Flare of Hope

by Lunar Black

First published January 1st, 1970 00:00

Seaman David Flare was the usual Deck Seaman. He worked his ass off by day, and was still working by night. Indeed, it was a miserable existence, but somebody had to do it. The only thing that set him apart from the rest was his reading selection. He dabbled heavily into alchemy, and the "dark arts". Everything in his life was seeming to be taking a turn for the worst, until one day, he was pulled, against his will, into an unknown universe, where he found himself to have been transformed into an alicorn, with a mane and tail of pure flame. He would've been completely furious if not for the warning he received beforehand of his own world meeting an unpreventable doom. In fact, this new world was in grave danger as well, except for the fact that he was the only force capable of preventing it. Will he be able to push his old life aside, and learn to harness and control his newfound power in time to save his new home, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him every day, and become the ultimate force of destruction?

Chapters

Chapter 2: Familia
Chapter 3: Friendship (Love and Loss)
Chapter 4: Falling Stars
Chapter 5: Reunited
Chapter 6: Through Silver Eyes
Chapter 7: Afterparty
Chapter 8: Incognito
Chapter 9: Don't Look Back!
Chapter 10: Oops
Chapter 11: The Little Details
Chapter 12: Enter Seduction
Chapter 13: Pushing Buttons
Chapter 14: Tears
Chapter 15: I Get to Do What, Now?
Chapter 16: Wha- Huh?
Chapter 17: Relocation
Chapter 19: Bottled Up
Chapter 20: A Flare For The Dramatic
Chapter 21: Truth in Advertising
Chapter 22: The Calming Winds
Chapter 23: Honeymoonlighting
Chapter 24: The Flaming Death
Chapter 18:Royal Foalsitting Technique
Prologue: Fuel to the Fire
Chapter 1: Study Session

Chapter 2: Familia
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 2: Familia

Flare of Hope, Ch. 2:

"So, how did your visit with Miss Sparkle go, Flare?" The alabaster alicorn with her flowing mane was smiling tenderly at him, the way family usually did.

Flare flicked his head, moving his mane out of his face. "It went okay, I guess, Princess. Have you seen Princess Luna, anywhere?"

Celestia snickered at his insistent use of titles, over family affiliation. Then again, what more could you expect from a pony who was part of the US Navy in his old life. "Your mother should be in her chamber, as she usually is, in the mornings. And you know, you can call me Aunt Tia. We ARE family, Flare."

Flare rolled his eyes, and sighed. "Very well. Aunt Tia, do you know anything about what happened after I was born?"

"That depends, Flare. Do you want the history book version, or the real story?" Celestia looked down at the smaller alicorn from her throne.

"The real story. I already know the history book version."

"Very well, my little nephew. Over a thousand years ago, after Starswirl the Bearded helped us place you safely in the human world which sheltered you, I watched your mother spiral into sadness. When I decided to start taking in students, I noticed a hefty change in her behavior. She became jealous. She wanted somepony to love and nurture as I did my students, but you were gone. She understood this, and tried to cope with it, but eventually… well, everypony knows the story."

"So… my leaving started her down the path to becoming Nightmare Moon?"

"Well, that, among other things."

"I see. Thank you, Aunt Tia."

"By the way, Flare. She's been looking out for you, ever since she turned back from the Nightmare. You were originally supposed to stay there for a few more years, but she saw you suffering, and decided to bring you home. She loves you, Flare."

Flare lowered his head, feeling somewhat guilty about being so distant with the princess who had given birth to him. "Thank you, pr- Aunt Tia."

"Think nothing of it, Flare."

Flare began to turn, and walk away, but stopped himself, and turned back to Celestia, his black mane swishing in the movement. "One more thing, Aunt Tia. Will my mane and tail ever get all swooshy smokey like yours and my mother's?"

Celestia shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell. Now, go out and see the city. Oh, and be ready for admirers. It's not very often that the people of Canterlot get to see others of our kind… well, except for your mother, Cadence, and myself. I know you don't exactly want to be royalty, but nopony else really knows that."

"Well, I'm sure they'll figure out that I'm just like them in no time at all." Flare turned, and trotted toward the door. "Bye, Aunt Tia."

"Good bye, Flare! Don't try to teleport anywhere. You may burn down a building... Or two." She giggled at her nephew.

"Sure thing, Aunt Tia." And on that note, Flare was gone.

"That boy has a lot of power. Let's just hope he learns how to use it."

•=^=•=^=•=^=•=^=•=^=•=^=•=^=•

It was later in the morning, and flare was walking through the streets of Canterlot, rather enjoying being out of the castle. He hadn't quite grasped the concept of flight, yet, so it was a lot easier for him to walk. Even though he had a hard time with that at first. He saw so many ponies that he didn't recognize from the show. It was kind of cool, really. He saw a white Pegasus stallion with a black and teal mane and tail walking next to a white earth pony mare with a red mane with blue streaks. He figured they were musicians, based on their cutie marks. He saw a brown pegasus mare with an almost sky blue mane, with glasses. It would've been cooler, had they not all bowed when they saw him. He kept on down the street, brushing it off. He didn't like being considered royalty, but it was definitely a step up from being at the bottom of the chain of command, like he was used to.

"Oh, hello!" A voice came from Flare's side. He quickly turned, and spotted a pink alicorn with a three colored mane and tail of purple, a dark pink, and cream. Flare had never met this pony, before, and was pleasantly surprised to see another like him. But something didn't really help the situation. The alicorn in question was wearing a gold crown, and hoof slippers. Another princess. Her identity still escaped Flare. He had definitely never even seen this pony, before. "Um… hi?"

"I'm Cadence. I don't think we've met." She thought for a second. "Oh! You must be Flare! Aunt Luna's son! Oh, it's such a pleasure to meet you! Wow, a real, live male alicorn! Where are you from?"

Flare raised an eyebrow at the equally sized, overly-excited Cadence. "Um... Texas?"

=•^•=•^•=•^•=•^•=•^•=•^•=•^•=•^•=

"You know, Flare. You're a strange pony."

"I've been told that," he said, as he levitated his sandwich toward his face, toasting it, lightly, as he did. He was focusing as hard as he could to keep it from bursting into flames.

"Oh, I'm sure."

Flare swallowed his bite of sandwich, and looked at the other alicorn. "I've never heard of you, before, Cadence. What exactly do you do?"

Cadence waved a hoof. "Well, normally I perform diplomatic assignments, and public relations that my mother is too busy to handle."

"And who, exactly is your mother?"

"Princess Celestia, of course. Wow. You really don't know anything, do you?"

Chapter 3: Friendship (Love and Loss)
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 3: Friendship (Love and Loss)

Contrary to popular belief, I wasn't alone my whole life. At one point, I did have friends. At one point, I was happy. But, as friendships come, they can fade just as easily. As Mom says, these are the events that shape me.

It was around February, 2011. The day that I would meet the friends that would change my life forever. For better, and for worse. I had just graduated boot camp, and was placed in medical hold, to wait until I was medically cleared to transfer to my next command. This is where I met Marc Benton, and Erik Marton. At first, I was kind of a loner, but Marton was the first to approach me. Not long after this, I found out that the two of us were exactly alike. We were both musicians, we had the same sense of humor, and we both studied magic. I found it to be slightly odd that fate would deliver such a friend to me, but refused to question it. Then came Benton. This one was also a meeting that felt like destiny had a hand in it. Benton was a tech geek just like me. We enjoyed the same kinds of movies, and games. And just like Marton, he studied magic as well. At this point, there was no denying that the forces of destiny were somehow involved. Although, I had no idea just how involved.

If fhings weren't already turning out to seem rather coincidental, I found out that we were all waiting to be cleared to transfer to the same school. At this point, I felt as though fate itself was trying to speak to me. After a few months of being in medical hold, together, Benton was the first to transfer, then a few weeks later, I was cleared, and was on my way to Sub School. A few weeks later, the gang was back together, when Marton arrived. We had quite a few fun adventures, road trips, and whatnot, until the day that I was kicked out of Sub School. That's when I was sent to the Hornet. After a few weeks there, I received a phone call from Benton, saying that he was coming to Norfolk, as well. I was happy to have at least one friend there.

Everything was going… okay. And a month later, I got a call from Erik. He was getting ready to transfer to his new ship, which eas in dry dock in the Norfolk area. I couldn't believe it. At this point, I was sure that there was someone out there, watching over me. Someone who wanted me to be happy.

Things were great, once my two best friends were here. We would hang out, go to the movies, and go to the bar, doing what sailors do. Well, one night out, I was playing the role of "responsible sober person:" A role that was passed on to the next of us three in a set rotation each time we went out. Well, as fate would have it, the night that it was my turn, I happened upon a brown-haired beauty smiling at me from her own group of intoxicated friends. Of course I smiled back. What man in their right mind would fail to return a smile to that kind of beauty? After a few minutes of exchanging glances, and smiles, I decided to ask Marton if he knew this woman. He laughed, and explained to me that her name was Myra Star, and that she had checked into medical hold not long after I left. I wanted to talk to ger, but was way too shy. Needless to say, when we left the bar, I was still single, but now, I had this woman on my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about her. Her smile, her light blue eyes. She was like heaven on earth. And I missed my chance. I beat myself up about it for the next couple of days, until it was bar night, again. This time, I volunteered to stay sober again, in hopes of seeing Myra again. I was on a mission. I was going to talk to her. Sure enough, when we arrived at the bar, she wasn't there. I was a little disappointed, but as they say, good things come to those who wait. After about an hour, Myra and her friends arrived. Every bit of courage I had built up turned tail and ran away. It took Marton pushing me off of my stool to get any kind of reaction out if me. I got up off the ground, and gave him a glare. Upon hearing a faint giggle coming from the small group of females, I looked over and saw Myra giggling at me. Now was my chance.

I walked over to the group, choking back the urge to turn and run, the entire way over. I was more afraid than ever before in my life. As I came closer, I saw one of her friends push her toward me. And she got up, and started.walking over. We met in the middle of the bar. It was awkward at first, but eventually, we managed to start casual conversation. After a few minutes of that, we were telling jokes, and laughing and carrying on. It felt really nice. Like it was meant to be. A few minutes later, she had to leave, but first, she invited me to a Wiccan drum circle ceremony at the local shop. They held one every Monday night at sunset, and I was more than willing to go. After that, she left, leaving me with a kiss on the cheek. After I watched her leave, smiling as I watched, I returned to my group.

That Monday, Marton and I hopped in my car after work, and headed off to Magic Moonlight, the shop that held the weekly drum circle. When I walked in the shop, I was nearly tackled by Myra. As she hugged me, she told me how she didn't think I'd show. About an hour later, the sun was setting and we all made our way to the back yard of the shop. They had a fire burning in the center of a large circle of sand, which was in turn surrounded by a rock bordered garden with numerous drums placed around the circle. After about an hour, they started the drumming, and people began dancing around the fire. It was a new experience for me, and Myra was about to explain it all. I still remember what she said to me. "The drum circle is a ritual of healing. Some say it can even heal a broken heart." Somehow, I found myself playing one of the drums, watching Myra dance around the fire. I couldn't help but notice the graceful way that she moved, as well as the seductive way that she smiled at me, when she looked at me. She came over to me, and leaned over the drum, holding my hands in place, and kissed me. And I definitely remember the next thing she said. "Let me heal your broken heart, David."

A few days later, Myra and I were officially dating, and she began spending the night at the apartment that Marton and I shared. In those few days, Benton's marriage.had changed him, driving a wedge between him and his friends, so it was just Marton, Myra, and me. Then, the worst day possible came. The day that Marton.and Myra's ship was set to get underway. I was going to miss my friend, and my new girlfriend, but I knew they'd be back. Or so I thought. The morning that they were getting ready to leave, we were all getting ready for work. There was a thick air of forboding. Almost as if we all knew that they wouldn't be coming back. It was horrifying. The only thing that kept me from losing my mind that morning was Myra. She kept a brave face... For me.

Two weeks later, I saw on the news that a US Navy ship had been destroyed by an unknown enemy. I kept watching, and immediately began crying. It was their ship. They were gone.

I never got to tell her I loved her.

Chapter 4: Falling Stars
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 4: Falling Stars

"Put the bunny down, and nobody gets hurt!"

"What's the matter, Flare? Want the chocolate bunny? Well, you're gonna have to work for it!"

"I'll shoot you out of the sky, Cadance!" Flare's horn glowed with a blue aura, which dispersed almost immediately. Cadance was trying to teach him how to fly, which was proving to be quite the effort.

"Temper, temper. You should really relax. The sooner you get up here, the sooner you can have... whatever this is." Cadance was hovering a good twenty feet fron the ground, inspecting the confectionary treat. Flare had just gone through his forst moult, and just like with a pegasus, itto made him extremely hungry. And his cousin was playing to that advantage. She had kidnapped the last of his snacks at the last moment, and was holding them hostage.

"It's a chocolate covered marshmallow bunny! And it's fucking delicious! And you better give it back right fucking now!" Flare wasn't exactly too happy about Cadance's instructional methods. In fact, she had chosen the worst possible hostage for her plot. Thankfully for her life, Flare hadn't learned how to effectively use his magic, yet.

"Really? If it's that tasty, then I guess I'll have to try it, myself."

"You wouldn't dare…"

"And who's gonna stop me?" Cadance laughed, as she dramatically and slowly moved the chocolate soaked treat toward her mouth.

Flare somehow managed to flex his wing muscles, using a determination he didn't know he had, and gave a few mighty flaps, speeding toward the only other alicorn in the large field outside Canterlot. As he got closer, he opened his mouth to liberate the bunny from Cadance's tyranny. Perhaps if he were a better flyer, he could've managed to avoid the awkward situation that was about to unfold. He watched, as his objective came closer to him, completely forgetting that he needed to slow down, and completely forgetting about the alicorn in whose mouth was just on the other side of the bunny.

SMOOCH!

Both ponies' eyes went wide, at the collision of their muzzles, the sudden shock causing Cadance to drop the bunny. After a split second of pure shock, the two ponies pushed off of each other, both gagging in disgust.

"ACK! DISGUSTING!"

"I KNOW! ACK!"

Both ponies hovered, retching at the act of blasphemy that they had just unintentionally committed.

Why would you do something like that?! It's gross and wrong and... EEEEEEEEW! YOU'RE MY COUSIN AND IT'S SO DISGUSTING! EEEEEEEW!"

"ME?! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO PUT THE BUNNY THERE, NOT ME! IF THIS IS ANYPONY'S FAULT, IT'S YOURS!"

Having calmed down, Cadance was able to find control over her own volume. "Whatever! Let's just never talk about this again!"

Flare was more than happy to go along with that plan of action. "You don't have to tell me twi- oh hey... I'm flying. I'M FLYING! YEAH!"

"Well, what do you know? I managed to do it after all." Cadance chuckled. She didn't know if her plan was going to work, but she was glad it did. "Now, let's fly back to the castle. I need to wash my mouth out."

"You don't exactly taste that great either, sewage-breath."

"Hey, Mom! Guess what!" Flare came bursting into the princess's chamber, excitement seeping in his words.

Princess Luna jumped out of her bed, shooting to consciousness and looking around frantically. "Wha-? Huh?" She spotted Flare, and immediately calmed down. "Oh... Flare, hunny. Don't scare me like that. What's got you so excited, dear?"

"I flew, Mom!" Flare was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Really? That's great, dear! I'm so proud of you! Oh! I almost forgot. I've appointed you an advisor to help you learn magic."

"Well, I DO need to learn magic so I can stop Cadance from stealing my bunnies... but are you sure I need an advisor to teach me? I mean why can't Twilight teach me?"

"Because, dear. Twilight is quite the busy pony. Plus Miss Star will only be teaching you the basics of controlling your magic. Once you learn that, I'll see if Twilight Sparkle can fit you into her schedule to teach you the more powerful stuff."

Flare raised an eyebrow at his mother. "Miss Star?"

"Yes, of course. Falling Star. She's a teacher at Tia's magic school. She's been teaching there for a few months, and I think she's the perfect candidate to teach you. Plus I don't think you'll mind being in her company." Luna grinned mischievously at her son. "Plus I think her magic style may be a bit easier for you to grasp. Go see your aunt in the main hall. She'll introduce you. Oh, and what was that about bunnies?"

Flare looked around, and chuckled. "You must be tired. I didn't say anything about bunnies. Well, you should go back to sleep. Bye, mom!" And he was gone.

After her son had left, Luna looked around suspiciously, making sure the area was clear. Once she was sure of her privacy, her horn glowed with a deep blue aura, and the drawer of her sidetable opened, and a wrapped piece of candy levitated out, toward her. She grinned mischievously as she used her magic to peel open the wrapper, revealing none other than a chocolate covered marshmallow bunny who was about to meet his maker.

Celestia was sitting in the throne in the main hall of the castle, waiting for anything to happen, while fighting off her boredom. She was on the verge of passing out, when a powder blue unicorn with a pure white mane and tail came trotting through the doors, escorted by two guards. Once she reached the spot directly in front of Celestia, she bowed down, the two guards taking their places on each side of the princess.

"You wished to speak with me, your highness?" The unicorn's voice was soft, and sweet. A trait that made her excell in her profession.

Princess Celestia was overjoyed at the arrival of the unicorn. Mostly because it finally gave her somepony to talk to. "Ah, yes. Ms. Star. I'm glad you could make it. Please. No need for such formalities. Rise, rise."

Falling star got back up to her hooves, and smiled at the princess, her silver eyes shining in the light of the palace. "Thank you, Princess. It is truly an honor to be summoned to the castle by the princess, herself."

"Think nothing of it, Star. So, do you know why I called you here, today?"

Falling Star thought for a moment. "Um... No, princess, I don't... I'm not in trouble, am I? B-b-because if I did anything wrong, I'm sorry."

Celestia laughed. "No no, my little pony. You did nothing wrong. Instead, I have a rather important task for you. I would like you to be a royal advisor. Do you think you could handle that?"

Star was so excited that she could barely speak. "M-m-m-me? A r-r-royal advisor? To p-p-princess Celestia?!"

Celestia chuckled. "Not exactly. Try again."

"Princess Luna?"

"Getting warmer."

"Princess Cadance?"

"So close."

"Then who?"

Just as Celestia was finally starting to have fun teasing the unicorn, Flare trotted through the large doors into the hall. "Afternoon, Aunt Celestia."

Celestia smiled. "And good afternoon to you, too. Falling Star, I'd like you to meet Princess Luna's son, Prince Midnight Flare. You'll be teaching him the basics of controling his magic."

Flare chuckled. "Please. Just call me Flare. I've been going by that for the last few years."

Falling Star turned and looked Flare in the eyes. She stared deeply into the stallion's eyes, a look of realization stretching across her face. "David?"

Flare was shocked that anypony knew his human name. After a split second of thought, it came to him almost as quickly as it came to Star. "No way... Myra!"

Chapter 5: Reunited
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 5: Reunited

"So, Prince Flare, how long have you been in Equestria?"

"Myra, you know I hate being called by titles." Flare and Star were taking a stroll through the Canterlot Market, after their reunion. And for some reason, the mare just couldn't stop teasing the young prince.

"Then stop calling me Myra. That's not my name anymore. It's Falling Star. If it helps any, you can call me Star. You used to, anyways."

Flare was quiet for a second, as he thought back on his relationship with Myra in the human world. Admittedly, he Had called her by her last name a few times out of habit, but not enough to call it a pattern. "How about I just call you 'baby?'"

"Then I'll call you 'your highness' for the rest of the week."

"Ooooh. That's harsh. What's got you in such a mood?" Flare looked at his new advisor and teacher with a look of slight worry. "You know whatever it is, you can tell me about it."

