden alicorn's. One of Morrigan's ears swivels backward for a moment, seeming to focus directly upon the corner. Luna jerks back quickly, listening intently to them while hidden.

Talon heaves a sigh. "You seriously expect me to defend a mare you won't even tell me the name of, and rescue two more mares at the same time...while believing literally everyone and everything is my enemy. You want me to believe all this, just like that?" He asks, perking an eyebrow. "No offense ma'am...but what the fuck are you smoking?"

Morrigan closes her eyes and nods happily. "Yes, I do, my child. But as you can plainly see, I am not smoking anywhere upon my form. That's more of my daughter Celestia's thing." She chimes out with a soft giggle. “I never stated that it was a right now mission."

The pilot rolls his eyes, his hand rising to his head as he massages his right temple. "Look...I know I owe you my life. You did bring me back from the dead. But with all due respect, I have no intention of leaving Luna or the twins anytime soon. Especially alone, where I have to protect three that angel will think I'm doing something stupid with. She's already falsely accused me a few times now."

The cream soda colored alicorn smiles with a wide, warm smile, again nodding happily. "Yes, I'm afraid my lovely daughter, little Luna, was always one to jump to conclusions quickly. I can assure you however, Mr. Talon, this is a mission of the utmost importance. It is the path I have laid before you in your lifetime."

"Eh...to hell with it, I won't argue." He huffs in annoyance. "Fine, fine...when is this mission, and how soon do you need me underway?”

She smiles cryptically. "You will know when the time is right. Of that I can absolutely promise. And you should know that as long as you hold true to your faith...you shall prevail." She gestures to him with her foreleg, her soft, gentle hoof pawing his chest, glancing the silver cross under his uniform shirt.

Talon shakes his head, running his free hand through his hair. "Alright...You have my word then. I'll do this mission for you. If I've got Luna or Nightie by my side, I can't lose." He responds. The pilot looks up at the Goddess, his eyes meeting her gaze. " Speaking of her...I'm asking you, please release her. I know you think she's bad and all, but I've fought by her side before. Nightmare Moon is not the evil villain you think. I know she's changed from her past, and I'm begging you, let her go."

The goddess turns her muzzle up with a wide grin now, her emerald eyes focused sharply upon the human. "I will do with her as I see fit. When I feel she has learned her lesson, and she will...I will cast my judgment then, and only then. After all..." She flicks her gaze to the side, glancing at the corner behind her. "It would be such a shame if some troublesome fillies had tried to force my hoof before the time was right." Morrigan responds, the message clear, yet encrypted. She hears the faint sound of two hard swallows in the distance, her grin turning from smug to victorious.

The pilot cocks his head to the side, not understanding the hint. "Um...what?"

Morrigan clears her throat, turning her full attention back to him now. "Mr. Talon...I believe you have matters to attend to with my little Celly, and managing your preparations for tomorrow's festivities. I implore you now, go meet with Celestia, and then after you have cleared your mind with a relaxing stroll through the palace maze with her, meet with your rather adorable friend Mrs. Shine. You must spend the night within her chambers, to allow little Luna the time she has been granted. Engaging this matter further would be...unwise."

Talon balls his fists up, keeping his fury just under the breaking point. He stares her down, her own illustrious emerald orbs boring into his own. She alights her horn, flashing him a warning glance. He sighs and salutes, then turns and walks away the opposite direction, now bound for the royal gardens near the Solar wing without a word.

Morrigan remains in place, watching him until he disappears from view. She waits a few more moments, before shifting her gaze back, both ears now turned rearward. Licking her lips, she inhales a gentle breath and speaks up. "I also believe that's a suggestion two troublesome daughters of mine should take into account, and should be returning to their chambers to manage their own affairs." The sound of hooves quickly scuffling against the floor quickly reaches her ears, leaving the Goddess with a satisfied smile. 'It's good to be the Queen, sometimes.'

* * * * *

The fighter pilot reaches the gates of the garden, seeing the doors already open, the elder white alicorn resting upon her rump and gazing at the moon, high in the sky. Shaking his head, he buttons up his jacket, exhaling the smoke from his cigarette, then casting the depleted filter into a small, empty rubbish bin at the door. "I thought sunny butts preferred the daytime." He calls out, getting the alicorn's attention.

Celestia gives a gentle laugh, turning her attention to him. "That's still princess sunny butt to you, commander." She replies with a sheepish smile. The pilot walks up to her, the alicorn wrapping her left wing around him in a friendly embrace. "The palace certainly is lively this time of year...It's nice to get some peace and quiet again."

The pilot glances at the night skies, not seeing or hearing any flights or fighters in the air. "That it is, just like every year..." He responds. "Has Cadence and Shining Armor arrived yet?" He turns his eyes to the white alicorn, who shakes her head.

She lets out a small huff, and smiles, still looking to the heavens above. "Just Cadence this year. Shining Armor is busy with very important matters within the Crystal Empire, and expressed he couldn't make it. Princess Cadence will be staying with us here in Canterlot for a full two weeks by herself. She should be in her old chambers right now, likely unpacking."

Talon nods in understanding. "Hoof ball season?"

Celestia grins. "Would that stallion be doing anything else than having several of the vacationing guards he once captained have a giant macho party, all the while getting intoxicated, over stuffed with treats, and leaving a nightmare for the palace maids this time of year?"

He smirks. "Can't say I blame the guy, lucky ass hat."

"That...he is. I won't deny that." She giggles out, raising a hoof to her maw to stifle the snicker. She sighs happily, tightening her wing around him. "I'm very glad to have you two home, Talon. I had seen the footage recovered from your machine...that was a very brave thing you and Nightie did on that strange world. I'm so proud of you."

"All in a day's work." He replies, giving the elder white alicorn a pat on the side. "It's pretty late, shouldn't you be heading to bed now, Celestia?" He asks.

"And miss our routine that only you and I can share? The heresy." She muses. "I'd rather eat bacon."

He nods. "Hey...bacon is some serious stuff. I'd do some pretty crazy things for some real bacon these days."

"I know you would. So as my gift to you as a welcome home, we had just rushed a chef from Zebradica here, just for your benefit. At the Grand Galloping Gala, you'll have all kinds of dishes made that should give you a taste of what you miss so. Just please...restrict your consumption of such to after the air show, and in Luna's study. I still have a hard time picturing you consuming that." She sighs. "Your machine is in process of repairs as we speak. Thankfully, it wasn't a total loss. It's believed the aircraft should be show ready by the dawn."

"Always a good thing, and agreed." He nods again. "Alright then...what's the plan?" Talon watches as Celestia retracts her wing, then lowers herself to her belly upon the soft, cool grass. He throws one of his legs over her back, understanding the signal, then comes to a rest.

Grasping two solid clumps of her mane within his hands, he gives a gentle tug to let her know he's ready, the alicorn mare rising to her hooves again. She lets out a happy whinny, then breaks into a brisk trot, entering the maze nearby. Sounds of her hooves beating the ground echo into the still night air, Celestia bolting like a bullet as she gallops at full bore.

* * * * *

“Listen up, maggots!” Shouts an intimidating earth pony, his voice echoing through the hangar that housed the Banshee and shocking the repair team into attention. A motley crew of thirty ponies of varying races and backgrounds, each hold their own specialty. None, however, have the tenacity and sheer force of will that their superior has. The stallion in question, a young earth pony from a southern mining town, going by the name Sledgehammer.

He stands at the head of the hangar, staring at the ruined aircraft whilst his team rushes to attention. It doesn't take long, and thirty seconds later they stand at the ready. Sledge looks them over for a few seconds before letting out a sigh. Next to him stands a rolling tool cabinet, he opens it and pulls out a light brown cigar as well as a box of matches and a guillotine. He snips the end off the cigar and lights it, puffing a few times before looking back to the crew.

“In less than twenty four hours this aircraft needs to be on the tarmac and ready to fly.” He says, pointing at a clock on the far hangar wall. “Y’all have twenty to get her ready.” His team begins to speak up. “Ah ain’t finished.” His tone is that of a scolding father, stunning all of the repair crew into silence. Silently he opens a drawer on the cabinet beside him, revealing five bottles of scotch. “Ah got this scotch when it was twelve years old, ah haven’t opened a single bottle in eight. That is twenty year old scotch. We get try and get this done, we’ll crack ‘em open and celebrate. Sound good?!”

“Yes, sir!” Responds the team, he lets out a puff of white smoke and nods.

“Get to it then! Beg, borrow, steal! Whatever it takes, get the plane out of the hangar!” Sledge puffs on his cigar again before trotting towards a tool cabinet. The repair team goes into overdrive, each member grabbing their tools and opening the stores of spare parts. The hangar erupts into a wondrous symphony of pneumatic drills, screw guns, rivet guns and welding torches. Sledge opens his tool cabinet and takes his own contribution to the effort from within, a large wrench. One end is splotched with an eerie green stain, he smiles at it for a moment before going off to work on the aircraft.

