Chapters Coming Sun
"Its been too long living in subjugation, the tyranny and disgrace that we suffer from pony kind is a travesty, we need to feed the fire of revolution and take back the pride of our once proud people." My tone was mocking with Shakespearian sways.
My friends hollered and laughed at my little speech. My name is Sun I'm a human and I'm currently on my lunch break. My friends with me are Gold and Silver they are twins a little younger than I am. I have known them my whole time at this certain mining project. In the time I've been alive I learned I'm not quite like other humans, I can use magic or at least elemental magic to some degree. My expertise is currently earth, fire, and water. I learned of my control over earth magic when I got crushed under rocks during a cave in and the power seemed to manifest allowing me to free myself. Ever since then any traumatic experience unlocks a new power. So when I was a little older and got engulfed in flames during a fire I was given the control over fire, and last year a couple of guards threw me in a pond and I almost drowned, it left me with control of water. Sadly the few people that know about my powers agree that I have to keep them hidden so I won't get any unwanted attention. I do agree somewhat that it could be bad if my secret was found out but I know I can use these powers for good or at least the betterment of humans. Basically all humans live like I do trapped in camps mostly assigned to one task their whole lives, if your lucky its fishing or a butler in a city, if you're not or just a trouble maker like me its mining.
The bell rings signaling the end of lunch, Silver and Gold leave me to my work. I moved towards the exit of the cafeteria and the shouting from a guard can be herd in the hallway that leads outside. Moving closer I could see he was yelling at an old man we all called Fossil. I recognized the guard as one of the guards that nearly drowned me last year. I felt a very in character bad idea coming on. I didn't know Fossil very well but I was willing to help anyone against that prick. I called out to the guard, looking up from Fossil he turned towards me. Reaching down I grabbed a chunk of the crumbling floor. Throwing it as hard as I could it soared the distance between us hitting his helmeted head making him stagger.
"Remember me asshole?" He regained his balance and a fire was lit in his eyes.
"You're that slag who took my special swimming lessons, obviously I didn't punish you enough." Rushing towards me the guard moved with the intent to make an example of me, but his lack of any weapon didn't put him at good odds, other guards were already scrambling about in the background though and with just my fists I would be overrun quickly. I parried left and ducked a punch smashing my fist into his jaw and sending his head back. I jumped up and kicked off the wall and transitioned into gliding my foot across his face. As his body hit the tattered cement I threw my hands up in the air in celebration of my victory.
"Goal!!!"In my lapse in judgement I had assaulted a guard and played soccer with his head. He was still alive just not standing up for a couple minutes at least. I went into panic mode running out of the cafeteria into the open and was now faced with more guards that pursued me, but with all that clunky armor I put some distance between us. I had no plan but I knew I couldn't run far after working in the mine most of the day. I weaved through the housing area which was a bunch of poorly made shacks that gave horrible cover but I couldn't see any guards following me. Turning a corner my face met a very cold unloving shovel, the world turned dark.
Sometime later
The world around me was fuzzy and way too bright. I could feel rope and wood, I was in the commons area which was really where people get scolded or beaten in front of everyone, I was most likely the latter. As my eyes focused I could see everyone from the mine plus the guards. Most slaves wore grim looks, we all knew what was coming. The guard stepped up to me with a smug grin.
"You lowly humans will never accept that you are only good for being slaves or pets for the rich nothing more." I rolled my eyes, same old same old.
"I know you like beating on kids or people that can't fight back but you sound like a cliché arrogant asshole that's about to get his teeth kicked in." If I could get him to underestimate me or piss him off I could get the restraints off.
He looked at me and laughed. "You are really stupid I will give you that. If you desire to get beaten into the ground like a man just say so." I nodded, what an idiot. He leaned down and pulled out a knife cutting my restraints.
Standing to my full height I was a little smaller than him. We took steps away form each other and then faced each other. The guard charged forward, and was stopped by a yellow glowing stone fist that shot up from the ground into his gut. Staggering but not falling he looked at me with confusion. Smiling I unleashed a barrage of stone fists. Raising my hand a red magic circle formed launching a beam of fire igniting him, he screamed and rolled in agony. There was a trough nearby and to my luck close enough to manipulate the water. Raising my right hand the water followed going into the air. Slashing my hand in a chopping motion the water copied slapping the guard across the commons area. The group of humans and guards stood shell shocked.
Sauntering over to him he began steadying himself against a post. I pulled back hard on my magic grip of the water and it rushed towards my hand forming a little ball. I swirled it in my palm as I finished my last couple steps to the guard. His head hung low, and in that moment I felt a surge of hate and I kicked out the post he was leaning on. He collapsed to his hands, Two stone sleeves crawled up his arms securing him to the ground. Pressing the ball of water to his face he began to panic and struggle. I pulled back after a minute and he spat in my face. Without a moments hesitation I cracked my boot across his face, to even my own disgust the stone sleeves keeping him to the ground refused to let his body fall and a loud cracking noise followed my kick signaling the braking of his arms and collarbone. I knocked the teeth from my boots and walked off as if hundreds of eyes weren't on me, snapping my fingers and the stone sleeves released the guard. He laid limp but unconscious I couldn't kill him fearing retaliation on my own people.
I went to my hammock at the edge of the mining project, it was a calming place at a time like this when the night sky begins to peek over the day. As I lay in my hammock the dusk sky seemed to be like a orchestra playing its triumphant tune over my victory. Even on less eventful days I caught myself enjoying the night sky, I often thought of the many other beings that looked up to it as I did. One day everyone will look at the sky as equals just not anytime soon I guess. I slumped down in my hammock and my eyes shut like steel traps.
Morning
Falling out of my hammock I was face to face with an orange pegasus mare. She was warring sunglasses and had some weird combo of armor and flight suit I hadn't seen on the pegasus guards. As I caught my bearings I could see she was accompanied by many guards of every pony race.
"Wake up human number 767 I'm on royal business to take you to the castle." The small nose and long pointy ears characteristic of the ponies never seemed all that threatening but this mare had something about her that put me on edge. With my grogginess not fully gone I must of herd her wrong, take me to the castle? "What is your name 767"?
"It's Sun, what's yours if I'm allowed to ask". I came off annoyed because I was annoyed, the hand I had on the ground still propping up my weight had a yellow earth magic circle ready to send ten foot long stalactites through most of the guards but the pegasi where off the ground making aiming difficult.
"Yes you are and its Spitfire." She seems somewhat sociable for a devil. She definitely defused me a little by telling me her name, the magic circle dimmed a little.
"Well Spitfire is there a special reason I get to see the almighty rulers of Eqestria."
Her face made it clear my mocking tone had crept a toe across the line. "Don't speak ill of the princesses and you're in possession of magic and from what the report says it's quite strong."
"So my secrets out just my luck." I placed my hands up in a surrendering motion and rolled my eyes as my hands became ingulfed in flames with the intent to mock her. All of the guards flinched but she remained unaffected.
"Yes your luck you get to escape working in mining camps for a better life." I could tell the conversation was going nowhere so I chose to shut up and listen to her rambling. I looked to the tree line that was less than 50 feet away and tossed the idea around of running for it. If I follow her though I may be able to get some answers on why I can use this power.
"I will come with you on some terms though."
"You aren't in a position to negotiate." I popped up and both my hands came alive in red flames once more while my right leg below my knee glowed yellow with powerful earth magic.
"Yes I am and I'm not going if it means I'm getting dissected or sold into those weird Canterlot auctions."
"Sun that's not going to happen." The fire in my hands grew a little larger and everyone tensed up, even at this range the unicorns couldn't pop a shield fast enough to stop the beam of fire and save themselves, they would be too slow to realize its a decoy to impale them from below. "Sun I swear on my honor that's not going to happen." I could hear the sincerity in her voice and I dropped my hands. I looked deep into her eyes and I saw something I liked that I couldn't put my finger on., internally a smile wanted to stretch across my face. A change of pace would be nice.
"That's enough negotiating for the day, lets get this shit show on the road." They all looked stunned as I walked past them towards the train area. "Hurry up before I change my mind." I was escorted loosely into the train and to the back like many times before. I was put into a confined area before the train began to move.
It felt like seconds were hours in this place, this cell of a room that had all the wonderful things you could ask for like sun light and wood planks and a cot by the window which I began laying on. I felt sleep begin to take me again which was quite the welcome feeling.
It felt like I had slept for thirty seconds as a knock at the door sounded out, I groaned rather dramatically in response, "Come in who ever it is."
"Hey Sun we're going to be in Canterlot soon." My eyes rolled so hard I saw some of my brain.
"Sounds great I get to meet the supreme en-slavers of my race whooooooo." The sarcasm dripped from my false enthusiasm.
"Why do you hate the princesses so much?" I gave her the best you have to be kidding me face I could muster.
"Well let me put it in perspective for you. Let's say ponies are slaves to a species and you're treated horribly and beaten your whole life and you're forced to fight other slaves, dig holes, and find colorful rocks for high society. There is also a creeping suspicion they killed your parents. Also on top of that you have the power to stomp out everyone that hurts you or your friends but your friends beg you to never use your power even though you know that it could save everyone. Finally you use the power on a whim and royalty to the species that has enslaved ponies sends a orange messenger to invite you to tea." Her face held a mix of emotions, I could see the understanding but also the anger towards my poke at her and the princesses.
"I wish I could say it will get better but if you're not willing to fight to show everyone that humans are more than slaves you're failing more than just yourself. Get ready I will see you by the exit in 5 minutes". She left as swiftly as she came and honestly she was was kind of right, bitching and moaning at her would get me nowhere. A pit of anxiety formed in my stomach as I processed species level failure but it swiftly faded as I mentally prepped being in the presence of 1000+ year old beings.
With nothing but my goals of freedom, possible plans for devastation, and weathered cloths, me and Spitfire left towards the castle and sadly it was all the way across Canterlot. Everything here was wearing fancy clothing and shooting me weird looks which I countered by putting up my hood. Fucking high society pricks acting like I couldn't shake their city off this mountain. I also realized no ones clothes had any tears or blemishes everything looked great other than being attached to a bunch of dickheads.
"You nervous or something Sun?"
"You could call it nerves or embarrassment from my clothes", motioning to my beat up outfit. I wore a once blue hoodie that was faded badly and tattered light brown cargo pants.
She smiled ,"Well once you get settled I bet you can get new cloths." I could feel my brain tussling with issues.
"Hey Spitfire I want to let you know I thought about what you said and I'm willing to prove my worth and the worth of my species." The unspoken caveat was if they tried to screw me I was gonna see how fast fancy stuff burned.
"Well that is good to hear that Sun and I know you're uncomfortable with ponies but if you need anything I got your back." That was quite warm coming from the pony who woke me up by calling me a number this morning but I guess she changed a lot when she's not in front of other ponies.
"Good to know, since you seem different than most ponies I know, I might take you up on that offer sometime." I can't tell if she's playing mind games or not.
"Well Sun most to all ponies you know are involved in slavery so their not the best. You will come to find more ponies are as nice or even nicer than myself."
"If that was true I wouldn't be a slave." I gave a sad chuckle.
"Actually about that," she reached into her pocket pulling out papers and a lighter. Lighting them on fire she smiled at me, "now you're just a human with no master," I just stared at her.
She smiled," You're welcome and we're here." No words were exchanged as I followed her though the castles gates awe struck and honestly pretty damn happy. The huge amount of guards seemed to be quite off put by my presence but did nothing as we crossed the bridge over the turbulent water and entered the castle proper.
The big hallways and high ceilings made me feel smaller and smaller. My hands began to clench as the walls towered over me, similarly to a kid with a magnifying glass. I felt myself drifting from Spitfires side glancing at paintings that adorned the walls to distract myself. I passed one of the sun split into a deep red and yellow that hung above Canterlot along with its sister painting there was a red moon over the capital city. I pulled myself from the paintings as Spitfire had continued walking without me.
"So Spitfire when am I meeting the princesses?"
"It might be awhile but I was instructed to take you to a waiting room." I imagined the dentist and my spine was washed with a chill.
"It's just down the hall wait there until the princesses and I are ready for you. "Complying I headed down the hall and entered the room, it was dark flipping on the light switch I could see it was an odd room. Every thing in the room was either blue or gold, walls were blue, furniture was gold , bed frame gold, mattress and blankets were blue. It was different than any other waiting room I was ever in but it wasn't going to stop me from jumping on the bed.
Leaping I was instantly swallowed by the most comfortably thing I had ever felt. Slowly untangling myself I felt something separate from the sheets. Unrolling from the bed I found a white suit with a gold vest and white shoes. There was a note attached. "Hello Sun, we have acquired your measurements from the mining camps records for cloths distribution and would like to give this gift for you to wear at the meeting signed -C and L." I think this is the best bribery I've ever received but thinking back the only other things I've been bribed with was food and a hammock.
Entering the bathroom I striped the old work cloths off and switched to my newly acquired suit. A very fancy comb rested on the sink. Picking it up and putting it through my hair changed drastically to a more controlled mess. Now I really felt like a lapdog. Looking in the mirror with my hair combed and my suit on I was looking at a new person in front of me, my hair was no longer disheveled but was very clean looking black. My own dark green eyes through the reflection seemed to scan the new person in front of them.
There was knocking at the door, "Come in."
Spitfire stuck her head in the room, "Yo Sun we're ready for the meeting."
"Okay I will be right out." I paused and looked deep into the green of my eyes for answers but I only found licks of flames that were always present there.
Leaving the bathroom I could see her expression change to confusion ."Where did you get that?"
"If you're talking about my suit I got it as a gift, my good looks on the other hand are from my parents." Her face went back to it's regular stern expression.
"Don't get to confident remember what kind of point you're trying to make." My eyes rolled hard and I threw up my hands.
"I won't, I'm just trying to get comfortable before I walk in there. Everything doesn't always have to be so professional you know." She just shook her head smiling.
"You're a weird dude Sun."
"So I've been told." Walking out of my room into the large halls once again. I could still feel the stares of the passerby's along with their whispers but I felt more confident.
"So Spitfire where's the throne room?"
"It's coming up you will know it when you see it." Turning a few corners we came upon a monstrous door, it had a giant eclipse in the center. I could feel a lump in my throat as Spitfire pushed the door open. My left hand twinged as a flame flickered from my nervousness.
Entering the room I could see the throne had two of the four princesses on it. I knew that the black one was Luna and the white was Celestia. I walked to the middle of the room and bowed, I had no intention to become a pile of ash at the moment.
"Rise Sun," Looking up it was Celestia addressing me. "You have been invited here because of your power and we would like to give you the chance to make a better name for humans and yourself. I can see you are wearing your gift, it's colors stand for strength and the sun. Its also the colors for the elite soldiers of the Eqestrian Army. Which brings us to why we called this meeting, we would like you to not just become a soldier but a symbol for humans like me and Luna are for ponies. Before we go any further will you accept this responsibility?"
Looking back at Spitfire who in that moment mentally got elected to my top advisor, then back at the princesses," Yes I will."
Luna joined in finally, "Are you aware of what you're agreeing to?" She was a whole lot less smiles than Celestia and looked at me with a weird intensity while fidgeting.
"Sort of, I think it is the chance to make everyone see my kind as equals."
She smiled at this." As long as you know that you will be called upon by the princesses to carry out dangerous missions and also make public appearances with us."
"Yes but I have one question if I'm allowed to ask?"
"You are allowed to speak openly." I let out a sigh and cut the throat of the metaphorical elephant in the room.
"What is your reason for making my species slaves?" I could see them become uncomfortable and they even looked guilty.
"It's very complicated but not all decisions or actions can be done or stopped by us princesses."
I felt the fog of rage roll over my decision making as memories of killing for meals and wicked acts of sadism flashed in my mind. "You can't expect me to just take that bullshit answer!" My sudden out burst startled them and guards that were hiding flinched and became noticeable. The hidden soldiers placed to restrain me if things went sour began moving towards me. I could feel the fire from my anger flowing in my veins my aura became visible and out of it came licks of my fire of every color begun to cover my body. The fire was crawling up my legs and arms like veins illuminating me in an multi chromatic glow that significantly raised the temperature of the room. I scanned the room and among the sea of faces was Spitfire and her words filled my head messing with my concentration and the flames dissipated. I began to panic, my foot smacked against the floor and the marble room was divided in two by a wall of my creation. All I could do now was run, I pealed off the white sports coat and dress attire on my feet before fleeing from the room. I rushed from the room as fast as I could the sound of the armor from the guards bouncing up and down as they gave chase was audible over the smack of my bare feet on the ground.
