Equestria Reborn

by xXElite AlicornXx

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Sad, Anthro, Romance, Adventure
Length: 23176

Our story begins with a brief glimpse at an apocalyptic-torn Equestria. It continues through space, to another world where certain escapees must survive. Eventually "Eutopia" is born. But there is more to this story... [Read Long Description]

Got LOTS of advice/help from my best pal Axlgx!! (Not a collab)
He is awesome, so go Check. Him. Out!!

Prologue is divided into two parts, A and B.
Story Description:
There is a new regime, in Equestria. Even though this is so, the young, dominating duo have ruled for but a short time… With Twilight (who is now known as Staris) having just finished her course as the former regime, she is left to be the oracle. She foretells a danger that does come - wherewith "nopony can cease" and wherein, "nopony can save." It is the time of the Great Apocalypse, it is the end of Equestria and it is the end of the Equus.

"But there is hope", says Staris - and she is right. Beyond the starry heavens lies a place where anypony, if anypony, can escape to…. But who will take them there? What is this place? What happens when they get there? And most importantly, will there ever again be an Equestria?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Extras: I did not create the cover art;. all credit goes to the creator from Deviantart, Deltheor, to whom this picture belongs and from which I was inspired to write this story.
And I also received some help with the story structure from my buddy Sin Kurtiz!

Hope you enjoy!!

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-10-02 22:20:03 UTC

Prologue A (Part 2): The Calling of the New Regime

Part 2: Calling of the New Regime

Dusk's eyes widened in wonder and fear as he just barely got out a few words.

"Oh my... o-oh my pegagod...!!" There was a gasp -

Dusk snapped his attention to his sister, studying her, briefly, before he realized it wasn't her who had gasped, but was him. He turned his attention back to the guardians.

For a moment or so, none of them did anything.

Finally Dusk spoke up and said, "So then...my eyes really do not deceive me... Thou two truly art the Gaurdians, Lunais and Solaris...here.... before me..." He breathed these words as he carefully positioned himself in a bow.

He glanced over at Dawn who was still cowering on the ground. She hadn't even moved her hooves to look!

"Dawn," Dusk hissed. His eyes were wide and he motioned with his head, instructing her.

Dawn only  peeked over at Dusk. Still trembling, she did not change her position.

THOUGH THOU DOST COWER, THOU DOST ALSO BOW.

Yes, but you needn't do either. Rise, the both of you.

Dusk slowly, cautiously did as he was told, while Dawn stayed in her position, still trembling, with her eyes shut tight.

Dusk, though he had re-positioned himself now, did not look at the guardians. Instead, he looked down. None of the four said anything for a few moments, and then -

Princess Dawn, Prince Dusk, have you nothing to say?

Dusk's ears were tempted to perk, but they did not. He just knew he hadn't heard properly. Surely the Guardian Solaris had not called him "prince" nor his sister "princess".... surely not. And even if she had, may be she was just unaware of their status - no. No, that could never be right. The Guardians, though however celestial they may be, had much knowledge. They had knowledge of both the earth and sky, so why would she make such a mistake? But then again... could it be a mistake? If not then what did it mean? Dusk's mind raced. He tried to think, but no answer he came across could assuage his roaring thoughts.

FOALS! DO YOU DARE NOT LOOK TO US NOR ANSWER WHEN WE MAY SPEAK?!

The Moon Guardian lifted Dusk's face with her hoof, as she spoke. Dusk had to tilt his head back, but the storm that was her voice still did a bit of damage. Dusk blinked when it was all over and shook his head.

NOW THEN, DOST THOU *NOW** HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY?*

The Guardian returned to her sister's side.

Dusk looked over at his sister who was no longer trembling, but she hadn't risen or hadn't bowed, either. Instead - he saw that her ears were perked up, she was listening.

"Uh - e-hem..." Dusk said, clearing his throat, "Guardians Solaris and Lunais -

Please. Solaris is fine.

Dusk cautiously obeyed, "Yes, Solaris and... Lunais, um... A question, if you will...um -

YE SHALL SPEAK TO US AS THOU SHALT SPEAK TO ANY, *OR** THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK TO US, AT ALL!*

"...Yes...Lunais." Dusk replied. He then slowly inhaled and then slowly exhaled, he closed his eyes a moment or so until he finally found himself.

"Solaris and Lunais. The question I am sure both myself and my sister have, for you, is... Where are we?" Dusk sucked in a breath as he awaited his answer.

Ah yes, *that** question...*

Dusk, and now Dawn, watched as Solaris raised a hoof and then brought it, firmly, back down. There was a small flash of light about her hoof and then nothing.

Dusk looked from her hoof to the newly made surface below them. The surface was flat, firm and transparent. Dusk looked about; they seemed to be in some kind of a room. Though each face was faint, and each edge fainter, Dusk could still make out what shape it was. The room was as a cube, every face a perfect square.

"Where is this place?" He asked, almost absentmindedly, "What is this place?'

We are still where we were, young one, yet I have made it so that your comforts are met.

*SNORT* WELL I LIKE IT NOT. DO HURRY AND RID US OF THIS PRISM, SISTER.

Yes, all in good time sister.

"Why... are we in a box?" Dawn quietly piped, looking about.

NEIGH, IT IS NOT A BOX, EARTHLY, BUT A PRISM. DO NOT SO FOALISHLY LABEL THIS WONDROUS WORK OF MAGIC AS A MERELY INSIGNIFICANT, EASILY DESTRUCTIBLE, EARTH-BOUND BOX!

"I'm sorry," Dawn answered, standing up on all fours just to bow down, again.

THOU ART FORGIVEN.

Yes... This is neigh're a box, but a prism, as my dear sister hath said... It will give the both of you a surface to stand on and a more suitable "stay" while ye are yet here... Any further questions?

"...Yes." Dusk said, the Guardian's voice pulling him from his thoughts. "I do suppose that the next question should immediately be why are we here?"

Ah yes, *another** good question, I see. Well then, Prince of the Evening, both my sister and I can provide the answer to that... Luna?*

YES, SISTER - LISTEN WELL, EARTHLIES, FOR THOU SHALT SOON KNOW WHY YOU HAVE COME!

Solaris lowered her head so that her horn touched the air before her. The tip caused the air  to ripple. It rippled faster and faster, outwards, until a portal of some sort did open up before Dusk and Dawn.

"What is that?" Dawn asked.

PATIENCE! PATIENCE. ALL WILL BE REVEALED TO THEE.

Dusk and Dawn watched the portal as the Guardian spoke.

LONG AGO, DOWN ON YOUR WORLD WHERE THOU DIDST LIVE AND WHAT THOU DOST CALL - WHAT YOU DO CALL - EQUESTRIA, TWO PRINCESSES RULED. (The portal showed Canter Lot as it was a long time ago. It showed Princess Luna and Princess Celestia on their thrones.)

Dusk and Dawn were taken aback. They couldn't believe that both of the Guardians used to be rulers of Equestria.

WE RULED FOR AWHILE UNTIL MY SISTER DECIDED TO TAKE A STUDENT UNDER HER WING. (The portal showed Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia, when they did first meet.)

Dawn and Dusk's eyes both widened - how could that be? The Oracle Staris was as a student to one of the Guardians?

"We are truly unworthy," Dusk breathed, his eyes fixed on the portal.

ONCE IT WAS TIME, AND THROUGH ALL OF HER TRIALS, THIS STUDENT FINALLY BECAME A PRINCESS. IT WAS HER TRUE DESTINY... (The portal showed Twilight and her friends facing off foes, constantly saving Ponyville and many of the trials Lunais spoke about)

"Th...those are the elements..." Dawn breathed, in amazement.

AND RIGHT THOU - AND RIGHT YOU ARE, EARTHLY. THOSE SEEN BEFORE YOU ARE, INDEED, THE ELEMENTS. THEY WERE THE CLOSE FRIENDS OF PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE, EVEN BEFORE HER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - THAT IS - EVEN BEFORE SHE *BECAME A PRINCESS.*

"Twilight... Sparkle? Dusk said, "Do you not mean Staris, the Oracle?"

TIME WILL SHOW. (The portal changed and began to show different events from the time after Twilight became a princess. It showed her and her friends fighting off new foes, discovering new things and learning many lessons. The images shown sped up and it began to show the time when Twilight did reign, and not only as Princess of Friendship. Under her reign, the Hall of Elements was created in honor of her friends...)

BUT TOO SOON DID THEY GO. PRINCESS TWILIGHT WAS LEFT WITH THE GREATEST TASK OF HER LIFE; TO CONTINUE ON WITHOUT HER FRIENDS. (The portal showed Twilight, 5 different times, her expression sad and her eyes teary.)

Dawn began to cry and Dusk put a foreleg around her, bringing her close.

BUT A VERY FAITHFUL AND DETERMINED ONE, SHE WAS. SHE FULFILLED HER DUTY AS THE LAST REGIME. MEANWHILE, MY SISTER AND I TOOK HEED OUR CALLINGS AND SOON LEFT EQUESTRIA. THE EARTHLY THINGS WERE OF NO MATTER TO US, ANYMORE, FOR WE HAD DUTIES, ABOVE, TO TEND TO. (The portal showed Celestia and Luna leaving Equestria and Equus behind.)

~ By Ponyholicsannonymous(?), Fim Fiction

"...You say... Last regime, but... what do you mean?" Dusk asked, "Is it because Princess Earth and Prince Sky have run off and left the throne to nopony? "And... and yet you did call myself a prince and my sister, a princess, so... what does this mean?"

THAT IS ACTUALLY WHAT I WAS GETTING AT, *PRINCE** DUSK.* (The portal changed, showing a small colorful fire. The images changed as the fire was shown bigger and bigger. Soon, the fire was sweeping across every nation, with absolutely no regard for the large bodies of water it passed over. In fact, even the water began to dry up - )

"NO!" Dawn cried, tearing away from her brother and running over to the other end of the prism-room.

Dusk turned to see her sink down to the floor and begin crying. "Dawn..."

The portal disappeared in a flash of light.

So then, we see. Thus is the fate of your world. Therefore, Staris, as you know her, is truly the last regime.

"But... but what about Princess Earth and Prince Sky? Are they not the new regime?" Dusk asked, glancing back at his sister whose cries were muffled by her hoof.

BUT OF COURSE THEY ARE! EVEN WE DO NOT DISREGARD THE APPOINTINGS OF THE PRINCESS TWILIGHT!

"O-of course." Dusk said, "But -

They are not truly a regime, but an un-reigning pair, young prince. For they have not truly ruled, yet their ability to reign - as well as the other - has been acknowledged.

"So then... how can they even be considered worthy to rule when they have run away - ?"

SUCH FOALS!! YOU DARE SAY SUCH THINGS ABOUT THE APPOINTED REGIME!?

Dusk flinched.

Calm, sister. It is fine, they do not know. The two have not run away but they will not rule, either. Instead, the both of you will.

AND IT IS ABOUT TIME WE SAY SO.

"....What?" Dawn said. Sniffling followed and could be heard from where she sat.

"I... I do not understand," Dusk said, glancing back at his sister whose back was still turned to them.

My sister and I have summoned the both of you so that you will then be appointed the next regime.

"Bu -

THE - YOU - THE BOTH OF YOU WILL NOT BE THE REGIME OF THIS WORLD, BUT THE REGIME OF THE NEXT.

"What are you saying?" Dawn said, walking up next to her brother, wiping her tears. Dusk began to lick her tears away.

........

.......?!

Dusk stopped when he saw both Guardians watching. "Sorry." He said.

NEVERMIND.

What we mean is that since this world is evidently perishing - yet it does have a future - the two of your will be the reining pair where you two are to go so that ponykind might be saved. (An image appeared between the Guardians, facing and Dawn and Dusk. It was the image of a planet... It looked somewhat like the planet from which Dawn and Dusk had come, but not quite... It was similar, enough, though.)

"What is that place?" Dawn asked.

CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL, NAME IT WHAT YOU WILL, FOR THAT PLACE BELONGS TO YOU. THE *BOTH** OF YOU.*

"...But... how?" Dusk asked. There were there so many more questions floating around in his head, but he feared the end of the conversation was near...

Come forward, the both of you

Dawn and Dusk did as they were told.

AND TO YOU, PRINCE EVENING STAR, I GIVE THIS GIFT. (A small shinny bubble of light appeared before Dusk, and steadily hovered before him. Before anything else happened, he heard the other guardian say:)

And to you, Princess Aurora, I give this gift....

NOT TOO LONG AGO WAS IT WHEN YOU DENIED YOUR SISTER AND WAS DETERMINED TO LEAVE THE PLACE YOU SO LONG KNEW... (The sphere shuddered and Dusk was slowly lifted up...)

YOU WERE SO SELFISHLY DETERMINED TO FIND SOME KIND OF MEANS TO SAVE YOUR SISTER, IF NOT YOURSELF... (As Dusk rose, faster, the sphere divided into not two but four and all of them began an orbit-like track around him.)

BUT THE PLACE YOU WANTED TO TAKE YOU AND YOUR SISTER WOULD HAVE MOST ASSUREDLY KILLED YOU BOTH - INCREASING THE STRENGTH OF THE ENDING FLAME, THE APOCALYPSE FIRE, THE COLORED FIRE YOU DID SEE, BEFORE NOW.... (Dusk's eyes widened, in recognition and fear as he realized that where he would have taken him and his sister would have utterly killed them both - may be even over-killed. He realized that he would have made a terrible mistake had the Guardians not summoned them. He realized, also, that the colors in the sky were the signs of the approaching fire and the destruction which was to come to Equestria and with the Guardians words - was he being punished?! The sphere's began to fly around him faster and faster until, altogether, they let of a great, bright light and then - !)

BUT BECAUSE OF THESE TRAITS; THAT YOU DID CARE ENOUGH FOR THE ONE YOU TRULY LOVE, THAT YOU SYMPATHIZED WITH HER AND DID HEAR HER, THAT YOU WOULD HAVE SACRIFICED YOURSELF FOR HER WELL BEING - ARE YOU WORTHY TO BE A PRINCE. (The shining light, which was before the guardian Lunais, lowered to the floor-surface of the prism and dispersed, revealing a semi-stunned Dusk.)

Dusk shook his mane, shook his head. He was a bit dizzy, but managed to stay on all fours.

"Dusk, they're beautiful!" Dawn cried.

