A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts

“A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts”

Chapter 10:
“Stirring Shadows – Part 2”

The two combatants stood before each other. Unfurling their wings, they ascended into the sky. Once Luna was sure of David’s safety, she sailed toward Rend, her magic holding her sword at the ready.

He cackled, viciously swinging his axe. “Die!” roared Rend.

The two began striking their weapons violently in the skies over Canterlot. The sinister Dragon Knight had harmed David, and Luna was determined to stop him, no matter the cost.

Rend growled under his breath, while they continued exchanging blows. “Bold prey makes for a good kill! Your death shall bring me endless pleasure,” he smirked.

“You got the better of me once,” Luna remarked, glaring at her foe. Looking down at David, she reached a lone hoof toward him, feeling her love for him resonate in her heart. Then, she turned back to her enemy, wearing a fierce expression. “But you won’t be so lucky this time! I don’t care what I have to do…I’m going to defeat you!”

“Heh-heh-heh, go ahead and try!” he snickered.

They continued exchanging blow after blow. Their weapons locked together, neither one showing an ounce of intimidation. The determined look continued to burn on brightly in Luna’s eyes. She wasn’t going to fail David, not this time! Pulling back, she focused her magic and unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts. Luna took off and began strafing past Rend, pelting him with jolts of lightning from her horn. The beast grunted from the pain that her attacks delivered.

His anger continued to seethe, as he unleashed his fiery breath upon her. Harnessing her agility, Luna gracefully dodged every cone of fire he launcher her way. Their blades met for another exchange of fury.

Rend marveled at their battle. “This is great! It’s been too long since I’ve had a foe worthy of my skills. But…I grow weary of this fight. Now I’ll show you why a clash with a Dragon Knight…ultimately ends in DEATH!” Rend bellowed with glee.

Luna glared at him, giving him nothing but her disdain. Her attitude only served to further agitate him. Rend lashed his axe forward with incredible force. It shattered Luna’s sword, but she was not shaken. Her horn shined brilliantly with the vibrant glow of her magic. Just as she went to attack, a familiar screech filled the air. She turned back in time to see the two winged demons had returned.

“Remember us?” hissed the one.

“Now you die!” shrieked the other, flailing his curved sword.

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!” shouted a proud echoing voice. The two demons turned in time to be blinded by the brilliant golden-orange light, surrounding Princess Celestia. “No one harms my family or my friends…not while I’m around!” she exclaimed valiantly.

The two demons looked at each other fearfully. Celestia’s horn lit up as she fired blasts of shimmery orange energy at each of them. The first demon was struck and immediately burst into flames. The magic reduced the fiend to a gentle shower of charred ashes. The second was struck in the wing, causing it to crash onto the grassy ground below.

Luna briefly turned her head back. “You’re just in time, sister!” she called out. Her elder sister smiled, before she flew down to see to the injured guards. Luna looked back at Rend, and shouted, “Take this!” She unleashed a curved blade of blue energy from her horn. It broke his axe in half, and slashed into Rend’s already cracked armor, further weakening it.

“Argh! You’re really starting to annoy me,” Rend shouted, growling under his breath. Again he spewed his flaming breath at her, and just like before, she dodged every blast, until she found herself seized in the grip of his scaly claws. “Ah-ha, got you!” he snarled victoriously. Rend firmed his grip on her. “Now I’m going to squeeze the life out of you!” he cackled. The Dragon Knight grinned as he began clenching his claws around Luna’s torso. The sound of her bones slowly starting to crack permeated the air.

David had continued watching her fight from the ground. Rend spied the weakened human, and devised an idea to double his pleasure. He quickly descended, landing right before David. The beast chuckled at him. “Now my little friend, watch as I ring the life from your precious, Princess Luna! And best of all…there’s nothing you can do about it! Mwa, ha, ha, ha!!” he rolled with wicked delight.

“Luna!” shouted David, panic resounding in his voice. He could hear the sounds of her painful whimpers as Rend continued tightening his grip on her.

Finally, Luna cried out in agony, “Ahhhhhhhhh!!”

David gasped loudly, feeling his breath quicken as frustration rapidly set in. What could he do? This time there were no weapons to wield, and his body had already suffered from the fiery wrath of Rend…but just as before, how could he simply watch her die? He stood there slowly seething with anger, feeling his chest heave as tears pooled in his eyes. Then losing his grip on logic, David tore off, running toward the brute. If nothing else, he still had his bare hands! Defying all commonsense, he threw himself at Rend, and began punching his strong scaly hide. “Let her go you monster!” he yelled. David continued punching the beast again and again, desperately trying to save the one he loved, not caring a bit about himself, but all he succeeded in doing was bloodying his own knuckles.

Rend turned his reptilian head toward the human. “I said, watch!” he roared, swatting David with his tail. The human flew a few feet, landing on the grass with a soft thud.

Luna looked at David, as he lay motionless on the ground. It was then that she realized her lover’s outburst had distracted Rend. The Dragon Knight’s grip on her had lessened. Filling again with a fiery rage, Luna let go of all restraint. Her eyes lit up, as did her horn. She cried out, surprising Rend, and with incredible might, she broke free of his grip. Turning away, she drew in her hind legs and kicked his armored chest with all her might. Luna landed gracefully on the ground, and turned in time to see Rend’s armor shatter.

“What!?” he roared. “That does it! You’re history!” Rend opened his mouth and spewed another cone of fire at Luna.

