The Chained Luna Cycle

Chapters

A Regular Day on Earth... Almost
The Trials That They Face
Trouble Dreaming in the Moonlight
The Day the World Stood Still
Changeling Love & Violent Royalty
Unicorn Alchemy and Alicorn Wisdom
The Return Of Evil
The Symphony Of Despair
Declaration of War
Logic Breakdown
Valentine's Apple
Kind Heart Wrapped in Steel
Carefree Spirit
Kiara's Crescendo
The Dark Tea Party
The Queens Offer
Home Invasion
Nine Chains to Bind the Moon
Broken Tracks
Steel Chains to Guard the Rainbow
Valentine's Midnight Serenade
Reflections of Madness
A Familiar Feeling
Fox Fire and Midnight Magic
Blue Chains and Rainbow Streaks

A Regular Day on Earth... Almost

Yuuki slowly opens his eyes and blinks a few times before scanning around his normal cabin surroundings. He then casts his eyes up at the ceiling above his bed where a well-drawn image of a moon is pinned up. As Yuuki stares at the moon, all he can think about is the midnight blue Alicorn he met in his dream not only moments ago. He shakes his head and slides out of bed to stretch. Yuuki's ears pop up from their downward sleep position and he stretches out his three tails before heading into the bathroom and turning on the shower. After a few seconds to allow the water to warm up, Yuuki throws off his pyjamas into a nearby basket and steps into the shower, letting the hot water wash over him. Yuuki washes his body, tails and ears before turning off the shower and getting out grabbing a nearby towel. He walks back into the bedroom area and lays his clothes for the day out on his bed. After drying, Yuuki puts on underwear, blue jeans, a black top and blue socks. Once Yuuki adjusts his clothes to fit comfortably with his tails he walks out of his cabin to explore the rest of the boat for signs of life. After a little exploration, he finds himself in the galley where a male, roughly a little taller then Yuuki, is standing cooking breakfast.

"You're up early for a day off. Did you sleep well?" The man asks putting bacon and eggs on a plate sitting at the dining table.

The male has short orange hair with forest green eyes. He wears a forest green shirt, a white apron, black trousers and forest green socks. Yuuki sits down and begins eating the eggs and bacon.

"Thank you, Garrick, and I had a slightly weird dream last night... But I can't really remember it. Other than that I slept just fine." Yuuki informs Garrick who is putting toast onto a plate across from him.

Another male who is slightly shorter than Yuuki walks into the galley holding a newspaper and sits down opposite him where the toast is. The man has pitch black hair with some green highlights and green eyes. He wears a pitch black shirt, short jacket, jeans and socks.

"Yuuki, it's a rare sight to see you up so early on your days off from work. Who died?" Ryota asks, with sarcasm as he puts the toast in his mouth and opens his paper.

"My motivation, what's new?" Yuuki replies in his own sarcastic remark.

Yuuki finishes his breakfast and stands up grabbing his trench coat off the back of his cabin door. "Garrick, I'm going out for a bit." Yuuki informs Garrick as he puts on his boots leaving the boat and going outside.

An explosion is suddenly heard from the galley followed by Garrick's annoyed voice. "It didn't work... It did not work."

"Did you turn it down to a simmer?" Ryota sarcastically states.

"I knew I forgot something... Damn it." Garrick replies frustrated.

Three hours later atop a skyscraper within the city

Yuuki stands on the edge of the skyscraper looking out towards the dock where their boat is moored. He then looks up into the sky and sighs deeply before closing his eyes.

"Enjoying the view Yuuki?" A mysterious voice says from behind him.

A male about the same height as Yuuki walks up to stand beside him wearing a baby blue hoodie, navy blue jeans and white sneakers. The man's hood is up so Yuuki can't see his face.

"I much prefer to enjoy the breeze rather than the view. This city makes me feel ill whenever I look at it, reminding me of somewhere else I am meant to be. On another note, you have been showing up a lot lately World Jumper." Yuuki states opening his eyes and cocking his head slightly to the side.

"Oh, so you noticed? It's true I've been around this dimension a lot the past few months... Things are about to heat up Yuuki, and I don't mean Garrick's cooking." World Jumper states before stepping off the edge of the skyscraper.

Yuuki steps off the building with World Jumper and they land in the alley below. The pair then decides to stroll through the network of alleyways throughout the city.

"Have you settled into the city well?" World Jumper asks Yuuki as he leaps up onto a plank of wood stretching across two dumpsters.

"Well... Between the city thugs, my job as a waiter, my roommates; one of whom can use magic and blows up the gallery on a daily basis and the other who can become whomever he wants on the fly... I'd say I'm settling... Decently." Yuuki replies with a slight smile.

"Least it isn't shit... I suppose I should tell you about the coming month. During the next month things will get a bit hectic around here... Especially with the city thugs, although I imagine you'd have no problem dealing with them should they arise." World Jumper leads Yuuki from the dumpsters down some stairs, sliding down the rail standing up while Yuuki walks down the stairs.

"They normally steer clear of me now given my reputation in the underground fight arena... Although I feel my talents wasted there as the fighters barely pose a challenge and I'm sure my abilities were meant for a better purpose... Were it I could only remember what it was." Yuuki informs with a distinct look of sadness in his eyes.

World Jumper looks at Yuuki with slight discomfort as they continue walking. Soon they come out onto a busy street sliding between people as they head towards a bar down the street. "Perhaps they are meant for protecting someone very important to you... Someone you love maybe?" World Jumper leaps up and grabs onto a street lamp spinning round it. Yuuki thinks for a moment before speaking.

"That sounds... Surprisingly accurate to what our village elder told me when I was taught the history of our tribe but the majority of it I couldn't understand. He talked about the moon and some princess about how our race desired nothing more than to serve her." Yuuki keeps walking past World Jumper who springs off the lamppost before sprinting to catch up with Yuuki.

World Jumper and Yuuki reach the bar stopping in front of it as World jumper hops a little way past it and turns around. "I won't be joining you this time for our morning drink, I hope you don't mind but there are some things I have to do." World Jumper states with a smile before disappearing after a small crowd of people pass in front of him.

An hour later in a bar across the city

World Jumper walks into the bar and makes his way over to a booth in the corner of the room. After only waiting a few minutes World Jumper is joined by Discord in the same human form as before.

"You're looking healthy. I do hope this bar provides better refreshment than that dump of a place twenty-seven dimensions back..." Discord states as he sits opposite World Jumper.

World Jumper chuckles slightly before calling over a waitress and ordering a whisky for himself and a double strength chocolate milk for Discord. "I assure you this place is more refined than that other bar... Discord, you know why I told you to meet me here. It's almost time and we're running out of rope... This world will end soon and if we can't find a way to get Yuuki, Ryota and Garrick back to Equestria the races will never be united and all will be lost." World Jumper explains with a worried tone.

"You and Ecstasy share the same high-strung attitude... I've already developed the pocket dimension magic in time for them to be saved. It's just a matter of testing it so it works without any drawbacks and yes, I'm testing it this month so it's ready when the end comes." Discord informs World Jumper and looks excited when their drinks arrive.

Discord takes several long sips through his straw and heaves a heavy sigh of relief upon tasting the chocolate milk. "This... Now this is what chocolate milk should taste like. What is Yuuki up to these days anyway?" Discord swirls his chocolate milk with his straw.

World Jumper looks sad slightly before taking a heavy swallow of his whisky. "He is... Not doing as well as I thought he would... He's a waiter at a bar across the city from us, which is good but... He has been taking part in underground fights to try and sharpen his abilities. I never thought he would delve into such a thing if I'm honest..." World Jumper shows distress in his voice.

"And what else is a moon-fox suppose to do when he was trained by Luna's royal night guard..? I agree it's most unbecoming of her bodyguard but... When you have been cast aside to a world unknown to you, wielding ability's you don't know how you got, even I can see that he might try to make sense of it all... Fighting is part of all he knows, he lost what it is he was meant to protect. Until he is beside Princess Luna again that gap can never be filled... You know that." Discord finishes his chocolate milk and stands up.

"Where are you going?"

"Just a stroll. I'd like to explore while I work on the dimension magic. Don't worry, I won't leave this world till the time comes." Discord replies as he leaves World Jumper to his thoughts.

Two hours later across the city

Discord walks up to the bar World Jumper left Yuuki at before and looked over the sign saying 'The Fox and The Moon'. Discord chuckles to himself in amusement before entering the bar and finds himself a booth to sit at as he looks around for Yuuki. He calls over a cute looking waitress so he can order something.

"Do you happen to know where I might find Yuuki? I heard he works here." Discord asks with a charming smile.

The waitress points Discord over to the male behind the bar for information on Yuuki. Discord thanks the waitress then gets up and walks over to the bar. "Do you know where I can find Yuuki?" Discord leans on the bar looking at the bartender who gives him a weird look.

"Yuuki has the day off. If you're looking for him I'd try the old abandoned sweet store a few blocks from here down the alleyways. It's a popular meeting place for Yuuki's frequented underground fight club..." The bartender informs Discord who thanks him as he leaves the bar. After a little searching, Discord easily finds the abandoned sweet store the bartender mentioned. The windows are all boarded up and the door is a very old green colour. Discord walks over to the door but quickly jumps to the side as a black winged male bursts through the closed door, splintering and breaking the door into many pieces. The male lands against the wall of the opposite building to the sweet store, the pieces of the door landing near and around them. Discord chuckles and steps into the store to see various raced males and females forming a ring in which people fight, Yuuki stands in the ring without an opponent. Likely the winged male was Yuuki's opponent before he was thrown through the door. Discord walks over to the ring which parts to let him where Yuuki is.

"Are you a fighter? Today has been incredibly boring... Of all the days I get off work and it has to be a boring day..." Yuuki states as his ears droop, his face showing clear dissatisfaction at his surroundings.

"Well, provided you are Yuuki I'm able to spare one match... World Jumper told me about you, by the way. Don't you think your talents are better used elsewhere?" Discord asks taking off his suit jacket and handing it to a nearby angel girl who holds it for him.

Yuuki adopts an odd looking fight stance while Discord simply stands still. Everyone watches in anticipation as Yuuki slides in to throw a few punches towards Discord only to find them blocked with ease. Discord slides around Yuuki to playfully whip his back with his tail before sliding his tail away under his clothes again.

"You've gotten slower. I remember when you were faster." Discord taunts Yuuki with a smirk.

Yuuki attempts to throw a punch-kick combo at Discord who slides around Yuuki and whips him again. "The pride of the royal night guard... Truly disappointing to see you now. What happened?" Discord blocks many more punches from Yuuki before tripping up Yuuki making him fall on the floor.

"Stop dodging and throw a damn punch old man... You're talking too much." Yuuki states in frustration as he gets up off the floor.

Discord chuckles at Yuuki who throws an ice blue coloured fireball towards Discord who plucks it from the air and throws it up and down in his hand like a baseball. "I've always wondered..." Discord throws the fireball up and lands it in his mouth before swallowing it. Discord shivers slightly as it goes down. "My, my~ I knew it was coloured like so but it tastes just as cold... maybe even colder than I imagined." Discord gets many stunned and shocked looks from the crowd around them. Yuuki frowns before mounting a serious charge at Discord throwing punches, kicks and fireballs at him repeatedly. Discord continues to toy with Yuuki and leads them around the sweet shop main floor before he jumps over a larger ice blue fireball that nearly hits a trio of people.

"Luna would be dis-hearted if she saw you like you are... Her personal guard fallen from grace." Discord states with a sad tone.

Yuuki is thrown off balance by Discord's sudden mention of Luna's name. This allows Discord to slip around Yuuki and firmly grip his tails and spin him around a few times before throwing Yuuki through the back of the sweet shop wall. Discord grabs his coat from the angel girl and the rest of the spectators leave quietly. Looking at the hole in the wall Discord walks over to and through the gap to see Yuuki lying in a pile of rubble looking up at the sky. Sighing deeply Discord takes a seat by Yuuki who continues looking up.

"Luna... Why do you make me feel like you do..?" Yuuki ponders out loud.

"I think the answer to that can't be found here... These 'underground fights' are not where you will find who you are. Yuuki... I'm the last creature in the universe who should be giving you logical advice." Discord states conjuring a chocolate milk out of thin air and proceeds to drink the glass instead of the drink. Yuuki passes a glance at the chocolate milk seemingly keeping its shape before Discord throws it to the side creating a large explosion.

"I want to go home... I don't belong here..." Yuuki claims while sighing heavily.

Discord stands up and begins to walk back through the sweet shop. "I'll come see you in a month... Stay out of trouble till then." Discord requests Yuuki before summoning a moped, getting on it and driving through a suddenly spawned door which disappears after closing. Yuuki lays back on the rubble and shuts his eyes to think.

Author's Note

I'm very happy that The CLC managed to pass moderation first time although it did surprise me. I pray the CLC is living up to expectations. I'm taking it in a very different direction then was in the original but I'm happy with where the train is going... Even if it has no breaks.

The Trials That They Face

It's been a week since Yuuki met Discord. Garrick and Ryota noticed that Yuuki had changed drastically, helping more around the boat and by what Yuuki's boss told them the underground fight club is rumoured to be very bored without him attending. Garrick is sitting at a teacher's desk in a chemistry classroom. The classroom belongs to the city's high school where Garrick works. Garrick answers his mobile phone which suddenly starts ringing.

"Hello Ryota, what makes you ring me while I'm at work? Did you or Yuuki do something to the boat?" Garrick asks with a slightly worried tone.

"No, no we're both fine... I think. Yuuki has been acting odd lately... He normally visits the underground fight club frequently several times a week, but this week he hasn't gone once. I mean it's a good thing I suppose, however, I'm worried what happened for him to act like this."

"I don't know and if he hasn't told us then likely he doesn't want to talk about it yet. I'm sure he is fine. Unfortunately, I have some work to prepare and you also have work soon." Garrick looks up at the celling pondering about Yuuki.

"I'll talk later then, bye Garrick." Ryota hangs up and Garrick puts away his phone sighing heavily.

"Um... Excuse me?" A soft female voice can be heard from the direction of the doorway.

Garrick turns his attention to the door of his classroom. His eyes widen and his heart begins to beat faster in his chest as standing in his doorway is a woman in her early 20's. Garrick stands up and has an enchanted look on his face as the woman approaches him. She is roughly the same height as Garrick, has long midnight blue hair with purple and pink highlights that reaches halfway down her back. The woman has purple eyes and a slightly pale complexion. She wears brown leather loathers, black tights which stop halfway up her thighs, a short skirt which reaches halfway down her thighs, a long sleeved white shirt and a midnight blue jumper. Garrick clears his throat and recomposes himself to speak.

"Can I help you with something?" Garrick asks trying not to stare at the woman.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle and I was wondering if you could help me fix a formula I've been working on..." The woman asks Garrick looking slightly nervous.

"S-sure, let me take a look at it and I will see what I can do." Garrick states as Twilight begins writing on the white board.

Minutes merge into a few hours as they begin to make the corrected written formula which covers the white board. Powders, liquids and other alchemical ingredients are added like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. Twilight and Garrick share many glances throughout the entire process and both seem to be comfortable and relaxed in each others company. Leaning in the doorway is a male wearing a pure white hoodie, ice blue jeans and black shoes. His hair is black with ice blue highlights and his eyes are an ice blue colour. The male watches the pair as they work together without missing a step. Twilight then turns the heat down to a simmer making Garrick look at her softly. The male smiles slightly before leaving the doorway and entering the hallway sighing to himself.

"You're looking well Chrono."

Chrono looks to his left to see World Jumper. Chrono turns to fully face World Jumper looking surprised and confused.

"Brother? Is... Is it really you?" World Jumper and Chrono walk towards each other before stopping with a few inches between them.

"It's been a while hasn't it brother... You look well, I assume your eating correctly." World jumper states happily.

Chrono sighs deeply before looking at his brother with caring eyes and grabs him to tightly hug him.

"Okay, okay I get it... I missed you too brother... I hope Clockwork and Ecstasy have been well. Does she still have that accursed music wagon?" World jumper hugs his brother back gently before they both let go and Chrono clears his throat.

"They are both well and yes she does, you know she wont part with it. Also... Everything is nearly in place for their return. We managed to recover the mirror father hid under the Canterlot Castle and used Discord's location to connect Equestria with this world, so we might be able to bring you back after so long spent apart... It has been centuries since we last spoke... Granted the last time we spoke wasn't the best of times." Chrono informs World Jumper.

World Jumper rubs the back of his neck and looks awkward. "I'd really like it if we could put that argument behind us... It was for a very stupid reason and I only realised after getting cut off from Equestria that Ecstasy was the one who finished both our cereal boxes." World Jumper states with a slight smile.

Chrono smacks his fist into the palm of his other hand. "Bitch, I knew it was one of them... And I'd like nothing more then to put it behind us but I think Ecstasy needs some punishment when we are all together again. I brought Twilight here to see Garrick before he comes home... The formula we gave her worked and she didn't forget about him." Chrono leans against some nearby lockers with World Jumper. Meanwhile inside the classroom, Twilight and Garrick are finishing the alchemical concoction and pour it into a vial on a rack.

"That was... Surprisingly the most fun I've had in a long time. It's difficult to find someone who is as interested in alchemy as I am or who is able to keep up." Garrick smiles warmly at Twilight which makes her heart flutter.

"I also had fun, thank you for fixing the formula. It's very important to me." Twilight states as she picks up and cuddles the vial gently to her chest. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" Twilight offers Garrick who looks at his nearby empty mug.

"Sure, shall I come with you or..?" Garrick asks nervously.

Twilight shakes her head and skips out of the room looking very happy. She stops at Chrono who hands her a cup of coffee while holding a second cup.

"You sure this will work? It's an adapted formula from the one we gave you after all." Chrono states looking concerned.

Twilight opens the coffee and pours the contents of the vial in it. She then adds milk and sugar to help mask the taste. "I've been working on this for the past five years since he left me... I'm sure it will work with his corrections." Twilight states as she puts the lid back on the coffee cup and takes the second cup from Chrono.

"Please make haste Twilight, we need to return soon." Chrono informs Twilight who walks back into the classroom.

Twilight walks over to Garrick and hands him the drugged coffee cup. Garrick thanks Twilight before taking a few long sips of coffee. Twilight heaves a heavy sigh of relief as she drinks some of her own coffee.

"Thank you for helping me, but I have to go soon. The train home leaves in a hour and it's a trek to the station." Twilight states to Garrick before kissing him on the cheek without thinking.

Garrick remains speechless and stunned as Twilight suddenly turns bright red and sprints out of the room running past Chrono who begins to follow her after grabbing a thrown coffee cup and finishing it.

"What did you do?!" Chrono asks, catching up with Twilight.

"I kissed him! Why did I kiss him so soon?!" Twilight continues running towards the school exit.

A few hours later at the city zoo insect house...

Ryota is feeding and taking care of several different insects within the house humming a small happy tune.

"I wonder what has Yuuki acting so differently lately... Well, I mean, it's not a bad change so I wont argue~" Ryota states to himself.

Ryota suddenly hears a happy musical melody coming from outside the insect house. Curious, Ryota decides to exit the insect house and investigate. Upon exiting the house Ryota can see a girl sitting on a nearby bench with a man leaning against the lamppost beside the bench. The girl has shoulder length pink hair that has black highlights and violet colour eyes. She wears a violet hoodie with black trousers and pink sneakers. The man leaning against the lamppost has short brown hair and dull golden eyes. He wears a dull gold hoodie with brown trousers and black sneakers. The happy music is coming from a brightly decorated violet stereo sitting next to the girl.

"You have no idea how much of a pain in the ass you and your two friends are to locate... Five years is a long time to go missing you know." The girl states in an oddly cheerful tone.

"Ecstasy, remember, time passes differently here... From what I can gather, for him, it has been double that time so in fact ten years have passed." The man explains to Ecstasy.

Ryota looks confused but decides to shake it off in order to speak. "I don't know who you two are but you seem to know a lot more then me about certain things... Are you on about when I ended up in this world?" Ryota asks slightly nervous.

Ecstasy nods her head and smiles. "It's been five years for us since you were taken from another dimension and dumped in this one... Finding you and the other two again was the biggest pain in the ass ever!" Ecstasy states with excited hand gestures.

"My name is Clockwork and this is my sister Ecstasy... We have been looking for you for a long time and now that we have found you it will soon be time to return home. I know you wont understand any of this and it'll be hard for you to cope with the sudden change but I promise you I tell the truth." Clockwork informs crossing his arms.

Ecstasy stands up and walks over to Ryota. "Didn't you ever wonder why you could shape shift into anyone at will? It's a unique ability owned by the changelings. They are are bug/pony race in our world of Equestria and you are one of them." Ecstasy explains putting a hand on Ryota's shoulder.

"That... Explains a lot actually... About why I'm able to do what I can and why I don't feel at home in this world. Yuuki and Garrick come from Equestria too, right?" Ryota looks at Ecstasy hopeful for answers.

Ecstasy nods happily and skips back over to the bench. "Yes sir, they are both Equestrians through and through. Though you each come from very different social worlds... The fact you were all able to co-exist here means great things for the future!" Ecstasy again explains with excited hand gestures.

Clockwork clears his throat and sighs deeply. "Ecstasy, certain things should be left unsaid for now... We will be coming back to get you in a few weeks, please wait till then. The others will have had similar talks as well with our brothers and Discord." Clockwork begins to leave the area of the zoo they are in.

Ecstasy turns off the stereo and picks it up before running after Clockwork waving 'bye' to Ryota. After the two disappear, Ryota leans against the wall of the insect house and looks up at the sky before sighing deeply and heading back inside.

Author's Note

I hope you are all enjoying CLC thus far. Drugged coffee for the win haha and Ecstasy managed to play her song even without her accursed wagon. Next chapter will heat things up a lot so look forward to it! :pinkiehappy:

Trouble Dreaming in the Moonlight

The moon hangs high in the sky above the city in Yuuki's dream world. Yuuki and Luna are running across the rooftops of the skyscrapers while Binary and Kiara watch them from the ledge of a slightly taller building. Kiara has her legs swinging over the edge while Binary is standing up.

"He really is much happier with her..." Kiara states with a sad tone.

"You know above everyone else we can't dictate his life or who he ends up with... Despair tried to do that and look what happened to him." Binary looks up at the sky.

"I know... It's unfair to Yuuki after all the trouble we have all been through together. If Luna truly makes him that happy we have no right to argue against him being with her. It's been three weeks since she started coming here to see Yuuki, although during the first week it was awkward sorting out the time difference... A day for her is two for us in this world." Kiara sighs heavily as she continues watching Yuuki and Luna spend time together.

Binary slides his hands into his pockets and chuckles to himself before taking a deep breath.

"We knew this day would come... We can't keep Yuuki forever, it's time to let him go Kiara. We will still be here for him but we have to let him stand on his own." Binary states as he steps off the ledge.

Kiara stands up and dusts off her dress before also stepping off the ledge. Yuuki takes Luna to a skyscraper roof at the edge of the city and walks her over to the ledge which overlooks the vast grass plains between the city and a large majestic castle in the distance.

"Over there is where I live. I know we have spent a lot of time together, but we have never visited the shared centre castle. Would you like to go there?" Yuuki looks at Luna who nods happily.

"W-would you like me to fly us there? I'm sure I can support you in your fox form on my back even if your larger than a normal fox." Luna blushes slightly.

Yuuki smiles and transforms into his three tailed fox form before hopping onto Luna's back and curling up. Luna stretches out her wings and takes a small run up before leaping off the building. After a slight shaky start Luna is able to fly straight with Yuuki on her back. Yuuki curls up tighter enjoying the warm familiar position he is in and the breeze against his fur. It takes Luna only twenty minutes to reach the centre castle and land in front of the big front entrance. Yuuki jumps off Luna and reverts back to his man-fox form. He then opens the big castle door to allow Luna and himself to enter. Once inside, Yuuki begins showing Luna around the castle from the main room which has a large stone circle table at it's centre surrounded by plump cushions to sit on. Yuuki soon leads her to his memory library which has row upon row of shelved boxes and books that contain Yuuki's memories and information he has gathered through his life. At the centre of the cylinder shaped library is a spiral staircase which extends down many floors into the basement of the castle. Luna decides to explore the lower levels but soon comes to a heavy duty magically sealed gate which prevents further access. Yuuki finds Luna inspecting the gate and walks up to her.

"That gate has been there for as long as I can remember. I've never been able to break it or find a key." Yuuki shows clear sadness as he thinks about what might be locked away.

"So, behind here could be the answers you seek to who you are..? Yuuki, I understand some of the alters, especially Kiara, show distrust in me and the time we are spending with each other... Also I've felt a growing affection towards you since we met... It's no small thing to say that despite only knowing you for nearly a month, I, Princess Luna of Equestria, might actually be in love with you..." Luna blushes a deep scarlet as she confesses before Yuuki, staring up into his mysterious ice blue eyes.

Yuuki takes a deep breath and composes himself. "Luna... If I'm honest the last few weeks have been the most fun I've had in the ten years I've been in this world. For me as well, it's no small thing to say that this... Serious looking, romantically incompetent fox might be in love with you, Princess Luna of Equestria." Yuuki stares lovingly back into Luna's eyes before Luna takes a deep breath.

"I want to be with you more than just here in your dreams... Discord told me that something will happen soon which will bring you and your friends to Equestria. I know not what it is that will transpire, but I do know that should you indeed come here I want nothing more then to spend every waking night with you under the beautiful Equestrian moon." Luna takes a combat stance while looking at the locked gate.

"W-wait Luna, what are you doing?" Yuuki looks shocked at Luna's stance.

"You're the most precious person to me right now besides Celestia... If this barrier is withholding your memoires, then it's my duty not only as the Princess of the Night but also as... Your lover, to see it banished to the farthest reaches of nothingness!" Luna charges up her horn, then with great effort and magical energy fires a powerful beam of midnight blue magic at the gate. The whole library shakes and Yuuki drops to his knees as he clutches his head. Luna refuses to let go as she continues her magical assault on the gate. Suddenly a loud deep voice can be heard screaming in response to her magical beam and after a long tormenting minute the gate crumples and screams with the noise of metal being crushed together as it slowly shrinks before imploding and disappearing. Yuuki suddenly feels a cold sweat rush over him and images of the seven years before he came to this world streamed through his mind in an instant. Luna's eyes widen as for her also a mental block disappears and the same memories, all involving Yuuki, flood through her mind. She is suddenly thrown from the dream world while Yuuki himself writhes in pain before trying to wake himself up.

Yuuki awakes and sits up sharply from his bed in a sweat. His pyjamas soaked and his skin crawling, Yuuki jumps out of bed and rushes outside to collapse on the edge of the pier with his head hanging over as he violently vomits into the water below. The pain is pulsing in his head as the memories continue to play, flashing by one after the other. Yuuki's vision becomes blurred and his breathing deep. In his hazy state Yuuki can hear a soothing, gentle and comforting voice scream his name as it grows closer.

"Yuuki..! Are you alright?! Yuuki..!" The voice screams drawing nearer.

Yuuki suddenly feels himself being gently flipped over and his head cradled in a warm lap. The somehow familiar warmth puts Yuuki at ease and his breathing falls to a more normal pace. Yuuki's memories slow down as they near the end when the beam of light hit him sending him to this world. The pain slowly disappears as his memories fade into place. Looking up at his savoir with hazy eyes, Yuuki can see it's a girl in her early thirties. She has very long beautiful midnight blue hair that looks like it has glitter in her hair making it sparkle in the moonlight with midnight blue majestic eyes. She wears a Gothic top styled dress with a slightly frilled skirt, her dress is a mixture of midnight blue and black. On her back are fully grown navy blue Pegasus wings folded in. The girl strokes Yuuki's hair very softly to comfort him while staring deeply into his eyes.

"You have been away for a while haven't you Yuuki..." The girl softly chuckles as Yuuki relaxes in her presence.

As Yuuki's vision clears up the girl's face and features become clear and his heart begins to beat faster.

"Luna..? Is it really you?" Yuuki barely manages to say with the vile taste of vomit in his mouth.

World Jumper walks over to the pair and kneels down beside Yuuki, helping him drink a bottle of water before doing it back up and placing it beside them.

"I hear Chrono gave little resistance to your demand to come here... However, things are still in motion. The plan is unchanged and Yuuki will come back to Equestria in one week from now. 'Til then I ask you wait for him, Princess Luna. I know it's been five years for you and ten for Yuuki but this cannot be rushed... I can permit you staying here for a few days but it's paramount you not be here during the end. Twilight had to accept this with Garrick and so must you with Yuuki. I will leave you to each other now to talk but I will come back soon." World Jumper explains to them both.

Luna nods in understanding and World Jumper runs off leaving them alone next to the boat. "I guess we have a lot to talk about..." Yuuki chuckles as he closes his eyes. Luna smiles and lays her forehead on Yuuki's before also closing her eyes.

"Yes, we have a lot to talk about, but for now I think we should sleep... Like we used to all those years ago." Luna states softly.

The morning after...

Yuuki stirs in his sleep and stretches a little before rolling over and snuggling up to what he assumes is his pillow. After a few minutes Yuuki opens his eyes to find himself snuggling the large sized plump chest of Princess Luna, whom is only wearing one of Yuuki's pyjama shirts which reaches a quarter down her thighs and midnight blue panties. Yuuki blushes deeply before looking up into the eyes of a slightly blushing Luna.

"Please... Don't move, it'd spoil the comforting atmosphere if you freaked out and fell off the bed." Luna states snuggling Yuuki closer closing her eyes as his head rests against her chest. Meanwhile in the galley, Garrick is cooking breakfast while Ryota is reading a paper sitting at the table.

"So, you have regained your memory since from before you came to this world?" Ryota asks skim reading the paper.

Garrick is using magic to hold the two frying pans, one cooking eggs the other bacon. Garrick is making himself a sandwich using lettuce, tomato and cucumber. "It appears so... To my understanding Twilight Sparkle, my lover and Princess of Friendship, drugged my coffee using the altered memory formula that an Alicorn, called Clockwork, gave us in order to bring my hidden memories back." Ryota puts his paper down and stares at Garrick.

"The fuck did you say..?" Ryota says raising an eyebrow.

Garrick sighs heavily and turns around. "I drank a potion and now I remember everything from my life in Equestria." Garrick explains before looking at Yuuki who walks into the galley. Following Yuuki is Luna rubbing her eyes and yawning cutely. Garrick's eyes widen and he drops the knife he was using to cut vegetables. "What in the name of Celestia is Princess Luna doing here in human form?!" Garrick asks looking very shocked.

Ryota puts down his paper and looks at the girl, then looks at Yuuki, then back to the girl, then at Garrick. "Who is Princess Luna..? Garrick stove!" Ryota yells as he ducks behind the table.

The galley is suddenly engulfed in the thick black smoke of an explosion from the stove. Garrick opens the kitchen window coughing violently. "It didn't work... It did not work." Garrick states in disappointment.

Luna yawns cutely once more and looks around before stopping on Garrick when the smoke clears. "Did you turn the heat down to a simmer?" Luna innocently points out while rubbing her still sleepy left eye.

After cleaning up the mess Yuuki decided that he would cook breakfast in Garrick's stead. Once the four finished breakfast, Yuuki and Luna got dressed and they all gathered in the living room area of the boat to talk. Luna sat on the sofa with Yuuki laying across it with his head on her lap, waving his tails happily as she strokes his hair and ears softly. Garrick and Ryota sit on armchairs near the pair. Ryota is munching on some toast while Garrick has his arms crossed thinking deeply.

"Well... I'm unsure what to think about all this if I'm honest... I mean ten years away from our home, it makes me feel depressed if anything..." Garrick states sighing heavily.

"I still don't remember anything... Kinda depressing... However, I'm happy for you two that you got them back. I guess I just need to find a special trigger." Ryota says through his toast as he eats it.

Luna looks up at Ryota and Garrick before back to Yuuki on her lap. "I think you were all chosen for a special reason... While I'm annoyed and frustrated with whoever took my Yuuki away from me... I can't help but feel I'm tremendously closer to him then I ever was before. While, yes, it's been five and ten years since we last met I knew straight away when I met Yuuki in his dreams he was special. A void that previously felt so wide was breached in an instant... As much as it pained me every night 'til our meeting I'd gladly do it over again if this was the result each time..." Luna looks softly at Yuuki who smiles with his eyes closed, cuddling his head on Luna's warm lap.

"Personally, I feel the same. We have a purpose to fulfill and a duty to carry out... I for one am happy I was able to meet and become close friends with you both regardless of your race. I'm a Unicorn which explains my use of magic. Yuuki, a moon-fox tribe member which we already knew from his father. You Ryota... The only logical explanation for your ability combined with your interest at the zoo plus that you too are Equestrian... You are highly likely a-" Garrick is cut off by Ryota's interruption.

"Changeling... Ecstasy and Clockwork visited me and told me a lot of stuff." Ryota informs while leaning back on his armchair.

"Yes, that would explain it... Changelings haven't been seen openly since the Royal Canterlot Wedding incident. However, given what we should know now from us living together is it's not impossible for your kind to live alongside us... It's just a matter of finding common ground and a way of life we can all adjust to together." Garrick smiles at Ryota who relaxes.

Luna clears her throat before speaking. "If you will excuse us I'd really like to have Yuuki show me around the proper city, so I can spend my days here with him wisely." Luna and Yuuki stand up and say bye to the pair before leaving the boat and heading towards town.

"Things can never be the same, can they Garrick..." Ryota looks at Garrick.

