Embrace the darkness

Twilight Sparkle was angry and confused, she had never acted this way towards her mentor, but at the moment she didn’t care, she only cared about getting answers, she needed answers. There was nothing more frustrating than an unanswered question. Twilight walked through the broken door of the library and froze mid-step just as Darklight stepped out from the transformation rune. He was the Alicorn from her dream at the hospital, the same jet black fur, the electric blue eyes, the mare-ish physique, and the same cutie marks of skulls and blue flames. Twilight’s horn glowed and she grabbed Darklight in her magical grasp forcing him against the wall. “ANSWERS NOW!!” Darlight’s own horn glowed with an electric blue aura and shadows swirled around him, and when they dispersed he was on the other side of the room.

“I told you I’d give you all the answers you wanted if you followed me back to the library, which you have, so no need for threats, just ask away.” Twilight took a deep breath and gestured to the kitchen.

“We’ll talk in there. Rarity, Rainbow, would mind cleaning up some of this mess?” The two ponies gave each other a look before picking up the pieces of smashed door. Twilight left them to their work and walked into the kitchen followed by Darklight who stood quietly by the door. “First question, what did you mean when you said to Celestia “sending innocent ponies to the moon agrees with you?” Luna wasn’t innocent.....”

“Yes she was.” Darklight muttered. Twilight gave him a confused look. “When Luna broke and turned into Nightmare Moon, I could have helped Luna gain control of her new found dark powers, and convinced her to lower the moon to make way for the sun. Celestia didn’t need to banish her to a thousand years of isolation.”

“But how could you have helped her.....”

“The same way I’m going to have to help you.” Twilight frowned.

“I don’t need any help!”

“Yes you do. Do you know the real reason Celestia gave you the information to create the Lost Rune...”

“She actually only wanted me to study it, not create it.” Darklight smiled.

“You really think Celestia didn’t know you were going to create the Lost Rune, I’ve known you for two hours and already I know you would jump at a chance to test out new magic. Tartarus is going to fall and unleash its ancient evil on Equestria, that’s why I’m here, and that’s why Celestia gave you the chance to create the Lost Rune, it’s the only way she could save Equestria and herself. In order to save Equestria you’re going to have to use the same dark powers that are threatening it.”

“Can’t we just use the Elements of Harmony?”

“No you can’t. Tartarus is home to extremely powerful ancient creatures that have been imprisoned there for over two thousand years. Darkness this strong, can only be fought with stronger darkness. Celestia knows this which is why she unsealed the dark arts section of her old castle’s library and pulled out the details of the Lost Rune.” Twilight rubbed her temples feeling a headache coming on.

“Do you know what the Lost Rune is exactly. Celestia said there were side effect.....”

“But she didn’t tell you what they were, did she?” Twilight shook her head. “First of all you’ll think you’re in different parts of life, you should be past that stage by now. The second side effect is violent mood swings, followed by unpredictable and erratic behaviour. The third phase is the worst, if you haven’t fully converted to using dark magic you’ll be subjected to extreme pain thresholds as your natural magic and the rune magic fight each other for room in your body. If you don’t choose between one or the other you could die.”

“Why would Star Swirl create such a rune anyway.”

“Because of me, the first Time Star Swirl and I met was during the time he was using the Elements of Harmony to free Equestria from the evil that was plaguing it. I could sense the magical disturbances in my world and tracked it to Equestria. I helped Star Swirl in his quest until the very end when we were about shut the gates of Tartarus. I wanted to destroy the realm and everything in it, but Star Swirl wouldn’t let me. Star Swirl tried use the Elements of Harmony against me, but what he didn’t know was I’m their dark opposite, their powers are useless against me. When Star Swirl figured this out he secretly moved the gates of Tartarus and I’ve been coming back every one hundred years to find them. On my fifth visit Star Swirl found me and told me to never come back. I refused and that’s when he revealed the the Lost Rune. He knew darkness as strong as mine, couldn’t be fought with light, it could only be fought with stronger darkness. That’s what the Lost Rune is.”

