Return Of The Lunar Knight: A Sharp Sword's Knightby Moonlit NovelChaptersCommon Era Chapter One/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Two: Masao’s Return/The Three GroupsCommon Era Chapter Two/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Three: A New Sharp SwordCommon Era Chapter Three/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Four: Sharp Sword is Who!?Common Era Chapter Four/ Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Five: The Day’s Legion’s First MistakeCommon Era Chapter Five/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Six: Blood Flows Red Once Again/The LetterCommon Era Chapter Six/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Seven: Unfortunate TimingCommon Era Chapter Seven/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Eight: ApprehensionCommon Era Chapter Eight/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Nine: Sharp Sword Learns the TruthCommon Era Chapter Nine/MLP Season One Chapter One: The Mare on the Moon Part OneCommon Era Chapter Ten/MLP Season One Chapter Two: The Mare on the Moon Part TwoCommon Era Chapter Eleven/MLP Season One Chapter Three: Alienation/Learning Facts about Mankind(Skippable) Common Era Chapter Twelve/MLP Season One Chapter Four: A Short Chapter; Luna’s Sadness/Dealing with the FirearmsCommon Era Chapter Thirteen/MLP Season One Chapter Five: Gryphon Glared/The Moon Snatched AwayCommon Era Chapter Fourteen/MLP Season One Chapter Six: The Worst Night Ever/Somepony Is Going to get Bucked up Royally(pun so very much intended)Common Era Chapter Fifteen/MLP Season Two Chapter One: Return of Harmony/A Lazy DayCommon Era Chapter Sixteen/MLP Season Two Chapter Two: Lunar Eclipsed/Some Alone Time with Sharp SwordCommon Era Chapter Seventeen/MLP Season Two Three: A Canterlot WeddingCommon Era Chapter Eighteen/MLP Season Three Chapter One: The Crystal Empire Part OneCommon Era Chapter Nineteen/ MLP Season Three Chapter Two: The Crystal Empire Part TwoCommon Era Chapter Twenty-one/MLP Season Four Chapter One: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part OneCommon Era Chapter Twenty-two/MLP Season Four Chapter Two: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part TwoCommon Era Chapter Twenty-three/MLP Season Four Chapter Three: Twilight’s Kingdom Part One, Twilight’s Lesson in HumanityCommon Era Chapter Twenty-Four/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Two/Masao’s FallCommon Era Chapter Twenty-Five/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part ThreeCommon Era Chapter Twenty/MLP Season Three Chapter Three: Magical Mystery Cure Mini ChapterCommon Era Chapter One/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Two: Masao’s Return/The Three Groups Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter One/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Two: Masao’s Return/Three Groups It had been years, No centuries, since the battle with Nightmare Moon, and Masao had not aged a day, not physically at least. These days however Masao was far better at his swordsmanship than he was before. He also was looked up to by the bat pony community, seen as the Grand Elder, something which surprised him as he was no pony. Few were foolish enough to ignore his advice more than once, however. With his advice the Razor Talon clan quickly became a strong intelligent and wise clan. All the while he practiced with his dark powers in the dead of night, away from prying eyes, a few bat ponies had caught him in the past, but even to this day it was known that he was… “Ser Masao Darkheart” spat Masao as he swung his sword into a wooden training dummy ripping it out he swung again, “Knight of Princess Luna” he snarled angrily. As it had been every year since Evening Star’s death, on the anniversary of the banishment of Nightmare Moon, he would not sleep, always keeping a vigil. “My god, my god hath thou forsaken me?” he asked as tears flowed down his face. “So who is this god you are talking to?” asked a voice and Masao turned towards it, the centuries of experience keeping him from showing his surprise. “Ah, I am glad you are well enough to question me about my religion, does that mean you will be well enough for your classes tomorrow, Gilda?” asked Masao and the young gryphon stuck her tongue out at the human and Masao chuckled at her display of youth. “Go to bed Gilda, your parents would not like you staying up to watch me train” “Seems to me that you are just beating up that old training dummy, not to say it didn’t have it coming” said the young gryphon and Masao smiled at the wisdom Gilda had produced. “Are you sure you have to leave? You know that you are welcome to stay, my ancestors—” asked Gilda’s father and Masao smiled before waving off the rest of the sentence. “What I am about to tell you, you can not under any circumstance tell anyone else” started Masao which caught the older gryphons’ attentions. “I have been waiting for your daughter to be born for it symbolizes, to me, that Nightmare Moon’s banishment is almost over, as is her hold on my princess” Gilda’s father shot up from his chair startled. “You mean to tell me, my daughter symbolizes the end of time?” he asked in fear and Masao shook his head. “The coming events are foretold, Dead Wing, and I must go do my part. The world will not end, not yet. that I promise you” With his cryptic message Masao and several of the bat ponies left the gryphon kingdom, the Razor Talons gave them a ship on which to travel the ocean between the continents and after a few months of travel, and a few unfortunate deaths due to a storm the nearly sunk the ship. Never the less they arrived at Baltimare port and the bat ponies took their first steps onto Equestrian soil. Masao however hung back, his eyes scanning the crowd that had gathered, and he noticed several ponies look at the bat ponies with scorn, and a few when they caught sight of him, disappear into the crowds. ‘So much for sneaking in’ he thought as he walked out onto the docks and the crowds grew quiet, his armor, which he had kept in good condition still had it’s blue tint to it, his shield still had it’s coat of arms upon it, his sword though sheathed was still in perfect condition as well, he walked out towards the customs booth and declared himself a returning citizen of Equestria, loudly, which caused some whispers. ‘Hopefully that gets Celestia’s attention, and hopefully before someone feels it is necessary to try and attack my charges...’ he thought quietly as he gave his name and smirked slightly when he announced his title, “I am Ser Masao Darkheart, royal Knight of the realm” “Are you sure?” asked a blue Earth Pony his voice harsh from years of smoking, he sat upon a ragged throne. “Yes, my lord, the traitor has returned to Equestria, and he looks unchanged” said a blue unicorn pony as she bowed to the Earth Pony. The older pony stood up and walked towards a broken window in a ruined keep, a ragged flag of the lunar forces flying on the battlements. “Send the scouts, tell them the traitor has arrived and should be dealt with, with prejudice” Masao walked through the city of Baltimare almost laughing at the familiarity about it all from when he used to watch the show on Earth. Now, however, he was going home, or rather, he was going to Canterlot. “Grand Elder, the clan is ready to move out on—” started one of the bat ponies when Masao smiled at the stallion, a kind smile that had not been on his face in so long. “Stout Wings, you do not have to come to me for leadership, you are after all, the clan head, lead your clan, I will always be here to give you the advice you ask for, but I can not lead for you” said Masao and the bat pony looked sheepish for a moment before smiling. “Then, Grand Elder, what would you suggest we do, seeing as you have been here before” said Stout Wings and Masao chuckled at the turn around. “I suppose I asked for that, alright,” said Masao as he looked into the distance thoughtfully, “seeing as it is the first time in centuries that your clan has been to Equestria, I would suggest coming with me to Canterlot, to announce yourselves officially to Princess Celestia” Stout Wing grunted, he knew the stories, he also knew that the Grand Elder fought against Princess Celestia, would the princess even welcome them to, “Don’t worry, what I know about Celestia… She will welcome you, she may be suspicious, but don’t let that deter you” So Masao and the bat ponies left Baltimare, but news of their arrival and departure had long since reached the ears of Princess Celestia, as well as the remnants of the lunar rebellion, and another group… “So he finally shows himself, ser Masao… With a clan of bat ponies… Even better, we can remove these creatures as well as that demon in one fell swoop, and finally our princess will be free to rule without worry” Masao and the bat ponies were heading down the road, mostly because they were uncomfortable with the trains much to Masao’s amusement. Three days on the trail, three nights of no civilization, something that Masao knew quite well from his old mission in the long past. He sighed before he motioned for the group to continue on, or started to when an arrow flew past his head and hit a tree, the arrow was of the same make that the lunar rebellion used in… “Grand Elder!” shouted a young bat pony filly and Masao ducked just in time to dodge another arrow, again of the same make and he drew his sword and readied his shield just in time to block another arrow. “Stout Wings! Get your people to the air! Protect the young ones!” shouted Masao as a few Earth ponies appeared over the crest of the hill further down the path, and a few pegasi flew higher revealing themselves which made Masao grit his teeth. “Traitors, you will stay put, after we deal with the traitor knight, you are all coming with—” one of the pegasus started when several arrows flew towards all the ponies and at the human in a fit of terror Masao shot out his arm calling upon the gift of darkness, given to him by Luna herself, to save the bat ponies causing a wall of shadows to cover the clan just as the arrows met the wall they disappeared. “I knew you were a traitor, but to use evil black magic!” shouted a voice behind the group and a group unicorn, Earth ponies and pegasi showed themselves their armor not all that familiar, not even to what Masao knew about this part of Equestria’s military at this time. “I take it, then, you are not part of Celestia’s military, at least not within this group” said Masao his voice carefully controlled from centuries of practice. and the leader of the second group tensed barely but just enough that Masao noticed. “Good, so killing you in the defense of my charges will not be contributed as an act of war.” Masao shot open another wall of shadows and the arrows they had launched previously flew out of them and struck a great many of them down before he turned to the remnants. “You call me a traitor? I served her highness faithfully, until she broke chain with me(1), and after that I did what any knight would do in my place, I stood against the wicked, at that point Princess Luna was no more, only Nightmare Moon remained.” The remnants just glared at him as they readied their own volley when the sounds of metal clad hoofs started to clamper in the distance, steadily growing closer, both groups grabbed who they could of their groups and vanished, thankfully leaving obvious signs of battle, such as the arrows and a few dying members of the second group. “HALT! In the name of Celestia!” said the contingent of guardsponies bearing the symbol of the sun on their armor Masao sheathed his blade just as several of them surrounded the bat ponies and himself their spears leveled at them as they closed ranks and started to press in… Author's Note (1) To "break chains" meant that you broke away from the ruler you swore yourself to, however if you were to say that your ruler "broke chains" with yourself than you mean that they broke faith with you, and no longer deserved your loyalty, and there was a literal chain that was broken, a chain you are normally given on the same day you swore yourself to the ruler, you would tear off, breaking it, showing that you owed them no more loyalty OK Here begins the era actually close to the actual show, a few years before it actually Common Era Chapter Two/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Three: A New Sharp Sword Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Two/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Three: A New Sharp Sword “In the name of Celestia! STOP!” shouted Masao and the guardsponies stopped their advance. some of them looking rather sheepish. “I apologise, Ser Masao, we forgot ourselves, I am captain Sharp Sword, we have been tracking the Lunar Remnants and the Day’s Legion for months now and yours are the first nocturnal group that we have come across that hasn’t seemed partially hostile at our appearance” said a guardspony as she stepped forwards, Masao took a moment, a moment for which he would later deny, to admire her curves and blue fur over her taut muscular structure, as well as the red hair with yellow tips on her mane and tail. which caused the mare to blush slightly at the open appraisal,. “Don’t worry about it captain, I—ahem—will not hold it against you” Masao managed to say after a moment. the youth of the bat pony clan, for whom he called his own, were also gawking at the mares and stallions in front of them for which Masao quickly apologized… Later that night further down the trail, with Captain Sharp Sword’s guards with them, Masao relaxed a bit, his instincts telling him that they were safer with these guards around than without, something he mentioned to the Stout Wing whom took his advice to heart when he announced that they would welcome the guardsponies to travel with them if they so desired. Which the youth of the clan were highly thankful for as almost as soon as they set up camp several of them started to flirt with the guardsponies. “I wonder, Ser knight, why you didn’t take the train? From what I heard about you, you knew about these things long before they came into being here in Equestria” asked Sharp Sword a blush on her cheeks from drinking with Masao some of the bat ponies special liquor, something he had warned her against, multiple times. “Several of them were put off by it, so rather than split the clan, we traveled together.” he answered ages of drinking allowing him to keep from slurring his words, he was very drunk tonight, something he knew was going to happen, tonight was the anniversary of Evening Star’s death, he never spent the night alone, no, both the Gryphon Clan and the Bat Pony clan wouldn’t allow it, saying that he had mourned her enough, that it was time to move on, sometimes those ponies, or gryphons that kept him company would end up being bedmates and a small relationship would start, that never seemed to last, either because of battle, in the case of gryphons, the awe factor, in the case of the bat ponies, or because it just didn’t feel right to either party, for both of them. Tonight his current drinking buddy was Sharp Sword having cut her off, not wanting to have to explain to the ponies under her command that she was drunk off her ass cause she was trying to out drink him, something no pony had ever been able to do, except Luna and Celestia. he was soon leering at her, admiring her curves once more something the mare started to hint at more and more that she didn’t mind him looking even encouraged him putting a hand on her mane. Yeah he wasn’t going to wake up alone tonight… When Masao awoke the next morning, he noticed he had been correct, sleeping beside him, and still impaled upon him, and a little bit of drool coming from her mouth, almost reminding Masao of one of the nights with Evening Star, after he remembered that he waited for the shot of pain in his heart he expected to come, but none came, he pulled himself away from the mare and kissed her on the cheek before going to wash up, he did leave a note on the ground beside her, in a way that would not escape her notice should she wake up before he returned… Upon returning Masao saw that Sharp Sword had awaken, and Masao frowned slightly remembering how they had met. “So how did you know me? Unless you were there when I arrived at the docks you should not have known who I was” asked Masao and the mare froze, she had been brushing her mane and tail, something instilled into her by her parents long ago, but she froze. “Well?” he nudged and Sharp Sword heaved a stuttering sigh. “I was once a member of the Lunar Remnants, one of the cult groups responsible for attacking your group, some of my fellow guards can say the same, anyway, when we were sent out to kill a group of Day’s Legion forces we found out some of our friends were in this legion, so rather than kill each other, both groups decided to turn ourselves into Celestia.” “And Celestia, in her infinite wisdom saw fit to form your two parties into one group, a group of guardsponies? How long has the fighting been going on? I would have thought that yes there would have been a few months more of skirmishes but over nine centuries worth?” at that Sharp Sword looked away a look of annoyment on her face. “And where were you, then, Ser Masao? If you had been there you could have stopped this, or at least stopped it sooner than this!” she shouted at the human who then frowned at her before standing to his full height which brought him to twice her height. “Where was I? I was blasted to some frozen tundra of this godforsaken planet and believed myself dead before I was found by a member of the Razor Talon Clan and effectively nursed back to health! Had I the skills then I would have returned to Equestria sooner than this, I would have aided in stopping this foolish war a lot sooner!” Sharp snorted at the comment, “What? Do you—” “This isn’t a war, hasn’t been for centuries, the Lunar Remnants are holding on to maybe four strongholds in Equestria, and the Day’s Legion maybe five, but Celestia has them contained, for the most part.” “Contained! Do you call what we went through yesterday contained?! Oh I have half a mind to smack Celestia when I see her!” as the two of them argued one of the other elders chuckled as it reminded her of the relationship she had had with her own husband, her herd sisters and husband long since dead. It also reminded her of the stories Masao would tell about his relationship with Evening Star… “Would the two of you just kiss and make up already? I swear you two could wake up the dead with your arguing, or is it foreplay, eh, Masao?” she said as she hobbled into the tent interrupting the duo. Masao blushed as did Sharp Sword. “Star Burst, I am sorry, did we wake you?” asked Masao as he reached over and poured the old mare a drink of water, while Sharp Sword started to mumble something about readying her forces. “Sit, youngin, Do not think I don’t know how to deal with troublesome unicorns!” said the mare and Sharp sword went wide-eyed as she plopped her flanks to the ground. “Good, now, Masao, as Grand Elder you should know better than to have this very shameful display of immaturity” said the mare and Masao chuckled. “Yes, yes, I know, “What is the use in being grown up if you can’t act like a child sometimes” I have heard you say to excuse many a parent when they played with their foals and made fools of themselves. However you are held to a higher standard, and you know it! You are our only link to the past, not once have you lied to us, softening the blow of what our clan had done in the Lunar Rebellion, but neither did you judge us for it. And before you go and say that you have done worse than we could have done, the young ones of the clan look up to you! and now this mare here, she obviously was smitten enough to sleep with you, and what do you—” “Enough, Star Burst” said Masao his voice firm which stopped the elder bat pony mare cold, “I know your clan looks up to me, but they shouldn’t I have told them time and again that they will find better council with the stars than with me” Back and forth the argument went, with Sharp Sword being forced to sit through it, they were only interrupted once by one of the guardsponies who were quickly run out by shouts and since then they continued arguing which soon turned to Sharp Sword. “Captain, if you had the chance would you stay with Masao here?” asked Star Burst and Masao reddened with annoyment and a little bit of anger, followed by embarrassment when the young captain nodded. “Masao, wouldn’t you like to get to know this mare a bit better?” asked the Star Burst and Masao grumbled a bit but nodded never-the-less. “Don’t worry, Masao, you are just out of touch with arguing with a mare, I am sure you would have had better luck against someone of the Captain’s age” teased the old mare and Masao scowled at her but said nothing… The next day Sharp Sword and Masao were seen grudgingly spending time together their singular expertise in tactics coming to light as the group was attacked again by Lunar Remnants. Masao striding into combat with a single minded ease that scared the enemy as much as it scared his allies, any who attempted to harm the young of the clan were removed, Masao’s eyes glaring at them with a hatred that scarred their souls the moment before his sword severed their life cord. Worse happened to the Day’s Legion, in their single minded drive to kill off all that had allied themselves with Princess Luna, or those that aided them, they were met with a ferocity that truly became the stuff of nightmares, luckily, the ones that would have been affected by the nightmares were dead before they could ever dream, and the young of the bat ponies were well hidden during the attacks, the youth who thought there was glory in combat soon came to the realization that if there was any glory in war, it was as Masao had said, quoting a book he had read in the past, “If there is glory in war it was protecting others from harm, fighting so that they will not have to.” Every night Sharp Sword and Masao stayed up watching the camp, talking and were occasionally caught snuggling with one another. Soon however the group made it into sight of Canterlot and the attacks ceased and so did the reasons for Sharp Sword to remain with the group… “Stay, please” asked Masao not looking at the mare who smirked slightly, even if on the inside she was thankful he was asking her to stay instead of running her off. “Could you repeat that? It sounded like you were asking me to stay?” she teased and Masao scowled at her before he looked at her. “I just now realized why you annoy me so much, you carry the same name as an arrogant guard I once met back before the Lunar Rebellion… He was an arrogant fool who thought he knew better than the princesses, and fought me to the death. He lost, obviously, but he and his friends were part of the reason for the Lunar Rebellion, all rich snobs trying to cause strife between the two princess, to what end I know not, but in the end I guess they succeeded” said Masao and Sharp Sword looked at him in surprise. “Of course he was no where near as attractive as you are, and you carry the name far better than he” said Masao and the mare blushed slightly as a few bat pony foals rushed past them as Sharp Sword and Masao stood there. “Do you mean it?” asked Sharp Sword in a quiet voice much to Masao’s surprise. “Well yeah I mean it, I mean he may have been a good looking stallion, I dunno, but as far as I am—” “No! Did you mean it when you asked me to stay?” she asked Masao as she looked up at him and Masao knelt beside her before cupping her face causing her to look him in the eyes. “I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t mean it, Sharp Sword, besides, Star Burst was right about one thing,” said Masao and the look on Sharp Sword’s face grew curious, “I should have just kissed and made up” with that Masao pressed his lips to hers as several foals started fake gagging or sighing dreamily, as well as several youth egging them on hoping for a free show. The adults however were grumbling saying that it was about time And Star Burst, the old girl, was grinning like a mad mare. Oh Masao knew he was never going to hear the end of it, but looking back at Sharp Sword, he decided he didn’t care… Author's Note So Did Sharp Sword have an heir? Or is her naming just a coincidence... Common Era Chapter Three/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Four: Sharp Sword is Who!? Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Three/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Four: Sharp Sword is Who!? The road into Canterlot was steep, so steep that some of the bat ponies actually had to use their wings to help them keep moving forwards, Masao and Sharp Sword had their own difficulties, without wings they couldn’t use the air to help them climb the steep roads. Thankfully Sharp Sword had the solution in the form of in a way magnetizing her hooves and Masao’s hands and feet, promising to remove the spell once they reached the top. “So why did the unicorns of Canterlot make the city’s main road out this steep, I mean couldn’t they with magic, or even hiring Earth Ponies, have leveled it off a bit? asked the human. Mostly surprising the mare with the thought process. “The main road used to be where the train tracks are, and ever since they were laid no one thought about leveling off another avenue of pedestrian transportation.” said the armored unicorn and Masao grunted… Having finally reached the gates, it took the guards stationed there a moment or two to realize that yes there were truly ponies at the gates, two of them armored, and while one did have the symbol of the Lunar Remnants, it seemed more pure, less tarnished, both by the actions of said group and by the years that had past, it seemed as if this creature, was the originator of the symbol, and the guard pitied any that tarnished the symbol… Having caught his breath, Masao stood to his full height once more and walked towards the guards. “Ser Masao Darkheart, Knight of Equestria, returning from the gryphon kingdom, with a clan of bat ponies under my charge” said the armored human as Sharp Sword trotted up beside him. “Captain Sharp Sword, Escorting Ser Masao and his group” said Sharp Sword her armor a little more tarnished, both by combat and by her past. She was well known to the guard here in Canterlot, the nobles had requested that she not be allowed access to the city, but what could they do? If the human was telling the truth then stopping them from entering would be a grave insult, one that they would probably not live through. “Proceed directly to the castle, the nobles have yet to rescind their request to keep you out of Canterlot, Captain” said the guard on the right and Masao frowned, not that it was seen from behind his helm. “Inform these nobleponies, that should Captain Sharp Sword be barred entrance in the future, they will have to deal with me instead, I will not have my honor insulted by having the mare I have chosen to travel with have her future dictated by her past. Yes I saw the way you looked at her. Surely these nobles learned from their ancestors’ mistake about questioning the wisdom of their princess” snapped Masao and the guards clicked their back hooves together in a crisp salute. “It will be done, my lord, but until then I would still suggest that you head to the castle directly, as to minimize the chance of nobles forcing you to enact your warning before they receive it” Masao nodded as he headed towards the castle, the clan of bat ponies following close behind, and Sharp Sword staying close beside him, pointing out a few landmarks which caused Masao to chuckle at her childlike behaviour. “Oh come on, it is not like you are not curious, or do you know a lot about Canterlot as well, oh ‘Grand Elder’?” Sharp Sword teased to which Masao smirked under his helm. “Oh not much, just that it was founded by unicorns during the first half of Celestia’s solo reign and that it is built over a crystal mine that is still full of crystals even though the mine has been left for empty for years. I know that many of the problems that Equestria faced are because of the noble families here in Canterlot” said Masao not caring that he was upsetting the nobleponies that were listening in on his conversation, all the while they drew closer to Canterlot Castle, it being Masao’s first time actually being at the castle he smiled knowing the adventures that castle would play party to. When the large group arrived at the gates there stood Celestia glaring at Masao. “I see that you haven’t changed a bit, Ser Masao, still insulting the nobles whenever you have the chance” she said and Masao chuckled, before walking up to the mare and hugging her tightly. “I have missed you too, my dear dear friend, all others think that mere years is a long time, but it is nothing to us now is it?” asked the human and Celestia broke down and sobbed quietly into his shoulder. “Thou art a fool, but thou weret Evening Star’s fool, and my dear friend” she said in that old tongue that Masao knew quite well. and he hugged her all the tighter. “Tell me, did she ever find you? Please tell me she did, that she—” “Evening Star and I were together for years, nice long years, safe in the Gryphon Kingdom, I… I held her close as she slipped peacefully away” said Masao choking up a little before he shook himself and pulled away from the solar diarch. “That is not why I am here though, these ponies are looking to gain citizenship, and your protection from the ones who hunt them, this Day’s Legion, and the Lunar Remnants” he said which caught the ire of Celestia, not leveled at him but at the aforementioned groups as she realized he had just claimed the group he was with as his own. “Don’t worry, Ser Masao, for the loyalty you showed Equestria, even during the Lunar Rebellion, I will assure these ponies safety.” she said before turning to the very quiet Sharp Sword, “I had wondered where you had went when I offered you a place to stay here at the palace, I heard reports of a ‘captain Sharp Sword’ taking the reigns of the hunt for these groups a captain that I did not promote” at that Masao frowned towards the young unicorn but wasn’t actually frowning at her, not that she knew it as she seemed to shrink back at the fury slowly growing from Masao. “From what I gather, these nobles” said Masao spitting out the word nobles as if it were a vile word that lowered his worth just from being spoken, “suggested that she leave the city and not return, the city guard was also told not to let her pass, and I have a feeling if you had not been here at the gates there would have been an altercation between me and these guardsponies, one that they would be hard pressed to survive, let alone win…” Later that day, the bat ponies having been set up in a darker part of the castle whilst Masao and Sharp Sword sat with Celestia in her library, as a young Twilight Sparkle looked at the human in awe. Something that made Masao nervous. “Is there something you needed, miss Sparkle?” he asked before facepalming he had not been introduced to the mare yet this was going to be awkward. “How do you know my name? Does your species possess telepathic abilities? Are they all immortal like the princess? Are you really the only one of your kind here on Equis?” Masao stopped listening after the first four questions as he took a deep breath and sighed. “I will answer four questions and no more, a day, and some questions I will not answer, not for you, not for Celestia, not for anyone” Masao said with finality and Twilight looked at him in shock, there were things he kept from the princess? Impossible! The Princess knew everything! “The Princess knows everything!” countered Twilight and Masao who had been drinking something spurted it out right into Celestia’s face much to Sharp Sword’s amusement. “W-what?” asked Masao slightly choking on the drink as Celestia then dumped the water pitcher on his head causing Masao to glare at her while Twilight looked on in wonder as the human then tackled the white mare and they started rolling around laughing at the other antics all the while trying to one up the other… Soon Twilight had to return home and Masao just glared at Celestia who trotted away, a little bounce in her step. She stopped at the gates. “Are you two coming in or not? The servants don’t need to be kept up all night waiting for you two to make up your minds. I take it you will be sharing a room?” asked Celestia and the duo started to head into the castle, “Sharp Sword be a dear and follow the servants, they will guide you to your room, and I’ll guide Masao there in moment, there are somethings I need to talk to him about” said Celestia more for the servants to hear, which meant that she better make it to her destination or there would be trouble. However Masao looked at the mare curiously as Sharp Sword was lead away by one of the castle servants. “What is it you needed to talk to me about?” asked Masao curious as to what was so important that it could not wait until tomorrow. “I am sure you have noticed how… Familiar Sharp Sword is to you, and with you, yes?” asked the mare as she guided Masao to the castle gardens and Masao remained quiet unsure of where this is going. “Occasionally, when a pair of soulmated ponies meet, and one is immortal, or more likely, destined to have an extraordinarily long life, and the other dies, occasionally the one that died is reborn in the form of another pony, sometimes not even the same species as he or she was before. Worse happens when, a rare number of times, with herds, if one or more mares is soulmated to a stallion and the stallion dies, and one or more mares do, but one of the survivors was soulmated with the stallion, the whole herd is reborn.” said Celestia causing Masao to look at her and then in the direction Sharp Sword had disappeared to, and back again to Celestia. “Sorry, but did you say Sharp Sword is the reincarnated form of Evening Star? That’s…” “My heart says she is, when I first met her, I felt like I knew her. It was confirmed later on when she started to roam the castle with me, which incase you didn’t notice I had built in a similar layout as my old home, and she stopped where Evening Star’s and your room would have been had you both been here.” Masao wanted to say it was a coincidence to say she was wrong, but the way she had felt, both when they were alone, and otherwise felt so familiar, as if… Masao and Celestia stopped by what was a familiar door, and for a moment he thought he was back at the castle of the two pony sisters, before he remembered that… “Did you mean what you said? That she really is, that she’d be ok with me moving on like this?” asked Masao and Celestia understood what he meant and nodded. “Of course she would. She knew you were going to outlive her ever since that night, and she never loved you any less did she? Now go get in there before Sharp Sword starts thinking you and I are dating, Elysium forbid” chuckled the mare as she nudged Masao into the room with her nose. Once inside the room Masao pulled the blue unicorn into a hug and kissed her gently… “So the traitor woos the princess once again, and he brings that spy into the castle… Maybe it was time we showed the princess how wrong she truly is about her so called friends?” Author's Note Well didn't see that coming now did you? Common Era Chapter Four/ Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Five: The Day’s Legion’s First Mistake Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Four/ Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Five: The Day’s Legion’s First Mistake Masao woke up the next morning, a spear pointed at his face, beside him Sharp Sword was snoozing peacefully, He didn’t react, simply sighing. “And who do you work for? The Lunar Remnants? Oh wait don’t tell me, you are part of that group that stupidly believes they know better than Celestia, the Day’s Legion?” he said in a calm voice which irked the stallion who was holding the spear. He pulled it back and attempted to thrust it forwards but the weapon was pulled out of his grasp by a now wide awake Sharp Sword, the look in her eyes rather murderous. She hit the stallion with the butt of the spear knocking him back the fury in her eyes almost palpable. Masao never had a chance to sit up and she beat the stallion into submission. “I surrender! Please don’t kill me!” cowered the stallion and Masao scoffed, he never had to lift a finger, in fact he had nothing to do with his beating other than being the intended target for his attack and Sharp Sword reacted faster than he would have, at least in the physical sense, as he had already been reaching for the dark gift. However it was a surprise when the mare sleeping beside him was the one to attack so readily. “I don’t think it is me you should me begging to, after all, Ser Masao is the one you accosted, it is he who will decide whether you live or not” said Sharp Sword her eyes as sharp as her name at the moment. Masao looked at her surprised, while yes it did still seem like Evening Star was there, this was something new, something that was purely Sharp Sword, not that he was complaining. “Well? Beg him for your life you inbred—” Well that went on far enough. “Enough, Sharp Sword, I am uninjured, the only thing he harmed was my pride sneaking up so close before I noticed him.” said the human as the mare seemed to glare at the stallion with a fury Masao could only describe as absolute loathing, the stallion wincing as the spear swung downward… And hit the floor… “Get out, and don’t ever let me catch you in this room again” said Sharp Sword, and the stallion ran out of the room as if death itself were on its flank. Sharp Sword looked at Masao, a look of worry and fear, and for what reason he had no clue, surely she didn’t think he was upset at her for saving his life? “Ser Masao, I… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t, and in your room, I should—” Masao was surprised, but not stunned, as she moved to leave the room he stopped her having stood up and intercepted her path. He was now standing between her and the door. “Sharp Sword, there is no reason to be scared, or worried, this is as much your room as it is mine, otherwise I am sure Celestia would have given you your own room” he said and the mare looked at him her eyes big and pitiful. Masao was worried that she was going to cry and how Celestia would spear him with her horn for making their friend cry. “Do you mean that? Do you really mean that you are happy to share a room with me? Even after seeing me fight and nearly—” Masao frowned at her and she wilted a little bit “I am no saint myself, Sharp Sword, I have killed, and I have maimed ponies that probably shouldn’t have been hurt, all because they posed a danger to myself or to the ponies and gryphons I call my family” said the human sternly. To be honest he was concerned about her sudden change in character, not a few minutes ago she was confident and full of rage, now she seemed to need reassurance that she was still welcome to stay with him. He then smiled at her as he reached over and cupped her cheek with his hand, “And how could I be mad at you for trying to save me? It could have been a whole lot worse. Either you and/or myself could have been killed by that stallion” he said in an attempt to sooth the situation. He succeeded because the next moment he was flat on his back again, with Sharp Sword kissing him deeply her horn glowing as it pulled the covers back over them… BANG! BANG! BANG! “Celestia damn it all!” snarled the aroused unicorn, Masao no more happy than she was, but far better composed put on his pants and flung the door open much to the surprise of the guardsponies standing there weapons at the ready, seemingly intent on either capturing someone or killing them. “Oh” “Shit” was heard before they attempted to run away, but Masao was not having it and took off after them, Sharp Sword right behind him levitating their gear behind them, she at least managed to get most of her armor on before rushing after them… Celestia heard Masao shouting obscenities at someone as they passed her room and her eyes narrowed as she stormed out of the room only to catch Masao running down the hall a look of anger on his face, and not the kind you normally get from being pranked. No he was upset about something else entirely. “Sorry princess!” shouted Sharp Sword as she chased after the human and whatever he was chasing, determined to see what was wrong, Celestia took off to the air and because of her wing strength, she was able to get far ahead of the group and saw two of the guard running for their lives. Touching down in front of them the duo stopped and seemed to resign themselves to their fates as Masao caught up to them the dark gift now showing in his eyes, but yet… He was still himself surprisingly… “You two, if there were a law against interrupting someone who is about to have sex I would have you both thrown in the dungeon!” shouted Masao as Sharp Sword caught up with the group. “As it is I can only assume that from the fact you ran like two fillies who got caught playing with their mother’s makeup after seeing me, even after you looked like you were ready to arrest someone, I can only assume that you were in on the attack earlier” said Masao and Sharp Sword looked at Masao with a long look that said, ‘You talk too much’ as she tossed him the rest of his gear. “Get dressed, Masao, if we are in a relationship, I would prefer that unless it is my herd sisters, that the rest of you is mine to see alone.” Masao had the decency to blush a bit as he realized that he had just ran through the castle half naked. “Sorry Princess, we did not mean to wake you up so early” started Sharp Sword and Celestia chuckled. “Do not worry about it, now what was this about an attack?” asked the alicorn and Masao and Sharp Sword explained, all the while Celestia’s magic kept the two guards in place she then turned to the guards her face stern but sad. “You truly believe you know better than me? Have not my centuries of experience taught you and your group nothing?” she asked and the guards actually snarled at her. “You let these traitors into the castle! You know know NOTHING! All traitors must die!” said the guards and Masao’s expression changed, gone was the look of heated rage, and in its place was a look of cold calculating fury. “You’re right, traitors must die, but you are wrong about one thing, what makes me a traitor is not that I fought along side Princess Luna when she sought to overthrow her sister, no what makes me a traitor is that I fought against Nightmare Moon when she attempted to kill Celestia, something that I would do again and again, but the only ones who have the privilege, nay, the right to order, or carry out my execution are Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Not you and your Day’s Legion. You and the Lunar Remnants are no better than criminals, violating the princess’s laws, and under those laws I hereby—” “Masao, don’t, they are my problem.” said Celestia and the princess glared at the two as if daring them to challenge her… Masao sighed as he watched Celestia have the two Day’s Legion members dragged to the royal court. In truth he missed the days when he could be trusted to carry out these things, but he also was glad he didn’t anymore as the two were soon dragged off to await execution… “So this creature admits to betraying someone, but not to betraying Equestria? Does he foolishly believe he never betrayed it? And now we have to fight our brothers and sisters in the guard… Send in the Day’s Break, I want those two dead by any means, And have those two fools killed first…” Author's Note interesting end to the chapter I think Common Era Chapter Five/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Six: Blood Flows Red Once Again/The Letter Author's Note Warning, in this chapter there is a slightly graphic scene involving death, I however could not figure out a way to remove it without taking away from the story itself Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit. So Deadinlight needs some help, his father is in need of a lung transplant, and any thing you can give will be helpful, here is the link to give a donation, please help someone in need, and God bless. Request made 03/28/2015 Common Era Chapter Five/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Six: Blood Flows Red Once Again/The Letter “I suppose we should be happy that those two got three agents of the Day’s Legion out of the picture” said an elderly stallion as he looked out the window of an almost ruined keep, the Lunar Rebellion flag flying in the winds that blew across the battlements. he motioned to a young unicorn mare with a red mane and blue fur to come closer and she did so. She nuzzled the elderly stallion affectionately, as he leaned in to kissed her lips lightly. “Your sister, whether she knows it or not, is helping us, and we will finally win this war” he said pulling away for a moment only before deepening the kiss, the much younger mare happily returning the kiss… Two mares trotted down the path towards the castle, their matching green fur and blue hair making them indistinguishable from one another their horns glowed for a moment before they disappeared from view… Celestia was sitting on her throne in her court as Masao and Sharp Sword stood on either side of her. “Bring in the next—” Masao drowned out Celestia’s voice with memories of the past, as well as the music… Wait music? Masao looked toward the direction that the music was coming from but saw nothing, the music seemed to grow stronger, and he had a small urging to turn and attack Celestia, and that made his eye shoot wide. His hands were moving towards his sword on its own and he tensed his muscles as he fought against the strange magic that was… Sharp Sword! Masao’s eyes shot wide as he forced his head to turn and saw Sharp Sword starting to move to attack Celestia. “CELESTIA! GET DOWN!” shouted Masao and the princess ducked just in time as Sharp Sword’s ax swung over her head, the look in Sharp’s eyes was one of relief as the ax caught itself in the wood of the throne. Masao’s arms suddenly drew his sword and he flinched as as he put his entire being into staying stock still. “Princess! Stop me!” said Sharp Sword as her body attempted to stab Celestia with her horn only for a yellow aura to encompass her and lift her up stopping her from moving. The music grew more insistent in Masao’s head and his body started to move against his will, it was extremely slow as he was still fighting it. “Why don’t you give in? You may just like it” said a feminine voice in Masao’s head. “Yes, you might love it!” said another, both voices were so soothing. ”R̥̫͕̲̹͇̻̅̐͐͌̓͛ͬḙ͔̈́ͭa̗͚̖̻͔̙͈̾ͦ̉͒͐̍͞l̢͓̦͉̟̜ͧ̌ḷ̴̦̳̫̍̌ͧ̿̒̆y̦ͧͤ̐͡ ̭̭͖ͪ̆̆̚n̅ͯ̑̂̄̿o̡̹̭̤͇̜̣͊ͤ̓̾̐w̢͎̜̔̓?̬̟́ͨ̚͝ ̡̌͑ͥ͆ͮY͐̃͗̆ͯ̔ọ̗ų̒ͧ ̵̺̳͙̲̮̻̮̽̓ͬͥ͌̓ͦt͈̤͇̜͖̦h͍͓̓̾͊̿̊̇͆i̧̘̟̜̫ͯ̔ͦ̈ͪ̀̈́ͅň͔̺͙̓̊ͬ͌̓k̩͙͕̼̖̰̹͊ ̰̂͊̉ͨy̖̰͈̽̀ͦ̆ͣ̍ͧo̴̫̞̱͓͚͖̦u̓̄̓ ̪̊c̟̹̓̏̂a̦̭͓̙̫ṉ͙̣͗̓̑̏ ͖͓̜̝̖̃̈̊͊ͥm̢̭͇͊̄̊e̹̓̋s͈̫̗ͨ̇̋s̯̭̼͝ ͚͙̤̭̰̿ͨ͊̐ͬ͑͝w̦͇̖̘̭̗̝̌̎̚i̛̭̘̦̯̰̺̳͛̎̾͂̈̅̃t̶̝̿h͖̲̜̤ͩ̍ͯ ͉̮̫̮̹̙̬̂ͮ̄̀ť̨̈́ͦ̐̌ͨ̏ḥ̥̭̦̓ͮ̈́͑i̢͑ͩ̍̔̔̌̒s̴͉̿̒̿̒ͨͬ͊ ̟̱ͮ̿̈̑̍͐č̫͓̲ͨ̄͘r̡̙̔ͧ̆̎͊e̯̥̅͗̅ͮͤ͋ͯa̯̹͓̙̋̏͡t̻̳̗̪̰͚̲́̽ͮ͆ͥ̍ü̳͔̱̈̾ͩ́ͣ̕r̪̬̗͇͇̞͌ͬͣͦ̐̕e͎͐͋ͬ̏ͦ̒?̢̮͍̗̩̘͚̹͊̅ͤͥ̚ ̡̦̘̬̪̫͍̔̄͒̀ͪI̦̘͓̅͊̍̃͒ ̙̩̂͂̇ͪw̘͑̓͡å̛̇͆̓s̫̯̩̖̣ͥ̐ ̹̹͘g̬̳͍̮͙̎̋̂̓̿̎̾ï̱̠̲̪̖̆̀̓̑ͧͅv̧̞͇̲̦e̙̐̓n̔͐́ͩͩ̐͏̼͕͉̫͍͕͖ ̹̱ȃ͈͍̥̞͌͜s̘̝̭̮͗͋̈̋ ̞͓͍͎̃̌̀̽ͭaͪ̐̀ͮ̓͂̿҉͖ ̙̖̝̮͛̎͢g͖͉͇͈͕̯̯͌i̙̕f͛ͭ͠t͉͇̘̫̫͉͑̌̽́͋̚ ͕̖͈͓͖͓̮̎͋t͉͙̟̊̍̀ͫo̴͉̰̖̯̫̳̼ͫ ͧ͂̇ͨͮ̌͡ĥ̡̽̍̔i̥̮͚ͪ͒͢m̵̳̝͕̯̳̬̌͆̉̄̀̽,̖͓̜̩̰̱̜̽͊̂̽ ͗ͥa͡n̵̝̫̻͍̽d͍͎̘̳̥͒͟ ͍ͮͥ͞y̐͡o̻̺̭ͣ̌̓̚u̟̥̝͌ͯ̓ͭͫ͜ ̶̻̝̼̼ͬ͑̅͊͊ẃ̷̲i͈̙͈̰̞̱̪̍̑ͤ̉l̨͓̥̹̫̫̥͙ͤ̔̀̏̏̓l̗̼̣̱̱̐͑ͥ̓̒ ̙̰̗͎̳͔̂̅̀n̯̭̜̜̺̳o͈̩̩͓̾ţ̤̺̯̲̫̳̈́͂̃̓͌ͫͥ ̝ͮ̒̓ụ̗̟̘̦͂̃ͯ̂ŝ̡̰̩͕̖͚̖͈́e͓ͫͩ̐ͥ ̯̍̔̾̄͊̈́ͣ͘h҉͙͕̜͉̠͓ī̳̲̱͍̠̹̪̉m̸̻͚̝̟͇̭̯̌̀͂” after hear that the voices screamed as two unicorn mares shimmered into existence screaming as blood started to pour out of their ears and started to well out of the tear ducts and soon the two mares fell down dead. As soon as the mares died, Sharp Sword’s body stopped fighting to kill Celestia who had dropped the mare in surprise when the two mares appeared… Masao was sitting far from any of the other occupants of the room the look of fear on his face so cutting that those that looked at him felt it as their own. “Masao, please” “Celestia, I couldn’t stop them! I was going to kill you and there was nothing I could do to stop it!” Masao said tears in his eyes. ”O͖̘̩̻̬͙̮͒ͮḥ͇̭̑ͯͥ͒̚ ̨̬ͨ͛ͭͪͩd̔͋̀̐͐̈o̻̟͕̊̔ͫ͊ͅ ̖̠̬̭ͣ́ͅs̞̆̓̓h̳͙̫̣̭͎ͩủ̞t̘̬̭̮͈͖ͭ̒ͤ̎͗ ͕̜̣͓ͣ̿ͬ̀̚u̖̞̦͕̻͙ͥ̇͒̆ͧ̉͒͡p̋̏̔̌̈́͋͗.̲̠̟̲̈́͠ͅ ͗Iͪͧ ̙̮̖ͨͤ̒͡w̞̙̰̓̍̆̍ͮͭ͡i̍͐ͬ̑̄̄͏̦̻͕͓̪̯͖sͯ̑ͬ̆ͦḧ̖̖̣̤̥͚̖͟ ̨̪͍̲̪ͨ̇͑͆̏ͭͧt͋ͩͯͫ͑͏͙͇o͊ͦ͐̋̽̓ͅ ̝͔̗̼̫̗ͅg̻͚̦̗̮̯̰͆͋͝õ͖͎̦͔̣͠ ̖͚̠̱͙̩̣ͤ͌̇̎̋͛̓b͔̞̬̆̾ͫͥa͎c̛̣̩̼̫͍̗͂̾̚k̤̬͈͎͕͇̪̄͡ ̔͏̠̺̠t̠̗̳̜̗ǫ͉͈̯̦̤͍̬̈́͗ͯ͒ ͖̫̬̫̥̞̥́ͣͨͭ̿͊s̥̥̩̮̆͑ͩͧ̃ͨͫl̶͚͉͉̩̑͆͌̐͛ͧe̷̦̲͍ͅep̐͒̾̒͢ ̮͔̱͎͛̆͛͋͠aͫ̆͛ͯn̵͕d̡̺͇̙̘̓ͦ͒̑̎͋ ̳̘̲͔̍̾ͬͫ̐ͤw̃ͪ̒ͭ̐͘i̹ͥ͑̍̽t̗͕̥̗̦̳̥̉͒͋͌́ͯh̠̗̖̹ͩͦ͂ ͍̜̝͎̣̰͕̊ͫͮ̽ͮ͒̐y̡̖̞͍̓̉ͫ̊ȍ̮͈͍̅͝u̠̦̰ͪ̓̉́̂r̝̪̟̠̫̤̈̂ͨͮ̈́̍ ̜̥͎͞ͅe͉̓̄͂̏̓n͕̱̊̀͠d̡͇̬̯̳͌͋̽l̯̖̙̈͞ė̠͜ś̢̤̪ͣ̆̔̇̃͌s̮͉͇̖͉̍ͭ̉̂ͨ ͓͎̤̣͓̘͍̂͌́p̟̞͔̗̩̗͛͌̅̽̅r͈̮̼̺͛̓ͦ͂͂a̴̺̯̭̍̑̄͗̃ͅt͊̐͗͒̔ͫt͈͎̲̱̤̭̝̀ḻ͚̠͖̬͔̾ͮͧͬ͂͒͝e̡̖͕̩̭̫͙ͣ͆̅́ͣ,̤̖̭̬ ̞͇̫̙͓͇ͬͨ̈̐ͬI̳͉͍̥̿ͤ͆̍ͪ̂̏ ̨͇̳̒͊̑w̅̂ͥͦ̎̅͋҉̼̺i̿ͬ̄̅́̿̚l̾̈́̾̒͏͖̲͚͈̳͓͔ļ͆̇̇ͥ̒͊ ̟̦̔͛͗͊̀̋́n̘̥̻̯̬̔͊͊͐͒͘ò̯̣͎ţ̲̯̮̠̟̳̻ͯ̈́̋̑̅͌̐ ́ͣ͏b̫͈̫̰̱e ͍͍̥͔ͣͮa̠͕͖̺̹ͥ̆̅bͧͫ̏̅̈́͏̤͕͖l̴̳͑ë͙̜́̔̅ͫ̑ͭ̓ ͖͇̞̩̻͑̊̈́͡ț̢̾o̥͙̫͓͋” “Who’s there?” Masao said suddenly and Celestia looked at him worriedly. “Masao, it is only us in the room” said the alicorn… Months had passed Masao having been nursed back to full mental health by the Princess and Sharp Sword, not knowing that he had in fact truly heard a voice. However after a while he believed as they did that it was just the stress that caused him to hear a voice that wasn’t there. Twilight had snuck into the the enemy’s stronghold, and had found her target. She pounced! “You know Twilight, you can’t really think that you can surprise us,” said Masao, reading the newspaper, as the young Twilight was held aloft in a red aura. “Twi, you really shouldn’t sneak in here all the time” said Sharp Sword as she looked at the young foal slightly exasperated as she floated the filly out of their room for the eightieth time. “You will tell me everything!” shouted Twilight in a voice that was so cute Masao nearly d’awwed as he read the paper and attempted to ignore the flailing limbs as Sharp Sword glid the foal out with a sigh. “She isn’t going to let up, love. You really should just tell her what she wants to know” said Sharp Sword as she trotted up to their small table and sat down after giving Masao a kiss. It never ceased to amaze Masao how he practically had a small apartment for his room. “I can’t, what she wants to know I can’t tell her” said Masao as he lowered the paper and folded it. “Why? What does she want to know? I mean it can’t be—” “She wants to know the history of the Lunar Rebellion from the eyes of one of the people who fought alongside Nightmare Moon, but the thing is no one did fight alongside Nightmare Moon. She didn’t come into existence until that fated meeting that sent me out of Equestria in the first place…” said Masao and Sharp Sword bit her lip as some vague memory entered her mind for a moment as if she had been there. “She showed up out of nowhere… Taking Princess Luna’s body for her own…”said Sharp Sword… Masao walked to the castle library hoping to find more than fiction books about Soulmated pairs, he was worried that something was happening. Something that wasn’t natural. However, when he arrived at the library, fully intending on just getting a book and leaving when he saw Celestia and her student off in the corner. Though that meant Twilight saw him as well as she started to fidget while Celestia was still talking to her. With a smirk Masao talked to the librarian and was soon showed the fiction section and he sighed, it looked like he would have to bother the princess regardless… “Celestia, Twilight, I am sorry to interrupt but it seems the librarian can’t find what I am looking for, and I happen to know you have the information I need” he said after walking up to the pair Twilight looked ecstatic! Ser Masao was asking her teacher for help! “Of course, Masao, what is it? asked Celestia and Masao glanced at the young filly for a second. “It’s about Soulmated pairs” he said causing Celestia’s smile to fall a little bit as Twilight looked confused. “I thought those were nothing but myths” came Twilight’s response much to Masao’s chagrin. “Not really, seeing as Sharp Sword is the reincarnation of my lover Evening Star, though she doesn’t know it. And no, Twilight, she doesn’t have the memories of her past life. At least I don’t think she does. That is why I wanted to talk to you Celestia” This had the solar Diarch’s attention. Sharp Sword was roaming the castle enjoying the freedom she had now that the nobles had been dealt with, harshly, not by Masao, though he had wanted to, but rather by Celestia whom now made some open enemies amongst the nobles. So it was not surprising when she was cornered in a room all alone, but she was surprise when the one who cornered her simply placed a neatly folded letter on the ground in front of her and then backed out of the room. Greetings, Sharp Sword, I am glad to see you still breathe, your sister misses you. I do hope you haven't forgotten about us, we haven't forgotten about you... Continue the good work, perhaps you will redeem yourself. Long live the night Sharp Sword went wide-eyed. They were still watching her? Her sister, who had slept with the leader of their cell, frequently, and told her to go jump in a pit for betraying the Lunar Remnants misses her? That part she scoffed at. Her sister, though she hated to admit it, was truly in love with and only ever had eyes for that old bag of bones, Double Edge, something she never understood, or rather refused to understand, as she was now in a relationship with someone many times the age of Double Edge, not that Masao even looked older than… She shook her head back on track, the princess would want to see this letter. “HOW! HOW DID THE DAY’S BREAK FAIL! Did they get caught!?” yelled a very angry pony as she flipped a very extravagant desk over in her anger. “They were killed by magic most foul, most likely coming from this Ser Masao” said a male voice. “Ah, Hornets Nest, I am glad you could make it” said the mare as with a hoof she brushed one of the bangs that fell into her eyes back over her ear. “I live to serve, Lady Sparkle” Author's Note Now THAT'S a cliffhanger! Common Era Chapter Six/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Seven: Unfortunate Timing Author's Notes: I am SO sorry for not updating yesterday, it was a hectic day for me and I had received some bad news. However here is your chapter. I hope you enjoy Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Six/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Seven: Unfortunate Timing “So I shouldn’t be surprised if she remembers things that no one other than Evening knew?” asked Masao, Celestia nodded in response. “Yes, now you should go, I think—” “PRINCESS!!” shouted Sharp Sword as she burst into the library, the librarian about to shush her when Sharp Sword used her magic to clamp the librarian’s mouth shut. “Princess! The Lunar Remnants are in the castle! I just got a message from them, they said to, ‘Keep up the good work’ but I am not working for them, how am I helping them?” asked Sharp Sword not noticing Masao who was contemplating things. Especially with what she had said, could the Lunar Remnants be using them to wipe out their opposition? No… That was… “Calm down, Sharp Sword, I am sure that everything will be alright, right, Masao? … Masao?” she turned and saw Masao lost in thought. “W-What?” he asked before shaking his head, “Yes Celestia, whatever you say” he said preoccupied. Sharp Sword blushed as she realized that Masao was there. “Hey, lover, I, uh…” Masao snapped back into reality and he smiled at her. “Hey, lovely” said Masao with a wink. “OK you two, go, I need to get back to Twilight. