A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts

Things were calm and peaceful in Ponyville, now that the battle with Pierce, the Dragon Knight, had ended. David, Princess Luna, Twilight and the others were still enjoying their break following the night’s harrowing events.

David had returned to his feet and walked down the small hill everyone was resting on. He stood near some of the fire-damaged buildings. Twilight Sparkle saw him standing there and trotted over to join him.

The human let out a long and baffling whistle. “Man. I still can’t get over the power Pierce had. Such destruction.”

Twilight looked up at him, a number of emotions reflected in her violet eyes. “I know. That was quite a fire. But, are you okay, David?”

Her turned to glance her way. “Yeah. I’m all right.”

The unicorn swallowed hard, she wasn’t convinced, yet was leery of probing too hard. Still, she couldn’t get past her concern. Biting her lower lip, she asked, “Are you sure? After everything you and Luna told us about. It’s amazing that you’re still standing.”

David took a deep breath, before he patted Twilight’s back, then walked closer to one of the smoldering buildings. Faint trails of smoke were still scrolling up into the night air. He shook his head and sighed. “It was incredible, not unlike the attack yesterday afternoon in Canterlot. Twilight…I can hardly believe I survived it – again.”

She stepped cautiously toward him. “Well, you seem to be a lot tougher than you think. And didn’t you mention to me earlier today, that Princess Celestia said it might have something to do with the bond you and Luna share?”

He turned back. “It might, but I don’t know. Tonight felt different.” He lowered his right hand until his fingers bumped into the hilt of his sheathed sword. Peering down at his weapon, David patted the leathery texture of the scabbard. “Maybe it had something to do with this…no. That’s crazy. This is just a sword I got from Clang’s blacksmith shop.”

Twilight eyed up the carefully crafted hilt. There were beautiful gems accenting the cross-guard – a pair of rubies attached to the ends and two sapphires, one at the center of the guard and one fixed to the pommel. “Well, it’s a really nicely crafted sword, I mean, judging from the hilt.”

“Hey, you’re right,” said Spike hopping on Twilight’s back. “That does look like a nice sword. But, David’s probably right too.” The dragon blinked his green eyes at the human. “I’ve never really heard of any magical healing swords. At least none that have ever been in Equestria.”

Twilight shook her head. “And how would you know, Spike? You usually just scoff when I’ve asked you about reading history books.”

He snickered. “As your number 1 assistant, I read more than you think. But you’re right, I do usually wave a claw at history books. Still, reading about cool things like weapons and historical battles are always fun.”

David looked back at the ruined buildings, before looking up at the night sky. He then felt a loving hoof come to rest on his shoulder. Glancing to his right, he saw a sparkling shoe, and smiled as his eyes met Luna’s caring face. “Luna.”

“Twilight is right. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I…” David was interrupted.

“Oh man.” Spike placed his hands over his mouth, before letting out a fiery green belch, which quickly manifested into a scroll of parchment.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “It must be a letter from Princess Celestia.” She gripped the paper in her magic and quickly unrolled it. “Dear Twilight Sparkle…” The unicorn mumbled to herself as she read the message.

“What is it?” Luna leaned front, looking on earnestly.

“You two need to return to Canterlot at once. She says there’s something important she has to speak to you about.”

Luna nodded. “Very well.” She turned to David. “We were planning to return to the castle anyway. We can give my sister our report and find out what she needs to discuss.” Luna lightly winced. “Only, I don’t know if I have the strength to fly us back or the magic to teleport us back.”

Twilight held the paper aside. “Not to worry. The princess said she’s sending the royal carriage to pick the two of you up.”

Luna smiled, wiping a hoof across her forehead. “Well that’s good.” She chuckled. “I should have known my sister would be on top of the situation.”

David nodded. “Celestia is one amazing pony, that’s for sure.” David started walking with Luna, just before he came to an abrupt halt. “Oh, give me a second, Luna. I need to go see someone before we leave. I’ll only be a minute.”

Luna blinked. “All right, but the carriage is almost here.” She pointed to their ride off in the distance. “So don’t be too long.”

“No problem.” David passed several of the ponies just as he spied Fluttershy walking with none other than Lyra, the very pony he wanted to see. “Fluttershy. Ah and good, Lyra is with you.”