“I don’t believe that, the Elements of Harmony, and the power of friendship have never let me down before....”

“I’ll prove it to you. Use the Elements of Harmony against me.” Darklight spoke with such casualness like he was merely commenting on the weather rather than having her use the most powerful form of magic to attack him.

“I don’t think that a good idea...” Darklight shrugged and stood up stretching his wings.

“Your choice, the offer still stands.” Darklight walked back into the lounge room just as Rainbow and Rarity were picking up the bits of broken door.

“I don’t know about you Rainbow darling, but I could certainly use a trip to the spa.” Rainbow made  a gagging noise.

“No thanks Rares.”

“I wouldn’t mind a little pampering myself.” Darklight said stretchering out his body. “I’ll join you.” Rainbow burst out laughing and fell to the floor holding her stomach. Darklight gave her a blank emotionless stare. “Something amusing you Dashie?”

“Yo...You...You’re going....to....the....spa...”

“I don’t like smelling like zombie rot, and I’ve got blood still stuck to my body. So yes I’m going to the spa.” Twilight walked into the room and glared at her marefriend.

“Leave him alone Rainbow Dash. You could use a little spa treatment yourself, you smell like sweat and dirt.” Rainbow stopped laughing and gazed at Twilight with concern.

“Are you okay babe? You’ve never said something like that before.” Twilight groaned and rubbed her head.

“Sorry mood swings...” Rainbow held up a hoof.

“Say no more babe....it’s that time of month again...though it does put a damper on my plans for you tonight.”

“It’s nothing like that Dashie....it’s just another side effect of these blasted runes....” Twilight gave Rainbow a seductive look and stalked up to her. “.....And what did you have planned for me tonight? Does it involve the contents of a certain box in the basement?” Darklight tapped Rarity on the shoulder and gestured to the broken door.

“Quite right darling, those two can get a bit frisky even in the company of other ponies.” Darklight followed Rarity out of the library, and she lead him down the mane street of Ponyville towards the spa. As they walked, Darklight stared at the white unicorn like he found something particularly interesting at a museum. Rarity huffed and rounded on the Alicorn. “Darklight darling, while I appreciate the attention, I really must insist you stop ogling me in public.” Darklight gave Rarity a small smile.

“.....You remind of someone extremely close to me back home, who died.” Rarity blinked a few times.

“Really? Who?” Darklight turned away from her and looked straight ahead.

“It doesn’t matter, she’s gone.”

“It’s just right here darling.” Rarity said holding out a hoof to stop him walking further. As her hoof made contact with his fur, icy cold electric tingles ran up her legs and through her body causing her to shiver.

“You felt that?” Darklight asked curiously. Rarity nodded and walked into the spa.

“What was it?”

“Necromantic energy.” His statement was met with a blank stare, so Darklight gestured to his cutie mark.

“Death magic. That’s my special talent. All I’m good for really.” Rarity scoffed and paid for their entrance.

“Surely that’s not true!”

“You’re the Element of Generosity, not Honesty. How would you know what’s true?” Rarity pulled on a bathrobe, while Darklight declined one, instead making his way to the bathing tubs. He submerged himself in the hot water and streams of crimson liquid flowed from his fur. The two spa assistants hesitated when they saw the blood in water.

“It’s quite alright darlings,” Rarity assured the ponies as she stepped in the hot tub next to him. “The girls and I had a little run in with some zombie ponies in the Everfree forest, Darklight here saved us.” The two spa ponies nodded and started scrubbing his fur causing more blood to flow into water. They gave his wings a gentle tap and he flared them open for them to wash. Rarity noticed the same dark blue streaks through his mane and tail, were also along the tips and veins of his feathers. “Darklight! Your feathers are amazing! Cadence is the only other Alicorn I’ve seen with multicolored feathers.” Darklight smiled at Rarity’s compliment.