"What the... What?!" Dusk choked out.

The sister before his was definitely Dawn, only... different. Instead of being a normal, white, and winged mare, she was now a white, winged Alicorn, with a long pointed horn. Her wings were larger, her skin more pure a-white and her eyes had gone from orange to the colors of sunrise. "Dawn... that makes so much sense..." Dusk thought.

"I... You... you're beautiful! Dusk exclaimed, admiring his sister.

Dawn's cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink, as she blushed. "Thanks, Dusk, um.... But you're wings..."

"My what?" Dusk turned his head and observed a pair of large black wings which had somehow sprouted from his back. "Whoa..." He noticed that his fur had darkened and was nearly as black as night.

Yes. And just the same has happened your sister. Because of her kindness and love, caring and generosity - all of her good spirits - along with the oracle ability and her strength in magic, she too is worthy of being a Alicorn. In this case, a princess.

Dawn blushed, some more, and rubbed a foreleg with the other.

"So... you... made us into Alicorns..." Dusk said, glancing - once more -  at his newly-found wings.

That is correct, young one. And in doing so, you are now a prince, and your sister, a princess. Worthy to rule all whom ye shall.

Just then, the prism was gone - Dawn and Dusk looked about.

PERHAPS *NOW** YOU ARE MORE COMFORTABLE OUTSIDE OF THAT PRISM?*

"I am." Dusk said.

"Yes, I am, too!" Dawn exclaimed, I never felt so free!" She trotted about, on nothing, but didn't seem to care.

"Yes..." Dusk said, watching his sister trot about, "But being a prince and princess, being leaders, being.... being a regime and carrying the supreme authority... We need more than a transformation, we need... we need to time to learn..."

And that you shall.

"How?" Dusk asked.

GO. GO TO THE PRINCESS YOU CALL STARIS. IT IS THERE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.

In a quick blast of light, Lunais and Solaris were transformed:

Lunais' hair had become black as night and was sprinkled with many stars. Her eyes brightened and the shade of her fur did, too. Her horn's length had been increase and her wings had been enlarged.

~ By shadypony, Deviant Art

Solaris' hair became a flaming, radiant red-orange, flowing ever-freely. Her eyes became very bright and fire-like. Her fur-tone was tanned, yet shone brightly, while her horn gained a great length... Both of their attire was changed to more magnificent wear - both their cutie marks had changed, moderately.

~ By spyrothefox, Deviant Art

AND IT IS NOW THAT WE MUST GO. WE HAVE COMPLETELY FULFILLED OUR DUTY AND OUR TASK IS COMPLETE. HENCEFORTH SHALL WE NEVER AGAIN ASSOCIATE WITH THE EARTHLIES... THEY ARE NOW, AND FOREVER, ON THEIR OWN.

With the absence of the sun and the disappearing of the moon, your words are both true and acknowledged. As for later, I agree. It is now that we go.

Princess Dawn and Prince Dusk both bowed as a bright light surrounded the Guardians and then shot off like a comet - carrying them far from the world of Equus, forever.

Prologue A (Part 3): The End is Near, the End is Here

Part 3: The End is Neigh

Dawn and Dusk, now Princess Aurora and Prince Evening Star, headed back down to Equestria. Both of them were silent, both of them in deep thought...

"Aurora."

"Yes, brother?" Dawn kept up her downward gallop through space.

"You know we need to pass through the atmosphere, right?" Dusk asked this, but his thoughts lingered on how she could answer him so quickly. She and he had only just received those names, after all... Was it a fact that she was, perhaps, more serious or certain about this than he was?

"I -

"Nevermind." Dusk said, "Hang on."

In a flash, both he and his sister were standing before Canter Lot palace.

Dawn looked about. "I see we are not late..."

"I see." Dusk said, turning his attention to the east horizon. Instantly his heart was struck fearful.

The sky seemed to be on fire - even more so than it had, before. Every color of the coming fire stood out, clearly. He felt the breeze as it passed over him... it burned.

"Brother, are you coming?" His sisters words brought him back into the world.

"I am with you." Dusk said, turning and hurrying after her. He wiped a quick tear as he fell into step, beside her.

Dawn saw the tear, but did not see the fire... yet.

~   ~   ~   ~

Entering the palace, Dusk said, "Let us go to the throne room. Perhaps the Oracle is there."

"Yes." Dawn said. They both headed in the direction of the throne room, not caring how they knew they knew where they were going.

~   ~   ~   ~

Entering the throne room, Dusk said, "Hurry, Dawn - Oracle Staris we're here to - oh...my..

Before him and his sister, on two separate thrones, sat Prince Sky and Princess Earth.

"Welcome, Princess Aurora, Prince Evening." Prince Sky said. He was an older stallion than Dusk was, with a gray-blue flank and long royal-blue hair. He wore a golden crown lined with gems and a chest plate, likewise. His expression was set and solemn.

"Yes, welcome." Princess Earth said, "We would show our respect, more so, but I fear we cannot." She motioned with her hoof for both of them to come forward.

Princess Earth seemed to be more cheery than Prince Sky was. She was a gray-white alicorn with long, golden hair which was modestly set in a pony tail. She wore a large white-gray tiara which was lined with small gems and a broach.

"Please....don't..." Dusk said. He and and Dawn bowed down before the highnesses.

Prince Sky and Princess Earth both shared an awkward glance.

"Why... do you bow?" Prince Sky asked.

"Are we to do anything else?" Dusk asked.

Both highnesses glanced at one another, again.

"Know you not that you are also alicorns?" Princess Earth asked the two.

"Of course, Princess." Dawn spoke up, "But..."

Dusk felt his hooves trembling, a bit. "I... I thought they had gone away and now... here they are... before me... I... before them..." His wings felt very heavy, at that moment. "As though... as though I cannot bear them, he thought. "I don't feel like I am worthy enough to be here... like this..."

After a few moments of silent observation, Prince Sky said, "Rise, the both of you...please."

Dawn and Dusk did as instructed.

"Beautiful." Princess Earth commented, eyeing Dawn.

"Yes." Prince Sky said, "But our time is too short for such things, let alone conversation... I suppose we should just get down to it."

"Of course." Princess Earth agreed, "We know why the both of you are here and we shall not carry the burden of holding you up."

"Indeed." Prince Sky said, "You have no need to pay any respects seeing as you are as we are..."

"Perhaps better." Princess Earth, murmured.

"Perhaps." Prince Sky said.

"...Yes... You two may be on your way, then." Princess Earth said, "And may the blessings of the Guardians be with you."

Dawn and Dusk looked at each other. Dusk slowly turned his attention back to the two, true alicorns before him. He wanted so much to speak what was on his mind, but he couldn't. He felt it would either be too arrogant or to degrading.

"Ah... I - "

"We thank you," Dawn said.

Dusk glanced over at his sister, standing firm and upright. He looked back down at the floor, before him... She did seem like she was taking this on far better than he was - "Why?... Why can't I get myself together?"

"Of course." Prince Sky said, with a nod, Princess Earth nodding as well. "But before you go, let us... let us get one thing off our chests - we..." He trailed off and looked over at Princess Earth.

She nodded to him, "Quickly, Prince Sky. They haven't much time."

Prince Sky nodded. "I understand." He said, "But all I would like to say, on behalf of Terra and I, is this..." He inhaled and then began, "I understand that there is a great disaster coming our way - we do. We understand that there is a great deal of chaos about the streets of Canterlot and all through out Equestria, also. So saying, we understand that with our absence many have begun to... doubt."

Dusk flinched. He blinked. He realized he was still staring at the floor. He lifted his head. He met Prince Sky's eyes.

"We understand." Dawn said, "Please continue."

Dusk glanced at his sister. Head held up, now, he decided not to make eye contact with either of the alicorns.

"Yes." Prince Sky said, "They doubt... And they doubt us."

Dusk felt a pang of guilt hit him hard but he tried not to show it.

"They think that as the new regime, the newly appointed ones to rule over Equestria, as the ruling pair over all others - us. They think that we care nothing about them, that we have either forgotten, forsaken or abandoned them, that with our powers, we have fled, to save our own lives..."

Princess Earth coughed, lightly, into her hoof. Dusk's eyes met hers.... She averted them, immediately, and then softly said, "Please excuse me."

Dusk clenched his jaw together, pangs of guilt tightening his chest.

Prince Sky nodded to her and then continued, "But as you two can plainly see, we did not do that."

"Of course you didn't!" Dawn exclaimed, slamming a hoof on the floor, "You are our rulers, you would never do such a thing!" Dusk gave Dawn a bit of a shocked look.

Prince Sky smiled, a little. "Thank you, Aurora."

(This is Prince Sky's cutie mark. All credit for this awesome pic from Deviantart [Unknown Artist])

Dawn nodded, a serious expression on her face.

"Yes, thank you." Princess Earth chimed, "But see the thing we needed to get off our chests is that... well... even with the destruction coming, and nearing all the while, we can do nothing."

"Indeed." Prince Sky's voice was hoarse and his expression a bit sad, "We are the alicorns of Equestria, and yet we can do nothing."

"Nothing." Princess Earth echoed, her eye-lids lowered.

"But why can't you?" Dawn asked, "Is something the matter?"

Princess Earth chuckled, sadly. "It is the will of fate. That one major law of the universe that every being must live by, whether they know it or not and whether they want to or not..."

"The will of fate..." Dawn echoed, quietly.

Princess Earth nodded, "Indeed, my dear...."

(All credit to the creator of this gem! It is almost perfect as the princess' cutie mark!)

"Yes." Prince Sky said, "And the reason is this." He tapped the air in front of him, and as he did so, there appeared around him a barrier. When the barrier showed itself, a rainbow fire surged upward, half-way engulfing it, and then receded, again. Once this happened, the barrier could not be seen.

Dawn gasped. "Th - that looks just like -

"It is." Princess Earth said. "The Apocalypse Fire - the Ending Flame. We know not if it has its own "mind", if you will, but before my companion and I - Prince Sky and I - went to go and cease it, we could not. Try as we may, it was to no avail... Teleportation, winking in and out - nothing of the sort worked... nothing worked... It seems that the power of the fire is far to great and it has trapped us, here."

"Here." Prince Sky said, emphasizing her last word, "On our thrones where if we were to have lived beyond this point, we two would have ruled from here...here... And yet we can do nothing! My pegagod!"

"Calm yourself, Prince Sky." Princess Earth said, not bothering to look in his direction.

The prince sighed. "I apologize to the both..." he let his words trailed off, but picked them up again, "To all three of you. You did not come here for this, and I said there would be no conversation - yet, there was, so... please forgive me - "

"Us." Princess Earth corrected him, "For putting our burdens on you. We know the task that lies ahead of you and lo it is a great one. Please carry on. We will trouble you, no longer."

"Please - think nothing of it." Dusk and Dawn said this at the same time. Princess Earth smiled, Prince Sky nodded.

"Thank you." They returned, in unison.

~   ~   ~   ~

Dusk and Dawn hurried to the tower, the place where they were told to find the Oracle Staris.

"Hurry, hurry." Dusk said, "I fear we have very little time, now."

"Indeed." Dawn said.

Dusk looked at her.

"Oh, Sorry." She said, "I guess I already picked up the habit -

"Nevermind." Dusk said, and they continued to charge forward.

~   ~   ~   ~

At the door that led into the tower's room, Dusk said, "What do you think we should do?"

"Just...knock?" Dawn said, lifting a hoof.

"No! No..." Dusk said, "I wouldn't want to -

"Enter." A calm, quiet voice said, from behind the door.

Dusk and Dawn froze.

"Enter." The voice said, again, exactly as it had the first time. There was no change in the tone and there was no raising of the voice, just "Enter."

"At once." Dusk whispered. Dawn nodded. With her magic, she turned the knob and they both entered, together.

~   ~   ~   ~

"Welcome, Princess Aurora Dawn and Prince Evening Star... I've  been expecting you.... we all have." Oracle Staris, (Princess Twilight Sparkle), rested on a royal red-and-gold body pillow, her hooves tucked under her. She was the image of peace; her eyes closed, her head bent in thought. Her hair was all out and it streamed down the side of her flank visible to the two and fanned out like tributaries in a valley, across the floor. Slowly, she opened her eyes and turned her head to the two young alicorns.

Both alicorns had their noses pressed hard against the ground, forelegs bent back and their wings pressed against there bodies, as they bowed.

Oracle Staris observed them a moment and then said, "Rise."

They both did so in complete unison and then were rigidly still. Oracle Staris inhaled and the two became relaxed. Dusk realized this wasn't of themselves and blushed a little. "Relax - stay relaxed!" He commanded himself.

"Now the two of you know why you are here, as do I." Oracle Staris said, "But I have nothing to say to you."

Both alicorns would have become greatly - physically and mentally - discomforted, but try as they might, they could not. They remained perfectly calm...

Oracle Staris chuckled, softly, "It is never good to always be so easily thrown of by the things you do not understand, young ones. I know this well. Be sure to remember it."

Dusk tried hard to be bothered by the fact that he was so comfortable - he couldn't even answer the oracle, his lips wouldn't move! All he did when the oracle spoke to him was nod - that's it! He couldn't even -

"Do not let your thoughts or my words trouble you." Oracle Staris said, a small, sad smile on her face. "All will be revealed to you and you do not need my lips for it. Know yourselves. You are both alicorns and so the limits of such a gift are infinite. The future and past are yours to see and know, the present; yours to change and command.... There is nothing left to tell you."

Dusk and Dawn nodded, once, in unison but their minds were supposed to be going crazy! There were so many answers yet to be given, so many other words to say, so many questions they had that were supposed to be answered - and what about the instructions?! Where and what were their instructions?!

"Of course." Oracle Staris said, rising on all fours, "The time is too short for long talks... even my time is limited."

"W- What... do you m-mean, Oracle?" Dawn squeaked, timidly.

Dusk's eyes stayed as they were. He could not move them, to open them wide with shock and surprise - "Why?!" He couldn't even turn his head to look at Dawn... only listen...

"Hm." Oracle Staris said, turning from the both of them, towards the tower's window. "And though I have nothing more to say to the both of you, I have yet a few things to give and supply you with..."

As if by summoned - in a great burst of light and flame - a radiant pheonix appeared.

(Auhhhh XD All credit to the creater of this awesome pic.)

It landed on the oracle's back and looked out of the window along with her.

