Author's Note

Okay! So i managed to get enough time to push this chapter out sooner than expected, but that does not mean that the next TFC chapter will be delayed, it sill still be released within the next week.

Anyway, hope you all enjoy this story!

Chapter 2: Assault of Vale Town

(New Canterlot Castle, Dining Hall)

Emperor Grey Sky sat calmly at the farthest end of the large dining table, and although there was plenty of space for others to join, he was perfectly fine eating by himself. The only other ponies in the room, were the butler’s and servants who attended to his every whim, whether it be a fresh glass of wine, or a completely different meal altogether.

One of the many perks of ruling a whole Empire, was that he could taste different types of delicacies from the kingdoms now under his control., and having the best chef’s in that nation never hurt either.

As he continued to eat, he heard the main door open and his trusted advisor, Night Storm, walk in. “Ah! Night Storm, a pleasure to see you again, would you care for a glass of wine?” he asked with a welcoming smile. Night Storm walked to the side of the table where he was sitting and gave a respecting bow to his lord.

“With respect My Lord, I think I will have to pass, I come bearing news from The Black Ranger” he said in a formal tone, and he watched as the Emperor didn’t seem fazed by the news, he calmly levitated his glass of wine to his lips and tipped it back, enjoying the sweet grape taste. He placed it back on the table, and sighed with content, not seeming to worry that the servants were fully aware of their conversation.

“Tell me Night Storm, have ever tasted some of the wines that were kept in the castle vaults? I must say they are rather tasty, I must say, Celestia and Luna, did have a rather impressive knowledge of fine wines” he said as if ignoring his advisors comment. Night Storm simply remained silent, as he knew better than to push for an answer.

“No sir, I’m afraid I haven’t, I’m rather content with my own selection” he said, playing along with the Emperor’s game. The Emperor smiled at his apparent victory, and gestured for Night Storm to take the seat nearest to him.

“Please, take a seat my friend, there’s no reason we can't discuss business over a glass of wine” The Emperor said with a charming, yet deceiving smile. Night Storm seemed confused by the offer, but he slowly climbed into the seat, just as a butler pony, came by with a filled glass of wine and placed it in front of him. The old unicorn sighed and levitated the glass to his lips, and drank down the liquid, and then turned to see the Emperor smiling contently at him.

The Emperor adjusted himself in his seat, and pushed his plate away, and waved for a butler pony to come and remove it, while he discussed business. “Now then, what news from our friend?” he asked in a calm and professional tone. Night Storm drank and sip, and cleared his throat, before turning to address the situation.

“The Night Ranger contacted us via radio call, telling us that he was in position outside of Vale Town, he was waiting on your orders to attack” Night Storm answered with a serious tone, and it was only now that the Emperor seemed to take the situation as it should be.

The Emperor’s face darkened slightly as he slowly registered what to say next, but The Emperor was nothing, if not a clever word-smith. The Emperor sat back a little against the chair, and looked to his advisor, “I believe he knows what to do. Kill the target and those who protect her, I want them all wiped out, leave none alive” he said in a dark tone, but the calm expression never left his face.

Night Storm nodded and got out of the seat, as The Emperor had gotten up as well, and walked over to the large stained glass windows that lined one side of the wall, much like the throne room. But, before Night Storm left the room, he turned back for one last question. “With all due respect My Lord, what of the civilian population? They are faithful taxpayers, what she happen to them?” he asked in a more concerned tone, then he should have let on, even though in truth he couldn't care less about what happened to the ponies of the empire.

Emperor Grey Sky simply stared out the windows for a few minutes, thinking of a proper response, he sighed and looked on. “Our friend’s only concern is to eliminate the target. One small trading community, will make no difference. If he deems them a threat to the mission, so be it. All I care about is finding this mare, she is our only concern as of this point.” He said with a menacing tone, one that indicated that he was dead serious.

Night Storm stood there for a moment and smiled, and then gave a respectful bow to his Emperor, “By your command, My Lord.” He said with a calm expression, as he made his way out of the room.
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(Vale Town Fortress, Star Dust’s Bedroom)

As I sat on the edge of my bed, I couldn't fight the racing thoughts in my mind, each of them arguing about how I should go about this.

Should I got for it?

Yes dammit! This is what you've been training all these years for!

But what about Crystal? I can’t leave my friend!

What if I fail!?!

Each of these thoughts and others, raced around in my head, trying to outdo the other in voice and volume, until it came to a point where I had to throw myself back on the bed and scream into my pillow, nearly knocking off the suitcase I had begun packing.