“Cadence? She’s the Princess of Love isn’t she?”

“Uh-huh! What’s your title.” Darklight shrugged.

“Don’t really have one. Back in my world the warlocks call me “Fallen One.” The werewolves and vampires, know me as “Shadow.” And to the purifiers, I’m known as “Azrael.” Rarity gazed at him curiously.

“What exactly are Purifiers?”

“They’re a sect of religious nuts who believe the world needs to be cleansed of all magical creatures and powers.” Darklight stepped out of the hot tub and levitated a towel to dry himself off. Rarity did the same and they walked to the massaging benches.

“Your world sounds extremely dark and dangerous.” Darklight chuckled humorlessly.

“Not as dark and dangerous as I am.” The two companions stopped talking once the spa ponies began their massages, and after a while Rarity became aware of a low rumbling sound filling the room. Rarity glanced at Darklight.

“Are you......purring?” Darklight nodded.

“I’m a Familiar remember. It’s what we do when we’re calm and contented.”

“What exactly is a Familiar?”

“Essentially I’m a shape shifter, or phaser, my second form is either a large house cat or a panther.”

“Do you mind if I say something......I must warn you, it might be offensive.” Darklight extended a wing to be massaged.

“I sincerely doubt you are able to say anything that can offend me.” Rarity hesitated, and Darklight gestured for her to continue.

“It’s just......you’re not like the other stallions I meet.....they tend to be more...sturdily built....and don’t usually go to the spa...so I can’t help but wonder if you’re....”

“A colt cuddler?” Darklight offered. Rarity blushed.

“Sorry.” Darklight smiled.

“Don’t be, I’ve been called worse. And no I’m not a colt cuddler. I choose this particular physique because I prefer slim and graceful over strong and bulky. It allows me to perform more complicated and faster fighting maneuvers which is essential if I’m fighting werewolves or vampires, or I get surrounded during a fight. As for the spa treatment, that comes from my feline side. Have you ever known a cat that likes to be dirty, or not loved a good pampering every once in a while.” The spa ponies finished their massage and Darklight stepped off the table. Rarity now noticed how he moved with predatory grace, and was as silent as death itself, not even his wings ruffled when he walked. They walked to the exit and Darklight’s horn glowed as he held the door open for the white unicorn. Rarity shivered in the cold snowy night air, and brushed some snow from her mane.

“I should have thought to bring a cloak or something. Melting snow always wreaks havoc on my mane.” A low chuckle came from Darklight, and Rarity glared at him. “This is no laughing matter darling, do you have any idea how long it takes to get my mane just right?” Darklight extended a wing and held it over her head.

“You did have a cloak, but you gave it to me remember.” Rarity glanced up at the dark wing covering her from the falling snow.

“How did you know what Element I am? How do you know I’m not the Element of Honesty?” Darklight was silent for a moment.

“Each type of magic has a distinct flavor of power, including the Elements of Harmony. The Element of Generosity is a lot more tingly than the Element of Honesty.” Rarity gestured to her boutique shop.

“This is me right here, darling.” Darklight suddenly pulled her into a hug and whispered softly in her ear.

“There’s something following us, I don’t know what it is but it’s powerful, and it’s targeting your Element. I’m going to place a spell on you that will protect you, then I need you to go to Twilight and tell her to find me in the Everfree Forest.” Before Rarity could say anything, Darklight’s eyes glowed with blue energy and he kissed the unicorn softly on the lips. Rarity gasped and shivered as icy coldness trickled through her mouth and spread through the rest of her body. Darklight broke off the kiss and ran towards the Everfree forest.

                                         -----------------------------------------------

Twilight gave Rainbow a seductive look and stalked up to her. “.....And what did you have planned for me tonight? Does it involve the contents of a certain box in the basement?” Rainbow gulped and was vaguely aware of Darklight and Rarity walking out the broken door of the library.

