The Search for Light: Finding New Hope.

Chapters

Sibling Rivalry & Your Brother
The Midnight.
Anticipation .
Final Preparation.
The Shade.
The Test.
The Message.
Finally Awake.
Truths and Pasts.
Forward Movement.
Reunion.
Decisions.
Senary.
Understanding.

Sibling Rivalry & Your Brother

Sibling Rivalry

“That’s amazing!” Silver exclaimed, as he saw what his brother was holding. “You were really accepted into the academy?!?” Gold nods, smile on his face as he puts the letter to the side. “Yeah, Though was there any doubt that I wouldn't be picked for Celestia’s Guard?” Gold says as he runs his hoff through Silvers hair. SIlver swats at his brothers hoof. “Yeah, did any letter come for me?” Silver asks, the anticipation clear on his face. Gold shakes his head, much to the disappointment to Silver. “Sorry bro, your still just in training. You still have a year or two. Maybe longer” Silver flops down, onto the ground, laying flat on his stomach. “So? I’m just as good as you are, if not better.”

Gold leans down to his depressed brother, running his hoof through his hair again, chuckling slightly . “I wouldn't say as good, but pretty close.” Gold says teasingly. “Just you wait though. You’ll get accepted, I know you will.” Silver looks up at his brother, swatting his hoof away “Do you really think so?” Gold nods “Yeah, now get up, and lets go train a little before the ‘rents get back, ok?” Silver hops up excitedly “Yeah, lets go. I bet I can beat you this time.” Gold chuckles as he slowly follows his brother to their backyard training ground “Ha! You wish.”

Chapter 1: Your Brother.

I stand there, in a line of all the other Guards. I keep my head forward, my eyes following the commander as he speaks. “You are all here today, to hopefully join the Guard. You each may have your own purpose. But in order to join, to really prove yourself, you have to set aside all of those. For the sake of everypony who you will be protecting, you can not let your own goals interfer. You have to put your life and soul to the front lines, to protect the innocent. Do you hear me!?” There is a small pause, of total silence. Some people nod, while others look away. “Yes, sir!” I shout to him. I feel his gaze meet mine, instantly, analyzing me, judging me. “Step forward” He barks out and I follow his order. He walks around me. “Whats your name?”

“Silver Shot, Sir.” He puts his hoof to his chin. “You have a brother don't you? In Celestias Guard?” I nod “Yes, sir, I do. Gold Shot.” He move back and nods “Yeah, I remember him, A good cadet he was. And an even better soldier.” He pauses and smirks “Hope you can be as good as him?” I breath in slowly, not letting my anger get the better of me. “No, sir. I already know I am as good. If not better.” I keeps that smirk on his face “You sure about that, cadet? Why dont we just see how good you are?” He barks out to some others, and the fetch a bow and quiver. With no words, he points down a range, marking three targets. “Those, feel free to take your time.” I take the bow, and strap the quiver to the cadet armor. “From where, sir?”

He shrugs “Anywhere you please, cadet.” I nod “And how many arrows, sir?” He smirks again “As many as there are targets.” I nod again. Three targets, three arrows. Full concentration now. I pull out the first arrow, pulling back the string of the bow. Breathing in slowly as I take aim. “I know I said take you time, cadet, but don't take forever.” I snort at the commander, and lose the arrow, hearing the thunk as it hits one of the targets. I quickly fire off the other arrows, both reaching their mark. I turn to the commander, hoping to see the smirk wiped off his face, but I am met with his cold stare. “Well? How was that?” I say in a confident tone. “I thought you said you could do better, apparently, that isn't so.” I grit my teeth. “What do you mean?” I say, my tone hard and loud. “I hit all targets, right in the center.”

The commander nods “I can see that, yes. But you said you could be better.” I grit my teeth harder, as I glare down the commander “H-how is that not better?” I ask, my voice full of anger. “Your brother would have done it quicker. There’s no time to hesitate, or wait in battle. And your brother wouldn't let his anger get the better of him. Anger would only cloud your mind, and make you act irrational. ” The commander speaks harshly, stepping closer to me with every sentence, till he is snout to snout. “And, your brother knows how to respect authority. He knows his place. Do you?” He says in a low tone, almost a growl. “Well, if you couldn't tell. I’m. Not. My. Brother!” I snap at him. I close my eyes, and turn away, tossing the bow to the ground. “We’re through here. Cadets! Return to your quarters. Silver, you're coming with me.”

The commander shouts, adding that last part in a low angry tone to me. I stand in the grounds a while longer as every one, and there hushed whispers, leave. After another minute I go to the commanders office. I go to knock on the door, but just walk right in instead. “What took you, cadet?” I am greeted with is harsh tone instantly. “Sorry, sir. I just took a moment to cool down. I am sorry for the way I acted.” I speak through gritted teeth, still angry at him. “No your not. You are far from sorry. But, I do have to say, you were a fine shot out there.” He nods, slowly. “Infact, you were good enough, I might just let into full training, as a Guard. ” My eyes widen at this, But I regain my composure quickly. “Might, sir?” He nods again, and steps over to me. His hoofs hitting hard on the wood floor. “I can't just pass you up, you still have to take the final test.”

“But, are you sure that you can pass it?” He asks, his tone serious. I nod “Yes, sir. I know I can pass it.” He laughs “It’s not a cake walk like the range out there. This test is designed to test every skill that you would need to be apart of the Night Guard.” I nod slowly “Yes sir, I am sure.” I repeat. “This test is going to push your limits, and you only get one chance.” I look at the commander, confused “Why only one?” He sighs “Because, Many have tried, but none have succeeded. .” I cut him off “The tried and failed? So only one chance?” He shakes his head and looks down. “No, they tried. . And they died. Thats why theres only one chance. Now Silver, are you sure?”

I gulp, taking in what he just said. I give him a confident look and nod. “Sir, I know I can handle it.” I say as I turn towards the door “One question though. When do I get official Night Guard armor?” I hear him laugh, and I think I even saw a smile smile from him too. “Silver, you’ll get that armor when, and if, you survive.”

The Midnight.

Chapter 2: The Midnight.

This is probably the most amazing, fantastic, extraordinarily, insane moment of my life. Well, at least right next to the time I ate 37 pounds worth of apple pie, then downing a few gallons of cider. . Man that was awesome. But besides that, this is amazing. Im finally going to become an official member of the Night Guard. I can see it now, me standing there, in a line with all the others who passed, all of us in turn being handed the official Night Guard Armor. And then. . . And then? What happens after I become an official Guard?

Hmm, I guess I should have thought that part through a little more. Though, from what I hear, depending on one’s talent you will get assigned to a division. Such as personal guard, castle guard, front line, something along those lines. I just can’t wait. I guess it doesn't matter what division I'm in, just the fact that I’ll be a part of the guard. Oh and, sweet Celestia, all the perks that come with it. I get to travel anywhere for free. I will get so much respect from everypony. Everypony back home will be so proud. Oh! And all the mares are gonna dig me. “Yeah, I’m apart of Luna’s official Night Guard. Impressed?”

“Psh, why would I be impressed?” I hear a voice behind me, slightly laughing and startling me. I scramble to turn around, making the pony laugh even more. Once I regain my composure and brush myself off, I open my eyes to see who is there. A dark gray mare, with a short messy, golden blond mane and tail. Not only that, but she is wearing Night Guard armor. I can’t help but just stare at her. “Hey? You alright?” I hear her ask, and I shake my head, regaining consciousness. “Marry me.” I mumble.

Her expression quickly changes from concern to shock and disgust “What did you say?” She asks as her hoof raises in the air, ready to hit me. I step back, cringing slightly “Scaring me! I said you were scaring me.” I hold my hoofs in front of me, to block any incoming hit. “Really? That scared you? I only asked a question.” She sets her hoof down, and laughs again. “Well, I was kind of daydreaming.” I say with a slight blush. She smiles “Yeah I could see that. I was trying to get your attention for a bit. Then I just decided to see how far away you would get from camp. before you came to.” I look around, realizing that I have walked much farther than I meant to. “Oh, how far did I walk from camp?” She shrugs “About a mile or so.” My jaw drops “A mile?” She nods “Or so, maybe a little more, maybe less. anyways whats your name? cadet.”

“I’m Silver Shot. And yours?” She mulls over my name for a moment “Oh, Midnight Aegis. you can just call me Midnight though, or Aegis, doesn't matter.. Say, do you have a brother?” I let out an exasperated sigh. “Yeah, has everyone heard of him, or what?” I walk past Midnight, heading back towards the camp. “Well, he’s good at what he does, and where are you going?” I keep walking “Heading back to camp, where else?” She laughs “The camp is the other way, and it would be closed down by now. There’s no getting into it.” I sigh again “Well, what do we do then? Just stay here? In the woods?” She shakes her head “No. I know a secret way in, just follow me, cadet.”

Heck, I’d gladly follow her anywhere. I shake my head getting rid of those thoughts quickly, and stumble to catch up with her. As I walk, slightly behind her, trying not to be too obvious with my staring, I start to wonder. Wonder why she followed me, and why for so long. She does seem nice though. Or at least, she has no ill intentions to me. She seems to be easily agitated. Or maybe that’s just me. “S-so. . How are you?” I stammer out. Celestia damn it. Is that all I could come up with. “I guess so. Other than following a cadet into the woods, could be better”

I let out a nervous laugh “Hehe, sorry ‘bout that.” She shrugs, looking back at me, a soft smile on her face “It’s no problem. Just don’t make a habit of it.” I smirk “I’ll try” We laugh slightly. A sudden rustling comes from the bushes all around. “We better keep it down.” She says, her tone now hushed, and cautious. I nod in compliance, and follow her closely, and quietly. “Why did you follow me?” I am quickly shushed by her. “Come on, you have to answer me.” I am quickly shushed once again. “Fine, I was just. . “ I am abruptly cut off by her. “Will. You. Be. Quiet!” The last word rings out, breaking the (sort of) silence, echoing through the woods.

Silence again. Dead silence. The still air turning stale. Then a rustle here, or there, hard to tell, with the moon serving as the only source of light. I squint while looking around, catching only glimpses of blurry silhouettes, passing by quickly. I keep low, and reach back for my bow. . Shit. I didn’t bring it. I reach to my other side. I flip out my dagger, catching it in between my teeth. The tinge of metal quickly filling my mouth, as I bite onto it hard, grasping it tightly. “Now now, there’s no need for that.” I hear a voice chuckle. I spin around, looking through the shadowed trees, and moonlit bushes. More rustles surround us. . Scratch that. Me. Just myself, left to die alone. And I thought she was nice. Scratch that again, I will not die here, I refuse to.

“Drop the butter knife, shorty.” I hear from behind me. I turn and face a black cloaked pony. A long, double edged sword, held by the pony’s mystical silver arua. I let my dagger fall to the ground. “What do you want” I ask. “No need to be so hostile, shorty.” He says, chuckling. “It’s just that, you wandered pretty close to. . . A place. One I call my home.” I nod slowly “So, you come out to attack me?” He shakes his head, chuckling again. He flips his head back, letting his hood slide off. . . I face him, Stark white fur, and mane, with red eyes. “I haven’t attacked you. Just careful surveillance.” I glare at him, lowering my body, staying in attack position. “Then why carry a sword?” He laughs. “The same reason you carry a knife, just a sword is. . You know, more effective.”

“A weapon is as good as the pony carrying it.” I say in a low snarl, not letting my guard down, despite his how nice he may seem. He nods slowly “I guess that can be true.” I look around, making sure nopony is else with him. “If you don’t want to attack us, what did you do with Midnight then?” I ask, as I take a step closer, position my forehoof right at the base of my dagger. “Hmm? I only heard, and saw, you. If there was another pony, they got away quickly.” I nod slowly, sliding my hoof just a bit closer to the dagger. “I see. So she did just abandon me.”

I look down at the ground, feigning sadness. Just lining up a good shot. I move my eyes, glancing up at him. Perfect. I quickly flick my hoof forward, sending my dagger flying, skimming right across his side, tearing the cloak, and slightly cutting his skin. I lunge forward, grabbing his magically lifted sword in my teeth. (magic tastes weird) He keeps it in a tight magical grip, so I wrench my head back, making him stumble forward. I charge forward, just to be stopped by the white stallion, pushing back with his magic. “Mmph” I let out a slight grunt of pain, feeling the handle of the blade grind against my teeth. “You just made a big, big, mistake shorty.” He looks up, his red eyes, seemingly glowing from the moonlight. His horn glows a brighter silver, making me squint from the sudden rush of light.

He then pulls his head back, forcing his sword out of my mouth. “Well, I seem to making a lot of those recently. Hasn’t stopped me yet.” I smirk, and launch my self up, flying around. “Get back down here!” He shouts at me, swinging his blade at me, coming close a few times. “Come on, I thought you would put up a better fight.” I say, taunting him. I dive quickly, snatching up my dagger. “Again with that fucking butter knife?!” He shouts. I fly around, dodging any of his swings.

“Enough! Drop your sword, Blade.” The white stallion, apparently named Blade, turns around, facing a white mare. She has long white mane as well, with a matching white flower in it. “Star, What are you doing here?” He says, as he slides his sword into a sheath at his side. “I told you to stay home.” She glares at him, walking up, straight to him. “And I told you to not be brash. And look, your standing here fighting.” He looks back at me. “He attacked first.” She sighs “Stop acting like a kid.” She turns away from Blade and walks over to me “So sorry about my brother. Did he hurt you?” She says, looking over my shoulder slightly. I shake my head, and a moment of silence pass’s between us. “Well, did he?” She says again, tilting her head to the side. I shake my head again. “Can’t you speak?”

I give a confused look, and squint, leaning in slightly. I notice she has murky light blue eyes. “Oh, im sorry. I didn’t realize. . “ I trail off, as she laughs slightly “It’s ok. I can see fine. Well, sort of. The stars are my guide.” I nod slowly “Uh huh. Well, I’m fine, he didn’t even scratch me.” I say, and smirk back at him. “Yeah, only because he kept flying in circles.” She glares back at him, shutting him up instantly. “Again so sorry about him. I’m Starseeker.” She closes her eyes, giving a very sweet smile. “Silver Shot.” I reply. “I’m just trying to head back to camp.” She opens her eyes wide, slightly gasping. “Oh, you’re training at the camp?” I nod slightly “Mmhm. Yeah, I am.” She smiles excitedly. “That’s amazing!” She smiles wider. See, I told you, mares would dig me.

I smile “It’s not really. I’m just doing what I love.” I smile. But then I frown. “You didn’t happen to run into another pony, did you? A mare. Midnight Aegis?” I ask “She was leading me back to camp. But your brother showed up, and she disappeared.” Star nods slowly, and then shakes her head “No, sorry. I only followed brother here.” She frowns “If you want though, you can to our home, till day.” Blade lets out a frustrated sigh “Star, we’ve talked about this. We have to keep it secret.” She shrugs, looking back at him. “I know. But it’s the least we could do, for you keeping him stuck in the woods.” Her brother sighs, and starts walking away. “Fine, but if the elders get angry, you are the one to blame.” She nods slowly, letting him walk away. “He really is a good guy. Just cautious, and over protective.” I nod slowly “It’s ok. I did kind of attack first.” She shakes her head. “It’s ok. I think any sane pony would’ve” We laugh and she starts walking.

I follow closely behind. She leads me to a cave entrance. “This it?” She nods, then shakes her head. “Yes, but trust me, the inside is way better.” She smiles and walks in. I hesitate slightly and step in. I feel a cold chill sweep through me as I am led through a magic barrier. “Welcome to my home.” She says. I think back, through this entire event. Who knew a simple walk would lead me, to not only two weird ponies. But an entire, hidden city. Building’s of all sizes scattered about, each made of beautiful amethyst, sparkling like stars. And a giant castle in the middle, of this brilliantly made city.

And despite entering a cave, the entire ground is covered with grass. And, I’m pretty sure that is a sky up there, and not what should be the rocky ceiling. “W-what? Where am I?” I ask, still in a state of shock and awe. “It’s the Lunar Garden, our Kingdom of the Night. My home.” I nod slowly “Lunar Garden, Kingdom of the Night.”

I notice other pony’s walking around. All of them in colours of ranging from bright white, to the darkest black, with gray in between. A few odd ponies here, or there, with a different colour, than the apparently typical white, black, or gray. And every race as well. Pegasi flying around. Unicorn’s magic-ing about. Earth ponies walking around. Each of them, minding there own business. Reminds of a small village, Ponyville. Only way bigger. “Cat got your tongue?” I shake my head, looking back over to Star. “Oh, sorry. It’s just. . So amazing to see.” She smiles and nods “Yeah. It really is.” I look over at her, frowning slightly “Umm. What’s it look like to you?” She smiles and faces me. “Like a clear, night sky.” She leaves it at that, and we continue walking.

As we walk closer towards the center of the town, I decide to break the silence. “So, what’s that flower?” I ask, glancing at it again. “Oh, it’s a spring star flower. My favorite kind. They grow around here.” I smile as I look keep looking at it. A star flower, how appropriate. “Thats nice.” I say as we keep walking.

Every pony we pass, stopping to look at me. Some glare, some look confused. Other’s just glance at me, and ignore me. “It seems I am drawing some attention.” I whisper to Star “Just ignore them. They won’t hurt you much.” I nod slowly. “Wait, much?” I ask, and she smiles “Here we are.” She motions to a modest looking purple quartz house. “This your house?” She nods slowly. “Well, kind of. Everything here belongs to our Mother.” I nod. “Wait, here as in this house.” She shakes her head, laughing. “Here as in the kingdom.” She smile. and opens the door, both of us walking in.

“So, you’re like a princess then?” She laughs more “No, far from one. Long ago, a mare made this place, and let us live here. She is a Mother to us all. Our dear Mother, and we are her Children of the Night.” I nod slowly “That’s pretty amazing actually.” She smiles, and nods her head slightly. “I guess it is.” She smirks at me. I laugh and nod. “It really is” We take a seat on a couch. “So, what were you doing in the woods?” She asks innocently, stareing just past my head. I look back to see nothing but the empty wall. Oh yeah, blind. “Umm. Nothing really. Just walking. Trying to calm my nerves before this big test.”