Over the hours that follow, each stallion proves his worth. Better still, the aircraft begins to take shape, and as the early evening hours turn to just two hours before the dawn; it’s looking as if the team will do it. Sledge is drenched in sweat and on his third cigar of the job; the hangar reeks of oil, acetylene, and hydraulic fluid. Impressed by the feat, Sledge takes a moment to look over the aircraft. They had needed to neglect the weapon’s systems, which wasn’t anything major considering it was only flying in an air show.

The wings had needed to be replaced; in fact, he and two of his subordinates had ‘borrowed’ them directly from the manufacturer. The tires had been cannibalized from a decommissioned F-18, and the paint was still drying, but soon it would be ready to fly.

“Save for the fact that the thing appears to have been assembled in a scrap yard, the banshee almost looks back to its old self.” Sledge lets out a sigh of satisfaction as he sees the last of his team step away from the aircraft; he puffs on his cigar as he looks over the work. “Hayseed!” He calls out, one of the tired looking repair ponies steps forwards. “Got one more job for you.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Head on over to the mess tent, get thirty glasses.” Sledge orders, the pony perks up and smiles. “Then head on into my office and grab the cigar box beneath my desk, should have more than enough for all of us.”

“Yes, sir!” The stallion salutes before rushing off; Sledge lets out a laugh and turns to the rest of his team.

“You done me proud boys, take this drink, smoke a cigar, then hit the showers. You all smell like shit.”

As the engineers clear out, a team of maids and palace staff swarm the ballroom turned hanger, mop buckets, dusters, tables, chairs, and all sorts of catering supplies in tow as they furiously proceed into clearing away the messes left behind, preparing the area for the Grand Galloping Gala just hours away. Velvet ropes are brought in, a path cleared for the proud war machine to exit and re-enter for the flight demonstration made. With a determined nod, the maids all smile, cheerfully getting to work for the grandest celebration of the year, the wedding anniversary of the midnight Goddess, and the Gala.

* * * * *

Talon sighs as he steps out of the small shower within the Earthen mare's chambers, drying himself off with the comically small towel in the washroom. He grunts as he steps into the main room, the cold night air chilling him, and causing a shiver.

Dusty looks up at him from the table, tipping her glasses down the bridge of her snout. "Did you enjoy your shower, Commander?" She asks, musing a small smile as she looks him over. She eyes him carefully, recording what she sees to memory subtly.

"I did. Remind me to have some of my towels made for you. These things must be a pain in the ass for you to use." He comments, folding the small hoof towel and draping it over a chair back. He comes to a rest and sits upon the chair now, finally catching the mare blushing and staring. "Dusty...if I'm bothering you, I don't mind just sleeping in the study. I know how bad these scars trouble you." He says, motioning to his chest and shoulder.

She shakes her head, glancing away and down to her cup of coffee, murmuring softly. "No...you're fine. I already told you that you're more than welcome here, Talon. " Dusty speaks just above a gentle whisper. "I'm honored that you're here...I didn't think it would be so soon, but I don't mind." The mare adds, her muzzle flushing hot with a furious blush.

"Thanks for being a good friend." He breathes out, smiling. "I'm going to have a last smoke before getting some rack time. Thanks for letting me crash on your sofa for the night." The pilot gets up from the chair, looking for his uniform jacket with his cigarettes and lighter in it. Dusty clears her throat and pushes the nearly empty pack to him across the table, a small smile upon her muzzle.

"Considering your current attire, you're welcome to have your fire stick in here, Talon. It's not your usual sand bowl, but a small saucer with water in it should work just as well." She speaks up, leaning back in her own chair. The blue maned earthen mare smiles as he lights the cigarette, watching intently as he exhales a stream of smoke from his nostrils with curious wonder. She had been around the pilot for ages, and has long since learned to ignore the offensive odor produced by the fire tubes. Since she was settling in herself as a herd member now, she smiled at the thought of even perhaps one day trying one herself.

He notices her staring off into space at him, the mare seemingly lost in thought. With a quick, rapid motion of his free hand, he surprises the mare with a light tap to her snout, pulling her from the daydream. "And where were you just now?" He asks, grinning.

"Oh..Just...thinking." She admonishes, blushing slightly more. "Ahem...um...so did you like the dresses? I was really happy to finish them for you, Talon."

"They look great." He responds, glancing at the three matching garments resting upon the ponyquin stands. "I'm pretty sure they'll be a big hit at the gala." Reaching down to the table surface, he lifts his cup to his lips, finishing the last gulps of coffee within the mug. He gives a satisfied sigh of relief, inhaling another drag afterwards.

The earthen mare watches him intently, her thoughts trailing off to curiosity of what may happen as they sleep. The gala, the air show, everything all racing circles within her mind. She smiles in a daze, her own cheeks flushed and hot as she considers the future.

Talon eyes her, his nose picking up a familiar scent he knew all too well within the air. 'Ah, hell...I know what that is. ...fucking space ponies.' He thinks, his brain connecting the dots as he studies the mare, the scent of her arousal becoming more evident by the second. His eyes drift down to the bauble, seeing the amethyst mist still swirling lazily around the slowly spinning star, the light within showing him that his princess is sleeping peacefully, likely dreaming of warm, far off places of tranquility. Flicking his gaze back up to the mare, he sees Dusty fidgeting in her seat, lost in thought. Talon puts out the cigarette at the halfway point, the ember hissing faintly as it dies out into the water. "Goodnight Dusty." Yawning as he gets up and walks to the sofa, laying down upon the plush, comfortable cushions and velvety material.

"Oh...?" She whispers, noticing him walk away. "Talon...Um, you're welcome to...sleep in..." She breathes out quietly, embarrassment creeping within her voice now. "Um...you're welcome to sleep in my bed...with me."

"Nope, I'm good." He calls out, giving her a thumbs up as he extends his arm above the arm of the sofa back. "Night, Dusty."

She gives a small frown, before rising to her hooves and walking to her bed chambers door. Her untied sash of her black robe drags upon the floors surface as her bare hooves make their way, the mare feeling somewhat disappointed. 'Easy girl...it'll happen eventually...he won't leave me a virgin forever.' She curses within her thoughts, sulking to the bedroom. The door closes with a quiet click as she seals the room, making her way to the bed for some much needed rest.

* * * * *

The sun rises on time, Celestia placing some extra effort into creating a stunning dawn on the day of her precious sister and husband’s anniversary. Rays of golden light explode over the horizon and mountain tops, the skies clear and the weather warm and serene. Another perfect autumn day, to start off the festive events.

The elder white alicorn sits upon her cushion, sipping a cup of steaming hot coffee, slowly enjoying the mind awakening elixir so meticulously created just for her. Her eyes trace the morning papers laid out upon her desk, a smile crossing her muzzle as she comes across another poorly taken picture of a white and black blur in the night, the reporter claiming it to be the newest top secret machine created for the ERAF.

Twilight shakes her head as she stands by the desk, her own eyes reading the headlines and article. "Celestia..." She breathes out, glancing at the alicorn with a towel wrapped around her drying mane. "Don't tell me you went out for another ride again with Talon. You know how much those ponies of the tabloids love to make up crazy, feather-brained ideas."

She giggles softly, not looking at the lavender alicorn beside her. "Oh...let them have their fun, Twilight. It's perfectly harmless, and we were galloping at full sprint. There isn't a camera made that can actually get a clear photo of me enjoying one of my favorite guilty pleasures."

"I still don't get why you have this kick of being ridden like a horse...you're the harbinger of the Sun, the Sovereign of Light. ...You're not supposed to be ridden like a pet." The younger alicorn princess grumbles.

"You're just jealous because you're too short to enjoy the freedom of it." Celestia prods, grinning. "It's actually very liberating to have a close enough bond with any pony like that. I know I enjoy myself, the wind in my mane, the feeling of being held, and for once in my life, having some pony guide me, instead of me guiding them."

"Riiight." Twilight sneaks. "And all you're missing now is the halter and saddle."

"I prefer bareback." Celestia shoots back, her grin darkening as she narrows her gaze to the young alicorn mare. The two stare one another down for a moment, before they break and reduce the standoff into a fit of giggles. The sun princess relents, and wipes a tear from her eye with her hoof. "I'm so glad they're back home, safe and sound."

The lavender alicorn comes to a seat upon her haunches, taking her own cup of morning coffee within her telekinesis. "I am pretty curious...what's in the box?" She inquires, raising her left foreleg and pointing to a long, thin parcel leaning against the walls corner near the foyer of the chambers. "You've had that sitting up here for the last three weeks, and you haven't even opened it yet."

Tipping her muzzle up with a sly smile, Celestia looks away, hiding the devious mischief she's planning. "Oh...just a surprise I have in store for one of the Gala's guests this evening. I'm sure he'll be positively flattered that his recent books have had my attention."

She cocks an eyebrow, looking over the large, cylindrical shape of the brown cardboard tube. Twilight Sparkle's mind races, attempting to---and failing to connect what a book and a large cardboard tube could possibly have in common. After several moments of processing, she gives a defeated huff and shakes her head, ignoring the problem for now, as the answer will make itself shown at the gala later this evening.