Star stopped in middle of the sidewalk, and sighed, looking at the alicorn with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It's just that… the whole time I've been in this world, I've wanted so badly to see you. I missed you so much. I missed the way you would hold me close when it was cold outside, and the sound of your heartbeat, as we would sleep. Well... and... other things. And now that I finally see you again, you're something I can't have."

Flare lifted her chin up with a hoof, causing her to look into his eyes. "And what is that, Star?"

She jerked her head away. "You're royalty!"

Flare laughed, and moved his head around to look into her eyes. "No I'm not. So what if I'm an alicorn? I'm just the average pony... with wings, a horn, and a huge untapped magical capacity."

"You're the son of the princess, Flare. The princess of the night, no less! You've got an advisor, and you live in a castle!"

"...And?"

"That makes you pretty damn royal."

"Okay... so what if I'm royalty? Who's going to tell me who I can and can't lo- er.... be with?"

"Imagine how the public will react when it gets out that one of the royal family is in a relationship with a commoner."

But you're not a commoner, Star. You're my advisor."

"That... doesn't make it any easier."

"Acrually, it makes it a lot easier. We'll always be around each other. We just have to be mindful in the public eye."

"You've just got everything planned out, don't you?"

"I try. So, where are we going?"

The unicorn turned her head to look at her old friend, and laughed. "You really don't know?"

Flare raised an eyebrow at his new advisor. "No... know what?"

"Ugh... the Grand Galloping Gala is in a few days, and your mother and aunt wanted me to help you look the part of royalty when they introduce you to Equestria."

"But I don't want to look the pa- Did you say the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Uh... yeah."

Flare smiled widely. "Then I suppose I'll need a date, Star."

Falling Star shook her head, and frowned at Flare. "I'm sorry, Flare, but I can't. I'm your ADVISOR. That means I'm not allowed to be your date." She immediately noticed the sadness in the Alicorn's eyes, as his expression shifted. "I mean, I'd love to be with you, but if we were to be together openly, that would be like Cadance dating Shining Armor..."

"Cadance dating who?"

"Like Admiral Greenert marrying BM3 Rosa?"

"Ooooooooh. That kind of makes sense. But still, Myr- I mean Star... It's not exactly like we can forget our time together. At least I can't."

"And neither can I, Flare. But if this prophecy is true, then you've got a very important future ahead, and... I just... don't know what I'd do, if anything happened to you because of me."

"Flare stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, and looked at the young teacher. "So... the reason that you're trying to ignore the life we had before is because of some old prophecy? Look... Falling Star, I will not be defeated by some great darkness, and I definitely won't let anything happen to you. I swear."

She smiled at the prince, and kissed him on the cheek. "Fine, Flare. You win. But nopony can know about us until the time is right, okay?"

"Understood, Boss. Wait... did you just say 'nopony?' How long have you been here?"

"A few months. See, when the ship was going down, I was in CIC. They sounded general quarters, and next thing I knew, the entire ship was being crushed around us. Just before the compartment flooded, I remember thinking that I would do anything to see you one more time, then I passed out, and next thing I knew, I was here. The Princess said that she somehow knew that I was a very magically adept person in the human world, and then she appointed me as a teacher in her school for foals. So, in a way, I guess my feelings for you saved me."

Flare smiled for a second, until the thought of his last good friend, Marton came to mind. He frowned subtly, but apparently not subtly enough, because the unicorn beside him immediately noticed.

"I don't know what happened to Erik. Last I remember, I heard that he was on the flight deck, launching jets to fight whatever was attacking."

"Do you think he could be here, too?"

Falling Star stopped in front of a carriage with two of the Lunar Guard attached to the front of it. "Like I said, Flare... I don't know. Now, come on, or we'll be late for your appointment."

Flare reluctantly stepped into the carriage. "Appointment? Where are we going?"

—————————————————————————-————-—-—————

Ponyville. The sun was beginning to settle on the horizon, as Celestia's day was preparing to give way to Luna's night, in the most beautiful of ways., and despite her reluctant behavior hours before, Falling Star was leaning against her prince, sound asleep. Flare couldn't help but smile at her sleeping form. As the carriage began its descent, Flare nudged the sleeping unicorn, bringing her back to consciousness. Wake up, oh trusted advisor. We're here... I think."

The unicorn stirred for a moment, and eventually woke up. "Shut up, your Highness." She sat up, and looked around. "Ah, yes. We're definitely here." She pointed a hoof at a building down the street. "Now, see that decently sized building right there?"

Flare nodded, as he recognized the building, both from his favorite show, and his worst nightmares. "Yeah, Carousel Boutique. What of i- Oh no..."

"Surprise, dear."

Chapter 6: Through Silver Eyes
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 6: Through Silver Eyes

There's not much to tell about my life. I know that it may seem like my life would be rather exciting, and at this point it is. However, it wasn't always this way. I had a rather typical childhood. You know, white picket fence, all that jazz. I had two loving parents, and a big brother. A few dogs, a cat or two. Yep, the American dream. Shortly after I started high school, my brother was long gone. He had moved away to chase his dreams as an artist of sorts. He was good, I'll give him that much. Well, with my brother gone, my parents went from loving to overbearing, overprotective Totalitarian dictators. Sure, they were subtle about it, at first, but it became more obvious as time passed. This was also about the time where I started to realize that my life was always the same thing every day. I was stuck in a rut, and my parents had no intention of letting me out of it. As time went on, I began doing things... differently. I started dressing differently, started listening to different music, and I even began to look into a little thing called magic. I had stumbled upon the subject by total mishap. I was busy researching information for the essay I had to write on the symbolism of stars in classic literature, when I found a small excerpt that read "Some believe that everyone has the power to move the stars, but few ever tap their potential." From that moment, I was interested.

I started going to the library after school, which was nice, since I really needed a quiet place to relax after a long day of being tormented by my schoolmates because I was a "nerd" or because of my oddly colored eyes. Silver isn't that odd a color... well, maybe it is. Irrelevant. I would spend the afternoons studying and researching magic, and things of the like. After a while, I began to get really good at it. I had learned the basics, and was now searching for my element, until my parents found out about it. Being the heavy Christians that they were, I was kicked out of the house, forced to live with my brother. Of course I had no problem with this. My parents refused to even talk to me. They called me "the devil's messenger," and shit like that. I didn't let it get to me. After I graduated High School, I continued studying the art of fire, working full time to help my brother pay the bills.

Things were going rather well, until my brother got arrested, and I was forced to go it alone. I continued working, eventually having to pick up a second job just to keep a roof over my head. After a few months of this, I had just about had it. I remember coming home one day after working 16 hours straight, and throwing myself on the floor, crying like a madwoman. Before I knew it, I had blacked out. And when I came to, I was standing in the middle of an inferno. I tried to file a claim on the house, but apparently, the insurance company didn't cover "spontaneous combustion."

So I was homeless... again. I knew that I couldn't go on living like this, so I weighed my optiins, thinking rationally, and joined the military. Not too much better, but at least I had a place to live.

About two years in, I had made a few... acquaintances. I wouldn't exactly call then friends. I was more of a... drinking buddy. However, in time, even these worthless acquaintences would prove to be useful. Oh, I remember the day that Flare came up and talked to me. Well, I was a bit nervous at first, but I could tell that he was, too. Well, we started hanging out, and the rest is history. When I was around him, there was never a moment of loneliness. There was never a single tear shed. Even when my ship was at sea, he found a way to stay in touch. And that month that he was temporarily assigned to my ship was the greatest month of my life. I'm just glad that OS1 never found out what we did in his office after taps.

Well, things were going perfectly in my life until the day that would change everything. My ship was going out for a few weeks for usual training exercises. The morning of the day we were to set off was as sad as it usually was Flare drove me to work, as usual. Marton had his own car, so he preferred to drive himself. After Flare parked his car, we both got out, and headed to the pier. We walked down the pier hand in hand until the point between our ships. We embraced, and kissed each other goodbye. I remember the last thing I said to him.

"See you in a few weeks, baby."

I wanted to say more, but I was afraid he wouldn't feel the same. It was nightmarish. To have such feelings, yet to be so afraid of letting them loose.

A few days into the cruise, I was standing watch in CIC. I remember the last thing I noticed on the radar being a small sailboat a few miles away, so what came next caught everyone by complete surprise.

It was midnight, and once again, I was on watch, staring at a radar screen. It was quiet, until things went insane. Both of the lookouts were reporting strange looking air contacts. When forward lookout reported them, everyone thought he was just tired. When aft lookout also reported it, we knew something was wrong. Forward lookout apparently got a decent look at one of the contacts, and reported it to have the shape of a winged horse. Black fur, and a deep red mane with glowing red eyes. Both lookouts reported the same thing once more. It was even more strange that these contacts didn't show up on any of the radars. The officer of the deck ordered that general quarters be sounded, and just like that, the ship went into high alert. I kept up with the lookout reports, and the true terror sank in when forward lookout reported one contact that stuck out from the rest. It was much bigger than the others, and it also had a horn. Instead of the deep red mane, it had a mane of pure black smoke. Not even a few seconds later, the lookout screamed in terror, then went silent. Then I heard the sound of the ship closing in around us. I knew we were doomed. The hull burst, and water began flooding the ship. It felt like something was trying to crush us. Being a fairly decent swimmer, I tried to get out, but couldn't manage the busted door. I knew it was the end for me. As my energy started to fade, one regret ran through my mind. "Why didn't I tell him I loved him?"

Chapter 7: Afterparty
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 7: Afterparty

All in all, the evening was rather eventful. First, Flare and Star arrived, with Flare being hidden by a masking spell, that made him look like a normal unicorn in a suit. A bit odd, but if his mother wanted to surprise her subjects, he was up for a little prank. After watching everypony, he even noticed a yellow unicorn with a straight red mane with white stripes, and a cream colored earth pony with a two tone dark violet and pink mane sprinkle something on a few of the snacks, which were consumed by a few of the Wonderbolts. As if like clockwork, each one's wings shot out, creating a rather embarrassing scene for them, and a good laugh for Flare. He took a moment to congratulate them on the successful, and funny prank. Surely that would become a prank on its own, once the evening's main event took place. As the evening progressed, things died down, slightly, and the main event was at hoof. Princess Celestia came up first, giving a small speech, and in the end, handed the stage over to her little sister Princess Luna's speech was a bit more energetic, and in the end, she called Flare up to the stage, formally announcing him to all ofyou Equestria. As the spell dropped, he spread his wings, and the tuxedo that he was "wearing" faded to reveal pure platinum ceremonial armor, just like his mother's in design. He smiled, as he watched the two pranksters' jaws drop. After that, there was one last announcement. Cadance announced her engagement to the captain of the royal guard. Yes, indeed. A grand night for Canterlot,as well as all of Equestria. With the added comfort of his advisor, and secret romance by his side, he carried on with the evening.

"Well, that was fun."

"Wait, what? Miss Funsucker Falling Star just admitted to having fun?"

"Hey now, don't get the wrong idea, buddy. It was just a lot more fun than last year's looked." Star closed the door to the study behind her, using her magic to peel off the dress that Flare insisted that Rarity make for her. It was a form of revenge. Especially when he remembered how much she hated poofy dresses. As a result, Falling Star had to wear the most poofy dress in the world to the gala. Needless to say, she didn't say a word to the stallion all night. "And I am SO not a funsucker."

Flare slipped off his ceremonial regalia, placing it on the floor next to the dress."Oh yeah?" He trotted toward the fireplace, and plopped down on a pillow, and using his magic to light the fire, the logs in the fireplace being engulfed in a magical blue flame, lighting the room with a blue glow. "Why don't you come over here, and prove it?"

The unicorn trotted over to the fireplace, and plopped down on the pillow next to her prince, and leaned against him. "Well, how am I to prove myself? I mean, do ponies even..."

"Well, I was born, wasn't I?"

"True... So... how do we..."

"I don't know... I guess we ju- Oof!"

Somehow, the unicorn managed to catch the alicorn by surprise, and tackle him, pinning him to the ground. "Fuck it! We'll figure it out! I'm gonna get my revenge for that dress!"

----------------------------------—-----------------------------—-----------

Not even ten minutes later, Princess Cadence was trotting through the halls of the palace, on her way to the kitchen for a late night snack. She stopped dead in her tracks, as she heard a voice coming from one of the rooms further down the hallway. "What was that? Couldn't be Flare, he should be in his room, and that's nowhere near this wing of the castle." She thought for a few seconds. "I should investigate." Against her better judgement, she trotted up to the door, and pressed her ear against it. After a second, she heard a stallion's voice. She instantly recognized it as Flare's voice. She raised an eyebrow, and kept listening in, when she barely heard a female voice. "I wonder who that is. Maybe I can take a peek..." She quietly pushed the door open, and peeked in just far enough to see the face of Falling Star. When she opened the door a bit further, and her jaw dropped. There she was, having stumbled upon her cousin, and his advisor doing the last thing she ever wanted to see her couson doing with anypony. She slowly backed away from the door, letting it shut on its own, then took off in a full gallop down the hallway, talking to herself, and shaking her head frantically the whole way. "Ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew EEEEEW!"

The next morning, Flare had come down to the royal dining hall with a pep in his step. A pop in his trot. A wallop in his gallop. The two rulers were busy conducting "turnover," as Flare had taken to calling it, and as luck would have it, Cadance was already in the dining hall, having just started eating her breakfast that the servants had set out for the four alicorns, when Flare entered the dining hall, and sat down in front of his clearly larger plate, with the cheerful chime of "Mornin' Cadance," and a ruffle of her mane, as he passed. As he sat down, in front of the small mountain of food, he noticed her odd expression. "You alright, Cadance? You seem a bit... off."

Cadance snapped out if her daze, and laughed awkwardly. "Of course I'm fine. Heh heh. Not a problem in the world. Nope, definitely didn't see anything completely... eh heh heh. No. Nothing's wrong."

After a few minutes of the two cousins eating their breakfasts in an awkward silence, Princess Luna trotted tiredly into the dining hall, and plopped down into the seat. "Good morning dear. Good morning, Cadance. How are you two faring on this fine morning?"

Cadance was the first to answer, since Flare had his mouth filled with food. "I'm doing wonderful, Aunt Luna." She was lying. After her little discovery, the night before, she spent two hours trying to forget what she had seen.

"Well, that's wonderful. And how about you, dear?" She asked, turning her attention to her son. "I trust the evening's activities didn't wear you out too much." The princess of the night's choice of words nearly caused her niece to choke on her food.

Flare shook his head. "I'm used to long nights. I used to do it all the time, back in the Human world." And again, the choice of words nearly killed Cadance.

"Well, that's wonderful to hear. How are your lessons coming along?"

Almost like clockwork, Falling Star came trotting into the dining hall. She always showed up, in the mornings, but today, she had arrived a lot earlier than usual.

Cadance was at a loss for words, but it was Princess Luna who broke the silence. "Good morning, Miss Star. You're rather early."

"She stayed here, after the Gala, and we had a late study session, and she slept in the study." Flare was quick on the pickup, since the two were still hiding their relationship, even from Flare's family.

"That's nice. It's good to know that you've got such a dedicated advisor." Luna smiled at the unicorn. "Go ahead, and join us, Miss Star. Tia never eats her breakfast, anyway. And as far as I'm concerned, you're part of the family."

Falling Star smiled, and bowed. "Thank you, your highness. It would be an honor to eat breakfast with the three of you."

This was about the time where the youngest princess's tainted mind began to put two and two together. She had somehow picked up on how quickly Flare had answered his mother's query, almost as if he had rehearsed it in his head a thousand times over. She flashed the couple a mischevious grin, as Star sat down next to the prince. "So, tell me, Flare. What kind of lesson did she teach you, hmm?"

Both Flare, and his advisor instantly noticed the mischievous tone to her voice. "Well, I taught him simple material transformation. I figure if I'm going to have to hoof my student over to Twilight Sparkle, I'll make sure he gives her a run for her money."

Cadance nodded. "Uh huh. Aunt Luna, I believe that my cousin is at about the age where he should start courting a suitable mate, don't you think?"

This time, it was Flare's turn to choke on his breakfast. The unicorn at his side quickly began patting his back. "Your highness, I don't think that's the best idea. Prince Flare has far too much to worry about to start courting."

Princess Luna giggled at her son's antics. "Well, Miss Star, you may be right, but a mate might just be what Flare needs." After a split second of thought, her eyes lit up. "I know! How about Miss Sparkle!"

Chapter 8: Incognito
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 8: Incognito

"Now, Flare. You must remember that in public, you have to carry yourself like royalty. Especially now that everypony knows who you are."

"Fuck that, I'm buying an apple!" Without even a second thought, he was gone, leaving the two mares to their respective facehooves at the unconventional, reluctant royalty.

"So, Miss Star," Cadance started, as they followed Flare's path at a much slower pace than the stallion, "I hear that you and my cousin were rather close, before the two of you came to Equestria. Is that true?"

Star nodded, keeping pace with Cadance. "Yes, your highness. We were actually much closer than we are, now."

Cadance laughed. "Oh? Because the two of you seemed to be rather close, last night, in the study."

The unicorn's face turned a deep red, as her eyes went wide. "How... How do you know about that?"

Cadance shuddered slightly. "Bad luck. Don't worry, I won't tell anypony about you two."

Star's cheeks held their red tinge. "With all due respect, Princess, if you know about us, then why did you bring Flare's courtship up at breakfast?"

Cadance smiled. "Please, just call me Cadance. And I brought it up, because I know that the sooner the two of you come out about your relationship, the better it will be for both of you. Trust me. I just wasn't exactly expecting my aunt's reaction."

"To be honest, I was surprised, as well. I mean she took to the idea rather quickly. And now, I've got to worry about Twilight Sparkle trying to take him."

Cadance giggled softly. "I don't think you'll have to worry about that, Star. I think Flare has a bit more sense than to go after another mare. Besides, why would he, when he has such a wonderful advisor. And I must say, you are quite the jewel of an advisor. Very focused. Very diligent. Now, I won't ask you to do anything about his attitude. You're a powerful magician, but nopony's a miracle worker."

Star giggled along with the princess. "Thank you for your praise, Cadance. I try my best. And as for Flare's attitude, I wouldn't even try to change him. I think his actions make him more appealing to the public. Like a lovable Joe Everypony. Plus this is exactly how I always knew him. He can be very passionate about anything that is important to him."

"So you think that's why he's harbored his feelings for you, this long?"

"Maybe. I just hope nothing bad happens to him. I mean, what if he gets hurt?"

"You're in love with him, aren't you, Star?"

Once more, the blue unicorn's cheeks turned bright red. "Well, I... um..."

"That's definitely a yes. Does he know?"

"Well... no. I've wanted to tell him, but I've just been so afraid to. And I don't even know why."

"Well, don't worry. I won't tell him, and I won't tell anypony about the two of you."

"Thank you, Cadance. That means a lot to me."

"What means a lot to you, Star?" Flare had somehow managed to sneak up behind the two ladies, and was smiling widely, holding a small bag of apples in his horn's thrall.

The advisor jumped slightly at the sudden intrusion to the conversation. "Oh. Hello, Flare."

"And hello, Advisor," Flare said, while nodding subtly toward Cadance.

"Flare, she knows."

"How?"

"She saw us."

Flare's mouth opened, as if he were going to say something, and his eyes went wide, as he slowly turned his head toward Cadance. "You... you saw us...?"

"Unfortunately. Believe me, watching you... mate with... anypony is definitely not on my to-do list. However, I already promised Miss Star that I won't tell anypony about you two. In fact, as much as I enjoy teasing you, I'm going to leave the chance to tell your mother to you. And she's the first pony who needs to know."