I slid around corners magic ready and continued to raise walls of marble behind me as I made my way through the labyrinth. I felt like I was just going in circles until I passed the two paintings and knew escape was around a couple more corners. The exit became visible and I could feel an extra burst of speed in my legs as I shot through the gate. I celebrated too soon, on the other side of the gate there was a legion of guards on the bridge blocking my way out. Bad for them the bridge was over water. Running forward I jumped into the air raising my hands and the water then followed and came crashing down on the bridge, taking out a third of the guards. They advanced on me and soon I was face to face with a guard who had closed the gap between us, he was a earth pony who stood as tall as a mountain, I waved my hand slapping him away with water as I continued on my way. I couldn't make any more ground towards the exit without killing them. The water continued crashing down on them knocking them into the river just for them to be pulled out and return to blocking my path. More earth ponies charged me, I released more waves and like a great water serpent the water would crash down sending the guards flying. Time seemed to slow as a lucky guard burst through the wave. Hitting me like a land slide and sending me flying, I flopped down hard in the water. Struggling I got my head above the water to take a choked breath. Sinking below the water I could see the glow of the unicorn guards as they were charging up their horns. I was struggling with the escalating problem of the waterfall rapidly approaching and getting my head above water. I fortified my mind and focused on the water and without swimming I began to rise from the water with a blue hue until I stood upon the rapids. With drowning no longer a problem the unicorn guards became priority one and with their spell done there was no time and before I could raise a wave of water a bolt of lightning emerged from every guards horn with surgical precision scorching my body. The sharp electricity pierced my body to it's core, I couldn't move a muscle. My magic failed as the stunning spell mixed with the lightning sent my body to be revenged by the current. Time slowed as I fell below the waves and was sent over the waterfall. My eyes began to shut the last thing I could make out was a orange blob moving very fast. Then my eyes began to lock me into the darkness of sleep or death.
Unkown
It's just so dark I cant see anything. I remembered falling over the waterfall and running from the guards. I screwed up big time, I just made humans look even worse. I can see the newspaper articles now "Human's Rampage At The Castle." I'm so stupid, I swung my arms at the nothing around me.
The darkness around me opened and a light shined through. Luna came from the hole and the area around me turned to a vast forest. She just looked at me and said nothing looking at her I pointed to the spot of grass next to me. Sitting down next to me she did not speak just looked up at the full moon that hung over the imaginary forest. There wasn't any hostility from either party as the silence persisted.
"I wish that you and Celestia would understand that the struggle of my people means everything to me."
"You are very admirable for that Sun and I would know what its's like to struggle similar to your people. I was stuck in my body when Nightmare Moon took control. Then prisoner on the moon for a 1000 years I can understand your pain, I'm also a prisoner to the decisions made by others. That's why I need your help Sun I have a plan to free the humans and avenge my love. The only reason I couldn't say it earlier is the guards, their loyalty is not just to me and Celestia but to the ponies that are responsible for humans being enslavement, The Counsel a corrupt group of noble ponies. Sun all you have to do is become the best soldier you can to gain support for humans and I will cut the head from this beast with you as my sword."
"I didn't know you had a plan like this I'm sorry Luna I will do everything possible to help."
"In the coming day Sun you will be fitted for your armor come to me and I will get it more personalized for you."
"Thank you Luna I appreciate that, can I ask why you why you want to free the humans in the first place." She looked a little conflicted and sighed.
"Ill give you the full story one day but the humans were never meant to end up this way and me being banished to the moon allowed for the power vacuum the Counsel needed to go after the humans. There is a lot more to it but that's all I can tell you for today."
The forest began to fade and the world around me turned white. My eyes dilated to the room, the steady beeping of a heart monitor gave it away, I'm in a hospital. Outside my room there was arguing between multiple voices. Standing my body's protest was ignored. Opening the door I was face to faces with 6 ponies I had never met. Slowly shutting the door I made my way back to the bed.
The door burst open making me almost fall off my bed. Turning around I was face to face with a Pink earth pony girl. "Hello my name is Pinkie pie!"
I scooted over in my bed to the far wall, "my name is Sun."
"I know that the princesses told us, they also said you were potentially dangerous but you seem nice."
The rest of the ponies made their way into the room. "Pinkie he's dangerous get back." The white one said, I just rolled my eyes, me dangerous how funny.
The newest princess was in this group. I bowed which confused everyone in the room. "Hello Princesses Twilight I'm sorry for causing problems."
The white one loved this," I told you twilight everyone respects a mare with power."
Twilight was embarrassed and her voice reflected it ,"Sun please rise I'm here to introduce you to the elements of harmony. You already know me and Pinkie pie. This is Apple jack". Referring to the orange mare, reaching out my hand for a shake she saw this and gripped my hand firmly. I like this one already, hopefully she's another pony like Spitfire.
Twilight continued, "this is Fluttershy."
Reaching out again she gave a very energetic hand shake." I have so many questions to ask you like what you eat and what's it like being a human." A big dopey smile stretched across my face from her enthusiasm, She gave an equally large one back.
The blue pegasus laughed, "Fluttershy is never like this unless she's around animals." The room went silent because of the obviously awkward misconception that could be made, but I'm the new Sun I don't freak out and kick peoples teeth in, I'm the good guy and that means for ponies too.
I laughed ,"I mean I've acted like an animal so far so it makes sense, I'm the closest thing to a talking animal at this point."
I turned towards the white one and she caught on. "Hello my name is Rarity," reaching out for a hand shake she reached out shaking like a dead fish.
Finally the blue Pegasus. Instead of a hand shake she made a fist, I pounded it. "The names Rainbow dash the fastest thing you will ever know." She's really cocky but not unlikable.
"It's nice to meet you all but by any chance do you girls know where Celestia is I need to talk to her."
Pinkie Pie smiled to big to fit her face , "well you're in luck." Just as she said that Celestia entered the room.
"How did you know that?" She just laughed.
Turning to Celestia, "I would like to ask for a second chance and I will do everything I can to be the best soldier possible. I had a chat with Luna when I was asleep and it has helped me realize somethings."
"She has also spoken with me and as of now you are a soldier of one of the Elite eclipse strike teams you can get fitted for your armor when you are ready just go talk to Spitfire."
"Okay I will do just that", I also have to thank her for saving me from the waterfall.
Rainbow dash almost exploded ,"you know Spitfire like the Spitfire."
"Yes she's one of my few pony friends." Her face leaked jealousy and honestly I was more focused on how the word pony and friend came out of my mouth.
Celestia spoke up," Its time for us to have our meeting, good luck our rising Sun." She smiled as she turned towards the door.
"See you later everyone". I received multiple byes.
I was just given a military position and the beginning of my new life. Pride filled my chest and I could feel something unfamiliar began welling up in me the tips of my fingers sparked and before I knew it the feeling was gone and this mysterious magic faded.
"I am weird." I scanned my hand as I moved about the hospital room. The white dress shoes and sports coat had made it back to me which I slipped on before exiting the room. The infirmary was directly attached to the castle and I found myself wandering the halls once again. This place felt deserted I hadn't seen a pony since the elements of harmony visited my hospital room and Celestia teleported to the meeting. Turning a corner towards the throne room I could see a group of ponies leaving, Spitfire among them.
"Hey spitfire." She began coming towards me pretty fast, I can't tell if she's mad." I was told you were going to help me get my armor." She slapped me across the face, I paused and just stared at her blankly in response.
"Sun do you know how much of a idiot you are," definitely mad.
"I know I know I was going to thank you for not letting me fall to my death." Her face said that wasn't even half of the issue.
"Just follow me and I will get you to the fitting room for your armor that you're going to need if you are always going to be so unfathomably stupid." I caught my laughter in my throat as laughing at her frustration wasn't worth catching a boot between the legs.
As I followed Spitfire through more maze like hallways she didn't talk to me proving her point further that I was in trouble and I needed to be punished. She stopped and entered a room with a big eye on it. Following her in, the room was full of chunks of cloth, armor, gadgets, and beakers full of strange liquids. It was a very strange sight to say the least, to top it off there is a strange mare mumbling to her self in the middle of the chaos.
Spitfire finally spoke, "Yo Eye I have somepony who needs some new armor."
The mare who I assume is Eye turned around looking extremely sleep deprived. " Okay just make it quick I have things to attend to."
Spitfire motions me towards Eye. Stepping closer Eye begins to charge up her horn. Then a light from Eye's horn flashes the whole room went white for a second or two. Nothing happened at first then different Items from around Eyes work shop began to shoot towards me and stick to my arms, legs ,and chest. The elastic fibers from around the work shop began to attach to each other forming a suit from my ankles to my neck. Then the metal chest plate and back plate flew at me connecting to each other over the elastic fibers encasing my chest and back area. Then came the pieces for my legs two pieces encased my thy to my knee on both legs. Then below my knees two pieces snapped on each leg encasing my lower leg. The pieces for my arms were in two parts like my legs, the first part clicked around my bicep and tricep, the second part encased my forearms. I was fully armored in what felt like a moment. All joints were free to move and It didn't clank around like the guards armor.
"How? Just how?" My gaze shot between my metal encased body and the ponies in the room.
She smiled at my curiosity, "I have a spell that's connected to every piece of armor in this room and when I use the spell it picks out the part that would fit the best on that pony or in your case human."
"Well that is amazing thank you."
"You're not done yet we still have to paint it." Eye pulled out three slips of paper. "These are the three designs you can get. The first is the most popular for unicorns and earth ponies its the classic full white with celestia's cutie mark in the center and gold trim. The second is the favorite of the pegasi and is the armor of the Wonderbolts, it is gold chest and back plate with the wonder bolts logo and blue legs and arms. The finale is the favorite of the night guards elite soldiers the blue moon strike team, its all black with a blue crescent moon in the center of the chest plate. So what are you going to pick?"
I could feel Spitfires stare burning the back of my head. "Eye I would like the blue moon armor please." I mean come on I was already on that team according to Celestia.
Eye smiled. "If that's what you want here you go, blasting me with a beam of magic the new design covered my armor, with an added itch in my nose and a strange magical sensation.
"Eye is it supposed to make you" ... achooo! Lightning of all colors arced out from my body.
Spitfire looked at me with confusion," Sun your file didn't say you could use lightning." My eyes got all big and I stared at my hands.
"I can't Spitfire."
The memories of last night came back to mind. "When all those unicorn guards zapped me could of been enough to unlock new magic."
Eye's interest was peaked, "what do you mean unlock new magic?"
"Well ever since I was young extreme amounts of stress or trauma seems to unlock different magic powers that I can use". Eye seemed satisfied by my answer but still muttered under her breath. "Spitfire can you take me to Luna's room she told me to come there when I'm done getting my armor."
"Sure follow me just don't wander off."
"See you later Eye and thanks for the sick new armor." She waved and then began to scribble on a note pad. Leaving the room with Spitfire I realized that I have cloths under all of this and I don't know how to take this off.
Eye must have read my mind peaking her head from the door. "Snap your fingers the pieces fall off then just unzip the under suit". Reaching back I felt the zipper right behind my neck.
"Thank you again Eye." She just shut the door and I was left kind of deflated.
After walking for a couple seconds Spitfire spoke up. "Why did you pick blue moon armor?"
"Celestia told me I was gonna be working with them, the real question is why pegasi need heavy armor."
"Well it was your choice not a lot of us had that you're very lucky and the armor is just a formality we typically use light weight combat suits." Our conversation entered a awkward silence as we continued down the hallway.
"So Spitfire do you know Rainbow dash? She got really weird when I mentioned that you were my friend."
"I've met her briefly a couple times but she is, how do I put it she's a very dedicated fan. If she could get past being a fan her skills would easily get her into the Wonderbolts."
"I see, are you high ranking in the Wonderbolts?"
She looked at me like I had just said the most stupid thing in my life. "I'm the captain of the Wonderbolts."
"Oh I didn't know that, remember I literally spent most of my life in a hole in the ground."
"It's okay you were a slave up until yesterday, but you're strangely knowledgeable for a former slave." A smile crept across my face.
"We all have our secrets." We were finally face to to face with the lunar princesses giant door.
"What did you say Sun?"
"Nothing , nothing at all."
"Well Sun I will see you later."
"Bye Spitfire." Turning towards the giant door I reached for the knocker on the door but before I touched It the doors opened to a smiling Luna ."Hello princess."
"There's no need for that formality Sun call me Luna after all this is a meeting of two friends after all." With that I entered the room.
Luna began to laugh for a unknown reason. "What's so funny Luna?"
"It's funny that somepony named Sun is wearing blue moon armor but I'm glad and it will help keep the Counsel off your back for a little while. Because of that armor you take orders from me and the other princesses but your armor also says you're in one of my personal strike teams. Speaking of taking orders your first mission will be given to you tomorrow morning but it's time to get to business, please remove the metal pieces."
"Okay Luna ", snapping my fingers the pieces of armor fell from my under suit.
"The first thing I do will help you on missions. It involves turning that under suit into casual cloths , just focus on something that you would like to wear and I will cast the spell."
"Okay I know what I want". The image of jeans and a nice jacket came to mind no real design just the jeans and jacket.
The beam of magic hit me and I can feel the cloths changing on my body. My new outfit was born, It wasn't exactly what I thought design wise but it will work. An athletic purple zip up jacket with princess Twilight's star over my heart with black cargo pants.
Luna began laughing at me. "So dose somepony have a interest in the youngest princess?"
As I try to defend myself I felt the sneeze coming ."I do n".... achoo !Lightning once again shot out of me.
Luna stared at me than smiled as her typically flowing hair went frizzy as she ate a lightning bolt to the face." That just gave me an idea." Her hair went back to normal a she began gathering all the pieces of my armor and zapping things into it.
"Can I see Luna?"
"No it will be a surprise, go sit. "I took a seat on a chair and waited for her to be done. She finally stopped tinkering with my armor after some time.
"Can I see it now?"
"Yes you can", just snap your fingers.
Snapping my fingers my outfit returned to its original form of a under suit and began to get attached with my armor pieces. I could see the changes, my leg pieces had a blue lightning bolt going down my legs , my arms had blue lightning bolts going down them but at the very end of my wrists the elements of harmony's cutie marks arranged in a circle with twilight's in the middle, my chest plate now had a couple white stars a cross it.
"Thank you Luna I'm very happy you would do this for me." My opinion of ponies is changing so fast I will be the best soldier to free my people but also to protect the good citizens of Eqestria.
"I'm glad to hear that Sun, we will talk more some other time I have to attend to my duties as princess of the night."
"Well bye Luna thank you again."
"Farewell Sun pleasant dreams await you."
Making my way to my.... oh wait I don't have anywhere to go I don't have a room. I guess I will just crash in the courtyard I've passed a couple times.
Making my way into the courtyard I could see the bold full moon. Laying down in the grass I felt calm looking up at all the stars that painted the sky.
Author's Note
The position of editor is always open just direct message me if this story interests you. I'm writing this authors note during my writing of the chapter In shambles so it's never to late to help because I need it. ------C.S
Debrief and mission beginning {R}
Author's Note
The free north is what human slaves call the crystal empire. It is the only place were ponies and human coexist happily. King Sombra's rule has caused the ponies of the crystal empire to hate slavery and accept all humans.
Debrief and mission beginning {R}
Debrief And Mission Beginning
The morning went horribly, Celestia found me sleeping while she was on her morning walk and on top of that my breakfast was a protein supplement and a salad. Now I'm currently trapped in the debrief room with the elements of harmony and all the princesses including Princess Cadence the ruler of the free north. The body language was very serious in everyone but especially a barely awake Luna.
Celestia was speaking, "this meeting today was called for by princess Twilight to address the spike in criminal activity as of late in Ponyville."
Twilight stood up, "Yes the amount of violence, break-ins, and sightings of the Misfits gang are flooding the mayors office. That's why I'm requesting a strike team to suppress the problem."
Luna now stood," Me and Celestia have agreed that Sun will be perfect for the job." My ears perked up at the mention of my name.
Well seems like a pretty straight forward job. "Thank you for the opportunity I won't let you down." I grinned ear to ear as the serious room seemed to soften slightly.
Celestia smiled, "that will conclude this meeting. Everyone going to Ponyville meet outside by the bridge, Twilight will teleport you all there."