* * * * *

The hours pass quickly throughout the day, the pilot having yet to have seen his alicorn anywhere within the palace. He had tried to enter the chambers he had shared with her, only to be instantly teleported away to the solar wing the moment he had grasped the handle of the ornate heavy oak doors. After three attempts, he had given up, knowing that eventually Luna would make herself available.

Talon sits in the study within the Lunar wing, his twin fillies quietly resting and enjoying reading the latest Daring Do novel with Rainbow Dash, the cyan pegasus from Ponyville. As he himself is going over paperwork, he hears a knock at the door, looking up from the stack to the door. "Enter." He calls out. The door opens, revealing Dusty Shine.

The earthen mare steps in, carrying the pilot's worn, tan canvas satchel upon her back, each of the pouches holding cleaned and pressed articles of the pilot's flight suit and uniform. "Commander, she speaks up, a soft, gentle smile upon her muzzle. "I took the liberty to have your dress uniform and flight suit ready for this evenings events. I hope you don't mind."

He sighs, setting down the quill onto the desk's wooden surface, nodding. "Thanks. Luna's not exactly letting me into the bedroom, so it's not as if I could get them myself...what the hell is she doing in there anyway?" He asks. This catches the attention of the twins, who also look up at the mare, waiting to hear the reasons why they have not seen their mother since yesterday morning.

"I'm...not sure, myself." She clears her throat, her gaze flicking down. "I couldn't get into the chambers either. When I knocked on the door, all Miss Luna had done was crack open the door a bit. She seemed...angry. I can't explain it. When I came asking for the change of clothes for you, she just zapped them out through the crack, and closed the door back up. She's acting very strange..."

"Strange doesn't even begin to cover it." He grumbles out, desperately holding back his own rage. This didn't make even a little bit of sense. Something happened, and whatever the hell it was, he could tell it was connected between the mother, and the chain of events that lead to them world hopping. He rises to his feet, pushing back the chair with his legs. "Dusty, I have a favor to ask."

"Anything." She quickly blurts out, taking a small, determined step forward.

He ignores her forwardness, gritting his teeth. "I need the dresses we worked on brought here. All three of them. The gala is in a few hours, and I still need to get the preflight checks done on our bird. I don't have time for this shit anymore."

She furiously nods, setting down the saddlebags from her back upon the floor. "I'll do it right away then." He nods in response, letting out a strained, controlled breath as he returns to his sitting position. As she turns to exit and opens the door, she's greeted by a pink furred mare holding up her hoof to knock.

"Oh? Oh! Wow, that worked out nice! Hello Dusty!" The pink alicorn chimes out musically. "And my favorite troublemakers are here too! Perfect!"

Dusty steps aside, allowing the Crystal princess passage into the study, then herself trotting into the hall without a word. Cadence turns her head, looking at the solemn expressions upon the earthen mare's and pilot's faces, cocking an eyebrow. "Did I come at a bad time?"

The twins quickly bound to their hooves, the fillies rushing over and giving the pink princess excited, warm, loving nuzzles and hugs, their wings beating feverishly as they greet their 'aunt' Cadence. Talon shakes his head, still focused on the stack of papers. "No, everything is just fine." He breathes out. "I heard you came alone this year. Must be pretty important for your husband to miss this."

Cadence shakes her head, grinning. "If by important you mean he'd rather watch hoof ball and avoid being flown around by the best fighter pilots in the CERAF, then yes." She admits, grinning sheepishly. "You know my shiny can be so macho, yet such a mare sometimes. Don't worry, I'll be sure to get him back, good, when I return home."

The human pilot leans back in his own chair, lighting a cigarette and grinning. "Let me guess. Itching powder?"

"I'm thinking his mane would look so cute bubblegum pink to go with his sugar green coat." Cadence counters, her own grin darkening, the words laced with ice. "Trust me, this is the last Gala he's ever going to miss."

"Pictures. I so demand pictures." He quips, smiling as he exhales a stream of smoke, flicking the ashes into a sand bowl. He looks her over, his eyebrows raised. "No armor, no regalia, no crown. You're acting like this is some kind of vacation, princess."

"That's because it is." She shoots back, stepping to the edge of the desk. "Speaking of, auntie Tia told me that you've got that maid in your herd now? What exactly did I miss while you and auntie Lulu were out saving the galaxy?"

"When you figure that out, let me know. I'm just as lost on it as you are." He responds with a low groan. "But if she's saying it, that means that either Luna approved of it herself, or this is all one big misunderstanding. Who the hell am I to make that call?"

"Good point." Cadence answers, nodding. The door once again opens, Dusty stepping back in with her own personal saddlebags upon her sides now, the gray leather satchel embroidered with her cutie marks upon the flaps. With a happy smile, she sets the bags down, opening the flaps with her maw and revealing the folded dresses within.

"Candy, Dusty...if you wouldn't mind, get the twins ready and in their dresses, then you yourselves do what you need to so you're ready for the gala yourself." He speaks to them, rising from the chair once more, and digging through the bag for Luna's dress. He takes it within his arms, the mares within the room almost able to feel the cold, deeply angered emotion radiating from him. "I've got something I need to do, then I'll be getting ready for the show. I'll meet you at the hanger later."

Without another word, he exits the study, bound for Luna's chambers.

* * * * *

Nightie finishes her meal, finally feeling satisfied once more, the feeling of hunger abated. "I can see why you always took time to do this, Luminescence. Eating really is a pleasure unto itself." She comments, wiping away the juices of the fruits and cabbage she had just consumed. "Now that we've done this however, I think we're good and ready. So how about stepping aside, and letting me go meet our master now?"

Luna shakes her head, sleep deprivation apparent within her eyes. "Obsolescence...we've been over this. Thou can wait a few more hours. For all of the bucking trouble I've had to go through just to keep this up, it'll be worth it." She sighs out.

"That's if you still even have a relationship left, you foalish twit." Nightmare fires back, her voice dripping with venom. "Do you really think he would be even remotely willing to forgive you after your treatment of him within the last several hours? Rather than just getting out of my damned way, YOU feel the need to do some elaborate, half stepped plan for a pointless surprise, are avoiding OUR CHILDREN, and as I can feel through the connection, are pissing off master to NO END." She grits out through clenched teeth, the black alicorn's wings deploying open with a snap. "Do you have even the slightest idea of how angry he is? Not even the parasite had pushed him this far."

The midnight princess glares, bucking up with blistering cold rage. "The ONLY reason I'm doing this is for YOU, Obsolescence. Were it not for mine mother telling me this was how events hath be, I would have dragged thou by thy tail root into the gardens yesterday, just so I wouldn't have to deal with this absurd pony show!" She retaliates. "Doth thou have any incline of how much this crushes mine heart, not being able to spend time with mine treasures because I was volun-TOLD to train thou?!"

"Morrigan has shown that she is one for long, drawn out surprises, that never justify the ends. You were given free will, just as I, we could have easily ignored and disobeyed this meaningless gesture. Thanks to your nit-witted ideas of this, I've been shoved into broom closets, had blankets thrown over my head, SAT ON BY A TWIT and humiliated before our master. You, Luna, are an IDIOT." Nightmare growls out, head butting against the smaller, azure alicorn. Their horns spark off in contact with one another, dark blue arcs of electricity dancing off of their visages as their powers clash.

There's a knock at the door, both mares darting their eyes to the oak partitions. "What is it?!" Luna calls out, rage laced heavily in her voice. The pony at the door is silent for a moment, a muffled huff is heard before the pony on the other side speaks. At the sound of the voice, Luna's eyes go wide, her iris's dilate to pinpricks. Nightie only gives a dark, sardonic grin at the voice.

"Angel..." Talon responds, standing at the door within the hallway. He sighs again, shaking his head, collecting his thoughts and wording. "Look...I don't know what the hell is going on. Sunny butt told me...you're doing some kind of project, and I can respect that." He breathes out, thinking. "The.." He clears his throat, re-wording. "Our daughters...they miss you. I miss you. And...look, this is just fucked up. You didn't follow through, and they missed you last night, we've always put them to bed together as a team, and you work your space pony voodoo to sing them to sleep. Do you have any idea how sad they were that you were not there? I have no idea what the fuck you have in your mind that is so God damned important, but I hope whatever it is, is worth it to you."

He drops the bag at the doorway threshold, the bag and contents letting out a light thump and crinkle as it impacts the floor. "Whenever the fuck you pull your head out of your plot, there's something for you here." Luna steps slowly to the door from within the chambers, her features twisted with horror and sadness, tears welling up within her eyes. He continues. "Luna...I love you, I always have, and always will. If it's something you need help with, Just for the love of God woman, tell me! I'm sure we can face it down together! I've been by your side for six years now...and I'll remain as long as you need me...so just..."

Luna opens the door, tears streaming down her muzzle as she looks up at him. Her makeup runs down the flow of tears, discoloring her fur, her mane is unkempt and un-brushed, her feathers upon her wings disheveled and ruffed. Talon looks at her, the words dead in his throat as she sniffles and stares up at him.

