Chapters The Hunt Begins
It was a calm and beautiful night in Equestria, everypony was either asleep or enjoying Luna’s night sky, everything was peaceful in Ponyville especially for Midnight and Twilight as they looked up to the night sky from the balcony of Twilight’s library enjoying each others comfort.
“I’m glad we can spend time together Midnight, just the two of us.” Twilight said as she snuggled closer to Coltfriend.
“I couldn’t be happier Twilight.” Midnight said as he embraced Twilight. They had been through so much together with their friends, learning the magic of friendship, defeating all evil, and bringing peace to Equestria.
“Midnight look it’s a shooting star, make a wish?” Twilight asked.
Midnight only closed his eyes and smiled, already making his wish. “So what did you wish for Midnight?” Twilight asked.
“If I told you, it wouldn’t come true.” He said with a warm but cheeky smile and with that the young couple shared a passionate kiss. But what they didn’t realize was that was no shooting star.
The red light flew through the night sky with great speed, heading towards a cave with light.
“It has been too long since I had somepony worth giving me a challenge I mean sure it’s okay taking care of crime in Equestria but everything has been so dull .”
The red light soon disappeared revealing a large red stallion with green eyes, a long fiery mane and tail with wings to match and a fire cutie mark. As he entered the cave he was greeted by a small blue pegasus filly with a short white mane and beautiful sapphire eyes and a tall green pegasus mare a dark green mane and a wind cutie mark .
“BIG BROTHER!!! !” the little filly said as she rushed over hugging the red stallion. It was too cute for he laughed and hugged her back. “Good to see you too Ice beam I take it you had fun with Skyress.”
“Yeah she’s the best foalsitter ever.” She said with an adorable smile ever.
“Thanks again Skyress. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Nova you should know that I would do anything for a friend.”She said with a smile as she left the cave. “See you guys tomorrow.”
“Bye Skyress.” Ice beam said with an adorable grin that only made Nova chuckle. “Bro do you think we can meet a princess tomorrow? you promised me we could.”
Nova for his part wanted to take her to meet a princess but it was complicated. He did have somewhat of history with the princesses and didn’t want to deal with them trying to convince him to train ponies to wield fire. Not only that they didn’t even know Ice beam existed. “Well…. we’ll see if we can meet them.” He hesitated but his sister didn’t seem to notice.
“Okay.” She said as she skipped off to her little sleeping bag.
“Don’t worry sis I promise to do everything I can to make our lives easier .” Nova thought as he trotted over to his sleeping bag. “Nova can you tell me a bedtime story?” Ice beam asked. How could he say no to a face like that which only caused him to smile at his sister.
“Alright how about I tell you the story of the two sisters on how they defeated the evil Discord.
“YAY!!! ”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“The end.” Nova turned to see his sister sleeping. He couldn’t but smile as he walked back to his sleeping and drifted off to sleep.
Soon enough Nova found himself in a bright room with a large glass table. Across the table sat a bright figure who shined brighter than sun itself.
“I figured you would visit me tonight Angel.” Nova said as he sat down on a red pillow.
“Nova I thought we discussed this that you don’t have to call me that. Honestly it’s quite embarrassing.” The Angel said as she took a sip of her tea
“I know that but it feels right and I know the others would agree with me too.” He countered which caused her to blush a bit.
“Alright call me what you will but knowing you Nova you already know why I am here I presume?” She asked.
“Honestly for once I am clueless as to why you are here.”
“Well I just came to inform you of the return of King Sombra and the Crystal Empire….”
“King Sombra, didn’t you say once that he was the most powerful Unicorn in Equestria.”
“Yes I did and I’m surprised you remembered that story from three years ago.” The Angel said surprised.
“I'm not an idiot I know my history."
"I'm not saying that you are Nova."
"I know but that's beside the point King Sombra has returned and you need somepony to stop him I hoping ?" Nova asked. He was actually glad to hear that another bad guy has come and hopefully give him a challenge. But sadly that would not happen.
"I hate to break it to you Nova but if you had let me finish, I was saying that King Sombra has been defeated and restored to the side of good." The Angel said as she took a sip of her tea. Nova only choked on a muffin he was eating. He was surprised that somepony was capable of defeating Sombra.
"I'm guessing the princesses finally defeated him then?" Nova asked.
"No he was defeated by a Unicorn named Midnight Blaze." She answered. But it only made Nova ask more questions.
"Angel you surely have to be joking?" Nova asked. "I mean Celestia and Luna had a hard time fighting and they are Alicorns."
"He did have help from his friends. Midnight has accomplished a lot since an old friend of mine informed me of him and might I add he’s an extraordinary Stallion."
"Yes you have mentioned him a few times but it wasn't a lot to go by to impress me." Nova said as he continued eating.
"Well I guess you don't want to know how he defeated The Whisperer." The angel chuckled as she took a small bit of her cake that was on the table.
"WHAT? " Was all Nova could say. One of the Angel's oldest foes from thousands of years ago was defeated by some normal unicorn. He was more interested about this Midnight now.
"Nova you should by now that you should chew your food more often otherwise you'll keep choking on it." The Angel said as she laughed.
"Yeah yeah but this is just a dream." Nova said to The Angel.
"Yes, but what have I taught you..." She asked. He only sighed.
"Just because this is a dream doesn't mean it's not real." Nova knew you shouldn't argue with The Angel. You can never win. Especially since she is his teacher. He always viewed The Angel as his mentor and mother. She always cared about him and his sister and she knew what he thought of her.