Having had her fill of this brute, she dodged the attack, and charged him at a full gallop. Her horn continued to shine brightly as she thrust it into his now bare chest. “Take that monster!” Luna bellowed courageously. She heard her once proud foe grunt in pain. Luna withdrew her horn and quickly put some distance between her and Rend. Looking over at David, she saw her sister was by his side. Celestia nodded and quickly joined Luna.

The Dragon Knight covered his bleeding wound, grunting lightly from the pain. “Well played, princess. But I’m not finished, yet!” snarled Rend.

The elder princess bore the beast a look transcending contempt. “Together Luna, let’s finish this monster off!” Celestia asserted fearlessly.

“Right! I’ve had enough of him!” Luna declared, leering bitterly at her opponent.

Their horns illuminated as Rend regained his composure. “So you both want to die? Hmmm, very well!” he roared, drawing back his hands. “This attack will take care of both of you!”

“No…it won’t!” Shouted Luna. “Celestia…now!” The two princesses unleashed the full might of their magic on the beast. Their dual beams plowed into Rend.

“What?! No! Curse you!! Arrrrgghh!” he wailed out in agony. His body was overcome by the combined might of the two alicorns. Rend burst into a mass of purple flames as he rapidly burned to dust, his once mighty voice reduced to painful wails, which faded along with his once hulking form.

Luna hugged Celestia. “We did it. Thank you,” Luna said happily.

“You’re welcome, little sister. Oh, David,” she remarked. Luna’s eyes widened as she turned to look over at him.

The two raced to his side. David greeted them both with a weak smile. “Luna…Celestia, you did it,” he said with a faint chuckle.

“Shh, save your strength,” said Celestia. Her horn lit up as she showered him with a mist of golden light. It fell over David, and seeped into his body, generating a luminescent flash.

He let out a strong gasp, and slowly sat up. Checking his arms, he saw they were no longer burned and the pain had completed passed. Luna rushed over to him and wrapped her hooves around him. “David!” she cried. “You’re okay!”

He chuckled warmly. “Yes. Thanks to you and your sister,” he replied. David placed his arms around Luna. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Luna.”

“I’m fine David…I’m fine,” she sighed, holding him tightly, feeling a few joyfully relieved tears trail down her face.

Luna wiped her eyes as she stood with David. Celestia smiled at them both. “I 'm glad I got here in time,” she remarked.

“Yes, thank you, Celestia,” David spoke graciously, lowering his head before her.

She closed her eyes, and nodded, “You’re quite welcome.”

Again, David looked over his once injured body. While his wounds had been fully healed, his clothes were still rather charred from the fiery blast Rend had dealt him. “Wow,” he gasped.

“What is it, David?” Luna asked, looking at him curiously.

“I’m amazed I survived Rend’s attack. When I felt the heat of his breath…I thought I was done for,” David noted, feeling quite puzzled.

Celestia giggled softly. “Oh yes, about that. You know I have a few theories on how you survived,” she began.

“Oh, and what might they be?” he asked.

“Well, I can’t be certain, but it may have something to do with your bond with my sister. There is an old legend about unicorns having the ability to impart a sort of magical blessing to their lovers. It could also be that you are somehow a gifted human, and the land of Equestria is rich with magic, perhaps in some way you were able to tap into that magic to protect yourself,” the elder princes explained. Celestia paused a moment and placed a wondering hoof to her chin as she continued to think. “You know, it could also have to do with something I heard from the humans that lived here long ago. In fact I think some of the older history books mentioned something about the power of the human spirit. It gives you the ability to survive even the most arduous of trials.”

Luna nodded agreeing with her sister. “I seem to recall hearing something very similar about the human spirit, too,” she chimed in.

David smiled at both of them. “It’s no secret on my world. The knowledge about the human spirit has been debated many times, and plenty of my kind would agree with your history books,” he mused.

“There is one other possibility, but I don’t see how it could be. It would go back to you being a gifted human, but there’s no way you’re the…oh forget it,” Celestia sighed, waving a dismissing hoof.

“Forget what, sister?” questioned Luna.

“Nevermind, what’s important is that you two are safe,” Celestia remarked joyfully. The princess turned and gazed at her glowing sun, then craning her head down, she paused, becoming lost in thought.

Luna turned back to David. She placed her hooves around him again, giving him a loving smile. “David…I’m still so glad you’re safe,” Luna sighed, nuzzling his cheek.

David rubbed his cheek back against hers, placing his arms around her. “Luna, I’m so relieved you’re okay as well. When Rend had you in his grip, I was so frightened. I didn’t want to lose you.” He whimpered softly as he squeezed her lovingly in his arms.

She held him tighter. “I know. I felt the same when Rend went to strike you down with his axe,” she shuddered softly. Luna pulled back to look David in the eye. She leaned in and kissed him deeply. Having nearly lost him, Luna needed something more than a mere embrace. The same was true for David, as he pressed his lips back against hers.

The couple shared a some tender moans, while they savored their kiss for a few more moments, before it ended. Luna and David smiled at each other, feeling closer than ever. “I love you, Luna,” David professed tenderly.

“I love you, David,” Luna spoke sincerely.

Their serene moment was interrupted by the angry words of Celestia. “Who are you and why did you attack my kingdom?” The couple turned and saw the elder princess. She had discovered the fallen demon. It was still alive, but had been seriously injured from her attack. They stood by Celestia as they all waited for the creature’s response.