Star smiles, adjusting her head to look more at where my voice is coming from. “Oh, thats nice. What test?” She asks. “It’s a test that, if I pass, I will become a full member of the Night Guard.” She lets out a tiny, barely audible gasp, as her eyes widen ever so slightly. “Really now? That’s amazing. Oh, where are my manners, I invite you in, and haven’t even served you any tea. Let me go make some.” She start to stand. I look at her, slightly concerned. She is both blind, and just an earth pony. It’s amazing she gets around as it is. I wouldn’t want her burdening her self just to make me tea. “Oh, no. You don’t have to Star. I’m fine. Really.”

“Oh, it wouldn’t be a problem Silver. I love t. . “ There’s a knock at the door, interrupting her. Star inhales sharply. “oh no.” She whispers, before calling out “Come in!” her voice is back to her cheerful one. A older mare steps in. An old unicorn mare, gray with age. “Starseeker. Care to explain why there is an outsider?” The old mare speaks calmly as she walks in, closing the door behind her. She takes a seat right across from me, half glaring, half observing me.

“He was lost. And his friend disappeared after Blade showed up. So I offered to let him stay till day. He’s an okay pony. I know he won’t tell this to anyone. Please let him stay White, please?” The old mare, White, sighs. “Fine. But I want a word with you, and Starlight Blade in the morning. And this pony.” She glares at me again. White gets up, and starts walking to the door. Star looks at the ground, biting her lip. “White. He’s from the camp. He’s training to be in the Guard. The Night Guard” White stops and looks back. She frowns for a moment, stepping right up to me, looking me over. Slowly, and carefully. “What is your name, young one?” I smile “Silver Shot. I just go by Silver though.” She looks at me closely still “I care not for nicknames, Silver Shot. But you are welcome here as kin.”

“Umm, ok? I’m confused.” I say, letting out a slight sigh. “Silver Shot, follow me. And maybe you will understand.” I nod and look back at Star. “See you later?” She nods as the door . closes behind me. I am lead to the castle. I am brought up it’s steps, lead into a long hallway. The throne room. The old mare lights up her horn, a white color filling the area. The blank purple walls shift, images appearing, in magnificent colour. “Many, many years ago, the two sisters ended the reign of Discord. Riding the land of chaos, replacing it all with harmony.” I nod slowly, looking at the pictures telling the story. The story that I knew since I was young. “I know. Everypony knows that.” She look’s back and glares “Don’t interrupt.”

I nod slowly, keeping my mouth shut. “The land though, was left devastated. We pony’s struggled. We worked hard, trying to rebuild our homes. Grow food to eat.” She sighs and keeps moving along, telling the story to each picture. “Misery was every. Especially for the pony’s who didn’t have magic, or wings. . . Or both.” She adds that last part in. “Our dear Mother, the younger sister, thought that the wisest decision would be to spread out the kingdom. Expanding, and found new pony colonies.” She walks to the other side, as I look at the images of saddened, and struggling pony’s. Pictures of a purple alicorn, looking over them, also saddened by their struggles.

“The older sister denied her though. Saying that spreading the kingdom will only tear it more apart. And then shatter it completely, from the lack of harmony.” White takes in a slightly malicious and angry tone. before continuing on normally. “Our mother, feeling like she was in her older sister's shadow, carried out her wise plan anyway. Mother went out, in the night, gathering the pony’s that were affected the most. The one’s living in the street. Kid’s from the orphanage.” She looks down saddened. “She brought us here. Let us live, and we prospered. We lived happily. Then, our Mother, she disappeared. And has been gone ever since.”

She sighs despondently. “I still remember it like it was yesterday.” She whispers to her self. “But that was many, many years ago. And we have ever since, been her Children of the Night” I nod slowly “So, how does that make me your kin?” She turns to me, a tear disappearing along her cheek. “Our mother, known to you as Princess Luna. You are in her Guard. You are welcomed as kin. But you must keep this a secret. Even to the Guard. For safety.” I nod slowly “I understand. I promise I will keep your secret safe.” She smiles “Thank you, Silver Shot.” I smile back, and and then frown. “Y-you know what happened to Luna, right?”

I ask, wondering if these pony’s know what happened. “After our Mother disappeared?” I nod “Yes, we all know the truth of Nightmare Moon.” She says with a small sigh. “even though we do, we do not look down on her. She was taken by a force stronger than she could control.” She trails off “And, wouldn’t you be angered like her? Wouldn’t you want to be recognized for what you do for the world?” I nod slowly “I guess I would. . “ I sigh slowly, and look down. “She’s back. You know?” White looks up. “Yes, I assumed since you are becoming apart of the night guard. The Nightmare has returned.”

“Well, Nightmare did return yes. But a brave mare, and her friends, turned her back to normal. Back to Princess Luna.” White gasps, closing the gap between us. “When, when did our dear Mother return?” I smile sadly “A year ago. That’s why the Night Guard was brought back.”

“She’s back.” White says. Another tear rolling down, and disappearing along her cheek. I nod slowly. “You have to leave. Now.” White says. Her smile turning to her normal expression. “You must leave, and bring our Mother here.” I nod slowly “I can do that. But, I don’t know how long it will take though. See, first I have to pass a test tomorrow. . .” I trail off. How did I forget about it. I leave worrying behind though. I need to stay serious. “And after I pass that, I can become apart of her personal guard. Then, me and Luna. . Your Mother, will be back.”

White nods slowly. “Do I have to leave now though? Wouldn’t it be easier to stay here, then leave in the morning?” White sighs. “Fine. But you leave as soon as you can.” She states. “And, please don’t punish Star, or Blade. Neither of them meant any harm.” White nods. “I have cared for them since they were young. Their parents passed when they were young. And I know that they know what is right and what is wrong. And, how could I punish them for doing something they think is right? ” She laughs and I give a nervous chuckle. “See you in the morning. Silver.”

Anticipation .

Chapter 3: Anticipation.

This is it. I never realized that the end would be so close in sight. And yet seem so impossible to reach. I am nervous, extremely nervous. Sweating on the inside, while staying as cold as a stone on the outside. I can’t let my nervousness get the better of me now. I can’t let them know how scared shitless I am right now. I feel myself starting to shake, but I stop myself instantly. “You ok Silver?” I hear Star ask “Yeah, im fine. It’s just. . . It would’ve been years before I could’ve took this test. But the commander let me take it early. It’s. . “ I sigh “Nerve racking to be honest.” Star laughs “You’ll be fine. I know you will. . .” She look’s back at me, slightly sad “This is as far as I can go. I wish you luck on your test. Please visit when you can.” I smile “Of course I’ll visit, when I can of course. The life of a Guard is going to be tough” I puff out my chest and she laughs.

Star walks up to me, her eyes staring into mine. “You have amazing eyes Silver. There bright and full of life. They sparkle just like the stars. And like the buildings of the Lunar Garden” She gives a small smile, and leans in, planting a small kiss on my cheek. She blushes and wishes my luck once more, scurrying off back to the cave. I stand there blushing. I place my hoof on my cheek and smile wide. “What are you doing?” I shake my head and jump slightly, falling to the ground as I am startled. “Sorry I was just. . Wait. Midnight? Where did you go?!” I shout at her when I see who it is. Standing to my hoofs, and walking up to her, giving her an angry glare on my face.

“Where did I go? Where did you go!?” She breaths angrily at me, pressing her head against mine, eye to angry eye. She steps back, and calms down slowly, before speaking again. “Last night. After I yelled at you to be quiet, I continued walking. I made it to the passage and turned to apologize, and you were gone.” She speaks slowly, anger in the edges of her voice. “So, I went back to look for you, and couldn’t find you. Where did you go? You had me worried.” I open my mouth, but no words come out. I can’t tell her about what happened. “Well. . See, I. After you left. . I got lost again, so I found a place to rest, and stayed there till now.” I stammer out, trying to be convincing as possible.

She gives me a sceptical look, but then shakes her head. “Ok, what ever. Details don't matter at the moment. What does matter is that you have that test to take.” I give a nervous grin “Haha, yeah. I guess I do. . Wait, how did you know?” She smiles, giving a small giggle “I don’t think there’s a pony in camp who doesn’t know about that.” She laughs a little. Great. Now I have to deal with literally everypony knowing. Oh well. I should've guessed that anyways. Breath slowly now, Silver. I know I can do this. I have to do this. No backing out now. I need to prove it to the commander that I can. To my brother. . And to myself.

And not only do I have to take this test and pass it. I also have to find a way to get close to Luna. I do wonder though, why didn’t she remember them instantly? Well, you know, I guess going insane, then spending 1,000 or so years like that might be the reason. Then all the rush of being back to normal and reuniting with her sister. Then having to adjust to the modern world. . . Ok I guess there is a lot of reasons why she wouldn’t remember instantly. “You coming or what?” I look up, and see Midnight a ways away from me. I nod and catch up quickly “nervous?” I shake my head vigorously. “No! W-why would I be nervous?” I stutter out, my voice betraying what I say. I sigh “M-maybe a little.”

She laugh for a moment, before throwing her forehoof around me. “It’s ok. Don’t worry. You will breeze through the test. The old commander always over dramatizes it.” I give a nervous chuckle. “Oh really? What all do I have to do then?” She looks back at me, giving a nervous, half smile. “Umm. Can’t say. Not allowed to.” She turns back around, and walks a little quicker, changing the subject as well. “So, you stayed a complete night in that forest?” I give an affirmative nod. “Mmhmm. An entire night. In that forest. Right behind us.” I sound a little bit more convincing than last time, at least. “Why? Is there something wrong with that particular forest?”

Midnight stops in her tracks, turning to face me. She stares at me for a long moment, before bringing her hoof right into her face. An audible smack is heard when her hoof connects with her muzzle. “What?” I ask again. “Is there?” She nods slowly, letting out a long, exhausted sigh. “Yes, there is something wrong with that forest. It’s the everfree.” I open my mouth to say something, but no words come out, just a light, barely audible squeak. My eyes grow wide, and my pupils shrink down to a pin point. I quickly glance back to the forest, just barely glancing a tendril of shadows shooting out from behind one tree to behind another.

“Oh. That forest. . . . “ I quickly bolt ahead of midnight, leaving a small trail through the dirt path. As I pass her, I think I hear her hoof hit her face again. I don’t care to find out, as I bolt straight into camp. I keep running till I run into a pony, hearing them groan with pain as I do. “Owch! Watch where you're runn. . Silver?” I rub my muzzle for a moment, then I look up to the pony I ran into. I am met with gleaming orange eyes, and a familiar peach coat. I glance back, seeing those four white playing cards on his flank. I smile and get back onto my hooves. “Double Lift. What are you doing here?” He frowns. “What? Can’t I visit an old friend? Not to mention an old friend who’s about to take an important test.” He gives a wide smile and throws his hooves around me, pulling me into a tight hug.

“Nng. I mean. When did you get here?” He pulls away from the hug. “Got here earlier this morning. Me and Hat Trick.” I smile “You brought your sister to a training camp, full of probably dangerous ponies and weapons?” He nods slowly “Yeah. They should be afraid.” Theres a small pause of silence before we both laugh. “Oh yeah. Whirl Wind and Breezy Day were trying to make it as well, but there train got stuck. And you know they can’t fly this far.” I am both sad, and glad to hear that bit of information. That would be too much pressure. Also, having all my friends here would be distracting. “Then how’d you get here?” I ask a question, and am given what should have been the most obvious answer when he points to his horn. “Been practicing my magic. I can comfortably teleport me and my sister pretty long distances now. Still getting the hang of it though. I ended up putting us right into a river.”

I try to hold in a laugh, but fail. “Yeah yeah, laugh it up.” He reaches over and smacks the back of my head. “Sorry, sorry. Anyways, it’s been a while. What’s up?” He opens his mouth as if to explain, but closes it without a sound. “Too much to explain, especially on an empty stomach.” As if on cue, a very audible growl comes from his stomach. I give a small chuckle and motion Double to follow me. “You can explain it over lunch then.” After reaching the mess hall, and picking up a meal for me and Double, and finding a seat, he begins to tell his story.

I mean literally his story. The things he has been through these past years could fill a book bigger than my head. “The wedding after words was pretty good as well. And that rainbow mare I mentioned before did another rainboom.” He says as he throws his hoofs into the air excitedly. “Wait a minute. . So you were at the changeling invasion? And even helped stop it?” He nods slowly, his mouth full of a hay sandwich. “That’s what I just told you, right? And I didn’t help that much, it was mostly Twilight and her friends.” He says through his full mouth. “Are you sure you don’t ‘have what it takes’ to be a Guard?” I say through a small chuckle.

Double nods again. “Yeah. You know me. Once a show pony, always a show pony. I mean, come on, my entire family is show ponies.” He pauses for a moment putting his hoof to his chin. “Oh, speaking of show ponies. Boy do I have another interesting story to tell you. It all started when this azure mare came to ponyville.” He starts his story, and I listen on intently. Wow, he really has been through alot. Imagine that though. When we were kids, to be blunt, he was a complete wimp. He barely would leave the yard. And now all of this? I am impressed, really I am. And if a colt like that, back then, turned into the stallion before me, then I should pass that test for sure.

“Anyways, after the show for the Saddle Arabians she ran into me. We got to talking and found out we’re related. She’s my cousin. My uncles daughter. I didn’t even know I had an uncle. But I was able to get a hold of my father, and apparently it’s true. Though, they had a falling out, and haven’t spoke since way before I was born.” I slightly nod my head as I take in this information. “Wait. How did you two find out you’re related?” He chuckles slightly. “Well, we both have a very similar technique. Like, too similar to be a coincidence. I was taught by my father, and she was taught by hers. And they both learned it from there father. And what are the chances that we would have a grandpa with the same name?” I give a small shrug. “I dunno, pretty small I guess.”

He chuckles slightly and nods “Yeah. Also, her father and mine are, like, twins. So when she showed me a picture of her dad, I knew for sure.” Makes sense. It’s cool that he could find a relative. Even though she was kind of crazy at first. “There you are! You ungrateful, disrespectful, little chicken!” I hear a very familiar, and angry voice tear through the mess hall. Uh oh. “Hey, Double. You wouldn’t happen to know a spell that can take me to another world, would you?” He shakes his head as he looks behind me, from where the voice originated. “No, but I think there’s this mirror in Canterlot. . . Duck.” Huh, what does he? As I turn around to see what he’s talking about, my entire vision is turned black, as I bowl of. . I don't wanna know, covers my face.

“I can forget that you left me on the outskirts of the everfree. What I can’t forget though, is that after you ditched me, you didn’t bother waiting for me, and went to go eat food with peachy boy there.” Double frowns. “Hey, leave me out of this, I was just talking with an old friend.” He holds up both his hoofs defensively. Finally I was able to pry off the bowl, it hitting the floor and rolling away. “Ok, ok. Im sorry. But, you seem very capable. I’m sure you can handle your self.” She just keeps glaring at me. “That’s not the point. What is, is that after all what happened last night, and all the effort I went through to try to save your flank, you just up and ditch me.”

I sigh again as I wipe what ever that stuff is off my face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have ran. I’m just. . I’m just freaked out ok. I have been worrying my freaking flank off about this test. Then on top of that, I get lost in the everfree forest for a night. Then I find out that literally everypony in camp knows about the test. Then he shows up out of nowhere.” I throw my hoof towards a now empty spot. From across the hall I hear him call. “Went back for fourths. Also, she’s your problem, leave me out of it.” More pain fills my head as my hoof immediately smacks it. “I really am sorry. I was going to wait. But then I found out Double was here. And we just started talking.”

Anger is still evident on Midnights face. She stays silent as she slowly calms down her breathing. “No. I’m sorry. I. . Overreacted. Call it even?” I give her a smirk “Yeah, I guess we can call it even. . If you dunk your head in that trash can, there.” I point at the nastiest trash can that I see. And I watch as she gives a disgusted look. “And why would I do that?” I point to the discarded bowl, of foul smelling green goop. “For throwing. . What ever that was at me.” She sighs. “How about I hit you over your head hard enough to make you forget?” She asks me, and holds up her hoof. I flinch back. “Ok, ok, were even. Can you at least grab me a towel?” She laughs and nods, walking away.

She comes back in a moment, passing a towel over to me. I smile and wipe my face clean, ridding me of the green goop. “What was that stuff anyways?” She bites her lip and looks up for a moment. “Uhh. Its. . A secret. And trust me, you wouldn’t to know anyways. . You didn’t happen to get any in your mouth, did you?” She asks in a slightly concerned tone. I shake my head quickly. “No. Why?” She shakes her head in turn. “Oh nothing. . Just wondering.” She smiles wide and steps towards the exit. “Also, your test should be soon, better prepare.” I watch her as she leaves. “She’s hot.” I jump back in surprise, as Double appears at my side again.

“Does someone have a crush?” He asks in a condescending voice. I smirk and smack the food out of his magical, white, grasp. “Oh come on dude. Not cool!” I shrug. “Well hey double, it was nice talking again. We can talk more later, I need to go prepare and train.” I dash of instantly, running to my bunk in the living quarters. I scramble my hooves around before finding the old wooden trunk. I open it up and stare at it’s contents. A bow. Not just any though, my fathers. Passed down to Gold. And from him to me. It does not look like much, just an old wooden bow.

But, when it was made by my father, long ago, he had an enchantment put on it. The bow itself will never wear with age, at all. And the string can never break. It can also do something else. Something amazing. Well, according to Gold that is. He wouldn’t tell me. He said I had to figure it out on my own. I set the bow aside and pull out the next item. A quiver with a single arrow, another item from my father. The quiver itself is nothing special. But the arrow that is in it, is something else entirely. I pull out the arrow. It’s look’s like an average arrow, but it is completely black. It was made with shadow forged steel. And by the legendary blacksmith Iron Forge. The arrow, not only being indestructible, will always appear back in the quiver after it’s fired from a bow. It can also pierce dragons scales, though I’m not sure if that part is true.