"No... They can't, but..." Garrick stands up and goes to the small living room window to look out of it at Luna and Yuuki. "We will always be friends Ryota... You, me and Yuuki. We created so many wonderful memories here over the past ten years and I know we will create so many more back in Equestria together, okay?" Garrick turns and smiles warmly at Ryota which makes his stomach ease up and allows him to fully relax knowing they wont ever stop being friends.

Author's Note

Garrick and Yuuki have their memories back yay! :pinkiehappy: I hope you all liked this week's chapter, I know it's moving slightly slowly but that's what I want. I pray everyone enjoys the story and looks forward to the next chapter where the shit will hit the fan.

The Day the World Stood Still

It's been a few days since Luna went home. Yuuki and Luna spent practically every waking and non-waking moment together since they got their memories back. Yuuki, Ryota and Garrick now have a chance to calm down and relax from the crazy past month they have had. Yuuki is lying on the sofa while Garrick is flicking through television channels. Ryota is on the floor doing push ups.

"Crap... Crap... Crap... Double crap... Oh look, Hell's Next Top Killer, crap... There is nothing on..." Garrick slumps down in his armchair looking very bored.

"Try the news or weather channel, least it's something... Five hundred and one..." Ryota states as he does another push up.

Garrick switches to the news channel to see a slightly nervous reporter.

"We bring you this news report as it's happening... It appears natural disasters are popping up all over the world, tsunamis off the coast of Japan and Australia, hurricanes all across the coast of America, tornadoes-" Garrick turns off the television before standing up and going to the window. Garrick's eyes widen and he sprints out of the boat closely followed by Yuuki and Ryota. The three stop on the pier and look all around them to see the sky is filled with very dense storm clouds. Looking out to the ocean it is raging violently as hurricanes can be seen all over the distance.

"What's going on..? Why is the world suddenly going to shit?" Yuuki asks looking all around.

All of a sudden the ocean beneath the pier begins to recede outwards forming a massive, larger than normal tsunami which begins to head towards the three. Yuuki's ears droop to a very sad position.

"This can't be it... There is no way this is it... Are we to die here..?" Yuuki states swallowing hard.

The three crouch down and close their eyes preparing for their encroaching doom at the hands of the tsunami. Several seconds pass into minutes before Yuuki, Garrick and Ryota open their eyes to see the world come to a complete stand still and turned grey. Nothing, not even sounds can be heard from anywhere. The trio look around in complete shock as the tsunami is practically right next to the pier.

"I have no explanation for this event... I don't know what's going on right now..." Garrick looks around confused.

The trio faintly begin to hear a distant musical tone coming from the city direction. Yuuki looks at the other two who nod and they all head inland to the city. Exploring the city they can see people and cars all jumbled around stopped in place. The music begins to get louder as they near the city centre where they see less frozen people. Upon entering the city centre they can see Discord in his human form sitting comfortably, legs crossed, on a large armchair with a pipe in his mouth blowing large bubbles up into the sky. The song is coming from an old antique radio on a table beside the armchair. Nearby Ecstasy is bobbing back and forth to the song with her hood down and a big smile on her face. Clockwork is sitting on the nearby fountain with Chrono next to him. World Jumper is crouching on top of a nearby lamppost swaying his head from side to side.

"Ah, it's nice of you to finally join us!" Discord stands up and spreads out his arms. "Here at the end of the world!" Discord turns around drawing their attention to the mass panic and chaos around them. Discord lowers his arms and sighs heavily.

World jumper leaps off the lamppost and stands in front of the trio. "It's time to return home... It was never meant to take this long, but... Better late then never, right?" World Jumper gives a nervous chuckle.

"Why does this world have to end though? Is it not possible to save it?!" Garrick asks with a shocked expression.

Clockwork stands up and walks over to a frozen couple. "I wish this wasn't the result... But even I can see there is no hope left. There was a chance once... Not anymore." Clockwork shows sadness in his voice.

"We must not delay, the longer we do the more chance we have that-" Discord suddenly stops as the music is cut out.

Behind Discord can be seen a large dust cloud where his armchair and radio used to be. Once the smoke clears, in the wreckage of the two items is a large, heavily armoured, sinister looking creature wielding with one hand a massive broad sword. The creatures armour is a magical faint glowing navy blue while its eyes are a glowing red. The creature roars loudly and slams its free fist against its chest. Discord's face turns to a seriously pissed expression.

"That was my favourite piece of music... You vile, wretched, ill-mannered ape!" Discord turns around and jumps up in front of the creature before slamming his foot into the side of its helmet in the form of a very powerful kick. A shockwave can be felt as the impact crumples and harshly dents, inwards, the left side of the helmet into the creatures face which sends him flying into a nearby building. The creature sits in the impacted indentation unmoving as the light dims from his eyes. Discord lands and straightens his suit jacket.

"I can't stand such impolite brutes..." Discord sighs as he looks at the wreckage of his antique radio.

Suddenly horizontal portals open all over the city centre and begin dropping out wave upon wave of normal sized foot soldiers. They wear the same armour as the big creature and all wield longsword's, their eyes also glow red.

"Discord, prepare the pocket dimension spell while we hold off these invaders!" Clockwork orders Discord, who sighs before nodding in compliance.

The four Alicorn siblings begin going to work fighting the knights. Yuuki looks around them at the horde of constantly growing knights. Discord walks up to the trio and opens an oddly shaped oval portal that is pitch black.

"I know you want to fight Yuuki... However, you three are needed elsewhere, you cannot be delayed here. I will catch up eventually." Discord states with a smile.

Yuuki sighs deeply before nodding and jumping into the portal. "You two need to go as well." Discord says as he flips up the section of ground they stand on tipping their balance making them fall into the portal. Discord sets back down the section of ground before closing the portal.

"They have been departed!" Discord yells to the four Alicorn's who have jumped next to the fountain, into a back to back position surrounded by knights. Discord jumps over the crowd and joins them.

"So, what now?" Chrono asks looking around.

Ecstasy smiles uncontrollably before jumping up and onto the fountain next to them. "It's a grand Alicorn reunion! Let's get these beats rolling!" Ecstasy states joyfully as she pulls her pink stereo out of thin air and sets it down at her feet. Then with an excited jump over her radio back onto the ground from the fountain she presses the 'play' button on her stereo. Different music begins to play that has a beat to it. The five then split up from their current position to fight the horde of knights. Chrono uses simple hand to hand techniques to evade and put down as many knights as possible, often disarming and breaking their weapons before smashing his fist into various places on their body to end them swiftly.

"Clockwork, how are you doing?!" Chrono yells at Clockwork who is just over the way from him.

Clockwork is fighting using two swords to fight. Both swords have cog shaped hilts with handles through the middle. The blades themselves have tiny gears through out their centre which allow the sharp edge of the blade to be heated allowing it to cut through most things. Clockwork is dispatching enemies in swift succession without much trouble.

"I'm doing fine Chrono! These soldiers are nothing!" Clockwork states as he dismembers two more soldiers.

Meanwhile, across from them on the other side of the plaza Ecstasy has jumped up into the air and pulls out a packet of strawberry flavour gum. She takes out one stick and throws it further into the air before putting the packet back into her pocket. Ecstasy begins falling back down towards the knights who all aim their swords up at her. In a single sudden motion of her body Ecstasy lands safely on the tip on the combined swords, she then catches the stick of gum that she took out. She throws the gum into her mouth and chews it a few times taking a deep breath.

"Lets... Get... This... Party... Started!" Ecstasy screams at the top of her lungs before popping two bright pink smile faced shaped grenades out of her pockets into the group below her.

Ecstasy jumps at the last second gaining air from the blast and its shock-wave which sends her high into the sky above the plaza. Ecstasy summons a pair of gauntlets and boots on her hands and feet. The boots and gauntlets are pitch black with pink veins on them. Curved blades are coming out of the gauntlets, the blades curve backwards. Ecstasy's smile grows larger as she lands in the exploded clearing, knights begin to continue their assault on her. Ecstasy dodges slash after slash and returns her own fierce, hard hitting punches which dent and cause mass damage to the knights. A brute knight like the first one Discord dealt with is spawned and it heads towards Ecstasy who is twisting and breaking the body parts of knights. The brute brings down its large sword to strike Ecstasy but ends up in the ground as she dodged it. She then runs up the sword and kicks the brute square in the face breaking and denting its helmet in on itself. The brute falls backwards but before it is able to hit the floor Ecstasy grabs both its legs and rips it apart straight down the middle. She then uses both halves to beat up and crush droves of knights that come at her. Throwing away the two halves, Ecstasy continues crushing wave after wave of knights before another brute runs up and goes to slam his sword into her. Ecstasy, without looking, grabs the blade with her gauntlet and flips it around in the brute's hands before shoving it back up and embedding it into the face of the brute, killing him.

"When did our sister become such a freakishly crazy strong mentally unstable woman." World Jumper states while dodging knight's slashes with his hands in the pockets of his hoodie.

World Jumper begins to fight back using a flurry of powerful kicks and techniques that don't use his hands. World Jumper dispatches many knights before he encounters a brute which attempts to slash him. World Jumper dodges the sword and slams a heavy kick into the side of it sending it flying into a group of knights. He then unleashes a flurry of seriously powerful and hard kicks on the brute which dents and destroys its armour. The brute then falls backwards onto the floor lifeless.

"I'm digging this jam Ecstasy!" World Jumper states happily.

Discord is near World Jumper now wearing a high vis jacket and yellow hard hat holding a shovel. Discord has dug out in front of him a slightly large pit filled with jam which makes several knights fall in and drown because they are too heavy.

"Whatever do you mean?" Discord smiles before smacking his shovel into the face of a passing knight knocking him down.

Ecstasy turns off her radio and puts it away. "I think we should leave now, they wont stop coming." Ecstasy states as she begins to run towards the market district of the town centre. Chrono and Clockwork nod and run after her.

"So, World Jumper... What say you to our current situation?" Discord raises an eyebrow to World Jumper who stands beside him.

"We do what we always do old friend..."

"Run..!" World Jumper and Discord shout in unison before running at an increased speed after the others.

Meanwhile somewhere else...

Yuuki, Garrick and Ryota are floating a few inches from each other in a seemingly infinite black space. Nothing else could be seen besides themselves. Yuuki has adopted a relaxed position floating on his stomach waving his tails behind him happily. Ryota has his legs crossed in a meditation position with his arms also crossed and his eyes shut. Garrick is abnormally laid back and in a relaxing pose while looking around at their current situation.

"I can't wait to be home... After ten/five years it will all feel so different. It's interesting though... How three very different races like us were able to live very successfully together." Yuuki states as his ears twitch.

"It truly is, but when we have no memory of our previous views, it's safe to assume that with no biased opinion we had no reason to dislike each other for race. Ryota is a changeling, that much we can safely assume, but we have no reason to change our view on him as we have lived very comfortably together for the past ten years." Garrick remarks as he smiles at Ryota.

"I still don't know 'who' I am, only 'what' I am. I'm going home blind and that makes me uneasy... I know nothing about anything." Ryota wears a very sad expression.

Discord suddenly appears in the middle of the three and chuckles before also adopting a relaxed position. Discord's form is different from before, his body now consists of multiple different races as well as being long and sleek.

"It's nice to see you are all enjoying my pocket dimension creation magic. Still needs some tweaking but it serves its purpose. Now, shall we drop you all home then? I'm sure your partners will be happy to see you again... Ryota, I will need to talk to you before you get dropped off." Discord states to Ryota who simply opens his eyes and nods.

Discord snaps his fingers and a hole opens up below them showing a sea of clouds. Yuuki, Ryota, Garrick and Discord begin falling down through the hole and into the clouds. Once past the clouds they can see before them a vast, very different land to where they were before. Yuuki's eyes light up at the sight of home and Garrick smiles happily, slightly tearing up while Ryota looks around for anything that might help him remember.

"Well, first stop will be Yuuki then-" Discord cuts himself off as three beams of light swipe past him. "That was rude... Oh bugger..." Discord looks around to see Yuuki, Ryota and Garrick have disappeared, kidnapped by the beams of light. Discord moves into a sitting position as he continues to fall. "Twilight is going to flip when she finds out I lost Garrick... Oh no, what about Luna..." Discord ponders his encroaching fate should either learn of his 'loss of their partners'.

Changeling Love & Violent Royalty

The sun hangs high over the sky of the south eastern swamp where the changelings dwell now, since Queen Chrysalis moved them years ago. Three changelings are coming out of the hive cave and heading over to a catapult device.

"Jules... Are you sure we should calibrate the catapult? I mean it hasn't been used in years..." Jules rolls his eyes as he addresses the changeling in the middle of the trio.

"Nigel, trust me... The head of ordinance said that no matter how hard they tried they just couldn't calibrate it. so I figured we should give it a shot." Jules states as they reach the catapult.

"I don't think any of us know how to calibrate this thing though..." The third changeling points out while looking at the release lever.

"Winston, Winston... Always the pessimist. Look, I know we can do this!" Jules boldly claims as he stands up on two hoofs and points dramatically before landing back on all fours.

All of a sudden a bright light falls out of the sky and crashes into the ground a small way from the catapult sliding across the floor. The three changelings run over to the crash site and wait for the dust to clear. Once the dust settles Ryota can be seen sitting in the dirt rubbing his head.

"What the hell was that bright light? Damn thing nearly killed me..." Ryota looks up to see the three changelings and they stare at each other for a full minute.

Ryota and the three changelings suddenly point at each other and say in unison "What the hell are you supposed to be?!"

Ryota stands up and looks around before looking back at the changelings. "Where the hell am I?" Ryota asks while feeling slightly nostalgic.

"Y-you're trespassing on changeling territory! This swamp is our home!" Jules states in defence.

"That's right! We should take you to Queen Chrysalis and she will decide what to do with you!" Nigel states alongside Jules.

"He looks kinda funny..." Winston points out which makes the other two sigh deeply

"Look just follow us and don't cause any trouble okay?" Jules requests Ryota before he starts leading them to the hive cave.

Ryota sighs and complies by following the three into the cave. Ryota can see many other changelings all of different size and stature doing different tasks in the hive. The three lead him to Queen Chrysalis's chamber where she is lying on a large heart shaped pillow staring into a mirror with sad eyes.

"Your highness... We brought you a trespasser who is unlike anypony we have ever seen." Jules softly states.

"Yeah, he walks on two legs and doesn't look normal." Nigel adds.

"He has a familiar scent..." Winston randomly states.

Queen chrysalis waves her hoof in the air to shoo the three away and they leave without argument. "Come closer... I'd prefer not to speak much louder than this..." Ryota nervously walks over to Queen Chrysalis.

"Umm I don't quite know what to tell you... I was falling from the sky when I was hit by this beam of light and then crashed here... Not much else to my story." Ryota states as he sits down.

Queen Chrysalis sits up and turns to face Ryota. "You are an interesting creature... Two arms and legs... Although your eyes are... Familiar somehow, like I have seen them before." Queen Chrysalis suddenly jumps off the pillow and pins Ryota down, laying on top of him.

"H-hey what the hell are you doing?!" Ryota tries to struggle but finds it useless.

"Why is it when I stare into your eyes I feel such sadness and want... Why do I feel so angry and annoyed with you? We have met for all of about a few minutes and already you have me mad... Why do you make me feel this way... Answer me!" Queen Chrysalis suddenly throws the nearby mirror against the wall and as the shattered pieces fall to the floor Ryota's eyes widen. He suddenly looks at Queen Chrysalis whose eyes also widen and she bring their lips together in a passionate kiss which drags on for several minutes.

After Queen Chrysalis finally lets go Ryota sighs deeply and lays his head back against the floor. "Well... This answers a lot of my questions... Who I am... What I am... Where did I come from..." Ryota looks back up at Queen Chrysalis who is staring at Ryota with a mixture of emotions.

"Ryota... Second in command to the changeling horde and my lover... Where in the name of Equestria have you been for the last five years?!" Queen Chrysalis asks before lying down on Ryota and putting her head on his chest. "Do you have any idea how much I've missed you? Feeling this deep sorrow and pain every lonely night and not knowing why..."

"My queen... Please allow me a moment... From what I can piece together I was transported to another world which caused me to take on another form in comparison to my original form... I am still able to shift and with my memories returned I should be able to revert back to my original form with little effort. I have no excuse for my absence only that I was unable to return as I was stricken of any knowledge to do with Equestria. Were I'd of been able, you know how badly I'd of tried to return to you... My queen." Ryota states in his defence.

"I see... Well it appears you were looked after and kept yourself healthy as well as in shape. Quite a bit happened while you were away and I don't know how you will react to some of it... The emotion essence shipments from Ecstasy have kept us afloat and the alchemical process for turning them into coloured sweets has been ever more successful. For the record I truly have missed you Ryota... I plan to find whatever force took you from us and make it pay a thousand fold for my five years of sorrow." Queen Chrysalis states with angry eyes.

"Even in my absence the hive seems to function better then ever. Although one should never expect less from the queen of the changelings. If it's alright with you, my queen, might we stay like this for a while..? I'm not really eager to move given our affectionate position." Ryota warmly states to Queen Chrysalis who nods to agree.

"Plus, you know if you did try to move no matter how hard you tried... I'd not let you and you would not win." Queen Chrysalis chuckles slightly and snuggles Ryota closer, closing her eyes and for once in the past five years relaxing.

Several hours later in the afternoon Ryota has shifted back to his original form. He is bigger than a normal changeling and only slightly smaller than Queen Chrysalis. His wings are also slightly bigger than a normal changeling's. Ryota stretches as he explores the hive learning all the new expansions that took place during his absence. After a little exploration Ryota manages to find the emotion alchemy lab where Winston, Jules and Nigel are working to make the powder emotion into sweets for the hive.

"Nigel, what was the result from that love string sweet we tried to make?" Jules prompts Nigel who is mixing glowing chemicals.

"Umm... Well it didn't quite taste how you would expect it to..." Nigel dodges the question before making a batch of heart shaped love sweets.

"They tasted like shear overall disappointment *Hic*." Winston innocently states as he downs a vial of light pink glowing liquid happiness.

"Well it's nice to see you three never change." Ryota chuckles as he walks over to the trio.

"Ryota!" The three say in unison and gather around him.

"I had a feeling it was you we brought in here, you had a very familiar scent about you~" Winston states with a tune.

"Even so we had no idea who you were... It's quite odd how everyone in the hive forgot about the second in command..." Nigel adds looking perplexed.

"It hardly matters now does it? What does matter is that we got our buddy and head of the emotion alchemy lab back~" Jules states looking very pleased.

Ryota walks over to various test samples of vials and sweets the trio have made. "I take it these are the test samples? Are you still using the same formula but trying to use it in different forms?" Ryota asks looking the samples over.

Jules walks over and sighs slightly. "Well we have tried to some success... Trying to use it to make a drinkable liquid form is proving... interesting." Jules eyes Winston who only moments ago downed a vial of liquid happiness test sample.

"Oh right... Well the liquid happiness trials are actually going well it just needs a little less love essence to be perfect~" Winston happily informs Ryota.

"As for other forms of the sweets we have had little progress with as we only get a little essence to play with. The queen allocates the majority of the essence shipments to the main production of sweets to keep our hive going." Nigel explains starting another batch of love sweets.

"Well, I've got time to make up for being away with you guys before the queen wants to see me later. You have made many expansions to this place I hardly recognise it." Ryota nervously explains looking around the lab.

Jules hands Ryota a lab coat and smiles. "You have no idea how good it is to have you back~" Jules states as the others nod happily.

When Ryota finally finished helping the trio and exploring the vastly expanded hive. He made his way back to Queen Chrysalis chambers and laid down on her heart shaped pillow sighing deeply. Queen Chrysalis walks into the chambers shortly after and lays down beside Ryota.

"I never got to give this pillow to you... Did Ecstasy deliver it instead?" Ryota asks rolling over onto his back.

"Yes, she did. It was shortly after you were taken from us." Queen Chrysalis explains as she snuggles up to Ryota.

"I can only wonder what else changed while I was away... How much is different now?" Ryota ponders out loud lost in thought.

"I'm not sure when would be the best time to tell you... However, I doubt any time will be perfect and she returns tomorrow from an outing with my guards." Queen Chrysalis begins explaining.

"Hmm? You wouldn't send your guards out with just any changeling... Who is she?" Ryota asks looking into Queen Chrysalis eyes puzzled.

"Well... The morning you were taken I was looking for you to give you some important news. It's a bit late now to give you that news but tell you what came after... You see Ryota the changeling returning to the hive tomorrow... Is your daughter." Queen Chrysalis states with a smile.

Ryota's eyes widen and he becomes very speechless. "I... She would be around five I guess... I have a daughter..." Ryota can barely find any words to express his surprise.

"I know it's a surprise to you but I hope you're happy. I will let her introduce herself and with luck she will accept her father. She takes after her mother in being a defiant child but definitely has traits of you in her." Queen Chrysalis explains as she slides on top of Ryota and kisses him playfully.

"I am happy my queen, I am just surprised that I actually have a child. Although, this should of been an expected outcome given how active we were." Ryota states as he kisses Queen Chrysalis back and nuzzles her neck.

"Hmm now that you know I'd like to welcome you home formally... My second in command... Ryota. You wont get much rest tonight I assure you." Queen Chrysalis looks into Ryota's eyes with pure desire.

"I'd request you to be gentle but I know my queen would never give me an easy return..." Ryota smiles and prepares himself for the extremely rough night he has ahead of him.

Author's Note

Two out four chapters pre-read. Okay, halfway there. It's so close. :pinkiehappy:

Unicorn Alchemy and Alicorn Wisdom

Twilight is pacing back and forth on the castle balcony looking up into the sky every now and then seemingly in a panic. "Maybe he got lost? Or perhaps they are just taking their time? I'm sure he should be here by now..." Twilight mumbles to herself while searching the sky for Garrick and Discord. After a few minutes of pacing back and forwards panicking, Twilight suddenly spots a beam of light heading in her direction and rushes to fly off the balcony and down onto the ground. Shortly after Twilight reaches the ground the beam of light smashes into the floor near the castle leaving a dust cloud and small crater. Twilight rushes over to the crash site and casts a spell to quickly clear the dust. At the centre of the small crater is a familiar looking forest green Unicorn with an orange mane and tail with light orange-yellow highlights. The cutie mark on his flank is that of an alchemical vial. Twilight runs up and tackles the Unicorn to the ground hugging him tightly. "Garrick! You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment!" Twilight buries her muzzle into Garrick's chest and snuggles him closely.

Once Garrick's head clears from the crash he blinks a few times and looks around before looking at the Twilight tightly attached to him. "T-twilight? How did I get here..? Last I remember is a beam of light snatching me from the sky... It must of delivered me here." Garrick sighs slightly before hugging Twilight back just as tightly.

"Five years... I've been waiting for five years just for this moment... I never want you to leave me again... Ever." Twilight's voice is shaky with both joy and sadness.

Garrick strokes Twilight's mane with his hoof and sighs deeply before making them both stand up. "Believe me Twilight, ten years is much more time then I ever wanted to spend away... Either way, I don't want us to dwindle on it and instead move forward with the new knowledge we have gained through this experience. Shall we go inside and you can show me around to refresh my memory of our home." Garrick gives Twilight a light kiss on the lips to make her smile, before leading them both from the crater to inside the castle. After showing Garrick around all the changes and normal rooms she finally brings him to a door he remembers very well.

"This... This is my workshop... Or rather since that day, our workshop..." Garrick slowly opens the door and steps inside with Twilight closely following.

The room has bookcases against most of the walls with neatly organised scrolls and alchemical books lining their shelves. Against the wall and across from the door is a large desk with scattered alchemical notes and equipment set up. Two large tables in the centre of the room hold racks of many different liquids and powdered substances ready to be mixed.

"It really has been too long... I took a chemistry teacher job in the world I ended up in after meeting Yuuki and Ryota. It was the only way I knew how to live... My experiments with our food and cooking always ended in explosions or mixed results. Now that I'm back I know I will miss it... I know I can still see Yuuki and Ryota but we all have a responsibility here after all that we must tend to. I hope the others are okay and arrive safely at their homes." Garrick stares at the main front desk which has two windows either side in the wall above it.

Twilight places her hoof on Garrick's shoulder and comforts him gently. "It'll be okay... Things are different now, you made friends with a Moon-Fox and a changeling of all creatures... You, if nothing else, proved that two of Equestria's races, who if no bad blood is between them or we are able to forgive, can live together and help survive." Twilight kisses Garrick's cheek gently and walks over to the main desk.

Twilight fiddles with the alchemical sets to bring them to life. "Shall we do some experiments to pass the time till dinner? I really loved making that remembrance potion with you. It was a formula I adapted from the one Clockwork gave us that day." Twilight turns around and smiles warmly at Garrick.

Garrick walks up to the desk and stands beside Twilight. "Hmm, you know I'd love to experiment with you till the dawn became dusk and vice versa." Garrick smiles and slides up to Twilight brushing their coats together gently making Twilight hum in approval.

After several hours of creating and experimenting with compounds, Twilight decided it would be good for her to take Garrick on a walk around Ponyville to make him feel more at home. During their walk Garrick stopped by the old site of the Ponyville library and stared at the bare ditch in confusion. "Twilight, where is what's left of the library?" Garrick asks looking at Twilight who turns to face him.

"Did you not notice? It is above the map room table... I'm sure I pointed it out during my tour. Or... Garrick... Were your eyes focused elsewhere? You know I told you it is not healthy to stare at my plot all day." Twilight states almost in a teasing manner making Garrick blush.

"I thought you didn't notice... I did see something but I hardly remember what it looked like above the map room. I think it's a nice touch and is a better place for what's left of the tree." Garrick replies while trying to seem innocent.

The pair find themselves stopping at the nearby cafe to have lunch which comprises of a daisy sandwich for both of them. "I'm surprised that memory formula actually worked... It was untested and could of been dangerous." Garrick states taking a bite of his daisy sandwich and groaning slightly with his eyes closed.

"Something wrong? Also yes it was a big gamble, but I was not prepared to ever forget you no matter how long it would be for." Twilight firmly comments as she takes a bite of her own daisy sandwich.

"Sorry, it's been so long since I've had one of these... So delicious... Granted the food in the realm I was in was good too." Garrick takes another few bites.

"Hmm speaking of which when we get home later you will need to explain everything; your trip, the food, the sights, the clothes, the people... Basically everything. You went to another dimension altogether, that intrigues me greatly." Twilight smiles warmly at Garrick.

Garrick sighs deeply and finishes his sandwich. "Being back in Equestria with you and everything... It feels so... Relaxing. For the past ten years I wandered around that place not having a single clue who I was. All I had was my name and abilities." Garrick seems slightly sad as he remembers several events throughout the whole ten years.

"No getting sad on me now... You're back and that's all that matters in the long run, okay? I plan to send a letter to Princess Luna later asking if Yuuki has returned yet. As for Ryota... Not only do I not know where the new changeling hive is, but I have no way to contact Queen Chrysalis. We can only hope Ryota convinces her to bring him here to see you both." Twilight sounds sceptical.

"Yeah, I know. I still wonder what Ecstasy did with my formula I made for her... Those sweets were filled with love emotion." Garrick ponders as he watches Twilight finish her sandwich.

"I'm not sure either... Anyway, shall we continue our walk and head back to the castle? We have much to do and discuss... You really have no idea how good it feels to have you back in my hooves... Five years is a long time, but it was very much worth this moment." Twilight kisses Garrick's cheek softly and they leave the cafe.

When Garrick and Twilight returned to the castle it was just turning dark. Twilight decided to sit down with Garrick in the living room and take some notes about the world he had been to while they both drank some hot chocolate.

"So, they had more advance game systems than just our arcades... Everyone walked around on two legs rather than four... " Twilight mumbled to herself everything Garrick was saying about the other world.

"I'm just glad to be back in Equestria... Being back with you again eases the pain I've felt in my heart for the past ten years." Garrick sprawls out on the sofa getting comfortable while drinking his hot chocolate.

Suddenly a letter appears in front of Twilight and she takes it in her magic. She then opens it and begins running her eyes over it to read it. "It seems Yuuki has arrived safely at Canterlot Castle via a strange white light like you did... Hmm I was wondering if it was the same light from five years ago but those were colour coated... According to this letter Yuuki's beam was white as was yours... We can only assume that Ryota's beam was the same." Twilight hops off her seat, placing down her pad and pen to pace in front of the fireplace.

"I'm sure it means nothing, but it would be odd if they aren't the same beams... Like a different force took us from Equestria and another brought us back upon our return. It's all very strange..."Garrick ponders as he lays on his back to stare at the ceiling.

Twilight stops pacing and looks into the fire in the fireplace. "In any event, it looks like Princess Luna is bringing Yuuki here to see you and to pay me a visit... I wonder when Ryota will show up again... I highly doubt we will see him and Queen Chrysalis so soon." Twilight sighs almost in disappointment.

Garrick places his mug on the lamp table on a coaster and hops off the sofa to walk over to Twilight. "I'm sure he will show up soon enough. It would be nice if changelings could be integrated into our normal society. It'd be a turning point for this world and the pony race. Living with Ryota for all those years, knowing he is a changeling changes nothing about how I view him... Perhaps, if we are able to forgive the changelings and they are able to work something out with us then we could live in harmony. Working together for a better future for everyone... That's what I believe after ten years with those two great friends." Garrick gently nuzzles Twilight's neck and she sighs softly.

"If I'm honest... I want that too. All the things we can learn from each other would be amazing and crucial to moving forward in this world. Although, I think we have had enough talk about the past and what might be... I just want to cuddle up in your hooves for the night and have the most peaceful sleep I have ever had in the last five years..." Twilight softly whispers to Garrick who only nods in approval.

"I think that sounds perfect... I love you Twilight Sparkle." Garrick gently kisses Twilight's cheek.

"I love you too... My little volatile alchemist." Twilight kisses Garrick back softly on the lips before leading him up to the bedroom so they can sleep.

Somewhere in the dark ether...

In the midst of the mystical blue ether with swirling lights everywhere sits a floating, medium sized room. The room is cylindrical in nature and has four windows and a roof. Within this room sits a pitch black marble table with a large chess board atop it in the design of Equestria. Sitting at the head seat opposite the door is a Pegasus silhouette playing with a fox chess piece with his hooves up on the table. Sitting first on his right is a skinny Unicorn's silhouette and the first on his left is a Gryphon's silhouette. Sitting beside the Unicorn is a human silhouette with what looks like fox ears and four fox tails behind him. Sitting beside the Gryphon is a very large Earth Pony silhouette. Suddenly a sixth silhouette walks into the room from the ether and sits down in the seat opposite the Pegasus, the silhouette appears to be human.

"Why are we all here? I thought we wouldn't be gathered again until the time came..." The Unicorn states their voice that of a mature mare.

"Yeah, I thought the same but obviously that isn't the case!" The Gryphon pipes up with the annoyed voice of a male.

"Hey, hey I'm sure we were called here for a good reason... We all know he doesn't buck around with shit like this..." The human-fox states with a calm, mature female voice.

"Yeah? You don't sound so entirely sure!" The male voiced Earth Pony slams his hoof on the table.

"You all talk far too much for my liking..." The Pegasus suddenly pitches in with a calm, composed, gentleman like male tone.

The Pegasus places the chess piece back on the table and groans a little as he cracks his neck. "I wouldn't waste my time assembling you to begin with if I thought it not urgent... The fact you are all here at all means your worth something to me... However, don't assume for a second I won't kill and throw you out on a fucking whim..." The Pegasus stands up and walks around the room. Everyone is now silent and paying attention. "Now... It would seem that those three annoyances from five years ago have found a way back to Equestria... Might I ask to be reminded whose idea this was?" The Pegasus poses the question and stops behind the Earth Pony.

"Umm... It was mine sir... I figured if they were removed suddenly and the memories of them erased then they would never be remembered... That world was due for destruction yesterday, I even sent some of our troops to ensure their death." The female Unicorn explains.

"I remember... I'm just pointing out the fact that... They are here in Equestria now! They are cuddling with their partners this very fucking second!" The Pegasus slams his hoof into the table cracking it on impact.

"I made sure everything was in place! It was supposed to go down like I said! However, it was reported that four unknown including Discord showed up and put a wrench in the legion's goal!" The female Unicorn pleads.

The Pegasus walks around to the female Unicorn and places his hoof on her shoulder. "I see... Well, I can't fault you for interference... However, should you fail me again I will make your death a slow, painful and very enjoyable one... As much as I like you I will never tolerate failure..." The Pegasus makes the female Unicorn lay out her left foreleg.

"I understand... I'm grateful for another chance..." The Unicorn's voice is low almost to a whimper.

The Pegasus places his free hoof halfway up her leg and makes it glow red. The female Unicorn shifts slightly and groans in pain as the glow dies down. When the Pegasus removes his hoof a red hot glowing crescent moon with a scythe across it is burned into her skin. "This is my ownership! If the rest of your halfwits want to keep your freedom do not fail me! Any failures by those I own will result in death if it could have been avoided... I'm not without mercy... However, I am ruthless and cruel... Now get the fuck back to your work!" The Pegasus goes back to his seat as everyone dissipates into black smoke and leaves the room including the female Unicorn.

The Pegasus levitates the fox chess piece over to him again and takes it in his hooves. "You three might prove an interesting show for me... Yuuki, Garrick and Ryota..." The Pegasus begins laughing with a low malicious tone.

