Chapters Chapter 1: Waking Nightmares
***Introduction: Many Years Ago***
Celestia sighs with exhaustion as she closes her ledger. It was a good feeling to finish so much work. She was just about to blow out the dim candle before a slave knocked on the door frame.
"Your majesty, I have brought you something to drink." He says softly, still standing by the door. "It's coffee."
Celestia's ears perk up at the word 'coffee'. She turns around and smiles.
"Ah, Blackstar... You never cease to please me. Bring it here."
The slave rushes to her side, careful as to not spill the hot beverage on the ruler of Equestria. With her magic, Celestia grasps the coffee and sips on it happily. The slave doesn't leave her side while she drinks. When she is finished, he takes the cup.
"Don't worry, your highness," He says. "I'll handle the mess in the kitchens and clean your study, so you can go to sleep."
Celestia raises her hoof and shakes her head.
"Please, Blackstar, you have done so much already. There is no need for you to continue. You should get some rest yourself."
Blackstar shakes his head, holding the stained cup tight against his chest.
"I cannot, your highness," He says with a low bow. "Not until the job is done."
With the cup in his hand, he turns to leave the study and return to his duties. Celestia's eyes sadden. She didn't want Blackstar to leave, but the slave was already gone.
***Part 1: Falling Shadows***
Fives groans with pain. His whole body felt as though it was being engulfed in flames. He looks down at his arms. They were shredded, cut in a thousand places and bleeding badly. Fives yells as he looks around him, but yelling only caused his throat to swell and his lips to burn. The broken glass and rubble could be seen stretching into the dark horizon, and the flames burned high into the night sky.
"Twiliiiiiight!" He yells.
No one answered. Fives stands up shakily and observes the rubble around him. What remained of the Canterlot was already crumbling.
"TWILIIIIIIIIIIGHT!"
Only dead faces surrounded him. Faces he knew. Faces he loved.
"There is nothing you can do to save them, Fives." A sinister voice says.
Fives knew that voice. With a barbaric yell, he swings his fist in the direction of the voice, only to meet empty air. The voice chuckles evilly.
"Show yourself, Simco!" Fives demands.
The voice continues to laugh as it drifts away. Fives growls with frustration as he picks up a piece of rubble to throw.
"You will drown by the weight of your failure..." The voice says.
Fives gasps. He was sinking into the rubble beneath him. He tries to throw the broken stone in his hand, but it sticks to his palm.
"NOOOOOO!" Fives screams as he sinks into the ground. "TWILIIIIIIGHT!"
***Part 2: Safe In Bed***
Fives bolts upright, sweating and panting. Twilight shifts in her sleep. Her eyes flutter open as she yawns, stretching her hooves.
"Mmm... What is is, Fives?" She asks. "What's the matter?"
Fives doesn't answer. He looks to his right and to his left. Canterlot was gone, and he was in his room. Finally, he shakes his head.
"N-Nothing... It was just a dream..." He says.
The purple unicorn frowns.
"You're a terrible liar, Fives." She says flatly. "Something is bothering you, and I'm not going back to sleep until I know what it is."
"If I told you, you wouldn't be able to go back to sleep..."
"Just tell me, Fives." Twilight snaps. "I can't help if I don't know what it is."
Far across the room, Spike stirs in his sleep. Twilight and Fives both silently agree to lower their voices.
"I was the gala..." Fives whispers. "The Grand Galloping Gala was destroyed... I don't know how or why, but..."
"But 'what'?" Twilight asks.
"Nothing... That's it." Fives says. "I woke up before I could do anything."
Fives didn't want to tell her about dead faces of their friends or the part about Simco.
"There is nothing you can do to save them, Fives." The sinister voice rings in his head. Twilight's gaze lowers. She places a soft hoof on her husband's cheek and kisses him on the lips.
"I'm sure it was just a bad dream..." She whispers into his mouth. "This is your first gala, after all... You're probably just nervous..."
"Um... T-Twi?" Fives stutters as he feels her hoof graze against his crotch.
"Here... Let me relieve you of some of that stress..."
***Part 3: News From The Front***
Nearly half an hour later, Twilight was wiping her hoof against her lips, cleaning off what was left of the... mess... Fives did feel much better. Maybe, Twilight was right. Maybe, it was just a dream.
"No..." Fives mutters to himself.
It couldn't have been just a dream. It had felt so real. Fives looks out of the window just in time to see Celestia's sun rise over the mountains. He smiles. The rising of the sun always filled his heart with warmth. He felt as though it was his mother's warm embrace comforting him.
"She'll be arriving by carriage personally to take us to Canterlot." Twilight says, almost like she was reading his thoughts.
"When?" Fives asks.
"This afternoon. Two o'clock, I think."
Fives really was excited. His first visit to the Grand Galloping Gala was something he knew he would remember for years to come. He could see it all now, the lights, the food... Pinkie Pie was going to have a blast. Fives' train of thought was interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
"I'll get it!" Fives announces as he jumps out of the bed, pulling his briefs and pants up along the way.
He rushes down the stairs and into the library. The door booms again as Fives reaches for the nob.
"Who is it?" Twilight asks sleepily from the top of the stairs.
Fives opens the door. Standing before him was a human officer and Rainbow Dash.
"Good morning, Fives." Commander Appleton greets with a smile.
"Good morning, sir." Fives returns. "What can I do for you?"
Appleton opens his mouth as thought he is about to speak, but Rainbow Dash beats him to it.
"I need to talk to Twilight. Thank you!" She says as she rushes past him.
Appleton shrugs.
"I'm just here 'cause asked nicely." Appleton admits. "You know how these mares get."
Fives blushes as he recalls the 'treatment' he got from his wife that morning.
"Yeah... I know what you mean... You need some coffee, sir?"
The Commander smiles.
"Please?" He asks as Fives motions for him to come inside. "Oh, and there is no need to call me 'sir'. If anything, I should be calling you 'your highness'."
Fives sighs as he begins preparing the coffee machine. That was the only downside of being reunited with his mother.
"Please, don't..." Fives begs.
Appleton holds his hands up in mock surrender.
"I know, you specifically asked not to be identified as royalty, but you can't change that you are. You know, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been working their flanks off to keep the media away from you."
Fives looks over his shoulder. Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked like they were deep in an important conversation.
"Don't you remember when they personally stood guard outside of your room in Canterlot while you were on your honeymoon? They kept the paparazzi at bay for five hours while you and Twilight were-"
"What's the news on Simco?" Fives asks.
Appleton's eyes narrow. He hated that name. Just the mere mention of it was enough to ruin his whole day.
"No word..." He grumbles. "He and Silvershield vanished after the battle at the old castle. Our forces have been engaging his armies all along the boarder of the Everfree, but these are only minor skirmishes. I can't help but think something big is coming..."
Fives' heart sank. Now, he felt even worse about his dream. Something big was coming...
***Part 4: Into The Woods***
"Tell me, how does my hair look?"
Toby shrugs nervously.
"Uh... Your hair looks good, General Simco, I guess..."
Simco spins around, his nostrils flaring angrily.
"Good?" He demands. "Good?!"
Toby shrinks away.
"My hair must look perfect! My apparel must be spot on!"
Simco dashes past the assassin to a drawer containing several lotions and brushes. Toby looks at the soldiers by the tent's entrance. One of them makes a fake gun with his fingers and pretends to fire it into his head. The other soldier snickers.
"Should... I ask why?" Toby asks.
"Why, to attend the Grand Galloping Gala, of course!" Simco says with an evil grin. "I want to look my very best for such an important Equestrian event."
"But, sir, you're a wanted war criminal by the Equestrian forces. Besides, our own regiments haven't even been able to break out of the Everfree Forest. Equestrian troops have us pinned down."
Simco places both of his hands on the assassin's shoulders.
"The gala will change that, my boy. It will surly be the best night ever."
***Part 5: Mother, Sweet Mother***
"Come on, Fives! Move it, Spike!" Twilight barks from the door. "Celestia is here! Let's go!"
The human and baby dragon grumble as they lug their suitcases down the stairs. On top of his own, Fives was also carrying Twilight's.
"Just like old times..." He mutters happily.
There was no sarcasm in his tone. He was truly happy to do anything she asked, even though he was not her legal property anymore. Spike made it to the door first. A pegasus guard was there to help him with his carry-on. A human soldier helps Fives with his. Celestia was waiting by the carriage. A huge grin breaks onto her face when she sees Fives.
"My dear Fives, how have you been?" She asks as she wraps her wings around her son. "It's been a while since your last letter."
"I'm fine, mother..." Fives says as he struggles to break away from Celestia's iron grip. "I've just been... busy."
Her eyes scan is face, reading his emotions. It was almost as though she was watching a recording of his entire morning. She was good at that...
"Is that so?" She asks with a chuckle. "Well, if there is anything you require from me, you always have Spike."
"That's me!" The little dragon says proudly as he hops into the carriage.
Before Fives could do anything to prepare himself, Princess Celestia plants a huge kiss on his cheek.
"My son... You have grown so much... I wish your father could see you, now."
Celestia's attention turns to Twilight, who was climbing into the carriage.
"I trust your studies are coming along well?" She asks with an obvious wink.
"Oh, yes, Princess Celestia!" Twilight says eagerly. "I've just finished the tome you suggested to me on advanced teleportation spells. I loved the plot twist on page ninety-eight."
Celestia chuckles.
"I thought you might, but that is not exactly what I meant."
Fives gets it immediately, and his cheeks burn bright red.
"Mother..." He hisses.
"Oh, lighten up, Fives." Celestia counters as she pushes him into the carriage. "I want grandfoals some day, and I am hoping you and Twilight will be the ones to deliver."
Twilight joins Fives in the realm of pure embarrassment as her cheeks burn bright red. Spike looks up at them.
"I don't get it."
"I'll tell you about it when you're older..." Twilight mutters. "Let's just go, please..."
"Twilight is right." Fives agrees. "We don't want to be late."
"Late for what?" Spike asks. "The gala is tomorr-umph!"
Fives gives him a soft, but swift, kick, and he clears his throat loudly.
"Late for what?" Celestia asks, finishing Spikes' question.
"Uh... Twilight and I have a... reservation at the Diamond Dining Hall..."
Twilight cocks her head.
"We do?" She asks.
"We do, now." Fives hisses to her.
Celestia frowns. She looked as though she was about to say something, but the carriage jerked forward as the pegasus guards began their lift-off. The human soldier quickly jumps into the back of the carriage with them.
"I was not told you had any reservations for lunch in Canterlot." Celestia says, finally. "Why was I not invited?"
Ponyville was now far beneath them, and it was growing smaller by the second.
"Y-You can come, mother." Fives says. "Of course, you can come. It's just... Mother, this isn't exactly the best time..."
"No," Celestia snaps. "I think now is a great time. If you have something to say, I want to hear it, now. I don't like my family keeping secrets from me."