Flare stood, a bit shocked. "How am I going to tell her that I'm with Star? Especially after you got her all in a fit over hooking me up with Twilight?"

"Hey, Buster! I didn't get her on the idea of setting you up with Twilight. She did that on her own."

"Well, what did Aunt Tia think, when she found out about you dating the Captain of the Guard?"

"Oh, I don't remember. Something about 'if he breaks your heart, I'll banish him to the moon for all eternity,' or something like that."

Flare gulped nervously. "That doesn't exactly sound that reassuring."

"Well, your mother also isn't that strict with you. Now, can we start walking, again? We look rather odd, standing in the middle of the street."

"Cadance? Do you like mmmmmmmm-bananas?"

—-------------------------------------------------------------------—-------------------

It was a new day. A beautiful, sunny day in Canterlot. The birds were singing, the butterflies were fluttering. As the morning sun hit the window of Prince Flare's tower, the light stretched, and covered the two ponies in the bed. The previous night was hardly as eventful as the one that caused Cadance's short moment of psychosis, but Flare prefered having Star with him all the time, and insisted that she be allowed 24-hour access to the castle. And on another piece of perfect planning, Star made a point to inform the castle servants that she would be taking over all responsibilities for waking the prince in the mornings, ensuring that they had a decent amount of privacy. If these two things didn't catch the Princess of the Night's attention, nothing would. Surprisingly, a week had gone by without anypony thinking it suspicious.

Flare looked out at the morning sunlight, then down at the mare, who was huddled into his chest. He smiled, as he used his magic to close the curtain, easing the intensity of the light in her eyes. Star sighed, happily in her sleep. Yes, today was the day things would get awkward, and they both knew it. Today, Flare started learning from Twilight Sparkle. The only thing that made this bad wasn't the letter that his mother sent to the Unicorn only the day before, but it was the letter that she received in reply.

"Dear Princess Luna:

While it seems a bit strange for a common pony like myself to become romantically involved with an Equestrian legend, I am honored to have been given the chance to get to know the only known male Alicorn in existence, and am even more honored that you would recommend me to court your own son. Therefore, I humbly accept.

Your Faithful Subject,

Twilight Sparkle."

Yep. The day ahead was definitely going to be interesting.

A few minutes later, Falling Star finally emerged from her slumber, and looked up at the Alicorn who had his arms wrapped around her. "Today's the day, isn't it?"

Flare looked down at his powder blue lover. "What do you mean, babe?"

She breathed in deeply, stretching her hindlegs straight out, as she nuzzled into Flare's soft neck fur. "The day you start your training with Twilight, of course. I'll admit that I feel like your personal yeoman, now that I'm not teaching you anything."

"Oh, come on. You know you'll always be Equestria's best teacher, in my book. And now, you're Equestria's best Yeoman." SMACK! "Alright, I deserved that."

Chapter 9: Don't Look Back!
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 9: Don't Look Back!

It was finally almost noon, and the sun was just approaching the center of the sky. After an awkward lunch with Princess Celestia, and her daughter, in which the two other alicorns kept insisting that Star tell them how the "first date" goes, as well as at least one "You know, with all these new decrees you've put into place, Flare, your mother might start to think you two were laying together." This caused a minor amount of heavy blushing from the prince of the... something.

The two ponies finally escaped the clutches of the benevolent Trollestia, and her daughter, and were climbing into the carriage to Ponyville. Flare instinctively allowed Star to climb in first, which could be attributed either to his gentlecoltly fashion, or just a desire to get a good look at "dat flank." Either way, he ended up getting a faceful of her cutie mark, when she lost her footing, and landed square on his face. Yes, the day was already taking quite the awkward turn already, and they hadn't even left the castle grounds.

After a good fraction of the ride, Flare finally broke the awkward silence. "Do you think she knows?"

"I don't think so," Star said, shaking her head. "I think she's just teasing you. You just need to relax, Flare. You've got a long day ahead of you."

"If you say so, Babe."

Neither pony knew just how right Star was. The two ponies enjoyed the rest of the trip in a companionable silence, each occasionally glancing at the other, and smiling, as if they had something to say to each other.

After a few hours, the carriage touched down in Ponyville, one of the two guards, who had pulled the carriage opening the door to allow them out. Flare waited for Star to get out first, then followed suit, following the guards to their destination.

Once they reached the library, the guards knocked on the door, one of two things Flare didn't exactly approve of. The other was the guardsponies presence altogether. The door opened slowly, revealing a lavender unicorn in the doorway, who quickly went about speaking to the guards. Star took a quick whiff of the air, and whispered to Flare. "Is she wearing perfume?" This only elicited a shrug from the prince. The guardsponies turned around, and saluted the prince, walking away. They had apparently been given orders to wait around town until it was time to leave.

Flare started piecing everything together in his brain. I knew they were plotting something. Flare looked at the unicorn in the doorway, and raised an eyebrow, as she motioned for him to enter. He let out a small sigh, and started toward the door, stopping just in front of the entrance. “Good evening, Miss Sparkle. I trust you’ve had a good day.”

“Good day, not really. Crazy day, definitely.” She laughed awkwardly. “Well, I welcome you, once more to my humble abode, your highness.”

Star looked at Flare, and raised an eyebrow, mouthing out “Once more?”

Fuck… That doesn’t look good. “Very well, Miss Sparkle. First, allow me to introduce you to my advisor, Lady Falling Star. She was once a teacher at Princess Celestia’s school.”

Twilight gave Star a quick, obviously judging once-over, an eyebrow perked. Star could immediately sense the hostility in the air. Did she just… inspect me? What’s with that look? “It is truly a pleasure to meet the Princess’s personal student, Miss Sparkle. I have heard quite a great deal about you.”

Twilight completely brushed off the other Unicorn’s comment, and led the two of them in, Magicking the door shut just before Star could make it to the threshold. Flare turned back, and looked at the door. “Um, Twilight… Why did you do tha-“

“Your lessons are very important, and we cannot risk any distractions getting in the way, now can we?” There was something odd to the unicorn’s voice. Flare couldn’t exactly put his hoof on it. Although, he could’ve swore she was hitting on him.

“Um… I would rather she b-“

“Nonsense, Flare. Come, let’s begin our lesson.”

Oh, fuck.

Ten minutes had passed, and Falling Star had been fuming. “I can’t believe that… Argh! I’m so gonna… Oooh. She’s gonna get it.”

“Um… are you talking to yourself?” Star heard a voice come from behind her. She imagined that someone would find it strange, if they saw her glaring holes in Twilight Sparkle’s front door. And luckily for her, someone did.

She turned, and looked, spotting a little purple baby dragon with green spines, with a bag clutched in his little claw. He looked at Star with a look of questioning. “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you live here?” Of course she knew he did. She immediately recognized the little baby dragon when she saw him.

“Uh, yeah. Can I help you?”

Hook, line, and sinker. “Oh, yes. I am Falling Star, a Royal Advisor from Canterlot, and I must get inside to speak to the prince, immediately.” Oh, who am I kidding? She thought. Anypony could use that excuse. And I just KNOW Spike isn’t THAT gullible.

“Oh! The Prince is here? Here, let me help you.” As quickly as he could, he dropped the bag, and quickly set about unlocking the door. “Um here, Miss Star. After you.”

That… seriously just worked. Star pushed open the door, and was infuriated at what she saw. “Twilight Sparkle!” she yelled. “Get your dirty hooves off my stallion!” Yep. Just in the entry room was Twilight Sparkle, gripping madly at Flare, trying to plant a kiss on his lips. Thankfully for Flare, he was resisting. Quite openly, might I add.

“YOUR stallion? I’m sorry, but I don’t see your name on him.”

“I’ll put my name on your ass!” Star’s horn glowed silver, as she glared at Twilight.

Twilight grinned, throwing a playful glare at the other unicorn, her own horn glowing a deep crimson. “So that’s how you want to do this, hmmm? Alright. I can play along.”

Flare had grabbed Spike, and evacuated the library. He knew exactly what happened when Myra Star got angry, and Celestia only knows what she could do now that she had all that magic at her disposal. Either way, Flare didn’t want to be anywhere near that tree.

Chapter 10: Oops
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 10: Oops

Ponies all throughout Ponyville dropped to a knee, as their prince dashed down the main road, a small purple dragon clutching to his back. If it hadn't been so funny, most ponies would've considered it a very big indication that something huge was going down. But it was actually absolutely hilarious.

"Oh, I hope Twilight's alright," the baby dragon whined.

"I don't think they'd kill each other, but I don't think it's too wise to be around that fight."

"Why's that?"

Flare skidded to a grinding halt, Spike smashing into the back if his head. "Because they're in a tree. And Lady Star's specialty doesn't exactly agree with wood."

"Uh... what's her specialty?"

Fire. Everything was ablaze, as the two battered unicorns glared at each other, from opposite ends of the library, breathing heavily. "Ready to give up... Sparkle?"

Twilight glared back, hatred filling her voice. "Never... Falling Whore."

Star snarled, as her horn blazed a grey aura, and hurled a bolt of magic. Twilight jumped to the side, avoiding the bolt, never really figuring how to avoid the aftershock of Star's little grey bolt. The lavender unicorn squealed, as the bolt exploded, the shockwave sending her slamming into the wall, and burning a chunk of fur from her side. Star was too busy reveling in her victory to notice the small crimson bolt shooting toward her. She was hit square in the face by the bolt, and tumbled backward. She got up, and looked around, noticing Twilight crawling out of the rubble of a destroyed bookshelf. Things were definitely about to get scary.

"So, why are we heading back, your highness?"

"Well, since the library, itself is fireproof, then we don't have to worry about it collapsing around us, right?"

"Well, um yeah..."

"Then I want to watch this."

The dragon relaxed his grip now that the prince had slowed down. "Um... forgive me for questioning your judgement, your highness, but why?"

Flare turned his head and looked at Spike. "Because it'll be funny. One day, you'll learn just how much fun passive-aggressive button-pushing is. Plus, I think Star likes it. Plus I need to make sure neither of them gets hurt."

"So, you must really like Lady Star, if you tease her so much."

Flare's eyes went wide. For a moment, he thought about denying it, and lying to the baby dragon, but then he remembered how the fight between the two mares began, and realized there wouldn't be any use in denying it. After the whole thing was over and done with, Celestia would probably get a letter from Twilight, and then it would all be out in the open. Joy. "Well, Spike, can you keep a secret?"

The little dragon nodded. "You bet I can. I'm not like Twilight." And that only confirmed Flare's fear.

"Well, Lady Star, and I are secretly dating."

"Oh, wow! I promise I won't tell anyone, your highness."

Flare smiled back at Spike, and chuckled lightly, noting that they were almost at the library. "Well, then you have my gratitude, Spike. In fact, I may even ask my mom about knighting yo- HOLY SHIT!"

Spike looked worried. "What is it, your highne- Mother of Celestia!"

Both of them stared, wide-eyed at the library. It was still standing, and had been unburnt, but that didn't mean it was immortal to everything. Most of the walls had holes, from where small explosions had blown out a fragment of the wood. Most of the windows were broken, and fire was pouring out of the holes in the structure. Flare took off in a heavy gallop toward the library, hoping that nothing horrible had happened to Star.

Just as he was about five meters from the door, the door shattered, and out flew Twilight Sparkle, sliding, as she hit the ground, and toppling into Flare and Spike, knocking them both over, as she ran into them. Flare finally got back to his hooves, and looked back at the door. There stood Falling Star, her eyes blazing a deep grey, and she was breathing quite heavily. She had a few patches of fur missing, and a small piece of her mane had been disintegrated, but she still looked to be in better shape than Twilight.

Flare stood, staring at the blue unicorn, somewhat dumbfounded, but completely speechless. Spike was on the opposite end of the reaction spectrum, and he ran to Twilight and started trying to wake her up. Star trotted over to Flare, and nodded her head in the direction away from the library. "We should probably go."

"Definitely."

Chapter 11: The Little Details
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 11: The Little Details

"Flare, we need to talk."

Flare stirred slightly in his bed at the sound of the familiar voice. "Five more minutes, BM1. It's not even reveille, yet."

He was suddenly surrounded by a dark blue aura, and lifted from the bed. As he hit the ground, his eyes shot wide open, and he flailed his legs wildly for a few seconds. "Hard left rudder! General quarters, general quarters!" After a few seconds, he stopped, and looked up at the Alicorn who had been watching him with slight amusement. "Oh... evening, Mom."

"Don't you 'evening, Mom' me, Flare. You've got some explaining to do."

"If this is about your marshmallow bunnies, then no, I swear I didn't eat them." Flare actually seemed slightly scared.

Luna raised an eyebrow at her son, and calmed her voice. She was bad at pretending to be angry. Oh, but she could be scary. "No... this is not about bunnies."

"Well that's a relie- What's that?" Flare was now looking down the smoking barrel of an all too familiar looking scroll.

"It is a letter from Twilight Sparkle detailing the damages caused to her home, and the therapy costs for a baby dragon. Care to explain just what in Equestria is going on, Flare? With the threat that's been made against Equestria, the last thing we need is an assault on one of the elements."

Flare could feel his stomach drop. He ran through every possible outcome of the situation in his head. None of them were good. Star had assaulted Celestia's personal student. Surely there would be repercussions. "Well, you see... what had happened was..." Flare went on to give every detail up to watching Twilight fly out the door, and.dragging Star back to the carriage. He neglected to mention throwing her in a lake to help her cool off. That was unnecessary, anyways.

"Well, Lady Star was most definitely carrying out her duties. I feel that there is no need for punishment on either part." The princess of the night smiled at her beloved son, and shockingly to him, embraced him in a hug. "And as for your relationship with Lady Star, I whole-heartedly approve."

"You wha?" Now he was lost. Was this all some kind of twisted plot to get their relationship out, and into the light? "So, did you just find out, or have you-"

"Oh, I knew all along. I was just waiting for you to tell me. I really loved all the little hints you tried to give me. It was really hard not to just come wake you up, myself, one morning."

"I just don't see how you could be so accepting of this so quickly, Mom. I mean I don't even think Aunt Celestia was that accepting when she found out about Cadance and Shining Armor."

"Well, dear. Let me tell you about your father." Luna plopped down onto the mattress, and sat there comfortably.

Flare stood, and looked at his mother. He soon followed suit, and sat next to her.

"Once upon a time, I was a young Princess. Of course, being the busy mare that I was, I was utterly swamped with work, all the time. After a few centuries, I decided it was high time I find myself an advisor. Your aunt and I both began searching. After a while, I had found an advisor named Silver Flame. He was an especially talented Unicorn with the power over fire. Just like Miss Star. After a few years, we became close friends. Well, more thann close friends. Eventually we, oh, how did that one mare in Ponyville say it? Oh, yes. Eventually, we banged, and soon, I was pregnant with you. Now, back in those days, marrying a princess was unheard of. So Flame and I were forced to keep our love, as well as its rewards, a secret."

Flare looked at his mother, a look of surprise on his face. "So, my father was your advisor?"

Luna simply nodded. "So, what was that about my bunnies?"

"Thanks for coming out to lunch with me, Star. It's really nice to have somepony reliable with me. I'm sure that if anything happens, you'll be able to handle it."

"Think nothing of it, Cadance. What with your wedding coming up, and that threat against Canterlot, I can understand you'd be under a lot of Stress. I just hope Flare isn't getting Shining Armor in too much trouble."

Cadance laughed at Star. "Don't worry. Shining's a good stallion, and Flare's harmless. I'm sure there's nothing Flare can do to get him in trouble."

Star rubbed her forehead with a hoof, as she swallowed a bite of her daisy and dafodil sandwich. "Apparently, you've never seen how sailors party."

"CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUG!" The scene at the tavern across town was rather typical of Stallions at a party. Well, almost.

Two unicorns slammed their glasses on the bar, having chugged the whole thing. If they were keeping count, they'd be on glass number nine. "Ready for another round, Flare?"

Flare grinned at the captain of the guard, his disguise fitting him a bit better than the one he used at the gala. He looked like a white unicorn with a spiked black mane, and blue eyes. "You're on, pal." The duo then proceeded to start on round number ten.

"I'm pretty sure Shining Armor can handle himself around Flare. He IS Captain of the Guard, after all."

Star only shrugged. "I wish I could come to the wedding, but after that restraining order that Twilight put on me..."

"It's fine, Star. Sure, it won't be the same without my best friend, but I promise I'll bring you a slice of cake. Besides. Knowing Flare, he'll probably refuse to go to the wedding without you. That'll be some nice quality time for the two of you. Maybe you can tell him how you really feel."

"Thanks, Cadance. I think you're right. A little bit of alone time may be just what we need."

Later that evening, two incredibly intoxicated stallions stumbled into Cadance's chamber, the unicorn actually laid over the alicorn's back, unconscious. "Eenin, Cedence. Surry I keppum ow suh lett. We's jus haven soooo mush fun. Whyidn ya innoduce me to 'im sooner? This guy'sa riot!"

"This is why, Flare. Now just put him in his bed, and go. You've caused enough trouble for one day." Something was off about Cadance, but Flare just couldn't put any of his 8 hooves on it.

"Hay, Ceddence... why's there two-a-ya?" Cadance turned, and looked around, almost as if she was afraid of another Cadance. Flare's heavily booze-hammered mind just couldn't piece that together. He wanted to ask his cousin if everything was alright, or if naybe the stress was getting to her. He also wanted to ask why her eyes were green. But alcohol has a mind of its own, and all that came out was "Why you bein' such a bitch?" And with that, Flare found himself on the other side of a slamming door. "Geez."

With nowhere else to go, Flare staggered down the hall to the stairway to his tower. As he finally made it to the top, heaving for air, he pushed to door open, and stumbled in, jumping onto the bed, completely unaware of the unicorn under the covers. "EEP! Flare, get off of me!"

Flare poked his head up, and looked around. "Who's there? Helloooo."

"Down here, you drunken idiot!"

Flare looked down, and pulled the covers away with his mouth. "Oh hi there, cutey. Whatchu doin' unner there?"

Star wriggled herself further out of the covers. "I WAS sleeping, but now, I'm being crushed by a drunk stallion. I can assume the bachelor party went well."

"Y'know, I think it's really sexy when you use big words like that. It's almost like yer speakin' French or somethin'."

"Flare, you're hammered."

"And you're sexy."

Star giggled. She had almost forgotten how Flare got when he was drunk. "Flare, lay down and go to sleep."

"Star. Bend over."

WHACK!

"I told you to go to sleep."

Chapter 12: Enter Seduction
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 12: Enter Seduction

"Hey, Cadance!" It was the day before the wedding, and all of Equestria was buzzing with anticipation. "I haven't gotten to hang out with you in days. Are you alright?"

Cadance looked at the powder blue unicorn, who had just entered the room with a slight air of disdain about her. "And who are you? And who gave you permission to speak to your princess in such a manner?"

Star raised an eyebrow at the princess. "Um Cadance, it's me. Y'know... Falling Star? Your best friend?"

"Hmmm. Doesn't ring a bell. And for the record, my name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and you will address me as such. Is that understood?"

"Yeah, whatever. You're such a joker, Cadance."

The princess was now starting to show signs of anger, something that Star had never seen in Cadance. "Alright, Cadance, what the hay is wrong with you?" Star took on a stern tone with the princess, which frankly shocked the ponies who were cleaning the room to the point that they ran out of the room. Ever since the rumor spread about how Star beat down Twilight Sparkle, none of the servants dared to mess with her, and most would evacuate the area at any sign of her possibly getting angry. "All the servants have been complaining about your treatment of them, and even Flare says that you've just been a royal bitch lately! What has gotten into you?!"