Those thoughts were only silenced when I heard a loud rapping on my door, I sat up in time to see my friend Crystal walk into the room, a smug smile on her face. “You little sneak! Why didn't you tell me you were going on a trip away from here?” she said as she happily pranced into my room, and sat on the bed beside me, and despite my earlier frustration, I couldn't refuse the smile that cracked on my lips.

“I guess…I'm still trying to process this all myself. I…I just don’t know how to take it, I mean…this is great news! I never thought I would get this far! But…I’m not sure how well I’ll do, Satchel seems to believe I have the talent, and I’m grateful for his faith, but…what if I fail?” I asked as I turned to my friend with a helpless expression.

Instead of her usual snide and smug response, she actually gave me a comforting smile and placed a hoof on my shoulder, “Listen to me Star Dust, you are a very intelligent mare, sure you can be a bore sometimes, but in your core, you’re a smart, talented, and beautiful young mare that can conquer any challenge, is she puts her mind to it” she said with a kindly tone. It was these moments that I had come to cherish with her, in a way, she was the closest thing I had to a sibling, and just like me, I was the same to her.

But despite all that, there was still a few lingering doubts in my mind, “But…what about you? I’d never forgive myself for leaving this place without you, your my friend.” I said to her in a concerned tone, but she simply smiled at me, and brushed my mane slightly.

“Listen Star, you will always be my friend, and you’ll always be in my heart. Regardless of what happens, you’ll be back sooner or later. You don’t think I’ll stop bugging you, just because your all high and mighty now do you?” she asked in a her common smug tone, in which we all chuckled lightly. After calming down, she wrapped her hooves around me and pulled me into a loving hug, something along the lines of the hug you would give a sister, or brother.

As we pushed away, she hoped off the bed and made her way to the door, but as she left, I called out once again. “Hey Crystal! Thanks, I don’t what I would be without you” I said with a smile, she smiled back as well.

“I would hate to find out, besides…think of it as repayment. You helped instill some confidence in me, when I was afraid and lost, so it’s only fair I do the same for you in your time of need. Now get some sleep! I’ll be there to see you off in the morning.” She said as she left the room, and closed the door behind her, leaving me alone again.

For the first time today, I felt as ease, knowing my friends were supporting me in my efforts, the rushing voices in my mind failed to speak up again, even as I finished packing all the things I thought were necessary: books, clothing, parchment, and pens. Everything I would need for a finale test.

With a more comforting feeling in my heart and mind, I untied my mane from it’s tail, and climbed into my bed, switching off the lamp, and drifting off to dream land.
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Although I was not sure of the reason why, but I found myself staring at the ceiling of my room, still wrapped under the covers. But, despite the warmth they gave, I felt a disturbing chill crawl through me, not sure what it meant.

I turned to read the clock by my bed, which only added to my frustration, since I should be well asleep by this hour.

Midnight. Ugh! Why can't I fall asleep!?!

Despite my complaints, I found that my throat had become dry from lack of water, so I threw the covers off with a groan, and made my way into the bathroom for a drink of cool water. I turned on the faucet and reached for a glass from the medicinal cabinet, and poured so cold water. Usually I don’t drink from faucet water, but it’s proximity, compared to the main kitchen, made it more appealing.

I sighed to myself as the cool water washed down my throat, and I then reached up and returned the glass and closed the cabinet, but something strange happened as I did.

Creak!

I heard the sound come from my room, and I immediately felt my body freeze up, and it wasn’t from the cool night chills. I stood staring at the door, into the darkness of my room, half expecting for some nightmarish creature to leap out and eat me. But, I managed to rationalize the situation, that monsters only existed in the stories to make little colts and fillies behave.

Regardless of my rationalization, I cautiously stepped toward the door, and pushed it open with my hoof, and noticed it made the same creaking sound as the one I heard.

Whew! Get a hold of yourself Star. You're just…nervous about tomorrow, that’s all!

I felt my heartbeat begin to return to it’s normal pace, but I still had the uneasy feeling that something was off. Despite my reassurances, I found myself walking over to my desk, and levitating up a candle, and striking a match to light it.

The small light filled my room, and cascaded my shadow across the walls, I stayed facing my desk, but I gazed around the room, sighing to myself that everything was as it should be.

Creak!

I immediately stiffened up again, and felt another cool chill run down my spine, and I noticed that the flame of the candle was flickering in what seemed to be a breeze.

What? A Breeze? I thought I closed the window?