"Very good Nova." She smiled.
"Anyways you said he defeated The Whisperer someone that you've fought before. How did he do it."
"Well he did it with the help of Sombra who achieved Alicorn Hood. He was struggling with his nightmares and they only got worse for him having to battle with his inner demon which was assisted by The Whisper. But in the end instead of destroying his evil counterpart he accepted that worst part of himself which gave him the advantage to defeat him."
Nova was every bit as surprised at this story, true it was short but he knew their was more to it. He listened to The Angel's tales about Midnight's, how he traveled through time and met history's greatest heroes and villains, how the princess reincarnated him and his secret life he had, How he battled The Whisperer again and finally put an end to his wickedness. Nova has never been more impressed.
"He certainly has been through a lot even when coming to Equestria." Nova said.
"Indeed he has but now it's time for him to prove if he's worthy of being Equestria's saviour. That's where you come in Nova I want you to challenge him. Put him through a trial to prove if he's worthy. Push him to the edge of beyond, do whatever means necessary. He has great potential and I know he'll do great things someday."
"Mother.... I mean Angel are you sure you want me to do this? Because if he fails what will happen? Because I won't hold anything back." Nova asked. He wasn't even sure he wanted to do this but the challenge was too good to pass up. But his own mother didn't look too sure.
"If he fails your trial then I fear for the future of Equestria. He has the power but if he doesn't tap into it then...." She couldn't finish, but Nova had a pretty good idea of what may come.
"I understand. Please get some rest.......mother." Nova said as he got up and slowly disappeared from the room.
"Good luck......my son." The Angel said as she vanished in flash of light.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nova groaned as the sunlight hit his face within the cave and was slowly waking up. He honestly wanted to sleep some more but his baby sister had other plans. "Wake up wake up today is the day." Ice beam said as she bounced on top of Nova's back. She was always an early riser.
"Ice why do you have to wake up so early, someponies need their shut eyes and in my case ME!!!" Nova yelled. You could hear his voice echo through the cave.
“BRO YOU PROMISED!!!! ” She yelled back.
“Listen I know that but there's a slight change in plans. Mother has given me an assignment.” Nova said. But knowing his sister she wouldn’t give up so easily.
“But you promised.” She said as she made puppy dog eyes. He always submitted to her adorableness, but not this time.
“Look this is really important, I’m taking you over to Skyress place for a bit.” Nova said. "I promise we will meet a princess soon just give me a few days please."
“Fine but you better make it quick or else I’m telling mom.” She groaned
“Alright, alright lets not do anything we might regret okay…..hehehehe.”
“What did mom want you to do anyway?”
“She wanted me to test this Midnight guy to see if he really is to be the savior of Equestria.”
“Does this mean you're going to find him and make your archrival?” She asked.
“Well I wouldn’t go that far sis even if mom exaggerated about how powerful he is a little it doesn’t hurt to look into it. Besides the challenge is too good to pass up.”
“When your done can we still meet a princess?”
“Yes sis we will.” Nova said.This made her smile with joy as she hugged his brother.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was a beautiful afternoon in Ponyville. Midnight and the guys would do their usual get together at Pepper Pony’s Pizza and Thunderlane and the guys have been meaning to ask Midnight
“So Midnight you and Twilight have been getting pretty close. When do you think you’ll pop the question?” Thunderlane asked.
“Yeah Midnight Ah’ know ya love her So whats stoppin’ ya?” Big Mac asked.
“Well it’s just….” Midnight was about to answer but Rainbow Dash Flew through the front door. Interupting them.
“Midnight, theirs somepony looking for you and I don’t like the looks of this guy.” Rainbow said.
“Well who is it?” He asked.
“I don’t know? He’s new in ponyville. But he’s kinda creepy not to mention huge.”
“Well I guess I should check this out.” Midnight said as he followed Rainbow outside. In the center of Ponyville a large pony in a brown cloak. Stood their silently without moving. The pony finally spoke.
“Ah so you're the one who defeated The Whisper not exactly what I was expecting. But your Midnight Blaze I presume.”
“Who are you and how do you know about the Whisper?”
“I know a lot of things about you Midnight and you’re accomplishments I have spent the past two days searching for you and….oh where are my manners.” The pony removed his cloak and threw it aside to reveal a large red Stallion bigger than Celestia with a fiery mane. “I am Nova Flame and I’m here to challenge you.”
End of Chapter.
The Meeting Part 1
"What do you mean, challenge me?" Midnight asked, glaring at this stranger as he tried to sense his energy and size him up. To his surprise, he felt nothing from this odd pegasus. Nothing at all, almost as though he didn't even exist!
How is that possible?!
"I was sent here to test your worth, Midnight Blaze," Nova answered with an arrogant smirk that rubbed Rainbow Dash the wrong way.
"Hey, who do ya think you are, bub?" Rainbow flared her wings while the others exchanged looks of confusion, including Midnight.
"Dashie, calm down," Soarin stood by his mare while giving Nova a stern look, "Why do you wanna challenge Midnight at all? I mean, he's an alicorn and you're a pegasus."
"I concur with my friend," Blueblood interjected, "I mean, a pegasus challenging an alicorn? No offense to you, gentlecolt, but it doesn't seem like good idea."
"My reasons are between myself and Midnight, which is exactly as it should be if you guys are smart enough not to interfere," Nova all but threatened. Otherwise, somepony... could get hurt!"