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” she said with a wink causing the two to blush but Masao’s vanished rather quickly. “We should go, I have something to talk to you about” “O-Oh?” asked Sharp Sword cautiously, worried that Masao was upset at her, and Masao whispered something in her ear, “OH! How naughty Ser Masao, saying something like that in front of the princess!” said the unicorn mare as she and Masao headed off to their rooms to do whatever lovers do when they are alone. Celestia herself walked back to her young student, a small smile on her face. “So how is your family, my precious student?” and Twilight started cheerfully talking about how her brother was trying to join the Royal Guard, and how her father seemed to be gone quite a lot. She also mentioned how her mother seemed to be getting a lot of visitors lately, and she said that “Daddy won’t be happy” because they were mostly stallions though in her defense she was judging from how her father had reacted in a prior situation. Celestia subtly pried into the identities of the stallions… “Th-That was…” a stallion said before he looked up from the photos in front of him, on the photos were the remains of the Day’s Break, the Day’s Legion’s best assassins. “Yes, and they failed, horribly” said Velvet Sparkle as she sipped some wine from her glass. “The creature uses the blackest magics, and all the princess does is thank him for saving her. there have been several attempts to retrieve the bodies, but it seems the crown has gotten wise to our influence amongst them, several of your operatives have been either arrested or killed. Which begs the question, how are you of any more use to our organization?” asked the mare before she tossed another folder at the fidgeting stallion. “It would also seem that the Lunar Remnants and their sympathizers have infiltrated our own little group.” she said as the stallion opened the folder and inside were several photos of their soldiers all dead, all with the Lunar Remnant’s icon branded on their bodies, the worst part was these pictures were… “These were taken at Dawn’s Rise? Impossible!” “Apparently not, and the leak has been traced back to you and your group…” Masao was laying on his back panting, after Sharp Sword had gotten going, it was hard to stop her,he was sore, but in an extremely good mood, he was also spent, he didn’t think he would be able to move even if—There was a knock at the door… Goddamnit… “Who ever it is can come back later” said a very content Sharp Sword as she snuggled up to Masao, her fur sleek with sweat. The knocking became more insistent. Masao groaned as he rolled out of Sharp Sword’s grasp and into a standing position. Again there was knocking. “Alright, alright already!” said Masao as he staggered to the door and flung it open, heedless to the fact he was naked, right until he saw who was on the other side of the door… “Oh! Oh my…” said Celestia at this point Masao wanted to just crawl back into bed and disappear as he attempted to cover himself. a now irate Sharp Sword tossed the covers on top of her lover. “Mine, back off princess” she said with no room for negotiations much to Masao’s relief as Celestia seemed to be fanning herself with her wing. “What do you want? Masao and I want to get some rest after our… Ah… Vigorous activities?” said the mare and Masao pulled himself deeper into the covers. trying to hide from the embarrassment. “I am sure you do… Oh my…” Celestia said before she remembered what she was there for. “Masao, I need you to apprehend someone for the crown… You and Sharp Sword” said the solar diarch she said as she tried to sneak another peek as Masao attempted to move to the bathroom. “Celestia, stop peeking at my mate” said Sharp Sword her teeth gritted, “Unless you intend to join our herd—?” Celestia went wide eyed as she shook her head, nope nope nope! Masao was her sisters’, both of them, Luna, and the reborn Evening Star, but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t look does it? “Then keep your eyes off” OK yes it does… Masao stood completely armored, helm included, after he heard about who the target was he knew he had to be ready for anything. Beside him stood Sharp Sword, her own sword in its sheath as she swallowed hard, she looked at the building in front of her, it was one of the homes of one the most predominant unicorn families in Canterlot. “Masao, is Celestia correct? Do you really think that—” “Sharp Sword, don’t worry, nothing will happen, I am sure that Celestia is wrong, I hope she is…” said Masao his voice trailing off as they walked up to the door. The door to the Sparkle household… Author's Note Shorter than usual but trust me it's all in the name of... CLIFFHANGERS! Common Era Chapter Seven/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Eight: Apprehension Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Seven/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Eight: Apprehension Celestia sat with Shining Armor and Twilight, she even gotten her niece, Cadence, to join them, she did not want these young innocents to be in the house as her friends tore through it… Masao use his shield to block a spell, thanking the spell resistant qualities of Lunarium as it splashed off the shield. “DIE TRAITORS!” shouted Velvet Sparkle as she shot spell after spell trying to kill the duo, Masao being the obvious “tank” of the group entered first and was taking the most damage, or would have had his armor not been entirely made of Lunarium, and the opponent being an aristocrat unicorn who put too much stock in her magic. “Stand down, Lady Sparkle, we are to arrest you in the name of the crown” said Masao only to have his helm knocked askew by a particular hard blast of magic. “I will not surrender! You are nothing but a creature of darkness! And all that follow you are traitors! The lot of them!” said the crazed mare, “Long live the Dawn!” Masao’s jaw set, so she was going to fight to the death? Fine, let her, she will not win. Masao walked towards her, his armor getting beat again and again by the unicorn’s magic, some of it starting to flake off from the constant barrage, but it held strong and firm as he made his way to the now frantic mare. Velvet had started throwing furniture at the human only for it to bounce off a carefully constructed shield, for behind Masao was Sharp Sword, because she lacked proper armor, she had to rely on Masao for protect her from the heavy magic attacks that Lady Velvet Sparkle was using. “It’s over” said Masao as he grabbed the unicorn by the neck and held her up, frustration and anger lending aid to his strength. However instead of fear being etched on her face, it was a smirk. The next thing Masao knew he was flying backwards two hoof shaped marks on the breastplate of his armor, Velvet Sparkle landing in a small pile on the ground coughing. “Now then, while the brute is uncon—” started Velvet turning to Sharp Sword who had drawn her sword and was ready to fight. Masao stood up wheezing slightly, his helm knocked off his head, the look in his eyes rather murderous, and at the sound Velvet simply tsked. “Hornets Nest take care of that will you, he is such a depressing—hrk!” Sharp Sword had the blade of her épée pressed against Velvet’s neck, a slight cut which was beading with blood. “I think you are going to—” Sharp Sword leaped back and landed lightly between Velvet Sparkle and Masao, her sword in a guarded position as Hornets Nest slammed the spot where she was before. “I think, my dear, that these two mean to stop our friends honorable goals, perhaps it is time we should show them the way out? They don’t need to be breathing” said Velvet as her horn started to glow once more. Masao superimposed himself between Hornets Nest and Sharp Sword, the look in his eyes showing the look of an injured and hungry predator. “Hey, love, think you can take on lady talks-a-lot?” asked Masao as he rolled his shoulders cracking the bones there, and down his back. He readied his shield and stepped towards the stallion, who, surprisingly, was almost as tall as Masao’s neck, meh, bigger target… Shining Armor was hitting on her niece, something not entirely unexpected, she knew that the colt had some feelings for the filly, but to be so blatant… Not that she had any room to talk after what had happened this morning with Masao… Celestia blushed and her niece looked at her confused for a bit as the mare shook her head at the younger alicorn. “Go, spend some time with Shining Armor, maybe you’ll hit it off” teased the princess much to young Twilight’s delight who starting singing “K-I-S-S-I-N-G” at the top of her lungs… Masao stood over Hornets Nest, the sword in his hand twitching as if it could smell the fear in Hornets Nest. Masao, himself, was panting in an effort not to stab the pony, the bloodlust both from being human, and from the dark gift, egging him on saying things like, “He was going to kill you” or, “What’s to stop him from escaping and continuing to attack Celestia’s and Luna’s ponies?” “You are not to move” he told the pony as he fell to his knees panting, his eyes closed. “Lord help me…” he thought aloud. Sharp Sword dodged another magical strike from Velvet Sparkle, leaping and dodging the beams with a practiced ease that one could only get from experience. “Come now, do you really think that I wouldn’t know how to fight my fellow unicorns? I mean my sister was a unicorn as well and she hits a hell of a lot harder than you.” taunted Sharp Sword, her blade now poised to strike. Leaping at the arrogant traitor, at least in her mind, Velvet unleashed a barrage of magic and threw several pieces of furniture around. All the while Sharp Sword closed on her, weaving in and out of the frantic attacks of Velvet Sparkle until she was right up on the enemy unicorn. “Checkmate, my dear] Lady Sparkle” Sharp Sword said her épée pointed directly at her fellow unicorn. “Well then, kill me, that is what you are really here to do, isn’t it, come now, the creature is busy with Hornets Nest. It is not like you’ll get another chance to kill another of the Day’s Legion, go on you traitor to Equestria!” shouted Velvet and Sharp Sword drew her sword back… Celestia was chuckling at a joke Shining had said, true it was rather immature, but she did not expect much from the youthful colt. Her niece however grimaced at the immature joke and fully intended to make the colt know how much she didn’t appreciate it when a guard rushed in and whispered something in her aunt’s ear and the much older alicorn stood up and walked out of the room… “Ah, Lady Sparkle, how nice it is to see you. I see you cast your lot with those traitors in the Day’s Legion” said Celestia after she got to the royal court, the look on her face anything but forgiving. “Ah the foolish princess shows herself, how does it feel, princess, to be a figurehead for Nightmare Moon? Surely you don’t think that creature is on your side now, do you?” asked Velvet Sparkle a snarky look on her face, despite the obvious bruise and goose egg growing on the side of her head where Sharp Sword had bashed her with the hilt of her sword. “Do you want me to hit you again? I mean I really want to hit you again” said the aforementioned unicorn. Velvet Sparkle scoffed. “You are no better than those Earth ponies who roll around in the dirt! Pathetic! HRCK!” Velvet’s rant was cut short as Masao grabbed her by the neck and hoisted her up to eye level. “I can not understand how a caring filly like Twilight came from a home like yours” snarled Masao, he still felt like killing something, and Velvet tried to choke out a few words but Masao’s grip squeezed tighter. “Ser Masao, don’t kill her, she still needs to stand trial, as it is, I would like for you to pick out some guards to guard her until this afternoon” said Celestia and Masao nodded dropping the unicorn who coughed and gagged as she fought to regain her breath. “As you order Princess, Excuse me, I need to go and see if the training grounds are empty. I have to go break some things” at that Masao left the room. “You’re lucky that Celestia was here, I am not sure I would have stopped him, Sparkle. If you knew anything from his history, you would know that he has little use for anypony that practices speciesism, even less so when it is ponies that practice it.” said Sharp Sword much to the surprise of the shackled mare and she attempted to access her magic, only to find it blocked. clasped around her horn was a ring covered in runes which apparently blocked magic. “Hmm… Good to know that ring thing actually works, where’d you get it Princess?” asked Sharp Sword as two guards entered the room to escort the prisoner to the dungeon… “How did this happen? How did they get a hold of Velvet Sparkle! Not a day ago her cover was secure!” said a unicorn stallion as he read the news reports that said that “A Day’s Legion member was arrested today in the city of Canterlot.” Which happened to coincide with the sudden stop of Velvet Sparkle’s reports. No matter, they would soon spring her out of the dungeon and out of Canterlot, hopefully with her children… “And so another one goes down for the count, my dear, please send our gratitude to your sister…” the young unicorn mare groaned in annoyment, as her lover commented about her sister once again, “Now, now, I know you don’t really like her, but remember, she is helping us, whether she likes it or not” Author's Note So, what happens now? Well, you'll find out next update! Common Era Chapter Eight/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Nine: Sharp Sword Learns the Truth Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Eight/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Nine: Sharp Sword Learns the Truth That night Masao did not return to the bedroom, and Sharp Sword was a little worried, this wasn’t like him. Wait… How would she? Not the time. She walked out of the room only to find an Earth Pony waiting for her. without saying a word the Earth pony handed her a rolled up length of parchment and trotted off surprised at the encounter she walked back into her room in a slight daze forgetting about Masao’s absence for a moment. Dear Sharp Sword, I see you are doing well, congratulations are in order, you have have done us a great service in capturing the Day’s Legion agent, rest assured we will be around soon to… Collect her. If you don’t want any deaths I suggest you make sure that the way to and from her cell is clear. If it isn’t I can’t guarantee the life of those “royal guards” that serve that tyrant, Celestia. Long live the Night, Double Edge Sharp Sword swallowed hard, on one hand she could tell Celestia what she had just received, but all in all it did not look good on her having received another message from the Lunar Remnants… Masao was in the training rink, a few unicorns moving the training dummies around while he attacked them he was no where near as fast an unarmored pony who was wielding a saber, an épée, or a foil, but he he was definitely more durable than any unarmored opponent. Still épée and foils were better made to puncture armor than his broadsword, and of course the earliest examples of handheld firearms, Masao was not looking forward to this century, or the next, if they went the same direction of his species. He was in the process of a swing of when Sharp Sword came walking out and sat outside the rink and he stopped his practice. “Oh don’t stop on my account…” she said slightly distracted but still there was a slight air of her love for him and he smiled at her. “Something on your mind, my very sexy mare?” asked Masao a grin growing on his face at the blush that appeared on Sharp Sword’s even as a small smile did so as well. “Well, I see somepony is feeling anxious” Sharp Sword said with a wink as she walked over to him and Masao simply grinned and he knelt down and kissed her on the lips, a kiss which she happily returned before pulling away. “Masao, I got another message from the Lunar Remnants…” she said, the smiles disappearing from both of the two lovebirds’ faces. “What do they want? I thought they were content to leave you be seeing as—They want Velvet Sparkle, don’t they?” asked Masao figuring it out before he finished his sentence. “Yes, and they want a way in and out that will be clear.” said the mare, making Masao frown as he thought of how to deal with this new development. “Hey, Sharp Sword, how do you feel about pulling an all nighter?” Masao stood there in front of the cell door of Velvet Sparkle, fully armored and quiet, and as far as any onlooker was concerned, alone. that was the sight that two pegasi took in surprised that someone was there as Masao turned his head towards them. “Greetings, am I to assume you are part of the Lunar Remnants, or whatever you call yourselves?” asked Masao and the two pegasi gritted their teeth, this had to be the traitor, but their orders were to get the Day’s Legion mare and get out, not to kill the traitor knight. “Oh don’t think that you are getting Lady Sparkle, she is to stand trial in the morning, and I would be foolish to upset Luna’s sister, yeah I could probably take her, but the devastation it would cause, and even then I am not guaranteed a victory. I am nothing compared to Luna, and only Luna would have a reasonable chance at winning, if she kept a leveled head” rambled Masao much to the confusion of the two pegasi, until they were each grabbed in a telekinetic field the color of red, and Sharp Sword stepped into view. “Did you really think I would betray Celestia? After all she has done for me?” asked Sharp Sword a look of anger on her face as the two pegasi started to gag. “Sharp Sword, don’t kill them, Celestia will want to talk to them, and I do believe they have to be alive for that to happen.” said the obviously aloof human, talking as if it didn’t matter to him if they died, other than the inconvenience of upsetting Celestia, which caused the two pegasi to go wide-eyed even as Sharp Sword loosened her grip on their necks. “Fine, love, but only because you asked” said the mare, annoyed at his comment, or rather seemed to be such. The two pegasi were currently locked in a cell, neither of them having said anything useful. Moreover, Masao wanted to get Sharp Sword alone for a little bit, her choking the two ponies had not been part of the plan. so as they were walking the corridors on their way back to their room Masao spoke up. “What was that, Sharp Sword?” asked Masao bluntly causing the unicorn mare to stop walking and seemed to start shaking. “They deserve it. All of them, The Lunar Remnants have killed so many Masao, and all the time they teach their young ones that they are fighting for a just cause! I was raised by them, I know how they think, and everytime I meet a new member of the remnants I cry a little inside. do you know why?” countered the blue mare as she turned to Masao whom stopped in surprise and regarded her carefully. “Why?” he finally asked after several moments finally realizing that she was honestly waiting for an answer. “Because that is one more child that might not be saved, that is one more child that may actually believe every word that Double Edge says. That is one more brother, one more sister, one more mother, one more father, one more daughter, or one more son that thinks they have to kill Celestia, and bring about Eternal night” Masao had no words but he knelt down and pulled the mare into a hug, there were many things he could have said, but now was not the time for words… Celestia frowned at Masao and Sharp Sword, having just heard about what they had done. “So you two decided, on your own, that you would apprehend these two? Not even thinking about asking me for my advice? And don’t say you didn’t have time, you had time to reroute all of my guards away from the area until everything was dealt with!” “To be honest, ‘tia, That was ridiculously easy, all I told them was that you requested that they be else where, your old guard would have at least confirmed the orders before doing anything. In fact I was actually insulted that they didn’t confirm the orders even—” “Don’t turn this around Masao!” said Celestia, though she did make a mental note to get on to her guards about that. “Princess, it was my idea to set the trap, if—” “Sharp Sword, enough.” said Masao suddenly, his voice harsh, and sharp enough to cut steel, causing both Celestia and Sharp Sword to look at him surprised, and hurt in Sharp Sword’s case. “You know as well as I it was my idea and I will not have you throw yourself under the bus to protect me.” Celestia frowned at Masao’s outburst, while Sharp Sword looked devastated… “I…” she started before running off, tears running down her face. Masao sighed, as he hung his head and slumped his shoulders, knowing he had hurt her feelings. “Well congratulations, Masao, you managed to hurt your lover so bad she had to run away!” said Celestia angrily causing Masao to step back from the ferocity of her exclamation before a look of anger crossed his own face. “Mind your own business Celestia! What happens between me and Sharp Sword is none of your business!” said Masao before he stepped closer to the solar princess, a snarl on his face. “I did not butt into the affairs of either you or your sister unless you asked, and I will not have you disrespect my relationship by you butting in!” Celestia was a little nervous, she could feel the darkness in Masao pulsing, but she held his glare with one of her own and even if she was afraid of the outcome of a violent confrontation, she would not back down. If Masao chooses to be a threat to her ponies, she would do everything in her power to stop him. “Are you threatening me, when you should be going after Sharp Sword?” said Celestia sternly making the snarl on Masao’s face twist in shock slightly before he ran out of the throne room at full speed, fear and concern now spreading across his features… Sharp Sword had stopped running through the corridors of the castle, and was now walking through them even as tears continued to fall down her face. “Why? Why would he yell at me like that? Haven’t I been there for him? Haven’t I—? Wait… I haven’t known him all that long… So why does it feel like I have known him forever?” asked Sharp Sword as she stopped a look of fear on her face. “Why does it hurt so much? I have been yelled at by lovers before, so why?” she asked aloud not noticing Masao stop behind her and leaned against the wall before taking a deep breath. “It’s because you are a lot older than you know,” said Masao which made Sharp Sword jump in surprise as she twirled around and glared at him, “well your soul is anyway” he amended as the mare narrowed her eyes at Masao. “Are you here to yell at me some more?” she asked accusingly and Masao flinched slightly. “No, and I probably shouldn’t have been so harsh earlier. I just… Do you know that having someone you are trying to protect throw themselves into trouble to protect you feels like a betrayal? Who am I kidding, of course you do, we just went through that together…” Masao and Sharp Sword sat in their room, Masao answering her questions to the best of his ability, including how he really felt about her, not Evening Star, but Sharp Sword. Masao continued to answer to the best of his ability, even if some answers she didn’t like such as when he mentioned that when he first heard that she was the reincarnation of Evening Star, he jumped at the chance to be with her even more than before. but in the end, they made up. And after that point they continued to hunt down both Day’s Legion and the Lunar Remnants followers, soon the Day’s Legion was gone, no one remained. However, the Lunar Remnants proved to be increasingly stubborn and impossible to remove, much to dismay of both of them. During all of this they managed to repair the damage to their relationship with Celestia, who started to invite them to Twilight’s study sessions, during which time the young filly would badger the couple with questions, and a few of them made the trio of adults blush in surprise, and embarrassment. Shining Armor joined the Royal Guard, and soon hit it off with Twilight’s new babysitter, Cadence, who started babysitting her after the arrest and following sentencing of the young filly’s mother. Still as Masao knew would happen, Twilight still did not see the necessity for friends, and Masao knew it was getting close to the night he was waiting for. The night Luna would return… Author's Note Next chapter... The Next Chapter begins the actual Series Common Era Chapter Nine/MLP Season One Chapter One: The Mare on the Moon Part One Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Nine/MLP Season One Chapter One: The Mare on the Moon Part One At this point I think I should tell you, things were not always to cut and dry, Ser Masao will never admit his part in the saving of Princess Luna, even if she points it out to him every day that he did play a vital role. Oh? Are you confused? Well I guess I should tell you then… Here we go… Masao sat in the library reading a book, his lover, Sharp Sword was currently on a mission in an attempt to dislodge a cell of the Lunar Remnants from the town of Ponyville. “Ah! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?” said Twilight suddenly in the background and Masao’s gaze shot up from the book in front of him. Was it already? No… That was… “Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale.” said Spike and Masao nearly choked, line for line… “Sorry, Spike, but from what Ser Masao has told me—” “You really believe that he is as old as Celestia? Please I bet he is just the descendant or something, besides—OW!” said Spike, rubbing his head from where Twilight had hit him. “Take a note please, to the Princess.” Masao ceased listening at that point and made his way to Celestia who was in the middle of Day Court, and heedless of the current petitioner he strode up to the throne and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I am sorry, my little pony, I must reschedule your meeting with me until a later date. guards, please escort her out, and inform the other petitioners that I will see them on a later date” said Celestia in a carefully leveled cheerful voice. After the guards had left she turned to Masao a frown on her face. “Are you sure?” she asked. “Yes Celestia, I have to go to Ponyville and you should send Twilight. The other Elements are there, they don’t even know what ties them together yet, but it is high time that they met.” said Masao before he sighed. “Tonight is the night your sister returns, but we first have to contend with Nightmare Moon” Armed with her new knowledge, Celestia was ready when Twilight’s message appeared and promptly wrote her response My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely… Masao was already on his way to the balcony, and with a simple handing of Celestia’s orders he was quickly on his way to Ponyville… Sharp Sword was about to summon a courier to deliver her report on the cell in Ponyville, having found out they were going to attempt to summon the dark Alicorn when Masao literally landed beside her, a small crater where he landed, the chariot that had carried him, fleeing from several magical blasts. “Friends of yours, my dear?” he asked calmly motioning to a bunch of unicorns that were running out to attack him. “Well, what kind of time do you think this is?” she asked and Masao grinned as he turned around and with a simple draw and aiming of the flintlock he was now carrying—ever since his old armor had been pierced by a round from one he carried one—and the group ran off leaving no trace of them, other than Sharp Sword and himself. “Well that was anti-climatic” said the human as he walked off towards the Everfree, leaving a very confused Sharp Sword. “Hey, hey, hey! Where do you think you are going without giving your mare a kiss?” prodded the scowling blue unicorn and Masao chuckled as he stopped, turned around, and knelt down with his arms open inviting the mare to rush over and hug him. Which she did, and he kissed her. “OH MY CELESTIA!” said a voice and Masao groaned, this was not going to end well. “Bon-Bon! Do you see!? Do you see!? I told you they existed!” Masao turned his head to the side and saw a lime green unicorn and a same color green and white mane and tail as she nudged a cream colored earth pony with blue and purplish pink hair. The earth pony, obviously named Bon-Bon just stared in shock while her friend seemed to be giddy as all get out. “Greetings girls, I don’t suppose me telling you two to get indoors will matter any?” asked Sharp Sword and the lime green unicorn shook her head a large grin on her face. “Well then… I guess we are at an impasse, you really do need to get indoors, and I need to continue forwards.” said Masao and at that the lime green pony trotted up ignoring Masao’s annoyed look. as well as the flintlock in his hands much to his aforementioned annoyment. “I’m Lyra! Who might you be?” asked the unicorn now identified as Lyra, as if Masao didn’t already know, however, the look in her eyes was very, very lustful. “He’s mine, and I swear, by Celestia, if you don’t back off, your friend over there will be cleaning you up with a rag and bucket” said Sharp Sword as she imposed herself between Masao and Lyra causing the green unicorn to take a step back. “Sharp Sword, while I am more than happy you are ready to ‘fight for my honor’ as it were, right now we have far more pressing issues to deal with, more important than dealing with a lustful unicorn and her want for human loving. Sorry Lyra, but I truly am taken, but if you leave a message with Sharp Sword here, I am sure she’ll take your request under consideration” “The buck I will” “Well there you go” said Masao with a sigh as Lyra just grinned at him. “Well if you ever get tired of miss uptight, I am sure you’ll know where to find me” said the lime green unicorn sashayed away, her flank having gained an exaggerated sway. Masao rolled his eyes at her act and turned to Sharp Sword who was so upset she was snorting, much like that of an earth horse. “Well that could have gone better” said a familiar voice and Masao and Sharp Sword turned to see… Celestia was getting ready, she knew that it was possible she would have to fight to protect her ponies from Nightmare Moon, and this time Masao would not be there to, ‘hold her down’ if she started having second thoughts about fighting the evil mare… “Will I be able to? If it turns out Masao is wrong and I have to kill her… Will I be able to?” Celestia thought aloud… Twilight stood there with a grin on her face as she trotted up to two of her teachers which made Masao groan, he had hoped to be in the Everfree long before Twilight had arrived. “D-did I do something wrong?” asked Twilight and Masao realized that she had heard his groan and shook his head while trying to reassure her that it had nothing to do with her. “Are you here to help me with—” she started when both the older mare and the human shook their heads. “No, I am on a mission for Celestia, and… I don’t really know why you are here love” said Sharp Sword and Masao just grinned not saying a word at first. “Well I am not here to help you, Twilight, but if you need help Sharp Sword, just let me know, otherwise, I am here to judge how well you do, Twilight” said Masao, and the purple unicorn’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks as she learned that she was being tested. “Now, now, stop that right this instant! If you start panicking or otherwise start acting like more of a perfectionist than you normally are, I will fail you right here” Twilight merely nodded before walking off Spike glaring at the human for upsetting Twilight. “Oh and keep an eye on Spike” as soon as Twilight was out of sight Masa’s smile fell from his face, and he turned to Sharp Sword. “Nightmare Moon is coming back, tonight” he whispered into her ear, and at that Sharp Sword’s own eyes were pinpricks… Author's Note Well then, Sharp Sword obviously doesn't like Lyra! What kind of trouble can I get Masao into this time? And YES I did use the lines from the actual show Common Era Chapter Ten/MLP Season One Chapter Two: The Mare on the Moon Part Two Author's Notes Lord_01001010, ask and you shall receive! Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Ten/MLP Season One Chapter Two: The Mare on the Moon Part Two Masao stood at the entrance to the Everfree and oddly it did not feel all that different from going home, the forest welcomed him back into it… “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” asked Nightmare Moon as she stood on the indoor balcony of the Town hall. Twilight stepped forwards completely confident, if foolish. Sharp Sword ready to tackle the young mare if Nightmare Moon decided to attack her. “I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare on the Moon – Nightmare Moon!” said Twilight, her exclamation causing the rest of the ponies to gasp in surprise, even as a few ponies slipped forwards and bowed towards the corrupted alicorn. “We live to serve, our princess” said a random unicorn only for the back of her neck to be pierced by Sharp Sword’s sword. “I don’t care, what you have done, and I don’t care who you believe this is, but she is NOT Princess Luna!” said Sharp Sword as she withdrew her sword from the now dead unicorn the look on her face murderous. “Come now, princess, time to meet cold steel” Masao snuck through the woods intending on making to the old castle, not once did any of the forest’s denizens accosted him, something which unnerved Masao to no end as he made it to the castle with no issue. “Welcome home, Ser Masao” said an elderly earth pony, one that happened to have a younger blue unicorn with read hair standing beside him, a small grin on her face. “Ah, I see you’ve met her sister, Sharp Sword. She was a blunt instrument rather that the fine precision tool that Red Lily can be” said the earth pony and Masao frowned, sure he had a breastplate, but just as warfare had evolved, so did the necessity for him to change tactics, but right now, he felt naked, in front of him was an earth pony currently carrying a… Wait… Was that really a battlesaddle? Shaking his head clear, he also took stock of the delicate unicorn standing beside the earth pony. “I take it you are Double Edge?” asked Masao as he shifted his stance, he didn’t take his eyes off of the unicorn though, something told him it would be a very fatal mistake to do so, much to the annoyment of the unicorn. “What? Was my sister not enough? Do you have to lust after—” she didn’t get to finish as Masao’s glare cut her off. “You, Red, are dangerous, I don’t know how but I am not letting you leave my sight” throughout this exchange the older stallion just chuckled. “You are wise not to let her out of your sights, but will that help you? I left you alone because you were helping out our aims for a while, but then you started to attack us directly, and even had the audacity to come and attack us here, you are not welcome here” Masao scoffed, drawing his flintlock and keeping it trained on the old pony he stalked up to him. “You don’t have that right, this castle listens only to Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, neither of which will ban me from what was once my home.” said Masao and soon Sharp Sword came flying past, Masao reached out and grabbed her by the tail preventing her from crashing headlong into her sister. “I take it Nightmare Moon is on her way then?” asked the human as his gaze switched to his lover’s sister. “Y-yeah… Damn that hurt…” said Sharp Sword as looked back at her tail. When she looked up the look on her face fell. “Hello sister” “And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? Whoa!” said Rainbow Dash just before Applejack yanked on her tail. “Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?” asked Applejack and Twilight nodded. “I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do! Oh I wish Ser Masao were here, he’d know what to do! He was there you know, when this first happened” said Twilight suddenly getting off track as she worried about her teacher. “Who? Sorry, Sugercube, but Ah dunno anyone that old” said Applejack and Twilight sighed, it seemed she had to explain a few things, but first… “The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.” said Pinkie Pie and Twilight looked at her dumbstruck. “How-but-Where did you find that!?” asked the purple unicorn in shock as she grabbed it out of the pink mare’s hooves with magic. “It was under ‘E’!” said Pinkie with a huge smile on her face. “Oh. There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now—” “THE EVERFREE FOREST!?” said the group in shock, and Twilight looked towards forest as there was a crack of lightning, and in that flash of light, she saw footprints that could only belong to one thing in existence, Masao. “So this is how it is going to go down, dear sister you are going to let us kill you, and your friend here, and do you know why?” asked Red Lily as she and her sister circled around, Masao now in a firefight with Double Edge, keeping the aged earth pony from aiding his much younger lover. “Come now, Masao surely you know better than to challenge her royal highness again?” asked the elderly stallion as a dark cloud of ‘stars’ blew past them into the castle… “I think not, Lily, I think you and your old lover had best surrender, we won’t let Nightmare Moon rise” “Ah, my loyal knight Ser Masao Darkheart. how are you doing, traitor? How does it feel serving my self-absorbed sister?” said Nightmare Moon as she came into existence between the two gunners. “You are not Luna, and you are not Celestia’s sister. You are a parasite that decided to take hold of my princess in her moment of weakness” said Masao as he aimed the flintlock at the alicorn. “Do you really think that toy will do anything to me?” asked Nightmare Moon and Masao just smiled. “No, but I am just delaying you” “Delaying me? What—” she didn’t get the chance to finish as Sharp Sword then attacked the mare her épée slashing through the air at the mare. “You cost me three years of my life searching for him! Not only that you cost me another eighteen years after I was reborn!” yelled the angry mare, shocked Double Edge looked back where the duo had been fighting and saw Red Lily on the ground bleeding and made for her, only for Masao to intercept him. “Your weapons, please” was all Masao said and the stallion stripped himself of all his weapons and ran off to try to help his lover. Picking up the musket rifle, Masao loaded it and took aim, and with one shot… There was a ping off in the distance as Twilight and the gang made their way up to the castle. Having been to watch Masao and Sharp Sword practice their craft, Twilight recognized the sound as… “Ser Masao is here!” she said almost giddily, one of her teachers were here fighting off the evil! Maybe they wouldn’t need the Elements of Harmony! She shook her head, as she frowned. No, she has to help in some way… As Masao and Sharp Sword fought Nightmare Moon, Twilight and the others found the Elements of Harmony and leaving Twilight to the task of trying to activate them when Nightmare Moon appeared holding the unconscious forms of her teacher in a dark blue aura before tossing them to the side. “They fought valiantly, I shall give them that, but now it is over.” Twilight and her friends, whom had returned after hearing Twilight shout in dismay at seeing her teachers in such a state, but after her friends were there she felt more confident and soon they were able to use the Elements of Harmony. Freeing Luna from the grasp of Nightmare Moon just as Masao and Sharp Sword regained consciousness. “Well congrats Twilight, you pass.” said Masao as he staggered up to his feet and over to the mare only to be intercepted by her friends. “Ah don’t know what you are, but there is no way we are—” “MASAO! You’re alright!” shouted the unicorn as she picked him up and pulled him into a hug doing the same to the just now waking Sharp Sword. “Twilight? You know these two?” asked the rainbow maned one and Masao groaned as he pushed away from the purple unicorn. “Of course she knows me, I am Ser Masao Darkheart—” “Knight of Princess Luna…” said a quiet voice, one Masao had not heard in an age. Just then Celestia made it to the castle, her stance completely regal even if Masao knew it were only an act, Celestia was tired as hell from flying all the way here from Canterlot… “You told me it was all an old pony tale!” accused Twilight and Masao cringed as Celestia just smiled at the purple unicorn. “I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna!” said Celestia and the lunar princess gasped in fear and cringed away from her sister. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.” “LITTLE SISTER!?” shouted the group while Masao just grinned. “My dear friend” he said with his grin growing. “Will you accept my friendship?” asked Celestia as she looked at her sister. “I'm so sorry! I missed thee both so much!” said Luna as she nuzzled Celestia for a moment and then Masao how returned the gesture with a hug… Author's Note Well How do you like that? Common Era Chapter Eleven/MLP Season One Chapter Three: Alienation/Learning Facts about Mankind Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Eleven/MLP Season One Chapter Three: Alienation/Learning Facts about Mankind “So it has truly been a thousand years since thou hast seen me?” asked Luna as Masao, Sharp Sword and her were flown back to Canterlot… “Yes Luna, it has.” “I see that thou hast moved on from Evening Star, a unicorn this time” Masao rolled his eyes a smirk growing on his face. “Not quite—” “Then what is she to thou? Surely thou didst not start to lay with any random pony that catches thine fancy?” “Apparently I am the reborn Evening Star” said Sharp Sword as she interrupted Luna’s admonishment of Masao and Luna’s mouth went wide, as did her eyes. “Truly? I can have time with the pony I once called my sister?” and Masao chuckled but said nothing as the two mares began to talk to each other about so many things some of which did not matter at all to anyone except the trio of beings in the chariot… As soon as the chariot landed Masao exited first before saluting with his sword, which unlike his old sword, was a rapier style blade “Welcome to Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna, Welcome home” said Masao as the blue alicorn stepped out of the chariot almost sheepishly as two bat pony foals ran up to the mare and bowed. “Princess Luna! The Grand Elder told us so much about you!” said the two young ones as they they smiled at the recently returned princess. Luna looked at Masao who just grinned as he sheathed his blade. At the sound of his footsteps the foals turned to the human and grinned widely. “Grand Elder! Welcome home! Elder Star Burst said you’d be back!” “And what are you two doing up so late? I do hope you are not stressing out your mothers and fathers” and the two foals looked sheepish as Sharp Sword got herself out of the chariot a frown on her face as she walked towards the two foals. “I know you aren’t still up and I am just starting to see things, because I am sure I told the lot of you that if I caught any of you still up when we got back, I would tan your hides” Masao rolled his eyes as Sharp Sword threatened the poor foals. “They do not fear me?” asked Luna in surprise a tear rolling down her face as a smile broke across it. Only for it to fall at Masao’s reply. “Probably only this clan’s young will feel that way, I kept them away from the negativity of your fall, I did not hide it, but…” “So the foals elsewhere may fear me…” “Not so much the foals as everyone else, those raised in the Lunar Remnants will worship you, but other than there and in Masao’s bat pony clan, the adults were raised on the stories of Nightmare Moon, and the fear she inspired” said Sharp Sword with a slight glare at Masao. who shrugged, he had never been one to hide the truth when he had the choice. Luna sat in her room, alone again, part of her worried what she had just experienced was just a figment of her imagination when there was a knock at her door. Opening it, she saw Masao and Sharp Sword, each carrying a pillow and blanket with them as she stared at them slack jawed. “Well are you going to let us in? or are we going to have to sleep out here in the corridor?” asked Masao a crooked grin on his face as Luna just stepped back and the duo just walked into the room only to be pulled into the young alicorns hooves as she hugged them tightly crying in relief and joy that her closest friends were there for her, even without her asking them to help her, they were there… The servant opened the door to the room at dawn the next morning, not realizing that someone had moved into the room, and was shocked to see three figures in the bed, and a pair of blue wings covering the two other figures as they slept… Celestia chuckled as the trio sat in front of her blushing and refusing to look at each other or her. “Did you three have fun this morning?” teased the white alicorn and Luna looked at her sister scandalized. “SISTER! What art thou implying!? I am no harlot! and neither is Sharp Sword! Nor would Ser Masao sleep with one!” said Luna verbalizing her disgust with Celestia’s suggestion but the slight blush on her face suggested that she wasn’t against the idea of sleeping with him, just not out of the blue. However Masao remained quiet, Sharp Sword knew why, he had tried to move on, and the relationships, if they could be called that, made it to that point, and… Just died, either the relationship, or the other party. “Tell her, Ser Masao!” said the mare and when Masao stayed silent she turned towards him. “Ser Masao?” “I already knew that Masao had slept around before we got back together, he told me about it.” said Sharp Sword as she looked away from the solar princess. Before Masao knew it, they went from being admonished for sleeping in the same bed, to talking about his previous bedmates… “So then she tells me that she’d be back safe and sound within the week… She didn’t make it back.” said Masao as he sat down in the dining room with the three mares in his life, he was recalling a particular gryphon with whom he had a small relationship with, mostly that of very close friends, as it never having reached the level of physical intimacy that one would expect from lovers. “I did not take it well… I asked to be deployed where she had been lost, no one survived.” said Masao, Celestia was silent, quietly drinking from her glass. Luna and Sharp Sword looked on in pity for the ones that earned the rightful scorn from Masao. “I see you led a very violent life after Evening Star’s death” said Celestia calmly, but even Sharp Sword, who had no skill in detecting things in people’s voices, could hear the accusation in her voice. “How dare you!” said the unicorn mare, standing up from her seat pointing a hoof at the white alicorn. “You send your guard to do many unsavory things, I should know, I had to do them!” snarled the mare “Sister! Thou knowest we have no room to talk, we have sent many ponies to their death, all in the name of the peace we have cultivated.” said Luna admonishingly and Celestia sighed. “That does not mean I have to revel in the destruction we have caused dear sister” “You think I reveled in their destruction? Oh sure maybe when I first killed them, but in the end I knew all I had done was cause more death and it caused me no shortage of sleepless night thinking about all those families who were now missing loved ones. I do not pretend that the human race is a peaceful race, the inventions I told you about, fuck, the inventions your own ponies are inventing are proof of that!” said Masao as he slammed the unloaded flintlock he was carrying on the table. “I fail to see how these inventions are in anyway equivalent to the weapons of mass destruction your species has created.” countered Celestia and Masao snarled before getting up and walking to the door of the dining room, stopping only for a moment. “They had to start somewhere, and as luck would have it, these flintlocks are just where they started” and with that he slammed the door shut behind him, Luna remained quiet while Sharp Sword glared at Celestia no longer eating. Celestia for her part was in shock, her own ponies have created an early form of human weaponry? No this was not— “Sister, Ser Masao is telling the truth. Be-before we fought, he showed me so much from his world, they had a far more advanced version of these flintlocks, they could fire more than one shot before needing to be reloaded. They even had some that fired rapidly… They had to have started somewhere, but do you know what he said when I asked why his rulers didn’t just take them away he laughed before changing the subject, when I attempted to force the issue, he told me that I would not like his answer.” Luna said much to the dismay of Celestia who came to realize she had opened a pandora’s box by funding the research that had led to the invention of the firearm that Masao and several of her own guard now carried, there had been cases where the weapon was misused, but she didn’t know that… “I hope you are happy, you know Masao told me what his people did, the country he came from, they fought a war for their freedom, twice, once against oppressors and again amongst themselves to remove slavery, and even through all of that, they let the people own firearms, calling it, ‘a God-given right’ that ought to be protected. There had been several murders by these things, and yet they kept them, do you know why?” challenged the mare who had been in combat more recently than the two alicorns. “Because they are a bloodthirsty species” answered Celestia confidently and Sharp Sword shook her head before getting up again and leaving the room, stopping at the door, just like her lover she turned her head toward the duo still sitting. “It was because those firearms had also saved twice as many lives without being fired, just by being there” Luna sighed at Sharp Sword’s remark before turning to her sister as Sharp Sword left. “He was right, I did not like the answer, and I don’t agree with it, if would be better if these weapons were done away with. The sooner the better, because I have a feeling that they will bring nothing but sadness every time they are used” said Luna and Celestia was quiet. “Perhaps there is a way to keep thing safe, I have seen an elderly couple who were accosted by a couple of thugs survive because the stallion was carrying a firearm with him… But I have also seen our ponies murder with these… Sharp Sword had a point… And so do you dear sister… Perhaps we should talk to Masao before we make any rash decisions” said the solar princess and Luna scoffed. “Thou thinkest that Ser Masao has all the answers. He doest not knowest in this case. I hath seen his dreams, he is conflicted about these things.” said Luna as she too got up and left the dining room, leaving the solar Diarch to prepare for the day alone, having alienating all of her loved ones for the night… “I suppose this is how Luna felt…” Author's Note Next update you get two chapters! (Skippable) Common Era Chapter Twelve/MLP Season One Chapter Four: A Short Chapter; Luna’s Sadness/Dealing with the Firearms Author's Notes Due to the fact of how short this chapter is, and the fact you can skip it if you so choose, I am going to be posting a second chapter along with it Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twelve/MLP Season One Chapter Four: A Short Chapter;Luna’s Sadness/Dealing with the Firearms As the sun set, Masao and Sharp Sword awoke again under the wings of Luna, who seemed to have decided in her own she was not going to let them out of her reach whilst they sleep. Carefully extracting himself from the princess’s grasp, Masao crept to the bathroom. However when he closed the door, the click of the latch made Luna shoot up, making Sharp Sword mumble as she rolled over and go back to sleep. Luna looked around the room, she knew that—There was a whoosh as Masao flushed the toilet followed by the sound of running water as he cleaned his hands. When he walked out of the bathroom Luna tackled him and held him close with her wings and hooves. Shocked but not completely out of it, Masao wrapped his arms around the mare and held her as she started to cry. Luna cried for the loss of her friends over the years she was banished, she cried for not being there when Masao needed her, but most of all she cried because for a thousand long years she was alone, so very alone. - -SKIPPABLE Masao took to teaching the mare how to fence with the new type of sword, her old broad sword being far too slow in this era. Like Masao, Luna chose a rapier styled sword, much to Masao’s amusement as when she attempted to use it, she almost managed to break the blade rather than blocking it with the base of the sword. It took him several months of teaching her how to use the blade, but she flat out refused to use a flintlock which made Masao sigh heavily… “Luna, I understand how you feel about them, but the fact remains, refusing to use them does not protect you from them. Just because you do not use them does not mean your opponent will be one to do the same, and I would feel much better if you learned to use them and kept a few near by, just in case.” “They are naught, but tools to kill” came the retort, and Masao frowned before suddenly lunging at her, causing her to become off balance and Masao’s flintlock now pointed between her eyes, the mare’s eyes locked on the barrel of the gun as Masao pulled the trigger… Click… Masao pulled the gun away. “Luna, my dear, dear friend, a sword is a weapon with no other purpose than to kill. A firearm, in the hands of a carnivore, or omnivore, can be a weapon to save his or her life, or that of their family from starvation. I guess in a way the only thing it can truly do is kill, but that does not mean it can not save a life” said Masao point blank and Luna looked at him with annoyment. Something that Masao groaned about. “OK how about this. You sleep with a dagger beside your bed, someone breaks in,what do you do?” asked Masao and Luna looked at him with a deadpan look. “Simple, I would use the dagger to defend myself” “And what if the intruder was stronger than you or your magic?” “Then… Then I’d die” Masao nodded before holding out the flintlock “Now imagine the same scenario, but instead of a dagger you have this flintlock, you point it at the intruder, and one of two things will happen, one, the intruder will surrender, or two, you pull the trigger killing said intruder. Is this any different from killing the intruder with a dagger? Is the intruder any less dead from being killed by the dagger than he would from the flintlock?” Luna remained quiet, she didn’t like his example, I mean who would be foolish enough to threaten her in her own home? Her own home where she was protected by guards and… Their… Weapons… “I see you understand if only partly. I will tell you this right now, I am not happy that firearms have been introduced to this world, not in any way shape or form, but know this, now that they have, there is nothing we can do.” It was several conversations between Masao and the royal sisters about the course to take with firearms, Masao staunchly for allowing the citizens to own them, within reason. While Luna was all for forcefully disarming the populous and destroying the entire cache of weapons Celestia was torn, she wanted to side with her sister, but Masao’s arguments, while some of them did not make total sense, were sound, he had called the firearms, ‘the great equalizer’ and how making them illegal would so nothing to stop gun crime. In the end they decided to make it impossible to own a firearm if you were found mentally deficient or if you had a violent criminal record. Something that made Masao extremely happy… Author's Note Well I hope you enjoyed that, I had to write it, it seemed important enough to write, even if you could have skipped it And in case you are wondering, they have someone casting spells on the parts as to make them impossible to use if you fall under either of those categories Common Era Chapter Thirteen/MLP Season One Chapter Five: Gryphon Glared/The Moon Snatched Away Author's Notes when I started writing this chapter the only thing that went through my head was: and Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Thirteen/MLP Season One Chapter Five: Gryphon Glared/The Moon Snatched Away Masao was getting ready to head to Ponyville, Sharp Sword getting ready with him. they had long since moved into Luna's room... “Ser Masao, art thou sure that thou couldst not stay? We couldst invite thine friend to visit the castle itself” said Luna as she was unable to join the grounded pair. “I am sure, I mean ask the princess of the Razor Talon Clan to take a detour? Perish the thought. She is more stubborn than Sharp Sword here, but she was also one of my best students, and I have been wondering how she and her clan has been since I had left…” said Masao a slight smile on his face as he leaned against a pillar taking a small break as Sharp Sword headed back into their room to grab something, Luna bit her lip and took a step closer to Masao. Noticing the nervous attitude of the lunar princess, Masao chose to remain quiet, something he would have never done, had he known what was about to happen. The lunar princess nervously trotted into Masao personal space, and just before Masao could ask her what was wrong, he found his lips captured by hers in a kiss. “Be safe” said Luna as she started to step away, Masao just reacted and pulled her back into another kiss, a small part of his mind yelling at him, while another part was telling that part to shut up and enjoy the kiss… “Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that this would happen” said an annoyed Sharp Sword, and for a moment Masao feared she was upset at them both but the look on her face, when he pulled away from the blue alicorn, showed more annoyance rather than anger. “Seriously, princess? I mean you could have just told me you felt something for him” she said a small smile starting to show on her face. “I—” “Stow it, both of you. I kinda figured that you two loved each other, even if you would not admit it to yourselves, and I know you love me, Masao, so I am not surprised that this happened, I am sure even Evening Star knew this would happen, in fact I think she was waiting for it to happen” said the unicorn mare her smile changing to a smirk. “Now I think you two have something to do before Masao and I leave” said the mare before trotting off a slight bounce in her step at knowing that this was going to happen. Masao and Luna looked at each other and Luna started to apologize when Masao put his finger over her lips silencing her long enough to capture her lips with his own… Masao made it to the chariot, his clothing a little ruffled and Sharp Sword just smirked before kissing him lightly on the lips. “I knew you two were going to hit it off sooner or later, lover, I am just surprised that it was her that folded, and not you” said the mare just before the pegasi pulling the chariot took off knocking the mare into Masao who just smiled at their now compromising position and his hands decided to take advantage of said fact… Landing in Ponyville, Masao caught sight of Gilda and he smiled, but said smile turned into a frown when he heard her yelling at Fluttershy. “GILDA!” he shouted and the gryphon flinched at Masao’s voice and slowly turned to look over her shoulder. “Well buck me…” said the female gryphon Masao walking over to her a frown on his face. “What did I tell you about this? What the buck did I tell you about roaring at those who are more timid than yourself!?” snarled Masao and Gilda just looked away sheepishly. “I came to Ponyville because I heard that you were going to be in town and I wanted to see how one of my best students has been, and I find out, just from this, that you forgot some of the most important things I had taught you!” “Look, dude, I am sorry” “Don’t be apologizing to me, Gilda, God… I know I pounded into your head at least a dozen times!” said Masao as he continued to glare at the gryphon who proceeded to apologize to the timid yellow pegasus. “Gilda, come with me, there is someone I wish for you to meet.” said Masao as he started back towards a smirking Sharp Sword. “Oh don’t you start” said Masao and Sharp Sword got an innocent look making him roll his eyes. “So who did you want to meet?” asked Gilda as she got to the pair, and Masao motioned to the unicorn who smirked at her. “I see you screwed up chicky” said Sharp Sword causing the young gryphon to snip at her. “Seriously Sharp Sword, you heard me say she was one of my best students, and you go and agitate her! If you weren’t—” “So sexy? So hot?” Masao deadpanned at the unicorn’s reply, the said unicorn sat down on her haunches and smirked at her lover. “So… Um… Why did you need me? I mean I came to Ponyville to meet a friend of mine…” “Yeah, I know, Rainbow Dash, but she can wait a little bit, you seemed to have forgotten a key point I drilled into you several times…” “I… I am sorry, Fluttershy, I shouldn’t have roared in your face” said Gilda as she rubbed her sore wing, Masao had proceeded to show her how she was still the student and he the master, the look in his eyes actually scaring the unicorn that had been with him, apparently she had not gotten on his bad side before. He had beat her with a stick while she had wielded a sword... “It’s alright” whispered Fluttershy, so quietly that Gilda had to strain her ears to hear it, but being satisfied that she had been forgiven she walked back over to Masao who continued to glower at her. “Well?” he asked simply and Gilda flinched but nodded. “Good, now go, I think Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie have a party waiting for you.” said Masao his voice still firm as he turned towards the yellow pegasus and started to walk towards her. “Hey Fluttershy” said Masao, his demeanor changing entirely,his voice calm and caring, a stark contrast to the tone he had used with Gilda, and Sharp Sword noticed, and it slightly scared her, and turned her on a bit too, the feeling a danger fueling a small amount of lust. “Eep!” said Fluttershy in shock at seeing the human once more. “H-hello, T-Twilight s-said she was b-busy” said the pegasus and Masao gave a small smile as he shook his head. “I actually came over to see if you are alright, Gilda was my student, and I am partly responsible when she acts up like that” said the human as he knelt down in front of her as to get on eye level with the yellow mare. “I-it’s a-alright S-Ser kn-knight” said Fluttershy nervously as she trotted in place, unsure on how to deal with Masao kneeling in front of her, especially when his female friend was near by casting a glaring look at her. “I actually came here to see Gilda, to be honest, but seeing as I ended up having to teach her a lesson, I suppose I should take my lover on a date” said Masao as he stood up and walked over to Sharp Sword. “Have a good rest of the day, Fluttershy, and do try to get some more confidence, life is no fun without it.” Author's Note So... What do you think? not my best chapter I am sure, but working with something already made to this extent is a little new to me... I mean even though I still have a ton of ideas on what to do with this story, I can't do them until I get past the actual series which will be difficult to say the least... Common Era Chapter Fourteen/MLP Season One Chapter Six: The Worst Night Ever/Somepony Is Going to get Bucked up Royally(pun so very much intended) Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Fourteen/MLP Season One Chapter Six: The Worst Night Ever/Somepony Is Going to Get Bucked up Royally(pun so very much intended) It had been some months since Masao had gone to Ponyville with Sharp Sword to visit with Gilda. Upon returning to the castle, he was knocked over by the very princess he had sworn his loyalty to, and holding him down with all four of her hooves she leaned down and kissed Masao. What Masao didn’t