Instead of turning fully to look at the window, I felt a strange, alien feeling grasp hold of my heart and my senses.

Fear.

My eyes looked up to see a shocking and heart-wrenching scene.

The window was wide open!

I don't know what possessed me to act next, but it must have been the unyielding desire to prove that I was only making this up in my mind, and that I would wake up in a second and find myself snug in my bed. But my result was something far more terrifying.

I turned sharply, only to be met with a quick shadowy figure that jumped out from behind my bathroom door and tackled me to the ground, causing me to slam my head into my desk, and drop the candle from my grasp, making it go out.

I cried out in pain, as I felt myself be pushed on to my back, my mind dull with pain, but it didn't compare to the sire above me.

A shadowy Pegasus stallion stood atop me, smiling down at me with a sinister smile, which only caused my fear to rise into a shrill scream, but he quickly covered my mouth with his hoof, and leaned down to my ear.

“Shh…it will only make it worse if you struggle. It’s shame I was tasked with killing you, you truly are a beautiful young mare, such a shame.” He said as he pushed back part of his coat and revealed a glimmering dagger, which he removed and raised above my throat.

My eyes filling with sheer terror, my eyes darted around to try and finds a means of escape, when I saw the candle holder I was just using. Despite feeling the deepest amounts of fear in my body, I tried my best and focused my magic on the knob, and flung it at him.

He looked up in shock, as the brass part of the plate slammed into the side of his head, the force knocking him off me, allowing me to scramble away from him, and jump on to my bed. I tried my best to sooth my pumping heart, but the mix of adrenaline and terror, kept me on the edge, just as he grasped on to the edge of my desk.

He groaned and turned to me with an enraged expression, “You Little Bitch!” he shouted as he lunged at me with the blade fixed to pierce my chest.

This has got to be a dream!

I looked around for the best means of defense, and saw my suitcase sitting by the bed on the floor, deciding it was my best option, I picked it up with my magic, and brought it up between myself and the knife.

Clang!

I heard the sound ring off, as the metal blade struck the hard exterior of my suitcase, luckily for me, it was one hard piece of material. I looked up to see the shocked expression of my assailant’s face, so I used the opportunity to push back, which resulted in him losing balance, and me swinging the case as hard as I could.

I felt my insides churn, as I heard what partially sounded like bone cracking, as he flew against the wall, and slumped to the floor. A line of crimson blood slipping down the side of his head.

Sweet Celestia! What did I just do!?!

My breathing was hard and heavy, the case still levitated in my grip, I slowly began to calm down as the threat vanished, but my gaze quickly fell to the edge of the suitcase I had struck the stallion with, which had a small splatter of blood on the pointed edge.

As it always did, my mind began to rationalize the situation, but I knew just as well, that the answer was pretty clear.

This Stallion was trying to kill me!

I dropped the suitcase and stumbled backwards slightly, my vision slowly dimming, and my stomach began to swirl and churn in repulsion. The stallion remained unmoving, even as I slowly inched toward him, and despite my better judgment, I reached forward and touched his throat, and felt a wave of relief wash over me.

He was alive.

The second the thought crossed my mind, I began to question myself.

Why should I care?

You still don’t know what happened.

He tried to kill me!

But, you're no killer yourself!

The thoughts began to race in my mind again, but they were quickly interrupted by another shrill scream that pierced the night.

The scream of another mare, one that I instantly recognized.

Crystal!

Instead of bothering to tend to my attacker, I raced out of the room at top speed, determined to save my friend from whatever thing might be attacking her as well.
________________________________________

My hooves carried me as fast as they could, swerving through the large halls, to where my friends room was, and despite the halls being mostly dark, I found it easy to turn and race down the next hall.

As I heard Crystal’s cries for help grow louder, I began to hear two male voices as well, and they both sounded a little too enthusiastic about their actions.

“Come on! Were just supposed to kill them!” one of them said in an urgent tone, as I slowed down to a crawl, and leaned up against the wall, and peeked inside, to see a horrible site.

Crystal was on her back, the look of sheer terror in her eyes, as one of her attackers climbed on top of her, grinning evilly, both of them dressed in apparent bandit armor. “That may be true, but who said we couldn’t have a little fun with the mares first? This one is particularly beautiful.” He said with a sinister grin.

“Somepony! Please! Help Me!” Crystal called out, even as he smacked her across the cheek, which only made her cry out more, tears spilling down her cheeks.