Author's Note

Okay, that's three out of four. I hope this chapter was enjoyable watching the interactions between Garrick and Twilight. The end was something I threw together at last second, kinda a Kingdoms Hearts one reference if anyone played it and remember seeing the villains gathered around a table a few times. Still, it gives off a bad vibe no? Hehe stay tuned to find out exactly who these people are and their goals. :pinkiehappy: :moustache:

The Return Of Evil

Ryota wakes from his sleep and rolls over off the heart shaped cushion before standing up and stretching. Searching the chambers he finds everything exactly as he left it when he and Chrysalis finally fell asleep. Sighing slightly to himself Ryota walks out of the chambers and heads to exit the hive. Once outside he finds the nearby, newly built well which provides the hive with fresh water and cleans his face. Ryota looks around to see the sun just barely rising over the horizon and yawns gently, still tired.

"You're a somewhat larger changeling... I've never seen you here before either... Who are you?" An unfamiliar female voice states from nearby.

Ryota turns around to see a changeling female no bigger than a filly like Apple Bloom. She carries all the features of a typical changeling only like Chrysalis she has a mane and tail the same colour. One of the two changeling guards accompanying the female clears his throat and leans down to talk to her.

"Pardon me, Lady Verdammnis, but that is Ryota. He is second in command to the changeling horde and Queen Chrysalis' husband... If my other theory is correct, he is also your father." The guard returns to his normal straight up position.

"Father... That would make sense, but... Where has he been for the past five years since my birth..?" Verdammnis seems confused and very puzzled at this sudden information.

"I can answer that and other questions... From what I've been able to piece together five Equestrian years ago me and two others were kidnapped by a mysterious beam of light. As a result, any memories of us were hidden in those we had contact with. Upon our arrival in the other world our own memories were erased and our forms changed. It was only yesterday we returned thanks to the help of four eastern Alicorns... For me, being in that world ten years have passed where in this world it has only been five from what I understand. It was also just last night I heard the first news that I have a daughter... Chrysalis said you would return today from an outing with some guards... I know how awkward this must be and I don't expect you to think of me as your father at all... However, knowing you are indeed my own flesh and blood I aim to hopefully earn the right to be considered your father." Ryota's voice brims with sadness and regret knowing all he has missed being away.

Verdammnis waves the guards away and walks up to Ryota. "I don't know what you're like... I know literally nothing about my father... Nothing about you... It makes me beyond sad to think that five years of my life, with a father I could have gotten to know and get close to was stolen from me... It also pisses me off beyond belief... However, knowing what I do of the current situation... Getting mad at you is hardly fair when you never wanted to leave us to begin with... I pray that now you're back we can spend time, you know... Getting to know each other... Father." Verdammnis states as she gently hugs Ryota clearly feeling nervous about the entire situation.

"It makes me happy to see you bonding already. I was quite afraid she would reject you." Chrysalis states as she walks over to the pair.

"I'm glad as well... I promise to make up for the time I spent away... Also, my queen I have a favour to ask... I don't know how much you will entertain the idea, but I feel I need to ensure something so the hive and our people have a bright future."

"Oh? I'm curious as to your request, my love... Please, do go on." Chrysalis adds eager to hear his proposal.

"Well..." Ryota clears his throat unsure quite what will happen when he vocalises his request.

Meanwhile, Princess Luna lands just outside Twilight's castle and Yuuki jumps off her back. "Yuuki... Have you put on just a little weight since being away?" Princess Luna looks Yuuki over.

"I'm sure I kept in shape well enough... It has been ten years, It's likely I just grew... Still, travelling in my fox form reminds me of the old days we spent together." Yuuki smiles before turning into his man-fox form.

Princess Luna smiles back before knocking on Twilight's door and after a few minutes Garrick opens the door letting them in. He leads them to the living room where they are sat down and Twilight brings in tea after a few minutes.

"Well, it would seem that we both led interesting lives before our incarceration... I never expected you to be Princess Luna's personal bodyguard." Garrick states taking a sip of his tea.

"What about you? Husband to Princess Twilight and one of the few alchemists left in Equestria. I must say I'm beyond happy to be back where I belong." Yuuki states letting his tea cool on the coffee table.

"Twilight... It does concern me though how this was possible in the first place... To kidnap one creature I could understand. However, three separate creatures from three separate locations all at the same time... The level of magical power required for that is beyond anything we currently know..." Princess Luna looks worried it might happen again.

"It is very troubling that it was done... It also worries me what level of power who did it has... However, we can only use the facts we have and investigate to the best of our abilities to find out the source of the anomaly." Twilight states sighing deeply.

A sudden knock is heard at the door and Twilight excuses herself from the room to answer it. After a few seconds Twilight is suddenly heard screaming in slight shock. Everyone rushes out of the room to see what is wrong and standing there in the doorway of the castle in front of Twilight is none other than Queen Chrysalis and Ryota.

"I was wondering when you would show up Ryota." Yuuki chuckles while leaning against a wall.

"Umm... Hi guys..." Ryota sheepishly greets the group.

Twilight recomposes herself and invites the pair inside and everyone goes back to the living room. "Well... What made you decide to come along with Ryota, Queen Chrysalis?" Princess Luna asks while sipping her tea.

Chrysalis sighs slightly before addressing Princess Luna. "Let me simply say... My husband is a very persuasive changeling." Chrysalis states drinking her own tea.

"It's good to see you landed safely Ryota... Our trio wouldn't be the same if we were one short." Yuuki jokes and relaxes beside Princess Luna.

"It pleases me as well you both are safe... While it's not my place to say directly... I believe my queen would like peaceful relations to be established between changelings and ponies so we might lead better lives." Ryota states to Twilight and Princess Luna.

"While I admit the history between our races is... Less than colourful. Still, it has been twelve years since the Canterlot wedding incident... Perhaps the past might be put behind us so that our people could live together for a better future?" Chrysalis states putting down her tea.

Twilight and Princess Luna look at each other and nod. "It might be some time before things settle down. I will have to propose the idea to my sister, but... I welcome the idea of co-existence. What about you Princess Twilight?" Princess Luna asks Twilight who puts down her own empty tea cup.

"I fully welcome it as I'm sure we could learn much from each other and live happily helping each other towards better and new horizons." Twilight states with a warm smile.

"Well this is a wonderful development. Hmm, I've no doubt something interesting will pop up soon-" Yuuki is abruptly cut off by an explosion.

Everyone suddenly jumps up and runs outside to see smoke coming from the Ghastly Gorge. "That smoke looks like it is coming from the Ghastly Gorge mine that was opened just a few months ago. I should go and make sure everyone is alright." Twilight says before flying off in the direction of the smoke.

Garrick runs off after her while Yuuki looks at Princess Luna before turning into his fox form and jumping up onto her back. They begin to fly after Twilight, leaving behind Ryota and Chrysalis.

"So... Shall we follow them my queen?" Ryota asks shifting into the Pegasus he used when infiltrating Canterlot.

"Hmm it could prove interesting if nothing else." Chrysalis shifts into a dark grey Pegasus with a aqua green mane and tail. Her cutie mark is a heart with a crown around it. The pair then begin flying towards the Ghastly Gorge catching up with everyone.

Landing in the Ghastly Gorge near a mine entrance Twilight rushes over to a male Unicorn standing outside wearing a hard hat and high vis orange jacket. His coat is a light grey while his mane and tail are a darker grey. His eyes are also a darker grey and his cutie mark is a pickaxe.

"Todd are you okay?" Twilight asks inspecting the mine entrance.

"Y-yes Princess Twilight... It was a sudden burst of magical energy which spewed forth from a chamber we just uncovered." Todd states coughing slightly.

Princess Luna and Yuuki arrive followed shortly by Ryota and Chrysalis who turn back into their normal forms. Garrick arrives a few minutes later.

"Is it safe enough for us to venture down?" Princess Luna asks Todd who nods slightly.

"Yes... I believe so. My crew are deeper in the mine, so I doubt they were affected. In any event, if something spooked them they will gather at the many exit points we made all over the Ghastly Gorge. Please excuse me Princess Twilight." Todd bows before rushing off to check the Ghastly Gorge.

"I think we should investigate further to determine the cause of the explosion." Princess Luna states before descending into the mine with Yuuki on her back. The others follow soon after and they make their way deep into the mine. It doesn't take long for them to find a sizeable hole in a wall seeping forth magical smoke. The group enter the chamber to see glowing magical veins running all over the place coming from an ancient looking stone jar in the centre of the chamber. Yuuki jumps off Princess Luna's back and walks over to the jar turning back into his man-fox form and begins inspecting it. Ryota walks over to Yuuki while the rest of the group search the room carefully. On closer inspection Yuuki and Ryota can see a glowing magical heart held within some form of liquid in the jar.

Twilight walks over and examines the jar using her magic. "Hmm it appears to be a heart... It's... It's of Pegasus origin... How is it possible for a Pegasus heart to contain so much magical essence... This is impossible." Twilight ponders out loud.

Ryota looks at Yuuki. "So the heart. Any idea how to get it out?" Ryota asks smiling wide.

Yuuki smiles back. "We shall need a crossbow, an hourglass, three goats, one of us must learn to play the trumpet, whilst the other one goes like this." Yuuki waves his fingers at Ryota.

"I know a pony with a goat." Ryota remarks.

"Good, I can go like this." Yuuki waves his fingers again.

Princess Luna and Chrysalis watch them both puzzled greatly by their little exchange. "Any idea what that was about?" Chrysalis asks slightly leaning towards Princess Luna.

"I've no idea... However, it's nice to see how close friends they have become being in the other world." Princess Luna comments still looking confused.

Chrysalis chuckles slightly and agrees before looking around some more. Princess Luna walks over to the stone jar and notices a hole large enough for a horn to be inserted. "Twilight, I believe there is an insert point on the jar here." Princess Luna points it out using her wing.

Twilight inspects the hole gently moving Ryota and Yuuki out of the way. She then, after a little thought, inserts her horn into the slot and channels magic into the jar before pulling out. The jar suddenly springs to life, its veins glowing with magic. The top of the jar cuts and splits open like a sliced pyramid. The slices suddenly slam down onto the sides of the jar and the heart held within is flung up into the air to begin pulsing. "It's a trap!" Garrick yells before the heart explodes violently into a cloud of magical blue smoke covering the room. After what seems like several hours within the smoke Princess Luna slowly opens her eyes to slightly blurry vision. Looking around she can see Twilight groaning beside Ryota near the jar. Chrysalis and Garrick are also lying on the ground barely awake. Princess Luna searches the room for Yuuki and her eyes stop on Yuuki being violently held up against the wall by a shadowy silhouette which has fox ears and three tails like Yuuki.

"Finally... After so many years... I am reborn! Oh, you have no idea how much I want to tear you apart right now... Brother." The shadow states growling at Yuuki, then looks to his left at Princess Luna, then to some groaning from the far left. "Alas, it seems I won't have the luxury this time... You will see me again soon brother... Mark my words!" The shadow turns into a shadow particle ball and flies out of the chamber letting Yuuki fall to the floor unconscious.

Princess Luna crawls over to Yuuki and comforts him in her hooves. "Yuuki... This is not good..." Princess Luna sighs deeply before looking over the rest of the group.

It was already midnight when Yuuki finally awoke to find himself in the Ponyville hospital. "W-what the hell happened?" Yuuki mumbles to himself expecting no answer.

"Shall I answer that for you or would you like Luna to explain?" A familiar sophisticated logical voice states from his right.

Yuuki looks to his right and his eyes widen to who the voice belonged to. Getting dressed in his normal clothes from Yuuki's mind is none other than Binary. "As much as I would love to give you my personal theory... I want to wait till we are all reunited." Binary states checking his clothes over.

"I see... You realise I have so many questions..." Yuuki says getting up into a sitting position.

Yuuki is suddenly thrown a bag, the impact giving him no doubt that Binary is now real. "That has your new clothes in it. Luna took our measurements to a Unicorn named Rarity, I think. She made everyone's clothes, thankfully in time for tonight. I'm sure you will like your new outfit." Binary leaves Yuuki to his thoughts and lets him get dressed.

It takes Yuuki only a few minutes to adjust and put on his new outfit which is the same one he wore in his dream when reunited with Princess Luna. Smiling to himself in the mirror of a nearby sink, Yuuki exits the ward and begins looking for the others. After a little searching outside the hospital he finds everyone gathered around a campfire. Chrysalis is snuggled up to Ryota, Twilight is cuddling up to Garrick, Binary and Valentine are sitting beside each other, The Architect is lying on his back looking at the stars, Darkness is meditating beside The Architect and Kiara seems deep in thought. Each alter is wearing the same outfit they wore in Yuuki's mind. Princess Luna is sitting by the fire with everyone else and seems much happier when Yuuki takes his place by her side.

"Now that everyone is present I believe we can begin throwing theories around this campfire." Twilight states, looking at everyone.

"Well... From what I am able to piece together... When the heart exploded it dispersed its magical essence into the air which Yuuki, being right next to the jar, was able to inhale a significant amount of the essence. It then reacted with his body and mind using the inhaled magical essence to create all the alters from his dream scape, including our lost brother... Despair." Binary explains staring into the campfire.

"That does sound like a reasonable theory... We can also assume that by using the magical essence you all will have the abilities and personality traits you did within Yuuki's dream scape." Twilight adds still feeling puzzled.

"Basically we were forced into these bodies from Yuuki's mind and made our own people... We have our own emotions and feelings now... This seems like it will be difficult..." Valentine ponders while staring at his hand.

"In any event we are real... This is a fact we cannot disagree on... We can also agree on the fact that Despair has been reborn... I doubt it will take long for him to erect his castle and summon his legions..." Darkness informs opening his eyes and looking at Yuuki.

"I know... I don't fully understand what happened, but I don't want Despair to ruin this world and cause pain to those I deeply care for. I just hope we can subdue him before long and he doesn't have a chance to regain his full strength." Yuuki leans into Princess Luna and sighs deeply.

"I think, for now, we should all rest at my castle and figure things out tomorrow. The alters will need to decide what they will do from here on out and think about what direction they want to take." Twilight offers the group who nod in agreement and prepare for a long night of no sleep.

Meanwhile somewhere in the ether...

The same cylindrical room is now upside down and the silhouette Pegasus is sitting in his chair looking at a dark purple version of Yuuki's chess piece. He then stands up and slams the chess piece onto the board with other pieces the same colour. On the opposite side is Yuuki's chess piece with others the same colours as the alters in the forms of their races. Other pieces accompany Yuuki's which must indicate Princess Luna and the others. The Pegasus then rears up onto his hind legs and begins laughing in a sinister and very dark tone.

"Mwa ha ha ha ha! Now things will get very interesting! Continue to amuse me Yuuki, because soon the real fun will truly begin!" The Pegasus silhouette continues laughing long after the room is back to its correct position.

Author's Note

That's four out of four. Finally done with the bundle. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as now things have really heated up, the alters being brought into reality and Despair being reborn. I am really looking forward to writing more so stay tuned! :pinkiehappy:

The Symphony Of Despair

The snow continues to fall heavily on the frozen wasteland near the Crystal Empire. The shadow ball slithers through the air like a slimy fat snake while the sun above is hidden behind snow and dense clouds. Taking a brief moment to stop, the shadow ball reforms back into a man-fox with exactly the same build as Yuuki. Despair's hair is short and in the same style as Yuuki's. His hair is pitch black with a few dark purple streaks in it. Despair's three tails and ears have pitch black fur but instead of ice blue tips they are dark purple like Kiara's. His eyes are also a dark purple. Despair stretches and looks around before looking at himself and sighing deeply. He then snaps his fingers to make a set of clothes, again the same as Yuuki's, appear on his body.

"Much better... Now, where the hell am I?" Despair mumbles to himself. His voice is more refined than Yuuki's like your average British movie bad guy but less British.

Despair holds out his hand and summons a map of Equestria from darkness. Inspecting the map, which shows an arrow of his current location, Despair can see he is somewhere in the frozen north semi near the Crystal Empire.

"Here should be good enough... It's time to set up the base and develop my foothold in this land before I turn my attention to my brother..." Despair disperses the map and looks around.

Picking a spot a little way in the distance, Despair begins gathering pure darkness in his hands making sure he had a sizeable amount before slamming it down onto the ground. The darkness spreads throughout the ground like dark purple cracks in the snow all aiming for the same spot Despair picked out. Once the darkness reaches the spot it spreads out to neatly form a very large dark purple pentagram. Despair smiles widely to himself, his hands still on the ground. Despair then slowly begins to bring his hands back up not changing their position. As he raises his hands the ground begins to shake violently and where the pentagram is drawn a very sinister, evil and malicious version of Yuuki's castle starts to rise from the ground and take form.

"Built from sorrow and sadness. Pain and despair poured into every brick. Come forth and serve your dark master yet again, my dark castle fortress of evil... Durcheinander!" Despair chants as the castle finishes rising from the ground.

The castle is exactly like Yuuki's except very evil, very dark and emits an aura of darkness around it. Despair smiles to himself before falling onto one knee, holding his side as a sharp pain rips through his body like lightning. Despair's breathing becomes very shallow and he spits up blood onto the snow in front of him.

"Fucking worthless new form... Can't even handle a fraction of my power yet... I just need a little more... I need at least one of them to carry this worthless body home..." Despair pants between words before using some more darkness in front of him to make a much smaller dark purple pentagram. As Despair uses his darkness to summon a humanoid figure more pain rips through his body, but he carries on until finished. Once the figure fully forms it takes the shape of a human sized male wearing knight like heavy armour minus the small spikes on the helmet. On the knights back is a long pitch black cape with dark purple on the inside that reaches halfway down his legs. Only his bright glowing blood red eyes can be seen in his helmet.

"Dolor... General of the knight legion for my army... It's... Good to have... You back." Despair sounds in much more pain than before.

Dolor kneels in front of Despair and picks him up over his shoulder, before walking in the direction of the castle. "I know you would protest to this course of action my lord... However, given the circumstances you need to rest in your room as soon as possible. I trust you will brief us all later on the current situation. For now, please save your strength."

Despair didn't plan on arguing so he simply shut his eyes to rest as Dolor carried him inside the castle and up the large staircase in the main chamber. The staircase is like the ones you see in normal castles, they span off to the left and right once you ascend them. Dolor made his way up to the right and quickened his pace.

Despair opened his eyes and looked around him to see he was lying half submerged up to his chest in a soft glowing blue liquid. The room itself is an odd square shape with a blue flamed candle in every corner being the only light source. The pool he lies in is an archway shape with the only surface to walk on being behind him and either side of the pool. There was only one step halfway down the pool at the top edge, after that it went a little deep so you had to swim or float.

"This pathetic weak body... Still this healing liquid should make it adapt more quickly to my darkness." Despair cracks his neck slightly and holds his hand out to the left of him and forms a pentagram on the stone surface.

On the pentagram begins to form a naked female body. Once fully formed the girl has long flowing pink hair which looks like it reaches halfway down her back, a slim figure, with large breasts and a 'perfect' ass. The girl slowly stirs and sits up wiping her eyes in an adorable manner like a cat, her eyes are an emerald green colour.

"Luxure feels like she has been sleeping forever~" The self introduced girl slides over and into the pool of water before practically slithering up to Despair to cuddle him.

"It's a pleasure to have you back Luxure. I'm not sure how good that body is for you, but bathing in this liquid should help adjust it to your dark magic." Despair informs running his fingers through Luxure's silk like hair.

Luxure playfully straddles Despair and cuddles him closer. "Luxure will be fine bathing in here with master. Although you also once told me it's more effective if you are like I am~" Luxure sings as she begins taking off Despairs trench coat. "Plus... Luxure has not been with master in such a long time and Luxure is very eager to 'catch' up with him~" Luxure sings with a want and lust burning flame in her eyes.

Dolor is standing by the grand staircase looking over his newly formed dark longsword and kite shield on his back. Despair is walking down the right side stairs with Luxure close beside him, only this time she is wearing clothes. Luxure wears a witch outfit with a large V down the front and pitch black boots which stop at her knees.

"I see you haven't changed mage general Luxure... I was wondering what was keeping you master, but I should of known better to recall your regular activities." Dolor states with a small chuckle.

Despair smiles and walks over to the main stairs with Luxure to join Dolor. "Is everything prepared for the ritual?" Dolor nods and Despair steps further down the stairs towards the large circle etched into the floor in front of the stairs with a pentagram etched within it. Holding out his hand the etching fills with a bright purple light and begins to glow. The pentagram glows and with everything inside the stone circle falls down into a seemingly endless pit of darkness. After waiting a few seconds a burst of malicious green energy erupts from the hole and forms a swirling dark purple pool like the one out of Hercules.

"Souls of a lost world heed my call, your world has died. It has been plunged into endless ruin and you have all been robbed of your lives as a result. I offer to you now this contract of service... Serve me and I shall grant you another chance at life through joining my army and fighting for me! Do you accept the terms of this contract?!" Despair forms a scroll contract in his hand and holds it out with a quill floating beside it.

Two hands made from green ether slither out of the pool and float up to the contract. One takes the quill while the other seemingly looks the contract over before 'nodding' to its counterpart to sign the line. After the contract is signed it disappears and the hands go back into the pool.

"Very well! Now come forth and form my dark army! Serve me and know life once more!" Despair finishes as the pool springs to life and countless beings of multiple origins begin to climb out of the green pool.

"My lord, these are the citizens from the world Yuuki once lived in, correct?" Dolor questions with a slight cheerful hint.

"Luxure thinks it's fitting to use these swine against him..." Luxure states taking her masters side.

Despair summons another dark purple pentagram near him and brings forth another male figure. The male figure forms another knight who wears slightly more elite armour than Dolor. The knight's eyes are aqua blue and he carries a dark longsword which is sheathed at his side.

"Luxure of the dark mage legion and Kanashimi of the elite knight legion... Both of you are very welcome back into my fold. Kanashimi, I trust you feel well?" Despair asks with a slight flinch.

"I feel well enough, my lord. What is your command for this rabble before us?" Kanashimi asks with a mature, calm tone.

"Please begin leading them to the grand gathering hall and make sure none of them stray. By the time the introduction is concluded the barracks for each of the legions should be built and my army can begin being trained. However, currently I must rest... Please excuse me." Despair heads back up the right side stairs leaving his generals to shepherd the mass of people towards the gathering hall at the back of the complex.

Meanwhile somewhere in the ether...

The cylinder room is the normal way up and the Pegasus within sitting atop his normal chair playing with a set of new dark purple chess pieces to represent Despair's army. The female Unicorn enters the room and takes her seat.

"I take it there is a reason you came back to see me?" The Pegasus asks not taking his eyes off the pieces.

"I come baring a message... The dark fox lord Gimon would like me to relay that he has a plan for Yuuki's alters and will be enacting it soon. He says he knows the risk of failure and encourages faith in his abilities." The Unicorn delivers the message slightly nervous.

"I see... We shall let Gimon have some of his fun, for now. You can stay if you want, I always enjoy your company when we're alone." The Pegasus sighs slightly putting the piece of an elite knight back onto the board. He then walks over to the Unicorn and chuckles slightly. "Shall we play a little game?" A wide smile creeps across the Pegasus' dark mouth.

After resting in the ether pool for a little while Despair is walking through the large facility courtyard which has a wide variety of dark purple and black flowers. Despair stops for a moment by the large fountain in the centre of the garden and throws a summon circle behind him to form another general. This time a giant sized figure equal to two combined berserker's from Gears of War, with the muscle mass to match, begins to rise from the circle. The creature forms hard looking dark purple knight armour all over its body similar to that of a knight heartless from Kingdom Hearts II. The differences being it stands flat on its feet and the armour fits their frame. The armour clad giant kneels to Despair.

"My lord, it has been far too long since I've been able to flex my destructive urges." The creature states looking down.

"Vernichtung, it has been far too long since we last spoke... I now have all my generals and a vast army waiting to be converted. Shall we go?" Despair starts walking towards the very large gathering hall at the back of the facility.

Despair enters the large double doors into the gathering hall which is the size of three aircraft hangers wide and three in length. The hall is packed with people with a gap down the centre leading to a throne at the back on a raised platform. On the platform by the throne is Dolor, Kanashimi and Luxure. Despair begins walking towards the throne looking all around at the multitude of different races. When Despair reaches the throne he sits down and smiles widely as Vernichtung takes his place behind him.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the stage of the world. I do hope you find your new castle accommodation to your liking. In this army there are only four roles for you to play. Within these roles are different weapons and fighting techniques you can use or adopt. To begin, let us introduce the main legion of our dark army." Despair snaps his fingers to make several very large flat screen TV's turn on around the gathering hall, next to the flat screens are speakers to project the voices on the platform.

"Firstly, we have the knight legion. The dark general of pain, Dolor, heads this legion with dignity and honour. Any who join this legion are our army's main fighting force and will provide a range of services. Secondly, is our mage legion. The dark mage of Lust, Luxure, heads this legion. You will provide magical and artillery support for our army. Thirdly, is our elite knights headed by the dark general of absolute sorrow, Kanashimi. You will provide expert battle support and defence for the army and our base. Finally, the most destructive of our units... The titans are the backbone tide turners of the dark army. You will crush, kill, destroy and-" Despair is cut off by a random voice hidden in the crowd.

"Swag!"

Despair smirks just a tiny bit before clearing his throat and carrying on. "Decimate our enemies with extreme prejudice and enthusiasm." Despair finishes his explanation.

Despair stands up and flares out the base of his coat for dramatic effect. "Now, to introduce myself... My name is Despair. To all of you, however, it's 'master or 'my lord'. This meeting will conclude shortly... After it is finished please find the legion barracks you wish to join and go there. You will be trained and tested. If you will excel better in another barracks you will be directed to that legion." Despair finishes his speech to a resounding applause.

Despair begins walking down the gap with Kanashimi. "Kanashimi, I require five knights trained by tonight."

"The occasion, my lord?" Kanashimi asks.

"I'm going to crash a party." Despair states as they exit the hall through the double doors.

Author's Note

For those of you interested in the translations. Luxure is French for lust. Dolor is Latin for pain. Kanashimi is Japanese for sorrow. Durcheinander is German for chaos and finally is Vernichtung which is a German word for destruction. I hope you all liked this Despair chapter and look forward to the next one which will get feisty. :pinkiehappy: :moustache:

Declaration of War

The moon hangs high in the sky beaming moonlight down into Yuuki's 'hideout'. Yuuki is lying in his man-fox form on the soft grass. Yuuki can hear a brief spark of magic come from the entrance to the cavern. After a few seconds, Yuuki is joined by Princess Luna who lays down beside him.

"You know, we should likely be at the celebration party Mayor Mare is hosting at the Ponyville Town Hall in order to celebrate the return of you, Garrick and Ryota." Princess Luna states as she nuzzles Yuuki's neck softly.

Yuuki sighs and cuddles closer to Princess Luna. "I know... I just haven't felt right since we left the mine..."

Princess Luna lays a wing over Yuuki to comfort him. "I know you haven't been yourself since then... Spending a lot more time in here since we got home. You know I won't force you to go, but I feel that a little fresh air under the moonlight will help you relax." Princess Luna warmly states standing up.

Yuuki follows Princess Luna's example by standing up and she then teleports them out of the hideout. Yuuki turns into his fox form and jumps up onto Princess Luna's back to curl up and rest. "Yuuki... Everything will get better, okay. Just relax and have faith in everyone to help." Princess Luna states before taking to the sky and flying towards Ponyville.

After several minutes of flying, Princess Luna lands in the Ponyville park with Yuuki, who jumps off her back and turns into his man-fox form. "Didn't want to land next to the hall?" Yuuki asks stretching.

Princess Luna giggles before shaking her head. "Not quite. I thought you might like a moonlit walk before we arrive." Princess Luna states before they begin walking to the Ponyville Town Hall.

As Princess Luna and Yuuki approach the Town Hall they can hear a soothing piano melody being played inside the hall. When the pair enter the hall they can see everypony is looking at Kiara, who is playing an ebony coloured piano. Her eyes closed and fingers seemingly without pause gliding across each note with grace and ease. Not a single sound could be heard as Kiara played her symphony, clearly displaying the respect for her skills. To the side of Kiara is a goldish grey mare with a dark grey mane and tail. Her eyes are a greyish mulberry. The mare is playing a violin to accompany Kiara's performance. She uses the same skill, grace and ease as Kiara making them combine together in a seamless and beautiful melody which has captivated everyone in the room.

Yuuki and Princess Luna slip inside quietly. They stand with Valentine and Binary who are drinking punch. As the symphony continues everyone could be seen hanging on each note as it escaped their instruments. The atmosphere in the room is made very calm and relaxing by the skilled piece being played. When the music finally ended both Kiara and the mare stand up and bow to receive a calm, gentle applause for their gorgeous piece of music. Kiara blushes as she looks at the mare who nods happily.

"Thank you for performing with me, you're very talented. I hope to preform a duet with you again sometime." The mare states putting away her instrument inside a case.

"Your welcome, Octavia. The pleasure was mine being able to work with such a skilfull pony artist in the classical arts, like yourself." Kiara smiles to Octavia before joining Yuuki and the others, getting a drink of punch to quench her thirst.

"You played just as well as you do in my mind. I'm proud of you~" Yuuki states as he strokes Kiara's hair, making her blush.

"I'm glad to see you are all fitting in. I got to know you all quite well during the month I spent visiting Yuuki's dreams." Princess Luna happily states as she levitates a cup of punch to drink it.

Binary smiles and begins heading for the exit. "Hey, where you going B?" Valentine asks drinking whiskey from a metal flask.

"Just for some fresh air. You know buildings and crowds aren't my thing." Binary waves as he leaves the town hall.

Yuuki sighs and grabs a cup of punch. Looking around Yuuki can see that all the alters besides Binary is present. Suddenly a puff of dark smoke envelopes the balcony overlooking the main floor. Despair appears out of the smoke with a group of five elite knights below him on a stage.

"Hello, dear brother! I was debating when to come back, but sooner is better than later right? It also pleases me that all my other brothers made it out safely... Aside from that wench you have in my place." Despair scowls at Kiara.

"What do you want, Despair!" Yuuki yells as Princess Luna defensively takes his side.

Despair notices Princess Luna and looks annoyed as well as disgusted. "I'm here to deliver a message dear brother! Gentlemen, if you would!"

The five knights summon instruments and begin playing a musical piece.

The world is a place where the villains wear a smile on their face
While they take what you can never replace
Stolen moments gone forever
Well, tables can turn as my enemies will soon enough learn
I will strike a match and then watch them burn
On the pyre of obsession
You run 'till you drop, chasing on advantage
You'll pay any price if you think it's free
I will carry hell to your doorstep; I will make you pay
You will reap the hate you've sown on my judgement day
Sleepless nights and days of damnation
Soon and evermore
I will bring the Chateau D'If knocking up on your door
And love is a lie swearing that no matter what it won't die
Disappearing like a star in the sky
In the hot light of morning
But what do I care?
There are women to be had everywhere
First there's retribution I must prepare
Mighty vengeance is mine
I have a nice show that will tempt you onward
And just when you're sure that the prize is yours
I'll deliver hell to your doorstep dressed in rich façade
Then, I'll burn you to the ground like an angry god
Once you're in my shining cathedral heed the tolling bell
It's the final sound you hear as you descend to hell
Fall down on your knees
Fall down and let me hear you pray
Fall down on your knees
'till I can hear you bargaining, scheming, begging and screaming to pay
I will carry hell to your doorstep; you will rue the day
You will reap the hate you've sown no matter how hard you pray
It's a place without any mercy, fashioned in cold blood
Stones of fear and stones of doubt
No forgiveness, no way out
Only justice
Then, amen!

Despair finishes with a big puff of smoke which envelopes him and the five knights. Once the smoke clears Despair can still be seen in his dramatic pose. Despair looks around and sighs deeply before leaning on the railing of the balcony. "Luxure! I gave you one job!" Despair yells into the air very disappointed.

"Luxure is sorry master! She truly tried... Luxure's body is not ready for mass teleport yet... She just needs a little rest... Please forgive Luxure master." A soft female voice states sounding in pain.

"Well... Guess we have some time to kill, brother." Despair jumps up onto the railing then down onto the ground floor.

Princess Luna turns to an older mare. "Mayor Mare, please begin to evacuate everyone out of the hall. I shall handle this with Yuuki."

Mayor Mare nods and begins evacuating everyone out of the Ponyville Town Hall except the alters, Princess Luna and a cyan blue Pegasus who is watching from the side while flying.

"What is it you want, Despair?!" Yuuki asks moving into a fighting stance.

"Just a little sparring match dear brother!" Despair charges off the spot and flies towards Yuuki who kicks him to the side making him smash into many tables.

Yuuki flies at Despair who rolls to the side and unleashes a flurry of tail whips and kicks at Yuuki who dodges or deflects with the same attack. Despair smiles as they begin to up their game and get more serious with each other using blue and dark purple fox fire to attack each other.

"Give it up Despair! This is not the place for this!" Yuuki throws a large fire ball at Despair.

Despair blocks it with a fire shield and laughs before throwing his own fireball back at Yuuki who whips it away with his tails. "Everywhere is the place for this, dear brother!"

Despair launches three fireballs from his tails which hit Yuuki, before he can recover Despair tries to charge in and punch Yuuki. Yuuki whips Despair away with his tails making him crash into the wall.

"Stop it Despair! This is not the time for this!" Yuuki yells as he throws three of his own fireballs at Despair as he lands.

Despair bursts forth through the fire with a large smirk on his face. "Brother... I don't care when or where it is... I will fight you and I aim to hurt you like you did me! However, I am needed for preparations so I must run... See you on the other side, dear brother." Despair states before throwing a piece of card at Yuuki which he catches.