"Don't go..." She whispers out. "Please, mine love...don't let me go." Luna takes a step forward, the door closing behind her. Talon stares at her, his face betraying the confusion of seeing her state. He remains motionless as the alicorn slowly steps to him, her wings unfolding very gently as she takes him within her feathered embrace. Tense moments pass, before he wraps his arms around her and returns the embrace.

"Angel..." He breathes out. "What the fuck is going on...whatever this is, let me help you. Please..." The alicorn only responds by nuzzling deeper into him, tightening her wings hold upon her love.

"Mine flame...I hath never led thou astray before...please, just trust me for a little longer." She whispers out, choking back the urge to crumble and tell him everything right now. "It's...it really is just..."

He backs away, pushing her rearward with his arms, before silencing her with a finger to her lips. "I trust you." He speaks softly, kneeling down to her. "Whatever this is, I get that you need to do this solo. But if you need help, just ask. I'll gladly back you up. Who, or whatever this is, I know we can take it out if we work together." The pilot reaches to the side, grasping the strap of the sack containing the dress. "When you're ready, this is for you. You don't need to worry about being in the bird with me for the show, you can just do this, and spend time with Star and Moonlight. I don't mind."

Luna looks down at the opened bag, seeing the deep blue and black silken dress folded neatly, the sashes and ribbons decorated with the finely cut steel replicas of her cutie marks glittering in the light. The breath catches in her throat as she's rendered speechless, in absolute disbelief of the dress she's dreamed about wearing now being complete. "Mine husband..." she whispers hauntedly.

The pilot rises to his feet, turning away without another word. He takes a few steps, before speaking up. "I need to get ready for the show...the guests are arriving, and the flight demo teams are already staging on the sidelines and auxiliary runways. I'll be waiting for you at the flight line. Don't worry about the girls, Candy and Dusty are taking care of them right now, and I've already fed them both."

Luna nods in understanding, watching as he walks away. She remains motionless in the hall until he disappears from view. Nightie opens the door now once she feels the pilot has gone away far enough to be out of his view. Luna turns back to the room, quietly contemplating just what to do. As Luna re-enters the chambers, Nightmare alights her horn, holding the smaller alicorn's flight suit within her power.

The night princess looks up at the flight jacket, Nightie giving her a soft, understanding smile and nod. Luna gasps, unable to process. "Luminescence...Luna. Your time is now. I understand, and I can feel the love for you within master's heart. Now don't just stand there you foalish mare...go bathe and get yourself ready to put on a hell of a show."

With a giddy squeak, Luna sets down the dress and bag upon the bed's surface, cantering happily to the washroom of the chambers to take a quick bath, her head and ears held high, a happy smile upon her muzzle.

Nightie looks at the dress within the bag, using her magic to pull it out and lay it flat upon the large, plush comforter. As she's eyeing it, she feels a presence drawing closer, the sound of wind chimes echoing in the still air. Her ears turn rearward, swiveling as she tracks the noises.

"I believe you should be getting ready too, Obsolescence." The cream soda colored alicorn comments, a warm, loving smile upon her features. "Little Luna isn't the only one who has a wonderful show to do this evening."

Nightie turns her head, looking to Morrigan, then rolls her eyes.

* * * * *

Princess Celestia smiles, standing at the podium set up close to the flight line. She glances around, her eyes scanning over the massive crowd gathered this evening for the gala and air show, in absolute disbelief. It's almost as if half of Canterlot is present just to watch the air show alone. She grins even wider, looking at her younger sister in amazement. Luna smiles with pride back to the elder white alicorn, puffing out her chest with glee as she adorns her flight jacket, now cleaned perfectly and seamlessly repaired by the lady Rarity just for this occasion.

The wind blows quietly over the mass of ponies, and as the sun sets they cannot take their eyes off of Celestia, the solar Princess’ mane alone was as radiant as any beautiful flower or wondrous sunset. She, like her sister, is more than ready to get the ceremony underway. As Celestia approaches the podium, a voice calls out over the crowd.

“ATTEN-HUT!” The pilots and guards present snap into rigid postures.

The white alicorn clears her throat, her horn alight to enhance her voice magically so she can speak to every pony gathered around. Her gaze shifts momentarily to the flight line, eying all those of the first combat division that had lined up to take part in the night’s grand air show. Returning her view back to the gathering of ponies, she nods and takes a breath.

"Mares and gentle colts, wonderful subjects of our great nation." She begins. "Thank you, for coming this evening to our annual Grand Galloping Gala. It is a pleasure and a privilege to see so many of your joyous faces gathered here tonight, even if it is just for the free food and wonderful cake." The crowd laughs at her light joke, a few cheers heard a short distance away. She grins, and speaks again.

"It is with a light and happy heart, I am able to say that this is both a wonderful and splendid occasion, where we all, myself included, get to enjoy the rare treat of a special air display An air display carried out by Equestria's most finely trained pilots.” She looks towards the pilots gathered with a light smile. “I would like to thank our fine mares and stallions in uniform personally. I especially look forward to seeing the wonderful show you'll be putting on for every pony this fine evening. An evening that happens to host our fifth annual Royal Air Force air show.”

“I would especially like to thank the couple who made all of this possible this evening, my sister and her husband." As Celestia looks towards her sister the midnight alicorn bows her head slightly, a wide, toothy smile crosses her muzzle as she returns her gaze to the crowd and waves with a fore leg. Talon also nods, watching from his position next to the war machines forward landing gear. He stands stoically, his stance rigid and at attention, just as he would be back on Earth for this very same practice.

Repairing the aircraft in such a short amount of time had been a nigh impossible task, but with the ‘never say die’ attitude of the ground crew and motivation in the form of forty-eight hour liberty passes to the stallions who could procure the most parts, the war bird had been reborn. As a phoenix rose from the ashes, so too did the mighty aircraft. Talon looks at it now, a small grin crossing his lips for a moment. Unaware of his admiration for the work, Celestia continued her speech.

"Five years ago, we held our very first air show a full year after the end of the war, as a celebration for our freedom and prosperity not only for our country but for the entirety of the international community.” Celestia pauses, her expression softening a bit. “Tonight marks a special occasion, however. Tonight, we celebrate not only for our heroes, but we also honor and remember the proud mares and stallions that have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to ensure a peaceful future. Tonight, we also pay homage to those unsung heroes who every day, place their lives on the line to guarantee that our children can live and grow in a comforting, free existence..."

The crowd listens attentively, the area near silent enough for any pony to hear a pin drop. Celestia licks her lips and inhales, her jovial features softening further as she smiles. Her gaze shifts to Morrigan, the all mother smiles slightly in return. "It is also tonight, that we honor and thank the birthplace of our freedom, a far off land from which a unique hero came to us. It was through his own form of magic that we today enjoy a freedom that would otherwise have been snuffed out by the armies of tyranny and oppression. From his bravery, and example we learned to stand against the blackened hearts of our adversaries."

"It was through his wisdom and patience, our great nation has become the strong, unified world power that it is today... What's more...it is thanks to his kindness and caring heart that today we have two lovely young princesses to help shape Equestria's ever brightening future. So without further delay, every pony please rise and remove your hats, as we show respect for the prince, as is custom before every display." Celestia finishes. She steps away from the podium, her silken silver laden dress shimmering as it waivers in the cool evening breeze.

Luna, Twilight and Morrigan all stand beside the sun princess, their eyes all moving to the twin flags flying high above the palace grounds. She watches with a warm, large smile as the midnight alicorn slowly opens and spreads her wings, Luna's horn alighting with soft, gentle magic as she inhales a deep breath. Luna's jade eyes watch the banner she's come to love with all of her heart, flying proudly in the calm breeze.

“Company! PRESENT ARMS!” Shouts the voice of one of the pilots, the military personnel present snap into salutes. Their gaze all turns to the proudly waving red, white, and blue banner. The human pilot unable to help smiling with pride as he hears his alicorn begin her song, the most beautiful and enchanting rendition he's ever heard of his country’s national anthem.

Standing beside Dusty Shine, all three wearing their beautifully made Gala dresses, Stardust Kiss and Moonlight Way hold a hoof over their hearts, wide, jovial smiles as their wings bob lazily upon their backs. Dusty Shine, the Earthen mare, for the second time this evening is in tears of joy, her heart swelling with so much pride, knowing that now she too can hold that flag as special. Tonight, she has a new family, a herd of her own, her hearts fondest wish. Tonight, she can finally relax, and enjoy her days as being a part of the fillies lives as their herd mate.

"Ooh say...can you see? By the dawns early light~ What so proudly...we hailed...at the Twilight's last gleaming..." She begins, her eyes closing as she begins to sing with all of her love. As she draws her next breath, Celestia joins her in sync, the white alicorn alighting her horn and matching her sisters melody.

"Who's broad stripes and bright stars? Through the perilous fight~Oh the Ramparts...we watched, were so gallantly streaming." Luna's eyes meet with Celestia's, both mares smiling as they both pour their souls into this performance. Unexpectedly now, Twilight takes her place beside Celestia, the young alicorn princess alighting her own horn, matching the pair with her very best, having of spent months practicing in secret just for this.