Everyone began to leave there seats and exit the room besides Luna and Cadence.
Cadence came over to me. "It's nice to meet you Sun." My smile from earlier was still present on my face.
"It's my pleasure to meet the ruler of the free north."
"I'm glad you think so highly of my kingdom. Part of the reason I came here was to invite you to the crystal empire, there is a couple things I need done and my subjects would love to have you."
"Yes I would love to." The idea of going to the free north was fighting every other priority I had floating in my head.
"I will send a letter in a couple weeks , see you then."
"See you then Princess." She left the room and Luna was giving me a look.
"I've got to get some winter cloths because I get a chance to go to the free north as a guest!" My face was stretching into a goofy grin.
Luna smiled, "I couldn't agree more but it's time for you to go to Ponyville and do as you do best."
"Yes and hopefully get the support of Ponyville for human kind."
"Well get going I will see you in a couple days Sun."
"Bye". Leaving the room I was snagged by Spitfire.
"Hey Sun I have some stuff for your mission."
"Thanks Spitfire." She was holding out a back pack and new boots.
"These were mine on my first mission so take care of them and I painted the boots black for you but I left my cutie mark on them, so there's no way your stupid can completely infect them."
"Thank you, Spitfire I can't thank you enough."
"You could but you would be late to your mission, see you in a couple days Sun."
"See you later Spitfire you are the best."
The back pack was a wonder bolt bag but it worked for me. Snapping my fingers my armor pieces were removed and I placed them in my new bag. I was in my jacket, cargo pants and my new boots.
Reaching the bridge I could feel the stares of the elements of the harmony.
Rainbow began to laugh herself to the ground, "wow your fashion sense is on point Sun."
I just smiled, "Remember who here is friends with Spitfire."
The look of killing intent I was receiving from the rainbow pony was borderline hilarious.
Rarity jumping into the conversation, "I very much enjoy the Twilight jacket."
The others minus Twilight began laughing at my poor jackets expense. I felt a immense urge to hide in my hood but fought it off. "Twilight can we just get going."
"Yes we can," Her horn began to glow then a pop, and my vision went dark.
The world seemed to pop back. I could feel the urge to fall on my face. I can't tell whether the worlds spinning or it's just me, I can hear the girls laughing.
"At least he didn't puke," I could hear a feminine voice say. The world or my vision is beginning to right itself and I could see Apple jack approaching me.
"I'm not going to puke Applejack."
"That's good because you're staying at my farm for your time here and I don't want to deal with you getting sick."
"I'm not staying with Twilight?"
"Twilight's castle is harder to move from when on a stealth mission like this and I have a hay loft perfect for you."
"Who said anything about stealth?"
"You wear night guard armor I figured you would take that approach." My years of stealing from guard tents might actually have some practical use. If I don't move stealthily they will flee town before I can catch who's behind the spike in crime. "My farm is down the road the girls will be going to their houses in Ponyville but they will be available If you need them later."
"Okay sounds great". I put my shoulders back and shook off the teleportation sickness. We said our goodbyes and me and Applejack headed towards her farm. The scenery of the country was much nicer than the mine that I once called home and I'm actually starting to feel free. The more we walk the thicker the trees on the side of the road become. I could start to see a red farm house above the trees.
"So Applejack is that it," pointing to the house.
"Yes and before we get there I live with my granny, sister, and big brother, They'll treat you right don't worry."
"That's nice you guys can function as a family while running a farm."
"We have moments where it's harder than anything, it's just family. How's yours Sun?"
"They're MIA, they could be in a big dirt hole mining for gems like almost every human or dead. I like to think that they are waiting for me in the free north."
"I'm sorry Sun." I smiled at her to show that those emotional wounds were just scars now.
"It's okay I have come to terms with it but when I was younger I would pray for a family to the point that I would stay up all night to count the shooting stars I wished on."
"Sun I did the exact same thing when my parents died. My granny was already living with us so there was no need to move but their deaths stopped everything on the farm. Family members ran the farm for a couple years until me and my brother Big mac could take over."
"I'm glad you are willing to talk to me about such personal stuff even though I'm a human."
"Yeah I'm glad that humans are just as my grandma said they'd be."
"I can't wait to meet her."
"Just follow me and you can meet her and my brother, my sister is a mystery though she's probably with her friends at their tree house."
Following Applejack into the farm house a red behemoth was lumbering around the kitchen which disappeared from sight deeper into the room. There was a rocking chair right by the kitchen, sitting in it was a old mare that I suspect to be Applejacks grandmother. Applejack called the behemoth from the kitchen and began to wake the old mare who was indeed her grandmother. The thing I didn't expect was the old mare to jump from the chair and start rambling nonsense about the past. Applejack was quick to defuse the bomb shell that was her grandmother. With everything calmer Applejack began introductions.
"Big mac this is Sun he is here to take out the bandits and thugs spotted in the area."
He reached out his hand and I stuck mine out to meet it, shaking it I could feel the strength of Applejacks brothers grip It is no joke." My names Sun nice to meet you Big mac."
"Eeyup," was what I got in return, a man of few words.
Applejack brought her granny over," Granny meet Sun he's going to be staying with us for a couple days."
The old women looked me up and down. "It's been a couple hundred moons since I have got to talk to a human, even longer since I've seen one in armor."
"Well it's nice to meet you."
She seemed to ignore my words," You know that your kind wasn't always slaves correct?"
"Yes I'm aware that humans weren't always slaves."
"Sadly it turned out this way for humans before your species was converted to slaves they and their closest allies the thestrals and earth ponies were alienated for being different compared to the standard unicorn and Pegasus".
"What do you mean?" She smiled and walked into a back room. Looking to Apple jack and Big mac they had no idea either. She returned with a book in hand.
"Take this it will teach you more about why everything is the way it is." I stared quizzically at the book. "You can read right?"
"Yes I can and thank you I will treasure it." This is my 5th actual possession.
Applejack jumped in." Granny, Mac and I are going to show Sun to his room now." I was motioned out of the house by Applejack.
"I really like your grandma Applejack." A goofy smile stretched across my face.
"Well thank you Sun she can get a little crazy and I was worried she was going to bore you."
"Not at all she knows a lot about humans which I enjoy learning about."
"That's good you can talk to her later but first lets get you set up in the hayloft."
We started are walk to the big red barn on the side of the house. The barn is very big but this is the first barn I have ever seen so I don't have much reference.
Opening the doors to the barn the stacks of hay went to the ceiling. Applejack threw me some blankets and a pillow that Mac had brought out.
"Thank you, I'm going to rest until night fall so I can mess up some thugs." Applejack just starred at me for a second.
"Bye Sun, The main lofts latter is just in the back please be safe tonight." I gave her a smile and a nod.
I climbed the ladder to the loft it was very spacious. There's a open part in the middle of the floor with no hay , dropping my bag onto the middle of the floor I leapt onto a couple hay bales with the blankets and pillow. Its going to be a long night I'm going to need the sleep.
Night
My internal clock began to go off. Shaking the sleep out of my body I roll off the bales of hay. Unzipping my bag all the pieces of my armor were attached to me as fast as I snapped my fingers. Climbing the ladder I could feel the night air through the draft in the barn. Like calling a fighter to the arena the night was calling me to my duty to protect. Pushing open the doors to the barn, the night sky was full of stars. The moon was a crescent matching my chest plate. With these stars as my guide I will find those thugs and end this problem.
Misfits Night One
The trees of the farm shot by as I made my way to town. It had only been a couple minutes but the trees seem to stretch forever. The dim lights of town get closer and closer. I stepped off the main road and loaded my earth magic into my legs before being launched through the air on course for a field close to town. I landed with a roll right outside of town only scuffing my armor slightly. The street lamps were the only sources of light besides the light from stores and houses that lined the sides of the street. The calm silence of the night was broken by a group of voices.
"I hope the boss has more plans then just bullying this little town." Bingo!
"Yeah the petty money is almost not worth it."
The voices were coming my way and there was only one place to hide, I jumped into an alley off to the side of the street. The two reached the alley and were walking past I finally have a good look at them. One was a unicorn the other a earth pony. The earth pony held a bat and the unicorn looked unarmed, they're obviously up to no good.
Leaving the darkness of the alley I was right behind them. Stomping my glowing foot to the ground a wall of stone shot up in front of the ponies.
Turning around to face me their faces hold cocky grins. The unicorn looks to his partner, "How much bits would that armor fetch?"
The earth pony's smile widened , "enough to get the bosses attention."
I don't feel like this taking forever. Throwing my fist forward fire blasts toward the ponies. Dodging my fire the earth pony rushes me from the right. His bat coming inches from my face. His swing left him wide open. Swinging a punch to the back of his head caused him to fall on the street. Stomping my foot down, the ground around the earth pony shot up launching him into the air, one down one to go. The unicorn was no were in sight. The earth pony came back to the ground in a heap. I aimed my hand at him and my fingers shook as electricity sparked from my fingers, I winced slightly not sure of the outcome. The bolt of energy left my hand and the earth pony shook violently before going unconscious. I opened my eyes and poked him with my foot, "Yo who's in charge?" He was very unconscious, I shackled him to the ground with earth magic around his wrists and ankles, I picked up his bat and continued on.
2 Hours Later
The night air is still cold and fills me with an infinite amount of energy. There had only been small scuffles here and there nothing more than one punch fights or accouple comedically timed bolts of lightning all ending with a nice pair of stone shackles. The only things that stuck out was the fact that there was no pegasi in any of my encounters. I was currently on a ginger bread house roof with assistance of a ladder I found behind the building. The view would of been enjoyable if I wasn't hunting ponies.
The calm streets were interrupted by a certain unicorn from earlier. His panic was apparent in his movements, he ran while rapidly moving his head checking everywhere he could. Well I guess lookout duty was over, dropping to a knee and grabbing my wrist while my left hand began to fill with electrical energy. As the ball grew my control of it started slipping, the unicorn must of felt the accumulating power as he turned and noticed me. Jumping the gun I released the bolt of lightning which narrowly missed its target before ricocheting towards the sky filling it with many arching veins of electricity. The rolling sound of thunder still filled the sky as I pulled myself from looking at the sky to see the remainder of the road, It was scorched black and still smoking.
"Damn I was holding back." I got the slightest glimpse of the unicorn dipping into a alley down the street. My light steps didn't make a noise as I pursued the unicorn but that really didn't matter as half the town was probably awake from that light show. Turning in the alley the only place it lead to was a metal door. Pushing on the door it's locked. A little trick for metal things like locks and hinges for doors is the simple two finger blow torch. Extending my middle and pointer finger a blue flame grew and I got to work on the hinges of the door. The metal door fell as the last hinge was cut from the door frame. Revealing a bar full of thugs, I froze as multiple sets of eyes were on me.
I griped my new bat bracing for the inevitable fight. The unicorn from earlier stood up from a table, "that's the human that jumped me earlier and tried to blow me up."
A random thug stood up, " he has Thrashers bat too."
Rushing forward bat in hand I began to swing at anyone who got too close. The first drunken bastard hit the ground so fast I was worried he may never get up some static electricity still sparked off him courtesy of my bat. The second had more fight in him. The bat made contact with his ribs making him stagger and his hair stand up, the second blow put him to the floor. My wide swing left me open, I was tackled to the floor by an earth pony. I recovered fast smashing the base of the bat into the ponies teeth. Rolling off me he began spitting out blood and teeth, with my free hand I clenched a flaming fist and brought it down on his head bouncing it against the floor rendering him unconscious and crispy. The next pony picked up a chair his accuracy probably wasn't the best from the added effects of the alcohol. He stood close enough for me to shook him safely. my fingers shot out bolts of lightning and he jerked violently along with the several thugs near him before flopping over unconscious. The fifth was ready for a fight , My bat skimmed him but it didn't phase his punch to my face. I recovered from hitting the ground and sent out an sustained blue arc of electricity, anymore than a couple seconds probably would kill him. From the other side of the bar a pony leapt onto me catching me by surprise. He began to punch my face fueling my anger, my hands catching fire I swung a flaming punch full force the earth ponys jaw went slack and he rolled off me. My rage now fueling each movement. The last rushed couple rushed me but I was ready and pissed, my bat connected to the firsts head knocking him out with a audible crunch and with my pent up rage let out a plume of flame that rendered the rest unconscious and the room charred. I leaned down and felt a heart beat from my bat victims and smiled, if I was lucky I would be able to get through this without killing anyone.
Once again the unicorn must have slipped out when I was fighting and there was no one left to shake down. The night had been pretty successful but I don't envy the cleanup team in the morning as I dragged the unconscious thugs in the street to be collected.
1 hour from Dawn
I spent the rest of the night climbing buildings seeing nothing then moving buildings, only notable events I almost caught an owl. The slow walk while whistling was a competing sound to the humming of the electrically charged bat as I walked to the farm. Making my way into the barn I crawled up the latter and rolled into the loft snapping my fingers the pieces of my armor fell. My eyes begin to shut encasing me in darkness. I really hope that I don't get in trouble for the road.
Author's Note
There will be three nights of Misfits
Misfits Night Two
The events of last night were fresh in my brain and matched my light bruises. The loft was warm and everything was as I left it. The bat was chucked in a corner its new battle scares will definitely not be its last. My movements are slow but the soreness was fading as I moved about. It had been about 20 minutes since I woke up to Apple jack and Twilight arguing about how to tell Luna I had possibly died, I guess they didn't think of checking pulse and went off me not moving. I looked out of the barn window while twirling the freshly picked up bat in my hand.
Apple jacks voice could be herd in the lower barn, "Sun your diner or should I say breakfast is ready." I rushed down the ladder and into the house coming to rest at the table of food.
"Sun I want a report on what happened last night." I looked up from my food to talk to Twilight correctly.
"To put it in simple terms I went around beating up thugs, until I followed a thug into a little building they occupied and took them all out, except a unicorn."
"You sure stirred up the town Sun, the amount of arrests will definitely get their attention."
"I just want this problem dealt with and done as soon as possible."
Apple Jack came in from the kitchen carrying more food, " As long as they will be gone soon no one will complain." I gave a big smile before returning to my feast.
"I honestly don't think this will take more than a couple days." I grinned somewhat letting the previous nights success get the best of me.
Twilight looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and caution, "You should be proud of what you accomplished so far but don't get too ahead of yourself." I continued to smile.
"I'm fine there's nothing to worry about." Both of the mares shook their heads as they left me to talk amongst themselves.
Midnight
The cool air once again called to me. Standing fully armored bat In hand I begin the hunt for the second time. Like the previous night the dim lights of Ponyville were my target as I ran through the apple trees.
The streets were even more desolate than last night. I wonder if they seriously left the town over last night. Yelling from down the street cut my internal monologue short. My feet propelled me forward, two ponies came in to sight one was in a dress the other in jeans and a leather jacket. The back of the jacket read Misfits with a picture of broken toys.
The thug is trying to grab something from the mare in the dress. I'm was still at a sprint, "Hands off the nice mare creep."
Turning towards me the thug gave a twisted grin, "What are you going to do about it human?" I could think of a few things.
Swinging he ducked and sent a punch into my stomach. The force from the thug punch sent me flying back. The street welcomed my tumbling body with open arms. Pulling myself from the street I can feel a fire burning in my blood. It was a nice hit for a thug but it was just that a single punch.
Throwing my hand forward released a lance of fire. The thug took it straight to the chest setting his cloths a blaze. He panicked and began thrashing on the ground to get rid of the fire opening him up to attack. The ground beneath my feet launched me forward. Swinging with all my might my precious bat sent the thug to nap time and broke in two with a snap that echoed through the night.
I just looked at my hands where half of my bat remained, the other half was a complete mystery. Oh shit I forgot about the. The thought died as a shard pain ripped from the back of my neck. Whipping around the pony in the dress stood with a wicked smile a crossed her face and a empty syringe in her hand. Her insane laughter filled the night as my eyes locked me away in sleep.
Who Knows
"Chains can only bind you if you let them." The person who told me that ran away from being a slave and was never herd from again. I remembered this as my eyes opened and revealed I'm currently chained to a wall armorless. The walls distorted into faces. The thundering of my heart couldn't drown out the laughter that seemed to be emitted from every direction. I looked and the many scars that covered my torso and arms were open oozing a black and red substance.
Voices began to fill the air, "Humans have no rights, go crawl back to the mine and die. You can never change anything. You have no one to miss you slag."