The stallion on top, struck her again, “Shut your mouth, Bitch! Your mine now!” he said, as I felt my blood boil to an overloading point. I looked inside and saw a lamp sitting on Crystal’s desk near the door, I focused my magic and levitated it up, and quickly flung it at the stallion on top of her.

Crash!

The lamp shattered across the back of his head, with enough force to instantly knock him out, even as he flew off her, in which Crystal scampered away and looked to see the stallion turn towards the door, just as I stepped out. “What the Fu-“ he tried saying, but I quickly knelt down and focused my magic into an offensive spell.

A powerful blast of blue aura shot from my horn and slammed into his chest, knocking him back against the wall, with enough force to shatter bones.

Worst. Nightmare. Ever!

I stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, simply staring at the stallion as he crumpled to the floor, the room seemed to fall silent for a moment, a tense ringing in my ear, even as I heard the muffled voice of Crystal call out to me. I felt my body grow numb and heavy, as I staggered backwards slightly and fell on to my haunches, tears beginning to fill my eyes, making it nearly impossible to see.

What have I done!?

I felt the question swim around in my mind, being the most prominent among the others. I had never lashed out at another pony for any reason, aside from the occasional punch at the school bully when I was a filly. But I never thought I was capable of doing real harm to another pony.

My mind returned to the present world, when I felt a hoof on my shoulder, I turned to see Crystal looking at me with a worried expression, tears of her own filling her eyes. My vision and hearing fully returned as she pulled me into a large hug, which momentarily shocked me, but I quickly hugged her back, even feeling tears hit my shoulder, as my own fell on hers.

“I’m Sorry!” I found myself whispering to her over and over again, as if trying to justify my actions, but it fell short. Half of me expected for Crystal to push away and slap me across the face, telling me what a cruel monster I am, but she gently pushed away and looked into my eyes with a warming smile.

“It’s not your fault, they attacked me in the middle of the night, I had no hope of fighting back” she said as my gaze turned to the bruise on her cheek, in which she frowned and rubbed it.

“Are you hurt?” I asked, mostly because I couldn’t find anything else to say, this being the only words I could form. She smiled and we both stood up, and faced the two unconscious stallions.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to face me, “I’ll be fine, and I’m more worried about you. I don’t know what’s going on, but we have to find the other students and meet up with them, Satchel will kn-“ she tried but she was cut off as there was a loud explosion near the exterior of the fort, which made the room shake lightly, causing the lights to flicker.

What in Luna’s name was that?

We both looked at each other with worried expressions, but I was the first to speak up. “Okay, I know this is going to sound crazy, but we should split up, I’ll go look for Satchel in his study. While you go down and try to regroup with the other students and teachers, we’ll be down to meet you soon.” I said with a determined tone.

I was half expecting her to argue and complain about my sudden burst of stupidity, but she actually managed to smile and nod, and again pulled me into a quick hug. “I understand, you go do what you have to, I’ll meet the others. Good Luck!” she yelled as she ran out the door. I couldn’t resist the brief smile on my face, but that quickly faded as I ran out the door and down the other hall, and up the nearest flight of stairs.
________________________________________
(Vale Town Fortress, Main Hall)

Crystal ran as fast as her hooves could carry her, and this wasn’t like racing her friends, this was a race for survival. She quickly founded her running to the top of the main staircase in the Main Hall, only to see a sight, that stopped her dead in her tracks.

Ponies were fighting each other!

She looked around and saw that many of the teachers and students were engaged in deadly combat, with what appeared to be ponies in bandit armor. She looked on in horror, as some of her classmates, were slaughtered down by sword, arrow, or magical blast, none of them standing a chance against the assailants. The only ones who were managing to hold their own, were the teachers.

As she ran down the steps, avoiding swipes of swords, pole arms, and spears, she looked to see the familiar older Blue Unicorn, fighting off two attackers with ease. Crystal ran up to him, nearly slipping on crimson red liquid, as she watched him knock them back with a powerful blast of magic. He panted as she ran up to him.

“Cross Fire! What’s going on!?” she asked in a greatly induced state of panic, the old blue Pegasus simply turned to her and sighed sadly, as most of the attackers had begun to retreat to the courtyard.

“What does it look like? Were under attack! Where’s Star Dust?” he asked in a hurried tone, but Crystal had almost momentarily forgotten about her friend.

“She’s…She’s going up to find Satchel, she said she’ll join us soon” she said with the most confidence she could muster, but Cross Fire’s reaction was not as enjoyable. She watched in confusion as a horrified look appeared on her face.