It coughed and cackled at them. “Very well, since you’re all going to die anyway, I’ll tell you. Soon enough, the world will feel the power of the mighty Ghas…” before the demon could finish, a stray magic beam pierced its heart. Its body became engulfed in a group of purple flames as it burned to dust.

“What?!” gasped Celestia. She looked around with Luna and David, searching for the one who attacked the demon.

From behind them, they saw a solitary stallion standing near the fallen town gate. He appeared to be a unicorn, only his horn was covered with a metal headpiece, similar to a partial helmet. A hooded raven cloak covered his body, concealing his cutie mark. He had a black mane with a streak of red, which danced along his pale gray coat as a chill wind began to blow from behind him.

“Those winged demons always talk too much. It’s not the place of a lesser to speak our master’s name,” said the mysterious stallion.

Celestia studied the pony carefully. “Who are you?” she asked.

He looked at them with his emerald eyes, which almost appeared to be glowing. “Who am I? Humph. I never give my real name to anyone…but if you must call me something…then call me Shroud. It’s how my cohorts address me,” Shroud replied.

“What do you want?” asked Luna, dreading another all-out battle.

Shroud lightly snickered under his breath. “Nothing right now. You did well to defeat Rend and his minions, but don’t think this is even close to being over,” he announced.

David stared at him profusely. “What do you mean by that?” he asked.

“Ah, the visitor. I’ve heard about you from my master and his servants. But you don’t seem to pose a threat to us,” answered Shroud.

“Stop stalling and tells us why you’re here!” demanded Luna.

“That’s simple…for the most part I’m an observer of sorts, as well as a loyal follower to my master. For you see, very soon, a dark power will be returning to Equestria. One it hasn’t seen in over two millennia,” he paused, as he watched the look of shock roll across the faces of the human and the two alicorns. Again Shroud chuckled. “My master’s time is coming…very soon. And before that time, you had best decide which side you will follow. You can either be his ally…or his victims.” The others didn’t speak – they just looked on bitterly and uneasily at him. “As a reward for defeating Rend, I’ll leave you be for now. But don’t think I’ll be so merciful next time. Farewell…” said Shroud, as he turned toward the broken town gate. He quickly vanished into a cloud of dark mist. Then a few moments later…the sky cleared up, and the sun resumed shining its golden rays across the land.

Celestia blinked profusely, trying to make sense of what just happened. David stood, scratching his head in disbelief. He looked over at Luna and she shared his look of shock. Then, they both glanced over at Celestia.

“Sister…are you going to be okay?” said Luna, looking at her with eyes full of concern.

“I’m fine, it’s just Shroud’s appearance has confirmed my greatest fears,” she answered, a tone of dread in her voice.

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with the army Cadence told us you’re building, would it?” David asked, parking his gaze on the while alicorn.

Celestia closed her eyes and sighed, “So you both know then.”

“Yes, sister, and does any of this pertain to that prophecy?” Luna questioned.

“It’s really starting to look that way. What happened here today…is but a sign of a coming darkness. One I hoped would never return,” worried Celestia.

Luna gasped, “Do you know who or what is behind this, then?”

Celestia shook her head, “I’m not sure, but I do have my suspicions. I only hope I’m wrong.” A few moments of silence passed and the look of dread faded from Celestia's magenta eyes. She smiled at both of them, and said, “For now, why don’t we head back to the castle. The guards will see to the wall’s repair. Would the two of you be interested in joining me for a private dinner this evening, just the three of us?”

“That’d be nice,” replied David.

Luna nodded, “We’ll both be there.”

“Splendid. And best of all, we won’t have to worry about any interruptions this time,” smiled Celestia, hinting at the fact that Blueblood wouldn’t be there to make a scene.

* * * *

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, the sun graced Sweet Apple Acres with its gentle glow. A faint breeze rustled through the leaves of the apple trees, while Twilight Sparkle wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.

Looking over at Applejack, she sighed, “Whew, looks like we’re almost done.”

Applejack nodded. “Yep, Ah reckon this last basket of apples should do the trick for y’all,” she replied with a grin.

Twilight used her magic to lift the basket up to the cider press. Carefully, she tipped the contents into the machine. “Okay, Applejack, they’re all loaded,” she beamed happily.

The earth pony adjusted her hat and gave her friend a nod. “Yee-haw! Then away we go!” she declared, trotting slowly along the treadmill, quickly working up to a steady gallop. As she worked the machine, the circular stone crushed the apples, filling their liquefied contents into the final barrel.

In seconds, the task was complete. Twilight walked over to the last barrel and smiled. “It’s full!”

Applejack hopped off the treadmill and joined the unicorn. Examining the container, she nodded with a smile. “Yup. That there looks like another fine batch of apple cider,” Applejack noted contently.

Making use of her magic, Twilight gently placed and secured the lid on the last barrel. Applejack used her forelegs to turn the container over and slowly rolled it to join the other three, which were resting near a pair of carts. “Boy howdy, Twilight, you sure y’all are gonna be needing four barrels of cider?” Applejack questioned, eyeing up the fruit of their labors.

Twilight giggled softly, “Well, I don’t know for certain how much David likes apple cider, if at all for that matter, but since your family’s is the best around, I wanted to make sure I have plenty on hoof. Besides, I’m going to be sending him an invitation to come visit us again. And you know what they say Applejack, no time like the present.”

She nodded, “That certainly makes sense to me. Ah…” The earth pony was cut-off.

“TWILIGHT!” yelled Rainbow Dash, a strong note of panic in her voice.

She and Applejack looked to see the pegasus racing toward the orchard. They also noticed three ponies galloping rapidly toward them.