Twilight slowly steps forward, placing herself in between her husband and Celestia.
"Princess..." Twilight says with a deep sigh. "I... We... We have tried..."
"Tried 'what'?" The white Alicorn asks.
"To have a foal..." Fives says quietly.
Twilight was shaking.
"Princess... we can't..."
***Part 6: A Rough Landing***
"Sister!" Luna shouts as the carriage touches down on the landing pad. "How was the flight? I hope everything went... Whoa... What happened?"
Celestia, Fives, and Twilight dismount the carriage somberly. Spike and the soldier begin collecting the bags.
"Is everything alright, sister?"
"I'll tell you over lunch at the Diamond Dinning Hall..." Celestia mutters.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
***Introduction: Many Years Ago***
"Blackstar, you are up early." Celestia says as she enters her office.
The slave looks up from the files on the desk. His eyes were baggy and full of weariness. Celestia makes her way over to the desk, and Blackstar moves out of her way.
"Up... early?" He asks. "H-How early is it?"
"It is almost five." The princess answers. "I am about to raise the sun in an hour."
"Ah... Well... You see... I didn't actually get up early, because I never went to sleep..."
Celestia spits out her coffee.
"You... WHAT?"
Blackstar shrinks with fear as the ruler of Equestria stands over him. Her eyes were filled with something he didn't recognize. It was pure concern. Before he knew it, Celestia was her majestic wings around him.
"Why would you stay up all night and work into the small hours of the day?" She asks softly as she holds him tightly.
"I... I wanted to get as much work done as I could so you would not have to..." He admits. "Y-You work to much, and a... a beautiful princess shouldn't have to work so much..."
Celestia pulls away, her heart fluttering, and looks into the young man's eyes. Before her mind could tell her to stop, she leans forward and plants a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"Oh, Blackstar..." She moans. "That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard..."
Celestia leans forward again, but this time, she kisses him on the lips.
"Now, go get some sleep. You have the entire day off. You deserve it."
Blackstar was still stunned from the kiss. He couldn't respond. He could only nod and shuffle out of the office.
***Part 1: Mystery Man***
The arrival of the royal family was unexpected for the Diamond Dinning Hall, but not unwelcome. The mares, human, and dragon were quickly ushered to an elite table. As Fives nears the table, he bumps into another patron, a human.
"Oh, pardon me..." The patron says before walking away quickly.
Before Fives could say anything, the man was gone. He shrugs the weird feeling away as everyone is seated.
"Good afternoon, your majesties." The waitress says sweetly. "I am Tulip Blossom, and I will be your server today. Would you like to start with something to drink?"
"We will need a few minutes alone to decide." Celestia says.
"Of course, your majesty." The waitress says, giving them a quick bow before leaving.
When Tulip is out of earshot, Celestia turns her attention to her son and student.
"Now, you two have some explaining to do." She says coldly.
"Sister!" Luna scolds. "Do not take your frustration out on them. It is not Twilight's fault if she is unable to carry a foal."
Twilight looks down at the table cloth. Fives was sure he heard her beginning to sob. Sure enough, small drops of tears were sliding down her cheeks and falling onto the table cloth. His eyes narrow, and he glares at Celestia.
"Mother, if you make her cry, we will leave right now and return to Ponyville." Fives threatens. "We have tried many times. Each time, she has gotten violently ill, and the doctors told us there was no foal. That is it."
Celestia's glare softens. She looks around the table. Luna had her eyes trained on her sister.
"I... I am sorry, Fives... I am sorry, Twilight. I shouldn't have been upset with you. I was blinded by my own desire to have a grandfoal that I did not take your own feelings and struggles into account."
Luna gives a sad smile.
"There... Is everyone happy, now? I am quite hungry." She says, quickly trying to change the subject.
"Me, too." Spike agrees.
Luna waves over to the waitress, and she returns with a pen and paper in the cloud of her magic. Fives rubs Twilight's back to comfort her.
"What will you have, sir?" Tulip asks.
Fives opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. He was lost as he gazed across the room. At the far end, in the corner, sat the patron he had accidentally bumped into earlier. The man was looking right at them. The man was looking right at him . When the patron notices that Fives is looking back at him, he quickly glances away.
"Sir?" The unicorn waitress asks.
"I... I'll have... whatever special you have..." Fives says, bringing his attention back to the world around him.
"And you, Princess Luna?" She asks.
Fives looks back at the table the other man was sitting at. He was gone. He scans the room, searching for the missing patron, but he was no where to be seen.
***Part 2: Diamond Dinner Firefight***
Several long, silent, and awkward minutes later, their food had arrived. Fives looks at the tray, then at the person holding it. It wasn't their waitress. It was a bearded man.
"Heeeeere you are, Princess Celestia, your vegetarian platter. Princess Luna, your... moon cake..."
"Where is Tulip?" Fives asks.
The new waiter looks down at Fives, confused.
"Tulip Blossom, our waitress?" He asks again.
"Ah, yes..." The new waiter says. "There was a... small accident in the kitchen. She will no longer be serving you, today."
Fives looks back at the door leading to the kitchen. Through the window, he could see other humans looking in their direction. He leans over to Twilight.
"Hey, something isn't right..."
The purple mare cocks her head.
"What do you mean?"
The waiter's eyes narrow as he retreats to the kitchen. Fives watches him until the kitchen door closes. Then, he looks at Celestia and Luna.
"Mother, we need to go, now." He says, his voice growing more urgent.
Celestia turns her gaze to the kitchen door. Her eyes widen with fear. She only has enough time to usher one word.
"MOVE!" Celestia booms.
The kitchen door bursts open, and three men step out. All were wielding side arms. Three pistols were trained on Celestia, Luna, and Fives. Celestia spreads her massive wings, blowing the table on its side. The musket balls glance off of the thick, wooden table.
"Who are they?!" Twilight shouts.
Ponies were screaming in terror as they frantically bolted for the exits. Fives grabs a plate. He was about stand and throw it at the attackers when an aggressive hand shoved him to the floor.
"Keep your fucking heads down!" The owner of the aggressive hand says.
Fives looks up and gasps. It was the man, the one he had bumped into earlier. He was wielding two pistols. He opens fire, and he hits two of the attackers. Both of the attackers go down. Celestia charges a bolt of magic and fires it at the remaining attacker. The attacker dives out of the way as the bolt explodes and makes a beeline for the nearest exit, a window.
"He's getting away!" Luna shouts.
"Not if I have anything to say about it..."
The man throws his pistols to the floor and bolts after the escaping assassin. The assassin frantically dodges through ponies and humans, turning over tables to separate himself from his pursuer. Then, he dives through the window, shattering the glass into a thousand pieces, and he disappears. The aggressive hand growls with frustration.
"Damn!"
He spins around to find two very angry Alicorns, a unicorn, a human, and a dragon glaring at him.
"Uh..."
"Explain yourself!" Celestia orders.
The aggressive hand holds his arms up in surrender. He then gives them a polite bow.
"The name is Colonel Felix Rogers of the Equestrian Special Forces, at your service."
***Part 3: Roger Rogers***
"And you're sure?" Celestia asks with great worry in her voice.
Colonel Felix nods, heaving a deep sigh.
"Simco is planing something very big, and it will happen at the Grand Galloping Gala. We aren't entirely sure of what it is, but other E.S.F. sources have been monitoring the transportation of a lot of explosive gear, and I mean a lot. Whatever it is, it won't be gift basket."
"What is the E.S.F.?" Fives asks. "I've never heard of it."
"The E.S.F. is a special task force Commander Andre and I conceived after the battle at the old castle." Celestia explains. "We needed a way of getting jobs done behind Simco's lines."
"Well spoken, your highness." Felix says with a gracious bow. "Now, I'm afraid I have to go. You know how it is, places to go, things to do. Plus, my boss will want to know about an assassination attempt on the royal family."
Luna taps Celestia's hoof with her own.
"Sister, I have been telling you for weeks that we should increase defense initiatives. A breach like this is unacceptable-"
"Not now, Luna." Celestia hisses. "Thank you, Colonel. I fear to imagine where we might have been without your aid."
Felix gives her a salute and a warm smile.
"I'm just doing what you ponies pay me for."
With that being said, he picks up an overturned table, sets it upright, and makes his way towards the exit.
***Part 4: Deceived***
Felix strolled the blocked off streets of Canterlot. He was following a trail, a trail of blood. He found the 'would be' assassin in an alleyway a few blocks down the street. He was holding his arms, which were cut in a thousand places from the broken glass.
"And the trail runs cold..." Felix growls. "You have guts to try a stunt like that. You tell Simco that I have everything under control. I don't need little... surprises like that."
"Go... to... hell..." Toby breathes heavily.
Felix smiles.
"Oh, I will, and I'll be sure to see you there, soon. Fashionably late, of course." He says as he gives the man a big kick in the rear. "Now, get going, and report back to Simco. You can tell him why two of your men are dead."
***Part 5: Sweet Lips***
"Hey, Rainbow, come take a look at this..." Appleton says as he holds up a letter. "It says here that there was an attack on Canterlot this morning."
Rainbow Dash's eyes widen. She rushes over to her companion's side.
"Twilight and Fives are there." She says.
"There were no casualties. Well, on our side, anyway. Two of the three assassins were killed, and the last one got away."
Rainbow looks down at the table.
"This is such a stupid war..." She says with a heaving sigh.
Appleton puts a hand on his marefriend's back and rubs it comfortingly.
"I know, Rainbow... The guy who started it is a real asshole. I would know. I used to take orders from him."
This makes Rainbow Dash smile. She plants a big kiss on Appleton's lips, and the Commander happily kisses her in return.
"I love you..." Rainbow whispers.
"I love you, more..." Appleton replies, real cheesy like. "Now, come on. I know we aren't supposed to arrive at the gala for a while, but let's got ahead and see if we can do anything to help."
Rainbow gives him a sly grin.
"And that's why I love you. I'll race ya."
***Part 6: Oh General, My General***
"You're late. What happened to the rest of your team?" Simco asks.
The assassin breathes heavily.
"I'm fine, thanks for asking..." He mutters. "I barely made it out of Canterlot with my life!"
"What happened?" Simco asks again.
"Your damn protege! That's what happened!"
Simco rolls his eyes.
"What did Rogers do, this time?"
"He killed my mates!" Toby shouts.
Simco waves his hand dismissively. The assassin clinches his fists angrily.
"How dare you... You sent me and my team to die, just so Felix could gain their trust?!"
"Felix Rogers is a very important asset to me. He is my eyes and ears in Canterlot, preparing for my... arrival at the Grand Galloping Gala. This war will be remembered for many generations, and I will be remembered as the victor. Have you ever heard the old saying, 'History is written by the victor'?"
Still clenching his fists, the assassin shakes his head.
"Well, I will make my victory into truth, and my truth shall become history. The truth and history of the princesses shall die with them."