"Shut up!" My attempt to yell sounded like a wet wispier as the same blackish substance that had the iron taste of blood filled my mouth. My head rolled from side to side my neck not containing any strength. I could feel the shadows scratch and tear at my skin. It then changed to blows over and over the invisible enemy beat me. While the laughter of the walls attempt to cut their way deeper into my head. My cry's raised from a wispier to a battle cry. I felt the ground shift beneath my feet, the heat of fire , and the crackle of lightning. My shackles burst and I rushed through a half formed door. On the other side was a long hallway of laughing faces some with missing eyes and oozing cuts. There was one way and it was down this hall.
No matter how fast I run the laughing deepens its hooks in my brain. The hall brought me to stairs which took only seconds to get up. I'm almost free of the voices I can feel it. My feet ever so light propelled me forward as the hallway tries to take my sanity. Slamming through a pair of giant doors the screaming in my head stopped but my feet didn't. I ran over a bridge and into a dark Forrest.
The forest was alive, each tree had a wicked smile. No matter were I went the trees were there. I reached an opening, the trees parted and light of a distorted red moon covered the tall black grass. Collapsing my body spazzed I couldn't stop it .My eyes gave out giving me peace. I could hear two voices whispering nonsense as everything went dark.
Misfits Three
Dream World
The screams of so many raged in my head, I was just stuck captive to the whims of my influenced brain. The parents I never had were probably among the screams. As if from nowhere the darkness around me formed two mirrors. The one on my left held my reflection but it was wrong, A fire burned in my hand, horns sticking from my head with a burning Ponyville in the background. The one on my right was the complete opposite, The bright white wings stuck from my back with a bolt of lightning in my grasp. In the background of this reflection held a army of soldiers both human and pony. The mirrors fell away to reveal an old castle in the woods with two beams of light rising from its top.
Two voices spoke in unison, "Come to us descendant of the Sun."
Fluttershy's Cabin
The dim light of a setting sun shined in from a window. I was laying on a couch, the yelling of my six pony friends could be heard from deeper in the house. My right eye was in darkness, reaching up I felt wrapping. At least my left eye was still good for another night. Much like my right eye my left leg ,right arm and part of my torso were wrapped. My lack of armor or any cloths besides shorts set me back to square one with my collection of possessions. My bat destroyed my cloths and armor stolen and even my boots from Spitfire were gone, I was just left with my bag and ripped shorts. Sitting up proved less difficult than expected probably do to the tending I was given while unconscious. Swinging my legs off the couch and standing up, I had the chance to run and escape my failure and set things right. Stepping for the door the girls conversation topic became clear.
Twilight's voice is clear, "If Sun is going to be all Luna wants him to be we can't just throw him into unwinnable situations. This is stuff they don't even send us to do and we're older than him." All the mares agreed with her but sounded Somber.
Rainbow Dash spoke up, "What are we gonna do about the Misfits though we don't have enough time to call other guards in and they will definitely do something in retaliation of us bringing Sun to Ponyville."
It went back to Twilight, "We will just have to give them what they want to keep ponies from getting hurt." Well that decides it I'm going to get my shit and end this problem tonight. Rushing out the door and back into the Forrest of horrors its time to find that castle.
The Castle Of The Two Sisters
The path to the castle was very easy with light to guide me. The bridge I ran a crossed last night was no longer it had been cut. Stomping my foot down formed a stone path connecting both sides. Jogging my way to the giant double doors, the memories of last night bit at me. The high ceiling of the throne room felt much like the castle in Canterlot but broken and sad. Sweeping the room for anything useful I found nothing. I left the room for the long marble stairs.
After a couple minutes of searching the castle I came upon Two rooms, one had a sun above it the other had a moon. My hair raised on my whole body as the sensation of strong magic let itself be known. The room with a sun emblem was a complete mess things thrown everywhere. The room had a giant bed with a night stand and many bookshelf's around the room. A old back pack was thrown in the mess picking it up I jumped on the bed to check its contents. It held a bottle of water but the rest was a bunch of crap that was stained with a long dry ink spill. I will take this bag for collecting things I need. Hoping off the bed I started my gathering spree and hunt for the magic source. First the night stand, a little wooden box rested on the stand. Opening the box there is a golden sun necklace, the sun was Identical to Celestia's cutie mark. Putting it around my neck it felt warm to the touch. Well that's a great find but won't help me in a fight. Continuing to scavenge the room brought nothing but destroyed books and structural concerns.
I moved to the next room, I could hear moving around in this room. Slowly opening the room a certain unicorn thug was rummaging through old books. Rushing into the room I tackled him to the ground.
"Where are my things you piece of shit!"
His face read terror "The boss has it just don't hurt me." My hand crackled with dark purple lightning.
"Where is your boss?"
"He left with everyone they're going to take Ponyville tonight."
"What did your friends inject me with last night?"
"A drug called Discord it attacks the mental state of the user, very little ponies stay sane or alive after taking it."
"Last question why are you being this helpful?"
"I have faith that a half blind human with no armor or weapon can't beat my comrades even with what I told you. "He began to laugh his horn glowed. A flying bookcase in his magical grip forced me to release him. He ran for the door raising my arm a static feeling erupted at my finger tips before a bolt of lightning arced out stopping him in his tracks. I stepped over to him and his shallow breathing meant he was still alive. Poking his slightly charred body it was clear he was passed out. I looked at my hand quizzically as electricity was still popping from my finger tips before fizzling out, that was stronger than usual.
The room was a darker painted clone of the previous, the bed placement night stand and book shelves were the same. Except the graffiti in this room, the walls were covered in the word nightmare along with other non intelligible scribbles. Checking the night stand and once again a little box with a necklace was there. It was a silver moon necklace it looked like Luna's cutie mark. Putting the moon necklace and its box in the old back pack. I will have to talk to the princesses later about these but right now Ponyville's in trouble.
Ponyville
The sun sat just below the horizon the night air like the nights before beckoned me forth but instead of standing in full armor looking like a valiant knight I stood with only a pair of ripped shorts a golden necklace and a backpack. I began to walk, my walk became a jog then a sprint the trail would lead me right into town. This could determine the fate of my future and I can't stand for these ponies hurting anyone on my watch.
The chanting of thugs could be herd from blocks around. Still a good distance down the street I could see the masses of this miniature army. There was a makeshift throne, a top it was a red and orange unicorn the size of Big mac. His raspy voice captivated his followers. "We the forgotten by our royalty are going to take back everything we deserve and more. Each one of you have earned your spot here we are the misfit toys society tried to throw out but we rise."
The crowd began there thunderous chanting again. " Boss , Boss , Boss," With no back up or back up plan Its all or nothing. Putting my pack down I took out the water, It followed every movement of my hand. Rushing into danger again I raised my hand whipping the water down on a part of the crowd, they began to laugh.
"The scary human we have heard so much about got us wet."
Another thug jumped in. "I'm melting , I'm melting anything but water." I was the one allowed to laugh now, I took a deep breath as my eyes began glow light blue as the line of magic worked down my face and arms finally to my finger tips as big swaths of electricity danced across my fingers, raising my hand a current of lightning shot though the crowd wounding/ burning some and putting the wet ones into shock. The glow of my eyes faded.
"Now that everyone knows I'm here who's ass am I going to kick next."
The crowd responded with a charge. The ground opened up releasing my orchestra of stone punches. The main force was now a fraction of what It was. Around fifty Ponies remained, I can't hit them with a large scale attack with them all spread out and minimize damage. A small group of ten rushed through the chaos and instantly found themselves trapped at the ankles by the earth. Throwing fire lances as fast as they formed in my hands cut them down. This cut the overall group to thirty. My left arm sent bolt after bolt to farther groups cutting numbers more and more as I nimbly dodged the magic being sent my way. The closest group of three made progress when I was using my lightning. The water I previously used wasn't fully evaporated. Collecting as much as I could, The water In my control followed my slashing hand slapping the three thugs out of importance. I began advancing the water still in my grip and pulling more from surrounding plants. The leader of the thugs rose from his throne and landed in the disheveled street.
He spoke aloud to his followers. "I shall end this little problem of ours, this is now my fight."
He spoke now to me, "Human you show courage and power that little ponies match I wish we could of met under different circumstances."
" I Just want my shit back and your face in the ground."
he smiled at my comment, "Your things are in a chest behind this throne but you will have to best me to get them." A current of electricity infected the water in my grasp.
"Let's go then." His horn glowed and a barrage of black fire set the street a blaze. I blocked some fire with my remaining water. Advancing I released my own fire, over and over, he evaded each attack. We were fifteen feet away from each other, his horn glowed again now bending the earth around him. I countered him with the earth on my side of the battlefield. We were two tectonic plates battling for an advantage. My next step was Lightning, the bolt shot towards my opponent from my foot. He side stepped sending a bolt right back. It struck me in the heart, the bolt went through my body and added a new burn scar. I was numb my limbs fuzzy and unresponsive, my opponent sent a pillar of earth into my stomach sending me head over heels. I moved to stand but I was too slow he released a continuous arc of lightning. The bolt earlier was nothing compared to this everything in my body was being burned away I could see memories and dreams. "I'm sorry everyone."
The yelling of familiar voices filled my ears. "Sun get up! You're the only one who can do this!" The girls are here this is not good.
The leader of the Misfits's just laughed," Human looks like your owners want you to beat me too bad this has to end it was fun I will see you in the next life."
A regal feminine voice invaded my mind, "Sun rise and protect the ponies you care about and never look back."
Standing to my feet, "I'm my own property, for the pride of all that have had their rights taken I stand and pave the way to a new world!" The sun pendent began to glow and vibrate a gold flash of magic emerged from the pendant and began to wrap my body. It was as if the sun was rising once more, a bright flash of light and I no longer had a necklace but a 4 foot long golden sword, It was warm and radiated power. I moved and In a flash I was in the leaders face. Winding up like I had once done with my bat and swinging the golden blade split the leader in two. A great blast of energy rebounded back launching me across the street into a building. Coughing up blood I could feel the weight of what I had done pull me towards unconsciousness.
Not before the mysterious voice returned again. "Hello Sun my name is Solaris I'm the sword of the sun I hope our partnership lasts a long time I will be going to sleep in the pendent until you need me again, sleep well Sun."
"You too Solaris."
What now?
Dreamworld
The dark world I found myself in warped into a forest illuminated by a crescent moon, it was the same forest me and Luna had been in previously. As if on command the starry sky opened up and released the princess of the night, who descended rather quickly to my little spot on the grass.
"Please tell me I didn't kill myself with the sword." She didn't acknowledge my stupid comment landing she ran over wrapping me in a giant hug.
"You really did it Sun, I couldn't be happier, Celestia and Cadence send their praise as well. I was fortunate enough to see the end of your battle."
"Before we talk about fighting are the girls okay?"
"Yes they're quite well but they don't believe me when I say you're fine." I laughed at the thought of all of them around my comatose body poking it with a stick checking to see if I'm dead.
"How is my body doing anyway?"
"Fine but for awhile you were in bad shape but you weren't okay when you started that fight. Fluttershy found you in a clearing in the Everfree forest. She patched you up and told the girls to come over and you snuck out when they were talking. She got that part from her rabbit." I was about to say how would they have known when I left, I better keep an eye on that rabbit.
"I was also injected with a drug called discord but we don't need to get into details." A shiver raced down my back reflecting on the experience.
"Seems like your mission has even more significance when you factor in you found not one but two legendary artifacts, two artifacts that were once used by me and Celestia."
"Luna this is going to sound weird but are they supposed to talk?"
" Yes actually if you have enough affinity to them. Its amazing you were even able to conjure Solaris but already communication that's outstanding. In the future we will have to check your affinity with Selene, the second necklace which was mine."
"I've never imagined anything being that powerful."
"Well Sun you're just scratching the surface you will have to do some training with Celestia to unlock Solaris's full power. That will come at a later time its now time to wake up, me and the girls prepared a surprise for you."
"If you say so Luna." I don't usually like surprises.
The slow beat of a heart monitor gave it's rhythmic pattern, showing I'm actually alive. Sitting straight up the hospital room was covered in decorations and boxes. The lack of ponies was confusing until a faint rumble of stomping came from down the hall. I pulled my sheets up in preparation of the siege, the door to my room busted open all the girls rushed in.
Pinkie pie with the biggest unnatural smile stretched a cross her face began yelling, "Surprise Sun we're throwing you a town party to thank you for saving the town!" She began to dance around the room. I lowered my blanket defenses.
Twilight came up next, "Sun you're reckless but we are all very glad you're okay."
"If you girls weren't there I wouldn't of stood up again. Please don't put your self in danger like that again Twilight."
Rarity had to twist my words ,"See Twilight I told you he's smitten, well I guess it's my turn to say something, Sun you're a hero but I will let my present talk for me." I sure hope it's not socks.
"Well thank you Rarity."
Fluttershy was almost in tears, "Sun I thought you were dead when I found you but you still fought on and saved Ponyville I can't thank you enough."
"It was enough for you to patch me up, I'm forever grateful." She sniffled a little bit more but seemed to be in better spirits.
Applejack gave a smile, "You did really good Sun the rest of my family says you're welcome back anytime. Granny is also helping with the food for the festival so she wants me to tell you to enjoy as much as you can."
"Thank you Aj if it wasn't for you and your family this mission would of been impossible."
Rainbow Dash stuck out her fist, "You are awesome Sun."
Pounding her fist, "Thank you I hope to one day make Spitfire levels of cool."
Luna walked over boxes in hand, "This is just a little gift from me and the girls." Everyone crowded around as I opened the first box. A Snow white shirt with a familiar sun in the middle following it was a same color jacket with the same sun over the heart and on the back. Deeper in the box a black shirt with white moon, it having a matching black jacket with Luna's cutie mark over the heart and on the back. As I continued through the boxes I got a shirt and matching jacket for everyone of the girls except twilight.
Luna read my mind, "Since you already have the twilight jacket her and I took the time to enchant all your new outfits. Now you can use all of them under your armor among other things like fire resistance." Luna would expect me to catch on fire.
I see the name of my original jacket stuck ,"Thank you all so much you guys couldn't even understand how much this means to me." A little Sun in my head had a big smile and a tear of joy, just a single manly tear.
Luna spoke up, "we're all glad to hear that we will give you time to get changed and get ready." They all exited my room and I hopped off the bed. Examining my body almost all of my body was healed with the addition of a scar across my belly button and a burn mark on my heart. Slipping on the sun shirt and jacket which was extremely flexible almost like rubber, and a new pair of black cargo pants. I examined the room, My wonder bolt bag rested near the door with an added duffel bag it was all black with a blue moon crescent and stars on it. My boots from Spitfire were right inside my wonder bolt bag. Putting them on, my feet were once again protected. Running around the room I gathered my new things chucking them in my new duffel bag. I noticed I was still wearing my sun necklace and that the moon necklaces box was already in my duffel bag. Well it's time for me to enjoy the day.
Twilight's Castle
Upon meeting up at the castle I had most of my things sent back to Canterlot via princess teleportation. I had both pendants and my Wonderbolt bag on me, me the six girls and Luna currently stood on the front steps of the castle.
"So what's the plan gang?"
Twilight spoke first, " Well there seems to be a problem setting up so while we fix that you and Applejack will go to sweet apple acres for a while."
"Okay we'll see you girls later then I guess."
Sweet Apple Acres
The farm was a little crazy with all the food being taken into town. All the ponies I saw only had smiles and thank you's for me which was comforting. Aj had work to do so I pursued getting caught up with her grandmother.
" .... So that's how I've been. How are you doing Granny smith."
"Well ever sense we spoke the first time I have been pulling out old books and brushing up on what happened to put us where we are with slavery and this hooey of a government, I think it would do you some good to listen to what I've read.
"I'm down for some story time with Granny smith."