“Maybe...” Twilight’s horn glowed enveloping the pegasus in her magic, and she teleported them to the basement grabbing the box before teleporting them to the bedroom.

“Perhaps we should try a lucky dip. Whatever comes out of the box first I’ll be using.....” Rainbow shook her head.

“Nope, you’ll use your magic and grab the Dom outfit for yourself.” Twilight smiled mischievously.

“How right you are my little Sub.”

“Come on Twi.” Rainbow pleaded. “You were on top last time, and the time before that.” Twilight levitated the riding crop in front of Rainbow’s face.

“Does Dashie need to be reminded who’s in charge here?” Rainbow sighed dejectedly.

“Fine....whatever....let’s just get this over with.” Twilight hesitated, she couldn’t do this if Rainbow wasn’t happy being the Sub, so she put the riding crop down in front of Rainbow.

“.....Looks like I’m the one who needs to be reminded who’s in charge.” Rainbow’s cocky grin returned and she pulled four violet striped leather socks out of the box, each one with a length of thin chain attached to the end of them.

“You know what I like, babe. I’m going to get changed in the bathroom and when I come back I expect you to be ready.” Rainbow pulled one of the outfits from the box and walked to the bathroom. Twilight collected the violet striped leather socks and slipped them over her hoofs tightening the girths at the top so they couldn’t come off. On a hunch she found a pair of matching crotch-less silk panties and slipped them on, pulling her tail through the accommodating hole in the back. Next, the Alicorn laid spread eagled on the bed using her magic to secure the chains to each of the four bed posts. She levitated the ball gag out of the box and secured it around her mouth, before pulling on a blind fold.

“Rnnffbbw dssth!” Twilight called out after a few minutes of waiting. Twilight heard the bathroom door open Rainbow walking across to her.

“Twilight, I didn’t spend almost ten minutes getting dressed up in this awesome outfit just for you not to appreciate it.” Rainbow pulled the blind fold off and Twilight blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light and she focused her gaze on Rainbow. Had she not been lying on her back, her wings would have shot up with an epic ~POMF.~ Rainbow turned around in slow circles. “You like?” She was wearing black leather boots over fishnet stockings and a pair of leather crotch-less panties.

“Ysshh!” Rainbow smirked and stepped up onto the bed to stand over her bound lover.

“I could kinda tell you like it Sparkles, you’re drooling.” Rainbow ran her tongue over Twilight’s chin cleaning the drool off before nibbling her ear. “You know...I recall some very naughty words being screamed when your potion exploded.....perhaps punishment number three will teach you not to use such foul language.” Twilight struggled against her restraints.

“MMPH!” Rainbow swiped her cheek against Twilight’s, and nuzzled her chest.

“Don’t worry....only ten minutes....”

“MMPH!”

“.....Of relentless sexual teasing.” Twilight glared at her girlfriend, promising retribution. I t was a look Rainbow knew all to well. The pegasus chuckled and drew little circles around Twilight’s nose with her own.

“It’ll be worth it, watching you squirm helplessly as I tease you insistently....have I ever told you how cute you are when you squirm?” Twilight’s glare grew colder. “So which would you prefer first, feather, or tongue?”

“MMPH!” Rainbow nodded.

“Feather it is then!” Rainbow extended a wing and winced as she pulled one of her feathers out. She held in in her mouth as she moved further down Twilight’s body until she was between her legs, where Twilight’s marehood was outlined by the crotch-less panties.  Moving with deliberate, and delicate care, Rainbow began tracing the feather up and down Twilight’s plot, causing the Alicorn to moan and twitch uncontrollably. Twilight wanted nothing more than to grab Rainbow’s head and force the pegasus to go down on her, but their rules and her bonds prevented her from doing so. After two minutes of relentless teasing, Rainbow finally placed the feather down, and Twilight relaxed feeling exhausted from all the sensations coursing through her body. Rainbow bent down and ran her tongue over Twilight’s marehood collecting her flowing juices. Twilight whimpered, and Rainbow ran a comforting hoof through her mane. “Don’t worry babe, just eight more minutes, than you can cum as mush as you want.” Rainbow wiped her hoof across Twilight’s chin. “You’re drooling again.”