Twilight scratched her head, as she gave the landing pegasus a funny look. “What’s the matter Rainbow?” she asked.

Rainbow huffed lightly for air, as Lyra, Colgate and Carrot Top walked up behind her. The cyan pegasus took a deep breath as she answered, “Phew… We need your help. Bonbon is missing!”

Twilight scratched her head again. “What do you mean missing, she’s right over there,” she noted, pointing to Bonbon. The allegedly missing pony was securing the tailgates on both wagons, now that the cider barrels had all been loaded.

Lyra looked over and saw Bonbon. Her eyes widened in disbelief, “Bonbon! You’re here?!”

Bonbon giggled as she walked over to them. “Why of course I’m here. Where else would I be?” she asked in a lighthearted voice, fluffing her dark blue and fuchsia mane.

“But what about helping Carrot Top?” asked Colgate, placing a puzzled hoof on her chin.

The beige earth pony walked over to her confused friends. “Oh that’s right,” she uttered.

Carrot Top looked at her, feeling quite baffled. “But what happened to you? You didn’t show up and Lyra, Colgate and I checked your house and you weren’t there,” she rambled.

“Wait, if you were at my house, then didn’t you see the note I left on my front door?” Bonbon asked.

“What note?” questioned Lyra, giving her a curious look.

Bonbon facehoofed, and sighed, “Let me explain.” She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. “Even though I got home rather late last night, I woke just before sunrise. I was really looking forward to the new day. But before I could fix breakfast, I heard a knock at my front door. It was Twilight. She saw my light on and asked if I could help her here at the orchard. It turns out her other friends were busy and she needed somepony to help her take the cider back to her place, once it was made.”

“But then why didn’t you tell somepony?” asked Lyra.

“That’s just it, before I left, I wrote a note and taped it to my front door, in case anypony came looking for me. I didn’t want to worry anyone. Now, you’re telling me it wasn’t there?” Bonbon asked, filling with wonder.

Lyra nodded, “Yeah, we looked all over your front porch and didn’t see any sign of a note or anything for that matter.”

Bonbon placed a hoof along her chin, “Hmm, maybe I didn’t use enough tape. It was a little breezy this morning, it must have blown down.”

Twilight walked over to the group. “Wait, so you’re telling me all this panic was over a misunderstanding?” asked Twilight.

“It’s really starting to look that way,” chimed a nervous Colgate.

Lyra glanced over at her friend, giving her a happy smile. “Well, I’m just glad you’re safe, Bonbon. I guess we should have looked harder for that note,” Lyra admitted.

Bonbon giggled, “That’s okay. There was no way you could have known to look for something you weren’t expecting. Now, Carrot Top, I just need to help Twilight take one of these carts back to her library, then if it’s not too late, I’d be happy to help you with your carrot patch.”

Carrot Top smiled at her. “Thank you Bonbon, that’d be great,” she replied, closing her eyes and smiling.

“Well then, Ah dare say it’s time ta hitch you ladies up,” chirped Applejack, walking over to the first cart.

Twilight nodded as she trotted over to the harness. “Okay, Applejack, let’s get this show on the road,” she grinned.

After hooking-up Twilight and Bonbon to the carts, they started pulling the cider along the dirt path, accompanied by the formerly missing pony's three friends.

“Thank you Applejack,” called Twilight, waving a hoof as she and the others departed.

“Your welcome!” Applejack called back.

Rainbow Dash stood by Applejack as they watched the five of them head off toward Ponyville. The pegasus quickly turned to her friend. “So Applejack, you didn’t happen to make any extra cider…did you?” she asked, biting her lower lip.

Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a cold serious stare. The nervous and somewhat dejected look on her friend’s face was more than she could stand. Applejack burst out into a fit of laughter. “Ah can’t do it! That look on ur face…it’s priceless Rainbow!” she chuckled.

“Well…what’s that supposed to mean?”

Applejack got control of herself and walked over behind the press. She rolled another barrel out from behind it. The contents sloshed around inside as she sat it upright. “Does this here answer yur question?” grinned Applejack.

Rainbow’s tongue lolled out of her mouth as she anticipated a long awaited mug of cider. Her friend presented two mugs, which she promptly filled to the brim with the sweet tangy beverage.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” Rainbow Dash thrilled, taking the mug in her hooves. The pegasus’s wings were fully splayed as she invited the scent of the cider into her nose. “This is gonna be sweet!” she remarked.

Applejack laughed at her again, and held up her mug. “How about a toast…ta good friends,” replied Applejack.

“Here, here!” cheered Rainbow. After tapping their mugs, Rainbow enjoyed taking a big gulp of cider. “Awww yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!” she grinned, downing the rest of her beverage. Applejack chuckled at her friend as they shared a few more mugs of cider, chatting happily in between gulps.

* * * *

Dark storm clouds continued looming across the foreboding Everfree Forest. Lighting continued to flash, followed moments later by bracing rumbles of thunder. Shroud galloped along the grassy dirt floor of the thick wooded area. His hooves carried him to the entrance of the cavern, where his master and his allies were lurking, continuing to bide their time.

He lowered the hood of his raven cloak as he breached the mouth of the cavern. Gradually, he made his way through the labyrinth that stretched far into the bowels of Equestria.

The path grew increasing dark, forcing him to activate his horn. It shimmered with a bright green glow, basking the rutted walls of the rocky cavern with its light. After trudging on for a good distance, Shroud neared a chamber, which was illuminated by the fiery orange glow of torchlight. He dowsed the glow of his horn as he drew further into the area. The chatter of indistinct voices met his twitching ears.