I slide the arrow into the quiver and set it next to the bow. I take my dagger off my side, and pull it out from the sheath. I have had this thing for ever. While it is not special in any way, well, other than being a pretty strong and reliable dagger, it has a lot of value to me. I place it next to the bow and quiver. I reach into the box again, slowly, as if the any sudden movement would make it close forever. I pull out a picture. A very, very special picture. It’s the only picture of me, my mom and dad, and Gold, all together. As a family. I was only just a foal then. I sniff slightly as I place the picture back into the box.

“She was a good mother, she really was. And she loved you a lot.” I jump at that voice from behind me. I slam the box shut, sliding it quickly back under the bed. “What do you want?” There is silence for a long moment. “What’s your problem? I came to wish you luck.” I turn to face him. His gold mane cut short, and slightly spiky. “Well, I don’t need your luck. Gold. I’ve made it this far without it.” There is a long, awkward pause before I hear Gold again. “Silver. . Please. Why are you still . . “ I turn around, cutting him off with an angry glare. “I made it clear the last time we spoke. Don’t make me say it again.” He raises his hoof up, then places it back to the ground, turning around and heading towards the exit of the room. He glances back one more time. The look of hurt, the look of sadness. But I still see no regret. “Silver. If. . If you want to talk, at all. You’ll know where I’ll be.” I snort at him, and he finally turns and leaves.

I will never forgive him. Ever. What he did to me back then. Back when our parents. . Back when our parents left us. Left me, all alone. I thought I would have the comfort of my brother, but apparently going to the guard was more important than caring for his little brother.

The Letter.

We got back inside, both panting and exhausted after the long day of training. I was so close to beating him this time. Gold looks up at the clock on the wall. “Wow, we spent longer than I meant to.” He pauses for a moment, looking around the dark house. “Whats wrong?” I ask him as I finish dragging in the rest of the equipment. “Its just. Mom and dad should’ve been home. Maybe they're running late.”

Maybe running a little late. Well, running a little late turned into forever gone. Maybe, just maybe, if there was never a knock on that door, if that letter never came, then they would still be here. Maybe. But, the past is set in stone. One that no matter how hard you try to break, try to change, it will always be the same. That ominous knock. Three slow, hard bangs on the wooden door. “Be right there!” Gold called out. I was sitting in my room, looking up at my ceiling, where I had a picture of Astral Blade. He is one of the best, and he was my hero. I admired him. If it was the average pony visiting, or one of Golds friends, there would be some small chatter I would hear.

But it was dead silent. Ha, dead. . After a few long agonizing minutes, I heard the door close, creaking slowly. Silence again. I step out of my room, peering down the hall to see Gold, sitting there, in front of the door. “Gold?” I ask out, but my words fall on deaf ears. I walk up to him. He’s crying. I think that’s the only time I have seen him cry. I watch as the tears stream down his face. I follow them to the ground where I see a tan letter, set on top of a white envelope. The envelope has the Canterlot hospital’s mark on it, and next to it, in small black blocky letters, it reads ‘To the family of Virtue Mark, and Rose Petal.’

I reached for that letter. I picked it up and read it slowly. The words filling my mind like a flood before I realized what they meant. ‘We are sincerely sorry to inform you that the pegasus Virtue Mark, and the unicorn Rose Petal, were in a major accident, resulting in their passing, and the passing of many others. We sent these letters to their respective families post haste. We are all sorry for your loss. Princess Celestia would like to let the families know that she feels deeply saddened by the events. And she knows her sadness does not compare to theirs. As such, she has offered to cover the cost of all the funerals.’ I stopped reading there, as my sobs started overcoming my body. I was shaking, I was crying. Just like Gold.

I flung myself around him, hugging him tight as we both cried. I ended up crying myself to sleep, and he must of put me into bed, because that’s where I woke up. Still shaken from the event, I mournfully walked out of my room, and down the hall into the kitchen. And sitting there on the table, was the second letter the tore my life apart.

‘Hey silver. You were asleep and I didn’t want to wake you. Breakfast is in the fridge, it’s your favorite. You remember the letter I got right? About joining the guard? Well, I read it more, and it requires a lot of training. I know you can take care of yourself. Just don’t burn down the house, K? I don’t know when I’ll be home. Could be a long while before we see each other again.’

I was broken again. I became furious. I chucked the letter into the trash can. I pulled out the breakfast he made, and threw it right in next to the letter. How could he just push it all away like that? Forget our parents, and forget me. I was left alone, and cold. And that cold soon turned into burning hate.

Years later

So, that was that. I was left all by my self. Left to fend for myself. I had to grow up completely self reliant, I wouldn’t accept the help from others. Not even my friends. Week’s passed, then months, then even years without word from Gold. In that time, I joined a trainee camp for Celestia’s Guard. After that, I was then accepted into the academy. I worked hard, studied hard, and trained harder. I quickly moved through the grades.

Senior year now. A week from graduating, and being moved into a cadet camp for Luna’s guard, choosing to go there instead of Celestia’s. Then. . Then he showed up. “Hey Silver!” He called to me excitedly, as if he had the right to speak to me as a brother. As family. I had no more family. I just looked at him, half between an angry glare, and a sad frown. “Silver? What’s up? You should be excited, it’s me, Gold! Your brother.” Now a full on angry glare at him. “I know who you are, but, I have no brother. Not any more. The one I knew abandoned me.” He went to speak again, and just gave me that look of hurt and sadness, with no regret. “Oh come on Silver. Don’t be like that. Look, I’m sorry, ok. We’re still family though.” I snarled at him, resisting the urge to hit him. “My family died a long time ago. I have no more family.”

I had spent *thirteen** years alone, without family. Without a mom, or a dad. Or a brother. Then he shows up, thinking I can just forgive him that easily. Thinking that he can just be my brother again. Well he guessed wrong. And that was a year ago, and since then, I graduated from the academy, joined the cadet camp, and now have a chance to be an official guard. Just like I planned. With one exception. Is that he still thinks he can waltz back into my life.*

Present.

That was the past fourteen years of my life. It was hard, but I can’t let any of. . Of those emotions resurface now. I can’t lose myself now, because I have a test to take.

Final Preparation.

Chapter 4: Final Preparation.

I have Double help me finish setting up my equipment. Strapping the bow to my back, and making sure everything is secure. “Ok, think it’s all done. You ready?” I give a confident smirk, and shake my head. “Of course I am. I've been training my entire life.” He gives a sad smile “Yeah. I know. Well, I will be cheering you on.” He holds out his hoof, and I hold out mine. We each smile for a moment. “Come on.~” I hear from the side of Double. “We gotta get good seats.” He chuckles as he looks down at his sister. “Run on ahead Hat. I’ll be there.” She nods excitedly and bolts off.

“Silver. I’m being serious now.” He gives off that impression too, as he speaks. I nod slowly, letting him continue. “Silver. I’m your best friend. I have known you since we’re foals. And, you’re amazing. You really are. When you set a goal. . Well, it’s like you're shooting arrows, you will always hit your target.” I smirk. “Well of course. I am the best” He cuts me off with his still serious glare. “That could be true. But you forget one thing. You’re only one pony. And every pony has their limits. You know yours. So please, don’t push yourself too hard.”

He takes a short breath and gathers his thoughts. “I know you can pass this test. If there’s one pony who can, it would really be you.” He pauses again, silence coming over us. “Then, why are you worried?” I ask, breaking the silence. “I’m not. . Well, I just don’t want to see you destroy your self. I’ve seen ponies who do that, trying to reach targets that are just too far. It can even happen to the best. Even they can fall. Just ask yourself three questions.” He pauses again. I am really starting to hate these pauses. “First. ‘what is my goal.’ The second. ‘Can I reach it.’ “ He takes another pause, staring right into my eyes. Orange meeting silver. “And the third, the most important. ‘Am I ready.’ Like, really ready.” I look down at the ground. Then back up to him. “If you can answer all these, and answer them confidently. If you can do that for me, then we both know, for sure, that you will pass this test.”

Seems silly, but I entertain the thought for him. “My goal, to pass the test, and join the guard. I know for sure that I can reach it.” I pass his third question around in my head. “I’m. . Ready.” He gives a half smile, that looks more sad then happy. “Good. Now go pass that test.” He gives me a friendly hug, before finally walking off. I hear a laugh from behind me. “W-what was that all about?” I recognize the voice as Midnights. “Just some friendly conversation.” She shakes her head through the laughs. “Yeah, ok sure. How about a weird pep talk?” She laughs more before calming down. “Sorry. He seems like a good friend. You should be lucky.”

I nod “Yeah, I know. He’s my best friend.” She smiles. “Anyways, time to get going. You have a test to take.” I turn around, looking at the entrance to the cavern arena. It was a normal cavern that they bared out, and turned into a sort of battle/training arena. It also connect to a large cave system, that they use for the final test. “You know the secret about this place, right?” I give her a confused look, shaking my head. “No, I don’t think so.” She smiles as we walk down the long stairway. “Well, some say, that somewhere in those caves, is a spring. Going into that spring, they say, will bring you into a magical garden, where a kingdom was once formed.” Magical garden. . A kingdom formed. That sounds a lot like. . “Hmm. What ever. Probably not true.” I brush it off. It might not be related, at all. But just incase I pretend to be sceptical. “Have you been there?” She shakes her head, laughing.

“No. Like you said, it’s probably not true. But, my father would always tell me stories about it. Or at least, what it would be like.” I nod slowly, listening to her talk. “Amazing architect, with all the buildings and castle made out of the finest amethyst.” It can’t just be a coincidence now. Maybe there is more than one entrance to the Lunar Garden? I have to make sure though. “Your dad’s stories. The place he talked about. . It wouldn’t happen to be the Lunar Garden, right?” She nods slowly. “Mmhm. That’s what he called it. How’d you know?” I give a slightly nervous smile. “Oh uhh. Yeah. I have heard about it before, my mom. . She, would tell me stories too.” I give a sad sigh, thinking about mom again. “T-to bad they're just stories.” She nods again. “Yeah.” We finally reach the end of that conversation. We reach a small clearing, where there is a set of stairs on either side, leading to the stands, and the main staircase still leading down to the arena. “Well, see you later, Midnight.” She waves bye, and steps off to the right, as I continue down.

I step into the large, oval arena. It is dead silent, apart from all the hushed whispers. The arena is full with all the cadets, and a few outsiders. I spot Double, Hat, and Midnight all sitting together in the front row. They wave to me. I would have waved back, but the table that sits in the middle of the arena catches my attention. Because, sat at it, are the ponies who were going to judge my test. Decide my fate. And they were also the most important ponies ever. On the edges of the table, sat the two highest ranking members of Luna’s Guard. Then, following them, sat Astral Blade, and the other commanding officer of this camp, Smokey Night. And, in the middle of all of them, sitting at the center of the table, was Princess Luna herself.

I instantly bow the moment my eyes meet hers. “Please stand, Silver Shot.” I comply as I hear the soft voice of the Princess. I stay completely silent. “As I hear it, from Astral Blade, you are a very good cadet, and that you would make a great addition to my Guard.” I hear Smokey grunt, and I am pretty sure I saw him roll his eyes. “I wouldn’t say that Princess. He just got lucky.” She glares at him. “I was not asking you, Smokey.” She looks back to me, nodding for me to answer. “Well, that is up for you to judge, Princess. But I am confident in my skills, yes.” She nods, smiling. “Good. Your test is a simple one. All you have to do, is find this.” Her horn radiates a silver aura, before shifting to a darker color. Before her, on the center of the table, appears a clear orb, filled with swirling black smoke, that looks a lot like shadows. ”Do you have any problems, or questions about your test?” I shake my head. Luna’s horn glows again, sending the orb away with a flash. “And, you are allowed one piece of equipment from outside the caves.” She flashes off all my armour, and weapons, having them rest on the table. “What will it be.” I walk up, and grab my bow, and quiver. “I figured that would be your choice.” Astral Blade remarks, chuckling lightly. Luna hushes him with a glare as well. “Sorry, Princess.”

“Well. Silver. Feel free to start when you want. You have till this amulet turns red to find the orb.” As she says this, she lifts an amulet onto my neck, it is a bright gold gem, with a silver casing around it. “Once you get the orb, or after this amulet turns red, you will be teleported back here. Once back, your performance will go under review, and it will be decided if you will pass.” I nod throughout her small speech. Once she was finished, a loud clank is heard, and behind them, the large, iron doors creek open. I walk around the table slowly. I stand there, at the entrance. I take a step through the doors, feeling the musky air of the cave hit me. I am about to continue past, when I hear the princess speak again. “Oh, one more thing, Silver Shot.” I turn back to face the speaking princess. “Please try to pass. I have quite a few bits bet on you.” With that, the iron doors close quickly. The last thing everypony sees is the face of a bewildered, silver, pegasus.

The Shade.

Chapter 5: The Shade.

(Elsewhere)

“Princess, This is urgent. You have to come with me, somewhere private.” The lavender alicorn speaks to her former mentor. “What is it Twilight?” The elder alicorn asks, as they walk down the twisting halls of the castle, going deeper, and deeper into it. They venture even father still, before Twilight feels safe to speak again. “Celestia. I was reading through old tomes. And I believe that. . “ She trails off, looking down to the cobblestone floor, deep within the castle’s depths. “Believe what, Twilight?” Twilight responds with a despondent sigh, before she continues speaking.

“I believe that. . That. . Something is going to awaken, to return. Something that is more powerful than Discord, more evil than Sombra.” Celestia keeps her steadfast expression. “Celestia. I believe that Neros is going to return.” The ancient alicorn just stands there. “Twilight. What you say. Do you know for sure that it is true?” Twilight opens her mouth to speak, but instead, only replies with a small nod. “If Neros is to return while the elements are gone, it means sure disaster for equestria.” Twilight shakes her head, quickly using her magic to pull a book out of her saddle bag. “Yes, that would be true, but according to this, there is an artifact that can stop Neros and the Shade.” Celestia takes the book from Twilight, quickly reading through its pages. “Yes. I know the artifact this book speaks of. . It’s” Twilight cuts of the Princess, speaking anxiously. “The Celica. An amulet that if filled with enough power, could banish anything into the void. Forever. No way of escape.” Celestia smiles, even in slight despair of the situation, at her former students knowledge.

“Yes Twilight. There is a problem though. The last time I saw The Celica was a thousand years ago. Before Nightmare Moon.” Celestia looks down. “I don’t know where it is now, or where it could be.” Twilight walks up to Celestia. “Let’s ask Luna then. Maybe she knows.” Celestia shakes her head. “Luna wouldn’t know. I. . I never told her about it.” Twilight gives the white alicorn a look of confusion, before gasping. “You were going to use it on her, weren't you? You knew about Nightmare Moon.” Celestia shakes her head, sinking lower in guilt. “Yes. But only as a last resort. I would never want it to come to that. To completely lock away my sister.” Twilight nods, putting her hoof around Celestia. “I understand. You had it then? So, what happened to it.” Celestia sniffs, before regaining her normal, regal, composure. “I had kept it with me, at all times. Then, one night, I woke with a fright, and it was just missing. I didn’t have much time to think about it, because that was when Luna. . “ Celestia trails off, holding back her guilt.

“And don’t you think that’s related? Luna could’ve found out about. We have to ask her Celestia.” Celestia nods solemnly. “I don’t think so. Luna is smart in many subjects. But, she would have stolen it earlier, if she thought I would have used it.” Twilight shakes her head. “Celestia, I know you feel guilty about what happened in the past. You should be. But, it’s still just the past. We need to go to Luna. Now!” Celestia, a little surprised by her former students reaction. “Twilight, I. . . You’re right. Though, Luna is very busy right now. We can wait till she gets back to the castle.” Twilight sighs, dropping the subject. “Fine. We can wait.”

Celestia nods, and walks away from the ancient study of the castle, back to the throne room. All the while, thinking to herself. Neros. I hoped that he would never awaken. I haven’t seen any signs, but if he is to return, then I must start looking for them. To properly prepare. And, last time, me and Luna were only barely able to defeat him, and seal him away. And that was with the elements. And we forgot about his Shades. I’m pretty sure they are still lurking somewhere in Equestria. . . But, ever since their last attack, on Canterlot, they haven’t dared show their presence.

Celestia was brought out of her thoughts, by the clicking of hoofsteps behind her. “Princess, wait. I want to know more about Neros. The books were very vague, only saying that he is a major threat. A danger to all of Equestria.” Celestia stops in the hall, turning to Twilight. “He is not just a major threat, twilight, Neros is the end. Without the elements, his return would mean sure destruction of everything. The last time he awoke was disastrous. There are still remnants, scars on this land, that show his terrible power. And, while not a big as threat as himself, his Shade are pretty dangerous.” Twilight gives her a confused look. “His Shade?” Celestia nods. “Yes. Beings of pure darkness. They are very similar to the changelings, in nature. They can easily disguise themselves like us. But they also have the power to bring out our own darkness. They can take it, and give it form. When our darkness and a Shade mix, it changes them into an Umbra. Essentially, our dark self.”

Twilight nods as she takes in this information. “But, it was the darkest things in our life, that caused the brightest parts in it too. In those times, when the darkness ruled the land. When it imprisoned us. When we had thought that everything was over. That all was lost in Neros’ grip. But it wasn’t the end. For, the darkness fueled our hope, made it burn brighter.” Celestia stops speaking, letting silence take over again, but only for a moment. “Please, remember that Twilight. No matter how dark it gets, there will always be those who carry hope like a torch. Lighting the way for others to follow. It is a great honor, and a burden. But, you and your friends know that all too well.”

“Princess. . I know we would both like to believe that hope, and friendship, can stop this. We all would like to believe that. But, hope and friendship can only bring us so far. That’s why we need The Celica.” Celestia sighs, as she turns away from Twilight, continuing to walk down the hall. “I know Twilight. But like I said, The Celica could be any in Equestria, maybe even in other lands. Other realms even.” Twilight speeds up to keep up with the elder princess. “I was already thinking about that princess. Me and my friends can search for it.” Celestia looks back at twilight as they keep walking through the long, old hallway. “Twilight. I wouldn’t ask of you, or your friends, to do that. The Celica can really be anywhere. Who knows how long it would take to find it. You all have families who would worry for you.” Twilight nods. “I know Celestia, but in this situation, it would either be ‘goodbye, see you later’ or ‘goodbye, forever’ And I really don’t want that second one.”