1000 Years Ago
With one of the humans most prominent advocate and non human protector banished to the moon a council of high ranking aristocrats began scrambling for more power in Celestias darkest hour. They seemed okay at first until they started showing further aggression towards the human royal family blaming them for the instability of princess Luna. The family was represented by three icons of power the sun, moon, and stars. These were roles earned by each generation of the human royal family. In a war with griffons the star fell and as the council rose to power the moon fled leaving the sun, he was brutalized by the council politically and had assassins sent after him regularly. He was a young king who stood alone against every surrounding power that threatened his kingdoms borders. He openly believed that everyone human or pony could get along. This slipped away more and more each and every time an assassin killed one of his family members or friends. The final straw was his mother, she was killed at a peace summit in Canterlot. It is said the rest of his family abandoned their kingdom for the badlands leaving him behind. He wandered the land fending off assassins until he came upon what is said to be the root of all magic where he gained unfathomable power. He hid this power until the night of falling stars, this was when the council released its first slave law. In response he burned over half of Canterlot to the ground and battled Celestia before vanishing. The words "Beware of the Rising sun" was burned into the remaining buildings. He was labeled a terrorist but still had pony support from earth ponies and Thestrals as they too suffered under the council. This would lead towards a major political conflict which pushed the human empire into obscurity. After the conflict he was never herd from again and neither has the human empire.
Present
The silence following Granny smiths words begged more questions especially the credibility of the source but I wonder what happened to that guy or his family they couldn't have rolled over and just died at least I hope not, it was over a 1000 years ago and the only ponies who could know about it is Luna and Celestia.
Granny smith must have read my mind, "There is so much more to this story and like any good story the biggest plot twist rests in front of us."
"Well its nice to know there was once a time my kind wasn't under the shoe of society."
Granny smiths voice had a very serious tone ,"Sun remember anything is possible and a time might come were the weight might become too much and all the emotions you have or don't know you have will come to the surface. In that time you must make the decision for freedom or become subservient."
"I will fight to the bitter end and then some, It's not a if statement but a when."
Granny smith seemed to get a little less depressing," Well the world might just need that now more than ever."
The fact that I'm even here seems predestined, I'm no longer a slave but a free man. The history of humans is confusing, the only truth can come from the two ponies that are still alive from back then.
Applejack entered the house. It seems time fly's when trying to comprehend the destruction of a once proud species. She had a big smile a cross her face. I never noticed until then that she had the kind of honest smile that could bring anyone out of any funk. I guess it's just time for me to face the music of my good deeds.
Town hall
The words of the mayor was gibberish as I looked over the smiling faces of the ponies from Ponyville. I was at the opening speech of the party, on stage with the girls and mayor who was explaining the events in detail that was given to her by Twilight and Luna. I was shook from my daze by applause and a gesture from the mayor.
The mayor was finishing her speech, "Our human hero Sun will be making a statement and taking questions now before the festivities begin."
My legs of rubber managed to hold my body weight as I held the mic,"Hello Ponyville my name is Sun as the mayor told you. For the past few days I have been burned, zapped, beaten, and drugged but for my first mission I think it went well. Protecting the homes of my friends and possible friends was a honor."
The deafening applause rang out from the crowd. "I guess I'm taking questions now." The majority of the crowds hands went up. A mint green pony in the front looked like she was was going to explode or at least her arm would fall off.
Pointing to her," My name is Lyra and I'm a human history buff and I was wondering if you're related to the old human nobility from the nightmare moon era? They were the only humans who could use magic like you do."
"I have no idea If I am, I never had parents around so I don't even know were I come from." Her expression was a half cracked smile, I think she took my answer as a challenge. What If I actually am related to the nobility? Just more to bug the Princesses about later.
The next pony was a girl with a tiara, " What's it like being the human pet for the princesses?"
A awkward silence fell over the crowd. " I ..... " The words wouldn't come. I know she's a pony and younger than me but I can feel the years of emotion throwing themselves around in my head. The warm glow of Solaris on my neck was a clear sign that If I wanted I could have the sword in my hand. The glow grew from my neck, Solaris formed in my hand.
"I am no ones pet and I fight so some day bigots like you will finally respect my people once again."
The girls and crowd didn't expect me to pull this stunt, the silence was cut by Luna " This is my soldier and my friend if anypony here still thinks of him as any less you should vacate the premises. The crowds eyes were all on the bigot pony as she left with her nose in the air.
"Any more questions?"
All hands went up. I picked a brown pony with a tie." Is that by any chance the lost sword of the sun?"
"yes it's a sun sword and yes it was lost so I guess."
Every pony in the crowd was mumbling, was something wrong? Turning to Luna she just smiled. Looking to the other girls they did the same. Most of the hands went down after that. Except a little pony with a red bow in her hair.
Her arm looked like it would fall off if I didn't pick her. I pointed to her in the crowd. "Is it true you stayed at Sweet Apple Acres when you were here on your mission?"
"Yes, and I would like to thank the Apple family for being like the family I never had and letting me stay at their home". The filly smiled at that and the crowd clapped a little.
Luna stood up to address the crowd, " I think its time to start the real celebration." With that the crowd dispersed to finish the last couple things. Turning to face my friends the smiling faces just boosted my confidence and mood.
Rainbow dash snickered, "I thought you were going to lose it on Diamond tiara."
" I think I came a little close to that."
Twilight leaned in, "Well let's all be glad that everything is going so well."
Pinkie was already bouncing off the walls, "let's get this party started!"
I spun the hilt of solaris in my hand as the necklace formed from the blade and a little fire came from my hand. "Lets party!"
Festivities begin
The atmosphere was happy and the music loud. A pony with sick glasses who I was told is named Vinyl kept the party jumping. The past couple hours I spent talking to so many ponies. I was taught how to dance by all the girls except Fluttershy who was to embarrassed to leave the make shift bar set up by a pony named Berry Punch. Luna had left the girls in charge of me but they lost me when they went to get drinks a while ago. I have been socializing ever since.
I just moved to the music trying to enjoy my freedom to the fullest. The crowd moved and swayed as Vinyl started a new disk. The feeling of eyes piercing my head caused me to turn around. I was once again face to face with the mint green mare named Lyra.
She approached still moving to the music, "how are you enjoying the party Sun?"
"I love it I had no idea what a real party was until this. "
She smiled a bit bigger, "That's great to hear, I wanted to talk to you about human history."
"Sounds great I would love to."
"You know about the human nobility correct?"
"Yes the inherited power of the sun, moon, and stars". I could remember all that Granny smith told me earlier and a little knowledge I picked up from the books.
"Well a little lost fact about the nobility is there were few who held unique forms based on the persons magic. "
" Your telling me that humans have forms like ponies?"
" The forms of humans are classed by natural like receiving it from a parent and unnatural having it forced on the human by magic."
"So do all humans have forms and some magic? "
" Yes and no, see humans are strange because there strength and magical ability comes from family history, form, and will power. Some of my partners in researching humans say forms are rare for a select few and there are even more unknown variables."
"What were the forms of the nobility?"
"The emblem of the Sun was said to have a few people that when fighting would grow white or warm colored wings and have increased speed, strength , and magical ability. The emblem of the moon was tricky it was said they could grow horns or wings sometimes with a tail and had all the same boosts as the court of the Sun and then some. The emblem of the Stars is still a mystery. "
"That's crazy why aren't there any humans like ..." . We both know the answer to that question.
" The reason I want to talk to you about this with you is your magic and ability to wield the sword of the sun which only Celestia has been able to use in known history might mean you're related too .." . She was cut off as the girls made their way through the crowd.
Rarity got to me first, " You're actually hard to find in a crowd Sun."
" Well I'm having a good time Rarity I'm sorry you guys had to try and find me instead of having fun." Turning to look at Lyra just to find a blank space.
Her face was quizzical," Who are you looking for Sun? "
"No one". she just disappeared I guess she had somewhere to go.
With more drinks in the ponies everyone was getting really friendly but Lyra's words still stuck with me. What if I could grow wings or horns. The weirdest thing was the vision of the two mirrors that had those forms. My questions are just going to pile up until I can just sit down and talk with the Princesses. The party rolled on with my six pony friends even getting a little tipsy. They wanted to take a rest in Sugar cube corner for a bit. We all rested on the couches the music still thumping outside. Rarity and Fluttershy began to slowly drift into sleep with pinkie not far behind. While the other three seemed pretty drunk. They were all giggling about how their little hero saved them and how my face got more and more red. I was getting ready to re join the party but I needed to go to the bathroom first.
Returning from the bathroom the only girls left up were Aj, twilight, and Rainbow. They just stared at me and the fact none of them said a word was just creepy. Twilight giggled and motioned me closer Rainbow and Twilight sat on the same couch. I was a couple steps behind the back of the couch. She motioned me closer again as if to wispier something in my ear. Not a moment later two pairs of lips attacked my cheeks followed by drunken laughter. I just stood there frozen as I fell on back followed by more laughing.
Aj stood up, " If you two are done teasing Sun I need a gentle colt to take me home." I just quietly went for the door my face red as a tomato with Aj just a couple of steps behind me. As we shut the door laughter exploded inside once more.
My first kiss was a princess and a super athlete hell yeah!
Sweet Apple Acres
The walk seemed longer than regular but I carried Aj most all of the way after she fell the third time. We were at the steps of the main house. The door was locked, Hoping off the porch I went into the barn and set Aj on a couple bails of hay.
" Sleep well Aj ". As I go to stand up Aj pecks my cheek.
"That's for being such a gentle colt Sun. "The smell of hard cider coated her words. I was frozen once again. This night was crazy. The laughter of two ponies behind me seemed to help defrost me. Spinning to face the smiling face of Luna and Granny smith.
Granny smiths walked into the barn, " I will let that slide Sun but next time there better be a ring."
My big eyes made the old mare laugh, " You're a good man Sun."
With that she went inside. I had a lot to processes but the morning was a better time to do this.
"Well Luna how has your night been? "
"Good but it seems yours has been a lot better."
" Whatever I just want all my questions answered."
" That can wait Sun there's one thing were going to do before we go back to the castle."
The Party
The slow music was nice but the lack of anybody else was weird. Most of the ponies were passed out and even Vinyl was asleep but the slow music played as me and Luna danced.
" what's the purpose of knowing how to dance Luna?"
"It's graceful and It's like a fight but refined, one partner moves and the other counters but it also allows me to talk and explain things in a place with a nice atmosphere. I would expect a lot more dances like this Sun ". She talked to me like I was her son. We moved under the stars and moon for what seemed forever but it wasn't horrible I think it was fun to bond with Luna. Nights are beautiful with ponies that care and while looking up I could almost swear there was a new star in the sky.
Author's Note
NO SLEEP TILL,, ponyville?
A Midnight Dance
The two weeks that followed Ponyville seemed slow with light training with Spitfire who was more than happy to hear about my success. So happy in fact she insisted I began learning more refined swordsmanship and sparing with almost all the guards. Speaking of swords though Celestia was more than surprised to see me with Solaris. The training for its use will start later I've been told but putting most of my regular daily crap behind me. The curiosity of the princesses and anyone else that knows about me has been peaked. Everyone seems to be looking into my ancestors and if I'm related to the old human nobility. The strange pony named Eye who had helped me with my armor was now using a magic spell on some forcibly donated blood to figure out. If I am I will know in a month or so but the pile of question's will get a lot bigger if I am.
Those problems aside I'm currently standing in a fresh blue and black suit Selene shining proud on my neck. The silver crescent shimmered in the moon light. The suit was made for quote on quote mission detailing. The full moon shined through the stained glass of the throne room. A certain night princess had planed it and if on cue slow brain numbing music seemed to just resonate around me as Luna strolled into the room in a ball dress its blue and black matching my suit.
"So we get all dressed up to talk about what we already know." She smiled at me
"Sometimes ponies are a lot more complicated than they need to be Sun."
The comment made me smile, "Well Sun we are also turning you into a gentlemen for the next Grand Galloping Gala."
"If the Counsel will even let me attend that is." We began to dance and talk about Ponyville the slow rhythms just a base for our movements.
"Luna if this becomes normal I'm going to be a pro ballroom dancer by the time the gala comes around."
"That would be funny to see Sun but that means you must learn to be more comfortable in the presence of mares." Can't have you screwing up with the elements at the Gala", she giggled and I turned red. "I want to discuss something serious real quick."
"I'm all ears Luna."
" Your connection with Solaris and Selene has grown even stronger since Ponyville even if you haven't felt it. I believe It's time for you to awaken Selene."
"It just kind of just happened with Solaris and it just feels second nature now I don't know how I can trigger it." Luna's smile stretched her face, she had planned for that answer.
" Well it's a full moon so It will be easier for you to call upon the sword of the moon. Just stand in the light and feel its power, let it flow through your veins." Luna snaps her fingers and we're on the roof of the castle. Just like my nights in Ponyville the night air gave a rush but it felt stronger now.
Luna's gaze was full of anticipation as the necklace on me began to glow. " Sun you are a creature of the night ever blessed with the embrace of the shadows the awakening of the sword marks a milestone towards mastery of the dark arts."
A foreign feminine voice invaded my head, "I'm back baby!"
Thinking at the voice like I do with Solaris, " Are you Selene?"
" Yes and I'm guessing you are the new hot shot wielding me."
" My name is Sun and yes I'm the new guy. "
"That's kinda ironic your holding a moon sword and your name is Sun. Well Sun I promise just by feeling your power we're going to have a long go, talk to you later." With that the sword converted to a necklace and landed In my hand .The magic seemed to bottle neck in my system after summoning the sword unlike Solaris causing the world begins to spin. My eyes close as I stumble. Luna's snicker at me passing out reaches my ears as my body began to shut down.
The crystal brick road {R}
The Crystal Brick Road
The hot water of the shower burned my weathered body. The years of mining added muscle to my frame and then scars on that muscle. The few lasting whip marks could still be seen along with other cuts burns and now the lightning scars. All bad experiences but they made me the person I am. Stepping out of the bathroom the steam rolled out after me. My towel wrapped tightly on my waist I walked across my blue and gold room. There was a sudden rattling of the door knob and before I could barrel roll for cover Spitfire was in my room. We stared into each others eyes the awkward tension was stronger than iron.
She turned towards the door, " Sun you have a mission debrief in 15 minutes be ready."
"Okay sounds good. " She left with much haste, I swear I saw her turn a little red. Throwing on my Black cargo pants, Rainbow Dash jacket and shirt, I walked towards the door grabbing my boots on the way out. I made my way to the debrief room.
Entering the room the spinning hologram of the crystal empire sat in the middle of the round table. All princesses, elements of harmony, and Spitfire were around the table debating on the details of the mission. I pulled out a chair and slouched down figiting with the zipper of my jacket. The conversation suddenly turned to me. Celestia's eyes said she had said something and wanted my opinion. I had lost the conversation after king Sombra's dark tower and restless spirits.
"I think you're right." I gave my best confident smile that was meant to show I was paying attention. Most of the elements of harmony started to giggle at my obvious lack of understanding Rainbow giving me a little wink at noticing my jacket.
Celestia sighed, "Sun pay attention the problem in the Crystal empire will truly put you in the spotlight as either a hero or a failure, this will be hard and you will discover that it might be easier to stop your journey and quit but no matter the cost you must fight. You're not the first human to be in the position to challenge the status quo, many have failed."
My smile melted, " I understand and I will perform to the highest of my ability."Celestia's face finally broke the serious tone and she smiled, " We all know you will. You're leaving for the Empire tomorrow morning. "
"Sounds good to me." Everyone began to get up and I just slowly rested my head on the table.
I fucking hate the cold. I could feel it already the slow death of my nerves starting at my fingers then moving towards my chest. So many frozen nights in my snow covered hammock only my fire magic kept my alive. My little moment was cut off as Cadence poked at my head." Sun I would just like to say you will be welcomed in with open arms by everyone from my kingdom and you may find it so nice you don't want to leave."
I looked up at her smiling face, " I'm sure I will princess."
Luna's Room
I sat in the middle of Luna's room in the middle of the moon themed carpet playing chess with myself. The sudden crash from the enormous closet was Luna's doing.
"Luna are you okay?" She walked out holding a semi casual blue and black dress.
"Yes I am I was just thinking you need a good night on the town before you leave for this mission and it won't hurt for ponies to see you before you leave either."
" Can some of the others come it seems unfair to not invite them."
" I was thinking the same thing Sun." The Moon princess gave a semi devious grin, "I herd about the Ponyville festival and your way with the mares it only seems appropriate to invite the mares in your life."
My face was a blazing red as Luna teleported from the room laughing all the while.
" It's going to be a long night."
A Night On The Town
The inevitable approached as the sun crept closer to the horizon. Turning and looking in my bathroom I could see my reflection, My black cargo pants with my white shirt with Solaris hanging from my neck and my spiked black hair. I turned back to the balcony and sat on the ledge looking at the sun set.