“What?! She’s going alone…she’s going to get herself killed. Let’s Go!” he shouted as he broke into a surprisingly fast run, as he bolted up the stairs, Crystal broke into a run after him.
________________________________________
(Vale Town Fortress, Upper Levels)

Never before in my life had I expected to see such gruesome scenes before my eyes. They were enough to make even the most battle-hardened pony, at the least, cringe.

Blood! Everywhere!

The first room I had come upon was one of the stallions I shared a history class with, but I found the exact opposite of what I was expecting. I found his body sprawled on the floor, a look of pure horror frozen on his face, a pool of crimson blood around him, filling the cracks along the stone floor. The room itself, looked as if a tornado had struck inside, the bed was overturned on it’s side, the desk flipped against the wall.

The site before me, was only something one could have visualized out of a gruesome horror story. But here I saw it before my eyes, and the resulted nearly had me puking in the corner, but instead of wasting my time with checking for any vital signs, I knew I would have to get to Satchel fast, before whatever horrifying creatures, that had done this, could get to him first.
________________________________________

Each room I visited had a similar result, none of the ponies that had faced this cruel bloodthirsty monster had survived, and they had all been cut down like dying animals. Regardless of gender, age, or anything else, they were hunted with extreme prejudice.

I quickly found myself near the top floor of the fort, where Satchel had his private study, to which I had been only a few times in my life. But now was for completely different reasons. As I approached the door, I heard the grunting and clinging of swords, and my body immediately filled with fear again, even as I recognized one of the voices as Satchel’s.

I ran into the doorway to see a horrific site unfold before me, Satchel was standing near the far end of the room, with the back of his attacker facing me. He had a pained expression on his face, and sweat was pouring down his face, small cuts and bruises littered his body, cutting through his cloak.

“Satchel!” I cried out in fear, and my voice seemed to cut through the thick atmosphere of their fight as they both turned to look at me. His attacker was a stallion dressed in sleek black armor, and although I couldn't see his face, I knew he was staring directly at me, which only made my heart seize up from dread.

“Star! Get out Now! Go!” Satchel yelled at me, but my fear had frozen my hooves to the ground like stone, and just as he charged forward, a shining sword clutched in his magical grip, I saw his attacker quickly jump to the side and teleport behind him, indicating that he was a unicorn. I saw the surprised and fearful look on Satchel’s face, as he turned around, even as the attacker shoved his sword forward.

Time seemed to slow around me, as I gazed on in true fear, this opponent was clearly more than a match for Satchel, even in his old age, but I had never seen him in such a condition. Satchel moved his sword in position to block, but the assailant was too quick, and I heard the painful sound of sword piercing flesh.

Time slowed to a near stop, as I watched in utter horror, as the assailant plunged the blade into Satchel’s chest, resulting in the shocked and horrified look on his face.

Sweet Celestia…no!

Time resumed to it’s normal pace, as fresh blood poured from Satchel wound, and dripped along the blade, I watched in terror as the Black armored Stallion pulled the blade out and wiped the blood off on Satchel’s robe, in which Satchel stood for a few moments, before collapsing to his side.

No! No! No! No! NO!!!

The attacker turned to me with his sword at the ready, “Finally! We get the chance to meet face to face, prepare to join your beloved teacher, in Tartarus!” he yelled as he lunged forward. But things didn't quite happen as he expected.

I felt tears stream down my cheeks, as I gazed at the dying form of my teacher, my caretaker, my…father. I shut my eyes closed, in an attempt to shut the vision away, but it was locked into my mind, forever torturing my thoughts. My teeth clenched together, almost to the point of hurting.

My hooves reached up to my head, as I felt a pounding sensation, drum in my ears, to the point of pain. In one fell swoop, I slammed my hooves down hard enough, to the point where I heard cracking, and I was sure that I had nearly broken my hooves, but my eyes shot open, and all I could see was red around me.

“NOOOO!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, as the attacker inched closer, and my horn began to glow brighter than it ever did, and as much to my surprise as his, I looked to see a shield form around me, and just as the edge of his blade cut it, he was pushed back against the wall with stone shattering force, and it did so. The impact of his armor on the wall, caved in a part of the wall behind him, and I looked down to see that my hooves had made a small crater in the floor around me.

I looked up to see the shocked expression of the armored stallion, and much to my shock again, I felt a sinister smile creep along my lips, as I slowly began to step towards him. He quickly stood up and called out, “Soldiers! Kill Her! Kill her now!” he yelled, and I heard the fast clopping of hooves, as I turned around to see three other stallion enter the room, each of them wielding a different weapon.