***Part 7: Party Planner***
The guard shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, sir, but this area is under martial lock down. Only military personnel are allowed in."
"But I am a damned military person!" Felix protests. "I'm the one who saved the damned royal family during the attack!"
Shining Armor approaches the guard at the barrier.
"Let him through, private. He is clear." Shining says.
Felix throws up his finger, the middle one, at the guard as he strolls through the barrier.
"Did you lose your tag again?" Shining asks with a heaving sigh.
"Yeah..." Felix admits. "I'll need a new one."
"That's the third tag you have lost this week, Felix."
They make their way over to the diner. Black smoke was still pouring out of the windows from the explosions made during the attack.
"The gala is still on?" Felix asks.
Shining nods, extracting a sigh of relief from the special operative.
"That's great. My boss would hate to miss the gala."
"Who, Sub-Commander Jet?" Shining asks. "I didn't think he was the 'gala' type."
"Oh, yeah. My boss is gonna have a blast at the gala." Felix says, chuckling to himself.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
***Introduction: Many Years Ago***
Y-You wanted to see me, your highness?" Blackstar asks as he inches his way into Celestia's office.
The princess nods.
"I did, Blackstar... I... I wanted to make sure you... got a good night's rest this time..."
The human slave cocks his head.
"I... beg of your pardon, your highness?"
"I will have you sleep in my own chambers, tonight. I have a lot of extra work to do, but it is sensitive documents that require my personal attention. You may have my bed while I am busy." Celestia says.
Blackstar shuffles his feet nervously. He was treading into unknown territory. The ruler of Equestria was offering her bed to him. How do you respond to that?
"I... I don't... Your highness, surely I can help before retiring to the human's quarters..."
"No!" Celestia snaps, quickly softening her tone. "I... I mean, no... You must sleep in my bed. You have worked too hard to deserve anything less."
Fearing openly defying his mistress again, Blackstar silently nods, agreeing to her demand. After all, he was a slave. He could only obey.
***Part 1: The Assassin***
Fives sighs as he looks out of the window overlooking Canterlot. The majority of the population below seemed unmoved by the attack. By the sounds he heard, Fives could tell pony and human lives were going about their normal routines. He looks up at the darkening sky. His mother and aunt were busy. In a matter of moments, the sun had disappeared behind the hills, and the moon had risen to its pedestal.
"Are you alright?" A voice behind him asks.
Fives nearly jumps out of his skin. It was Spike.
"Oh..." Fives breathes heavily as he regains his mental focus. "Hey, Spike."
"You were doing it again," Spike says. "That thing you do when you are upset about something."
"What 'thing'?" Fives asks, sounding a little offended.
Spike shrugs as he plops down on the bed.
"You know, the thing you are doing now, looking out the window and staring at the sky."
Fives rolls his eyes as he stands on his feet.
"At least I don't binge eat crystals when I'm upset." He teases.
"Hey, that was one time!" Spike protests.
Fives tackles the little dragon onto the bed. With a majestic roar, he picks Spike up and slams him into a pillow, sending feathers flying in every direction. Spike holds his claws up, signaling his surrender. Fives accepts and let's the dragon go. Spike mutters something under his breath as he makes his way to the bathroom, but Fives doesn't hear. There was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Fives calls.
"Security." The voice on the other side of the door announces. "Just makin' my rounds, your highness."
Fives' eyes narrow. He hated it when people called him that. Everyone in the palace knew that.
"Everything is fine in here." Fives calls back.
"I need to come in, your highness, just to confirm." The voice says.
The voice sounded human. Reluctantly, Fives stands and makes his way towards the door. The second he opened the door, a black glove grabs his mouth while another black glove pushes him back into the room. The figure was shrouded in black cloaks. He wore a dark mask that covered his face. The figure pushes Fives onto the bed and draws a mean looking blade.
"If you scream for help, I'll gut you." The figure says in a low voice.
Fives lets out a muffled scream. The attacker quickly silences him with a swift punch in the stomach.
"Right, are you gonna keep your mouth shut when I release you?" The attacker asks.
Fives nods his head. Very slowly, the attacker removed his hand from Fives' mouth, and he removed his hood. Fives gasps.
"Y-You..." He stammers. "You're the one from the restaurant..."
The shrouded man nods.
"Aye, lad. That I am."
"W-Wha... What in the hell do you think you're-"
The man points his blade at Fives' throat.
"Inside voice, boy."
Fives glares at him.
"What do you think you're doing here?" Fives asks again.
"I'm here to warn ya, lad. Simco is a damned mad man." He says, his voice sounding urgent.
Fives rolls his eyes.
"Yeah, we know that. Plus, you're on his side."
The shrouded man shakes his head.
"Not anymore. When I leave here tonight, I will report to Simco to gather as much information as I can. Lad, his attack on the palace will leave no survivors."
"Wait, what attack?" Fives asks.
The shrouded man leans in close to him.
"Simco plans to bomb the gala..." He whispers.
"A... bomb?" Fives repeats.
"Aye, lad. A bomb." The shrouded man confirms. "The bomb will have the destructive capabilities to wipe the entire city of Canterlot from the side of the mountain. There will be nothing left. I hate you Equestrians just as much as the next guy, but this kind of killing and destruction... It isn't right."
The shrouded man stands and pulls his hood and mask over his head. He begins to make his way towards the window.
"Wait," Fives stops him. "Who are you? What's your name?"
The shrouded man opens the window and turns around.
"The name's Toby, lad. One more thing: Don't trust Felix Rogers. He is not the Nobel hero he says he is, but you have to be mindful. If he knows you are on to him, everyone will die. I'll see you again, real soon." He says before falling backwards, dropping out of the window.
Fives rushes towards the window and pears over the edge. Toby was gone.
***Part 2: We're At War***
"Move up, quietly." Andre orders in a hushed voice. "Second battalion, you're on point. First and third, you watch out backs. Good luck out there."
The armies split, and Andre begins leading his forces deeper into the thicket. They were in the wild woods, now.
"Sir, we have movement up ahead." A soldier says. "It could be one of Simco's scouting parties."
"Let them pass." Andre says. "We'll take them out from behind, if they give us any trouble."
The Equestrian forces could see them. It was six enemy soldiers, two ponies and four humans. All were Simco's soldiers. Andre motions for his group to vanish. The human soldiers and ponies alike disappeared into the brush. Andre raises his musket to fire.
"Wait for my signal..." He whispers.
Before he could order his men take the first shot, another musket is discharged. It came from behind the enemy soldiers. An Equestrian trooper yells as the round hits his shoulder, and he goes down. More enemy muskets open fire.
"It's a damned ambush!" Andre shouts. "Return fire! Return fire!"
The Equestrian troopers and ponies release their firepower in the direction of Simco's band. Magic bolts and musket balls were flying in every direction throughout the forest.
"Man down!" A trooper yells.
"We need a medic!"
Andre fires round after round, hitting an enemy soldier with every shot. He could just barely make them out through the thicket, but his aiming was on point.
"Hold your ground!" He barks. "We cannot lose this sector, or the whole western foothold will fall! Fight!"
***Part 3: Top Secret***
"Your majesty, I have just received word from the front lines. Commander Andre's forces have engaged enemy marauders along the western front." Shining says.
Celestia sighs uneasily.
"This is the second engagement in that sector this week... I am getting worried, Captain."
"Andre has never let us down before, your majesty." Shining says with confidence. "I know he will be able to turn them away before-"
The doors of the war room burst open, and Fives and Twilight charge inside.
"Mother, I need to speak to you, now!" Fives demands.
Still recovering from her surprise, she nods, signaling for Fives to begin, but her son shakes his head.
"No, mother, we need to talk alone."
Shining didn't want to argue. He quickly ushers the rest of the Equestrian Command out of the war room.
"Holler, if you need us." He says before closing the doors.
Only Fives, Twilight Sparkle, and Celestia remained. The white mare was still very confused.
"Alright, Fives. We are alone, now what is it?" She asks.
***Many Years Ago***
Blackstar sighed with content. The bed of Celestia was vast, warm, and really fluffy. His eyes were closed, and his mind was at ease. He did not even notice the dawn creeping through the the window, nor did he notice the princess creeping through the door.
"Sleep, my humble servant..." Celestia whispers.
Blackstar stirs slightly, but does not awaken. He shivers as he feels a shift in the bed sheets.
"Do not awaken..."
Ever so slightly, his briefs drift downward.
"Please, do not awaken..."
Even in his deepest sleep, Blackstar felt something strange, something unknown. He felt...
"I want you to enjoy this..."
Blackstar's eyes flutter open, and he looks down. His heart stops. Before him, on the bed, sat Princess Celestia. In her mouth was his member. He watched with fear, interest, horror, and curiosity. Celestia's eyes were closed as her head bobbed up and down.
"P-Princess..." He stutters.
Celestia gasps, her eyes as wide as dinner plates. She immediately pulls away, his member falling clumsily out of her mouth.
"I... I am so sorry, B-Blackstar... I... Oh, I am so, so sorry..."
Celestia sniffles, as though tears are about to pour from her eyes. Blackstar felt bad for making her upset, but he had no idea of how he did so.
"Your highness," He asks. "W-What were you doing?"
Celestia raises her gaze to match his. Her cheeks burned red,
"I was... uh... performing a ritual mares rite when they... they desire a stallion mate..."
"A 'mate'?" Blackstar asks.
Celestia inches forward, slowly draping his body in the warmth of her own. She does so until her lips are only an inch away from his.
"I desire you, Blackstar, more than my heart can scream."
The slave moans as his member slides in between Celestia's legs. Such feelings of pleasure were brand new to him.
"I need you... Blackstar, will you be my mate and make love to me?"
***Part 4: Makeup Artist***
Simco shivers as he glides the thin brush over his jagged face. His eyes bore into the mirror. He doesn't even notice the arrival of one of his agents.
"Sir," Felix Rogers says as he stomps into the tent. "I have just returned from Canterlot, and one of your men told me- AHHH!"
Felix shrinks towards the door as Simco turned to him. The agent stared and stared, but his brain could not understand what his eyes saw. It looked as though Simco was... putting his face together. Half of his face looked as it normally did, old and weary, but the other half...
"No one is allowed inside my private tent this early in the dawn..." Simco growls.
"Is... Is that... makeup?" Felix asks, pointing to the side of Simco's face that was not shattered.
Simco nods with a heaving sigh.
"What in the hell happened?" Felix asks.
The other side, which Simco had not applied the makeup to yet, was broken. It was torn and cut by deep, jagged scars. Simco winces as he begins brushing the pale cream over the scars.
"You should not ask questions that do not concern you, Felix." Simco says.
"Oh, come on, boss. I gotta know. Were you attacked by a really angry griffon?"
Simco shakes his head.
"No..."
"Then, what happened to you?"
"It happened long ago... You shouldn't be bothered by the past of an old man."
Felix throws his hands into the air with frustration.
"Come on, Simco, please. With scars like that, the story has to be good!"