"Oh yeah? Well what makes you think you even stand a chance against Midnight?!" Thunderlane snapped, not liking Nova's thinly-veiled threat.
Nova chuckled condescendingly at Thunderlane's boldness though he acknowledged to himself that trouble was starting to brew unless he could get Midnight to answer his challenge of one-one-one combat.
"Look, my business is with Midnight alone, so unless you're all looking for a trip to the emergency room, I'd take a hike right now!!"
Midnight definitely sensed something this time from Nova, a warning of retaliation. Alas, his friends did not take Nova's threat seriously, as Rainbow challenged, "Why don'cha make us, creep?!"
"I've had enough of his attitude, let's get this punk, Dash!" Thunderlane made the first move, backed up by Rainbow ash, as both weather co-captains charged Nova, ignoring Midnight's warning, "NO!!! "
Too late, as Nova vanished in a flicker of movement, reappaearing behind Thunderlane a split-second later, to Midight's shock, He didn't teleport! That's- That's moving quicker than the eye can follow!
Thunderlane was stunned too, which was followed by an explosion of pain to the side of his head, as Nova back-hooved him, sending the dark gray pegasus flying into a tree.
"Thunder!" Rainbow yelled in concern but this only allowed Nova time enough to whirl about and do the same to Rainbow Dash!
Luckily for her, Soarin managed to intercept her unconscious body and safely catch her in his arms, "Dashie?!"
Midnight was shocked, and had felt it for only a second! Nova's energy had spiked to a level higher than any pegasus he had ever sensed! Hearing the knocked out Rainbow groaning, Soarin sighed in relief but threw a a glare at Nova, "You jerk! Was that really necessary?!"
"Easy, haystack," Big Mac said to him as Soarin came down, holding Rainbow's prone body close while Blueblood stepped forward.
"As a Prince of Equestria, I order you to- Oomph!!" Blueblood was interrupted by the unconscious Thunderlane being thrown onto him whn Midnight stepped forward.
"Guys, take Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane to the hospital, now!" he ordered while keeping his focus on the smirking Nova. "I'll handle this..."
"I gave a fair warning to your friends, but before they skedaddle, I'd like for them to witness this," Nova spoke as he challenged, "Do you accept my challenge? Another fair warning - I don't take 'no' for an answer..."
"I'm ending this nonsense...NOW!!!! " Midnight yelled before he took a deep breath and unleashed a sonic scream!!!!
"Uh-oh...!" was all Nova could say, having foolishly let his guard down. He was unprepared as the sonic vibrations of Midnight's scream sent him hurtling into the Everfree Forest, leaving a trail of destruction as he paved through the many trees and dirt, creating a straight and narrow path into the wild wood.
Midnight panted a little while Big Mac said, "Tha's stickin' it to him, haystack!"
"And stay down!" Soarin shouted towards the wake of destruction.
"Job well done, my friend," Blueblood added but noticed the look on Midnight's face as the alicorn sensed he same energy again.
A rocky burst got their undivided attention and they were stunned to see a pair of red wings flare from the debris as Nova pulled himself out of the mess, quaintly dusting off his coat as though he'd simply tripped. All of them, including Midnight, were stunned to see Nova appeared unharmed!
After confirming he wasn't worse for wear, Nova eyed Midnight with regard, Hmm, well ain't he full of surprises... to think a little push gave me that brief glimpse. But let's see if he can keep up...
Sensing it was coming, Midnight ordered, "All of you, get out of here, now!!"
Hearing the urgency in Midnight's voice, the stallions hurried off, carrying their unconscious pegasus friends with them as quickly as they could.
"TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE!!! " Nova roared as his mane and tail ignited with fiery mana and he took a deep breath... before unleashing a wildfire!!!
Midnight quickly Flashed behind Nova, his tail raised with a blade of solidified shadow, like a scorpion! He'd performed this very same sneak attack many times yet it failed as Nova spun around and caught the strike with his very wings!
"What?!"
Before Midnight saw it coming, he was sent spinning as Nova threw him him skyward and launched himself at him, his hooves ablaze!
Midnight reacted in the nick of time as Nova launched a barrage of fiery punches with his hooves, but Midnight armored his wings with solidified shadow and blocked the hail of hooves, and quickly flared them out, temporarily forcing Nova back!
"My turn!"
Midnight slashed forward like a dervish, his shadowy armored wings extending into blades but Nova easily deflected his attacks with his flaming hooves, sparks flying like liquid fire with each exchange of attacks, and it quickly became apparent that neither combatant was getting anywhere. Finally both fighters jumped away from each other, throwing the other a scowl, trying to size the other up.
After a few tense moments, Nova broke the silence.
"Heh, you're good. Honestly, I wasn't sure you ha the bite to back up your bark but whoa!"
Midnight growled at Nova's smirking and gave a sarcastic, "Yeah, yeah, happy to amuse. But I'm still gonna make you sorry for messing with my friends!"
"They asked for it," Nova waved it off. "Anypony reserves the right to defend himself, especially when somepony else attacks first."
Noticing the rage on Midnight's face, Nova sighed, "Oh would you relax? I barely gave them a slap on the fetlocks, they'll be fine after a rest."
"...I'm not interested in fighting you," Midnight said evenly, Nova's eyes narrowing.
"Well you're gonna have to, Midnight," Nova warned. "Fate has plans for you and I..."
Midnight tensed as Nova flared his wings but he merely took to the air, "You have until dusk to answer my challenge otherwise I'll be back and next time, if your friends act cute again, they'll get off worse than a simple knock-out... HA!!!"