understand was how Sharp Sword could be OK with this, as from what he could remember about girls from Earth, most would have either cut him off, in the bedroom, or broken it off with him, but as it stood it seemed that she really didn’t care, when it came to Luna that is… It was the week of the Grand Galloping Gala and Masao was scowling, sure, he only truly needed one ticket but he had two mares to contend with, one of which he didn’t need to worry about getting a ticket, due to her status, and the other? Well she really had no interest in the Gala as it stood anyway… “Thou must attend! Ser Masao can not spend all night standing with me” said Luna and Sharp Sword gave her a deadpanned look. “And why not? I mean, you are courting him now, aren’t you?” asked the blue unicorn and Luna sputtered in annoyment, “Careful, princess” warned Sharp Sword not liking the tone Luna had used with her. Luna for her part looked at her scandalized. “I didn’t say a word Sharp Sword!” Masao was in Ponyville visiting Rarity hoping to have her help him with a outfit, hoping of course the uniqueness of his shape and the amount of bits he was willing to pay for something this last minute would be enough to encourage the mare to make him an royal guard dress uniform with a slight alteration, intending on having a dark blue dress uniform shirt and a black pair of slacks, he already had a pony help him with the shoes aspect of the uniform. and he went to a gryphon leather worker in canterlot for the belt and materials for the shoes. “Really now! You should have come to me sooner than this dear!” said Rarity as she tutted about him, a tape measure taking his… Well measurements. “I was not sure you would be willing to make an outfit for me, several of your… Ah… Peers, said I would be better off in a cage rather than in polite society. Needless to say, they quickly lost their business license, due to them foolishly saying it in front of Luna and Celestia.” “I have been meaning to ask, deary, but what is your relationship with the princesses?” asked Rarity as she started to take out the requested materials, and quickly got to work “Well Celestia and I are close, not as close as Luna and I, but still close, I am truly her oldest friend, I knew her before she got her phoenix, she and her sister used to rule from that castle in the Everfree, and I used to call that castle home… Before…” Masao mumbled off as unbidden memories of the past came crashing down, and the foremost thought on his mind was Evening Star and her beautiful smile, and… Masao smiled as every doubt he had seemed to flee from his mind, all there was room for was the three ponies in his life, Evening Star, Luna and the reborn Evening Star, Sharp Sword. “Masao, darling, are you alright? Your entire posture changed!” at that Masao shook himself out of his thoughts and smiled down at the white Unicorn serenely. “Yeah, I was just remembering someone, my lover at the time, Evening Star, she was a bat pony, did you know? She had the more beautiful smile and her eyes could trap you in them if you let them. I knew her almost as long as I did Luna and Celestia.” said Masao as he lost himself in the memory of the first time they had made love and not just had a roll in the hay. He was not turned on by it as he was only thinking of it’s beauty. “Dear, you seem to have gotten lost in your thoughts again” said Rarity, and she listened to him recount so many things, always remembering the wonder and glamor he had seen in the past. He recounted his time serving under Princess Luna as a knight-protector, something that had gained him fame amongst the ponies of the time. He talked about how he had fought in the Lunar Rebellion, and how he had fought Nightmare Moon, even if all he had done was restrain her long enough for Celestia to use the elements on her. He started to talk about how he was saved from starvation by the gryphons of the Razor Talon Clan, when Rarity looked up from the clothing claiming it to be finished. “I made it to your specs, and if you don’t mind, I will be making a few more outfits for you. You do have such an interesting shape darling. I do hope you come back to visit, I find your telling of history so invigorating! So much dashing adventures! And you the knight in shining armor!” said the white unicorn as she neatly folded the dress uniform and placed it in a bag before proceeding to close it tight. Masao chuckled. “Not many would enjoy me telling them about ancient history, much less believed I lived through all that. You truly are a generous one, and worth of the title of The Element of Generosity” said Masao as he bowed to her. “Now now! None of that, I am no princess! Not yet anyway.” tutted the mare and Masao frowned before sighing. “Lady Rarity, if I may be so bold as to offer you some advice?” asked the human and Rarity looked at him with a questioning look. “Go ahead, darling” “Stay away from Prince Blueblood, he gives the title of prince a bad name, and I would hate for you to make a fool of yourself as to try to impress him.” said Masao and Rarity clicked her tongue as she kept herself from making a rude comment, after all she did allow him to give her advice, and she’d be a fool not to listen to him especially since he had been living in castle with the stallion in question for a good several years. “If you don’t intend to listen to my advice, then if he starts being a complete arse of a pony, please come find me or Luna, but stay away from Sharp Sword, she will have no patience with the poor boy, and I would rather not have to ask one of the princesses to pardon her. Though if it is Luna that gets to her first, I wouldn’t be surprised if she gives Sharp Sword a medal” said Masao and Rarity chuckled as she shook her head. “I doubt he is that bad, now, Ser Masao, darling, you should get home before you are missed, I am sure that mare of yours is searching the castle brick by brick” at that Masao laughed before he placed several bits on the table before taking his leave. “I do hope that he is wrong about this ‘Prince Blueblood’ if not…” The night of the Gala, Masao came out onto the balcony of his and Sharp Sword’s room dressed in his uniform, the sash that went across his chest to his waist, pure white with a collection of medals, all given to him recently and without ceremony much to his own surprise. he walked the castle taking in the defenses something he had never stopped doing ever since becoming a knight, and learning what was a good defense and what wasn’t. “Ser knight” said a familiar voice, and Masao turned to see Shining Armor who seemed to be holding back a glare. “Greetings, corporal, what brings you to my balcony?” asked Masao in a rather cheery voice and the unicorn gritted his teeth as he gave a slight bow. “I am to be your escort until such time as you meet up with Lady Sharp Sword and Princess Luna” at that Masao sighed knowing that there was no way to get out of it, either Celestia or Luna had ordered the escort, and he was not in the mood to upset either of them tonight. “I take it you are still not happy with my part in having your mother brought to justice” said Masao not looking at the unicorn anymore as he returned to scanning the horizon for threats, well aware of the threat beside him as Shining Armor’s horn glowed menacingly. “I am sorry that I played a part in breaking up your family, but your mother played part in the Day’s Legion’s play for power, and Celestia can not allow somepony who betrayed Equestria to roam free.” “And what about you? You betrayed Equestria! You fought against the rightful-urk!” “Hear me and understand me well, boy. I did not betray Equestria, I followed one of it’s leaders to the brink, and when she went off the edge I protected Equestria, and I will be damned before I let Equestria fall, whether to a mad mare, or that of any enemy forces. So long as there is breath in my body, I will stand at the ready. I will continue to train in the weapons available, and I will fight to protect those I love. Princess Luna and sharp Sword for sure, but also the whole of Equestria” “Don’t talk to me as if you are so much older than me! I—” “You nothing, I am over a thousand years old, I have watched kingdoms rise and fall, and only Equestria has stood strong, and only the Razor Talon Clan has remained intact from the Gryphon kingdom that allied itself with us, all because they had either immortal rulers or an immortal who helped them!” shouted Masao and a green hue started to overtake his eyes. “Ser Masao! Calm thyself before we have thee restrained” said Luna as she walked calmly out onto the balcony. “And thou!” said Luna turning slightly to face the unicorn, “T’is not thy place, nor thy right to place blame like that on the Ser Knight. My sister, herself, forgave Masao for fighting at my side! Thine opinion is noted, but is not needed” “Luna, calm down. There is no reason to bite his head off, after you just stopped me from doing the same.” Masao was escorting a very annoyed looking Sharp Sword, and every time a stallion’s gaze lingered longer than she thought it should on her. For her dress, which was also made by Rarity, who insisted, practically forcing the mare to stay still long enough to get her measurements, flattered her entire frame. drawing attention to the mare’s mane and eyes, and Masao just grinned stupidly when she came walking out onto the balcony not long after Luna and Shining Armor had left. and he mentioned in passing that perhaps they should stay in, for he didn’t want to share, only to have Sharp Sword huff at him and with her nose in the air made her way out of the room, with Masao following… “I say, madam, you are simply divine! May I have a dance later?” asked a stallion and Masao simply growled at him the look in his eyes telling the stallion to leave now if he valued his life. Which the stallion did, with his tail between his legs. “I think I can handle myself, Masao” said Sharp Sword and the human rolled his eyes. “Maybe if you weren’t in a dress, but I happen to know from watching some of the old guard, dressed screw with your maneuverability, and from what I have seen, you don’t much like dresses, therefore I doubt you spent much time in one” said Masao, and they finally made it to the entrance of the ballroom and Masao took a small breath and smiled at the mare beside him. “Now, ‘once more into the breach,’ after you my love” said Masao with a bow his arm pointing the way to the door. “Very well, but you owe me for this, lover, and you are going to pay up. and if you are lucky, you may enjoy it” she whispered into his ear and Masao shuddered slightly before following her into the ballroom, stopping her just inside the door. “Wait” he whispered into her ear, which flicked in response. “And who are you miss? And why did you bring some—ah, nevermind, you are Ser Masao, shall I announce you?” Masao nodded… “Now presenting, Ser Masao Darkheart, Knight Protector of Princess Luna, and Lady Sharp Sword, Captain of the Lunar Guard” said the announcer and Masao chuckled at Sharp Sword’s shocked look and nudged her forwards as he walked past her with a purpose stopping at the foot of the stair he waited for Sharp Sword to catch up to him, and just like he predicted, she was not used to the dress and almost tripped, but thankfully no one noticed as she made it beside him. “Ah, it is good to see you both tonight, and congratulations on your promotion my dear Sharp Sword—” started Celestia when Masao spoke up a smile on his face. “I do believe you mean my dear Sharp Sword” teased Masao and Celestia giggled, she flat out giggled at Masao’s comment much to the surprise of the nobles there. “I do believe you are right Ser Masao, and it is good to see that you are wearing the medals you had very well earned in your service to Equestria” she said and many of the nobles that had been sneering quieted down upon catching sight of the sash completely covered in medals, and at his side was his rapier, he was strangely without his normal accompaniment of flintlocks preferring to carry only one tonight. “I live to serve your sister, princess, and you by extension” and at that Celestia smiled as she took a step to the side revealing a small blue alicorn, her mane barely having any of its old flow back, but her own gown was by far better suited on her than it was anyone else and she gave a slight bow to the human. “I thank thee for thy kind words. Perhaps I will be able to spend sometime with thee, my friend, provided that the nobles do not keep me too long” said Luna and Masao simply smiled and gave a slight bow before moving forwards and into the ballroom proper along with Sharp Sword, who was still in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me that I was promoted to captain proper!” whispered Sharp Sword harshly as they sat at a table and Masao snickered only for Sharp Sword to glare at him. “Luna asked me not—” “I must apologize darling, but I simply must borrow your date for a moment” said a familiar voice and suddenly Masao was being levitated in the air, a ‘really?’ look on his face as Rarity carried him over and deposited him between her and Prince Blueblood. “Let me guess, Blueblood here was not being a proper gentlestallion?” said Masao as he stood up and dusted himself off, the medals on his chest occasionally clinking off one another. “I say! What is this beast do—” “I would be careful not to let your aunties hear that, Celestia would be cross, and Luna would be so much worse” said Masao and Blueblood shut up. “Good, now, what are you doing being rude to this mare? In status she is equal to you, if not your better, she is the Element of Generosity, and you are lucky to have even caught her eye. There are some even in this very room who wish that she would look at them as she looked at you.” said the human and Rarity looked at him curiously and Masao winced, surely she knew that Spike had a crush on her, right? Right?? “Damn that mare! Now where did she take my mate!” murmured Sharp Sword as she looked around the Gala, purposely staying away from the dance floor, even as a crowd was growing. She didn’t notice that the stallion from earlier was now following her keeping just out of sight… “Hiya Sharp Sword! Fancy seein’ you here!” said Applejack and Sharp Sword gave a small grin to the apple seller. “Greetings Lady Sparkle, t’is most enjoyable to see thou once more!” said Luna happily as Twilight made it to the front of the line and was invited to stand with the two princesses, and while it was not Celestia, Twilight was still more than happy to spend time with the lunar diarch, as she discussed a lot of what she had learned from Masao about the time before Luna had led the Lunar Rebellion which impressed the younger alicorn causing the mare to smile… “ARGH! Where the buck is she! That damned mare!” grumbled Sharp Sword as she stumbled into a tree, not really used to the dress at all, give her armor and what not any day, but she did not do dresses, even if it got a very pleasing reaction from her lover. A smile started to grow on her face before she was suddenly enveloped in a green hue and pressed against the tree and moving her eyes she noticed the stallion from earlier, but he was accompanied by a unicorn and pegasus. “Now, isn’t this just perfect, this sexy mare happened to walk out here all on her lonesome, and this time without that beast of hers near by” Sharp Sword’s eyes went wide, she attempted to cast a spell when her head started to pound. “I wouldn’t try casting any spells, my friend here won’t take very kindly to someone trying to overpower him, especially not a mare, wait… Aren’t you supposed to be the new Captain for the Lunar guard? What a joke! That Luna must be batting for the other team if she is letting a sexy mare like you… There’s something bad behind me, isn’t there?” The look in Sharp Sword’s eyes, relief, was the only warning the stallions got before they were flung against their own trees, One enveloped by a bluish gray hue, another by a cobalt blue hue, and the unicorn was just tackled into the tree by one very furious human, the click of his firearm having gotten the struggling unicorn stallion’s attention. “Drop. My. Mate.” the unicorn couldn’t do so fast enough, and one could see it was taking every bit of Masao’s being not to pull the trigger of the flintlock now pressed against the stallion’s temple. “Masao, I’m fine, let’s just go back inside” said Sharp Sword as she caught on to the situation, and used her magic to pull him away from the cowering unicorn. “Come darlings, how about we let the guard deal with these ruffians” said Rarity as she trotted back into the ballroom followed by a scared Sharp Sword, not for herself, but rather for Masao, as she kept gently nudging him back into the ballroom. “I will be back in in a moment, my dearest friends, I shalt first handle these brigands.” said Luna and the trio left the alicorn there as she turned to the fallen stallions. “So thou thought thou could assault my friends? Thou wouldst been safer had Ser Masao remained, I will not be so kind to give thee a quick death” “Well this was officially the worst night ever…” said Applejack as she and her friends all made it to Donut Joe’s. “I dunno, could have been worse” said Sharp Sword as she lead Masao into the shop followed by the rest of the gang. Rarity simply smiled as she thought about how some in the ballroom saw Prince Blueblood for what he was when he proceeded to try to put her human friend down, in front of Princess Luna no less! Of course then things went to Tartarus afterwards, she frowned, Masao mentioned something about Sharp Sword probably needing some help with her dress, They had gone searching for her, Princess Luna deciding to join them, and Applejack pointed them in the right direction. When they found her… Well she would not be sorry if they woke up sore tomorrow! “Hardly! Thou weret assaulted in our own castle! In thy own home!” said Luna as she joined the group. Celestia soon followed. “I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala.” said Twilight as she nervously shuffled in place “That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!” said Celestia as she walked in a large grin on her face which fell when she saw the looks on her sister’s and their close friends’ faces “PRINCESS CELESTIA!” shouted Twilight and her friends in surprise. “I take it that it was not so great for you three?” asked Celestia and Masao nodded as he finally uncocked the flintlock which caught Celestia’s attention and that of the other ponies in the store, Donut Joe eyeing the human carefully but when he say Masao put the gun away he went back to cleaning the dishes in the sink. “What happened?” Masao shook his head not trusting himself to speak, Luna however had no such reservations, but to everyone’s surprise it was Rarity who spoke up. “A Trio of ruffians attacked and tried to have their way with Lady Sharp Sword here, They probably would have succeeded if Ser Masao, Princess Luna and I weren’t already looking for her.” said the white unicorn surprising the group there and Celestia’s eye grew sharp. “I see, where are these ponies now? I assume you left them alive since there was no report of a flintlock going off” asked Celestia and Masao nodded, as did Rarity and Sharp Sword, but Luna just smirked and said nothing. which did not go unnoticed by her sister. “I see… Luna, in the future, allow the guard to deal with them after you have them subdued. They are paid to deal with such” “They art alive, and art currently in the hospital, I did not think Ser Masao would want one of his mares to kill someone after we stopped him from doing the same” up until this point there had been music playing in the background, which seemed to stop with the sound of a record scratching off in the distance as everypony, with the exception of Sharp Sword, stared at Luna, Masao, and Sharp Sword… “Well this officially was the worst way to end the worst night ever…” mumbled Sharp Sword… Author's Note Well so ends season one, in case you are wondering I am NOT going to do every episode, just certain ones, but it is implied, that unless I do a chapter based on the episode that they went exactly like the show. OH! I can't wait until Discord gets to meet our main character(or is he the main character at all? Or is it a different character??) Common Era Chapter Fifteen/MLP Season Two Chapter One: Return of Harmony/A Lazy Day Author's Notes You are getting a second chapter today, thanks to the fu that DDOSed FIMFiction Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Fifteen/MLP Season Two Chapter One: Return of Harmony/A Lazy Day The next month after Luna’s announcement that Masao had his own little herd, with her being part of it, did not go over well with the nobles of Canterlot, several of them attempted to challenge Masao to a duel for the hand of Princess Luna, who found the situation ironic, had she not announced she was no longer available to court, all this attention she was getting would probably not exist. As it was however, she also found it annoying, seeing her chosen partner having duels almost every day, and it was beginning to cut into the time he had with Sharp Sword and herself! This could not stand! So Luna decided that she would designate a singular day of the week that Masao would be able to accept duels… “Seriously, just stop…” said Masao as he dueled with a particular stallion over forty times in the past three weeks, and every time he beat the stallion with ease. “I think it is clear, by the rules of combat, and by the fact that I haven’t killed you yet, that I am the better swordsman, er, swordspony…” said Masao before he heard a group of foals coming closer. “No! I can still fight!” said the stallion and Masao rolled his eyes before rushing forwards and to the untrained eye it seemed like he disappeared, and reappeared behind the stallion who after a moment gagged before falling over unconscious. unluckily for the human it was just as Cheerilee and her class entered the clearing. “WHOA! That was AWESOME! Not as awesome as Rainbow Dash, but—” started a small orange pegasus, and Masao smiled forcefully as he sheathed his blade. “I am sorry that you had to see that, madam, but he would not take no for an answer. Now if you will please excuse me, I have to fetch the royal guard to have them take this pony to the hospital.” said Masao as he started to walk off. “Sir, could you wait? Am I correct in assuming you are Ser Masao? Knight-protector of Princess Luna? asked Cheerilee and Masao groaned but nodded an affirmative. and Cheerilee smiled at him. “Could I trouble you to tell us some of the history from the time before the Lunar Rebellion?” asked the mare and Masao sighed at her question, “Did I do something wrong?” “No ma`am, it is just I prefer not to share all that much of what I know. Most of what I did was not something you would want children to hear.” said Masao before he walked off leaving the mare and her class alone once more. “OK then, class we must move on, we have a lot to see” Masao knocked on Luna’s door and the princess groaned on the other side. “If there is no emergency, I will smite thee where thou stands” said the princess before opening the door revealing it to be Masao whom she had threatened, “Oh my!, I am sorry, dearest Masao, I thought—” “Well lucky for me, it is an emergency. Discord is about to become free” said the human and Luna’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks. “I see you understand the severity, but not the fact that we can’t do anything, not against him. Not this time anyway.” said Masao and Luna just looked at him questioningly. “The Elements will be able to handle him, now that said…” said Masao as he closed his eyes, “Should that draconequus threaten you or Sharp Sword…” he left the sentence unfinished but Luna neede no psychic powers to know that Masao would probably go toe to toe with the spirit of disharmony should one of them be in danger. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem, after all, I can see you are very much willing to stay out of my way, and for such a small fee too!” said Discord from the window pane and Masao gritted his teeth, this Discord he had no use for, not that he didn’t find some of the stuff Discord did as funny, but he did not like the damage that Discord caused before he was reformed. “Why such the long face… I mean you came to talk to me before when I was stone, but you never told me your name, and you are a very weirdly shaped creature, and that is coming from me! Such symmetry, and yet not—” “I am Ser Masao Darkheart, Knight-Protector and mate of Princess Luna, and mate to Sharp Sword, Captain of the Lunar Guard, teacher-trainer of Gilda Razor Talon, and immortal friend to Princess Celestia” said Masao with a slight flourish of his blade, saluting the draconequus, who uncharacteristically paid attention to the human. Discord was ready to change the sword into something else but was surprised at Masao’s actions, but then something Masao said clicked. “Wait… ‘Mate to Princess Luna?’ Seriously?” asked Discord his gaze lingering on the princess for moment, “You told me you would never be with someone outside your species!” Discord said the surprise in his voice obvious. “I said, that ‘I wouldst hath nothing to do with thou in a romantic sense,’ I said nothing about not having a mate outside my species” said Luna scowling at the draconequus who scoffed. “If I remember correctly, you said ‘Never wouldst I be caught dead in thy arms’ and you then tried to stick me with your horn” said Discord, Masao sighed as the two other immortals argued. “I would love to continue this, dear Luna,” Masao growled at the draconequus for that, “but I am needed elsewhere” at that Discord vanished and Masao sighed into his hands as he covered his face with them. “So begins the briefest reign of chaos ever seen” Masao mumbled… “The Elements! They're gone!” said Twilight in shock and Celestia took a moment to look into the case that normally housed the elements. “That chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I can break! This doesn't make sense!” said Celestia as she dropped the box when there was a laugh, one very familiar to Celestia. “Make sense? Oh, what fun is there in making sense?” said Discord, but the group of ponies couldn’t see him. “Discord... Show yourself!” shouted Celestia worried that she was unable to find the draconequus, who was now chuckling, soon revealing himself on a window pane. “Did you miss me, Celestia? I missed you. It's quite lonely being encased in stone, but you wouldn't know that, would you, because I don't turn ponies into stone.” said Discord with a bit of anger at the end before he went back to a cheerful voice, “I did meet that new stallion you have in the castle, he’s a keeper! I do hope you have tapped that, it’d be a crime if you haven’t” said Discord and Celestia blushed heavily as she shook the thoughts from her head. “Oh wait, I forgot, he’s dear Lulu’s isn’t he? Still that didn’t stop you before!” Celestia blushed deeper as she tried to forget that particular incident, involving Discord, a cheap bottle of wine, and herself. “Enough! What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?” asked the solar Diarch as she continued to blush, her student and her friends looked at the princess curiously. “Oh, I just borrowed them for a teensy little while.” before he snapped his claws and was gone off that window… “I pity Celestia right about now…” said Masao as he took a sip of the chocolate milk he had gathered in a glass, Luna looking at him incredulously having her own glass near her, just as Sharp Sword burst into the room. “Are you two alright!? I just heard Dis… Are you two drinking the chocolate milk from the cotton candy clouds?” asked Sharp Sword the look on her face one of disbelief Masao just nodded whilst Luna hiccupped and excused herself as she got up and went to the restroom. “Do I even want to know?” “Bathroom break probably? Oh look, Twilight and her friends are going into the hedge maze… Idiots” he groaned and Sharp Sword looked at him. “Are you OK? You seem different” at that Masao chuckled “Yeah I am alright, it is just I knew the answer to Discord’s riddle already—” “Wait! You know where the Elements are!? Why didn’t you tell me, we have to—” “Nay, we cannot. Ser Masao reached an accord with the spirit of Discord” said Luna as she sat back down and watched everything unfold in the hedge maze. almost bored. “If it protects you two, I will stay out of his way, besides, he isn’t going to win” said the human and soon the hedge disappeared as Rainbow Dash flew away. It was only when a stray pie flew by that Masao sighed. This Chaos would be the death of him… “Twilight, aren't you missing somepony?” asked Spike as he looked around having just returned the Elements to the unicorn. “Nope. We've got the liar, the grump, the hoarder, and the brute. That just about covers it.” said the angry Twilight and Spike spoke up again. “But what about Rainbow Dash?” at that Twilight clipped the necklace of Loyalty onto his neck. “Congratulations, Spike, you're the new Rainbow Dash. Now let's go!” “There we go! Lady Sparkle is about to—” “Fail. Rainbow Dash is not there, and the other elements with the exception of Twily are corrupted by the Spirit of Discord” interrupted Masao and Luna sat down and pouted like a scolded child. “Is this perhaps how some of our subjects feel when we point out things to them?” asked Luna and Masao shrugged before motioning towards where Discord was currently sitting on his throne. Twilight and her group were gathering once again and Masao grinned. “It is time” “Chaos is a wonderful, wonderful thing” laughed Discord and Twilight spoke up completely confident once again. “Not as wonderful as friendship.” said the purple unicorn and Discord scoffed at the group “Oh, this again?” he asked as he drank the glass holding some chocolate milk and threw the chocolate milk which exploded in the distance. “Discord is going to lose shortly, and then we can get back to what we had originally planned for today…” said Masao just as the Elements of Harmony fired on the draconequus and turned him to stone. “Interesting, I suppose it is time to head to Donut Joe’s?” asked Luna and Masao chuckled as he and Luna headed out motioning for Sharp Sword to follow them, who did so, her mouth slightly open in shock still at the whole situation that had passed… Author's Note Common Era Chapter Sixteen/MLP Season Two Chapter Two: Lunar Eclipsed/Some Alone Time with Sharp Sword Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Sixteen/MLP Season Two Chapter Two: Lunar Eclipsed/Some Alone Time with Sharp Sword “Art thou sure I would enjoy going to Ponyville? Surely I wouldst enjoy the night better if—” “Luna go, you will never reestablish your image if you stay hidden in the castle with me and Sharp Sword.” said Masao with a small smile before leaning over and kissing the princess’s cheek. “But I—” “Luna, just go, you have been staying in isolation with Masao these last few days, I haven’t even had a chance for some alone time with him, it isn’t fair that you be the only one that gets alone time with him” said Sharp Sword as she walked into the room purposely stopping to give the princess and Masao a kiss. “I-I suppose I could go and take a small vacation…” “Good!” said Sharp Sword with a wide smile on her face and she started to push the princess out of the room, “Be sure to have a good time!” and with a final push Sharp Sword slammed the door shut and with a lustful look towards Masao, pounced on the unprepared human… Princess Luna sat in the chariot pondering why Sharp Sword seemed to be very pushy about getting her out of the room when one of the guards pulling the chariot mentioned they were close to Ponyville… Masao laid on the ground panting while Sharp Sword snuggled up against him. “Now tell me that wasn’t worth me pushing out the princess for?” Masao glared at Sharp Sword for a moment before a smile grew on his face as he pulled the ‘captain’ into a kiss. “You and I have to have a conversation about you pushing Luna out when you want my attention” Masao mumbled and with a sly grin the unicorn kissed Masao softly. “Don’t pretend you don’t like it” she whispered into his ear before nibbling on it causing Masao to squirm… “Citizens of Ponyville! We have graced your tiny village with our presence, so that you might behold the real Princess of the Night! A creature of nightmares no longer, but instead a pony who desires your love and admiration! Together we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!” said Luna in her ‘Royal Canterlot Voice’ as she pulled her hood off of her head. “Did you hear that, everypony? Nightmare Moon says she's gonna feast on us all!” shouted Pinkie. Here and the children then ran away screaming. “What? No, children, no! You no longer have reason to fear us! Screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror!” said Luna as she stomped on the ground before her eyes located the mayor of Ponyville, “Madame Mayor, thy Princess of the Night hath arrived.” she said jaunting out her hoof to the cowering mayor. “What is the matter with you? Very well, then. Be that way. We won't even bother with the traditional royal farewell.” huffed Luna as she started towards the edge of town, she knew that coming out was a bad idea. Not that Masao listened to her, no, he insisted that she go out tonight! “Princess Luna? Hi—” started Twilight and Luna looked her up and down. “Star Swirl the Bearded. Commendable costume! Thou even got the bells right.” said Luna before she gave a small smile, “How art thou doing, lady Sparkle? We hath not seen thou since the Gala” “Thank you! Finally! Somepony who gets my costume! Uh, I just came to welcome you to our celebration!” said Twilight… “So you forced Luna out to ‘mingle’ so you two could buck?” asked Celestia with a disappointed look and Masao closed his eyes and shook his head exasperated. “I did not force her out to mingle so I could have sex, Celestia, I forced her out so that she could start to fix her image in the eyes of the young and adults, the fact that I managed to, for lack of better terms, ‘get laid’ while she was out, was a lucky coincidence” said Masao as he readied himself for her eventual explosion. Sharp Sword just continued to grin and occasionally nibbled on Masao’s fingers longingly flat out ignoring Celestia. However Celestia noticed Sharp’s lack of attentiveness. “Sharp Sword… Are you… In heat?” asked the alicorn her feathers ruffling and a blush appearing on her face as she then noticed a subtle scent in the air. “Maaaybeee” said Sharp Sword giggling as she stood up on her rear hooves and pressed a kiss on Masao’s cheek and with a little bit of magic forced a slightly surprised Masao into a kiss with her. “Naughty, naughty Princess! Did you want to have Masao for yourself? Well, TOO BAD! He’s mine!” she giggled, “Well Mine and Luna’s” she fell back and giggled while holding her stomach while Masao looked on in shock. “I take it this is either the first time you’ve dealt with a mare in—” “Nope, remember I spent years with Evening Star, no how she is acting is… Odd to say the least” said Masao but he stepped towards the mare in question who, at Masao’s sudden movement flipped over and looked almost like a cat poised to pounce as she growled cutely. “Well this is awkward…” Luna had just finished purposely scaring the children of Ponyville when Pipsqueak walked up and tugged on her tail to get her attention. “Um... Princess Luna. I know there's not gonna be any more Nightmare Night, but do you suppose maybe you could come back next year and scare us again anyway?” asked the young earth pony and Luna looked at him confused. “Child. Art thou saying that thou... likest me to scare me thee?” she asked incredulously at the question, surely it was not normal to want to be scared, despite what Twilight had told her. “It's really fun! Scary, but fun!” “It... is?” “Yeah! Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year.” said the foal with a bright smile on his face. “Well then. We shall have to bring Nightmare Night back!” said the lunar princess and Pipsqueak grinned. “Whoa! You're my favorite princess ever!” said Pipsqueak as he nuzzled her quickly before turning to the other foals. “She said yes, guys!” and the foals cheered merrily. “See? They really do like you, princess.” said Twilight Sparkle and Luna smiled cheerfully. “Can it be true? Oh, most wonderful of— I mean... Oh, most wonderful of nights.” said Luna a little sheepish as her slip up… “Are you seriously telling me to just up and… Buck Sharp Sword, here in the throne room?” asked Masao and Celestia nodded at the door before stepping outside closing the door and locking it with a clang. “Well this night took an odd turn…” Author's Note It seems to me that Sharp Sword gets a little silly during her heat cycle, what do you think?? Common Era Chapter Seventeen/MLP Season Two Three: A Canterlot Wedding Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Seventeen/MLP Season Two Three: A Canterlot Wedding “You know maybe you should--Never mind, you just send it on its way then…” said Masao as Celestia sent the letter to Twilight detailing her student’s and her friends’ jobs for the wedding of Princess Cadence and Prince-Consort-to-be, Captain Shining Armor. “What? Should I have waited for them to get here to inform them of their tasks?” admonished Celestia and Masao just gave her a deadpanned look. “No, but you should have waited a few moments more… You know in case Spike wasn’t near Twilight?” said Masao and Celestia scoffed a bit at the thought. Masao stood as the train station waiting for the unicorn mare he had come to call a student as well as a friend, and was not disappointed when she marched right past him barely pausing to say hello to one of her teachers as she marched right up to her brother and gave him a piece of her mind much to Masao’s amusement as he rolled his eyes a smirk on his face. “Hello, mr. human!” said Pinkie and and Masao turned to the pink mare. “Hello Pinkie, what brings you here? Last I checked you were needed in the reception hall to map out how to plan the party.” hinted Masao and thankfully the pink pony took the hint as she rushed off to take care of her job. “Twily! Ah, I've missed, you, kid. How was the train ride? I–” started Shining Armor and Twilight got right in his face. “How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married! I'm your sister, for pony's sake!” snapped Twilight and Shining Armor backed up. “It's not my fault! Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Didn't you see all the guards at the train station? Let alone that knight friend of yours?” “Yeah, there's a big wedding coming up. Maybe you heard about it?” said Twilight feeling completely justified in her anger. “It has nothing to do with the wedding. A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection. This, you need to see.” said Shining Armor as he caused the shield protecting Canterlot to come into view, Twilight gasped. “The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority.” “Okay, okay, I get it. You've got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up. But still... how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you any more?” asked the unicorn mare and Shining Armor looked at her with a smile. “Hey. You're my little sister. Of course you're important to me. But I'd understand if you didn't want to be my best mare now.” “You want me to be your best mare?” asked Twilight surprised at her brother’s comment. “Well... yeah.” “I'd be honored! But I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know! When did you even meet this ‘Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’?” asked Twilight and Shining Armor chuckled at her causing the purple unicorn mare to fume. “Twily, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter.” at that Twilight became all smiles. “Cadance? As in the Cadance? As in the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters?!” asked Twilight. as her tail started to wag almost like a puppy’s, Shining chuckled. “You tell me. She was your foalsitter.” “Ohmygoshohmygosh! Cadance is only the most amazing pony ever! She's beautiful, she's caring, she's kind…” “How many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go? I only know of one! And you're marrying her! You're marrying Cadance! You're marrying Cadance!” said Twilight after a quick trip down memory lane. “So tell me again why I am being locked in a room without my lover?” asked Sharp Sword, pouting, while Luna and Masao stood on the other side of the door. “Thou thought it would be alright to force me out just so thou could have our dear Masao all to thyself” said Luna and Masao moved to speak when Luna cut him off, “I know that thou sent me out too, but thine intentions were far more noble. Thee sent me out to help restore my image with the foals.” “Be that as it may, it is not Sharp’s fault. It isn’t as if she asked to be in heat. Nor is it fair to lock her up in the middle of her heat, if it gets to be too much we will be dealing with a babbling mess of a horny unicorn.” “Now is not the time for thy jokes!” “That wasn’t a joke…” “Oh” “Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don't know when she changed, but she changed! ‘Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’.” said Twilight to Rarity who was currently making the wedding dress. “Did I hear someone say my name?” asked Cadence as she walked into the room and Rarity laughed nervously. “Your highness! Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” said the nervous white unicorn, while she did indulge Twilight while she vented, she did not need it to ruin what could be a big break for her career. “Uh-huh.” said Cadence unenthusiastically, “Is my dress ready?” she asked and Rarity nearly stumbled over herself as she went over to the dress. “Yes, of course. Um, I've been working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you'll be pleased with the results! Mmm!” Rarity stammers as she showed off the dress, and Twilight watched on, meanwhile Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, and Twinkleshine also watched on, until Lyra noticed Twilight and she bounded over much to Cadence’s annoyment when she noticed the green unicorn’s behaviour. “Hey there, Twilight! How is that human friend of yours doing? Do you think you get me some time with him?” “Oh hey, Lyra. Masao? Yeah he is doing fine. No, I don’t think so” replied Twilight thankful to have something distract her from the obviously rude Cadence. “Aw! Why not?” “Because I don’t want to be used for targeting practice for the Lunar Guard when Luna and Sharp Sword find out I helped you corner Masao.” “But—” “No, Luna, it’s late in the morning, you need sleep” said Masao as he tucked in, a now passed out from exhaustion, Sharp Sword. “What of thee? Doest thou not need sleep?” asked Luna and Masao chuckled, before kissed Luna lightly on the lips. “I’ll sleep later, love, now, sleep” “N-not f-fair—” Luna yawned, “Using my power against me…” she quickly slipped off to sleep and Masao smiled softly, she needed to get some sleep, it was not often that he intended to cause mischief with the villain’s plans this time, he could already see that some of the guards had been replaced and he was not sure if Luna could see them, if she couldn’t then there was something about his human physiology that the Changelings couldn’t fool, whatever it was, or perhaps it was the combination of his human physiology and the dark gift? he shook his head trying to clear it of thoughts before sneaking out of the room and behind one of the replaced guards. “You know, you really shouldn't be wearing the armor of a royal guardspony unless you are a member of their forces” he said suddenly and the changeling looked back at him surprised. “Sir?” he asked and Masao drew and pointed a flintlock at the changeling. “Drop the disguise, Changeling, else yours will be the first changeling life I have ended in a very long time” “I-I dunno wh—” “I see through your disguises, now either change back to a changeling, and live, or remain hidden and be killed and then revealed to be a changeling, thus endangering your hive, and your queen” at that the changeling dropped his disguise and chittered at the human. “Watch your mouth, I am not above killing you still, now why don’t you be a friend and tell me why are you outside my mates’ room?” said Masao, and the changeling was quiet for a moment. before hissing and spitting green gunk at Masao’s flintlock managing to clog it up and then start flying away causing Masao to clench his teeth before throwing the useless weapon at the bug and knocking it unconscious. As soon as he had the changeling hidden he slit the changeling’s neck, killing it causing it to reveal itself. “Should have known better” he grumbled and he left his useless flintlock in there and continued to search for more changelings. “Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you're with me, right?” asked Twilight as Masao entered the room seemingly looking for something, or someone. “Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride's bad attitude.” and Twilight growled “Hey now, Twilight, you can’t blame her for not noticing when she has been focused on something else” spoke up Masao and the purple unicorn suddenly smiled. “You believe me, right, Masao?” at that Masao’s face fell, he did believe her hell he knew what was wrong, and while, yes he was screwing with the changelings’ plans he couldn’t flat out change what was going to happen. Or could he? “Yes, I do” he replied, “This is one the events I told you about, Twilight, one of the fixed events, an event I can’t do anything about, or at least I don’t think I can” “What this y`all are talking about? Events ya can’t change? Sounds like a buncha hogwash to me” said Applejack and Masao smiled at the farmer, causing her to blush a little. “Tell me, Honest Applejack, am I lying? Did I tell a fib when I said I don’t think I can change it? Did I lie when I said it was a fixed event?” asked Masao and Applejack sputtered at his jab at her representation of the element of Honesty. That night Masao entered the room he shared with his mates and was surprised to see Luna still fast asleep. but as tired as he was, and with how Sharp Sword was looking at him, he had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to dwell on it for too long… “I'm here! I'm not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!” said Twilight and everyone looked at her in shock, apparently letting everything Masao had said in one ear and out the other. “I'm sorry, I... I don't know why she's acting like this.” said Shining Armor and Twilight looked at her brother hurt for a moment, just a moment before she had a confident look on her face again. “Even Masao agrees with me, there is something up with her!” “Now Twilight, Ah don’t think that was what he had said…” “I'm sorry!” said Twilight believing that she had made a mistake and Cadence laid a comforting hoof on her, before the smile on her face grew vicious. “You will be.” “Greetings Chrysalis” said Masao, his sword drawn as he walking into the room that the bride-to-be was waiting in, outside the two changeling guards that were outside were knocked out. “Pleasant to see a changeling again after so many centuries.” He said the look on his face firm. When the changeling queen moved to call for aid Masao drew and aimed his second flintlock at her, “If I so much as suspect that there is a changeling drone on the other side of the door, I will pull this trigger and let the chips land where they may. Now you will tell me where the entrance to the crystal mines are” It took hours but following Chrysalis’s directions Masao found the entrance to the mine and with practiced ease took care of the two changelings stationed at the entrance, just as Twilight and the real Cadence climbed out of the mines. “Welcome back to the land of the living” Masao teased pulling his sword out of one of the changelings, “Shall we go interrupt your wedding princess?” “Yes, lets” “Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you—” started Celestia when the Twilight and Masao burst into the room, green ichor dripping off of Masao’s blades. “STOP!” shouted Twilight and Celestia looked, not at Twilight, but rather at Masao in surprise, why would he be ruining an event he had helped plan? “Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?” complained the false Cadence before she looked at Shining Armor and sobbed, “Why does she have to ruin my special day?” “Because it's not your special day! It's mine!” said the real Cadence as she walked into the room, a look of anger on her face, and the ponies all gasped. “What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?” asked Chrysalis and Twilight looked a little sheepish as she glanced at Masao, which told him that he was not going to like the answer. “I… Er… Promised Lyra I’d get with Masao on a date with her if she helped us out, turns out she is a very powerful unicorn in her own right” Masao facepalmed at Twilight’s explanation and swore he was going to have a few words with the purple unicorn after this was over with. “Hmph. Clever. But you're still too late.” said the changeling queen as she stood all the straighter. “Ah-ah don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?” asked Applejack and Masao groaned, did they not teach anything about the past anymore? “She's a changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them.” replied Cadence as Masao stepped forwards as Chrysalis laughed evilly. “Right you are, Princess. And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!” “You know, you could have sent an emissary to the castle, we could have found something to help you, I mean there are several ponies with an insect fetish, and several others who have unrequited love” said Masao and Chrysalis looked at the human surprised before shaking her head. At that point it went like the show until the shield broke and suddenly Masao jumped at the queen barely managed to scratch her when he was tossed over the balcony. “Well I could have did that better…” he thought aloud and just before he hit the ground a red aura enveloped him as Sharp Sword sighed, slowing his descent to a stop. “Tried jumping the changeling queen, did you?” she asked and Masao just grinned at his lover before she gave him a deadpanned look just before releasing him from her telepathic hold letting him drop the remaining couple feet to the ground. “Well thanks for that, love, but now we have bigger things to worry about” said Masao as he drew, aimed and fired his flintlock at a changeling that had attempted to attack Sharp Sword from behind. Sharp Sword never flinched. “I dunno how long I can keep my head in the game, love, but I’ll help as best I can.” said Sharp and Masao shook his head. “If you want to help then go guard Luna, I don’t know why she still isn’t up yet but as it is I need to head for the vaults, that is where the Elements are headed. I need you to try to wake Luna. If you can’t, guard her, but if you do, meet me in the throne room and be ready for a fight on your way there.” While Masao was making his way to the vaults he managed to meet up with Twilight and her friends they eyed him warily a he aimed and fired again and again with his multiple flintlocks until he had emptied them all, not once did he hit the mane six who were in the middle of the fray with the changelings whom disguised as the mane six themselves. “This is getting boring” he said as he stood there reloading his five remaining flintlocks having lost one the other day, at that however the changelings attacked him and with that he dropped the flintlock he was loading and weaving in and out of the changelings cut them down, the look on his face was one of… Boredom? “Couldn’t you make fighting you a little harder? I remember when fighting your kind was a challenge!” yelled Masao as the look on his face shifted to a manic one, his eyes went from the normal color of green to a more sickly shade, and the whites of his eyes turned a bright green themselves. “Um Twi, Ah don’t think” started Applejack before Masao stepped beside her, his eyes still the same, but the manic look had quickly disappeared, now on his face was a somber look. “The voice is back, and it wants blood” said Masao as wisps of purple smoke came from his eyes… “C̟̘̄́̏̂̏̍ͭa̰̫̬͈̜̯̓͗̿̉ͬ̐̚n̥̝͉̩̭̒ ͪ̍ͥ̏̆̈́y̷̫o̡̹̟̭̼͙͎͓ͯ́́̌͒͒u̻͇͋̎͊̾̈̊̊ ̮͋́ͨͣ̀h̲̥͛eͥ͊ͥâ͙̺̮̺͝ṛ̬̗̫̦ͨ̔̄̿ͫ ̿̓͆̆ͩ̋ͯm͙͖̪̹͈̼̰̈́e̢̤̠̜͈ͩ͋ ̞͙͙̲̯ͦ̇̀͢p͔̫̗͋ͥ͛̒̽r͉͕̦̟͓̈́̆iͯͤͯ̓ͩ͢n̖̰̝͈̙͍ͬ̚cͧ͋́e̥̦͑s̠̤̜̊̿͂ͥ̚s?̥͎͖̼̭̌́́ ̂̋̌͏̹̳̪ͅYͪ̅͂ͬ̈́o̞̊͡u͍͓̫ͩͨ̆̕ŗ͖͉̤̤̻̪̹̓ͧͯ͒̄ͫ͌ ̸̹͎̩̪̋m̖̙͚̖̜̹̎̂ͯͭͪ͒ẵ͇͇͙́t͑̃̑ͯ͊͌̆͏̥͙̩̪̻̫̗ẹ̇̓͌ͦ ̜̌̓̈́̎ͨ͢c̓̄̐ͪ̍̓a̎̔̀̾̇l͖͍͔̪̖͆̕l̛̪͓̎s̹ͨ̓ ͛ͯ̔̽͢t̙͂͛̉̌̂̚ọ̮̯̜̳̟̥͋ͩ̄ͦ̓͢ ̴͓̫̘̪̓m̻̗̞̖͎̗ͧ̿ͪ̚͡ë ̌̄ͤ̏͌ͪơn͙͓̥͖͇̮ͧ͒̈̊ͧ͞c͕̹͈̹̃͋ͨͥ̍̑̓e̛̿̓̀ͫ ̸̼͓̋̏̈̓̽ͣa̰̐͞g̥̰̠̽̒̈a̷̝͎̪̤̿͊i̤͔̰̩̲̗ͥͬ͐̄̉ͅn,̩̰̲̉ͪ̈̓̀ͅ ͩ͌̊ͨ̎ͪ̍͏̣͔̫͉̟̪ͅẖ͉o̲̜̠̘̺ͩ̐̋ͬ̿̓w̨̙̹̰̭̳̲̆ ̑͏l̹͈̘̻͍̺̺̅͊ͧ͒̿o̥̲͎̩n̞̥̙̾ͩ̎g̘ͮ̎̑́̃̓̃͟ ͩͨ̿̌̒̕bͨͣ̐e̸̗͔̪̣̝͋͑̍͑ͅf̡̖̩̰o̠̘̺̳͌͢r̶͓̳͚̩̎ͭ̓ḙ̍ͦ̇̎͆͒ ̧͙̼͎̦͍̙͖̇͒ͪ̏̐ͨh̠̩̥̯͚̤e̴ ̧̼͍͗̒̚̚h̤̜̺̋̌̒́̃̈́͌͟e̩̙̰ͦ͊̆ͩ̅͝e͇̦̩ͭ̑ͬ̉d̛̪̺̙̯̭ͧ̿̐ͤ̄̅ͮs̙̦̥̺̞̲̈́ͫ͌̉ ͏̠̘͖͕͙ṭ̸̓̀ẖ̳͍͙̼̣̲̐̽͐̚ȩ̘̲̀ͨ ̰͋͛ͦ̄͐̐̄͝s̹̘̳̀i̫͓̹r̫̩ͪ̇̀͊ͯͦȩ͔͈͉̭̪̦̭n̯̮̥͈͚̖̊ͮ͌’̨͎̙̥̎ͭ̐̏̀ͨͤŝ̥͕͈̍̇̂ ͔c̯͔̘̙̜̈́̓̑͗̊͛̾a̢ͭ̎ͣ̔ͮ́l͙̩̠̩͊ͦ̄͂͑̄͊l͎̠̬̜̻̙̻ͩͬ̏ ͖̰ͅä̪̦͚̭́͐̉n͕̖̟̻̘ͦ̓ͫ̆ͯͮ́̚d̵̖̳̣̒̿̓ ͇̺̙̂̿ͯi̞̗̪̘͈̹̜ͯs̴ͣ ̙͖̲̏͑̀ͧ̒ͧ͌͠m͎̺̝̙̪̞̞͆i̶͕̳̤̜ͩͮͬ͑ͫ͆n̶̩̻̂ͪͨ̎̚e̷̯ͥ̃̒?̤̦̙̪͇ͩͅ” Luna’s eyes shot open just as Sharp Sword burst into the room covered in the ichor of the changelings that had attempted to break into the heavily enchanted door and without a word she shot out onto the balcony and over the railing, flying at full speed towards Masao a look of terror on her face… Masao moved through the forces of the changelings, always cutting more of them down, mumbling under his breath how it wasn’t right, that they should have stayed hidden, his green eyes scanning the crowd and he picked off changelings by the dozen not once could any of them actually lay a hoof on him and suddenly he twirled sensing a threat and nearly took the head off of Luna who had chose that moment to land quite forcefully on a changeling that had attempted to sneak up on the human. “Masao, my love, thou needst to let it go, let the darkness go, let it go…” “Quick! Go to him while you still have the chance!” said Twilight as she nudged the pink Alicorn towards her brother. “Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over?” asked a dazed Shining Armor finally coming to his senses. “It's all over!” exclaimed Chrysalis and Twilight frowned at the changeling queen. “Your spell! Perform your spell!” said the young unicorn unfortunately Chrysalis heard her. “What good would that do? My changelings already roam free.” laughed the changeling queen. The door to the room flew open, and Masao walked in flanked by both Sharp Sword and Luna, the trio said nothing as they cross the room and sat in some of the seats that were facing the changeling queen. “My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them.” moaned Shining Armor as they quickly got over the scene that just happened. “My love will give you strength.” said Cadence. “What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment.” said Chrysalis and Masao just grinned which she caught, “What are you grinning about?” Masao was standing off in a corner with Sharp Sword, sipping from his champagne glass, he played his part as a prince-consort and gave his blessing to the pair after the whole fiasco with the invasion had been dealt with. However the truth was he wanted nothing more that to disappear and not be disturbed. Luna was talking with the ponies of the hour and glimmer in her eyes that brought a smile to his lips. Yes he was going to have to get some more training with his lover, but all in all, he did pretty well, not one pony had been hurt, and even as the darkness flowed throughout his body, he kept control of himself. Now all he needed to do was learn to control it completely… Author's Note Wow, this chapter was a lot of work! I was actually surprised at how it went! Well nothing left to do except for seasons three and four, and after that Post Common Era begins Common Era Chapter Eighteen/MLP Season Three Chapter One: The Crystal Empire Part One Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Eighteen/MLP Season Three Chapter One: The Crystal Empire Part One Masao stood at the train station he now carried a firearm that held three shots, quite the innovation from the flintlock not even a year prior, he also had been training extensively much to the chagrin of his lovers, Sharp Sword and Luna, however they understood, and Luna had been the one training him in controlling the dark gift so what had happened during the Changeling Invasion would not happen again. As he was thinking about the recent past, he notice Twilight getting off of the train and Masao grinned and waved her over. “Hey, Twilight, how are you doing today? On your way to see Celestia I take it?” he asked and the mare in question nodded nervously and Masao grinned again, “Come, walk with me” he said and he started to walk towards the castle, Twilight in tow, “I happen to know why you were called, and I wanted to tell you, that I will be helping you.” he started and when Twilight made a look and moved to interject he continued, “Now I don’t mean I will give you the answer, nor will I help you cheat, but, I will be helping you with what she will be giving you” said Masao before he motioned to the throne room doors, “Go in. Your teacher is waiting for you” he finished with a slight push and with a light blush Twilight walked into the throne room where Celestia was waiting… After Twilight Sparkle had stopped feeling bad for herself, not expecting the challenge that now stood before her, Masao walked up, her friends in tow. Sharp Sword and Luna amongst them “Greetings fair Twilight, I trust you will keep an eye on the prince-consort Masao?” asked Luna as she stepped out from the middle of her friends. “I-I-I…” started Twilight when Sharp Sword spoke up not giving her a chance to finish her thought. “Watch him carefully, he won’t give you the answers you need, but he will try to fight his hardest to keep you safe, don’t let him die” she said cryptically which was unlike her but she gave a small confident smirk. “I also trust you will keep your hooves off of him, I know you had a small crush on him in the past” joked the mare, knowing full well that Twilight never felt that way for Masao, and Twilight blushed heavily and quickly denied it. “Well, off we go,” suggested Masao before walking over and kissing both of his mates. “Yes, off we go” said Rarity a slight wistfulness about her. her gaze lingering on Masao for a bit before she smiled at the princess and the princess’s herd sister… The train whistle blew as it pulled into a station that seemingly was in the middle of no where, the snow edition, and Masao walked right out also seemingly unaffected by the cold, his eyes however were the same color as they had been during the invasion. “This land is saturated in dark energies, why Luna thought it would be a good idea to send me here I doubt I will ever know” he grumbled when he turned towards the sound of crushed snow, his saber drawn and ready. “Twilight!” said a familiar voice and Masao grunted in response as Twilight beamed. “Shining Armor?” she asked almost happily. “Twily! You made it! We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark.” said Shining Armor as he started to lead them to their destination. “That I don’t doubt, windigos and Sombra would make for a deadly combination, wouldn’t you say?” spoke up Masao, and Shining Armor, instead of being upset at the human’s presence, just nodded. “A very deadly presence, that’s why we’ve got to hurry. We think Sombra keeps trying to get into the Crystal Empire” “But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected.” said Twilight before there was a bone chilling howl. “Th-That's him, isn't it?” asked Fluttershy “Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!” said Shining Armor as he started to move faster, trudging through the snow at a frantic pace. Masao drew his blade again and this time stood at the back of the group, gesturing them on. “Go, I’ll see if I can hold him back, darkness to darkness, at least I can give you a chance” said Masao as he used the dark gift to summon a wall of shadow that Sombra crashed into and for a moment was unable to get through. “Go, I’ll catch up” he said urgently… Twilight and her friends made it to the Crystal Empire unscathed as did Shining Armor who was exhausted, he had used his magic to shield them from the snow that had been kicked up by Masao’s sudden use of dark energies, snow that had been super charged with the dark magic and thus wore on Shining Armor’s strength all the more that if had been just plain snow… “Sparkleriffic!” said Pinkie Pie as she took in the sight of the Crystal Empire. “It's gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!” she said before mumbling a few words incoherently, “There are no words!” “Focus, Rarity. We're here to help Twilight, not admire the scenery.” said Applejack as she pushed by the awe struck unicorn. “Eh, I don't see what the big deal is. Just looks like another old castle to me.” said Rainbow Dash as she looked over her shoulder as if waiting for someone to come through. “A– p– guh! Another old...! Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni–” started Rarity before she was interrupted by both Applejack and Rainbow Dash laughing, “Very funny” said the puffy mare. While Twilight and Cadance performed their usual greeting to one another Masao clunked against the shield protecting the Empire before he frowned and with a determined look he pushed his way into the city-state, causing the pink Alicorn to grasp her head with her forehooves, even if it were not at malevolent force of darkness it was still a force of darkness that had just forced its way into the Crystal Empire. “My apologies, princess, but unlike you ponies, I do not have a fur coat to keep me warm and I do not feel inclined to try to relieve one of the native denizens of their own.” he said as he offered his hand to help her back to her feet, the pain that had shot through her when he forced his way through now gone through the act of sincere kindness, though it seemed as if the magic protecting the Empire had accepted him with that one act. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked her former foalsitter and Cadance nodded weakly with a smile to match. “Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra.” At that Masao frowned before moving his hands in an odd motion and a greenish glow encompassed them. “What has been wrought, undo, for what has been undone, renew, by the powers of darkness I command thee, REJUVENATE!” said Masao as he pulled upon the small amount of magic he could to heal the princess of her woes. To the shock of the ponies their a tendril of shadows seemed to stare at the princess for a moment before suddenly striking her and encompassing her with shadows. When it faded away Cadance looked none the worse for wear, in fact she looked better than when she had before he had used the spell on her. “Wh-What happened?” asked the princess of love and Masao smiled softly before bowing to her. “The power of darkness being used to heal rather than harm” said Masao with a smile before Shining Armor levitated a spear towards him a look of anger on his face. “How dare you try to—” “I would calm down little prince, before I have to get out the paddle” said Masao calmly using a finger to push the point of the spear away from him, much to the surprise of the ponies present… “King Sombra's spell must be why their coats aren't... crystally.” said Twilight looking to Masao almost making what she had said a question and Masao just smiled and said nothing for a moment. “I told you, lady Sparkle, I am not here to give you the answers, but I am here to aid you, as in to keep you safe, and by extension your friends safe as well.” said Masao as Rarity made her way back to the trio. “I tell you these ponies know nothing, and that worries me” said the fashionista which made Masao chuckle before tapping his nose and winking. “You know one of these day you need to tell me what that means” and Masao chuckled once more this time shaking his head. “Sorry, Twilight. These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin'. Only thing Ah was able to get out of 'em was somethin' about a library.” said Applejack and Twilight gasped in surprise. “A library? Well, why didn't you say so?!” “Uh... thought Ah just did.” said Applejack… As the door to the Crystal Empire’s library opened Twilight was took aback by the sheer amount of books there, it far outstripped the Canterlot Library and Ponyville’s library by magnitudes. “I just... I don't even know what to... There are no words.” said the purple unicorn and at that Masao chuckled while the librarian hesitantly crept up to them. “M-May I help you?” she asked and Twilight turned to her and smiled. “Yes. We're looking for a book.” “We have plenty of those.” deadpanned the other pony. “No, no, no, no, no... Yes! ‘History of the Crystal Empire’. I just hope it has the answers we need…” said Twilight as she propped the book open and started to read, “A 'Crystal Faire'. According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Faire was held every year to ‘renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire so they could protect it from harm.’ My friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book!” “Yes everything you need to know is in the book, but make sure you read it all” suggested Masao, just before Twilight started singing and Masao watched in awe as everything actually sped up to match the song’s progression… “It looks amazing! I don't know how I could've done this without you! One last check to make sure everything is in place, and then the festivities can begin!” said Twilight as she moved a valentine heart made of crystal onto a pedestal, rousing Applejack curiosity. “What's this thing for?” she asked poking the heart and it wobbled with a thunk back down on the pedestal. “The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the faire's centerpiece, so I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block.” said Twilight proudly and Masao’s grimace went unnoticed by the ponies… Sharp Sword sat with Luna and Celestia in the dining hall and the trio were eating in a tense silence until with a slam of the silverware Sharp Sword Stood up. “I’m going to the Crystal Empire, Luna, you’re coming with—” “Sharp Sword, we… We can not, did not Ser Masao make both of us promise not to follow him there?” asked Luna and Sharp Sword scowled at the mare. “Aren’t you worried about him? If—” “Of course I am worried about him!” retorted Luna her own silverware slamming down on the table. “Then why—?” “Why dost I stay here whilst he goes off to fight? Understand me Sharp Sword, it is not because I think I am some doll that should be placed on a shelf, nor that now that I have a mate I should let him go off and fight for my honor! No, it is because he asked me to trust him and I would have thought having been with him through now two lifetimes you would trust him as well” said Luna her light blue eyes piercing into Sharp Sword’s amber ones causing the much younger mare to be frozen in place. With a sip of tea Celestia sighed gaining both of the other mare’s attentions. “Really, you two… You really need to just go out onto the training fields and have at each other perhaps then you will relax enough to talk to each other with out almost shouting at each other” at that the two looked sheepish but it got worse when Celestia continued, “Luna is correct though, Sharp Sword, Masao asked you to trust him while he did this, so you should, but Sharp Sword is also correct, Luna, you could do to show more worry for your mate” both the younger mares just stayed silent as Celestia called them out… “I didn't know it was an actual relic! The book didn't mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart! There was a page missing... How did I not notice?!” asked a surprised Twilight as Masao sighed silently in the background. “It's alright, Twilight.” said Cadance gently before glaring at Masao who simply shrugged… Author's Note You don't know how long it took me to write this chapter ARGH! Common Era Chapter Nineteen/ MLP Season Three Chapter Two: The Crystal Empire Part Two Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Nineteen/ MLP Season Three Chapter Two: The Crystal Empire Part Two “The Empire is under attack!” said Shining Armor as he and Masao got ready to fight off the shadow pony. “I have to find the Crystal Heart!” “No, you stay here with Cadance. She needs you, Shining Armor. I'll retrieve the Heart.” said Twilight and Masao grunted but gave a nod of approval in response. “Let's do this!” said Rainbow Dash but was intercepted by Twilight. “I've been trying to figure out how I'm meant to pass Celestia's test. Retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do.” she said catching her friends’ attentions. “Name it.” “You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Faire going.” said Twilight much to the shock of her friends, “The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so they can activate the Crystal Heart. If the Crystal Ponies find out that King Sombra is trying to take over the Empire again, their spirits are gonna be anything but lifted. It won't matter if I find the Crystal Heart. They won't be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Faire.” “Keep the Faire going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high. Done and done!” said Rainbow Dash before she and the rest of the elements split up to take care of their respective goals… While Twilight was looking for where the Crystal Heart was, Rainbow Dash informed Rarity and eventually Spike of what the plan was, upon hearing about the plan, Spike tried to stay put with Rarity until suddenly, Rarity looked down and Spike was not there, she looked up and saw the baby dragon cross the threshold of the castle. Coming across Twilight, Spike stopped and said panting. “Twilight, wait! I'm coming with you!” “You can't. I have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by myself.” said the unicorn and Spike grimaced but was not deterred. “I know. I promise I won't lift a claw to help you.” said the dragon to which Twilight sighed in response. “Not a claw, Spike.” “Where are we going exactly?” asked Spike and Twilight looked up for a moment which gave Spike his answer. “The castle?” “The king would've been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here. They'd have been too afraid to even try.” said Twilight much to the surprise of the dragon. “I hope you're right.” “You and me both.” Twilight and Spike came across a door, a door, that no matter what she tried, would not open. Soon however she thought about what Celestia had done in the throne room back in Canterlot, she channeled dark magics into the air, upon doing so the door opened… “What are you doing here?” asked Celestia as she looked at Twilight incredulously. “I don't know! I opened the door and–” “And now you must go.” said the solar diarch. “Go where?” asked Twilight confused at her teacher’s behaviour. “Doesn't matter to me. You failed the test, Twilight!” said Celestia angrily not wanting to spend another moment with the failure. “I don't understand! The test?” “Not only will you not move on to the next level of your studies, you won't continue your studies at all!” said Celestia when there was a cloud of shadows swirling near her. Shadows that then formed a vaguely human shape. “Now, I can’t have that now can I? She’s more than Celestia’s pupil, she is mine as well. Masao Darkheart, and I will not have you hurt her, you use fear to use the darkness? Pathetic.” said Masao as his form grew sharper. “M-Masao?” asked Twilight surprised as she choked back sobs from when she thought Celestia was actually stopping her tutelage. “Hey Twilight, I told you once before when you were a filly, it’s a teacher’s job to guide and protect their charges, much like a parent, and I am far from done teaching you, there is more I can teach you, from now until the end of time…” Masao’s voice trailed off a smile on his face as the vision she had dissolved as she heard Spike calling her name. “Twilight!” the first one seemed muffled. “Twilight? Twilight! Twiliiiight!” said spike, and he proceeded to quickly explain, “I know you told me to stay up there, but you were down here for such a long time and you weren't answering and I got worried so I came down here and you were just staring at that wall and... I was calling your name, but I couldn't seem to get your attention, and– What were you looking at? I mean... it's just a wall. ...Ponyville?! Well, how did I get... No! I don't wanna go! Please, Twilight, don't make me!” Twilight snapped out of it and slammed the door shut snapping Spike out of his vision. “King Sombra's dark magic. A doorway that leads to your worst fear.” she explained as Spike ran up to her and hugged her. “We were home. You told me you didn't need me anymore. You were sending me away…” “A fear that will never come to pass. I'm never gonna send you away. And I'm not gonna fail my test!” said Twilight and as soon as she did the door opened once more to reveal a flight of stairs… Twilight and Spike had been climbing this particularly long flight of stairs, round and round it went, but there was no top, or stop, except for that one with restrooms, and Twilight had to grudgingly thank Sombra for his ability to be kind even while being an evil spawn of darkness. It then clicked that maybe she should try something different, upon doing so she found herself sliding down the stairs and when she got to the bottom, or top? Whatever it was, when she got there, there was the Crystal Heart, pulsing and waiting for her to take to her brother and sister-in-law. “Twilight is safe, for now, but now we have these things to worry about” said Masao as he swiftly caused a flying dark crystal to fly through a portal and crash through behind the trio, it seemed that as soon as he had saved Twilight from Sombra’s trap the evil pony turned his gaze onto him… “You have to be the one to bring the Crystal Heart to the Faire.” said Twilight to her number one assistant who was holding the Crystal Heart in his claws. “Me? But Twilight—” “GO!” “My crystal slaves…” said Sombra as he started to become more corporeal as Masao walked out, in his hand was his sword. “By Darkness done, by Light undone, by Darkness undone, by Light done, Yin and Yang, Yang and Yin. Push and pull. Pull and push, GRAVITY!” said Masao as he pointed his rapier towards the sky and suddenly there was a dark purple sphere suddenly around the evil unicorn who was suddenly crashed into the ground as Masao strode over to the temporarily incapacitated opponent. “You call upon darkness to aid you Sombra, as do I, but unlike you, I am the stronger for it. I have FRIENDS!” as soon as he said that Spike came flying past on Cadance’s back and the duo landed at the pedestal, where they placed the heart. “You have lost” whispered Masao as Cadance called to the Crystal Ponies to use their light and love to destroy Sombra. Which it did, and just as he expected the light hit him too with the force of a freight train throwing him back, right into Rainbow Dash who was not expected the sudden push, but never-the-less stopped Masao from being flung into areas unknown… “It's beautiful.” said Celestia as she listened to Twilight recount the tale back in Canterlot Castle, and Masao chuckled in response to Twilight’s reply. “I wish it had been me who ultimately made it so. But it wasn't.” “Twilight, as I understand it, Spike brought Princess Cadance the Crystal Heart because you weren't sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower. You weren't willing to risk the future of the citizens of the Crystal Empire in an effort to guarantee your own.” said Celestia with a smile on her face before leaning down to nuzzle the purple unicorn, “Far better that I, no… Not I,” said Celestia as she glanced at Masao, “Far Better that we have a student who understands the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for her own best interests.” “Does this mean...?” asked Twilight as a smile dared her face. “You passed Twilight” said Masao as he ruffled her mane, “Now go out there and spend some time with your friends, I am sure they miss you, and I have two mares I need to go see, I trust they behaved Celestia?” “Well…” Author's Note No that was not a cliff hanger... But you will be getting a mini chapter next! yeah that isn't something I should be sounding excited about... Meh Common Era Chapter Twenty-one/MLP Season Four Chapter One: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part One Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-one/MLP Season Four Chapter One: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part One “Check, check, check, check, and... check! Huh, whaddaya know? We're way ahead of schedule! I credit your extremely competent assistant.” said Spike trying in his own way to cheer Twilight up, the new princess was missing her friends who were still in Ponyville. She grinned in response. “So do I.” “The Celebration isn't until the day after tomorrow. We could still fit in a quick trip to Ponyville and be back in plenty of time to finish off these last few things before the main event!” said the young dragon and Twilight sighed at his enthusiasm. “That would be nice, Spike, but what if something else came up while we were gone? What if we were delayed getting back and I wasn't able to finish everything on that list? What if we lost the list on the way to Ponyville and then couldn't remember which things we'd done and which things we hadn't done, and then spent so much time trying to figure out what we hadn't done and what we had done, and we ruined the entire Celebration by not doing the one really important thing that we were supposed to do?!” se fell to the ground with a thud upon finishing her tirade. “Uh... so that's a 'no' then?” “These are the first royal duties Princess Celestia has given me. I can't risk letting her down!” said the newest princess while staring at her ‘number one assistant’ sternly. “And I'm sure you won't.” came the surprising reply from Celestia and both Spike and Twilight turned and bowed to her in surprise, “No need for that now, Princess Twilight.” “Sorry.” “Geez, princess, you’d think you were still part of the common rabble” teased Masao as he and Luna walked into the room, Sharp Sword having decided to get some sleep before she had to report for duty. “MASAO!” said the purple alicorn as she jumped him, nearly knocking him over as she hugged him. Masao for his part was very uncomfortable with how she had just acted, but said nothing as Luna used her magic to pry the newest alicorn off of him. “Calm thyself, Princess Twilight” “I must admit that it is wonderful to actually be looking forward to the Summer Sun Celebration.” said Celestia much to the astonishment of Twilight and Luna. However Masao nodded in agreement for his part. “What do you mean?” asked Twilight and Luna echoed the question “For my subjects, it has always been a celebration of my defeat of Nightmare Moon. But for Masao and I…” Celestia sighed, “It was just a terrible reminder that I'd had to banish my own sister, and for Masao, a close friend, now lover” “I guess I never really thought about it that way.” said Twilight which made Masao and Celestia smile. “I wouldn’t have expected you to, my Dear Student” said Masao with a smile as he ruffled the new princess’s mane. “But now it has become a wonderful reminder of her transformation back into Princess Luna,” at that Luna managed to quite obviously ‘sneak’ a kiss onto Masao’s cheek, “and our happy reunion. I am so pleased that you will be playing a role in the festivities. I know it must have been difficult to see your friends return to Ponyville without you.” said the Solar Triarch and Masao simply messed Twilight’s hair once more before leaving the room stopping at the door for a moment. “Twilight, I will not be available this month, something came up that demands my attention and I must handle it. If any of you need me, have Discord deliver the message himself” said the Lunar Knight, and for a moment one could see him channeling the darkness within him. Whatever it was, was truly upsetting him. “You may no longer be my student, Princess Twilight, but I hope you know that I will always be here if you need me. Just as I hope that you will always be there when I need you.” said Celestia a little confused as to the reason for Masao’s comment, was her sister and Sharp Sword not enough? No she wasn’t going to assume, but Twilight’s reaction when he entered the room… “You two, you’re coming with me” said Masao bringing Celestia back to the present, and she noticed two bat ponies give a slight bow before heading off to gear up, it seemed that the clan that Masao had brought back with him had successfully integrated themselves into the guard. As her sister and Masao left Celestia turned to look at Twilight she saw the newest alicorn receive a message via a messenger pony. “A letter from Ponyville, I presume?” she asked and Twilight put the letter away. “Never mind. It's not important. Spike, where were we?” was Twilight’s reply, and when Spike suggested that they call it a night Twilight gave a soft smile, “We should probably go over the checklist one more time.” “I knew you were gonna say that…” was the downtrodden dragon’s response. “I'll leave you to it” with that Celestia left the duo and was walking down the hall when something wrapped around her hooves and quickly pulled her out of the castle seemingly avoiding the guards of the castle… The next… No that day the sun did not rise, as Twilight rose from her bed she looked at the time and was shocked to say the least. She soon started to search the missing princesses when she was ‘cornered’ by two of the castle guards who had also been searching. “Your Highness, you must come with us.” said the guard and the door slammed behind the duo as the guards ushered them inside. “It's Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.” said the guard gaining Twilight’s attention, only for them to gasp in response at the second guard’s exclamation. “They're gone!” Having received a message about the princesses being captured by forces unknown, Masao had to grit his teeth and continue with his personal mission. With him were four of the best of the Lunar Guard, and he had to ensure, if he could, that Tirek never gained enough power to attack Equestria. “Grand Elder! We should go back to the castle! The princesses—” “Are missing, and all the guard there are already looking, you four are the best in the Lunar Guard, but even five more sets of eyes, mine included, will not find the princesses any faster. No we continue, we chase an enemy of unparalleled evil” said Masao calmly as the magical chariot that he rode in stood there in the air, the group having stopped as soon as they received the news from Discord, whom Twilight had sent to inform him of the plight. “So should I tell the newbie that she’s on her own then?” asked Discord and Masao glared at him for a moment before his eyes softened. “I know she will not be on her own, she has her friends and she also has you to help guide her in my stead” “I suppose I could watch her, but you owe me! I think there is a few—” “Go, Discord, I have a bad guy to find and you have a mess that you need to clean up” “Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap-ooh!” sang Discord as he was poofed into the company of Twilight and friends he managed to conjure a shower to make it seem like he was in the bath at that moment in time. “Now, Twilight, you know Princess Celestia said that you were to give me a heads up before you summon me with that little spell she gave you. In case you haven't noticed, I was in the middle of a particularly invigorating shower.” he said admonishingly and Twilight scowled at him. “E-nough! Release Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and stop the Everfree Forest from invading!” said the only alicorn in Ponyville making Discord frown at her. “First you demand that I delieve a message to that human Masao. Speaking of which he received it, but is intending on continuing on that mission of his. He said to tell you that he trusts in your ability to bring this crisis to a final end. and now you accuse me of what ever is wrong!” said the draconequus annoyed at the group of ponies in front of him. “Don't you play dumb with us, Discord! We know you're the one behind all of this!” argued Applejack making Discord grin before responding. “Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love what you've done with the place, but I couldn't possibly take responsibility. I'm reformed, don't you remember?” “Yeah, right! This has got your cloven hoofprints all over it!” argued Rainbow Dash much to Discord’s chagrin. “I'll have you know that I have only one cloven hoof. Such accusations. And here I thought we were friends.” he replied only to be accosted by Pinkie Pie who in turn accused him of ying. “ Ladies, ladies, I'm innocent. Would I lie to you?” and every one of the mares except Fluttershy yelled yes, Fluttershy however responded with a maybe. As the ponies started talking about blasting him back into stone Fluttershy flew between them and Discord “Hey! We can't do that! What if he really is telling the truth?” “Well, finally! Somepony willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. The rest of you could learn a lot about friendship from my dear friend Shutterfly here.” said Discord as he motioned to Fluttershy. “Um, it's Fluttershy.” “Oh, right, whatever.” As he dismissed them, he did point them in the direction of someone who could help them, the zebra Zecora… Author's Note AWESOME I got this chapter finished! Common Era Chapter Twenty-two/MLP Season Four Chapter Two: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part Two Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-two/MLP Season Four Chapter Two: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part Two “Why are you all looking at me like that?” asked Twilight as she regained her senses from drinking the potion. “It's just... you were mumblin' to yourself…” said Applejack almost mumbling herself. “Ooh! And don't forget the uncontrollable sobbing!” remarked Pinkie Pie much to the surprise of the young Alicorn princess, not because to spoke up but because of what she said. “We were really worried about you.” said Fluttershy worriedly and Twilight smiled comfortingly to the yellow pegasus, but frowned at Discord’s next remark. “I for one found it delightful. Sort of a one-pony theater piece, if you will. You should really consider taking it on the road.” “Did you find out whose rump we need to kick and where we can find them?” “I saw something from a long time ago. But it didn't explain what's happening now.” said Twilight, more than a little confused. “Perhaps farther back still are the answers you seek. Another sip of the potion will give you a peek.” said her zebra friend by the name of Zecora. “You sure about this?” asked Spike but his only answer was Twilight swallowing more potion. “OK then, you just go on and do that…” “Oh, I do hope she breaks into a song this time!” said Discord delighted at the outcome. As Twilight came out of her most recent vision of the past she explained that the ‘Tree of Harmony’ was in danger, and what the Tree of Harmony actually was, not to mention where it was, inside the Everfree Forest… “Seems like only yesterday we were heading into these woods to find the Elements of Harmony.” said Rarity as she reminisced about the last time they came in here to take care of something, or someone, that had endangered Princess Celestia. “Seems like only yesterday I was foolish enough to think I should go after them on my own. I don't know what we're going to face in there. But whatever it is, I know we need to face it together.” her friends all voiced their agreement. “Sir, we need to—” “Lieutenant, if you are about to suggest we return home, I would suggest that you keep such thoughts to yourself” said Masao sternly as he reloaded his revolver, again they had upgraded the tech involved, and seemingly faster than mankind had, the revolvers now had a six shots instead of three and were reminiscent of the 1835 colt revolver Masao carried three of these guns, he had recently used them as they had been attacked by a few of the escapees from Tartarus, who no longer were of this world thanks to the four bat ponies and himself. “Ser Masao, I do understand that you think you need to—” “Tell me, Corporal, what do you know of the criminal known as Tirek?” asked Masao and the bat pony shrugged. “That is our quarry, the reason I chose you four is because, you are not only the best in the ones available to me to go, but you have not found your special talents. Tirek has the ability to steal the latent magic in ponies particularly those who have found their special talents” “So we weren’t your first choice?” asked a female bat pony a pout on her lips as she stopped snuggling against one of her fellows, it was a day where they were. “I would never had been able to go with my first choice to begin with, as they already have their cutie marks. Therefore you were my first choice” countered Masao causing the quartet of bat ponies to look at him in confusion for a moment as he shut his revolver. “It’s time to leave, now, we’ll warm up on the move” “Yes sir!” “No luck finding your tree?” asked Discord as he freed a couple ponies from the vines that had infested Ponyville. “We ran into some trouble. And my friends decided it would be best if I returned to Ponyville while they continue the search. Equestria will need me if Princess Celestia and Princess Luna don't return.” reasoned Twilight though on the inside she was hurting that her friends had asked her to leave. “I'm just surprised that you agreed to their plan. I never thought you'd be the kind of pony who would think she was better than everypony else.” “I don't think I'm better than anypony!” argued Twilight rather angrily at the chaos spirit. “Oh, well, how silly of me to assume that you would think that. All you did was choose to keep your precious princess self out of harm's way while your friends thrust themselves right into it. I'm sure you'll all be the best of pals again when they return from their terrifying yet deeply bonding experience that they're having without you.” “I know how we can save the tree. We have to give it the Elements of Harmony.” said Twilight after being rescued from a set of vine plants that had tried to eat her, and taking stock of what was happening to the Tree of Harmony. her friends voiced concerns about said course of action even going so far as to mention that the Elements were what tied them all together. “You're right about one thing, Applejack. The Elements of Harmony did bring us together. But it isn't the Elements that will keep us connected. It's our friendship. And it's more important and more powerful than any magic. My new role in Equestria may mean I have to take on new responsibilities, and our friendships may be tested, but it will never, ever be broken. There's no time to lose. Everypony ready?” Upon their affirmation that they were ready Twilight and her friends returned the Elements of Harmony and both Celestia and Luna were freed. After the dark evil vines disappeared a crystal lockbox with six keyholes appeared in front of the ponies. “Six locks, six keys.” commented Luna stating the obvious as she had been up for almost two days straight, the vines not letting her getting any shut eye. but it was nothing a little sleep wouldn’t fix. “Bravo, ladies, bravo! How ever did you save the day this time? Blast the beastie with your magic necklaces, I presume? Where are those little trinkets of yours? You know, the ones you use to send me back to my extremely uncomfortable stone prison?” said Discord as the group of ponies left the Everfree Forest and it was Apple Jack who spoke up with a sigh. “Gone.” “Gone? Gone?” “But our friendship remains. And if you want to remain friends, you'll stop thinking whatever it is you're thinking and help us clean up.” said Fluttershy in a voice that could be considered harsh, coming from her. “Fine. But I don't do windows” Author's Note I'M BACK!!! I am so sorry! I was out camping this past weekend, and what is worse, I finished this chapter before I left! I am so sorry! Also I AM GOING TO BRONYCON!! So if you are going to Bronycon let me know! I would love to meet one of my readers! Maybe give a little sneak peek as to what will happen later Common Era Chapter Twenty-three/MLP Season Four Chapter Three: Twilight’s Kingdom Part One, Twilight’s Lesson in Humanity Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-three/MLP Season Four Chapter Three: Twilight’s Kingdom Part One, Twilight’s Lesson in Humanity Masao and his group continued to search for any sign of Tirek, whom seemed to have vanished off the map, for several months until they were forced home due to not having enough food to continue their search. “Ser Masao, why are we heading to the Crystal Empire?” “Besides the fact we are closer to them?” argued one of the bat ponies who was tired of the traveling everywhere that caught Masao’s eye, everywhere they went there were signs that the fugitive had been there, but no sign of here he might have went… “I simply figured that you would want to meet up with Celestia and Luna and catch a ride back with them” said Masao calmly, but in truth he was furious, no matter how he tried he couldn’t find the damnable centaur! “Seems like only yesterday I was saving this place from being totally destroyed. Hey, you guys remember that?” asked Spike and Rainbow dash grumbled about how the young dragon had mentioned it several times on the train ride up to the Crystal Empire. “Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits.” Rarity answered sarcastically though she did sneak a glance at the purple dragon, at times the dragon acted so much older than he appeared, at others he acted like a child. “Heh, point taken.” “I'm glad you all wanted to come, but I don't think it's gonna be—MASAO!” said Twilight as the human managed to walk onto the path from somewhere past her field of vision. “Ah, Twilight!” said Masao with a smile as he walked up to her only for a dark blue blur to topple him over as Luna nuzzled him lovingly. “Thou art here!” as Luna ruined her image Sharp Sword ran up panting and came to a stop and frowned at the human. “So you finally show yourself, and you!” said Sharp Sword as she rounded on the bat ponies that staggered into the area, the chariot having been worn out over a month prior. “Yes sir?” asked the female bat pony her armor tarnished as much as her fellows “You four left without checking with me! YOUR CAPTAIN!” shouted the angry unicorn as Masao managed to break free of Luna who was now sitting on the ground pouting much to Celestia’s embarrassment as she lighted upon the ground beside them. “Well… This is awkward, I know I told you I was taking a few of the Lunar Guard with me when I left.” said Masao and Sharp Sword glared at him for a moment before the glare softened into a look of longing, longing to leap into his arms just as her soon to be herd sister did. When Masao motioned for her to do so she did exactly that, she lept straight into Masao’s arms and nuzzled him lovingly. “I missed you” said Sharp Sword before she pressed her lips to his, long enough that it was endearing, but short enough that it was not awkward for onlookers. “Masao, my love, you have a double wedding to plan, I never got to marry you before I died the first time, and now you have the princess pining for you.” “I suppose…” “Suppose? My dear friend, Masao, you are not getting cold feet, are you?” asked Celestia as the dignitaries from Saddlerabia made their way down the path led by a grimacing Cadence. as she gave a slight motion for the group to hurry up with their visit as not to keep the dignitaries waiting. “I think we need to put this on hold, I apologize for taking up your time Celestia. Luna, please, you are a princess, not—” “I know what I am, Ser Masao now begone, I need to greet these ponies in peace” said an annoyed Princess Luna which made Masao grin. “Good I’ll see you in a bit” “Your highness. Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum.” said the Duke and Masao scoffed leaning on the wall while Twilight bowed. “No one asked for your opinion you beast, I am surprised that the princesses even let you live in their borders let—” “I am a knight of the realm, and engaged to the lunar princess, and a dark mage, insulting me is the last thing you should do, duke.” “It is also very rude to be insulting one of my teachers like that!” argued Twilight as her eyes took a slight green hue for a moment but at look from Masao and she got complete control of herself. “Hmph!” grunted the duke before leaving with his wife and Masao just glared at their backs as the elder princesses walked out. “Luna, I am not one to get involved in politics, but I think I should be present next time you treat with the duke” “Dare I ask what brought this on?” asked Celestia and Twilight gave a slight glare at the Solar Diarch, “What is wrong my dear Twilight?” “The duke found it appropriate to insult Masao, calling him nothing more than a beast and how—no nevermind” said Twilight interrupting herself as Luna glared down the direction the dignitaries had left. “I will not play party with such a rude stallion again, if he thinks he can insult my mate and get away with—” “Luna, I will get my on revenge in the form of messing with him during the diplomatic meetings, as your mate, I am telling you, let me deal with it, besides a pair of fresh eyes on a lot of the issues you deal with” “I am telling you both no, as a sister and as a friend” said Celestia “I just dunno what I—” “If you are worried about what your crown means, don’t. You’ll find out soon enough, my dear dear student. Now you and I have something to talk about.” said Masao as he interrupted her self-defeating comment. “Yes?” asked Twilight her nervousness obvious to anyone who dared to look. “I noticed you channelling dark magic earlier when we were talking to the duke, I told you dark magic is not a plaything, it is dangerous, I use it heavily, because that is the only magic I can use. You however have access to a far greater repertoire of magic!” said Masao with no little amount of anger. “He was insulting you! It was wrong! How can anypony call themselves civilized if they are insulting people based on the way they look?” Masao stared at her surprised at her comment, but then again she did not know much about humanity. “I have been insulted by the way I look by several of the ponies of Equestria, I have also seen my own kind insult other humans based on the color of their skin or their religion” “Th-that can’t be true! You are one of the most—” “Most what? Kind? Far from it, I am tolerant to a point. I am not kind, not by a long shot.” “‘Is he friend or is he foe?’, the pony wonders. I can assure you... I am no friend. I am Lord Tirek, and I will take what should have been mine long ago.” Masao dropped the bottle he was holding as Luna rushed out of the room, the combined sound of the bottle clattering to the floor and the doors slamming open startled Sharp Sword awake and she glanced at Masao who was gritting his teeth a snarl on his face. “Masao? Wha—” “Tirek!” he snarled causing Sharp Sword to leap back out of bed, she had heard him explain before why he was so set on finding Tirek before and now she knew he had failed, and that he as furious. “I've just had the most terrible dream.” said Celestia as she stared at her sister whom had burst into the room. “Why do you think I'm here? You know as well as I that this was not a dream, but a vision.” said Luna, no longer did she speak in the archaic tongue. “Then we haven't much time. The stronger he becomes, the more we are all in danger.” “Princesses” said Sharp Sword as she walked in with Masao at her heels a look of grim determination on his face they had just informed Twilight that they were sending Discord to take care of Tirek, “Ser Masao has a message to give you.” “What is wrong love?” asked Luna and Masao gave her a sad look. “After this incident is dealt with I will not know what is going to happen, for lack of better terms these are that last two episodes I saw before I came here” “Last two episodes? You make it sound like our lives were nothing but a show before now” said Twilight and Masao grimaced but nodded. “It was, back when I lived on Terra. In fact it centered around your life, Twilight, I have spent more time with Luna than the show did in all four years I had watched it before…” “Are—” started Luna “I fell in love with you Luna long before I got here, but I was determined not to force a relationship, that you needed friendship far more than I needed a relationship with you, and before I got here, I never heard of a pony called Evening Star, or even Sharp Sword.” As Masao continued to explain about their lives being a show where he was from Twilight snuck out she had to see a tree about a box… “As in Discord Discord?” asked Applejack as they discussed Celestia’s decision as Twilight seemed to be packing in the Library. Of course Fluttershy defended the draconequus much to the annoyment of her friends. “So what is going to happen, and don’t tell me that you can’t tell us, we will play by the rules and let it happen, but I want to know.” said Cadence and Masao sighed before looking out the window and was quiet for a bit. “Maso—” “Discord is going to betray you and aid Tirek, and then he is going to try and succeed in getting all the magic in Equestria, except for your magic which will be in the hooves of Twilight…” Author's Note First of the last few chapters of this story! I hope you are ready, because soon starts book three! Common Era Chapter Twenty-Four/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Two/Masao’s Fall Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-Four/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Two/Masao’s Fall “…your magic which will be in the hooves of Twilight…” “WHAT!? Why would we—” started Luna “I am just telling you what has to happen” said Masao urgently and Celestia looked on thoughtfully before speaking up for the first time since Masao started talking. “And then what happens?” it was this that quieted down the two other Alicorns. “Then I will kill Tirek, or at least try to—” “I came as quickly as I could! Is something wrong? Is it Tirek?” asked Twilight as she ran into the room Masao and the princesses standing there looking grim - - Flashback - - - “We have to tell her!” said Cadence and Masao stood up and drew his revolver before slamming it to the table, the sudden slam causing it to click harmlessly without the hammer pulled back. “No” “But she—” “This is a lesson she must learn, if I fail to defeat Tirek, she will need to ‘finish the episode’ as it were” “STOP IT! This isn’t a show to be watched, this is OUR LIVES” “Mi Amore Cadenza, calm yourself, Masao is correct, whether we like it or not, if he fails Twilight must learn more about the element she embodies” - - Flashback End - - - “I'm afraid I put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him.” said Celestia calmly, a soldier, who was as greyed out as they come after a run in with Tirek, managed to make it here and report to Celestia about Discord’s defection making Masao’s story ring all the truer. “Discord has betrayed the ponies of Equestria and joined forces with Tirek.” commented Luna and Masao gave a silent sigh, that thankfully went unnoticed by Twilight. “How could he do this?! I thought our friendship meant something to him! I thought he had changed.” “He did, it did, and he has. There is a reason alcoholics don’t go to bars, too much temptation.” said Masao and Celestia flinched at the indirect admonishment. “Tirek has stolen enough magic that he now has the strength to steal flight as well. Without Pegasi to control the weather, there will be no rain in Equestria. There is word he has gone after Earth ponies as well. Without their strength, they will not be able to tend the land.” “Ponies will no longer be in control of their world. That power will belong solely to Tirek.”said Luna in response to her sister’s comment. “There is no doubt that Tirek is after Alicorn magic. With Discord by his side, we will not be able to stop him from taking it.” “Once it is in his possession, his power will know no bounds, and all hope will be lost.” “But there is one solution. It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved. We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us.” said Celestia and Twilight gasped in response. It was then that Luna spoke up once more. “Tirek is set on possessing Alicorn magic. When he comes for us, we cannot have what he is looking for.” “I'm more than willing to do my part and give up my magic.” Masao silently chuckled at Twilight’s eagerness to do whatever was necessary to protect Equestria, but Luna spoke again this time in slight admonishment for Twilight’s slip up on the basic rule about energy, it can not be destroyed. “”You misunderstand. Our magic cannot just disappear into thin air. Somepony must keep it safe.” “That somepony is you, Twilight” said Cadence, playing her part well even though she hated it. Twilight had just left the castle, all three of the elder alicorns were exhausted which made Masao clench his teeth, there was nothing he could do to prevent what had already happened from happening in the first place, but that did not mean he could not be upset at his inability to protect his student. “Ý̘͂́ͦͪͤ͗͜ou͚̰̞͇̣͙ͦ̃ ̙̫͓͢ç̅o̥̤̤͖̯̓̎̀ų̩̤̙ͧ̈̊̔ͩ̆l̖̦̯ͪ̕ḍ̣ͨ̿͂̊̌̐ ̢̹̣͔̓s̙̲͚̮̙͚͖ͣ͋͝a̷̬̹̖̩̪̘v̖͇̣̥̭͆̓̄ͩe̻̥̝̐ͧͣ͘ ̙̜̗ͦ́h̯̺ͤ͋̐̚ͅeͥ͊ͯͨ̾̎̚͝r͇̜̱͕͕ͥ̑̿ͣ͆̊͌ ̼̙̬̜͂̈̚ͅy̞̳̘̿ͨo̶̤͖̳͌̒̂͛͛u̮̳͙̳͖̬̖̓ ҉͉̥̬͓͙̖k̶̟̙̻͓ͨ͂n̬͓͉ͅo̬̫̻͔̟͕͂̉̋̅͐w̙̬̝͇ͪ͋̓̓,ͪ͋͛ ̰̩͇͈̎ͦ̑͒ͮ͞ȧ̧̻̱́l͉̗̰̞ͅl̹̲͓̗̲͚̆͐̃ ̮͇͙͔̦͈͂̆̆͌ͭͧ͋y̗̿̀̔͐ͮ̑o̮͔͐̏ͮ͊̀̚̕ù̻̪̖͑̀͗̎͗̓ ̞̺̉̏͗͊̔̄h͓̱̝̹̫̳̻̾ͦ̀͐̎͌̚͜ą̣͒ͫ̓̓̎v̺̬̦̤͈̩͠e̶̼̼̺͍̘͕̓̽͊̉̃͗ ̡̫̟̱̯̬̭̔͋̀t̶̻̭̩͚̲͙̬͑̄̽ͥô̥̟̫̥͕̜͌ ̖͉̭̺͎̰͞d̞̜̰̔̃ͣ̿̚ȯ̳̈́̅̐̉ͯ̚͠ ͕̫͍̩̟̹̏̕î͉͇̺̹̭̌ͭ͛̿ͮ̄̕s͎̬̭̻̼ͧͤ̎͂͐ ̠̘̜̫̩̮f̷̳͔̯̪͓͚͖ͪ̅̅̔ͪ̑̿a̬̍ͥͩ͟l̫͇͋ͯ̐ͬ̚l̠̱͕̮̥̿̊͜” Masao shook his head to clear it of the stray thought, he couldn’t afford to fail, not now. Masao stood in the shadows, it was the plan that they had come up with, Sharp Sword already was being cared for by the few ponies that had managed to get away from Tirek, though it was not looking good. Even after Tirek had absorbed her magic, she insisted on fighting him still, having not listened to neither Luna nor Masao when they told her to stay hidden, now, no matter if she survived she would be crippled for the rest of her life. Something that enraged Masao all the more. “T͉͐̅͐̎̈́̋̚͠h̡͉̊͒ͯ̈́ͨͣa̠̪̿̅͌͗͊̈̚t̶͇̺̘̞̅̈ͪ͋̅̊̂’͇̗͖̪̯́ͩ̾̐s̢̅ͬ̎̈ ̫͙͓̩͙̬̌́̇̏ͬ̐i̞̩͂̇̈͌̑̚t̎͐̃̅̊ͣͯ,̡̜̮̹͙̾ͤ͌ ͙ͫ̾ͤ̃̉̕M͉̣͈͕̭̼̠̆ͤ͛a̙̦̠̙̝̼̥͂ͩ͗s̗̥̫͎ͥ̊ͯ̈a̯̭̝̋ͬͨ̕o̖̭̖ͨ̿̄͡,̳ͯͭ͒̄ ͬ̊c̢̥͓̋̿ǫ́ͪm̴͚̥̳̣̅̉̍̍͛̑e̹͕̙͞ ̧͉̬̟̘͙̞̗̾̊̃ͧ̔̚c̵ͪ̅̅͒̚l̻̖͉̹͖̱͉ͣ̏ͧ͗̍̂̌ö̲͕̤͕̪́ͭ̓š̸̹̼̦͛e̪̼͍͚̙̭̋̊r̬̬̠ ͉̺̱̜̲̮̌̔́̂̍t̼̯̂͂͆͒ọ̷̪̙͎̝̤̈̽̾̂̎ͭͅ ̢͕͔ͫ͛͆ͧ̈́̽m̧̟̲͉̜̙̐̃ͤͥ͊̽́e͌ͯ̄ͮͫ̑͗҉͙̹̞̯,̮̼̲̮̬̦̗̊̽ͭ͗ ̈́͗͆̒͑ͦ̽҉̩̘l̹͍̙̱̬͔eͥ͑ͥt̴̤̹̤̰̭͓̞̓̌̆ ̬̠̫̫͇̻̘̿̅̐̽̊ͬ́m̳̗̺̣͙̹ͫ̿̎̆̑ͮ͒ͅe̕ ͙̤̲̭͒͗̑͘i̖͋ͤ̕n̬̭̪̹” Tirek slammed the doors open, breaking them off the hinges, Masao drew his sword quietly and readied himself. “What have you done?!” asked the centaur after trying and failing to steal the princesses’ magic, “Where is your magic?!” yelled the angry centaur and that was Masao’s que as he walked out into the open. “Somewhere where you can not get it, you have failed Tirek, surrender, and return the magic you have stolen” “Now I can’t have that now can I?” asked Discord as he floated in and snapped his fingers… “Tirek may still be a threat. I need you all to stay here and encourage everypony to remain inside.” said Twilight as she tried to convince them to stay put while she kept them safe by hiding away from them… Masao stood there grinning as nothing happened. “Now, did you really think you could mess with a creature that is both harmonious and chaotic?” at that Masao launched himself at Tirek, flat out ignoring Discord’s presence as he took aim and fired his revolver while in the air, the centaur attempted to put Luna in the way when Masao’s eyes glowed green as he forced the bullet to phase through Luna and then hit Tirek in the chest, but due to the centaur’s size the damage was negligible. “Is that all you got?” asked the Centaur and Masao swung his sword as he got into range of the centaur. the sword managed to cut into Tirek’s flesh making the centaur cry out as he grabbed Masao by the sword and threw him back into a pillar nearly snapping the human’s back in two. Getting up groaning Masao barely had a chance to block Tirek as the centaur charged him, slamming him back into the pillar. “Where is that boastful spirit now, creature!” Tirek shouted in Masao’s face and Masao grimaced as he attempted to push the centaur off of him. “By Darkness done, by Light undone, by Darkness undone, by Light done, Yin and Yang, Yang and Yin. Push and pull. Pull and push, GRAVITY!” Masao struggled to get out, and suddenly the Centaur was pulled away from the human by something... Masao crashed to the ground coughing before looking up and glared at the Centaur, “Darkness and light. Light and darkness. Water and Fire, Fire and water. BURN!” said Masao and a light blue and black fire flew at Tirek slamming into the centaur. “I am not finished yet, Tirek, I am not going to let you harm another soul!” Just then a pony ran into the room stopping short seeing the battle, but when he saw Masao fighting he snuck around the fight and whispered into Princess Luna’s ear causing the mare to cry out in shock and emotional pain as she fought to stand up and move to Masao. The cry had gotten both Tirek’s and Masao’s attentions, the former grabbing the earth pony and held him in the air. “Why don’t you tell us exactly why you have intruded on my victory?” asked Tirek as he held the pony in a magical aura. “Th-the Lunar C-captain!” “What? What about Sharp Sword?” asked Masao suddenly paying full attention to the earth pony. “My love, Sh-Sharp Sword is dead!” cried Luna and the room’s tempature fell sharply and Masao’s very demeanor changed. “So… The one mare with whom I have loved through two lifetimes is dead, is that it?” asked Masao calmly, and Luna nodded fearfully, something told her this was not going to be good… The wall outside the throne room exploded outwards with a burst of black, outlined by green, aura covering Tirek as he was slammed through wall after wall. “It would seem that you are stronger than you appear” said Tirek as he stood up seemingly unfazed even with several holes in his chest from where Masao had let loose on the magic he now had access to, the whites of his now green, and the irises of his eyes were now red. “You are not worth the air you breath, Tirek, and you will suffer for your part in killing Sharp Sword” said Masao the dark magic that he used now coursing through him at a frantic pace. “Your magic will make a nice addition to my collection, creature.” said Tirek and Masao sneered at the centaur. “You are a disgusting fusion of man and goat, you are nothing to me!” yelled Masao before he was suddenly slammed against the ceiling and floor so many times it began to crack and shatter under the strain until he was unconscious. While the human was unconscious, the centaur attempted to absorb the human’s magic but found it to be woven into his very being and so opened a portal to Tartarus and threw the four immortals through. “Give my regards to Cerberus.” Author's Note I know that I didn't finish the episode but that was a perfect place to finish the chapter, next chapter, will either be a mini-chapter to finish this off, or a full fledged chapter, I haven't decided Common Era Chapter Twenty-Five/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Three Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit I wish to apologize for accidentally unpublishing the previous chapter, I have fixed my mistake, I have no idea how long it was unpublished but I have published it as well as this chapter Common Era Chapter Twenty-Five/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Three “Alright, y'all. Ah think we've warned everypony to stay inside.” said Applejack as she met up with the rest of the gang, bar Twilight. “I'm sure Discord will catch Tirek and this will all be over soon.” said Fluttershy as the group still believed that Discord was still trying to capture Tirek. “I'll bet he takes his sweet time.” “Or perhaps these things just take time.” scoffed Discord at Rainbow Dash’s accusation and fluttershy tackled him and hugged him. “You're back! Did you bring the cucumber sandwiches?” asked Fluttershy and Discord poofed a platter of cucumber sandwiches into existence. “I did. I imagine they'll be your last decent meal for quite some time.” said Discord as he then phased a cage around the mane six, bar Twilight who was not there, as they complained Discord stepped to the side as Tirek showed up. “You've gathered up all of them?” asked the centaur and Discord nodded. “And her little dragon, too.” he replied moving his finger away just in time to prevent it from being bit by said dragon. “Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends!” cried Fluttershy and Discord scoffed at her. “Oh, we were. But Tirek offered me so much more than just tea parties. Surely you saw this coming?” asked Discord and Fluttershy cried harder in response. “I didn't. I really didn't.” At that Tirek stomped up and absorbed their magic leaving them so much weaker than before. “You really think she'd do anything for them?” asked Tirek and Discord grinned evilly. “If Twilight has magic to give, it will be yours. Soon there won't be a pegasus, earth pony or unicorn who will be able to stand up against us.” “Us? Who said anything about us?” asked Tirek and Discord looked a little uncertain as he replied. “You did.” “You've helped me grow strong, you've provided the means by which I can obtain Princess Twilight's magic, and now you are no longer of any use to me.” said Tirek as he then absorbed the shocked draconequus’s magic. “But you said this was a sign of your gratitude and loyalty. A gift from someone close to you.” said a severely weakened Discord holding up the amulet that Tirek had given him, to ‘prove his loyalty.’ “My brother who betrayed me. It is as worthless as he is.” “Surely you saw this comin’.” said Applejack almost in a sympathizing manner, though she still felt betrayed, she was not so heartless as to not feel sorry for the draconequus. “I didn't. I truly didn't.” “Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more. I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth.” said Discord, as he handed Twilight the amulet given to him by Tirek. "Do you think that's the last one we need?" asked Applejack and Twilight nodded. "We need to get to the box" with that the group ran off to the Everfree Forest to the cave with the Tree of Harmony... “Sweet Celestia! Are you all seeing what I'm seeing?” asked Rarity and Twilight nodded with a confused look upon her face. “But... whose is it?” “I believe it is yours, Princess Twilight.” said Celestia and Masao nodded with a forced smile as he staggered forwards, being held up by Luna and Cadance, when Twilight looked at the human she gasped when she saw his eyes, no longer were they his old green eyes, but now his irises were red, the whites of his eyes were green, and there was purple smoke wisping out. “Masao? Are you—?” “I am fine, Twilight, but this moment is your own, not mine, go spend it with your friends and with Princess Celestia” said Masao, he had hoped to just go to the castle and mourn Sharp Sword, as he had failed to avenge her, though he knew she would want him to move on, perhaps even look for her in the future surely this was not the last time he would find her… “You've been wondering what you are meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?” asked Celestia with a smile and Twilight smiled before she spoke up, though in the back of her mind she continued to worry about her teacher. “As princess, I believe I have the power to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. That is the role I am meant to have in our world! The role I choose to have! But I didn't defeat Tirek on my own – it took all of us to unlock the chest!” “Then it is unlikely you are meant to take on this task alone.” said Celestia as she push open a door in the crystal castle to reveal a room full of chairs, each with the cutie mark corresponding with each of Twilight’s friends and herself. “You are now Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship. But what is the princess of friendship without her friends?” “Wait a minute, where's my throne?!” asked Discord and Fluttershy tsked at him before responding. “I don't think you're quite there yet.” Discord chuckled in response before offering a small comment. “Yes, well, I suppose not.” “I am not done, I will find you again Evening Star, Sharp Sword, I have loved you through two life times, and have yet to marry you, I will see you married to me before the end of time” The End? Author's Note That's it for this story, but worry not my readers, I am already starting on the next story and final story, right now, I still need a name, I'm thinking of calling it "The Lunar Knight's Willow Leaf" let me know what you think in the comments below! and before you ask, yes I copped out of writing the scenes from the show, they went exactly like script, and I cannot improve on perfection so I just linked to the youtube videos, if I violated any rules please inform me and I will rectify my mistake Common Era Chapter Twenty/MLP Season Three Chapter Three: Magical Mystery Cure Mini Chapter Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty/MLP Season Three Chapter Three: Magical Mystery Cure Mini Chapter “You seriously sent her an unfinished spell for her final test?” asked Masao annoyed, oh he knew this was going to happen, but still! “Yes, if she can not finish this—” “She will, it’s already foretold, Celestia, so make yourself ready, though I still think I should slap you for this, I mean—” “No why wouldst thou be slapping my sister, my dear Masao?” asked Luna as she walked in and Masao took a deep breath… “You did something today that's never been done before. Something even a great unicorn like Star Swirl the Bearded was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you've learned here in Ponyville have taught you well. You have proven that you're ready, Twilight.” said Celestia as she met Twilight in the ethereal plane. “Ready? Ready for what?” “Calm down girls, Twilight is just fine, and she’ll be back in about three… Two… One” said Masao and there was a flash of light as Twilight reappeared but something was different about her, she was standing there… WITH WINGS! “Ha! Twilight's got wings! Awesome! A new flying buddy!” said Rainbow Dash as she pumped in the air. “Congratulations Princess” said Masao with a bow as soon as the festivities were done. “Please, Masao, don’t…” “What? You think I am going to treat you any differently just because you became a princess? Don’t you remember who my oldest friends are?” said Masao with a grin, “Besides, I am not done being your teacher, so long as you will have me, I will continue to teach you to the best of my ability…” "Teach me about dark magic" "Done" Author's Note a mini sequence for Equestria Girls, possibly, and then four to five, maybe six chapters for Season four(Epic Show down in the castle between Tirek and Masao, or at least as epic as I can make it), and then a possible mini sequence for EG: Rainbows Rocks, are all that remain for the series, and then I am back to full creativity!