Simco sighs as he puts the brush down.
"It happened many long years ago, Felix. I do not expect you to believe the tale." Simco says impatiently.
"Sure, sure. Just get on with it. I really gotta hear this story."
Simco rubs his hand over the scars on his face as though they were memories returning to him, memories he had tried to forget.
"Many years ago, I was... betrayed by someone I loved, someone whom I thought loved me. She promised me the sky, and when I fell into the abyss, she never came for me."
"You fell?" Felix asks, awestruck.
Simco nods.
"I fell into a crevice of rock and stone, the one by the old castle. I was half buried, but I had faith that my love would find me." He says pointing to his broken face. "For many days, I laid at the bottom of the abyss, bloody and broken. I had hoped my love would come for me, but she never did. After days of starving, I was ready to give up and die, but I realized something that day."
Simco picks up a stone from his desk. It had been carved into the shape of a star, the sun.
"I realized it wasn't my fault. It was hers. She was the reason I fell, and she abandoned me to die alone and cold."
Felix was silent. He watched as Simco tucked the star-shaped stone into his pocket.
"When the gala is destroyed and Equestria falls, we shall have peace."
***Many Years Ago***
Blackstar panted heavily as he fell into his side. He was sweating buckets, as was Celestia. The princess purrs as the slit between her hind legs still tingled with pleasure.
"Oh... B-Blackstar... I had no idea you were so... passionate..." Celestia moans. "We... We must do this again..."
Blackstar, with his face in the sheets, moans.
"Your highness... I am much to tired..." His muffled voice protests.
"Not right at this moment," Celestia reassures him. "Later tonight. After you have finished your duties, come here again, and we shall make love."
Celestia glides her hoof along Blackstar's cheek softly.
"I... I love you, Blackstar..."
The slave sighs happily as the princess lays her head on his chest. He watches as her eyes close. Soon, she is fast asleep.
"And I love you..." He replies, stroking her mane.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
Chapter 4: Dreams Of The Past
***Many Years Ago***
It was very early in the morning. Blackstar slowly pokes his head out of the door leading into Princess Celestia's bed chambers and into the
hall. He looks both ways, up and down the corridor. There were no guards in sight. Blackstar looks back into the room, at Celestia. The princess was still fast asleep, though a grin took form on her lips. Blackstar fails to stop himself, and he lets out a quiet chuckle as he recalls the intercourse he shared with her the night before. He steps out into the hall and closes the door as quietly as he can manage.
"We shall see each other again when you awaken, my love..." Blackstar whispers to the closed door.
With that being said, Blackstar begins his journey across the Solar Wing to Celestia's study. He passes a few Royal Guards along the way. Most of them give the human rather disturbing looks, but they keep their distance. Every pony in the palace new to stay away from Celestia's favorite human. Blackstar found a secret joy in his new found 'power'. He could go anywhere in the palace Celestia allowed and do anything he wished, if it were within reason. He loved knowing that no guard really knew why he was given so much freedom. Blackstar despised most of the guards, but there were a few he could share decent conversations with. This few included the Captain. She, along with another guard, was standing guard outside of Princess Celestia's study.
"Good morning, Blackstar." Captain Sadri greets him as he nears the study. "Isn't it a little early for the human staff to be up and about?"
Her smile was friendly, and Blackstar couldn't resist smiling back.
"I... I just want to finish as much work as possible before the princess wakes." He admits.
"Oh, Blackstar... You are the most dedicated human I have ever had the pleasure of knowing." Captain Sadri says, using the magic from her horn to fix Blackstar's collar. "I wish my slaves as sweet and hardworking as you."
Blackstar blushes at the compliment.
"Oh, Blackstar, before you go in, might I introduce you to my son?" She asks, motioning to the other guard.
"Y-Your son?" Blackstar asks.
Captain Sadri nods proudly.
"Yes. He is still in training to be a Royal Guard. Don't be shy, Silver. Introduce yourself."
The other guard stairs at Blackstar through the openings in his helmet.
"Uh... h-hello..." Blackstar says uneasily, waving to the unicorn.
"Hello..." The training guard replies. "I... I'm Silvershield..."
"Two weeks into training with his mother, and he is still as shy as a bird." Captain Sadri chuckles as she pats her son's back. "Alright, Blackstar, I wont keep you from your duties. You get on in there and make our princess proud."
Captain Sadri and her son step aside to allow Blackstar to enter Celestia's study. As he is walking past them, he notices a very strange look from the son, Silvershield. Blackstar stairs back until he passes through the door frame. Then, the door closes.
***Part 1: The New Threat***
"Are... you certain, Fives?" Princess Celestia asks. "I find it hard to believe that someone could sneak a... what did you call it? A bomb? Anyway, security for the gala is going to be tighter than ever before. Something that big will not be able to get through."
Fives was losing his patience. He aggressively slams his fist into the table.
"You're not listening!" He yells at Celestia. "I have told you, mother, someone on our side is going to help Simco get the bomb in the palace. Twilight believes me. Why won't you?"
Celestia heaves a heavy sigh as she looks down at the war map.
"Fives, my son... You know I trust you and your judgment. You have saved Equestria once before, but we have been at war for over a year now, and Simco's forces have rarely been able to get past out lines. My subjects feel safe, and I want to keep it that way. is supposed to be a celebration, and a threat like this would throw everyone into a panic of unimaginable proportions."
"Mother, the very fact that I know about this bomb proves that you are wrong." Fives hisses. "It was one of Simco's agents that told me about it. He was trying to warn me."
This very quickly captures Celestia's attention.
"What do you mean? When was this? Where?"
"In our room, just before we came in here." Fives says.
Princess Celestia turns her attention to Twilight.
"Can you confirm this?" Celestia asks her.
Twilight shakes her head.
"No, princess, but I believe Fives."
"Twilight wasn't there when he arrived." Fives agrees. "He came into the room and told me about the bomb."
Celestia looks back and forth between her son and student. At last, she slowly nods her head.
"Alright... I will increase security and notify my highest ranking guards of this... bomb. Is there anything else I need to know?"
There was, but Fives couldn't tell her.
"The name's Toby, lad. One more thing: Don't trust Felix Rogers. He is not the Nobel hero he says he is, but you have to be mindful. If he knows you are on to him, everyone will die."
Fives had seen Felix in action. He knew what the soldier was capable of, and he knew he was dangerous. Fives shakes his head.
"No, mother... That's all I know." Fives lies.
Celestia's eyes narrow as she scans his face.
"Alright... Fives and Twilight, thank you for bringing this threat to my attention. Now, try to get some rest, you two. We have a very busy day tomorrow."
Twilight and Fives both give Princess Celestia a low bow before turning to exit the war room. Fives could only hope she was telling the truth about the unlikeliness of a bomb in Canterlot. Then, as he is leaving the war room, images of Fives' nightmare the night before flash in his mind. The destruction... The ruined city...
"Are you alright, sweetie?" Twilight asks nervously. "You look really pale."
Fives snaps back to reality at the sound of her voice.
"Huh? Oh, yeah... I'm fine... I'm just... really tired."
"Oh, well I hope you're not too tired..." Twilight says with a light-hearted chuckle. "I was kinda looking forward to some... you know..."
Fives' cheeks instantly turn bright red.
"After you, malady." He says, quickly ushering the purple mare down the corridor.
***Part 2: I'm A Nightmare***
Fives pants heavily. His chest felt burdened and his head felt as though it was on a swivel. He looks at his surroundings. He was in the palace, in the throne room.
"Save them... Save them, if you can..."
Fives spun in circles, looking for the source of the sinister voice that echoed in his mind.
"Your world will burn... Your city will fall..."
The voice sounded close. Fives could almost feel Simco's breath on his neck. Fives turns and throws his fist in the direction of the voice, only to meet open air. Simco's voice laughs.
"Ha! You still think you have a chance to win..."
"Show yourself!" Fives shouts into the darkness.
The darkness does not reply right away. Fives could feel it hesitating, almost as though it was afraid.
"Very well..." The sinister voice says.
The scene changes, and Fives finds himself in the old palace, the one in the Everfree Forest. The ruined stones gave off an aura that felt cold and ancient. There was only one window in the room providing light. Fives walks to the window, every step making his feet feel heavier. The night sky outside was lit up by the moon, illuminating the forest below. Then, Fives saw him. A man was running out of the forest, straight for the bridge.
"Daddy will be here soon, Nova..." Celestia's voice echos in his head. "He would not miss your first birthday for all the gifts in the world..."
Fives turned to look for his mother, but she wasn't there.
"Nova, please release my mane..." The mare's voice chuckles.
Fives turns his attention back to the man running across the bridge.
"Wait..." Fives mutters. "Is that... my..."
Fives heels a hoof on his shoulder. He spins around to find Celestia standing behind him now. Her eyes were filled with leaking tears.
"One day..." She sniffles. "Your father... He... He fell..." She cries.
Fives' heart stops. He looks back out the window. The man was nearing the bridge. Fives extends his arm and tries to scream, but no sound comes out.
"The bridge..." Celestia cries. "It fell... He fell..."
As the man neared the center of the bridge, the ropes on the other side gave way, and the bridge collapsed. The man let out a terrified yell as he plummeted towards the canyon below. Fives turns away and shuts his eyes. He tries to cover his ears, but he could not block out the screams. The screams are quickly followed by silence. When he opens his eyes again, Celestia is gone, and he is in the forest, outside of the castle. A shadowy figure approaches Fives, like a ghost. The figure passes right through Fives and walks into the thicket. Just before disappearing into the forest, the shadowy figure motions for Fives to follow, but before Fives can lift his foot to follow after him, a bright light illuminates the forest floor, an explosion. Fives screams as he is engulfed in flames.
***Part 3: The Sky Up Above***
Fives wasted no time with his new found energy. As the sun lit up the room, he sprang out of bed, kissed his wife's cheek, and dashed out of the room in search of his mother. Luckily for Fives, she wasn't a difficult mare to find. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both were in the the war room, along with a few human officers and Royal Guards. The guard at the door sees him coming, and she extends her hoof.
"Halt," The guard says. "The war room is off limits. Turn around go back the way you came, Fives."
Fives peers at the guard through her helmet. Her voice sounded familiar.
"Sky...?" Fives asks cautiously.
The guard's ears perk up at the mentioning of her name.
"Ah... So, the Prince of Equestria remembers me. I feel so flattered." She says glumly.
"You were with Shining, when he got me out of the slave market... I haven't seen you since... since I was very little..."
"In the barracks." Sky agrees. "You were a little runt back then. You have grown up quite a lot, haven't you?"
Fives studies her facial features. She looked aged and tired, but that wasn't what got Fives' attention. Sky notices him staring at the jagged scar on her cheek.
"Ah... Noticed that, did you?" She asks.
"What happened to you?" Fives asks.
Sky sighs as she steps aside.
"I shouldn't bother you with such a stupid story." She says. "You better get in there and do what you need to do..."