Midnight scrunched his eyes closed as Nova's wings glared a blinding radiance, and when it dimmed Midnight saw that Nova was gone.
He has vanished... Midnight thought when he heard somepony yell, "Midnight!"
He looked to see his Twilight fly to him with worry, "What just happened?! Who was that just now? Why were Big Mac, Soarin, and Blueblood taking Thundy and Rainbow to the hospital?"
"I don't know, Twilight, but whoever this Nova is, he's gonna regret messing with my friends..." Midnight swore. "Twilight, I'm gonna need Spike to send a letter to Celestia."
The Meeting Part 2
It had been only two hours since Nova left. Thunderlane and Rainbow were fine but the both of them had to remain at the hospital for the rest of the day. Their encounter with them mysterious pegasus had left them both with concussions and Thunder had a broken wing.
Midnight seethed in rage as he looked on at Soarin, as he held his Dashie's hoof with a loving look of worry. It made Midnight want nothing more than to track down Nova and pay him back in kind for what the maverick had done to the blue alicorn's friends. Yet, to his growing frustration, Midnight knew next to nil where Nova Flame was concerned. He needed answers.
“Who in bucking tartarus is he...?! How does he know about the Whisperer, how can a pegasus posses such power?!”
“Midnight, I'm as stumped as you are," Twilight said to him gently as she put her hooves on her stallion's shoulders. "I've never heard of a pegasus having magic like Nova Flame! Pegasus magic has always been about weather manipulation and walking on clouds!"
“I believe we can shed some light on the subject.”
Both Twilight and Midnight turn to see both Prince Sombra and Princess Celestia, the married monarchs approaching woefully.
“Princess Celestia!" Twilight went over to her old mentor, who gave her a comforting nuzzle, the white alicorn saying, "We came as soon as we heard."
"Nova Flame, what do you know about him?" Midnight pressed.
“As you've seen, Nova Flame is no ordinary pegasus. He’s special in many ways like you, Midnight. I only heard rumors about him, but Celestia and Luna have met with him personally.” Sombra started off before looking to his wife.
Celestia sighed and took it from there.
“Indeed I have. You see before Luna returned, we were on the verge of war with a group of insurgent dragons, led by a most wicked dragon by the name of Albino. He declared himself the true ruler and emperor of the dragon kingdom, seeking to start a civil war. As a show of strength, and because he thought us ponies inferior, he intended to lead an invasion upon Equestria and enslave us.
"However, before he could lead his forces to march upon Equestrian soil, he was stopped by a single pony. Albino was among the most powerful and feared of his people and anypony or dragon that challenged him were either killed or imprisoned, but not this pony. They say he possessed a power that even the false-emperor feared and was killed by him. Albino's army of insurgents fled in terror. Rumors spread and eventually reached Equestria. The name of the pony was said to be Nova Flame and that he had come to Equestria to go into hiding..."
“Well what happened after that?” Twilight asked.
“I wanted to find out the truth for myself, and I sought him out, to thank him. But when at last we met it wasn’t a warm welcome, so to speak. It all happened at Saddle Arabia in a bazaar far from their capital…”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 years ago
She'd glamoured herself and her two guards to make their incursion all the more inconspicuous, the marketplace was abuzz with activity. Merchants selling all kinds of goods and wares from around the world. Saddle Arabian horses, camels, ponies, zebras, even a few diamond dogs and minotaurs.
But none of them were the reason why she had gone to this trouble of leaving her nation without anypony but a select few knowing, sneaking into another, all to find this... legend.
She sensed him. She knew it had to be hi, no one else in this whole bazaar could have such power. She followed her senses to an alley. She sensed he was not alone.
"Wait here," she said to her guards who both nodded and stood at the entrance of the alley like sentries.
She proceeded alone, seeing in the darkened alley several crates stacked up, a tarp providing shade, and something inside providing light.
"Stop right where you are!"
The voice was sharp and demanding of compliance. Celestia stopped and watched as a most impressive pegasus stepped out of the makeshift shelter, glaring at her with eyes that indicated he was not fooled by her illusory disguise.
“Excuse me, stranger," Celestia said in her most friendliest voice, "are you Nova Flame?”
"Who’s asking?” the pegasus asked before adding, "And no lies."
Nodding in understanding, Celestia dropped her guise and said, “I am Princess Celestia.”
Nova Flame raised a brow in intrigue before he whipped his wing at the tarp, making it block the inside of the shelter before returning his gaze to his visitor.
“Your Majesty... an honor to finally meet you.”
“It’s an honor as well Nova. I’m quite surprise that you're not what I expected I thought I would meet a…" Celestia's statement trailed but the assumption was there.
“Unicorn," Nova shrugged. "I get that a lot and to what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from royalty?”
“Well, I wanted to thank you for saving the ponies from Albino and his insurrectionists," Celestia brought up.
“I didn't do it for the ponies of Equestria.” Nova clarified with a tone that was an odd mixture of detachment and protective.
Celestia was surprised by Nova's words but went on, “In any case, I would also like to offer you a place within the royal guard. You're quite talented in combat and could have a good future-.”
“No”
The answer as so abrupt and blatant Celestia almost felt insulted but she continued to be polite.
“No?”
“Listen closely, Princess... I've had just about enough of you ponies only thanking me just because you're looking for some extra muscle," Nova said rather coldly.