“Ok Twilight. Go to your friends. Tell them everything and start preparing. You have a long journey ahead of you. I’ll call you back once Luna’s returned.” Twilight gives a small smile to the princess before her horn flares up, teleporting away from the hall. Celestia stands there. And stays. Waiting for nothing in the silence. A tear forms in the corner of her eye, before slowly running down her cheek. “I fear, Twilight. That it may just end up being ‘goodbye. Forever.” Celestia speaks into the empty hall, before regaining her steadfast expression, and continues to her throne room.

The Test.

Chapter 6: The Test.

(Inside the caverns.)

Ok, breath slowly now, Silver. I now just have Princess Luna counting on me to pass. Stupid gambling princess. Now’s not the time to think about that. I just need to. . You know, turn away from this freaking door I have been staring at for the past hmm. . . 15 minutes? yeah about that. Good idea. I finally move myself away from the door, taking a few steps backwards, before turning around to face the deep, dark caves that split off in front of me. “Ok, which way, Silver.” I break the silence in the caves. My voice echoes all around, bouncing here and there. “Huh. Eerie” Four paths now. One directly in front of me, looking to lead downwards. Two that split off to the right, staying about equal it looks. Great Faust, it’s hard to see, though. Then theres the path to the left.

It looks darker than the rest. Like, theres just a wall of shadows that block the already thin amount of light in this place. . . There’s. . There’s something there though. I know I can see it. Just there’s something there, moving slightly. “I’m always there.” The whisper shoots through the quite, echoing around me like it’s a ghost. It might just be a ghost actually. “Who was that?!” I call out, down the dark pathway. . Nothing. I must be to stressed. I shake myself. “Ok Silver. Time to walk.” Finally I start moving down the cavern, choosing the darkest path before me.

A chill shots through me. Don’t get nervous now Silver. “What’s the matter? Scared” The whisper speaks again. This time I know it’s not just my mind. “Where are you? Show your self.” I quickly, with one swift movement, swing out my bow, and notch an arrow in it. Skimming the dark cave for any sign of movement. “Oh. . No need to worry about me, Silver. Just. Keep. Walking.” For some reason, I head it’s words, continuing to move down the hall, but I keep my bow ready. “For what it’s worth, Silver, you're getting closer.” I glance behind me. I have ventured so far in, that the only thing I see is the cavern stretching far in both directions, no end in sight.

“Close to what?” The whisper gives an echoing chuckle. “You will see. Soon enough, you’ll see.” Another chill runs through me. I shake lightly as I keep moving down the cavern. Is that? I squint hard. I can see the end of the cavern. It seemingly open into a large clearing. . And it looks like there’s some pond there. Maybe a spring. Could it be? “I see you’ve arrived.” The whisper echos again. I step into the clearing cautiously. It is a spring. . And floating in the center looks like the orb that Princess Luna sent out. Now. . How do I get to it?

(The Arena)

“Oh, this isn’t good. This isn’t good at all.” A worried sounding princess speaks up, as she open her eyes. “What's wrong, Princess?” She shakes her head. “I can’t see him anymore. He spent along time in the entrance. But the moment he started walking he just. . Disappeared.” She says in a hushed tone. “We have to send sompony in after him then. It’s too dangerous unmonitored.” Astral says, as he glances back at the doors. Up in the stands, hushed whispers start filling the arena. “Double? What’s going on?” Double just shakes his head while he squints down at the council. “I don't know Hat Trick. I don’t think it’s good though.” Next to them, Midnight speaks up. “Well, if it was anything serious, they would have stopped the test. Luna can see everything going on in there. Kinda creepy if you ask me.”

Midnight and double shrug, as the conversations between the council continues. “The problem is. He completely disappeared. Even if he was in a place I couldn't see, I would still be able to sense him. But, he’s just not there. But. . Something is there.” The council goes silent at this, waiting for the princess to continue. “I fear that, poor Silver is own his own for the rest of the test. There is nothing we can do, but wait.” Astral pounds his hoof on the table. “We can’t just leave him in there Princess.” He says in a harsh whisper. Luna only gives him a solemn nod. “I know that, Astral. I would have pulled him out of there by now. But It is out of our control.” More whispers break out through the arena. Some confused, some concerned.

(The caves)

“Why wont you let me fly over?” I get blasted back by another gust of wind, and met with silence after this failed attempt at trying to fly to the orb. Maybe I could shoot it onto land. . No, to risky, it could break. “Just walk to it, Silver. It’s simple” Ok, that whisper is getting annoying. “I can’t walk on water. I’m only a pegasus.” The whisper gives its echoing chuckle. There is something that has been annoying me about that whisper, and it’s chuckle ever since I started hearing it. . It seems familiar somehow. “Come on Silver. Just give it a shot.” Thats it. It’s Golds voice. . Only it’s not. It sounds more, evil, malicious.

“Oh, I’m not your dear brother. . I am something much more. And I am something much more close to you.” I give a frustrated sigh. “Can you stop being so cryptic?” I am met with that annoying silence. Well. . The whisper led me this far. Maybe I should listen to it. “Atta’ boy” You know, I think I prefer that annoying silence. I step towards the spring. I reach a hoof out, and set it upon the surface. Ripples spread out from my hoof, but it does not sink at all. It’s solid? I step farther onto it. Slowly but surely, till all fours are on it. Each step sending out more ripples. I smirk, and step towards the orb. This was simple.

As I get closer to the orb, a looming shadow appears behind me “Well done, Silver. Now, just touch the orb, and you have passed.” It laughs loudly after this, it’s echo filling the area completely. I spin around, but the shadow always stays behind me. “Stop toying with me!” I shout and am met with that an eerie silence. Just ignore it now Silver. My goal is the orb. I turn to the orb and reach my hoof up to it. I touch my hoof to it and. . . Nothing. Somethings wrong. Luna said I would be teleported back once I touch it, right? “Oh, my bad. Did you really think I would let it be so simple?” I give an angry glare, well, to really nothing. “Just show yourself already! Stop playing games, Gold!” It laughs hard. “Silver. I already told you I’m not gold.” It’s voice is so close. Just keep looking. “Hm. I guess, in a sense, I am your brother Gold.” It says in a toying manner.

“Because, Silver. I am you. Your shadow. Just like you are your brothers.” I toss the orb as far as I can, breaking it against the caverns walls. “Perfect.” Shadows spread from the orb, filling the area, and the spring I am standing on, causing the entire ground to turn black. Only for a split second though, all the darkness centers to one point, right under me. I look down at the reflective spring, seeing the shadow take form over my reflection. “W-what’s going on?” The shadow keeps forming around my reflection. Soon, all of it has consumed my reflection. “I really have to thank you, Silver. For, none of this would have been possible without you.” The shadow laughs, my shadowed reflection now moving on its own. Stepping away from me slowly. “What are you?” My voice comes out weak, slightly shaky. The shadow does not respond to me, moving further out. Once a few feet away from me, it shifts upwards, emerging from the solid-like mirror spring.

“Really Silver, thanks. And don’t worry, you’ll know everything soon. If, that is, you can survive long enough.” The shadows voice shifts from the whisper like tone, into. . Well mine, but more darker. “Enough already!” I shout as I swing out my bow again, sliding an arrow into place. I let go, watching the arrow fly through the air quickly to the shadow. It turns around, facing me, and the incoming arrow. It smirks as the arrow reaches closer. Then, it just stops. The arrow, held in the air by some invisible force. “You’re going to have to try harder Silver.” It’s taunting me now. I shot more arrows at it, quickly. But all of them are stopped midair. “Come on Silver. Stop playing, and actually try.” I watch as the shadow lifts up its hoof. the arrows slowly dissolve into darkness, shredding instantly. The dark flecks spin around the shadow. “I don’t have time to keep playing with you. My master is calling. So I will leave you with his message, and a gift, for dear Princess Luna.”

One shard of the shadow flecks shoots towards me. I bring my wings forward, shielding my self. But, I feel it just pass through the armor, embedding itself in my wing. I through my wings back, trying to shake off the spreading darkness. It’s useless though. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t. “Farewell Silver. We’ll be seeing each other again, at a later time.” And with that, the shadow disappears, from my fading vision. Come on Silver, I can’t let this happen. I’m stronger than this. fourteen long years of sheer hard work, determination, and pure will power. There were times I wanted to give up, and go back home. But, I couldn’t. . . I wouldn’t. If I gave up, that would mean Gold was always right about me. That I just wasn’t cut for something as big as the Royal Guard.

I look down, through my blurred, and darkening vision, at my reflection. Slowly being eaten by the darkness. I’m not a shadow, though. I live in one. I’ll admit it. I’ve lived in his shadow, but not any more. Not for the past fourteen years. And, I won’t be dragged back into it so easily. What can I do though? I can’t move any more, I'm completely bound by this darkness. My vision has been completely blocked. “Just fight it, Silver. . . ” I hear a distant voice, fading in and out. It sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it. “Come on. You have to make it through.” I hear the voice cry out again, this time more clearly. I start to hear the sobs. I start to feel the tears dripping onto me. Star? Aegis? I can’t tell. I feel her hooves wrap tightly around me. “Wh. . Who?” I try to say through my strained voice. “Shh. Don’t speak. Just fight it.” She mumbles something else, but I can’t make it out.

I feel her hoof slowly run through my mane. “It’s ok. You’ll be safe now.” I feel some more warmth wrap around me. It feels like I'm floating. Flying without the use of my wings. It’s strangely nice. But soon, I feel the cold of the ground fill me again, as I am sat back down. I struggle against the darkness, trying to move something, open my eyes. It’s all in vain. I can still feel the tightness of her embrace wrapped around me.

(The Arena)

“Princess. . Did you?” The princess looks down at Astral. The look on her face could only be described as complete, and absolute terror. Quickly, more and more whisper flooded the arena, everypony wondering what would cause the normally fearless princess to look so terrified. “I felt it too Astral. And I fear, Silver is in far more danger than we thought.” Astral glances back at the iron doors. “What is it? Princess? We all felt it.” Luna looks down at the ground. “I can’t explain it here. What I can say though, is the last time that. . . Presence was here, it’s master almost destroyed Equestria.”

“How do we get him out?” Smokey speaks up, sounding actually concerned for the wellbeing of another pony. “We can’t. It’s blocking everything out. It must have grown in strength, or else I would have been able to have Silver out by now.” The council all sits in silence for a moment. “Wait. . There’s something else there.” Luna speaks again. “A voice. Crying, for help. Crying for. . ” The other judges sit there, closing their eyes, and focusing. “I can't hear anything, princess.” Astral says, met with the nods from the others. Luna’s horn lights up, glowing with its ethereal silver color. “He’s back. I can feel Silver again. The dark presence must have left.” Astral pounds his hoof on the table. “Well? What are you waiting for princess, bring him back.” Luna shakes her head, glancing back towards the iron doors. “He’s already back.” With a slight nod from the princess, the doors swing open as quick as they can.

The arena is silent. For, the first thing they see when those doors open. Is a silver pegasus, covered in what could only be described as living shadows, just swirling and spreading all around him. And, clutched tightly around him, is a mysterious, dark purple mare.

The Message.

Chapter 7: The Message

The arena stays silent, everypony to horrified to even move. The princess leaves her seat, quickly reaching the fallen pegasus. “Silver.” She stares down at Silver, watching as the tendrils slowly wrap around him. She shifts her eyes quickly, glaring over his entire form. Her eyes stop at the spot on his wing. A small glowing, black crystal.

The tendrils of pure darkness slowly come to rest over his body. They start to retreat to the spot on his wing. After the shadowy tendrils sink back into the crystal, Silvers eyes shoot open, gasping, and panting heavily. He closes his eyes tightly, as he stands slowly, his entire body trembling as he does. “Silver? Are you alright?” The lunar princess speaks slowly and calmly at a low tone. “P-princess.” Silver’s tone is low, and barely audible. And, in his voice, is a hint of something else, something more dark. “I have a message for you.” His voice grows louder, his body stops trembling. Now standing straight and firm. His eyes relax, slowly opening. Revealing to the princess eyes full of pure darkness.

Eyes that are very familiar to the princess. “Neros.” The princess says, keeping her eyes locked onto Silvers. “Hm. So you do recognize me Luna. I’m so glad. But, as you know, this reunion is not going to be a happy one.” Silver speaks in a foreign tone, his voice full of darkness and malice. “Don’t worry though. I am still not strong enough to enter this world in my physical form. Only small bits of my energy can. And they won't last long. So I’ll make this brief.” Dark aura spreads from Silver, surrounding the two in a dark bubble, shutting him and the princess off from the rest of the arena. Luna goes from her solid stare, into an angry glare. “I know what you're going to say Neros! And my answer is still the same. I will never join you. . . “ Luna trails off, looking down at the ground. “No matter how much you made me love you.” She says to herself. Silver lets out a sigh, as he looks down at the ground.

“Come on Luna, dear, don’t be like that. We are both beings of the darkness. We both know that the light has cast us aside, not even giving us a second thought. The power of the darkness has made me strong. And I know the strength it had given you too. Together, with our dark powers combined, we could be even more powerful. Nothing would dare cast us aside again. Don’t you see that, my dear luna!” Luna drops from her angry glare, taking on a more soft expression. “Yes Neros. I do see that. But you are wrong. We are different. We both may be beings of the darkness, but I have long since realized that no matter how dark something is. No matter how much it consumes you, there will always be a light to show you the way. I followed that light, and still do. My darkness is filled with many lights. Lights that keep me guided in the right direction. But you have turned your back to them. You are pure darkness. Evil darkness..” A tear rolls down Lunas face.

“You still have a chance though. You can turn around, and face the light with me. We can be strong, together, again. Not as a force of evil. Not as a force that will bring ruin and despair. But as a power that can help guide people through the darkness. Please, Nebulous.” Luna reaches out to Silvers form. He reaches out and smacks her hoof away. “Never call me by that name! That is not who I am anymore!” Silver cringes, the darkness in his eyes flickering away. “I must be leaving now.” He pauses for a moment, glancing down at the passed out mare, still laying on the ground. “Oh yeah. This pretty little thing is. . . We’ll, I’m sure you will remember soon, or maybe not. I know she will. .” he stops for a moment, looking between the mare and the princess

“Anyways, Luna. My offer will stay open. Farewell for now, my love.” The darkness fades away from his eyes, and the crystal embed in his wing evaporates away. Silver, now free from the dark control, collapses back onto the ground, right next to the purple mare.

The council from the judges table instantly surround luna, asking questions of concern and wonder. Astral walks over to the fallen silver pegasus, easily placing his unconscious form over his back. “Princess. I’m going to take him to the infirmary. Smokey, bring that mare as well. Everyone else, give the Princess some space. She’ll talk when she’s ready. Right Princess?” Luna gives him a small nod. He smiles and nods back, walking out of the room with Silver, Smokey, with the mare, in toe. “I knew it was a bad idea. Letting a highly unprepared, undertrained, cadet take the final test.” Luna gives Smokey a glare, one scary enough to silence death. Luna looks up to the onlooking, confused, crowd of the arena.

“I am sorry about these events. But I assure you, everything is ok. All of you are free to return to your barracks, or place of stay if you are visiting.” Luna pauses for a moment, looking at the three most concerned ponies in the crowed. “And, any close friends of Silver, feel free to check up on him as soon as possible.”

With that, the arena clears instantly, leaving the despondent princess and the judges alone in silence. After a couple minutes, the judges leave. Now, finally alone, the princess lets tears stream down her face. Sniffing slightly as she wipes them away. “Nebulous. What have you become? I knew you were bad before. But now, you’re just pure evil.” For a few moments longer, the despondent princess just sits there, weeping alone.

Finally Awake.

Chapter 8: Finally Awake.

(Just moments earlier.)

“Stella. . Stella. I love you. I really do. Always remember that Stella. I will always love you.” I hear her voice, it’s distant and calm. A warm, motherly tone, but it brings no warmth to me. I’m cold. I’ve been cold for a long time. Only the remnants of that distant voice remain, and the feeling of her soft touch on my mane. How long has it been since I first heard that voice, and felt that touch? I don’t know. I don’t care to remember either. She left me here. Left me in the cold. “I don’t want to leave you here, alone. . .”Then why did you? “But, I have to. If I don't then. . “ Then what? Then I’ll know what it’s like to live beyond the darkness. Then I’ll know what it’s like to live a life? Well, to bad for me, apparently. I was left here. Not even able to move. “Stella? Stella, dear, it’s time to wake up.” Huh? That voice. . I’ve never heard it before. It sounds so near as well.

“Open your eyes Stella” The voice tells me. I am hesitant to try, at first. When was the last time I had my eyes open? I can’t remember. But, after only seconds of contemplation, I open them slowly. I wish I hadn’t. For there, right in front of me, is a dark being, towering above me. “W-w-what are you?” I whimper out, trying to find my voice. When was the last time I spoke? It laughs slowly, kneeling down, coming face to face with me. “Oh, dear Stella, it’s me. . “ The dark being gives, what I assume, is a big smile. “Neros. Your father.” I stare at it. “My father? You can’t be. My father was. . . Normal. Kind, but strong. Gentle, but tough for what he believed in.”

It nods slowly. “You’re right. I’m not the same father you once knew. I’m just a remnant of something much more now. I don’t have much time to speak though, dear Stella. I need you to run, now. Run to the spring. You will find another pony there. Make sure that he returns to the doors safely.” I glare at the being. “What? A spring, another pony, gates? What is all this about.” He gives a frown “I wish I had time to explain. Just know that it is very important. Darkness might consume him if he gives up. . .” It pauses for a moment, the darkness starting to flicker and fade. “And, he will be able to bring you to your mother.”