“MMMMPPPPHHHH!!!” Rainbow smirked and positioned her tail over Twilight’s fun spot.Twilight whimpered once more and she began squirming in her bonds trying to escape the punishing teasing she was about to experience. Rainbow made some comforting noises and began nuzzling Twilight’s cheek.

“It’s okay babe, I’m going to help you through this. Just look into my eyes.” Twilight did as instructed and she saw only unconditional love looking back at her from those beautiful magenta eyes.

“Mmph....” Twilight leaned forward so she could give her Pegasus a nuzzle. If it weren’t for the ball gag in her mouth, Twilight would have ran her tongue across Rainbow’s lips before placing it in her mouth.

“You ready, babe?” Twilight took a deep breath through her nose and nodded, before relaxing into the pillows behind her. Rainbow began swishing her tale back and forth causing Twilight to moan loudly and squirm uncontrollably beneath her. Rainbow nibbled Twilight’s ear sending more delicious sensations through her body. “Just one more minute....stay with me one more minute.” Twilight looked into Rainbow’s eyes and nodded. She had been close to using their safe signal which would have ended her discomfort and Rainbow would have given her the release she was longing for. But during the times they had done this to each other, neither of them had used any of the safe words or signals, as they both knew each other’s limation. As promised, Rainbow stopped her teasing after one minute, and she stepped off the bed. “I know I said ten minutes of teasing. But I can’t stand watching you suffer like this. I know you wouldn’t let me go through the same thing, so how can I let you?” Twilight moaned as release was on the horizon, she just wished Rainbow would hurry up with it. She heard the Pegasus rummaging around in the box and return seconds later wearing a strap-on. Twilight spread her back legs open as far as she could and thrust her hips forward, wanting nothing more than to have Rainbow buck her as hard as possible, so she couldn’t walk for a week. Rainbow stepped up onto the bed and positioned the strap-on over her marehood and Twilight closed her eyes waiting for the sweet release of her intense sexual tension. She felt the tip of the fake meat on her marehood.......

“TWILIGHT! YOU’VE GOT TO COME QUICKLY” The Alicorn’s eyes shot open as Rarity ran into the library. “DARKLIGHT NEEDS YOUR HELP IN THE EVERFREE FOREST!!” Twilight groaned in frustration and she Teleported to the library downstairs leaving behind the ball-gag, panties, and leather socks.

“What are you talking about rarity? What’s wrong with Darklight?” Rarity took a few deep breaths trying to catch her breath.

“We were on our way back from the spa and Darklight said something powerful was targeting my Element, he gave me some sort of spell to protect me so I could come to you.....”

“What type of spell?” Rarity waved the question aside.

“That’s not important....something from the Everfree forest is threatening Ponyville and Darklight is trying to stop it!” Twilight groaned and teleported back into the bedroom where Rainbow was waiting, still dressed, and wearing the strap-on. It took all her self control not to bend over and have Rainbow take her then and there.

“I’ve got to help Darklight with something. Stay here until I come back. And when I do you’re going to buck me til I can’t walk for a week!” Rainbow began taking off her accessories and placing them back in the box.

“I’m coming with....MMPH!” Twilight stopped her girlfriend mid-sentence with a deep kiss.

“I can’t let you do that, not without the rest of the Elements of Harmony, and collecting them will take too long, and Darklight needs my help now. Just stay here with Rarity, I promise I’ll be back” Rainbow huffed and placed the last item back in the box.

“I don’t want to stay here, I want to go with you. I need to protect you!” Twilight grabbed Rainbow by the shoulders and shook her violently.

“I need to you stay here, why can’t you understand me? I can’t worry about you and help Darklight at the same time. Please just listen to me, and do what I ask. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to come back to you.”