"And another..." The oracle murmured, not turning from the window.

A loud BOOM rang through out Canter Lot palace. And a great flashing of light illuminated the room for about a good few seconds as zaps and booms split the air. At last, another bird appeared. It had pure white and glowing eyes, large wings and feathers of blue and yellow, along with brown-gold and ever-sharp talons.

(Image created by Malvareth, Devinantart - just an awesome and perfect picture I happened to stumble upon)

"SCREEEE!" It cried, circling the room as though its showy entrance hadn't been dramatic enough.

Oracle Staris turned from the window. The pheonix flew elsewhere and she said, "Behold. The thunder bird of skies."

"Thunder bird..." Dusk sucked in a(n) abrupt breath when he realized he could speak. I am finally able to speak..." He thought.

"Yes." Oracle Staris said, looking his way. And they both belong to the both of you - now... I have yet another and final gift." She turned to the window and once she did so, all of them vanished.

Dawn and Dusk appeared outside, before the palace. "What the..." Dusk began.

"Look!" Dawn exclaimed, hoofing his flank.

Before them sat both large and small, strange looking air crafts. There were ponies standing around, ponies they had never seen before - some of them wearing these weird-looking suits.

A stallion much older than Dusk walked up to him and saluted, "Prince Evening, Sir!"

"Uhh...." Dusk just looked at him. "And you are...?"

Dawn approached her brother and the older stallion, but didn't get a chance to speak, for a voice in her head began to talk to her.

"Princess Aurora, look around you. Tell me what you see..."

Dawn looked around. The land and everything seemed as it should be... but the sky...

"Oh my pegagod - !"

"What do you see?" The voice asked.

"I see the fire!" Dawn said, trembling, "It is so close, now, so near! Like... like a storm on the horizon just waiting to break through - only worse! Much, much worse...

"I see. Anything else?"

"I - I...I see..." Dawn squinted, a bit. "I see a barrier of some kind... It is very powerful... I feel it..." Dawn observed that there was indeed something between the fire and Canter Lot - that is - the area they were standing on which was before Canter Lot. Just then, her vision zoomed out; she could see Canter Lot with a birds-eye view. She gasped, horrified.

There was the fire, right near where her brother and the other ponies were, exactly to the right of them. But between them and the fire was a thin barrier. The barrier was clear so Dawn could have easily missed it.

I know you were exceptionally concerned when I did say that my time was limited, Aurora. But I only meant that I can hold the Ending Flame back for as long as I can... but the end is neigh... I might not be able to hold it off for much longer...

Dawn's vision returned to normal. She blinked and a sudden wave of panic and fear washed over her. A lump formed in her throat and she wasn't sure what to do, say or think - !

~   ~   ~   ~

Dusk had finished his little talk with the whom he had been speaking to and then turned to address Dawn.

"Daw - Before he could continue, a voice interrupted.

Prince Evening, fear not. I know your concerns and do understand your thoughts. Being a leader is nothing simple, nor fairly easy. You shall indeed make mistakes, and you shall also learn. One cannot simply be perfect, young prince. Remember this. And remember, also, that the both of you are Equestria's last hope of reformation. Sometime in the future, you will know of the reformer - and if you carry on, then you have made the promise to do what you can to prepare him for his task.

"Thank you for your words, Oracle. I will acknowledge this speak, I promise you." Dusk said, his closed as he listened to the voice...

As soon as he knew the Oracle's voice would not again come to him, he opened them.

His sister's eyes met his. They were both silent for a few moments and then he attempted to speak.

"Ah -

"No. I have been spoken to, as well. We will both carry on." Dawn walked past him and into the biggest air craft.

"...." He followed her in.

~   ~   ~   ~

Not much longer was it before the both of them were seated in the back of the aircraft, which Dusk had been told was was called The Master Ship.

Just then, Dawn grabbed his hoof. Dusk looked at his sister, she was biting her lower lip. Her eye-lids were low and tears streamed from her eyes.

"What is it, D...What is it, Aurora?" He asked.

"Please....Please..." Dawn whispered, squeezing his hoof. He glanced down at it, "Please don't call me -

"Why not?" Dusk asked. "Everypony else will call you by that name... why can't I?"

"Because you're different!" Dawn snapped. "Because...because I..."

"What are you trying to say?" Dusk asked, calmly.

"I...it's just..."

"Yes?" Dusk urged.

Just then the door to the area they sat in was opened and a white pony who seemed about their age, entered. He wore glasses, some kind of headset, and white trench coat.

"My Prince, we are ready to take off."

"Then do so." Dusk responded.

"Yes, Prince Evening." The young colt exited, the door closed behind him.

As soon as the door was shut, there was an enormous BOOM sound. Dawn gasped and then whimpered.

"Don't worry, I am sure it's just -

"Commader, we need to take off, NOW!" It was the white colt's voice.

Dusk looked around until he located a speaker. He touched a button on the device and said, "This is the prince - can you hear me? What's going on?"

There was panting on the other end before a voice answered, "We're getting out, now, My Prince..."

Dusk scooted over to the window to the left of him. He looked out the window and saw three other aircrafts zoom up into the air. His eyes widened when he noticed all of the small - what looked like - fire works, in the air. So many different colors - so many of them were exploading abut the aircrafts. Just then, one of the aircrafts blew up.

"Oh my pegagod...!" Dusk said, eyes widening.

"Dusk...it's getting warm in here." Dawn said, softly.

Dusk glanced at his sister... and then did a double take. She sat, head held high, seemingly proud. The only thing was that tears were streaming down her face, none stop. Like rivers, they just wouldn't stop.

"...yes, I know!" A voice on the other end of the speaker said, panting, "I - I know - how could it get past the heat-wave defenses?!"

"Heat-wave defenses...?" Dusk asked himself. There was a sudden and very tensful pause on the other end of the speaker... "What are you talking about?" Dusk asked, into the speaker.

"Ah -" The voice of the younger pony was cut off and the commander's voice was heard.

"Prince Evening, we're heading out... It's a danger zone out there." The last part had been muttered.

Dusk looked out the small side window. He saw that they were in the air - just then, a great force slammed him and his sister backwards.

"Oof!" He fell back but felt as though he had fallen on nothing.

"Are you alright?" Dawn asked him.

He looked behind him and discovered that he hadn't fallen back on the wall, but on a thin, glowing surface. "My sisters doing, no doubt," he thought.

He looked at his sister who smiled, a little. He looked away and back out the window.

"How are you and your sister faring, My Prince?" A voice asked, from the speaker.

"We're fine." Dusk answered, "What is our current situation?"

"The team or the ship, My Prince?" The voice asked, timidly.

"Th - Dusk stopped himself. What did he mean, exactly?

"Um - are we going to make it, I mean." Dusk said.

"Of course, My Prince." The voice said, a bit too cheerily to Dusk's liking. "There have and will be no tragedies with this ship, whatsoever - Full speed, now!"

"Wha..." Dusk realized the pony on the other side was giving a direction.

"Brace yourself if you can, My Prince." The voice on the other end said. There was a click sound and the voice was no longer able to be heard.

"H...hello?" Dusk said.

"Put it away, brother." Dawn said, from where she sat.

"What? Why?" Dusk asked. Dawn reached over and took the speaker from him.

"Dawn - Dusk stopped and listened. His hearing seemed to be coming back to him - actually, had he somehow spaced out, all of this time? Or was he just listening too intently to the conversation? For he began to hear ear-splitting 'booms' and 'bangs'. He turned his attention to the outside.

"Let us switch sides, brother - quickly!" Dawn said.

Dusk and Dawn switched sides, slowly yet steadily. Once on the other side, Dusk could see huge sonic rainbooms seeming to pierce the sky. He realized that the sky was clear blue - the rainbooms seemed to have cleared out every cloud - they seemed to burn them, really.

Once the outermost edge of a rainboom touched a cloud it changed many colors and, at the same time, weathered away. Almost like sand, like rock, like earth which could weather away over thousands of years, only this was faster. Much, much faster.

Dusk watched as the clouds disappeared and all he could see was color... colors, everywhere... Every time the ships would shoot up through a layer of cloud, there was a sonic rainboom seemed to be right on its tail...

~   ~   ~   ~

Dawn watched from her side, she watched them rise above the thick layers of cloud. Every time they would go higher, there would be a magnificent blast of light and color and the puffy, intangible clouds which seemed to look like solid fields of protection, were utterly obliterated.

"Let us switch sides again, brother." Dawn suggested. They did so, quickly.

BA - BOOM! A huge explosion of color and light shook the ship.

After a few moments, Dusk grabbed the speaker and said, "Are we alri -

" Wait, no - DUSK!" Dawn said, whipping her head in his direction.

KA-BA-BOOOOM! It was the loudest explosion yet - and Dusk saw it all:

~   ~   ~   ~

Right before the explosion, Dusk was still looking outside the window, observing the closeness of every sonic rainbow he could see. He noticed that for about a minute or so, no rainboom had erupted in the sky, anywhere... He looked about and -

BA - BOOM!

He felt the ship shake and instinctively reached for the speaker to see if everything was alright. Still looking out the window, his hoof gripping the speaker -

On the other end he heard, " -yes and nopony is to touch any device on board - Prince - !" But the communication was too fast and his mind didn't register it yet.

"Are we alri - He stopped himself as outside the window, he saw a small sphere of yellow and blue light. It looked like something one would see if they looked at the sun too long, only it was evidently more stable and not some kind of eye-illusion - suddenly the sphere got bigger and bigger, and as it did so, it began to change colors - faster and faster and then - ! It disappeared. An instant later, a thin, clear-looking form of the sphere appeared... it looked like a bubble... it "popped" and that was when -

"DUSK!"

KA - BA - BOOOOM!

(Not necessarily a "random" sonic rainboom image)

It had all happened so fast...

~   ~   ~   ~

As the explosion seemed to go on forever.... Dusk saw that as soon as he turned to his sister, the device had appeared in her hoof... Her eyes were wide and illuminated and there was some kind of sphere-shaped field surrounding her hoof with the device in it. His vision made everything seemed to be x-rayed, everything a different color.

Just then Dusk remembered... for an explosion like this... there would be an after-shock of some sort, wouldn't there?! He gasped and went to cover his ears - only he couldn't! He was stuck!

But only for a few moments.

Dusk watched everything return to its normal...slowly... like ripples on water, only the ripples came inward, and everything it passed over was restored to its normal self.

~   ~   ~   ~

Dusk blinked. He blinked and shook his head.

"What... just happened...?" He gasped, "Dawn - !"

His sister sat with her head raised, her eyes wide and luminous... they slowly returned to normal, as well.

Dusk realized that the ripples of restoration he had seem seemed to be receding into his sister! Straight into her center! And once the last one had, Dawn's head hung limply.

" D - Dawn!" Dusk said.

Dawn slowly lifted her head. "Hm-mm... Brother?" She said.

"I am here." Dusk said, moving closer to wrap his forelegs around her.

"Mmm..." She embraced him back. "I am alright."

"Thank heavens." Dusk said. And then said, "But... what was that -

"Shh. No more talking." Dawn said, "I am sure we will figure it out, later."

"But that's not... what I meant." Dusk said, as his sister turned away from his to look out of the window. And when she did, she realized that they were no longer in the sky, but beyond it! She gasped, quietly...

"Dusk... may we switch sides again?" Dusk did as she wished, but not without giving Dawn a questioning glance, first.

On looking out the opposite window, Dawn's eyes became wide and watered.

Looking down at the earth, below, Dawn saw that the other half of the earth had been utterly destroyed. All of the earth she could see was black and/or cracked, there were large craters where the oceans had been and she could see smaller, orange fire sweeping the earth, here and there. They were greedy, greedy fires; searching for any - if any - remaining life.... Dawn's eyes were fully of water and her face was drenched with her tears... The craters and cracks in the earth discusted her, while the fires - and the fire - saddened and angered her. She watched as the largest and most powerful fire of all, the most powerful fire the world had ever seen, swept its way triumphantly across the rest of Equestria - or at least the side she could see...

"Dawn..." Dusk touched her from behind.

Dawn did her best to wipe at her tears, but they wouldn't go away. She tried and tried, but they just kept coming.

Dusk waited, patiently, for he wasn't sure he wanted to see his sister's crying face... she was always so happy...

"Dawn." He said again, and softer this time, "Someone wants to see you."

"Who... who is it, brother?" Dawn asked, still wiping at her face as she turned around, to him.

Dusk knew he was making a face when Dawn turned and then tried harder to straighten up.

He was ashamed of himself and said, "Dawn... it is alright to cry, you know..."

A few moments later, Dusk was patting his sisters back as she cried and embraced him.

"I'm sorry, Dusk," she sobbed, "I'm so, so sorry..."

"Stop apologizing, stop apologizing." Dusk murmured, rubbing his sisters back, "You cannot be the stregnth for both of us... and you are not." Dawn still sobbed, but tried to be quieter. Just then, her eyes wondered over to the window her brother had been sitting next to. There was something out there - right next to them!

"B - brother...!" Dawn began.

"It's fine." Dusk said, "He's a friend."

The creature's eye was bigger than the small window - but at least when he spoke she could hear and understand him -

"Greetings, Princess Aurora." He said.

(By: Eric Protor Tsaoshin, Digital-art-gallery)

Prologue A (Part 4): The Chosen Two are One

Part 4: The Chosen Two

"Here you are, your highness's." The white colt, whose name Dusk and Dawn now knew to be Kobi said.

"Thank you," Dawn watched as Kobi let both of their birds out of the golden cage he was carrying them in.

"No problem. But I apologize for the way they had to be put in a cage - uhh... The commander didn't want them to get all rowdy and out of control during the lift off or the break through, so..."

"That's quite alright." Dawn giggled a reassurance. "And very understandable -

"Why?" Dusk cut in, with a question.

Dawn turned to Dusk, "Hm?"

"Why?" Dusk repeated himself,  "Why is that understandable?" How is it understandable? Are these not the royal birds? Are they not royal birds? And also, are they not purebred pets - nature's finest, at that? I should think so. And on saying so, why on earth do you think such explosions of power would disturb them? Sure the alicorn or alicorns they were once owned by did not exert such power on anything or anypone, often, but they were - without a doubt - capable of doing so. Knowing this; why would they have pets which would be disturbed at any amount of a power outlet - any explosion, for that matter? ...They wouldn't." Dusk  let the words hang in the air for a while, and then turned his attention back to the outside.