It points of in a direction, then fades away after that, leaving a purple crystal that falls and shatters. I get on my hoof shakily. But soon, I am galloping off towards the direction he pointed. That wasn’t my father. My father didn’t feel as. . Evil as that thing did. My father had darkness, but nothing to that extent. Soon, I come upon a spring. And, laying in the center, wrapped with darkness, is a silver pegasus. “Just fight it, silver boy!” I call over to him as I run out over the spring. I slide and clutch him tightly. “Come on. You have to make it through!” I need my answers. I can feel the darkness that is wrapped around him. It’s strong. And it’s very similar to my. . . Fathers darkness. At least, the darkness I felt earlier. I know his pain. He can’t see, he can only barely hear. And he can’t move. I’ve been stuck for a long time too.

I sniff slightly, as I start to remember my time in that prison. The prison she put me in. Centuries. I remember now. Nearly countless centuries. I sob harder as I pull him closer to me. “Wh-Who?” I hear him whimper out. “Shh, shh. Don’t speak. Just fight it. Just fight the darkness. . . Like I had too.” I mumble out, as I run my hoof through his hair, brushing away some of the darkness. I feel my hoof brush across something cold along the back of his neck. A necklace? I look down, and pear at a red gem, with a bit of cold in the center. Though, slowly the gold is consumed entirely by the red.

Soon, we are lifted into the air. Light spreads from the necklace, taking over both are forms. Once the blinding light dissipates, I look around. The doors!? How. . It must be the necklace. I smile and look down at him. I hear voices from outside the doors. I run my hood through his mane again “It's ok. You’ll be safe now.” The darkness from him spreads over my hoof. I can feel it’s overwhelming power. I shake my hoof vigorously, but it only spreads faster. Soon, my senses are dulled, my vision blurs, my hearing fades. I feel the coldness again. I struggle against it. Not again, I won’t let this happen again.

I feel energy gather around me. I focus on it. I try to direct it, to shatter the darkness. But, it’s too strong. I feel the darkness move farther back along me. And then. . Nothing? It’s gone. The darkness left me. I open my eyes, and peer back. No darkness attached to me at all. Though, something feels off. My eyes start to feel heavy. My energy, it’s drained entirely. . . I-I didn’t use that much though, did I? I see the doors open slowly, almost menacingly. The tiredness in my body overcomes me, though, and I pass out.

I blot up quickly. I wince as I feel pain fill my head, and I shut my eyes tightly. . That. . That was strange. Where am I? I start to get up slowly, out of the bed. I wince more with each movement. “Hold on, dear. Don’t move. You’re still weak.” My eyes bolt open, as I glance towards the source of the voice. “Who are you!” I shout out, and place a hoof to my throat, everything filling with pain again. I lay back down in the bed. “I’m Nurse Media. Do you know where you are at?” her voice is calm, and I can sense no threat in her. “Of course I do.” I speak out slowly, and quietly. “I’m. . “ I glance around. “I don’t know actually.” I close my eyes again, and search through my memories. Nothing though. “I don’t actually know. . . Er, remember anything. All that I can is. . ”

I open my eyes, to see the nurse giving me a soft look. “Go on, sweetie. I’m listening. Just don’t strain yourself.” I nod slowly “A voice. A mares voice. She’s saying my name. Stella Dusk. That’s my name. I think. . . But I can’t move, or see. And, I can only barely hear. Darkness, it’s all around me.” I feel a tear roll down my cheek as I continue on. “Then another voice. A stallion this time. He also says my name. . Then. . Then.” I shut my eyes tightly as I try to remember. “M-more darkness. All around me. And, another pony is with me. A silver one. . I think.” The nurse places her hoof on my back. I flinch slightly at her touch, but welcome it all the same. “It’s ok, dear. There is no darkness here. You’re safe. And, as far as I can tell, you are in perfect condition. . . “ She pauses for a moment. “Well, you are a little weaker than the average. . . “ She trails of, mumbling a bit. “But, we can talk more about that later.”

I nod slowly, and lay back into the bed. “Um. . N-nurse Media?” She nods slowly. “Where am I? Why am I hear?” She gives a small frown. “Well, you are at an infirmary, inside a training camp. As for how you got here, or why you are here. Well, thats a mystery to us all.” She quickly brightens up to a smile “Don’t worry though. I’m sure you will remember soon.” I nod again, once more. “Thanks.” I mumble out. I hear a shifting to my other side. I glance over, and see the silver pony. The same one, I'm sure, from the remnants of my memories. I point to him, and look at the nurse. “Yes. You were found with him.”

Light from the outside floods into the area. I wince, but soon, the light is covered by the shadow of a pony. I can feel a massive amount of darkness. I can almost even see it emanating from the pony. I slide under the covers, only barely peeking over them. “Don’t worry. That’s Princess Luna.” The nurse whispers to me, as the princess approaches. “Hello there, little pony. How are you feeling?” She speaks calmly to me. The nurse walks over, and takes her aside. “Amnesia?” I hear the princess ask. She walks back over to me, a grim smile on her face. “So sorry to hear that. If you like, I could try to bring your memories back. Would that be ok?” I think it over, then nod.

I would do anything to remember. I feel like I am in the dark without my memories. And I don’t like that feeling. “Though. I warn you. You may not like what you will remember.” I nod again. I don’t care. I would rather have at least some type of memory, then be left in this darkness. Luna’s horn lights up in a silver glow. She lowers her head, and touches her horn to me. “Just relax now.” She says in this soft, but commanding tone. Soon, a warmth fills me, as I begin to recall my past.

“I will always love you.” No. . It can’t be. “I dont want to leave you here alone.” No. Stop it! “But, I have to. . . “ It hurts. The coldness. I can’t move anymore. Make. It. “Stop!” I reach my hoof out, and push the princess away. I pant slowly as I open my eyes. Looking at the shocked faces of everypony. “Stella. Whats wrong? What's the problem?” Media asks as she walks over to me quickly. She reaches a hoof out, but I hit it away. “Don’t touch me. . I’m fine. . . There’s. . There’s no problem at all.” I let out an angry sigh. “Unless you ask the Princess. Then there’s a huge problem.”

Luna, shaking her self out slowly. “Who are you!?” The princess says to me. “You don’t know? Why am I not surprised.” Luna gives me a cold glare, one that is only capable from her. “Your memories are fragmented, and sealed. The amount we pulled is only a little, at best. And that voice in them. It’s mine.” I nod slowly, matching the princesses cold glare with mine own. “Of course it’s your voice. It’s one that has haunted me forever.” I pause for a moment. “That voice has haunted me ever since I first heard those words. That voice left me. Frozen, and alone.” I rip out the cords and wires that are all attached to me.

Pain no longer fills my body, only hate now. I stand and march up to the princess. “That voice. Your voice! Left me. What kind of Mother does that!” Silence overcomes the room. the nurse just looks around. Glancing between me and the princess. “M-mother?” She stammers out, before regaining her cold glare. “Yes. Mother. You're my Mother. And you left me alone a long time ago. You left me in a place that was so cold, and dark.” A tear begins to form, but I refuse to show her any weakness.

“That’s impossible. I have never had a child.” I grew angrier as she speaks. “Then who am I! Am I just nothing to you now? Have you really forgotten about me? Maybe Father was right. Maybe you are as evil has he says.” The princess drops her glare as she looks down at the ground. “W-who is your father?” I scoff at her. “We both already know that answer, princess. I know you got his message.” I motion to the silver pegasus. She shakes her head furiously. “Then, you should know as well as I do, that your father can not be trusted.” I laugh. “Oh? And you're saying that you can be? Even if my memory is fragmented, and scattered, I still know that you abandoned me.”

“I would never abandon my family. Not intentionally. If you are my daughter, if you are who you say you are. Then, please, believe me. I would never abandon you.” She reaches her hoof out, but I just pull away from it. “Then why did you leave me?!” I shout out. More silence overcomes the room again. “I-I don’t know. I can’t even remember you. I have as many questions as you do.” Finally my anger simmers down. “Can you leave please? I want to speak to Luna, alone.” The nurse complies instantly, rushing out of the room. “Stella Dusk. That is my name. From what I can remember, from these stupid fragments, is centuries ago when I was a little foal, you brought me to a place. It was beautiful. You said I could grow there. And be strong. But, you never were there to watch me grow.”

Centuries ago.

“Stella. . Stella, I love you. I really do. Always remember that.” I sniff lightly, as I wrap my hooves around her, smiling up to her. “It’s ok mommy. I know that.” I hug her tightly. “I dont want to leave here, alone. But, it will only be for a moment. I’ll be back. I promise.” I frown. “Do you havta leave mommy?” I question as I hold her even more tightly. “Yes, I ‘havta’ leave. I dont want to . But, I have to.” She pauses for a moment. “Because if I dont then. . . “ Her voice trails off, fading slowly with the fragmented memory. The next thing I knew, I was being surrounded by purple crystal. Trying to call out to her. But, she just kept walking away. Back turned, never to look back.

Present.

“Stella. I know this is all confusing. I know what we both saw in that fragment. But. I really don’t remember any of it. And, what of your father? What memories do you have of him?” I give a small smile. “His warmth. His gentle touch. His strength. All of those things is what I can remember of him. And his darkness. It was a calming one. . Like yours. I can still feel yours as well. Though, it seems to have grown stronger. Stronger, but not darker.” Luna gives me a confused look. “You can. . Feel my darkness?” I nod slowly. “Yes. I can also feel your light. A light that was once absent from you. . .” Still confusion adorns the princesses face. “H-how?” I give a shrug. “I don’t know. It’s my talent, I’ve always been able to sense a ponies arua. I can even see it. Though. . I can’t seem to anymore. even if I concentrate” The princess shakes her head. “That is not what I meant. I mean. How can you do that if you're an earth pony?”

What? Did she just say. . . And the nurse easylier. I think she said ‘weaker than the average earth pony.’ “I’m. . I’m not an earth pony. I’m a unicorn.” I reach my hoof up, coming into contact with my forehead, and nothing else. “M-my horn? Wheres my horn?” I start to panic, breathing heavily. The next thing I know, the princess has wrapped her hooves around me. . That warmth. I know the princess has her doubts about me. But, I know for sure she is my mother. Her warmth is unmistakable. But. . Her warmth always brings the cold. I don’t ever want to experience that cold again. “Get away from me.” I mumble out. “What?” I hear her soft voice near me. I reach my hoof out, and shove the princess off of me.

“I said. Get Away!” I shout at her, a look of complete spite and malice in my eyes. I feel my darkness growing, practically radiating out of me. “I don’t need your comfort, or care. I’ve never had it before. And I sure don’t want it now!” I speak my words of hate to the shocked princess. “Stella. You’re going through a lot. Things have changed. They are not what you once remember. I know what that is like, trust me. It is only going to be hard to go through it alone.” I glare at the princess. “Who says I would be alone? I finally have a life again. I’m not going to stay here, and be interrogated by everypony. I’m going to go out, and have a life that I always wanted.”

“Stella. You can’t do that.” My glare hardens. “Oh, and why can’t I? You may be my mother, but you have never been my mom. And, even if you are a princess as well, I will not let you order me around. I’m going to get away from here, live my life, then pass away peacefully. . “ I pause for a moment. “Say. Luna? Is there an afterlife?” The princess, looking only slightly depressed now think my question over. “Yes., in some ways there is. Why do you ask?” I smile. “Well. If there is an afterlife, that means death isn’t the end of everything. . . . But. . But I want there to be an end. I was stuck in a cold world when you left me. I don’t want to go back. Ever. I was hoping that.” I pause, and bring my gaze to the princesses. My eyes, meeting hers. “I was hoping that once I died, I would never have to feel again. Never have to think about what could have been. And most of all. I hoped I would never see you again.”

My words are harsh, and I can see the affect they have on the princess immediately. “If. . .If that is what you wish then I will be going now. Feel free to go as far away from here as you can, once you can leave.” Her cold words match mine, as she turns and walks away. “I guess this is farewell.” I scoff at that, and the princess keeps walking away, disappearing in a silver flash. I let out a long sigh. I pull myself away from the bed slowly. I step up to the side, looking into a mirror. I see a mare staring back. She’s just an earth pony. Dark purple fur, with a lighter purple mane and tail. A light blue streak swirling through her mane and tail.

Me. This is what I look like. It’s weird. I think this is my first time looking at myself. I remember being different. Smaller. Slimmer. I had a horn as well. My eyes focus on my reflections forehead. Maybe my shattered memory is making me think that. I spin around looking over my slim body. My eyes trail to my cutie mark. Hmm. I don’t remember having one before. A dark purple sun, out lined in black. With a gray cross through it. Wonder what it means. I’ll find out sooner or later.

Truths and Pasts.

Chapter 9: Truths and Pasts.

Ouch. . Ouch! That really hurts. My head is just throbbing with pain. Where am I? I feel like I’m floating. Maybe it would be a good idea to open my eyes. . . “Gah!?” I slide backwards, the white mare in front of me giggling. “Star? Why were you so close? Was it you that found me?” She nods slowly, letting out more giggles. . “Um, Star? Why are we both floating.” She gives a shrug, and points down at the ground. “Oh. Not floating. Falling.” I move myself forward, wrapping my hooves around her. I start to spread my wings when. . “Of course. No wings. This must be a dream.”

“That is correct.” I turn back to Star, but the mare in my hooves is not her. “Princess Luna? Ok, that makes a lot more sense then.” She gives a small smile. “Well, glad to see that you are ok.” I give her a confused look, as I pull away from her. “What do you mean?” Luna drops her smile into a frown. “Silver. What do you remember from your test?” I try to think back through what happened. I give a shrug. “Umm. Well. I remember a large pond. That black orb. . And. . .” I let out a gasp, as my eyes go wide. “Me?! I remember seeing me. . But, not me, another me. . . “ Luna gives a more despondent frown. “So, the Shade are close. And, who knows how many Umbra have been created.”

“Luna, what does all this mean. . What’s going to happen now?” She turns away from me. With a slight shrug, she looks back over to me. “I-I don’t know. Not just yet. But, what is more important, is you need to wake up soon. everyponies worried about you. . And, the ground seems a little too close.” With that, Luna disappears in a flash of silver magic.

Wait. Ground? I glance down. Seeing nothing but an ever looming green expanse. Oh, that ground. . Well, this is a dream. Can’t be hurt right. I’ll just wake up like always, jolting up in bed. . . . Any moment now. I close my eyes. I keep them closed for a moment. Then, in a jolt, my eyes shoot open. I pull my self forward, only to launch myself into a spin. Green, blue, green, blue. The colors all shift into a gray blur. Ok, still falling. . Need to wake up. Come on Silver, wake up. Wake up!

Pain fills my cheek. I open my eyes just to see a purple flash, hitting me again. “Gah. I’m up, I’m up. No need to hit me. . Jeez.” I look at the pony that, just a moment ago, was smacking me around. Now sitting there, with tears in her eyes. “Oh. Hey, is something wrong? Y-you didn’t hurt me. Really.” I sit up, ignore the small jolts of pain that shoot through me. “No. I’m just glad to see you awake.” I smile. . . Wait. . Who is this mare? “Are you the nurse, or something?” She shakes her head, as she tugs me out of the infirmary bed. “No. It’s a long story. But come one, lets get out of here.” She tugs me more, dragging me to the tent exit. “Hold on there.” I plant my hooves, stopping her in her tracks.

“First. I don’t know you. Second, I have a lot of people worrying about me. I can’t just leave.” She looks at me, an angry glare. “Well. . You can’t stay here!” I sigh and pull my hoof from her grasp. “I’ve been here long enough. A few more days won’t kill me.” She frowns. She reaches her hoof as if to smack me. But it only falls limply onto my chest. “B-because. . You’re the only one I know. . That I can trust.” I put my hoof over hers. “I’m glad to hear that. But, as I said, I don’t know you. I don’t know who you think I am, but trust me, I’m not them.”

She sniffs a little. “You owe it to me.” She says, in a small voice. “What?” I tilt my head slightly. She looks up, her eyes full of rage. “You owe it to me!” She shouts this time. “You don't know what I went through. Let’s just say, I have spent a long time in a dark place, and I’m not going back. I woke up, and was told to save you. So I did. So, you owe this to me.” Saved me? What is she. . . I put my hoof to my throbbing head. “S-saved me? “ She nods seriously. “Yeah. Saved you. Back by the pond, in the cave.”

“That was you?” She nods again. “Thanks. . But, I still can’t leave. I have questions that still need answers.” She glares at me again. “And you think I don’t? Somepony. . Something woke me up, and told me to save you. I barely have any memory, other than that cold place, and the person who left me there.” Tears fill her eyes, but she just wipes them away. “I need answers just as much as you do!” I nod slowly. “Ok. I can understand that. There is pony here that can help you.” She chuckles lightly. “Not the princess. That ship has sailed. I do not want to see her again.”

Her voice is full of malice. I just give her a confused look. But she changes the subject. “You go get your answers, then we are leaving.” I shake my head. And, when I go to speak, she cuts me off. “I wasn’t asking. You owe it to me. Remember?” I sigh. “Fine. I can do that much. But, we travel to where I decide.” She laughs. “Ha! And what makes you think you can decide that.” I smirk. “Well, I wasn’t asking. Plus, as it seems, you have no memory. How would you know where to go?” She goes to retort, but is only left speechless. “Fine.”

She says disgruntledly. “Just. Just hurry it up.” I smile, and step out into the fresh, and open air. Only to be tackled by, oh, I would say three ponies. But to me it’s just a blur of colors. “Oh my god.” I hear a stallion say. Sounds like Double. . That means. “I’m so glad you’re ok.” I hear Hat Trick. . And that means. “You had us worried.” Umm. . . I thought it would be Aegis, but I don’t recognize that voice. I open my eyes. Staring right into light blue eyes. “Would anyone care to explain why I am being tackled right after I get out? And by a pony that I don’t know?”

“I’m Pinkie.” Oh. Ok, makes sense. They all let out nervous chuckles and move off of me. Once I am back on my hooves, and dust myself off, I look at the gathered crowd. “Umm. What’s with the party?” Pinkie just jumps up and down. “Oh, something about a uber important, and very life threatening, disaster, that we have to find a way to stop.” She gets glares from everyone. “Oh. To loud?” They all nod. a purple mare walks up. I think this is Twilight, the mare Double mentioned before. “Yes. It is something like that. We need you to come with us. Her too.” She points at the mare I was just speaking too. “Good luck.” I mutter.