The Pegasus nodded. “Yep. I stayed with her while the medics and urgent care nurses looked her over at Commander Regalas’ camp.” She smiled politely.

“Thanks, Fluttershy. You’re the best.” He grinned.

She smiled and tried not to blush. “Oh, it’s nothing.”

David walked over to Lyra, trying to keep his face from falling. Apparently Pierce had injured her more than he originally thought. She was walking with a slight limp, favoring her right forehoof and had a series of bandages on her injured leg, some along her right shoulder and a few near her cutie mark on her left side. “Lyra, are you all right.”

She smiled at him. “Y-yeah. I’ll be all right.” She giggled. “It’s a good thing Rainbow Dash insisted I see a doctor.” She grimaced from the pain. “I’m still a little sore though.”

David took a deep breath. Numerous emotions struck him all at once. Unsure how to respond, he leaned down and gently hugged her. “I’m glad you’re all right. I’m sorry I didn’t act sooner.”

“Huh?” She placed a hoof on his shoulder.” What do you mean? You were injured too, and you sprang into action when it mattered most.”

She smiled at him again, causing David to do the same. “You’re right,” he agreed.

“Now come on, don’t be so serious. Things worked out, and I told you I’ll be fine.” Then Lyra’s mouth hung open for a minute. “But, you were really worried about me?” He nodded. “That’s so nice. Well.” She saw the Royal Carriage landing. “It looks like your ride’s here. Thank you for checking on me.”

“Anytime. Sorry if I got a little carried away, I was just worried.”

Lyra shook her head and grinned. “It’s fine. After all, it’s not a crime to care.”

David chuckled as he walked over to Luna. “Very true.” He then waved a hand to all of them. “Take care, everyone!”

Luna joined him in waving and bidding everypony farewell. The two them boarded the carriage, which quickly returned to the sky and began ferrying them back to Canterlot.

Twilight walked over to Lyra, while Spike was still sitting on her back. She joined Lyra and waved to their departing friends. “Bye, David!” Twilight called.

Lyra chuckled and looked at her fellow unicorn. “You’re going to miss him too, aren’t you.”

She smiled and nodded. “Well of course I am. David is becoming a very good friend.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll see him again.” Lyra smiled.

Spike looked at the two of them and chuckled. He never thought he’d see Twilight get so excited about humans, at least not the same way as Lyra.

* * * * * *

Lighting continued to flash within the Everfree forest, growing stronger and more violent amidst the darkening clouds. Within the caverns below, Shroud and Queen Chrysalis made their way into one of the back chambers of Ghastaloom’s lair. “Here we are,” said Shroud, lighting the room with a torch he had gripped in the green glow of his magic.

The changeling queen studied the room and puckered her lips in a fit of puzzlement. “So, what is so special about this room?”

Shroud smiled setting the torch in a wall mounting. “These.” His horn lit up as he took six of the seven objects laying out before them.

“What are?”

He snickered at her. “These are the talismans that are the key to reviving master Ghastaloom. For now, I only need these six.” He kept them floating in a simple circle around him. “Okay, they are ready. It’s time for you to harvest the needed power from our six captives.”

Chrysalis grinned. “Delightful. I’ve been waiting to try out this latent ability of mine.”

Shroud led her to the holding area, where the Dragon Knights had formed a dungeon – perfect for keeping captives, such as ponies. The unicorn turned to the changeling queen. “Are you ready?” She nodded. Shroud looked to one of the guarding Dragon Knights. “Open the cell. It’s time for the extraction.”

“Very well.” Claw spoke in a low and rumbly voice. The scaly beast looked to two others. “Razor, Cleave. Keep a close eye on the dungeon entrance. I doubt we have cause to worry…but, we wouldn’t want any of our captives to escape now, would we?”

His fellow Dragon Knights shook their heads and stood close to the main doorway, keeping their weapons at the ready. Claw nodded and grinned, stepping toward the steel gate. He reached for a crude metal loop that was clasped to his belt. Three simple keys dangled from it, jingling as he selected the correct one. “Here we go.” He laughed in his throat. Claw unlocked the cell door and opened it for Shroud and Chrysalis.