“I can’t just stay here! Not when you could be in danger!” Twilight’s horn glowed and she enveloped the pegasus in her magic.

“I’m sorry about this Dashie. But I need you to be safe.” Rainbow was about to say something when her body became limp and still, and Twilight placed her sleeping lover on the bed, before flying out the window into the cold night air. She didn’t know where Darklight was, so she flew higher into the air until all of Ponyville was laid out beneath her. Something caught her attention at the edge of the Everfree forest and she flew towards it until she could make out what it was, and she could only stare memorized by the scene in front of her. Darklight was back in his human form fighting with dozens of large insect like creatures, he moved liquid grace as he used his sword to kill the creatures as they swarmed towards Ponyville. At the same time shadows were flowing through the crowd of insects pulling their bodies apart and slashing their throats. It was like watching an elaborate dance, both beautiful and deadly. But despite all his skill and deadliness the sheer numbers were overwhelming him and getting past his defenses.

‘ANYTIME YOU’RE READY PRINCESS!” Twilight’s runes glowed and she flew towards the ground landing beside Darklight. “Just keep them off my back! I’ll handle everything else.” Twilight nodded and her horn glowed forming a barrier between the creatures and Darklight’s back. One of the creatures lunged at her and a spear of shadows sliced through the back of its neck taking its head. Darklight cried out in pain and Twilight turned to see one of the creatures biting into his shoulder. A stream of energy burst from her horn blasting the creature away, and Darklight continued his attack with vicious, and merciless fury. More creatures began focusing their attention on the Alicorn, but before they could attack several shards of darkness shot up from the ground piercing straight through their bodies. Suddenly the creatures turned and ran back into forest.

“What’s happening?” Twilight asked. “Why are they retreating?” Darklight sighed and and sat down on the ground beside Twilight, breathing heavily. His whole body was covered in cuts which were oozing black blood. “Are you okay?” Darklight shook his head and wiped a hand across his forehead.

“Not really........I just wasted a perfectly good spa treatment!” Twilight blinked at him, and Darklight smirked. “You think Rarity’s going to kill me for wasting her bits?” Twilight stared open mothed at him. “If she won’t...Garro certainly wi....” Darklight groaned and held his head. “He’s coming....need....blood...”

“Blood?” Darklight held out a hand and gestured for her hoof. Twilight hesitantly put it his hand shivering as icy cold electric tingles shot through her body. Darklight sliced the sword across her leg and and cupped his hands under the flow of blood.

“The reason those creatures fled is because something much more dangerous is coming.....” Darklight began smearing her blood over his chest and body. “....A demon named Garro. He was one of the last demons Star Swirl and I imprisoned in Tartarus, he knows my magical scent so I’m hoping the magic in your blood will be enough to mask me....” Darklight held her bleeding leg up to his mouth and gagged as he began drinking her blood. Twilight was faintly disgusted and was grateful when he let go of her hoof. “.....Remember Twilight, you must be prepared to do anything to make it out alive tonight. This is our one chance to destroy one of the most dangerous demons alive in Equestria. It will greatly weaken the darkness threatening Equestria, and greatly increase our chances of saving your friends.” Twilight activated the healing rune, repairing the cut on her leg.

“Saving my friends?” Darklight nodded and stood up swaying slightly.

“Garro was targeting the Element of Generosity, I first sensed him when I was walking Rarity back to her shop, so I gave her enough dark magic to mask her Element. Garro’s now probably trying to find the rest of the Elements....” Twilight gasped and was about run back to Ponyville, but Darklight placed a hand on her back stopping her.

“Garro doesn’t know who or where they are, he only found Rarity’s Element by chance, your friends are safe. But we need to kill Garro to make sure they stay saf....” Darklight groaned and held his head again. “He’s coming, we have to move!” Darklight began walking towards the forest and though he was trying to hide it, Twilight could tell he was badly hurt.