"And the rock~ets red glare! The bombs bursting in air!" The three hold the note, their attention turning to the crowd. Every pony is dead silent, watching the trio sing with absolute respect for the miracle of harmony. Some are in tears from the sheer beauty of it, while others stand silently watching the banner flutter in the breeze. The amount of effort being poured into each and every note is astonishing, and it is effort well spent.

As the three inhale for the next notes, Morrigan herself joins, completing the harmony. Now, all four Goddesses sing for the gathering, wide, loving smiles upon their muzzles as they carry each and every note perfectly. "Gave proof...through the night, that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star-spangled...ban~er yeeeet waaaave.....O’er the land of the free....and the home, of the brave!"

The four alicorn's complete the song, the crowd going wild. Cheers and whistles, loud shouts of joy and praise are heard from every direction, every mare, stallion, filly and colt moved to tears by the performance treated to them tonight by their princesses. Several of the pilots begin chanting ‘U-S-A’, and soon others are joining with them.

Watching from high above the grounds on Luna's balcony, Nightie herself smiles a wide, gentle smile, the entire time quietly mouthing the words to a song she herself had no idea she even knew. She feels a warm drop of liquid land upon her muzzle, noting she herself even beginning to tear up at the beauty of the performance. She nods slowly and whispers "Well done...well done."

Luna turns quickly and trots down the stage steps, rushing to her treasured children and new herd mate, Dusty. Giving them a warm and loving embrace, she kisses her children upon the cheeks, and grins. "Ok you two, when Auntie Tia says so, you can go on stage and say your lines!" She breathes out happily. The fillies excitedly nod as they watch their mother quickly take to wing, leaping into the air and flying to her flames side.

The pilots of all six aircraft climb up the side steps of their respective machines, air crews clearing the area as the pilots begin to strap themselves into the cockpits. The midnight alicorn quickly reaches the war bird, landing upon the leading edge of the canard, and gingerly stepping into the co-pilots seat of the restored war machine. Her gaze flicks up to her balcony in the distance, seeing the black alicorn, the former Nightmare resting quietly and watching everything in secrecy.

'Mine flame is in for one interesting surprise...' She muses in her thoughts, smiling knowingly and enjoying the thought of the big reveal during the Gala. At first, she was skeptical of the idea, her mother allowing Nightmare Moon a body of her own, a new beginning. But over the past several hours of ducking around corners, hiding in ancient passages, and the conversations...she's come to enjoy the black alicorn's company. Luna knew deep down, this was the right choice, Nightie having of long since earned her redemption after protecting the pilot in Baol. She returns her attention back to the task of buckling herself into the co-pilots position, using her magic to levitate her headset to her ears so she can speak with her husband in flight.

"Ready, angel?" Talon asks, placing on his own flight helmet as he begins to switch on the aircrafts new computers. "You sure you're up for this? I don't mind if you want to just watch this year.” He comments.

Luna smiles excitedly and places a gentle hoof upon the pilots shoulder. "Neigh, mine flame. I have looked forward to this for a very long time. We're putting on this show for our herd...so I wish to be right here to give them one." She responds, releasing the communications button with her other hoof. They turn their attention back to the stage in the field, safely away from the flight line, as they hear the magically enhanced voices of the fillies speaking in unison, getting every ponies attention.

”Tal, don’t go overboard". A familiar voice crackles over the radio. ”She may look pretty, but she’s bein’ held together by duct tape, crazy glue, and prayer to the almighty.”

Stardust and Moonlight smile wide, happy, Innocent smiles as they rest high up on Celestia and Morrigan's backs, held in place by carefully positioned wings to balance out each fillies position. The crimson maned Goddess smiles a serene, calm smile of her own, eying the black alicorn filly upon her own back with curious wonder.

"Ok birdies! Start your engines!" They say together, the crowd cheering more as they hear the command. In the distance, sounds of twelve pulse detonation engines all roar to life, the high pitched whines of six separate banshees cries echoing out as the powerful machines all awaken, their canopies closing slowly. One by one starting with the legendary war machine itself, their lights all activate, each aircraft slowly creeping forward in a line and taking to the taxiway. The engines whine and howl, scream and skree as the machines prepare to take to the skies, kicking off the first ever night air show in Equestria's vast history.

'Canterlot control to First Combat division, you are cleared on runway one for launch. All aircraft enter staging order and begin takeoff procedures. Good hunting gentle colts. Give em' one hell of a show.' A mares voice chimes in over the radio to the aircraft. Two by two the aircraft taxi out, wingtip to wingtip, all six of them in three rows.

The gathering of nobles and palace staff, the princesses and Goddess all watch with awe and curious wonder as the deadly war machines all slowly roll to the runway, their lights flickering and flashing brightly, the crowd beginning to cheer louder as the engines of the aircraft wind up for the takeoff. Minutes pass, the first two machines finally staged at the end of the landing strip.

Celestia smiles as she sees the tell-tale signs she's been waiting for, her sensitive eyes spotting the faint glow building at the aft of the twin machines. Her ears perk straight up and rigid as she hears the screaming of the fighter jets, a bold, beautiful azure flame billowing out and focusing into four tight, needlepoint cones worthy of hells fury. The machines rocket down the straight away, followed quickly without pause by the next two, and then the last. In rapid succession, all six aircraft take to the skies over Canterlot, the final pair spreading its wings and taking to flight before the first pairs of war machines could even retract their landing gear completely. She smiles wide with joy as she watches the well-practiced maneuver, all six machines forming an echelon formation, with Talon and Princess Luna's aircraft in the center.

Their afterburners glow brightly into the night, all of the machines climbing higher and higher above the castle grounds, rolling and turning in perfect unison as they spiral towards the heavens. From the ground ponies begin to cheer wildly, clip-clopping their hooves as the war machines branch off from each other, pulling tight, sharp turns away and forming a star burst with the smoke trails. The machines all pull into dives, coming closer and closer together as they follow the same pillar of smoke down, dropping just a thousand feet above the castles towers. The white alicorn counts the seconds in her mind, having of memorized the complete display from all of the practices before the pilot and her sisters disappearance. 'That's it you two...remember the routine...' Celestia whispers to herself with a broad smile.

They pull up again right above the crowd, turning hard at exactly the right moment, each aircraft leveling out and beginning to roll in opposite directions from each other. They fly apart in another low level rose formation, disappearing from sight quickly. Seconds pass, before the gathering spots four of the stealth war machines fly back above the palace together in a diamond formation. The two outer aircraft are flying correctly, their wingtips no more than a foot apart, the lead and aft aircraft fly inverted in the flyby of the diamond, before each machine begins quarter turns above the spectators.

The twins cheer out in glee, seeing the aircraft seemingly dance in the skies, twisting and turning, rolling and diving as a group. The diamond formation of the four aircraft level out with canopies up, before pulling into a gentle climb and rolling in a loop above the ponies watching. Celestia grins, knowing just what the next trick would be. No pony else however, noticed that two of the six were not present.

'Three...two...one...' She counts, her ears pinning flat against her skull as she prepares for the surprise for the crowd. From both sides of the runway, two of the F/A-37's drop down a hundred feet above the ground, going full afterburner above the runway and giving the spectators a very close up flyby. Right as it appears they're about to crash head on into one another, both machines blade themselves with their opened wings down, flying mere feet from one another and crossing paths, belly to belly.

As they pull into the climb above the crowd again, they release smoke from their aft sections, twin blue ribbons of the enchanted display smoke glowing lacing the night sky, the war machines climbing and spiraling together as they come close again. The diamond pattern of the other four turns in unison, rejoining the pair quickly as they change formation, returning to the echelon again for the crowd.

"I had no idea this display would be so fun!" Morrigan comments, the cream colored Goddess smiling as her emerald orbs trace the movements. "I really must come and visit more often with you, Celly."

"Yes, you should, mother." Celestia responds, not taking her eyes off of the display. The fighters change direction again, a high stacking of wing to wing turn to face the palace. One by one they turn and roll to the left, pulling away and following the previous aircraft in its turn. "I'm very pleased the commander’s machine was able to be repaired for this demonstration. It just wouldn't have been the same without him."

"And little Luna as well." Morrigan replies. "Is this the only performance this evening?" She asks, eyeing the machines as they continue to perform tricks, each aircraft now flying on it's own out of formation, passing over the crowd incredibly close, while others seem to chase each other in a chaotic and beautiful dance of cat and mouse.

"Far from it." Dusty Shine comments, smiling sheepishly. She clears her throat and looks up at the significantly taller cream colored alicorn, blushing slightly. "I'm sorry...I couldn't help but to answer. We have several more displays to watch from other demonstration teams, including the Wonder bolts this evening. We were only hosting a total of three, but with Princess Luna needing to change into her dress for the Gala, Our wonderful organizer seen the need to add a couple more. The total length of the show will be about two hours."