I just have to wonder how much I'm going to change before this is over, just from training my magic has grown immensely along with my swordsmanship. The stares around the around the castle are becoming less common and the lunar guards invite me to poker. Some of the solar guards will joke with me and hold a conversation. But do they see me as a fellow soldier or a glorified house pet.
I still have so many questions on my ancestors and this counsel that seems so hard set to stop me. Sometimes when I sleep I can see everything I care about burning as two faceless humans fight, one with snow white wings and the other with black horns and a tail and it always ends with a booming voice claiming the white one approaches. Luna has never caught one of those dreams thankfully.
I reach my hand towards the sun set and shut my hand trying to capture the light in my hand.
Solaris giggled in my head, " You sure do love celestial bodies."
" I guess when you grow up with nothing the few things that are always there like the sun and moon fill the gaps."
"You're destined for great things Sun don't falter and you will be loved and maybe love a little yourself."
"You're a funny necklace. Maybe in the next life you will be right. "Raising my body up I stood on the railing looking over Canterlot and the rest of Eqestria. I felt someone watching me and as I turned I saw Spitfire looking at me from the door of my room. She wore a red hoodie with jeans it is one of the first times that I have seen her in regular cloths.
"What's up?" The words came out as if I wasn't on the railing of a balcony many floors up.
"Just babysitting as usual."
"Can you even call it that I'm easily old enough to be a regular guard."
"Sun I'm 26 and I'm in charge of you half the time so yeah babysitting."
" So if I got hurt you would get in trouble?"
"Well...." Before she got the rest of the words out I opened my arms and leaned off of the balcony. The air was warm and as I fell two blurs shoot towards me. My body came to a stop in a purple magic field, Rainbow and Spitfire were on both sides of me one looking very confused the other a mixture of pissed and relief. I laughed as I touched the ground the elements of harmony had just arrived by carriage and must have noticed me from the gate.
"Let's get this party started!"
I had three welts from slaps and a bruising spot on my back, the last one was from Apple Jack. In the large carriage was the elements of harmony and Spitfire. I was told Luna couldn't come due to last minute distractions. We were headed to a night club where Vinyl is working tonight.
"So who has been to this club before?" The elements shook their heads while Spitfire nodded.
"The Wonder bolts go sometimes after missions and shows, its a blast."
"I hope it lives up to it's name." The club came into view the big neon sign read "True Moon 24/7."
Spitfire gave a slight grin, "Trust me it won't disappoint."
Pinkie was about to explode," I'm so excited." Everyone laughed and enjoyed the pink mares enthusiasm as the carriage came to a stop and we all piled out. There was a rumble and the ground shook a little as a huge group of ponies headed for Spitfire and Twilight. Taking two large steps to the left put me behind Rainbow and Aj.
"Do you two mares mind accompanying me to the door?"
Aj laughed, "I think we're up to it."
Rainbow nodded , "Yeah we should get in before this huge group." I put my arms around the two mares and I made it past the bouncer and was instantly hit by the loud music, flashing lights , lasers, and a thin fog about ankle high that covers the whole club. Embracing my surroundings I entered the sea of moving bodies. I attempted to dance or at least copy the ponies around me but seeing and doing correctly are two completely different things. I felt a poke on my shoulder. I spun on my toes to Rainbow looking at me confused.
"Sun do you know how to dance?"
"Of course I know how to dance...... Just not like this." My eyes bounced around kind of embarrassed.
"You have no idea do you."
"I'm more of a ballroom dancer lately."
Rainbow held in her laughter at my response, "Just copy what I do." Her body moved in the madness of the club rather elegantly. She laughed as I studied while maintaining her well timed movements. After a second she stopped and reached out her hand," You're probably more of a hands on learner."
I felt a slick grin creep across my face as I grabbed her hand, "You could say that."
Many Songs Later
Spinning with Rainbow on the dance floor, "Hey Rainbow where did Aj go?"
"I lost her in the crowd following you she's probably at a table with Fluttershy deep in cider right about now."
"I thought she would be enjoying herself."
"It takes her a couple of drinks to enjoy the club atmosphere."
Looking around the dance floor was covered in crazy mares grinding on each other and the few stallions being swamped with partners. "Lucky bastards."
"Says the guy who brought the elements of harmony and captain of the Wonder bolts to a club by himself." A grin grew across my face but I looked away before Rainbow could see it. "I think it's about time we found everyone." Moving through the sea of bodies lead us to the bar area and our friends became visible, sitting in a purple booth. Me and Rainbow hastily made our way over.
"I see our 2 celebrities are finally free of their fans."
Spitfire cocked her head at me marginally shitfaced, "Won't be to long until you will have to deal with the same stuff as me and Twilight."
"There is no way but that many mares would be nice."
Hopefully that won't be the case," said Rainbow with a playful look as I laughed in response.
"I think I need a little rest before anymore dancing."
Twilight significantly red in the face grabbed my arm, "Sun as my knight I command you to dance with me...... I mean us."
"Your wish is my command princess." Everyone began to head towards the dance floor except Apple jack. I reached out my hand, "I'm not letting you miss out on the fun Aj."
"Okay I will come I guess." She grumbled not making eye contact.
"You're going to have fun I promise." Apple jack caught up to our friends rather quickly as I trailed a little farther behind. A pony caught my attention dressed in an all black robe making their way across the club. Well that doesn't match the atmosphere at all.
Solaris flashed, "Sun follow that pony they're carrying a magical weapon of some kind".
I began to trail the figure ,"How dangerous are we talking Solaris."
"I can't say but it could be a problem for everyone here."
"Trust me I got this." The pony headed into the maintenance and backstage area, I slid in before the door shut.
I followed the corridor and herd the voice of two stallions. I turned a corner to give me line of sight and as I did only one pony was their removing their cloak. It was a earth pony wearing all black combat armor, he placed down a red box with a fire symbol on it. I watched from the shadows as he pulled out a object I had never seen before. He clicked a clip into object. I summoned Solaris and the magical energy given off by the summoning alerted the pony of my presence. The pony turned on me pointing its red and black device at me. I noticed now the trigger on the device and as the pony pulled it a small ball of compressed magic shot towards me. Standing my ground the ball made contact with Solaris and was consumed by my sword. I charged my enemy and his shots began to be less accurate. The shots that missed set anything they touched a flame and to my luck the device started clicking after the twelfth trigger pull. I was in range of melee and with all my force I smashed the bottom of the hilt on the pony's head knocking him out cold.
I knelled down examining the unconscious pony, his armor bore no markings. He's most likely a mercenary or a assassin. Checking his pockets I found a communication gem.
The second voice from earlier returned erupting from the gem, "Messy, me and crash are all set if you are with the prototype."
I looked at the red and black device on the ground, this is not good. I stomped on the gem and picked up the device placing it in my pants pocket along with three clips that were in the box.
Now I have to get all these ponies out of this building without alerting them to the mercenaries. Looking at my surroundings a smoke detector stuck out. Snapping my fingers a little flame grew and grew until it was detected. The alarm rang loud and cut through the music .Then water rained down from the ceiling drenching all the ponies as they rushed for the door. I headed back to the main room to find a wet club almost absent of life besides me vinyl and two pissed off wet mercenaries.
I walked out onto the dance floor, "Vinyl why didn't you leave?"
"I wouldn't leave my set up for my life." The two mercs were now aware of me and began moving towards me.
"I set off the fire alarm to get everypony in here out of harms way so I need you to leave please."
She smiled, "Not on my life and I could totally mix while you fight."
I rolled my eyes, "Just don't get hurt". I turned from the disk jockey to the mercenaries. One was a earth pony and the other was a unicorn. Music once again filled the club I rushed for the unicorn but the earth pony cut my path off, he brought a sword to bear it's blade almost black as night, it looked almost like a knock off Selene. Swinging Solaris my blade clashed into the opposing sword locked in a stalemate we pushed off sending each other backwards.
"Solaris what kind of sword is that?"
"It's a sword fused with dark magic, the same kind of magic as Selene is made of just a lot weaker."
"Is there a simple solution?"
"Channel all of your energy and hold on tight." I focused all my energy into the sword, it glowed brighter and gave off visible magical energy in waves. I wound up and swung at my opponent, he evaded my strike. He's not fast enough though, continuing my onslaught I slashed Solaris after my opponent. Raising his blade in defense proved futile as Solaris cut the blade in half and landed in the pony's shoulder. He screamed out but was cut off as my boot collided with his head knocking him out. I removed my blade from his shoulder a little bloody. I turned Solaris back into a necklace and placed her in my pocket.
The unicorn began running from the dance floor. Giving chase, he launched a lightning spell before jumping behind the bar. Once in cover he began to release spells at a firing squad pace. Running parallel to the bar I shot bolt after bolt of lightning as the exploding of tables and glass tried to hinder me. As I approached the far wall and the end of my rope, I leaped into a booth for cover.
I laid in cover as parts of the booth were singed from magical blasts. How do I beat a entrenched enemy? Spitfire had a saying for it, damn of all the times. My brain strained to remember as more parts of the booth exploded. I remember, Make a enemy's barricade there cage.
I jumped from the booth, as I flew through the air I released a lance of fire setting the bar ablaze. The pony jumped from the blaze slapping at the fire trying to consume him. He played into my hand, The remaining water from the false alarm was at my disposal raising my arm and chopping down the water whipped the pony to the dance floor and extinguished the fire on the bar and pony.
I sauntered my way to the dance floor, "Vinyl my good mare I must insist you depart with me."
She laughed and jumped from her booth onto the wet dance floor, "My hero. "We laughed and joked as we made our way out of the club. Pushing the doors open revealed my friends standing around looking a range of things but mostly drunk. I turned to Vinyl to say goodbye and she placed a thing in my hand. "If you ever need a quick pick up or just a good jam session listen to this, I've put some of the best music eqestria can offer on there.
"Thank you Vinyl it means a lot."
"Your welcome and come see me again when you're not in danger I can show you some more music."
"Sounds like a plan Vinyl." She gave me a wink and a swish of her tail as she vanished into the night, leaving me red in the face.
My friends had called for a carriage and while I was talking to Vinyl and as we got in I was bombarded with questions and as we traveled back to the castle I explained what had happened leaving out the prototype weapon. As soon as we got to the castle a group of lunar guards were dispatched to collect the mercs. I waved good bye to everyone and carried a drunk Spitfire to a spare room. There was no way I was letting her fly to her house tonight.
I laid her down in the spare bedroom and before I could leave she sputtered at me, "You owe me a dance Sun."
"Next time I promise." I shut the door and made off to my room not too fast to over look the perfect night sky outside.
"What a time to be alive". I continued down the corridors until the room with a big eye made me stop. I could use a little information on the prototype. I pushed on the door and the loud snoring from the over worked mare made me grin. I moved her from her desk to her bed without much resistance. I went to her desk and wrote note "Top secret from Sun only tell Luna or Celestia". I doodled a little sun on the note and as I put the prototype and clips on the desk the paper Eye was working on got my attention. The title was "Sun's genetic report" I continued to read. "Princesses I'm excited to say Sun is not just a member to one of the noble families but the royal family along with some strange DNA", The rest of that line was scribbled. My heart began to race. "It get's better as he is a direct dissident of Crimson Sun the last Human King. The chances of Sun holding the common and ancient characteristics of the noble emblems are..."Eye had fallen a sleep leaving this unfinished and my questions half answered.
There's no need to wake her. I left her room and finally turned the corner to the hall of my room. My door creaked open and I stumbled in peeling off my shirt and jumping on my bed. I pulled out Solaris from my pocket and placed her on the night stand.
My eyes shut and my dream world opened up releasing me from reality.
Author's Note
Next stop the Crystal empire
New Sun In Town
I woke up and packed all my bags while trying to wipe off my morning grogginess. The strangest thing was a note that I found on my nightstand when I woke up it read "Dear Sun, I understand your deep connection with Solaris but I request you take Selene to the Crystal Empire. This could be a great experience for the both of you sincerely Princess Luna." I raised my eyebrows at the addition of her title in the letter. Typically she left it out, actually all the princesses usually leave it out around me now. But I understand she cares for Selene and I have been uneven with the use of the two. I explained the situation to Solaris and went to the balcony.
I figited with Selene, rolling the necklace around in my hand I could feel my magic melding with the necklace. She is so much different from Solaris there is no warm energy that gave off the essence of a warm summer day. The warm magical essence was replaced by a cool energy much like the night air I enjoy so much. I know I should of picked up on these little things earlier but it never felt like I truly had the chance until now. I held the necklace and began to summon my lunar companion from her sleep.
"Wake up, we need to talk."
"I'm up, I'm up."
"Do you trust me completely?"
"That's a weird question to ask Sun but yes I trust you."
"Good I've just felt your presence during some of my shitty dreams lately."
"So you have felt me there!"
"Yes it was you or Luna and she would of brought it up in someway."
"I'm sorry for snooping but you're rather unique in many ways."
"So I've been told."
"There's so much more but the library of information is locked by a hex on your heart and I can only get tiny bits of information in fragments."
"Are you speaking in metaphors or is there a actual curse suppressing my magic."
"Let me put it like this, have you ever wondered why it takes these terrible things happening to give you more abilities?"
"Just thought that's how it worked."
"No Sun when you were born or sometime soon after there was a powerful containment hex placed on your heart, only strong emotions and physical harm can cause little fissures in the hex letting an ability through."
"How do we break it?"
"Right now we don't. That amount of energy would rip you to shreds if not physically mentally. Think about it, you are a direct descendant of multiple kings from the royal family given the status of gods. Those men moved heaven and earth , waged devastating wars and fought armies single handedly. The last king of the humans Crimson Sun burned half of equestria to the ground before Celestia calmed him down. My point is right now you're capable of dealing with every problem put in front of you until you can manifest a form of the two families there's no need to put so much stress on your body."
"I can't live my life incomplete and being hung up on my limitations is just another thing to throw in the pit with all the suppressed emotions. "
"I know about your previous life style and that's got trouble written all over it."
"And how is that oh wise lunar sword."
"Someone like you isn't put out of reach by accident."
"This must have really been eating at you or something."
"You can't even imagine."
"Well every challenge from this point on we face together."
"Sounds like a plan partner." My black coat flapped in the wind as I stood on the railing of the balcony.
I raised my hand, "Selene blade". The necklace rose from my hand and began to darken the area as it shifted into the blue and black sword. I held the sword examining a tiny change , the blade before it reached the hilt had a tiny blue crescent moon formed. "I like it Selene."
"It's a bonding mark more changes can occur on me and my sister if you work hard enough Sun."
"Why hasn't Solaris told me about any of this?"
"She is afraid of you losing control."
"I'm happy she's looking out for me at least."
"Good way of looking at it Sun." I herd the door of my room open.
"I see I only have to raise one sun today." Followed by a light chuckle.
"Good morning Celestia."
"Good morning to you as well Sun. May I accompany you to the train station."
"Of course I would enjoy your company very much. I'm glad you actually came but I have two favors to ask."
"Okay our ride is ready to go whenever. What do you need of me?"
"First I would like you to keep Solaris with you while I'm gone, it would mean a lot to me if she was with someone she's comfortable with. Secondly there is important information regarding myself and a dangerous magical weapon I left with Eye in her workshop."
"That's all very doable Sun I will get on it as soon as you leave".
"I'm glad. We should get going." My light smile increased as we walked through the castle and towards the carriage waiting to take us away. As we reached the snow white carriage I opened the door and bowed, "Ladies first."
"What a gentleman."
"Why thank you."
One of my hands held Selene's grip and the other her blade as I rested my head on her black blade. The morning air rushed through my hair as I stared off at the slow movement of early morning Canterlot. The city was starting to pull itself from it's deep sleep. Shop keeps were flipping their signs to open, Little colts and fillys were playing on their walk to school. One day little boys and girls will play as freely in open streets with no guard towers or threat of being split from there familys.
Celestia was reading my face as I watched the fillys and colts, "Your going to make happiness possible for everyone I can feel it".
I looked over into her eyes, "Do you really think so?"
"Yes and if a certain group of ponies tries to get rid of you Twilight has a special mirror for you. It's a last resort but I want you to know I'm looking out for you Sun and no matter what you will get your happy ending."
"I know you are Celestia ."We traveled the rest of the way enjoying the ride and the closer we got her face made it obvious she was thinking about something.
She finally made eye contact after the long silence "Hey Sun I think a certain Wonderbolt would enjoy Solaris while your gone if that's okay."