Fives puts a hand on her helmet.
"Please, tell me. Did someone hurt you?"
Sky nods slowly.
"You probably don't remember, but I was once in a relationship with that bastard, Silvershield... When every pony found out about his betrayal, I was targeted too. That was a while ago... I've moved on."
Fives truly felt sorry for her. He didn't remember her being the nicest mare in the barracks, but she did defend him and Shining from Silvershield. Fives don't know what to say. He didn't have to say anything. Using the magic from her horn, Sky opens the door for him.
"Thank you, Sky..." Fives says as he prepares himself to step inside.
As he is about to walk into the war room, her hoof extends in front of him.
"One more thing, Fives..." She says. "When you meet Silvershield again, be sure to kick his ass for me, alright?"
Fives can't stop himself from smiling, and he embraces the unicorn. After pulling away, he pats her armored back and walks inside. He needed to speak to his mother.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
Chapter 5: The Grand Galloping Gala
***Many Years Ago***
"Ah! Blackstar... Oh, Blackstar, this- Ah! This feels so- Ah! so good..." Celestia moans. "You feel so good inside of me... Fill me up, Blackstar..."
Being a human, her slave, he had no other choice but to do as she demanded. Of course, it wasn't like he didn't want to do what she demanded anyway. Blackstar was happy to oblige his lover.
"Yes, princess..." The human moans as he continues to thrust his member inside the mare's slit.
He held her tail in his left hand, and he spanked her flank with his right hand. Celestia let out a cry of pleasure with every strike of his hand. Blackstar was still pounding her slit as hard as he could, but Celestia could feel his pace slowing. Blackstar was beginning to tire.
"You are getting more- Ah! more skilled at intercourse every day, my little human..." Celestia gasps sharply as he strikes her flank again. "Would you like to try something a little different?"
"Like what, princess?" Blackstar asks, panting heavily.
Princess Celestia doesn't answer. Instead, she charges her horn and fires a bolt of magic at the unsuspecting human that knocks him out. The unconscious Blackstar falls onto the bed.
"You will see when you awaken, my little human..."
***Part 1: The Undercover Asshole***
It was the big day. The Grand Galloping Gala was at hoof and at hand, and the entire city of Canterlot was buzzing with activity. Felix, with his hands held behind his back while whistling a cheery tune, strolled up and down the palace corridors. He smiled and waved to passing guards and human soldiers, who smiled and waved back. Most of them were on their way to the common area, where the gala would take place. Under Celestia's order, the palace was on high alert.
"Sir!" A soldier salutes him before continuing with his rounds.
Felix gives the human trooper a polite bow before waving him away. He wasn't interested in making small talk. He had a mission. The explosives were to be moved into the palace under the cover of secrecy that afternoon. His job was to make sure the entire city would collapse and fall off of the face of the mountain. He had work to do.
***Part 2: A Bud In The Oven***
"Hold still, Mrs. Sparkle..." The nurse cautions as she runs her hoof over Twilight's side. "Alright, I need you to take two deep breaths."
Twilight does as the nurse instructed. Luna observed carefully as the nurse placed a stethoscope on Twilight's belly and listens.
"How long have you been feeling, uh... ill, Mrs. Sparkle?" The nurse asks.
"Since last night..." She answers. "I... I don't know if it was something I ate, or- Ohhhh..."
Twilight doubles over and groans. Princess Luna rushes to her side.
"What is it? What is wrong with her?" Luna pressures, shaking the nurse.
The nurse frees herself from Luna's grip and trots over to her desk. Her eyes scan over the files on her desk several times over. Finally, she looks up.
"I... I have no idea..." She mutters. "These tests... They don't make a lot of sense. Mrs. Sparkle, my first tests are correct. Without a doubt, you can never bare a foal, colt, nor filly..."
Twilight lowers her head, her eyes swelling with tears.
"But..." The nurse continues. "After listening to your body, I have confirmed... something... I don't understand it at all..."
"What is it, nurse?" Luna asks.
The nurse eyes the lunar princess. After a moment of hesitation, she sighs, preparing to answer.
"Twilight Sparkle has two heart beats. One is her own. The other..." The nurse shakes her head as she turns to face Twilight. " Mrs. Sparkle, unless you have two hearts, you are pregnant. I don't know what you are carrying, but you are pregnant with it, and it is growing inside of you every day."
Twilight's eyes shatter open.
"P-PREGNANT?!" She screams.
***Part 3: The Good News***
Fives could hardly breath. For the moment, everything else in the world ceased to exist. His legs felt as though they had turned into jelly, and they buckled. He falls back into a chair, nearly passing out from his light-headedness.
"T-Twilight... She... She's..."
"That's right, bud." Shining says. "You and Twilight are gonna be parents someday. Congratulations!"
Shining Armor hugs Fives tightly. When the Captain pulls away, his eyes are glistening with tears.
"I'm proud of you, bud." Shining says.
Fives smiles back at his former master. He could feel tears swelling in his own eyes, but before he could have an emotional breakdown, they were interrupted.
"You got her knocked up?" Another voice behind them asks. "That's crazy, man!"
Fives and Shining both spin around. It was Felix Rogers. Shining glares at him.
"Hey, I mean... by crazy, I meant awesome! Dude, that is amazing. I've never really thought about having kids. Well, of course, I have been in quite a few armies most of my life. I guess I'm not the fatherly type..."
"What do you want, Felix?" Shining asks.
The ranger holds his hands up in mock surrender.
"I only wanted to wish Fives my very best wishes and my congratulations on his future fatherhood.." He says dismissively. "You know what you should do? You should tell your mama at the gala. I mean, it's great news now, but it would be even better for her to hear about something as great as this at the gala, tonight."
Fives narrows his eyes. He remembered what Toby had said. The gala was a trap, and Felix was not to be trusted.
"Sure..." Fives replies coldly. "That sounds like a great idea."
Not catching on to Fives' sarcasm, Felix smiles and runs his hair back.
"That's my man! Alright, I have some last-minute chores to take care of. You two take care, and have fun at the gala!"
With that being said, Felix begins running down the corridor. Soon, he is out of sight.
"That guy needs help..." Shining comments as he turns the other way and begins trotting down the corridor, towards the solar wing.
Fives nods his head, agreeing with the unicorn before following after him.
***The Human / Pony War***
"My lord, today is a glorious day for the empire! Six of Celestia's Guards have fallen to my blade this afternoon."
Lord Lathartus, the human king, sighs as he observes the burning city before him.
"A glorious day, indeed," He replies. "But the battle below grows ill. We must move quickly if we are to take the palace by dusk."
The human king and his General duck behind a large pile of rubble to avoid Equestrian pegasus warriors. The pegasus warriors strafe the ground, picking up human soldiers and lifting them high into the sky. The king watches with horror as the humans are dropped to their deaths.
"Get out soldiers out of the way of those damned ponies! Send up the lanterns!"
The General motions behind him, towards a group of trebuchets. The siege weapons begin launching lit bags filled with gunpowder into the air. The 'lanterns' explode in the sky, disrupting the paths of the pegasus warriors. for the moment, the human soldiers were safe. The General waves his arm at the battalion of soldiers behind him.
"Move up!" He yells to the soldiers. "We need to take the market!"
"INCOMING!" A soldier yells as more pegasus dive bombers harass the advancing humans.
Even with the lanterns lighting up the sky, it was not enough to keep the swarms of flying ponies at bay. The unicorns were also advancing up the third boulevard. The humans and unicorns exchanged fire. Musket balls and bolts of magic flew back and forth across the city streets. Human soldiers screamed with pain as their limbs were blown off by the magical blasts.
"We need to move, now!" Lord Lathartus shouts.
"Where is the twenty-second battalion?!" The General demands. "They should have made it up the mountain by now!"
It was too late. The human's lines were beginning to falter under the barrage of magic. Human soldiers were frantically running in every direction.
"They never made it up the mountain!" A soldier shouts just before being picked up by a pegasus. "No one is- AAAAAHHHHH!"
Lathartus watches as the pegasus carries him high into the air and drops him.
"We didn't anticipate more unicorns..." The General sighs. "My lord, we must fall back."
Lathartus shakes his head.
"There is no escape down the mountain, now. General Dole, signal our surrender. I will not sacrifice any more human lives."
The General nods silently.
"Yes, my lord..."
***Part 4: An Endless Cycle***
Celestia awoke with a start, panting heavily. It takes her a moment to catch her bearings. She was at her desk, in her office. She swats a paper away that was stuck to her cheek.
"Did thou have nother bad dream?" A soft voice asks.
Celestia looks at the door. It was her sister. She sighs with relief.
"Was it about... the war?"
"Y-Yes... I had a dream of the human's attack on Canterlot." She says. "Next to Discord's reign of chaos, it was the worst day in Equestrian history... So many lives were lost on both sides."
Luna cocks her head.
"But you won, sister. The human ruler surrendered."
"Their surrender wasn't the true end of the war, Luna..." Celestia groans as she stands. "The war continued for hundreds of years, after I forced their kind into slavery. It was the feats of my champion, my son, that ended the war."
"Then, a new war begins with this... Simco?"
Celestia groans.
"Do you see the problem, Luna? It is a damned endless cycle! Should we win this war, I have no doubt in my mind that another will rise."
Luna looks at the floor. It was obvious her elder sister was in a great deal of distress. She smiles. Luckily, she had just the cure for Celestia's mental state.
"Well, I don't think we should worry our hearts over such a thing we don't even know will truly happen... but I do know the gala will begin very soon, and I brought you something."
From the saddlebag by her side, Luna reveals a small...
"Is that... cake?" Celestia asks her voice cracking slightly.
Luna nods devilishly.
"Luna, you know I am watching my... my weight..."
"Oh, come now, sister, it is your favorite kind. I know you would never turn down a triple chocolate moose cake with little strawberries on top."
Celestia truly did want it. It was taking all of her will power not to tackle her sister right then and there.
"I'll just leave this on your desk..." Luna says subtlety. "See you at the gala, Tia."
***Part 5: At The Gala***
They came from all over Equestria. There were thousands of them, human's and ponies alike. The Grand Galloping Gala was just moments from beginning, and the city of Canterlot was surging with activity.
"Hey, you." Twilight says sweetly as Fives walks up to her. "You're looking good. How is that outfit Luna got you?"
Fives looked as though the life was being squeezed out of him. He groans loudly.
"I... I love Aunt Luna... and her kind... g-gift... but it is a little s-small..."
"Oh, don't be a baby. I think it makes you look kinda se..." Twilight stops herself as she looks over her shoulder at Spike.
"Uh... I'll tell you later..."
Fives struggled with the collar as it encloses his neck.
"It can't be that bad." Twilight says, rolling her eyes.
"I need to get out of this thing before it kills me!" Fives cries.
Spike snickers as Fives rushes to the bathroom.
"Spike, that isn't funny." Twilight scolds.