Common Era Chapter One/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Two: Masao’s Return/The Three Groups Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter One/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Two: Masao’s Return/Three Groups It had been years, No centuries, since the battle with Nightmare Moon, and Masao had not aged a day, not physically at least. These days however Masao was far better at his swordsmanship than he was before. He also was looked up to by the bat pony community, seen as the Grand Elder, something which surprised him as he was no pony. Few were foolish enough to ignore his advice more than once, however. With his advice the Razor Talon clan quickly became a strong intelligent and wise clan. All the while he practiced with his dark powers in the dead of night, away from prying eyes, a few bat ponies had caught him in the past, but even to this day it was known that he was… “Ser Masao Darkheart” spat Masao as he swung his sword into a wooden training dummy ripping it out he swung again, “Knight of Princess Luna” he snarled angrily. As it had been every year since Evening Star’s death, on the anniversary of the banishment of Nightmare Moon, he would not sleep, always keeping a vigil. “My god, my god hath thou forsaken me?” he asked as tears flowed down his face. “So who is this god you are talking to?” asked a voice and Masao turned towards it, the centuries of experience keeping him from showing his surprise. “Ah, I am glad you are well enough to question me about my religion, does that mean you will be well enough for your classes tomorrow, Gilda?” asked Masao and the young gryphon stuck her tongue out at the human and Masao chuckled at her display of youth. “Go to bed Gilda, your parents would not like you staying up to watch me train” “Seems to me that you are just beating up that old training dummy, not to say it didn’t have it coming” said the young gryphon and Masao smiled at the wisdom Gilda had produced. “Are you sure you have to leave? You know that you are welcome to stay, my ancestors—” asked Gilda’s father and Masao smiled before waving off the rest of the sentence. “What I am about to tell you, you can not under any circumstance tell anyone else” started Masao which caught the older gryphons’ attentions. “I have been waiting for your daughter to be born for it symbolizes, to me, that Nightmare Moon’s banishment is almost over, as is her hold on my princess” Gilda’s father shot up from his chair startled. “You mean to tell me, my daughter symbolizes the end of time?” he asked in fear and Masao shook his head. “The coming events are foretold, Dead Wing, and I must go do my part. The world will not end, not yet. that I promise you” With his cryptic message Masao and several of the bat ponies left the gryphon kingdom, the Razor Talons gave them a ship on which to travel the ocean between the continents and after a few months of travel, and a few unfortunate deaths due to a storm the nearly sunk the ship. Never the less they arrived at Baltimare port and the bat ponies took their first steps onto Equestrian soil. Masao however hung back, his eyes scanning the crowd that had gathered, and he noticed several ponies look at the bat ponies with scorn, and a few when they caught sight of him, disappear into the crowds. ‘So much for sneaking in’ he thought as he walked out onto the docks and the crowds grew quiet, his armor, which he had kept in good condition still had it’s blue tint to it, his shield still had it’s coat of arms upon it, his sword though sheathed was still in perfect condition as well, he walked out towards the customs booth and declared himself a returning citizen of Equestria, loudly, which caused some whispers. ‘Hopefully that gets Celestia’s attention, and hopefully before someone feels it is necessary to try and attack my charges...’ he thought quietly as he gave his name and smirked slightly when he announced his title, “I am Ser Masao Darkheart, royal Knight of the realm” “Are you sure?” asked a blue Earth Pony his voice harsh from years of smoking, he sat upon a ragged throne. “Yes, my lord, the traitor has returned to Equestria, and he looks unchanged” said a blue unicorn pony as she bowed to the Earth Pony. The older pony stood up and walked towards a broken window in a ruined keep, a ragged flag of the lunar forces flying on the battlements. “Send the scouts, tell them the traitor has arrived and should be dealt with, with prejudice” Masao walked through the city of Baltimare almost laughing at the familiarity about it all from when he used to watch the show on Earth. Now, however, he was going home, or rather, he was going to Canterlot. “Grand Elder, the clan is ready to move out on—” started one of the bat ponies when Masao smiled at the stallion, a kind smile that had not been on his face in so long. “Stout Wings, you do not have to come to me for leadership, you are after all, the clan head, lead your clan, I will always be here to give you the advice you ask for, but I can not lead for you” said Masao and the bat pony looked sheepish for a moment before smiling. “Then, Grand Elder, what would you suggest we do, seeing as you have been here before” said Stout Wings and Masao chuckled at the turn around. “I suppose I asked for that, alright,” said Masao as he looked into the distance thoughtfully, “seeing as it is the first time in centuries that your clan has been to Equestria, I would suggest coming with me to Canterlot, to announce yourselves officially to Princess Celestia” Stout Wing grunted, he knew the stories, he also knew that the Grand Elder fought against Princess Celestia, would the princess even welcome them to, “Don’t worry, what I know about Celestia… She will welcome you, she may be suspicious, but don’t let that deter you” So Masao and the bat ponies left Baltimare, but news of their arrival and departure had long since reached the ears of Princess Celestia, as well as the remnants of the lunar rebellion, and another group… “So he finally shows himself, ser Masao… With a clan of bat ponies… Even better, we can remove these creatures as well as that demon in one fell swoop, and finally our princess will be free to rule without worry” Masao and the bat ponies were heading down the road, mostly because they were uncomfortable with the trains much to Masao’s amusement. Three days on the trail, three nights of no civilization, something that Masao knew quite well from his old mission in the long past. He sighed before he motioned for the group to continue on, or started to when an arrow flew past his head and hit a tree, the arrow was of the same make that the lunar rebellion used in… “Grand Elder!” shouted a young bat pony filly and Masao ducked just in time to dodge another arrow, again of the same make and he drew his sword and readied his shield just in time to block another arrow. “Stout Wings! Get your people to the air! Protect the young ones!” shouted Masao as a few Earth ponies appeared over the crest of the hill further down the path, and a few pegasi flew higher revealing themselves which made Masao grit his teeth. “Traitors, you will stay put, after we deal with the traitor knight, you are all coming with—” one of the pegasus started when several arrows flew towards all the ponies and at the human in a fit of terror Masao shot out his arm calling upon the gift of darkness, given to him by Luna herself, to save the bat ponies causing a wall of shadows to cover the clan just as the arrows met the wall they disappeared. “I knew you were a traitor, but to use evil black magic!” shouted a voice behind the group and a group unicorn, Earth ponies and pegasi showed themselves their armor not all that familiar, not even to what Masao knew about this part of Equestria’s military at this time. “I take it, then, you are not part of Celestia’s military, at least not within this group” said Masao his voice carefully controlled from centuries of practice. and the leader of the second group tensed barely but just enough that Masao noticed. “Good, so killing you in the defense of my charges will not be contributed as an act of war.” Masao shot open another wall of shadows and the arrows they had launched previously flew out of them and struck a great many of them down before he turned to the remnants. “You call me a traitor? I served her highness faithfully, until she broke chain with me(1), and after that I did what any knight would do in my place, I stood against the wicked, at that point Princess Luna was no more, only Nightmare Moon remained.” The remnants just glared at him as they readied their own volley when the sounds of metal clad hoofs started to clamper in the distance, steadily growing closer, both groups grabbed who they could of their groups and vanished, thankfully leaving obvious signs of battle, such as the arrows and a few dying members of the second group. “HALT! In the name of Celestia!” said the contingent of guardsponies bearing the symbol of the sun on their armor Masao sheathed his blade just as several of them surrounded the bat ponies and himself their spears leveled at them as they closed ranks and started to press in… Author's Note (1) To "break chains" meant that you broke away from the ruler you swore yourself to, however if you were to say that your ruler "broke chains" with yourself than you mean that they broke faith with you, and no longer deserved your loyalty, and there was a literal chain that was broken, a chain you are normally given on the same day you swore yourself to the ruler, you would tear off, breaking it, showing that you owed them no more loyalty OK Here begins the era actually close to the actual show, a few years before it actually
Common Era Chapter Two/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Three: A New Sharp Sword Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Two/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Three: A New Sharp Sword “In the name of Celestia! STOP!” shouted Masao and the guardsponies stopped their advance. some of them looking rather sheepish. “I apologise, Ser Masao, we forgot ourselves, I am captain Sharp Sword, we have been tracking the Lunar Remnants and the Day’s Legion for months now and yours are the first nocturnal group that we have come across that hasn’t seemed partially hostile at our appearance” said a guardspony as she stepped forwards, Masao took a moment, a moment for which he would later deny, to admire her curves and blue fur over her taut muscular structure, as well as the red hair with yellow tips on her mane and tail. which caused the mare to blush slightly at the open appraisal,. “Don’t worry about it captain, I—ahem—will not hold it against you” Masao managed to say after a moment. the youth of the bat pony clan, for whom he called his own, were also gawking at the mares and stallions in front of them for which Masao quickly apologized… Later that night further down the trail, with Captain Sharp Sword’s guards with them, Masao relaxed a bit, his instincts telling him that they were safer with these guards around than without, something he mentioned to the Stout Wing whom took his advice to heart when he announced that they would welcome the guardsponies to travel with them if they so desired. Which the youth of the clan were highly thankful for as almost as soon as they set up camp several of them started to flirt with the guardsponies. “I wonder, Ser knight, why you didn’t take the train? From what I heard about you, you knew about these things long before they came into being here in Equestria” asked Sharp Sword a blush on her cheeks from drinking with Masao some of the bat ponies special liquor, something he had warned her against, multiple times. “Several of them were put off by it, so rather than split the clan, we traveled together.” he answered ages of drinking allowing him to keep from slurring his words, he was very drunk tonight, something he knew was going to happen, tonight was the anniversary of Evening Star’s death, he never spent the night alone, no, both the Gryphon Clan and the Bat Pony clan wouldn’t allow it, saying that he had mourned her enough, that it was time to move on, sometimes those ponies, or gryphons that kept him company would end up being bedmates and a small relationship would start, that never seemed to last, either because of battle, in the case of gryphons, the awe factor, in the case of the bat ponies, or because it just didn’t feel right to either party, for both of them. Tonight his current drinking buddy was Sharp Sword having cut her off, not wanting to have to explain to the ponies under her command that she was drunk off her ass cause she was trying to out drink him, something no pony had ever been able to do, except Luna and Celestia. he was soon leering at her, admiring her curves once more something the mare started to hint at more and more that she didn’t mind him looking even encouraged him putting a hand on her mane. Yeah he wasn’t going to wake up alone tonight… When Masao awoke the next morning, he noticed he had been correct, sleeping beside him, and still impaled upon him, and a little bit of drool coming from her mouth, almost reminding Masao of one of the nights with Evening Star, after he remembered that he waited for the shot of pain in his heart he expected to come, but none came, he pulled himself away from the mare and kissed her on the cheek before going to wash up, he did leave a note on the ground beside her, in a way that would not escape her notice should she wake up before he returned… Upon returning Masao saw that Sharp Sword had awaken, and Masao frowned slightly remembering how they had met. “So how did you know me? Unless you were there when I arrived at the docks you should not have known who I was” asked Masao and the mare froze, she had been brushing her mane and tail, something instilled into her by her parents long ago, but she froze. “Well?” he nudged and Sharp Sword heaved a stuttering sigh. “I was once a member of the Lunar Remnants, one of the cult groups responsible for attacking your group, some of my fellow guards can say the same, anyway, when we were sent out to kill a group of Day’s Legion forces we found out some of our friends were in this legion, so rather than kill each other, both groups decided to turn ourselves into Celestia.” “And Celestia, in her infinite wisdom saw fit to form your two parties into one group, a group of guardsponies? How long has the fighting been going on? I would have thought that yes there would have been a few months more of skirmishes but over nine centuries worth?” at that Sharp Sword looked away a look of annoyment on her face. “And where were you, then, Ser Masao? If you had been there you could have stopped this, or at least stopped it sooner than this!” she shouted at the human who then frowned at her before standing to his full height which brought him to twice her height. “Where was I? I was blasted to some frozen tundra of this godforsaken planet and believed myself dead before I was found by a member of the Razor Talon Clan and effectively nursed back to health! Had I the skills then I would have returned to Equestria sooner than this, I would have aided in stopping this foolish war a lot sooner!” Sharp snorted at the comment, “What? Do you—” “This isn’t a war, hasn’t been for centuries, the Lunar Remnants are holding on to maybe four strongholds in Equestria, and the Day’s Legion maybe five, but Celestia has them contained, for the most part.” “Contained! Do you call what we went through yesterday contained?! Oh I have half a mind to smack Celestia when I see her!” as the two of them argued one of the other elders chuckled as it reminded her of the relationship she had had with her own husband, her herd sisters and husband long since dead. It also reminded her of the stories Masao would tell about his relationship with Evening Star… “Would the two of you just kiss and make up already? I swear you two could wake up the dead with your arguing, or is it foreplay, eh, Masao?” she said as she hobbled into the tent interrupting the duo. Masao blushed as did Sharp Sword. “Star Burst, I am sorry, did we wake you?” asked Masao as he reached over and poured the old mare a drink of water, while Sharp Sword started to mumble something about readying her forces. “Sit, youngin, Do not think I don’t know how to deal with troublesome unicorns!” said the mare and Sharp sword went wide-eyed as she plopped her flanks to the ground. “Good, now, Masao, as Grand Elder you should know better than to have this very shameful display of immaturity” said the mare and Masao chuckled. “Yes, yes, I know, “What is the use in being grown up if you can’t act like a child sometimes” I have heard you say to excuse many a parent when they played with their foals and made fools of themselves. However you are held to a higher standard, and you know it! You are our only link to the past, not once have you lied to us, softening the blow of what our clan had done in the Lunar Rebellion, but neither did you judge us for it. And before you go and say that you have done worse than we could have done, the young ones of the clan look up to you! and now this mare here, she obviously was smitten enough to sleep with you, and what do you—” “Enough, Star Burst” said Masao his voice firm which stopped the elder bat pony mare cold, “I know your clan looks up to me, but they shouldn’t I have told them time and again that they will find better council with the stars than with me” Back and forth the argument went, with Sharp Sword being forced to sit through it, they were only interrupted once by one of the guardsponies who were quickly run out by shouts and since then they continued arguing which soon turned to Sharp Sword. “Captain, if you had the chance would you stay with Masao here?” asked Star Burst and Masao reddened with annoyment and a little bit of anger, followed by embarrassment when the young captain nodded. “Masao, wouldn’t you like to get to know this mare a bit better?” asked the Star Burst and Masao grumbled a bit but nodded never-the-less. “Don’t worry, Masao, you are just out of touch with arguing with a mare, I am sure you would have had better luck against someone of the Captain’s age” teased the old mare and Masao scowled at her but said nothing… The next day Sharp Sword and Masao were seen grudgingly spending time together their singular expertise in tactics coming to light as the group was attacked again by Lunar Remnants. Masao striding into combat with a single minded ease that scared the enemy as much as it scared his allies, any who attempted to harm the young of the clan were removed, Masao’s eyes glaring at them with a hatred that scarred their souls the moment before his sword severed their life cord. Worse happened to the Day’s Legion, in their single minded drive to kill off all that had allied themselves with Princess Luna, or those that aided them, they were met with a ferocity that truly became the stuff of nightmares, luckily, the ones that would have been affected by the nightmares were dead before they could ever dream, and the young of the bat ponies were well hidden during the attacks, the youth who thought there was glory in combat soon came to the realization that if there was any glory in war, it was as Masao had said, quoting a book he had read in the past, “If there is glory in war it was protecting others from harm, fighting so that they will not have to.” Every night Sharp Sword and Masao stayed up watching the camp, talking and were occasionally caught snuggling with one another. Soon however the group made it into sight of Canterlot and the attacks ceased and so did the reasons for Sharp Sword to remain with the group… “Stay, please” asked Masao not looking at the mare who smirked slightly, even if on the inside she was thankful he was asking her to stay instead of running her off. “Could you repeat that? It sounded like you were asking me to stay?” she teased and Masao scowled at her before he looked at her. “I just now realized why you annoy me so much, you carry the same name as an arrogant guard I once met back before the Lunar Rebellion… He was an arrogant fool who thought he knew better than the princesses, and fought me to the death. He lost, obviously, but he and his friends were part of the reason for the Lunar Rebellion, all rich snobs trying to cause strife between the two princess, to what end I know not, but in the end I guess they succeeded” said Masao and Sharp Sword looked at him in surprise. “Of course he was no where near as attractive as you are, and you carry the name far better than he” said Masao and the mare blushed slightly as a few bat pony foals rushed past them as Sharp Sword and Masao stood there. “Do you mean it?” asked Sharp Sword in a quiet voice much to Masao’s surprise. “Well yeah I mean it, I mean he may have been a good looking stallion, I dunno, but as far as I am—” “No! Did you mean it when you asked me to stay?” she asked Masao as she looked up at him and Masao knelt beside her before cupping her face causing her to look him in the eyes. “I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t mean it, Sharp Sword, besides, Star Burst was right about one thing,” said Masao and the look on Sharp Sword’s face grew curious, “I should have just kissed and made up” with that Masao pressed his lips to hers as several foals started fake gagging or sighing dreamily, as well as several youth egging them on hoping for a free show. The adults however were grumbling saying that it was about time And Star Burst, the old girl, was grinning like a mad mare. Oh Masao knew he was never going to hear the end of it, but looking back at Sharp Sword, he decided he didn’t care… Author's Note So Did Sharp Sword have an heir? Or is her naming just a coincidence...
Common Era Chapter Three/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Four: Sharp Sword is Who!? Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Three/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Four: Sharp Sword is Who!? The road into Canterlot was steep, so steep that some of the bat ponies actually had to use their wings to help them keep moving forwards, Masao and Sharp Sword had their own difficulties, without wings they couldn’t use the air to help them climb the steep roads. Thankfully Sharp Sword had the solution in the form of in a way magnetizing her hooves and Masao’s hands and feet, promising to remove the spell once they reached the top. “So why did the unicorns of Canterlot make the city’s main road out this steep, I mean couldn’t they with magic, or even hiring Earth Ponies, have leveled it off a bit? asked the human. Mostly surprising the mare with the thought process. “The main road used to be where the train tracks are, and ever since they were laid no one thought about leveling off another avenue of pedestrian transportation.” said the armored unicorn and Masao grunted… Having finally reached the gates, it took the guards stationed there a moment or two to realize that yes there were truly ponies at the gates, two of them armored, and while one did have the symbol of the Lunar Remnants, it seemed more pure, less tarnished, both by the actions of said group and by the years that had past, it seemed as if this creature, was the originator of the symbol, and the guard pitied any that tarnished the symbol… Having caught his breath, Masao stood to his full height once more and walked towards the guards. “Ser Masao Darkheart, Knight of Equestria, returning from the gryphon kingdom, with a clan of bat ponies under my charge” said the armored human as Sharp Sword trotted up beside him. “Captain Sharp Sword, Escorting Ser Masao and his group” said Sharp Sword her armor a little more tarnished, both by combat and by her past. She was well known to the guard here in Canterlot, the nobles had requested that she not be allowed access to the city, but what could they do? If the human was telling the truth then stopping them from entering would be a grave insult, one that they would probably not live through. “Proceed directly to the castle, the nobles have yet to rescind their request to keep you out of Canterlot, Captain” said the guard on the right and Masao frowned, not that it was seen from behind his helm. “Inform these nobleponies, that should Captain Sharp Sword be barred entrance in the future, they will have to deal with me instead, I will not have my honor insulted by having the mare I have chosen to travel with have her future dictated by her past. Yes I saw the way you looked at her. Surely these nobles learned from their ancestors’ mistake about questioning the wisdom of their princess” snapped Masao and the guards clicked their back hooves together in a crisp salute. “It will be done, my lord, but until then I would still suggest that you head to the castle directly, as to minimize the chance of nobles forcing you to enact your warning before they receive it” Masao nodded as he headed towards the castle, the clan of bat ponies following close behind, and Sharp Sword staying close beside him, pointing out a few landmarks which caused Masao to chuckle at her childlike behaviour. “Oh come on, it is not like you are not curious, or do you know a lot about Canterlot as well, oh ‘Grand Elder’?” Sharp Sword teased to which Masao smirked under his helm. “Oh not much, just that it was founded by unicorns during the first half of Celestia’s solo reign and that it is built over a crystal mine that is still full of crystals even though the mine has been left for empty for years. I know that many of the problems that Equestria faced are because of the noble families here in Canterlot” said Masao not caring that he was upsetting the nobleponies that were listening in on his conversation, all the while they drew closer to Canterlot Castle, it being Masao’s first time actually being at the castle he smiled knowing the adventures that castle would play party to. When the large group arrived at the gates there stood Celestia glaring at Masao. “I see that you haven’t changed a bit, Ser Masao, still insulting the nobles whenever you have the chance” she said and Masao chuckled, before walking up to the mare and hugging her tightly. “I have missed you too, my dear dear friend, all others think that mere years is a long time, but it is nothing to us now is it?” asked the human and Celestia broke down and sobbed quietly into his shoulder. “Thou art a fool, but thou weret Evening Star’s fool, and my dear friend” she said in that old tongue that Masao knew quite well. and he hugged her all the tighter. “Tell me, did she ever find you? Please tell me she did, that she—” “Evening Star and I were together for years, nice long years, safe in the Gryphon Kingdom, I… I held her close as she slipped peacefully away” said Masao choking up a little before he shook himself and pulled away from the solar diarch. “That is not why I am here though, these ponies are looking to gain citizenship, and your protection from the ones who hunt them, this Day’s Legion, and the Lunar Remnants” he said which caught the ire of Celestia, not leveled at him but at the aforementioned groups as she realized he had just claimed the group he was with as his own. “Don’t worry, Ser Masao, for the loyalty you showed Equestria, even during the Lunar Rebellion, I will assure these ponies safety.” she said before turning to the very quiet Sharp Sword, “I had wondered where you had went when I offered you a place to stay here at the palace, I heard reports of a ‘captain Sharp Sword’ taking the reigns of the hunt for these groups a captain that I did not promote” at that Masao frowned towards the young unicorn but wasn’t actually frowning at her, not that she knew it as she seemed to shrink back at the fury slowly growing from Masao. “From what I gather, these nobles” said Masao spitting out the word nobles as if it were a vile word that lowered his worth just from being spoken, “suggested that she leave the city and not return, the city guard was also told not to let her pass, and I have a feeling if you had not been here at the gates there would have been an altercation between me and these guardsponies, one that they would be hard pressed to survive, let alone win…” Later that day, the bat ponies having been set up in a darker part of the castle whilst Masao and Sharp Sword sat with Celestia in her library, as a young Twilight Sparkle looked at the human in awe. Something that made Masao nervous. “Is there something you needed, miss Sparkle?” he asked before facepalming he had not been introduced to the mare yet this was going to be awkward. “How do you know my name? Does your species possess telepathic abilities? Are they all immortal like the princess? Are you really the only one of your kind here on Equis?” Masao stopped listening after the first four questions as he took a deep breath and sighed. “I will answer four questions and no more, a day, and some questions I will not answer, not for you, not for Celestia, not for anyone” Masao said with finality and Twilight looked at him in shock, there were things he kept from the princess? Impossible! The Princess knew everything! “The Princess knows everything!” countered Twilight and Masao who had been drinking something spurted it out right into Celestia’s face much to Sharp Sword’s amusement. “W-what?” asked Masao slightly choking on the drink as Celestia then dumped the water pitcher on his head causing Masao to glare at her while Twilight looked on in wonder as the human then tackled the white mare and they started rolling around laughing at the other antics all the while trying to one up the other… Soon Twilight had to return home and Masao just glared at Celestia who trotted away, a little bounce in her step. She stopped at the gates. “Are you two coming in or not? The servants don’t need to be kept up all night waiting for you two to make up your minds. I take it you will be sharing a room?” asked Celestia and the duo started to head into the castle, “Sharp Sword be a dear and follow the servants, they will guide you to your room, and I’ll guide Masao there in moment, there are somethings I need to talk to him about” said Celestia more for the servants to hear, which meant that she better make it to her destination or there would be trouble. However Masao looked at the mare curiously as Sharp Sword was lead away by one of the castle servants. “What is it you needed to talk to me about?” asked Masao curious as to what was so important that it could not wait until tomorrow. “I am sure you have noticed how… Familiar Sharp Sword is to you, and with you, yes?” asked the mare as she guided Masao to the castle gardens and Masao remained quiet unsure of where this is going. “Occasionally, when a pair of soulmated ponies meet, and one is immortal, or more likely, destined to have an extraordinarily long life, and the other dies, occasionally the one that died is reborn in the form of another pony, sometimes not even the same species as he or she was before. Worse happens when, a rare number of times, with herds, if one or more mares is soulmated to a stallion and the stallion dies, and one or more mares do, but one of the survivors was soulmated with the stallion, the whole herd is reborn.” said Celestia causing Masao to look at her and then in the direction Sharp Sword had disappeared to, and back again to Celestia. “Sorry, but did you say Sharp Sword is the reincarnated form of Evening Star? That’s…” “My heart says she is, when I first met her, I felt like I knew her. It was confirmed later on when she started to roam the castle with me, which incase you didn’t notice I had built in a similar layout as my old home, and she stopped where Evening Star’s and your room would have been had you both been here.” Masao wanted to say it was a coincidence to say she was wrong, but the way she had felt, both when they were alone, and otherwise felt so familiar, as if… Masao and Celestia stopped by what was a familiar door, and for a moment he thought he was back at the castle of the two pony sisters, before he remembered that… “Did you mean what you said? That she really is, that she’d be ok with me moving on like this?” asked Masao and Celestia understood what he meant and nodded. “Of course she would. She knew you were going to outlive her ever since that night, and she never loved you any less did she? Now go get in there before Sharp Sword starts thinking you and I are dating, Elysium forbid” chuckled the mare as she nudged Masao into the room with her nose. Once inside the room Masao pulled the blue unicorn into a hug and kissed her gently… “So the traitor woos the princess once again, and he brings that spy into the castle… Maybe it was time we showed the princess how wrong she truly is about her so called friends?” Author's Note Well didn't see that coming now did you?
Common Era Chapter Four/ Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Five: The Day’s Legion’s First Mistake Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Four/ Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Five: The Day’s Legion’s First Mistake Masao woke up the next morning, a spear pointed at his face, beside him Sharp Sword was snoozing peacefully, He didn’t react, simply sighing. “And who do you work for? The Lunar Remnants? Oh wait don’t tell me, you are part of that group that stupidly believes they know better than Celestia, the Day’s Legion?” he said in a calm voice which irked the stallion who was holding the spear. He pulled it back and attempted to thrust it forwards but the weapon was pulled out of his grasp by a now wide awake Sharp Sword, the look in her eyes rather murderous. She hit the stallion with the butt of the spear knocking him back the fury in her eyes almost palpable. Masao never had a chance to sit up and she beat the stallion into submission. “I surrender! Please don’t kill me!” cowered the stallion and Masao scoffed, he never had to lift a finger, in fact he had nothing to do with his beating other than being the intended target for his attack and Sharp Sword reacted faster than he would have, at least in the physical sense, as he had already been reaching for the dark gift. However it was a surprise when the mare sleeping beside him was the one to attack so readily. “I don’t think it is me you should me begging to, after all, Ser Masao is the one you accosted, it is he who will decide whether you live or not” said Sharp Sword her eyes as sharp as her name at the moment. Masao looked at her surprised, while yes it did still seem like Evening Star was there, this was something new, something that was purely Sharp Sword, not that he was complaining. “Well? Beg him for your life you inbred—” Well that went on far enough. “Enough, Sharp Sword, I am uninjured, the only thing he harmed was my pride sneaking up so close before I noticed him.” said the human as the mare seemed to glare at the stallion with a fury Masao could only describe as absolute loathing, the stallion wincing as the spear swung downward… And hit the floor… “Get out, and don’t ever let me catch you in this room again” said Sharp Sword, and the stallion ran out of the room as if death itself were on its flank. Sharp Sword looked at Masao, a look of worry and fear, and for what reason he had no clue, surely she didn’t think he was upset at her for saving his life? “Ser Masao, I… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t, and in your room, I should—” Masao was surprised, but not stunned, as she moved to leave the room he stopped her having stood up and intercepted her path. He was now standing between her and the door. “Sharp Sword, there is no reason to be scared, or worried, this is as much your room as it is mine, otherwise I am sure Celestia would have given you your own room” he said and the mare looked at him her eyes big and pitiful. Masao was worried that she was going to cry and how Celestia would spear him with her horn for making their friend cry. “Do you mean that? Do you really mean that you are happy to share a room with me? Even after seeing me fight and nearly—” Masao frowned at her and she wilted a little bit “I am no saint myself, Sharp Sword, I have killed, and I have maimed ponies that probably shouldn’t have been hurt, all because they posed a danger to myself or to the ponies and gryphons I call my family” said the human sternly. To be honest he was concerned about her sudden change in character, not a few minutes ago she was confident and full of rage, now she seemed to need reassurance that she was still welcome to stay with him. He then smiled at her as he reached over and cupped her cheek with his hand, “And how could I be mad at you for trying to save me? It could have been a whole lot worse. Either you and/or myself could have been killed by that stallion” he said in an attempt to sooth the situation. He succeeded because the next moment he was flat on his back again, with Sharp Sword kissing him deeply her horn glowing as it pulled the covers back over them… BANG! BANG! BANG! “Celestia damn it all!” snarled the aroused unicorn, Masao no more happy than she was, but far better composed put on his pants and flung the door open much to the surprise of the guardsponies standing there weapons at the ready, seemingly intent on either capturing someone or killing them. “Oh” “Shit” was heard before they attempted to run away, but Masao was not having it and took off after them, Sharp Sword right behind him levitating their gear behind them, she at least managed to get most of her armor on before rushing after them… Celestia heard Masao shouting obscenities at someone as they passed her room and her eyes narrowed as she stormed out of the room only to catch Masao running down the hall a look of anger on his face, and not the kind you normally get from being pranked. No he was upset about something else entirely. “Sorry princess!” shouted Sharp Sword as she chased after the human and whatever he was chasing, determined to see what was wrong, Celestia took off to the air and because of her wing strength, she was able to get far ahead of the group and saw two of the guard running for their lives. Touching down in front of them the duo stopped and seemed to resign themselves to their fates as Masao caught up to them the dark gift now showing in his eyes, but yet… He was still himself surprisingly… “You two, if there were a law against interrupting someone who is about to have sex I would have you both thrown in the dungeon!” shouted Masao as Sharp Sword caught up with the group. “As it is I can only assume that from the fact you ran like two fillies who got caught playing with their mother’s makeup after seeing me, even after you looked like you were ready to arrest someone, I can only assume that you were in on the attack earlier” said Masao and Sharp Sword looked at Masao with a long look that said, ‘You talk too much’ as she tossed him the rest of his gear. “Get dressed, Masao, if we are in a relationship, I would prefer that unless it is my herd sisters, that the rest of you is mine to see alone.” Masao had the decency to blush a bit as he realized that he had just ran through the castle half naked. “Sorry Princess, we did not mean to wake you up so early” started Sharp Sword and Celestia chuckled. “Do not worry about it, now what was this about an attack?” asked the alicorn and Masao and Sharp Sword explained, all the while Celestia’s magic kept the two guards in place she then turned to the guards her face stern but sad. “You truly believe you know better than me? Have not my centuries of experience taught you and your group nothing?” she asked and the guards actually snarled at her. “You let these traitors into the castle! You know know NOTHING! All traitors must die!” said the guards and Masao’s expression changed, gone was the look of heated rage, and in its place was a look of cold calculating fury. “You’re right, traitors must die, but you are wrong about one thing, what makes me a traitor is not that I fought along side Princess Luna when she sought to overthrow her sister, no what makes me a traitor is that I fought against Nightmare Moon when she attempted to kill Celestia, something that I would do again and again, but the only ones who have the privilege, nay, the right to order, or carry out my execution are Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Not you and your Day’s Legion. You and the Lunar Remnants are no better than criminals, violating the princess’s laws, and under those laws I hereby—” “Masao, don’t, they are my problem.” said Celestia and the princess glared at the two as if daring them to challenge her… Masao sighed as he watched Celestia have the two Day’s Legion members dragged to the royal court. In truth he missed the days when he could be trusted to carry out these things, but he also was glad he didn’t anymore as the two were soon dragged off to await execution… “So this creature admits to betraying someone, but not to betraying Equestria? Does he foolishly believe he never betrayed it? And now we have to fight our brothers and sisters in the guard… Send in the Day’s Break, I want those two dead by any means, And have those two fools killed first…” Author's Note interesting end to the chapter I think
Common Era Chapter Five/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Six: Blood Flows Red Once Again/The Letter Author's Note Warning, in this chapter there is a slightly graphic scene involving death, I however could not figure out a way to remove it without taking away from the story itself Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit. So Deadinlight needs some help, his father is in need of a lung transplant, and any thing you can give will be helpful, here is the link to give a donation, please help someone in need, and God bless. Request made 03/28/2015 Common Era Chapter Five/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Six: Blood Flows Red Once Again/The Letter “I suppose we should be happy that those two got three agents of the Day’s Legion out of the picture” said an elderly stallion as he looked out the window of an almost ruined keep, the Lunar Rebellion flag flying in the winds that blew across the battlements. he motioned to a young unicorn mare with a red mane and blue fur to come closer and she did so. She nuzzled the elderly stallion affectionately, as he leaned in to kissed her lips lightly. “Your sister, whether she knows it or not, is helping us, and we will finally win this war” he said pulling away for a moment only before deepening the kiss, the much younger mare happily returning the kiss… Two mares trotted down the path towards the castle, their matching green fur and blue hair making them indistinguishable from one another their horns glowed for a moment before they disappeared from view… Celestia was sitting on her throne in her court as Masao and Sharp Sword stood on either side of her. “Bring in the next—” Masao drowned out Celestia’s voice with memories of the past, as well as the music… Wait music? Masao looked toward the direction that the music was coming from but saw nothing, the music seemed to grow stronger, and he had a small urging to turn and attack Celestia, and that made his eye shoot wide. His hands were moving towards his sword on its own and he tensed his muscles as he fought against the strange magic that was… Sharp Sword! Masao’s eyes shot wide as he forced his head to turn and saw Sharp Sword starting to move to attack Celestia. “CELESTIA! GET DOWN!” shouted Masao and the princess ducked just in time as Sharp Sword’s ax swung over her head, the look in Sharp’s eyes was one of relief as the ax caught itself in the wood of the throne. Masao’s arms suddenly drew his sword and he flinched as as he put his entire being into staying stock still. “Princess! Stop me!” said Sharp Sword as her body attempted to stab Celestia with her horn only for a yellow aura to encompass her and lift her up stopping her from moving. The music grew more insistent in Masao’s head and his body started to move against his will, it was extremely slow as he was still fighting it. “Why don’t you give in? You may just like it” said a feminine voice in Masao’s head. “Yes, you might love it!” said another, both voices were so soothing. ”R̥̫͕̲̹͇̻̅̐͐͌̓͛ͬḙ͔̈́ͭa̗͚̖̻͔̙͈̾ͦ̉͒͐̍͞l̢͓̦͉̟̜ͧ̌ḷ̴̦̳̫̍̌ͧ̿̒̆y̦ͧͤ̐͡ ̭̭͖ͪ̆̆̚n̅ͯ̑̂̄̿o̡̹̭̤͇̜̣͊ͤ̓̾̐w̢͎̜̔̓?̬̟́ͨ̚͝ ̡̌͑ͥ͆ͮY͐̃͗̆ͯ̔ọ̗ų̒ͧ ̵̺̳͙̲̮̻̮̽̓ͬͥ͌̓ͦt͈̤͇̜͖̦h͍͓̓̾͊̿̊̇͆i̧̘̟̜̫ͯ̔ͦ̈ͪ̀̈́ͅň͔̺͙̓̊ͬ͌̓k̩͙͕̼̖̰̹͊ ̰̂͊̉ͨy̖̰͈̽̀ͦ̆ͣ̍ͧo̴̫̞̱͓͚͖̦u̓̄̓ ̪̊c̟̹̓̏̂a̦̭͓̙̫ṉ͙̣͗̓̑̏ ͖͓̜̝̖̃̈̊͊ͥm̢̭͇͊̄̊e̹̓̋s͈̫̗ͨ̇̋s̯̭̼͝ ͚͙̤̭̰̿ͨ͊̐ͬ͑͝w̦͇̖̘̭̗̝̌̎̚i̛̭̘̦̯̰̺̳͛̎̾͂̈̅̃t̶̝̿h͖̲̜̤ͩ̍ͯ ͉̮̫̮̹̙̬̂ͮ̄̀ť̨̈́ͦ̐̌ͨ̏ḥ̥̭̦̓ͮ̈́͑i̢͑ͩ̍̔̔̌̒s̴͉̿̒̿̒ͨͬ͊ ̟̱ͮ̿̈̑̍͐č̫͓̲ͨ̄͘r̡̙̔ͧ̆̎͊e̯̥̅͗̅ͮͤ͋ͯa̯̹͓̙̋̏͡t̻̳̗̪̰͚̲́̽ͮ͆ͥ̍ü̳͔̱̈̾ͩ́ͣ̕r̪̬̗͇͇̞͌ͬͣͦ̐̕e͎͐͋ͬ̏ͦ̒?̢̮͍̗̩̘͚̹͊̅ͤͥ̚ ̡̦̘̬̪̫͍̔̄͒̀ͪI̦̘͓̅͊̍̃͒ ̙̩̂͂̇ͪw̘͑̓͡å̛̇͆̓s̫̯̩̖̣ͥ̐ ̹̹͘g̬̳͍̮͙̎̋̂̓̿̎̾ï̱̠̲̪̖̆̀̓̑ͧͅv̧̞͇̲̦e̙̐̓n̔͐́ͩͩ̐͏̼͕͉̫͍͕͖ ̹̱ȃ͈͍̥̞͌͜s̘̝̭̮͗͋̈̋ ̞͓͍͎̃̌̀̽ͭaͪ̐̀ͮ̓͂̿҉͖ ̙̖̝̮͛̎͢g͖͉͇͈͕̯̯͌i̙̕f͛ͭ͠t͉͇̘̫̫͉͑̌̽́͋̚ ͕̖͈͓͖͓̮̎͋t͉͙̟̊̍̀ͫo̴͉̰̖̯̫̳̼ͫ ͧ͂̇ͨͮ̌͡ĥ̡̽̍̔i̥̮͚ͪ͒͢m̵̳̝͕̯̳̬̌͆̉̄̀̽,̖͓̜̩̰̱̜̽͊̂̽ ͗ͥa͡n̵̝̫̻͍̽d͍͎̘̳̥͒͟ ͍ͮͥ͞y̐͡o̻̺̭ͣ̌̓̚u̟̥̝͌ͯ̓ͭͫ͜ ̶̻̝̼̼ͬ͑̅͊͊ẃ̷̲i͈̙͈̰̞̱̪̍̑ͤ̉l̨͓̥̹̫̫̥͙ͤ̔̀̏̏̓l̗̼̣̱̱̐͑ͥ̓̒ ̙̰̗͎̳͔̂̅̀n̯̭̜̜̺̳o͈̩̩͓̾ţ̤̺̯̲̫̳̈́͂̃̓͌ͫͥ ̝ͮ̒̓ụ̗̟̘̦͂̃ͯ̂ŝ̡̰̩͕̖͚̖͈́e͓ͫͩ̐ͥ ̯̍̔̾̄͊̈́ͣ͘h҉͙͕̜͉̠͓ī̳̲̱͍̠̹̪̉m̸̻͚̝̟͇̭̯̌̀͂” after hear that the voices screamed as two unicorn mares shimmered into existence screaming as blood started to pour out of their ears and started to well out of the tear ducts and soon the two mares fell down dead. As soon as the mares died, Sharp Sword’s body stopped fighting to kill Celestia who had dropped the mare in surprise when the two mares appeared… Masao was sitting far from any of the other occupants of the room the look of fear on his face so cutting that those that looked at him felt it as their own. “Masao, please” “Celestia, I couldn’t stop them! I was going to kill you and there was nothing I could do to stop it!” Masao said tears in his eyes. ”O͖̘̩̻̬͙̮͒ͮḥ͇̭̑ͯͥ͒̚ ̨̬ͨ͛ͭͪͩd̔͋̀̐͐̈o̻̟͕̊̔ͫ͊ͅ ̖̠̬̭ͣ́ͅs̞̆̓̓h̳͙̫̣̭͎ͩủ̞t̘̬̭̮͈͖ͭ̒ͤ̎͗ ͕̜̣͓ͣ̿ͬ̀̚u̖̞̦͕̻͙ͥ̇͒̆ͧ̉͒͡p̋̏̔̌̈́͋͗.̲̠̟̲̈́͠ͅ ͗Iͪͧ ̙̮̖ͨͤ̒͡w̞̙̰̓̍̆̍ͮͭ͡i̍͐ͬ̑̄̄͏̦̻͕͓̪̯͖sͯ̑ͬ̆ͦḧ̖̖̣̤̥͚̖͟ ̨̪͍̲̪ͨ̇͑͆̏ͭͧt͋ͩͯͫ͑͏͙͇o͊ͦ͐̋̽̓ͅ ̝͔̗̼̫̗ͅg̻͚̦̗̮̯̰͆͋͝õ͖͎̦͔̣͠ ̖͚̠̱͙̩̣ͤ͌̇̎̋͛̓b͔̞̬̆̾ͫͥa͎c̛̣̩̼̫͍̗͂̾̚k̤̬͈͎͕͇̪̄͡ ̔͏̠̺̠t̠̗̳̜̗ǫ͉͈̯̦̤͍̬̈́͗ͯ͒ ͖̫̬̫̥̞̥́ͣͨͭ̿͊s̥̥̩̮̆͑ͩͧ̃ͨͫl̶͚͉͉̩̑͆͌̐͛ͧe̷̦̲͍ͅep̐͒̾̒͢ ̮͔̱͎͛̆͛͋͠aͫ̆͛ͯn̵͕d̡̺͇̙̘̓ͦ͒̑̎͋ ̳̘̲͔̍̾ͬͫ̐ͤw̃ͪ̒ͭ̐͘i̹ͥ͑̍̽t̗͕̥̗̦̳̥̉͒͋͌́ͯh̠̗̖̹ͩͦ͂ ͍̜̝͎̣̰͕̊ͫͮ̽ͮ͒̐y̡̖̞͍̓̉ͫ̊ȍ̮͈͍̅͝u̠̦̰ͪ̓̉́̂r̝̪̟̠̫̤̈̂ͨͮ̈́̍ ̜̥͎͞ͅe͉̓̄͂̏̓n͕̱̊̀͠d̡͇̬̯̳͌͋̽l̯̖̙̈͞ė̠͜ś̢̤̪ͣ̆̔̇̃͌s̮͉͇̖͉̍ͭ̉̂ͨ ͓͎̤̣͓̘͍̂͌́p̟̞͔̗̩̗͛͌̅̽̅r͈̮̼̺͛̓ͦ͂͂a̴̺̯̭̍̑̄͗̃ͅt͊̐͗͒̔ͫt͈͎̲̱̤̭̝̀ḻ͚̠͖̬͔̾ͮͧͬ͂͒͝e̡̖͕̩̭̫͙ͣ͆̅́ͣ,̤̖̭̬ ̞͇̫̙͓͇ͬͨ̈̐ͬI̳͉͍̥̿ͤ͆̍ͪ̂̏ ̨͇̳̒͊̑w̅̂ͥͦ̎̅͋҉̼̺i̿ͬ̄̅́̿̚l̾̈́̾̒͏͖̲͚͈̳͓͔ļ͆̇̇ͥ̒͊ ̟̦̔͛͗͊̀̋́n̘̥̻̯̬̔͊͊͐͒͘ò̯̣͎ţ̲̯̮̠̟̳̻ͯ̈́̋̑̅͌̐ ́ͣ͏b̫͈̫̰̱e ͍͍̥͔ͣͮa̠͕͖̺̹ͥ̆̅bͧͫ̏̅̈́͏̤͕͖l̴̳͑ë͙̜́̔̅ͫ̑ͭ̓ ͖͇̞̩̻͑̊̈́͡ț̢̾o̥͙̫͓͋” “Who’s there?” Masao said suddenly and Celestia looked at him worriedly. “Masao, it is only us in the room” said the alicorn… Months had passed Masao having been nursed back to full mental health by the Princess and Sharp Sword, not knowing that he had in fact truly heard a voice. However after a while he believed as they did that it was just the stress that caused him to hear a voice that wasn’t there. Twilight had snuck into the the enemy’s stronghold, and had found her target. She pounced! “You know Twilight, you can’t really think that you can surprise us,” said Masao, reading the newspaper, as the young Twilight was held aloft in a red aura. “Twi, you really shouldn’t sneak in here all the time” said Sharp Sword as she looked at the young foal slightly exasperated as she floated the filly out of their room for the eightieth time. “You will tell me everything!” shouted Twilight in a voice that was so cute Masao nearly d’awwed as he read the paper and attempted to ignore the flailing limbs as Sharp Sword glid the foal out with a sigh. “She isn’t going to let up, love. You really should just tell her what she wants to know” said Sharp Sword as she trotted up to their small table and sat down after giving Masao a kiss. It never ceased to amaze Masao how he practically had a small apartment for his room. “I can’t, what she wants to know I can’t tell her” said Masao as he lowered the paper and folded it. “Why? What does she want to know? I mean it can’t be—” “She wants to know the history of the Lunar Rebellion from the eyes of one of the people who fought alongside Nightmare Moon, but the thing is no one did fight alongside Nightmare Moon. She didn’t come into existence until that fated meeting that sent me out of Equestria in the first place…” said Masao and Sharp Sword bit her lip as some vague memory entered her mind for a moment as if she had been there. “She showed up out of nowhere… Taking Princess Luna’s body for her own…”said Sharp Sword… Masao walked to the castle library hoping to find more than fiction books about Soulmated pairs, he was worried that something was happening. Something that wasn’t natural. However, when he arrived at the library, fully intending on just getting a book and leaving when he saw Celestia and her student off in the corner. Though that meant Twilight saw him as well as she started to fidget while Celestia was still talking to her. With a smirk Masao talked to the librarian and was soon showed the fiction section and he sighed, it looked like he would have to bother the princess regardless… “Celestia, Twilight, I am sorry to interrupt but it seems the librarian can’t find what I am looking for, and I happen to know you have the information I need” he said after walking up to the pair Twilight looked ecstatic! Ser Masao was asking her teacher for help! “Of course, Masao, what is it? asked Celestia and Masao glanced at the young filly for a second. “It’s about Soulmated pairs” he said causing Celestia’s smile to fall a little bit as Twilight looked confused. “I thought those were nothing but myths” came Twilight’s response much to Masao’s chagrin. “Not really, seeing as Sharp Sword is the reincarnation of my lover Evening Star, though she doesn’t know it. And no, Twilight, she doesn’t have the memories of her past life. At least I don’t think she does. That is why I wanted to talk to you Celestia” This had the solar Diarch’s attention. Sharp Sword was roaming the castle enjoying the freedom she had now that the nobles had been dealt with, harshly, not by Masao, though he had wanted to, but rather by Celestia whom now made some open enemies amongst the nobles. So it was not surprising when she was cornered in a room all alone, but she was surprise when the one who cornered her simply placed a neatly folded letter on the ground in front of her and then backed out of the room. Greetings, Sharp Sword, I am glad to see you still breathe, your sister misses you. I do hope you haven't forgotten about us, we haven't forgotten about you... Continue the good work, perhaps you will redeem yourself. Long live the night Sharp Sword went wide-eyed. They were still watching her? Her sister, who had slept with the leader of their cell, frequently, and told her to go jump in a pit for betraying the Lunar Remnants misses her? That part she scoffed at. Her sister, though she hated to admit it, was truly in love with and only ever had eyes for that old bag of bones, Double Edge, something she never understood, or rather refused to understand, as she was now in a relationship with someone many times the age of Double Edge, not that Masao even looked older than… She shook her head back on track, the princess would want to see this letter. “HOW! HOW DID THE DAY’S BREAK FAIL! Did they get caught!?” yelled a very angry pony as she flipped a very extravagant desk over in her anger. “They were killed by magic most foul, most likely coming from this Ser Masao” said a male voice. “Ah, Hornets Nest, I am glad you could make it” said the mare as with a hoof she brushed one of the bangs that fell into her eyes back over her ear. “I live to serve, Lady Sparkle” Author's Note Now THAT'S a cliffhanger!