Kobi's eyes widened with the fear that he had made some kind of mistake and bowed down, saying, "O-of course, you're right - I deeply apologize -

Dawn giggled, softly and Kobi's cheeks felt hot. Bowing down, he couldn't tell if he was being laughed at or what. He dared to look up.

He saw that the prince had also heard her majesty's mellow titter, and had turned to look at her.

"Oh, you..." Dawn brought a hoof to Dusk's face and moved in to give him an affectionate peck on the cheek.

At the sight of this, and at the sudden reddening of his majesty's face, Kobi slowly backed out of the room.

On the other side of the door, with the cage off of his back, Kobi sighed as relief flooded his body. He was trembling, but tried to command himself not to.

"Whew... wonder what all that was about," he muttered. He then turned and took the handle of the cage, in his mouth, and dragged it off towards is designated spot on the ship.

~   ~   ~   ~

"What was that for?!" Dusk asked, wiping his face.

"Tee-hee!" Dawn giggle, "You are so cute, sometimes."

"Yeah... whatever...."

Ehem. Am I interrupting anything? A voice asked.

"Hm?" Dawn turned from Dusk and peered out of her window.

I am glad to see that you are faring better, Princess. The dragon observed.

"Yes... thank you." Dawn said, smiling sadly.

The dragon nodded and then there was a moment of silence...

"May...may ask where you went off too, Mr.Dragon?"

Please, your highness. The dragon said, Dragon is just fine. I am all ears for highness's and I -

"Oh, forgive me!" Dawn said, hastily, "I forgot to even ask your name!"

'Tis nothing, your highness. Dragon is just fine.

"As he has said," Dusk put in, turning an eye to Dawn - for as of then, he and her sat back to back.

"I know..." Dawn said, softly. "Please say what you meant to, M - um - Dragon... please.

Yes. Now, as I was saying, I went up front to give the stone to whosoever was to have it. For you see, the gem I did have - The dragon showed the end of his tail to Dawn and then to Dusk. Dusk couldn't see it, for his head was turned, eyes closed, as he listened to their conversation. Of course, he opened at least one eye to see that the gem was missing from the end of the dragon's tail, but with that as an acknowledgment, he closed it back.

It serves as a guide for this ship, the Master Ship.

"A guide? Whatever do you mean?" Dawn wondered aloud, "Does it... does it have a mind of its own?"

Dusk gave a little cough, before the dragon answered. No, Princess, it does not. But when connected to navigation system of the ship, it will lead all whom it shall to the New World. 'Tis why I gave it to whom I did.

"I see..." Dawn said, tapping her hoof on her chin, "So... what is keeping you up here?" Surely the gem -

she stopped herself. Something was telling her not to go on.

The dragon eyed her, steadily. Have you something to ask, your highness? As I have said, I am all ears, for yourself and your brother.

"Yes... but I am hesitant, nonetheless," Dawn said, "The gem... it seems to touch something, within you." Dawn and the dragon held gazes for a considerable amount of time.

The dragon's gaze was steady, but there was something within his eyes that only Dawn could see. The dragon smiled chuckling, a little. The eyes of the oracle, he murmured.

Dawn blinked and there was  a movement from her brother.

"Perhaps what my sister wants to know - and what I would like to know - is what exactly is it that is keeping you up here? There is no such thing as a space dragon, nor has there been. All dragons are earth-dwelling creatures - and even the wings wouldn't help! I do hope you can explain yourself... that is, if your willing to." Dusk's head was turned to its fullest, now, and the eye that he could see the dragon, clearly, with challenged the dragon to respond.

Dawn looked from her brother to the dragon, once more, and then once again. She began, "You don't -

When I was what your highness would consider an earth-dweller, I had a very close friend. She was a princess, like yourself - Dragon motioned towards Dawn, with his head - Although she hadn't always been so. Before she was acknowledged as one, she was a very gifted, very powerful unicorn. From a filly's age, all she really ever did was keep to herself and read books. She gained so much knowledge, but hardly any of that which could assist her in the making of friends or the acquiring of a companion... For the longest time I was all she had, and she was all I had. I loved her, dearly, and was soon her official assistant.

But thanks to the lovely guardian, Solaris, the life style of my princess changed; the former princess Celestia sent for her student, whose name was Twilight Sparkle, and told her to go and make some friends. In addition, she was to report her findings on the magic of friendship.

(Cute Celestia and Student Twilight image By: chinalover551989, Deviantart)

Dusk's ears twitched. "Really..." he voiced his doubt, under his breath.

Yes. Dragon answered, And this magic, I must say, proved stringer than any form that I have ever seen, up 'till now. Though many great and powerful foes fought and many lessons learned - along side her five friends, the former Keepers of the Elements of Harmony - she who was now Princess Twilight Sparkle had with her the greatest magic of all, the Magic of Friendship. I, too, took part in the group of friends she did have, although I have come to learn that through out the whole time, I did - and always will - sit in a class of my own... The dragon paused, as he was a little overwhelmed by his thoughts and emotions, and he dared not continue.

Dusk cleared his throat, "You do realize that - he was halted by his sister.

"Dragon, you don't have to - Dawn was halted by Dragon.

Tis fine, Princess. I will continue. Now -

"P... please." Dawn sad, hesitantly, "I only ask that if you must continue to address me... do it so that you are comfortable... you do not have to call me 'Princess' - Dawn, is fine..."

'Tis not a bother, to me, Princess. Dragon responded, coolly.

"Then please continue," Dawn said, quietly.

Dragon nodded, Eventually those who were the princess's friends perished... One by one, they were taken by - and I am very glad to report - natural causes. Each time was harder for my princess, but she had a strong and determined heart. The memories of her friends and the fact that none of them had perished too painfully, or in-vain, was of great comfort to her. As Loyalty lie on her deathbed, my princess completed the construction of the Hall of Elements which could be found in her former castle, The Elemental Friendship Spire. But it was also at this time that I became - again - the only and closest companion she could turn to, for comfort...

(Such beautiful and lovely picture, I found! All credit to the creator!!)

...And then it began. Many thought Princess Twilight mentally unwell; she shunned the public, for many days, and she would hardly eat or drink any thing and if ever heard, she would only ever say things that nopony understood... This went on for a while, until all figured that Princess Twilight had "come to her senses" - though soon after, other troubles arose; unknown creatures showed their faces, most of whom the princess had to deal with, herself. Lands from afar threatened to break the chains of peace, evil plagues began to come over the land... This. This and many more things were predicted by Staris, herself, before many deemed her to be an Oracle... Dragon paused, sighing. Dawn and Dusk just looked on and though Dusk was temped to speak, he felt the brush of his sisters hoof, over his, and remained quiet.

And then there was the time of the calling of the new regime. Dragon began, again, Though before such a thing was made known to those who resided in Equestria, I was spoken to by the princess - the Oracle. She told me many things and gave to me the understanding of her foretelling words - though even then, I might not have been able to interpret *all of what she did say, I understood enough to know what was to come... And that, in the end, I would no longer be with her.*

*   *   *   *

"So what is this that you are asking me to do, Twilight?" Spike, now a much older, grown and wiser dragon of many titles and names looks down upon his life-long companion. He looks into her eyes. The fire of determination shines brightly - though tainted with something else.

"I am telling you that you need to go, that you must flee from here, save yourself! I... I wouldn't be able to bear seeing the last of mine return to a blackened earth."

"I will not leave you, Princess." Spikes long tail reaches around him and lifts the chin of the princess and Oracle, Staris.

"You must!! You do not understand, Spike - you must! You have to, I command it! Twilight slaps his tail aside, fury burning in her eyes, causing them to water.

Spike sighs, shaking his head. "My Princess. My princess, my princess... How long have we been together? One of the most perilous hours of Equestria draws near and yet you tell me to go from you? I have done so, once, and shall never again... What is it that though dost not understand when I say these things?"

The princess lowers her head, flattens her ears. "Please, Spike... do not use those words, with me... And when you say my name, say it, for when you do not do these things, it seems... its seems that you are the one who does not understand. I love you so much and... I loved... I loved all of the girls -  if they were here, now, well... well I would tell them the same thing... I would tell them to go..." Twilight begins to cry, quietly.

"And they would not listen." Spike says, rising to all fours.

"Wha... what?" Twilight stutters, wiping at her tears.

"And they would not listen." Spike repeated, "For they are you true friends and - by becoming your friends and as bearers of the elements - they swore that they would see the end to the end... In other words - if they could have - they would have proudly and willingly died along side you, not hesitating, because you are all as one. Through-out the years, the bond between all of you became stronger and stronger. But when one fell, did the bond weaken? No. It grew tighter - and infinitely so. So then, I can say, they would not have listened. You could have begged them with all of your power, but they would not have moved from you." Spike moves his tail, bringing himself and Twilight together.

"But perhaps they would have done this?" He murmured, "And then begged you to let them stay? Surely, it is so. Besides... me, being a dragon, I..." he trailed off, for a moment and then said, "Remember that one time? When I learned truly what a dragon was? When I discovered the past of my kind and all those other events that followed? I learned so much, then... And if there was one thing that I remember, it was that dragons were never meant to run. We are to be loyal, respectable companions who would never turn our backs on those we care about. 'Tis a disgrace - this generation of dragons - who have trampled over such principles of their fathers and - well. They've not kept up the standards of being true dragons... 'tis truly a shame... But anyways, my point is that I will not leave you. Besides, the disasters to come are far off and being a true friend, I just couldn't do it." Spike stopped himself and waited for an answer.

"Oh, Spike,"Twilight said, her voice a whisper, "You know that you mean so very much to me, already - stop acting like you don't know, that you need to be like Rainbow Dash or Apple Jack or - or any of the girls - just stop being that way!" Her voice rose again, "You know better than that, Spike! You've know me longer than anypo - she stopped herself.

"It's fine," Spike said, quietly,  "I  -

"Anyone." Twilight finished, "And you should know that I know that you know that on accepting this request of mine, you would be doing myself - as well as yourself - a great favor. You know that this is what I want."

Twilight pushed herself from Spike and walked around him, heading for the back of his cave.

"Where are you going?" Spike hurriedly asked, turning his head to look after her.

"There are many things I must do, in order to prepare myself for what is to come. One of these things was convincing you to leave..." She paused and looked back at Spike. Spike didn't say anything, his expression blank.

"I see that I've already done that."

Spike forced steam from his nostrils, a reluctant acknowledgement that she was right - and there was nothing more he could say or do. Twilight continued on down the cavern, her horn giving of a luminous glow.

Spike walked, silently, behind her. The clip-clop of her hooves and his breathing were the only two things to be heard. Hardly any other sound echoed off of the large walls of the underground cavern.

Spike looked about at the walls, the ceiling. The place was discovered only so long ago by himself and his friends, and he couldn't help realizing how nostalgic it all was. The cavern was directly below the Elemental Friendship Spire. He looked forward, to Twilight who walked before him. It was just as it had been, that day; her in the lead, as always, their friends flanking the left and right, himself somewhere in between - no. No, now this time was different. The feelings, the atmosphere - everything was off... And so much had been lost, since then.

Spike glanced around, warily, as if the elements, his friends, would just suddenly appear out of the shadows... But they did not and he knew that is wasn't ever to be.

Before he knew it, he and Twilight were standing a the back of his cave. There was a horde of gems, before them. They shined so brightly that Twilight had no need to use her horn. Spike could already see in the dark so he wasn't bothered, either way.

He watched as Twilight searched the pile of gems, carefully - but quickly -  separating and organizing them. He carefully settled himself down, to watch.

"Spike," Twilight said, "I think that it is about time I redeem myself, don't you?"

"What do you mean?" Spike asked, perking up, even more.

"What I am saying is that for a long time now - well, for a long time then - I had always given you lousy birthday presents."

Spike was taken aback. Waaay back. Why ever in Equestria was she mentioning that, now?!

Twilight giggled, softy. "I would never spend as much quality time with you as I should have, nor would I give many thoughts about you might have wanted to do, when I should have..."

"Twilight..."

Twilight turned and looked at Spike.

"I am so very sorry." She said, tears in her eyes. They began to spill down her cheeks, but she quickly wiped at the, attempting to make them disappear.

"....?!" Spike was confused; what was all of this about?

Before he could express his confusion or what was on his mind, Twilight said, "So I am giving this to you."

She levitated a large, green, glowing, diamond-shaped gem before him. (And, in fact, it was that gem.)

(Not so random green diamond picture)

"It's beautiful, Twilight." Spike said, as she lowered it into his claw. "I never knew this was in there..." He gazed over at the horde of gems that was now organized into small, shiny piles of glowing stones.

"It wasn't." Twilight said, "Not necessarily, that is; I actually combined a few. Of course, if it had been in there, I would wonder what kind of friend would give such a gift to her friend when he was the one who collected all of these, by himself."

With a chuckle, Spike asked, "Well aren't you just giving multiple gems that were from myself, in the first place?" He was half joking, for he cracked a smile, but he still wanted an answer.

"No." Twilight said, killing the jocular moment with a solid answer, a solemn expression. "This gem is all you need to get you to higher grounds when the raging floods come to destroy this land. I have cast many a-spell on several of the gems before combining them, as one... Take it as a parting gift, for - as I have said - it is all you need."

"What do you mean by 'higher ground'?" Spike asked, hesitantly, not really wanting to know.

"The second sky," Staris responded, simply. "When you fly higher than you've ever flown before, when you fly higher than you know you can, when you fly higher than anyone and anything has ever flown before, you may keep going. Eventually, you will reach the second, starry sky. The disaster to come shall not reach that place and you shall be safe."

"...I see..." Spike said, clutching the gem, "And what, pray tell, should I do then? What purpose would I serve? What is it I could do, after all is said and done, without wanting to destroy myself? Surely there would be no one else left, if this disaster is a catastrophic as you have said it will be."

"You are wrong there, my friend," Twilight said, "Yet since you have made up your mind to adhere to my request, I will give instructions to you." She motioned with her hoof and Spike lowered his head. Staris touched the tip of her horn to his head and  rested it there, a few moments.

Afterward, there was silence.... Spike was the first to speak.

"Twilight?" Spike whispered, cautiously attempting to revive her voice.

Twilight rubbed her face against Spikes and he felt something wet... He supposed she was crying.