A sudden burst of smoke allows Despair to be cloaked. Once the smoke clears he is nowhere to be seen. Yuuki sighs deeply before looking at the card.

"An invitation to a tea party at these coordinates? What the hell does he have planned?" Yuuki ponders as Princess Luna walks up to him.

"Are you alright? He is as bad as you described him to be... I was afraid he might actually hurt you, Yuuki." Princess Luna sounds concerned and worried.

Yuuki gently strokes Princess Luna's mane. "I'm fine, really. It seems I'm invited to a tea party at this map grid reference. It does state I can bring a guest... I imagine you wouldn't settle for not coming so if you want I will bring you." Yuuki calmly states despite his minor injury's.

Valentine looks around while sitting on a broken table. "Has anyone seen the blue Pegasus which was flying in here a few minutes ago?" Valentine takes a swig of his whiskey.

Yuuki looks up at a slightly burning hole in the roof. "Oh... I think she might have gotten caught in the cross fire and went out the ceiling... I'm sure she is fine." Yuuki rubs the back of his neck before sitting down beside Princess Luna.

"In any case... We will help clear up this mess. Damn Despair... He hasn't changed a bit..." Darkness states as he begins clearing up broken tables and chairs.

"I will have guards come to repair the damage so don't worry. Yuuki, we must return to Canterlot and inform my sister about Despair... This is not something we can keep to ourselves." Princess Luna informs as she sighs deeply.

"I know, I know... We can fly back tonight. The alters should be fine on their own here for a few days. We can pick them up once we finish." Yuuki lays down, exhausted, and stares up at the ceiling. "This has only just begun..."

Author's Note

A small encounter between Yuuki and Despair. Plus a declaration of war in the form of a song! Gotta love the bad guys even if you will hate them later on. Anyway hope you all look forward to the next chapter which will clear up the mysterious disappearance of one blue Pegasus. :pinkiehappy:

Logic Breakdown

The roof of the Ponyville town hall has a hole blown through its roof by Despair's fireball. The cyan blue Pegasus is flipping out of control from the hole in the roof, clearly caught in the crossfire. The Pegasus closes her eyes unable to regain flight control. Seconds seem like hours as she awaits the crash she knows will hurt, but after so long she was confused. There was no pain, no crash, just a warm comforting feeling wrapping itself around her barrel. Deciding to open her eyes the Pegasus looks around to see she is still flying, well to be precise she is being held up by something. Looking up she can see her savior was none other than Binary who has a pair of demon wings spread out on his back flapping gently against the air.

"I was wondering when you would open your eyes, miss." Binary comments with a slight smile.

The Pegasus' heart makes its presence known more now than any other moment in her life. Flying fast, doing stunts, hearing a cheering crowd all paled in comparison to the sheer adrenaline she felt as her heart beat faster and harder in her chest. All she could do was stare into his dark blue eyes with her own magenta coloured eyes.

"You don't seem very eager to regain your flight while I hold you." Binary again comments which snaps the Pegasus back to reality and she squirms free to fly near him.

"Umm... Thanks for saving me from falling. What are you?" The Pegasus asks looking Binary up and down.

"Well... I'm a bipedal creature known natively to the world Yuuki came back from as... A demon. Technically I have, like this, a humanoid form with demonic traits." Binary explains.

"A demon, huh? Sounds pretty awesome. You're a good demon, though, right? I've read some books where demons have been bad guys." The Pegasus comments as they seem to start flying away from the town hall.

"I guess you could say that. I suppose it's a good thing I left the party early for a casual flight. Crowds aren't my thing normally." Binary states as he looks up at the sky while they fly.

"Oh, I guess that makes sense. Before I forget to ask... What is your name?" The Pegasus prompts Binary who looks at her.

"Binary. That's my birth name, One I've come to like a lot, given my role. What about yourself?" Binary asks as they fly over the park.

"Rainbow Dash, but just Rainbow is fine." Rainbow states as they stop for a moment and land in the park for a rest.

Binary sits on a park bench as Rainbow joins him.

"Rainbow Dash... I suppose Rainbow sounds better. Although your name is quite true to your appearance. The beautiful rainbow coloured mane you have is visually appealing." Binary compliments as he relaxes on the bench.

Rainbow blushes slightly and coughs, not expecting such a compliment.

"T-thank you... I normally do get compliments, but your words have a... Nice ring to them when together." Rainbow replies looking at the night sky and Binary.

"It's all so new... I feel like I've just been born and everything is so weird... Part of me wishes you didn't move so quickly earlier and that I didn't point it out so hastily. You felt quite warm." Binary states as he smiles at Rainbow.

Rainbow can feel her chest get warmer and warmer the more they converse and sit together.

"Hey, do you have anywhere to stay currently? Just curious." Rainbow asks looking around.

"I'm technically homeless, as all Yuuki's alters are. We have the option to stay with Twilight, but-" Binary is cut off by Rainbow.

"Cool, so you could crash at my place? I have a sofa and stuff, enough food to sustain another pony... Umm, person?" Rainbow quickly offers.

Binary chuckles and sighs. "Sure, sounds like fun."

The pair stands up and takes flight again. This time Rainbow is leading Binary to her cloud home. On the way towards her house, the pair can see a trio of ponies below on the road out of Ponyville. The Earth Pony among them is pulling a wagon while the Unicorn walks beside him reading a book, the Pegasus like herself is sitting on the top of the cart while a strange musical melody can be heard. The pair is just close enough to hear their conversation.

"That party was so good! The food and music were awesome!" The Pegasus chirps happily bobbing to the tune.

"Ugh... Why must you have so much energy? Yes, it was good and the pianist alongside Octavia was very talented. The food... It was reasonably good." The Unicorn comments, still reading his book but bobs his head a little unable to resist.

"I don't understand why we brought this specific wagon? I mean must we carry this song everywhere? It's getting old..." The Earth Pony comments as he bobs despite his protest.

"OBJECTION! If you really dislike it so much, then why are you bobbing your head? Your argument is invalid!" The Pegasus claims, pointing a hoof down at the Earth Pony excitedly.

The Earth Pony grunts and the Unicorn shakes his head. "You know you can't win when it's to do with this song... It's that tune... So catchy." The Unicorn states as the Pegasus smiles widely, knowing they can't argue against him this time.

"I can try! If nothing else I can try!" The Earth Pony boldly claims despite his defeat.

The trio continues their journey as Binary and Rainbow chuckle amongst themselves at the funny display.

Rainbow opens the door to her home as she and Binary enter. The place looks fairly average despite being made out of clouds. Binary walks into what he assumes is the living room which has a decent sized sofa he could sleep on. She has no TV but does have a coffee table, some magazines scattered around and a cupboard which binary could only imagine what's inside it.

"That's where you will be sleeping. I know it doesn't look like much, but it should be comfortable enough. I'll go fetch you a blanket." Rainbow states before heading up the stairs to the second floor.

Binary sits down on the sofa and removes his boots, setting them to the side.

"Okay... So, let me gets this straight... We're in a world filled with ponies that are Unicorns, Pegasus or Earth Pony... Then there is what Yuuki dates... An Alicorn? Then, to top off this evening's events, I'm sleeping in a house in the sky... Made out of clouds! How is any of this even possible, it makes no sense?!" Binary thinks out loud before removing his coat and hanging it over the back of the sofa.

"Granted I got to meet a very beautiful Pegasus, who decided to take me in... Her mane is a very interesting style and colour... She is quite nice... Has an alluring figure... Ugh, my logic is useless here..." Binary covers his eyes with his arm and groans in frustration.

"D-do you always think out loud?" The slightly shaken voice of Rainbow is heard from his left.

Binary uncovers his eyes and looks towards the source of the voice to see Rainbow standing in the doorway of the living room, the cyan blue blanket draped over her back.

"Umm... Sometimes... Does it bother you?" Binary asks with an awkward smile.

"Not so much... I think it interesting I suppose. I got you the blanket." Rainbow states as she walks over and lays it on Binary.

"Thank you for letting me stay with you. Things will be difficult for us alters from now on, I wager..." Binary comments before getting comfortable.

"I don't think it's going to be all bad. I mean, you're bunking with somepony as awesome as me... Umm there is food in the fridge and you can get water from the tap, I promise it's clean. I'll see you in the morning..." Rainbow, with haste, leaves the room and heads upstairs.

Binary sighs deeply and lays on his back to stare at the ceiling. 'Well... She is very nice as I said... Ugh, just go to sleep...' Binary closes his eyes and relaxes so he can slowly drift off to sleep.

Binary cuddles the soft warm blanket closely and relaxes as he sleeps. Oddly he feels the blanket do the same and feathers make themselves known to Binary's touch. Slowly opening his eyes he is met with the unlikely sight of a cyan Pegasus underneath the blanket snuggling him tightly. The warm comfortable feeling making him reluctant to move even an inch so as to not wake the Pegasus.

Rainbow suddenly stirs in her sleep and opens her eyes. When she meets the gaze of Binary they become wide and she looks around unable to say anything but settles for staring into his eyes. Neither of them willing to say a single word, Binary simply cuddles Rainbow Dash closer which makes her blush, but smile slightly.

"H-how did you sleep?" Rainbow asks still keeping eye contact.

"Very well, although I suspect the warmth from a certain cyan Pegasus helped quite a bit." Binary comments.

"Umm... I don't know if I have anything breakfast wise, but I can leave you a few bits to go get something at the cafe in Ponyville. It serves very good sandwiches." Rainbow reluctantly squirms out of Binary's embrace and slides out from under the blanket.

"Sorry if that seemed awkward... You were so comfortable I didn't want it to end too soon. Plus you looked adorable while asleep." Binary states as he gets up and puts his boots on.

"N-no it was fine... I just have to go to work is all... I will see you when I finish, I guess... You can come and go as you want from here. The door won't be locked, okay?" Rainbow states before finding Binary enough bits for something to eat and leaves the house with haste, her blush clearly evident on her face.

Binary stands up and stretches before putting his coat back on. "I can already tell this is going to get complicated... Although I don't know that... Or do I?" Binary rubs his forehead and groans.

Looking at the gold coins Rainbow called 'bits' he picks them up and pockets them. He then makes his own way outside and spreads his wings letting the air brush against them, slightly relaxing him.

"I guess I shouldn't over think this... I mean she is very nice, beautiful, hot-" Binary stops himself and seems frustrated.

Shaking his head Binary jumps off the cloud house and starts to soar through the clouds making his way to Ponyville in order to get something to eat and clear his mind. Although the thoughts about Rainbow Dash seemed to plague and simply refuse to leave him as he flew through the air. Unsure how to deal with these feelings, he begins to seek the one person he knows well enough who could possibly help him in his abnormal state of mind and the alien feelings he has in his heart after meeting Rainbow Dash.

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter focused on Binary. The next few chapters will focus on each alter in turn and display their feelings and emotions during their initial time settling in. New chapters will come out soon I'm just spread across all my fics trying to get chapters out, but seem to be focusing on DMM as of late. I am grateful for your patience and pray it's worth it for you. Till next time. :pinkiehappy: :moustache:

Valentine's Apple

The sun hangs high in the sky over another beautiful day in Equestria. An orange Earth Pony mare can be seen in a mass field of apple trees, bucking the trees so the apples fall down into the baskets below.

"I have a feeling this harvest will be a good one." The Earth Pony mare states as she wipes some sweat from her brow.

Suddenly a pure white feather by some bushes catches her eye and she walks over to examine it.

"A feather..? What's it doing in the orchard? Is a Pegasus napping in a tree again..." The Earth Pony mare mumbles to herself as she follows a trail of similar feathers through the bush.

After passing some more trees the mare stops dead in her tracks and stares at the sight before her. Sitting against a tree is Valentine with a pair of pure white angelic wings spread either side of him, that gleam in the sunlight. He appears to be reading a rather large book baring the title 'The Encyclopaedia of Alcoholic Beverages'.

"Forgive my intrusion upon your wonderful orchard, but this is the best spot I've found for reading. The day is very lovely and the fragrance of apples here is quite exquisite." Valentine explains before looking at the mare.

Valentines eye's open slightly wider as he stares at her. The mare's blonde mane and tail, her orange coat and enchanting figure, especially her emerald coloured eyes. Valentine finds that he cannot look away and his tongue can find no words to speak. His fantasy was broken when she spoke, her voice even further pushing his mind back.

"It's fine, I don't really mind if this spot is that good. What is that yer reading?" The mare asks, stepping closer to Valentine.

"It's a book I borrowed from Twilight. It has many good recipes, but I feel some lack something. I know my practised recipes inside Yuuki's mind are decent." Valentine explains, closing the book and leaning back against the tree.

"My name is Applejack. What's yours?" Applejack asks sitting beside Valentine.

"My name is Valentine Emmerich Er'garde. I'm an Angel, I suppose. I'm an alter from Yuuki who is Princess Luna's pet fox, well... I guess it's more complicated now." Valentine states, flexing his wings which brush against Applejack by accident.

Applejack strokes Valentine's wing as it sits near her making him blush slightly at the contact.

"I'm not really used to having these wings in any real capacity... That said, I don't mind you touching them... Quite the opposite it seems." Valentine explains.

"You're not quite what I imagined an Angel to be... Least not in that form." Applejack points out, still stroking Valentine's soft wing.

"Well... I am from another world's image of Angels. As I said, it's complicated... Is this orchard yours then?" Valentine asks as Applejack stops stroking his wing.

"It's owned by me and my family. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, we make apple cider mostly. We also just sell the apples." Applejack explains.

"I see... I make alcohol of various types, or at least I did. I was fortunate enough to persuade Princess Luna to allow me some funds to build an establishment in town. That said, I actually have none of what I need to make anything..." Valentine looks sad as he explains.

"If you need materials... I suppose I could give you some apples if you help me with the harvest." Applejack offers.

"That sounds like a good deal. Hmm... If you wanted to help further, I'd love to have a business partner who knows what they are doing. I am no slouch at this, but it would help to always have the apples on hand. Splitting the take evenly would also be on the table." Valentine states as he stands up and takes in his wings, making them disappear.

Applejack thinks for a moment before standing up and nodding. "That sounds like a fine deal. I'm not quite sure if ya'll be able to buck them down though."

Applejack leads Valentine to a tree that has yet to be bucked and sits back to allow him room.

"I've had little practice in actually labour... However, this should prove fairly easy." Valentine mumbles to himself before taking a deep breath.

Taking a few steps forward Valentine preforms a spear kick into the tree, making the apples fall down into the baskets. Applejack blinks a few times unsure how it didn't hurt his foot, but decides to shrug it off and stand up.

"Well, I guess I've nothing to worry about. Let's get to work then, harvesting what we can today." Applejack smiles as they continue her earlier work.

Valentine lays down on the decking of the second level in the barn on Applejack's farm as he relaxes. Sighing deeply to himself he stares at the ceiling.

"Well, today has been very productive. In essence, I've managed to secure materials and a business partner. Applejack..." Valentine whispers her name with mixed, unsure emotions.

Suddenly Applejack comes up the ladder and sets down two plates holding a slice of pie each. She then places down two mugs. By the smell Valentine can tell it's apple cider.

"I figured you could use some nourishment given how hard you worked today. I was surprised how fast we were able to clear a sizeable portion of the orchard." Applejack thanks Valentine as she sits down.

Valentine sits up and takes a small sip of the apple cider before nearly downing half the mug. Wiping his mouth he blushes as he realises Applejack is staring at him.

"T-thank you... Sorry, I guess I was more thirsty than I thought and... Your apple cider is by far the best I've had." Valentine compliments as he eats some of the apple pie.

Applejack smiles and nods. "Thank you for your help and compliment. I'm looking forward to seeing what you produce yerself."

Valentine smiles to himself as he drinks some more apple cider, stealing some glances at Applejack while trying not to get noticed. In his mind he cannot find the reason for how he feels towards this strange mare before him. She shares his interest in business and makes unbelievable apple cider. Her coat and mane are very appealing as well, she is also rather strong... Valentine shakes his head and takes a deep breath.

"I should likely head into town and check up on the progress of the bar. With luck I should be able to start staying there from now on." Valentine finishes his pie and stands up before walking to the edge of the decking.

Suddenly Valentine feels a cold sweat come over him and his body temperature drops. His vision becoming blurry, he missteps and begins to fall off the edge of the decking. With almost instant reflexes Applejack drops her mug and grabs Valentines hand before he falls too far.

"H-hey, you alright? Valentine?" Applejack hauls Valentine back up onto the decking and lays him out.

Valentine slowly opens his eyes and groans before touching his heart. Laying his head back down onto the decking he looks at Applejack who seems concerned.

"Well... That was an interesting experience... Can't say it was a good one though. I still need to get back to town..." Valentine states as he tries to move.

Valentine suddenly feels a sharp pain shoot through his body and he lays back down with a hiss. Applejack places a hoof on his chest and shakes her head.

"I'll go get the cart of apples and you can rest in the back as I take it to town for you. After all, we are business partners, so this is the least I can do." Applejack states as she leaves the second floor decking.

"T-thank you... Applejack." Valentine whispers before passing out.

The Architect wipes his forehead as he finishes moulding the wood into the bar shape seen in Yuuki's mind from Valentine's layout. Looking around he can see the establishment is coming along exactly as planned with a few minor modifications to allow ponies a comfortable experience. An Earth Pony with a light gamboge coat, his mane and tail are a greyish tangelo with his eyes being a moderate cerulean walks over to The Architect and looks around, very impressed with the work.

"I kinda didn't expect this much progress in one day. When Princess Luna said she was sending an expert in construction... I hardly expected one as skilled as yourself and with such unique abilities to manipulate materials like magic." The Earth Pony praises The Architect who smiles slightly.

"Your name is Rivet, right? What I can do is nothing special really... I just build what I feel like and don't really worry about much. To be honest, without following Yuuki I doubt I'd know what to do with myself." The Architect admits as he puts the finishing touches on the bar.

"Either way, if you're interested, should we get any contracts in I'll be sure to let you know first. Your help is greatly appreciated." Rivet thanks him before walking off to oversee the other workers.

The Architect walks outside and takes a deep breath before turning around to look at the half finished bar sign. Sighing to himself he looks around and can see Applejack walking towards the bar hauling a cart. She stops in front of the bar and looks at The Architect.

"You look the same as the fella at my farm... Do you know somepony by the name of Valentine?" Applejack asks unhooking from the cart.

The Architect scratches his head and sighs deeply. "What did our brother do this time?"

The Architect follows Applejack around the cart to look in the back. Lying beside several baskets of apples is a sweating Valentine with his coat laying over him.

"I'm not sure how to help him. He seems sick." Applejack states, looking worried.

"If possible I'd like you to help him upstairs... I'll have it finished in just a moment." The Architect walks off and Applejack begins trying to help Valentine out of the cart.

After a few hours Valentine opens his eyes slowly and looks around the room to see it's exactly like it was in Yuuki's mind. The room is the one he used to sleep in when staying at the bar. Sitting up slowly Valentine can see his jacket and hat on the wall rack next to the door. Beside the bed is two bedside tables and opposite him is the wardrobe. To his right is the window, next to which is the desk and on the other side of the window is a dresser. Getting out of the bed Valentine stretches a little and looks distressed.

"What was that earlier? I felt so out of it... but I think it had something to do with that orange mare... Applejack." Valentine thought for a moment about the mare in question. As he did a familiar pounding in his chest began to make itself known again.

Valentine sighs deeply and walks over to the wall rack putting on his jacket and hat before straightening it.

"So that's how it is... I guess things will get harder for us till we can tame this thing..." Valentine mumbles to himself as he leaves the bar and walks down the corridor.

Walking past two other doors Valentine walks down some stairs before walking out into the main bar area. To his amazement the bar was finished. Granted it still needed a few personal touches, but he had his bar back. Looking to the bar itself he could see Binary and The Architect sitting down with Applejack who was serving them some of her apple cider.

Applejack turns around when she notices Valentine. "I'm glad to see yer awake. I was scared there fer a second... I hope you don't mind, but I brought some of my stuff over to serve till you can make some of yer own. I'll also be staying here for a bit till you seem fully better. It'd be bad if my business partner up and kicked the bucket on me so soon." Applejack smiles at Valentine who sighs.

"That's fine, thank you. You really don't need to go through so much trouble just for me." Valentine states as he walks behind the bar and past Applejack.

Picking up a makeshift mug he looks it over and smiles to himself before looking at the two alters sitting at the bar.

"Thank you for finishing it so quickly. I'll need to talk to you about some special modifications if your up for it, Architect?" Valentine asks as he leans back against the counter behind him.

"Sure, I doubt I'll have anything to do tomorrow." The Architect states sipping his apple cider.

"As for what I'm doing here... I have a problem I need to discuss before I have to go..." Binary states, staring into his mug confused.

"Well... I feel fine right now, so let's see if your normal bartender can't help you. Start from the beginning." Valentine states, getting comfortable.

As Binary and Valentine began to discuss his problem, Applejack couldn't help but smile at how enthusiastic Valentine was to help and explain. Time seemed to disappear as she sat on a nearby chair and simply watched him with her own apple cider mug as he spoke to his 'brother'.

Author's Note

I apologise for this chapter taking so long. I was working on other projects and college work so I gave little attention to my pet project. I hope to show it a bit more love now and get chapters out faster. :yay: I pray the current readers of this fic still find it interesting and will continue their support. :twilightsheepish: :moustache:

Kind Heart Wrapped in Steel

The clouds drift along in the open sky as Darkness lays on a tree branch with his eyes closed and a pure white teenage normal dragon on his lap, who yawns before settling back down. Darkness takes a deep breath and opens his eyes to stare at the sky, admiring how beautiful the Pegasus weather team keep it.

"This truly is such a different world to the one us alters know as home, but if Yuuki originates from this world... Does that not make it our home as well? We are alters born from Yuuki after all... However, only Kiara and Despair share his racial attributes. Where as me and the other alters are interpretations of that worlds mythical creatures... I suppose time will tell for sure." Darkness muses to himself making the dragon open one eye and sigh.

Suddenly a scream is heard from the distance and Darkness sits upright, making the dragon open her eyes in surprise. As if acting on instinct, Darkness moves the dragon and jumps down from the tree heading towards the noise. 'Why am I doing this? What compels this body of mine to move with such... Enthusiasm.' Darkness asks himself confused at his actions. After passing through several trees he jumps over a log and out of some bushes to see a yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail being tied up by five of Despair's knights.

"Will you just hold her still!" The first knight demands.

"I would if she stopped squirming!" The second knight protests.

"Guys, we aren't alone!" The third directs them to Darkness' presence.

"What do you want? You're one of the boss' brother's alters? We don't want no trouble, so just walk away." The fourth stands in front of the other three, holding his longsword.

"Yeah, we are only collecting some test subjects for Lady Luxure... We'll give you some bits if you turn a blind eye." The fifth states as he walks over to Darkness and places his hand on his shoulder.

Darkness, without thinking, grabs the knight's wrist and twists it backwards, breaking it. He then punches the knight hard in the stomach before slamming his elbow down on the back of his neck putting him on the floor, lifeless.

"You... Dare to harm such an innocent, beautiful creature... Then have the gall to bribe me..." Darkness clenches his fists before summoning a kite shield and sword. The kite shield is rather intricate, sporting purple runes across its black face and is fairly big allowing for full defence. The sword itself is a longsword with dark purple runes along it's black blade.

The fourth knight charges at Darkness and attempts a slash attack, which is easily blocked before he gets kicked back hard in the stomach. The third knight sprints at Darkness, trying for a downward slash, which is deflected. Darkness preforms a counter attack by slamming his shield into the third knight, knocking him off balance. The fourth knight comes back around for another attack, but is dodged before his legs are kicked out from under him and he is put on the floor. Darkness then drives his sword down into the fourth knight's chest, killing him. The third knight tries to jump on Darkness' back, but gets flung over before his neck is snapped by Darkness' shear vice grip.

"Let's finish him and get her back to the boss!" The second knight advises the first knight.

The two nod at each other and run at Darkness who sighs deeply before sheathing his sword into the top of his shield. He then picks up one of the dead knights swords and throws it at the second knight. The thrown sword goes straight through the visor of the second knight and he falls to the floor. The first knight continues his charge only to be punched in the stomach and then again in the face crushing his helmet inwards. He is then flipped over and his neck cleanly snapped. After all knights are dead they begin to dissipate and disperse. Darkness looks towards the Pegasus who has her eyes closed, likely because of all the fighting. Darkness makes his weapons disappear and walks over to the Pegasus. He kneels down and gently places his hand on her cheek. The contact makes her flinch her a second, but quickly calms down when she can't hear anymore fighting. Darkness' helmet begins to disappear in a dark smoke effect before revealing his fair complexion, blonde hair and the full view of his yellow dragon-like eyes.

"Are you unharmed, my lady?" Darkness asks, stroking her cheek softly.

The Pegasus slowly opens her rose coloured eyes and stares up at Darkness. The pair share an equally deep stare before the Pegasus blushes deeply and looks very shy.

"Umm... T-thank you for saving me... W-who are you?" The Pegasus asks.

"My name is Darkness, my lady. I am an alter of Yuuki, Princess Luna's bodyguard." Darkness introduces himself before starting to untie the Pegasus.

"My name is Fluttershy. It's nice to meet you..." Fluttershy returns the introduction.

Darkness looks sad as he slowly begins to massage the marks where the rope was roughly tied around her. Fluttershy blushes as he massages her sore coat, but doesn't shy away from his touch.

"I'm glad that, other than these marks, you're alright. I heard the scream and as if on instinct my body moved by itself to your aid. I, myself, do not fully understand why." Darkness explains before sitting down beside Fluttershy.

"Thank you for saving me... Your eyes are different than most ponies I've seen." Fluttershy points out as she relaxes beside him.

Darkness chuckles slightly and sighs before spreading a pair of black dragons wings that have dark purple trim. "I'm a dragon. Although not many see my eyes because I always wear this full suit of armour."

Fluttershy's nervousness seems to melt away as she marvels at Darkness' wings. She glances between his wings and his eyes then looks at his armour with a sad expression.

"It's a bit sad you hide such majestic wings and beautiful eyes within that armour... Do you not think to remove it?" Fluttershy asks.

"Well-" Darkness begins before it suddenly starts to pour down with rain.

The pair stand up and Fluttershy takes Darkness' hand as she hastily leads him to cover. Darkness is led down the nearby path to a quaint near some woods. Fluttershy takes him inside before she stops for a breather.

"You can stay here for now if you want. The rain will stop at some point... Oh..." Fluttershy mutters before looking at Darkness who is dripping wet.

"I suppose this armour does have a practical downside in this world where it can rain." Darkness states, before starting to take off his amour.

Fluttershy shuts the door and heads upstairs to bring back a towel for Darkness. In the time it took her to go upstairs, get the towel and come back down, Darkness had removed all but his boots. His soaking wet armour was placed by the fireplace to be dried out. Fluttershy now found herself staring at an entirely different person. Out of his armour, Darkness was wearing a simple dark purple shirt which had gold trim, simple trousers also with gold trim and a dark purple pair of socks. She pondered as she gave him the towel, at how he could remain so very dashing and charming without wearing his armour.

"I must apologise for dripping all over your clean wood floor. I do feel a little vulnerable... It's highly uncommon if not extremely rare, one should see me out of my armour." Darkness explains as he dries his neck.

"Perhaps you could use the bathroom upstairs... you know, take a bath and relax while I dry your clothes by the fire... I mean, the fire I will start... If you want me to." Fluttershy offers with a tinge of nervousness anypony should have noticed.

"That would actually be very wonderful, thank you. If you have a basket I could leave my clothes outside the door." Darkness states, as Fluttershy leads him upstairs and to the bathroom.

After waiting outside the bathroom for ten minutes Darkness finally passed the basket to the other side of the door for Fluttershy to take. Once the door was closed again and she wished him a relaxing time in the bath she flew into the air and hurried downstairs. With never before seen haste she not only started a warm fire, but managed to hang up Darkness' clothes, sort out all her animals afternoon lunch, prepare tea and biscuits, dry herself off and brush her mane and let in, dry and feed the pure white dragon that Darkness had with him before, all without thinking.

"You must be his dragon. Thinking about it you have a different feel to you than other dragons I've met." Fluttershy thinks deeper for a second before looking up the stairs at the bathroom. "But then... He is much different than any dragon I've ever met... He is also so handsome, charming, kind, warm..." Fluttershy trails off before she is nudged by the white dragon.

The white dragon tilts her head slightly and produces what could only be described as the cutest dragon like, what would be equivalent to a cats 'meow' Fluttershy had ever heard.

"Do I like him..? Well... I mean... We have only just met... He is nice... Very warm to be around... Kind enough to save me... Doesn't seem to mind animals... How could I possibly... Yes." Fluttershy resolves her own question in a one sided debate with the white dragon.

The white dragon curls up beside the fire and shuts her eyes while Fluttershy waits nervously for Darkness to finish in the bathroom. After what seemed like hours, but was actually only about half an hour to an hour, Fluttershy is snapped out of her daydream state by a voice from the top of the stairs. She looks up to see Darkness standing at the top of the stairs wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. The blush on her face could put a red dragon to shame.

"I'd hate to tear my lady away from her daydreaming, but I must ask if my clothes are done drying yet. I feel somewhat exposed like this." Darkness admits, looking slightly away from Fluttershy, wearing a matching blush.

Fluttershy snaps herself out of it long enough to check his clothes, place them in a basket, and fly them up to Darkness before hovering back down wearing an even deeper blush after seeing him up close. Giving thanks, Darkness quickly gets dressed and walks downstairs to join Fluttershy on her sofa, after which she pours him some tea and offers biscuits.

"You're quite the generous host, lady Fluttershy." Darkness smiles as he takes a sip of his tea.

"Y-you're welcome... Just Fluttershy is fine by the way... If you want, that is." Fluttershy sips her own tea trying very hard not to explode.

"I'm glad Athena made it here okay. I did abandon her somewhat with haste to rush to your aid... Even after musing it over in the hot water of your bath... I'm no closer to the answer I seek. Why did I jump so willing and without thought into action at merely hearing your scream... I'm not as logical as my brother binary, but one could argue that the very emotions and aspects of Yuuki's personality we were born from, are made even more real in this world. That by being born into real bodies, the aspects that made us who we are... Become real instincts to us now. Chivalry and honour are my main two aspects... Much like the knights of old, you might have noticed in how I use 'my lady' and such." Darkness tries to explain.

"I guess that does explain a few things, especially your choice in clothing and armour. Where are you staying currently? with Yuuki?" Fluttershy asks.

Darkness shakes his head and sighs deeply. "I'm afraid not... All the alters agreed that as we are now, we must find a way to survive in this world without relying on our boss. While we would still heed his call without question, we are now our own people... Even Yuuki agrees that with how we are now, growing up on our own path is how we must develop. Needless to say I've slept outside for the past few nights since leaving Twilight's castle. So I currently have no place of-" Darkness is cut short by an excited soft voice.

"You could stay here! I-I mean... I have the space and the animals would not bother you much. I'd be more than happy to let you stay here with me." Fluttershy states with haste.

Darkness gives Fluttershy a warm smile and looks at Athena curled up by the fireplace. "That would be very nice. Actually, I'm quite the lover of animals so living here would be quite the blessing and a warm bed would be most welcome. I did not expect this when I awoke this morning, but I most certainly will not complain." Darkness thanks Fluttershy before relaxing back on the sofa.

Fluttershy slides off the sofa and stands up. "Excuse me for just one moment." Fluttershy trots into the kitchen before hiding behind the wall and nearly hyperventilating. Looking around at the birds that are populating the kitchen currently, she speaks as quietly as possible. "That was too easy to be real... How did he agree to it so quickly... Is it just a massive coincidence that he loves animals too? Is this all just a dream?" Fluttershy appears so lost in her rambling to the birds she doesn't notice a presence behind her.

"Is everything alright, Fluttershy?" Darkness' voice asks from behind.

Fluttershy turns around coming face to face with Darkness and within a split second both faces reached a level of blush many wouldn't even hear of. Fluttershy's lips were planted perfectly on Darkness' as he was leaning down to meet her eye level. The pair only break their accidental kiss after about a minute.

"That was... Interesting... In a good way... P-perhaps I should get some rest... It has been an eventful day thus far... We can talk again later should you still be up and the circumstance permits conversation." Darkness states all while keeping eye contact with Fluttershy.

"S-sure... I should be awake still, it's only the afternoon after all... I think... Have a good rest..." Fluttershy replies as Darkness leaves the kitchen and heads upstairs.

Fluttershy could only swear that her heart should have exploded by now with all the blushing and nervousness she was experiencing. After calming down slightly she set about doing house work to try and take her mind off Darkness, who was in the same house, merely earshot away, in her spare room.

"How in Equestria did this happen?" Fluttershy asks herself while looking at a pure white rabbit beside her, whom only offers a shrug in response.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed this chapter of CLC which has finally been released after too long of the last chapter. It's only two more chapters till Despair's tea party, so look forward to that. I will try to focus my attention more on this fic and LoB... Hopefully. Until next time. :pinkiehappy:

Carefree Spirit

The Architect jumps from rooftop to rooftop around Ponyville, seemingly carefree and with great ease. He suddenly drops down to grab onto and spin around a lamp post. Stopping on it he looks around and sighs deeply.

"I'm so bored... It's been two weeks since our brother made his declaration of war. Other than my building contracts I have absolutely nothing to do... I wonder if anyone else is as bored as I am..." The Architect muses as he looks around.