Common Era Chapter Six/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Seven: Unfortunate Timing Author's Notes: I am SO sorry for not updating yesterday, it was a hectic day for me and I had received some bad news. However here is your chapter. I hope you enjoy Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Six/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Seven: Unfortunate Timing “So I shouldn’t be surprised if she remembers things that no one other than Evening knew?” asked Masao, Celestia nodded in response. “Yes, now you should go, I think—” “PRINCESS!!” shouted Sharp Sword as she burst into the library, the librarian about to shush her when Sharp Sword used her magic to clamp the librarian’s mouth shut. “Princess! The Lunar Remnants are in the castle! I just got a message from them, they said to, ‘Keep up the good work’ but I am not working for them, how am I helping them?” asked Sharp Sword not noticing Masao who was contemplating things. Especially with what she had said, could the Lunar Remnants be using them to wipe out their opposition? No… That was… “Calm down, Sharp Sword, I am sure that everything will be alright, right, Masao? … Masao?” she turned and saw Masao lost in thought. “W-What?” he asked before shaking his head, “Yes Celestia, whatever you say” he said preoccupied. Sharp Sword blushed as she realized that Masao was there. “Hey, lover, I, uh…” Masao snapped back into reality and he smiled at her. “Hey, lovely” said Masao with a wink. “OK you two, go, I need to get back to Twilight. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” she said with a wink causing the two to blush but Masao’s vanished rather quickly. “We should go, I have something to talk to you about” “O-Oh?” asked Sharp Sword cautiously, worried that Masao was upset at her, and Masao whispered something in her ear, “OH! How naughty Ser Masao, saying something like that in front of the princess!” said the unicorn mare as she and Masao headed off to their rooms to do whatever lovers do when they are alone. Celestia herself walked back to her young student, a small smile on her face. “So how is your family, my precious student?” and Twilight started cheerfully talking about how her brother was trying to join the Royal Guard, and how her father seemed to be gone quite a lot. She also mentioned how her mother seemed to be getting a lot of visitors lately, and she said that “Daddy won’t be happy” because they were mostly stallions though in her defense she was judging from how her father had reacted in a prior situation. Celestia subtly pried into the identities of the stallions… “Th-That was…” a stallion said before he looked up from the photos in front of him, on the photos were the remains of the Day’s Break, the Day’s Legion’s best assassins. “Yes, and they failed, horribly” said Velvet Sparkle as she sipped some wine from her glass. “The creature uses the blackest magics, and all the princess does is thank him for saving her. there have been several attempts to retrieve the bodies, but it seems the crown has gotten wise to our influence amongst them, several of your operatives have been either arrested or killed. Which begs the question, how are you of any more use to our organization?” asked the mare before she tossed another folder at the fidgeting stallion. “It would also seem that the Lunar Remnants and their sympathizers have infiltrated our own little group.” she said as the stallion opened the folder and inside were several photos of their soldiers all dead, all with the Lunar Remnant’s icon branded on their bodies, the worst part was these pictures were… “These were taken at Dawn’s Rise? Impossible!” “Apparently not, and the leak has been traced back to you and your group…” Masao was laying on his back panting, after Sharp Sword had gotten going, it was hard to stop her,he was sore, but in an extremely good mood, he was also spent, he didn’t think he would be able to move even if—There was a knock at the door… Goddamnit… “Who ever it is can come back later” said a very content Sharp Sword as she snuggled up to Masao, her fur sleek with sweat. The knocking became more insistent. Masao groaned as he rolled out of Sharp Sword’s grasp and into a standing position. Again there was knocking. “Alright, alright already!” said Masao as he staggered to the door and flung it open, heedless to the fact he was naked, right until he saw who was on the other side of the door… “Oh! Oh my…” said Celestia at this point Masao wanted to just crawl back into bed and disappear as he attempted to cover himself. a now irate Sharp Sword tossed the covers on top of her lover. “Mine, back off princess” she said with no room for negotiations much to Masao’s relief as Celestia seemed to be fanning herself with her wing. “What do you want? Masao and I want to get some rest after our… Ah… Vigorous activities?” said the mare and Masao pulled himself deeper into the covers. trying to hide from the embarrassment. “I am sure you do… Oh my…” Celestia said before she remembered what she was there for. “Masao, I need you to apprehend someone for the crown… You and Sharp Sword” said the solar diarch she said as she tried to sneak another peek as Masao attempted to move to the bathroom. “Celestia, stop peeking at my mate” said Sharp Sword her teeth gritted, “Unless you intend to join our herd—?” Celestia went wide eyed as she shook her head, nope nope nope! Masao was her sisters’, both of them, Luna, and the reborn Evening Star, but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t look does it? “Then keep your eyes off” OK yes it does… Masao stood completely armored, helm included, after he heard about who the target was he knew he had to be ready for anything. Beside him stood Sharp Sword, her own sword in its sheath as she swallowed hard, she looked at the building in front of her, it was one of the homes of one the most predominant unicorn families in Canterlot. “Masao, is Celestia correct? Do you really think that—” “Sharp Sword, don’t worry, nothing will happen, I am sure that Celestia is wrong, I hope she is…” said Masao his voice trailing off as they walked up to the door. The door to the Sparkle household… Author's Note Shorter than usual but trust me it's all in the name of... CLIFFHANGERS!
Common Era Chapter Seven/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Eight: Apprehension Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Seven/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Eight: Apprehension Celestia sat with Shining Armor and Twilight, she even gotten her niece, Cadence, to join them, she did not want these young innocents to be in the house as her friends tore through it… Masao use his shield to block a spell, thanking the spell resistant qualities of Lunarium as it splashed off the shield. “DIE TRAITORS!” shouted Velvet Sparkle as she shot spell after spell trying to kill the duo, Masao being the obvious “tank” of the group entered first and was taking the most damage, or would have had his armor not been entirely made of Lunarium, and the opponent being an aristocrat unicorn who put too much stock in her magic. “Stand down, Lady Sparkle, we are to arrest you in the name of the crown” said Masao only to have his helm knocked askew by a particular hard blast of magic. “I will not surrender! You are nothing but a creature of darkness! And all that follow you are traitors! The lot of them!” said the crazed mare, “Long live the Dawn!” Masao’s jaw set, so she was going to fight to the death? Fine, let her, she will not win. Masao walked towards her, his armor getting beat again and again by the unicorn’s magic, some of it starting to flake off from the constant barrage, but it held strong and firm as he made his way to the now frantic mare. Velvet had started throwing furniture at the human only for it to bounce off a carefully constructed shield, for behind Masao was Sharp Sword, because she lacked proper armor, she had to rely on Masao for protect her from the heavy magic attacks that Lady Velvet Sparkle was using. “It’s over” said Masao as he grabbed the unicorn by the neck and held her up, frustration and anger lending aid to his strength. However instead of fear being etched on her face, it was a smirk. The next thing Masao knew he was flying backwards two hoof shaped marks on the breastplate of his armor, Velvet Sparkle landing in a small pile on the ground coughing. “Now then, while the brute is uncon—” started Velvet turning to Sharp Sword who had drawn her sword and was ready to fight. Masao stood up wheezing slightly, his helm knocked off his head, the look in his eyes rather murderous, and at the sound Velvet simply tsked. “Hornets Nest take care of that will you, he is such a depressing—hrk!” Sharp Sword had the blade of her épée pressed against Velvet’s neck, a slight cut which was beading with blood. “I think you are going to—” Sharp Sword leaped back and landed lightly between Velvet Sparkle and Masao, her sword in a guarded position as Hornets Nest slammed the spot where she was before. “I think, my dear, that these two mean to stop our friends honorable goals, perhaps it is time we should show them the way out? They don’t need to be breathing” said Velvet as her horn started to glow once more. Masao superimposed himself between Hornets Nest and Sharp Sword, the look in his eyes showing the look of an injured and hungry predator. “Hey, love, think you can take on lady talks-a-lot?” asked Masao as he rolled his shoulders cracking the bones there, and down his back. He readied his shield and stepped towards the stallion, who, surprisingly, was almost as tall as Masao’s neck, meh, bigger target… Shining Armor was hitting on her niece, something not entirely unexpected, she knew that the colt had some feelings for the filly, but to be so blatant… Not that she had any room to talk after what had happened this morning with Masao… Celestia blushed and her niece looked at her confused for a bit as the mare shook her head at the younger alicorn. “Go, spend some time with Shining Armor, maybe you’ll hit it off” teased the princess much to young Twilight’s delight who starting singing “K-I-S-S-I-N-G” at the top of her lungs… Masao stood over Hornets Nest, the sword in his hand twitching as if it could smell the fear in Hornets Nest. Masao, himself, was panting in an effort not to stab the pony, the bloodlust both from being human, and from the dark gift, egging him on saying things like, “He was going to kill you” or, “What’s to stop him from escaping and continuing to attack Celestia’s and Luna’s ponies?” “You are not to move” he told the pony as he fell to his knees panting, his eyes closed. “Lord help me…” he thought aloud. Sharp Sword dodged another magical strike from Velvet Sparkle, leaping and dodging the beams with a practiced ease that one could only get from experience. “Come now, do you really think that I wouldn’t know how to fight my fellow unicorns? I mean my sister was a unicorn as well and she hits a hell of a lot harder than you.” taunted Sharp Sword, her blade now poised to strike. Leaping at the arrogant traitor, at least in her mind, Velvet unleashed a barrage of magic and threw several pieces of furniture around. All the while Sharp Sword closed on her, weaving in and out of the frantic attacks of Velvet Sparkle until she was right up on the enemy unicorn. “Checkmate, my dear] Lady Sparkle” Sharp Sword said her épée pointed directly at her fellow unicorn. “Well then, kill me, that is what you are really here to do, isn’t it, come now, the creature is busy with Hornets Nest. It is not like you’ll get another chance to kill another of the Day’s Legion, go on you traitor to Equestria!” shouted Velvet and Sharp Sword drew her sword back… Celestia was chuckling at a joke Shining had said, true it was rather immature, but she did not expect much from the youthful colt. Her niece however grimaced at the immature joke and fully intended to make the colt know how much she didn’t appreciate it when a guard rushed in and whispered something in her aunt’s ear and the much older alicorn stood up and walked out of the room… “Ah, Lady Sparkle, how nice it is to see you. I see you cast your lot with those traitors in the Day’s Legion” said Celestia after she got to the royal court, the look on her face anything but forgiving. “Ah the foolish princess shows herself, how does it feel, princess, to be a figurehead for Nightmare Moon? Surely you don’t think that creature is on your side now, do you?” asked Velvet Sparkle a snarky look on her face, despite the obvious bruise and goose egg growing on the side of her head where Sharp Sword had bashed her with the hilt of her sword. “Do you want me to hit you again? I mean I really want to hit you again” said the aforementioned unicorn. Velvet Sparkle scoffed. “You are no better than those Earth ponies who roll around in the dirt! Pathetic! HRCK!” Velvet’s rant was cut short as Masao grabbed her by the neck and hoisted her up to eye level. “I can not understand how a caring filly like Twilight came from a home like yours” snarled Masao, he still felt like killing something, and Velvet tried to choke out a few words but Masao’s grip squeezed tighter. “Ser Masao, don’t kill her, she still needs to stand trial, as it is, I would like for you to pick out some guards to guard her until this afternoon” said Celestia and Masao nodded dropping the unicorn who coughed and gagged as she fought to regain her breath. “As you order Princess, Excuse me, I need to go and see if the training grounds are empty. I have to go break some things” at that Masao left the room. “You’re lucky that Celestia was here, I am not sure I would have stopped him, Sparkle. If you knew anything from his history, you would know that he has little use for anypony that practices speciesism, even less so when it is ponies that practice it.” said Sharp Sword much to the surprise of the shackled mare and she attempted to access her magic, only to find it blocked. clasped around her horn was a ring covered in runes which apparently blocked magic. “Hmm… Good to know that ring thing actually works, where’d you get it Princess?” asked Sharp Sword as two guards entered the room to escort the prisoner to the dungeon… “How did this happen? How did they get a hold of Velvet Sparkle! Not a day ago her cover was secure!” said a unicorn stallion as he read the news reports that said that “A Day’s Legion member was arrested today in the city of Canterlot.” Which happened to coincide with the sudden stop of Velvet Sparkle’s reports. No matter, they would soon spring her out of the dungeon and out of Canterlot, hopefully with her children… “And so another one goes down for the count, my dear, please send our gratitude to your sister…” the young unicorn mare groaned in annoyment, as her lover commented about her sister once again, “Now, now, I know you don’t really like her, but remember, she is helping us, whether she likes it or not” Author's Note So, what happens now? Well, you'll find out next update!
Common Era Chapter Eight/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Nine: Sharp Sword Learns the Truth Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Eight/Post Lunar Rebellion Chapter Nine: Sharp Sword Learns the Truth That night Masao did not return to the bedroom, and Sharp Sword was a little worried, this wasn’t like him. Wait… How would she? Not the time. She walked out of the room only to find an Earth Pony waiting for her. without saying a word the Earth pony handed her a rolled up length of parchment and trotted off surprised at the encounter she walked back into her room in a slight daze forgetting about Masao’s absence for a moment. Dear Sharp Sword, I see you are doing well, congratulations are in order, you have have done us a great service in capturing the Day’s Legion agent, rest assured we will be around soon to… Collect her. If you don’t want any deaths I suggest you make sure that the way to and from her cell is clear. If it isn’t I can’t guarantee the life of those “royal guards” that serve that tyrant, Celestia. Long live the Night, Double Edge Sharp Sword swallowed hard, on one hand she could tell Celestia what she had just received, but all in all it did not look good on her having received another message from the Lunar Remnants… Masao was in the training rink, a few unicorns moving the training dummies around while he attacked them he was no where near as fast an unarmored pony who was wielding a saber, an épée, or a foil, but he he was definitely more durable than any unarmored opponent. Still épée and foils were better made to puncture armor than his broadsword, and of course the earliest examples of handheld firearms, Masao was not looking forward to this century, or the next, if they went the same direction of his species. He was in the process of a swing of when Sharp Sword came walking out and sat outside the rink and he stopped his practice. “Oh don’t stop on my account…” she said slightly distracted but still there was a slight air of her love for him and he smiled at her. “Something on your mind, my very sexy mare?” asked Masao a grin growing on his face at the blush that appeared on Sharp Sword’s even as a small smile did so as well. “Well, I see somepony is feeling anxious” Sharp Sword said with a wink as she walked over to him and Masao simply grinned and he knelt down and kissed her on the lips, a kiss which she happily returned before pulling away. “Masao, I got another message from the Lunar Remnants…” she said, the smiles disappearing from both of the two lovebirds’ faces. “What do they want? I thought they were content to leave you be seeing as—They want Velvet Sparkle, don’t they?” asked Masao figuring it out before he finished his sentence. “Yes, and they want a way in and out that will be clear.” said the mare, making Masao frown as he thought of how to deal with this new development. “Hey, Sharp Sword, how do you feel about pulling an all nighter?” Masao stood there in front of the cell door of Velvet Sparkle, fully armored and quiet, and as far as any onlooker was concerned, alone. that was the sight that two pegasi took in surprised that someone was there as Masao turned his head towards them. “Greetings, am I to assume you are part of the Lunar Remnants, or whatever you call yourselves?” asked Masao and the two pegasi gritted their teeth, this had to be the traitor, but their orders were to get the Day’s Legion mare and get out, not to kill the traitor knight. “Oh don’t think that you are getting Lady Sparkle, she is to stand trial in the morning, and I would be foolish to upset Luna’s sister, yeah I could probably take her, but the devastation it would cause, and even then I am not guaranteed a victory. I am nothing compared to Luna, and only Luna would have a reasonable chance at winning, if she kept a leveled head” rambled Masao much to the confusion of the two pegasi, until they were each grabbed in a telekinetic field the color of red, and Sharp Sword stepped into view. “Did you really think I would betray Celestia? After all she has done for me?” asked Sharp Sword a look of anger on her face as the two pegasi started to gag. “Sharp Sword, don’t kill them, Celestia will want to talk to them, and I do believe they have to be alive for that to happen.” said the obviously aloof human, talking as if it didn’t matter to him if they died, other than the inconvenience of upsetting Celestia, which caused the two pegasi to go wide-eyed even as Sharp Sword loosened her grip on their necks. “Fine, love, but only because you asked” said the mare, annoyed at his comment, or rather seemed to be such. The two pegasi were currently locked in a cell, neither of them having said anything useful. Moreover, Masao wanted to get Sharp Sword alone for a little bit, her choking the two ponies had not been part of the plan. so as they were walking the corridors on their way back to their room Masao spoke up. “What was that, Sharp Sword?” asked Masao bluntly causing the unicorn mare to stop walking and seemed to start shaking. “They deserve it. All of them, The Lunar Remnants have killed so many Masao, and all the time they teach their young ones that they are fighting for a just cause! I was raised by them, I know how they think, and everytime I meet a new member of the remnants I cry a little inside. do you know why?” countered the blue mare as she turned to Masao whom stopped in surprise and regarded her carefully. “Why?” he finally asked after several moments finally realizing that she was honestly waiting for an answer. “Because that is one more child that might not be saved, that is one more child that may actually believe every word that Double Edge says. That is one more brother, one more sister, one more mother, one more father, one more daughter, or one more son that thinks they have to kill Celestia, and bring about Eternal night” Masao had no words but he knelt down and pulled the mare into a hug, there were many things he could have said, but now was not the time for words… Celestia frowned at Masao and Sharp Sword, having just heard about what they had done. “So you two decided, on your own, that you would apprehend these two? Not even thinking about asking me for my advice? And don’t say you didn’t have time, you had time to reroute all of my guards away from the area until everything was dealt with!” “To be honest, ‘tia, That was ridiculously easy, all I told them was that you requested that they be else where, your old guard would have at least confirmed the orders before doing anything. In fact I was actually insulted that they didn’t confirm the orders even—” “Don’t turn this around Masao!” said Celestia, though she did make a mental note to get on to her guards about that. “Princess, it was my idea to set the trap, if—” “Sharp Sword, enough.” said Masao suddenly, his voice harsh, and sharp enough to cut steel, causing both Celestia and Sharp Sword to look at him surprised, and hurt in Sharp Sword’s case. “You know as well as I it was my idea and I will not have you throw yourself under the bus to protect me.” Celestia frowned at Masao’s outburst, while Sharp Sword looked devastated… “I…” she started before running off, tears running down her face. Masao sighed, as he hung his head and slumped his shoulders, knowing he had hurt her feelings. “Well congratulations, Masao, you managed to hurt your lover so bad she had to run away!” said Celestia angrily causing Masao to step back from the ferocity of her exclamation before a look of anger crossed his own face. “Mind your own business Celestia! What happens between me and Sharp Sword is none of your business!” said Masao before he stepped closer to the solar princess, a snarl on his face. “I did not butt into the affairs of either you or your sister unless you asked, and I will not have you disrespect my relationship by you butting in!” Celestia was a little nervous, she could feel the darkness in Masao pulsing, but she held his glare with one of her own and even if she was afraid of the outcome of a violent confrontation, she would not back down. If Masao chooses to be a threat to her ponies, she would do everything in her power to stop him. “Are you threatening me, when you should be going after Sharp Sword?” said Celestia sternly making the snarl on Masao’s face twist in shock slightly before he ran out of the throne room at full speed, fear and concern now spreading across his features… Sharp Sword had stopped running through the corridors of the castle, and was now walking through them even as tears continued to fall down her face. “Why? Why would he yell at me like that? Haven’t I been there for him? Haven’t I—? Wait… I haven’t known him all that long… So why does it feel like I have known him forever?” asked Sharp Sword as she stopped a look of fear on her face. “Why does it hurt so much? I have been yelled at by lovers before, so why?” she asked aloud not noticing Masao stop behind her and leaned against the wall before taking a deep breath. “It’s because you are a lot older than you know,” said Masao which made Sharp Sword jump in surprise as she twirled around and glared at him, “well your soul is anyway” he amended as the mare narrowed her eyes at Masao. “Are you here to yell at me some more?” she asked accusingly and Masao flinched slightly. “No, and I probably shouldn’t have been so harsh earlier. I just… Do you know that having someone you are trying to protect throw themselves into trouble to protect you feels like a betrayal? Who am I kidding, of course you do, we just went through that together…” Masao and Sharp Sword sat in their room, Masao answering her questions to the best of his ability, including how he really felt about her, not Evening Star, but Sharp Sword. Masao continued to answer to the best of his ability, even if some answers she didn’t like such as when he mentioned that when he first heard that she was the reincarnation of Evening Star, he jumped at the chance to be with her even more than before. but in the end, they made up. And after that point they continued to hunt down both Day’s Legion and the Lunar Remnants followers, soon the Day’s Legion was gone, no one remained. However, the Lunar Remnants proved to be increasingly stubborn and impossible to remove, much to dismay of both of them. During all of this they managed to repair the damage to their relationship with Celestia, who started to invite them to Twilight’s study sessions, during which time the young filly would badger the couple with questions, and a few of them made the trio of adults blush in surprise, and embarrassment. Shining Armor joined the Royal Guard, and soon hit it off with Twilight’s new babysitter, Cadence, who started babysitting her after the arrest and following sentencing of the young filly’s mother. Still as Masao knew would happen, Twilight still did not see the necessity for friends, and Masao knew it was getting close to the night he was waiting for. The night Luna would return… Author's Note Next chapter... The Next Chapter begins the actual Series
Common Era Chapter Nine/MLP Season One Chapter One: The Mare on the Moon Part One Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Nine/MLP Season One Chapter One: The Mare on the Moon Part One At this point I think I should tell you, things were not always to cut and dry, Ser Masao will never admit his part in the saving of Princess Luna, even if she points it out to him every day that he did play a vital role. Oh? Are you confused? Well I guess I should tell you then… Here we go… Masao sat in the library reading a book, his lover, Sharp Sword was currently on a mission in an attempt to dislodge a cell of the Lunar Remnants from the town of Ponyville. “Ah! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?” said Twilight suddenly in the background and Masao’s gaze shot up from the book in front of him. Was it already? No… That was… “Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale.” said Spike and Masao nearly choked, line for line… “Sorry, Spike, but from what Ser Masao has told me—” “You really believe that he is as old as Celestia? Please I bet he is just the descendant or something, besides—OW!” said Spike, rubbing his head from where Twilight had hit him. “Take a note please, to the Princess.” Masao ceased listening at that point and made his way to Celestia who was in the middle of Day Court, and heedless of the current petitioner he strode up to the throne and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I am sorry, my little pony, I must reschedule your meeting with me until a later date. guards, please escort her out, and inform the other petitioners that I will see them on a later date” said Celestia in a carefully leveled cheerful voice. After the guards had left she turned to Masao a frown on her face. “Are you sure?” she asked. “Yes Celestia, I have to go to Ponyville and you should send Twilight. The other Elements are there, they don’t even know what ties them together yet, but it is high time that they met.” said Masao before he sighed. “Tonight is the night your sister returns, but we first have to contend with Nightmare Moon” Armed with her new knowledge, Celestia was ready when Twilight’s message appeared and promptly wrote her response My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely… Masao was already on his way to the balcony, and with a simple handing of Celestia’s orders he was quickly on his way to Ponyville… Sharp Sword was about to summon a courier to deliver her report on the cell in Ponyville, having found out they were going to attempt to summon the dark Alicorn when Masao literally landed beside her, a small crater where he landed, the chariot that had carried him, fleeing from several magical blasts. “Friends of yours, my dear?” he asked calmly motioning to a bunch of unicorns that were running out to attack him. “Well, what kind of time do you think this is?” she asked and Masao grinned as he turned around and with a simple draw and aiming of the flintlock he was now carrying—ever since his old armor had been pierced by a round from one he carried one—and the group ran off leaving no trace of them, other than Sharp Sword and himself. “Well that was anti-climatic” said the human as he walked off towards the Everfree, leaving a very confused Sharp Sword. “Hey, hey, hey! Where do you think you are going without giving your mare a kiss?” prodded the scowling blue unicorn and Masao chuckled as he stopped, turned around, and knelt down with his arms open inviting the mare to rush over and hug him. Which she did, and he kissed her. “OH MY CELESTIA!” said a voice and Masao groaned, this was not going to end well. “Bon-Bon! Do you see!? Do you see!? I told you they existed!” Masao turned his head to the side and saw a lime green unicorn and a same color green and white mane and tail as she nudged a cream colored earth pony with blue and purplish pink hair. The earth pony, obviously named Bon-Bon just stared in shock while her friend seemed to be giddy as all get out. “Greetings girls, I don’t suppose me telling you two to get indoors will matter any?” asked Sharp Sword and the lime green unicorn shook her head a large grin on her face. “Well then… I guess we are at an impasse, you really do need to get indoors, and I need to continue forwards.” said Masao and at that the lime green pony trotted up ignoring Masao’s annoyed look. as well as the flintlock in his hands much to his aforementioned annoyment. “I’m Lyra! Who might you be?” asked the unicorn now identified as Lyra, as if Masao didn’t already know, however, the look in her eyes was very, very lustful. “He’s mine, and I swear, by Celestia, if you don’t back off, your friend over there will be cleaning you up with a rag and bucket” said Sharp Sword as she imposed herself between Masao and Lyra causing the green unicorn to take a step back. “Sharp Sword, while I am more than happy you are ready to ‘fight for my honor’ as it were, right now we have far more pressing issues to deal with, more important than dealing with a lustful unicorn and her want for human loving. Sorry Lyra, but I truly am taken, but if you leave a message with Sharp Sword here, I am sure she’ll take your request under consideration” “The buck I will” “Well there you go” said Masao with a sigh as Lyra just grinned at him. “Well if you ever get tired of miss uptight, I am sure you’ll know where to find me” said the lime green unicorn sashayed away, her flank having gained an exaggerated sway. Masao rolled his eyes at her act and turned to Sharp Sword who was so upset she was snorting, much like that of an earth horse. “Well that could have gone better” said a familiar voice and Masao and Sharp Sword turned to see… Celestia was getting ready, she knew that it was possible she would have to fight to protect her ponies from Nightmare Moon, and this time Masao would not be there to, ‘hold her down’ if she started having second thoughts about fighting the evil mare… “Will I be able to? If it turns out Masao is wrong and I have to kill her… Will I be able to?” Celestia thought aloud… Twilight stood there with a grin on her face as she trotted up to two of her teachers which made Masao groan, he had hoped to be in the Everfree long before Twilight had arrived. “D-did I do something wrong?” asked Twilight and Masao realized that she had heard his groan and shook his head while trying to reassure her that it had nothing to do with her. “Are you here to help me with—” she started when both the older mare and the human shook their heads. “No, I am on a mission for Celestia, and… I don’t really know why you are here love” said Sharp Sword and Masao just grinned not saying a word at first. “Well I am not here to help you, Twilight, but if you need help Sharp Sword, just let me know, otherwise, I am here to judge how well you do, Twilight” said Masao, and the purple unicorn’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks as she learned that she was being tested. “Now, now, stop that right this instant! If you start panicking or otherwise start acting like more of a perfectionist than you normally are, I will fail you right here” Twilight merely nodded before walking off Spike glaring at the human for upsetting Twilight. “Oh and keep an eye on Spike” as soon as Twilight was out of sight Masa’s smile fell from his face, and he turned to Sharp Sword. “Nightmare Moon is coming back, tonight” he whispered into her ear, and at that Sharp Sword’s own eyes were pinpricks… Author's Note Well then, Sharp Sword obviously doesn't like Lyra! What kind of trouble can I get Masao into this time? And YES I did use the lines from the actual show
Common Era Chapter Ten/MLP Season One Chapter Two: The Mare on the Moon Part Two Author's Notes Lord_01001010, ask and you shall receive! Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Ten/MLP Season One Chapter Two: The Mare on the Moon Part Two Masao stood at the entrance to the Everfree and oddly it did not feel all that different from going home, the forest welcomed him back into it… “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” asked Nightmare Moon as she stood on the indoor balcony of the Town hall. Twilight stepped forwards completely confident, if foolish. Sharp Sword ready to tackle the young mare if Nightmare Moon decided to attack her. “I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare on the Moon – Nightmare Moon!” said Twilight, her exclamation causing the rest of the ponies to gasp in surprise, even as a few ponies slipped forwards and bowed towards the corrupted alicorn. “We live to serve, our princess” said a random unicorn only for the back of her neck to be pierced by Sharp Sword’s sword. “I don’t care, what you have done, and I don’t care who you believe this is, but she is NOT Princess Luna!” said Sharp Sword as she withdrew her sword from the now dead unicorn the look on her face murderous. “Come now, princess, time to meet cold steel” Masao snuck through the woods intending on making to the old castle, not once did any of the forest’s denizens accosted him, something which unnerved Masao to no end as he made it to the castle with no issue. “Welcome home, Ser Masao” said an elderly earth pony, one that happened to have a younger blue unicorn with read hair standing beside him, a small grin on her face. “Ah, I see you’ve met her sister, Sharp Sword. She was a blunt instrument rather that the fine precision tool that Red Lily can be” said the earth pony and Masao frowned, sure he had a breastplate, but just as warfare had evolved, so did the necessity for him to change tactics, but right now, he felt naked, in front of him was an earth pony currently carrying a… Wait… Was that really a battlesaddle? Shaking his head clear, he also took stock of the delicate unicorn standing beside the earth pony. “I take it you are Double Edge?” asked Masao as he shifted his stance, he didn’t take his eyes off of the unicorn though, something told him it would be a very fatal mistake to do so, much to the annoyment of the unicorn. “What? Was my sister not enough? Do you have to lust after—” she didn’t get to finish as Masao’s glare cut her off. “You, Red, are dangerous, I don’t know how but I am not letting you leave my sight” throughout this exchange the older stallion just chuckled. “You are wise not to let her out of your sights, but will that help you? I left you alone because you were helping out our aims for a while, but then you started to attack us directly, and even had the audacity to come and attack us here, you are not welcome here” Masao scoffed, drawing his flintlock and keeping it trained on the old pony he stalked up to him. “You don’t have that right, this castle listens only to Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, neither of which will ban me from what was once my home.” said Masao and soon Sharp Sword came flying past, Masao reached out and grabbed her by the tail preventing her from crashing headlong into her sister. “I take it Nightmare Moon is on her way then?” asked the human as his gaze switched to his lover’s sister. “Y-yeah… Damn that hurt…” said Sharp Sword as looked back at her tail. When she looked up the look on her face fell. “Hello sister” “And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? Whoa!” said Rainbow Dash just before Applejack yanked on her tail. “Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?” asked Applejack and Twilight nodded. “I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do! Oh I wish Ser Masao were here, he’d know what to do! He was there you know, when this first happened” said Twilight suddenly getting off track as she worried about her teacher. “Who? Sorry, Sugercube, but Ah dunno anyone that old” said Applejack and Twilight sighed, it seemed she had to explain a few things, but first… “The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.” said Pinkie Pie and Twilight looked at her dumbstruck. “How-but-Where did you find that!?” asked the purple unicorn in shock as she grabbed it out of the pink mare’s hooves with magic. “It was under ‘E’!” said Pinkie with a huge smile on her face. “Oh. There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now—” “THE EVERFREE FOREST!?” said the group in shock, and Twilight looked towards forest as there was a crack of lightning, and in that flash of light, she saw footprints that could only belong to one thing in existence, Masao. “So this is how it is going to go down, dear sister you are going to let us kill you, and your friend here, and do you know why?” asked Red Lily as she and her sister circled around, Masao now in a firefight with Double Edge, keeping the aged earth pony from aiding his much younger lover. “Come now, Masao surely you know better than to challenge her royal highness again?” asked the elderly stallion as a dark cloud of ‘stars’ blew past them into the castle… “I think not, Lily, I think you and your old lover had best surrender, we won’t let Nightmare Moon rise” “Ah, my loyal knight Ser Masao Darkheart. how are you doing, traitor? How does it feel serving my self-absorbed sister?” said Nightmare Moon as she came into existence between the two gunners. “You are not Luna, and you are not Celestia’s sister. You are a parasite that decided to take hold of my princess in her moment of weakness” said Masao as he aimed the flintlock at the alicorn. “Do you really think that toy will do anything to me?” asked Nightmare Moon and Masao just smiled. “No, but I am just delaying you” “Delaying me? What—” she didn’t get the chance to finish as Sharp Sword then attacked the mare her épée slashing through the air at the mare. “You cost me three years of my life searching for him! Not only that you cost me another eighteen years after I was reborn!” yelled the angry mare, shocked Double Edge looked back where the duo had been fighting and saw Red Lily on the ground bleeding and made for her, only for Masao to intercept him. “Your weapons, please” was all Masao said and the stallion stripped himself of all his weapons and ran off to try to help his lover. Picking up the musket rifle, Masao loaded it and took aim, and with one shot… There was a ping off in the distance as Twilight and the gang made their way up to the castle. Having been to watch Masao and Sharp Sword practice their craft, Twilight recognized the sound as… “Ser Masao is here!” she said almost giddily, one of her teachers were here fighting off the evil! Maybe they wouldn’t need the Elements of Harmony! She shook her head, as she frowned. No, she has to help in some way… As Masao and Sharp Sword fought Nightmare Moon, Twilight and the others found the Elements of Harmony and leaving Twilight to the task of trying to activate them when Nightmare Moon appeared holding the unconscious forms of her teacher in a dark blue aura before tossing them to the side. “They fought valiantly, I shall give them that, but now it is over.” Twilight and her friends, whom had returned after hearing Twilight shout in dismay at seeing her teachers in such a state, but after her friends were there she felt more confident and soon they were able to use the Elements of Harmony. Freeing Luna from the grasp of Nightmare Moon just as Masao and Sharp Sword regained consciousness. “Well congrats Twilight, you pass.” said Masao as he staggered up to his feet and over to the mare only to be intercepted by her friends. “Ah don’t know what you are, but there is no way we are—” “MASAO! You’re alright!” shouted the unicorn as she picked him up and pulled him into a hug doing the same to the just now waking Sharp Sword. “Twilight? You know these two?” asked the rainbow maned one and Masao groaned as he pushed away from the purple unicorn. “Of course she knows me, I am Ser Masao Darkheart—” “Knight of Princess Luna…” said a quiet voice, one Masao had not heard in an age. Just then Celestia made it to the castle, her stance completely regal even if Masao knew it were only an act, Celestia was tired as hell from flying all the way here from Canterlot… “You told me it was all an old pony tale!” accused Twilight and Masao cringed as Celestia just smiled at the purple unicorn. “I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna!” said Celestia and the lunar princess gasped in fear and cringed away from her sister. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.” “LITTLE SISTER!?” shouted the group while Masao just grinned. “My dear friend” he said with his grin growing. “Will you accept my friendship?” asked Celestia as she looked at her sister. “I'm so sorry! I missed thee both so much!” said Luna as she nuzzled Celestia for a moment and then Masao how returned the gesture with a hug… Author's Note Well How do you like that?
Common Era Chapter Eleven/MLP Season One Chapter Three: Alienation/Learning Facts about Mankind Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Eleven/MLP Season One Chapter Three: Alienation/Learning Facts about Mankind “So it has truly been a thousand years since thou hast seen me?” asked Luna as Masao, Sharp Sword and her were flown back to Canterlot… “Yes Luna, it has.” “I see that thou hast moved on from Evening Star, a unicorn this time” Masao rolled his eyes a smirk growing on his face. “Not quite—” “Then what is she to thou? Surely thou didst not start to lay with any random pony that catches thine fancy?” “Apparently I am the reborn Evening Star” said Sharp Sword as she interrupted Luna’s admonishment of Masao and Luna’s mouth went wide, as did her eyes. “Truly? I can have time with the pony I once called my sister?” and Masao chuckled but said nothing as the two mares began to talk to each other about so many things some of which did not matter at all to anyone except the trio of beings in the chariot… As soon as the chariot landed Masao exited first before saluting with his sword, which unlike his old sword, was a rapier style blade “Welcome to Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna, Welcome home” said Masao as the blue alicorn stepped out of the chariot almost sheepishly as two bat pony foals ran up to the mare and bowed. “Princess Luna! The Grand Elder told us so much about you!” said the two young ones as they they smiled at the recently returned princess. Luna looked at Masao who just grinned as he sheathed his blade. At the sound of his footsteps the foals turned to the human and grinned widely. “Grand Elder! Welcome home! Elder Star Burst said you’d be back!” “And what are you two doing up so late? I do hope you are not stressing out your mothers and fathers” and the two foals looked sheepish as Sharp Sword got herself out of the chariot a frown on her face as she walked towards the two foals. “I know you aren’t still up and I am just starting to see things, because I am sure I told the lot of you that if I caught any of you still up when we got back, I would tan your hides” Masao rolled his eyes as Sharp Sword threatened the poor foals. “They do not fear me?” asked Luna in surprise a tear rolling down her face as a smile broke across it. Only for it to fall at Masao’s reply. “Probably only this clan’s young will feel that way, I kept them away from the negativity of your fall, I did not hide it, but…” “So the foals elsewhere may fear me…” “Not so much the foals as everyone else, those raised in the Lunar Remnants will worship you, but other than there and in Masao’s bat pony clan, the adults were raised on the stories of Nightmare Moon, and the fear she inspired” said Sharp Sword with a slight glare at Masao. who shrugged, he had never been one to hide the truth when he had the choice. Luna sat in her room, alone again, part of her worried what she had just experienced was just a figment of her imagination when there was a knock at her door. Opening it, she saw Masao and Sharp Sword, each carrying a pillow and blanket with them as she stared at them slack jawed. “Well are you going to let us in? or are we going to have to sleep out here in the corridor?” asked Masao a crooked grin on his face as Luna just stepped back and the duo just walked into the room only to be pulled into the young alicorns hooves as she hugged them tightly crying in relief and joy that her closest friends were there for her, even without her asking them to help her, they were there… The servant opened the door to the room at dawn the next morning, not realizing that someone had moved into the room, and was shocked to see three figures in the bed, and a pair of blue wings covering the two other figures as they slept… Celestia chuckled as the trio sat in front of her blushing and refusing to look at each other or her. “Did you three have fun this morning?” teased the white alicorn and Luna looked at her sister scandalized. “SISTER! What art thou implying!? I am no harlot! and neither is Sharp Sword! Nor would Ser Masao sleep with one!” said Luna verbalizing her disgust with Celestia’s suggestion but the slight blush on her face suggested that she wasn’t against the idea of sleeping with him, just not out of the blue. However Masao remained quiet, Sharp Sword knew why, he had tried to move on, and the relationships, if they could be called that, made it to that point, and… Just died, either the relationship, or the other party. “Tell her, Ser Masao!” said the mare and when Masao stayed silent she turned towards him. “Ser Masao?” “I already knew that Masao had slept around before we got back together, he told me about it.” said Sharp Sword as she looked away from the solar princess. Before Masao knew it, they went from being admonished for sleeping in the same bed, to talking about his previous bedmates… “So then she tells me that she’d be back safe and sound within the week… She didn’t make it back.” said Masao as he sat down in the dining room with the three mares in his life, he was recalling a particular gryphon with whom he had a small relationship with, mostly that of very close friends, as it never having reached the level of physical intimacy that one would expect from lovers. “I did not take it well… I asked to be deployed where she had been lost, no one survived.” said Masao, Celestia was silent, quietly drinking from her glass. Luna and Sharp Sword looked on in pity for the ones that earned the rightful scorn from Masao. “I see you led a very violent life after Evening Star’s death” said Celestia calmly, but even Sharp Sword, who had no skill in detecting things in people’s voices, could hear the accusation in her voice. “How dare you!” said the unicorn mare, standing up from her seat pointing a hoof at the white alicorn. “You send your guard to do many unsavory things, I should know, I had to do them!” snarled the mare “Sister! Thou knowest we have no room to talk, we have sent many ponies to their death, all in the name of the peace we have cultivated.” said Luna admonishingly and Celestia sighed. “That does not mean I have to revel in the destruction we have caused dear sister” “You think I reveled in their destruction? Oh sure maybe when I first killed them, but in the end I knew all I had done was cause more death and it caused me no shortage of sleepless night thinking about all those families who were now missing loved ones. I do not pretend that the human race is a peaceful race, the inventions I told you about, fuck, the inventions your own ponies are inventing are proof of that!” said Masao as he slammed the unloaded flintlock he was carrying on the table. “I fail to see how these inventions are in anyway equivalent to the weapons of mass destruction your species has created.” countered Celestia and Masao snarled before getting up and walking to the door of the dining room, stopping only for a moment. “They had to start somewhere, and as luck would have it, these flintlocks are just where they started” and with that he slammed the door shut behind him, Luna remained quiet while Sharp Sword glared at Celestia no longer eating. Celestia for her part was in shock, her own ponies have created an early form of human weaponry? No this was not— “Sister, Ser Masao is telling the truth. Be-before we fought, he showed me so much from his world, they had a far more advanced version of these flintlocks, they could fire more than one shot before needing to be reloaded. They even had some that fired rapidly… They had to have started somewhere, but do you know what he said when I asked why his rulers didn’t just take them away he laughed before changing the subject, when I attempted to force the issue, he told me that I would not like his answer.” Luna said much to the dismay of Celestia who came to realize she had opened a pandora’s box by funding the research that had led to the invention of the firearm that Masao and several of her own guard now carried, there had been cases where the weapon was misused, but she didn’t know that… “I hope you are happy, you know Masao told me what his people did, the country he came from, they fought a war for their freedom, twice, once against oppressors and again amongst themselves to remove slavery, and even through all of that, they let the people own firearms, calling it, ‘a God-given right’ that ought to be protected. There had been several murders by these things, and yet they kept them, do you know why?” challenged the mare who had been in combat more recently than the two alicorns. “Because they are a bloodthirsty species” answered Celestia confidently and Sharp Sword shook her head before getting up again and leaving the room, stopping at the door, just like her lover she turned her head toward the duo still sitting. “It was because those firearms had also saved twice as many lives without being fired, just by being there” Luna sighed at Sharp Sword’s remark before turning to her sister as Sharp Sword left. “He was right, I did not like the answer, and I don’t agree with it, if would be better if these weapons were done away with. The sooner the better, because I have a feeling that they will bring nothing but sadness every time they are used” said Luna and Celestia was quiet. “Perhaps there is a way to keep thing safe, I have seen an elderly couple who were accosted by a couple of thugs survive because the stallion was carrying a firearm with him… But I have also seen our ponies murder with these… Sharp Sword had a point… And so do you dear sister… Perhaps we should talk to Masao before we make any rash decisions” said the solar princess and Luna scoffed. “Thou thinkest that Ser Masao has all the answers. He doest not knowest in this case. I hath seen his dreams, he is conflicted about these things.” said Luna as she too got up and left the dining room, leaving the solar Diarch to prepare for the day alone, having alienating all of her loved ones for the night… “I suppose this is how Luna felt…” Author's Note Next update you get two chapters!
(Skippable) Common Era Chapter Twelve/MLP Season One Chapter Four: A Short Chapter; Luna’s Sadness/Dealing with the Firearms Author's Notes Due to the fact of how short this chapter is, and the fact you can skip it if you so choose, I am going to be posting a second chapter along with it Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twelve/MLP Season One Chapter Four: A Short Chapter;Luna’s Sadness/Dealing with the Firearms As the sun set, Masao and Sharp Sword awoke again under the wings of Luna, who seemed to have decided in her own she was not going to let them out of her reach whilst they sleep. Carefully extracting himself from the princess’s grasp, Masao crept to the bathroom. However when he closed the door, the click of the latch made Luna shoot up, making Sharp Sword mumble as she rolled over and go back to sleep. Luna looked around the room, she knew that—There was a whoosh as Masao flushed the toilet followed by the sound of running water as he cleaned his hands. When he walked out of the bathroom Luna tackled him and held him close with her wings and hooves. Shocked but not completely out of it, Masao wrapped his arms around the mare and held her as she started to cry. Luna cried for the loss of her friends over the years she was banished, she cried for not being there when Masao needed her, but most of all she cried because for a thousand long years she was alone, so very alone. - -SKIPPABLE Masao took to teaching the mare how to fence with the new type of sword, her old broad sword being far too slow in this era. Like Masao, Luna chose a rapier styled sword, much to Masao’s amusement as when she attempted to use it, she almost managed to break the blade rather than blocking it with the base of the sword. It took him several months of teaching her how to use the blade, but she flat out refused to use a flintlock which made Masao sigh heavily… “Luna, I understand how you feel about them, but the fact remains, refusing to use them does not protect you from them. Just because you do not use them does not mean your opponent will be one to do the same, and I would feel much better if you learned to use them and kept a few near by, just in case.” “They are naught, but tools to kill” came the retort, and Masao frowned before suddenly lunging at her, causing her to become off balance and Masao’s flintlock now pointed between her eyes, the mare’s eyes locked on the barrel of the gun as Masao pulled the trigger… Click… Masao pulled the gun away. “Luna, my dear, dear friend, a sword is a weapon with no other purpose than to kill. A firearm, in the hands of a carnivore, or omnivore, can be a weapon to save his or her life, or that of their family from starvation. I guess in a way the only thing it can truly do is kill, but that does not mean it can not save a life” said Masao point blank and Luna looked at him with annoyment. Something that Masao groaned about. “OK how about this. You sleep with a dagger beside your bed, someone breaks in,what do you do?” asked Masao and Luna looked at him with a deadpan look. “Simple, I would use the dagger to defend myself” “And what if the intruder was stronger than you or your magic?” “Then… Then I’d die” Masao nodded before holding out the flintlock “Now imagine the same scenario, but instead of a dagger you have this flintlock, you point it at the intruder, and one of two things will happen, one, the intruder will surrender, or two, you pull the trigger killing said intruder. Is this any different from killing the intruder with a dagger? Is the intruder any less dead from being killed by the dagger than he would from the flintlock?” Luna remained quiet, she didn’t like his example, I mean who would be foolish enough to threaten her in her own home? Her own home where she was protected by guards and… Their… Weapons… “I see you understand if only partly. I will tell you this right now, I am not happy that firearms have been introduced to this world, not in any way shape or form, but know this, now that they have, there is nothing we can do.” It was several conversations between Masao and the royal sisters about the course to take with firearms, Masao staunchly for allowing the citizens to own them, within reason. While Luna was all for forcefully disarming the populous and destroying the entire cache of weapons Celestia was torn, she wanted to side with her sister, but Masao’s arguments, while some of them did not make total sense, were sound, he had called the firearms, ‘the great equalizer’ and how making them illegal would so nothing to stop gun crime. In the end they decided to make it impossible to own a firearm if you were found mentally deficient or if you had a violent criminal record. Something that made Masao extremely happy… Author's Note Well I hope you enjoyed that, I had to write it, it seemed important enough to write, even if you could have skipped it And in case you are wondering, they have someone casting spells on the parts as to make them impossible to use if you fall under either of those categories
Common Era Chapter Thirteen/MLP Season One Chapter Five: Gryphon Glared/The Moon Snatched Away Author's Notes when I started writing this chapter the only thing that went through my head was: and Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Thirteen/MLP Season One Chapter Five: Gryphon Glared/The Moon Snatched Away Masao was getting ready to head to Ponyville, Sharp Sword getting ready with him. they had long since moved into Luna's room... “Ser Masao, art thou sure that thou couldst not stay? We couldst invite thine friend to visit the castle itself” said Luna as she was unable to join the grounded pair. “I am sure, I mean ask the princess of the Razor Talon Clan to take a detour? Perish the thought. She is more stubborn than Sharp Sword here, but she was also one of my best students, and I have been wondering how she and her clan has been since I had left…” said Masao a slight smile on his face as he leaned against a pillar taking a small break as Sharp Sword headed back into their room to grab something, Luna bit her lip and took a step closer to Masao. Noticing the nervous attitude of the lunar princess, Masao chose to remain quiet, something he would have never done, had he known what was about to happen. The lunar princess nervously trotted into Masao personal space, and just before Masao could ask her what was wrong, he found his lips captured by hers in a kiss. “Be safe” said Luna as she started to step away, Masao just reacted and pulled her back into another kiss, a small part of his mind yelling at him, while another part was telling that part to shut up and enjoy the kiss… “Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that this would happen” said an annoyed Sharp Sword, and for a moment Masao feared she was upset at them both but the look on her face, when he pulled away from the blue alicorn, showed more annoyance rather than anger. “Seriously, princess? I mean you could have just told me you felt something for him” she said a small smile starting to show on her face. “I—” “Stow it, both of you. I kinda figured that you two loved each other, even if you would not admit it to yourselves, and I know you love me, Masao, so I am not surprised that this happened, I am sure even Evening Star knew this would happen, in fact I think she was waiting for it to happen” said the unicorn mare her smile changing to a smirk. “Now I think you two have something to do before Masao and I leave” said the mare before trotting off a slight bounce in her step at knowing that this was going to happen. Masao and Luna looked at each other and Luna started to apologize when Masao put his finger over her lips silencing her long enough to capture her lips with his own… Masao made it to the chariot, his clothing a little ruffled and Sharp Sword just smirked before kissing him lightly on the lips. “I knew you two were going to hit it off sooner or later, lover, I am just surprised that it was her that folded, and not you” said the mare just before the pegasi pulling the chariot took off knocking the mare into Masao who just smiled at their now compromising position and his hands decided to take advantage of said fact… Landing in Ponyville, Masao caught sight of Gilda and he smiled, but said smile turned into a frown when he heard her yelling at Fluttershy. “GILDA!” he shouted and the gryphon flinched at Masao’s voice and slowly turned to look over her shoulder. “Well buck me…” said the female gryphon Masao walking over to her a frown on his face. “What did I tell you about this? What the buck did I tell you about roaring at those who are more timid than yourself!?” snarled Masao and Gilda just looked away sheepishly. “I came to Ponyville because I heard that you were going to be in town and I wanted to see how one of my best students has been, and I find out, just from this, that you forgot some of the most important things I had taught you!” “Look, dude, I am sorry” “Don’t be apologizing to me, Gilda, God… I know I pounded into your head at least a dozen times!” said Masao as he continued to glare at the gryphon who proceeded to apologize to the timid yellow pegasus. “Gilda, come with me, there is someone I wish for you to meet.” said Masao as he started back towards a smirking Sharp Sword. “Oh don’t you start” said Masao and Sharp Sword got an innocent look making him roll his eyes. “So who did you want to meet?” asked Gilda as she got to the pair, and Masao motioned to the unicorn who smirked at her. “I see you screwed up chicky” said Sharp Sword causing the young gryphon to snip at her. “Seriously Sharp Sword, you heard me say she was one of my best students, and you go and agitate her! If you weren’t—” “So sexy? So hot?” Masao deadpanned at the unicorn’s reply, the said unicorn sat down on her haunches and smirked at her lover. “So… Um… Why did you need me? I mean I came to Ponyville to meet a friend of mine…” “Yeah, I know, Rainbow Dash, but she can wait a little bit, you seemed to have forgotten a key point I drilled into you several times…” “I… I am sorry, Fluttershy, I shouldn’t have roared in your face” said Gilda as she rubbed her sore wing, Masao had proceeded to show her how she was still the student and he the master, the look in his eyes actually scaring the unicorn that had been with him, apparently she had not gotten on his bad side before. He had beat her with a stick while she had wielded a sword... “It’s alright” whispered Fluttershy, so quietly that Gilda had to strain her ears to hear it, but being satisfied that she had been forgiven she walked back over to Masao who continued to glower at her. “Well?” he asked simply and Gilda flinched but nodded. “Good, now go, I think Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie have a party waiting for you.” said Masao his voice still firm as he turned towards the yellow pegasus and started to walk towards her. “Hey Fluttershy” said Masao, his demeanor changing entirely,his voice calm and caring, a stark contrast to the tone he had used with Gilda, and Sharp Sword noticed, and it slightly scared her, and turned her on a bit too, the feeling a danger fueling a small amount of lust. “Eep!” said Fluttershy in shock at seeing the human once more. “H-hello, T-Twilight s-said she was b-busy” said the pegasus and Masao gave a small smile as he shook his head. “I actually came over to see if you are alright, Gilda was my student, and I am partly responsible when she acts up like that” said the human as he knelt down in front of her as to get on eye level with the yellow mare. “I-it’s a-alright S-Ser kn-knight” said Fluttershy nervously as she trotted in place, unsure on how to deal with Masao kneeling in front of her, especially when his female friend was near by casting a glaring look at her. “I actually came here to see Gilda, to be honest, but seeing as I ended up having to teach her a lesson, I suppose I should take my lover on a date” said Masao as he stood up and walked over to Sharp Sword. “Have a good rest of the day, Fluttershy, and do try to get some more confidence, life is no fun without it.” Author's Note So... What do you think? not my best chapter I am sure, but working with something already made to this extent is a little new to me... I mean even though I still have a ton of ideas on what to do with this story, I can't do them until I get past the actual series which will be difficult to say the least...