"Twilight..." Spike said, again. "I... I just -

"It is done," Twilight said, stepping back from Spike, "The time you have to become fully comfortable with the powers of the stone I did gave you is as much time there is until the disaster comes. So this is the last time I will see you."

"...." Spike didn't say anything. He couldn't. There was nothing to say... Twilight's horn began to glow and she turned from Spike, tracing a doorway out of the air. When she had finished, she turned back to Spike.

"Spike... I thank you for all you have done for me, up until now - all you have been, all you have said, to help me... I love you so very much and forever will. But most importantly, I am glad that I was able to personally see and send you off, myself, knowing that it was the right thing to do... I am sure our friends would have wanted it."

"Yes, I am sure." Spike responded, refraining with all that was in him from touching her. "I love you very much, too, Twilight.... Please take care of yourself."

"Forever do the same, Spike." Twilight said, turning from him. She took a few steps towards the door and then stopped. Silenced followed, for only a moment, before she stepped through to the other side, disappearing from Spike's sight, forever.

*   *   *   *

So now you know how I've come to be here. Dragon said, I'll admit that I did require the gem's assistance, for a little while, but... as you can see, I need it not, anymore. He was quite, then, and waited for a response.

He looked to Dawn who was quietly crying, her hooves to her face and then to Dusk who now sat next to her, instead of them being back to back. His expression didn't give off much, but Dragon knew better.

So as I have said, my friend was a very power alicorn princess who was the second to last regime - in respect to you two. Her friends - and mine - were the elements, her mentor was the Guardian Solaris who was most-likely the one responsible for their union. I was the one who was always there, beside Oracle Staris, even before the day she was acknowledged as an alicorn. I was also there on her last day... but I did not see her perish if that is what should be assumed.     Dragon summarized, quietly.

"Yes... yes, I know." Dawn said, trying to stop the tears, "I heard you - please forgive me, I -

"Tis fine, Princess Aurora, I understand how you feel, yet... your brother..."

"Huh - wha?" Dawn looked at Dusk. "What's wrong?" She asked, for Dusk didn't look to good - in fact, he actually looked angry.

"What you say..." Dusk began, through clenched teeth, "What you say you - how?! How can you just say that?!" Dusk's voice rose.

"Dusk..." Dawn said, surprised at her brother.

"Do you really just expect us to believe that?! I mean, I don't even believe in you!" Dusk exclaimed.

"Dusk!" Dawn said, "How could you say that?!"

"What do you mean how can I?!" Dusk asked, astonished at his sister, "He's the one you should be telling that to, not me!"

"Dusk, that doesn't make any sense," Dawn said, "If you're saying that then... then your're calling Dragon a liar!"

"Well may be I am!" Dusk retorted. "We learned nothing of him when the guardians revealed to us the past of the Oracle!"

Eyes wide as she shook her head, in disbelief, Dawn immediately switched her attention over to Dragon and sincerely apologized, in place of her brother. "I am so very sorry Dragon! I don't know why -

If you would excuse me, Princess. Dragon calmly interjected, Prince Evening, may I tell you something?"

"...You may." Dusk said, suspicion edging his voice.

Excellent. Dragon said, Now, do you two remember what happened when you were transformed into alicorns?

After glancing at one another, both Dusk and Dawn nodded.

Princes Aurora, I believed you received a horn, is that correct? Dawn nodded.

So that would leave the wings to yourself, then, Prince Evening. Dragon concluded.

Dusk nodded but them immediately said, "What significance does that have, in this matter? And how do you know?"

I may know things, young prince. Dragon said, Because I am able. And the significance of your separate transformations is this:

Addressing Dawn, now, Dragon said, Remember, Princess, your abilities - particularly the oracle ability - which is also known as a "telling". This "telling" - the "Telling of Prophecy"' - enables you to foretell later events and/or accurately predict the future. But you also have another "telling", which is the "Telling of Truth". This telling enables you to know when one is telling the truth or when he or she is lying. It also allows you to see things that others do not see - take earlier, for example. You sad that you would not press me about the gem, since it seemed to touch something within me... Now, how did you know that? I didn't say anything and I am assured my expression gave nothing away - am I right? Prince Evening, did my expression give away anything, to you?

Dusk perked up, blinking rapidly. "Uh - um n - no... no, Dragon, I didn't notice..."

As is expected, young prince. Dragon responded, And now looking at your personalities - when I was speaking to the both of you, all this time, I picked up on a bit of your personalities and there are significant differences.

If I may, Princess, I'd say that you have a very unique personality that is centered around caring for others and you are led by the kindness in your heart. While you may appear to be ignorant of many things, it is a fact that you can be counted as wise. Furthermore, you gentle nature may be very suiting of you and you may want to stick to your morals, but there are times when you will need to make moves that will catapult you far from your zone of comfort... Do take this as a mere word to the wise, I make no threats.

As for you, Prince Evening - though I have not heard much from you - it seems evident to me that even when you might appear to be fearless or even careless, you are skeptical and cautious of your surroundings. You may seem brash, but your intentions are good and seem to lean towards the well-being of others. You have a certain air about you that is fit for a prince, yet you must know when and how to say things and not just do things your way, simply because you can. Try to broaden your understandings, sometimes... do not hold to tight to what you think you may know. Do you follow?

Dawn looked over at Dusk. He was staring down at the floor, eyes wide, in disbelief. He twitched every now and then, and almost looked is he were going to cry.

“Dusk...” Dawn said, touching him, gently.

“I... understand.” Dusk said, looking over at the dragon. There was something faulty about his voice, but in the very least he did understand.

Wonderful. Dragon said, And that brings me to this, the reason why one of you received wings and the other, a horn.

You, Prince Evening, received wings for wings are a form of - and represent - “power” and power you are verily capable of  withholding. Terrestrially speaking, wings were always considered an advantage. 'Twas the wish of many creatures, to fly – and was the gift of others. This gift was highly esteemed and through it, many records were set, broken and then re-set. Many astonishing acts and performances took place by way of flight, astounding those who walked upon and were bound to the ground. It pushed those who were some how deprived of flight - though they had wings – to try their hardest to reach the sky where there was believed to be true freedom. By having a mind to control power, and not it controlling you, then it is why you were meant to transform the way you did. Take the wings as a symbol of your abilities.

(MiniMalist Pony base By: coolez, Deviantart)

But, on the other hand, there was also magic. Those who had magic were esteemed higher than those with wings, for they could do all sorts of things. Some of those with wings even marveled at the abilities of those known as the unicorns and those higher then they, the alicorns. Now, the unicorns deserved to be esteemed higher than those who could merely leave the ground – no matter how impressively – because through their magic, they could give *themselves** the gift of flight.*

It is why you, Princess Aurora, have received the gift of the horn – that is – magic. You are able to capable of controlling yourself and your actions – and with this you also have wisdom. Who then is better to possess such great a gift as magic? One who can be in control of both themselves and such a precious gift, of course. And having the heart you do, you assure your people that there is a very small percent of chance that you will ever turn against them, seeing as you are capable of doing that. Furthermore, you were born with wings and were modest in their use. But as far as magic, you were “well versed”, so to speak. And seeing as you two both differ in strengths - which may also balance each other out - and seeing as you are both siblings, then that would make you one. One is the wings, the other is the horn and together you are as one tremendously powerful being known as the alicorn.

After saying these things, Dragon was quiet. He let the information he gave the two sink in.

Both Dusk and Dawn said nothing, as thoughts took hold of their minds, entrancing them. Their faces were still, their expressions distant. Dragon knew that they would be in deep thought, for a while, so he offered to leave.

From here *until** the New World, I will always be at the sides of your majesties. It was a part of my instructions to tell you these things and I do hope they will stay with you. You two must stay with each other, as much as possible. Strengthening the bond between the two of you and growing stronger, together, should be a top priority - and as you'll come to learn - a great advantage. As you apply these things, in the New World, I will be there to assist you - and My Prince; if you have believed not a word of the earlier things that I have spoken, then at least remember thou these things that I speak unto you, now,* Dragon said, Will you do that?

“I will do that, Dragon.” Dusk croaked, hardly leaving his trance, “Thank you..."

"Yes, thank you," Dawn echoed, he switched from Dusk to Dragon.

Dragon nodded. If you need me, call me, and I will be there. Until we speak again, Prince Evening. Farewell to you, as well, Princess Aurora. And at that moment, the dragon vanished before their eyes.

Prologue A (Part 5): On the Master Ship

Part 5: On the Master Ship

"He's gone." Dawn said, after a while. She was looking out the window, watching the black, starry space fly past.

"I know." Dusk responded, not looking at her.

"...Yes," Dawn said, "Well... I have sorted out my thoughts and so I'll be about my way..." She got off of the platform of a seat she and Dusk had sat on since the ride began and started towards the door. The phoenix took note of this and started after her.

"No." Dusk said. "You just stay here."

"Dusk," Dawn paused, but did not turn around. "It's not like anything is going to happen to me... if that's what you're worried about."

"I said stay here." Dusk pressed, his voice cold.

"Dusk, we have nothing to speak about." Dawn said, "I will leave you, now." She attempted another step.

"Dawn. Stay. Here." Dawn didn't have to look at Dusk to know he was upset.

"I will not ignore you, brother." Dawn said, "But I have nothing to say to you." With her magic, she opened the door and she and her phoenix exited.

On turning to closing the door, Dawn looked at her brother. And, of course, he wasn't looking at her. He was back to looking out at space, his eyes the only voice of his anger.

"Oh, Dusk..." Dawn murmured, quietly. "Why do you take things so hard, like this?" Dawn watched as her brother's eyes - or at the least the eye she could see - begin to shimmer. Dawn saw a tear form... and then slide down Dusk's cheek. She sighed, shaking her head.

The door closed, then, and Dawn decided that she'd just leave her brother to his thoughts and explore the ship. With her brother behind her, and a huge, unexplored ship before her, Dawn couldn't help but squeal, as she tingled with excitement.

"Ye-hee-hee! This is going to be fun! Dawn gushed. She looked to the left, and then to the right; a hallway extended in both directions... "Which way to go?" she wondered.

Dawn turned her attention to the left and began down that section of the corridor. As she went along, she observed how well-dressed, elegant and beautiful the inside of the Master Ship was. It almost looked like a house, really - pictures hanging on the walls here and there, plants in pots, the corridor floor; covered by a soft, red rug - all accept the doors. They looked... strange - at least to Dawn, anyways. They were a dark-gray, with a sheen. They were metallic and had no knobs... The only thing she could see that might have something to do with one of those particular doors, which she happened to be standing before, was a pad-like thing with numerous buttons on it.

"Hmm... I wonder what this is for?" Dawn said, aloud.

I am not sure, Princess. Perhaps you should ask someone. The phoenix bird which had been flying about the hallways now landed on Dawn's head and peeked down at her.

"Hm?" Dawn looked up at the bird. "Did you say something?"

Well of course I did, Princess. Even I must have a way to communicate with you pony-beings.

"Oh, well... that's... wonderful!" Dawn exclaimed, "Now I can know exactly what you need and what you want, whenever you may need or want it! I was very worried about that..."

Is that really why you are so happy about my being able to communicate, Princess? The phoenix cocked its head to the side.

"Well... of course..." Dawn said, bringing her eyes back down into a more comfortable position, "Is... something wrong with that?"

Well no, Princess. The phoenix answered, It is just that I favor the way thy royal prince does think of me.

"Oh?" Dawn said.

True. The phoenix responded. And I appreciate that he does not see us as a mere pet.

"I see..." Dawn said, thoughtfully. "Then how may I think of you, phoenix? And while we're on the topic, what exactly is your name?"

May I see thy highness's face? The phoenix asked. Dawn extended a forearm and the phoenix fluttered down onto it.

Your majesty, I will have you know that I do in no way have an intention to instruct you on what it is you must do. I am your companion and shall remain so, until death. Call me what you will and think of me what you will; I have only to give you my friendship - nothing else - and shall ask nothing, in return.

Dawn looked at the phoenix, before her. "Well." She said, "For starters, I will name you Pheona - do you like that?"

Call me what you will, your highness. The phoenix began to scratch at her inner wings, with her beak.

"You say we are friends? Then I will act as such." Dawn said, "If I am to be your friend, then we are to live as equals... For it was once said that 'two friends are merely two souls in one body', and this I believe. So if you and I are going to be friends then we can do so, perfectly, as long as there is honest communication." Dawn waited for the bird's response.

I see. The phoenix said, Well I like the name thou hast given me, so you may then call me by it.

"Glad to hear that you like it." Dawn said.

And I understand what thou hast said, also. The phoenix, who was now called Pheona, flew up into the air and flew around. But now I must know; how shall I be with thee?

"What do you mean?" Dawn asked.

Am I to be here? Pheona settled down onto Dawn's head.

"I don't mind it." Dawn said. "It is alright as long as you're comfortable.... I know I'm fine."

Very well then.

~   ~   ~   ~

Not too much later, Dawn was still exploring the corridor. A pony approached her from the shadows.

"This corridor seems pretty long..." Dawn said to herself, said aloud.

"Well of course it might seem longer if you happen to have been walking in circles, your highness." A cream-white furred mare with long, wavy, dark-tinted and orange hair stepped out of the shadows, before Dawn. She wore a dark-green commander's uniform, for mares, a matching hat, and a black bow around her neck. She saluted Princess Dawn.

"I am Roxanne O. Range, 4th Commander of the Master Ship, Disciplinarian Extraordi-mare! Servant of the crown and her people, I'm currently on stand-by for her majesty as we may explore the Master Ship!"

Dawn, currently in mid-step and mouth agape, closed her mouth, and blinked several times. "Er... Nice to meet you -?!"

The mare grabbed Dawn's hoof with both of hers and shook rapidly. "A pleasure, honor and a privilege to meet you, your highness!" Stepping back, she bowed down and asked, "How may I assist you?"

"Er...I...I mean... uh, yes - yes! Assist me, how can you assist me?... uh..."

"Perhaps I can give you a tour of the Master Ship, m'lady." Roxanne suggested.

"Oh that's right, silly me." Dawn said, chuckling nervously, "I think that's what you said before, right?"

"Don't mention it, m'lady." Roxanne responded, nose still to the ground.

"You may rise." Dawn said, offering Roxanne a hoof to help her up.

Roxanne took it and then said, "Ma'am! Thank you, Ma'am!" Standing, she said, "Where to, m'lady?