I frowned and instinctively levitated out Satchel’s sword and yelled out as I charged at them. One of the stallion, armed with a long pole arm, stepped forward and swiped at me, but my reflexes had tripled in speed, and I swung the blade faster and cut the pole in half, and then blasted him away with a surprising blast of magic, which shoved through the wall behind him and beyond.

The second one, readied an arrow on his crossbow and fired, but it harmlessly bounced off my shield, and struck the wall beside me. I smiled evilly at the shocked look on his face, and my horn glowed brightly, as he suddenly clutched at his throat with his hooves, and began rising into the air.

The stallion beside him looked on in horror, but he turned to face me and unsheathed a sword of his own, and charged at me, screaming wildly. While the second one choked in the air, I had no problem dodging his wild attacks, and in one fell swoop, I thrust my sword forward and slashed him in the throat.

His eyes went wide as he fell to the floor behind me, choking on blood made from the freshly made wound, and he soon dropped to the floor…dead.

Please! Stop This!

I felt a voice ring in the back of my mind, but I was too bust turning back to the second stallion and tightening my magical grip on his throat.

You’re No Murderer!

The stallion gasped wildly for breath, as his back hooves began flailing around in desperation, the smile on my face simply widening in sheer joy.

You're Killing Him!!!

The voice in my head begged me to stop, to release the stallion and spare his life, but the physical side of me simply chuckled and tightened even harder, which caused me to smile as well.

“Good! They All deserve to die!” I spoke and in one quick flick of my horn, the stallion’s neck twisted almost completely the other way around on his shoulders, and he dropped to the floor.

No…What have I done?

I sighed in content and turned to face the black armored stallion, who had fully stood up, and gazed at me with utter surprise, but he quickly chuckled and sheathed his sword. “So…this is the power they were talking about. Now I see…you are more than meets the eye, rest assured girl! We will meet again!” he said as he hoped up into the window sill and jumped out.

As if that was the end of it, my vision returned to it’s normal look, and I felt a heavy weight return to my body, and a painful ache in my heart. I gasped as I reeled back and fell on to my haunches, gasping as I placed a hoof over my heart, and then to my head to ease the pounding. I couldn't explain why, but I suddenly felt weak, and on the verge to collapse, without so much of strength, that I could barely sit up.

I looked over to see Satchel laying on his side, I willed myself, despite the pain, and lumbered over to him, and turned him on to his back, tears beginning to fill my eyes again. His breathing was weak and raspy, and he gazed up at me with tearful eyes.

“I…I…I’m Sorry Star Dust” he said in a weak tone, but by that time tears were beginning to cloud my vision once again, making it hard to see the weak smile he gave.

“No! I’m the one who should be sorry, I should have gotten hear sooner, but…I failed. I failed you!” I said in a high-pitched tone. The tears making it hard for me to concentrate, along with the exhausting desire to simply fall asleep.

His smile fell and he reached and stroked my cheek with his hoof, even leaving a small trail of blood, “No Star Dust! Listen…t-to me. You could have never failed me, none…none of this is your fault. But…you can make things right.” He said as he coughed a little, causing more blood to leak from his wound, as he tried to hold on longer, but I knew he was losing that battle.

“Listen, I’ve taught you…ev-everything I know, and you’ve become a wonderful young mare, and I’m confident you will su-su-suceed. You just have to…believe in yourself.” He said as he slowly began to drift away, his eyes narrowing ever more closed.

No! Celestia Please! NOO!

“Cross Fire…he will take you…to s-see the Light Seekers, they…c-can help you” he said as I nearly lost all control of my emotions. The pony I had come to call my father, was dying in my hooves, and I was the cause of it, even though he said it wasn’t, if I hadn’t distracted him, he would have survived.

“No! Please don’t leave me! I’ll be lost without you!” I cried like a newborn foal, my tears falling into his blood soaked coat, but he quickly silenced me with more words.

“Don’t blame yourself for my death, I would do it over again to protect you. Heh…there’s s-so much I have yet…t-to tell you. The Light Seekers…they can help you find the truth…a-about your past. I’ll Always b-b-be with…you” he said as his eyes finally closed, and his hoof went limp in my grasp.

No! This can't be happening! Please! Come Back!

“Star Dust!” I recognized the sound of my friend call out, and I turned to see Crystal, Cross Fire, and a group of unrecognizable armored ponies standing in the doorway, each of them with shocked and horrified expression, but the last thing was the blackness that took we away.