The Architect raises his eyebrow upon seeing the bounding presence of a pink pony heading up the street wearing the widest smile he has ever seen.

"There is happy... Then there is that... I don't even know where to begin with what level of unbelievable happiness that is." The Architect rolls his eyes before jumping off the lamp post.

As he starts to head down the road his path is suddenly blocked by the pink pony. On closer inspection her mane and tail are very puffy while being a darker shade of pink compared to her coat. Her eyes, which are practically in his face, are light blue. Looking him over she can't help but block every attempt he makes to get past her. Finally annoyed with her overly happy presence, The Architect jumps up onto a nearby roof and begins to jump over them again. Smirking, he looks backwards to see that the pink mare is not giving pursuit. Looking forwards, he is suddenly stopped in his tracks by the very pony he just ran away from. Diving down into an alleyway he continues to make his escape through the side alleys of Ponyville before sliding underneath a cart.

"Follow that..?" The Architect boasts before looking next to him.

Lying beside him, wearing her signature wide grin, is the pink pony once again. "Hi!"

Deciding that further fleeing would only result in the repeated process he slams his head into the ground and groans loudly.

"Why are you following me..?" The Architect asks, sounding very annoyed.

"You're interesting! One of the few new additions to Ponyville along with the other alters that belong to Yuuki, Princess Luna's bodyguard!" The pony states happily.

"That doesn't quite answer my question of 'Why are you following me?'" The Architect looks at the mare with a blank expression.

"I wanted to say hello and see how your day is going! Would you like to hang out?!" The mare asks, her enthusiasm clearly never waning.

"You won't leave me alone even if I say no, right?" The Architect asks flatly.

"Nope!" She states without hesitation.

Groaning in frustration, The Architect decides to give in and sighs deeply. "Fine... However, one must wonder what in the name of Equestria we will even do..."

"Baking! Pranking! Depends what you feel like! I'm Pinkie Pie by the way!" Pinkie replied happily.

"Baking then Pranking maybe..? By the looks of this it's going to be an unexpected adventure... Also, is everything you say going to have these things '!'?" The Architect asks, holding a exclamation mark.

"Maybe! I don't know! Let's go now!" Pinkie slides backwards slightly and to The Architects surprise is fired forward by a small unassuming cannon.

"What the f%&k have I gotten myself into..? The hell just... I'm not even going to argue...." The Architect rolls out from under the cart and starts to follow Pinkie.

The Architect walks into a very decorated shop labelled 'Sugarcube Corner'. He ducks under the weird long black line above the door as he follows Pinkie inside.

"That fecking line will kill someone someday... Just randomly showing up between stuff..." The Architect states looking back at the line as it slowly disappears.

"Yeah, we get those a lot! They seem very random, but transition places I think! Anyway, I think the Cakes are out currently on a delivery. So, we have the kitchen to ourselves." Pinkie informs The Architect happily.

"Least not every part of your subtitles has exclamation marks.... By the looks of things it's a public place. This might be an increasingly stupid question, but I hardly care... What exactly do they sell here?" The Architect asks, bracing himself for the answer.

Pinkie takes a deep breath before pulling a scroll out of her mane which unravels. "We sell cakes, pies, pastries, croissants, muffins, cupcakes, milkshakes, chocolate, fudge, cookies, brownies, tarts, crumpets, cheese cakes, rolls and most of all... Coffee!" Pinkie finally finishes.

"I almost regret asking... Almost. I imagine there are variations of all these products?" The Architect asks flatly.

Pinkie goes to take another deep breath as she pulls out another scroll, but has her mouth covered by his hand.

"Kidding... That was a joke... Please do not list every. Single. Different. Product... Please." The Architect pleads removing his hand.

"Okie Dokie Loki!" Pinkie replies putting her scroll back in her mane before taking The Architect to the kitchen.

The kitchen looks well equipped and outfitted with everything a baker might want, even a baby alligator.

"I'm not entirely sure what baker actually needs a baby alligator to bake... Regardless what did you have in mind?" The Architect asks, leaning against the work surface.

Pinkie turns around and looks at The Architect happily. "Cupcakes, they are very easy to start with given you have no experience."

The Architect attempts to reply to that comment, but is cut off by Pinkie who slaps a chefs hat on their heads and places The Architect in a white apron. She then seemingly bursts into song without much provocation.

All you have to do is take a cup of flour!
Add it to the mix!
Now just take a little something sweet, not sour!
A bit of salt, just a pinch!

Baking these treats is such a cinch!
Add a teaspoon of vanilla!
Add a little more, and you count to four,
And you never get your fill of...

Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty!
Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty!
Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!

The Architect rolls his eyes and sighs deeply as they begin baking.

Valentine is wiping down the bar while Applejack is setting up the tables. With the bar finished very quickly after Valentine's recovery, he and Applejack have made the little establishment well known in the past month.

"Hey, Applejack. What do you think about what we have here?" Valentine asks, watching Applejack as he cleans the drink bottles hanging up on the wall.

"I think it's mighty successful. We have made quite a few bits providing food, drink and lodging for ponies. Not only that, but we're helping folks who otherwise don't have a place to stay. I'd say I really like our bar." Applejack smiles as she finishes the last table.

"True, I enjoy being able to help those who don't normally live here. It's been interesting, living for myself rather than just being an alter inside Yuuki's head... Is it wrong for me to enjoy being my own person? Do I... Deserve it?" Valentine muses as he leans on the bar.

"I believe so, granted your the first person I've known, but I think yer the sweetest guy I've met and are extremely kind." Applejack comments as she walks over to the bar.

"AJ, I'm the only 'guy' you know, but thanks... I just want to feel like I belong here because I earned it, not because of who I come from. Equestria is not where or when I was born... That was the other world. All of us alters feel that we need to earn our place in this world alongside Yuuki. While he might not say it, The Architect feels this too." Valentine pours himself a shot of whiskey before drinking it.

"Don't get too drunk ya hear. We open in an hour..." Applejack sighs.

"I know, I hold my liquor very well. You of all ponies should know that even by now, AJ." Valentine chuckles before stretching and coming round the bar to sit beside Applejack.

"You have been very insistent on me staying here since you recovered. The Architect told me that my room was never in the original plans for the bar. Then again, you've been acting increasingly sweet and kind around me. Any pony would think you really like me or something." Applejack states looking at Valentine who spits his whiskey out.

Valentine wipes his mouth with a cloth and clears his throat before getting the mop. "W-what makes you say that? I mean surely you get that a lot, being as you are?" Valentine asks to a raised eyebrow Applejack. Sighing deeply he mops up the whiskey before sitting back down. "I know I was made from loving and sexual emotions... But surely my affectionate gestures were not so obvious?"

"I-I mean... I was just teasing you, but when you say it like that... You do really like me?" Applejack asks, looking at Valentine who blushes and looks away.

Valentine puts the mop away and goes back behind the bar, but stops as he is about to go down the hatch staircase into the basement.

"I guess I can't help how obvious I am due to my nature... I never wish to be rude or leave you doubting something like that... I don't know how it'll make you feel or even if the feelings would be returned, nor... Do I think it matters to me... I'm content to simply be able to love a pony like I do you. So to properly answer your question Applejack, I do really like you..." Valentine replies as he enters the brewing basement, blushing a deep shade of scarlet.

Applejack blinks a few times and remains sitting on her chair before pouring herself a draught of cider and downing half. She then smiles slightly as she thinks about it all and goes back to work.

The Architect sits down against the work surface and sighs deeply. Pinkie sits beside him, the floor and work surface is coated in a variety of flour, frosting and other bakery ingredients.

"Did we seriously have to bake that much..? I blame the mess on the unexpected arrival of that black line again..." The Architect comments wiping his forehead.

"Yup, it's not normally such big orders, but it's close enough!" Pinkie smiles.

"You're doing that '!' thing again... Anyway, I'm beat... I don't mean that in a pun sense either." The Architect wears a deadpan expression.

Pinkie giggles. "I'm also beat. Hey, follow me. I wanna show you something."

Pinkie gets up and walks out of the kitchen. The Architect sits there for a few minutes contemplating if he should get up or fall asleep right there. Deciding against the latter he gets up and removes his chef hat and apron to then follow Pinkie. The pink mare in question was walking up the stairs when The Architect finally got out of the Kitchen and made his way up the stairs to continue following Pinkie. When caught up with her he found himself in what could be assumed as her room in Sugarcube Corner.

"I take it this is your room... You're not showing me your inflatable balloon collection are you..?" the Architect asks flatly.

"No, but I do have a party cannon collection! However, this is quite different." Pinkie states touching the top of a nearby large ice cream styled decoration.

"I don't see the relevance of stroking that-" The Architect stops as Pinkie's carpet underneath him suddenly splits to form a circle hole. "Oh... One of those levers..." The Architect muses as he falls down it into darkness.

After a few seconds The Architect looks around and sighs deeply before a light is turned on. Turning around he can see Pinkie standing beside a slide.

"I'm going to go out on a wild guess here and say this is a party planning cave? The massive assortment of decorations and files gives it away... That and your reputation around town." The Architect informs slowly getting up.

"Aww How'd you know? It was going to be a surprise." Pinkie frowns, disappointed.

"Let's just ignore this conveniently placed hyper link and move on... I must say this cave is quite impressive and colourful." The Architect comments as he throws away some green text.

"Yeah, they are very conveniently placed. I work hard for my parties so I can make everypony smile!" Pinkie explains dramatically.

"I can see that... To be honest I thought you'd be overly happy for no reason and annoy me constantly. However, I guess this isn't so bad... You are pretty fun... Always have something to do... Meh, I think I'm starting to like you Pinkie." The Architect smiles a little making Pinkie squee with glee.

"Yes! Finally made you smile, even if just a little! Anyway would you like to stay here?" Pinkie asks, shifting some balloons.

"You mean here with you? Well, I have nowhere to stay currently and have been living in the construction areas lately... I see no harm in living in a proper house for now." The Architect agrees and stretches.

"Okie Dokie! I'll just go set up your sleeping area!" Pinkie states as she hops onto the nearby slide and travels up it.

"So... Do I walk up the slide..? Or... Or What?" The Architect looks very confused.

Author's Note

Finally it's out! The latest chapter of 'The Chained Luna Cycle'. This chapter was a bit difficult to write, but I got there. The next few chapters will come so much more smoothly, I just had trouble writing Pinkie which a friend helped me with. Look forward to the next chapter coming very soon!

Kiara's Crescendo

Kiara takes a deep breath as she stares into the night sky. Glancing into the distance she can see the faint glow of Valentine's bar. Kiara decides to jump down onto the street and proceeds to head towards the bar. As she walks Kiara emits dark energy from her hand creating a glowing dark purple effect against the dark backdrop of the city streets. Sighing deeply, she turns the energy into a glowing cat which shakes the excess energy off itself for Kiara to collect again. The cat follows Kiara through the park as she jumps up onto a thin railing. She starts to walks along it with her arms outstretched to the side in order to gain balance.

"Ever since we came to Equestria, Yuuki has been so busy spending time with Princess Luna that we hardly see him... I hardly see him." Kiara sighs deeply before jumping off the railing and continues down the path to Valentine's bar.

As Kiara travels closer she can hear some form of altered electronic based music mixed with dubstep. Intrigued she closes her eyes to see an array of multiple colours dancing across her vision in time with the music. Instead of her regular purple and black musical lines, she can see an array of reds, blues, whites and greens all dancing to this unique beat that she hasn't heard before. Upon opening her eyes she enters the bar to see it's relatively busy and Valentine is serving drinks at the bar while Applejack handles the customers at the tables. What catches her attention most is that sitting on her stage is a very extensive DJ stand. Playing at this stand with headphones on and bobbing their head in time with the music was a pure white Unicorn that has a slightly frazzled electric blue mane and tail which has cyan stripes through it, her eyes are hidden behind thick-framed purple shades. The mare's cutie mark is that of an eighth note which is also branded on her headphones. Kiara walks over to the bar and leans on it, trying not to take her eyes off the stage.

"Hey, Valentine... Who is that mare on my stage?" Kiara asks Valentine who is cleaning out a whiskey glass.

"Applejack said we should hire some local talent to promote ourselves. She isn't doing that bad, although I feel her musical taste would be better appreciated by someone like you." Valentine comments as he pours himself a drink.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Kiara asks, but she is simply pointed to the white mare.

Kiara sighs in defeat before walking over to the wall beside the hallway leading to the stairs and kitchen door. She leans on it and watches the pony closer. The Unicorn in question switches the tracks and clears her throat moving one of her earphones.

"This next one is something from my personal stash, but I hope it'll be received well." The mare states with a smile.

Kiara looks puzzled and folds her arms as the mare slips on the next track which makes Kiara bobs her head a little before smiling and slipping onto the floor a little way in front of the stage that has sparsely positioned tables for tonight. As the song slowly progresses Kiara's slight dancing catches the mare's eye and makes her look over her shades. As the song picks up into the lyrics Kiara passes a seductively, playful look towards the mare as she dances more fluently and flowing in time with the music. Kiara outstretches her arms to add them to her dancing, but to also flow with and caress the various streams of musical colour she could see filling the room in this new beat.

"By Celestia..." The mare mutters under her breath as Kiara performs a few interesting and slightly seductive dance moves.

Kiara smiles at the white mare as she can easily tell it's her that has captured the focus of tonight's DJ. Kiara begins to sway her hips in her dress which accentuates her movements. The Unicorn mare follows Kiara's movements which work in time with the flowing streams of musical colour which give her an electric aura. Letting her eyes drift along her accented curves the mare notices that Kiara has three dark purple fox tails with black tips, following the shape of her body she can see Kiara has fox ears that follow the same colour scheme. The audience begins to clap along with the beat as Kiara dances and she wears a big smile, not because of the crowd, but because of the hold she knows she has over the DJ still standing behind her stand. The song disappointingly comes to an end and Kiara returns to her walls with everyone giving a slight applause to the DJ which makes her confused. The mare throws on some electronic background music before taking off her headphones to hang around her neck while she trots over to Kiara.

"You see them too, don't you?" Kiara asks with her eyes closed.

"I see them every time I play and listen to music. They are beautiful and mesmerizing." The mare states with a grin.

"Kiara, I'm the dark version of Yuuki... Least I'm the exact replacement for them." Kiara comments opening her eyes.

"Vinyl Scratch, it's my pleasure. You were amazing out on the floor, why did everypony applaud me?" Vinyl asks, tilting her head at Kiara.

"I'm not worth much praise. All I did was dance for you, which by this conversation worked quite well. I play piano and classical instruments mostly, but I do have an interest in your type of music." Kiara states as she smiles at Vinyl.

"The song will be ending soon so I should get back up there, do you plan to stay for the music?" Vinyl asks as she begins to walk away back to the DJ stand.

"Sure, I'll stay where the music is." Kiara replies with a mischievous grin.

As Vinyl gets back to the DJ stand she takes off the current record before shifting through some more records in a box by the stand. She finds one with a dark purple cover, but no title. Shrugging, she throws on the record as she looks up to see Kiara waving 'bye' to Valentine behind the bar. Looking very confused she decides to run to the bar exit and stops when hearing Valentine.

"Leaving so early in the night? I take it something caught your eye?" Valentine asks, sipping his whiskey.

Vinyl debates a little as she looks back at the DJ stand and the door. "I know, I really wanted to stay a bit more, but... I guess you could say that, yeah..."

"I'm confident what caught your eye is equally important. Good luck." Valentine smiles as Vinyl rushes out of the doors.

Vinyl bursts through the doors, into the pouring rain and looks around for Kiara. Looking down the street she can see a glimpse of dark purple light against the night and gives chase. Once caught up with the light she can see Kiara dancing through the rain, appearing to not care how wet she is getting.

"Why'd you leave? You said you'd stay where the music was." Vinyl asks, looking confused.

"For people like me the music is everywhere, you should know this. Even this far away you can hear the music being played at Valentine's bar. The colours never fade no matter where you are." Kiara states happily as she twirls in the rain surrounded by pulsing bright lights.

Vinyl looks around to see the lights and somehow hear the music clear as day. "I don't quite understand how this is possible given how far away we are... Who are you?"

Kiara laughs slightly as she looks up, embracing the rain. "Who am I indeed... It seems lately I've been wondering that. However, for now, I'm Kiara."

"You're odd even for Equestria, but odd is cool. Let's go back to my place; my roommate recently got a place of her own as she has a coltfriend." Vinyl offers as Kiara stops and turns to her.

"Sounds like fun. Lead on, Miss Vinyl Scratch." Kiara playfully states, moving close to Vinyl who leads them towards her place.

Vinyl opens the door to her house and brings a soaking wet Kiara inside. Closing the door Vinyl can see they are both drenched.

"Regret dancing in the rain yet..?" Vinyl asks, shaking herself slightly.

Kiara sneezes slightly and shivers. "A little... Don't suppose you have a fireplace..?"

Vinyl chuckles slightly as she turns on the lights before heading to the bathroom and brings Kiara a towel in her magic while also using another towel to dry herself.

"Thank you..." Kiara states as she slowly removes her wet dress.

Vinyl moves over to the fireplace which is in front of a sofa that has a rug between them. Using her magic she lights some logs and finishes drying herself. Turning around she picks up Kiara's dress and floats it over to her before hanging it by the fireplace to dry. Kiara walks over a few mins later and sits down with the towel.

"My underwear is also over there... It seems these clothes are not part of my dark magic..." Kiara states, blushing as she hugs the towel around her.

Vinyl grabs Kiara's underwear with her magic and places them by the fireplace.

"Would you like a soda or something?" Vinyl asks, setting her headphones to the side.

"Do you have anything in grape?" Kiara asks, getting comfortable.

Vinyl thinks for a second before trotting into the kitchen and begins shifting through the fridge. After several seconds she comes back and hands Kiara a grape soda using her magic.

"Thank you, It has been pretty clear weather since we got here." Kiara comments as she opens the soda and takes a few sips.

Vinyl sits down beside Kiara and looks up at the ceiling as she rubs her neck slightly.

"Speaking of which... What are you exactly?" Vinyl asks.

"I suppose I could count as a Moon Fox. I'm one of five alters who belong to Yuuki, Princess Luna's bodyguard. You met one of them who runs that bar, he is called Valentine. I'm what you could call Yuuki's dark twin? Or at least I'm the dark replacement for his twin who is currently causing havoc and hiding out somewhere in the frozen north by the Crystal Empire..." Kiara blinks a few times before looking very confused.

"Fair enough, that explains the fox ears and tails. Where are you staying currently?" Vinyl asks, relaxing on the sofa.

"Nowhere specific... Mostly at Twilight's I think, although I stopped going back after the first night and that was three weeks ago or so now." Kiara explains as she stretches slightly.

"So, you're homeless? You could crash here if you wanted. I mean, I don't have a roommate anymore so I have space." Vinyl states, glancing slightly at Kiara.

Kiara thinks for a second before smiling. "I guess I could stay here for a while, it's not like I have anywhere else to go. Plus you have good taste in music."

"Thanks, I guess. I've only got one bed though as Octavia moved out and took her stuff with her, so..." Vinyl informs Kiara who seemingly yawns.

"I think that won't be a problem... I'm tired..." Kiara slowly leans against and falls asleep on Vinyl.

Vinyl looks around a few times and then at the now sleeping Kiara. "Aww man... This was not in the handbook... This is going to be interesting if not annoying... Maybe..."

Vinyl groans slightly as she rubs her temple with her hoof.

Author's Note

Kiara's chapter done! Finally, it's finished. This month has been the absolute worst month of writing for me as I've not had my normal drive. This is hopefully just a temporary setback and will be fixed when I go into the next writing month. The next chapter is when we finally see Despair again and he has a surprise for you. :pinkiehappy: Stay tuned for more! :moustache:

The Dark Tea Party

The moon hangs high in the sky as Yuuki and Luna make their way up a slightly steep snowy mountain slope. The annoyed look on Yuuki's face did not escape the attention of the Equestrian princess.

"You're very frustrated with him picking this kind of location aren't you?" Luna asks, nuzzling Yuuki slightly.

"You have no idea... I know from what I'm told, Moon Foxes used to live with our east Equestrian Unicorn comrades... But, that doesn't mean after several years living in your warm castle with Celestia, do I want to bloody go back to a snowy mountain!" Yuuki groans in shear frustration.

"It'll be alright. Once finished here we can go home and have a nice warm joint bath." Luna states, with a happy smile.

"You're doing it again."

"Doing what again?" Luna asks, confused.

"Forgetting that we are more than master and pet now. Since going to the other world my body has changed and the circumstances of our reunion saw that our relationship progressed to the level we have now. I understand, we spent seven long wonderful years like we did... I, myself, sometimes forget. You... You're happy with how we are now?" Yuuki asks, as he helps Luna up a steep climb.

"How could thou even ask such a question? Of course I am happy with our current relationship... In truth, I had not forgotten... I just wanted to take a joint bath with you..." Luna states, sounding sad.

Yuuki groans slightly as he mentally slaps himself. "Luna... I'm sorry... I guess, with all this stuff happening and about my brother... It seems I'm the one who is still hung up on that... A warm joint bath sounds wonderful. I just hope this doesn't annoy me too much."

"So long as he doesn't start singing, you should be fine... Thank you for bringing me along, I know you wanted to come alone." Luna comments as they reach an iced archway.

"If anything, having you here will ensure I don't do anything stupid... That and you would never stop worrying about me if I left you at home." Yuuki takes a deep breath before they pass through the archway.

Upon passing through the archway the pair find themselves in a very summer looking setting. The ground they walk on is covered in lush green grass and the atmosphere is slightly warm. While confused, they press on past a corner rock to find a table set up with cups and trays in the form of a tea party. At the head of the table is Despair dressed in a formal, slightly mismatched black and purple attire.

"Brother! I'm so glad you could make it and you brought the misses, how quaint." Despair states with glee.

"I've come here as you asked... Now what is it you wanted to meet me about?" Yuuki demands.

Despair waves his finger at Yuuki and gestures for him to sit down. Luxure comes out of nowhere wearing a maids outfit and pulls out two chairs for them. "Now, now dear brother... Surely you wouldn't insult my hospitality and be rude? Please, sit, have some tea. I will explain everything shortly."

Reluctantly Yuuki and Luna take their seats at the table and accept the tea poured by Luxure. Despair gets up off his seat and walks around the table to stand opposite them.

"So... Why have you asked me here?" Yuuki asks, sipping his tea.

"Correction, why did I ask both of you here. You see I knew you would bring Luna and that's exactly what I'd hoped for. I'm going to lay out the ground rules... Luna, I hate you... I don't like you, I never will like you... Princess of the Night, my ass... Your union to my brother is so fake, I cannot even describe how fake it is... No matter what, you will always be his master and him your pet... Now that I have that out of my system... Yuuki, before I get down to explaining why I brought you both here, I will let you in on something..." Despair stretches a little and sighs.

"I don't exactly like that you just insulted my marefriend so bluntly..." Yuuki states, wearing a blank, unimpressed expression.

"Ugh... Marefriend, for fuck sake... I know you come from this world, but for heaven's sake don't use pony words around me... This little detail, is a result of being born of your emotions... The other alters will be experiencing, slight disruptions within themselves to do with what made them. Such as if Binary experiences an emotion he cannot explain with logic... Like love. The same could be said for any emotion they feel that they were made from like Valentine and love. Me, being made from darkness, is having a hard time controlling my body for long periods of time. The same will be for Kiara, she will experience the darkness inside her take control from time to time. Mostly when she feels confusion, maybe arousal... It's random." Despair explains while picking up and sipping a tea cup.

"I see... Is that all?" Yuuki asks, placing down his cup.

"What? No... Of course that isn't fucking all... You see brother... I'm perplexed about what to do with you. You piss me off, but you're my brother... So, I summed up everything I feel into a lovely composed song by one of my musical band of knights." Despair smiles as he conjures a top hat and cane out of thin air.

Yuuki and Luna suddenly have their legs and arms trapped in automatic cuffs, which seem custom made to fit each of them. Despair smiles widely as Yuuki looks at Luna with a panicked expression, then at Despair who kisses Luxure deeply before letting go and turning back to the pair. Luxure slips back into her normal outfit and brings out a staff which has a dark black gem atop it. Despair starts humming a tune before Luxure uses her magic to play the required instruments for Despair's new song.

It's not easy having yourself a good time
Greasing up those bets and betters
Watching out they don't four-letter
Fuck and kiss you both at the same time
Smells-like something I've forgotten
Curled up died and now it's rotten

I'm not a gangster tonight
Don't want to be a bad guy
I'm just a loner baby
And now you're gotten in my way

I can't decide
Whether you should live or die
Oh, you'll probably go to heaven
Please don't hang your head and cry
No wonder why
My heart feels dead inside
It's cold and hard and petrified
Lock the doors and close the blinds
We're going for a ride

It's a bitch convincing people to like you
If I stop now call me a quitter
If lies were cats you'd be a litter
Pleasing everyone isn't like you
Dancing jigs until I'm crippled
Slug ten drinks I won't get pickled

I've got to hand it to you
You've played by all the same rules
It takes the truth to fool me
And now you've made me angry

Oh I could throw you in the lake
Or feed you poisoned birthday cake
I wont deny I'm gonna miss you when you're gone
Oh I could bury you alive
But you might crawl out with a knife
And kill me when I'm sleeping
That's why

The song ends and Despair throws away his hat and cane one at a time before sighing deeply.

"So, you see brother. I've devised a way for us to decide your fate. You can call it a little game with the highest stakes you have ever played with in your life. Luxure, if you would prepare the stage." Despair prompts Luxure, who smiles.

"Of course master, Luxure shall prepare your game." Luxure states happily as she rests the crystal tip of her staff on Luna's chest.

"You see, brother... During the last month I've had my army mining as hard as ever in the mountains to get enough rich ore that I could smelt into metal. This metal has had magic mixed into its very process. Using this metal I aimed to take prisoner something very precious to you." Despair states with an evil grin as he looks at Luna.

"You dare hurt or kill her and I swear!" Yuuki yells at Despair and struggles in his chair.

"Now, now... Killing her would take the fun out of my game. However, I'm well inclined to make her suffer... An Alicorn is the most powerful of all, right? Yet currently you have yet to break free of your bonds... I trust this is because you simply can't?" Despair asks, grinning wide.

"Luna..?" Yuuki looks at Luna, confused.

"Tis' true... Since these wretched restraints I've been unable to cast my magic..." Luna admits.

"Excellent... Then what is about to happen will hurt a hell of a lot..." Despair states, looking to Luxure.

Luxure uses her magic to extract a string of Luna's magical essence with her crystal staff. She then pulls out an odd looking metal necklace that has nine rare looking gemstones decorated onto its front. Using the essence she puts the string into the centre midnight blue gemstone making it glow. Despair takes the necklace and fits it around Luna's neck, the clasp at the back locks and melts into place making removing it difficult.

"There, everything is in place... Luxure, use the spell." Despair demands as he turns around to look at the moon.

Luxure begins chanting making Luna's necklace glow and begin to spark slightly as she groans in pain. As Luxure progresses the spell, Luna begins to yell in pain as each gem starts to glow their respective colours on either side of the midnight blue gem. Red, green, blue, purple for the left and yellow, dark green, pink, ice blue for the right. Each one lights up and causes Luna more pain.

"Almost there... You see each gem is imbued with a locking spell. It has nine locks including a master lock at the front. Each gem is magically connected to a chain I made out of that metal, thus sharing her magical capability over eight anti-magical sealing chains. you will need to break each chain in the eight locations I've conquered in the last month. You'll have to look for them yourself, however as a reminder of your curse and eternal sorrow, allow me to show you this." Despair waves his hand to Luxure.

Luxure continues the spell into it's second stage which causes Luna more harm. In the distance Yuuki can see eight bright coloured lights in the sky heading towards the moon.

"Despair what have you done?!" Yuuki asks struggling more.

"I've simply set an example using the Princess of the Night... This is a display of power and your punishment for abandoning me, brother... You love her so much, let's see how that love fares when she is left helpless and useless like a child!" Despair holds his arms out and a display of the moon is projected from the table.

Yuuki can see eight massive chains head towards the moon before they wrap and tightly bind themselves around it. Each chain interlocks with one another making sure the moon is secure before the chains tighten at their bases keeping the moon in place. The bright glow dies down and Despair lowers his arms as Luna stops writhing in pain. Another bright midnight blue light speeds up to the moon and attaches to the bottom collection of eight crossing chains before tightening down somewhere in the frozen north.

"Eight chains and one master chain... That is the game Yuuki. You'll figure out how to destroy them, I'm sure... Until then, she will remain bound like a helpless pig until you beg, plead and grovel for me to release her... Goodbye, brother... I hope you enjoyed the tea." Despair chuckles as he and Luxure disappear into black smoke.

A few seconds after they leave, Yuuki and Luna are released from their restraints and Yuuki dives to be beside Luna catching her from falling over. She is breathing lightly, but still concious.

"I'm alright Yuuki... Just very weak. I'm sorry I insisted on coming, maybe if I wasn't here..." Luna begins, but Yuuki shakes his head.

"No, none of that! I brought you here, he is my brother... Let's just get home okay? Have that bath we talked about..." Yuuki prompts Luna who nods as he helps her stand up so they can leave.

Looking around, the area has returned to it's normal harsh winter setting, the table and chairs quickly covered in snow. Sighing to himself, Yuuki looks very sad as he and Luna head for home after their encounter.

A few hours later Yuuki and Luna had made it home and with some initial awkwardness decided to take a hot bath together. Yuuki sits in front of Luna while he uses his tail to try and melt the necklace with his ice blue fox fire.

"Please try a bit harder..." Luna asks.

"I'm trying as hard as I can, Luna... Whatever this thing is made out of, it's resistant to my fox fire. Sorry..." Yuuki's ears droop sadly.

Luna gently nuzzles Yuuki affectionately to cheer him up before grabbing a flannel with hoof and uses it to wash Yuuki's back.

"Yuuki, it's not your fault. No matter how much you might want to blame yourself for Despair's actions, he does all of this on his own accord. I learnt very little about him from my time in your dreamscape... However, I know that I love you and will do everything I can to help you defeat him." Luna nuzzles Yuuki again making his ears go back up slightly.

"I just hate how he was able to put this horrible looking thing around your neck and I was powerless to stop him... He even chained your moon... He chained the very moon my people worship and I could do nothing about it..." Yuuki leans into Luna.

"Do you remember what Despair said about how we would be master and pet forever?" Yuuki nods looking at Luna. "Is that not our choice to make? We both know what developed during that month I spent every Equestrian night in your dreams... We moved beyond merely 'master and pet'. While that life was nice and cosy what we have now cannot simply be undone. Nor do I want it to be, I am happy to both have you back and be in love with you. This Despair can preach all he wants about how we are, however, it will only work if we let it work. What do you feel, Yuuki?" Luna prompts Yuuki who simply cuddles Luna.

"I think I fell in love with the mare who was my owner for seven wonderful years and in one month of not knowing each other at all, we moved up to dating. In the ten years I spent in that world I experienced many testing events and depressing times that were the cause of my mental split and the alters being created. Meeting Garrick and Ryota was the only thing that kept me going in that hell hole. I was reunited with my people, but... That only took me so far as I knew nothing of my life before. That one month I spent with you, it was the happiest month of my entire ten years there... I don't want what we have now to disappear... Despair has already cost me so much, I refuse to let him have anymore." Yuuki nuzzles Luna affectionately.

"I know what has happened to us is important and it puts me in grave danger not being able to use my magic while those chains remain around my moon... He has insulted me more than he might realise, being trapped again by that moon... I'd like to inform my sister of what has happened this evening. With luck we can swiftly discover the locations of the chains and work on a way to destroy them." Luna explains as she cuddles Yuuki.

After several minutes both of them get out of the bath and help dry one another. Once dry, Yuuki finds himself some pyjamas before getting into bed.

"Not sleeping in your fox form tonight?" Luna asks, tucking Yuuki in.

"I think it'd be nice to sleep beside you like this a few times. I can easily alternate some nights." Yuuki gets comfortable as Luna kisses his cheek.

"I don't mind either form, so long as it's you. Goodnight for now, little Yuuki. I'll be back shortly." Luna whispers softly before blowing out the candles and leaving the room to go to her sister's bedroom.

Yuuki sighs deeply and rolls over to stare at the ceiling. "I guess this is where the real story begins..."

Author's Note

Well, things are finally getting interesting. Despair has made his move and we shall see how Yuuki and his group respond in the next chapters that will come very soon. Certain complications have arose and there is a debate about if I should continue on this month switch out or carry on with a fic till it finishes. If any of you have comments on this debate please feel free to speak up, it'd mean a lot.

The Queens Offer

Chrysalis stretches and yawns as she lays on her large heart shaped pillow with Ryota beside her. The Changeling second in command can't help but stare at the ceiling.

"You seem awfully distracted this morning. Is everything all right?" Chrysalis asks, rolling over to face Ryota.

"Yuuki is meeting with Despair for his 'tea party' invitation. I can't help, but worry for him..." Ryota states, before rolling off the pillow and standing up.

"I'm confident he doesn't need any help. That fox seems to be more than capable... Although, I still ponder where he and Princess Luna were during our invasion." Chrysalis muses, before standing up as well.

Ryota sighs deeply as he fidgets and begins pacing around the room. Chrysalis rolls her eyes and groans.

"For the sake of my sanity, do not start pacing again... I cannot handle another display of that..." Chrysalis states, making Ryota stop.

"I'm going to go out for a walk. Verdammnis is spending time with the Changeling research group, so she should be fine... I hope." Ryota begins leaving the room when he is caught up by Chrysalis.