Further ahead, the glowing magenta mist was conversing with his henchmen, Haze and the three diamond dogs.

“The diamond dogs are moving far too slowly,” growled Haze.

The mist chuckled under its breath. “I disagree. You could learn a thing or two from patience my friend,” uttered the mist.

“But master, we’ve already been waiting for centuries! How much longer must we wait?” Haze inquired, his orange eyes shimmering in the glow of the torches.

“It’s been more than 2,000 years since I last set foot upon Equestria…surely a few more weeks isn’t such a big deal. I for one can wait. Over the centuries, I’ve come to learn the benefit of patience. You would learn well to do the same,” his master replied sternly. The mist shifted toward the diamond dogs. “As for you three, well done. You’ve brought me two ponies. It’s a good start, for now. I still need four more to complete the next phase of our plans, but I’m glad you didn’t try to capture all six at once.”

“But you still want us to go get four more…right?” questioned the leader.

“Yes, but we don’t want to cause the other ponies to become alarmed. For now, take these first two to the dungeon, then wait a night or two, before venturing out for anymore. I don’t want any ponies to catch wind to our presence here in the forest, nor do I want any to inform the princess as to any strange happenings in Ponyville. As I said before, I’ve come too far to be stopped by carelessness, now,” the mist explained.

“As you wish…master,” answered the leader of the dogs, bowing respectfully with his two cohorts. The other two diamond dogs tightened their grip on the chains they held to the their captive ponies. Cherry Berry and Lemony Gem never saw the mangy mongrels coming. Now, the poor mares were their unwilling captives, left to quiver in their hooves at what this creepy entity planned to do with them.

Haze grinned and folded his scaly arms across his armored chest. “Master, I have word from my men. They have arrived with her and she is doing quite well,” he replied.

A soft gasp escaped the mist. “So they have brought her here. Excellent! Bring her before me at once!” commanded Haze’s master.

“As you wish,” uttered Haze in a rumbly voice. He turned in the shadows to one of his men, who had been waiting in silence. “Have the others bring her here, for our master.” His minion nodded silently and slowly departed as the sounds of his firm but light footfalls echoed faintly throughout the cavern.

Shroud at last emerged into the light before his master and the others. “So, it would seem things are going well for our cause,” the unicorn spoke.

The mist shifted once again, this time focusing on the new arrival. “Ah, Shroud, you’ve returned form your reconnaissance mission. So, how are things in Canterlot? Does the princess suspect anything?”

Shroud hung his head and sighed, before answering, “I am sorry to say, she does. It’s my sad duty to report that one of Haze’s men, Rend, has gone rogue and attacked Canterlot without authorization.”

The mist flared with a blinding magenta light, which faded after a few passing moments. “What?!” the entity yelled. “Haze, just what is the meaning of this? I thought all of your men knew the importance of laying low?”

Haze opened his mouth, bearing his fangs and razor sharp teeth. Then he clenched his jaw as he growled in a low rumbly tone. “I don’t understand it. Rend, of all of my men, should have known better than to attack on his own. Have no fear master, I will deal with him,” replied Haze, clenching his right clawed fist angrily.

“Good, the last thing we need is followers who act on their own. I understand you dragon knights tend to be a little wild at times, but as their leader, Haze, I expect you to keep the others of your kind in line!” barked the mist, seething with anger.

“You have little to fear master, I will punish him, for this!” snarled Haze.

“That, won’t be necessary,” replied Shroud. The mist focused on the unicorn as did Haze. “He fell in battle at the magic of the two princesses. Rend picked a fight with Princess Luna and the human visitor. And in the process he lost his support beasts and his life.”

“What?! Rend is dead?!” gasped Haze. “How can that be?”

The mist pulsed with eerie light, “It’s not so hard to believe. Their parents killed dozens of your kind during the last war. In fact were it not for the meddling of the king and queen, I would still be alive, and not have been reduced to this free-floating mass of ethereal energy. Errrgh!” Their master calmed himself, focusing on the task at hand. “Thankfully despite this blunder all is not lost. At least your men are bringing her to me. And with each pony you diamond dogs capture, my time will soon return. Then, all of Equestria will tremble before me!”

The sound of the master’s voice faded, and was replaced by the sound of footfalls. From the back chamber emerged Haze’s followers. They were grasping the chains of their prisoner. The mist and his minions set their gaze upon her…Queen Chrysalis, the ruler of the changelings. She was secured in a series of chains, her head was hung low and her emerald eyes teamed with worry. As she walked across the labyrinth floor, her gait was staggered and clumsy. This did not set well with the master, at all.

The mist gleamed with dark energy. “Haze, what is the meaning of this?! Why is she bound in chains?” flared the mist, demanding an explanation.

Haze, the Dragon Knight leader emerged from the shadows. The torch glow met his dark green scales, and the shiny silvery gray armor, which clung to his torso. His long reptilian tail whipped around as he growled softly under his breath. “My apologies, master, but I though you wanted her brought here…securely,” replied Haze.

The mist flashed again. “You heard my orders. She was to be brought to me unharmed and uninjured. Now, unchain her at once!” it declared boldly.

Haze lowered his head. “Of course, master. Men, unbind her,” their leader instructed.

The Dragon Knights took their keys and promptly released the bonds from Chrysalis. They dropped to the rocky floor, making a soft metallic thud. She shakily walked away from the shackles, and turned her head toward the mist. “Wh-who are you?” she quivered.