"Well first off - where are we right now, exactly?" Dawn asked.

"We are in Hall A, Sector 1, m'lady." Roxanne said. "And you noticed that the Master Ship is as a sphere, right?"

"Yes." Dawn said, "But what of it?"

"Well, m'lady," Roxanne said, "Hall A happens to run all around the ship. It is parallel to the diamater, to be exact - but it is on the inside. Hallway Z, on the other hoof, happens to go around the entire diameter of the sphere - which we call the "main unit" - only on the outside. And even if you or I or anypony can't see it, these corridors are actually back to back, side to side -whichever way you wanna see it."

"Wait... what's the main unit, again?" Dawn asked.

"It is the actual sphere part of the ship, m'lady." Roxanne said, "But come, come; we have lots more to see and a whole lot more to discuss. I do not expect to take you all around the main unit if that is not what you wish... Is that want you want me to do?"

"No, that's fine! I've got time on my hooves, so I certainly don't mind doing a bit of walking..." Dawn said, cheerily.

"Yes Ma'am!!" Roxanne said, grinning, with a salute. Herself and Dawn began the long trip about the Master Ship, walking down hallway A. As they went along, Roxanne explained the Dawn that each picture was either of her majesty, the (Oracle),or any bygone superior under her majesty who would have qualified for this journey had they been alive.

Dawn's eyes fell on one certain portrait, which strongly appealed to her;  she recognized the young Oracle, but the faces of the others were vague.

(Lovely portrait-like picture By: VegaNya, Deviantart - Perfect!)

"And I doubt it not, your highness, that I, my self, would not be here had say only one of those individuals been alive enough to join the rest of you... So then I find it a GREAT honor and privilege to be here... especially with you, your highness." Roxanne looked back at Dawn, over her shoulder.

"Oh, uh... of course." Roxanne's voice had brought Dawn back from her thoughts, yet the picture lingered in her mind.

"Thanks for understanding." Roxanne said, "For I know that you would have had to go no matter what. We need a leader. We need leaders. I personal thank you and your companion for coming along... I am not sure what it would be without anypone to serve and protect... And all that training for nothing..." Roxanne muttered the last part, looking forward.

"Well, of course..." Dawn said, not trying to feed that conversation.

"Yes..." Roxanna said. "And by the way, your highness; want to check out a few of these rooms as we go along?"

"Oh, yes, of course!" Dawn said, excitement peaked her voice.

Tipping her cap Roxanne said, "With pleasure, m'lady." Dawn then watched as Rozanne went over to the nearest metallic door. She squinted at the number-pad that was set on the side of the door.

"Hmm..." Faster than Dawn could see, Roxanne punched a few buttons on the number-pad. The metallic doors slide open, both ways.

"Wow..." Dawn said, staring at the door.

"Heh. That's nothing, m'lady." Roxanne said, adjusting her cap. Dawn only glanced at her and then walked inside.

"Well, here we are, m'lady. The lounge room... er - one of them, that is," Roxanne said."Would you like to explore in detail, m'lady?"

"Oh, yes!" Dawn responded. She then reached up on her head and took Pheona off of it. The pheonix was curled up, comfortably but when Dawn took her down, she rose her head.

Roxanne back up saying, "Your highness, I could never!"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Dawn said.

"Is this here bird for me?" Roxanne asked, pointing a hoof at Pheona, eyes large and sparkling.

Pheona turned her slender neck to look at Roxanne with fire-filled, glaring eyes.

"O-ho no, no, no." Dawn laughed, "Pheona is the royal pet - my pet... I don't think I will ever be able to give her away to anypony... I'm sorry."

Roxanne chuckled, "Heh heh heh... I was jus' foaling, m'lady. I am both a commander and a servant who knows her place."

Dawn chuckled nervously, "Alrighty then." Looking at the bird, she said, "Fly away Pheona; I fear you will not be comfortable, here... Go find a place to rest." The bird did as she was told, and Roxanne saw her out.

Turning back around, Roxanne said, m'ady, shall we begin?"

"Yes." Dawn said, still looking about the room, "Let us begin."

*   *   *   *   *

A little while later, Dawn exited another lounge area. She and Roxanne had explored, in detail, over a good few rooms. There were several 'holding spaces', which were used as minor storage rooms, 'the bunks', which served as actual rooms for most of the ponies on-board and Dawn had been shown a few secret passages which were designed for different purposes. Not all of the secret passages were used for ponies, though. A few were used for sending secret messages through out the ship by way of container - (and were basically just pipes in the wall.)

"Wow, I never actually thought about that." Dawn said, "Wow..."

"Yup. That's how it is m'lady." Roxanne said. "And there are a whole lot of other things I could show you - like this, for example."

Roxanne trotted over to a metallic door which had a blue streak going down its center and was flanked by two potted plants.

As Roxanne tampered with something on one of the flower pots, Dawn said, "Are... those plants real?"

"Why of course, m'lady." Roxanne responded, moving to the next plant. "They are all very well tended to, for they help with the oxygen supply in the Master Ship."

"Oh, how wonderful." Dawn said, gleefully.

"Mhm - yes ma'am it is." Roxanne said, returning to her former position. "Now then, about these..."

Dawn peeked over Roxanne's shoulder and saw one large, round button on both of the pots of the potted plants. "What are those?" She asked.

"These are what I like to call FB's." Roxanne said, wiping her nose with her hoof.

"Oh?" Dawn said, walking up next to her, "What does that stand for?"

"Aw well, as I said, m'lady; I just call 'em that. They aren't really called FB's." Roxanne said, rubbing a hoof against her foreleg.

"So what are they, then?" Dawn asked, observing both the large green and red button on both of the pots.

"They're Function Buttons," Roxanne said and then muttered, "Wonder who the genius was who created that name..." After a momentary pause Roxanne had her nose pressed to the ground, in a frantic bow. "Please forgive me."

"Uh... what?" Dawn said.

"I wan't supposed to say that..." Roxanne muttered.

"No, it's alright," Dawn giggled, "I don't mind it when others may speak their mind around me... I permit it."

Roxanne looked up the gigglng princess and then straightened herself. "Ehem... Moving on, we see that these buttons are used for a majority of things..."

She explained to Dawn the various functions of the buttons, statig the the numbers acted as "codes" for commanding the buttons their functions. "Like this," she said, "To simply open up the door, we - She pushed the red button.

"Oh - wait!" Dawn said, extending a forearm.

"Whatever's the matter, m'lady?" Roxanne asked, feigning innocence.

"Didn't...you... just say..."

"Heh heh heh - nah. The ship won't self destruct anytime soon, m'lady. That is only on special occasions." Roxanne muffled a laugh with her hoof. In the meantime, the door had slid itself open. "Here we-he are m - m'lady." Roxanne said, still stifling a laugh.

"....." Dawn said, walking through the door. She gasped when she saw what was on the other side - the place was huge!

On exiting through the door, one would walk out on a balcony. The balcony went around the entire mane unit, but it was the space between, below that was so amazing. There were many ponies who sat, working with various machines and devices. Some seemed to be working on some sort of paper work, while others ran about, in and out of rooms. A few disappeared under the balcony so that she couldn't see them anymore, so she suspected that there were rooms beneath her.

"Wow..." Dawn marveled, looking about,"It's so huge!"

"Inevitably, Princess." A warm and quiet voice said.

"Hm?" Dawn turned her attention to a grey-white, short-haired, blonde-mare who happened to be standing right next to her.The mare wore a navy blue uniform. "Oh! I didn't see you there...sorry..." Dawn said.

"Please don't be, Princess." The mare answered, softly.

"Ms. Sharri, introduce yourself!" Dawn looked over at Roxanne, who was saluting her, yet addressing the mare.

"Of course," the mare said, as softly as ever. She stood up straight and brought her right hoof up, before her head. "I am Sharri L. Contortworth, Sub. 3rd Commander of the Master Ship and Assistant Fighters' Commander. I am a proud servant of the crown, my people, and I am currently on stand-by for her majesty as we may explore the Master Ship... your highness."

Dawn smiled at the mare, "Glad to meet you, Ms.Contortworth."

"It is an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege to meet you, your highness." The mare responded, bowing down.

"...." Dawn knew she had heard thatsomewhere, before.

"Excellent! A mare after my own heart!" Roxanne declared, from somewhere behind Dawn. "Carry on!" She turned and headed back through the door.

"Oh, um... thank you." Sharri said, as the door closed. Roxanne waved at her from the other side until it closed, shut.

"Now then, your highness." Sharri said, "May we continue with your tour, or...?" She paused, mid-step, looking back at Dawn.

"Yes!" Dawn said, trotting after Sharri, "Where to?"

"Nowhere, really, Princess." Sharri said, "As instructed, I will walk her highness around the balcony and point at the different stations, below. I will explain them, in detail, if her highness wishes, but will not if she does not care for me to. Furthermore I will do my very best to see to her needs as we go along and will seek help if/when necessary... Any further issues will be addressed, accordingly."

"Oh, uh... very well, then." Dawn responded, politely, yet she couldn't help noticing how robotic Sharri sounded, as though she had had to recite those lines over and over again, at one time.

They soon continued on with what had turned into Dawn's official tour of the Master Ship. But it was no big deal, this part. All Sharri did was what she said she would; she simply lead Dawn around the top - and pointed out different stations and rooms, below. She described what each station was for, what a pony here or there was doing, and what significance each task held.

"And sometimes the ponies who operate the machinery down there have to sleep on mats, just in case if anything were to happen." Sharri said.

"Oh..." Dawn said, looking down at the many busy ponies. It seemed unlikey that any of them would ever sleep, acting like that.

"But please don't feel sorry for them, your highness," Sharri said, rather bluntly, "They do not deserve to be here, therefore deserve every least bit of a trial that comes their way... humbly speaking, I am no different." Sharri turned towards and looked at Dawn. "I suppose you want to punish me, right? For being so arrogant as to speak these words,before you?"

"Oh, no." Dawn said, "I permit others to speak their minds, before me."

"Rats." Sharri muttered, turning from Dawn, "Well anyways, I have to go, now. My turn is over."

"Oh, um, alright then." Dawn said, watching the mare walk away. She watched as Sharri walked towards a metallic door and watched as the door opened to reveal another mare who looked exactly like Sharri.She wore a beige uniform and cap. Both mares saluted each other and then the mare that had just left Dawn, turned in Dawn's direction, saluted and then moved her hoof down to tip her cap. She exited through the doors as the other mare trotted over to Dawn.

"Your highness." The "new mare" bowed down before Dawn.

"...Sharri?" Dawn said, raising an eye-brow.

~   ~   ~   ~

Later on, Dawn was introduced to another pony who was to take her on the tour of the Master Ship. She learned that Sharri and her sister Sherri had switched places sometime during the time Sharri was showing her around. It was why Sharri didn't sounded like herself, during the end, there... Of course, there was a reason for their switching places - which was that the fighter-crafts on the outside of the Master Ship were in formation for a switch, as well. Dawn was still being informed about the whole thing -

"So that's why, you see." The pony concluded, "Every now and then, the fighter-crafts which are used to protect the master ships - formation B and A - the pilot's and crew members switch places with different ponies that are on the Master Ship. Sherri is the true commander of the Fighters and Sharri, her sister, is assistant Fighter Commander... Of course, I am sure you were informed off all of this information before, your highness."

"Mmm - somewhat." Dawn said, thoughtfully."

"Oh, I see." The pony said, "I am glad to have filled in the spaces - that is, if I have - I mean you did say somewhat so I kinda of thought -

"Give it a rest, foal." A voice behind them stopped Dawn and the colt beside her, in their tracks. Dawn noticed the colt's ears straighten - one twitched.

"Roxanne O. Range at her majesty's service, once again." Roxanne said, trotting up besides Dawn, bowing once. She then narrowed her eyes and glared at the colt beside Dawn.

"Oh, um... Hello again." Dawn said, glancing at the colt, then Roxanne, back again, and then at Roxanne.

"Of course, your highness," Roxanne said, "I will always protect her majesty from push-over-wanne-be, foals like this one." She pointed at an accusing hoof at the colt. Dawn backed up a bit.

"Um..." The colt said, looking nervously at Roxanne's pointed hoof.

"What are you saying, Ms. Roxanne?" Dawn asked.

"Your highness!" Roxanne said, "Did this foal even introduce himself?! How long have you been touring with him? Do not you tire of his ramblings?!" Roxanne brought her hoof down hard onto the floor, causing the colt to flinch.

"Er... no and no and.... I don't think so." Dawn said.

"Exactly!" Roxanne said, "It is his responsibility to know - as soon as the question was asked, he should have immediately produced the answer!" Roxanne glared hard at the colt. He gulped.

"Um... I'm sorry?" He said.

"Not to me you foal! Her!" Roxanne jabbed a hoof at Dawn.

"Uh - er - right!" The colt said, turning to Dawn. "Please forgive me, your highness... As soon as Sharri gave you to me -

"Incorrect!!" Roxanne said, loudly. The colt flinched.

"But I -

"Enough!" Roxanne said, "You are wasting precious time - Attennn-tion!!" The colt immediately stood at attention. "Salute to and know your princess!" Roxanne commanded.The colt saluted, and stared directly at Dawn.

"Um, Ms. Roxanne - " Dawn began.

"Now! Roxanne said, "I will introduce you to her majesty." Roxanne went and stood beside the colt. "And here we have Tobi Tumble, 5th Commander of the Master Ship and Supply Overseer. Says he's a humble servant of the crown and zealous protector of his people, ready to give his life whenever, wherever." After a short pause, Roxanne added, muttering, "Personally I think he is just a push-over wanna-be who has no right to play this part - an unworthy speck in the universe." The colt flinched at the last of her words and began to lower his hoof.

"Stay at attention, Wanna-be -and salute!" Roxanne ordered Tobi obeyed.

Roxanne trotted over to Dawn[/color, "I beg you, have patience with that one," she said, "He is already low and unworthy - we don't need him to disappear under the rug."

Before Dawn could respond, Roxanne trotted off. "I will see her majesty, later. For now I leave her in what are somehow capable hooves..." She muttered something inaudible to Dawn, as soon as she was out of earshot.

Dawn watched her go, over her shoulder. She then turned to the colt whose name was Tobi. He was looking at the floor.

"Um... Tobi?" Dawn said.