"You aren’t the first to offer me a job to be part of your military and just like you I turned them down. I am not some weapon for you to unleash on your undesirables... I use my powers to help ponies that need help. If you can't respect that get the buck out of my sight.”
Celestia couldn't remember the last time a pony spoke to her with such insolence but she was not angered or offended. She only wondered, What happened to this poor pony...?
Sighing, she nodded.
“I will respect your decision but the offer stands should you change your mind."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“And that was the last time I saw him.” Celestia wrapped up sorrowfully “He's been through such turmoil and it breaks my heart to see a pony suffer. A month after Luna returned Nova was last seen in Manhattan and she went to greet him. Surprisingly, the two of them had a much more pleasant conversation, about what I do not know. Apparently, Luna promised him that she wouldn’t reveal anything to me or anypony about his powers or his secrets.”
“Well if Luna knows him more than anypony then why isn’t she here helping?” Midnight asked with a testy tone while he was pacing.
“It’s been two years since she last saw him, and remember considers him a friend," Celestia explained, "But I doubt she would tell us anything; she’s been acting different since they met.”
“Well then what do we do then?! We practically know nothing about him. Don’t we have files, documents, or anything that can give us a lead to where he is!?” Midnight demanded with such anger, Celestia stepped back, her husband stepped up protectively.
“Midnight..." Sombra gave his apprentice a stern look, "Mind your attitude."
Midnight suddenly felt like a colt getting scolded and sighed with an apologetic look.
“Forgive me, Master... It’s just what he did to Rainbow and Thunder, it makes me...!
Midnight took a deep breath to calm himself.
"Not only that - I underestimated him! I should've been...”
“It’s okay, I know how you feel.” Twilight assured as she nuzzled him.
“Your Majesties, this just arrived for you.” a mail-pony interrupted as she handed the package to Princess Celestia and looked at the postage, an intrigued look dawning on her face.
“I believe this is for you, Midnight.”
“Who’s it from?” Midnight asked as he accepted the parcel in his aura.
“There is no name.”
Midnight began to open the package cautiously. Inside was a pink crystal, a small vial with a blue substance, a ticket to Saddle Arabia, and a note on the crystal that read 'Tap Crystal three times'. Midnight followed the instructions on the note and tapped the crystal, causing it to glow. It then projected an image above them of Nova, a cheeky smirk on his face.
“Ah, Midnigh! Since I’m speaking to you, it means my little project works. Fantastic!!”
“What do you want Nova?” Midnight asked, showing his fangs.
“Down, boy! I just wanna talk, pony to pony. Well, figuratively speaking, of course. Hehehe. Anyways I decided to give a bit more time, so! You have until tomorrow night, Midnight. In the box, as you can see, is a first class ticket to Saddle Arabia, and once you arrive, tap on that crystal again to get my location. And to show I'm the bigger pony there’s a small vile in there for your friends. It can heal them instantaneously... if they don't mind the temporary dizziness, vomiting, and wing spasms.”
“I am not in a joking mood, Nova...” Midnight threatened.
“No jokes! Y'know, I could have given them the nice and none-side-effective healing formula instead but since they attacked me...” Nova chuckled deviously. "Anyway, just give them this stuff, they'll be fine by tomorrow.”
"I'm going to find you, Nova," Midnight swore, "and after I kick your sorry plot six ways from sunday I'm gonna drag you, kicking and screaming if I have to, straight to Tartarus! Celestia might be naive enough to see you as some kind of a hero but I have no doubts you didn't stop Albino's little invasion out of the goodness of your heart!"
"I never claimed to be a hero, hero!" Nova said with brows furrowed, as though Midnight had touched a nerve. "Let's continue this 'chat' in Saddle Arabia... T-T-F-N!"
The image vanished and the crystal dimmed.
“My apprentice," Sombra spoke, "it would be unwise to meet this Nova Flame's challenge blindly. Remember Stud Tzu's teachings, 'Know thy enemy'."
“Then we go to somepony that has the knowledge," Midnight declared. "Celestia, we need to head to Canterlot to talk to Luna. She might be the only pony that can help.”
“I don’t know, Midnight," Celestia worried, "she won’t tell anypony about Nova Flame, not even me!”
“We have to at least try.” Twilight said, Midnight saying darkly, "Luna will talk, one way or another..."
End of Chapter
Nova's Origins Part 1
Midnight and the others soon arrived at Canterlot, searching for Luna. They searched her private chambers, the dining hall, even the Canterlot gardens. Yet she seemed nowhere to be found.
"This is ridiculous..." Midnight grumbled as he and Twilight walked through a hall in the deeper part of the castle. "Time is running out and the one pony who could give me useful information seems to delight in making us play hide & seek!"
She was about to say something to calm her stallion when Twilight saw a nearby guard, standing vigil in front of a door. Seeing nopony else, she shrugged and decided to ask a him.
“Excuse me, sir, could you tell me where Princess Luna is, please? It’s an emergency.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. She’s in a meeting with a guest and has asked us not to disturb them,” the guard explained as he gestured with his head towards the door behind him.
“And who is this "guest" of hers?” Midnight asked with a raised brow.
“I believe it was somepony named Skyress,” the guard replied but Midnight for his part didn’t care and just pushed the guard aside and entered the room.
It was a quaint parlor, luxurious yet humble in decor. In the middle of the room, sitting on cushions with a small table between them were Princess Luna and a mare, discussing something. Or perhaps someone.
“I still can’t believe he’s back after so long.” Luna commented with a nostalgic look.