“Please, do not be afraid, my dear. Despite the actions of these fools, you are among friends,” it replied to her.

“I…I don’t understand. Why am I here? If you are friends, why bind me and bring me here against my will?” she asked wearily.

The mist continued to swirl upon its rocky altar. “A very honest question. I deeply apologize for the Dragon Knights. They tend to behave as loose cannons whenever it seems to fit their appetites. But I assure you, I ordered them to escort you here safely. I merely wish to make you a proposal…nothing more. You are not in any danger, here,” the master explained.

The changeling queen stood more confidently, her shakiness began to fade. Taking her right hoof, she brushed a portion of her dark cerulean mane from her face. Her emerald eyes trailed around the room, glancing at all those around her. She couldn’t help but notice the two ponies, held captive by the diamond dogs. Chrysalis didn’t even want to venture a guess as to why they were here.

Despite her surroundings, the queen desperately wanted to know, just who was this swirling mist, and why did it or rather he, seem so interested in her? “Very well, if I am among friends, tell me, who are you?” she asked, again.

The mist chuckled softly, “Ah yes, introductions. In this form I wouldn’t expect you to recognize me. My true form was lost ages ago, but even if I had my body, you still might not recall who I am. I’ve been around since long before your reign as changeling queen.”

“So, you know about me…and my kind?” she asked, while blinking at him curiously.

“Hmmm, I do indeed. And while I am merely a shadow of my former self, I still am the mighty Ghastaloom!” he declared with a dark glee.

Chrysalis’s eyes widened. “G-G-Ghastaloom…I’ve heard of you,” she gasped, looking upon him. “You are a legend among the mighty conquerors of Equestria’s past.”

“So, there are still individuals other than my scarce allies who know about me. Well, I’d be disappointed if my reputation didn’t live on long past my reign,” Ghastaloom remarked, with a faint chuckle. “Now, I’m sure you are still wondering why you are here, are you not?”

Chrysalis nodded several times, “Yes. If you are who you say you are, why do you need me?”

“It’s simple my dear. If I am ever to realize my true ambitions, I must revive my fallen body. Now that’s where you come in,” he answered, swirling with magenta light.

“Your body? But what can I do? My powers only allow me to feed on the love of others,” she uttered, feeling inferior to him.

Another chuckle rolled past the mist. “Ah, but that’s where you are wrong, my dear Chrysalis. You are very powerful. It is most fortunate that you survived your defeat, following those unfortunate events at the wedding,” Ghastaloom remarked.

“You know about that?” she questioned in a stymied voice.

“I know a lot about you, and I know a lot about this entire world. It’s how I’ve managed to keep playing out my long unfulfilled agenda. And you are now a key part of it,” he remarked with a hearty delight. “Now, I am well acquainted with your love absorption abilities…but, I also know about the powers you may not even realize you have.”

“Huh, what powers? I think that if I had other special powers, I would have used them to secure victory for my changeling army,” she nodded profusely.

“Humph, not if the ability was never revealed to you,” barked Ghastaloom in a superior voice. “In addition to your love siphoning ability, you have the power to absorb magical energy directly from any source you target. You can then harness that power for your own use, or you can use your body as a conduit and cast that power to another,” Ghastaloom explained, snickering contently.

“I have that ability? How come I never knew about it?” Chrysalis asked in a perplexed tone.

He was all too happy to answer, “It’s simple, your kind stopped using that ability long ago, finding it safer and more productive to use deception to feed your needs for power. But your other ability has always been there, waiting for the time when it would be called upon, once more.”

The changeling took time to allow the explanation to fully sink in. Nodding her head, it all started making sense to her. “I understand now. So that’s what you need me for. But, what will I receive in return? I still have my changelings and myself to think about?” she responded with a nod.

Ghastaloom laughed and said, “I like your attitude. When my plans come to fruition, I will share a small portion of the power I gain with you, and your changelings will get all the love they can dream of feasting upon. All I ask in return is for the use of your powers and to have your minions fight along side my own. My army lays dormant beneath my distant and forgotten kingdom. So…will you help me?”

Chrysalis placed a hoof to her slender dark chin. After deliberating for several moments, she nodded her head. “Very well, I’ll help you. But just how will I be using my power?” she questioned, speaking with due intrigue.

Ghastaloom’s ethereal body flashed. “The diamond dogs will be collecting a total of six ponies. Once they have completed their task, I will have you extract precious magical essence from them. With it, I can resurrect myself and reclaim my rightful place as ruler of Equestria!”

Queen Chrysalis grinned devilishly as she looked to the glowing mist. “Hmmm, I like the sound of that…but I wonder, just what will you look like…once you are revived?”

“You will find out in due time, my dear. In due time. For now, we must continue with my plan, and continue to lay low as we do so,” Ghastaloom remarked.

“Hmmm, I can hardly wait. And to think, my changelings will soon have a limitless source of food! Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha!!” she laughed with glee.

“Yes, and soon I will be myself, once again! Mwa, ha, ha, ha, ha!”

Haze stood near the shadows, wearing a sinister smirk, crossing his arms, while the diamond dogs fought the urge to cringe as their master laughed evilly with the changeling queen. Shroud nodded as he chuckled softly, under the boisterous cackles of his master and his new ally.

* * * *

Evening had fallen across Canterlot, and the dining hour had arrived. Luna and David joined Celestia in her private dining room, graciously accepting her dinner invitation.