"Yeah that's perfectly fine." I could see she had no desire to go into the reason so I let it be.
The carriage stopped in unison with a large crystal train that hissed to a stop and opened up letting out many crystal empire guards. I unzipped my back pack and snapped my fingers armoring up in seconds, for some reason the black hood from the hoodie didn't turn into under armor and rested over my back plate. I re-zipped my backpack and took it and my duffel bag and slung it over my shoulders.
Jumping from the carriage I turned to Celestia and gave her my most confident grin, "See you soon Celestia."
"See you soon Sun." The carriage pulled away and I made my way to the train, under the eyes of all the crystal guards.
One guard snickered, "You don't see many human night guards in these parts do you guys".
I stopped and laughed looking at the shiny blue unicorn, "You don't see many guards as shiny as the sun around here." To my amazement they all began to laugh.
The ranking officer was a non crystal pony and he chuckled along with the rest of the grunts before reaching to shake my hand which I returned," You're all right Sun. You're going to fit in just fine."
"I'm glad sir."
he chuckled again, "Sir is a bit formal call me Shinning Armor."
"Nice to meet you Shinning Armor."
He turned towards his soldiers, "Time to get this show on the road". All the guards filed in as he turned towards me, "Come on Sun you aren't going to get a seat at the poker table moving that slow." I charged into the train, who doesn't love poker?"
Train Ride
I didn't end up getting a spot at the table but I wasn't too disappointed about it and I resorted to focusing on the mission. I stared at the ancient maps provided by Shining Armor. The castle rested in the center of the empire giving a vantage point to gaze upon everything within the infamous barrier.
I looked to Shinning Armor sitting behind a desk," looks like everything's pretty locked down what is the problem?"
"Well what we believe to be a dark magical presence is giving off energy and we needed a little special forces assistance just in case this blows up to a bigger issue."
"Sounds like a cake walk."
"The thing is Sun it's in a cave outside the barrier."
"A frozen terrible cave exploring cake walk."
"What ever you say Sun."
"Hey Shinning do you think the people and ponies will feel about me?"
"They're going to be ecstatic just wait."
We'll see about that Mr.General Pony. I laid down on the seat and dwelled on the idea of being accepted. Maybe my new homes just 4 hours away. Giving me 4 hours for sleep.
Dream World
The great black waves of a dark ocean slapped against the cliff face. My bare feet and torso are exposed to the elements a pair of shorts my only salvation from nudeness. The cracks of lightning over the dark sea were only audible and hid in the dark clouds moving ever closer.
The great booming voice called to me, "How does it feel to have the truth just a curse away Sun, how does it feel to be incomplete. Kings blood through and through only you can't see it. Your true features hide behind that curse. Letting you hold that thin line of belief that you are normal. You need a push to truly spread your wings and many are gathering for who gets to give you that push.
My feet slowly placed themselves on the edge of the rock face, "This worlds evil will see my fire and become ash allowing the good to begin a new. I am the king of nothing except my will and it shall not be broken by forces working from the shadows!"
"You may think the Sun and Moon your only allies but even they can't understand the origin of mans power."
"And I won't either if you don't stop speaking in riddles."
"Someone not a thousand years young can't truly grasp a riddle."
"Says the crazy voice in my head."
"You will understand in time young king. The white one is coming."
I closed my eyes and leaned off the cliff. "The white one can bite a dick." The dark sea vanished into a bright light as I was pulled to reality.
Crystal Empire
There was a rumble from outside the train, could that be clapping? I looked up at a grinning Cadence.
"Are we there yet?"
"You bet, now get up you sleepy head it's time for celebrating."
"Wha.."
"Just follow me Sun." I lifted myself from the seat and proceeded to comb my hair with my hand as I moved to the train door. I slumped against the door and leaned out. The sea of shiny and non-shiny ponies and humans stretched for what seemed like forever.
I looked back to Cadence, "You didn't."
She smiled ear to ear, "I did."
I'm still in shock as I step onto the crystal chariot, the crowd all the while cheering my name. This can't be real. The sea of faces continued for what seemed like forever. Crystal flowers were thrown from humans and ponies alike. This fever dream is going to end and I'm going to be in a dark cave mining for gems.
I hear the snickering of an amused princess, "You may think it's to good to be true but all my subjects respect you for who you are."
"Thank you Cadence but this is a lot to take in right now."
"Is that bad Sun?"
"No I'm just thinking of my ways to tell the others I'm staying." My joke steered the conversation to unexplored waters.
"You can stay if you want Sun."
"To tell you the truth Cadence the old me might of taken you up on that offer on the spot."
"Then why won't the new you."
"I helped jump start this madness, I have to see it through until i'm dead or actual change happens."
She turned so calm it was almost sad," at least you're dedicated." She moved to the crystal chariot waiting to take us to the castle."Come on Sun we need every hour of day light."I followed and the chariot took off faster than Spitfire after she catches me stealing her 'special' cookies. Everyone threw their hands in the air as we passed. I'm enjoying this a little too much, My arm raised and the dark void formed around my lunar necklace forming the sword. Somehow the crowd got louder with the presence of Selene.
"Yo Selene got anything special for the crowd."
"I've got just the thing." A black fog emitted from the black blade and little white sparks resembling stars followed the chariot all the way to the castle.
Crystal Castle
My boots were among a horde of feet moving towards the war room. Cadence had made her leave shortly after the chariot ride taking my gear with her. Leaving me with Shining armor and the rest of the soldiers going on this mission thundering through the halls.
"Hey Shinning."He gave me a weird look." I can call you that right?"
"Sure its fine, I'm just not used to hearing it from another soldier." Apart of me kind of glowed at the recognition of equal social footing.
"So on a level of 1 to 10 how difficult is this going to be ."
"Well Sun with the shitastic weather outside the dome it will be a minimum of a 5 plus the unseen obstacles bringing it up to a 7 possibly 8."
"Sounds like my kind of party." My stupid grin all most stretched from ear to ear at my own dumb comment.
Our conversation was brought to an end as we all shuffled into the war room. A couple rows of fold able chairs and a magical hologram projector filled the room. I took a seat in the front row as Shining began to address the room.
"To most of you this might seem like another wendigo hunt to the few with a little more brain cells you can tell this mission means a lot more."
A soldier shouted from the back, "how much more are we talking."
Shining's face didn't loose composure as he addressed the comment,"I believe many of you have heard of the Bath Of Sin used by King Sombra to brew up many nasty shits including our little wendigo problem." The shocked expressions filled the room.
one unicorn soldier stood on his seat with a cocky grin, "You should of just told me boss I could of took care of everything and been back by now." The whole room kind of laughed at him.
Shinning chuckled a little, "Yeah Sparky I bet you would of made it at least 5 mins this time outside the dome." The room filled with laughter as the shamed soldier sat down grumbling." Back on task, the suspected location of the bath is a cave we're referring to as Hell's hole. We're expecting heavy resistance all the way so we're doing this by the book no breaking formation for glory kills. Unless any of you have questions switch to your snow suits and pack your gear you're dismissed." Everyone trickled out of the room as I remained in my seat. The room was soon deserted besides me and Shining.
"So Shining what exactly is a wendigo?"
"They are the product of the mixture of dark magic and negative emotions binding with the snow. Typically the stronger the feelings that create the creature the harder it is to take care of them."
"I can see how a place which had a evil dictator that constantly performed ritual sacrifices and random purges would hold onto the negative emotions from the past but what is this Bath of sin?"
"It's supposedly the birth place of sombarian dark magic or better known as the nightmare plague."
"How is it different from the other forms of dark magic?"
"Well the visual characteristics of the user changes when the magic is used. If you look at Sombra's horn its unique because of the nightmare magic present. Also hair color and eyes are prone to change."
"Thanks for all of the information Shinning I'll see you at the edge of the empire."
Leaving the war room my footsteps were all alone in the crystal hall ways. I am so ready to get this over and never go to a cold place again.
Selene who had been awake for most of my conversation with Shining chimed in, "Take this serious Sun the Nightmare plague is very dangerous its classified as a god killer."
"You are uncharacteristically serious Selene, What's up?"
"The magic you are going up against is derived from broken manipulated human magic. I already had a user fall to it's demonic possession before I don't need another."
"Are you talking about Luna?"
"Of course I'm talking about Luna you brick head, It only took a couple cut's from Sombra's cursed blade to turn her into nightmare moon."
"What would happen to me if I was subject to it?"
"Well it would bind with all magic in your body, including magic effected by the hex. Causing three possible things, first the hex could break releasing all of your power most likely throwing you into a unstoppable rage, secondly it could lock all powers of yours stealing your magic, third it spreads like a infection until it kills you, or it could be a little of everything. I'm going to try and limit your exposure the best I can so be careful."
"My middle names careful."
"No It's....."
"Let's just drop it okay, I will be careful."
Edge of the barrier
I looked back to my new comrades standing in there crystal guard armor their faces wrapped for the cold. Me and shinning stood next to each other. My black hood was up and my face was covered by a bandanna and snow googles. "Down the rabbit hole we go."
Shinning looked over, "Down the hole." We stepped out of the barrier.
Author's Note
Welcome to the Free North my readers and get ready for our heroes journey as he continues to try and better understand himself and the hidden power laying just below the surface. The frozen secrets of the Free north may hold some of the answers
Dark Caves And Dark Secrets
Dark Caves And Dark Secrets
Everyone who needed a distraction or interested in what I had to say began to gather around me. Flicking my fingers towards the fire it grew quite a bit and filled the cave with warmth gathering more listeners. I even caught a glance of Shining giving at least an ear to what I had to say as he set up our things for deeper exploration. Reaching in my bag I pulled out the book Granny Smith gave me. I opened to the first page and cleared my throat.
“This is the story of Human history part one by C.S…….”
In the beginning there were 6 human tribes and all stood for different beliefs. The first was that of the sun, their fire stood for happiness, Love, rage, and rebirth. The second was that of the moon they were calm like still water standing for grace, honor, and life. The third was the tribe of the wind, cherishing freedom and chasing their destiny. The fourth was the tribe of the earth, Standing strong and unmovable with their determination. The fifth was the tribe of the storm, thrill seekers only committed to accomplishing the impossible. The 6th was the tribe of blood, they believed in charity and good health, for the most part. Each tribe had amazing gifts used for war and improvement. As conflicts escalated lines were drawn between the tribes and allegiances fell to one of the two banners the sun and moon. The ruling classes of both sides created new spells and new weapons to one up each other. Caster types of weapons were put in the hands of magically sterile individuals making everyone a threat to the other side. Apollo Sun the first was the king of the Solar empire, in a act of peace forged a weapon from a star and presented it to Lunaris the king of the moon ending the war. The two sides bounded well, even after decades of fighting and eventually came to every accept a new normal state of living. Every new king or queen would be a elected from the generational titles of the Sun, moon, or star.
In time the internal conflict was non existent but outside pressure began from the other empires pushing them to engage in conflict. The final straw happened when griffin kind invaded holy land for farming purposes. The griffins had been losing ground to the equestrian empire for years and they were on the verge of collapsing. In retaliation the king sent the 1st mountain division and formed a new geographical barrier in between the griffins and humans. Some saw the act as cowardice others praised the king for not wasting lives on a war. Within the following year the griffin empire fell to Equestria and 90% of its population was put under a form of slavery. The other 10% made their way to the top of the of the new mountains to regroup and grow in number for years to come. Continued in part two.
My words couldn't come fast enough as Shining stood up “Time to do some exploring men, I'm taking Sun so story times over sadly, Smash and Crash you are coming too, everyone else just see to the wounded and keep the fire lit.”
Turning he began moving to deeper in the cave, I removed most of my armored plating and followed after the three.
Deeper in the cave
As we walked the walls of the cave glowed many colors from the millions of gems protruding from the walls. The soldier known as Crash didn't hesitate to stop every five steps to try and pull them out of the walls. I couldn't criticize him to much as I grabbed quite a bit as we walked.
The coolest thing about geological manipulation magic or earth magic is what kind of cool shit you can do with gems. I held a large purple gem in my hand, squeezing my palm and focusing my magic the hilt of a sword began to form.
I felt a nudge from the back looking back Smash and Crash were giggling like school girls, “So what's up with you and the commanders sister or all the elements for that matter?”
It took me so off guard that I just stared at the two. They then laughed at what I had in my hand. The crystal sword I was trying to make turned into a crystal figurine of all my friends and me with smiling faces. I stuck it in my pocket grumbling while the laughing persisted.
To distract myself from the childish guards I pulled up my sleeve to reveal a perfectly normal arm besides the scars ,100% free of black veins to the naked eye.
This caught the eye of shining, “I’m guessing a pony gave you most of your scars.”
“Some but most are actually from pit fighting and working.”
“No offense Sun but aside from your scars you don’t seem like much of a pit fighter.”
“I understand but I was a lot more bloodthirsty when I was younger, I was a five star threat level by age 12 and got the name Red Death.”
“Red Death?”
A dumb little smile spread across half my face the other half cold and serious, “ I drew human symbols on myself and would dye my hair, both in red and all my weapons were red. The other part of the name is obvious.” Our footsteps echoed off the wall and for a couple seconds that was the only noise in the cave.
Shining finally spoke up, “At least my sister and her friends are in good hands”, He looked over at me and smiled.
We walked the rest of the way exchanging funny stories about the girls and comparing Shinnings childhood to mine. The more I thought about it, shouldn't everyone back home know about my past pit experiences, they probably think it would make me mad bringing it up.
Conversation died as a large wooden door came into sight, we took point and I went to grab the handle… A blink and the door was gone and I was reaching for nothing and Crash was in the room with the door attached to his horn.
“Fucking celest Crash you almost took off my fucking hand.” My attitude melted into awe as the room was now wide open. The walls were glowing jet black crystals I don’t know if glowing is even the right word but it was easy to see in the room and the dark pool of what seemed like ink would occasionally glow purple or green. We all stood on the edge as Shining pulled out a communication gem and talked to his second in command. I looked back at the others. They appeared off , hunched over and muttering. Grabbing Crash on his shoulder he rapidly spun on me a decrepit smile spread across his face a jagged smile showed and a pair of green eyes with purple essence coming off the sides.
Selene screamed in my head, “Nightmare plague from being close to the bath Sun knock him out now before …..”.It was to late Crash and Smash flung themselves at me and Shinning. Grabbing the oncoming Crash by the throat I kicked out his legs with my heel and planted his head in the floor hard enough to knock him out. Shinning wasn’t as lucky as me and got thrown into the pool and It began to glow and spark in reaction. I activated my magic and placed my foot down hard sending a stone podium into the gut of Smash knocking him out. Turning towards the pool I reached out with my magic trying to manipulate the liquid and immediately my fingers started burning like I put them in boiling water. Looking at the two passed out guards and then the pool I gave a huff, “For my comrades", I pulled off my hoodie diving into the dark liquid.
My lungs burned along with my skin as if thousands of hands pulled me deeper and deeper I couldn’t help but think about the girls as the dark inky liquid around me laughed at my pursuit of Shinning. My arms began to go limp and I found myself looking into a great light…. I wish I could swim.
Void
Birds chirping and the warm breeze of a morning filled my senses. My eyes flicked open to reveal a familiar cottage and a certain yellow Pegasus in my arms. My mind began to race, how did I get here, what's going on but that was all silenced by the yawn of Fluttershy as she rolled herself up in the blankets and sat up to look at me.
"Did you sleep well Sun?"
"Yeah I guess, I did but by any chance do you know how I got here?"
And like nothing I've ever herd from her she gave a cutesy giggle "Well of course it was Thursday night the same night you spend the night every week." I must of hit my head or something.
"I think I'm having amnesia by any chance do you know who's night it is tonight?"
"Well of course it's Rainbow's..." She switched to almost a whisper, "If you want to stay another night I think I could work something out."
"We can talk about it later with her. I think I'm going to wash up and go for my morning run."
She smiled in return, "Of course like every morning besides Sundays." I rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I haven't even told Spitfire about my old running schedule and she trains me 90% of the time. Stepping into the room the reflection I looked at didn't match my face. Red hair covered my head with red lines running down my face and neck but the same emerald eyes stared back at me as usual. I washed my face and noticed two holes in my neck. What the fuck happened there? Trying not to panic I throw on my Aj hoodie and black cargo pants. Making my way down the stairs and into the kitchen Fluttershy stood sucking an apple in to a husk with two large fangs. I could feel my stomach drop as my neck marks made since now. She still smiled at me.