Sher scowl quickly turns into a grin.
"Well, maybe it is a little funny..."
***Part 6: Knock Knock***
"Ah, Canterlot!" Simco says as he takes a deep breath. "This truly is the finest of what Equestria has to offer. Would you agree, Silvershield?"
"Of course, sir." The unicorn says. "It is almost a shame to see it turn to ash."
"Almost..." Simco repeats with a chuckle.
They were walking towards the Royal Palace, in plain sight. It would be hard to miss them if it weren't for the thousands of other gala attendees moving in the same direction.
"Can your pet be trusted to carry out his assignment?" Silvershield asks.
"Felix has done his job. You should do well to accomplish yours. You were overpowered by Fives once before-"
"He got lucky." Silvershield snaps. "He... was underestimated. It won't happen again."
Simco stops at the bottom of the stairs. He turns to face Silvershield.
"That is good, Silvershield, because if you fail to kill Fives again, I will see to it that you fall with the rest of Canterlot."
The unicorn's eyes narrow.
"Now, let us continue. We have a party to... crash."
***Many Years Ago***
Blackstar did not come out of his 'forced' nap feeling well rested. He felt as though someone had hit him in the head with a hammer or some other heavy object. When his eyes manage to open, he sees a beautiful woman leaning over him. She was completely nude. Her hips swayed back and forth, and her large breasts fell from her chest until the nipples were just an inch away from Blackstar's neck. The woman's smile stretched from ear to ear.
"Well, my love, do you think?" She asks.
Blackstar was speechless. The sheer beauty of the woman, now straddling his member, had taken his breath away.
"Princess C-Celestia?" Blackstar gasps.
The woman nods as she moves her colored hair out of her eyes.
"Yes, Blackstar, it is me. I... I have been working on this spell for a while... I really wanted you to shag me as a human female..."
To prove her point, Celestia sits upright and begins massaging her own breasts. Blackstar's member twitches violently at the arousing sight. Celestia chuckles as she feels his member moving in between her legs.
"Ah... Oh, Blackstar... Someone is eager... Would you like to feel them?" Celestia asks, gesturing towards her breasts.
Blackstar nods quickly. He places his hands on the princess' stomach and slowly glides them up the smooth skin, towards her massive breasts. Celestia lets out several strange noises as her servant fondles and gropes her. Such feelings of pleasure were brand new to her.
"Oh, Blackstar! Don't you dare stop!" Celestia screams at the top of her lungs.
She collapses on top of him, breathing heavily. Blackstar chuckles when she begins nibbling on his ear.
"Fuck me, Blackstar..." Celestia begs.
Her language surprised him, but he didn't dare defy her. The two lovers, mistress and slave, made hot love long into the night. Little did either of them know, their son was conceived that very night.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
Chapter 6: The Darkest Star
***No, Fives... I Am Your Father...***
The whole world was lit up like a thousand stars had detonated. The sound of the explosion tore Fives' ears apart. No one could scream. The only noise that could be heard was the crumbling of rubble. The ground underneath his feet began to shift.
"Twilight!" Fives yells.
"Fives, over here! Hurry!" She yells back.
Twilight and her friends were on higher, more stable ground. Fives looks up at them, and he smiles. He only needed to know she was safe. That's all. Celestia was standing behind them, her eyes full of tears. Fives turns around to face Blackstar.
"You will die... if you stay..." Blackstar says as he coughs up blood, standing up shakily.
"Then I will die, but not before you..." Fives snarls.
Then, half of the city of Canterlot began to fall. It fell from its perch on the side of the mountain. Rubble, glass, wood, and fire fell around Fives as he grabbed a hold of Blackstar.
***Part 1: Four Hours Earlier***
"Twi, I know we've been really excited to attend the gala for a while, now, but did you and the girls have to sing the whole musical number?" Fives asks. "I mean, it was good, but-"
"Hey, I don't question your ability to sleep through twelve hours of the day." Twilight snaps. "We just like to... break into song every now-and-then."
They were walking up the steps towards the Royal Palace. Inside, Celestia and Luna were waiting for them.
"Nephew, it is wonderful to see thee!" Luna greets happily as she embraces Fives. "You are wearing the tunic I made for you! Does it fit thou well enough?"
"Y-Yes, Aunt Luna..." Fives lies.
While Fives is distracted by Luna's tale about her most recent raid on the royal kitchen, Celestia pulls Twilight aside.
"How have you been?" Celestia asks softly, not wanting their conversation to be overheard.
Twilight lowers her head. She knew what Celestia meant.
"I... I can feel it growing inside of me every day..." Twilight mutters. "Princess Celestia, I'm scared."
Celestia smiles. It was the warm, motherly smile that Twilight loved about her mentor.
"You have nothing to fear, my student. Your child will be the greatest part of your life..." She says as she looks over at Fives. "Just as Fives is the greatest part of mine..."
"But I hardly know anything about raising children." Twilight protests. "What if I'm a terrible mother? What if-"
"I have many tomes you could read." Celestia says, silencing the panicked unicorn. "In addition, you have myself and Luna to help."
Twilight's grin stretches from ear to ear.
"Thank you, princess."
"Now, let us all enjoy the night."
***Part 2: At The Gates***
Shining Armor and Felix stood at the bottom of the steps, watching ponies and humans as they entered the palace. Felix yawns and stretches his arms.
"Are you going to be alright?" Shining asks, noticing the tired agent. "The night has only just started."
"Hey, I'm not as big of a party animal as you ponies." Felix protests with another yawn.
Shining chuckles.
"Alright, go get yourself something to drink, then I want you back on duty. Command says we have to be ready for anything."
"Really, like what?" Felix asks innocently.
Shining shakes his head.
"I don't know... An attack? Command thinks Simco is going to try something stupid."
Shining's back was turned as he observed more guests. Felix eyes the door. A human and unicorn were walking in side by side. Felix grins and waves them along.
"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear..." Felix mutters.
***Part 3: Silver Bells***
"Hey, Twilight," Fives whispers. "I'm going to get a drink. Do you want anything?"
Twilight smiles and nods.
"Yes. Thank you, Fives."
"I'll be right back." He says as he backs away into the crowd.
It didn't take him to long to find the refreshments table. Luckily, it wasn't crowded, either. He spots Lyra, a friend from Ponyville, and gives her a wave. The sea foam-colored mare smiles and waves back. Fives approaches the bartender.
"Good evening, sir..." The unicorn says, his back turned to Fives. "How may I help you?"
"Uh... I need a couple of drinks."
"What would you like?" The bartender asks.
Fives was stumped. He didn't actually think about what he wanted before he got there.
"I... uh... Hard Apple Cider?" He throws off of the top of his head.
"A classic choice... I'll have what he's having." An older man says as he sits on a stool next to Fives.
Fives' heart pounds heavily in his chest. He knew that voice. He knew both of them. He turns to face the older man.
"Simco..." Fives snarls. "Silvershield..."
The bartender turns around to face Fives, an evil grin showing on his face.
"Your drink, sir..." He says sarcastically, thrusting the red beverage towards Fives.
"Now, now, Silver..." Simco waves his hand. "Let's be good guests and be nice to our gracious host."
Fives shakes his head. He couldn't believe what was happening. His head spins around, searching for any guards or even Celestia herself. None.
"I'm not your... your damned host... How did you get in?"
Fives flinches as an aggressive hand grabs his shoulder.
"They had my help." Felix says. "And if you want to keep your head on your shoulders, you'll keep your mouth shut."
"Felix..." Simco hushes him. "Do not threaten Fives. He is smart enough to not alert the princesses."
Simco chuckles as he stands.
"Ah, yes..." He sighs. "The princesses... There is one princess in particular I really wish to see suffer, and you are going to help with that, Fives."
Fives' face lights up red with anger and embarrassment. He lunged forward, but Felix grabs him from behind and holds him still.
"W-What do you... want w-with Celestia?" Fives demands as he struggles against Felix's grasp.
"What I want is a simple thing, Fives... I want to see her dead. I want to snap her neck with my own bare hands and watch the life drain from her eyes."
"Y-You... You're a damned, sick monster-"
Simco strikes him, hard. A few Royal Guards notice, and they begin approaching them.
"Uh... Boss..." Felix warns.
"You don't know what I am..." Simco growls. "You don't even know who I am..."
"B-Boss..." Felix nervously backs away as the guards get closer.
"Did your traitorous mother ever tell you what happened to your father?" Simco asks. "Did she ever tell you how she betrayed him?"
Simco groans as he holds his hands up to his face.
"He fell, Nova..." The old man mutters.
He continues to rub at his face, clearing the makeup away. He reveals the deep, jagged scars on his face, one-by-one.
Fives' heart stops. No one had ever called him 'Nova'. Only Celestia did, once.
"W-Who are you?" Fives asks.
"I... am... Blackstar..."
***Part 4: The Battle For Canterlot***
Those last four words rang inside Fives' head over and over again. He couldn't shake them away. His mother had told him the stories. He just stared at Blackstar, the man who just claimed to be his father. Fives couldn't speak. Luckily, he didn't have to.
"You, freeze!" A unicorn guard shouts to Blackstar. "You are under arrest!"
More guards begin to surround them. Including Shining Armor.
"Release Fives!" Shining demands.
Felix only tightens his grip on his hostage.
"RELEASE HIM!" Shining orders again.
"Captain..." Felix sighs. "I'd watch my tone if I were you. Fives is only a knife thrust away from oblivion."
Fives flinches as he feels the pointed blade poke his back. Twilight, her friends, Celestia, and Luna quickly race towards the bar. All of the other guests had now backed away, forming a huge circle around the refreshments area. Celestia stops in front of the scene, and she snarls at the old man.
"Simco..." She growls.
Blackstar chuckles as he turns around to face her.
"It has been a long time, princess, since I have gotten to see you face to face..."
Celestia gasps, and her heart nearly pounds out of her chest. She approaches Blackstar slowly.
"B-Blackstar?" She asks softly. "Wha... What has happened to you?"
Blackstar lets out a horrific and barbaric yell
"Don't you dare pretend like you still feel anything!" He cries.
"Princess, do you know what is he talking about?" Shining asks, not taking his eyes off of the disfigured human.
Celestia nods.
"I... I do... He is Fives' father..."
Both Twilight and Shining's jaws hit the ground.
"You mean..." Twilight mutters. "You and Simco... What?!"
Celestia turns to look her former lover in the eyes.
"I thought you were dead..."
"I was dead, Celestia..." Blackstar snarls. "I died that day, but on that same day, I was reborn."
Celestia was in tears. Luna stops her hooves angrily.
"I don't care who you are," She says. "But no one can make my sister cry like that but me!"
She charges forward, but she doesn't get very far. Luna's charge is cut short, and she backs away from Blackstar, very slowly.
"This city is delicately balanced on the mountain side. If you want to keep it that way, you will keep your distance." Blackstar threatens, showing everyone the detonator in his hand.