"Yes, your highness?" Tobi said, not looking up.

"You can look at me, you know." Dawn said, approaching him.

"Can I?" Tobi asked, "I am just an unworthy speck in the universe..."

"Oh...well... we are all just specks, Tobi..." Dawn said, "Besides, I -

"Forgive me for the interruption." Tobi said, "But I will not pity myself, at this time. This time is your time, Princess, and I have wasted enough of it, as is. Please, just let us continue...."

"Fine." Dawn said, "But I still would rather you look at me." She walked passed Tobi who turned and follower her.

~   ~   ~   ~

Minutes later, Dawn and Tobi stood at the entrance which would lead them to the lowest part of the ship. Before the lie was a stairway that led down into darkness.

"Uh..." Tobi began. "I'll just -

"Let's go!" Dawn began to prance down the stairs.

"Um... your highness..." Tobi followed, but not before taking a quick and nervous look over his shoulder.

Dawn's horn began to glow brighter and brighter, as she headed down into the darkness. "It's fine," Dawn said, "I don't mind doing this."

"No! No... No, I... I just have to flip the switch... Its here, somewhere." Tobi raised himself up on his hind legs and began to feel about the wall, with he fore-hooves.

"Hm?..." Dawn turned to Tobi and immediately the corridor was full of white light. Dawn eyes seemed to shrink in the brightness. She covered her eyes with a fore-leg, until she sensed that the brightness had faded.

She watched as Tobi took off a blindfold, "Sorry, Princess." He said, "Perhaps - no. No, I should have warned you... I'm so very sorry -

"It's alright." Dawn said, her attention now turned towards the corridor ahead, "Let us keep moving."

"At once, your highness." Tobi feel into step beside Dawn as they walked down the corridor, leaving the stairs behind.

~   ~   ~   ~

Dawn and Tobi were soon out of the corridor, which led them to an open space. After the lights were turned on, in that area, Dawn saw many crates, boxes, and large refrigerators.

"Wooow..." She breathed, "What is this place?"

"This is the storage area." Tobi responded, "Or "the place", as some call it. It is the area we keep all of the food supply and a good few miscellaneous items.

"I see." Dawn said, walking about and observing the countenances of every crate and box she could. "So... you're in charge of all of this?

"Well I wouldn't say in charge,Princess, but I do have some kind of authority over - most of this stuff." The last part was said with a good bit of force - as if it were a cough - and so much so that Dawn had to stop and look at Tobi.

"Everything alright?" She asked.

"Everything is fine, I assure you." A voice said.

Dawn turned her head back to the direction she and Tobi were headed. Before her she saw a grey, white-haired stallion who wore thin-lensed glasses and a white - what looked to be a - lab coat.

"He's just surprised to see me... Aren't you, Tobi?" The grey-stallion asked, smirking.

Dawn looked back at Tobi who nodded, taking a few steps back.

"Hold on their Tobi, you don't want to - the stallion's voice stopped abruptly just before a large crashing sounded echoed throughout that area. Tobi's eyes widened and he looked down at his rear, right hoof.

"Oops..." He said.

The stallion sighed and then sat down on his rear. He removed his glasses and after wiping it on his coat, replaced them. "My dear, dear, Tobi." He said, "Everything you do do seems to turn out so wrong, does it not? I mean. Not one day goes by without you messing up some kind of way." The stallion tsked, "But ah well. What can we do when our best just isn't good enough?"

Tobi opened his mouth to answer but then decided against it,cautiously removing his hoof from the crate.

"And Princess," the stallion said, "Please allow me to apologize if this was the performance of my dear subordinate, Tobi, here... He's... not really the type to be - well. Let's just get introductions over with, shall we?" The grey stallion motioned to Tobi, "Clean this up, won't you? Then be about your way. I'll take things from here." Without giving Tobi a chance to respond, he turned and said, "Follow me, Princess."

"Alright." Dawn said. She looked back at Tobi as she moved forward. He had placed a white commander's cap on his head and was turning to do as he was told. "Thanks, Tobi - for showing me around." Dawn said.

"A pleasure and an honor, your highness." Tobi responded, bowing, sightly.

"Be sure to clean it all up, Tobi - and check for anything that might have been severely - or in the least bit - damaged," the grey stallion called over his shoulder.

"Sir!" Tobi said. And Dawn guessed that he was saluting.

~   ~   ~   ~

Dawn and the grey stallion swiftly went over introductions:

"Yes, and to not bore you with the typical protocol - my name is Sideus Colt, 1st Commander of the Master Ship. I oversee the more important matters - as I am sure you can tell."

"Oh! So you are thee commander, then?" Dawn asked.

Sideus chuckled, "No. I am not thee commander. Thee  commander happenst o be Commander Zero., who is not me and never shall be."

"Oh..." Dawn said, "Pray tell... where is he, now?"

"Aren't you supposed to know that, already, Princess?" Sideus cocked an eye-brow at Dawn, over his shoulder.

"...I suppose I should -

"You should, actually, Princess," Sideus said, "There is no supposing about it. And tell me this - does his highness know who the Supreme Commander is, here?"

"I... I am not sure." Dawn said, causing Sideus to stop in his tracks.

He turned and looked at her, "Really..." He said, "Because I was under the impression that -

"Yes, and be sure that it is done, immediately." A voice beyond Sideus said.

Sideus' ears twitched. He looked over at his shoulder a cream-colored mare. Her hair mane was tied up in a bun, with a few curly strands down the side of her face. She had a black dot near her mouth and wore square, black glasses. She wore a navy-blue suit with a red scarf about her neck. Not the winter scarf, though, the other kind... She seemed upright and proud, her face set in what was not a smile, but not a frown, either.

She stopped, dead in her tracks, when she laid eyes on Sideus.

"S...Sideus... -

"And just what are you doing down here?" Sideus asked, Dawn becoming a speak on the horizon as all attention was diverted towards the mare.

"Well, I was just checking to see that everything was running smoothl -

"I don't want to hear that from you." Sideus said, coldly, "You know as well as everyone else that my job - our job - is overseen, perfectly, by myself, and I am capable of "checking" when necessary... You know we don't need you, for that."

"Ah - I see..." The cream-colored mare said, nervously rubbing a hoof against the other foreleg.

"Yes, so I would like you to -

"Oh!" The cream-colored mare dashed past Sideus and fell into a bow, before Dawn. "Princess," She said.

"Uh..." Dawn was still processing what had happened, but the cream-colored mare did not give her a chance to speak. She popped right back up and took one of Dawn's hooves in her own, kissing it, tenderly.

"It is an overwhelming pleasure to meet you, your highness!" The mare said, here yes large and shining. She kissed Dawn's hoof, once again.

"O -Oh my..." Dawn began to blush, "R-really, you don't need to, um..."

"Oh, but I must!" The mare insisted, "No worthier hooves have touched this floor since Princess Staris!!"

"So why are you dirtying them wth your lips?" Sideus asked, clearly annoyed.

"Oh, um, yes - well..." The mares words trailed off as she wiped her mouth and then rubbed the back of her head.'E-excuse me, I get.. you know, worked up, sometimes..." She chuckled nervously.

"Uh..." Dawn looked at her hoof.

'P - please forgive me!" The mare said, bowing her nose to the ground, "But if you may charge me with criminality, then my name is -

"You foal," Sideus said, "Why would she do that? I wouldn't let even you sink so low as to address the princess under these circumstances... Stand up!"

The mare did as she was told, not lookingSideus.

"Now..." Sideus took his glasses off, again, but this time he used his magic. The mare's ear pricked immediately.

She turned her head to him, "Sideus! How dare you! You know better than to - Sideus cut her off by placing a hoof under her chin and turning it, sharply, back to Dawn.

"Your Princess is waiting," he said, bluntly.

"Oh..." The mare said, "Princess. My name is Prunella Penmare and I am the 2nd Commander of this Master Ship. It is a duty, honor and privilege to hold such a high position, where I am able to over see the general well-being of the ship, making sure that everything goes smoothly... But it is the highest honor to make your acquaintance." The mare extended a forearm towards Dawn.

Dawn took it and they shook.... and shook... and shook... Dawn let the mare's hoof go and they stood there, a few moments, none of them saying anything. Dawn glanced beyond her, at Sideus. His eyes seemed menacing as he gazed at the mare and Dawn could just feel the uncomfortable atmosphere. Between these two... something was wrong...

"Sir, can we get your assistance, back here?" An older stallion called from within a room, beyond Sideus.

"Why, of course," Sideus said, "But first. Why not say hello to your princess, hm? We wouldn't want her thinking she's invisible, now, would we?"

"Of course not!" The stallion exclaimed. Looking at Dawn he said, "A great honor, your highness." He bowed and then headed back into the room.

"Aww," Sideus said, "And he could have done so much better, too... Princess, forgive them."

"Forgive... who?" Dawn asked, finally finding her voice.

"Both of them,' Sideus replied, simply. "This sorry excuse for a '2nd Commander' and that... whoever he was."

"I would rather you not speak about them, that way," Dawn said, "Please. There is nothing to forgive."

Sideus chuckled, turning from Dawn, "I see... Well, forgive me then." Dawn did not like the way he said that. It sounded more like a dare then anything else.

Sideus walked over to the doorway of the well-lit room. "Come, Princess, I have much to discuss with you." And without turning around, he said, "And Pen? Get lost, will you?" He disappeared into the room, leaving Prunella quiet and Dawn somewhat shocked.

~   ~   ~   ~

Later on, Dawn and Dusk met with all 10 commanders. From 1st to 6th and a couple subs - plus Commander Zero.

The royal highness'  got their positions straightened out and made it clear that from then on, they were truly going to take their potions seriously and actually try to be as they were supposed to.

From then on, they were the true heads and what they said, went.

(Alicorn base By: NinjaProperty, Deviantart)

Prologue A (Part 1): The End of Equestria

Part 1: The End of Equestria

There was chaos, chaos everywhere! Anxiety in Apple Loosa! Turmoil in Ponyville! Mayhem in Manehattan! Confusion in Canterlot! And as for the rest of the world, there is death! Death and destruction! Destruction... destruction is coming... And with it getting closer to Equestrian lands, how could there be anything besides chaos? Ponies scrambling and running about, ponies laying in anxious wait, ponies... they lift there hooves and pray to their former rulers -

"O Sweet Solaris, O Gaurdian Lunais, save us all!" But no help comes. And no help is to come.

But why is this? What about the new regime? Why won't their cries be answered?

The reason is the Apocalypse Fire, or in other words, the Ending Flame.

~   ~   ~  ~

It is believed that this fire was sparked somewhere between the end of Twilight's reign and the arrival of the new regime. Nopony knew it had been ignited, but it had - and for decades, the magic stability of all of Equestria was decent. Not too much happened where the magic got all out of control, but now it was different. For see; the Elements of Harmony - the true elements - were supposed to keep the peace of the land. In other words, either within the ground or within their tree, the Elements of Harmony were supposed to make sure every bit of the powerful magics, deep within and which make up Equestria, did not become unleashed. (Most of which was just raw, unused magic.)

But even at their being returned to the tree - not to long before had the tree suffered major damage from a storm of dark, power-threatening roots. At its weakening, bits of magic did escape to the surface of Equestria's soil and did begin to take form, therefore

creating the Ending Flame.

(A Tree of Harmony picture from Google)

Now, it is not certain how the flame started its path of destruction, far beyond Equestrian lands - regardless of the fact that it was created in Equestria - but there is a theory. This theory states that even in its condition, the least the Tree of Harmony could do was serve its purpose to protect, and somehow made it so the magics that escaped to the surface were removed from Equestria.

For a  long time the fire stayed put in a place far beyond Equestria, but at this time it has grown so great, and so massively powerful, that the earth is no longer able to hold it in one place. All magic has been released and doth go forth as a great wall of fire, sweeping its way across every nation, with nopony to stop it, no magic to cease it, no power to vanquish it.

~   ~   ~   ~

But what about the Alicorns, you say? Couldn't they have stopped this destruction from coming? Did they even know of the fire's coming about?!... Well, yes and no.

You see, when Princess Twilight Sparkle ascended the throne, her rein went on for a very long time. Under her rule, under her laws, and with the experience of having already been a ruling princess, all was at peace. But after a short period of time, after she became head princess, Luna and Celestia left her; their duties were no longer to oversee Equestria.

It was just as their parents had done; once their children, the new regime, took the throne, they left. They had to leave. Their father - his calling was the universe. Though it is until this time that his direct calling is unknown. Their mother - her calling is unknown as well. Needless to say, they were all called away... it is the fate of all who shall and have ruled Equestria.

And, needless to say, they are gone now. All of them; Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have heeded their calling and are not to return.

~   ~   ~   ~

So then, what exactly was their calling?

The calling of the two sisters is none other than that of their celestial bodies, the ones which they have been given dominion over - Celestia, the Sun and her sister, Luna, the Moon. The ponies of this time know the both of them as Solaris and Lunais, guardians of the day and night. To them, the guardians' only objective is to raise and lower the sun, or to raise and lower the moon. Both must see to it that everyday and night is carried out as is supposed to be.

This is the reason why they did not answer the cries of the ponies; their duties and responsibilities are no longer tied to that of earthly matters, but that of the celestial ones. So no; they could not have known of the destruction to come, therefore, could not have stopped it.

(Artist and Site Origin unknown. Neverthless, I give credit to whomever for this awesome piece of work!)

~   ~   ~   ~

Now, as we know, a new regime has come about. As usual, there are two rulers. This time around there will not be a third princess, (or prince). The two chosen to be alicorns, chosen to be prince and princess above all others, are Princess Earth and Prince Sky. These two were chosen by Princess Twilight Sparkle who all ponies now know as Oracle Staris or just Staris, the former Princess of the former regime.

But who are these ponies and what in Equestria are they doing at a time like this?! A time when there subjects need them or when the world needs them? Where are they and what are they doing while all of Equus needs some kind of power to beat back the Ending Flame?

The answer? Nothing.

Yes they know of the destruction to come, yes they are powerful enough to stop it, and yes they know of the chaos that is running loose through out all of Equestria and beyond - yet they can do nothing. Their hooves are tied.

But how, you ask? Whatever in the world is wrong with them, you ask?

Well if this is what you are wondering, then it is about time to introduce the Prince and Princess of this story; Princess Dawn  and Prince Dusk. Their story will begin to unfold, from here.