At this point, even the princess was speechless. Speechless, and slightly distracted. So distracted, in fact, that she stopped focusing on her disguise, and accidentally flashed her true form, which Star caught full view of.

Star gasped at the brief, half-second view of what she could tell was definitely not Cadance. "Oh no! I have to tell the princess!" She turned to run for the door, only to smack into it, as it was slammed shut by a green aura. She fell to the ground, losing consciousness, as she was slowly surrounded by a green flame.

"You will not ruin my plans!"

---------—-----------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, Glimmer?"

The pegasus mare in silver armor popped to attention, and saluted. "Yes, your highness?" Glimmer Steel, was one of Flare's two personal guards that his mother had allowed him to hoof pick, and the mare's incredible talent of observation had never ceased to amaze him.

"Have you seen Star, lately?"

It had been a few days since Flare had gotten Shining Armor completely plastered, and the wedding was tomorrow. All the planning had been rather stressful on everypony, Flare included. He had been in charge of making sure the groom-to-be didn't overload himself with work to the point of madness. And in a way, Shining had kind of helped Flare in his relationship with Star, with some useful advice as to letting her know how he feels about her. Although, earlier that morning, Star decided to check up on the overstressed princess, and Flare hadn't seen her since. The thing that worried him the most was that it was now almost evening, and Star was nowhere to be found.

The other armored pegasus mare at the door piped upto in response to the question. "No, your highness. My sister and I have not seen Lady Star since this morning."

"Now Shim, what did I tell you two about titles?"

The mare began to sweat. "My apologies, your highne- I mean Si- er Flare." Even Flare had to admit. Shimmer Blade was pretty cute when she was nervous. He had even admitted on more than one occasion that if he didn't feel so strongly for Star, he'd put the twins in bed in a heartbeat.

"Well, if either of you see her, tell her to come here."

"Got it, Flare."

"See, Shim? Glimmer can do it. Now, which one of you wants to fill the empty space in my bed?" This elicited the cutest, most hilarious response imaginable. The two mares simply blushed, and looked at each other. Thankfully, Flare intervened before the two mares killed each other for the chance to get with Equestria's most sought after royal. "I was kidding, ladies. Relax."

It was the day of the wedding, and everypony was erupting with joy, except for Prince Flare, who was only worrying about Falling Star. "Hey, Mom. Have you seen Star? I haven't seen her since yesterday morning."

"Don't worry so much, dear. I'm sure she just took the day off."

"Then why do I feel like something bad happened?"

"We all get those feelings, Flare. Now, go get ready for the wedding."

"Mom, I already told everypony that I'm not going unless Star's there with me."

"Fine. Maybe you should go visit Lady Star in her home. A little time away from the castle should do you some good." The princess affectionately nuzzled her son. "You've grown up so much since you came here. I just wish I could've raised you myself. I feel like such a horrible mother for-"

Flare interrupted his mother with a gentle hoof to her lips. "Don't, Mom. You're not a horrible mother. You did what you had to do to protect me. And that's something only a good mother would do." Luna hugged her son tightly, nearly at tears.

"Am I interrupting something?" The two alicorns looked at the doorway, and spotted the bride-to-be looking at them with a raised eyebrow.

Luna let go of her son, and trotted toward her niece. "Of course not, dear. What's on your mind?"

"My mother wanted to see you. She says it's important."

"Of course. Tell her I'm on my way." She turned to her son, and nuzzled him again. "I'll see you after the wedding, dear."

"Bye, Mom." Then Luna left, and Cadance left soon after, leaving Flare alone in the study. After a few moments, Flare's horn erupted in a blaze of light blue, and he was gone.

He reappeared in front of a small house in the residential area of Canterlot. It was a good thing that nearly everypony was at the wedding, otherwise he would've needed a disguise. He lifted his hoof, and knocked softly on the door. After a moment, the sound of hoofsteps scurrying to the door were easily heard. Then the door opened, revealing a very tired looking Falling Star. Upon seeing the prince, she quickly dropped into a bow. "Oh, my apologies, your highness. I didn't expect you to grace me with your presence. Am I late?"

Flare raised an eyebrow at the pony. "Are you alright?" He couldn't remember Star ever being so formal with him.

"Of course, your highness. I just slept late is all."

There was definitely something very strange about Star, and Flare could tell. Star never slept late. And on top of that, she made it abundantly clear that she refused to bow to him, and only called him "your highness" when she was teasing him. And her scent was off. Star seemed to be wearing perfume. She never wore perfume. "May I come in?"

"Oh, but of course, your highness." Star stepped aside, allowing the suspicious prince to enter the abode. As he began to look around for anything strange, he managed to notice the sound of the door slamming shut and locking.

In that split second, all his suspicions were confirmed. He turned around, and saw the powder blue unicorn fading away to reveal a black creature that almost looked like a pony, with the exception of the holes throughout its legs, the mangled looking horn, and insect-like eyes and wings. "I knew it! Where is Star?!"

"And wouldn't you like to know?" This creature had almost pushed Flare's rage button with that one. This thing must've had a death wish to test the prince like that, because it just kept pushing. "Right about now, I imagine all my friends are having quite the meal at her expense. Shame, really. She was such a lovely young mare. No matter. Soon, all of Equestria will be under our control. But first, we can't leave any stone unturned, or any flare unextinguished."

Flare was definitely not going to let that happen. "Oh yeah? And just who the hay do you think you are?"

"Oh, of course. I am Larvaea. One of the most valued assassins to the queen, and loyal servant of the four Shades. And obviously, you're Midnight Flare, the pesky little bastard child of the princess. You really are rather handsome. I'm sure Lady Seduction would love to take a piece of you. Too bad you won't live to meet her."

Flare glared at the creature, charging his horn. "Oh yeah? And who's gonna make that happen?"

"I am!" The creature pounced at Flare, fangs bared and hissing wickedly. This was a poorly thought out move for the creature, and it showed, when its entire mouth burst intothe an explosion of blue flame. The creature landed on the ground with a thud, screeching and writhing in agony, as its mouth boiled.

"So. Are you gonna tell me where Star is, or am I gonna have to boil the rest of you?"

The changeling looked up. "Not on your li- Aaaaaah!" Flare really didn't like where that was going, so he proceeded with his plan, starting with the assassin's stomach contents. As the creature ejected a bubbling pool of bile onto the ground, Flare stepped back, and waited.

"Do you know what happens when the contents of your bladder boil? All the salts, and waste products that are carried in your urine are left behind when the liquid evaporates into steam, and the salts rip away at the lining of your bladder. Everbeing spilled salt on a wound? And on top of that, the toxins enter your blood stream, causing you to die a slow, painful death. I've never seen the face of somepony dying like that, but now that I have the chance..."

"Alright, I'll talk! The unicorn is being held in the tunnels under the city. But there will be an army of my kind there. You won't even make it to her! Hahaha-" Boom! The creature's head exploded in a burst of flame definitely not caused by Flare. Even though he was showered in the bi-product of green ooze, the shock of both events causing him to drop the changeling assassin.

"That thing really talks too much."

"Star! Wait... it's really you this time, right?"

"The one and only. Cadance is a changeling! She knocked me out, and imprisoned me in the tunnels."

"How'd you get out?"

"I teleported. Duh. What kind of idiot would actually try to go through all the crazy stuff down there?" Star hardly had a chance to catch her breath, before nearly having the breath squeezed out of her by the stallion, who had locked her in a crushing hug. "I was so worried about you!"

"Can't... breathe!"

"Shut up, you're ruining the moment."

Chapter 13: Pushing Buttons
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 13: Pushing Buttons

"Dear Prince Flare: I learned something today. You're psychotic. Sincerely, Falling Star." The unicorn's horn glowed, as the small scroll rolled itself up, and tucked itself under Flare's wing. "And delivered."

"I'm not reading that."

"Why not?"

"Because I heard you reading it out as you wrote it. And the only reason I got like that was because I was worried about you."

"Awww, that's sweet. So, why are we in these tunnels?"

"That changeling mentioned someone named Lady Seduction. And that just has bad news written all over it."

"Wait... all stories I've heard say that changelings change into the one somepony loves the most, and feeds off of their love for that pony." Star looked at Flare, and raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm. What about it?"

"Well, when I was trapped in the caverns, I watched the changeling turn into me. And when I blew its head open, it had gotten a lot more powerful... Is there something you want to tell me, Flare?"

"Well, you're my fillyfriend. It's only natural that it would copy you."

"Sure, babe. Now, how do you plan on finding this Lady Seduction?"

"Well, I figure we just follow that army of changelings up there." Both ponies stopped in their tracks, and gave each other a look of sudden fear, as the massive formation of changelings turned and set their sights on the two ponies. "Well, thar doesn't look good."

Star looked at Flare, then back to the changelings. "Yeah, this looks bad."

"Eeyup. Can you still do that head-explodey thing?"

"Only when I'm really angry."

"Hmmm... well, Twilight's not here, so I guess it's up to m- oh. Convenient." Flare chuckled, as he watched a few if the changelings take the shape of Twilight Sparkle. "Oh. Did I ever mention that Twilight's a better kisser than you? I know it's kinda random, given the situation, but if we survive this, I'm totally gonna tap that purple flank."

Mission accomplished. Star was furious. Changelings everywhere started either going up in flames, or just plain being blown to bits. Flare was genuinely scared, and began to back away slowly. While most ponies would've been satisfied just giving the changelings a good knock on the head, and leaving them as defeated, Star wanted no such thing. She was out for blood, and she was going to get it. Flare watched in a slight shock, as Star used any means necessary to annihilate the small army of changelings. Flare figured it was a good thing that Star tended to get so jealous. Now the only two things he had to worry about were this Lady Seduction, and the wrath of a pissed off little unicorn once she got done with the changelings. He couldn't even decide which one he should worry about more, as he watched her rip the horn off of one of the Twilight look-alikes, and hurl it through one of the unchanged enemies that tried to flank her, all while laughing maniacally.

When the few leftover changelings started to run away in terror, Flare decided it was time to intervene. He quickly wrapped Star in a magic nullification bubble, effectively shutting down her rampage using a spell that she had taught him. "Okay, baby. We're gonna sit here, until you cool off. Cool?"

"I'm gonna rip your wings off, and shove them up your ass, Flare!"

"As appealing as that sounds, babe, I like my wings."

"FUCK YOU AND YOUR WINGS!"

"See, that kind of attitude won't get you anywhere."

"You should be one to talk! I'm gonna shove my hoof so far up your flank that you'll feel like a hoof puppet!"

Flare let out a sigh. "Now isn't the time for foreplay. Just take a few minutes to cool off, and I'll let you out."

The tunnel was silent for a few moments, until Star let out a long sigh. "Alright, Flare. I'm calm. I'm sorry..."

Flare nodded, and the bubble faded. "Alright, let's go."

"I'm sorry, but I'm about to burn your dick off!"

"Oh, fuck."

"Sing for me, pretty boy!"

Meanwhile, in the depths beneath Canterlot:

"My lady! One of the changelings just reported back that Larvaea failed to exterminate the prince, and he, and a unicorn just wiped out the third platoon. What are your orders, mistress?"

Seated on a throne of skulls as pure white as her coat was a stunningly gorgeous alicorn mare with a flowing red mane and tail that resembled a vapor of blood. Her glowing red eyes rested upon the small black unicorn that had just galloped into the chamber, and sighed in discontent. She looked directly at the minion before her, and spoke, her voice as smooth as silk, and as lovely as a field of roses. "Lovely. First, my brother gets his neck snapped by a pegasus, and now this. Let them come, and I shall deal with them myself. Send a message to Chrysalis, telling her that should anything else go wrong, I will personally snap her neck with my own two hooves."

The unicorn bowed, and exited without another word, happy to carry out her mistress's orders.

A few moments after one of her many minions left the chamber, the alicorn stood, and walked over to the large wall of reflective crystal that occupied one of the stone walls of the chamber, and grinned, admiring her reflection. "Yes, my sweet prize, come to me. I will show you the sweet pleasure of death. Well, after I have my fun with you, first." She then threw her head back, in a wicked laugh.

Back above the surface, the changeling army had begun their assault in the city. Everywhere throughout the city, mares, stallions were running in fear from the changeling army, as they easily overran the capitol. From every direction, screams of terror could be heard, as the guards were taken by surprise, and knocked unconscious by the overwhelming force. The elements of harmony, themselves were fighting to hold their own, praying for salvation.

Back on the edge of the city, a small group of changelings had cornered a mare and her foal in an alleyway. "Please! Somepony help us," the mare cried out, her cries of distress being met only by the wicked cackles of the approaching changelings. Just as all hope seemed lost, the mare closed her eyes, covering her foal's face. Within a few seconds, the sound of hooves striking, and bones cracking filled the air.

A few seconds later, a friendly voice reached the mare's ears. "Are you two alright?"

The mare opened her eyes, to see a pure white pegasus stallion with a bright blue mane and tail flowing in the wind, green ooze covering his hooves, as he stood atop a mound of fallen changelings. "Th-thank you, sir. May I have the name of my savior."

The pegasus turned, and stretched his wings, as he prepared for takeoff. "The name's Breaker. Skybreaker." And with a quirky grin, he was gone.

Chapter 14: Tears
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 14: Tears

"You know, my body may be indestructible, but that still really hurt."

"Why don't you go cry to Twilight about it. I'm sure she'll throw you a pity lay."

"Easy! I only said those things to power you up," Flare replied, in his own defense. "I wouldn't have said it, if I didn't think it would work."

"Just shut up," the mare practically growled. "Let's just get this over with. Once this is all over, I'm taking a long vacation to Las Pegasus."

"But-"

"But nothing, Flare. You've gone too far, this time. Let's just kill this thing, and go."

Flare followed the mare silently, hanging his head, sadly. "But I love you, Star," he whispered to himself, as he followed her.

Within a few moments, the two of them approached a large, ornate wooden door, which seemed rather uncharacteristic for something this far underground. "Okay, good. We're here," the mare exclaimed. "Let's go get this over with."

Just as Star was about to magic the door open, a voice rang out in both of their heads. It was a calm, smooth, feminine voice. "I've been expecting you two for some time. Now, why would you keep a lady waiting? That's rather unbecoming of royalty, don't you think?" There was a moment of silence in the long corridor, before the voice spoke again. "Hmm. It seems that one of you is suffering. Do come in. I promise not to bite." And the door opened, revealing a rather eleganr setting. The large chamber was furnished, and decorated in dazzling reds and golds, the walls a pure white. The only thing that seemed out of place was the throne of pure ivory skulls that marked the center of the room. Even the alicorn who sat on the throne seemed rather well placed in the large chamber. "Welcome," she spoke, "to the chamber of Lady Seduction."

Flare seemed a bit indifferent to the whole scene, something inside him having snapped altogether. Even his threat seemed... lacking in ferocity. "Alright, cool. Get ready to die."

The mare grinned wickedly. "So you were the great sadness I felt. Poor stallion. You've suffered a great injustice, haven't you? Brought into this world against your will, and forced to stay by your own immortality. You can lie all you want. You can hide behind false confidence, but you can't hide your true desires from me." Within an instant, the mare was directly in front of Flare. He gasped, as she ran a hoof down his cheek. "Just know that I can fully satisfy your needs. I can give you pleasure like you've never felt before." She lowered her voice to a lower, more seductive volume, as she brought her muzzle right next to his ear. "And Iam can give you the death you long for so badly."

Flare stood frozen, as the mare's voice graced his ears. Her scent was heavy in vanilla, and cinnamon, Flare's two favorite smells. His senses were being heavily overpowered by the seductress, as he barely managed a few words. "W-what do I have to do?"

Star stood, shocked at Flare's reaction. "Flare, what are you-"

"Silence, whelp!" The alicorn spoke sternly, as she is d her magic to whip Star at the wall behind her. "Are you not the one who caused this stallion so much pain?"

"I... I am."

"Are you not the one who broke his heart?"

"I... I..."

"It sickens me that you would hurt somepony who loves you with all his heart, then try to deny him what his heart truly desires." The alicorn left Flare's side, and stomped toward Star, who was just recovering. She grinned at the mare, her horn beginning to glow blood red. "Don't worry, little pony. I'll take good care of the prin- AAAAH!" The alicorn screamed in agony, as a massive blue fire blast hit her side.

She turned back, to see Flare, eyes blazing azure flame, just like the one that hit her. "Get away from her," he spoke in a low growl.

"Flare..."

"Shut up! This fight is between me, and the Shade." He spread his hooves on the ground, bracing his body for another shot, the large blue fireball growing at the tip of his horn. After the shot grew large enough, he fired, the pure concussive force of the shot sending him sliding backward along the stone flooring. The mare barely had time to respond, as the bolt flew at her at full speed, smacking her right in the face, sending her flying into the wall.

The white alicorn quickly recovered, and shot an evil glare at the prince, the missing half of her face quickly restoring itself. "I could've given you the world, Flare. Yet you willingly deny me? Oh, how cliche. And here, I thought we were getting along so well. So be it. You'll both die, here." The mare fired a blood red bolt of energy at the prince, who answered it with a bright blue defensive wall.

He hurled another massive blast at the alicorn, who proceeded to send it right back at him with a well placed mule kick. Flare was hit by his own spell, and shot back, sliding along the ground, on his side. He tried to return to his hooves, only to be pushed onto his back by the white alicorn, who was now straddling him, her horn blazing blood red. "You can't fight your desire, Flare. Give this up now, and I'll keep you as my personal pleasure slave once my siblings and I take this world over." No sooner than she had finished, a powerful explosion sent her flying off to the side.

"Sorry, but nopony makes Flare into a sex slave but me!"

The shade returned to her hooves, and glared at the mare who had interrupted her, pure fury marking her eyes, as the blood red glow of her horn intensified. "You insolent little bitch! You've gotten in my way for the last time!" She let loose the massive blast of blood red magic toward the unicorn, and the world seemed to slow to a crawl.

Star braced herself, and closed her eyes for what she thought would be the last time. She waited to feel the cold grip of death, her life flashing before her eyes, as she could feel the bolt getting closer... then nothing happened. She waited a second to be sure it wasn't just a trick. She opened her eyes, and saw Flare with his front legs, and wings wrapped around her protectively, smoke rising from his back. "F-Flare?"

The stallion smiled, and whispered in her ear. "I love you, Star." Then he went silent, and fell to the ground, motionless.

Star was in hysterics. "Flare?! FLARE! DON'T LEAVE ME! WAKE UP! PLEASE! FLAAAARE!"

The alicorn mare's maniacal laughter filled the air as the little unicorn clutched onto the lifeless body of the prince, tears streaming down her cheeks. "So much sadness. Young love is such a beautiful thing, isn't it? It breeds so much beautiful pain, and sorrow." The alicorn then proceeded to grip the unicorn around the neck, in a magical vice, and lift her from the prince's body, bringing her up to eye level, then levitating Flare's body within an instant, they were hovering above the streets of Canterlot, where the changeling army was still making its assault on the citizens. The mare held the two ponies high in the air, as she bellowed loud enough for all of Canterlot to hear. "BEHOLD! YOUR BELOVED PRINCE IS DEAD! YOUR WORLD WILL BELONG TO THE SHADES!" Almost as if by some freak act of fate, the white alicorn was struck by a midnight blue beam of magic, causing her to break her concentration, and drop the two ponies.

As she was free-falling toward the ground, Star looked over at the stallion who had saved her life, pangs of guilt running through her heart. She closed her eyes, as a single tear fell. "Goodbye, Flare. I love you too."