"I'll join you. With how you are this morning you have me anxious..." Chrysalis states, sighing deeply.

The pair makes their way through the halls of the Changeling hive, before long they reach the entrance and breath in the 'fresh' swamp air. The present guards tense up and point their spears towards the swamp as a human figure is walking in their direction.

"What is the meaning of this? Who dares to approach my hive?!" Chrysalis bellows as the figure comes into view.

The figure is revealed to be wearing the armour of Despairs knights. The knight stops a short way from the hive entrance, his cape blowing in the wind.

"Forgive me, your majesty. My name is Dolor, general of Despair's elite knight legion." The knight slightly bows.

"What is your business here?!" Chrysalis demands as more Changeling guards in dark green armour exit the hive to protect their queen.

"I have come with a message. My lord Despair wishes to extend an invitation to his dark alliance. He is well aware of your evil past." Dolor offers as he looks over her guard.

"What would be the benefits of joining this alliance?" Chrysalis asks.

"My queen! Surely you do not-" Ryota is cut off.

"Silence!" Queen Chrysalis demands, making Ryota stop talking.

"Well, my master wishes to offer a percentage of Equestrian land to you. This is of course if you join us and we win." Dolor explains.

"Would we be allowed to take prisoners as we see fit?" Chrysalis asks.

"Of course. My master does not care what you do with anyone you capture or kill." Dolor answers.

Queen Chrysalis thinks for a few seconds before scoffing at the invitation.

"I do not need anyone to tell me what I can or cannot do. I take what I want, I do what I want. You can return to your master and tell him of my decline to his offer." Chrysalis states defiantly.

"I see... I was also instructed to make an example of you should you refuse." Dolor states as he begins to step forwards.

"My queen... Permission to eject this disrespectful pest from your swamp?" Ryota asks, stepping in front of Chrysalis.

"Do as you please with him so long as he is disposed of." Queen Chrysalis gives her consent.

"As you wish, my queen." Ryota states as he walks towards Dolor and stands up on his hind legs.

Binary sighs deeply as he has his head on the bar, much to Valentine's amusement. Not far from them Applejack and Rainbow Dash are idly talking while they help each other set up the bar.

"I can't take this much longer..." Binary groans.

"You still having trouble with that 'problem' we discussed?" Valentine asks, sipping a glass of whisky.

"I can't seem to wrap my head around how I feel... You explained it well and it seems so simple..." Binary sighs, as he sits up to drink his soda.

"It's not really something that I can explain too well with graphs and logical terminology. You just have to experience it and figure things out for yourself. I've done all I can." Valentine sighs, as he leans on the bar.

"But how did you 'figure' this out?" Binary asks, looking depressed.

"I confessed." Valentine states bluntly.

"Wait, so you just straight came out and said it to her?" Binary asks, looking confused.

"Not quite, no. We were having a conversation and things were mentioned. When I was prompted about maybe liking her, I hid nothing. I confessed how I felt without hesitation. Since then the burning in my heart has settled down, but it is no more intense than it was. I think I'm starting to understand." Valentine explains, downing his whisky.

"What do you mean?" Binary asks.

"We each were made from something. That something is part of us, in this world, it's more prominent than before. How I felt for Applejack was increased due to what I was made from. However, that does not define who or what I become. Those choices belong to us now and nobody can change that." Valentine continues to explain.

Binary is about to argue something, but they are both interrupted by screams coming from outside. The four exit the bar in a rush and look around to see ponies staring at the sky.

"Look there!" Binary points up at the distant lights heading towards the moon.

As the chains wrap around the moon, Valentine grips his chest as it burns with a searing pain. Binary is brought to his knees as his head hurts and feels like exploding. The gang watch as the moon is trapped and constricted by the eight chains before a ninth chain binds itself with them.

"Valentine! Are yer alright?!" Applejack asks, standing beside Valentine.

"My chest is practically on fire... What is this?" Valentine's vision blurs before passing out.

"Binary?! What is it?!" Rainbow Dash grabs Binary's face with her hooves, but all he can manage to do is collapse into her.

Ryota and Dolor circle each other, the knight lacking his regular sword and shield.

"No weapons then? I don't really mind which form of combat we indulge in." Dolor informs Ryota.

"Hand to hand seems fitting... Or hoof to hoof..." Ryota forces himself to think on that notion for a moment.

"Neither are wrong if we are to be technical." Dolor states with a chuckle.

The pair charge at each other and begin the fight by throwing and dodging narrow punches. Dolor attempts to throw a one-two punch, but Ryota slides underneath between his legs and performs a twirl flight maneuver behind him leading up to a harsh kick to Dolor's back. The knight general cracks his neck and turns around to face Ryota, who gives him no time to recover and comes at him with a flurry of hoof kicks.

"Pretty agile for a quadruped." Dolor comments.

"I've had plenty of training." Ryota replies.

The changeling second in command blocks a hard uppercut, which is followed by a variety of kick and punch combos to keep him blocking. Dropping underneath Dolor's attack arch, Ryota is able to get a double hoof back kick in, which sends Dolor recoiling.

"Perhaps I underestimated you... That ends here." Dolor states with a growl.

The pair charge and clash again, but something is different this time. Dolor lands hit after hit without fail on Ryota, not giving him any time to recover or regain his balance. Grabbing his back legs, Dolor spins Ryota around before releasing him hard into a nearby tree. The impact is followed up by a harsh punch from Dolor who swiftly followed his flight path. Picking Ryota up by his head Dolor chuckles before slamming his knee into Ryota's barrel and throwing him to land in front of Chrysalis.

"I think that's enough pain inflicted for today..." Dolor begins to leave before stopping to hear Chrysalis' voice.

"I will hunt you down and personally see to it that your end is painful..." Chrysalis snarls at Dolor.

The general chuckles as he leaves the hive area. Ryota attempts to lean himself up to talk but is stopped by Chrysalis.

"You fought well... Guards take second in command Ryota to the infirmary... I'm making a trip to Canterlot tomorrow, I will not tolerate this transgression..." Chrysalis states in a harsh, buzzing voice.

Author's Note

You'll have to forgive the delay on several of my fics. There have been delays in proofreading as my blog post explain. I hope to be able to get more chapters out at a regular pace.

Home Invasion

Garrick yawns as he steps into his alchemical laboratory, looking around his nostalgic setup. After searching the nearby bookshelves for a few minutes, Garrick finds an old tome with several pages skewed out of place. Placing the tome on his desk, he begins to flick through its pages coming upon recipes and theories spanning great depth. Diagrams and descriptions for many tonics, salves and potions are flipped past before coming to a diagram of a heart shaped sweet.

"What did you do with this, Ecstasy?" Garrick muses before turning his head upon hearing a soothing voice.

"I might actually have an answer for you on that one. As it turns out through idle conversation with Queen Chrysalis, I found out that Ecstasy gave the formula and regular emotion shipments to the Changelings, so they might produce their own food source. Using your formula as a template, her development team was able to adapt it and make emotion sweets out of varied emotions than just love." Twilight explains as she enters the lab to stand beside Garrick.

"I'm glad 'our' formula is being put to good use. Don't forget you helped a lot on that project too." Garrick nuzzles Twilight gently.

"Well, you're the alchemist. I simply stopped you from blowing yourself up most of the time as well as help with various theories and compounds... Okay, so I helped a moderate amount, but it's still your formula." Twilight returns Garrick's nuzzle before heading towards the doorway.

Garrick follows Twilight, leaving his tome on the desk as she leads him downstairs to the dining room where she has pancakes, berries and syrup setup for their breakfast. Garrick kisses Twilight's cheek before trotting quickly to his seat.

"You are simply the best partner I could ask for~" Garrick sings happily as he sits down and looks over his breakfast.

"I've just spent long enough as your partner to know what you like." Twilight replies with a smile as she takes her own seat.

Garrick picks up the nearby provided fork before eagerly digging into his pancakes. Twilight smiles to herself before doing the same.

"Did you have any plans for today? I believe Yuuki's alters have begun to settle in well. Already they are adding to the community with Valentine's bar which serves as a gathering place and lodging for those who are visiting Ponyville or just need a place to stay. Applejack is helping him as a business partner which seems to boost their reputation somewhat." Twilight informs Garrick.

"I'm glad they are settling in well, Ryota and I was with Yuuki during his... His difficult time and the Despair event." Garrick sighs slightly.

"What happened to create an alternate personality with such... Pain and hate in its heart?" Twilight asks.

"It's not my place to go into full details... Just to say his heart was shattered by one closest to him and the result was difficult to fix. Over time he got better and no doubt being back where he belongs will help heal him further. Oh and I don't have any specific plans today." Garrick explains to Twilight.

After several minutes they finish their breakfast and move their plates to the kitchen where they are placed in the sink.

"Perhaps we could take a trip into town to visit the bar, it'd be nice to see their progress myself." Twilight states with a smile.

"I think that's a good idea and would give us a chance to get out of the castle for a few hours." Garrick states in response before they both head to the castle entrance.

Upon exiting the castle door the pair is confronted by one of Despair's elite knights accompanied by two females in robes bearing Despair's colours.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Twilight asks.

"My name is Kanashimi, Sorrow general of Despair's elite knight legion. My comrade and brother Dolor should be making an offer or example of the Changeling queen right about now. My task is to make an example of you, because of your standing position you do not get the luxury of an offer." Kanashimi states, drawing his sword.

The Architect sighs as he lays back on the picnic blanket to relax under the sun. Beside him is Pinkie who is setting up the picnic with Fluttershy. Sitting next to Fluttershy looking over a butterfly on his finger is Darkness, still wearing his armour.

"You should find time to get out of that armour, it's so uncomfortable to see you in it on a sunny day." The Architect states to Darkness.

Darkness lets the butterfly leaves his finger before looking at the Architect.

"I don't wear my armour all the time... I just wear it outside most of the time." Darkness states making the Architect raise an eyebrow.

"He doesn't wear his armour at home, Rarity was able to make him some more casual clothing which he wears instead. It's actually very nice" Fluttershy states, making Darkness blush under his helmet.

"We should enjoy the picnic! I brought several cupcakes and candy with me!" Pinkie exclaims.

The Architect lifts himself up before looking at Darkness who is staring at the sky seemingly perplexed.

"He'll be fine. I understand your worry, but we can't do anything. Yuuki is on his own for this one and we need to be strong by ourselves until he needs our help." The Architect states sighing deeply.

"I suppose... I sometimes wonder if us getting our own bodies was a good or bad thing." Darkness looks down from the sky.

"I have no magical experience, but... I think you will find out what your new purpose is even if it's difficult, to begin with." Fluttershy states, placing her hoof on Darkness' shoulder making him smile.

"Sounds like a good idea-" Darkness stops himself before looking sharply up in the sky.

The Architect and Darkness stand up as a group of distant lights head for the moon. As they get closer the chains wrap around the moon, binding it tightly. The Architect and Darkness are brought to their knees, as a searing pain is felt within their chest. The Architect passes out quickly making Pinkie worry, while Darkness is resisting as much as possible.

"Darkness! What's wrong? Are you okay? Where does it hurt?" Fluttershy fusses as she tries to help him.

"It's a searing pain in my chest... Like my very being is... Being manipulated and twisted... Yuuki..." Darkness manages to say before passing out onto the picnic blanket.

Twilight stares at Kanashimi considering their options before taking a few steps forward despite Garrick's reluctance.

"How exactly does he wish you to make an 'example' of us? You are no doubt a capable general, but you only brought two people with you who I can guess are mages of some description." Twilight deduces.

"While I understand our power greatly differs, Princess Twilight Sparkle. My lord never requested I kill or defeat you. However, my objective shall be complete in a few minutes." Kanashimi states.

All of a sudden the pair sees a group of lights in the sky chain and binds the moon with grace and ease before tethering it to Equestria. Twilight can scarcely believe what she is seeing.

"What have you done?!" Twilight demands.

"My master simply wished to demonstrate what he is capable of and to give Yuuki something to think about. With this example made, my objective is complete. I bid you a pleasant afternoon, Princess." Kanashimi turns to leave.

"What did you do to Yuuki?!" Garrick demands, stepping past Twilight.

Kanashimi stops for a moment to turn around and face Garrick.

"My master would not kill your friend too quickly before he has made him suffer. Something to think about while you rush to his side." Kanashimi comments before disappearing in dark smoke with the two mages.

Garrick turns quickly to Twilight who shakes her head lightly.

"I realise that we should rush to Canterlot to see what has transpired, however, it might be a good idea to get our affairs in order before travelling there tomorrow. You'll need to prepare some alchemical solutions in case anyone is wounded." Twilight states calmly.

"I understand that, but... Grr..." Garrick growls slightly at himself before rushing into the castle to his lab.

Author's Note

Another chapter is done and dusted. I hope everyone is enjoying the story thus far. :pinkiehappy:

Nine Chains to Bind the Moon

Celestia sits opposite Yuuki and Luna at a large round table in one of the castle's many rooms. Yuuki takes several glances at Luna's necklace, unable to fully stop feeling sad for it being there.

"My sister explained the situation last night in my chambers. If it will ease your position, I am not mad at you Yuuki. I do not blame you for what is happening, nor is it your fault." Celestia explains with a calm voice.

Yuuki relaxes slightly before looking at Luna who smiles before nuzzling him gently.

"The others should be coming soon... No doubt everyone in Equestria saw Despair's demonstration in the sky." Yuuki states, drooping his ears.

At that moment the meeting rooms doors open to Binary and Valentine who enter with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Each one of them takes a seat at the large round table. Shortly after they get seated, Darkness and the Architect enter the room with Fluttershy and Pinkie.

"How are you all feeling? I'm glad to see your all okay." Yuuki states to his alters.

"It's good to see you are okay too Yuuki. We were all worried something happened to you when you went to see Despair." Valentine states in response.

"Although given the massive display in the sky and the burning sensation we all seemed to feel when the moon was bound suggests that something did indeed happen." Binary adds, rubbing his chest.

"I'd also wager from the new necklace Luna is sporting, she was the main focus of Despairs agenda." Darkness comments.

"It is pleasant to see you are all unharmed for the most part. However, I am curious as to your choice of accompaniment to this meeting." Celestia raises her eyebrow.

"I cannot speak for everyone, but Darkness has been staying with me as he had nowhere else to go." Fluttershy states.

"Pretty much the same for me and Binary." Rainbow Dash adds, looking at Binary.

"Valentine and I run his bar together so, it's slightly different." Applejack comments.

"Archie sleeps with me, so he stays at Sugarcube corner!" Pinkie exclaims.

Yuuki and the other alters, including the other ponies turn to Pinkie in confusion.

"What? I sleep on the sofa in her room." The Architect states, himself looking confused.

The others sigh and relax upon hearing his reply. Celestia clears her throat before the meeting room doors burst open to show Queen Chrysalis wearing a furious expression.

"I demand to know the meaning behind this Despair character this instant!" Chrysalis yells as she walks into the room.

"Queen Chrysalis, please calm down and explain what has happened." Celestia asks, with a calm voice.

"Someone claiming to be Dolor, general of Despair's elite knight legion, showed up in our territory yesterday offering a place in Despair's dark alliance. His terms were ludicrous, so I turned him down. My second in command was then given permission to eject the vermin from our land... He was severely injured in the fight and Dolor got away." Chrysalis explains before shooting a fierce glance towards Yuuki.

Yuuki finds himself unable to say anything to Chrysalis' stern glare. Celestia clears her throat before sighing slightly.

"It's evident now that he is a force that must be dealt with. However, in our current state, we cannot deal with him directly. I have already ordered scouts to locate where exactly these chains are anchored to so we can send the appropriate pony to deal with them. Till then we must remain patient and wait. Will that suffice?" Celestia asks Chrysalis.

"I suppose it will have to do if that is the extent of your current resources..." Chrysalis leaves the room just as loudly as she entered.

"Now that we have diffused that situation, I think we should all allow Yuuki and his alters to discuss this amongst themselves in private." Celestia prompts everypony in the room who reluctantly leaves.

Yuuki and the alters sit in silence for several minutes thinking what to say before Yuuki begins to say something only to be interrupted by Binary.

"You know it's not. There is no point saying it as we all know it to be false." Binary states to Yuuki.

"It's true. Our actions are our own now, you cannot be held responsible for what Despair does." Darkness adds.

"We have our own bodies, own minds, and our own ambitions now. That jar gave us all a new life apart from you and regardless whether we like it or not, it's how things are now." The Architect comments.

Yuuki looks at Valentine who has remained quiet thus far.

"What do you think V? You're being abnormally quiet." Yuuki asks.

"I think that if I was to punch a wall, kick a barrel or buck a tree. Those are all actions I have taken on my own accord. Even when we were inside you, we were splits of your personality with traits that you have. We still are made of those traits, but we have evolved past mere figments of your imagination. We are our own people. Despair's actions are his own and there will be consequences for those actions. We won't get anything done if you continue to blame yourself for his hate. Screw Chrysalis, she doesn't understand. Maybe in time she will come to see, but if not that's her problem. We need to focus on what is important and that's cutting the moon free so we can get that thing off Luna's neck. Then we take it to Despair like we did all those years ago." Valentine explains folding his arms.

"When you put it like that I suppose you have a point." Yuuki chuckles a little and sighs before looking around the table. "Where is Kiara? Wasn't she on the train here?"

The group looks around in confusion before becoming worried.

"We assumed she was already making her way here... Anyone know where she was staying last?" Binary asks.

"I believe she has taken up residence with the local DJ Vinyl Scratch, she was playing at the bar a few nights back when I saw the two talking." Valentine comments.

"We need to go check on her now." Yuuki states standing up.

Yuuki and his alters follow Valentine to Vinyl Scratches house based on the directions he remembered. Upon reaching her cottage Valentine knocks on the door.

"Vinyl? It's Valentine. Are you home?" Valentine asks.

The door slowly opens to a dimly lit main room and Vinyl has a slightly more frazzled mane then normal.

"I was wondering when you guys would show up... Figured it'd be soon. She's refused to move since yesterday and keeps having nightmares when she tries to sleep." Vinyl moves to the side as she lets the group inside.

"Where is she?" Yuuki asks.

"You must be Yuuki? She is in the bedroom, curled up in the corner. I tried everything to calm her down, music, deep breathing, meditation..." Vinyl sighs as she rubs her neck.

Yuuki heads to the bedroom and gently opens the door. Inside the room is almost pitch black, but with his improved vision, he can see that the room is also a mess.

"Kiara? Are you in here?" Yuuki asks to the darkness.

Suddenly the door is flung open as a frazzled Kiara leaps out and tackle hugs Yuuki to the floor. He can see she has been crying and hasn't slept much if at all by her dishevelled state.

"Don't let it take me! I don't want it to take me..." Kiara states holding onto Yuuki.

"It's okay, it won't get you. Whatever it is." Yuuki replied, gently stroking Kiara's hair.

After an hour to allow Kiara to shower and calm down, Vinyl sorted herself out before bringing everyone drinks. She then sits next to Kiara, shifting a little closer so she is tight against her. Kiara sighs deeply and hugs the blanket around her as well as accepting Vinyl's comfort.

"I'm sorry for the trouble I put you through Vinyl... I know it must have been scary for you to have seen that." Kiara apologises.

"It was scary, but... I tried hard to calm you down despite what I was feeling at the time." Vinyl states, nuzzling Kiara's side very slightly.

"What exactly happened to make you be like that?" Valentine asks.

"I don't know... I just remember we were talking by the fire while listening to some music Vinyl had been developing. Then suddenly a sharp searing pain arose in my chest and I felt something trying to burrow its way out of me. Like it was being drawn to something. I was so very scared and slowly felt my control slipping to whatever was inside me... I still feel it a little now..." Kiara hugs the blanket tighter.

"We all experienced similar searing pain in our chests when Despair chained the moon yesterday. It's likely you had a much more severe reaction." Binary states.

"I was with Despair and he showed no signs of anything. Although I don't doubt it's because he is more in control of his powers than you all are... If he has resurrected his castle then he will have used the pool... Which also explains why Luxure could weave such a complex spell so soon after being created." Yuuki explains.

"You mean the pool in the castle that rejuvenates the body and such?" The Architect asks.

"Yeah, that one. Likely by using his dark magic he was able to summon the castle and its contents which, includes the pool. Even if from my mind, in the real world and in one with magic it's not unlikely for it to have gained it's imagined properties." Yuuki adds, drooping his ears.

"What do we do then? You said he chained the moon." Kiara asks.

"He also put an intricate necklace around Luna's neck which is tied to the chains around the moon." Darkness comments.

"For now there is nothing we can do really... Besides, try and find the anchor points for the chains and sever them. Once we do that and regain some ground we can start pushing back against him." Yuuki states.

"What is my role in all this? I hardly understand half of it." Vinyl comments.

"You have done a good job of it thus far, can I count on you to look after Kiara for me?" Yuuki asks, looking at Vinyl.

Vinyl looks at Kiara who simply smiles at her warmly and cuddles up to her.

"I guess it wouldn't be too much trouble..." Vinyl states in reply.

"Thank you. We should all go back to our homes and wait for Celestia's scouts to locate the first chain." Yuuki states as everyone begins to leave.

Closing the door behind them, Vinyl walks back over to Kiara who is wearing a sad expression.

"It's not so bad Kiara..." Vinyl tries to comfort her.

"I just feel like there is something I need to do... I don't know quite what I'm feeling inside, but... It's dark, hungry and wants out... I can't quite explain it." Kiara sighs deeply as she lays down and hides under the blanket.

Vinyl lifts up the blanket slightly to look into Kiara's eyes.

"It'll get better. Trust me." Vinyl states.

Kiara can't help but stare into Vinyl's eyes, feeling something behind them that she can't quite place. The longer she stares, the more comfortable she feels. Without thinking she found herself pushed slightly forward to place her lips on Vinyls. After several seconds she flinches back away, unsure of what just happened.

"I... I... I'm so sorry, I have no idea why I just did that. I mean it wasn't bad... but I..." Kiara tries to explain but finds not the words she seeks.

Hiding back underneath the blanket she misses the bright blush on Vinyl's face as she tries to swallow what she felt. Licking her lips and savouring Kiara's taste she clears her throat.

"Umm, would you like a coffee? Or hot chocolate?" Vinyl asks, keeping her cool.

"Hot chocolate would be nice..." Kiara meekly states in response.

Vinyl trots over to the kitchen giving herself a silent celebration for the kiss, regardless if it was accidental or not.

Author's Note

So it truly begins. I hope things will start to get more interesting from here for you guys and the upcoming chapters will have the development that you all will like. :pinkiehappy:

Broken Tracks

Binary groans in pain as he stirs from his unconscious state and begins to work off the groggy haze that clouds his mind. The smell of burning and metal ferments his senses and makes him feel a little sick. Slowly opening his eyes, his vision begins to clear up and vague memories of what just happened to them start to return. Looking around Binary can see the wreckage of the train strewn about the tracks and surrounding desert.

"That was totally not awesome..." Rainbow's voice states.

Binary looks beside him to see a sprawled out Rainbow lying on her back. She glances at Binary before rolling over onto her stomach.

"You alright..?" Binary asks shielding his eyes from the sun.

"I can't believe you did that..." Rainbow states shaking herself free of sand.

"What did I do?!" Binary protests sitting up.

"You jinxed us like three times before we boarded the train!" Rainbow looks around as she stands up.

"We were attacked! How is that my fault?!" Binary slowly gets up despite his pain.

"You still have the map though right? In your messenger bag?" Rainbow asks looking at Binary.

Binary stands up and looks around before finding his messenger bag mostly intact. Shifting through its contents he finds the map with their highlighted route.

"We still have the map... Though it'll take us much longer to reach our halfway point." Binary sighs deeply.

"What about all the ponies that were on the train?" Rainbow asks looking around.

"I blacked out after getting jumped before the train crashed. Though looking around at this level of wreckage... I'm surprised we even survived. We can only assume those who didn't die were kidnapped by the remaining soldiers." Binary stretches.

"If that's true, why not take us? Why not take me? This guy and his motives make less and less sense to me..." Rainbow groans before starting to walk off.

"Where are you going?" Binary asks.

"I'm going to Dodge City, where we are heading." Rainbow replies looking back at him.

"Umm... The map says Dodge City is this way..." Binary shows Rainbow the map.

"S-shut up... I knew that." Rainbow blows a raspberry at Binary before walking the right way.

"This is already shaping up to be an annoying journey..." Binary groans.

"Did you say something?" Rainbow asks looking back at Binary.

"Not a thing..." Binary rolls his eyes before following her.

Binary groans as he adjusts his messenger bag strap which is starting to feel tight against his chest. On his back is Rainbow who has her head rested on his left shoulder, his trench coat draped over her head for joint shade.

"I still wonder why you don't just fly us to Dodge City..." Binary asks stopping to adjust Rainbow.

"I'm way too tired and hot to fly right now..." Rainbow sticks her tongue out and groans.

"Least one of those things is appealing." Binary continues walking.

Binary feels Rainbow hold onto him a little tighter than before making him glance at her confused.

"Sorry... It's just, been a small while since you did your thing again. Saying your thoughts out loud without realising. Even before the chain when leading up to Despair's tea party, you weren't exactly yourself." Rainbow comments.

"Not sure a mare that has only known me for just under or slightly over a month could attest to what counts as me being myself." Binary takes a moment before sighing. "That was unfair of me... Sorry."

Instead of getting mad like he feared, Rainbow simply held him a little tighter.

"I suppose that's not entirely false... But I want to know more about you, I want to spend more time with you. I understand right now is difficult..." Rainbow nuzzles Binary's neck ever so slightly.

"This isn't just about my mood lately is it?" Binary asks as he feels Rainbow shake her head gently. "You're also thinking about those who were on the train and how close we came to dying as well. I... I'm sorry-" Binary is cut off by Rainbow.

"I don't care about the jinx thing anymore... I was joking before..." Rainbow grips him tighter.

"You don't want something like this to happen again, I understand. Truthfully we cannot predict if it will or won't happen again. All we can do is live each moment as it comes and savour what we can of life..." Binary muses out loud.

"Could we rest for a bit? Maybe find somewhere safe and use your coat for shade again?" Rainbow asks hopefully.

"I'm sure we can manage that. We still have quite a way to go till we get to Dodge City. I'd ask you to hold on tight, but you seem to have that down." Binary states.

"S-sorry, I didn't mean to-" Rainbow begins to state as she loosens her grip.

"Please don't... I... I'd prefer if you kept your grip. Hold on tight, Rainbow." Binary requests.

Rainbow resumes her tight grip knowing Binary likely needs it as much as she does right now.

Binary opens up a canteen from his messenger bag and eagerly take several swallows of water, making sure there was more than half left. He did his best to sit in such a way so that his left leg was bent up and his right was laying flat with Rainbow's head on his lap. His trench coat is over his head and positioned so it covers a portion of Rainbow's body, her saddle bags are shifted to protect most of her flank from the sun. Rainbow stirs from her nap and blinks the little sleep from her eyes before licking her lips and swallowing dryly. Binary noticed and offered her the canteen which she drank from generously, still leaving quarter left.

"How was your nap?" Binary asks, looking at Rainbow.

"It was okay... I kept seeing faces." Rainbow admits.

Binary sighs and strokes his fingers through Rainbows mane gently making her nuzzle his hand with her head.

"I know what you mean... I see them too. We didn't kill them. We did all we could to save them. Still, their faces haunt us." Binary looks up slightly to the sky.

"It'll get better, though, right?" Rainbow asks.

"I don't know... I've never had to deal with grief on my own. I've never really had to deal with any emotions besides logic and such." Binary muses with a sigh.

"You have me... I'm not an alter, or Yuuki... But I'm a rainbow maned Pegasus, who you live with. I'd like to think that counts for something." Rainbow comments.

Binary chuckles as he looks into her magenta eyes.

"Of course it counts for something. You're right... You're not an alter or Yuuki. You are Rainbow Dash, I'd like to think that makes you unique. I guess we are both not quite feeling ourselves right now." Binary takes a deep breath.

"Yeah... Just a bit." Rainbow nuzzles closer into Binary looking for comfort.

Her wish was granted as he strokes her vibrant mane more and allows her to lay closer.

"We're almost there. We should be there before the evening then we can crawl into a bed at a Dodge City hotel after a meal and a shower." Binary states closing his eyes.

"Hmm... Sounds very nice." Rainbow closes her eyes gently.

Binary continues to stumble into the rustic western town much like Appleloosa. The sun was just setting behind him as he made his way towards the inn or tavern Twilight had given him directions too. With Rainbow barely conscious on his back and their water supply out, he pushed through the saloon type doors and collapsed in the middle of the lobby. A mare rushed over to provide assistance before Binary blacked out. After being nursed back to health by the brown Earth Pony who has a golden blonde mane and tail with light amber eyes, they were treated to a meal on the house on account of their mission. Binary had a note saying that Twilight would reimburse any establishment they visited for the provisions they required. After eating, the pair retired to a room which was generously provided at half price. Binary opens their room door and they enter to inspect their dwelling for the night. Rainbow blushes upon seeing one bed.

"The mare downstairs said this was the only room they had available at such short notice. Looks like we'll have to share the bed." Rainbow states.

"I don't mind if you want too. We already share the sofa on several occasions." Binary comments moving to the bathroom first.

Rainbow walks over to the bed and crawls on top before splaying herself out and letting out a relaxed sigh.

"Oh, that's so much better... Can we vow to never walk through a desert again?" Rainbow asks as the shower is heard turning on.

"I will gladly vow that so long as we uphold it. Although, the desert was the only drag about the start of our journey. Carrying you was pleasant enough." Binary states, making Rainbow blush a little.

"The mare downstairs also said you stumbled through the door with me still on your back... I don't remember much besides blinking in and out of conscious states. Why'd you go through so much effort just to protect me?" Rainbow asks rolling onto her side.

The shower turns off a few minutes later and Binary sighs.

"I... I wasn't going to leave you out in the desert while I went to get help. Either we both made it to safety or I'd be taken by the desert with you. That was the choice I made." Binary can be heard drying himself before coming out in his outfit.

Rainbow slips past him so she can use the shower. A light blush crosses his face when she lets out a satisfied moan at the showers hot relief.

"It was a stupid choice. You could have been killed and Twilight believes that you and the others are needed to cut the chains." Rainbow states.

Binary flops down onto the bed after hanging up his trench coat and putting his boots by the bed. Opting this time to enter the bed wearing only his boxers as he knows the night might get hot. They are still in the desert after all. His shirt, pants and socks are neatly folded on a nearby chair.

"People do crazy things when..." Binary begins to trail off.

"When what?" Rainbow asks.

"Nothing... It doesn't matter." Binary replies getting comfortable.

Rainbow exits the shower a few minutes later and drys herself thoroughly before turning off the lights and sliding into bed beside Binary. Subconsciously she cuddles close to him making the pair blush as she realises he has only his underwear on.

"Since when...?" Rainbow asks weakly.

"You expect me to sleep in a desert environment fully clothed? I'd rather as much a peaceful night sleep as I can manage." Binary states not rolling over to face her.

"Can I still cuddle..?" Rainbow asks, hugging herself to his body slightly.

"I'd not speak out against it. You feel rather soft." Binary comments sleepily.

Rainbow smiles to herself before they settle in for the night.

Steel Chains to Guard the Rainbow

Rainbow tosses and turns in bed. The events of the day playing in her mind like a vivid nightmare she can't escape. Waking up in a heavy cold sweat, Rainbow looks around to find herself still in the Dodge City tavern. Laying her head back down she sighs lightly.

"Nightmare?" Binary asks.

"Yeah... Sorry if I woke you." Rainbow apologises.

"I haven't slept yet at all... I can't seem to settle." Binary sighs.

Rainbow looks outside to see that it's still night with no signs of daybreak approaching. Shifting the quilt off her she sits on the edge of the bed. Binary gets up and goes to the bathroom retrieving a towel for Rainbow.

"Thanks..." Rainbow takes the towel, staring at it a bit.

"Would you like me to help you?" Binary asks sitting back on the bed.

Thinking for a moment, Rainbow nods meekly before passing the towel back to Binary so he can begin drying her fur.

"Yesterday really got to you, didn't it? I honestly don't blame you... I'm having a hard time dealing with this emotion myself. Given how different you are being, I can't help but be worried for you." Binary drys Rainbow's barrel gently.

"Yeah... I just can't relax and death isn't something I've dealt with much... My family is still alive and well. My friends are well. Nobody close to me has died... There were several ponies on that train. No pony I knew personally, but it still hurts..." Rainbow admits.

"I'd be more concerned if it didn't hurt... They were not in our life long. We didn't know them or their personality. We also might have never seen them again but no pony deserves that fate." Binary begins to delicately dry Rainbows wings with care.

Rainbow shuffles slightly making Binary stop which causes Rainbow to wear a confused expression.

"I was just adjusting my position slightly. You don't have to stop..." Rainbow states.

Binary carries on drying Rainbow's wings before stopping again to begin preening her wings very gently. Rainbow stifles a slight moan at his unexpected actions.

"Are you okay with this? Valentine was kind enough to lend me a book which detailed the preening process. He thought it might help me, as we both have real wings now..." Binary states as he trails off slightly.

"Hmm~ it's okay, I'd like it if you continued. Why didn't you fly us here yesterday?" Rainbow asks glancing back at Binary to see him frowning.

Feeling concerned, Rainbow shifts herself to turn around and face Binary as he stares at his hand.