“It’s only been..." the mare started when she noticed their guests. "Oh well hello there, you must be…”
Ignoring the mare, Midnight gave Luna hard look, "Luna! We need to talk..."
“Well whatever it is you can say it to us. We're all friends here are we not?” Luna with a casual smile.
“As far as even your sister knows, you are the only pony I know that has any knowledge of Nova Flame so I’d start talking were I you-” Midnight said as his eyes began to glow an intense white, only to get wing-slapped by Twilight, surprising everyone.
“MIDNIGHT!!! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TALK THAT WAY LUNA!!!! What’s wrong with you?!” She yelled in rage, making Midnight flinch at her.
He couldn’t believe his Twilight had just slapped him. With her wing no less, as wing-slaps hurt the slapper as much as the slappee.
“Um... sorry?” Midnight said lamely.
“Sorry doesn’t begin to cover it!!!” Twilight scolded only to have Skyress raise her wings, saying, "Whoa, whoa! I think we all need to calm down here."
"What's going on here?"
Everypony looked to see Celestia and Sombra enter the room, Celestia smiling at the sight of her sister and her guest.
"Sister, I did not realize you had company."
"Oh I was just catching up," Luna shrugged, "when Twilight and Midnight came in, asking to know about Nova Flame. You see, we became good friends after I went to meet him.”
“What can you tell us of this Nova Flame?” Sombra asked.
“Yes I believe he’s gone out to attack Midnight and has harmed his friends in the process," Celestia added in worry. "It would be most helpful, Luna, if you and your friend would tell us everything.”
“Well from what Nova has told me," the mare said in a smart-alecky way, "Midnight's friends attacked him and he only acted in self defense. After all it is more than a test for you Midnight Blaze. Not only that Nova, me and You are alike in a lot of ways then you realize.”
“H..How so?” Midnight said as he cowed behind Sombra as Twilight gave him a death glare.
“Much like you- Or, your past self, I guess, we were brought here from the human world.”
“WHAT!!! ” All of them yelled, surprised that she was once a human like Midnight was in the past.
“That can’t be, it's impossible! I was or my past self was the only human to have come to Equestria.” Midnight was in total disbelief.
“True, but this world is a lot larger than you believe. I will tell you this, Midnight, you aren’t the first human to come here transformed into a pony or griffon and so on.” Skyress stated in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone.
“Fine, but you and Luna have to tell us everything you know about Nova.” Midnight demanded with furrowed brows.
“Midnight...” Twilight warned with a such a stern look it sent chills running down her stallion's spin.
“Please with...a...cherry on top?” he said lamely, prompting his marefriend to giggle.
"I understand you've issues with Nova," Skyress said placidly, "but once you hear of his history you might not think so ill of him."
“I doubt that.”
Ignoring Midnight's snide remark, Skyress began.
“Nova was not always the way he is. Once, he was kind, brave, and could make all around him laugh in good cheer. Whenever somepony needed help, he was always there to lend a helping hoof. When he first came to this world he was only fifteen. I didn’t meet him then, but a friend of mine did. She told me that at first he was a real klutz! Yet charming in his own way….”
“Okay but what does that have to do with anything?” Twilight asked, secretly curious of this pony who once was human like her Midnight's past self.
“Well, he appeared in the land of Helios, the dragon country, just over eighteen years ago. But in his early years in this world he was known by a different name.” Skyress recounted.
"Nor was he even a guardian of fire. Back then, he was known simply as Flare, and much like you, Midnight he didn’t have a cutie-mark either, same with me. He became the apprentice of a blacksmith named Iron hooves. Iron Hooves took him into his family, and treated him like a son. But one day, an old legend returned from the past. A white monstrous dragon named Albino returned. He was the former Guardian of Fire, and had returned to claim all of Helios for himself. At his side were his two sons who claimed they wanted to bring peace and prosperity to all of Helios. One of them was Nova’s friend, Darkus, a smooth fork-tongued lizard who gained a high-standing in the Helios economy. Flare idolized him so that he asked to train under him. I don’t know what happened between them but there was some conflict of interests that Darkus chose to sever all ties with Flare.”
“And I take it that’s where it went all down-hill?” Midnight asked.
“Yes. Albino and his sons soon revealed their true colors and instigated a civil war, forming the Insurrectionists to usurp the dragon king, and threatening Equestria, with the intention of enslaving ponykind and reaping Equestria's resources. Flare and I were on the defensive and were tasked to watch the capital in case any invading forces arrived.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt but you said at the beginning of the story that something happened to him. What was it?” Celestia asked.
“I agree we need to know what happened in order to help your… friend so that we may settle this dispute amicably and prevent further conflict.” Sombra added.
“It’s difficult for me to say….but….”
“But WHAT!!!” Midnight snapped. He just wanted to know how to beat Nova and put an end to this but he was not prepared for her answer.
“He lost his family...” Skyress answered with a heavy heart, making Midnight flinch.
“...What?”
“Yes, Albino sent his forces to invade the capital, and even sent his sons to insure the task was done.” Luna added.
“Luna how do you know this?” Celestia asked in astonishment.
“He told me his life story as well, and some….other things….like how I was beautiful.” She recounted as she whispered those last few words as she blushed a bit.
“Ever since he lost his family in the invasion his powers were unlocked by the Angel. She also gave him a new name and Nova has ever since sought to find Albino and his sons ...and kill them.
"During the last years of the war he confronted Albino in a realm beyond the living world. The Dark realm.”