Common Era Chapter Fourteen/MLP Season One Chapter Six: The Worst Night Ever/Somepony Is Going to get Bucked up Royally(pun so very much intended) Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Fourteen/MLP Season One Chapter Six: The Worst Night Ever/Somepony Is Going to Get Bucked up Royally(pun so very much intended) It had been some months since Masao had gone to Ponyville with Sharp Sword to visit with Gilda. Upon returning to the castle, he was knocked over by the very princess he had sworn his loyalty to, and holding him down with all four of her hooves she leaned down and kissed Masao. What Masao didn’t understand was how Sharp Sword could be OK with this, as from what he could remember about girls from Earth, most would have either cut him off, in the bedroom, or broken it off with him, but as it stood it seemed that she really didn’t care, when it came to Luna that is… It was the week of the Grand Galloping Gala and Masao was scowling, sure, he only truly needed one ticket but he had two mares to contend with, one of which he didn’t need to worry about getting a ticket, due to her status, and the other? Well she really had no interest in the Gala as it stood anyway… “Thou must attend! Ser Masao can not spend all night standing with me” said Luna and Sharp Sword gave her a deadpanned look. “And why not? I mean, you are courting him now, aren’t you?” asked the blue unicorn and Luna sputtered in annoyment, “Careful, princess” warned Sharp Sword not liking the tone Luna had used with her. Luna for her part looked at her scandalized. “I didn’t say a word Sharp Sword!” Masao was in Ponyville visiting Rarity hoping to have her help him with a outfit, hoping of course the uniqueness of his shape and the amount of bits he was willing to pay for something this last minute would be enough to encourage the mare to make him an royal guard dress uniform with a slight alteration, intending on having a dark blue dress uniform shirt and a black pair of slacks, he already had a pony help him with the shoes aspect of the uniform. and he went to a gryphon leather worker in canterlot for the belt and materials for the shoes. “Really now! You should have come to me sooner than this dear!” said Rarity as she tutted about him, a tape measure taking his… Well measurements. “I was not sure you would be willing to make an outfit for me, several of your… Ah… Peers, said I would be better off in a cage rather than in polite society. Needless to say, they quickly lost their business license, due to them foolishly saying it in front of Luna and Celestia.” “I have been meaning to ask, deary, but what is your relationship with the princesses?” asked Rarity as she started to take out the requested materials, and quickly got to work “Well Celestia and I are close, not as close as Luna and I, but still close, I am truly her oldest friend, I knew her before she got her phoenix, she and her sister used to rule from that castle in the Everfree, and I used to call that castle home… Before…” Masao mumbled off as unbidden memories of the past came crashing down, and the foremost thought on his mind was Evening Star and her beautiful smile, and… Masao smiled as every doubt he had seemed to flee from his mind, all there was room for was the three ponies in his life, Evening Star, Luna and the reborn Evening Star, Sharp Sword. “Masao, darling, are you alright? Your entire posture changed!” at that Masao shook himself out of his thoughts and smiled down at the white Unicorn serenely. “Yeah, I was just remembering someone, my lover at the time, Evening Star, she was a bat pony, did you know? She had the more beautiful smile and her eyes could trap you in them if you let them. I knew her almost as long as I did Luna and Celestia.” said Masao as he lost himself in the memory of the first time they had made love and not just had a roll in the hay. He was not turned on by it as he was only thinking of it’s beauty. “Dear, you seem to have gotten lost in your thoughts again” said Rarity, and she listened to him recount so many things, always remembering the wonder and glamor he had seen in the past. He recounted his time serving under Princess Luna as a knight-protector, something that had gained him fame amongst the ponies of the time. He talked about how he had fought in the Lunar Rebellion, and how he had fought Nightmare Moon, even if all he had done was restrain her long enough for Celestia to use the elements on her. He started to talk about how he was saved from starvation by the gryphons of the Razor Talon Clan, when Rarity looked up from the clothing claiming it to be finished. “I made it to your specs, and if you don’t mind, I will be making a few more outfits for you. You do have such an interesting shape darling. I do hope you come back to visit, I find your telling of history so invigorating! So much dashing adventures! And you the knight in shining armor!” said the white unicorn as she neatly folded the dress uniform and placed it in a bag before proceeding to close it tight. Masao chuckled. “Not many would enjoy me telling them about ancient history, much less believed I lived through all that. You truly are a generous one, and worth of the title of The Element of Generosity” said Masao as he bowed to her. “Now now! None of that, I am no princess! Not yet anyway.” tutted the mare and Masao frowned before sighing. “Lady Rarity, if I may be so bold as to offer you some advice?” asked the human and Rarity looked at him with a questioning look. “Go ahead, darling” “Stay away from Prince Blueblood, he gives the title of prince a bad name, and I would hate for you to make a fool of yourself as to try to impress him.” said Masao and Rarity clicked her tongue as she kept herself from making a rude comment, after all she did allow him to give her advice, and she’d be a fool not to listen to him especially since he had been living in castle with the stallion in question for a good several years. “If you don’t intend to listen to my advice, then if he starts being a complete arse of a pony, please come find me or Luna, but stay away from Sharp Sword, she will have no patience with the poor boy, and I would rather not have to ask one of the princesses to pardon her. Though if it is Luna that gets to her first, I wouldn’t be surprised if she gives Sharp Sword a medal” said Masao and Rarity chuckled as she shook her head. “I doubt he is that bad, now, Ser Masao, darling, you should get home before you are missed, I am sure that mare of yours is searching the castle brick by brick” at that Masao laughed before he placed several bits on the table before taking his leave. “I do hope that he is wrong about this ‘Prince Blueblood’ if not…” The night of the Gala, Masao came out onto the balcony of his and Sharp Sword’s room dressed in his uniform, the sash that went across his chest to his waist, pure white with a collection of medals, all given to him recently and without ceremony much to his own surprise. he walked the castle taking in the defenses something he had never stopped doing ever since becoming a knight, and learning what was a good defense and what wasn’t. “Ser knight” said a familiar voice, and Masao turned to see Shining Armor who seemed to be holding back a glare. “Greetings, corporal, what brings you to my balcony?” asked Masao in a rather cheery voice and the unicorn gritted his teeth as he gave a slight bow. “I am to be your escort until such time as you meet up with Lady Sharp Sword and Princess Luna” at that Masao sighed knowing that there was no way to get out of it, either Celestia or Luna had ordered the escort, and he was not in the mood to upset either of them tonight. “I take it you are still not happy with my part in having your mother brought to justice” said Masao not looking at the unicorn anymore as he returned to scanning the horizon for threats, well aware of the threat beside him as Shining Armor’s horn glowed menacingly. “I am sorry that I played a part in breaking up your family, but your mother played part in the Day’s Legion’s play for power, and Celestia can not allow somepony who betrayed Equestria to roam free.” “And what about you? You betrayed Equestria! You fought against the rightful-urk!” “Hear me and understand me well, boy. I did not betray Equestria, I followed one of it’s leaders to the brink, and when she went off the edge I protected Equestria, and I will be damned before I let Equestria fall, whether to a mad mare, or that of any enemy forces. So long as there is breath in my body, I will stand at the ready. I will continue to train in the weapons available, and I will fight to protect those I love. Princess Luna and sharp Sword for sure, but also the whole of Equestria” “Don’t talk to me as if you are so much older than me! I—” “You nothing, I am over a thousand years old, I have watched kingdoms rise and fall, and only Equestria has stood strong, and only the Razor Talon Clan has remained intact from the Gryphon kingdom that allied itself with us, all because they had either immortal rulers or an immortal who helped them!” shouted Masao and a green hue started to overtake his eyes. “Ser Masao! Calm thyself before we have thee restrained” said Luna as she walked calmly out onto the balcony. “And thou!” said Luna turning slightly to face the unicorn, “T’is not thy place, nor thy right to place blame like that on the Ser Knight. My sister, herself, forgave Masao for fighting at my side! Thine opinion is noted, but is not needed” “Luna, calm down. There is no reason to bite his head off, after you just stopped me from doing the same.” Masao was escorting a very annoyed looking Sharp Sword, and every time a stallion’s gaze lingered longer than she thought it should on her. For her dress, which was also made by Rarity, who insisted, practically forcing the mare to stay still long enough to get her measurements, flattered her entire frame. drawing attention to the mare’s mane and eyes, and Masao just grinned stupidly when she came walking out onto the balcony not long after Luna and Shining Armor had left. and he mentioned in passing that perhaps they should stay in, for he didn’t want to share, only to have Sharp Sword huff at him and with her nose in the air made her way out of the room, with Masao following… “I say, madam, you are simply divine! May I have a dance later?” asked a stallion and Masao simply growled at him the look in his eyes telling the stallion to leave now if he valued his life. Which the stallion did, with his tail between his legs. “I think I can handle myself, Masao” said Sharp Sword and the human rolled his eyes. “Maybe if you weren’t in a dress, but I happen to know from watching some of the old guard, dressed screw with your maneuverability, and from what I have seen, you don’t much like dresses, therefore I doubt you spent much time in one” said Masao, and they finally made it to the entrance of the ballroom and Masao took a small breath and smiled at the mare beside him. “Now, ‘once more into the breach,’ after you my love” said Masao with a bow his arm pointing the way to the door. “Very well, but you owe me for this, lover, and you are going to pay up. and if you are lucky, you may enjoy it” she whispered into his ear and Masao shuddered slightly before following her into the ballroom, stopping her just inside the door. “Wait” he whispered into her ear, which flicked in response. “And who are you miss? And why did you bring some—ah, nevermind, you are Ser Masao, shall I announce you?” Masao nodded… “Now presenting, Ser Masao Darkheart, Knight Protector of Princess Luna, and Lady Sharp Sword, Captain of the Lunar Guard” said the announcer and Masao chuckled at Sharp Sword’s shocked look and nudged her forwards as he walked past her with a purpose stopping at the foot of the stair he waited for Sharp Sword to catch up to him, and just like he predicted, she was not used to the dress and almost tripped, but thankfully no one noticed as she made it beside him. “Ah, it is good to see you both tonight, and congratulations on your promotion my dear Sharp Sword—” started Celestia when Masao spoke up a smile on his face. “I do believe you mean my dear Sharp Sword” teased Masao and Celestia giggled, she flat out giggled at Masao’s comment much to the surprise of the nobles there. “I do believe you are right Ser Masao, and it is good to see that you are wearing the medals you had very well earned in your service to Equestria” she said and many of the nobles that had been sneering quieted down upon catching sight of the sash completely covered in medals, and at his side was his rapier, he was strangely without his normal accompaniment of flintlocks preferring to carry only one tonight. “I live to serve your sister, princess, and you by extension” and at that Celestia smiled as she took a step to the side revealing a small blue alicorn, her mane barely having any of its old flow back, but her own gown was by far better suited on her than it was anyone else and she gave a slight bow to the human. “I thank thee for thy kind words. Perhaps I will be able to spend sometime with thee, my friend, provided that the nobles do not keep me too long” said Luna and Masao simply smiled and gave a slight bow before moving forwards and into the ballroom proper along with Sharp Sword, who was still in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me that I was promoted to captain proper!” whispered Sharp Sword harshly as they sat at a table and Masao snickered only for Sharp Sword to glare at him. “Luna asked me not—” “I must apologize darling, but I simply must borrow your date for a moment” said a familiar voice and suddenly Masao was being levitated in the air, a ‘really?’ look on his face as Rarity carried him over and deposited him between her and Prince Blueblood. “Let me guess, Blueblood here was not being a proper gentlestallion?” said Masao as he stood up and dusted himself off, the medals on his chest occasionally clinking off one another. “I say! What is this beast do—” “I would be careful not to let your aunties hear that, Celestia would be cross, and Luna would be so much worse” said Masao and Blueblood shut up. “Good, now, what are you doing being rude to this mare? In status she is equal to you, if not your better, she is the Element of Generosity, and you are lucky to have even caught her eye. There are some even in this very room who wish that she would look at them as she looked at you.” said the human and Rarity looked at him curiously and Masao winced, surely she knew that Spike had a crush on her, right? Right?? “Damn that mare! Now where did she take my mate!” murmured Sharp Sword as she looked around the Gala, purposely staying away from the dance floor, even as a crowd was growing. She didn’t notice that the stallion from earlier was now following her keeping just out of sight… “Hiya Sharp Sword! Fancy seein’ you here!” said Applejack and Sharp Sword gave a small grin to the apple seller. “Greetings Lady Sparkle, t’is most enjoyable to see thou once more!” said Luna happily as Twilight made it to the front of the line and was invited to stand with the two princesses, and while it was not Celestia, Twilight was still more than happy to spend time with the lunar diarch, as she discussed a lot of what she had learned from Masao about the time before Luna had led the Lunar Rebellion which impressed the younger alicorn causing the mare to smile… “ARGH! Where the buck is she! That damned mare!” grumbled Sharp Sword as she stumbled into a tree, not really used to the dress at all, give her armor and what not any day, but she did not do dresses, even if it got a very pleasing reaction from her lover. A smile started to grow on her face before she was suddenly enveloped in a green hue and pressed against the tree and moving her eyes she noticed the stallion from earlier, but he was accompanied by a unicorn and pegasus. “Now, isn’t this just perfect, this sexy mare happened to walk out here all on her lonesome, and this time without that beast of hers near by” Sharp Sword’s eyes went wide, she attempted to cast a spell when her head started to pound. “I wouldn’t try casting any spells, my friend here won’t take very kindly to someone trying to overpower him, especially not a mare, wait… Aren’t you supposed to be the new Captain for the Lunar guard? What a joke! That Luna must be batting for the other team if she is letting a sexy mare like you… There’s something bad behind me, isn’t there?” The look in Sharp Sword’s eyes, relief, was the only warning the stallions got before they were flung against their own trees, One enveloped by a bluish gray hue, another by a cobalt blue hue, and the unicorn was just tackled into the tree by one very furious human, the click of his firearm having gotten the struggling unicorn stallion’s attention. “Drop. My. Mate.” the unicorn couldn’t do so fast enough, and one could see it was taking every bit of Masao’s being not to pull the trigger of the flintlock now pressed against the stallion’s temple. “Masao, I’m fine, let’s just go back inside” said Sharp Sword as she caught on to the situation, and used her magic to pull him away from the cowering unicorn. “Come darlings, how about we let the guard deal with these ruffians” said Rarity as she trotted back into the ballroom followed by a scared Sharp Sword, not for herself, but rather for Masao, as she kept gently nudging him back into the ballroom. “I will be back in in a moment, my dearest friends, I shalt first handle these brigands.” said Luna and the trio left the alicorn there as she turned to the fallen stallions. “So thou thought thou could assault my friends? Thou wouldst been safer had Ser Masao remained, I will not be so kind to give thee a quick death” “Well this was officially the worst night ever…” said Applejack as she and her friends all made it to Donut Joe’s. “I dunno, could have been worse” said Sharp Sword as she lead Masao into the shop followed by the rest of the gang. Rarity simply smiled as she thought about how some in the ballroom saw Prince Blueblood for what he was when he proceeded to try to put her human friend down, in front of Princess Luna no less! Of course then things went to Tartarus afterwards, she frowned, Masao mentioned something about Sharp Sword probably needing some help with her dress, They had gone searching for her, Princess Luna deciding to join them, and Applejack pointed them in the right direction. When they found her… Well she would not be sorry if they woke up sore tomorrow! “Hardly! Thou weret assaulted in our own castle! In thy own home!” said Luna as she joined the group. Celestia soon followed. “I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala.” said Twilight as she nervously shuffled in place “That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!” said Celestia as she walked in a large grin on her face which fell when she saw the looks on her sister’s and their close friends’ faces “PRINCESS CELESTIA!” shouted Twilight and her friends in surprise. “I take it that it was not so great for you three?” asked Celestia and Masao nodded as he finally uncocked the flintlock which caught Celestia’s attention and that of the other ponies in the store, Donut Joe eyeing the human carefully but when he say Masao put the gun away he went back to cleaning the dishes in the sink. “What happened?” Masao shook his head not trusting himself to speak, Luna however had no such reservations, but to everyone’s surprise it was Rarity who spoke up. “A Trio of ruffians attacked and tried to have their way with Lady Sharp Sword here, They probably would have succeeded if Ser Masao, Princess Luna and I weren’t already looking for her.” said the white unicorn surprising the group there and Celestia’s eye grew sharp. “I see, where are these ponies now? I assume you left them alive since there was no report of a flintlock going off” asked Celestia and Masao nodded, as did Rarity and Sharp Sword, but Luna just smirked and said nothing. which did not go unnoticed by her sister. “I see… Luna, in the future, allow the guard to deal with them after you have them subdued. They are paid to deal with such” “They art alive, and art currently in the hospital, I did not think Ser Masao would want one of his mares to kill someone after we stopped him from doing the same” up until this point there had been music playing in the background, which seemed to stop with the sound of a record scratching off in the distance as everypony, with the exception of Sharp Sword, stared at Luna, Masao, and Sharp Sword… “Well this officially was the worst way to end the worst night ever…” mumbled Sharp Sword… Author's Note Well so ends season one, in case you are wondering I am NOT going to do every episode, just certain ones, but it is implied, that unless I do a chapter based on the episode that they went exactly like the show. OH! I can't wait until Discord gets to meet our main character(or is he the main character at all? Or is it a different character??)
Common Era Chapter Fifteen/MLP Season Two Chapter One: Return of Harmony/A Lazy Day Author's Notes You are getting a second chapter today, thanks to the fu that DDOSed FIMFiction Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Fifteen/MLP Season Two Chapter One: Return of Harmony/A Lazy Day The next month after Luna’s announcement that Masao had his own little herd, with her being part of it, did not go over well with the nobles of Canterlot, several of them attempted to challenge Masao to a duel for the hand of Princess Luna, who found the situation ironic, had she not announced she was no longer available to court, all this attention she was getting would probably not exist. As it was however, she also found it annoying, seeing her chosen partner having duels almost every day, and it was beginning to cut into the time he had with Sharp Sword and herself! This could not stand! So Luna decided that she would designate a singular day of the week that Masao would be able to accept duels… “Seriously, just stop…” said Masao as he dueled with a particular stallion over forty times in the past three weeks, and every time he beat the stallion with ease. “I think it is clear, by the rules of combat, and by the fact that I haven’t killed you yet, that I am the better swordsman, er, swordspony…” said Masao before he heard a group of foals coming closer. “No! I can still fight!” said the stallion and Masao rolled his eyes before rushing forwards and to the untrained eye it seemed like he disappeared, and reappeared behind the stallion who after a moment gagged before falling over unconscious. unluckily for the human it was just as Cheerilee and her class entered the clearing. “WHOA! That was AWESOME! Not as awesome as Rainbow Dash, but—” started a small orange pegasus, and Masao smiled forcefully as he sheathed his blade. “I am sorry that you had to see that, madam, but he would not take no for an answer. Now if you will please excuse me, I have to fetch the royal guard to have them take this pony to the hospital.” said Masao as he started to walk off. “Sir, could you wait? Am I correct in assuming you are Ser Masao? Knight-protector of Princess Luna? asked Cheerilee and Masao groaned but nodded an affirmative. and Cheerilee smiled at him. “Could I trouble you to tell us some of the history from the time before the Lunar Rebellion?” asked the mare and Masao sighed at her question, “Did I do something wrong?” “No ma`am, it is just I prefer not to share all that much of what I know. Most of what I did was not something you would want children to hear.” said Masao before he walked off leaving the mare and her class alone once more. “OK then, class we must move on, we have a lot to see” Masao knocked on Luna’s door and the princess groaned on the other side. “If there is no emergency, I will smite thee where thou stands” said the princess before opening the door revealing it to be Masao whom she had threatened, “Oh my!, I am sorry, dearest Masao, I thought—” “Well lucky for me, it is an emergency. Discord is about to become free” said the human and Luna’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks. “I see you understand the severity, but not the fact that we can’t do anything, not against him. Not this time anyway.” said Masao and Luna just looked at him questioningly. “The Elements will be able to handle him, now that said…” said Masao as he closed his eyes, “Should that draconequus threaten you or Sharp Sword…” he left the sentence unfinished but Luna neede no psychic powers to know that Masao would probably go toe to toe with the spirit of disharmony should one of them be in danger. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem, after all, I can see you are very much willing to stay out of my way, and for such a small fee too!” said Discord from the window pane and Masao gritted his teeth, this Discord he had no use for, not that he didn’t find some of the stuff Discord did as funny, but he did not like the damage that Discord caused before he was reformed. “Why such the long face… I mean you came to talk to me before when I was stone, but you never told me your name, and you are a very weirdly shaped creature, and that is coming from me! Such symmetry, and yet not—” “I am Ser Masao Darkheart, Knight-Protector and mate of Princess Luna, and mate to Sharp Sword, Captain of the Lunar Guard, teacher-trainer of Gilda Razor Talon, and immortal friend to Princess Celestia” said Masao with a slight flourish of his blade, saluting the draconequus, who uncharacteristically paid attention to the human. Discord was ready to change the sword into something else but was surprised at Masao’s actions, but then something Masao said clicked. “Wait… ‘Mate to Princess Luna?’ Seriously?” asked Discord his gaze lingering on the princess for moment, “You told me you would never be with someone outside your species!” Discord said the surprise in his voice obvious. “I said, that ‘I wouldst hath nothing to do with thou in a romantic sense,’ I said nothing about not having a mate outside my species” said Luna scowling at the draconequus who scoffed. “If I remember correctly, you said ‘Never wouldst I be caught dead in thy arms’ and you then tried to stick me with your horn” said Discord, Masao sighed as the two other immortals argued. “I would love to continue this, dear Luna,” Masao growled at the draconequus for that, “but I am needed elsewhere” at that Discord vanished and Masao sighed into his hands as he covered his face with them. “So begins the briefest reign of chaos ever seen” Masao mumbled… “The Elements! They're gone!” said Twilight in shock and Celestia took a moment to look into the case that normally housed the elements. “That chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I can break! This doesn't make sense!” said Celestia as she dropped the box when there was a laugh, one very familiar to Celestia. “Make sense? Oh, what fun is there in making sense?” said Discord, but the group of ponies couldn’t see him. “Discord... Show yourself!” shouted Celestia worried that she was unable to find the draconequus, who was now chuckling, soon revealing himself on a window pane. “Did you miss me, Celestia? I missed you. It's quite lonely being encased in stone, but you wouldn't know that, would you, because I don't turn ponies into stone.” said Discord with a bit of anger at the end before he went back to a cheerful voice, “I did meet that new stallion you have in the castle, he’s a keeper! I do hope you have tapped that, it’d be a crime if you haven’t” said Discord and Celestia blushed heavily as she shook the thoughts from her head. “Oh wait, I forgot, he’s dear Lulu’s isn’t he? Still that didn’t stop you before!” Celestia blushed deeper as she tried to forget that particular incident, involving Discord, a cheap bottle of wine, and herself. “Enough! What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?” asked the solar Diarch as she continued to blush, her student and her friends looked at the princess curiously. “Oh, I just borrowed them for a teensy little while.” before he snapped his claws and was gone off that window… “I pity Celestia right about now…” said Masao as he took a sip of the chocolate milk he had gathered in a glass, Luna looking at him incredulously having her own glass near her, just as Sharp Sword burst into the room. “Are you two alright!? I just heard Dis… Are you two drinking the chocolate milk from the cotton candy clouds?” asked Sharp Sword the look on her face one of disbelief Masao just nodded whilst Luna hiccupped and excused herself as she got up and went to the restroom. “Do I even want to know?” “Bathroom break probably? Oh look, Twilight and her friends are going into the hedge maze… Idiots” he groaned and Sharp Sword looked at him. “Are you OK? You seem different” at that Masao chuckled “Yeah I am alright, it is just I knew the answer to Discord’s riddle already—” “Wait! You know where the Elements are!? Why didn’t you tell me, we have to—” “Nay, we cannot. Ser Masao reached an accord with the spirit of Discord” said Luna as she sat back down and watched everything unfold in the hedge maze. almost bored. “If it protects you two, I will stay out of his way, besides, he isn’t going to win” said the human and soon the hedge disappeared as Rainbow Dash flew away. It was only when a stray pie flew by that Masao sighed. This Chaos would be the death of him… “Twilight, aren't you missing somepony?” asked Spike as he looked around having just returned the Elements to the unicorn. “Nope. We've got the liar, the grump, the hoarder, and the brute. That just about covers it.” said the angry Twilight and Spike spoke up again. “But what about Rainbow Dash?” at that Twilight clipped the necklace of Loyalty onto his neck. “Congratulations, Spike, you're the new Rainbow Dash. Now let's go!” “There we go! Lady Sparkle is about to—” “Fail. Rainbow Dash is not there, and the other elements with the exception of Twily are corrupted by the Spirit of Discord” interrupted Masao and Luna sat down and pouted like a scolded child. “Is this perhaps how some of our subjects feel when we point out things to them?” asked Luna and Masao shrugged before motioning towards where Discord was currently sitting on his throne. Twilight and her group were gathering once again and Masao grinned. “It is time” “Chaos is a wonderful, wonderful thing” laughed Discord and Twilight spoke up completely confident once again. “Not as wonderful as friendship.” said the purple unicorn and Discord scoffed at the group “Oh, this again?” he asked as he drank the glass holding some chocolate milk and threw the chocolate milk which exploded in the distance. “Discord is going to lose shortly, and then we can get back to what we had originally planned for today…” said Masao just as the Elements of Harmony fired on the draconequus and turned him to stone. “Interesting, I suppose it is time to head to Donut Joe’s?” asked Luna and Masao chuckled as he and Luna headed out motioning for Sharp Sword to follow them, who did so, her mouth slightly open in shock still at the whole situation that had passed… Author's Note
Common Era Chapter Sixteen/MLP Season Two Chapter Two: Lunar Eclipsed/Some Alone Time with Sharp Sword Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Sixteen/MLP Season Two Chapter Two: Lunar Eclipsed/Some Alone Time with Sharp Sword “Art thou sure I would enjoy going to Ponyville? Surely I wouldst enjoy the night better if—” “Luna go, you will never reestablish your image if you stay hidden in the castle with me and Sharp Sword.” said Masao with a small smile before leaning over and kissing the princess’s cheek. “But I—” “Luna, just go, you have been staying in isolation with Masao these last few days, I haven’t even had a chance for some alone time with him, it isn’t fair that you be the only one that gets alone time with him” said Sharp Sword as she walked into the room purposely stopping to give the princess and Masao a kiss. “I-I suppose I could go and take a small vacation…” “Good!” said Sharp Sword with a wide smile on her face and she started to push the princess out of the room, “Be sure to have a good time!” and with a final push Sharp Sword slammed the door shut and with a lustful look towards Masao, pounced on the unprepared human… Princess Luna sat in the chariot pondering why Sharp Sword seemed to be very pushy about getting her out of the room when one of the guards pulling the chariot mentioned they were close to Ponyville… Masao laid on the ground panting while Sharp Sword snuggled up against him. “Now tell me that wasn’t worth me pushing out the princess for?” Masao glared at Sharp Sword for a moment before a smile grew on his face as he pulled the ‘captain’ into a kiss. “You and I have to have a conversation about you pushing Luna out when you want my attention” Masao mumbled and with a sly grin the unicorn kissed Masao softly. “Don’t pretend you don’t like it” she whispered into his ear before nibbling on it causing Masao to squirm… “Citizens of Ponyville! We have graced your tiny village with our presence, so that you might behold the real Princess of the Night! A creature of nightmares no longer, but instead a pony who desires your love and admiration! Together we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!” said Luna in her ‘Royal Canterlot Voice’ as she pulled her hood off of her head. “Did you hear that, everypony? Nightmare Moon says she's gonna feast on us all!” shouted Pinkie. Here and the children then ran away screaming. “What? No, children, no! You no longer have reason to fear us! Screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror!” said Luna as she stomped on the ground before her eyes located the mayor of Ponyville, “Madame Mayor, thy Princess of the Night hath arrived.” she said jaunting out her hoof to the cowering mayor. “What is the matter with you? Very well, then. Be that way. We won't even bother with the traditional royal farewell.” huffed Luna as she started towards the edge of town, she knew that coming out was a bad idea. Not that Masao listened to her, no, he insisted that she go out tonight! “Princess Luna? Hi—” started Twilight and Luna looked her up and down. “Star Swirl the Bearded. Commendable costume! Thou even got the bells right.” said Luna before she gave a small smile, “How art thou doing, lady Sparkle? We hath not seen thou since the Gala” “Thank you! Finally! Somepony who gets my costume! Uh, I just came to welcome you to our celebration!” said Twilight… “So you forced Luna out to ‘mingle’ so you two could buck?” asked Celestia with a disappointed look and Masao closed his eyes and shook his head exasperated. “I did not force her out to mingle so I could have sex, Celestia, I forced her out so that she could start to fix her image in the eyes of the young and adults, the fact that I managed to, for lack of better terms, ‘get laid’ while she was out, was a lucky coincidence” said Masao as he readied himself for her eventual explosion. Sharp Sword just continued to grin and occasionally nibbled on Masao’s fingers longingly flat out ignoring Celestia. However Celestia noticed Sharp’s lack of attentiveness. “Sharp Sword… Are you… In heat?” asked the alicorn her feathers ruffling and a blush appearing on her face as she then noticed a subtle scent in the air. “Maaaybeee” said Sharp Sword giggling as she stood up on her rear hooves and pressed a kiss on Masao’s cheek and with a little bit of magic forced a slightly surprised Masao into a kiss with her. “Naughty, naughty Princess! Did you want to have Masao for yourself? Well, TOO BAD! He’s mine!” she giggled, “Well Mine and Luna’s” she fell back and giggled while holding her stomach while Masao looked on in shock. “I take it this is either the first time you’ve dealt with a mare in—” “Nope, remember I spent years with Evening Star, no how she is acting is… Odd to say the least” said Masao but he stepped towards the mare in question who, at Masao’s sudden movement flipped over and looked almost like a cat poised to pounce as she growled cutely. “Well this is awkward…” Luna had just finished purposely scaring the children of Ponyville when Pipsqueak walked up and tugged on her tail to get her attention. “Um... Princess Luna. I know there's not gonna be any more Nightmare Night, but do you suppose maybe you could come back next year and scare us again anyway?” asked the young earth pony and Luna looked at him confused. “Child. Art thou saying that thou... likest me to scare me thee?” she asked incredulously at the question, surely it was not normal to want to be scared, despite what Twilight had told her. “It's really fun! Scary, but fun!” “It... is?” “Yeah! Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year.” said the foal with a bright smile on his face. “Well then. We shall have to bring Nightmare Night back!” said the lunar princess and Pipsqueak grinned. “Whoa! You're my favorite princess ever!” said Pipsqueak as he nuzzled her quickly before turning to the other foals. “She said yes, guys!” and the foals cheered merrily. “See? They really do like you, princess.” said Twilight Sparkle and Luna smiled cheerfully. “Can it be true? Oh, most wonderful of— I mean... Oh, most wonderful of nights.” said Luna a little sheepish as her slip up… “Are you seriously telling me to just up and… Buck Sharp Sword, here in the throne room?” asked Masao and Celestia nodded at the door before stepping outside closing the door and locking it with a clang. “Well this night took an odd turn…” Author's Note It seems to me that Sharp Sword gets a little silly during her heat cycle, what do you think??
Common Era Chapter Seventeen/MLP Season Two Three: A Canterlot Wedding Author's Notes Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Seventeen/MLP Season Two Three: A Canterlot Wedding “You know maybe you should--Never mind, you just send it on its way then…” said Masao as Celestia sent the letter to Twilight detailing her student’s and her friends’ jobs for the wedding of Princess Cadence and Prince-Consort-to-be, Captain Shining Armor. “What? Should I have waited for them to get here to inform them of their tasks?” admonished Celestia and Masao just gave her a deadpanned look. “No, but you should have waited a few moments more… You know in case Spike wasn’t near Twilight?” said Masao and Celestia scoffed a bit at the thought. Masao stood as the train station waiting for the unicorn mare he had come to call a student as well as a friend, and was not disappointed when she marched right past him barely pausing to say hello to one of her teachers as she marched right up to her brother and gave him a piece of her mind much to Masao’s amusement as he rolled his eyes a smirk on his face. “Hello, mr. human!” said Pinkie and and Masao turned to the pink mare. “Hello Pinkie, what brings you here? Last I checked you were needed in the reception hall to map out how to plan the party.” hinted Masao and thankfully the pink pony took the hint as she rushed off to take care of her job. “Twily! Ah, I've missed, you, kid. How was the train ride? I–” started Shining Armor and Twilight got right in his face. “How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married! I'm your sister, for pony's sake!” snapped Twilight and Shining Armor backed up. “It's not my fault! Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Didn't you see all the guards at the train station? Let alone that knight friend of yours?” “Yeah, there's a big wedding coming up. Maybe you heard about it?” said Twilight feeling completely justified in her anger. “It has nothing to do with the wedding. A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection. This, you need to see.” said Shining Armor as he caused the shield protecting Canterlot to come into view, Twilight gasped. “The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority.” “Okay, okay, I get it. You've got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up. But still... how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you any more?” asked the unicorn mare and Shining Armor looked at her with a smile. “Hey. You're my little sister. Of course you're important to me. But I'd understand if you didn't want to be my best mare now.” “You want me to be your best mare?” asked Twilight surprised at her brother’s comment. “Well... yeah.” “I'd be honored! But I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know! When did you even meet this ‘Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’?” asked Twilight and Shining Armor chuckled at her causing the purple unicorn mare to fume. “Twily, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter.” at that Twilight became all smiles. “Cadance? As in the Cadance? As in the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters?!” asked Twilight. as her tail started to wag almost like a puppy’s, Shining chuckled. “You tell me. She was your foalsitter.” “Ohmygoshohmygosh! Cadance is only the most amazing pony ever! She's beautiful, she's caring, she's kind…” “How many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go? I only know of one! And you're marrying her! You're marrying Cadance! You're marrying Cadance!” said Twilight after a quick trip down memory lane. “So tell me again why I am being locked in a room without my lover?” asked Sharp Sword, pouting, while Luna and Masao stood on the other side of the door. “Thou thought it would be alright to force me out just so thou could have our dear Masao all to thyself” said Luna and Masao moved to speak when Luna cut him off, “I know that thou sent me out too, but thine intentions were far more noble. Thee sent me out to help restore my image with the foals.” “Be that as it may, it is not Sharp’s fault. It isn’t as if she asked to be in heat. Nor is it fair to lock her up in the middle of her heat, if it gets to be too much we will be dealing with a babbling mess of a horny unicorn.” “Now is not the time for thy jokes!” “That wasn’t a joke…” “Oh” “Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don't know when she changed, but she changed! ‘Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’.” said Twilight to Rarity who was currently making the wedding dress. “Did I hear someone say my name?” asked Cadence as she walked into the room and Rarity laughed nervously. “Your highness! Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” said the nervous white unicorn, while she did indulge Twilight while she vented, she did not need it to ruin what could be a big break for her career. “Uh-huh.” said Cadence unenthusiastically, “Is my dress ready?” she asked and Rarity nearly stumbled over herself as she went over to the dress. “Yes, of course. Um, I've been working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you'll be pleased with the results! Mmm!” Rarity stammers as she showed off the dress, and Twilight watched on, meanwhile Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, and Twinkleshine also watched on, until Lyra noticed Twilight and she bounded over much to Cadence’s annoyment when she noticed the green unicorn’s behaviour. “Hey there, Twilight! How is that human friend of yours doing? Do you think you get me some time with him?” “Oh hey, Lyra. Masao? Yeah he is doing fine. No, I don’t think so” replied Twilight thankful to have something distract her from the obviously rude Cadence. “Aw! Why not?” “Because I don’t want to be used for targeting practice for the Lunar Guard when Luna and Sharp Sword find out I helped you corner Masao.” “But—” “No, Luna, it’s late in the morning, you need sleep” said Masao as he tucked in, a now passed out from exhaustion, Sharp Sword. “What of thee? Doest thou not need sleep?” asked Luna and Masao chuckled, before kissed Luna lightly on the lips. “I’ll sleep later, love, now, sleep” “N-not f-fair—” Luna yawned, “Using my power against me…” she quickly slipped off to sleep and Masao smiled softly, she needed to get some sleep, it was not often that he intended to cause mischief with the villain’s plans this time, he could already see that some of the guards had been replaced and he was not sure if Luna could see them, if she couldn’t then there was something about his human physiology that the Changelings couldn’t fool, whatever it was, or perhaps it was the combination of his human physiology and the dark gift? he shook his head trying to clear it of thoughts before sneaking out of the room and behind one of the replaced guards. “You know, you really shouldn't be wearing the armor of a royal guardspony unless you are a member of their forces” he said suddenly and the changeling looked back at him surprised. “Sir?” he asked and Masao drew and pointed a flintlock at the changeling. “Drop the disguise, Changeling, else yours will be the first changeling life I have ended in a very long time” “I-I dunno wh—” “I see through your disguises, now either change back to a changeling, and live, or remain hidden and be killed and then revealed to be a changeling, thus endangering your hive, and your queen” at that the changeling dropped his disguise and chittered at the human. “Watch your mouth, I am not above killing you still, now why don’t you be a friend and tell me why are you outside my mates’ room?” said Masao, and the changeling was quiet for a moment. before hissing and spitting green gunk at Masao’s flintlock managing to clog it up and then start flying away causing Masao to clench his teeth before throwing the useless weapon at the bug and knocking it unconscious. As soon as he had the changeling hidden he slit the changeling’s neck, killing it causing it to reveal itself. “Should have known better” he grumbled and he left his useless flintlock in there and continued to search for more changelings. “Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you're with me, right?” asked Twilight as Masao entered the room seemingly looking for something, or someone. “Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride's bad attitude.” and Twilight growled “Hey now, Twilight, you can’t blame her for not noticing when she has been focused on something else” spoke up Masao and the purple unicorn suddenly smiled. “You believe me, right, Masao?” at that Masao’s face fell, he did believe her hell he knew what was wrong, and while, yes he was screwing with the changelings’ plans he couldn’t flat out change what was going to happen. Or could he? “Yes, I do” he replied, “This is one the events I told you about, Twilight, one of the fixed events, an event I can’t do anything about, or at least I don’t think I can” “What this y`all are talking about? Events ya can’t change? Sounds like a buncha hogwash to me” said Applejack and Masao smiled at the farmer, causing her to blush a little. “Tell me, Honest Applejack, am I lying? Did I tell a fib when I said I don’t think I can change it? Did I lie when I said it was a fixed event?” asked Masao and Applejack sputtered at his jab at her representation of the element of Honesty. That night Masao entered the room he shared with his mates and was surprised to see Luna still fast asleep. but as tired as he was, and with how Sharp Sword was looking at him, he had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to dwell on it for too long… “I'm here! I'm not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!” said Twilight and everyone looked at her in shock, apparently letting everything Masao had said in one ear and out the other. “I'm sorry, I... I don't know why she's acting like this.” said Shining Armor and Twilight looked at her brother hurt for a moment, just a moment before she had a confident look on her face again. “Even Masao agrees with me, there is something up with her!” “Now Twilight, Ah don’t think that was what he had said…” “I'm sorry!” said Twilight believing that she had made a mistake and Cadence laid a comforting hoof on her, before the smile on her face grew vicious. “You will be.” “Greetings Chrysalis” said Masao, his sword drawn as he walking into the room that the bride-to-be was waiting in, outside the two changeling guards that were outside were knocked out. “Pleasant to see a changeling again after so many centuries.” He said the look on his face firm. When the changeling queen moved to call for aid Masao drew and aimed his second flintlock at her, “If I so much as suspect that there is a changeling drone on the other side of the door, I will pull this trigger and let the chips land where they may. Now you will tell me where the entrance to the crystal mines are” It took hours but following Chrysalis’s directions Masao found the entrance to the mine and with practiced ease took care of the two changelings stationed at the entrance, just as Twilight and the real Cadence climbed out of the mines. “Welcome back to the land of the living” Masao teased pulling his sword out of one of the changelings, “Shall we go interrupt your wedding princess?” “Yes, lets” “Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you—” started Celestia when the Twilight and Masao burst into the room, green ichor dripping off of Masao’s blades. “STOP!” shouted Twilight and Celestia looked, not at Twilight, but rather at Masao in surprise, why would he be ruining an event he had helped plan? “Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?” complained the false Cadence before she looked at Shining Armor and sobbed, “Why does she have to ruin my special day?” “Because it's not your special day! It's mine!” said the real Cadence as she walked into the room, a look of anger on her face, and the ponies all gasped. “What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?” asked Chrysalis and Twilight looked a little sheepish as she glanced at Masao, which told him that he was not going to like the answer. “I… Er… Promised Lyra I’d get with Masao on a date with her if she helped us out, turns out she is a very powerful unicorn in her own right” Masao facepalmed at Twilight’s explanation and swore he was going to have a few words with the purple unicorn after this was over with. “Hmph. Clever. But you're still too late.” said the changeling queen as she stood all the straighter. “Ah-ah don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?” asked Applejack and Masao groaned, did they not teach anything about the past anymore? “She's a changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them.” replied Cadence as Masao stepped forwards as Chrysalis laughed evilly. “Right you are, Princess. And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!” “You know, you could have sent an emissary to the castle, we could have found something to help you, I mean there are several ponies with an insect fetish, and several others who have unrequited love” said Masao and Chrysalis looked at the human surprised before shaking her head. At that point it went like the show until the shield broke and suddenly Masao jumped at the queen barely managed to scratch her when he was tossed over the balcony. “Well I could have did that better…” he thought aloud and just before he hit the ground a red aura enveloped him as Sharp Sword sighed, slowing his descent to a stop. “Tried jumping the changeling queen, did you?” she asked and Masao just grinned at his lover before she gave him a deadpanned look just before releasing him from her telepathic hold letting him drop the remaining couple feet to the ground. “Well thanks for that, love, but now we have bigger things to worry about” said Masao as he drew, aimed and fired his flintlock at a changeling that had attempted to attack Sharp Sword from behind. Sharp Sword never flinched. “I dunno how long I can keep my head in the game, love, but I’ll help as best I can.” said Sharp and Masao shook his head. “If you want to help then go guard Luna, I don’t know why she still isn’t up yet but as it is I need to head for the vaults, that is where the Elements are headed. I need you to try to wake Luna. If you can’t, guard her, but if you do, meet me in the throne room and be ready for a fight on your way there.” While Masao was making his way to the vaults he managed to meet up with Twilight and her friends they eyed him warily a he aimed and fired again and again with his multiple flintlocks until he had emptied them all, not once did he hit the mane six who were in the middle of the fray with the changelings whom disguised as the mane six themselves. “This is getting boring” he said as he stood there reloading his five remaining flintlocks having lost one the other day, at that however the changelings attacked him and with that he dropped the flintlock he was loading and weaving in and out of the changelings cut them down, the look on his face was one of… Boredom? “Couldn’t you make fighting you a little harder? I remember when fighting your kind was a challenge!” yelled Masao as the look on his face shifted to a manic one, his eyes went from the normal color of green to a more sickly shade, and the whites of his eyes turned a bright green themselves. “Um Twi, Ah don’t think” started Applejack before Masao stepped beside her, his eyes still the same, but the manic look had quickly disappeared, now on his face was a somber look. “The voice is back, and it wants blood” said Masao as wisps of purple smoke came from his eyes… “C̟̘̄́̏̂̏̍ͭa̰̫̬͈̜̯̓͗̿̉ͬ̐̚n̥̝͉̩̭̒ ͪ̍ͥ̏̆̈́y̷̫o̡̹̟̭̼͙͎͓ͯ́́̌͒͒u̻͇͋̎͊̾̈̊̊ ̮͋́ͨͣ̀h̲̥͛eͥ͊ͥâ͙̺̮̺͝ṛ̬̗̫̦ͨ̔̄̿ͫ ̿̓͆̆ͩ̋ͯm͙͖̪̹͈̼̰̈́e̢̤̠̜͈ͩ͋ ̞͙͙̲̯ͦ̇̀͢p͔̫̗͋ͥ͛̒̽r͉͕̦̟͓̈́̆iͯͤͯ̓ͩ͢n̖̰̝͈̙͍ͬ̚cͧ͋́e̥̦͑s̠̤̜̊̿͂ͥ̚s?̥͎͖̼̭̌́́ ̂̋̌͏̹̳̪ͅYͪ̅͂ͬ̈́o̞̊͡u͍͓̫ͩͨ̆̕ŗ͖͉̤̤̻̪̹̓ͧͯ͒̄ͫ͌ ̸̹͎̩̪̋m̖̙͚̖̜̹̎̂ͯͭͪ͒ẵ͇͇͙́t͑̃̑ͯ͊͌̆͏̥͙̩̪̻̫̗ẹ̇̓͌ͦ ̜̌̓̈́̎ͨ͢c̓̄̐ͪ̍̓a̎̔̀̾̇l͖͍͔̪̖͆̕l̛̪͓̎s̹ͨ̓ ͛ͯ̔̽͢t̙͂͛̉̌̂̚ọ̮̯̜̳̟̥͋ͩ̄ͦ̓͢ ̴͓̫̘̪̓m̻̗̞̖͎̗ͧ̿ͪ̚͡ë ̌̄ͤ̏͌ͪơn͙͓̥͖͇̮ͧ͒̈̊ͧ͞c͕̹͈̹̃͋ͨͥ̍̑̓e̛̿̓̀ͫ ̸̼͓̋̏̈̓̽ͣa̰̐͞g̥̰̠̽̒̈a̷̝͎̪̤̿͊i̤͔̰̩̲̗ͥͬ͐̄̉ͅn,̩̰̲̉ͪ̈̓̀ͅ ͩ͌̊ͨ̎ͪ̍͏̣͔̫͉̟̪ͅẖ͉o̲̜̠̘̺ͩ̐̋ͬ̿̓w̨̙̹̰̭̳̲̆ ̑͏l̹͈̘̻͍̺̺̅͊ͧ͒̿o̥̲͎̩n̞̥̙̾ͩ̎g̘ͮ̎̑́̃̓̃͟ ͩͨ̿̌̒̕bͨͣ̐e̸̗͔̪̣̝͋͑̍͑ͅf̡̖̩̰o̠̘̺̳͌͢r̶͓̳͚̩̎ͭ̓ḙ̍ͦ̇̎͆͒ ̧͙̼͎̦͍̙͖̇͒ͪ̏̐ͨh̠̩̥̯͚̤e̴ ̧̼͍͗̒̚̚h̤̜̺̋̌̒́̃̈́͌͟e̩̙̰ͦ͊̆ͩ̅͝e͇̦̩ͭ̑ͬ̉d̛̪̺̙̯̭ͧ̿̐ͤ̄̅ͮs̙̦̥̺̞̲̈́ͫ͌̉ ͏̠̘͖͕͙ṭ̸̓̀ẖ̳͍͙̼̣̲̐̽͐̚ȩ̘̲̀ͨ ̰͋͛ͦ̄͐̐̄͝s̹̘̳̀i̫͓̹r̫̩ͪ̇̀͊ͯͦȩ͔͈͉̭̪̦̭n̯̮̥͈͚̖̊ͮ͌’̨͎̙̥̎ͭ̐̏̀ͨͤŝ̥͕͈̍̇̂ ͔c̯͔̘̙̜̈́̓̑͗̊͛̾a̢ͭ̎ͣ̔ͮ́l͙̩̠̩͊ͦ̄͂͑̄͊l͎̠̬̜̻̙̻ͩͬ̏ ͖̰ͅä̪̦͚̭́͐̉n͕̖̟̻̘ͦ̓ͫ̆ͯͮ́̚d̵̖̳̣̒̿̓ ͇̺̙̂̿ͯi̞̗̪̘͈̹̜ͯs̴ͣ ̙͖̲̏͑̀ͧ̒ͧ͌͠m͎̺̝̙̪̞̞͆i̶͕̳̤̜ͩͮͬ͑ͫ͆n̶̩̻̂ͪͨ̎̚e̷̯ͥ̃̒?̤̦̙̪͇ͩͅ” Luna’s eyes shot open just as Sharp Sword burst into the room covered in the ichor of the changelings that had attempted to break into the heavily enchanted door and without a word she shot out onto the balcony and over the railing, flying at full speed towards Masao a look of terror on her face… Masao moved through the forces of the changelings, always cutting more of them down, mumbling under his breath how it wasn’t right, that they should have stayed hidden, his green eyes scanning the crowd and he picked off changelings by the dozen not once could any of them actually lay a hoof on him and suddenly he twirled sensing a threat and nearly took the head off of Luna who had chose that moment to land quite forcefully on a changeling that had attempted to sneak up on the human. “Masao, my love, thou needst to let it go, let the darkness go, let it go…” “Quick! Go to him while you still have the chance!” said Twilight as she nudged the pink Alicorn towards her brother. “Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over?” asked a dazed Shining Armor finally coming to his senses. “It's all over!” exclaimed Chrysalis and Twilight frowned at the changeling queen. “Your spell! Perform your spell!” said the young unicorn unfortunately Chrysalis heard her. “What good would that do? My changelings already roam free.” laughed the changeling queen. The door to the room flew open, and Masao walked in flanked by both Sharp Sword and Luna, the trio said nothing as they cross the room and sat in some of the seats that were facing the changeling queen. “My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them.” moaned Shining Armor as they quickly got over the scene that just happened. “My love will give you strength.” said Cadence. “What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment.” said Chrysalis and Masao just grinned which she caught, “What are you grinning about?” Masao was standing off in a corner with Sharp Sword, sipping from his champagne glass, he played his part as a prince-consort and gave his blessing to the pair after the whole fiasco with the invasion had been dealt with. However the truth was he wanted nothing more that to disappear and not be disturbed. Luna was talking with the ponies of the hour and glimmer in her eyes that brought a smile to his lips. Yes he was going to have to get some more training with his lover, but all in all, he did pretty well, not one pony had been hurt, and even as the darkness flowed throughout his body, he kept control of himself. Now all he needed to do was learn to control it completely… Author's Note Wow, this chapter was a lot of work! I was actually surprised at how it went! Well nothing left to do except for seasons three and four, and after that Post Common Era begins
Common Era Chapter Eighteen/MLP Season Three Chapter One: The Crystal Empire Part One Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Eighteen/MLP Season Three Chapter One: The Crystal Empire Part One Masao stood at the train station he now carried a firearm that held three shots, quite the innovation from the flintlock not even a year prior, he also had been training extensively much to the chagrin of his lovers, Sharp Sword and Luna, however they understood, and Luna had been the one training him in controlling the dark gift so what had happened during the Changeling Invasion would not happen again. As he was thinking about the recent past, he notice Twilight getting off of the train and Masao grinned and waved her over. “Hey, Twilight, how are you doing today? On your way to see Celestia I take it?” he asked and the mare in question nodded nervously and Masao grinned again, “Come, walk with me” he said and he started to walk towards the castle, Twilight in tow, “I happen to know why you were called, and I wanted to tell you, that I will be helping you.” he started and when Twilight made a look and moved to interject he continued, “Now I don’t mean I will give you the answer, nor will I help you cheat, but, I will be helping you with what she will be giving you” said Masao before he motioned to the throne room doors, “Go in. Your teacher is waiting for you” he finished with a slight push and with a light blush Twilight walked into the throne room where Celestia was waiting… After Twilight Sparkle had stopped feeling bad for herself, not expecting the challenge that now stood before her, Masao walked up, her friends in tow. Sharp Sword and Luna amongst them “Greetings fair Twilight, I trust you will keep an eye on the prince-consort Masao?” asked Luna as she stepped out from the middle of her friends. “I-I-I…” started Twilight when Sharp Sword spoke up not giving her a chance to finish her thought. “Watch him carefully, he won’t give you the answers you need, but he will try to fight his hardest to keep you safe, don’t let him die” she said cryptically which was unlike her but she gave a small confident smirk. “I also trust you will keep your hooves off of him, I know you had a small crush on him in the past” joked the mare, knowing full well that Twilight never felt that way for Masao, and Twilight blushed heavily and quickly denied it. “Well, off we go,” suggested Masao before walking over and kissing both of his mates. “Yes, off we go” said Rarity a slight wistfulness about her. her gaze lingering on Masao for a bit before she smiled at the princess and the princess’s herd sister… The train whistle blew as it pulled into a station that seemingly was in the middle of no where, the snow edition, and Masao walked right out also seemingly unaffected by the cold, his eyes however were the same color as they had been during the invasion. “This land is saturated in dark energies, why Luna thought it would be a good idea to send me here I doubt I will ever know” he grumbled when he turned towards the sound of crushed snow, his saber drawn and ready. “Twilight!” said a familiar voice and Masao grunted in response as Twilight beamed. “Shining Armor?” she asked almost happily. “Twily! You made it! We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark.” said Shining Armor as he started to lead them to their destination. “That I don’t doubt, windigos and Sombra would make for a deadly combination, wouldn’t you say?” spoke up Masao, and Shining Armor, instead of being upset at the human’s presence, just nodded. “A very deadly presence, that’s why we’ve got to hurry. We think Sombra keeps trying to get into the Crystal Empire” “But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected.” said Twilight before there was a bone chilling howl. “Th-That's him, isn't it?” asked Fluttershy “Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!” said Shining Armor as he started to move faster, trudging through the snow at a frantic pace. Masao drew his blade again and this time stood at the back of the group, gesturing them on. “Go, I’ll see if I can hold him back, darkness to darkness, at least I can give you a chance” said Masao as he used the dark gift to summon a wall of shadow that Sombra crashed into and for a moment was unable to get through. “Go, I’ll catch up” he said urgently… Twilight and her friends made it to the Crystal Empire unscathed as did Shining Armor who was exhausted, he had used his magic to shield them from the snow that had been kicked up by Masao’s sudden use of dark energies, snow that had been super charged with the dark magic and thus wore on Shining Armor’s strength all the more that if had been just plain snow… “Sparkleriffic!” said Pinkie Pie as she took in the sight of the Crystal Empire. “It's gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!” she said before mumbling a few words incoherently, “There are no words!” “Focus, Rarity. We're here to help Twilight, not admire the scenery.” said Applejack as she pushed by the awe struck unicorn. “Eh, I don't see what the big deal is. Just looks like another old castle to me.” said Rainbow Dash as she looked over her shoulder as if waiting for someone to come through. “A– p– guh! Another old...! Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni–” started Rarity before she was interrupted by both Applejack and Rainbow Dash laughing, “Very funny” said the puffy mare. While Twilight and Cadance performed their usual greeting to one another Masao clunked against the shield protecting the Empire before he frowned and with a determined look he pushed his way into the city-state, causing the pink Alicorn to grasp her head with her forehooves, even if it were not at malevolent force of darkness it was still a force of darkness that had just forced its way into the Crystal Empire. “My apologies, princess, but unlike you ponies, I do not have a fur coat to keep me warm and I do not feel inclined to try to relieve one of the native denizens of their own.” he said as he offered his hand to help her back to her feet, the pain that had shot through her when he forced his way through now gone through the act of sincere kindness, though it seemed as if the magic protecting the Empire had accepted him with that one act. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked her former foalsitter and Cadance nodded weakly with a smile to match. “Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra.” At that Masao frowned before moving his hands in an odd motion and a greenish glow encompassed them. “What has been wrought, undo, for what has been undone, renew, by the powers of darkness I command thee, REJUVENATE!” said Masao as he pulled upon the small amount of magic he could to heal the princess of her woes. To the shock of the ponies their a tendril of shadows seemed to stare at the princess for a moment before suddenly striking her and encompassing her with shadows. When it faded away Cadance looked none the worse for wear, in fact she looked better than when she had before he had used the spell on her. “Wh-What happened?” asked the princess of love and Masao smiled softly before bowing to her. “The power of darkness being used to heal rather than harm” said Masao with a smile before Shining Armor levitated a spear towards him a look of anger on his face. “How dare you try to—” “I would calm down little prince, before I have to get out the paddle” said Masao calmly using a finger to push the point of the spear away from him, much to the surprise of the ponies present… “King Sombra's spell must be why their coats aren't... crystally.” said Twilight looking to Masao almost making what she had said a question and Masao just smiled and said nothing for a moment. “I told you, lady Sparkle, I am not here to give you the answers, but I am here to aid you, as in to keep you safe, and by extension your friends safe as well.” said Masao as Rarity made her way back to the trio. “I tell you these ponies know nothing, and that worries me” said the fashionista which made Masao chuckle before tapping his nose and winking. “You know one of these day you need to tell me what that means” and Masao chuckled once more this time shaking his head. “Sorry, Twilight. These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin'. Only thing Ah was able to get out of 'em was somethin' about a library.” said Applejack and Twilight gasped in surprise. “A library? Well, why didn't you say so?!” “Uh... thought Ah just did.” said Applejack… As the door to the Crystal Empire’s library opened Twilight was took aback by the sheer amount of books there, it far outstripped the Canterlot Library and Ponyville’s library by magnitudes. “I just... I don't even know what to... There are no words.” said the purple unicorn and at that Masao chuckled while the librarian hesitantly crept up to them. “M-May I help you?” she asked and Twilight turned to her and smiled. “Yes. We're looking for a book.” “We have plenty of those.” deadpanned the other pony. “No, no, no, no, no... Yes! ‘History of the Crystal Empire’. I just hope it has the answers we need…” said Twilight as she propped the book open and started to read, “A 'Crystal Faire'. According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Faire was held every year to ‘renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire so they could protect it from harm.’ My friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book!” “Yes everything you need to know is in the book, but make sure you read it all” suggested Masao, just before Twilight started singing and Masao watched in awe as everything actually sped up to match the song’s progression… “It looks amazing! I don't know how I could've done this without you! One last check to make sure everything is in place, and then the festivities can begin!” said Twilight as she moved a valentine heart made of crystal onto a pedestal, rousing Applejack curiosity. “What's this thing for?” she asked poking the heart and it wobbled with a thunk back down on the pedestal. “The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the faire's centerpiece, so I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block.” said Twilight proudly and Masao’s grimace went unnoticed by the ponies… Sharp Sword sat with Luna and Celestia in the dining hall and the trio were eating in a tense silence until with a slam of the silverware Sharp Sword Stood up. “I’m going to the Crystal Empire, Luna, you’re coming with—” “Sharp Sword, we… We can not, did not Ser Masao make both of us promise not to follow him there?” asked Luna and Sharp Sword scowled at the mare. “Aren’t you worried about him? If—” “Of course I am worried about him!” retorted Luna her own silverware slamming down on the table. “Then why—?” “Why dost I stay here whilst he goes off to fight? Understand me Sharp Sword, it is not because I think I am some doll that should be placed on a shelf, nor that now that I have a mate I should let him go off and fight for my honor! No, it is because he asked me to trust him and I would have thought having been with him through now two lifetimes you would trust him as well” said Luna her light blue eyes piercing into Sharp Sword’s amber ones causing the much younger mare to be frozen in place. With a sip of tea Celestia sighed gaining both of the other mare’s attentions. “Really, you two… You really need to just go out onto the training fields and have at each other perhaps then you will relax enough to talk to each other with out almost shouting at each other” at that the two looked sheepish but it got worse when Celestia continued, “Luna is correct though, Sharp Sword, Masao asked you to trust him while he did this, so you should, but Sharp Sword is also correct, Luna, you could do to show more worry for your mate” both the younger mares just stayed silent as Celestia called them out… “I didn't know it was an actual relic! The book didn't mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart! There was a page missing... How did I not notice?!” asked a surprised Twilight as Masao sighed silently in the background. “It's alright, Twilight.” said Cadance gently before glaring at Masao who simply shrugged… Author's Note You don't know how long it took me to write this chapter ARGH!