The three had finished their meal and the lovely castle maid, Merry Way, had placed their dessert before each of them. Princess Celestia had the pastry chef prepare a very delightful chocolate silk pie, topped with a rich whipped cream, accented with chocolate shavings.

David took his spoon and carefully cut into his slice of pie. After inviting the first bite into his mouth, he was amazed by its vibrant flavor and rich texture. “Mmm, this is delicious!” he declared with glee.

Celestia smiled over at him and politely giggled, “I’m glad you like it.”

Luna had enjoyed her first few bites as well. The younger princess used her magic to gently wipe her mouth with her napkin. She looked over at her sweetheart and smiled. Then, she turned her eyes over to her sister. “This is a real treat,” Luna commented.

Celestia smiled at her sister, too. “I figured I wouldn’t go wrong with chocolate,” she mused. After blotting her face with her napkin, Celestia cleared her throat. “Now, where were we? Oh yes, you two had said you were originally going to speak with me this evening, right?”

“Yes,” Luna began, “Cadence had shared with us her concern, when Shining Armor told her that you were raising an army.”

David swallowed another bite of his pie, and proceeded to clear his mouth of the unavoidable chocolatey residue. He focused his brown eyes on Celestia, and nodded, agreeing with Luna. “Until Rend attacked today, we thought you might have been overreacting. But given the battle and the appearance of that strange unicorn…calling himself Shroud. I think you are being quite wise, in strengthening your defenses.”

Celestia’s carefree expression faded as she craned her head downward, bearing a look of dread. “When I began recruiting more soldiers for the royal guard, I thought I might be worrying too much. After all these centuries that prophecy has yet to come true, but as of late, the air around Equestria seems to be growing more and more restless. Now that Rend and Shroud arrived, they’ve only served to confirm my darkest fears,” Celestia noted, raising her head up and returning his glance.

“I wonder what we should do?” David inquired, scratching the back of his head.

“There really isn’t much we can do,” chimed Luna. “Until the enemy makes a major move, we won’t really know what they are planning.”

Celestia shook her head and sighed, “I’m going to keep building our forces, but I only pray when our foes show their hand, that we are ready for whatever they may be planning.”

David felt he could almost reach out and physically touch the tension in the air. He placed a hand on his chin and began pondering deeply. Then, a smile formed on his face as he devised a way to lighten the mood. “You know Celestia, I don’t think you should be too concerned,” David began.

“Oh?” she questioned.

“Yeah. You’ve been seeing to the care of this world for well over 1,000 years, plus the time you spent ruling with, Luna. I’m sure things will all work out. This can’t be the first time you’ve faced a major crisis, right?” he asked, looking at her curiously.

“No, it hasn’t. You’re right. I’ve led my people to victory against many foes. Why should now be any different? Besides, my sister and I are both ruling, together again! We will prevail,” she spoke proudly, raising her head high. Celestia looked over at the human and smiled. “Thank you, David. I guess even a princess can let her fears get the best of her.”

“You’re welcome, Celestia, but I didn’t really do anything. I just thought I’d offer some words of encouragement. My parents used to help me like that, when I would be in doubt,” he remarked, continuing to smile.

Luna reached over and softly placed her hoof over his left hand. She smiled at him and softly uttered, “David.”

He smiled and silently chuckled at her. Then eyeing up his pie, he suggested, “Why don’t we finish our dessert?”

The two princesses nodded and joined him in finishing their pie. Before long, the festivities of dinner had concluded. Luna and David said their farewells to Celestia and politely took their leave of her.

The human and is beloved mare strolled down the quiet halls of the castle. Night had fallen, just before dinner, Luna had already done her duty of raising the moon. This gave her an idea, one that she suspected David would also enjoy.

As they walked along the corridor, she moved closer to him and playfully bumped against him. Luna giggled softly and gasped, feeling his left hand come to rest along her shoulder. “Luna,” he sighed.

“David?” she asked.

“Yes?”

“I was wondering… It’s such a beautiful night, would you like to leave the castle and go for a stroll? I know a lovely place just beyond the castle,” she suggested.

He stroked the velvety pale purple fur on her back and smiled at her. “That sounds wonderful. I’d love to find a nice place to lay on the grass and enjoy looking at your beautiful night sky, gazing at the beauty of the stars and of course, the moon!” David noted, showing his fondness for the night.

Luna rubbed against him affectionately and sighed, “You paint a heavenly picture.”

“Then, come on, let’s go,” he uttered moving his hand to softly stroke her silky light blue mane.

* * * *

The two made their way out of the castle. Luna directed David to her favorite spot. The place was quite close to the castle and had a very welcoming feel to it. A large grassy field unfolded before them, with a row of tall oak trees strolling out behind them.

“Here we are, David,” Luna announced with glee. The couple came to a silent stop, and turned. There, they could behold the wonder of her night. The moon was full and seemed more than radiant as it showered its delicate glow across the countryside. The numerous stars were out, twinkling like shimmery jewels studding the deep blues and dark purples that comprised the canvas of the sky.

David placed his arm around Luna, and pulled her close, casting out a happy sigh. “It’s so beautiful,” he spoke, beaming with delight.

Luna looked at him and smiled. She slowly pulled away from him, making her way to a particularly inviting patch of grass. She brushed her hoof along the blades, which appeared a deep bluish-purple under the glowing moonlight. The texture of the grass was soft and quite welcoming. Luna sat down and gradually sprawled across the ground.