“Stella. Stella Dusk.” She says. “And I’m not going anywhere with you.” See? I let out a long sigh. This is going to be a long day. “Well, I’m afraid you don't have a choice.” A very regal voice echos. I open my eyes to see that, really in a blink of an eye, we were all teleported to. . . A meeting room in Canterlot castle I presume. “Oh great.” Stella says. As she flops down. “Ok. Just spill it out. I don’t want to be here long.”

The regal voice from before speaks up again. “Stella Dusk. I know you have been through a lot. And, we can try to help you. But you have to listen to us first.” She lets out a sigh, that everypony assumes is of compliance. “Just hurry.” She murmurs. The regal voice, Celestia, steps into view finally. “All of you listen. Because what I am about to tell you, is very, very, important.”

Let me give you a summed up version.

A long time ago, before the sisters even knew about the Elements, there was a great, and powerful mage, known as Nebulous. The sisters knew him pretty well apparently. Soon though, the powers he was experimenting with, the powers of darkness, corrupted him. He was able to take the darkness, and give it form. Now, taking the name Neros, he created an army of what they call Shade. It took the sisters countless days, and nights, searching for an answer. They discovered the Elements. But, at the time, Luna was just a pegasus, and Celestia was a unicorn. The couldn’t easily channel the elements between the two of them. And, just when everything looked bleak, the Elements heard their pleas, and reached out to them. Changing them into alicorns. It still took many deaths of the innocent and Shade alike, before they were able to use the Elements to seal Neros.

“But, that seal wouldn't last for ever, we knew that. And, even as we speak, he is staging his return.” Celestia pauses for a moment. “And now, without the Elements, we are in grave danger.” Stella slams her hoof on the table we all gathered around. “No! My father isn’t like that. He was kind. He was caring. He loved everything that had life. Why would he want to destroy it?” She yells out to everypony. All she gets are looks of surprise, shock, and confusion. “You’re father?” Rainbow asks. “That’s impossible. That was like, centuries ago. . Right?”

Rainbow, and the rest of us look at celestia. “Right. But, piecing these loose puzzles pieces together. We know that Stelle, here, is not lying. She was frozen for those centuries. She claims Luna. . . “ Celestia is cut off by Stelle. “Claims! I’m not making this up. I know my memory is fragmented, but, I do know she did it!” Celestia frowns. “Calm down now. Neros, he can influence people. Change the way they think, change the way they remember things. He can not be trusted.” Stella glares at the princess and turns away.

I frown at her. Not an angry frown like everyone else. But a sad, understanding, frown. I know what her pain is like. I’ve felt it before. In the caves. When she was holding me. I can still barely remember. But her voice is clear. I look to the princess. “And, how does that concern us? I mean. How does that concern me, Double, and Aegis.” The princess looks between us, and continues. “Without the Elements, we are doomed. But, we know of an artifact that can save us. It’s called The Celica. Twilight, and her friends, all volunteered to go searching for it.” She pauses, looking between us again.

“But, even though the Elements are locked away, they still need bearers to keep the balance of harmony. Without bearers, This place will crumble only that much easier.” Everypony remains silent, letting the princess collect her thoughts. “And, we believe that new bearers have already been chosen to succeed the current ones, once they leave.” I nod slowly, adding everything up. “Then that makes four? Right? You believe it’s us.” I point to the four of us. Me, Double, Aegis, and Stella, who is now seemingly interested in the conversation again.

Twilight nods at this. “Yes. That is what we believe. It was a chance event that brought me and my friends together. And, we believe that another one has happened, that brought you all together here.” We all give a slight nod. “But, that makes us two short. Wouldn't they be here?” Aegis asks. Looking around between us. “That’s what we thought as well. Do any of you know who else you met recently by chance.” Twilight asks, and we are all left to our thoughts. . . . I think back through everything, but only one thing keeps coming to mind. “Luna. I need to speak to Luna. It’s urgent.” I call out. Everyone looks at me. “Care to explain, Silver?” I start to speak, but only let out a small sputter.

“Um. . .Uh. I can’t. It’s something I must tell Princess Luna. It’s something that only she must know.” The room brightens up, and we all turn towards the door. “I heard my name?” Oh, thank Faust. “Luna. . “ Celestia is the first to speak up. I glance over to Stella, only to find her looking everywhere, save for Luna’s direction. “Silver Shot here wishes to speak to you, alone.” She nods slowly, and glances at me. “That is fine with me. If you could excuse us.” I stand and walk to the Night Princess.

We step into the hall, and she surrounds us in a silver bubble. “The walls can hear quite well. This will help.” I give a curt nod, and go to open my mouth, only to be cut off before I speak. “Yes. You passed.” I passed? Wait. . I passed! “Really?!. . .That’s good and all, but now's not the time. Luna. Does the name Lunar Garden ring a bell?” She shakes her head. “Ok. How about the Kingdom of the Night?” She shakes her head again. “That’s what I thought. . . Neros” I mutter under my breath. “Well. Luna. This is going to surprise you. You might want to take a seat.”

Ok. Taking a seat didn’t help much. Once I explained to her everything about the Kingdom, she bolted up, and pushed me against the bubble. “Where. Where is this place?” I pat her hoof with mine. “C-cannot. . breath.” I mutter out, and she drops me instantly. “Oh, sorry Silver. But, this is just an important key to the past. We must go there, now!” I let out a sigh. “Luna. I know it’s important. But, it’s more than just a key to the past. It’s your Kingdom. It’s your family. And, they need you back. They need their Mother.” I am left thinking about Stella. She needs her mother too. “Luna. Princess. They need you, more then you need your past. . They are your past! You created that place for them. You brought them there, and then left them. They should have their Mother back.”

“Also. I think the new bearers could be there. Possibly.” The princess just stands there, in silent shock. “Princess Celestia told us about Neros. And the powers he had. . Has. He probably manipulated you. So, you can’t blame yourself for not remembering your kingdom. . . For not remembering your daughter.” I add at the end quietly. I reach my hoof out, placing it on the Princesses shoulder. “Luna. I was there. They still love you. They never held any anger towards you. I don’t think they could. You saved them. Gave them the second chance that they needed. The one that they were denied. You saw that they needed hope, and gave it to them.” I pause for a moment, pulling away from the princess. “You also gave me the same hope. . At one point. When you came back, after Nightmare. Your Guard was reinstated. It gave me an escape. To become much more then my brothers shadow. To finally be me again. Just like you did with them, just like you did with your self.”

“Silver. Stop. . I appreciate your speech, but you don’t understand.” I give the princess a confused look. “I don’t, you say? What do you mean? That I don’t know what it’s like to lose family? To forget about him, until he just shows up in your life again, thinking that he can just be. . . Be forgiven. . . “ Anger tinges my voice, as I rant on. I let it fade towards the end, letting out a nervous cough. . “Umm. Sorry, that was. . . That was a little personal.” The princess nods slowly. “Silver. I know your pain, in that sense. But, you don’t understand what it’s like to lose family, that you don’t even remember you had in the first place. Then they show up, and hate you for something you can’t remember either. Only making them hate you more. And, you don’t understand what it means to have forgotten a kingdom that you may have made.”

The princess stops for a moment. Letting out a sigh. “I’m not even sure if any of this is real, if it’s true. But, none of you have any reason to lie. And, trust me, I would know when you are lying.” I give a small smile. And reach my hoof out again, this time pulling the princess into a small hug. After a minute, we pull away. “We need to tell them. Don’t we? Tell them about the Kingdom of the Night.” Luna only replies with a nod. “This. . This is not going to go easy.” The princess says as her magic bubble disappears, and we face the doors we walked out moments earlier.

Forward Movement.

Chapter 11: Forward Movement.

“How long have you been here?” He gives a shrug. Direct eye contact. Mine meeting his. For once, I drop the stern glare I would normally give him. Letting in a more welcoming one. “I sit here. Every night. Well, every night that i can at least.” He lets out a small smile. “So. Why did you come here?” He asks this question, his voice letting out the tones of mixed confusion and astonishment. “Well. I haven’t visited them since the. . . you know.” He gives a nod. “So, you’re not here to see me?” I smile. And walk up to him. I grab my brother and pull him into a hug.

After a minute, I pull away. I stare him in the eyes, and then hit him as hard as I can. “You’re an ass. You know that?” I start out. My voice strangely calm for the anger I am feeling. “You left me. Alone. I was a kid, who just lost his parents. And his brother, who I thought would stay, and be there. But no. He just left. And never came back.” I pant softly. “I worked my flanks off day and night. I had to do everything. I didn't want to be a pity case. But. . . But, in the end. It all kind of worked out. I pushed myself harder than I would have, and look at me now. I’m an official Night Guard member. So I sorta have you to thank for that.”

“But, I can never forgive you for just leaving me like that.” Gold stares at me, just holding his hoof to his face. “Silver. . . I Know. I know what I did was wrong, in every way possible. But. I was just a kid too. I just didn’t know what to do. I loved mom and dad so much. Then ‘poof’ they just disappeared.” I glare at him. “Yeah. Well I loved them as much as you did. And I loved you too. But all of you just went ‘poof’.” He looks down at the ground. Then, for the first time ever. I finally get that look. The look of hurt. The look of sadness. And, finally, a look of regret.

“Silver. I really am sorry.” I nod, and hug him again. “I know you’re sorry. But. I can’t forgive you. At least, not now. Not yet. We have a long path ahead of us.” He smiles, and pulls away from me. “I’m sorry.” He looks towards the grave maker. Looking at the words that are neatly inscribed across the stone surface. He closes his eyes. “ ‘In loving memory of Rose Petal and Virtue Mark. A goal is never too far to reach, if you know where to aim.’ “ He sniffs lightly, sliding his hoof across his eyes. “Out of all the lessons dad has taught us, I will never forget that one.” He sniffs more. “I’m so sorry.” I give a small frown as I wrap my hoof around him. “Hey. I know. I know. Don’t need to keep saying it.” I let out a nervous chuckle. Gold stares at me, his eyes all teary.

I guess this is the second time I have seen him cry. “I made a promise. One that I failed to keep. Mom. She told me. . . She made me promise, when you were born, that I would always be there for you. That I should be your brother, and guardian. And I failed her. . . I could live with disappointing dad. He would let it move on. Mom. She would never let me live this down.” I pull away from Gold. Making him face me. “Good. I hope you never live that down. But. . . But, the past is in the past. We can move on. It’s just going to take some time.” Gold smiles, pulling me into another hug. “Th-thanks. If I were you, I would never forgive me.” I smile, and hit the back of his head teasingly. “Let me go.” Hoof steps approach from behind me. “Isn’t that just cute?” Huh. When did. . I turn around to see Stella, Double, and Midnight standing there.

“How long have you all been there?” They all look between each other. Trying to hold in their snickers and giggles. I let out a frustrated sigh. “Can it.” They all laugh, finally. You know. It’s good seeing Stella got along with at least a couple ponies. “Double. You all have to bring everyone back to the castle. You can’t come with us.” Double shakes his head, and Midnight speaks up. “I’m afraid we can’t do that. It’s a lot to handle for all of us. But, if we are going to be the new bearers, then we have a right to meet the other two.” I hold my hooves up, shaking them. “No no no. This isn’t up for debate. Me and Luna will go.”

Luna? Where did she go? I look around the field, seeing no sign of the princess. “Luna?” I call out. “Up here.” I hear the rustling of tree branches above. “Luna what are you. . . . Why?” My hoof smacks my face harder than intended. “Well. I didn’t want to interupt your touching moment. And, it gives a nice view of the sky.” From now on Silver. Just don't ask. Just. Don’t. Ask. “Well. Princess. If you could kindly get down here, and tell these three why they can't come.” The princess slides off the branch, landing solidly on the ground. “They are right.” I smirk and turn towards the three again. “See I told. . . Huh, wait, what?” I look to the princess, who is munching on an apple.

“They can come. But, I have to hide them. And, they must make sure they are not discovered till I can explain everything. Got it?” She smiles over to them, and all three nod, smiling wide. . . “You. . You all had this planned, didnt you?” All four of them shake their heads. Remember about not asking Silver? I meant it. “Well. It seems you are kind of busy. See you later?” I turn back to Gold finally. I give a small nod. “Yeah. Later. See you. Lets go now.” I look to Luna, and with a nod she teleports us to the Everfree

Reunion.

Chapter 12: Reunion.

Luna teleports us instantly into the Everfree. The moment I feel my feet shift from hard floor of the castle to the soft ground, I fall unbalanced, face-planting into the ground. Double snickers a little, but I glare rage right into him, silencing him. Luna goes over the plan one more time. Me and her will go in, and talk to White. We will explain, as well as we can, the situation. And. . . Well, from there we are not even sure. We are hoping that White will understand. All the while, to my utter disagreement, Double, Midnight, and Stella get walk around, placed under an invisibility spell.

Luna and Double joint cast the spell, increasing it’s effect. With a swift nod from Luna, I lead us through the forest. Eventually, we reach a large clearing. I turn towards Luna. “I’m pretty sure it’s close now.” I hear some rustling and I flip around. I glare around, and pick up a rock, tossing it towards the sounds gently.

In the distance I hear a slight gasp. It must be. “Star?” I call out. Soon, the rustling of leaves, and the crunching of branches is heard. “Silver?” She pokes her head though some bushes. Smiling when her eyes met mine. “Silver!” She calls out again and flings herself around me. “I was so worried. It’s been days since you left.” Has it really been days? Ever since I left, time just became one gray blur. Well, the morning I left the Everfree. Then, the test. I was knocked out for a bit, and it seems the sun is just starting to set now. It feels like just one long day. Just my luck. “Star. It is good to see you again.” She sniffs slightly, rubbing her head against my chest. I blush slightly, and cough. The princess giving me a knowing look. “Star? Where'd you run off to?” I hear her brother Blade call out. Soon, he joins us in the small clearing. First giving me an angry glare, but the moment his eyes meet the princess, he drops down, bowing instantly.

Silence is all around as as Star just glances around. “Blade? Silver? Whats going on.” Blade puts his hoof on Star, and makes her bow, whispering to her. “H-he brought the princess.” She lets out a gasp. “No need to bow. We are all equal here.” I smirk as they both stand. “Luna. This is Star, and Blade. Two ponies from the Lunar Garden. From your Kingdom of the Night.” Luna looks slightly shocked. She shakes herself slowly, and smiles at them. “I guess I have a lot to explain?” She laughs. Blade and Star just stand there. Shocked entirely. “Come on you two. I told you, didn’t I?” I let out a confident smile.

“It’s just that. . . I didn’t think it would be so quickly. It’s only been three days.” Star squeaks out, her murky eyes fixated on the princesses. “It’s just an honor.” Star bows again. I laugh a little. “Well, come on. We better get going to the Kingdom.” Me and Luna walk by Star and Blade. Both of which are still in some form of shock. I let out a long sigh. “Come on. We. . . We have a lot to explain.”

After a quick walk through the forest, and a small journey through the cave, we arrive into the Lunar Garden. The sight still amazes me. Imagine, an entire new land, just barely hidden from sight. And, in the center of this expansive and beautiful land, is the Kingdom of the Night. I look over to Luna. Imagine. She created this place, and hid it away. How much power does an alicorn really have? I also look back towards my three hidden friends. ‘Welcome to the Kingdom of the Night.’ I mouth to them. I wish I could see the look on their faces.

“Well. This is going to be interesting.” I hear Luna speak, and turn back towards her. “What is it?” She looks to the kingdom in front of us. I look forward. Oh. That will make things complicated. Some ponies are still carrying out their average business, but, the moment they catch sight of the princess, they stop dead in their tracks. Soon, I think just about everypony is standing there, staring at the princess.

We start walking forward, everypony bowing as the princess passes them. Then, they lift up, and fallow us to the castle at the center of the town. I turn to Star. “Hey. Star. You should probably go get White.” She nods, and gallops off. We keep walking down the long street, the amethyst castle growing larger, towering above us. I look over at Luna again. She seems. . . Strangely calm. A look of familiarity on her face. “Luna?” I whisper to her and she glances towards me. “Do. . Do you remember this place?” She shakes her head,and leans towards me. “No. . . But yes. I’ve seen it before. In my own dreams.” I give a small nod. “Explain later.” I say as we keep walking.

Once we arrive, Star and White are already sitting on the steps of the castle. Star smirks “Took you long enough.” She says in a teasing voice, as White gives her a glare. Star just sits there, unaware of the glare. Once White finishes her glare, she looks to the princess, bowing before her. “There is no need for that.” Luna says, as she looks around. She steps up onto the landing, next to White. Luna turns and faces all the ponies gathered. “I am glad to be back. To be here. But, there has been a lot going on. So, everypony, just go back to your business. There shall be a better time for reunion later.” With a smile, the crowd starts to dissipate. “Shall we head inside, Luna?” I ask as I look to her.

It seems the shock has finally set in on her. She looks nervous. Slightly shaking as well. With a curt nod from her, we head into the castle. With no time for a tour, White quickly leads us into a side room. It’s a small room, compared to the normally large ones. And in it, a small table, enough room for us to sit at. Well, all of us, save three certain ponies. . . Speaking of which, I don’t see their shimmer anymore. When the spell was cast, Luna put a spell on me, so I could see a slight shimmer of where the invisible ones are. They must have went somewhere else. I hope they don't wreck anything.

Star, Blade, White, and me all take our seats. Luna stands in front of all of us. She takes slow, deep breaths, and starts to explain everything. Luna explains that she doesn’t remember this place like she should. She only now can recall fragments of the halls, and building. “So. I think in time, I will be able to remember entirely. But, you ponies need a ruler again. And, I will gladly do that for you. It’s the least I can do.” I look between the Star, Blade, and White. “That is all that we could ask of you. Queen Luna.” White speaks out finally. Queen? That’s new. “Queen? Oh no. I could never take that title. Princess suites me just fine.” Luna says as she shakes her head. “What ever title you see fit. Mother.”