Common Era Chapter Nineteen/ MLP Season Three Chapter Two: The Crystal Empire Part Two Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Nineteen/ MLP Season Three Chapter Two: The Crystal Empire Part Two “The Empire is under attack!” said Shining Armor as he and Masao got ready to fight off the shadow pony. “I have to find the Crystal Heart!” “No, you stay here with Cadance. She needs you, Shining Armor. I'll retrieve the Heart.” said Twilight and Masao grunted but gave a nod of approval in response. “Let's do this!” said Rainbow Dash but was intercepted by Twilight. “I've been trying to figure out how I'm meant to pass Celestia's test. Retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do.” she said catching her friends’ attentions. “Name it.” “You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Faire going.” said Twilight much to the shock of her friends, “The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so they can activate the Crystal Heart. If the Crystal Ponies find out that King Sombra is trying to take over the Empire again, their spirits are gonna be anything but lifted. It won't matter if I find the Crystal Heart. They won't be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Faire.” “Keep the Faire going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high. Done and done!” said Rainbow Dash before she and the rest of the elements split up to take care of their respective goals… While Twilight was looking for where the Crystal Heart was, Rainbow Dash informed Rarity and eventually Spike of what the plan was, upon hearing about the plan, Spike tried to stay put with Rarity until suddenly, Rarity looked down and Spike was not there, she looked up and saw the baby dragon cross the threshold of the castle. Coming across Twilight, Spike stopped and said panting. “Twilight, wait! I'm coming with you!” “You can't. I have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by myself.” said the unicorn and Spike grimaced but was not deterred. “I know. I promise I won't lift a claw to help you.” said the dragon to which Twilight sighed in response. “Not a claw, Spike.” “Where are we going exactly?” asked Spike and Twilight looked up for a moment which gave Spike his answer. “The castle?” “The king would've been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here. They'd have been too afraid to even try.” said Twilight much to the surprise of the dragon. “I hope you're right.” “You and me both.” Twilight and Spike came across a door, a door, that no matter what she tried, would not open. Soon however she thought about what Celestia had done in the throne room back in Canterlot, she channeled dark magics into the air, upon doing so the door opened… “What are you doing here?” asked Celestia as she looked at Twilight incredulously. “I don't know! I opened the door and–” “And now you must go.” said the solar diarch. “Go where?” asked Twilight confused at her teacher’s behaviour. “Doesn't matter to me. You failed the test, Twilight!” said Celestia angrily not wanting to spend another moment with the failure. “I don't understand! The test?” “Not only will you not move on to the next level of your studies, you won't continue your studies at all!” said Celestia when there was a cloud of shadows swirling near her. Shadows that then formed a vaguely human shape. “Now, I can’t have that now can I? She’s more than Celestia’s pupil, she is mine as well. Masao Darkheart, and I will not have you hurt her, you use fear to use the darkness? Pathetic.” said Masao as his form grew sharper. “M-Masao?” asked Twilight surprised as she choked back sobs from when she thought Celestia was actually stopping her tutelage. “Hey Twilight, I told you once before when you were a filly, it’s a teacher’s job to guide and protect their charges, much like a parent, and I am far from done teaching you, there is more I can teach you, from now until the end of time…” Masao’s voice trailed off a smile on his face as the vision she had dissolved as she heard Spike calling her name. “Twilight!” the first one seemed muffled. “Twilight? Twilight! Twiliiiight!” said spike, and he proceeded to quickly explain, “I know you told me to stay up there, but you were down here for such a long time and you weren't answering and I got worried so I came down here and you were just staring at that wall and... I was calling your name, but I couldn't seem to get your attention, and– What were you looking at? I mean... it's just a wall. ...Ponyville?! Well, how did I get... No! I don't wanna go! Please, Twilight, don't make me!” Twilight snapped out of it and slammed the door shut snapping Spike out of his vision. “King Sombra's dark magic. A doorway that leads to your worst fear.” she explained as Spike ran up to her and hugged her. “We were home. You told me you didn't need me anymore. You were sending me away…” “A fear that will never come to pass. I'm never gonna send you away. And I'm not gonna fail my test!” said Twilight and as soon as she did the door opened once more to reveal a flight of stairs… Twilight and Spike had been climbing this particularly long flight of stairs, round and round it went, but there was no top, or stop, except for that one with restrooms, and Twilight had to grudgingly thank Sombra for his ability to be kind even while being an evil spawn of darkness. It then clicked that maybe she should try something different, upon doing so she found herself sliding down the stairs and when she got to the bottom, or top? Whatever it was, when she got there, there was the Crystal Heart, pulsing and waiting for her to take to her brother and sister-in-law. “Twilight is safe, for now, but now we have these things to worry about” said Masao as he swiftly caused a flying dark crystal to fly through a portal and crash through behind the trio, it seemed that as soon as he had saved Twilight from Sombra’s trap the evil pony turned his gaze onto him… “You have to be the one to bring the Crystal Heart to the Faire.” said Twilight to her number one assistant who was holding the Crystal Heart in his claws. “Me? But Twilight—” “GO!” “My crystal slaves…” said Sombra as he started to become more corporeal as Masao walked out, in his hand was his sword. “By Darkness done, by Light undone, by Darkness undone, by Light done, Yin and Yang, Yang and Yin. Push and pull. Pull and push, GRAVITY!” said Masao as he pointed his rapier towards the sky and suddenly there was a dark purple sphere suddenly around the evil unicorn who was suddenly crashed into the ground as Masao strode over to the temporarily incapacitated opponent. “You call upon darkness to aid you Sombra, as do I, but unlike you, I am the stronger for it. I have FRIENDS!” as soon as he said that Spike came flying past on Cadance’s back and the duo landed at the pedestal, where they placed the heart. “You have lost” whispered Masao as Cadance called to the Crystal Ponies to use their light and love to destroy Sombra. Which it did, and just as he expected the light hit him too with the force of a freight train throwing him back, right into Rainbow Dash who was not expected the sudden push, but never-the-less stopped Masao from being flung into areas unknown… “It's beautiful.” said Celestia as she listened to Twilight recount the tale back in Canterlot Castle, and Masao chuckled in response to Twilight’s reply. “I wish it had been me who ultimately made it so. But it wasn't.” “Twilight, as I understand it, Spike brought Princess Cadance the Crystal Heart because you weren't sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower. You weren't willing to risk the future of the citizens of the Crystal Empire in an effort to guarantee your own.” said Celestia with a smile on her face before leaning down to nuzzle the purple unicorn, “Far better that I, no… Not I,” said Celestia as she glanced at Masao, “Far Better that we have a student who understands the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for her own best interests.” “Does this mean...?” asked Twilight as a smile dared her face. “You passed Twilight” said Masao as he ruffled her mane, “Now go out there and spend some time with your friends, I am sure they miss you, and I have two mares I need to go see, I trust they behaved Celestia?” “Well…” Author's Note No that was not a cliff hanger... But you will be getting a mini chapter next! yeah that isn't something I should be sounding excited about... Meh
Common Era Chapter Twenty-one/MLP Season Four Chapter One: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part One Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-one/MLP Season Four Chapter One: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part One “Check, check, check, check, and... check! Huh, whaddaya know? We're way ahead of schedule! I credit your extremely competent assistant.” said Spike trying in his own way to cheer Twilight up, the new princess was missing her friends who were still in Ponyville. She grinned in response. “So do I.” “The Celebration isn't until the day after tomorrow. We could still fit in a quick trip to Ponyville and be back in plenty of time to finish off these last few things before the main event!” said the young dragon and Twilight sighed at his enthusiasm. “That would be nice, Spike, but what if something else came up while we were gone? What if we were delayed getting back and I wasn't able to finish everything on that list? What if we lost the list on the way to Ponyville and then couldn't remember which things we'd done and which things we hadn't done, and then spent so much time trying to figure out what we hadn't done and what we had done, and we ruined the entire Celebration by not doing the one really important thing that we were supposed to do?!” se fell to the ground with a thud upon finishing her tirade. “Uh... so that's a 'no' then?” “These are the first royal duties Princess Celestia has given me. I can't risk letting her down!” said the newest princess while staring at her ‘number one assistant’ sternly. “And I'm sure you won't.” came the surprising reply from Celestia and both Spike and Twilight turned and bowed to her in surprise, “No need for that now, Princess Twilight.” “Sorry.” “Geez, princess, you’d think you were still part of the common rabble” teased Masao as he and Luna walked into the room, Sharp Sword having decided to get some sleep before she had to report for duty. “MASAO!” said the purple alicorn as she jumped him, nearly knocking him over as she hugged him. Masao for his part was very uncomfortable with how she had just acted, but said nothing as Luna used her magic to pry the newest alicorn off of him. “Calm thyself, Princess Twilight” “I must admit that it is wonderful to actually be looking forward to the Summer Sun Celebration.” said Celestia much to the astonishment of Twilight and Luna. However Masao nodded in agreement for his part. “What do you mean?” asked Twilight and Luna echoed the question “For my subjects, it has always been a celebration of my defeat of Nightmare Moon. But for Masao and I…” Celestia sighed, “It was just a terrible reminder that I'd had to banish my own sister, and for Masao, a close friend, now lover” “I guess I never really thought about it that way.” said Twilight which made Masao and Celestia smile. “I wouldn’t have expected you to, my Dear Student” said Masao with a smile as he ruffled the new princess’s mane. “But now it has become a wonderful reminder of her transformation back into Princess Luna,” at that Luna managed to quite obviously ‘sneak’ a kiss onto Masao’s cheek, “and our happy reunion. I am so pleased that you will be playing a role in the festivities. I know it must have been difficult to see your friends return to Ponyville without you.” said the Solar Triarch and Masao simply messed Twilight’s hair once more before leaving the room stopping at the door for a moment. “Twilight, I will not be available this month, something came up that demands my attention and I must handle it. If any of you need me, have Discord deliver the message himself” said the Lunar Knight, and for a moment one could see him channeling the darkness within him. Whatever it was, was truly upsetting him. “You may no longer be my student, Princess Twilight, but I hope you know that I will always be here if you need me. Just as I hope that you will always be there when I need you.” said Celestia a little confused as to the reason for Masao’s comment, was her sister and Sharp Sword not enough? No she wasn’t going to assume, but Twilight’s reaction when he entered the room… “You two, you’re coming with me” said Masao bringing Celestia back to the present, and she noticed two bat ponies give a slight bow before heading off to gear up, it seemed that the clan that Masao had brought back with him had successfully integrated themselves into the guard. As her sister and Masao left Celestia turned to look at Twilight she saw the newest alicorn receive a message via a messenger pony. “A letter from Ponyville, I presume?” she asked and Twilight put the letter away. “Never mind. It's not important. Spike, where were we?” was Twilight’s reply, and when Spike suggested that they call it a night Twilight gave a soft smile, “We should probably go over the checklist one more time.” “I knew you were gonna say that…” was the downtrodden dragon’s response. “I'll leave you to it” with that Celestia left the duo and was walking down the hall when something wrapped around her hooves and quickly pulled her out of the castle seemingly avoiding the guards of the castle… The next… No that day the sun did not rise, as Twilight rose from her bed she looked at the time and was shocked to say the least. She soon started to search the missing princesses when she was ‘cornered’ by two of the castle guards who had also been searching. “Your Highness, you must come with us.” said the guard and the door slammed behind the duo as the guards ushered them inside. “It's Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.” said the guard gaining Twilight’s attention, only for them to gasp in response at the second guard’s exclamation. “They're gone!” Having received a message about the princesses being captured by forces unknown, Masao had to grit his teeth and continue with his personal mission. With him were four of the best of the Lunar Guard, and he had to ensure, if he could, that Tirek never gained enough power to attack Equestria. “Grand Elder! We should go back to the castle! The princesses—” “Are missing, and all the guard there are already looking, you four are the best in the Lunar Guard, but even five more sets of eyes, mine included, will not find the princesses any faster. No we continue, we chase an enemy of unparalleled evil” said Masao calmly as the magical chariot that he rode in stood there in the air, the group having stopped as soon as they received the news from Discord, whom Twilight had sent to inform him of the plight. “So should I tell the newbie that she’s on her own then?” asked Discord and Masao glared at him for a moment before his eyes softened. “I know she will not be on her own, she has her friends and she also has you to help guide her in my stead” “I suppose I could watch her, but you owe me! I think there is a few—” “Go, Discord, I have a bad guy to find and you have a mess that you need to clean up” “Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap-ooh!” sang Discord as he was poofed into the company of Twilight and friends he managed to conjure a shower to make it seem like he was in the bath at that moment in time. “Now, Twilight, you know Princess Celestia said that you were to give me a heads up before you summon me with that little spell she gave you. In case you haven't noticed, I was in the middle of a particularly invigorating shower.” he said admonishingly and Twilight scowled at him. “E-nough! Release Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and stop the Everfree Forest from invading!” said the only alicorn in Ponyville making Discord frown at her. “First you demand that I delieve a message to that human Masao. Speaking of which he received it, but is intending on continuing on that mission of his. He said to tell you that he trusts in your ability to bring this crisis to a final end. and now you accuse me of what ever is wrong!” said the draconequus annoyed at the group of ponies in front of him. “Don't you play dumb with us, Discord! We know you're the one behind all of this!” argued Applejack making Discord grin before responding. “Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love what you've done with the place, but I couldn't possibly take responsibility. I'm reformed, don't you remember?” “Yeah, right! This has got your cloven hoofprints all over it!” argued Rainbow Dash much to Discord’s chagrin. “I'll have you know that I have only one cloven hoof. Such accusations. And here I thought we were friends.” he replied only to be accosted by Pinkie Pie who in turn accused him of ying. “ Ladies, ladies, I'm innocent. Would I lie to you?” and every one of the mares except Fluttershy yelled yes, Fluttershy however responded with a maybe. As the ponies started talking about blasting him back into stone Fluttershy flew between them and Discord “Hey! We can't do that! What if he really is telling the truth?” “Well, finally! Somepony willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. The rest of you could learn a lot about friendship from my dear friend Shutterfly here.” said Discord as he motioned to Fluttershy. “Um, it's Fluttershy.” “Oh, right, whatever.” As he dismissed them, he did point them in the direction of someone who could help them, the zebra Zecora… Author's Note AWESOME I got this chapter finished!
Common Era Chapter Twenty-two/MLP Season Four Chapter Two: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part Two Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-two/MLP Season Four Chapter Two: Princess Twilight Sparkle Part Two “Why are you all looking at me like that?” asked Twilight as she regained her senses from drinking the potion. “It's just... you were mumblin' to yourself…” said Applejack almost mumbling herself. “Ooh! And don't forget the uncontrollable sobbing!” remarked Pinkie Pie much to the surprise of the young Alicorn princess, not because to spoke up but because of what she said. “We were really worried about you.” said Fluttershy worriedly and Twilight smiled comfortingly to the yellow pegasus, but frowned at Discord’s next remark. “I for one found it delightful. Sort of a one-pony theater piece, if you will. You should really consider taking it on the road.” “Did you find out whose rump we need to kick and where we can find them?” “I saw something from a long time ago. But it didn't explain what's happening now.” said Twilight, more than a little confused. “Perhaps farther back still are the answers you seek. Another sip of the potion will give you a peek.” said her zebra friend by the name of Zecora. “You sure about this?” asked Spike but his only answer was Twilight swallowing more potion. “OK then, you just go on and do that…” “Oh, I do hope she breaks into a song this time!” said Discord delighted at the outcome. As Twilight came out of her most recent vision of the past she explained that the ‘Tree of Harmony’ was in danger, and what the Tree of Harmony actually was, not to mention where it was, inside the Everfree Forest… “Seems like only yesterday we were heading into these woods to find the Elements of Harmony.” said Rarity as she reminisced about the last time they came in here to take care of something, or someone, that had endangered Princess Celestia. “Seems like only yesterday I was foolish enough to think I should go after them on my own. I don't know what we're going to face in there. But whatever it is, I know we need to face it together.” her friends all voiced their agreement. “Sir, we need to—” “Lieutenant, if you are about to suggest we return home, I would suggest that you keep such thoughts to yourself” said Masao sternly as he reloaded his revolver, again they had upgraded the tech involved, and seemingly faster than mankind had, the revolvers now had a six shots instead of three and were reminiscent of the 1835 colt revolver Masao carried three of these guns, he had recently used them as they had been attacked by a few of the escapees from Tartarus, who no longer were of this world thanks to the four bat ponies and himself. “Ser Masao, I do understand that you think you need to—” “Tell me, Corporal, what do you know of the criminal known as Tirek?” asked Masao and the bat pony shrugged. “That is our quarry, the reason I chose you four is because, you are not only the best in the ones available to me to go, but you have not found your special talents. Tirek has the ability to steal the latent magic in ponies particularly those who have found their special talents” “So we weren’t your first choice?” asked a female bat pony a pout on her lips as she stopped snuggling against one of her fellows, it was a day where they were. “I would never had been able to go with my first choice to begin with, as they already have their cutie marks. Therefore you were my first choice” countered Masao causing the quartet of bat ponies to look at him in confusion for a moment as he shut his revolver. “It’s time to leave, now, we’ll warm up on the move” “Yes sir!” “No luck finding your tree?” asked Discord as he freed a couple ponies from the vines that had infested Ponyville. “We ran into some trouble. And my friends decided it would be best if I returned to Ponyville while they continue the search. Equestria will need me if Princess Celestia and Princess Luna don't return.” reasoned Twilight though on the inside she was hurting that her friends had asked her to leave. “I'm just surprised that you agreed to their plan. I never thought you'd be the kind of pony who would think she was better than everypony else.” “I don't think I'm better than anypony!” argued Twilight rather angrily at the chaos spirit. “Oh, well, how silly of me to assume that you would think that. All you did was choose to keep your precious princess self out of harm's way while your friends thrust themselves right into it. I'm sure you'll all be the best of pals again when they return from their terrifying yet deeply bonding experience that they're having without you.” “I know how we can save the tree. We have to give it the Elements of Harmony.” said Twilight after being rescued from a set of vine plants that had tried to eat her, and taking stock of what was happening to the Tree of Harmony. her friends voiced concerns about said course of action even going so far as to mention that the Elements were what tied them all together. “You're right about one thing, Applejack. The Elements of Harmony did bring us together. But it isn't the Elements that will keep us connected. It's our friendship. And it's more important and more powerful than any magic. My new role in Equestria may mean I have to take on new responsibilities, and our friendships may be tested, but it will never, ever be broken. There's no time to lose. Everypony ready?” Upon their affirmation that they were ready Twilight and her friends returned the Elements of Harmony and both Celestia and Luna were freed. After the dark evil vines disappeared a crystal lockbox with six keyholes appeared in front of the ponies. “Six locks, six keys.” commented Luna stating the obvious as she had been up for almost two days straight, the vines not letting her getting any shut eye. but it was nothing a little sleep wouldn’t fix. “Bravo, ladies, bravo! How ever did you save the day this time? Blast the beastie with your magic necklaces, I presume? Where are those little trinkets of yours? You know, the ones you use to send me back to my extremely uncomfortable stone prison?” said Discord as the group of ponies left the Everfree Forest and it was Apple Jack who spoke up with a sigh. “Gone.” “Gone? Gone?” “But our friendship remains. And if you want to remain friends, you'll stop thinking whatever it is you're thinking and help us clean up.” said Fluttershy in a voice that could be considered harsh, coming from her. “Fine. But I don't do windows” Author's Note I'M BACK!!! I am so sorry! I was out camping this past weekend, and what is worse, I finished this chapter before I left! I am so sorry! Also I AM GOING TO BRONYCON!! So if you are going to Bronycon let me know! I would love to meet one of my readers! Maybe give a little sneak peek as to what will happen later
Common Era Chapter Twenty-three/MLP Season Four Chapter Three: Twilight’s Kingdom Part One, Twilight’s Lesson in Humanity Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-three/MLP Season Four Chapter Three: Twilight’s Kingdom Part One, Twilight’s Lesson in Humanity Masao and his group continued to search for any sign of Tirek, whom seemed to have vanished off the map, for several months until they were forced home due to not having enough food to continue their search. “Ser Masao, why are we heading to the Crystal Empire?” “Besides the fact we are closer to them?” argued one of the bat ponies who was tired of the traveling everywhere that caught Masao’s eye, everywhere they went there were signs that the fugitive had been there, but no sign of here he might have went… “I simply figured that you would want to meet up with Celestia and Luna and catch a ride back with them” said Masao calmly, but in truth he was furious, no matter how he tried he couldn’t find the damnable centaur! “Seems like only yesterday I was saving this place from being totally destroyed. Hey, you guys remember that?” asked Spike and Rainbow dash grumbled about how the young dragon had mentioned it several times on the train ride up to the Crystal Empire. “Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits.” Rarity answered sarcastically though she did sneak a glance at the purple dragon, at times the dragon acted so much older than he appeared, at others he acted like a child. “Heh, point taken.” “I'm glad you all wanted to come, but I don't think it's gonna be—MASAO!” said Twilight as the human managed to walk onto the path from somewhere past her field of vision. “Ah, Twilight!” said Masao with a smile as he walked up to her only for a dark blue blur to topple him over as Luna nuzzled him lovingly. “Thou art here!” as Luna ruined her image Sharp Sword ran up panting and came to a stop and frowned at the human. “So you finally show yourself, and you!” said Sharp Sword as she rounded on the bat ponies that staggered into the area, the chariot having been worn out over a month prior. “Yes sir?” asked the female bat pony her armor tarnished as much as her fellows “You four left without checking with me! YOUR CAPTAIN!” shouted the angry unicorn as Masao managed to break free of Luna who was now sitting on the ground pouting much to Celestia’s embarrassment as she lighted upon the ground beside them. “Well… This is awkward, I know I told you I was taking a few of the Lunar Guard with me when I left.” said Masao and Sharp Sword glared at him for a moment before the glare softened into a look of longing, longing to leap into his arms just as her soon to be herd sister did. When Masao motioned for her to do so she did exactly that, she lept straight into Masao’s arms and nuzzled him lovingly. “I missed you” said Sharp Sword before she pressed her lips to his, long enough that it was endearing, but short enough that it was not awkward for onlookers. “Masao, my love, you have a double wedding to plan, I never got to marry you before I died the first time, and now you have the princess pining for you.” “I suppose…” “Suppose? My dear friend, Masao, you are not getting cold feet, are you?” asked Celestia as the dignitaries from Saddlerabia made their way down the path led by a grimacing Cadence. as she gave a slight motion for the group to hurry up with their visit as not to keep the dignitaries waiting. “I think we need to put this on hold, I apologize for taking up your time Celestia. Luna, please, you are a princess, not—” “I know what I am, Ser Masao now begone, I need to greet these ponies in peace” said an annoyed Princess Luna which made Masao grin. “Good I’ll see you in a bit” “Your highness. Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum.” said the Duke and Masao scoffed leaning on the wall while Twilight bowed. “No one asked for your opinion you beast, I am surprised that the princesses even let you live in their borders let—” “I am a knight of the realm, and engaged to the lunar princess, and a dark mage, insulting me is the last thing you should do, duke.” “It is also very rude to be insulting one of my teachers like that!” argued Twilight as her eyes took a slight green hue for a moment but at look from Masao and she got complete control of herself. “Hmph!” grunted the duke before leaving with his wife and Masao just glared at their backs as the elder princesses walked out. “Luna, I am not one to get involved in politics, but I think I should be present next time you treat with the duke” “Dare I ask what brought this on?” asked Celestia and Twilight gave a slight glare at the Solar Diarch, “What is wrong my dear Twilight?” “The duke found it appropriate to insult Masao, calling him nothing more than a beast and how—no nevermind” said Twilight interrupting herself as Luna glared down the direction the dignitaries had left. “I will not play party with such a rude stallion again, if he thinks he can insult my mate and get away with—” “Luna, I will get my on revenge in the form of messing with him during the diplomatic meetings, as your mate, I am telling you, let me deal with it, besides a pair of fresh eyes on a lot of the issues you deal with” “I am telling you both no, as a sister and as a friend” said Celestia “I just dunno what I—” “If you are worried about what your crown means, don’t. You’ll find out soon enough, my dear dear student. Now you and I have something to talk about.” said Masao as he interrupted her self-defeating comment. “Yes?” asked Twilight her nervousness obvious to anyone who dared to look. “I noticed you channelling dark magic earlier when we were talking to the duke, I told you dark magic is not a plaything, it is dangerous, I use it heavily, because that is the only magic I can use. You however have access to a far greater repertoire of magic!” said Masao with no little amount of anger. “He was insulting you! It was wrong! How can anypony call themselves civilized if they are insulting people based on the way they look?” Masao stared at her surprised at her comment, but then again she did not know much about humanity. “I have been insulted by the way I look by several of the ponies of Equestria, I have also seen my own kind insult other humans based on the color of their skin or their religion” “Th-that can’t be true! You are one of the most—” “Most what? Kind? Far from it, I am tolerant to a point. I am not kind, not by a long shot.” “‘Is he friend or is he foe?’, the pony wonders. I can assure you... I am no friend. I am Lord Tirek, and I will take what should have been mine long ago.” Masao dropped the bottle he was holding as Luna rushed out of the room, the combined sound of the bottle clattering to the floor and the doors slamming open startled Sharp Sword awake and she glanced at Masao who was gritting his teeth a snarl on his face. “Masao? Wha—” “Tirek!” he snarled causing Sharp Sword to leap back out of bed, she had heard him explain before why he was so set on finding Tirek before and now she knew he had failed, and that he as furious. “I've just had the most terrible dream.” said Celestia as she stared at her sister whom had burst into the room. “Why do you think I'm here? You know as well as I that this was not a dream, but a vision.” said Luna, no longer did she speak in the archaic tongue. “Then we haven't much time. The stronger he becomes, the more we are all in danger.” “Princesses” said Sharp Sword as she walked in with Masao at her heels a look of grim determination on his face they had just informed Twilight that they were sending Discord to take care of Tirek, “Ser Masao has a message to give you.” “What is wrong love?” asked Luna and Masao gave her a sad look. “After this incident is dealt with I will not know what is going to happen, for lack of better terms these are that last two episodes I saw before I came here” “Last two episodes? You make it sound like our lives were nothing but a show before now” said Twilight and Masao grimaced but nodded. “It was, back when I lived on Terra. In fact it centered around your life, Twilight, I have spent more time with Luna than the show did in all four years I had watched it before…” “Are—” started Luna “I fell in love with you Luna long before I got here, but I was determined not to force a relationship, that you needed friendship far more than I needed a relationship with you, and before I got here, I never heard of a pony called Evening Star, or even Sharp Sword.” As Masao continued to explain about their lives being a show where he was from Twilight snuck out she had to see a tree about a box… “As in Discord Discord?” asked Applejack as they discussed Celestia’s decision as Twilight seemed to be packing in the Library. Of course Fluttershy defended the draconequus much to the annoyment of her friends. “So what is going to happen, and don’t tell me that you can’t tell us, we will play by the rules and let it happen, but I want to know.” said Cadence and Masao sighed before looking out the window and was quiet for a bit. “Maso—” “Discord is going to betray you and aid Tirek, and then he is going to try and succeed in getting all the magic in Equestria, except for your magic which will be in the hooves of Twilight…” Author's Note First of the last few chapters of this story! I hope you are ready, because soon starts book three!
Common Era Chapter Twenty-Four/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Two/Masao’s Fall Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty-Four/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Two/Masao’s Fall “…your magic which will be in the hooves of Twilight…” “WHAT!? Why would we—” started Luna “I am just telling you what has to happen” said Masao urgently and Celestia looked on thoughtfully before speaking up for the first time since Masao started talking. “And then what happens?” it was this that quieted down the two other Alicorns. “Then I will kill Tirek, or at least try to—” “I came as quickly as I could! Is something wrong? Is it Tirek?” asked Twilight as she ran into the room Masao and the princesses standing there looking grim - - Flashback - - - “We have to tell her!” said Cadence and Masao stood up and drew his revolver before slamming it to the table, the sudden slam causing it to click harmlessly without the hammer pulled back. “No” “But she—” “This is a lesson she must learn, if I fail to defeat Tirek, she will need to ‘finish the episode’ as it were” “STOP IT! This isn’t a show to be watched, this is OUR LIVES” “Mi Amore Cadenza, calm yourself, Masao is correct, whether we like it or not, if he fails Twilight must learn more about the element she embodies” - - Flashback End - - - “I'm afraid I put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him.” said Celestia calmly, a soldier, who was as greyed out as they come after a run in with Tirek, managed to make it here and report to Celestia about Discord’s defection making Masao’s story ring all the truer. “Discord has betrayed the ponies of Equestria and joined forces with Tirek.” commented Luna and Masao gave a silent sigh, that thankfully went unnoticed by Twilight. “How could he do this?! I thought our friendship meant something to him! I thought he had changed.” “He did, it did, and he has. There is a reason alcoholics don’t go to bars, too much temptation.” said Masao and Celestia flinched at the indirect admonishment. “Tirek has stolen enough magic that he now has the strength to steal flight as well. Without Pegasi to control the weather, there will be no rain in Equestria. There is word he has gone after Earth ponies as well. Without their strength, they will not be able to tend the land.” “Ponies will no longer be in control of their world. That power will belong solely to Tirek.”said Luna in response to her sister’s comment. “There is no doubt that Tirek is after Alicorn magic. With Discord by his side, we will not be able to stop him from taking it.” “Once it is in his possession, his power will know no bounds, and all hope will be lost.” “But there is one solution. It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved. We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us.” said Celestia and Twilight gasped in response. It was then that Luna spoke up once more. “Tirek is set on possessing Alicorn magic. When he comes for us, we cannot have what he is looking for.” “I'm more than willing to do my part and give up my magic.” Masao silently chuckled at Twilight’s eagerness to do whatever was necessary to protect Equestria, but Luna spoke again this time in slight admonishment for Twilight’s slip up on the basic rule about energy, it can not be destroyed. “”You misunderstand. Our magic cannot just disappear into thin air. Somepony must keep it safe.” “That somepony is you, Twilight” said Cadence, playing her part well even though she hated it. Twilight had just left the castle, all three of the elder alicorns were exhausted which made Masao clench his teeth, there was nothing he could do to prevent what had already happened from happening in the first place, but that did not mean he could not be upset at his inability to protect his student. “Ý̘͂́ͦͪͤ͗͜ou͚̰̞͇̣͙ͦ̃ ̙̫͓͢ç̅o̥̤̤͖̯̓̎̀ų̩̤̙ͧ̈̊̔ͩ̆l̖̦̯ͪ̕ḍ̣ͨ̿͂̊̌̐ ̢̹̣͔̓s̙̲͚̮̙͚͖ͣ͋͝a̷̬̹̖̩̪̘v̖͇̣̥̭͆̓̄ͩe̻̥̝̐ͧͣ͘ ̙̜̗ͦ́h̯̺ͤ͋̐̚ͅeͥ͊ͯͨ̾̎̚͝r͇̜̱͕͕ͥ̑̿ͣ͆̊͌ ̼̙̬̜͂̈̚ͅy̞̳̘̿ͨo̶̤͖̳͌̒̂͛͛u̮̳͙̳͖̬̖̓ ҉͉̥̬͓͙̖k̶̟̙̻͓ͨ͂n̬͓͉ͅo̬̫̻͔̟͕͂̉̋̅͐w̙̬̝͇ͪ͋̓̓,ͪ͋͛ ̰̩͇͈̎ͦ̑͒ͮ͞ȧ̧̻̱́l͉̗̰̞ͅl̹̲͓̗̲͚̆͐̃ ̮͇͙͔̦͈͂̆̆͌ͭͧ͋y̗̿̀̔͐ͮ̑o̮͔͐̏ͮ͊̀̚̕ù̻̪̖͑̀͗̎͗̓ ̞̺̉̏͗͊̔̄h͓̱̝̹̫̳̻̾ͦ̀͐̎͌̚͜ą̣͒ͫ̓̓̎v̺̬̦̤͈̩͠e̶̼̼̺͍̘͕̓̽͊̉̃͗ ̡̫̟̱̯̬̭̔͋̀t̶̻̭̩͚̲͙̬͑̄̽ͥô̥̟̫̥͕̜͌ ̖͉̭̺͎̰͞d̞̜̰̔̃ͣ̿̚ȯ̳̈́̅̐̉ͯ̚͠ ͕̫͍̩̟̹̏̕î͉͇̺̹̭̌ͭ͛̿ͮ̄̕s͎̬̭̻̼ͧͤ̎͂͐ ̠̘̜̫̩̮f̷̳͔̯̪͓͚͖ͪ̅̅̔ͪ̑̿a̬̍ͥͩ͟l̫͇͋ͯ̐ͬ̚l̠̱͕̮̥̿̊͜” Masao shook his head to clear it of the stray thought, he couldn’t afford to fail, not now. Masao stood in the shadows, it was the plan that they had come up with, Sharp Sword already was being cared for by the few ponies that had managed to get away from Tirek, though it was not looking good. Even after Tirek had absorbed her magic, she insisted on fighting him still, having not listened to neither Luna nor Masao when they told her to stay hidden, now, no matter if she survived she would be crippled for the rest of her life. Something that enraged Masao all the more. “T͉͐̅͐̎̈́̋̚͠h̡͉̊͒ͯ̈́ͨͣa̠̪̿̅͌͗͊̈̚t̶͇̺̘̞̅̈ͪ͋̅̊̂’͇̗͖̪̯́ͩ̾̐s̢̅ͬ̎̈ ̫͙͓̩͙̬̌́̇̏ͬ̐i̞̩͂̇̈͌̑̚t̎͐̃̅̊ͣͯ,̡̜̮̹͙̾ͤ͌ ͙ͫ̾ͤ̃̉̕M͉̣͈͕̭̼̠̆ͤ͛a̙̦̠̙̝̼̥͂ͩ͗s̗̥̫͎ͥ̊ͯ̈a̯̭̝̋ͬͨ̕o̖̭̖ͨ̿̄͡,̳ͯͭ͒̄ ͬ̊c̢̥͓̋̿ǫ́ͪm̴͚̥̳̣̅̉̍̍͛̑e̹͕̙͞ ̧͉̬̟̘͙̞̗̾̊̃ͧ̔̚c̵ͪ̅̅͒̚l̻̖͉̹͖̱͉ͣ̏ͧ͗̍̂̌ö̲͕̤͕̪́ͭ̓š̸̹̼̦͛e̪̼͍͚̙̭̋̊r̬̬̠ ͉̺̱̜̲̮̌̔́̂̍t̼̯̂͂͆͒ọ̷̪̙͎̝̤̈̽̾̂̎ͭͅ ̢͕͔ͫ͛͆ͧ̈́̽m̧̟̲͉̜̙̐̃ͤͥ͊̽́e͌ͯ̄ͮͫ̑͗҉͙̹̞̯,̮̼̲̮̬̦̗̊̽ͭ͗ ̈́͗͆̒͑ͦ̽҉̩̘l̹͍̙̱̬͔eͥ͑ͥt̴̤̹̤̰̭͓̞̓̌̆ ̬̠̫̫͇̻̘̿̅̐̽̊ͬ́m̳̗̺̣͙̹ͫ̿̎̆̑ͮ͒ͅe̕ ͙̤̲̭͒͗̑͘i̖͋ͤ̕n̬̭̪̹” Tirek slammed the doors open, breaking them off the hinges, Masao drew his sword quietly and readied himself. “What have you done?!” asked the centaur after trying and failing to steal the princesses’ magic, “Where is your magic?!” yelled the angry centaur and that was Masao’s que as he walked out into the open. “Somewhere where you can not get it, you have failed Tirek, surrender, and return the magic you have stolen” “Now I can’t have that now can I?” asked Discord as he floated in and snapped his fingers… “Tirek may still be a threat. I need you all to stay here and encourage everypony to remain inside.” said Twilight as she tried to convince them to stay put while she kept them safe by hiding away from them… Masao stood there grinning as nothing happened. “Now, did you really think you could mess with a creature that is both harmonious and chaotic?” at that Masao launched himself at Tirek, flat out ignoring Discord’s presence as he took aim and fired his revolver while in the air, the centaur attempted to put Luna in the way when Masao’s eyes glowed green as he forced the bullet to phase through Luna and then hit Tirek in the chest, but due to the centaur’s size the damage was negligible. “Is that all you got?” asked the Centaur and Masao swung his sword as he got into range of the centaur. the sword managed to cut into Tirek’s flesh making the centaur cry out as he grabbed Masao by the sword and threw him back into a pillar nearly snapping the human’s back in two. Getting up groaning Masao barely had a chance to block Tirek as the centaur charged him, slamming him back into the pillar. “Where is that boastful spirit now, creature!” Tirek shouted in Masao’s face and Masao grimaced as he attempted to push the centaur off of him. “By Darkness done, by Light undone, by Darkness undone, by Light done, Yin and Yang, Yang and Yin. Push and pull. Pull and push, GRAVITY!” Masao struggled to get out, and suddenly the Centaur was pulled away from the human by something... Masao crashed to the ground coughing before looking up and glared at the Centaur, “Darkness and light. Light and darkness. Water and Fire, Fire and water. BURN!” said Masao and a light blue and black fire flew at Tirek slamming into the centaur. “I am not finished yet, Tirek, I am not going to let you harm another soul!” Just then a pony ran into the room stopping short seeing the battle, but when he saw Masao fighting he snuck around the fight and whispered into Princess Luna’s ear causing the mare to cry out in shock and emotional pain as she fought to stand up and move to Masao. The cry had gotten both Tirek’s and Masao’s attentions, the former grabbing the earth pony and held him in the air. “Why don’t you tell us exactly why you have intruded on my victory?” asked Tirek as he held the pony in a magical aura. “Th-the Lunar C-captain!” “What? What about Sharp Sword?” asked Masao suddenly paying full attention to the earth pony. “My love, Sh-Sharp Sword is dead!” cried Luna and the room’s tempature fell sharply and Masao’s very demeanor changed. “So… The one mare with whom I have loved through two lifetimes is dead, is that it?” asked Masao calmly, and Luna nodded fearfully, something told her this was not going to be good… The wall outside the throne room exploded outwards with a burst of black, outlined by green, aura covering Tirek as he was slammed through wall after wall. “It would seem that you are stronger than you appear” said Tirek as he stood up seemingly unfazed even with several holes in his chest from where Masao had let loose on the magic he now had access to, the whites of his now green, and the irises of his eyes were now red. “You are not worth the air you breath, Tirek, and you will suffer for your part in killing Sharp Sword” said Masao the dark magic that he used now coursing through him at a frantic pace. “Your magic will make a nice addition to my collection, creature.” said Tirek and Masao sneered at the centaur. “You are a disgusting fusion of man and goat, you are nothing to me!” yelled Masao before he was suddenly slammed against the ceiling and floor so many times it began to crack and shatter under the strain until he was unconscious. While the human was unconscious, the centaur attempted to absorb the human’s magic but found it to be woven into his very being and so opened a portal to Tartarus and threw the four immortals through. “Give my regards to Cerberus.” Author's Note I know that I didn't finish the episode but that was a perfect place to finish the chapter, next chapter, will either be a mini-chapter to finish this off, or a full fledged chapter, I haven't decided
Common Era Chapter Twenty-Five/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Three Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit I wish to apologize for accidentally unpublishing the previous chapter, I have fixed my mistake, I have no idea how long it was unpublished but I have published it as well as this chapter Common Era Chapter Twenty-Five/MLP Season Four Chapter Four: Twilight’s Kingdom Part Three “Alright, y'all. Ah think we've warned everypony to stay inside.” said Applejack as she met up with the rest of the gang, bar Twilight. “I'm sure Discord will catch Tirek and this will all be over soon.” said Fluttershy as the group still believed that Discord was still trying to capture Tirek. “I'll bet he takes his sweet time.” “Or perhaps these things just take time.” scoffed Discord at Rainbow Dash’s accusation and fluttershy tackled him and hugged him. “You're back! Did you bring the cucumber sandwiches?” asked Fluttershy and Discord poofed a platter of cucumber sandwiches into existence. “I did. I imagine they'll be your last decent meal for quite some time.” said Discord as he then phased a cage around the mane six, bar Twilight who was not there, as they complained Discord stepped to the side as Tirek showed up. “You've gathered up all of them?” asked the centaur and Discord nodded. “And her little dragon, too.” he replied moving his finger away just in time to prevent it from being bit by said dragon. “Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends!” cried Fluttershy and Discord scoffed at her. “Oh, we were. But Tirek offered me so much more than just tea parties. Surely you saw this coming?” asked Discord and Fluttershy cried harder in response. “I didn't. I really didn't.” At that Tirek stomped up and absorbed their magic leaving them so much weaker than before. “You really think she'd do anything for them?” asked Tirek and Discord grinned evilly. “If Twilight has magic to give, it will be yours. Soon there won't be a pegasus, earth pony or unicorn who will be able to stand up against us.” “Us? Who said anything about us?” asked Tirek and Discord looked a little uncertain as he replied. “You did.” “You've helped me grow strong, you've provided the means by which I can obtain Princess Twilight's magic, and now you are no longer of any use to me.” said Tirek as he then absorbed the shocked draconequus’s magic. “But you said this was a sign of your gratitude and loyalty. A gift from someone close to you.” said a severely weakened Discord holding up the amulet that Tirek had given him, to ‘prove his loyalty.’ “My brother who betrayed me. It is as worthless as he is.” “Surely you saw this comin’.” said Applejack almost in a sympathizing manner, though she still felt betrayed, she was not so heartless as to not feel sorry for the draconequus. “I didn't. I truly didn't.” “Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more. I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth.” said Discord, as he handed Twilight the amulet given to him by Tirek. "Do you think that's the last one we need?" asked Applejack and Twilight nodded. "We need to get to the box" with that the group ran off to the Everfree Forest to the cave with the Tree of Harmony... “Sweet Celestia! Are you all seeing what I'm seeing?” asked Rarity and Twilight nodded with a confused look upon her face. “But... whose is it?” “I believe it is yours, Princess Twilight.” said Celestia and Masao nodded with a forced smile as he staggered forwards, being held up by Luna and Cadance, when Twilight looked at the human she gasped when she saw his eyes, no longer were they his old green eyes, but now his irises were red, the whites of his eyes were green, and there was purple smoke wisping out. “Masao? Are you—?” “I am fine, Twilight, but this moment is your own, not mine, go spend it with your friends and with Princess Celestia” said Masao, he had hoped to just go to the castle and mourn Sharp Sword, as he had failed to avenge her, though he knew she would want him to move on, perhaps even look for her in the future surely this was not the last time he would find her… “You've been wondering what you are meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?” asked Celestia with a smile and Twilight smiled before she spoke up, though in the back of her mind she continued to worry about her teacher. “As princess, I believe I have the power to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. That is the role I am meant to have in our world! The role I choose to have! But I didn't defeat Tirek on my own – it took all of us to unlock the chest!” “Then it is unlikely you are meant to take on this task alone.” said Celestia as she push open a door in the crystal castle to reveal a room full of chairs, each with the cutie mark corresponding with each of Twilight’s friends and herself. “You are now Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship. But what is the princess of friendship without her friends?” “Wait a minute, where's my throne?!” asked Discord and Fluttershy tsked at him before responding. “I don't think you're quite there yet.” Discord chuckled in response before offering a small comment. “Yes, well, I suppose not.” “I am not done, I will find you again Evening Star, Sharp Sword, I have loved you through two life times, and have yet to marry you, I will see you married to me before the end of time” The End? Author's Note That's it for this story, but worry not my readers, I am already starting on the next story and final story, right now, I still need a name, I'm thinking of calling it "The Lunar Knight's Willow Leaf" let me know what you think in the comments below! and before you ask, yes I copped out of writing the scenes from the show, they went exactly like script, and I cannot improve on perfection so I just linked to the youtube videos, if I violated any rules please inform me and I will rectify my mistake
Common Era Chapter Twenty/MLP Season Three Chapter Three: Magical Mystery Cure Mini Chapter Author's Notes: Thanks to Deadinlight for beta-reading and helping me edit Common Era Chapter Twenty/MLP Season Three Chapter Three: Magical Mystery Cure Mini Chapter “You seriously sent her an unfinished spell for her final test?” asked Masao annoyed, oh he knew this was going to happen, but still! “Yes, if she can not finish this—” “She will, it’s already foretold, Celestia, so make yourself ready, though I still think I should slap you for this, I mean—” “No why wouldst thou be slapping my sister, my dear Masao?” asked Luna as she walked in and Masao took a deep breath… “You did something today that's never been done before. Something even a great unicorn like Star Swirl the Bearded was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you've learned here in Ponyville have taught you well. You have proven that you're ready, Twilight.” said Celestia as she met Twilight in the ethereal plane. “Ready? Ready for what?” “Calm down girls, Twilight is just fine, and she’ll be back in about three… Two… One” said Masao and there was a flash of light as Twilight reappeared but something was different about her, she was standing there… WITH WINGS! “Ha! Twilight's got wings! Awesome! A new flying buddy!” said Rainbow Dash as she pumped in the air. “Congratulations Princess” said Masao with a bow as soon as the festivities were done. “Please, Masao, don’t…” “What? You think I am going to treat you any differently just because you became a princess? Don’t you remember who my oldest friends are?” said Masao with a grin, “Besides, I am not done being your teacher, so long as you will have me, I will continue to teach you to the best of my ability…” "Teach me about dark magic" "Done" Author's Note a mini sequence for Equestria Girls, possibly, and then four to five, maybe six chapters for Season four(Epic Show down in the castle between Tirek and Masao, or at least as epic as I can make it), and then a possible mini sequence for EG: Rainbows Rocks, are all that remain for the series, and then I am back to full creativity!