Chapter 15: I Get to Do What, Now?
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 15: I Get to Do What, Now?

Falling. Weightlessness. A feeling of intense pain in her heart. She couldn't take it anymore. She knew that she was going to die. And without Flare, she wasn't sure she even wanted to live anymore. All she could hope is that when she got to the afterlife, he was there, waiting for her. She knew it was a futile hope. Even if he was there, there was no guarantee that he'd forgiven her. If she survived, she'd be emotionally scarred for the rest of her life. As she kept falling, another tear lifted from her face due to the fall. Almost a split second later, the same tear drop landed right back on her face. "What the-"

"What lovely weather we're having. Apocalypse with a chance of mares. I don't recall that being in the weather plan."

Star opened her eyes, and looked at the mouthy pegasus stallion who had caught her. All she could see was a neon blue mane, and white fur, a pair of dark flight goggles covering his eyes. "Who the hay are you?"

"The name's Sky Breaker, ma lady, and don't worry. You're safe now."

Star looked down at the ground, which was only a few feet below where the Stallion had her cradled like a foal in his hooves. "How long have we been this high off the ground?"

"Sorry, I just like holding you. You smell nice."

"Let me down!" She screamed, as she rolled out of his grasp. She then looked around her, trying to find Flare. "Where is he? Where is he?!"

"Wow, lady, relax. Your boyfriend's up there," he said, pointing a hoof up at Flare, who was being gently lowered to the ground, surrounded by a midnight blue aura. She looked up to see Princess Luna fighting her hardest to keep Flare safe. Once her son was safely on the ground, she went on the offensive, firing blasts to keep the shade occupied. "HE'S STILL ALIVE, LADY STAR. DO WHAT EVER YOU MUST! HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DEFEAT HER!"

Star nodded, then looked back to the dying Alicorn in front of her. She knew time was limited, so she'd have to act fast. She tried zapping him with magic once or twice, only for nothing to happen.

"Step aside. Let the master have a go at this." He proceeded to try to tickle Flare's ribs. He kept trying until it was obviously useless, then backed away. "I got nothing."

Star was now at tears again, knowing that she had a chance to save the stallion she loved, yet could think of no plan of action. She wrapped her arms around him, and held him tight. Within moments, everything went silent. She looked around, and it seemed that time had stopped around her. The only pony that was not suspended in time was a pony completely shrouded in a red cloak, who seemed to hover along the ground, as he grew closer to them. Star had an idea of who this pony was, and it only scared her even more. "P-please... don't take him... don't take my Flare."

"Relax, young mare," the figure spoke in a voice that seemed aged beyond years, and filled with sorrow. "It is not yet his time."

"Then... then you can bring him back, right?"

"No, but you can."

"Um... what? How?"

"Death can not be appeased without payment."

Star looked down at Flare, then back at the pony. "I'll do anything. Curse me with the most painful curse you can. Just... bring Flare back."

"Very well. You shall be given the greatest curse of all. Now, return, and your Flare will be restored, once the tears of an immortal touch his lips." Then the pony disappeared, and everything returned to normal, the battle raging overhead resuming, neither alicorn gaining the upper hand on their opponent.

Star was confused at the riddle that the hooded pony had left her with. "Tears of an immortal... Where am I supposed to get those? The princess! No, if she stops fighting, we're all doomed. But if I don't bring Flare back, we're doomed anyways. Nonono." Feeling utterly defeated despite her short beacon of hope, she decided to give the love of her life one last kiss goodbye. As she held the kiss, a lone tear streamed down her cheek, trickled down her muzzle, and followed the curve of her muzzle to his lips. The moment the tear touched the small space between their lips, both of them became enveloped in a bright white light. The world around the two of them seemed to fade away, as anypony within visual range of the spectacle would be nearly blinded by the light coming from the two ponies.

Star kept her eyes closed tightly, as she felt her entire body burning in an intense pain. After the light faded, and the pain faded, Star opened her eyes, and found herself looking down at a silver-grey coated alicorn with a mane like a cool, aqua blue flame. "F-flare?"

The alicorn slowly opened his eyes, and looked up at Star. "Star!" Flare wrapped his arms around the mare, holding her tight. "I... I love you so much."

Star smiled, closing her eyes. "I love you too, Flare! Don't ever do something stupid like that again!" She nuzzled into his chest, as her tears soaked his coat. "I thought I lost you forever!"

Flare leaned his head forward, and kissed Star on the lips softly. "Don't worry, Star. I'm here, now, and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

"Ahem," the pegasus cleared his throat. I hate to break up the touching reunion, but..." he pointed a hoof up to the princess of the night, who was still doing battle with the shade.

Just as Flare was taking to the sky to help his mother, in the battle, a giant wave of pink magic erupted from the castle, and shot out in all directions. The wave passed harmlessly over buildings and ponies alike, while sending changelings flying with the wave. Once the wave passed over Flare, he felt a strange warm, tingling sensation throughout his body. "Wow. That was strange." He then looked back up to his target, and gave a heavy flap of his wings, rocketing up with blinding speed at the Shade, aiming to pierce her body with his horn. As he got closer, he knew it was a matter of time before...

"Aaaaagh!" Contact! The white alicorn was skewered through the stomach by his horn, and now both of them were rocketing toward a small stone structure. Once the two ponies hit, the building simply collapsed into itself, Flare's speed creating a wild vacuum behind him. As the building's wreckage created a large plume of smoke, Flare rose from the other side, looking down at the ground, watching for any signs of Seduction. In a blink of an eye, the mare pounced out of the wreckage, directly at Flare. He braced himself for impact. "Ah! How do I kill this thing?!"

The ponies on the ground were confused, as well. Star and Skybreaker both rubbed their chins. "Wait!" The pegasus blurted out. "What's this thing called?"

Star looked over at the pegasus, wondering what he was getting at. "Her name is Seduction. Why?"

"I knew it! So the Shades of Sin really DO exist! This one must be the Shade of Lust! I read in a book a few months ago, before I came to Equestria, that the only way to defeat a Shade is to beat them at their own game!"

"Wait, so you're saying that Flare's gotta..."

"Yep."

"I don't like the sound of that..."

"There's no other way."

Star sighed, then yelled out in a voice that she didn't even know she was capable of, causing everypony in the aerea to stop and stare at her. Her choice of words probably didn't help, either. "FLARE, YOU HAVE TO BANG HER BRAINS OUT!"

Princess Luna was the first to speak, followed by Flare. "He has to do what, now?"

"I get to do what, now? Wait... when did you grow wi-"

"BANG!"

"Okay, jeez." Flare was immediately tackled by the evil alicorn. They hit the ground, and rolled a bit before Flare blasted her off of him, and got back to his hooves, as he called out to his opponent. "Lady Seduction! I challenge you!"

The white mare returned to her hooves, and laughed at the stallion, as she teleported directly in front of him. "You, a mere colt would challenge the Shade of Lust, herself? You're even more handsome, now, though fine I accept your challenge."

Soon, the two alicorns disappeared in a flash of blood red, to Celestia knows where, to partake in a battle too hot for a teen rated fic.

About two hours later, Star, Skybreaker, and Princess Luna were all waiting on pins and needles to find out who the victor of the challenge was.

"This was a really bad idea."

"Why, do you think he'll lose?"

"No, I'm afraid he'll enjoy it, and decide he has to buck every demon that comes out of Tartarus, thinking it'll send them back."

"Touché."

Chapter 16: Wha- Huh?
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 16: Wha- Huh?

"Wait... so, you're not mad at me?"

"No, but I do have only one question. What took you so long?"

Flare rubbed the back of his head, looking around the hall, where a massive ceremony was quickly thrown together to honor the bravery of the ponies who fought against the massive attack. "Well, it's kind of embarrassing, really."

"Good. More ammunition for me to use on you later."

"You know, you're the worst kind of evil."

"I get that a lot."

"Fine. Well, I-"

"Fillies, and Gentlecolts!" Celestia's voice filled the hall, before Flare could let another syllable out. "Today, we are here to honor the brave ponies who fought their hardest against the recent attack on our beloved city." The princess began reading of a long list of names, as each of them walked across the stage, and were given a medal by Princess Luna. Flare had to be in attendance, as part of royal protocol, and he was more than happy to have Star by his side in her elegant dress, since Cadance was busy on her honeymoon, and whatnot.

The list was long, and dragged out, naming off most of the royal guard, and a few civilians, who had taken down one or two changelings. Then, of course, the Elements of Harmony got their due. Then came a very special award.

Princess Celestia cleared her throat."The next award is presented to a very special pony, who not only saved numerous bystanders from the changeling forces, but also assisted Prince Flare, and Lady Star in the thwarting of a second plot against Equestria with his well used knowledge. May I have Sky Breaker to the stage?" The crowd erupted in a roar of applause, as the pegasus took the stage, and Celestia continued. "I, Princess Celestia, take great pride in presenting Sky Breaker with the highest honor anypony can receive, the coveted Equestrian Medal of Valor!"

The pegasus beamed, as the medal was levitated around his neck. He stepped forward, and began to speak, before Celestia spoke up again.

"I also would ask our honoree to kneel, in recognition of one more honor." The pegasus instantly kneeled before his princess, and closed his eyes, as the princess tapped each shoulder with her horn. "I hereby dub thee Sir Sky Breaker, Defender of Equestria!"

The crowd went wild, as he looked up at the princess, who nodded in reply of the implied "Permission to speak?" He stood, and trotted to the edge of the stage, and looked out at the audience. "Iget would first like to thank the royal family for bestowing me with these great honors. I would also like to thank those who supported me." He then pulled a scroll out from under his wing, and unrolled it, revealing it to be a small list. "First, there's my pals Snowflake, and Thunderlane, then there's my girl, Cloudchaser, and finally, my two best friends, the late David Flare, and Myra Star. May you two find each other in the afterlife."

The speech was nice and all, but the ending really caught the Prince, and his advisor off guard. As the crowd roared a thunderous applause, Flare and Star stood stricken, their eyes wide, and jaws dropped, at the shocking revelation.

A few hours later, the couple was sitting together in Flare's study, still trying to piece together what the buck they had heard, today. They both had their own pillow, placed next to each other, Star's back covered with a blanket. "Was that-"

"I have no clue."

"Ask him!"

"And look like a psychopath if it's not? No way!"

"Fine. I'll have him summoned to the castle, and ask him myself."

"Good. Now, you still have a question to answer."

"Fine, but afterward, you have to answer a question of mine."

"Fine. Now tell me."

"Fine," Flare said, burying his face in the pillow. After a moment, he whispered "I couldn't get it up."

"You what?"

"I couldn't get it up! Happy now?!"

Star thought a moment, and refrained from bursting into laughter. Instead she replied with a voice of genuine care. "Well... why couldn't you? Is something wrong with you?"

"I don't think so. She kept changing forms, trying to find something that I found attractive. Well, after about an hour, we found one."

"Oh? And what was it?" Star asked, her curiosity piqued.

Flare blushed, as he nervously pawed at the ground in front of his pillow with a hoof. "It was you."

Star smiled, and nuzzled into Flare's neck. "That's sweet, Flare. Hilarious, and weird, but sweet."

Without a moment of delay, there was a knocking on the study door, followed by a voice. "Sir, you have a visitor."

Flare looked at the door, and thought for a moment. "Send them in."

"Right away, sir." After a split second, the door swung open, revealing a white pegasus stallion with the biggest of smiles.

Flare looked at the pegasus, his eyebrow raised. "Can I help you, Sk-"

Flare was taken by surprise, as the pegasus wrapped him in a tight hug. The two guards outside the door went full alert, only to return to normal, after a hoof wave from Falling Star.

"David! I'm so happy I found you!" And with blinding speed, he released Flare, and wrapped Star in a hug. "Myra! ... You're still Myra!" After the display if affection, the pegasus released the mare, and looked at the two with a huge smile.

Flare looked long and hard at the pegasus, until it finally clicked. "Erik?"

"What, you were expecting Rainbow Dash? So, what happened to the Hornet? How'd you get here? Are you really Princess Luna's son? I mean I know you always used to say Luna was best pony, but WOW!"

"Whoa, Erik, calm the buck down. I'll answer all your questions in due time. Just rela- wait... something happened to the Hornet?"

"Well, yeah. Twilight Sparkle helped me watch you through a trans-world window. I hadn't visited her in a while, and one day, she said and I quote 'He's dead to me.' So I thought the worst had happened. Then just today, I find out that you're you, so I figured you must've gotten here just like Star and I, so that means that the Hornet got destroyed."

"Actually, that's way off," Star spoke up.

"Oh, okay." The pegasus nodded his understanding. "So, Star. If you ever need a flying lesson, I'll be more than happy to teach you."

"Thanks, Sky, but I'll have to pass. Right now, I'm just trying to forget that they exist."

Flare looked over at Star. "You still never told ne how you got those."

"Oh yeah. I guess you already told me how you couldn't get it up with the shade of lust trying to bone you, so it's only fair."

Flare heard a few snickers coming from the other side of the open door. He glared at the two female guards outside the door, who responded with a look of fear, just as the door slammed shut in their faces. He then looked at the pegasus in front of him, who had managed to keep his composure, despite his old joking demeanor.

"Well, now that you've thoroughly manged to embarrass me in front of my personal guards, tell me how you got the wings. In fact, I don't think I've even seen them up close.

Star sighed, and looked at Flare. "Cadance said that they may be really sensitive for a few weeks. Kind of like a moulting, but a hundred times worse." She tried to move her wings, and could feel every fiber of the blanket rubbing her wings, causing the very neurons in her brain to fire off. The increased feelings of softness caused her wings to rocket from ger back, sending the blanket flying, only to land on her head, perfectly covering the red of her cheeks.

Flare chuckled, and softly grabbed the blanket in his mouth, pulling it from the blushing mare's face. "Well, now that you've thoroughly embarrassed yourself, how did you get the wings, babe?"

Star sighed, and proceeded to tell the story of how she brought Flare back to life by making a deal with Death.

"Awwww, that's such a sweet story."

"Who are you, and what have you done with Erik?"

Chapter 17: Relocation
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 17: Relocation

Ponyville... again. Winter was beginning, and snow was already falling to the ground, as the two lovers walked side by side. A light grey unicorn stallion with a cerulean mane, and a powder blue unicorn mare with a pure white mane trotted through the snow, toward a small house, near the town square. The stallion turned his head to the mare and smiled. "So, you never told me exactly why my mom wanted us to stay here for the winter."

"Well, I guess a little bit of insight wouldn't hurt. She wanted you to take a little bit of time away from the castle. She said that she knows that you've been under a lot of stress lately, trying to handle Cadance's duties, and now that she's back, you deserve a vacation. To be honest, I couldn't agree more."

"Okay, so why the disguises?"

"Well, now that all of Equestria knows who you are, it's safer this way. The disguises will wear off when we get back to the castle."

The stallion opened the door to the small, cozy cottage, and followed the mare in. "Fair enough. I mean, I wouldn't want any of the other six shades attacking Ponyville."

The mare stepped in, and hopped onto the couch, laying on her back. "Five."

"Five? I only beat one, and there's supposed to be seven, right?"

"Right. So, if ya'll trying to get to 'is house, yer gonna wanna hang a left at Sugarcube Corner, and keep awn goin till ya reach the edge of town. Ther's gon' be two houses. His's on th' left."

"Thank you, Miss Applejack."

"Anythin' ta help th' RBI, Miss Star." The orange country mare tipped her hat, and continued on her way.

"Well, that was easy."

"Well, it's not hard to find one of the biggest rockstars in Equestria."

"I could imagine it wouldn't be. So, this guy was the biggest rockstar in Equestria, then just dropped out and became a music teacher? That sounds a tad corny to me."

"Flare, we used to watch a show about colorful talking ponies."

"Yeah, but... It's actually kind of hard to come back from that one. Touché, mi amor. Touché. So, if anyone asks, my name is Lunar Flare?"

"Yep. It sounds half-assed, but just work with it."

After a few minutes of walking, and twice as long reminding himself why they couldn't just teleport there, Flare found himself looking at a rather nice house, with a beautiful mahogany door. The door itself was emblazoned with a bass clef, and an equally sized sixteenth note intertwined with the clef. "I guess this is the place."

"I guess so."

Flare reached up, and knocked on the door with a hoof. They had noticed a smoke rising from the chimney, as they approached, so it could be assumed that somepony was home. After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing a pure white earth pony mare with a long, red mane with sky blue streaks, and matching eyes. She looked at the two ponies, holding a young baby in her left arm. "Hello," she spoke in a soft, kind voice. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, ma'am. I am Falling Star, and this is Lunar Flare. We're agents of the Royal Bureau of Investigations, and we were hoping that the stallion of the house could lend us a moment of his time."

"Oh, of course. Come right in. He'll be home from work any moment, now." The mare stepped back, and motioned to the living room behind her with her head, keeping the infant secured in her arm. Flare, and Star had just stepped into the living room, when the mare asked politely. "Can I get you two anything to drink?"

Flare was about to make his request, when he was cut off by Star. "I'd like a-"

"No, ma'am, we're fine."

The mare smiled, as she lay the sleeping infant in a crib in the corner of the living room. "You two remind me of my husband and me, when we first met."

Star blushed at the mare's comment. "Wha-" Just before she could get a word in, the front door opened, and in stepped a solid white pegasus, with a mane well trimmed to hang a bit in the front. Both his mane and tail were solid black with a teal accent to it. Flare couldn't help but notice that while his face said "rockstar," his tie screamed "teacher." He also couldn't help but notice how Star's eyes were glued to the stalliin's own midnight blue eyes, which had small silver flecks throughout them, giving the impression of a night sky filled with stars.

The mare practically bumrushed him the moment he walked in the door, throwing her arms around him at the first opportunity. "Bass, you're home! How was work?"

The stallion hugged the mare back, smiling. "Work was great, Ivy. How's our little Allegra?"

"She's sleeping like a rock, dear." Ivory returned to four hooves, and nodded toward Flare, and Star. "We have company, dear. They're from the RBI."

Bass looked at the two ponies. "Hold on. I recognize these two. These are the two unicorns from the Gala." He pointed a hoof at Flare. "And if I remember correctly, that just happened to be a disguise... your highness."

Ivory looked at the two of them. "I think you may be right, dear. And I remember looking at her dress. It really was a lovely dress."

Bass smiled at the two ponies. "So, what can this humble subject do for a prince of Equestria?"

Flare stood dumbfounded at the fact that his disguise was so easily figured out, so Star spoke for him. "We're here in regards to a letter that was sent to the princess about a year ago, by one Twilight Sparkle." Star nearly cringed at the mention of that name.

"Oh... yeah. Here. Let's get a drink, and I'll tell you the whole story. Please, take a seat." Bass loosened his tie, and trotted into the kitchen, and came back out balancing a tray with four glasses of ice, and a bottle of Jimmy Trotter Blue Label.

Flare's eyes went wide at the sight of the bottle. The instant thought of just how well off this pony had done himself somewhat put things into perspective. Or maybe it was that the pony just happened to bring out a bottle of the Equestrian version of one of the greatest whiskeys of all time. Judging by Flare's taste for liquors, it was more than likely the latter. Before Bass could even make out a single word, Flare was already determined to gave at least one glass of the amazing amber liquid. "YES, I WOULD!"

"Wow. Outburst much?"

"Yeah, you could call it that. And accidentally slipping onto the Royal Canterlot Voice didn't help, either."

"I'm surprised Star didn't break the glass over your head."

"Oh, she would've if we weren't in public. She may have a temper a mile wide, but she knows how to keep it in check, when she has to. Which means she's probably going to have something insanely sadistic waiting for me when I get back."