Everypony just gasped after hearing her say that. “But despite its name, it’s actually very much a paradise. I was there when he confronted him and Albino was by far the most powerful foe we ever faced. In the middle of battle Albino killed our friend, a pegasus named Steel Cutter.”
“I think I heard of him before, wasn’t he part of the royal guard?” Midnight brought up.
“Yes he was and was by far the bravest stallion I have ever met.” Skyress sadly confirmed.
“What happened next.” Twilight asked.
“In rage of losing his friend Nova transformed.”
End of Chapter.
Nova’s Origins Part 2
“What do you mean he transformed?” Midnight asked with a look of disbelief.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out. After all you will be fighting Nova tomorrow, am I right?” Skyress reminded him with a smirk but Midnight only glared at her. “You don’t believe me, do you?”
“A pegasus that can transform without some magical assistance? Yeah, sure, where’s your proof?” Midnight asked, only to soon regret as he saw Skyress smirk in response to his question.
“Well if you neigh-sayers won't be convinced with words... Behold! This is the face of my power!!!.” She declared triumphantly as her body began to glow. She was consumed by a bright green light that seemed to compress into a sphere, which then began to grow and lengthen.
Everypony in the room stared in dazzled awe at the sight before their eyes!. Even Sombra looked at awe. Soon the light dimmed and the pegasus was gone. In her place stood a green dragon with feathered wings, slim body, with yellow eyes. She only stood a head taller than Sombra but was still intimidating yet enthralling with beauty, like the wonder of a rainforest!
“Well?" She spoke in the same voice as her pegasus self, Skyress beaming vainly at the wide-eyes she was getting. "What do ya think?”
"I-I'm... I'm at a loss," Midnight uttered, unsure what to say while Twilight was amazed!
“Incredible! you managed to transform into a dragon without assistance from a unicorn or magical object!”
“Skyress, is Nova capable of this transformation as well?” Celestia asked.
“Yes," Skyress nodded, "as well as the other four guardians.”
“Wait, there are others?” Luna asked with a surprised look.
“Six total," Skyress confirmed. "You see, we the six guardians are tasked to watch over the world and protect it. Each of us has an element and a responsibility. My element is wind and I watch over the skies of Equestria whereas Nova watches over Helios but hasn't been there for a long while since a lot of it's been reduced to a barren wasteland.”
Breaking out of his awe, Midnight spoke up," OK, fine ,you can transform but why does Nova want to fight me?! I've done him no wrong!"
“In order for me to answer that, you must follow me.” Skyress replied cryptically as she raised her claw. Then, Twilight gasped as Skyress appeared to claw a trend of light out of thin air from just above her own height down to the floor, after which the line widened, blinding them all for a moment before it revealed itself to be a portal.
“Amazing...!" Twilight shuddered as Midnight helped her from stumbling over in awe.
“How did you...?” Sombra was too stunned to complete his question.
“Just because I’m not a unicorn doesn’t mean I can’t use magic. Now are you coming or not?” Skyress looked at them expectantly but everypony hesitated for a moment wondering if they should trust her.
“Where are we going?” Luna asked.
“To the Cave of Prophecies..." Skyress answered before slipping through the portal.
“Do you think we should trust her?” Twilight asked.
"I don't trust her at all, but I have to know why Nova wants to fight me...” Midnight nuzzled Twilight before stepping through the portal, and before long everypony followed him through.
They found themselves in a dark cave illuminated by wall-mounted torches going down for miles.
“This is the Cave of Prophecies," Skyress appeared before them in her pony form, her wings spread for dramatic effect, "where every fateful event is foretold."
The alicorns looked around and saw there were large holes in the walls, within each were orbs of smoking light. Approaching one, Twilight gasped!
"Hey! That's us when we defeated Nightmare Moon!"
“Look there, it’s when Discord was defeated,” Celestia pointed with her forefeather as they followed Skyress further down the cave. "And over there, when Shining Armor earned his wings as he and Cadance defeated Chrysalis's invasion."
“I don’t remember him though. Who is he?” Midnight asked pointing towards an image the two dragons battling out.
“The white dragon is Albino and the red dragon fighting him is Nova," Skyress explained with a look of nostalgia, "I remember it like it was yesterday. It took everything he had to defeat that tyrant. Nova was the first of us in over three thousand years to transform.”
“Oh please, you might have some shapeshifting powers but any mage worth his salt can accomplish it," Midnight said with his nose up in the air.
“You might be able to take the form of a dragon," Skyress gave him a smarmy look, "but that hardly makes you a match for Nova."
“What do you mean? I trained under a dragon warrior," Midnight brought up, "and he told me I was among the best students he ever had!"
"Perhaps, but how long did you take to master whatever dragon magic you did? How long did you hone such skills? You might be competent in dragon arts but you are by nature a lunar pony. We guardians embody dragon and pony magic." Skyress said with a haughty tone, "Stick with what you're good at, honey."
“The snide comments aside, I'm inclined to agree, Midnight.” Twilight spoke up. “They're masters of their dragon powers, and if it really comes down to you and Nova, you'll stand a greater chance by using the skills where you truly shine!”
“She's right, my student. Dragons are powerful and these guardians seem to focus their strengths to overcome the natural draconic weaknesses." Sombra added.
“You can't actually think they're stronger than us!?” Midnight couldn’t believe they agreed with Skyress, who spoke up before he could protest further.