Morrigan opens her mouth to speak, when she feels the filly perched up upon her back seem to excitedly bob in place. The goddesses ears perk up for a moment, right before she herself is surprised by a sneak up flyby from Talon and the night princess. The war bird rockets past the stands just below supersonic, the canards and wings closed tight as the afterburners behind the aircraft steak out a full length trailing behind it. The fillies cheer loudly, Morrigan having to step around in place to keep the small black alicorn balanced on her back. She grins, looking back down to the earthen mare. "I'm looking forward to it!"

* * * * *

The air show has drawn to a close, all aircraft safely tucked into their display areas, the mighty war machine now carefully rolled behind the brush blue velvet ropes within the grand ballroom. Celestia smiles as she glances around the gardens and opened doors of the grand dance hall, seeing all of the guests enjoying themselves. The music is perfect, finely played by the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra.

Octavia Melody leads the group in their blissfully beautiful songs. The catering and food set up along the rows of tables for the guests smells enchanting, even the stars above in the heavens glisten brighter, and more radiantly brilliant than ever before. She gives a nod of satisfaction as her gaze turns to her sister and husband, letting out a happy breath. 'This is so wonderful...thank you, mother.'

Talon and Luna smile as they dance together to the soft music playing within the grand ballroom of the palace. The night is just beginning to wind down in the event, the couple enjoying a romantic evening together after the air display for the nobility and guests of the Grand Galloping Gala. Luna lets out a wistful sigh as she gazes lovingly at her flame, relishing in the close contact of being held so close by him in their dance.

The alicorn is standing on her hind legs, reared up and resting her forelegs around the pilot’s neck and shoulders. Her lidded gaze staring intently and longingly into his eyes as a soft smile is upon her features. “Mine flame…thank you for everything…this night is perfect.” She whispers to him. She continues stepping carefully as they dance to the soft music. With her every move, her dress gleams and sparkles, shimmers and shines beautifully, as if she were wearing a piece of her jeweled tapestry upon her form. All, including Celestia stare in wonder and awe of her grace and elegance, mesmerized by the beauty, and craftsmanship of the garment her husband created for her.

“Well this is our now sixth year anniversary of being married, angel. I wanted to make it special for you.” He replies gently. “You mean the world to me, Luna. And after everything we’ve been through…I wanted you to know that.” He breathes out. “I’m just happy we managed to make it back to our own world not only in one piece, and before the gala…but with our bird to boot.”

Luna let out a melodic giggle. “Yes…though…not all in one piece.” She whispers. “You set me free of Obsolescence mine love…because of you, my soul is entirely in the light now…my mind and soul restored, and my own once more.”

Talon lets out a soft chuckle. “I think that was more you than anything else, angel. …I just wish there was a way we could get here to enjoy this…I really wanted her to share in this night with us. After her actions in Baol…she deserves it.”

Luna nods, a cryptic smile with her still half lidded gaze. “Be careful what thou wishes for, mine love…thou might just get it.” She muses happily. The pair hears the musical giggles of the fillies and turn to look. In their view, Dusty Shine is tending to them a short distance away, the three ponies all dancing near the nose landing gear of the aircraft, the proud war machine on display in the center of the ballroom safely behind dark blue velvet ropes. It’s polished black steel body and wings gleaming in the moonlight pouring in from the windows. Luna lets out a soft giggle and smiles with joy, enjoying the sight. “We really do have our own herd now…mine flame. I’m glad thou were so willing to accept fair Dusty into our family.”

“Don’t get any funny ideas angel. I only accepted because she did so well caring for the twins while we were stuck in that hellish place.” He sighs out, turning to face his alicorn. “Besides…you know how much she loves the girls. I just figured it would be a good way to say thank you.”

* * * * *

Nightie stands before the mirror, nervously shuffling her fore hooves as she stares intently at her own reflection. Her chest heaves with a heavy sigh, her wings twitching nervously under the newly created dress for the Gala. ‘I can’t do this…I can’t do this.’ She thinks to herself, chewing on her cheek within her maw.

“Nightie…calm yourself, my daughter. You look ravishingly beautiful. It’s just a dance. You’ve seen many of these over the years. Nothing to be nervous about.” Morrigan speaks softly, a soft serene smile upon her features as she rests upon the nearby bed within the pilot and midnight alicorn's chambers. “You’ll do just fine.”

Nightmare turns to face the cream colored alicorn, letting out a nervous titter. “I have seen these through Luminescence’s …”She corrects herself. “Luna’s eyes…mother. You forget that to this world, I am seen as nothing more than a monster, a creature of Nightmares…not a mare in a herd, or a friend.”

The all mother sighs quietly, a serene smile still upon her relaxed features. “All shall be well, my daughter. I have given you life…a body all of your own for as long as the expanse of time shall allow. Have faith when I say that you will find them most accepting of you. Though you started out as little more than the discharge of my own Dark essence…you have evolved beyond your station, and learned of compassion, love, and life. You found light even within the Dark. You have earned your redemption. Take your prize, my gift to you, Nightie.”

Morrigan rises to her hooves and approaches the smaller black alicorn and embraces her gently. The hug feels as soft and as warm as the autumn sun, and as welcoming and safe as the grassy knolls of Heofon. “Now. Take a deep breath, and get out there into the party. This is your night too, my sweet little girl.” The all mother leans down and plants a gentle kiss upon Nightmares forehead, above the base of her horn.

Nightmare lets a soft, small smile cross her muzzle at this, and lets out a quiet sigh. “I hope you are right…” She breathes out, then turns her attention to the door to exit the chambers. She pauses as she reaches the doors, turning her head to give one last look to the all mother. "Mother...are you sure..." She blinks with confusion, seeing the cream colored alicorn gone, only a few shimmering sparkle motes left in her place, the nightmare alicorn now alone once more. With a heavy sigh she turns back to the door again, taking a deep breath and alighting her horn to grasp the door handles. 'Here we go...'

The heavy ornate doors to Luna and the pilots chambers open, Nightie being greeted by the Lunar Stallions standing guard just outside. She nervously chews on her inner cheek within her maw as she eyes them, quirking an eyebrow as she watches them give her a slight bow, the two Thestral pegasi moving their weapons to allow her passage into the grand halls of the palace. She takes a timid step forward into the halls, exiting the chambers, and now bound for the hangar and gardens, the grand room where the Gala is being hosted.

Her walk is quiet, her only company the soft clip clop of her glass slippered hooves clacking softly against the polished marble surface of the empty halls. The black alicorn's head hangs low as she walks, her heart pounding within her barrel, threatening to burst forth from it at any moment without notice. She tries so desperately to calm her nerves, focusing on each step with all of her will. The faint music of the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra catches her sensitive ears as she walks, the melodies drawing her like a moth to the flame.

Her hooves lead her to the towering double doors of the staircase, the designated entrance of tonight's gathering. Nightie takes a moment to glance herself over one last time in the polished mirror hanging on the wall just before the doors in the hall, her eyes tracing the beauty of the intricately designed dress, given to her by the all mother. She gasps quietly seeing herself for the first time, in her own body, as herself.

A soft smile crosses her muzzle as she takes in the sight, her velvet black fur and pristine mane brushed to perfection, the ethereal banner no longer a chaotic dance of the cosmos, but of a peaceful, calm night’s sky on Earth. Her teeth no longer the high polished razors they once were, but normal, soft white, flat teeth. Her breath stolen from within her as she sees her eyes, no longer the cold, glaring evil of her teal draconic orbs, but somehow softer, reflecting the vibrancy of life, and the love long since lost, and now found within her heart.

She smiles gently, nodding to herself slowly as she turns her attention back to the gala, her silken, see through white dress shimmering and lazily waving in an unseen breeze as she turns, her magic slowly willing the doors open. She dims her horn and steps through, taking her place before the ponies below upon the floor and in the gardens, holding a baited breath. Her eyes catch the pilot and midnight alicorn just finishing their dance together, Luna lowering herself back to her hooves. She catches the smile upon the night princesses lips, seeing that her once host has caught her presence.

Curiously, Nightie tilts her head slightly as she sees Luna whisper something to the human pilot of her affections, her master. The music stops, the pilot turning his gaze to the top of the stairs. Her heart skips a beat within her barrel as their eyes meet, the pilot reaching out his hand for her, beckoning the nightmare alicorn to come to him. Nightmare's breath catches in her throat. 'Master...' She whispers to herself, a soft, almost hidden blush coloring her velvet muzzle. She takes a soft breath, and begins her slow gate down the grand marble steps, her hooves finding their way down the blue plush carpet to her herd.

Talon eyes her, a warm, inviting smile crossing his features as he watches the black alicorn descend the grand staircase of the ballroom, seeing her elegant white flowing dress trailing gracefully with her every movement. Luna nickers softly and bumps his side with her muzzle, a soft giggle escaping the midnight alicorn's throat. "Mine flame...Go greet her. This is her night just as much as it is ours." Luna coos softly to him. "I give thee permission...one dance, mine love. Then thou art mine for the remainder of mine night."