David continued losing himself in the enchanting vista of the night sky. That was until he heard Luna call out, “David.” He glanced over at her. His eyes widened as he beheld the captivating visage of his lover. Luna was sprawled out on the grassy bed, laying mostly on her stomach. Her hind legs were stretched out and kept together, with her long silky tail tucked between them in a very enticing fashion. Her forelegs were resting gently on the ground, staying at the ready. The princess gave David a sultry smile and leered softly at him with come hither eyes. Luna’s long light blue mane flowed down her head, most of it coming to rest along her right shoulder, and pooling along the blades of grass, while the remainder draped elegantly along her left shoulder. Her bangs framed her face and seemed to accent her slender horn as it stood proudly atop her head. She drew in a deep breath, splaying her wings in a very majestic fashion.

David lightly stumbled, feeling partially entranced by Luna’s radiant beauty, while he made his way to her side. “Luna,” he called softly.

He came to rest on his knees, right beside his beloved mare. She looked at him with the most welcoming of expressions. “Are you done admiring the scenery?” she asked.

David kneeled there for a moment, allowing his thirsty eyes to drink up another loving glance at her alluring pose. “Forget the scenery…I’m admiring something far grander,” he mused.

Luna felt her cheeks begin to blush. She softly pulled her head back in a bashful manner, but after a few seconds passed, she returned her teal eyes to him, sighing contently. David laid down beside her, and didn’t hesitate to rub up against her. He reached over and placed his right arm around her neck, while he softly nuzzled his cheek against her softer than silk mane. Luna returned his nuzzle, cooing softly in the still of night, “Mmm, you really have a way with words.”

“Anything, for you, my love,” he whispered, moving his right hand to gingerly caress her lovely tresses.

“You were wonderful today,” she remarked, with a loving sigh.

“I don’t know, maybe,” he answered, once again opting for modesty.

Luna moved closer to him, coaxing him to sit up with her. She leaned against his shirt-covered chest, and turned her eyes up at him. Without a word, David placed his arms around her and held her close. Luna sighed, feeling overjoyed at being in his loving embrace. “You were great today! Even when things looked hopeless, you didn’t hesitate to charge a Dragon Knight and attack him with nothing more than your bare hands. Your distraction bought me the time I needed to break free. Without you, I might have died today."

Her words caused him to pause. David drew in several heavy breaths as his actions once again dawned on him. He sighed heavily, resting his cheek against her soft mane. David affectionately stroked Luna’s right cheek with his left hand. “Luna…I would do anything to protect you,” he avowed.

She could feel his chest heave heavily. Luna pulled back to study his face. His eyes seemed to glisten in the moonlight, touching her deeply. “I know you would David,” she said feeling her eyes glaze over with freshly formed tears. “Do you remember last night, after you sang to me? You said you weren’t a warrior?”

David nodded solemnly, offering her a thoughtful smile as he peered into her heavenly orbs. “Yes,” he whispered. “I remember…and I still am no warrior.”

Luna placed her hoof tenderly on his hand. “That’s where you’re wrong. A warrior isn’t simply a strong knight in shining armor. A warrior is someone who fights for what they believe in and does anything they can to protect those they love…just like you did,” she mused, giving him a loving gaze.

He placed a hand to his chin and felt his mouth drop open for a moment. “You’re right, Luna. I suppose in a way, I am a warrior,” he admitted.

“David,” she softly uttered.

“But, I still have to wonder…how did I survive a full blast of Rend’s fire breath?” He questioned, shaking his head. “By all accounts I should be dead.”

Luna ran her hoof around his chest in a very loving manner. She giggled softly, hoping to ease his tension. Then she replied, “I think there is far more to you than anypony could imagine.”

David tenderly clasped Luna’s hoof, holding it close to his heart. “That may be, but if I am gifted, shouldn’t I have been able to do better against Rend? I don’t know,” he sighed in confusion.

“But you did wonderfully. Very few cross paths with a Dragon Knight and live. Besides, I think you survived through the combination of our love and the power of your spirit,” Luna remarked, resting her head against his chest.

David ran his fingers gingerly through her silky locks, letting out a gentle sigh. “You may be right at that, Luna. I’m just glad we're both all right.”

“Me too,” Luna uttered, raising her head to look him in the eye. She propped herself up and slowly encircled her hooves around David’s neck. She looked at him half-lidded and whispered, “I love you.”

David felt the resounding warmth from her words flow through his heart, adding to his smile. He embraced his loving mare in his caring arms. Returning her gaze, David softly spoke, “I love you.” Then, he leaned in and pressed his lips tenderly against hers. Luna tightened her hooves around him, and pushed back against him savoring the kiss and moaning quietly from the pleasure spreading out across her body.

He happily returned her kiss, and moaned along with her, holding her as affectionately as he could. Luna parted her mouth as she felt his open. She moved her tongue to join with his as they began sharing an even deeper kiss.

Several moments passed before their mouths finally separated. The two remained lovingly embraced as they softly panted for air, resting their gaze on one another.

Luna sat there beside David, and he stayed by her side, resting his arm around her shoulder. Their heads rested softly against each other, while they cast their eyes up at her enchanting moon, which was accompanied by a nearly endless sea of stars.

“Why don’t we stay like this for a little bit…and enjoy your beautiful night, before we head back to the castle,” David suggested, reaching around his right hand and dancing his fingers through her mane.

Luna sighed dreamily, thrilled from his endearing words about her night. She nuzzled against him and replied, “Of course. I don’t care where I am…just as long as I can be with you.”