“Are you okay?”

“Not really, I’m in a considerable amount of pain, I’ve got a massive amount of the strongest poison in Tartarus coursing through my body, and to top it off I’m about to take down a demon that requires me to be one hundred percent if I want to survive.”

“I could heal you.” Twilight offered, but Darklight shook his head.

“Garro’s smart, he won’t attack me until I’m close to dead, which won’t be very long now. He’ll also wait until I’m isolated and away from the rest of the Elements of Harmony...”

“I thought you said the Elements of Harmony didn’t work against darkness as strong as this.” Darklight scoffed and stopped walking to lean against a tree.

“The Elements of Harmony are the strongest form of pure magic in Equestria......” Darklight hissed softly and fell to the ground clutching his heart. “.....Garro is a greater demon strong enough to resist the Elements, but doing so will greatly weaken him.....the creatures of Tartarus would love nothing more than to pick off the Elements one by one.....I’m guessing that’s why Garro is here.....how he escaped is a mystery we’ll have to solve before more greater demons decide to escape.” Darklight took a deep breath and pressed a pressed a clump of snow to his forehead. Twilight gave him a doubtful look.

“I thought you said you were capable of destroying Tartarus.....yet a few minor demons seem to have made you useless.” Darklight laughed and winced holding his ribs.

“I was holding back when I was fighting those demons, if I use too much dark magic I run the risk of unleashing something unstoppable and uncontrollable. That can only happen when we’re in Tartarus.” Twilight frowned.

“We?...”

“Celestia asked you to participate in the Equestrian games didn’t she? I’m planning on joining you in hell.” Twilight about to say something when a loud screaming sound echoed through the forest. Darklight cursed and pulled Twilight froward covering her ears so she couldn’t hear the screaming. When it finally stopped, blood leaked from Darklight’s ears, and he slumped against the tree breathing heavily. “Looks like our wait is finally over, that was Garro’s death scream. You’re not yet powerful enough to withstand it.” Darklight Collected his sword and stood up groaning painfully. “I’m going to hold Garro off as long as I can, but when you get the chance use the Lost Rune’s powers and stop his heart.” Twilight shook her head and backed off a few steps.

“I can’t do that....I’ve never killed anything before in my life!” Darklight knelt down and placed his sword in front of her.

“I’ve sacrificed my ability to kill Garro so that you can take him by surprise. He won’t be suspecting that so it’s our best chance to end him for good. You’re Equestria’s only chance of survival, if you fail in this, Garro will find a way to kill us both, and then he’s going to kill your friends and take the Elements of Harmony. From there Equestria falls back to its dark days before Tartarus was built, and nothing will be able to bring it back this time.”

“But......there has to be another way!” Darklight snarled and for a moment something dark twisted and evil shone through his eyes, it only lasted a second but Twilight saw it.

“Star Swirl said the exact same thing when we first imprisoned the creatures, and now two thousand years later history is repeating itself. The only way to keep your friends, family, and the future of Equestria safe is to kill everything that threatens them. If I had done that the first time I was here, this wouldn’t be happening, you wouldn’t start being consumed by darkness, and none of your friends’ lives would be in danger. Killing these creatures is the only way Equestria is kept safe, if you don’t, Equestria will fall forever.” For a moment Darklight watched as Twilight struggled internally with her decession, but he knew her love for Equestria and keeping her friends safe was going to override her moral objections of killing an evil demon. “Think of Rainbow Dash and what it would mean for her if you don’t kill this demon.” Twilight’s eyes widened and a tear trailed down her cheek.

“I’ll do it!” Twilight said resolutely. “I have to keep my Pegasus safe.....no matter what.....” More tears rolled down her cheeks and Darklight gave her a soft hug, running a comforting hand down her back.

“Just remember who you are. If you feel like you’re slipping towards the abyss. Just remember what makes you Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight hugged Darklight back somehow finding comfort in the icy tingles flowing through her body from their contact. The air around them grew colder and Darklight stood grabbing his sword and stepped protectively in front of Twilight as unnatural white mist began flowing along the ground towards them.