"I could take your place. You know I handle sadistic EXTREMELY well."

"Sky Breaker... you're a very strange stallion, you know that?"

"Yep. And that's why you love me."

"So, when am I gonna meet the mare who's loony enough to handle you?"

Before Flare could even let out a laugh at the expense of his old friend, he heard a feminine voice speak from behind him. "How about now?"

For the record, there has never been a recorded instance of a Royal Canterlot Bitch Shriek, but Flare had come dangerously close to utilizing the first in the history of all Equestria. Upon releasing undoubtedly the girliest scream possible for any stallion (with the exception of Blueblood, who had no right to be called a stallion, whatsoever in Flare's book), Flare jumped maybe a foot off the ground, and disappeared in a flash of blue light, reappearing behind an empty wagon, where he stood stiff as a board, shaking like a scared kitten.

After recovering from a near paralyzing fit of laughter, Sky Breaker wiped a tear from his eye, and kissed the mare on the cheek. "Sorry, Chaser. I probably should've warned you about how jumpy he is."

Cloudchaser raised an eyebrow, and giggled. "Your friends are weird, babe."

Chapter 19: Bottled Up
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 19: Bottled Up

The sun was rising over Ponyville, and Flare awoke to a soft jabbing at his side. He had manged to ignore the jabbing until- POMF!

THUD!

Whatever was jabbing at his side had managed to find his wing, which caused the wing to burst out, smacking whatever was poking him, and knock it to the ground. Flare opened his eyes, and turned his head to see the light purple pegasus laying on the ground, rubbing her cheek. Flare could imagine that being slapped in the face by an invisible wing could be rather shocking, if you weren't expecting it. "So, you really are a royal."

Flare raised an eyebrow. "Who told you?"

"Star and Sky did. I think it's actually pretty cool."

Flare looked at this mare, and only one thing crossed his mind. "I'm sorry, but I can't stop thinking about this. How do you style your mane, normally? A bit of hairspray and a high powered fan?"

"Um, actually-"

SMACK!

Flare turned to see an angry looking unicorn glaring daggers at him. "Flare!"

"What?! I thought it looked cool!"

"Oh."

Cloudchaser had backed away, and was giggling. "You two are so adorable! And to answer your question, Your Highness, yes. That's exactly how I style it."

Now, it was Star's turn to have a good laugh. "She... she called you... YOUR HIGHNESS!"

Flare looked straight into the fibers of the wonderfully soft carpet, hiding a blush of embarrassment.

After a moment of merciless teasing, Flare heard the sound of hoofsteps coming down the stairs. "Oh, thank goodness," he thought. "Sky's gonna come down, and they'll stop."

Flare couldn't have been more wrong. "What's with all the laughing?"

"Cloudchaser called Flare 'Your Highness!'"

Then the teasing started all over again, with Sky rolling around on the floor, laughing like a maniac.

"You two stop teasing," Cloudchaser cut in. "It's my fault for not knowing that he didn't like being called that."

Flare looked up at her, almost like a freshly rescued kitten. "Thank you, you kind, caring mare. One day, they shall sing ballads of Cloudchaser the benevolent, and I will say to them how true their tunes are."

"Thank you. That is very kind of you, Your Majesty."

The two unicorns were trotting through the town, off to get a bite to eat. Flare definitely needed to fume a bit after the events of the morning, and the mega daisy burger at the local sandwich shop was just the nemesis that Flare needed to vent his frustration. Star could barely stifle her queezy stomach as she watched Flare release his rage on the giant piece of flowery goodness. After the culinary therapy session had finished, the couple carried. On about their day on the town, visiting the local shops, and fruit stands, when the now appeased prince finally touched on the subject that had been on his mind all day. "Hey, Star?"

"I know, Flare. You've been thinking about Scootaloo, haven't you?"

Flare simply nodded. "I've been thinking, and what if we could actually make a difference in at least one one pony's life?"

"Well, if given that opportunity, I would take it without question. Are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"

Flare couldn't hide anything from Star. She knew his thought process all too well. "More than likely."

"Flare, we don't even know where to begin searching. For all we know, her parents wouldn't even want her back."

This was new. This was the first time Star couldn't read him like a book, and he was well beyond shocked. "No, babe. I mean what if WE became her parents?"

"Flare, I don't think that's such a good idea."

"And why not?"

"Right now, she thinks we're just unicorns. She'll freak if she finds out that her new daddy is the one and only prince of Equestria."

"And how do you know that?"

Before Star could even think of another reason, her attentions were snatched away by a sound that she, as a teacher, knew all too well.

"Hey, blankflank, where are your loser blankflank friends at?"

The two unicorns turned to see Scootaloo being harassed by two other fillies.

"Would you two just leave me alone?"

"What's the matter, blankflank?" The little pink filly cackled. "Nopony here to stand up for you? Guess you're not as tough as you pretend to be, huh?"

Then the little grey filly lashed out with something that infuriated the observing prince. "You gonna go cry to mommy and daddy? Oh, that's right, you don't have one!" That one pushed Flare over the edge. Even more so when he approached, and saw the tears in Scootaloo's eyes.

"Hey! You two leave her alone!"

The two bullies turned and looked at Flare with mock looks of innocence on their faces. "Sorry, Mister. We were just playing."

Flare was glaring full medieval arsenal at the two fillies. Why? Because daggers just wouldn't be enough. He would have completely lost his cool if Star didn't step in. "I'm not buying that for a second. You two get lost!"

The two fillies looked up at the adults, quickly realized that they weren't buying it, and trotted away.

"Are you alright, Scoot?"

Scootaloo looked up at Flare, tears still in her eyes. "Y-yeah... I'm *sniff* fine."

"Why do they pick on you so much?"

Scootaloo looked up at Flare, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "'Cause I haven't got my cutie mark, yet. My friends and I tried everything, and we still haven't got em, yet. That and because I can't fly. And I'm an orphan. Why do they have to be so mean, Flare?"

Flare hugged the filly, holding her close, letting her cry into his fur. "Some ponies like to make others suffer because they feel bad about themselves, Scoot. It's not your fault that they do that."

Scootaloo looked up at Flare with teary eyes. "D... do other ponies pick on you, too, Flare?"

"Flare, why didn't you tell me about that?"

"I didn't think it was necessary. And I think I found a decent way of coping with it. Don't you?"

"Flare, I have a hard time believing that a shot of jager and an hour long nap is a very good way of dealing with stress. In fact, it sounds like you're just-"

"Bottling my emotions?" Flare looked at Star, seriously.

"Yeah. That's-"

"Exactly what I'm doing?"

"Yeah... and it's-"

"Not healthy. I know."

"Yeah... and I'm-"

"Leaving me. I know." Flare"s attitude had worked its way from serious to nearly sad.

Star looked over at Flare, a hint of worry in her eyes. "No! I'd never do that! I'm just starting to worry about you, babe."

Flare shook his head. "Well don't. I'm perfectly capable of handling my emotions. Tuck away the bad, so they only see the good. That's how I've been doing it for years, and that's how I'm gonna do it for the rest of my life."

"But Flare-"

"But nothing, Star. This conversation is over."

Chapter 20: A Flare For The Dramatic
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 20: A Flare For The Dramatic

The prophecy speaks in riddles. On the day that the child with the power of creation and destruction leaves his home, the beast will begin to grow in the vessel left behind, only to be defeated...

The clouds were scarce at the high altitude, which only added to the serene beauty of the skies. In the crisp early winter air, two pegasi darted through the sky.

"Giving up already?" The mare shouted back to the stallion.

"Not in your wildest dreams!" The stallion shouted back. "Dash would call me a wimp, if I did!" At that particular moment, Sky Breaker happened to spot a small, familiar looking, powder blue dot on the ground, far below. "Hey, CC. Does that look like Star to you?"

"Nice try, Sky. I'm not gonna be distracted like that again."

"No, seriousl- whatever." Without warning, Sky Breaker slowed to a crawl and banked hard to the right, headed toward the ground.

Cloudchaser looked back just in time to see the stallion making his turn. "Hey... Sky, wait!" She turned quickly to follow him.

"Hey, Star! Wait up!" The stallion called, drawing closer to the ground.

Star looked up to see a white dot getting bigger and bigger. It sounded like it was calling somepony's name. "Is that..." she thought out loud, as she stared at the growing dot. Once it was close enough that she could see that it was a pegasus flying toward her, she dropped to the ground, and braced herself for a collision. "Oh no... Sky Breaker." She closed her eyes in time for a powerful gust of wind to hit her, blowing her back a few inches. She looked up to see the stallion hovering a few inches above the ground.

"Hey, Star. What are you doing out here by yourself? I thought you and Flare were inseparable."

Just as he finished, Cloudchaser landed on the ground right next to him. "You two aren't fighting, are you?"

"No no. I just needed some timr to think."

"So you ARE fighting?" Sky spoke, obviously not satisfied by Star's initial answer.

"No, we're not fighting. But I'm really worried about him."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, did Flare ever let out his feelings around you, Sky?"

Sky Breaker backed up, a bit. "Whoa, Star. What kind of stallions do you think Flare and I are?"

"That's not what I meant. I mean have you ever noticed that Flare's bottling up his emotions?"

"Well, yeah. But I never tried to force anything out of him."

"Well, I'm worried that if he keeps bottling it all up, he's going to become an emotional Molotov Cocktail."

Cloudchaser cocked her head to the side in a bit of confusion. "What's a Molotov Cocktail?"

Sky Breaker, in his typical fashion, nearly flipped the subject on its head in a way only he could. "Well, it's when you take a glass bottle, and fill it with kerose-"

"Sky! Focus, please!"

"Er... sorry. So, you think he's just gonna keep bottling up his emotions until he explodes on someone?"

"Exactly! And with all the power he has, I'm afraid he'll end up doing something really bad. I'm talking Nightmare Moon bad."

"Sweet Celestia! Nightmare Flare?! That actually has a nice ring to it."

"Focus, Sky! I need to speak with the princess about this."

Sky Breaker shook his head, as if trying to straighten out his train of thought. "Sorry... so, how do you plan on reaching her? She's all the way in Canterlot, and you're here in Ponyville. I mean, unless you have the means to instantly instantly mail her a letter, you'd have to wait a while before she replies."

"Well..." Star began. "As much as I hate to say it, and believe me, I REALLY hate to say it... there might be a way."

***

The silence of the library was quite normal for the setting, as a lone pony sat quietly over a book, reading away. The silence was so usual to the young shut-in that the quick knocking on the door caught her by complete surprise. "Who the hay could that be?" She rose from her stool, and trotted down the stairs, toward the door. As she opened the large wooden door of the library, her curiosity turned to complete surprise. "Sky Breaker? I never thought I'd see you here. What seems to be the occasion?"

Sky smiled awkwardly, and put on his best acting face. "Well, I need to send a letter to the princess, and Star said that you'd slam the door in her face if she knocked on the d- oops."

Twilight peeked out the door, and spotted Falling Star, and Cloudchaser hiding on the side if the building. "I should've known. Sky Breaker wouldn't have come to the library of his own accord."

Star removed herself from her hiding spot, and slowly trotted toward the door, half expecting to be zapped by Twilight's magic. Soon, the two mares were standing face to face.

"You do realize I have a restraining order against you, right?"

Star sighed. "Yeah, I get it, but what's going on here is a bit bigger than our girl drama, and I need to speak with Princess Luna immediately."

Twilight kept her heavy glare on the apparent unicorn. "Fine, but I'm writing the letter. I'm not going to be left in the dark about this. Especially not if my Prince Charming is involved."

Star nearly retched at the last part of Twilight's little speech. At that point, she figured it would be better to teleport to Canterlot, and retrieve the princess herself, but she knew she couldn't leave Flare alone, and she wasn't about to send Skybreaker to Canterlot. "Fine. You have a deal." Within minutes, the letter was sent, and all they could do is wait.

Meanwhile, not too far away, Flare was dying from boredom. He had decided to go through his books. Unfortunately, he had already read the books, and the his boredom increased after a few pages. After a few more minutes, he was passed out on the couch. After a few minutes of a dreamless nap, he awoke to a dark blue light filling the room. As he slowly opened his eyes, he could barely make out the shape of an alicorn forming at the center of the light. The sight alone was enough to startle him into rolling off the couch, and land on his back with an extremely unceremonious WHUMP! "Er... afternoon, Mom. What are you doing, here?"

The midnight blue alicorn looked around the small house, then to her son, who was still on his back. "I decided to come pay a visit. I trust your vacation is going well."

Flare managed to get to his hooves, and look back to his mother. "Yeah. Everything's going great. We spoke to Deep Bass the other day."

The princess of the night nodded in acknowledgement. "Indeed. You can always learn more about your enemy from one who has already done battle with them. Deep Bass defeated Indulgence, the shade of Gluttony and Greed. Have you anything else you want to tell me?"

Flare looked down at his hooves, one of which was subconsciously pawing nervously at the ground. "Well, I've been doing a bit of thinking, and... well, Star and I met this little orphan filly..."

Princess Luna gave her child a look that was a mix of compassion and concern. "Dear, I understand your feelings, however not all things are black and white. As much as I adore the thought of being a grandmother, I would like for you to think this out."

Flare sighed a heavy sigh. "I have thought this out, Mom."

"Oh?" The princess questioned with a raised brow. "So, this filly would live in Canterlot with you? And what of her friends, here in Ponyville? Would you truly be able to separate that filly from her friends?"

"No, I guess not."

"Secondly, who will teach her to fly? You've barely mastered the art, yourself, and Lady Star hasn't even learned how to use her wings, yet."

"I guess you're right."

And the last thing will weigh more heavily on you more than it will her." The princess's expression turned grim, coincidentally just as Falling Star made an unnoticed entrance. "I won't watch you spiral downward, when you bury your own child, dear. I'm already afraid of how you will react, when your friend, Skybreaker passes on. Thankfully, Miss Star managed to erase her name from the Reaper's list. I would die inside, if I had to watch your heart break like that again."

"I... didn't think about that, Mom."

Star shot a look of concern at the two, hoping that she had made the correct decision in calling the Princess into the situation. "Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

Princess Luna turned toward the newest arrival, and nodded. "Yes, Miss Star, everything is fine. I'm actually quite glad that you arrived. I was quite worried when I received your letter."

Flare looked at Star, and mouthed the word "Letter?"

Star found her forehoof mimicing Flare's from before. "Well, I didn't know where else to turn..."

"Do not feel guilty, dear. You acted as you should have without a second's delay. Now, Flare," she said, turning to her son, "I understand you are having a hard time dealing with your emotions. I understand that it can be hard to talk to other ponies about your feelings, but it is imperative that you learn the repercussions of letting your emotions build to the point that they get the better of you."

Flare raised an eyebrow at his mother. "Um... what do you mean?"

"My child, I will show you exactly what will become of this world, should you allow your emotions to take control of you."

The Princess's horn began to glow, as she approached her son. When she came close enough, she allowed her horn to tap onto his own. For a second, Flare felt a slight tingle, as the world around him began to melt away like a giant wax sculpture in the sun. What replaced it was nothing short of hell, itself.

Chapter 21: Truth in Advertising
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 21: Truth in Advertising

When the child returns bearing the power of a world beyond ours, the beast will lie in wait. Only a vision of things that may come to pass may alert the next vessel to its approach, and steel him against the circumstantial storm...

Flare looked out across the wasteland before him, as the hot, arid wind whipped his mane and tail wildly in its thrall. The landscape before him was just short of barren, dotted with what seemed to be the ruins of a familiar landscape. Without prompting, he found his legs moving of their own accord, toward the fresh ruins of a nearby building.

As he drew closer, he saw what appeared to be a pony terrified at the very sight of him, attempting to crawl away. Against his own will, he found himself teleporting just inches away from the pony. He tried to speak to the poor soul, and calm them, but his words fell upon deaf ears. What he did hear was a wicked laughter, seeming to come from his own mouth. He felt his right forehoof rising from the ground, and placing itself ontop of the pony's head. Although the hoof didn't appear to be his own. What he saw, instead was a pure black hoof clad in spiked, aqua blue armor. His heart began to race, as he felt his hoof beginning to press against the pony's head. He looked to the sky, just in time to see a white dot in the sky that grew closer and closer. Within seconds, the dot had erupted in at least two bright white sonic booms. Within milliseconds, the dot had become a pure white comet, streaking directly toward Flare.

Soon, he found himself behind an aqua blue magical barrier, raised just in time to absorb the collision of the comet. The impact created a shockwave so great that it blew away the surrounding buildings, and created a massive crater surrounding the creature that Flare had become. After the bright light faded away, Flare could see exactly what had just caused such destruction. He blinked, as he stared at the powder blue alicorn with a mane of pure white flame. Her eyes were ablaze with the same white flame as her mane and tail, and she was dressed in a suit of ornate white armor, with a white metal crown on her head.

"Flare... if you're in there, please stop this! I love you, and I don't want to hurt you... but I will!"

Flare felt his vocal cords tensing, as if he were speaking, himself. "My beloved wife. You couldn't hurt me, if you tried!" Then, without warning, the forcefield shot outward, sending the mare flying backward. He spread his wings, and flew toward the mare, smacking into her full force, driving her into the dust below. "Come now, my love. You need not die here. Simply give in to me, and we can rule the world together. Just you and me. The last two Alicorns in existence."

The mare spat in Flare's face. "We're the last two ANYTHING in the world, Flare! You are NOT the stallion I married, and I will not love a monster!"

"Pity. It looks like the stallion you did marry is going to have to suffer through watching me burn you to a crisp." Flare watched, as a powerful flame erupted from his horn, eliciting a scream of agony from the mare beneath his hooves. The only thing Flare could do was scream, as the entire hellish nightmare before him shot back to reality... and he was still screaming.

Star quickly wrapped Flare into a tight, comforting hug, holding him tight. "Flare, relax! I'm here!"

"S-Star?"

"Yes, it's me. Everything's alright."

"I-it f-f-felt... s-so real," Flare stuttered, as tears flowed down his cheeks. "I felt everything... I watched you die."

Star ran a hoof through her stallion's mane. "I'm alive. None of it was real, babe."

"No, it wasn't but it will be, should you continue down this path, my son." Princess Luna wiped a tear from her cheek, brought on be even resorting to putting her own child through such torment. "I'm truly sorry that I had to subject you to such visions, but it was completely necessary, in order to show you what could happen should these emotions go unchecked. I promise that I will never show you such horrors again."

Flare was still shaking in Star's grasp. "I don't ever want to become that monster."

"Then you must learn to deal with your negative emotions in a way that will prevent them from taking hold of you, as they did to me over a thousand years ago. Now, I'll leave you, and Lady Star to your vacation." After a second, the princess turned toward the door, and began trotting, only to be stopped by a murmur from the still shaking Flare.

"Mom... in the vision, I said... Star and I were the last two alicorns in existence... what happened to you, Cadance, and Aunt Tia?"

Luna simply looked at her son with sorrowful eyes. "I don't think you want to know, my dear." And with that, she disappeared in a flash of midnight blue.

Flare closed his eyes, and began sobbing, only to feel his cheek pressed against Star's soft, warm fur. "It's okay, Flare. Do you want to talk about it? What did you see?"

"I... I killed everyone... and everything... even you. It... it was a nightmare. I couldn't control myself. I could only watch myself do it." Flare began sobbing again, unable to speak through his tears.

"Flare," the mare said, forcing him to look into her eyes. "I swear that I will never let you become that monster."

"You... promise?"

"On my life. I won't let anything in that vision come true."

"Well," Flare began, keeping his eyes locked with Star's. "There's one thing I saw that I'd like to see come true."