"Why didn't I? Instead of asking if you could fly us here. I forgot I also have wings so, in fact, I could have flown us here." Binary muses, perplexed.

Binary holds out his hand for several seconds. Flexing his hand open and closed seemingly waiting for something to happen before he swallows hard. Glancing to his back he appears to be trying to bring out his wings but nothing happens.

"H-hey, you're making me worried. What's wrong?" Rainbow asks.

"I can't summon my grimoire, nor can I bring out my wings... When that soldier jumped me I felt a sting in my neck. Did you see anything about that just before we crashed?" Binary looks a little panicked.

Rainbow thinks for a moment before looking back up at Binary. "I think, but am not entirely sure if I saw that soldier drop an injection device of some kind. A little bit like a syringe but not quite. W-what did they do to you?" Rainbow shuffles forward to hold Binary's hand slightly.

"I... I don't know what to do... The anchor is maybe a full day across the nearby jungle but I've no idea how we will deal with it. I have no plan for what we might encounter... I can't protect you without my grimoire and we can't return to the train to search for it as that would take days. We can't waste that kinda time with Despair already causing chaos like the train accident..." Binary can feel his chest tighten as he feels helpless.

Rainbow pulls Binary closer to her so she can wrap her wings around him in a soft hug.

"We have until we reach the temple to figure things out. You don't have to shoulder everything by yourself. We should sleep and come up with something in the morning, it's still early in the night. Does that sound okay?" Rainbow asks gently.

Binary takes a deep breath before laying back down, unsure where to place his thoughts. Rainbow lays back down beside him, pulling the quilt over them both and draping a wing over Binary to help him relax.

Slowly opening his eyes, Binary finds himself in the soft embrace of Rainbow's wings, which reminds him of the many times he woke up to her on the sofa at home. Managing a slight smile despite his situation, Binary gently slides out of the embrace to sit on the edge of the bed. Rubbing the back of his neck, he looks out the window to see it's daytime. Rainbow stirs on the bed, rolling over and hugging the quilt tightly making Binary smile as he stands up to get dressed. As he finishes adjusting his trench coat, Rainbow yawns before sitting up and wiping her eyes.

"How did you sleep?" Binary asks.

"A lot better than I did the first half of the night, thank you. Still no change to your condition?" Rainbow slides out of bed and makes her way to the bathroom.

Holding out his hand again there is still no grimoire being summoned.

"Nothing new from last night... My wings won't come out either. I feel like a caged bird right now..." Binary sighs in frustration.

After several minutes of taking a shower to freshen up, Rainbow exits the bathroom to ponder their situation.

"Maybe it's a temporary condition and it'll wear off when we get there. If not, maybe we can sneak in and find a way to sever the anchor point once we find it." Rainbow states drying her mane with a towel.

"I guess... I know you can take care of yourself but I don't want you to get hurt." Binary sighs.

"Like you said, turning back and looking would take days and this mission is too important to not see it through. We owe it to ourselves to carry on and finish what he started..." Rainbow states throwing the towel on the bed.

"You mean we owe it to those ponies on the train to put an end to this before more get hurt or worse. I understand what you mean Rainbow, I'll go see about breakfast while you finish up here." Binary comments before going to leave.

"I'm done now, so I'll come with." Rainbow states closely following Binary through the door.

"We should have stayed in the room..." Rainbow states walking beside Binary.

Binary himself was clearing bushes out of their way so they could get through. Both of them now wear a safari hat to help keep the sun off their heads.

"I second that... Although, I doubt that we could have done so for long..." Binary pushes some bushes apart.

Rainbow trots through the gap before being followed by Binary as they continue their trek through the jungle. After several minutes they come to a wide ravine which has a very old bridge across it.

"Of course no jungle adventure would be complete without the rickety old bridge scene..." Binary sighs deeply.

"Naturally, you did start reading those Daring Do books I recommended right?" Rainbow asks.

"I did, nothing else to do when lounging around the cloud house. Other then dabble around with cloud manipulation." Binary states.

"You didn't mess with anything did you?" Rainbow stops by the bridge and stares at Binary.

"Nothing I didn't put back afterwards, I promise. How shall we cross this bridge?" Binary looks at Rainbow who just begins crossing it casually.

"If you fall, I can catch you. We should be fine." Rainbow rolls her eyes.

Binary grumbles something and begins to slowly follow Rainbow along the rickety wooden bridge. Reaching the halfway point Binary looks down to see the raging river below them with sharp rocks.

"You were legit with the 'you'd save me if I fell' right?" Binary asks swallowing hard.

"'Course. You do trust me, right?" Rainbow raises an eyebrow.

"I do, sorry... I just feel a little off and helpless at the moment." Binary looks up at the sky.

"I know what's it's like to be stuck without your wings for a bit. Trust me, I was in a hospital because of an accident several years ago. It drove me crazy. Coincidentally it's also when I discovered my love for reading. Though I mostly just read Daring Do books." Rainbow states.

"I can't imagine you sitting still while your wings healed." Binary chuckles.

"It. Was. Torture!" Rainbow exaggerates.

The pair shares a light chuckle before the bridge rocks and the ropes holding it to the other side snap causing the bridge to fall. Rainbow is able to propel herself up on her wings before diving down to catch Binary, holding him underneath his arms. Flying to the other side, she sets Binary down before landing beside him and coming to his side.

"Let's never do that again... Thank you, Rainbow." Binary smiles lightly.

"Even I'll admit that was a little too close. According to the map, that temple isn't far right? I thought there was only one temple in this jungle." Rainbow muses, looking around.

"Well, whatever temple it is in, we are getting closer. It should only be a few miles from here but it's still a distance I don't like..." Binary stands up.

Binary and Rainbow are crawling through a bush nearby a large remodelled Aztec-looking temple.

"You think that is the place?" Rainbow asks.

The pair sees two knight guards by the entrance with sheathed swords, both in dark purple armour.

"Hard to think who else in Equestria wears those colours with humanoid soldiers." Binary remarks.

"Do you have a plan for how we are going to get in?" Rainbow asks, looking at Binary.

"I have a few theories about how we could get in... But we will just go for the most simple plan." Binary smiles at Rainbow.

After several minutes Binary moves to another bush closer to the entrance while Rainbow flies up discreetly to find a cloud. Upon finding one and creating a storm cloud, she hovers it over the two knights before jumping on it. The resulting lighting from the cloud hits the two knights, zapping them and knocking them unconscious. Binary and Rainbow run past into the temple.

"Where do we go now?" Rainbow asks looking around.

"I'm actually not sure... My plan never got this far." Binary admits as they run down the main corridor.

The pair stops to catch their breath looking for any distinct markers to tell where they should go.

"I think it'd be a bit too easy if they had directional... Markers..." Rainbow stops as they come to a fork in the corridor.

In front of them on the wall are four directional arrows. Two pointing left the other two pointing right.

"'Armoury', 'Infirmary', 'Communications' and 'Anchor Chamber'... Apparently, they are keeping the anchor in a chamber down the left." Binary states, crossing his arms.

"Do you think it'd seriously be that easy to find it?" Rainbow asks.

"Well... The chain is coming out of the temple, but it depends on where the anchor actually is. I've no doubts this temple has been heavily remodelled to serve as an outpost of sorts to guard the chain. So... Let's follow them for now and see where it takes us." Binary states as they begin to follow signs.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Binary exclaims, running down a corridor.

Rainbow is flying fast beside him, keeping pace just in case he needs help. Looking behind them she can see the gaping jaws of a giant crocodile.

"Why the hay do they have a bucking crocodile?!" Rainbow asks, looking at Binary with a shocked expression.

"How the fuck am I supposed to know?! I imagine they tamed the bloody thing!" Binary runs faster, not eager to be dinner.

"There, up ahead!" Rainbow points out the slow closing door before them.

The pair run faster, but so does the crocodile. Flying underneath the closing door, Binary just barely slides under losing his hat. Reaching back he grabs it quickly before the stone door slams shut.

"That was such a cliche' Daring Do moment." Rainbow squeals lightly.

"You are enjoying this a tad too much." Binary stands up and stretches.

Looking around he can see they are in a slightly larger corridor than before. Binary raises his eyebrow as he notices a blue glow coming from ahead of them. Signalling Rainbow, the pair progress down the corridor and turn left to come out into a large circle antechamber. Smack in the centre of the room is a pedestal with a large crystal ball on it, which is the source of the blue glow. Floating slightly above the crystal, held in place by two hefty looking metal pylons is the chain link.

"Five bits, that is what we are looking for..." Rainbow states.

"Indeed it is." A loud voice is heard.

Vernichtung drops down from the ceiling and lands just in front of the anchor crystal. He flexes his arms slightly and cracks his neck before chuckling.

"Vernichtung... So, I'm to get through you if I want to destroy that anchor?" Binary asks.

"It's a fairly simple problem with a hard solution. Although, you never were very good at simple, Binary." Vernichtung states.

"That may be true... But being in this world has taught me much. Feeling emotions I've never felt before, coming to terms with those emotions was even harder. I won't let what I have in this world be broken by you and your ilk." Binary takes a defensive stance in front of Rainbow.

Rainbow notices Binary flexes his hand but he sighs slightly when nothing happens.

"You can't beat him without your book... We have to run." Rainbow states in a hushed whisper.

"I know..." Binary's eyes never leave Vernichtung.

"Then why aren't we running?" Rainbow sounds panicked.

"Because if we run he will chase us... We don't know this place, he does. Given how long it took us to get here and how deep we are now... I believe we are somewhat underground. Given these factors, we wouldn't make it out alive..." Binary swallows hard.

"Shall we begin this battle? Let us see if you can keep up, Binary!" Vernichtung roars as he charges.

Binary charges back at Vernichtung, ignoring Rainbow's pleas. Sliding underneath his fist, Binary gets up quickly to side-step the second fist as it slams down in his slide path. Jumping back, Binary avoids a harsh kick which is followed up by a hard uppercut. Performing a backflip, Binary narrowly avoids the attack but still finds he has no way to fight back. Vernichtung chuckles as the pair seem to take a break.

"You getting slow? Or perhaps you're having trouble with something?" Vernichtung asks in a mocking tone.

"I guess you would know..." Binary wipes his forehead.

"It's a little experiment Luxure is running. She dares not test it on our master, so we had to find an alter leaving on a lone journey. Our spies spotted you on the train to Dodge City and saw the opportunity." Vernichtung flexes his arms backwards multiple times, warming up for another round.

Binary prepares himself as Vernichtung charges head first at him. Choosing the right moment he tries to jump up and over the titan. However, mid-run Vernichtung turns around and throws a quick punch at Binary. The impact sends him flying across the floor, making him heave slightly.

"Shit..." Binary grunts, as he gets back up to his feet.

Rainbow makes a movement, intending to run to his side, but stops when Binary shakes his head at her.

"It's a drug. Its effectiveness is yet unknown. However, from what I'm seeing here, she will be most pleased with the results. To be honest, I was disappointed with that move back there. I knew you would jump up and over me, very predictable." Vernichtung chuckles.

Vernichtung charges again at Binary who tries to find a solution. Glancing behind himself, he smiles and waits for the last possible second before rolling out of the way. Confused, Vernichtung slams headfirst into the stone wall. The impact making the wall crack severely, but no parts fall down like Binary had hoped.

"Oh... Such a dirty, yet effective trick. However, I will make you pay for that." Vernichtung adopts an evil grin under his helmet.

The armour-clad titan seems to have increased his speed as Binary finds it harder and harder to dodge his attacks. Slowing down due to fatigue, Binary makes a footing mistake which enables Vernichtung to gain the upper hand. Slamming his fist hard into Binary, the full force sends him rolling over near Rainbow. Upon landing on his front, Binary pushes himself up slightly before coughing up some blood.

"As fun as this has been, I'm afraid I should end this little security threat before I get too carried away. It's time I paid you back for that trick you did before." Vernichtung states aiming their next charge at Rainbow.

"Run Rainbow!" Binary shouts.

Rainbow continues to stand in place, more out of fear than anything else. As much as she tries her wings refuse to move from her side and aid her escape. Binary manages to get up and run to Rainbow just in time to pick her up and narrowly dodge Vernichtung's charge. Putting Rainbow down in front of the severely cracked wall he looks at her confused.

"Why didn't you run?" Binary looks into Rainbow's eyes but finds no answer.

Turning to see Vernichtung almost upon them Binary has little time to construct a plan. Clenching his fist, he turns back to Rainbow and picks her up, making sure to face his back to Vernichtung. A second before the charge impacted, Binary's wings spread out folding around Rainbow to protect her back. Vernichtung impacts the pair heavily making them fly into the cracked wall with such force it breaks, sending them through it and down some form of a gap.

"Ugh... They were meant to fill in the holes... No matter." Vernichtung begins walking back towards the crystal.

"A-are you okay? Binary?" Rainbow's voice can be heard resounding in his head.

Slowly opening his eyes Binary is face to face with Rainbow lying on his stomach. The man himself is lying on a small pile of rubble. As Binary edges up to try and move, he flinches in pain before looking at his slightly crooked wings. Sighing deeply and fighting through the pain he adjusts them both to be more comfortable in their tight wall enclosure.

"I take it I was out for just a few minutes?" Binary asks.

"I believe so. I'm sorry for freezing back there..." Rainbow hangs her head.

"It's okay. Given what we have had to deal with over the course of this journey, I'm impressed we have both lasted this long." Binary looks up to see the vague light from the hole in the wall quite a distance from where they are sitting.

"I guess they did a shabby construction job huh?" Rainbow looks around.

"Yeah. One saving grace is that you appear mostly unharmed." Binary smiles.

"I guess... But you're wings look more than battered. How are you even able to bring them out?" Rainbow asks.

"I don't know if I'm honest. I literally just picked you up and was ready to give myself to protect you, at least I would be able to delay your death... I suppose my wings reacted to this desire." Binary sighs a little.

"Hey... Back in the hotel room when I was having a shower. You said part of a sentence but never finished it. I want to know what you were going to say." Rainbow stares at Binary.

"Oh... That sentence... The full version is, 'people do crazy things when they are in love'. I guess that's the only way I can explain carrying you across a desert and putting myself between you and that metal behemoth up there." Binary chuckles slightly.

Rainbow stares at Binary dumbfounded.

"You l-love me? I mean... I knew you 'liked' me... Tolerating all the times I snuck down to the sofa to sleep, the cuddling etc. I just didn't think..." Rainbow struggles to find the words.

"It's what I was talking to Valentine about when you were talking to Applejack. I was asking him how to deal with this emotion or how to even know if it's what I thought it was. He didn't really give a straight answer and explained that it's not something he can fully explain nor help with. That I'd have to figure it out at my own pace... If nothing, I suppose this trip has clarified how I feel." Binary stares into Rainbow's eyes with a smile.

Rainbow continues to stare at binary before leaning in slightly.

"This would be such a good moment to kiss..." Rainbow mutters as she stares back.

"Yeah..." Binary agrees.

"Though it'd kinda make this awkward as well..." Rainbow comments.

Rainbow continues to lean forward till binary stops her and leans her head down to kiss her forehead, making her blush.

"Then let's wait to fully figure 'this' out if we live that long." Binary looks up.

"You can't honestly let us die in this crappy situation after confessing like that. It'd be such a sucky part of any story." Rainbow smiles a little.

"I still can't stand up to him... My wings might be back, but I can't summon my grimoire yet." Binary sits up.

"Maybe you can if you do something like what you did before with your wings, that seemed to work." Rainbow comments.

"I guess..." Binary thinks for several moments.

"You know, my mother used to sing a song to me whenever I felt depressed growing up. I know it's a slightly odd situation to do this, but... Maybe it'll help you like it did me." Rainbow takes a breath before starting her song.

You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realise
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of ponies
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
makes you feel so small

But I see your true colours
Shining through
I see your true colours
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colours
True colours are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

Show me a smile then,
Don't be unhappy, can't remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colours
Shining through
I see your true colours
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show

Your true colours
True colours are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

When this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colours
Shining through
I see your true colours
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show

Your true colours
True colors
True colors
Shining through

I see your true colours
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colours
True colours are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

Rainbow finishes her song with a slight blush and sighs.

"I'd say you had a good mother growing up." Binary smiles.

"She is a great mother... Which is why you have to get us out of here so you can meet her." Rainbow taps Binary's chest with her hoof.

"I can try, but I don't want to promise anything." Binary states as he begins to straighten out his wings.

"Nope, you have to promise. Promise that you'll get us out of here." Rainbow frowns.

"Okay... I promise I'll get us out of here." Binary stands up and flexes his wings flinching a bit.

Binary looks up at the opening then looks at his wings before grunting a little.

"I'll fly us up there then you kick his ass. Luckily, because you saved me, I can still fly for the most part... It's also only a short distance up, so I should be fine." Rainbow states as she prepares herself and takes off to hover just above Binary.

"Okay, sounds like a plan." Binary takes a deep breath before being picked up by Rainbow underneath his arms.

Inspecting the anchor crystal, Vernichtung stretches before starting to head in the direction of the exit. After a few steps he stops suddenly before turning around. Looking towards the hole in the wall Vernichtung can faintly hear wings flapping before Binary and Rainbow come back through the hole.

"Well then... It looks like you haven't had enough of a beating yet." Vernichtung slams his fists together before walking towards the pair.

Rainbow sets Binary down before landing just slightly behind him.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you... Punching and destroying everything without trying to understand it." Binary states with frustration.

"Like you would understand Despair's master plan. I play my part just like the others and right now that means keeping you away from the anchor crystal." Vernichtung flexes his hands as he closes in on Binary.

Binary flutters his wings slightly as he tries desperately to summon his grimoire but groans as he finds nothing happens, yet again. Rainbow shuffles closer to Binary and places her hoof on his leg to try and comfort him.

"How can you be so calm?" Binary whispers to Rainbow, looking worried.

"Because you promised to get us out of here and I trust you." Rainbow states in confidence as she takes a deep breath.

Binary takes a deep breath and tries to focus on everything he has felt up until this point. Being brought to life, the freedom he feels when flying, the sun on his skin, the wind through his wings, the taste of real food and drink, the feel of clouds and Rainbow... Especially Rainbow Dash. Vernichtung charges the last few meters and throws his fist towards them making Rainbow close her eyes. After several seconds pass and she feels nothing different, Rainbow opens her eyes to see that Vernichtung's fist is being blocked by a heavy looking leather bound grimoire that is held afloat in front of Binary.

"This is an unexpected development... I shall have to inform Luxure of this..." Vernichtung grunts as he tries to push against the grimoire.

"I think... Up until this point, I was trying too hard. Without my grimoire and wings, I felt helpless... I was scared that I wouldn't be able to protect you when you needed me most and I believe that's what truly kept my abilities at bay. Not Luxure's experimental serum." Binary states, looking back at Rainbow.

"I never doubted you. Even without your abilities and wings, you were still Binary to me." Rainbow states nudging Binary's side gently.

"I wouldn't celebrate yet, you brats. I'm still here!" Vernichtung growls as he steps back.

He punches the grimoire two more times before slamming both fists down against its front cover to no avail. Binary smiles and holds out his hand making his grimoire open up and spew forth a twisted mass of steel chains that slam into Vernichtung, who crosses his arms in front of him to block the attack. Despite his best efforts, Vernichtung is pushed back across the floor, indenting it with his feet, as the mass of steel chains force him backwards.

"I won't be beaten so easily!" Vernichtung growls as he stops the onslaught and throws the chains aside.

Now free, he begins another charge towards the pair. Binary's grimoire floats down into his hands, allowing him to open and flick through the pages before stopping halfway through the book to summon a mass of thicker chains from a magician's circle that briefly appears. Using the mass of chains, Binary begins to fight Vernichtung who matches him punch for chain.

"Just because you got your little book back doesn't mean you'll be leaving here alive!" Vernichtung yells as he grabs the mass of chains under his arm and holds it tightly.

Using all his force he rips the grimoire from Binary's arms and throws the whole thing aside before charging Binary. Binary takes a short breath before confidently doing the same. Upon meeting in the middle they slam their fists together, causing the ground below them to crack and indent.

"What?!" Vernichtung yells in disbelief.

"I'm a demon too, remember? I might not ever be as strong as Valentine with his countless hours of work, but I'm not a slouch in natural psychical strength." Binary states as he throws a punch past Vernichtung's defence.

Making it past the titan's stalwart defence, Binary's punch cracks Vernichtung's stomach armour slightly, eliciting a loud growl. A dark portal suddenly opens between the pair and Rainbow, drawing Binary and Vernichtung's attention to it. Luxure steps out of the portal and looks at the mess in front of her and sighs deeply.

"Vernichtung... Master requires our attention back at the castle." Luxure states while making the portal bigger with her staff.

"I'm nearly done, just a few more minutes and this chump will be out of Master Despair's hair forever!" Vernichtung exclaims, looking back at Binary.

"Our master demanded we return now and instructed me to collect you, Dolor and Kanashimi!" Luxure growls, causing Vernichtung to flinch and swallow his pride.

"Of course, my apologies... This isn't over." Vernichtung states to Binary before walking away to enter the portal.

"There... Now, master also wished to congratulate you on taking back one chain, but also reminds you to look up in the sky. He is still winning." Luxure states, waving as she also enters the portal before it vanishes.

"I hate that guy, so much..." Binary sighs as he relaxes.

"That was awesome! You were totally going to kick his ass!" Rainbow excitedly runs over to Binary.

"Maybe... Who knows if Luxure hadn't shown up?" Binary beckons his grimoire to him and smiles a little at Rainbow.

The pair turns to face the anchor crystal, which upon closer inspection, glows with a faint blue aura.

"Any ideas on how we break it?" Rainbow asks, rubbing her chin.

"I have a pretty good idea..." Binary states, taking a deep breath.

Binary faces the anchor crystal and lets his grimoire float up in front of him. Once in place, he opens it and begins flicking through several pages before stopping at the halfway mark. Using all his remaining focus, Binary summons a mass of chains with sharp daggered tips and sends them flying towards the anchor crystal. Upon reaching the pedestal, the mass of chains unfurls before slashing at the crystal multiple times. They then plough through it as a collective, causing it to shatter with ease into a mess of sparkling blue bits.

"I imagine something like that will do just nicely." Binary states as the chains flow back into the book and it closes before being dispelled.

"That was awesome!" Rainbow exclaims excitedly.

The chain creaks and groans as it starts to shine brightly before slowly breaking apart.

"We should get out of here. We'll see this a lot better on the surface." Binary states, before they head for the exit.

Binary and Rainbow exit the jungle temple and look up to see the chain brightly glowing and slowly breaking apart as it dissipates into nothing.

"That's one down. Several more to go, but I guess we'll get there... Can't say I've fully enjoyed this journey." Binary sighs as he sits down on a rock.

Rainbow walks over and flies up to sit beside him and take in the sight of their victory.

"'Least it's a small win for us and the trip wasn't all that bad. I mean... Some parts were very bad, yeah, but it was nice to spend this much time alone with you. Granted, I cannot wait to get back to my own bed." Rainbow lays down to relax.

"I can't argue there. It'll be nice to sleep on the sofa again after this outing is concluded." Binary adds, leaning back as well.

"We should look for a proper inflatable or cloud mattress for you to sleep on. It'll be more comfortable." Rainbow states, staring up into the sky.

"Could just share your comfy bed. I wouldn't mind sleeping with you." Binary states as he too stares up at the sky.

Rainbow blinks at Binary as she blushes brightly and sits up, coughing slightly.

"Can you do me a small favour?" Rainbow asks, hopping off the rock.

"What's that?" Binary asks, also standing up.

"Whatever path you're developing along, whatever choices you end up making... Don't change what makes you you." Rainbow smiles to herself before heading in the direction of Dodge Junction.

"I can do that, or at least try." Binary states before following the mare.

Author's Note

This chapter has been a while coming and it took me a while to figure out but I finally got there in the end. I hope people still enjoy this fic and look forward to much more. :pinkiehappy:

Valentine's Midnight Serenade

Binary and Rainbow stumble through the door of Valentine's, looking exhausted. Binary walks over to the bar while Rainbow claims a nearby table which she lays her head upon and groans. Valentine chuckles before putting down his glass and moving to serve Binary.

"I take it your trip was more than a little rough. We heard about the train accident and the wreck is already being cleared up. How are you two coping?" Valentine asks, looking concerned.

"The train ride wasn't so bad till it got derailed... We haven't been sleeping well since then." Binary sighs deeply.

Valentine pours two apple ciders and places them in front of Binary who goes to pay, but is denied.

"Not this time brother. You both need this after what you have likely been through. Did you maybe make any progress on your problem?" Valentine asks, leaning on the bar.

Binary takes a few heavy swigs of his apple cider before letting out a deep satisfied sigh.

"I know how I feel now... It's just development from this point on. We are giving it a bit of time before deciding anything... So, what does happen now?" Binary asks with a blank expression.

Valentine chuckles heavily for a few minutes before taking a deep breath to calm down.

"You do exactly what you just said, let it develop. Spend time with her, go about your daily lives. It's really not so complicated. Oh, taking her out on dates might also be a good idea to boost your affinity." Valentine pours himself a whiskey.

"I see... Why does that sound like an RPG dating guide?" Binary asks, sipping his apple cider while raising one eyebrow.

"Hmm? What did you say?" Valentine chokes a little as he is reading a manual for an RPG game that he throws behind himself.

"Nothing... So, how have things been around here?" Binary asks, moving to slide Rainbow's apple cider onto their table.

Rainbow takes many heavy gulps of her apple cider before heaving a sigh of relief as she lays her head back on the table.

"Business is going well, as per normal lately. I've made a new drinking buddy too, apparently. They heard about my unique affinity and grew an interest. Speaking of which... I should be going lest I am late for an important arrangement I have this evening, please excuse me. Applejack, you have the bar." Valentine states before leaving swiftly.

"I got it." Applejack states in reply as she trots behind the bar.

"Valentine has a new drinking buddy?" Binary asks quizzically.

"So it would seem. He has been quite busy the last few days." Applejack states, pouring them two more drinks before setting to cleaning some glasses.

"Hmm..." Binary moves to their table, giving Rainbow her second mug before trying to finish his first apple cider.

The moon hangs high in the sky as Luna and Yuuki stand on the balcony of her room, staring up at the stars. Yuuki's attention, however, is constantly captured by the moon as he wears a pained expression. Luna glances at Yuuki and takes note of this giving him a gentle nudge.

"Please stop thinking so much about it. This piece of metal is a tad uncomfortable and it's difficult to do a lot without my magic, but... With you by my side again, I will manage." Luna gives him a sincere light smiles which eases his burden only slightly.

"I'm sorry... It's just whenever I look up at your beautiful moon, I just have this twisted knot in my stomach. Knowing I'm the one who Despair came from. I brought him into the world albeit by mistake due to that magical jar... The responsibility is still mine." Yuuki sighs again and his ears droop down.

"I do not blame you for this. I understand wanting to take responsibility for actions you feel were your fault and punishing yourself for said actions. However, take it from a pony who knows all too well... You need not shoulder your heavy load alone. Your friends are here for you. More importantly, I am here, right at your side." Luna nuzzles Yuuki gently, making him perk up slightly from her words and touch.

"Could we... I'd like to go for a walk in the garden maze, if it's possible Luna." Yuuki asks quietly, making Luna smile.

"Of course. Let us go then." Luna takes flight as Yuuki leaps over the balcony and they land almost at the same time.

Stretching slightly, Yuuki morphs into his Moon Fox form and heaves a light sigh of relief before walking alongside Luna into the maze. Behind them on the balcony, Princess Cadence and Valentine pop into existence through a teleportation spell. Valentine is holding a well kept acoustic guitar in a polished black wood with red trim and silver strings. Taking his seat on the balcony, Cadence steps up beside him and looks down upon the pair below them.

"Here I thought we'd be having drinks at that new place that opened in Canterlot last week." Cadence asks, slightly confused.

"Surely even you can feel the need for a little serenade here? You ponies are a fan of spontaneous song, no?" Valentine asks as he tunes his guitar.

"I suppose, but I don't think Auntie needs any love advice at this moment... Oh... Oh!" Cadence looks at Valentine who puts his finger on his lips to shush her.

"Exactly. It's my belief, that even though we are parted now. We all share a psychic link that gives us a faint essence of each other's feelings so we better understand what the others are going through. The others are not here as they know I'm the best to deal with this atmosphere and direct it to a more romantic and light-hearted scenario if you will." Valentine explains strumming a chord on his guitar.

"I think we're going to be excellent friends, Mr Valentine and not just through the shared fondness for a fine drink." Cadence smiles and looks out upon her Auntie and Yuuki as she prepares her voice.

"I am hopeful that you know this one." Valentine states before he begins playing with Cadence providing her voice as Valentine joins in every now and then.

Below them, Luna and Yuuki walk about the maze. A sweet melody playing in the background that neither of them acknowledges as they continue their walk uninterrupted besides Luna now wearing a bright smile. Yuuki appears to lighten up and walks more briskly with Luna as he looks around the maze, while also glancing more freely up at the starlit sky. Moving towards the centre of the maze, Cadence softly lights her horn causing several fireflies to rises from the bushes to gently illuminate the maze and more importantly the couple within. The pair looks around in surprise before smiling at each other and opting to settle on a nearby bench as they enter the mazes core. Luna takes her place and gets comfortable before Yuuki eagerly joins her, snuggling up to the mare and letting her nuzzle against his head softly, making his ear twitch with delight as they forget everything. The moon, the collar, Despair. Everything just boiled to this one solitary moment shared between the two and their singing watchers.

Author's Note

I'm sorry this chapter took so long to write and get out. I had some personal delay, but I feel a lot lighter and combined with music I feel that my muse has returned fully and I hope to work through more chapters so I might keep those who do like this fic more up to date. Thank you all for bearing with me. :scootangel:

Reflections of Madness

A wicked smile creeps across Despair's face as a target made out of straw is obliterated in front of him from a dark explosion. Flexing and looking at his hand he sighs in content as he looks to Luxure who blasts another target into dust using her staff's magic attack.

"Our bodies seem to be adapting to the projected amounts of magical power we held within Yuuki's mind. The pool has helped speed this process along a lot faster than I had originally hoped." Despair states as he feels a tad uneasy inside rather than the stability he speaks of.

"It would seem so, master. It pleases Luxure that you've been able to adjust so quickly~" Luxure smiles warmly at Despair.

"Thank you... Though I feel there is a way to go before I feel one hundred percent. I think I shall retire to the pool for now and regain a bit more strength before putting my plans into their next phase." Despair begins to leave as he bids farewell to Luxure who seems sad.

Despair exits the mage training gallery and makes his way through the hallways until reaching the main room with the stairs leading up to the second floor of the main castle.

"I say the word 'plans', however, the more I think about this the more it just seems like the desperate actions of a child begging for attention..." Despair sighs deeply as he walks up the stairs, the uneasy feeling building inside him.

Upon reaching the door, he opens it and proceeds inside the pool room before the door closes behind him, the room being coated in the gentle mystical blue glow from the waters below. Upon clicking his fingers, Despair's clothes dissipate into smoke and he slips himself down to his regular spot.

"Though, with that being said... Even if I'm passed my initial rage from when I was reborn, I can't just surrender after I've made such an effort to set all this up. No matter how much I might want to, I can't redeem the actions I made in hindsight and simply expect to be welcomed back... No, I need to play the bad guy till the end." Despair sinks himself down more into the pool, his mind swirling with thousands of different thoughts.

Despair tries to alleviate his growing discomfort by summoning a small ball of darkness which he bounces off the wall across from him idly. Throwing it slightly more to the left, the ball ends up passing through the hanging mirror, causing the surface to ripple. Quickly dispelling the darkness, Despair sits up and stares at the mirror in confusion.

"That's new... I don't recall it doing that before." Despair stands up and snaps his fingers to clothe himself before leaning over to try and touch the mirror.

"YOUR TIME IS UP DESPAIR. YOU DON'T WANT TO PLAY THE BAD GUY ANYMORE? FINE. DON'T." A dark deep sinister voice states grimly making Despair shudder and actually pale.

"W-who the hell was that? Show yourself you coward!" Despair looks around frantically.

"I AM RIGHT HERE..." The voice whispers making Despair look down.

Within his chest can be seen a swirling bottomless pit of thick darkness that moves and sways on its own. Suddenly a pair of dark purple eyes and a mouth of black featureless teeth appears within the darkness. A pitch black claw bursts forth from the pit and grabs onto the side of the chest cavity to begin pulling itself out. Screaming in sheer agony as it feels like his very being is being rendered from itself and his energy sapped, Despair collapses to his knees.

"I STAND OPPOSITE YOU ALWAYS, YOUR REFLECTION GIVEN FORM. REJOICE MY CHILDREN..." The voice booms within Despair's head yet again as another claw shoots up to help.

Despair is brought to heel as a pitch black tar-like entity springs from his chest, the hole closing up shortly after. Slowly the creature turns around and begins to remould and break itself into a more suitable form. Cracking its limbs and flexing its new muscles, the creature takes on an altered appearance to Despair but very similar. Its hair is shiny, looking like tar, and his eyes are a pure solid dark purple and his smile holds razor-sharp teeth. With tremendous speed, he picks up Despair by his head and snarls lowly.

"... for madness has come to play." The creature continues his former line in a more vocal form, low and husky while still being ridiculously chilling.

Groaning, Despair is stuffed through the mirror before the frame is smashed repeatedly against the walls over and over combined with manic laughter.

"Enjoy your... 'Vacation', little brother... You won't even recognise your precious castle when I'm done..." The creature smiles widely.