*   *   *   *   *

A green-maned, black-flanked unicorn races though Canter Lot. He searches desperately and frantically for his sister, Dawn, yet is she nowhere to be found.

"I knew I should not have left her... Not that I believe all that is being said, but I just need to be with her, now..." The young unicorn squeezes his eyes shut as he focuses on a spell; "Sister... Dawn... Where are you?"

Moments later, there is a response. "Brother, I am here - where are you?"

The unicorn stops in his tracks, turning about, almost going in circles. He is panting, "Sister, sister! Where are you?!"

"Brother, I am here - come to me, I am here. Let your horn guide you."

With that, the unicorn bent his head low and began to let his horn pull him in the direction of his sister. He charged through the frantic crowds of ponies and those who ran about. He had only one aim and that was his sister... Several times, as he went on his way to get to her, he was hindered by brief earth quakes and ponies who would come before him, screaming in his face, "THE END IS NEIGH, THE END IS NEIGH! TAKE HEED, ALL PONIES, THE END IS NEIGH!!"

He would ignore them as best he could, but a few decided to follow after him, screaming all the while. There was no way he would bring that nonsense to his sister, but he had to get to her - and soon! The unicorn made his decision and decided to use a bit of his untamed magic. He had hardly had time to practice any - let alone many - magic spells and the like because of other activities he participated in as a young noble in the city of Canter Lot... Nevertheless he needed whatever magic he had, now, to get these crazy ponies off of his flank.

He turned to them, pointing his horn at them, scraping his hoof over the ground and flaring his nostrils, "GET LOST!"

"AH BUT WE ARE ALL LOST, YOUNG ONE, WE ARE ALL LOST!" The small group of ponies answered, as they crept forward, still crying out, "ALL IS LOST, ALL IS LOST, THE END IS NEIGH, THE END IS NEIGH!!"

The unicorn let forth a full blast of magic from his horn, sending them all backwards. When the smoke had cleared - and he wasn't through, yet - there were  still a few ponies standing. Some were burned, others; not as much. A few lie lifeless on the ground, as well.

The unicorn smirked. Surely they would leave him be when they saw there fellow ponies' conditions... right? Wrong. They hardly glanced at the downed ponies before beginning to approach him again, crying out - louder now -

"THE END IS NEIGH, THE END IS NEIGH!! DO AS YOU WISH, FOR THE END IS NEIGH!"

"Grrr..." The unicorn turned tail and headed farther into Canter Lot. The crazed group of ponies followed after him, lagging behind like bunch of zomb-ponies...

The unicorn finally found his sister - "Dawn!!"

His white-flanked, winged, rainbow-maned sister sat at the edge of Canter Lot, looking out over the land below. She did not stir when he called her name, which was very strange and unusual behavior, for her.

"Dawn!" The unicorn trotted over to his sister, calling her name, again.

"Hm?... Dusk?" Dawn slowly turned her head in the direction of her brother's voice.

Dusk nuzzled his sisters face and neck, murmuring, "I was worried about you..."

"I am alright, brother, although I fear our home is not - In fact... in fact..." His sister's voice cracked, a bit, as it trailed off.

"What? Dusk said, "Is it about those dreams again?" Just as Dusk said these words, something snapped in his mind. What had his sisters dreams been like, again? That's right. She had heard screaming... and noise... lots and lots of noise.... The earth shook, as well, she had said, and... there was something else... There was this... haunting fear that something was getting closer, only she could never tell him what it was... even when she wanted to.

Before Dusk could say anything else, Dawn said, "No..." Her voice shook, "It is no longer the dreams that I fear... for they are here."

"What?" Dusk said, observing the newly made tears stream down her face.

"They are here, brother... they are true... it all came true..." His sister's voice was a squeak of a whisper.

Dusk licked his sister's face, gently. "What are you talking about?" He asked, softly. Even though he could have guessed.

"Dusk..." Dawn was trembling, now. "I...I feel it...I see it..."

Dusk would have responded but he felt a presence. He turned and saw the tired-eyed, weary-bodied, "zomb-ponies" watching him and his sister. He stood, hooves apart, bracing himself.

"You leave us alone! Go on, get out of here!" The ponies just stood and stared at them.

The earth suddenly began to quake - and more forcefully, now.

"Eeep!!" Dawn covered her eyes with her hooves and Dusk turned to embrace her. As he went to do so, and as the earth still trembled - he watched, shocked and wide-eyes as one of the large, golden pools of water which jut out from the side of the mountain, just below Canter Lot, began to crack. CR-A-A-CK! And with that, water began to gush from within the large crack, causing the large basin to eventually give way, creating a downpour of water and gold chunks.

CR-A-A-CK! Dusk barely had time to think after watching the basin crack, crumble and fall, as he turned to see a large crack forming between him and his sister, separating them from the psycho-ponies.

They all began to cry, "THE END IS NEIGH, THE END IS NEIGH!!"

"Shut up!" Dusk yelled back at the small crowd of ponies, as the ground beneath them began to give way.

"Come on, sister, we have to get out of here!" Dusk said, taking aim at one of the nearest crazy-ponies.

"No!" Dawn sobbed, tears streaming down her face, "I won't leave!"

Dusk's stance faltered as he was momentarily taken aback, "Wha...what?"

There was no way his sister was or could be crazy but to say what she just had was crazy! And why not leave? This place was collapsing, everything was being destroyed and nearly half of the Canter Lot residents, as far as Dusk saw it, were dazed and/or half crazy!

Dusk explained this to Dawn and said, "So you see, we need to go, now! There is nothing left for us, here!" CR-A-A-CK!! The surface beneath them weakened and the crack widened. Dusk turned in time to see one of the crazed ponies jump at him and his sister. PSHEW! PSHEW! Two beams of radiant magic from Dusk's horn sent the pony flying backwards, his flank burning as he skidded across the ground.

"Take that, fool!" Dusk spat, "Come, sister. We must go - now!"

"No, brother! Dawn said, drying her tears. She stood, now, turning her attention to the downed pony. "I will not leave this place. For years it has been my home and everyone in it are like family to me..."

"Well, that's only because you're too nice." Dusk said, a half murmur, half mutter.

"May be so, brother..." Dawn said, approaching the downed stallion, "But I love everypony, no less..."

She lowered her horn towards the stallion. She meant to heal him, only that wasn't to be the case. With an unearthly scream, the stallion began to grab at Dawn's horn and shake it, shaking her as well.

"Wha-ah-ah-ah!" Dawn cried.

Eyes wide and furious, Dusk ran over to the downed stallion and tore his sister away from him. He then aimed his horn directly at the stallion's face and let loose a blast of fury, his eyes full green and luminous. The earth began to tremble again.

"Ah - brother!" Dusk whipped his head about to see the area where his sister was begin to give way. How had she gotten all the way over there? Dusk gasped; it had been his fault! When Dusk went to attack the stallion, he had so forcefully thrust his sister back and out of the way, that - !

Dusk ran for Dawn with all of his might. He jumped the huge gap between them and as soon as he reached his sister, the area below them immediately gave way. They began to fall...

"THE END IS NEIGH! THE end is neigh...! The cries from the crowd of crazy ponies echoed after Dawn and Dusk as they plummeted downward.

"Dusk this was in my dream, as well!" Dawn cried, her legs flailing a bit.

Dusk gazed at his sister through steadily brightening eyes.... In a blast of magic, both he and she stood not too far from the Canter Lot Castle.

Dawn staggered a bit, her legs shaky with the sudden contact to solid ground. And since she hadn't gotten the chance to use them, she flapped her wings just to make sure they were still there.

Dusk shook himself and blinked his eyes until they felt back to normal.

"Dawn... are you alright?" He rubbed at one eye with a hoof until he could see her clearly.

"I am alright brother." Dawn answered, "Just a bit shaky, though..."

Dusk's hoof left his eye and he smiled, approaching his sister. They both wrapped a forearm around the other's neck. Dusk looked beyond his sister, to the sky beyond. He gasped.

"What is it, Dusk?" Dawn asked him, both of them still embracing one another.

"...." Dusk didn't answer, for his attention was directed to something in the sky...or... was it the sky, itself?

To anypony else it would probably have looked like a bunch of colors... But to Dusk, it looked like colored fumes. They seemed distant and faint but they were still there...

Dusk let his sister go, but kept a hoof on her shoulder. He looked into her eyes and slowly shook his head. "Dawn, here it isn't safe for us, anymore... We need to leave."

Dawn looked away and took a few steps back. "But..."

"But nothing, Dawn! Don't you see?! This place is in turmoil - everywhere is falling apart, the princess and prince have run off and there is nopony to save us! Only us - only we can make a difference in our lives, right now... We have to go." Dusk's voice went from loud to soft. "Why can't you see that? Did you see those ponies? Do you want to end up like them, also?"

Tears streamed from Dawn's eyes and she turned from her brother. It had been a long time since he had ever had to raise his voice at her - besides earlier, that is. Why couldn't he see how much this place meant to her?

"Brother." Dawn began, "If we were to leave this sacred place... If we were to leave this place where not only I but you were born... where our parent's and parent's parent's were born...where we grew up, where they grew up... Where... where basically everypony who I care about is... and was... If we leave here, then... then... I will never forgive myself!!"  Dawn began to sob and sat with her hoofs to her face.

Dusk just looked down at his sister, wondering at her love and foolishness. He thought hard about what she was saying and was about respond when she said, "Dusk... brother... It is as you said. This place is in turmoil and everything is falling apart and... and well, with that being said... we have nowhere to go. Sure we can run, but can we hide? Can we really escape the dangers to come? Where in Equestria - or anywhere, for that matter - are we to go? No other race would accept us, had they found a hiding place, would they?"

She waited but her brother didn't answer. Instead, he looked to the far horizon... gazing at it...studying it...

"Brother?" Dawn said, with sniff. She got up on all fours and turned to face him. She realized that he wasn't looking at her and she looked away. "Even still," she said, softly, "I would feel like I was abandoning everything I ever knew, if there were a hiding place... Too much of me would be lost... too much..."

"Dawn." Her brother said, "We need to go, now." Dawn's ears pricked. He said the same words, but his tone was completely different. Her brother never sounded that way unless he really and truly meant what he was saying. It seemed she had no choice, she had to go. Wherever it was they were going... she had to go.

"I am with you." She said, quietly. Dusk gave her face a quick lick and then moved towards the are where the land dropped off... He raised his head and pointed his horn to the sky.

"Brother?" Dawn said, "What are you going to do?"

"Wait and see, Dawn." Dusk said, his eye becoming illuminated. He looked back at her and said, "Do not worry. Where we are going you won't have to worry about anything, anymore."

Dawn shrank back from her brother. "U - Um brother... I don't think - "

Too late. A small section of the sky became cloudy. The gray clouds quickly blacked as Dusk's eyes were brightened towards a radiant shade of green.

Dusk rose up on his hind legs, his green hair swirling in the newly-created wind, his eyes completely green and luminous. He neighed and kicked his front legs as a large bolt of gree lightning was hurdled down towards himself and his sister.

Dawn gasped, "Dusk... NO!!"

BA-BOOM!!! As soon as the bolt made contact, the earth erupted... That whole space of land seemed as though it was to be wiped out. There was a great flash of light and the ground continued to tremble, greatly reducing the already shattered earth and then - !

And then all was still. All was quiet... All was dark...

~   ~   ~   ~

Dawn was the first to open her eyes. She looked about and then when she saw where she was, she gasped.

Dusk's head shot up, "What's wrong?!" He looked around, "What...where...?" Dusk and Dawn stood in darkness. About them were many stars. Dawn gasped as a shooting star sped past her, for it was close... She stumbled back into her brother. Dusk helped her to stand, again.

"Thank you," She said, blushing, a bit.

"Yeah." Dusk answered, absentmindedly. He was trying to make sense of what his mind was telling him. Surely this wasn't...

"Um, brother..." Dawn said, "Are we... where I thing we are? Is this... is this where you meant to send us?"

"...No." Dusk answered. This place certainly was definitely not the place he meant for them to be.

"Well... then.... where were we supposed to be going?" Dawn asked, moving closer to her brother. She didn't like the feeling of walking around on nothing. "And... and where are we, now?"

"I don't know." Dusk murmured, nuzzling his sisters face, "But at least we are safe... that is... I think we are..."

"Mmm - we are?" Dawn said, as he brother continued to nuzzle her. "Because if anything, we are in space, right now - Dawn gasped and then suddenly stumbled away from her brother. She fell back onto her rump and brought her hooves to her eyes, not looking at him. Dusk nearly toppled over but managed to keep his balance.

"What was that for?" He asked his sister. He felt the heat in his cheeks. It was a bit embarrassing to have his sister reject him that way... She would never do that! Especially... especially because he'd never do anything like that, anyways... or at least, not often.... not as often as she'd want him to, really...

"Dawn?" Dusk attempts to touch his sister, but she scoots away.

"No, no!" Dusk watches - partly amazed, partly annoyed, and partly amused, as his sister scoots away, on her rump, on nothing. It did look pretty funny, actually, but he couldn't laugh. She wanted to get away from him? Why?

Dusk attempts to approach her, when a radiant light suddenly appears before them. The light is as bright as the morning sun, and is very blinding.

"Ahh..." Dusk holds a foreleg up to his eyes.

"Eeee!" Dawn draws her hind legs up against her body and covers her face with her forelegs.

(Random image of a shining light)

My, my, such silly foaldren...

A voice sounded from within the large, luminous light which was now taking the form of a sphere. Dusk squinted against the light and continued to hold up a foreleg as he tried to see Dawn, wondering if she had heard the voice.

YES, DEAR SISTER! AND YEA VERY FOALISH!

Another, louder voice sounded from the bright light, as well.

"Eeeep!!" Dawn cried, beginning to tremble.

Now, now, sister. Thou needest not be that way. We are to be gentle...

WHATEVER THOU SAYEST, THOU SHALT YE DO, SISTER! I, ON THE OTHER HOOF, SHALL BE AS I AM - I KNOW NO OTHER VOICE TO USE BUT THAT GIVEN OF THE FORCE - HENCE I SHALL THEN USE IT!

Very well, sister...

Dusk's foreleg lowered and his eyes relaxed as the glow began to fade. The two he saw before him were none other then the guardians Lunais and Solaris.

(Image By: 90sigma, Deviant Art)