The pilot nods, understanding his wife's instructions. His eyes never leaving the black alicorn's soft teal orbs. The orchestra takes notice of the new guest, a new, unique song playing softly to welcome her. As the song begins, the midnight alicorn makes her way to the stage, having planned this all out previously for her flame as a gift. Clearing her throat and alighting her horn, Luna begins her song in her enchanted voice, the melody echoing within the hearts of all listening. Her dedication to her flame, her new friend and herd mate, Nightie.

~*~'When the Earth Collides, two hearts, two souls, one mind. One love of Human kind...in Heaven's name, no time for fear or blame. Inside, we are the same'~*~

Nightmare finds her way to the pilot, her blush still coloring her muzzle as she stares at him. As she's about to speak, she finds her voice lost, unable to utter a sound. Her mind blank as she finally looks at the pilot through her own eyes, clear, and her own. Her heart races within her, the alicorn's mind a fog, feeling to her as if she's dreaming.

"You look beautiful." Talon says quietly, holding out his hand, trying to comfort the black alicorn before him. She nervously nickers, shuffling her fore hooves slowly as she does, finally finding her voice.

Nightie places a fore hoof in his hand, nodding slowly, her eyes trained on her hoof being grasped gently by the pilot. "Thank you..." She murmurs quietly. "Master...may I.." She begins, being silenced by the pilot placing a finger to her lips.

"Just Talon, Nightie. Just Talon." He says with a warm smile. He inhales softly, a warm, comforting smile still upon his features. "Would you like to dance?" He asks. She in return nods quickly, her hoof being released from the pilot’s hand, the pair finding their way to the dance floor. She rears up on her hind legs slowly, gently placing her forelegs around his shoulders and neck, the nightmare alicorn dancing with the human pilot as if she were a natural, her body finding the right movements, as if she had always known.

~*~'We feel it all. The rise and fall. We drift inside each other, and all we have is one another. You'll find that we can never fall. ~*~

Looking away, Celestia finally spots the unicorn guest she was hopeful to see. A dark grin crosses her features as she walks up to him, seeing the unicorn sitting alone at a table, drinking deep from a tall glass of punch.

"Mr. Scribe...how wonderful it is that you were able to attend." She speaks softly out to Zamariac, hiding her intended prank behind her calm, regal mask, the unicorn with the blond billowing mane suspecting nothing.

"Well blimey! Greetings, your majesty!" The red unicorn greets her. "How may I be of service to the crown this evening?"

Celestia muses a smile, nodding. "Actually, I had something I wanted to share with you, as a thank you for your latest work. It was quite amusing, that story...to run from the sun, I believe the title was? I had such a much needed laugh. Would you mind following me to my study? I have some pony I'd love for you to meet."

The stallion unicorn nods with a dopey grin. "Why, I'd be delighted to, your majesty! Please lead the way!" He says, rising to his hooves. He follows the white alicorn to the exit leading to the stairs, bound for the solar wing.

* * * * *

The gala is already in full swing, with the royal couples enjoying the festivities and numerous nobles socializing, it would be hard to find a pony not enjoying themselves. Hard, but not impossible. Sitting by himself at an empty table is an earth pony in full dress uniform, his normally unkempt mane has been combed into a proper flat top. He absent mindedly puffs on a nearly gone cigar as he watches the crowd enjoying the festivities. Being an ol’ country stallion, he was not one for massive parties.

Sledge taps the ash off of his cigar into an empty wine glass, silently observing Talon and his growing herd. He couldn’t help but feel slightly jealous, as he himself had very little in the way of a social life. That thought leads him to lean back in his chair and take a larger puff on the cigar. He swirls the smoke around his mouth a moment before exhaling, sending a large cloud of white smoke towards the ceiling. His thoughts turn to his career as a fighter pilot, sure it’s interesting and fast paced, but if he became a bomber pilot he’d be on the ground more often.

Maybe he just isn’t meant for a social life, that thought sends his mind racing with what he could be meant for. He imagines himself wearing an olive drab uniform, adorned with medals and ribbons and on the collar would be four stars. The thought of perhaps being a general gives him a reason to smile and he takes another puff on his cigar. It’s almost as if he is in his own world, even as the party rages on around him. He has found the lone rock in the sea of ponies that surrounds him, and he’s unsure if he wants to leave.

Sledge looks behind him, out a window with a view of the tarmac. He sees a hangar, Hangar 5B, which seems to call to him. He knows his aircraft is stored there, and it wouldn’t be unacceptable to leave in order to help patrol the airspace. Sledge stuffs his finished cigar into the glass he’d turned into an ashtray, then stands and straightens his uniform. He can hear the tense roll of drums in his head, and he quietly hums to himself as he walks through the crowd of ponies towards the exit.

Upon reaching the door, he steps out into the hallway and gives a nod to the guards standing by the door. They nod back and let him pass without so much as a word. His expression becomes one of stoic contemplation; his steps fall in line as if he’s marching in a line. His aspirations of command evaporate as he does this, who was he kidding? He’s a soldier, a cog in the war machine, and he couldn’t be happier with it. Sledge pulls a cigar from his jacket’s inside pocket and bites the cap off, then takes his lighter from his breast pocket.

The stallion pauses and looks at the lighter, noting the engraving in the metal. He smiles as he sees the familiar insignia of his squadron, an angry boar wearing a metal helmet. Sledge flicks the wheel and brings it up to the foot of the cigar, then puffs a few times until it’s lit. He slips the lighter back into his pocket and takes up his walking again, his destination now the control room. He wants to clear it with the controller on duty before he takes off for his patrol, even if it is just a formality.

His hoofs clip against the marble floor, echoing through the near deserted hallways. Sledge lets out a rather large puff of smoke as he passes by a few portraits of the princesses and Talon with his twins. He pauses as he sees them and lets out a soft sigh, then puffs his cigar again and continues down the hallway. The pensive, almost angry, expression he wears wards off the few maids and guards from speaking to him. They appear happy enough, which only causes the scowl on his face to grow.

After a few more minutes of walking, he comes across the door to the control room. It’s slightly ajar, but he pays it no mind. Sledge walks up to it and begins pushing the door inwards, he can hear a noise. Something that shouldn’t be in a control room but is. He stops and listens further, and it becomes clear that the noise is in fact sobbing. A mare sobbing, to be precise. He pushes the door open further, but stops himself as he hears a voice.

“Can’t you just be happy for me? You and I both knew this was coming, but now I’ve found myself!” Says a male voice, he recognizes it from somewhere. He then remembered that it was a voice he often heard in the background of the radio chatter. Fancy Pants was the name behind the voice, a stallion Sledge was not a big fan of to begin with. “Agh, this is just like you.”

“Just like me!?” Says a ragged mare’s voice, Sledge recognizes it as Fleur de Lis. At this point his better judgment tells him to leave, but his curiosity quickly beats his better judgment to a bloody pulp. “You not only cheat on me, but you do it with a STALLION and you expect me NOT to be upset!?” Sledge takes another puff on his cigar, exhaling through the crack in the door. The ponies inside don’t seem to notice. His thoughts race with the implications of what he was hearing. Fancy Pants... A colt-cuddler? Sledge could make a fortune selling that story to the media.

“You’re just upset because aside from me you can’t get anyone!” says Fancy Pants. “Face it, Fleur. You’re washed up, and no one can stand your attitude!” Sledge’s eye twitches as those words are processed in his brain, and he can feel his anger rising as he hears loud sobs arise after the words undoubtedly cut into Fleur. Sledge contemplates bursting into the room and smashing Fancy Pant’s face into paste, but this time Better Judgment wins out over rage.

“W-Why are you saying these things to me? Is this your victory lap? Just bucking go away!” Fleur declares angrily, Sledge hears some pony slam something down in the room and decides to enter before things get out of control. He pushes the door open with all the intensity of an officer, prepared to deal with two ponies. To his surprise, however, he finds the room only houses one.

Fleur de Lis sits before a radar console with teary, red eyes. A radio headset is rested on the counter before her, and she reclines back in her seat with a sad expression. Sledge clears his throat, snapping her attention towards him.

“Ah’m sorry, is this a bad time?” He asks, Fleur looks at him silently. “Ah was jus’ gonna ask if’n it was alright to take a patrol.” Fleur sits up in her seat and quietly brushes a lock of mane from her face, then looks at the radar scope.

“The screen’s clear, so, I can’t authorize it.” Fleur says, sighing and leaning forwards. Sledge just shrugs and enters the control room, he closes the door behind him and approaches the radar console. Fleur watches him take a puff on his cigar and lets out a cough when he exhales. The stallion picks up the radio headset and pushes the transmit button. “What are you doing-”

“Hey, Fancy Ass!” He says loudly into the radio. “Yeah, you! The colt who needs a donut to sit on!” Fleur attempts to take the radio from him, only for Sledge to swipe her hooves away.

“Who is this?” Asks an annoyed, familiar tone from a speaker on the wall.

“Yer mother!” Sledge says forcefully. “It don’ matter who ah am, just that ya hear me loud’n clear. Y’all is gonna apologize ta this fine young and nice lookin’ mare or ah’ll bomb your pounded ass back ta the stone age.” Fleur looks at him with an almost grateful expression, as if some part of her is made to feel better by hearing her ex threatened.

