Full Moon Rising

     Twilight and Applejack ran furiously down the road to Canterlot. The cool air filled their lungs with energy; they had one thing on their minds, “Stop Dark Flame”. Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Spike had elected to stay behind at the hospital with Rainbow. Her surgery would take almost twelve hours and someone needed to be there when it was over.

     “You sure they’re goin’ to Canterlot?” asked Applejack as she panted from running so fast for so long.

     “Of course. He said he was going to defeat Princess Celestia and that’s where she is.” said Twilight plainly.

      “And just HOW do you plan on stoppin’ ‘em?” asked Applejack curiously.

     “I have no idea.” said Twilight honestly.

     “Good to know.” said Applejack trying to lighten the mood. They continued down the long path to Canterlot.

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      Meanwhile, high above Equestria, Fluttershy began to stir. She knew that she was lying on something soft, warm and comfortable. At first she thought that she was at home and it had all been a dream; then she felt the wind on her face. She opened her eyes and above her was the night sky, bright with stars and the full moon. She turned her head, there was Dark Flames head! She looked down, she was riding on him! She screamed as loud as she could.

      “AHHHH! Oh, you’re awake.” said Dark Flame kindly as he rubbed his head with his hoof. She had given him a headache.

     “WHERE AM I!” shrieked Fluttershy.

     “Well, I’m not sure….that’s why I need YOU.” said Dark Flame lowering his great head sadly.

     “M-m-me?” said Fluttershy frightfully. She was scared to death that he might harm her or her friends.

     “Yes…You see… I’m lost.” he said sorrowfully. “My mother left me and never came back.” he said as a silver tear rolled out of his eye and fell shimmering from his face.

      “I’m sorry.” said Fluttershy affectionately.

      “That’s why I need to get to Canterlot…To find her.” he explained.

     Fluttershy was shocked. He had acted so evil earlier. Was it possible he was just scared and lost and NOT as scary as she thought?

      “I can show you the way to Canterlot.” she said sweetly.

     “YOU CAN!?” said Dark Flame excitedly. His whole face lit up.

     “Sure! You see that road down there? Just follow it; it goes straight to Canterlot.” Fluttershy said cheerfully.

     “Thank you Yellow One.” he said as he smirked devilishly. Fluttershy took no notice.

     “You’re welcome. I always help friends in need.”

     “I’m sure you do.” said Dark Flame as he rolled his eyes. Fluttershy didn’t notice this either.

     Fluttershy suddenly felt the wind speed increase. Dark Flame dove towards the ground so quickly that Fluttershy saw only a blur. Next thing she knew she was on the ground. She was gently placed on the path that led to home. She gazed up and saw dark Flame flying towards Canterlot. She decided that he was not so bad; she started her long trip back home.

      “She was more foolish than I thought.” said Dark Flame to himself. He was pleased that he had one her over so easily. He had not lied to her. He WAS lost and his mother HAD never returned; what pleased him is that she did not see his true motives. He saw Canterlot in the distance.

     “I’m coming for you Celestia.” he said angrily to himself.

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     Twilight and Applejack where worn out by this time. They stood panting heavily on the side of the road. Their fur was in disarray; they were dirty, tired, and hot.

     “How…much…further?” wheezed Applejack between breathes.

     “Ah… thirty minutes.” gasped Twilight. “Come on. We have to get there before HE does.” They continued down the long, worn path to Canterlot.

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    Dark flame could now see the city of Canterlot very clearly. It was built into the side of a huge mountain. Buildings of every shape, size, and color were scattered throughout the inside its walls. The castle was hanging off the side of the cliff. It looked like a traditional castle with its high walls and turrets with pink, cone shaped roofs; a light shown out of a window of the tallest turret. That is where he would gain entry. He flapped his wings and changed his course for the castle. He came in low below the city so he would not be spotted. The clouds below the city also helped to mask his approach.

    He flew vertically up the turret. He stopped and peered into the window. There was no one there that he could see. He squeezed into the window. It had obviously not been designed with ponies his size in mind. The room was brightly lit. The walls were white with crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. The carpet was crimson red, it looked VERY expensive. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It smelled and felt just as he had imagined; but it was much more beautiful.

    He walked down the long hallway. At the end there was a huge ivory door with handles of solid gold. On it was a solid gold carving of Celestia and some other pony he did not recognize. It practically glowed in the light of the chandeliers. He opened it with his telekinesis. There before him, on a golden throne, sat Celestia. He lowered his head, masking his face with his mane so as not to give away his identity just yet. He walked forward slowly, his hooves making a distinct clumping sound as he walked; like high heels on hard wood flooring.