Shroud wore a superior smirk as he led the changeling queen into the cell. The winds of change were swirling about and he felt the confidence and stirring sense of victory in the air. His emerald eyes met the six trembling ponies. They were of little threat. Not only were they confined in a secure cell, but they were also still clad in chains.

Twinkleshine and Minuette stood in front of the others. “W-w-what are you going to do with us?” Minuette asked, endeavoring to control her fearful tremors.

“Nothing too serious,” Shroud began. “We’re just going to extract a large portion of your magical essence. However, I fear the process in which Queen Chrysalis will use is going to be anything but pleasant.”

Twinkleshine couldn’t believe this was happening. Surely the other ponies in Ponyville knew they were missing by now and wouldn’t allow this to happen. But her hopes quickly began to dwindle as the changeling queen stepped closer to them, bearing them a most unsettling look. “Why?” She asked. “Why are you doing this?”

Shroud smiled. “Didn’t the master already tell you? You are to be part of his grand rebirth. And don’t worry. While this will hurt, you six will long survive. The master has ordered that food and water be brought to you, after we’re done here. Though, it might not be to the quality you’re normally used to.” Shroud stepped back and gave a nod to Queen Chrysalis. “Do it.” He ordered.

“Hmm.” She nodded walking just a little closer to the captives. “Now, to see how this works.” Chrysalis grinned. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her crooked horn lit up with an eerie green light. The six ponies hunkered closer together, hoping to find some way out of this, but alas there was none.

Chrysalis aimed her horn at them and focused. A beam of green magic trailed out from her horn and struck the six of them. They became engulfed in a bright matching light. A few seconds later, a brighter shade of green energy returned on the queen’s beam, crackling and zapping with energy. She gasped almost in pleasure as the sensation gave her quite a start. The power she was pulling from the ponies was incredibly invigorating. It began to fill Chrysalis, offering her sensations she never even knew existed. “Whoa…”

“Okay, good. Now, I’ll take that energy and place it into the relics.” Shroud grinned as his eyes and his horn began to pulse with a bright green light, which quickly changed into a bright teal glow. He bathed Queen Chrysalis in his own spell, which began pulling the extracted magic from her and slowly channeled it into each of the crystal relics, still orbiting him.

Twinkleshine and the other captive ponies cried out in pain as the extraction process continued. Their wails of agony echoed throughout the cavern, growing louder as the spell neared fruition.

A few minutes passed and Shroud called out, “Enough!”

Chrysalis let out a long shivering gasp as she ceased her magic. She turned to Shroud, just as the last of the extracted magical essence finished filtering into the talismans. His spell ended and the teal glow around him and the six crystals faded. He grinned devilishly. “There we go. Ha! That will be more than enough to revive Ghastaloom.”

“Wow. That was something else.” Chrysalis looked to the ponies. They all had passed out and were laying motionless on the floor. “Look, it’s knocked them all unconscious. Ha, ha, ha.”

“Hmm.” Shroud nodded. His horn lit up with a soft white glow, which lightly blanketed the prisoners. “There. They survived, but that should make sure they don’t suffer too much. The master ordered that they not be harmed more than necessary.”

Chrysalis pouted. “A pity, I like it when a prisoner…suffers.” She grinned.

“Those are the master’s orders. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take these to the other chamber. I have one more spell to cast.” Shroud announced, heading to the dungeon exit.

Chrysalis blinked her green eyes at him. “What happens next?”

He craned his head back. “We wait. It will take at least seven days for the crystals to refine this magic so that we can complete the next phase of Ghastaloom’s plan.”

The queen sighed. “More waiting. Wonderful.” She huffed stamping an annoyed hoof on the dungeon floor.

* * * * * *

Princess Celestia paced nervously in the throne room. She knew all too well that something terrible was in the works, and now that the Sword of Valor had appeared, she was left with another mystery to solve.

The guards opened the large double doors at the back end of the room. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor came galloping in. They stopped in front of the princess and bowed before her.

Shining Armor had a very serious look on his face. “We came as soon as we got your summons.”

Celestia forced a smile. “Thank you both for coming. I know the hour is growing late, but there is danger brewing in Equestria and we must be ready for it.”

The stallion nodded. “Of course, your highness. As the Captain of your guard, I’m prepared to be called upon whenever you need me.”

Cadence smiled and looked to her aunt, but her joyful expression quickly faded when she saw the worry clinging to Celestia’s face. “It’s something really serious, isn’t it?”