“I’m sorry…” Comes the tire response from the other end of the radio before it goes dead, Sledge nods in satisfaction and sets the headset back on the console. He looks at Fleur and gives a small smile.

“Sorry, Miss Fleur. Stallion’s like ‘im really piss meh off.” He says as he turns to leave. “Y’all have a nice night.” Fleur watches him go towards the door, and for a reason unknown to her, raises her hoof.

“Wait!” Sledge turns and looks at her with a raised eyebrow. “I was going to go to the gala later, but now I could really use an open bar… Wanna, I don’t know… Come with?” Sledge stares at her for a moment, his face unreadable, before he slowly nods.

“Sure, ma’am.” He smiles and opens the door for her. “I didn’ know they had an open bar at the gala.” Fleur stands up and walks out into the hallway, flicking the lights to the control room off. The two of them begin walking back to the gala, passing by the same portraits as before. Sledge takes a puff on his cigar and exhales it towards one of Talon, a smile gracing his lips.

“So, why were you so eager to leave?” Fleur asks, shaking Sledge’s attention towards her. He shrugs and takes another drag, then exhales in the opposite direction.

“Ah don’ like parties, ah don’ got no one ta go with.” He says simply as they pass a few chatting guards. “Mos’ fighter pilots don’ have that problem, but as y’all know, ah deal with maintenance AND flight.”

“So you’re a workaholic.” Fleur says flatly, Sledge shrugs again.

“Nah, I jus’ don’ see no reason to go an’ talk ta other ponies.” He puffs on his cigar again, exhaling after swirling the smoke in his cheeks. “Ah’d go out more often if’n ah had ponies ta go with. What about you?”

“What about me?” Asks Fleur, somewhat taken aback by the question.

“Y’all was in the control room while this whole deal is goin’ on, ya obviously avoidin’ somethin’.” Sledge taps the ash of his cigar into a plant as they walk by, giving Fleur a moment to compose her thoughts.

“I guess we’re in the same boat, it’s just a lot of the ponies there don’t like me.” She replies with a sigh. “I tend to make them upset.”

“Ah heard about you through the grapevine. Always seemed ya got a bad rep.” Sledge says honestly. “Ah don’ know ya much as a pony, but as a controller, ya seem pretty even toned. Heck, yer a better controller than Dust Off.”

“Dusty Shine.” Fleur corrected.

“Ah know what I dun said.” Sledge says firmly. “Dust Off, as in five times she almost slammed me inta the ground, which would mean I’d need a Dust Off. Her voice annoys meh too.” He takes another puff on his cigar. “Don’ tell ‘er ah said that.”

“It’s alright…” Fleur smiles as they get closer to the sound of party music and chatter. “She can be a bit annoying sometimes, but she’s alright… I probably am a bit harsh with her.” Sledge shrugs and adjusts his uniform. “Her voice can grate sometimes.” Fleur smiles as her mind takes her away from thoughts about Fancy Pants and towards thoughts of Sledgehammer. She can tell he’s even tempered from their exchanges over the radio, he also has a sense of humor, and just now he’s demonstrated he doesn’t have a problem speaking his mind.

Sledge waves at the guards, who appear surprised he’s returned. One of them pulls a wallet from his armor and slips his partner a couple bits as both Fleur and Sledge walk past. The doors close behind them and leave them staring at the crowd of ponies dancing on the floor. Fleur looks around before pointing towards a table which seemed to be serving as the bar.

“There it is.” She says, a smile creeping onto her face. “Let’s go.” Sledge nods as she begins pushing through the crowd and begins following behind her. The ponies part as she struts forth, some of them whispering as she and Sledge pass by. The stallion has a smile growing on his face as he sees the annoyance on some of the nobles. Not many would know it, but he was more of a republican than a monarchist, and it gave him great pleasure to see the nobles upset.

Fleur and Sledge finally arrive at the table of booze, and the unicorn uses her magic to levitate a bottle of wine along with a glass. She pours herself a drink and takes a dainty sip, Sledge is far less subtle. He picks up a bottle of whiskey and sets his cigar down, then pops the top and takes a few gulps. The crowd around them gasps, but he ignores them and continues drinking. Fleur seems to grow bolder as she drinks more wine, and after ten minutes she ditches the wine glass. The two of them stand there, guzzling down whiskey and wine as if it’s nothing but water. As they do, they come up on numerous odd conversational topics.

“S-So, in order ta be a model ya had ta pass a ‘Jiggle test’?” Sledge asks, his speech somewhat slurred. Fleur nods as she takes a glug from her second bottle of wine. “The hell is a jiggle test?”

“That’shh where they have a sshtallion shlap a mare’sh rump and they judge how jiggly it ish” Fleur’s response is far more slurred and she seems to be far more happy than Sledge. The two have gathered quite the crowd, even some of the more important guests such as Talon and his wife seem to be taking notice. “Really, thoshe jerksh shhould be shubjected to their own dang testsh... “ Fleur takes another gulp from the bottle, then realizes it is now empty. “Bartender! More wine!”

“Yeah! More whiskey too!” Sledge says loudly, the room seems to be staring at them but they don’t seem to give a damn. The bartending pony doesn’t want to give Fleur another bottle, but the unicorn uses her magic to wrench it from his hooves and pull the cork. “Ya know… Ah bet them dickheads know as much about jiggle as they do about fornicating. Jack and shiet!” Fleur nods enthusiastically.

“You know… You’re not sho bad for a fly-colt…?” She says, leaning against Sledge for support. The stallion looks at her for a moment, then takes a gulp of whiskey. “I sshhould probably go home… I feel great!”

“Where’s your house?” Sledge asks, picking up his cigar and taking a final puff before chucking it over his head and somehow landing it in a punchbowl.

“Down town…” Fleur replies after watching the stogie land in the bowl. “Nice tossh.”

“Thanks…” Sledge helps steady the unicorn on her hooves. “Mah apartment is jus’ outside the castle. Wanna head there instead?” Fleur looks at him for a moment, then pokes his chest with her hoof.

“You’re trying to be naughty, aren't you?” Sledge raises an eyebrow. “That’sh okay… Let’shh go.” She tosses her wine bottle on the floor, causing it to shatter, before climbing over Sledge’s back. “Onwardsh… To poor descisionshh!” Sledge shrugs and adjusts the mare, surprised by her forwardness, before tossing his whiskey bottle aside. It somehow hit an ice sculpture next to the punch bowl, shattering it and making a mess on the floor. Sledge chuckles and leaves, giving a mock salute to the two guards outside the door.

Nightie, Luna, the pilot, Twilight, Cadence and Dusty all stand dumbfounded as they watch the display, simply shaking their heads in absolute disbelief. "Well...That works...I think?" Talon speaks up, watching the mare and stallion exit out of the gala. It's when they hear a shrill scream next, that they all whip their heads around, jaws now dropping at this new sight.

A tall, red, unicorn stallion sprints through the opened doors, a look of absolute terror upon his features, eyes wide with pinpricks for iris's as he gallops for his life. Trailing behind him with a sound akin to the quiet roar of a propeller aircraft, was a long, black cylindrical blur chasing, and quickly gaining on him. The unicorn crashes into guests and tables, overturning chairs in his wake as he sprints like a Thestral straight out of hell, clearing out of the ballroom, the cylinder in tow. He disappears from view quickly, every pony in shocked silence. Several seconds after he exited the main gates, a loud, surprised yelp rings into the night air.

Celestia slowly walks back into the gala, a wide, satisfied smile upon her features as she desperately holds back the giggles. Luna rushes to her. "Mine sister, what insanity hath thou caused now?!"

Celestia laughs musically. "Oh, nothing. I just figured I'd give my favorite author fan service, to show him just how spot on his books are. It never hurts when your own creation decided to show you some love, now does it?” She cryptically responds. Luna cocks her head in question, desperately trying to connect the dots.

It's then, Twilight finally puts the puzzle together within her head. With a shocked blush, she cries out. "Celestia!!!" Quickly face hoofing.

Author's Note

And here we are! The Redemption of the Goddess arc FINALLY complete after weeks and weeks of working, editing, and tweaking. I can't thank every pony enough for being so patient with this update, and I thank you for enjoying the story so far. I hope you loved this chapter, as New Beginnings returns to it's normal insanity and whacky antics, the next chapter called Autumn Heat due to be released soon, with our full cast finally on stage. Like it, love it? Leave your thoughts below! I put a lot of hard work into this one, to give you one hell of a show!

Credit to Zamariac for his special guest cameo at the end, I'm especially looking forward to his review of this.

Airshow and Fleur scenes collaborated and helped streamlined by My good friend Sledgehammer. Be sure to go show him some love?

Finally, I would like to thank my editors, Kim especially. I'm grateful for all of the support and hard work from every pony that helped make this final arc a reality in the main story, and look forward to delivering more of this exciting tale leading to the upcoming book in the trilogy, The Heart of Darkness.

For those curious how the airshow anthem sounded, here's what I had envisioned. Please give it a listen~

Nightie