“Darklight!” A cold voice echoed said from the mists. “I wasn’t expecting to see you, it was clever hiding your scent behind the blood of the Alicorn. Seeing you like this so weak and vulnerable from the venom of my fellow demons, it warms my cold heart.” Darklight raised his sword, and spoke softly.

“I still have enough strength to kill you.” The voice from the mists screeched loudly and flew through the air towards him. Blue flames erupted along the sword’s glasslike blade and Darklight spun in a circle slashing at the mists. The mists retreated and flowed back to their original position.

“You’re lying Darklight! I can sense how weak you are! You’re nothing but an insect waiting to be squished!” Darklight smirked.

“I remember you saying that when Star Swirl forced you into Tartarus.” The mists flew into the air and formed a writhing white orb.

“I’m going to kill you Darklight! For what you did to me two thousand years you’re going to die.” Darklight shrugged.

“I’m right here, waiting.” Garro laughed coldly.

“I’m not just going to kill you, I’m going to completely shatter your soul. I’ve seen your thoughts, I’ve lived your memories, and there’s one painful memory you’re going to have to relive if you want to kill me.” Darklight snarled and raised his sword defiantly, and for the first time Twilight saw him angry.

“Don’t you dare!” Mocking laughter filled the forest and the mists began swirling to the ground forming something physical. When the mists had settled, a large pure white panther with dark emerald green eyes was standing there. “Stop it!” Darklight said in a dangerously low tone.

“Are you willing to kill your sister again?” The panther said in the mists cold voice. “Are you ready to destroy what’s left of your soul?” Darklight gave a feral hiss and ran forward dropping his sword.

“You’re not my sister! And my soul was destroyed long ago!” Darklight leaped Garro and it was like Twilight blinked. One moment Darklight was human, the next a large jet black panther landed in a crouch on the ground. Twilight watched helplessly as the two predators stalked each other in slow circles before lunging at each other in a frenzy of claw and fangs. Twilight didn’t know how to help, she couldn’t just aim the Lost Rune’s power at Garro to stop his heart, what if she hit Darklight. Twilight’s horn glowed and she picked up Darklight’s fallen sword with her magic, and waited for the chance Darklight said he would give her to kill Garro. But Twilight doubted Darklight could last much longer, he was no longer smooth and graceful, the poison in his blood, and the deep cuts on his body had taken their toll and right now he was only fighting defensively. Garro swiped his claws across Darklight’s face blinding him in one eye, before forcing him on his back and biting into his throat. Darklight hissed loudly sending a torrent of shadows from his mouth into Garro’s face, the shadows swarmed around the white panther’s body cutting and slashing at its flesh. Darklight got to his feet and phased back into his human form before leaping onto the demon’s back grabbing it in a chokehold. Shadows formed a knife in his hand and he sliced it across the demon’s throat. Blood spurted through the air and Darklight gripped Garro tightly as the demon began thrashing violently trying to escape. “Twilight! Kill it! Now!” Twilight hesitated and glanced at the sword floating in front of her. She couldn’t kill it. She had never killed anything before. “Twilight! Now!” Twilight barely heard Darklight through her own thoughts. Then Darklight’s earlier words echoed in her mind. “Think of Rainbow Dash and what it would mean for her if you don’t kill this demon.” Twilight screamed and flew forward activating the Lost Rune and sending its power through the sword before stabbing it through the demon’s heart.

“I’m so sorry!” Twilight sobbed pulling the sword free and stabbing the demon. “But I can’t let you hurt my Dashie!” The sword fell from her magical grasp and she hugged the panther’s body sobbing into its chest. “I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!” She felt icy cold tingles rush through her body as Darklight’s arms wrapped around her and her hugged her tightly.

                                                           “It’s going to be okay....I’m going to help you through this.”