"Sim- I mean... Blackstar, stop this madness!" Commander Appleton shouts.
The Royal Guards were tightening their circle around Blackstar, Felix, and Silvershield. They were waiting for Celestia's order.
"You're out numbered, you bastard..." Appleton threatens.
"Am I?" Blackstar replies mockingly.
At the 'snap' of his fingers, two cloaked men drop onto the bar.
"The extraction team is ready, Felix." One of them says as he takes Fives.
Felix nods his approval and turns his attention back to the growing tension. The other two hooded agents take their places around the first who had Fives.
"Shining, stop them! They have Fives!" Twilight shouts, but Shining doesn't move.
"It's alright, Twilight..." Shining mutters.
The purple mare cocks her head as she eyes the masked men.
"What?"
Fives was struggling against the cloaked figure who held him. A firm hand rests on his back.
"When I say 'down', you get your sorry ass to the ground." The cloaked man whispers.
Blackstar turns to face them, sensing something was wrong.
"DOWN!"
Fives dives for the ground, and all three hooded figures pull out their pistols. The first takes two shots at Blackstar, only for him to be protected by a shield generated by Silvershield. The other cloaked man charge Felix. The first pulls his mask off.
"Toby?!" Fives gasps.
"I told you I'd see you again." He says. "Just in time, too. I would have gotten here sooner, but I needed backup."
"Him?" Fives asks as the other man fought Felix.
Felix was an amazing fighter. He blocked every punch and evaded every kick. Blackstar tightens his grip on the detonator and ducks behind the bar.
"Do something! Help them!" Celestia shouts.
The grand hall was a frenzy. More of Blackstar's agents were appearing everywhere, challenging the Royal Guards where ever they could. Party guests had no direction and no order. That didn't help either.
"You call yourself a fighter?!" Felix mocks as he easily beats the impostor back.
He gives a warrior's yell and punches the second masked man hard, knocking his mask off. Andre rubs his jaw, wiping away the blood. He quickly recovers and tackles Felix to the ground.
"We need to get you to safety." Toby says.
Fives shakes his head.
"No, I need to find Blackstar. He has the detonator that can destroy the entire city!"
"Maybe there is another way..." Toby says.
Fives looks over at him, confused.
"I can try to find the bombs and disable as many as I can. You keep Blackstar distracted. Don't let him decimate this city. If we are lucky, I can take out all of the bombs before he has a chance to blow them up."
Fives nods quickly.
"That would be good..." He agrees.
Toby pats him on the back before running into the fray.
***Part 5: Out Of The Frying Pan***
"Where is he?!" Celestia shouts. "Where is my son?!"
"I don't know, your highness!" The guard next to her says. "Every pony is engaged right now. We need reinforcements!"
"There are none!" Another guard shouts as he fires a bolt of magic through an attacker. "The army is still in the Everfree Forest!"
Commander Appleton sprints up to Celestia, avoiding bolts of Magic and fists as he went.
"Commander, we need to get the guests to safety!" Celestia says.
"Already on it, your majesty."
A loud whistling noise sounds overhead. They look up just in time to see a large team of Wonderbolts soaring into the grand hall. Leading them was...
"Rainbow Dash!" Appleton shouts, wearing the biggest smile on his face.
The Wonderbolts begin dive bombing Blackstar's agents, harassing and disarming them.
"We just may survive this..." Appleton mutters.
***Part 6: Bomb Baby***
Toby whistles as he sees the first explosive device.
"Hello, beautiful..." He mutters.
He gets down on his knees and gets to work. He didn't know a damned thing about building bombs, but he sure as hell knew how to tear them apart. Wire by wire, Toby dismantles the bomb. In a matter of minutes, the first bomb was offline.
"One down..." Toby says as he stands and exits the room. "No idea of how many more to go..."
He follows the black wire into another room, a small closet, where another bomb was waiting. Just the same as before, he tears the bomb apart, cutting the delegate wires.
"Blackstar..." He mutters. "Simco... Whoever you are... You're a damned madman..."
Toby had, literally, no time to lose. Huffing and puffing, he sprinted through the corridors. Just as he was about to pass out from exhaustion, Toby finally reaches the third bomb, inside the dresser in a servant's quarters. It was the biggest by far.
"This could still take out a large chunk of the city..." Toby curses.
Just like before, he gets on his knees to to operate in the massive explosive device.
"You..." A voice behind him growls.
Toby turns around just in time to see a fist. That fist knocks him in the jaw, hard. Toby rolls away as fast as he can and regains his footing.
"So, this is where you were sneaking off to, you damned traitor..." Felix says.
"Felix Rogers..." Toby says. "Please, you have to trust me... Blackstar is going to kill us all!"
Felix shrugs.
"Maybe, but you won't be alive to see it."
In the blink of an eye, Felix draws a knife and thrusts it at Toby. Toby avoids the blade, but his gut catches Felix's fist.
"You disappoint me, Toby... You used to be like me. You were a soldier, a killer. You were ruthless. Now, look at what you have become."
Toby gives an angry cry before kicking Felix in the jaw, making Felix drop the knife.
"You aren't a soldier, Felix..." Toby snarls. "You're a murderer and a coward. You're to afraid to own up to what you've done. I used to be a real jack ass, like you, but at least I'm trying to do something about it."
Felix yells and tackles Toby to the ground.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
***Many Years Ago***
Screams of pain and agony filled the cold halls of the old castle. Celestia's contractions were getting stronger and stronger. They eventually got to the point where they caused her screams to shake the very foundation of the palace. Blackstar holds his hands over his ears in a vain attempt to block out some of the earth-shaking noise. Eventually, the screams of Celestia did stop, and they were replaced by the cries of a new arrival. The baby human shrikes as Blackstar holds him for the first time. Celestia herself was in tears.
"He... He's beautiful..." Blackstar says as he feels his own voice failing him.
"Give him here..." Celestia says, still panting heavily. "I want to see him..."
Blackstar quickly passed the kicking infant along to his mother, who gladly takes him into her wings. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she looks at the baby's face for the first time.
"Nova..." She cries. "Blackstar, he is perfect..."
"I told you 'Nova' would be a better name for him..." He jokes.
Wrapping the little human in her wings, Celestia gives Blackstar a long and gentle kiss.
"Thank you for this... moment and... this child, Blackstar..." Celestia says into his mouth as she continues to kiss him. "I... I love you..."
Blackstar kisses Celestia one last time on her lips before taking a step back to look at the entire scene, his new family. Though it would be in secret, Blackstar was proud to have son. It was time for Blackstar to leave. He needed to return to Canterlot before he was missed.
"And I love you, my princess..." He says as he nears the door. "I will return in a week."
"Blackstar, the journey is treacherous. I will find a way to bring Nova to the palace."
Blackstar shakes his head.
"No, princess, he must stay here, in secret. If any pony found out, he would be killed, as would I. No, you and Nova must stay here. I will have no troubles making the journey from Canterlot."
Celestia didn't like it, but she didn't have a better idea at that moment to counter Blackstar's point.
"Alright... Just promise me you will be safe."
Blackstar turns back to look at her, a happy grin taking form on his face.
"Of course, my princess."
***Part 1: It Hit The Fan***
Silvershield acts fast, and he throws a magical shield around Blackstar to deflect the musket balls. Shit was kicking off.
"Move over!" Blackstar shouts as he dives behind the bar with Silvershield. "Well, that went to hell quicker than expected..."
He turns to find Silvershield glaring at him.
"What?" Blackstar asks.
"What the hell?!" Silvershield demands. "I have worked for you for many years, and you never bothered to mention any of this? Your intentions, the war... Was everything just one big scheme to get back at Celestia?"
Blackstar doesn't respond.
"And what about that bit Celestia said about Fives being your son?!"
"That changes nothing..."
"That changes everything! I thought we were fighting a war to build a better world. Now, it seems we are fighting a war just so you can finish some damned personal vendetta!"
Blackstar punches Silvershield in the snout, hard.
"Not one more word out of you, you damned unicorn!" Blackstar says as he stands. "I'll deal with you when this is over. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a city to destroy."
***Part 2: History Comes Full Circle***
Blackstar ran as fast as his old legs would allow. He sprints through the winding corridors, ducking through the scores of his own agents battling the Royal Guards. He dives towards the ground to avoid bolts of concentrated magic soaring overhead. Blackstar quickly finds himself breaking through a door and stepping out onto a balcony.
"This seems awfully familiar..." He mutters.
"Stop right there!"
Blackstar spins around. Fives, Appleton, and Princess Luna were all standing in the doorway.
"There's nowhere for you to run, you coward..." Fives says.
Blackstar chuckles.
"Who said I was running, boy?"
Appleton draws his pistol, and Luna lowers her horn, spreading her majestic wings. Blackstar nervously backs towards the railing.
"Don't you remember how this ended last time, Nova?" Blackstar asks.
Fives stomps his foot angrily.
"MY NAME IS NOT NOVA!" He yells.
Blackstar holds his hands up in mock surrender.
"You could join me, Nov- Uh... Fives... We could defeat the princesses together. We can win the war and have peace in our time."
Fives shakes his head.
"No... I love my mother. She may not have raised me, like a normal mom, but she at least tried to protect me, and in the end, she was there for me. I don't know you, and I don't care about you." Fives snarls. "You want peace in our time, and you say you are my father, but I know you are really just angry old man who used to know my mother."
"I loved her!" Blackstar yells. "I loved Celestia! She betrayed me! She left me for dead!"
Fives grabs the pistol out of Appleton's hand and points it right in between Blackstar's eyes.
"She thought you were dead!" Fives yells.
The night was silent, save for the sounds of the battle.
"My memories are as clear as the sky." Fives says. "She cried for days after you fell."
"She never came for me! She never even bothered to look!"
"I COULD NOT LEAVE OUR CHILD!" Celestia's voice booms.
Appleton and Luna back away to make way for Celestia as she stands next to Fives.
"I stayed with our son to keep him safe. I mourned for you, Blackstar, but our son came first."
Celestia cheeks were soaked with her tears.
"You... You have become a monster, Blackstar." She sobs. "I loved you once, but I do not anymore..."
Silence hung in the air. I mean, as far as family reunions go, this was the worst in Equestrian history. Fives cocks the pistol.
"Fives..." Celestia whimpers. "D-Don't shoot him..."
"He is responsible for all of this, mother." Fives says flatly. "I could kill him. I could end this war."
Luna steps forward.
"Fives..." She whispers. "Please, listen to your mother. You have never killed anyone in your life. Do not start now."
Fives glares at Blackstar. His finger was on the trigger. All he had to do was pull the trigger, and it would all be over. He doesn't. Fives lowers the pistol. The terrified look on Blackstar's face instantly disappears, and he smile a very smug smile.
"Right... You should listen to your mother-"
Fives punches him in the throat, knocking the wind out of him. Blackstar gasps for air as he clutches his neck.