Celestia nodded solemnly. “I’m afraid it is, Cadence. At the moment I only have suspicions as to what’s going on, but the attack that just took place in Ponyville has me nearly convinced.”

“Convinced of what?” Cadence asked placing a curious hoof to her chin.

The princess sprawled her white wings in a majestic display and walked to a small gilded table. A roll of parchment was scrolled upon it. “I just received a reply from Twilight Sparkle. Ponyville was attacked by a Dragon Knight. Yesterday, Canterlot had the same event take place, only that Dragon Knight led a small army of gargoyles and kobolds. Both are creatures that have not been seen in Equestria in centuries.”

Cadence blinked and sighed uneasily. Shining Armor looked over at her and nodded. The serious look remained on his face. “So, what do you want me to do first? I take it we need to rally the guard?”

Celestia closed her eyes and nodded affirmatively. “Yes, Shining Armor. I need you to send reinforcements to Commander Regalas in Ponyville. Have the guards you send there take fresh timber and building supplies, and relief food and medical supplies to help support Ponyville, following this most recent crisis.”

Shining Armor saluted dutifully. “Of course, your majesty.”

Just then, the sound of footsteps and hoof beats filled the room. David and Luna came rushing into the throne room. They stopped once they reached the others, huffing and panting for breath.

Princess Luna cleared her throat and walked up to Celestia. “My sister. We came as soon as we could. What’s going on?”

Celestia held up a gilded hoof. “Hold on a moment, little sister.” The princess turned to Shining Armor. “In addition to the reinforcements for Ponyville, I want you to send out a general call to every Royal Guard in the castle and the surrounding area. I want Canterlot’s defense strengthened before we do anything else. Once I know how many hooves we have, then I’ll make plans to fortify Equestria’s borders.”

He nodded, then gave her a strong stare. “Forgive my impertinence, but are we in the beginning stages of preparing for war?”

Celestia lowered her head, her elegant mane swirling as she walked closer to him. “I do not know for certain. But I want to be prepared for the worst. These two attacks have me deeply concerned. I only hope I’m making the right decision.”

“I understand, princess. I’ll get the guards assembled immediately. Have no fear on that.”

Cadence turned to her husband, concern growing in her purple eyes. She placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Honey, please be careful.”

He placed a hoof on hers. “Of course, my dearest Cadence.” Shining Armor shared a tender kiss with her; a lone tear rolled down Cadence’s cheek, the emotion of the situation was starting to get to her. “I’ll see you in our room later tonight. Don’t worry. This is only preparations.” He called as he left the room and started galloping toward the barracks.

Cadence reached a lone hoof toward him, before pulling it back toward her heart. She then closed her eyes and sighed.

David moved closer to Luna, with all the excitement in the air, he was beginning to feel insecure. She turned her head and saw the emotions swirling about his eyes. Luna reached out and gave him a hug. “It’ll be all right, David.”

He held her close and placed his hand along her starry mane. “I know, Luna, I know. It’s just things seem so tense right now.”

“And I’m sorry to have to add to this, but Luna, I must speak with you alone.” Celestia looked to David. “Could you give us a few minutes. I’ll send for you shortly.”

David nodded. “Of course, princess.” He walked over to one of the nearby balconies. Perhaps some air could help him clear his mind.

Stepping outside, David took a deep breath. The night air was cool and refreshing. He stopped along the guardrail and stared at the darkened Equestria. While Luna was with him in Ponyville, David concluded that Celestia must have ushered in the night. He grimaced feeling for her – reigning in the night must be something Celestia was all too familiar with.

It was at that moment, David realized he wasn’t alone. He noticed some soft hoof steps as he turned to his right. Cadence stood there beside him and joined him in gazing out at the nightscape. “It’s a beautiful night.”

David nodded, resting his arms on the guardrail. “Yeah.”

Cadence smiled. “I wanted to thank you again, you know for helping me find my crown the other night.”

He turned her way and smiled. “Oh, no problem. I’m glad I could help.” David hadn’t realized it, but Cadence was standing close enough that when the night air blew, he could catch the scent of her perfume. It was a very sweet fragrance, but had just a slight hint of musk to balance it out. He liked the scent, but it wasn’t nearly as pleasing as that which Luna wore.