"Really? What is it?"

Flare leaned up, and kissed Star passionately, sending a tingle throughout both of their bodies. "I love you so much, Star... Marry me."

Star jerked back slightly, shocked to even hear those two words come out of his mouth. "You... are you serious, Flare?"

"More serious than I've ever been. I want to spend eternity with you."

Star smiled, and kissed Flare one more time, allowing their tongues to dance for a moment before separating. "Of course I'll marry you, Flare. I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else."

Chapter 22: The Calming Winds
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 22: The Calming Winds

And when the immortal son binds eternally with the one who can move the stars, the calming winds of happier days shall give him the strength to stand tall...

The entire nation was buzzing with the biggest news since the marriage of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Word spread like wildfire throughout Equestria, once it got out into the upper echelons of the Canterlot nobles that everypony's prince was to be wed. Since his arrival in Equestria, Flare's lovable "Average Joe" demeanor had won the hearts of everypony from the rich, to the common working pony. Of course, the citizens of Equestria would be ecstatic over the news. The only thing they didn't know was who was to be the bride.

Flare, and Skybreaker were taking a casual stroll through the market district of Canterlot, as Flare normally did. "Wow. Everypony seems really happy, lately. I wonder why."

"Dude, you're getting married, that's why!"

Flare laughed, as he waved to the nearest shopkeeper. "Oh, come on, bro. I'm not that special. I'm just regular old Flare."

"Yeah, but you're still a prince! And your subjects freakin love you!"

"If you say so, bro. Sorry things didn't work out between you, and Cloudchaser."

Skybreaker shrugged, as they continued trotting down the street. "Yeah, she didn't like the idea of moving to Canterlot. Something about not wanting to leave her sister behind. Besides, there's all different kinds of hot tail to chase, in Canterlot."

"Uh huh. If you say so. I wonder what Star's up to."

"Oh, what was I thinking?! I'm not cut out to be a PRINCESS!" Princess-to-be Falling Star paced nervously around her chamber in the castle tower. "Where's that paper bag!"

Cadance retrieved the small paper bag from atop the dresser, and handed it to the nervous alicorn. "Star, relax. I'm sure everypony will love to call you their princess. I know I would. Besides, you love Flare, don't you?"

Star immediately took the bag, and placed it over her muzzle, inhaling and exhaling quickly. After a few seconds, she finally calmed down. "Thanks, Cadance. I really needed that. Yes, I do love Flare. With all my heart, in fact. I just wish that marrying him didn't mean becoming a p-p-princess!" And with that one word, the hysterics returned. Star tried breathing into the paper bag again, but to no avail. "CADANCE, THE BAG ISN'T WORKING!"

"I'm sure she's fine, Flare. She's with your cousin."

"If you say so, buddy. Hey. I've got an idea! Let's find you a date to the wedding."

Skybreaker raised an eyebrow at Flare. "How do you plan on doing that?"

Flare grinned wickedly at his old buddy. "Don't worry about that."

"Oh, I'm worried about it... why do you want to find me a date right now? The wedding isn't for another wee-OOF!" Skybreaker, the mighty hero of the ponies was cut short by a powerful bump that sent him hurdling directly toward a hat stand. He attempted to use his wings to shift direction, and barely managed to miss the hat stand by a few mere centimeters, and land on the ground right next to it in a tangled pile of hooves. "That wasn't funny!"

Flare laughed, as the guard that was accompanying them trotted over to give the quirky pegasus a helping hoof. As chance would have it, the guard that was accompanying them happened to be one of the Knight twins, Glimmersteel, the Adorable (as Skybreaker had once called her in private conversation). "Here, Sir. Let me help you up."

Skybreaker didn't even notice the guard approaching, but only heard her. He had managed to get himself halfway up, when he looked back, and blushed, upon realizing that he almost lost the opportunity to flirt with Glim. Thinking quickly, he faked a slip, and fell back down, rolling, so he landed on his back, smiling goofily at the guard, and laughed awkwardly. "Well, if you really want to..."

The mare giggled and blushed, as she extended a hoof to the stallion. As he took her hoof, he was pulled to his hooves. "Thanks, Glim."

The mare's blush still showed under her armor. "It was nothing, Sir. We should really catch up with Fla-" her blush quickly faded, as she realized what the prince had just pulled on the two ponies.

"Oh no... he pulled the distract-and-dip-out again, didn't he?"

"Again? He's done this before?"

"Oh yeah. He's done it plenty of times. Normally when he's cooking up some plot."

"Uh... what kind of plot?" The guardsmare began to blush nervously, again.

"Well, before he shoved me toward that hat stand, he said something about trying to find me a date for the wed-" Skybreaker cut himself off, mid-sentence, and looked at the mare before him, as he too began to blush. "Hey, Glim?"

The mare blinked, looking back at the stallion, speaking much more casually, now that the prince was gone. "Yeah, Sky?"

"Um, would you like to be my date for the wedding?"

The mare smiled adorably, the blush in her golden yellow cheeks intensifying. "Of course I would."

"Hey, ladies. Everything okay in here?" The chaos of the frantic bride-to-be had quickly become too much for the young princess to handle on her own, which forced her to call in the big guns. Flare looked around the room, seeing his mother and his cousin lifting the unconscious mare to the bed. "Um, what happened here?"

Cadance and Luna looked at each other, as if mentally debating whether or not to tell him the truth, before Cadance decided it would be better for her to answer. "Just the jitters." Cadance's already weak resolve toward lying crumbled and fell like a graham cracker castle, under the hammer that was a simple inquisitive eyebrow from her cousin. "I mean full blown hysteria."

Flare looked at the unconscious mare on the bed and laughed. "She always was the nervous type. And with the wedding a week away, it's only going to get funnier."

***

Two days until the wedding. Only five days had passed, yet so much had happened in that small timeframe. The grand courtyard of the castle had been completely decorated for the ceremony, Skybreaker and Glimmersteel had begun dating exclusively, and the aforementioned stallion, along with Shining Armor had decided to throw Flare's bachelor party... only to get outpartied by the prince. All on top of the daily nervous breakdown from Star, which Flare had actually learned to deal with... thanks, of course, to his mother.

Flare was sitting quietly, reading a book on gravity spells, Star passed out in front of the door, as a direct result of her last psychotic episode. Things were quiet for the time being, since Cadance and Shining Armor had been sent up North to deal with some "Crystal Something-or-other." After a few more pages, the door swung open, smacking Star in the head, and catching Flare's immediate attention. "Hey, Mom. What's wrong?"

The princess sat down in a huff. "Tia would rather let Twilight Sparkle handle an issue of great importance than let me deal with it. I am thoroughly offended that she would harbor such a lack of trust in my ab-"

"Mom, I'm sure there was some ulterior motive to her plans. You just have to trust her."

Having calmed down slightly, Princess Luna let out a sigh. "But what if Twilight Sparkle fails this quest? If she does, all of Equestria will be conquered by evil."

Flare placed a reassuring hoof on his mother's shoulder. "If it happens, we'll just have to kick some ass, now won't we?"

****

Meanwhile, in a dark temple, somewhere beneath the surface, a meeting was taking place. "We have already lost two of our siblings to the wretched bastards above."

"We must not lose anymore, or Father will become greatly angered with us."

"What do you suggest we do, Sister Vanity?" The two dark Alicorns looked to the silent mare who had called the small congregation together.

The mare was silent for but a moment before a wicked smile formed on her lips. "We must send a message. They must learn that we will not be trifled with any longer. Soon, our time will come, and when it does, the immortal son shall become one of us."

"But how are we to do that, Sister?"

"Indeed, Sister Seduction attempted to sway him, and now she is no more."

"Then we'll just have to try a different approach. May I suggest something a bit more... motherly?"

The day was finally here, and everyone was in attendance. After the whole Crystal Empire thing, they decided to speed on to their honeymoon. The stage was set for the perfect day for all of Equestria. Flare, Sky, and Shining Armor stood to one side, as the choir rang out their performance of "Here comes the bride," as Princess Luna walked Star down the aisle, trailed by Cadance and Glimmersteel, and led by Scootaloo, who scattered flower petals in her wake. All in all, it was the perfect day. Finally, the group of mares reached the altar, and the two lovers looked deeply into each other's eyes, as Celestia delivered her speech.

"Dearest friends, and loyal subjects. We have all gathered here, today to bear witness to the union of my nephew, Prince Midnight Flare, and Lady Falling Star. Now, the couple has chosen not to recite prewritten vows, but instead to speak true and clear from the heart." She then smiled to Flare, signaling him to speak.

"Star. Ever since the day we met all those years ago, I never imagined that our lives would bring us to where we are now, but looking back at the life that we've led this far, I wouldn't trade our time together for the world. I know that we'll face many more challenges in the years ahead, but I know that with you by my side, we'll barrel through any obstacle that stands in our way."

Star smiled, and took a deep breath. "Flare, I feel like everything we've done has led to this moment. When I came here, I certainly wasn't expecting to ever see you again. And now that we're together again, I won't ever let anything come between us."

Celestia smiled, and looked to her sister, who was wiping a tears away from her cheek. "Lovely words. Now, if anypony knows any reason why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Of course, the room went silent, as nopony would dare speak against something so amazing. "Very well. Do you, Prince Midnight Flare, take Princess-to-be Falling Star to be your wife?"

Flare couldn't help but smile, as he looked to Star. "I do."

"And do you, Princess-to-be Falling Star, take Prince Midnight Flare to be your husband."

"I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Stallion and Wife. You may kiss the bride."

Without a second of hesitation, Flare and Star locked lips in a passionate kiss, as the crowd cheered behind them. This day was truly perfect.

Chapter 23: Honeymoonlighting
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 23: Honeymoonlighting

For the memories of warmer days may yet melt the frozen bindings of the beast and thaw the hero's frozen heart, should the immortal son become ensnared by the inner demon's frigid grasp.

Freezing temperatures: check. Nice, natural setting: check. No need for illusion spells: sold. Perfect place for a honeymoon. Well, not for most ponies. Prince Flare, however, always saw things a bit differently. Where most would take a vacation to a tropical setting, Flare always preceded the colder areas. Ironic, given the nature of his magic, but it is what it is, and there was no protest from his new bride, so there they were in "sunny" Manechorage, far to the North. It was a rather small settlement nestled in the Northeastern Mountains. It was rich with culture, and different kinds of food, and was not far away from a large ski resort. The thought of going skiing had crossed the prince's mind once or twice, but then the thought of a pony on snow skis kind of ruined it for him. He was perfectly content to wander about the small town with Star, and his personal guard duo. He wasn't too excited about them having to tag along, but his mother made an ultimatum. It was either they tag along, or she would let Twilight test a polymorphic spell on both of them.

So, as the three of them trotted down the street, Flare was starting to get slightly antsy. Everywhere they went, they were surrounded by delicious looking food... and he wanted to try it all. It probably didn't help that he had just gone through his second moulting, which magnified his normal hunger. At least this time, Cadance wasn't here to steal his snacks. "Ooh! Can we please get a snowberry smoothie? It looks so delicious!"

Star groaned. "Flare, you don't have to ask for everything, you know. Just go get one. But don't come crying to me when you start to get fat."

Flare laughed at the thought. "You know I don't get fat, Star."

"Fine," she replied. "I hope you get indigestion."

Flare laughed again, as he pranced toward the smoothie stand. "Like I have to worry about that!"

A little more than an hour later, the group was back in their room, and Flare was seriously regretting all the things he had eaten that day. "Ooooooh... Why did you let me do that, Star? How could anypony wish this on anypony else?"

"I warned you, didn't I?"

"Shut up, Star."

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Princess Luna had just raised the moon, and was on her way to the main hall to begin her duties, when Shimmer Blade stopped her. "Your Highness, there is an important visitor here to see you."

Princess Luna was a bit suspicious to the whole matter. "Then have them meet me in the main hall."

"Your Highness, it's Twilight Sparkle. She says it's urgent."

"Then why isn't she in the main hall, where she normally meets my sister?" At this point, Princess Luna was extremely suspicious for two good reasons, but she was sure that she could handle what ever was thrown her way. She sighed at the guard. "Very well. Lead me to her." As the guard lead her through one of the winding corridors of the castle, the princess remained on alert. "So, Sergeant Blade, how is your sister, Corporal Steel?"

The guard continued, not turning back, once. "She is well, your Highness."

"Yes. I would assume it to be a tiring duty, guarding my son."

"I couldn't imagine doing it, myself."

"Halt, Imposter," Luna shouted, as she hurled a detaining spell at the guard, only for it to fizzle away on impact. "What are you?"

The other pony laughed, as the skin dripped from its body, revealing a deep maroon Alicorn with flaming black eyes. Suddenly, dozens of smaller, pitch black unicorns were surrounding the princess as the Alicorn simply smirked. Within an instant, Luna found herself being wrapped in a thick black detention sphere, and she couldn't break through it. Just as the last bit of the sphere was forming, she heard the Alicorn speak. "We are the coming storm."

It was late at night, and Flare had finally fallen asleep, with Star cuddled up next to him. It was a peaceful and serene night. The kind you would only find in areas nearly untouched by urban areas. There were no party ponies galavanting down the road, no aerial guards flying overhead, no heavily armored guards trotting down the halls with their armor clinking every which way. Just pure silence, a clear view of the Northern Sky, and a beautiful mare by his side. Flare was in heaven. If only he weren't asleep.

Flare dreamed of a calm, relaxing beach, walking side by side with Star, and looking out at the sea. He loved the sea, and would love to go to sea again, but he loved Star more. The two of them continued walking, until suddenly, the soft sand turned into hard stone, and Flare found himself in a vastly different landscape. The stone surface he was standing on was a mountain... Only sideways. He looked around, surrounded by other sideways mountains above and below him. And there was no Star. One thing that seemed ominous was the giant moon. And the image of the Mare in the Moon.

"What the fuck is going on, here?" Flare looked around frantically, trying to find some explanation for the sudden shift.

A voice rang out in Flare's mind. "Flare, it's me. I need your help."

The stallion's eyes went wide. "Mom? What's going on?!"

"I was deceived and captured by one of the Shades. You must return to Canterlot immediately! I don't know what they're planning but it's not good. Do not tell your guards that you are returning to Canterlot. They are not who they seem. You and Star must abandon them immediately. You must travel by hoof. They will sense your power if you teleport, and they will spot you immediately if you fly. Go to Ponyville. I will guide you as best as I can through your dreams. Go, my son. The fate of Equestria depends on you once more."

Without warning, Flare was rocketed from his dreams, just as his bedroom door opened. He closed one eye, as he watched one of the two guards creep into the room. The room went dark again, until the light from an invisible horn lit the other side of the room. Flare watched as the light from the horn shot at Star, beginning to wrap her in a glowing cocoon. Flare was not about to let that happen. Within a split second, Flare had thrown the blanket off of himself, and directly at the assailant, wrapping the pony's face in the blanket.

The pony struggled to remove the blanket from its face, just barely succeeding before being struck by a blue bolt of pure energy. The pony was sent flying into the wall, hitting it with a heavy thud. The sound of body hitting stone, and bones cracking was more than enough to get the other false guard's attention, causing her to run into the room. When the room went dark again, Flare lit the room with a cool blue flame, which dispelled the illusions around the assassins, revealing them to be two pure black unicorns with glowing red eyes. Flare was about to send another powerful bolt for the second assassin, when the first one quickly rose to its feet, and tackled him. The second assassin was poised to strike Flare, when a silver energy beam slammed it, vaporizing the pony instantly.

Flare looked over to the bed, and attempted to get up, only to be knocked down again by the assassin. He looked up to see Star fire another beam. "Get off my husband, you evil slut." The assassin turned with just enough time for the words "oh shit" to cross her mind before she was turned to ashes by the beam of pure energy.

"Flare. Why didn't you tell me your mom could dreamwalk?"

"Just found out, myself, babe."

Chapter 24: The Flaming Death
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 24: The Flaming Death

It had been quite a few hours since the two alicorns had escaped the two assassins, and took off through the frozen tundra around Manechorage. They had a long way to go to Ponyville, and they had been running the whole time, which left the two of them extremely tired. This was the furthest Flare had ever walked in his life, and Star wasn't exactly too keen on walking either.

The weather had taken a turn for the worse, as the pleasant snowfall had turned into a full fledged snow storm. After a what seemed like days of fighting the blistering winds and harsh cold, the storm finally let up, much to the relief of the two alicorns. However, good things don't come free, and the couple realized this, as the silence was stained by the sound of flapping wings.

Flare turned his head, in search of the source of the sound only to find five heavily armored pegasi with coats as black as the night, their armor shining against the light of the moon, which had surprisingly not set, even after what seemed like days of traveling. The choice had to be made. Run, or fight. Both of them were exhausted, but they could easily fight off this small group. But if any survived, they'd be back with an army. If they ran, there was a chance that they'd get away, but if they made it to a settlement, there was a chance the enemy would come back and burn it to the ground, regardless of whether or not they were still holed up there. Every possible outcome raced through Flare's mind, not one of them sounding appealing in the slightest, but the moment finally came. A choice had to be made. "Star... Keep moving ahead. I'll catch up to you."

"Flare... No, I ca-"

"Don't think about it. Just run."

"Flare..."

"Go!" Without a warning, Flare lifted his wife with his magic, and carried her into the distance, setting her down a good distance from him.

Star started back for Flare, only to hear his voice call to her in the distance.

"Run! I promise I'll find you! Just run!" And she did, rather hesitantly, looking back from time to time, in hopes of seeing Flare running up behind her with a patch of singed fur and a witty remark, but he didn't.

Meanwhile, Flare was having a bit of a rough time in his tired state. Facing multiple opponents with his focus greatly hindered, he would dodge one attack, only to be hit by another. He knew they wouldn't kill him, even if they could, but he'd rather die than be captured. He had a promise to keep, and by the heavens, he was going to keep it. He looked to his left, and spotted one of the pegasi charging at him, the blades on the tips of its wings glinting in the moonlight. He hopped back, only to feel the cold sting of another set of blades cutting his right side from back to front, as another pegasus flew past him from behind. He staggered, feeling his energy fade. He looked at the pegasi that had now surrounded him. His vision began to fade, and he suddenly remembered a lesson that he had been taught by the mare that was now his wife.

His mind raced with the possibilities that now lay before him, knowing that he was surrounded by a massive source of energy. A source that he had drawn from in the past, but not in this world. Before, he used this source to simply keep himself from tiring out, but since the abundance of energy around him was almost tenfold, he had no limits on himself.

He only required a short amount of time to begin tapping the energy of the natural surroundings under his hooves, drawing life energy from the grass below, from the surrounding trees, from the very world, itself. He opened his eyes, blue flames crackling from the corners of his vision, as the pegasi began their charge again. He stood perfectly still, as the pegasi drew near, the blades on their wings tearing through the illusion he had left behind. The assailants hovered, puzzled as to what had just happened, up until a brilliant streak of silver and aqua slammed into one of them, hurling the pegasus a decent distance before it landed, sliding through the snow, and leaving behind a smear of black in its trail, contrasting the soft white. The other four attackers looked around, searching for what had struck down their comrade. They formed a perfect square, each facing outward to keep a lookout, as they backed into each other. However, even with their tactics, they were unprepared for what came next.

Unseen by the outward facing attackers, the same streak of silver and aqua shot straight down from above, creating a shockwave which was followed by a wave of white hot flame, as the speeding mass hit the ground, sending the two that weren't reduced to ashes flying. The survivors of the blast hit the ground, and slid.