"That was going to be my plan B." Luna says with a snicker. "Good job, nephew."
Time slowed down. Blackstar pulls out the detonator, and he presses the trigger.
***Part 3: Felix Rogers***
Felix was on his rear, crawling away from the advancing Toby.
"You've lost, dickhead." Toby says angrily. "I won't kill you, but you will face full justice for what you have done. But before that, I need to disarm this bomb."
The explosive device begins to blink. Felix chuckles softly.
"You're to late... We all die, now..." Felix moans.
Toby shakes his head in disbelief. He turns tail and peals out of the room. He sprints down the corridor, back the way he came. All the while he can hear Felix's hysterical laughter echoing through the halls. Then, the bomb explodes.
***Part 4: Falling Towards The Sky***
Fives fell forward as the balcony buckled. Celestia spreads her wings and thrusts them backwards, forcing Luna and Appleton off of the falling balcony and into the palace.
"Fives!" She screams as she lunges forward.
Fives holds his hands up to stop her. The balcony was growing more and more unstable. Twilight and her friends appear in the doorway.
"FIVES!" Twilight yells.
The whole world was lit up like a thousand stars had detonated. The sound of the explosion tore Fives' ears apart. No one could scream. The only noise that could be heard was the crumbling of rubble. The ground underneath his feet began to shift.
"Twilight!" Fives yells.
"Fives, over here! Hurry!" She yells back.
Twilight and her friends were on higher, more stable ground. Fives looks up at them, and he smiles. He only needed to know she was safe. That's all. Celestia was standing behind them, her eyes full of tears. Fives turns around to face Blackstar.
"You will die... if you stay..." Blackstar says as he coughs up blood, standing up shakily.
"Then I will die, but not before you..." Fives snarls.
Then, half of the city of Canterlot began to fall. It fell from its perch on the side of the mountain. Rubble, glass, wood, and fire fell around Fives as he grabbed a hold of Blackstar. Then, the entire balcony gives way and plum its towards the city below.
"Do you think you're a hero?!" Blackstar yells as his fist meets Fives' jaw.
Both of them were in free fall. Fives tries to shield himself from Blackstar's punches, but every single one made contact. Desperately, Fives extends his leg, kicking Blackstar's left knee in. Blackstar yelps in pain.
"Yeah..." Fives says. "I do..."
Blackstar grabs onto Fives' collar.
"You... can't win, Fives."
Right on que, Silversheild materializes next to them as they continue to fall.
"Silvershield, help me!" Blackstar orders.
Silver does nothing.
"Help me, dammit!" Blackstar shouts.
Silvershield looks back and forth between the Humans. He looks at Blackstar, then he looks at Fives. He closes his eyes.
"Damn you, Silvershield! What are you doing?!"
Silvershield's eyes shoot open. He thrusts his hoof forward, knocking Blackstar back and freeing Fives from his grasp. Before Fives knew what was happening, the unicorn wraps his hooves around Fives' waist.
"Hold still." Silvershield says.
In a bright flash of light, they are gone. Blackstar cries out as he plummeted towards the city below.
***Part 5: Like A Bird***
Fives grunts as he hits the palace floor with a thud.
"Fives!" Twilight screams as she rushes to her husband. "Fives, are you alright?"
"I... I'm fine..."
Several human soldiers ready their muskets and aim them at Silvershield as he stands shakily.
"No, wait!" Fives shouts as he stands in between the unicorn and the six muskets trained on him.
"Fives, what are you doing?" Luna asks.
"He saved me, mother." Fives says. "He saved my life. He could have let me fall and saved Blackstar, but he saved me instead."
Celestia was struggling to hold back her tears.
"W-Where is Blackstar?" She asks.
Fives lowers his head.
"He... is gone, now." Fives says quietly.
Celestia nods and swallows her tears.
"I see... I suppose it is for the b-best..."
Luna wraps her wings around Celestia.
"I am sorry, sister."
Celestia shakes her head.
"No, don't be. I lost Blackstar many years ago. The man who died today was a monster, and Equestria is well to be rid of him..."
The white mare turns her attention to Fives.
"Come here..."
Fives approaches Celestia and is instantly trapped by her massive wings as she hugs him. Celestia looks over his shoulder at Silvershield.
"Thank you, for saving my son..." She says to him.
Silvershield doesn't say anything, but he bows slightly. Fives kisses his Celestia on her cheek before pulling away.
"So... What happens now?" Shining asks.
"We do have a mighty big mess to clean up..." Appleton says, kicking a broken brick.
Celestia and Luna observe the ruined city below.
"Now, we rebuild." Celestia mutters.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
***Epilogue: Years Gone By***
"Hey, has anyone seen Twilight?" Fives asks. "I get back from Ponyville and she disappears with her friends again."
"I haven't, sir." A guard says. "The Captain was the last one with them. He might know."
Fives rushes through the crystal corridors until he reaches the throne room. Fives sighs with relief. The Captain was inside.
"Ah, you're back!" Silvershield says. "How was your trip to Ponyville?"
"I was great, but where is Twilight?"
Silvershield shrugs as he motions towards the massive table at the center of the room. No, not a table...
"Your wife and her friends ran off to find out where this map was leading them."
"Map?" Fives asks. "That's new."
"Yup. It appeared this morning. Literally, it grew out of the floor."
Fives chuckles as he pats the unicorn on the back.
"Well, as long as she has her friends with her, I'm sure everything will be fine."
Silvershield nods his head in agreement with Fives.
"Right you are about that. Nothing can stop those girls."
Fives smiles as he observes the new addition to the palace.
"Alright, that is one missing girl found. What about Midnight?"
"Ah... I last saw her in the kitchens. She was giving the cooks a hard time and raiding the sweets pantry."
Fives groans.
"This again? I thought we had that issue resolved by hiding them on the highest shelf."
"She has gotten a lot better at flying." Silver admits, letting out a light chuckle.
"She's six years old! How can she fly so well?"
"Rainbow Dash has been coaching her while you are away." The unicorn says.
"And you never bothered to tell me?"
Silvershield shrugs again.
"What can I say? She asked me to keep it a secret, and let me tell you, sir, she is very persuasive."
"Daddy!" A new voice cries out.
Fives spins around to face the Anthrocorn charging him. Spreading her little wings, she launches her self off of the ground and into his arms.
"I got you something, daddy!" Midnight announces before shoving a cookie into Fives' mouth.
It took all of Silvershield's self control not to laugh. Not wanting to disappoint his daughter, Fives eats the cookie she 'gave' him. He then roars and rubs his nose against her tummy, extracting giggles and laughter from her.
"Oooh! I want to play!" Toby declares as he tackles Fives to the ground.
Midnight hovers above them, watching as the two humans brawled on the floor.
"You're supposed to be setting good examples, Toby!" Fives grunts as he struggles against the obviously superior fighter.
"Hey, I resent that. As little Midna's god father, I have been setting great examples."
"Go, Toby!" Midnight cheers.
"Yeah, go Toby!" Silvershield agrees. "Your dad is getting his ass kicked, Midna."
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched from the shadows. Both Alicorns couldn't help smiling and giggling as she scene unfolded before them.
"You did a good job, sister." Luna says. "All of this is... it is because of you."
Celestia blushes, but she shakes her head.
"No... All of this is because of him... None of this would have been possibly without Blackstar..."
"Are you going to be alright?" Luna asks.
Celestia lowers her head. When the happy squeals of Midnight reach her, she smiles.
"Yes, Luna." She mutters. "I think I am going to be just fine."
***The Darkest Star***
NEXT
***The Void***
The End 1: Blackstar's Goodbye
Dawn came with a deathly silence the next morning. Celestia stepped through the broken glass, burned wood, ash, and rubble. The smoke from fires that raged the previous night burned in her lungs. It didn't take her long to find him. Celestia chokes back her urge to shed tears as she stands over the broken body of Blackstar.
"I am so sorry this happened to you..." Celestia whispers to him.
Blackstar, half buried in rubble, coughs up dust and blood. His eyes slowly open at the sound of Princess Celestia's voice, and he smiles. Not his evil, sadistic grin, but a happy smile.
"C-Celestia?" He groans. "You're so... beautiful... I've missed you..."
Tears swell in her eyes as Blackstar's hand reaches for her cheek. Celestia, more than anything, wanted to feel the warmth of her lover's touch, but that time had long since passed. She pulls away before his hand can reach her. Blackstar's arm fall as she pulls away. His eyes grow wide as another coughing fit takes over, and blood spills all over his chin. Celestia leans over the broken man and places a soft kiss on his bloody lips.
"I forgive you..." She whispers.
Then, Celestia drives her horn into his chest. Blackstar groans, and his eyes widen with shock and surprise. His body grows limp, and his eyes close for the last time.
The End 2: The Son Of The Sun
It took many months to clean up the 'mess' at Canterlot. In that time, Twilight Sparkle shared many fun and daring adventures with her friends. Those adventures would stay with her forever as she began a new chapter in her life.
"Alright, Twilight, it's time. You need to push, now!" The nurse orders.
Twilight pants heavily as she does as the nurse says. She groans loudly.
"F-FIVES!" She roars.
"I'm here, Twilight..." The human says comfortingly. "I'm here. Everything is going to be fine. Just keep pushing-"
Twilight snarls at him, showing her teeth.
"YOU DID THIS TO ME! I'LL KILL YOU WHEN THIS IS OVER!"
The nurse chuckles and rolls her eyes.
"Your wife is experiencing minor mood changes do to the pain of childbirth." She explains.
"TO OBLIVION WITH YOU ALL!"
Fives rubs Twilight's hoof comfortingly. The purple mare cries out over and over again. Her horn charged up and randomly fired beams of energy.
"I can see the baby..." The nurse says. "One more push, Twilight!"
"GAAAAAAHHHH!"
The room grew silent after her final roar. Then, the silence was broken by the cries of another creature.
"Congratulations!" The nurse says gleefully. "It's a... thing..."
"Let me see." Fives says as he takes the little being into his arms.
She was a 'thing' alright.
"I have never seen anything like this..." The nurse sighs.
She had the body of a human, but she also had the traits of a pony. Two tiny wings extended from her back, and a small horn sprouted from her forehead. No wonder Twilight wanted to murder him. That little horn must have been a blast to have inside you. Fives tried to fight the tears swelling in his eyes, but there was no holding them back.
"L-Let me... hold her..." Twilight moans.
Fives walks the newborn over to her mother. Twilight cries when she holds her baby. She embraces her daughter tightly. She then motions for Fives to come closer. When Fives is close enough, he is pulled into a big hug.
"I love you, Fives..." Twilight sobs.
"What do you want to name her?" The nurse asks softly.
Twilight and Fives look at each other. They nod in agreement.
"Midnight..." They say in unison.
"Midnight Rose..." Fives adds.
The nurse smiles.
"Very well. Welcome to Equestria, Midnight Rose."
***THE END***