Luna stops, and stays still. Quickly glancing around the room. “M-mother?” She says quietly. “Why mother?” She questions. White gives a shrug. “It’s just how it’s been. Ever since this placed was formed. You took the young ones. The ones that were the most devastated from the fighting. And gave us this place as a home. We have just called you our mother since then.” Luna gives a small smile. I think she is feeling guilt over Stella. “Luna. We should continue explaining now.” Luna glances to me and nods.

“Ah. Yes. Well. I believe that it is best to not keep hidden.” Her statement is met with blank stares. “What do you mean? We’ve been hidden. Since forever. Some of us are even afraid to venture outside of the Kingdom. Let alone this land.” Blade speaks out. I guess there are those who would be opposed to change. “We don't have to reveal this place. But, I believe it would be best to have a form of communication with my sister at least.” White gives a nod, and holds up her hoof to silence any protest that would come from Blade. “Princess Luna. This is going to be a big decision. Up to you to make. But, I feel like there is something else you need to tell us.”

Luna gives a sad smile, and explains that there is a returning evil. Neros. “There are these things, Called the Elements of Harmony. They can help fight him. But they need new Bearers. Without Bearers, the balance will be skewed, and Neros and his Shade will only destroy lands much quicker.” White glances over to Star and Blade. “So you think that.” Luna only nods. Star and Blade glance between each other. Only giving looks of confusion. “How are you so sure?” White asks Luna. Not skeptical, but more in concern. Before Luna has a chance to answer, a crashing sound a few floors up rings out.

Oh no. We told them to. . . I let out a sigh. “Luna?” Luna nods and I stand up. “I’ll be back. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.” With a few small goodbyes, I leave the room, closing the door behind me.

(Moments Earlier)

“This isn’t good.” I speak out. Nervousness evident on my voice. “I know. I know. Just stay calm. I can get us in.” Midnight Lets out a giggle as she looks at Double. “No offense peachy boy, but the last time you teleported us, we almost went ‘splat’ on the ground. Thank Faust for wings.” Double glares at Midnight.”Oh, so you're just gonna fly us up there?” Midnight pauses in her tracks. Squinting. I look up, and spot what she saw. An open window, a few floors up. Oh no. “Sure.” She says bluntly, as she grabs both of us in her hoof. “Jus’ hang on.” She says as she spreads her wings.

“Oh great. All I wanted was to live a life. But now I’m gonna die. If only we were quicker, and stayed with them. Then we’d be in there. And not doing this out here!” Midnight looks at me. “Shush. We still have to be quiet.” I nod, and cross my hooves in front of me. Just hurry this up, you crazy mare. After a couple silent seconds, she lifts up. Slowly we raise to the window. I feel Midnight shift. Back and fourth. Back and fourth. . . . Is she going to? I see the shimmery form of Double get tossed through the window. Before I can protest, I am tossed as well. The world spinning before I land on top of double. Both of us on top of a bed, with purple blankets.

Soon, the shimmering figure of Midnight swoops into the room. “Huh. nice place.” She says as she looks around the room. Her eyes wander around the room. She fixates her vision on something. Her eyes go wide and she lets out a gasp. Double takes interest and has the same reaction when he looks over at what she is. What has got their attention? I move of the bed, and shake my self off. I stand next to midnight, and look at where she is.

A picture. An old, black and white photo, surrounded by a Silver frame, intertwined with gold wire. A photo of me. When I was younger. Being hugged by a younger looking Luna. Just out side this castle. With other younger ponies surrounding us. “Th-that’s me?” I stutter out, a questioning tone of disbelief on my voice. I step slowly up to the frame. I grasp it, and hold it close. That is definitely me. With Luna. Here. A throbbing pain shoots through my head. I curl onto the ground, the picture dropping to the ground, glass shattering. My hind leg kicks out, knocking the small night stand over, causing further havoc. “It. . It hurts!” I call out, as I keep grasping my throbbing head.

Quiet now, Stella. Just relax. I thought my spell would last longer. But, it seems the truth was going to come out eventually. Still, even with some of your memories, you are severely under-powered. I have nothing to fear. . . Yet. I better start preparing more. We will be seeing each other soon. Well. You will be seeing my power soon. . .

The evil, dark and corrupted voice, of my father rings out through my mind. I feel his words echo through me, till they slowly fade away. I lay there on the ground, shaking ever so slightly. I feel the hooves of both Double and Midnight wrap around me. Consoling me. Soon, my shaking settles. I open my eyes slowly, the light of the room ever so slightly blinding to me. “I remember.” I speak slowly. “The fragments. Coming together. Slowly, but they are.”

I am brought back into the past, watching as pieces of my fragmented memory fit together. Centuries ago, Luna, and my father. . . Or, a pony who was once my father, had a kid. Me. Neros only wanted me as his evil pet, to manipulate and bend into a malicious monster, born of darkness. I was born, not as a unicorn, nor as an earth pony or pegasus. But as an alicorn, like my mother. Fearing that the power in me would be too strong to corrupt, he sealed it. Making the black cross on my cutie mark. Turning me into an earth pony. Luna was in a time of despair. Jealousy of her sister coursing through her. Corrupting her slowly. Turning her into just another evil being of the darkness.

But, the love of her sister ran deeper than the jealousy, and she was able to overcome those feelings. For the time being. And, in a time of clarity, she took me and brought me to a new land. A land that she would one day hope to form into a new kingdom. She told me that we would be able to be free here, to grow strong. But Neros was a clever being. He felt Luna’s possible betrayal, and followed her here. He attacked her, and froze me in the crystal. The only thing I could remember from that time, was her voice, and the lingering touch.

I think from there, he manipulated Luna more. From the sounds of it, he almost turned her. But the love of her sister, and the light from the Elements were able to turn her back, and seal Neros. But he must have left darkness in her. For she would later, after the defeat of discord, become the dreaded Nightmare.

I’ve had it all wrong. They were right. Neros had planned this out. I stand to my hoof slowly, shaking again. Not from weakness, but from anger. Anger at myself for being so insolent. And anger at Neros, for the pain he has caused to everypony. “I’m sorry” I mumble out from under my breath. Soon, the door to the room is flung open, and I am met with the purple eyes of Silver. “Oh. Hey there.” The three of us smile.

Our smiles drop when we see three strange ponies appear behind him, followed by the princess. “We. . . We have a lot to explain, don't we?” The old white mare only nods. The young white mare only looks confused. The white stallion seems to be on guard, ready to attack us. Luna just looks entirely displeased at everything. And Silver doesn’t release everypony behind him yet. I bring up my hoof, and point behind him. He turns around. “Oh. . Yes. We do have a lot to explain.” He says with a long sigh, and a face hoof.

Decisions.

Chapter 13: decisions.

“You broke our trust.” One voice says. “How could you betray us like that?” Another rings out. I cover my ears with my hooves. Gaining weird looks from everypony. “Is something the matter silver?” Star asks from behind me. My guilt is making these voices ring through my head. For telling their secret. I know they are not angry, in fact quite the opposite, but still. “It’s just. I feel bad. For telling others about this place.” I get a chuckle from White. “It’s quite alright Silver Shot. It’s not like you told any common pony. So I guess we can forgive you for that.” Though she only means to tease, I tense up slightly.

I sigh, and let myself relax. “Ok. Now is not the time for joking. Let’s just get to the point.” I glance to luna, and she gives me a nod. “We’re all here. The possible Element bearers.” I turn to face everypony. “We are all connected though a similar event, just like like the old Element bearers. Though this time, it is much more grave.” I point to each of us in turn. “Me, Silver Shot. Midnight Aegis. Starlight Blade. Starseeker. Double Lift. And finally Stella Dusk. Six elements. Six of us, brought together by no mere coincidence.”

“What are these elements?” I hear Star ask. “Loyalty. Kindness. Honesty. Generosity. Laughter. And Magic.” I list out, as I look between us. The only question I can’t answer, is who is which. There has to be some easy way to tell. “How are you for sure that’s it us?” Blade asks. I give a shrug. “We don’t know for sure. But, we have no other option right now. And, you both seem to be good candidates.” He shakes his head. “I mean. All of us. You four as well. How are you for sure?”

He asks his question slowly. The words traveling through me. Luna speaks up before I can. “I used to be connected to the Elements once. And I can feel them connected to you six as well. That’s for sure.” I don’t think the princess completely erases his doubts, but its a start. “We won’t have the elements to use. But, we embody them, and just that can make us stronger. But, it can only work if we get along. I know some of us started out on the wrong hoof. And we are all confused. But we must push through. But. We can’t stay here. You two have to come with us. To Equestria.”

I hear Star gasp. Balde’s hoof hits against the table. “Impossible. We’ve never been outside the forest before. That place is a foreign world to us.” Luna nods slowly. “Yes. I know it is much to ask of you two. But you must go with them, in order to keep the Lunar Garden, and Equestria alive. And all the other lands.” Blade looks away, and Star just stares forward blankly. “Ok.” She says with a slight nod. “What. No way. It’s dangerous out there for you. I can’t let you go out there and get hurt.” She turns and glares at Blade. “It is my decision, not yours Blade. And I want to go!” She shouts at him. Wow. I’ve never seen the normally timid Star act like this. “Star. . “ He says in a low voice. “I’m tired of you thinking I’m helpless. Blade. I know you care for me. But, I can walk for myself.” He lets out a scowl. “You can’t though! Not out there. You don't know the lands at all. The sky will be different as well.” She turns away from him, pointing to her cutie mark. A shimmering Star flower, like the one in her mane.

For a split second, I could have sworn i saw him blush. To be fair, I think I did too. “It won't matter, Blade. Just give me one night in that place, and I can travel it with no problem.” Oh yeah. What did she say? The stars are her guide? Something like that. But, she’s been in the everfree before. During night. Well, I guess that place works differently. Maybe the stars do as well? The sibling continue fighting between themselves. “Enough!” The elderly white mare yells. “Both of you. I hate to see you fight. Now, the decision has already been made. Since you two were busy bickering. Both of you will be going with Silver and his friends.” Blade lets out a grunt and flops into his seat, and stare jumps up and down excitedly.

“And Silver. Please tell Celetia that I will be staying here. To rule. But, I will keep open communications with her.” I give her a nod. “I think she already knows. But. I will tell her.” Luna smiles. “Now, you all better get going.” White shakes her head. “No. It’s getting late out, and, even though I don’t doubt all of your strengths. . . I’d just rather not risk it.” The six of us look between each other. All nodding in agreement. Even if we didn’t agree with White, I don’t think any of us would’ve argued against her. “Yeah. I guess there are plenty of rooms we could use in this castle.

Stella who has been silent this entire time, finally speaks up. “I’m sorry everypony, but can you all excuse me and Princess Luna for a moment. I need to speak to her. . . Alone.” We all glance between the Princess and Stella. Without a word, they both step away from the group, walking out into the hall.

(In the hallway)

The moment me and Luna step into the hallway, she puts up a dark bubble. “So they can’t hear us.” I give her a glare. “Oh, so you think I’m gonna yell at you again?” My voice is already raised. “You so insensitive Luna! I just wanted to talk to you. . . . “ I breath slowly. Why? Why am I already so angry. Neros. He put that curse on me. How can I break it though? I open my mouth to speak to Luna. But close it instantly. Only more words of hate will come out. “Stella? What is it dear?” I shake my head, fighting back tears. “Stella. You came out here to talk. So talk!” Luna sounds like she is getting impatient.

I give her a glare, and open my mouth again. “Will you just shut up! I’m trying to speak, but you just keep talking. You know how annoying you are?” Great Faust, there I go again. “Luna. . Just be quiet.” I say. My words are full of hate. But I don’t mean any of it. I just want to tell her. . . Tell my mother how much I want to love her. How much I want her to love me back. But, this curse will only increase the distance between us. Well. If I can’t show what I mean through words. . . Maybe through actions? I sit there for a moment, sniffing slightly as a tear rolls down my cheek. I hold open my hooves as I look at Luna.

She just stands there for a long, silent, moment. She gives a small smile, and her eyes grow misty. She steps up to me, and pushes her hooves around me. I close mine around her, and we embrace for the first time in a long time. I feel a warmth spread through us. I open my eyes to see a glow as well. Memories flow between me and luna. Filling in only small gaps. She loved me. She always has. And always will. I’m her only daughter. She hid me from Neros, but he knew. And he froze me in that dark place. Along with trying to rearrange my memories. My subconscious mind fought him though. Finding it too tough to change my mind completely, he just shattered it. My memories. Piecing together small bits, then left me there, in the cold. Longing only for the warmth.

I have that now though. The warmth. And I love it. “Luna. . . Mother. I love you.” Finally able to speak the truth, I pull away from the hug. “I love you. I do. I’m sorry I couldn't say it before.” Luna looks as if she is going to speak. But she opens her mouth, and it just hangs there. Now a look of astonishment on her face. “Wings?” What does she. . I look to my back, a long pair of purple wings. . . I let out a sigh. “Well, I broke part of the curse.” I look down at my cutie mark. One black line fades away, leaving one more.

Sooner than I expected. His voice rings out. I’ll only have to keep moving quicker. But, not that quickly. It will take you even longer to get your horn back. “Stuff it, Neros.” I say, and his voice fades from my head. Luna looks at me confusedly. “He’s been speaking to me. Sometimes. about this curse, and moving to get her faster. That means we only have to move quicker as well.” Luna nods slightly. I decide to explain more. “I remember, barely, that I was like you. An alicorn. But Neros cursed me. I guess, finding my love for you broke the first part.” I give my mother a big smile, and hug her again.

“It looks like I have to get used to no horn, and having wings now.” I let out another sigh. “I-I can call you mom, right?” I ask with a light giggle. . .Weird. It seems for the first time, since I woke up, that I’m actually happy. I hate curses. Luna only gives me a nod in response .Still seeming shocked by the wings. I kind of am to. The others will be to. Looks like we only have more to explain.

Senary.

Chapter 14: Senary.

(The next morning. Back in Canterlot.)

This is. . . . Awkward to say the least. Six old, and six new. All sitting together, in a big gathering room back at canterlot. Celestia had planned for all of us to get together and. . Just talk. Just be friends. And to see if the current bearers can sense the new ones. To be fair, it could be worse. No one has started a fight. But it seems Blade wants to fight somepony. Fluttershy is chatting with Star. Midnight seems to, sorta, get along with Rainbow. Or at least, it seems they don't hate each other. Though I’m pretty sure they have already had five races around the castle. Double and Pinkie are just sitting and staring at each other. Freakin love birds. I’m sitting trying, and failing, to make conversation with Twi, Applejack, and Rarity. Stella is just sitting away from everypony.

Yeah. Could be worse. “This isn’t getting us anywhere.” Blade finally shouts out. Everyone looks to him. “You bring us here, saying we have an important destiny. . And now we just sit and talk?” He. . . He does have a point. I decide to speak up. “He’s right. This is important .We can’t just sit here and talk. We need to try to make progress.” Twilight nods as well. “We have made some. I can tell that you are linked to the elements. But, pegging down which one of you is which is harder. It has to be done through action.”

“Well. Lets have a Elements gathering picnic party!” Pinkie calls out, Double wincing from her choice of volume. “Really. Pinkie. A party?” Twilight says as she looks to Pinkie. “That’s actually not a bad idea.” I hear Midnight say. “We are all tensed, and stressed. Some food and relaxation would help everypony.” I look around to everypony. All of them giving slight nods of agreement. Save Blade, who could care less. And Stella who is. . . Yep still sitting far away from everypony. “Well. Lets go.”

Rainbow and Midnight rush out of the room. Fallowed by Star, Blade quickly following her. Double and Pinkie walk out with each other next. Fluttershy leaves with Rarity and Applejack. “You coming?” Twilight asks me. I give a nod, and point to Stella. “Go ahead.” She smiles and walks out as well. I fly over to Stella, coming up right next to her. “Hey. You ok? You seemed really happy last night.” She sniffs slightly. “Y-yeah I’m fine. . . It’s just. I finally got my mother back, but then had to leave her.” Ahh, that makes sense. I wrap a hoof around Stella. “Well, hey. Let’s go have a picnic.” She looks up to me. With a small smile and a nod, we both walk out together.

Not surprisingly, by the time me and Stella reach the others, on top of a big hill overlooking a large field right outside of the castle, a picnic is already set up. It still seems that everypony is doing there own thing. This time, Rainbow and Midnight are having some kind of eating challenge. Blade is leaning back against a tree, constantly watching Star, who is down by a pond with Fluttershy and Rarity. Everypony else is sitting on a small blanket, chowing down on the food. Once we reach them, Stella heads to the other side of the tree, away from everypony. I sigh and sit across from Twilight. “Well. We tried.” I give a shrug and a chuckle. “Oh really? I don’t think you tried at all.” Blade calls over to me. “I was kidding.” I call back to him. He just grunts and goes back to watch Star. He must really care for her.

Pinkie keeps looking over at me. She stands up, and walks to me. Pulling me aside. “Woah. What?” I ask as I am dragged away. Apparently no pony finds this weird. I sigh, and once she’s done dragging me I sit there. Waiting for her to speak or something. “Well?” I ask with a wave of my hoof. She stares a moment longer, then nods. “Oh yeah. Just give it time. It didn’t take a day, you know?” I shake my head. “Please elaborate.” She giggles. “Funny word. . .Oh, but Twilight and us. We didn’t become instant friends that one night we discovered the Elements. It took us a bit. Finally, I dragged them all to a day picnic party like this. So we could bond in the sunlight. Find things that we had in common. That’s when our friendship really began.” I nod slowly. “So what are you saying? Find out what we have in common during a. . . Day picnic party like this?” She shakes. . .And nods her head, making this weird swirling motion. “Yes and no. Find out what you have in common. Yes. But. I don’t think that the day is one of those things.”

With that, she walks back to the picnic, me flying slowly behind. For a silly mare like her, she does have a lot of wisdom. I smile. And the day goes by. Slowly but surely. Soon, as the sun starts setting, the old six pack up and head out. “Well, Silver? Why are we still here? Why didn’t we accomplish anything?” I give a shrug. “Questions I can’t answer. But. I like the night. It reveals the vast, expansive sky. I think it’s something we all like.” Soon, five of us are gathered on the cold blanket. Star sits close to me, almost leaning against me. I feel a glare coming from Midnight, but I am too afraid to look. “Hey Stella. Come over here.” I call to her. She shifts slowly, coming from behind the tree, and plopping herself down on the blanket.