After a few seconds, they barely regained their composure, rising to their hooves. The first to rise stood frozen in awe, as a being of pure aqua-colored flame trotted near, its outstretched wings blazing brilliantly, as its eyes shone a pure silver. The pegasus felt something burning deep inside its body, growing more intense as the being drew nearer. He felt his stomach contents beginning to boil until he couldn't hold it in any longer, spewing a bubbling pool of bile into the snow before him. The fire inside him continued to burn ever hotter, his blood itself boiling, as he looked into the silver eyes of the blazing stallion. All at once, he felt the fire inside expand, causing his body to be torn to pieces by the resulting explosion.

Soon after, the squad's token mare had finally got herself to her hooves just in time to find herself staring down the smoking barrel of the same stallion-shaped inferno that had just destroyed her comrade. She backed away, shaking in fear, as the mass of flame approached her slowly, each hoofstep melting the snow beneath it, and instantly turning the melted snow into steam. She found continued backward until her hoof caught a stump, and sent her tumbling backward. She looked up just in time to feel her bladder release itself in fear, as she saw a circle of white hot flame form around the trotting inferno's horn. Before she even had the chance to make her peace with her gods, Flare released the massive amount of energy in the form of a stream of flame hot enough to melt even the mare's bones. Satisfied that he had eliminated all of the attackers, he continued on in the cold, the flames around his body slowly dispersing, leaving behind his beaten and bloodied silver coat, as he trotted in the direction that he had sent his wife, praying that she had found refuge.

Chapter 18:Royal Foalsitting Technique
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 18:Royal Foalsitting Technique

Flare and Star were laying in front of the crackling fire, the young prince pouring over a reference guide on warding magic. "Alright Flare, why have you been reading that particular book for about three hours, now?"

"How else am I going to defend myself from you when you get pissed at me again?"

Star sighed, and nuzzled Flare's neck lovingly. "Baby, I already told you I wouldn't go crazy on you again. So, let's put the book away, and have a nice quiet evening."

Flare smiled, and softly kissed Star on the cheek. "Alright, babe. You win." In a quick moment, Flare closed the book, and levitated it back to the bookshelf, then leaned into Star, feeling her soft fur against his side. "You know, you're right. This is a lot more relaxing than being in the castle. I don't think that anything could ruin this moment, babe."

Flare would soon be eating his words with a titanium spork that he would have bought from thinkgeek, if thinkgeek existed in Equestria, but for now, the only thing he wanted was a nice romantic evening with the mare of his dreams. And then the time finally came for the great interruption to come into place in the form of an all too familiar knocking on the door. The knocking was done in a code that Flare knew all to well. It was a pattern of two hoof-knocks, then the unmistakable sound of a head hitting the door. He was half expecting to hear the word "Smooooooke" not long after.

"Is that who I think it is?"

Flare sighed. "Yep. It's Sky Breaker." Flare didn't even bother to stand, but instead called out "We're bucking!"

Knock-knock-THUNK!

"I said we're bucking! Go away!"

The pegasus's voice called back through the door. "You're lying to me, Flare."

"No, I'm not. It's raunchy, and kinky, and most definitely not suitable for all ages!"

"You're lying, Flare. If you two were really bucking, why's Star being so quiet?"

"She's asleep."

There was an awkward silence. "...Right... I'll be back in five minutes."

Flare sighed and used his magic to fling the door open. "What do you need, Sky?"

Sky Breaker trotted into the living room at almost a canter's pace. "Flare, we have a problem."

Flare and Star both looked at the oegasus with slight looks of confusion, and a slight hint of worry. "What's going on?" Flare asked.

"Well, Cloudchaser and I volunteered to watch her friend, Thunderlane's little brother while he worked his weather shift, today. First he asked if he could have a friend over, and I said yes, so next thing I know, I've got Scootaloo over as well. Then without even realizing it, I had the other two crusaders at my house, and they decided to try to find out if throwing wild obnoxious parties was their special talent, and next thing I knew, my house was overrun with obnoxious fillies and colts. And I think Sweetie Belle almost burned the house down by trying to make milkshakes. Flare, you gotta help me. Please. I told Cloudchaser I'd only be gone for a few minutes. PLEASE!"

Flare patted the pegasus's back assuringly. "Don't worry, bud. We'll help you." Flare was definitely not expecting his old friend to have been overwhelmed by a bunch of foals, and he definitely wasn't expecting the massive hug that came with his offer of assistance. "OHTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!"

"Dude... can't... breathe!"

"Shut up, Flare, you're ruining the moment."

Less than a few minutes later, two unicorns, and a pegasus stepped into a warzone. The house looked as though a hurricane and a tornado had kinky, wild sex as an earthquake watched enthusiastically from the corner. There were colts and fillies running wild in each direction, and a single pegasus mare trying to get them all to calm down. Flare nearly went cross-eyed from trying to keep track of them all. "Just how many are there?"

"About seventeen," Cloudchaser called back, as she zipped to the other side of the house to rescue a falling lamp.

"Well, what am I supposed to do?"

"You're the one who fights demon-ponies and stuff! Think of something! Use your freaky alicorn powers or something!"

Flare pondered for a moment before the idea hit him. "I've got an idea, but you and Cloudchaser may want to go outside."

Sky Breaker, and Cloudchaser immediately followed Flare's suggestion. After a moment, Star joined them outside. "Shouldn't you be in there with Flare, Star?"

Star shook her head. "Nah. He's got it handled. Besides, I'm not tired."

Cloudchaser was slightly confused. "What does that have to do with anyth-" FWOOSH!

A blue light filled the inside of the house, disappearing a moment later, followed by numerous thuds in the hardwood floor, almost in unison.

"Um... what did he just do?" Sky Breaker asked, shooting a puzzled glance at Star.

"Well, he IS Princess Luna's son."

"He's what?' Cloudchaser asked with an eyebrow raised at Star.

"You didn't tell her, did you?"

"Tell me what?"

"Lunar Flare is actually Midnight Flare, and he's kind of a Prince of Equestria."

Cloudchaser looked between the two ponies, a look of disbelief in her eyes. "Yeah, and next thing you're going to tell me is that you're an alicorn, too."

"Well," Star began, "I am."

The pegasus mare trotted up to Star, and poked at her side. "Sure. Then where are your wi- What the buck?! They're invisible! How do you..."

"Masking magic. Princess Luna put a disguise on me and Flare so we could take a vacation."

"So, Flare's actually Prince Fla-... ohmygosh... I scared the buck out of a royal!" The light purple mare was nearly hysterical. She looked at her coltfriend, slightly angry. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

Sky Breaker shrugged off the meager death stare. "I wasn't supposed to tell anypony. They're on vacation. Imagine if you were really famous and decided to go on vacation, but you had ponies everywhere groveling at your feet."

"I could imagine it would be rather annoyi- wait... What's a feet?"

"Beside the point. We need to go check on the foals. I really hope Flare didn't go overboard." Sky started trotting toward the door, and opened it. His jaw dropped at what he saw. Sixteen colts and fillies out cold on the ground, table, wherever they were when the spell hit them, and Flare and a little orange pegasus filly sitting on the couch, talking among themselves. "Uh, Flare? How'd you do that?"

The little pegasus filly hopped up to her hooves, standing on the couch. "It was so AWESOME! Like Rainbow Dash, but with magic!"

Flare laughed. "Well, it was bed time."

"Cute. Really. I'll get a hold of their parents to come get them."

"Um... Mr. Sky Breaker?" the filly called out, waving a hoof high in the air. "Can I stay here, and talk to Mr. Flare some more? He's really awesome. And he says he knows the princesses!"

Sky Breaker smiled at the sight of both the little orange filly, and a full grown stallion giving him puppy dog eyes. "Okay, fine."

It was getting later into the night, and Star was fighting to keep herself awake, laid out on the couch, while Flare and the little filly were sitting on the floor, just chatting away.

"So have you met the prince, Flare?"

"Of course I have, Scoot," Flare half-lied. "I work with him all the time. So has Ms. Star over there."

"Wow! That's so awesome! Word around the orphanage is that he's one of the coolest ponies in the world. Almost cooler than Rainbow Dash or Sky Breaker!"

"Hah. Well, he IS pretty co- wait... Orphanage?" This little tidbit had caught even the prince by surprise. Even Star perked up from her half-sleeping posture at hearing this.

"Sky didn't tell you? I never met my mom or dad. I've been living in the Orphanage my whole life. The closest thing I've ever had to a family is Rainbow Dash, Sky Breaker, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

Flare stared at the filly, pure bewilderment in his eyes. He wondered how a pony with so much spunk, and such a strong personality could possibly be an orphan. Thankfully, for Flare, Scootaloo looked out the window, and her eyes went wide. "Oh, wow. It's getting late and I have school in the morning. It was nice getting to talk to you, Mr. Flare. We should hang out again soon!"

Flare waved a half-hearted hoof, as Scootaloo bolted out the door. "Yeah... definitely."

Prologue: Fuel to the Fire
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Flare of Hope

Prologue: Fuel to the Fire

Flare of Hope: Prologue

There isn't much I remember about my old life, aside from the little black book that Mom let me keep when I came back to this world. Well, if you could call it coming back. She said that perhaps the lessons I learned there could help me adjust to life in this new world. Hah. Judging by the last couple of months in the other world, I'd beg to differ.

I remember it was sometime around November, 2011 when I unwittingly stepped hoo- I mean foot onto the giant metal ring of hell that would drive me to madness. Ah, yes. USS Hornet. LHC-1. I had heard mixed opinions of the ship before I got there, but none of them could've imagined the horrors of working in the USS Hornet Deck Department. I was Pri- Gah! Seaman David Flare. I was a musician. I was an author. I was a poet. I was a Brony. And I had just signed my death wish… so to speak. I had adjusted rather well to shipboard life, and my bullshit work schedule. Every day that I wasn't on duty, I'd drive to the Wind & Surf wifi cafe on base, play World of Warcraft, and have a nice, long conversation with the woman who I saw as my mother. On Saturdays or Sundays, I would spend the day in the same wifi cafe, and watch the new episode of My Little Pony, as it was uploaded on Youtube. There was just something about the characters that made me feel… at peace. And when I saw Princess Luna in "Luna Eclipsed," I always felt as though I was just like her. In more ways than having issues making friends. This was a rather good life… until the shit hit the fan. After a while in deck department, the other seaman must've decided that it was time to try to break me. I was ridiculed every day, for the fact that I acted different from everyone else in the department. After a while of this abuse, I still hadn't broken. I just died on the inside. Nobody could tell that I was suffering. Nobody could tell that I just wanted to go hide in a fan room, and partake in the only thing that made me happy anymore. All they saw was the cold, emotionless David Flare, who seemingly didn't give a fuck. At least until the day that I had enough. I remember it so vividly. We were underway, doing training exercises, and I had just gotten off a late watch. I was finally returning to the berthing to relax, and watch a few episodes of MLP, before I went to bed. I walked toward the aisle that held my rack, and once I finally made it to my only sanctuary, I almost snapped. My lock was laying on the deck next to my rack, and my sheets, and blanket had been ripped off my bed, and thrown onto the floor. I immediately opened my rack to find all my musical equipment missing. I had a MIDI controller, and a beautiful USB microphone, and now it was gone. I couldn't believe it. I finally calmed down, after putting a decent sized dent in my locker, put my sheets, pillow, and blanket back on my rack, dressed down, and climbed inside. I then plugged in my headphones, and started watching Luna Eclipsed on my iPhone. I had seen the episode numerous times, but it was by far my favorite. I still couldn't figure out why. I let the episode play in the background, occasionally snickering at Pinkie Pie's antics, as I began studying a book on magic. I was on a page about how one would mentally channel a spell. It was quite riveting, to be honest. I was in heaven. At least until I was thrown back into the bowels of hell. The sounds of ponies occupying my ears quickly faded, as I felt my earphones being yanked out of my ears. Acting quickly, I closed my book, and rolled out of my rack, quickly hopping up to my feet, staring up at one of the other seaman. I was already furious… this was just the thing to push little Flare the Abuse Sponge over the edge.

"Give it back." I was growling my words, which due to my stature, and being all around scrawny, wasn't that threatening.

"Why, Flare? So you can go back to watching your gay little cartoons?"

"Look… I'm not in the mood. Just give it back." My mind was burning with rage. I began to feel hot all throughout my body.

"Or what? Little Flare the Flamer gonna hurt me? I'm not afraid of you, short shit!" I WAS pretty short. I was 5'7", 150 pounds, and weak as wet paper. But I was too furious to care.

"I'll show you a fucking Flamer!" My mind went blank, with the exception of visions of flames. I saw the essence of pure rage. And my rage engulfing my shipmate, sending him flying into the bulkhead ten feet away. I had no clue what had just happened, but I knew that when he woke up, I was dead. I grabbed my phone, and headphones, stuffed them in my pocket, and ran out of the berthing. If we had been in port, I'd have run off the ship. But we weren't, so I had nowhere to run. I ran as far as I could and hid in the far back corner of the most secluded fan room I knew of. I was afraid. I was furious. I was in tears.

As a tear ran down my face, and hit the deck, I heard a voice come from the speaker of my phone. It sounded… joyful. It… sounded like Pinkie Pie. The weirdest part was that the episode had been stopped since I was in the berthing. I looked down at my phone, and saw the joyful smile beaming at me. I couldn't believe it. Why was Pinkie Pie smiling at me? Then it got a lot more weird.

"Your mommy says it's time to come home, Prince Flare!"

I couldn't believe what Pinkie Pie just said. I had no clue who Prince Flare was. I had never heard of a character named Flare at all. And I definitely didn't believe it when a pink hoof shot out of my phone screen, grabbed me by the collar, and pulled my face toward the phone screen.

I blacked out. No dreams, or anything. Just black. I woke up what felt like hours later, my entire body in an intense pain. And as I opened my eyes, I was staring up at a midnight blue alicorn with a mane like the night sky.

"Welcome home," She said with a smile.

Chapter 1: Study Session
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Flare of Hope

Chapter 1: Study Session

Flare of Hope Ch. 1:

"Child, perhaps Twilight Sparkle can give you some… pointers on controlling your power. That is all I'm suggesting."

Two Alicorns, one a mere three quarter size of the other, were making their way down a magnificent hallway, toward the royal court. It wasn't all that often that the Princess of the Night chose to have somepony sit by her side, but she was only too happy to force this particular pony to sit in.

"Princess Luna, I've only been a pony for two days… and I don't even know how or why I'm coping with this so well. Why does this feel so natural?!" The steel grey Alicorn stallion with his straight black mane stopped in place, staring at Luna, as if she had the answers… which she did… kinda.

Luna moved closer to her fellow alicorn, and nuzzled his neck "Flare, you don't have to be so formal with me. I AM your mother, after all. And the answer to that question is quite simple. You've always been one of us, Flare. You just never knew it."

"I don't see how I can believe any of that, princess. I've been a human all my life. I've even seen baby pictures! I was cute as fuck! And I wasn't a pony. I was a normal, human baby."

Luna rolled her eyes, and continued down the hallway. "Fine. If you don't believe me, go find out. Your history is sacred Equestrian history. Only those who dare to delve into the depths of the most cryptic history know who you are. Perhaps you should pay a visit to Ponyville, and talk to Twilight Sparkle."

Flare knew all about Twilight Sparkle's obsession with knowledge, and figured that it sounded as good a plan as any. "Sounds like a plan to me. As long as it gets me out of this stuffy castle." He took a step back, and closed his eyes, attempting to focus. His horn ignited in a blue, flame-like aura, as he focused harder. He was surrounded by an orb of blue flame, that disappeared a moment later. Luna looked in awe, as she was pleasantly surprised. He had actually teleported… almost.

She turned around, and let out a laugh, as she saw Flare half sticking out of the wall, an unamused look on his face, and a few hairs of his mane burning slowly from the blue flame. The princess giggled, and licked her hoof, pressing the wet hoof to the burning hairs, a small sizzling sound signifying that the small fire was out. "You know, dear. You should really allow me… I don't burn carpets when I teleport."

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Twilight Sparkle was just settling down from a long day of studying. She had made her evening tea, lit a fire in the fireplace, and let Spike go to bed. Now, she was sitting by the fireplace… wait for it… studying. She had been studying by the fire for a few hours, and was starting to drift off, when she heard a knock at the door. She forced herself to her hooves, and headed for the door. "I wonder who it could be at this hour? Ugh… Bass isn't back in town, is he?" She swung open the door, and found herself face to face with not only the princess of the night, but another alicorn, who was just a bit taller than she was. "Oh, princess! How can I help you?"

"Ah, good evening, Miss Sparkle. I'd like to introduce you to somepony you may have read about." Luna stepped aside, to fully reveal the other alicorn. "This is Prince Equinox Leo Constella Valentine Flare."

The stallion blushed, furiously at the mention of the full name that had been given to him upon becoming a pony. "Please, Ma'am. Just call me Flare."

Twilight's eyes went wide, and she stared at the new alicorn. She had met Celestia, Luna, but an alicorn stallion was news to her. "So… you're… the… I… OHMYGOSH!" Twilight dashed to a bookshelf, and began throwing books from the shelf, mumbling something to herself. "Aha! Found it! 'History of the Eternal Son!'" She dashed back to the two alicorns, waving the book that was held in her telekinetic vice.

Flare shot a glance between the princess, and Twilight, figuring that maybe there was something that he had missed. When he was a human, he had seen every episode of the show, at least twice. Through all the episodes, he had never heard anything about this subject.

"Well, I'll leave you two to your studies."

Flare turned to give the princess another glance, only to spot a flash of blue light where she had been standing. "Uh... Wait a second, princess!" He turned and looked back at the smiling unicorn, who was still holding the book. "Why are you smiling so big?"

"It's not every day that I get to meet a legend, in the flesh. Come on. I've got a story to read you."

A few minutes later, Twilight was piling pillows into a large mound. "Is that enough pillows for you, your highness?"

Flare looked at the mountain of pillows, a slight astonishment on his face. "I told you I didn't need any... And stop calling me that."

"Nonsense. Royalty deserves respect. Now, if you'll lay down, we can get to reading."

Flare climbed onto the mound of pillows, trying to make himself comfortable, eventually finding himself sprawled out over the pillows in a most unbecoming fashion. Twilight couldn't help but giggle at this. "So, how old are you, your highness?"

Flare raised an eyebrow at the unicorn. "Twenty-one years old. Why?"

The little bookworm looked at the strange alicorn, slightly confused. "That doesn't seem right. The alicorn that's mentioned in this book was said to be born over a thousand years ago."

Flare grinned. "Of course. That's because it wasn't me."

"Well, If you're the Princess's son, then this is definitely about you. Here, let's read." The librarian opened up to the first page. "Here we go. 'A few years before the tale of the mare in the moon, another deep secret of Equestria was woven. In the days of old, the Princess of the Night bore a foal. This foal was the first alicorn colt born in thousands of years, and would be the only one born throughout history. Not long after the foal's birth, a grave prophecy was put in place. The prophecy stated that one day, a great darkness would threaten the kingdom of harmony, and the elements of such may prove ineffective. That is the point that the eternal son, wielding magic not of this world, would vanquish the darkness, and save the kingdom. Along with the court wizard, Starswirl the Bearded, the two eternal sisters placed the son in another world to prepare for the battles of his future.' I always did love that story." She looked back at Flare, who was staring, slackjawed at her. "And apparently, not long after that is when Luna became Nightmare Moon. I don't know, but I think you should ask her a little more about this. Maybe she can tell you things that I don't know. She WAS there, after all." Twilight looked up from the book again, and spotted a snoozing alicorn sprawled across a mountain of pillows.

Twilight giggled, and ruffled the sleeping alicorn's mane. "Well, he's definitely not like his mother."