     “Luna, I hope you have a good reason for raising the full moon on the night of the new moon. Wait…YOU’RE NOT LUNA!” said Celestia with shock.

     “Correct you are.” said Dark Flame evilly as he shot a green energy beam directly at Celestia. She dodged it and it destroyed her throne in a fiery explosion.

     “Hold still coward!” yelled Dark Flame angrily as he lifted himself off of the ground to chase his enemy.

     “I don’t know who you are or why you’re here, but you’re sadly mistaken if you think I’m a coward.” said Celestia as she shot an energy beam at Dark Flame. He dodged it and it struck a statue of Star Swirl the Bearded, shattering it into a million marble shards.

      “Was THAT supposed to hit me?” he laughed. “And to answer any question you may have, I am your worst nightmare here to take this kingdom from you.” After he finished saying this he fired off another energy beam. At the same time Celestia shot one at him and they met in the middle and exploded in a flash of light that could be seen all other Canterlot. There was a sound like thunder.

     “I will not let you take control of my subjects. It is my duty to protect them from tyrants like YOU!” said Celestia angrily as she charged at him with her horn lowered. He landed and she over shot him.

     “TYRANT!? I’M A LIBERATOR!” shouted Dark Flame, turning around to face his adversary. Celestia had landed and was looking puzzled at him.

      “Liberator?” she said curiously.

     “Don’t play dumb Princess. I know what kind of tyrant you are.” said Dark Flame stomping his hoof.

     “I am a peaceful, freedom loving ruler.” said Celestia angrily.

     “LIAR!” screamed Dark Flame as he again spread his massive wings and lifted himself from the ground. Celestia got her first look at him. He was huge! Never in all of her days had she seen a pony that large! She was taken back for a second but then lifted herself from the ground after him. His mane looked EXACTLY like Luna’s. This puzzled her greatly.

      “Don’t make me do this. Please, just surrender.” she pleaded with him.

     “NEVER!” he yelled.

     “So be it.” she said coldly. They shot energy beams at each other simultaneously. The bulge where the two beams met moved from side to side as the two combatants struggled to win the fight. Then, without warning it exploded in the middle. The explosion sent them both flying backwards and blew a massive hole in the turret. They both fell, charred and unconscious, to the ground.

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     On the path to Canterlot Twilight and Applejack saw the explosion. They stopped dead in their tracks. Part of the side of the turret had been completely blown off. Gray smoke rose from the gaping hole.

      “OH NO! WE’RE TOO LATE!” screamed Twilight.

     “Not if we hurry we’re not.” said Applejack and they continued down the path. They saw Fluttershy standing dumbfounded in the middle of the road facing Canterlot. Her normally immaculate pink mane looked like a rats nest. She was still covered in dirt. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were wild.

     “FLUTTERSHY!” they screamed excitedly as they ran up and hugged their friend.

     “W-w-w-what was THAT!” squeaked Fluttershy.

      “Why, don’t ya know? Dark Flame’s fightin’ Celestia!” said Applejack worriedly.

     “No he’s not. He’s in Canterlot to find his mother.” said Fluttershy.

     “WHAT!? He LIED to you! After you ran off in the forest he tried to KILL me! After he kidnapped you he threatened to kill Spike and almost killed Rainbow! She might never fly AGAIN!” yelled Twilight.

     “WHAT!?” yelled Fluttershy, changing her expression from concern to rage. “THAT BIG, DUMB, LIAR!” she screamed and she ran off towards Canterlot. Twilight and Applejack looked at each other then ran off after her.

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     Back in the castle Dark Flame opened his eyes. He was sore all over. He slowly stood up. His black fur was covered in gray soot from the explosion. He looked over to see Princess Celestia rising also. Her horn was stained black; her beautiful white fur was blotched black. Her crown had melted and was lying in a puddle on the floor.

     “Surrender!” she yelled weakly.

     “NEVER!” he screamed. He ran over to her and rammed her side. She yelled with pain and slid across the floor. She lifted her head weakly and fired off an energy beam. He met it with a blast of purple fire. It went straight to her and she fell unconscious to the floor. Her fur smoked and smoldered. Her mane turned from a glowing rainbow to gray. She was dying.

      “AT LAST! I DID IT! I DEFEATED CELESTIA!” shouted Dark Flame with victory as he stood over his dying opponent.