The smell of clean air and the feeling of mild rain can be felt hitting his body as he struggled with the concept of rousing himself to be conscious. 'Am I dead..?', the thought passed through his mind as the pain deep within his chest reminded him he was unfortunately very much alive. However, where exactly he remained was a mystery as the only conclusion he can draw before everything went black was being stuffed through the mirror.

"Where did you come from?" A soft voice asks from within the darkness of his vision.

"He might be dead." Another more brash voice states in comment to the first.

"Rainbow! I don't think you're helping the situation." The first voice chides the second.

"Okay, okay... He could be though. I mean, lying in the rain in front of the monument? Gotta be dead or dying, right?" The second voice, currently known to him as only 'Rainbow', speaks again.

Rustling can be heard as a presence is felt kneeling beside him to his left.

"He isn't quite normal, so I can only imagine where he came from... But what would puzzle me more is to why someone like this would be at either mirror..." The first voice ponders to themselves.

'Either mirror'? Did this confirm the presence or more than just his own? Although, given how she talks about it, it would seem they existed before his mirror did.

"Sunset, I'm getting soaked here. if we are going to help him, can we do it now rather than catch a cold?" Rainbow asks the first voice, now known as 'Sunset'.

"Mhmm, we can take him back to my apartment. I don't think he's a bad person, least it doesn't seem that way." Sunset states as he feels her begin to help him up.

Perhaps it was his will for self-preservation, or maybe his body moved on a will of its own but he slightly aided her by shifting his weight to allow her to carry him with more ease. A second presence came to his other side and lent themselves to helping the first carry his weary body.

"If this guy turns out to be some form of a serial killer... Don't say I didn't warn ya..." Rainbow huffs as they begin walking somewhere.

"I'm sure I can handle whatever he turns out to be, Rainbow. Thank you for your concern." Sunset reassures her friend, who sighs.

The journey was short lived as he fully blacked out and remained that way for a while.

Author's Note

It took me a bloody long time to figure out just how I wanted to continue this fic and while I'm still not fully sure, I'll try to piece together what I have and see how it goes. Thank you all for your patience and I hope those who do, continue to enjoy this fic.

A Familiar Feeling

The ethereal mist hung lightly in the air in the dream plane where Luna watched over her subjects while her sister slept during the night. Luna strolled around looking for any pony who might need guidance or comfort, on a whim she is able to summon many doors with her magic which lead to different ponies dreams. As Luna continued her stroll a certain pitch black door with an ice blue fox head on it caught her eye, a certain feeling of loss and sadness welled up inside her like she knew who the door belonged to. No matter how much Luna thought about it, she just couldn't place it. She has known for many years now that she has had the same feeling staring up at the moon but can't remember why. Taking a deep breath Luna opens the door using her magic and steps throughout onto what appears to be the top of a building.

"Who does this dream belong too..?" Luna mutters to herself as she looks around.

Luna walks over to the edge of the building as the door closes and disappears behind her. Looking over the edge Luna's eyes widen at the mass of lights and moving objects below on the city streets and roads. Looking around she can see row upon row of assorted tall buildings and skyscrapers like those found in Manehattan. Luna suddenly jumps back as a ball of ice blue fire hits the ledge she is looking over.

"W-what in Tartarus..?" Luna looks around seeking the owner of the fireball.

Luna's eyes fix on a nearby figure which lands a little way from her. She turns to face her attacker but stops dead in her tracks when she locks eyes with him. Her attacker is in a humanoid form with fox ears and three fox tails, his ice blue eyes carry a sincere familiar feeling within them. The man-fox wears a long pitch black trench coat which stops at his ankles, an ice blue t-shirt, black jeans and black boots which stop halfway up his lower leg. Luna's heart suddenly jumps up and beats faster than she has ever known it too. She stares at the man-fox for what seems like hours but is simply seconds before he speaks.

"Who are you and what are you-" The man-fox begins but quickly cuts himself off with a choke.

The man-fox struggles to find any words when his eyes meet Luna's. A certain unknown feeling welling up inside him and his heart skipping a few paces. A sophisticated voice suddenly comes from the right direction followed by a ball of red static energy towards Luna.

"Look out Yuuki, don't let your guard down!" A man with a similar build to Yuuki is seen on the right side of the roof from the origin of the static red energy ball. He has blue hair with blood red eyes. He wears a black trench coat, blue t-shirt, blue jeans and black boots.

Yuuki instantly and without thinking jumps in front of Luna and blocks the ball with an ice blue fireball of his own. The other man has a shocked expression on his face.

"Yuuki, what the hell? She is an intruder and you just protected her!" The man yells at Yuuki.

Yuuki looks at his own hands in confusion than at Luna who stares up at him with bewilderment. Yuuki then looks at the man and shakes his head before speaking.

"Leave this to me. Go back to the bar Binary... I can handle this."

"But boss, are you sure? It'll be easier with-"

"I said I'll handle it! Now please go back..."

Binary sighs in defeat as he jumps off the edge of the building. Yuuki fully turns to Luna who suddenly jumps him and pins him to the ground with her hooves. Yuuki's eyes widen but he unknowingly doesn't struggle against Luna. A voice suddenly fills Yuuki's mind and engulfs his thoughts.

"The time has finally come. Now is your chance to find out who you really are..." The voice echoes all around them but only Yuuki appears to hear it.

"Perhaps... Could we talk during a walk? In my dreams, the moon is always out so it'd be a nice moonlit stroll." Yuuki asks while keeping eye contact with Luna.

Luna nods and snaps herself back to normal as she gets off Yuuki allowing him to get up. Yuuki dusts himself off and begins to run towards the edge of the building before jumping across the large gap onto the roof of an adjacent building. Luna unfolds her wings and takes a running start before she does the same landing beside Yuuki. A slight grin creeps across his face as he begins to run and jump from rooftop to rooftop with Luna following closely behind, each one not realising how much fun they are having. Yuuki finally stops on a building far from where they started and stares up at the moon before Luna stops beside him and does the same.

"Have you ever had a sense of loss and sadness bite at your heart every time you look up at the moon? Like something or someone is missing in your life?" Yuuki looks very sad before smiling and turning to Luna.

"I have. Every time I stare up at the moon in my world a deep sense of loss and sadness grips me like a vice. Although, for some reason I don't feel it right now as I stand here with you." Luna informs happily before smiling back at Yuuki.

Yuuki jumps down from the edge of the building, followed by Luna, and lands on the moderately busy streets below. Luna looks around in slight wonder at how tall the buildings appear from below. Yuuki then begins to show Luna around the street level of the city, pointing out the many bright lights and signs of the various establishments as they walk. After some time showing Luna around, the pair come upon a bar with a bright cherry red neon sign saying 'Valentine's'. Yuuki leads Luna into the bar and the sound of a well tuned soothing piano melody fills the air. Across from the front door is a well-furnished bar, above and behind it hanging on the wall is an assortment of various alcoholic beverages. Working behind the bar is a gentleman dressed in red wearing gloves and an odd looking hat that has a feather in it. To the right of the bar down a small step onto the lower part of the establishment, is an area set out with two pool tables that have balls set out on them and a cue rack at the back holding extra cues. Two males can be seen playing pool. The male on the right is wearing dark purple knight armour, his eyes can only be seen as golden glowing lights within his helmet. The male on the left is wearing a shorter trench coat to Yuuki and Binary that stops halfway up his thighs, dark green trousers and a shirt with black boots. His hair is a dark green colour along with his eyes. To the right of the bar is an area set up with loads of tables and chairs in front of a stage where the piano music is coming from. On the stage is a girl with dark purple long hair with black highlights that reaches halfway down her back, Dark purple eyes and a pale complexion. She also has three fox tails and ears, her fur is a dark purple with black tips for her tails and ears. The girl wears a long Gothic styled dark purple dress with black trim, long silk dark purple gloves which stop halfway on her upper arms, lacy tights which stop halfway up her thigh and Gothic style boots which stop at her knees. Finally Binary, whom Luna has seen, is sitting on one of the chairs by the stage with his legs up on a table reading a thick leather bound large grimoire.

"I will introduce everyone when I come to them, for now, I think I need a drink and I'm sure you would too." Yuuki states to Luna with a smile.

Luna nods in agreement. Yuuki sits at the bar. The gentleman behind the bar brings out a stool more suited to ponies for Luna to sit on bringing her head height with Yuuki when she sits down.

"Thank you kind sir." Luna says to the gentleman who simply tips his hat in response.

"What can I get you and the lovely lady this evening?"

"For some reason, I imagine two apple ciders will do us for tonight." Yuuki says with a smile to Luna who nods happily.

Valentine nods and pours the pair two apple ciders placing them on the counter and slotting a medium sized straw into Luna's cider so it's easier for her to drink. Luna smiles and takes a few sips from her cider using the straw.

"Yuuki... I'm unsure how to feel in this current moment... Being here with you and the last few hours we have spent touring the city in your mind, I feel a peace within me that I haven't felt for the past five years." Luna smiles and gently nuzzles Yuuki's arm. The song suddenly stops for a moment before continuing where it left off.

Valentine smiles and puts down the whisky glass before pouring himself a mixed whisky on the rocks. "It's been too long since we ever saw you this happy, boss." Valentine chuckles to himself before leaning back and taking a few sips of his whisky. The piano can be heard missing a few more notes of the song.

"Luna, allow me to introduce Valentine. The embodiment of love, passion and well the seedier things like lust as well. Sporting his gentleman attire and sharpened English rapier, he is a swift and agile fencer, brewer and businessman." Yuuki introduces Valentine who tips his hat in response.

Yuuki turns around and shifts Luna's attention to Darkness and The Architect who finished playing pool and moved a little way behind them.

"I now introduce Darkness. Clad in his dark purple knight armour, he is the embodiment of chivalry and honour. While using a kite shield and long sword he protects those close to him with a sense of justice. Then we have The Architect. Builder and construction boss. He is responsible for all you see around us and more. Using his unique ability he is able to turn any part of his body to any known material in his knowledge, carefree and loves to have fun he is a great companion." Darkness bows while The Architect smiles cheerfully at Yuuki's intro.

Yuuki holds out his arm and directs Luna to Binary who is still reading and Kiara who is on the stage. Multiple keys can be heard simultaneously when Yuuki says her name.

"The master of logic and reason. Wielding his grimoire he is able to summon forth chains to protect what he knows to be right. Binary the embodiment of logic, reason and sometimes, we debate, stubbornness. Then the girl on the stage playing the wonderful piano melody is the embodiment of darkness, destruction and chaos. The assumed replacement for my twin brother Despair who is no longer around within here. Kiara is a much better and more tame version of Despair. In essence, she is what he aimed to be but... That long story is for another day." Yuuki finishes the introductions.

Yuuki finishes his cider and stands up stretching while Luna does the same.

"I think I will take Luna out for another walk before I wake up. I'll see you guys all later." Yuuki states as he exits the bar with Luna.

When Yuuki and Luna get a few blocks from the bar Kiara's voice can be heard echoing throughout the city. "Bitch!"

Meanwhile somewhere in Equestria...

"What do you mean you can't find them?!" Chrono yells which echoed through the Alicorn's secret hideout in the far east Equestrian mountains.

"I've looked through the time stream multiple times repeatedly. I cannot see where they are or if they are indeed in that dimension." Clockwork says frantically gazing into a steampunk designed largely well.

Ecstasy is standing by a smaller well showing the landscape of a city within.

"Well, they have to be somewhere if we can't find them in the next month all will be lost and the great evil will win." Ecstasy states before using her magic in the well in front of her.

In another dimension atop a skyscraper

A middle-aged gentleman with white shoulder length hair that has black highlights, a white goatee beard and yellow eyes with red pupils stands at the edge of the skyscraper. He wears a brown upper class suit with brown dress shoes. The man stretches as a holographic image of Ecstasy appears beside him on the ledge.

"How is your progress Discord? We cannot delay here any further, time is of the essence." Ecstasy states looking out upon the city.

"Oh do calm down, I can't find them in this world but I've a good idea where they are... I'm checking there next." Discord states playfully.

Discord begins to walk down the side of the building and Ecstasy follows him. "You know I've also had several sightings of your long lost brother. You know, World Jumper? I shared a lovely cup of tea and biscuits with him not only three dimensions over." Discord informs as they reach the halfway point down the building. Discord stops and turns to look up the skyscraper before jumping which makes him start falling down the remaining height. Ecstasy looks surprised before teleporting to him and grabbing onto him.

"Discord! Are you completely batshit insane?!"

Discord looks to the side seemingly at an audience before raising an eyebrow at Ecstasy's comment. "I don't even think the universe has an answer for how insane I am, dear Ecstasy. As for those three, don't worry I know where to look next." Discord suddenly falls into a portal which briefly opens up underneath him making Ecstasy land beside it becoming dazed from the impact.

"That blasted Draconequus! Now we have to track him down again!" Ecstasy groans in frustration before ending the hologram using her magic.

Author's Note

Chapter one is finally done and I've now moved on to chapter two. I'm going in a much different direction then in the original CLC, but I hope the change to it's storyline and base plot will work much better that it will have the desired effect I wanted in the original.

Fox Fire and Midnight Magic

The mid autumn air is cool and crisp as Luna stands on her balcony, watching Ivory Moon direct the night guard below in preparation for Yuuki's return.

"Princess Luna, the preparations are almost complete." Ivory Moon declares to Luna who smiles.

Luna lifts off the balcony using her wings and flies down to Ivory Moon to stand beside her. "You remember him too now, don't you?" Luna asks looking at an excited Ivory Moon.

"Yes, your highness. It's been far too long since Yuuki was home... Although, none of us in the night guard know why we forgot Yuuki given all he did..." Ivory Moon appears perplexed at her recently released memories. "It's been five years... How did we forget the seven years he spent here?" Ivory Moon ponders looking very sad.

Luna comforts Ivory Moon and smiles warmly. "It doesn't matter, all that does matter is that he is coming home. We must be ready to greet him with open hooves." Luna notices Ivory Moon's attention on something up in the sky and looks to where she is focused.

"What in the name of Equestria is that falling towards us?!" Ivory Moon asks before snapping to attention and begins ordering night guards to prepare for what the object might be.

As the glowing light draws near, Luna tries to make out what the figure is held within. Using a telescope provided by a nearby night guard she is able to make it out as Yuuki by its three tails. "It's Yuuki!" Luna shouts, which makes Ivory Moon's eyes widen. She then begins calculating his trajectory.

"He will land just on the other side of the maze Princess Luna!" Ivory moon orders the night guard to rush to the potential crash site. To the surprise of Ivory Moon and Luna, the glowing light holding Yuuki suddenly changes direction and speeds up slamming into the courtyard a few feet away from them. The impact creates a dust cloud which impairs their vision. Ivory Moon and Luna walk through the dust cloud to the edge of the small crater. Once the dust cloud settles they can see Yuuki lying on the ground at the craters centre.

"It is him... Thank goodness he is alright." Luna states as she and Ivory moon walk over to Yuuki's position.

Yuuki rolls himself over and stares at the sky. "If I ever see another beam of light again... I'm done." Yuuki closes his eyes and groans in frustration.

"You are not the only one who would be glad if those beams never appeared again. However, this one has delivered you to me... Dear Yuuki." Luna states as they reach Yuuki.

Yuuki opens his eyes and sits up before spinning around to see Luna. He stands up and closes the small gap between them before hugging Luna tightly. "I'll be even more happy if I never leave again." Yuuki chuckles while tearing up slightly.

Ivory Moon coughs slightly to get their attention. "I-it seems everyone has now started to remember you Yuuki... Oh bother, I'm no good with this... Buck it." Ivory Moon jumps Yuuki and hugs him tightly. "Do you have any idea how bored I've been without a sparring partner who can actually keep up? Never vanish like that again, you fool!" Ivory Moon soon after releases Yuuki and wipes away her tears before regaining her composure.

"Yuuki!" A very eager crowd of royal night guards plough into Yuuki tackling him to the ground and hugging him between them.

"Where in Equestria have you been?"

"The night guard just hasn't felt the same since you left!"

"Yeah, we haven't had a proper camp out in years! You always roasted the marshmallows perfectly!"

The night guards let Yuuki stand up but continue to gather around him eager in his return. Luna giggles happily at the sight and smiles warmly. Ivory Moon stands beside Luna and heaves a sigh of relief.

"It makes me happy you seem better than normal since he left. It relieves me to see the Princess more lively." Ivory Moon also smiles but then looks confused when Luna begins walking off. "Princess Luna?"

"Please make sure he has everything he needs and gets to spend time with everyone. He will know where to find me after you're done." Luna smiles at Ivory moon before continuing to walk off towards the castle throne room.

After spending a bit of time with the night guards Yuuki decided to take a walk around Canterlot to get his bearings back. "Nothing has changed has it... It's all exactly as I left it." Yuuki looks around the plaza taking in his old surroundings but in a new perspective given his new available form. Suddenly Yuuki bumps into a pure white Pegasus with a pitch black tail and mane, both have ice blue highlights. The Pegasus has ice blue eyes and his cutie mark is an ice blue quill.

"Oh, please do forgive me. I was not quite paying attention to where I was going." The Pegasus apologises as he places a drinks bottle in his saddle bag. On his back is a box doughnuts from doughnut Joe's.

"Oh no, I was too caught up in my surroundings... I haven't been back in Canterlot for some time." Yuuki smiles and chuckles slightly.

"Ah I see, me and my friends only just moved here today. We are on our way to our new home you see. I'm excited about it, although my friends were not so thrilled by my actions..." The Pegasus smiles nervously as he remembers something.

"My name is Yuuki, I'm Princess Luna's bodyguard I suppose." Yuuki holds his hand out for the Pegasus to shake.

"The name is Frozen Quill, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm afraid I can't chat long, my friends will be wondering where I went... Doughnuts, it's an addiction I swear." Frozen Quill says goodbye to Yuuki before continuing on his way.

"I wonder if I will meet him again... Oh well I should continue my walk before going to see Luna." Yuuki continues his walk towards the other areas of Canterlot.

After Yuuki finished his walk he made his way to Luna's chambers where he knocks on the door first before entering. Looking around he can see no pony is about and lays down on Luna's bed heaving a heavy sigh.

"You appear troubled Yuuki, whatever is the matter?" A calm, different voice than Luna is heard.

Yuuki opens his eyes and looks at the end of the bed to see Celestia. "Surprised to see me? I understand in the seven years you spent with us I had little time to give you because of my everyday duties. However, I feel it important for you to know I care no less for you than Luna." Celestia climbs onto Luna's bed and sits beside Yuuki.

"Well... I'm truly happy to be back in Equestria, really I am. I just have this nagging feeling that things aren't over yet. That there is more trouble and hardship to come... I don't know what it is." Yuuki looks perplexed about how he feels.

"You are a member of the moon-fox tribe after all. From what I can understand, the moon-fox tribe of the far east are the closest natural creatures to the moon's power. Some scholars have debated for many centuries what exactly is the source of the tribes obsession of the moon and desire to serve its princess. Some speculate that the fox tribe's power comes from the moon itself, mainly because of their unnatural ice blue fox fire which mystically burns hotter than normal fire." Celestia explains to Yuuki who hangs on her every word eager to know more.

"So, my tribe could of been created or born under the moon's blessing? I mean most of our traits apply to the moon in one way or another, so it makes sense. Perhaps our place is meant to be beside Luna serving in her night guard." Yuuki ponders as he lays back down and stares at the ceiling.

"That sounds like a plausible explanation doesn't it..? Still, I hope you settle back into your life here comfortably. I know Luna has missed you dearly since you left, although she herself did not know why she felt so sad." Celestia slides off the bed and heads for the door. "Please look after my sister as you did before you left, little Yuuki." Celestia exits the bedroom and makes her way to the throne room to leave Yuuki to his thoughts.

Once it turned night the royal night guard decided to hold a 'welcome back' camp fire for Yuuki. While they also maintained the needed amount to guard the castle, they will switch shifts so every pony can enjoy the celebration. Luna also joined them and was sitting beside Yuuki near the roaring camp fire. Several guards also sat around the fire all eating the roasted marshmallows that were being made.

"Hmm so Yuuki, what was it like where you were?" A night guard asks, while chewing on a marshmallow.

Yuuki leans back and stares at the stars. "Well... It actually wasn't that bad. I mean being away from Equestria for ten years is a pretty big drag but it wasn't all bad. The food was good, I had good friends to keep me company and I found my tribe again." Yuuki happily answers the guard's question.

"I know I'm not the only one to notice, but... Yuuki has that new form he is in now. You know, before he was just a three tailed fox. Now he has a human form with fox ears and tails, which also allows him to speak with us. I mean, I ain't complaining or nothing. I think it's awesome." A night guard smiles happily at Yuuki.

"Mhmm I second that awesome notification. It makes it a lot easier to communicate with you Yuuki. Also your new form looks very fitting, don't you think so Princess Luna?" A third night guard adds.

Luna smiles and nods looking at Yuuki. "I personally like his new form, it will make midnight strolls less of a one-sided conversation. On top of that I believe it will enable him to protect me more effectively than before." Luna explains as she moves closer to Yuuki and relaxes.

A fourth night guard finishes his marshmallow before deciding to speak. "Still, I wonder what happens now... I mean you have been gone for five years for us and ten years for you. It's not like things can ever be exactly the same, least not for a little while as you adjust back into life here." The night guard looks slightly perplexed.

"Yeah, but Yuuki is still a member of the night guard technically so nothing really has changed besides his appearance... We obviously know it's still the Yuuki we spent seven years with prior to his disappearance." The third night guard quickly interjects.

Ivory Moon coughs slightly before standing up. "Personally, I don't think it matters how much times has past... Ten years, five years? It shouldn't matter, what does matter is that we treat him no differently than when he was with us... Other than that he is obviously more then just a fox now... He can talk... Among other things... Okay yeah he is different but inside it's obviously the same Yuuki we know and love as our companion..." Ivory Moon struggles on the realisation at how much Yuuki has changed since he disappeared.

The first night guard who spoke stands up. "I believe it's our turn to switch in with the castle night guard so they can have their turn at the camp fire. We will see you later, Yuuki." The other night guard also stand up and follow the first to the castle.

Yuuki stands up and turns to Luna. "I've something I want to show you." Yuuki smiles warmly as Luna nods and gets up to begin following him. Yuuki leads Luna over into the deeper part of the maze beside the castle seemingly remembering his way around.

"Yuuki, what are you looking for?" Luna asks puzzled at Yuuki's choice of location to lead her.

"Just a little further, I promise it's worth it." Yuuki replies keeping his warm smile as he finally stops at a dead end that has a few rocks by it. Yuuki slides his hand between two rocks and presses a switch, which makes a section of the floor in front of them drop down and form stairs. The stairs seem to lead much further down beyond what they are capable of seeing.

Luna looks surprised and curious. "I can't say I ever knew about this secret within the maze... Where does this lead?" Luna inspects the stairs before Yuuki confidently begins leading her down them.

"You will see. As I said it's very worth it." Yuuki leads Luna down to the bottom where she can see they are in a medium sized room with a tall ceiling. Beside of the small piece of land they stand on and the tiny island in the middle which is veiled in willow tree hanging leaves, the room's floor is mainly water. The only exception is the pieces of land large enough for one pony to step on, which sit evenly spaced out between the island and the starting piece of land. "What I want to show you is just over there on that island." Yuuki begins hopping across the pieces of land with ease. Luna follows nervously behind him being careful not to fall into the water. Once across Yuuki parts the willow tree leaves to enable them to enter. Inside the leaves seems like an entirely closed off other world. The short cut, odd blue grass beneath them feels very soft to the touch. The willow trees are evenly spaced with the hanging blue leaves above and to the side of the island letting in nothing but the gentle moonlight. After a few minutes of waiting a small bundle of spread out midnight blue glowing firefly's come out and softly light up the alcove. All along the leaves of the willow trees dots light up in reaction to the moonlight and shine like stars.

"Yuuki, this is beautiful... When did you discover this place?" Luna looks around her in awe and amazement she knew nothing of this place.

"I found it shortly after I became your bodyguard. Whenever the guards couldn't find me I was taking a nap here in my favourite spot." Yuuki smiles before laying down in the grass and relaxing. Luna lays down gently beside him and cuddles close to him.

"You know... What the night guards were saying about how nothing has changed? I had to smile slightly because we know things have definitely changed, especially between us." Luna smiles and nuzzles Yuuki softly.

"They will have to know eventually, as will everyone else. I used to be your pet... Now thanks to some mysterious force and the changes that happened to me, throw in how we reunited... We're now together as much more than that... The whole thing seems strange." Yuuki stares up at the canopy of star like dots in the leaves.

"I don't mind this change... True, it feels slightly weird to be dating the pet you had for seven years... However, I'm not prepared to lie to myself and bury the feelings I know I developed towards you." Luna states firmly as she sighs softly.

Yuuki begins to stroke Luna's mane gently to comfort her. "I know, and I'd never ask you to bury them. I'm just thinking this will all take time to adjust and settle in... I know myself what I developed for you is true and I never wish to leave your side again." Yuuki admits while cuddling closer to Luna.

"I'm sure things will settle down into a peaceful routine... Eventually we will tell everyone but for now it's our secret. We can go back to your 'welcome back' party whenever you're ready." Luna closes her eyes and relaxes next to Yuuki's warmth.

"We will go back soon... I just want to lay here with you for a bit before we go back." Yuuki closes his eyes and snuggles close to Luna remembering all the times they spent cuddling before he left. Although, for both of them cuddling this time was entirely different.

Author's Note

Okay chapter one of four pre-read. Now to hopefully get the other three done soon and release the bundle. :pinkiehappy:

Blue Chains and Rainbow Streaks

Binary leans back on the sofa while he stares out the window of Rainbow's living room. Sighing deeply he decides to get up and stretch before Rainbow comes through the front door.

"Are you still on the sofa? It's like midday. You're lazier than I am and that is an accomplishment." Rainbow states trotting through to the kitchen with a bag.

"You do realise how badly that comment reflects on you?" Binary asks with a deadpan expression.

"Did you say something?" Rainbow asks sounding as if she is putting things away.

"Nothing at all..." Binary walks into the kitchen and leans against the sink counter.

Binary silently watches Rainbow as she puts away food from the bag she brought in. When done, she closes the fridge and turns to Binary.

"I was hoping you'd be available for a talk when I got home. I had something I wanted to run by you." Rainbow states before leading Binary into the living room and stretches.

"It's not like I'm doing anything else..." Binary states.

"That's exactly what I'd like to talk to you about... I like you living here, I really do. It makes a change to have a roommate but not a roommate as you don't sleep in my room-"

"Shall I move into your room?" Binary asks.

"W-what? That's not what I'm-" Rainbow stutters.

"Because I can if you want me to so then we are 'roommates'." Binary states.

"No, you're cool... Look, I like you living here, however, I only make so many bits with my job on the weather team. It wasn't so bad to start but it's getting a little tight around here budget wise. So, I was hoping you'd consider getting a job to help with stuff. The weather team could always do with more wings on hoof." Rainbow explains.

Binary thinks for a moment before looking a little perplexed.

"I suppose it's not an unreasonable thing to ask... I just... Valentine was always the most productive out of the five of us. To put it bluntly, none of us has had to do anything before now..." Binary states sitting down.

"I thought you seemed a little off since the chains appeared. Want to talk about it?" Rainbow offers.

"Not at the moment. Maybe eventually, but I'm fine for right now. If you're able to get me a job on the Ponyville weather team I'd gladly do it if it'll help. It'll at least get me out of the house and maybe improve my mood." Binary states taking a deep breath.

"That's great, now get up." Rainbow states making Binary get up and starts nudging him towards the front door.

"W-what are you doing?" Binary asks not resisting.

"We're are going for a fly, so get those wings out and relax." Rainbow pushes Binary out of the front door and onto her porch.

Binary spread his demon wings and stretches a little, taking a deep breath. Rainbow does the same before taking flight, to hover a little in front of Binary.

"You seriously need to relax. It's not good for your health if you stress all the time. Follow me." Rainbow states before flying off.

Using his wings to gain lift he follows Rainbow as they simply fly around Ponyville and several nearby cloud formations. After half an hour the pair comes to rest on a decent sized fluffy cloud.

"How was that small flight?" Rainbow asks Binary who is looking around.

"More relaxing then I remember. I haven't really been out on a casual flight since we met and all this other stuff happened. Thanks, Rainbow." Binary is about to sit down before faintly hearing something in the distance.

"Fire!" The voice states.

Binary turns to face the direction of the voice which appears to be Twilight's castle. Squinting he can see something pink on her balcony accompanied by a human figure with what looks like a cannon... Binary widens his eyes upon seeing the cannon but finds it's too late as something hits him square in the chest, knocking him over onto his back.

"What the? Binary you okay?!" Rainbow asks as she inspects the floored Binary.

"Provided I was just hit by a fast moving projectile fired from what could only be described as a party cannon... Yeah, I'm fine." Binary sighs before looking at his chest to see a letter.

Binary passes the letter to Rainbow who opens and reads it.

"'Come to the castle! Exciting news!'. That's literally all it says." Rainbow states.

"Oh that all? I suppose we should get to the castle." Binary comments standing up.

Walking into the throne room of Twilights castle Rainbow and Binary look around to see their friends gathered in their thrones with the alters beside them minus Kiara and Vinyl.

I got your message... What's this about?" Binary asks rubbing his chest.

Pinkie and the Architect high five each other with a smile before Twilight clears her throat.

"I'm glad you could make it. Thanks to Starlight, we have been able to alter the map a little like when she used the time travel spell. Although this is a little track spell so nothing quite so complex. Basically, when Celestia sends me a letter with the coordinates of a chain anchor, I can place a tracker on the map to see exactly where that is." Twilight explains.

"I believe I understand what you're saying. I take it we will also get the colour of the chain so we can send the correct person to deal with it." Binary adds folding his arms as he leans on Rainbow's throne while she sits down.

A letter suddenly pops in front of Twilight which she takes in her magic. Opening it she begins reading before looking between the letter and map several times. Using the spell she places a blue marker on the Forbidden Jungle.

"It seems we have our first anchor marker. It's the blue chain which is anchored in the Forbidden Jungle at some kind of temple." Twilight points out on the map.

"I'd hate to be the poor soul who has to travel all that way through that jungle." Binary comments before looking around to see everyone staring at him.

"Umm B... Given the colours, I saw on Luna's necklace there are only two shades of blue... Yuuki's is ice blue which means..." Valentine begins tipping his hat slightly to hide the expression of sympathy pain.

It takes Binary a few moments to fully realise what Valentine was getting at, but when it finally sunk in his expression dropped.

"First one? you have got to be kidding me!" Binary groans and falls backwards onto the floor.

Despair walks down the hall towards the mage barracks. After passing several stained glass windows he opens a door which leads to a lab of sorts with several large garden plots growing various fruits and vegetables in large quantities. Looking further into the room he can see it's much larger with the whole room being some form of 'greenhouse'. After a little searching, Despair finds Luxure crouched in front of a short mutated tomato type plant creature with a twisted vine body which includes legs and arms.

"A small project you are working on?" Despair asks.

Luxure smiles and strokes the tomatoes head gently. Its mouth reaches from ear to ear (if it had ears) and is filled with razor sharp teeth.

"Something like that. Luxure felt a little lonely without master so she decided to experiment and made this little fellow~" Luxure explains still smiling.

"It's cute if nothing else. Not a bad achievement either." Despair strokes Luxure's hair which makes her purr happily.

"What brings master to Luxure's barracks? Not that I'm unhappy for visits~" Luxure stands up and turns around to face master.

"I just wanted to check up on your progress. That spell you weaved a couple of days ago was rather complex. I wasn't sure you'd be able to do it. Have you been spending time in the pool like I asked?" Despair asks as the two exit the greenhouse lab and walks back towards the main area.

"Yes, Luxure has been spending regular time in there to adjust her body to the new magical powers she is developing. It makes things a bit easier and reduces the time between experiment sessions~" Luxure informs Despair.

"That's good. I want each of my generals to be at their best just in case something new develops. I have to attend to something so I'll see you later." Despair states before heading up the main rooms stairs towards his chambers.

"So, let me get this straight... We're taking a train to Dodge City, after which we will then head off towards the jungle to make our way to the temple on hoof?" Rainbow asks, sitting beside Binary at the train station.

Binary has a newly crafted messenger bag which is big enough to hold some essential supplies. Rainbow has her saddlebags, which are rested beside her.

"That's the general travel plan that Twilight explained to us. Although given our luck recently... I highly doubt this trip will go well." Binary sighs deeply.

"Don't do that." Rainbow states firmly.

"Do what?" Binary asks confused.

"What you just said. Don't do it." Rainbow states again firmly.

"You mean about the recent luck and our trip-" Binary is silenced by a cyan hoof.

"I said don't. Almost always in movies when someone is pessimistic about something it never goes right..." Rainbow shivers.

"I thought it was the other way around. If you're positive about something then you're likely to jinx it and it'll go the opposite." Binary comments.

"Well, either way, don't do it." Rainbow sighs.

The train arrives soon after and a conductor steps out blowing a whistle.

"Next stop Dodge City!" The conductor informs anyone heading that way.

"Looks like this is us. If I am, to be honest, I think it might not be so bad." Binary states standing up before helping Rainbow with her saddlebags.

"You seriously didn't just do exactly what we discussed you shouldn't..?" Rainbow rubs her temple before the pair board the train.

Author's Note

Thus we begin our first string of chain chapters! I'm excited to be making progress on CLC and hope you all enjoy it as well.