David broke the silence. “I’d like to thank you again, for coming to my aid that same night at dinner.”

Cadence smiled and gave a nod. “You’re welcome. I just couldn’t believe the way my cousin was behaving.”

“Yes well, I can’t say I blame him. I’m a stranger to his world. I’m honestly surprised that so many ponies have been accepting of me, and considering that I’m with one of their princesses.”

Cadence could sense his tension. She placed a supportive hoof on his shoulder. “Hey. Don’t talk like that. We ponies share this land with many other species. There’s zebras, donkeys, yaks, giffons…oh and if you count Spike, dragons. Just to name a few.”

David smiled, seeing the sincerity reflected in her eyes. “You’re right. I guess it’s not such a stretch then.”

She shook her head. “Nope. But how are you otherwise doing? You were in that attack on Ponyville tonight, weren’t you?”

“I…” Once again, David was interrupted.

Luna stepped out onto the balcony. “You can come inside now, David.”

He bowed to Cadence. “If you’d excuse me.”

“Of course,” she replied.

Princess Luna looked over at Cadence. “You can feel free to join the conversation, if you’d like.”

Cadence shook her head. “Thank you, but I should get back to my room. If Shining Armor is going to be pulling a rather late night, I’d better make sure I have some food ready for him. He tends to get the munchies, following a nearly all-nighter.” She giggled.

“As you wish.” Luna turned and walked back inside.

Princess Cadence followed, but quickly made her way out one of the side doors near the back of the throne room.

Luna stood beside her beloved and joined him in giving Celestia their attention. David scratched his head curiously. “So, what’s going on now?”

Celestia shook her head and sighed. “Nothing good, I’m afraid.”

“I trust this has something to do with another Dragon Knight attacking, only this time in Ponyville,” David replied.

“Yes.” Celestia began. “The clue lies in the Dragon Knights.”

“Huh?” David blinked in confusion.

“I’m still not certain, but I am certain of this. Dragon Knights have not been seen in Equestria in over 2,000 years. And now within barely a day of each other, there has been another attack. This can’t be just a coincidence.”

“But what can it mean?” David inquired.

“Tell him, sister.” Luna remarked.

Celestia gave David a serious look. “I’m not sure how, but Dragon Knights used to be linked to a very evil being known as Ghastaloom.”

“Ghastaloom? Who or what?”

“That is a very long and involved story. But, at the moment, it’s only a strong hunch I have.” Celestia walked back to the throne and sat down.

“And if it is Ghastaloom, my sister?” Luna bit her lower lip, staying close to David.

Celestia placed her hoof over her face and shook her head. Then she looked out at them. “If it is indeed him, then Equestria will be facing a crisis worse than the changeling invasion, Discord and you as Nightmare Moon all combined.”

David swallowed hard. Some of these facts were new to him, but the stern expression on Celestia’s face filled him with dread, the same feeling he had fighting both the Dragon Knights. “How will we know?”

Celestia shook her head. “I do not know. And that has me very frustrated. Ghastaloom was defeated centuries ago. Our parents worked with Starswirl the Bearded and used the Elements of Harmony to put an end to his reign of terror. But I don’t even know where to look for him, or if he’s even found a way to restore his life.”

“Wait, you mean he died when he was defeated?” David asked hopeful.

“Yes. Our parents made sure he would never return, at least, that was their hopes.”

“Hmmm.” David thought his surviving another harrowing battle was something to worry about, but this, if Celestia’s suspicions were correct, could mean even darker days were coming for Equestria. “Well, I hope I don’t sound rude, but is there anything else to be gained from discussing things tonight?”

Celestia looked to a nearby clock and shook her head. “I suppose not. In fact, I must apologize for keeping you both up so late. Before you two retire, could I offer you a late meal in my private dining room? Just the three of us?”

David smiled and turned to Luna. “What do you say? While I’m…” he yawned. “Tired, I’m also hungry. We never got to eat dinner.”

Luna chuckled. “You’re right.” She looked to her big sister. “We’d be delighted.”

Celestia smiled for the first time since David was called back into the throne room. “Wonderful, if you’d both follow me. We can have whatever you two would like.”

The three shared a much-needed laugh as they followed Celestia to her personal dining room.