“We're here. This is what I had to show you,” Skyress gestured to an image of both Midnight and Nova on the wall standing next to each other with shadows above them. Upon a closer look, they saw ancient writings carved into the walls in flourish-style, depicting an alphabet of letters foreign to them all.
“I can’t read any of this.” Luna scrunched her eyes, trying to find meaning in the spidery words.
“I too am unfamiliar with this language,” Celestia was as bewildered as her sister.
“It is a long-forgotten language from a society eons ago." Skyress explained, "Only those chosen by the Angel can instinctively know it. It says that two warriors are chosen to decide the fate of the whole world and its future. One will be its savior, destined to bring peace and prosperity, while the other shall be the rising darkness, doomed to bring this world under a dark oppression from which no good shall ever rise again.”
“So that shadows over us is the rising darkness?” Midnight asked.
“It’s more of a representation of your inner darkness corrupting you. One of you shall make a decision that may cause this chain reaction fulfilling the prophecy here on the wall.”
“Does it say who is which?” Twilight asked, starting to feel dread.
"No," Skyress shook her head. "Nopony will know until it’s happened and the cave depicts the happening."
“What do you mean?” Sombra asked.
“The cave magically expands itself whenever a prophecy is fulfilled,” Skyress said with a shrug. “Don't ask me for more details `cuz I have no idea."
“Incredible but does it at least tell us when this will happen?” Luna asked.
“Hmm I believe so but I’m still learning this language so don’t expect a full disclosure, heh-heh,” Skyress chuckled but when nopony laughed with her she cleared her throat,
"Yes, ahem! ...it says that somepony from one of your guys's past will return to set these events into motion. But it doesn’t say who’s past or when it will occur.”
“So... this is why Nova wants to fight me?” Midnight asked.
“Oops! Got a little ahead of ourselves...Sorry, just follow me,” Skyress directed leading the alicorns a little back the way they came.
“Ah, here we are. This hasn’t happened yet but tomorrow it will.” Everypony gasped and saw a moving image of Midnight fighting a red dragon.
“Is that Nova?” Celestia asked.
“Yes, his transformation has evolved over time, becoming faster and stronger. This is why Nova wants to fight you because the prophecy says so-” Skyress was about to finish until Midnight interrupted.
“But do we really have to fight?!? Surely, there's a way we can settle this more peacefully!
“I’m afraid not," Skyress shook her head apologetically. "Once an event that has yet to happen appears here in the cave it will happen one way or another. I’m sorry, but if it makes you feel better Nova didn’t want to do this either even if he gets some arch-rival out of it..."
“Actually I have been meaning to ask, why does he want an archrival anyway?” Twilight spoke up.
“I can answer that.” Luna said. “When Nova and I last spoke he said that he wanted a rival who can push him past his limits, somepony that can keep promises, somepony he can call a friend. It is strange that he calls it that but that’s how he makes friends.”
“Yes, and it’s also strange that you know so much about him Luna. Is there something you aren’t telling us?” Celestia asked with a sneaky look.
“Umm we...may have….dated in the past," Luna admitted meekly with a blush, those mere words raising her big sister's interests.
“Ahh....! Hehehehe so that’s what you were doing at all those "trips" from the castle last year.”
Soon everypony was laughing while Luna blushed from embarrassment. Even Midnight was laughing he couldn’t blame her though there’s somepony for everyone even if it was Nova. But she made a good point Nova didn’t want this like he did. He just wanted somepony to train with and talk with. Maybe he misunderstood him.
“Alright I think that’s enough for one day.” Celestia said. “Midnight and Twilight, you two can stay at the castle for the night and have dinner in bed if you two like. While I have a talk with Luna alone.”
Luna didn't like the smirk on her sister's face.
“I can send you all home if you like besides I will be meeting with you all tomorrow.” Skyress said with a grin before realizing something. “Oh I almost forgot this is for you, Luna.”
Skyress grabbed a letter from her saddle bag with her wing and held it out to Luna. The Princess of the Night just groaned in embarrassment as she levitated the letter to herself, and only one thought came to her mind.
Why does bad stuff happen to me? she thought as she continued to blush.
End of Chapter.
A Angry Twilight and a Talk
After they'd all returned to Canterlot, they said goodbye to Skyress and chose to retire for the night. All but Midnight and Twilight, as she was not happy with Midnight as they stood in Twilight's old tower as he was trying to apologize for his uncalled-for behavior.
“Twilight, I said I was sorry. I don’t know what came over me….”
“That doesn’t change the fact that you YELLED AT LUNA AND SKYRESS!!!! They were just catching up on things and then you just stormed in there like a war dog ready to kill!” Twilight admonished, Midnight's ears down in shame.
“Twilight, I just wanted answer, I..." Midnight sighed an Twilight's stern look softened when she finally saw how morose her stallion was.
"I was afraid….I was afraid that Nova would come back to hurt you guys and I was prepared to do whatever it takes to stop him! ...But I know now that he isn’t as bad as he seemed. I’m sorry, Twily...”
Twilight was a bit surprised, but felt her heart warm as she now realized Midnight had only been concerned with her and their friends' safety. She nuzzled up to him, whispering, "It’s okay, Midnight. I shouldn't have yelled at you as I did, and I shouldn't have assumed the worst in you for your behavior. It's just... Just please promise you'll do better to control your anger."
Midnight couldn't resist.
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
The couple gave each other the same reassuring smile before they shared a tender loving kiss.
“Now why don’t we get something to eat?” Twilight suggested.
“I'll order from Doughnut Joe's," Midnight agreed.
End of Chapter