“Do you two have to be so close?” Midnight asks. “What?” I turn to her, and she is just staring at me. “You two. You’re so close. It’s annoying. Since you aren't even going out.” Why would she. . . Oh. . .Oh no. “Oh. My bad.” Star says and slides away from me slightly. “I’m going to the pond. I love the night sky reflection.” With that, Star gets up, and heads down to the pond. “I’m going with her.” Double says, and follows behind her. Stella heads back to her side of the tree. Midnight turns away, and takes off. “Gonna fly for a bit.” Somehow, this is perfect. “Blade.” I look to him. He looks at me. “I know you love Star. But, you can’t be so clingy. That can only make her grow away from you. And. . Trust me, losing a sibling is hard.”

He laughs slightly. “I wish that were true. .” He chuckles again. “What, you don’t love her?” He blushes slightly. “No. I love her a lot. I just wish I didn’t.” Does he mean? I let him keep speaking for himself. Don’t make assumptions now, Silver. “I’ve always loved her. Since we were young. That’s why I want to protect her. I don’t want to see her hurt again. I wish we were siblings. . . “ He says quietly at the end. “Huh? I thought you were. White said that. . “ She never said that they were related. “White said what?” He asks. “She said that she cared for you, since your parents passed. I guess she never said you were related.”

He nods. “Yeah. I wish we were siblings, like she thinks we are. If we were, then I can’t love her like I do. I hate keeping this lie.” I tilt my head slightly. “Then why do you?” He smiles. “Well. Because I care for her. Whether she thinks of me as her brother, or more. I will always care for her. I’ve never told her a lie. Or any other pony. I always speak my mind. Even though it gets me in trouble sometimes. But. Sometimes you have to hurt ponies with the truth. Even the ponies you care for.” Honesty. We look each other in the eyes, and I see a flash of white travel through them. I pull my hooves across my lips. “I won’t say anything. That is up to you.”

He nods. “Hey, Silver.” I look at him again. “Yeah?” He smirks. “For a short stack, your pretty cool.” At least I can trust his words. “Back at ya, brick wall.” We laugh a little. Double comes back up. Smiling slightly. “What has you grinning?” He points down at Star. She is leaning in, muzzle almost touching the water. I start chuckling, and so does Blade. Soon we are all laughing. “Star is interesting, to say the least.” I say and glance at Blade, getting a nod from him. “I’m going to go talk to her.” I excuse myself from them, and walk down to her.

“Hey there. Star.” She pulls herself up, glancing in my direction. “Oh. Hey Silver.” We sit in silence for a long moment. “I-I have something to tell you.” She starts, and glances around my face, finding my eyes. “Star. You don’t have to. . “ She cuts me off, putting her hoof to my mouth. “Shh. My turn.” She pauses for a moment. “I was talking to Rarity. About love. And I think that. . . I can’t love you.” I was afraid of this. “Star. I can’t. . . . .What?” Did she say. . “Let me explain. I’ve lived a hard life. Since my eyes. But, I’ve made it harder on myself. I’ve always lived my life for others. I’m put other’s needs before mine. Because, I want to see them happy. But. But, after talking with Rarity. I learned that being selfish to myself for this long, will only hurt.”

“She’s learned a balance. She knows how much she can give. And how much she needs to keep. I will learn that balance too.” Generosity. Star and me lock eyes again. I see a flash of that murky blue color travel through her eyes. “I see. Oh well. Looks like my chances are gone.” I give a forced chuckle. Star chuckles then walks back up to the others. “Yesh. Tough. Sorry to hear that.” I flinch backwards, and look up, to see Midnight floating there. “How long have you. . .” I let out a sigh. “It dosen’t matter. What do you want?” She sets herself down on the ground. “Jeez. Just trying to console a broken heart.” She says teasingly, and I reach my hoof out, punching her lightly. She punches me back, and we laugh a little.

“I know what it’s like though. It’s tough.” I give her a confused look. “Love. It’s a weird thing. Like Star, said though. You need to know how much to give and keep. . .” I nod slowly. Midnight lays on her back, and looks up into the sky. I lay down, our manes brushing slightly. I can feel the heat of her head, just mere inches from mine. “I’m the same way. I like everypony. But, sometimes it’s hard. They just all get on your nerves. But, I can always keep that. . Hate hidden in me. But, sometimes it just bursts out.” I chuckle. “Yeah. I know.” She chuckles a little as well. “So I learned how to direct my hate where, and when, it’s needed. So I can be nice to everypony else. I hate hate. Such a nasty word.” Kindness. we both flip around slightly, facing each other while laying on our sides. I see a flash of gold travel through her eyes.

We lean in slowly, drawing closer. “Hey Silver?” I nod slowly, as we keep getting near each other. “Yeah, Aegis?” She suddenly pulls away, getting onto her hooves again. “I think we should head back. . . And. . And. . I like you.” She adds that last part swiftly, and quietly. But I still hear it. She flies away. I smile and fly up to the rest. All of them are laughing, save Stella who is still on the other side. “How did you do that? With no magic?” I hear Blade ask. I smile as I see that smirk that Double always get’s when he performs. “Ah. A great magician never reveals his tricks.” I smirk. Maybe I should? Yeah, I should. I glance at the cards he’s holding. And I smile.

“Oh, its quite simple.” I start out, Double rushes towards me, but I just hold him back with one hoof. “Don’t you dare Silver.” He lights up his horn, the soft white glow lighting the area. “Double, I wasn’t gonna. . “ It’s too late, and my pleas don't reach him. And now, I’m falling right towards the pond. I unfurl my wings, and fly back to the Blanket. “Dude. Not. Cool.” He chuckles and shrugs. “Sorry. I meant to make your mouth disappear, but I panicked.” So he teleports ponies to near death when panicked. I will remember that. “I wasn’t going to say anything. Even though I do know all your old tricks like that one.” He nods and smiles.

“Yeah. You remember this deck, right?” He holds it in his glow. The familiar white loops and swirls on the red back. “Your fathers. He gave it to you?” He nods. “Yeah. When I earned my cutie mark. the day before you left to go to the trainee camp. The day that. . . “ He sniffs a little, tears filling his eyes. “Woah, Double, are you ok?” He nods. “Yeah. It’s just that day. I almost lost her.” Her. Oh he must mean. . “Double.” I say. He sniffs a little more. “She was dying. And I couldn't do anything. Nothing at all. I only just sat there by her bed. Crying. Hat Trick. No pony knew what was wrong with her. She just went to sleep, and couldn't wake back up. Nothing worked. . .But then.” He sniffs more. “I tried something. I just started telling my favorite jokes. Ones our father would tell. I felt her move. Felt her warm up. I started crying more.” tears are streaming down his face. These are tough memories for him. “And. . . She spoke. ‘Why aren't you laughing?’ She said. I couldn't tell her why. But I knew. I knew that sometimes you just have to cry before you can get yourself, and others, laughing.” Laughter. . . Should have been obvious. He looks up to me, and we stare at each other. I see that flash of orange travel through his eyes.

We all sit in silence for a moment. “Thank you. Silver.” Double says. Then Star. Then Blade, and Midnight. Double keeps speaking. “You’ve turned your back on others. But, you have always kept true to your friends. You know where your loyalties lie.” I feel a spark in myself. And, like the others, a purple flash travels through my eyes. “Thank you guys as well. . .” We all stop, and look to the tree. “One more.” I say. And let out a sigh. Again. It should have been obvious. Magic was the most mysterious element, and Stella is the most mysterious mare. “Stella. We need you with us. We can’t do it without you.” Silence. Just the light breeze of the night. The sun has long since set. “No.” What? No? What does she mean by no? “Stella. We need you.” She sniffs, and comes out from behind the tree.

Her purple wings are spread wide. It was weird when we first saw them. But, it suits her. “I know you need me. But I can’t. These are wings. That’s all I have now. I’m cursed. I can’t be magic. There has to be another bearer out there.” We all shake our heads, and pull Stella into a group hug. “No. It can only be you.” I say. “You’re our friend.” Double brings up. “We’re family.” Blade and Star say. “And, we need you. Just as much as you need us.” Midnight finishes. “I’d help if I could. . . But, right now, with this curse. . . . I just can’t do anything.” She slips away from our hug, and we all sit, glancing between each other. “Stella.” I speak up first. “We don’t care. So what if you’re cursed? We’ll stay with you till we can break it.” She shakes her head. “Who knows how long that will take though?” She questions. She turns and faces us.

“By the time we find a way, it could be too late. Everything could be ending around us, with no way to stop it. I can’t live with that feeling, knowing that you guys could’ve moved on without me.” Blade hits the tree beside us. “Don’t you see Stella!? We can’t ‘move on’ without you. We are here together. With you. And we will be together with you until we stop this thing. After that, then you can be all alone and mopey. But you will always be our friend.” All of us are silent as we stare at Blade. “And, another thing, you still have magic. Even without a horn.” Stella sighs, and looks up to Blade. “Well? What magic do I have?” He smile, and glances between all of us. “You’re friends. You know. I didn’t believe it at first. I wanted to stay back in the Kingdom, and never leave. But, here I am. Why? Because I knew that it was something I had to do.”

“And, I even ended up liking all of you. You’re all great. And sure we’ll have our fights, but I know you guys are true friends. I’m glad I was forced to be here.” Stella jump up, taking off into the air. “I’m sorry. . . I just can’t. Not right now.” With that she takes off. Midnight is about to go after her, but I stop her. “No. Let her go. She needs to vent.” We all are left to watch, as Stella’s form soon fades into the dark night sky. We are all left, looking up at the sky, full of flickering and gleaming stars. “It’s a shame that people used to shun the night. It’s so beautiful.” Star says, her eyes slightly watery. “Luna does a good job at making it beautiful.” She sniff slightly, and lays down on the cold blanket.

We all lay down next to her. “I’m sure Princess Luna puts her all into making it. I think she is just trying to impress somepony.” We all give silent nods. “I hope she’ll be ok. All alone out there” I smirk, and turn to Star. “I’m sure she will be able to handle her self.” Star turns to me, tears still in the edges of her murky eyes. “I know that. But, a pony has a lot to think about when they’re all alone. What if she decides to never come back?” We all sit in silence after that question.

“She will.” Midnight states, in her matter-of-factly tone. “H-how are you so sure?” Star stutters out. “I’m not. Even though she doesn’t except our friendship, deep down she knows she needs it. That will always lead us back together. Our friendship.” She lets out a long sigh. Letting a wistful smile fill her face. “Also, whenever I fly, I think much clearer than I do normally. What about you Silver?” I give an affirmative nod. “Yeah. Flying always helps.” Star lets out a long sigh. “But. . But what if it doesn’t help her? She isn’t a pegasus. . “ I cut her off. “No. She’s not. She is much more. She will be much more. She just need’s to see that her self. Worrying is not going to help. Let’s all just relax, and let her clear her mind.”

Understanding.

Chapter 10: Understanding.

“Celestia!” Voices ring out. All alarmed, in shock. The normally composed, regal figure, now hunched over, in tears. Under her, is her sisters form, curled up slightly, cradling her cheek. Twilight runs over to the white alicorn, pulling her back. And, surprisingly, Stella moves over to luna, helping her up. “Well, that just happened.” Double says. Yeah. That did just happen. After I explained to them about the kingdom. The people I met. The story they told. Everyone was, more or less, as surprised as I was when I saw it.

Though, Celestia just sat there. In solemn silence. She got up, and walked over to her sister. First, embracing her in a hug, as she started crying. Then, for no reason that I could tell, just smacked her. “I’m sorry.” Celestia murmurs as she regains her composure. “There was no call for that!” Stella shouts at her. “Seriously, what the hay is wrong with you! What she did back then was the act of the purest kindness, and selflessness. Not one of defiance to you.” Stella keeps berreting Celestia with hard words. “And what were you just talking about? Didn’t you say that fath. . . Neros has powers that can change the way we perceive things? It would be obvious that, since he made her forget about me, that he would make her forget about them too!”

Stella’s argument continues unopposed. Everypony to shocked to argue against. Or they agree. Stella looks back down at luna, giving her a hug. A tight one. . . For a moment, I see something shifting. On her flank, her cutie mark. It looks like it’s changing. But then, Stella breaks away from the hug abruptly. “You are still in the wrong too!” She calls down to Luna. “I will never forgive you.” What a strange mare. “I’m leaving now. Come on Silver.” She hastily walks to me, grabbing my tail, and pulling me along. “Hold it up there.” Aegis flys out in front of us, blocking the exit. “Move it, Blondie.” Stella says between her teeth. Oh god. I do not want to be between this. “Ain’t moving. And neither are you. We still have questions that need answers. And it seems both of you can get them.”

“Hey. I’m being dragged. . . . partly against my will. . . I did agree to help her with finding her answers too. Help her find a life to live. But, I still have other promises that I intend to keep. One of which is bringing Luna back to her kingdom.” Stella lets go of my tail, causing me to fall forward. I hear Pinkies laugh in the background, but it is instantly silenced by Doubles hoof. “Now, everypony, let’s all just take a moment to calm down. This is all alot for all of us to handle.” I speak slowly. “Fine!” Stella and Aegis shout at each other. . Did I not just say calm down? Oh great Faust, please help me. You know I need it.

We all return to the table. On one side of me is Stella, seemingly ready to bolt at any moment. And on the other is Aegis, ready to. . . I don’t wanna know. I glance down at Stellas flank, at her cutie mark. It’s weird. I mean. It looks like it would be a normal sun. Dark purple, darker than her fur color. But there is this black cross in it. What could it represent? I feel the back of my head ‘lightly’ smacked. I use that word sparingly though, because Aegis doesn't know ‘lightly’ “Stop staring.” She whispers, angrily I might add, at me. I blush slightly. I realise that, to every other pony, I was just staring at her flank. fortunately nopony else seemed to notice. I sigh.

I think two full hours pass by before anypony has the courage to speak loudly. it is only a few simple words that are spoken. But, the meaning that they carry will decide the fate of all of us. Four words. Just four words. “We must decide. Now.” Celestia spoke out, making everypony look at her. And, if those four words could change everything, the discussion that follows even more so. “Luna. You can go and rule your own kingdom, but you have to keep up your responsibilities for the moon.” Luna nods. “But, Celestia. You need help ruling here. You’ve done it alone for a thousand years. I can’t let you rule alone any longer.” Celestia shakes her head. “Luna. There is no option for you. They have been left alone for much longer than me. Silver is right. They need there ruler back.”

Luna falls silent. Celestia turns to Twilight. “You do have a choice though. You don’t have to leave the land that you know. I can still send somepony else searching for the. . . “ Twilight shakes her head. “Princess. This is not an option. We all know that we must search for The Celica. It is our honor to find the light that can save us.” Celestia gives a nod as she falls silent for a moment.

“Silver.” Her voice echos out. I look up the the princess. “You said that you believe the other two Elements bearers would be there?” I nod slowly. Gulping slightly. “Y-yes princess. Like it was explained, it was no mere coincidence that those events brought Twilight and her friends together. From the Rainboom to Nightmare.” I pause looking at Double, Aegis, and Stella. “And, it is no mere coincidence that these events brought us together.” I turn to the princess, giving a confident look. “There are two others that I met. They live in the Lunar Garden. It has to be them.”

Silence again. “It’s all settled then. Twilight, you and your friends should take your time and prepare to leave. Once you feel fully prepared, then you can take your leave.” Celestia says, a little bit despondent. Twilight and her friends nod, taking their leave. “Silver. Bring us to the Kingdom of the Night.” I shake my head. “Princess. I made a promise that I wouldn’t tell anypony about that place, other than Luna. I had to break that promise because the urgency of this situation.” Celestia nods. “I understand. I will honor that, and not come with you. But, we must establish some sort of communication.”

Luna, after sitting in silence, speaks up again. “Celestia. I will explain the situation at hand to them. They will understand. I will contact you when I can.” With a few more curt nods. Me and luna walk out into the hallway. I let out a long, exasperated sigh. I look over to Luna. “Luna?” I say, silently, waiting for the princess to respond. She looks at me. I can see it in her eyes. The look of sadness, and regret. Of actually feeling remorse for what she has done. But, in her eyes, I can also catch glimpses of anger. Of a deep, hidden, fury ready to explode at a pin drop. The same feeling I have been holding back from Gold. “Luna. I know my level of hate can’t match yours.” I start out slowly “Anyone would feel that way. After being under appreciated for so long. No pony holds any anger towards you. Or your actions.” Luna just keeps a steady stare at me. “You had a sister that abandoned you when you needed her most. And I had a brother who did the same.”

Luna puts up her hood. “Silver. Now is not the time. Nor do I want to talk about this.” I ignore her, and place my hoof against her. “Luna. We suffer from the same situation.” She shakes her head, withdrawing her hoofs. “No. Silver Shot. I used to suffer from the same situation. I have moved on, and forgiven. You can not though. You can never forgive your Brother.” I keep my hoof up. “I-I. . . Ok. You’re right. I can never forgive him. But. . . But I will never forget him either. He’s my. . . . He is my brother. We are the only family we have.” Luna stands there. She lifts her hoof, pressing it to mine again.

“Silver. We suffer. We hurt. And we got lost in the dark. Not knowing which way to walk or turn. But, we know where our loyalties lie. And they can lead is in the right way. I sensed it in you from the beginning. But, after seeing you and your friends, I know for sure. The abandonment in your past has led you to never abandon others. Not even Stella, who you barely know at all.” I nod slowly. “Well. I know what it’s like to feel lost, with no direction.” Luna gives a nod as she moves her hoof away, setting it down with a small clack. I bring mine down. I look down at the ground.

“Hey, Luna? If it’s not to much of a bother. Could we go somewhere before we head to the kingdom. It. . . It wont take long.” Luna gives a nod, and with a flash of her horn, we are teleported to a small hill, overlooking a large field. I hear a shocked gasp from behind the lone tree. “What was that?” I hear the voice mumble softly, as if just waking up. “We need to talk . . Brother.”