"I'm out see you later." She threw me an apple.
"Till next week stud." A shiver ran down my back, you are so not Fluttershy.
I was finally free from the weird knock off and down the road within thirty seconds of turning the knob but sadly only the weird shit continued. The once golden sun in the sky was now jet black but still made it bright out some how. Continuing on my way into town the apparent lack of ponies just helped to grow the knot in my stomach. Sugar Cube Corner always has ponies coming in and out. I ran to the sweet shop and peeked in the window to my shock not one pony. The sign even said open, pushing the door in it was deserted but the sound of shuffling in the basement proved at least someone was home.
"Hey Pinkie where you at?" It was silent for a couple second followed by creaking from the back steps. The usually ecstatic voice was cool as a flowing river.
"Hey Sun what brings you around on a Friday?" I didn't really have answer besides the whole I think I'm going crazy thing.
"I just wanted to come in and check on how everything was going today."
"Well matter of fact I just finished a project If you wanted to check it out."
"Sure sounds good to me." I has dropped the apple that fake Fluttershy gave me earlier so any kind of food especially anything Pinkie made would be perfect. She turned and headed to the basement, I followed in suit . Each step on the way down was creaking a warning and setting me on edge to the still pitch black basement emitting a rancid smell.
The voice of Pinkie was that of Ice, "Are you ready Sun, I think you are gonna enjoy this one." The words I wanted to say sat in my own throat as the terrible smell made me more and more nauseous .
"Yeah of course I'm ready." With that the light flashed on and the world stopped turning. Misfits oh my dear Misfits, the flayed corpses of the gang members covered the walls each a different contortion of their former selves. One had his rips busted open and his entrails reached the floor. Others had their eyes ripped out and still managed to stare back into me. All the unicorns had their horns removed and were stabbed back into their hearts. Many many others covered the walls but the hulking body of Boss caught my eye, Crucified and ribs open like others but his heart was...... Still beating. The massive organ was covered in frosting and flowers. My look of terror reached the Pink monster that orchestrated this horror only for her to be smiling back at me. This isn't her just like Fluttershy, this fakes hair was straight and her smile crooked. I stumbled backwards the thundering of my heartbeat in my ears muffled the words she tried to speak to me. I fled up the stairs and jumped the counter. Kicking the door clean off the hinges I could hear the laughter of the mare follow me out into the street. Falling to my knees my stomach released its contents on the street. To my horror it was a puddle of black inky slime and in the center of the puddle was Selene. Picking up my necklace I began to run from this cursed place. The words of the Pink mare carried on the wind.
"See you Tuesday night Sun."
"Like hell you pink demon." I continued down the street at a brisk pace to put some distance between me and that nightmare. I herd a door open and it was Rarity's shop and from where I was I could see the interior was full of webs suspending many skeletons, I'm not even trying that one. I looked to the next best location for an explanation, Twilights
Twilight's Castle
Slamming the giant doors behind me I fell to my butt and caught my breath. "What kind of fucked up nightmare is this. "Looking at my hand where Selene rested. "Come on don't ignore me."
Very faintly the words came," Twilight's lab ... Mirror.... Kill your shadow." Selene's voice popped and went mute. At least I have some direction. Rising to my feet I began my slow trudge to the lab. The chance that Twilight was going to be normal was slim to none so precaution was necessary so no magic and light step was required. Sneaking around made me question even if the fourth princess was even here. The labs doors were wide open and had no signs of life but what the lab did contain was a rather large full mirror. Walking up I could feel the magic aura present in it. Pressing my hand to the glass my hand went straight through. Holding my breathe I walked in.
There was nothing until a single light flickered on. Under the light was a very familiar sword. Grabbing Selene the full voice finally hit me and the necklace in my hand disappeared.
"Sun we are running out of time you need to get back to your body."
"What are you talking about?"
"The bath of sin is eating your magic to recreate Sombra. You are going to die if we don't kill your doppelganger soon."
"Got it." Turning back to the Mirror something was coming through. I could hear Selene hiss out the name
"Sombra." Finally the figure broke the plain and the emerald eyes and the dark spiked hair could only be one person, Me.
"You fucking bastard wearing my face." His eyes narrowed at me and Selene.
"It's only temporary since you will be dead soon."
"Don't count on it Sombra."
He smiled to show spiked teeth and in a sudden shift his green eyes gave off a purple mist. "Let's get this started Child of the Sun."
Sombra's hand glowed as he activated his magic. The dark world turned into a dark forest. The same forest that me and Luna traveled to in my dreams. This shit's just getting weirder and weirder. The ground shook as Sombra activated his magic once more. The ground opened up to reveal a large black sword almost identical to Solaris. "Not much of an original thinker now are you."
"I was the first to think of enslaving humans so I have that."
"Good thing a human is going to kill you." I dashed in Selene drawn.
"You idiots never learn I'm unkillable." He brought his sword to bear. We collided both holding our ground.
"I was suspecting more from you." I kicked Sombra in the chest knocking him off balance. As he staggered backward uncoordinated with my body Selene grazed his chest. The cut bled the same black substance I threw up, gross. I continued moving forward, each strike was met by a deflection but Sombra was running out of clearing. In desperation to end it I raised Selene over my head slashing full might seeking the killing blow. My blade hit nothing as my opponent disappeared into smoke.
"Not like this, not now." His voice came from every direction.
"Face me coward, face your punishment!"
"In time Child of the Sun you will meet your end to my blade."
The bubbling of rage culminated into a large ring of fire around me. "BASTARD!", The fire around me exploded and ripped through the forest. The burned remains of the forest was all that surrounded me. "Damn him."
"Sun we need to leave."
"Got it." The mirror shimmered in the middle of the clearing. Stepping through the mirror blinded me with light.
Bath of Sin
For the second time today I found myself throwing up the black inky liquid but this time alongside Shinning Armor. "How was your dream Shinning?"
He stared at me for a second then gave a attempt at a smile, "A whole lot of Changelings, how about you?"
"Just a fucked up Ponyville and the return of Sombra."His face went cold and he went through another fit of puking. Getting to my feet the bodies of Smash and Crash laid unconscious. I kneeled next to Smash picking him up into a fireman carry. "Yo Shinning you good enough to carry Crash back."
"Yeah I got it he's just full of bullshit anyway. "Shinning picked up Crash in the same manor as I had, as he did I caught a glimpse of black veins running down his arms. Giving my arms a look over revealed that I was in the same boat as Shinning. We were both going to require medical attention before we squared off with Sombra.
Making our way back the cave was hit with many tremors and we had to occasionally stop to remove the cursed fluid from our stomachs. As we made it to base camp other soldiers swarmed us removing Crash and Smash. Shinning immediately grabbed a couple soldiers and pointed at some of the bags we brought then pointed back at the bath they saluted and got off to do what he told them. I was done with soldering for a little bit and sat by my belongings. Strangely I felt rather sleepy nodding off seemed safe for now.
Dream world
The dark sea still raged against the cliff face. I waited for the great voice to sound over the sea like last time.
"The white one is almost upon us!"
"By any chance do you mean Sombra as the white one."
"You fool the white one is that of your own blood."
"My bloodline is dry there is no one left but me."
"The rule of three has never failed, always a minimum of three. Dragons come in a trifecta this is a generational rivalry stretching back ages."
"I am human through and through maybe if you showed yourself you would know that."
"Not physically but the soul of a dragon like your father before you. In time you will come to know my face but first survive the fury of the white one or we will both fade from the history we wish to make. Fire is a freeing force while Ice is a binding force like two opposite sides locked in combat or two brothers competing for conflicting ideals."
"I'm guessing I will be the freeing force in the conflict."
"1000 years young but you are as quick as your father."
"I'm guessing you knew him then."
"Better than anyone and he is very proud of you."
"Tell him to see me sometime so I can repay him for his absence."
"Any kind of apology on my part would just be empty words. If he is ever freed than I believe he will explain everything."
"It's a little late for that but we will see in time I guess crazy voice in the sky."
"I will be watching over you rising Sun."
"Wait! Did you say freed?!?"
[bCave
The shaking by Shinning woke me from my trippy ass dream rather fast. "What is it?"
"Something went wrong with the demolition team, they set off the charges in the bath and the cave is collapsing we need to get out now!" There was a large tremor and I leaped to my feet. Snapping my fingers my armor was on. I then gathered the rest of my snow gear and put it on marginally fast.
"Selene", I called in my head." I need you ready I don't like this". My sword was now in my hand and I made my way out of the cave into the black snow covered ground. This wasn't snow it was ash, looking up the mountain was moving and spewing black smoke.
Shinning's voice sounded over the chaos, " Everyone back to the Empire stay close with the injured while in the blizzard, me and Sun will be right behind you."
I turned toward him, "We aren't going?"
"Not until the jobs done." As soon as the words left his mouth the mountain shook and split in two. The top was beginning to stand up and looked human! The giant hulking mass bent down grabbing a rock the size of a train car. It then proceeded to throw said rock at our retreating force. To my amazement Shinnings magic covered the whole force and protected against the terrestrial comet.
"Damn can you teach me that sometime?"
"Maybe but my specialty is protective magic so it might be tricky to learn."
" Want to see my specialty Shinning?"
"Let it rip Sun." I focused all I could until I felt exactly where the giant stood. My hands began to glow a distinct yellow, pressing them up the earth under the giant began to shift and rise but not enough. I began to break a sweat at the weight of the giant, I got into a squatters stance my body meeting physical resistance to the demand of the weight. With another thrust upwards and the giant fell to its ass causing a small earthquake. I pulled my hood off and wiped the sweat off my fore head.
"Damn he was heavier than I thought." Shinning Armor pulled his googles down staring at me wide eyed.
"Remind me to never get you angry Sun."
"Noted, now lets meet up with the..."I felt a disturbance, spinning on my toes the giant rock was almost on us. The wall of rock from my magic came up in the last second to keep us from being completely squashed on impact. The wall blew apart sending me and Shining soaring and tumbling through the snow. I got up and ran over to my comrade he lay clutching his leg . A large rock was imbedded in his leg, "Don't move and don't pull it out. I need to slow the giant down before we can retreat into the blizzard. I earned a grunt in response. Looking up to my amazement the blizzard was concealing us but I couldn't risk the chance that thing gets lucky with a rock. "Selene I'm going to need everything if we are going to make it out of this."
"Understood, I've got a possible solution as well. Does the magic word Gravitos mean anything to you?"
"No is it a spell?"
"Yes it's a powerful gravity spell Luna used on large or fast opponents to better manage them. It's similar to earth magic focus on a area of effect but just with the added use of a word."
"I will give it a shot." I sized up the behemoth and reached out my right hand "Gravitos". The blue magic circle went around the giant and the effect became obvious its movements became awkward and slower, "Holy shit it worked!"
"Okay Sun the last thing is a spell called Excel its a platform and speed spell that lets you stop in mid air as well as get a large boost of speed to propel you, prepare yourself before you try this it could get dangerous if you do it straight into a attack. I'm just looking for an escape so taking out the arms should do the trick.
"Excel!" Like that I was flying and within a second I was past the giant. I activated the spell once more landing on the blue magic circle in the air and aimed for the left arm. Flying through the air once more I brought Selene to bear slicing part way through the rock, boomeranging back I cut the arm again. "This is taking to long I'm already low on magic from the bath Selene we need to finish this in one blow no escaping to deal with it later."
"Put all your energy into your Gravitos and use one last strong Excel to pierce through it's neck. Its based on human anatomy you will hit the spine it will sever the magic. "Focusing on both my spells I sent my self high into the sky and the stronger gravity brought the giant to its knees. I was almost floating from the upward force my feet above my head as I stared down at the snowy ground below.
"Lets do this... Excel!" The split second flight was bitterly cold but was worth it as Selene's magic black blade split the neck apart in a shower of rock and the Giant went limp as a giant pulse of dark magic exploded from my attack. "No more magic for awhile." Sliding down the side and gathering Shinning we began to make our way to the empire.
The walk
The frost bite was after me and Shinning begging us to lay down and take a nap we wouldn't wake up from. Selene made me aware the only reason I was able to use those spells was she stretched part of my hex using the excess magic from the bath.
We walked for what seemed like days and we would pass frozen husks of Windegos. This was unsettling because they are almost immune to the snow and ice. It would take a master of ice magic to manage that and no one in Shinning's unit uses ice magic at that caliber.
"Ice is a binding force."
"What did you say Sun."
"It's nothing just something someone told me once." The lights of the Empire seemed far off but the hallucinations had already set in and I couldn't tell what was real.
Night began to fall as the the light of the dome came into view in my googles. It was almost in a constant layer of obscurity from my breathing and the blizzard. Like so many winter nights before my heat fled my limbs to my center leaving every movement painful and sacking my energy. Unlike those nights though the legitimacy of what I was seeing was in question. I had to keep moving as the preying eyes of the blizzard still stalked me looking for a sign of weakness in my resolve. It could easily be a wendigo or frost giant but the ominous warning combined with the vicious use of ice couldn't come at a more opportune time in my life. The icy wind broke and like a knife through butter the storm disappeared to reveal the night sky in all it's glory. I watched the lights dance across the sky as I walked forward free of obstruction.
"Selene do you think Luna or any of the girls are thinking about me right now?" I distracted the soul bound to the necklace as I pulled the dark energy from Shinning's body before it could sink it's claws in any deeper.
"For a matter fact I know Luna won't sleep until you're back home."
"I think I'm going to spend some time in Ponyville when I get back maybe build a house and settle down in the future."
"I like that, think positive Sun."
"I also have Ponyville memorized so any unwelcomed visitors are going to be hard press to catch me." The over whelming sense of eyes behind me compelled me to turn around. Just beyond the grasp of the blizzard stood a cloaked figure in all white. I pulled my googles off to get a better look, he wore a mask to cover his face but what stuck out was his glowing blue eyes and the large scythe sheathed on his back. "The White one lets me walk from this cage for now."
Selene's voice was calm and studying, "He moves like a ghost."
"In a way he might be a ghost. Dead by the chains that he binds himself to, It's kind of sad in a way."
"It's not the first time these lands bore witness to a great battle of the sun and moon let's just hope history can repeat itself."
"I guess we will have to see about that." I turned my back to the figure in the storm and I believe he did the same to me as we both went our separate ways for now.
Inside the dome
The heat washed over us as we permeated the barrier and I collapsed on to my knees then gently dropping Shinning before going face down in the grass. "If I had any magic left I would totally set myself on fire right now."
Shinning's groggy voice sounded next to me, "Make that both of us."
"You should be used to it at least they just sent me up here."
"I guess you have a point Sun maybe I should take a vacation south soon."
"I would recommend it the colors of the trees this season are just so not frozen it truly is beautiful."
"The only thing you find beautiful Sun is my sister and her friends."
"Oh Celest I don't need another Luna in my life right now."
"I'm just giving you a hard time I know what kind of stall.... what kind of man you are."
"And what's that an earth moving pyromaniac."
"Nope a guy who's going to act like he isn't anything special while being the torch holder for the little guy even at cost to himself. I mean you beat the shit out of a mountain Sun a fucking mountain."
"I'm glad to hear you say that Shinning but I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open and I'm very aware the next time I open my eyes I will be in the hospital. So I will see you then Commander."
I could hear him sigh and then laugh, "You're dismissed." I threw up a mock salute as my eyes shut.
Hospital
The empty cold air filled my lungs as I began to sweat, tossing and turning all the while. The sickness ranged from magic deficit syndrome from my hex sucking my system dry of any new magic, frostbite from the cold, A common cold, and the cherry on top of the cake was stage 2 nightmare plague possession. The black veins spread out from over my heart like 1000 years worth of tree roots, some crawled the lengths of my arms and neck while some sprawled down my torso to my legs but all were unsightly and resembled black electricity running through my body.
I raised myself from the bed my sickly body wrapped in my tight fitting Celestia hoodie and my black cargo pants plucked from my bag earlier. I raised the hood of the tight fitting hoodie just before I bent over tying my boots and returned to my full height with a sway in my stature before falling on to my hospital bed. I pulled the moon necklace from around my neck.
"Selene can you be a sword that doesn't use magic I think you could kill me or leave me as magically gifted as a earth pony if I have to summon you at regular power."
"Sure Sun but you shouldn't be fighting anytime soon." The necklace transformed into a sword without the regular bells and whistles and found a home through a belt loop on my right side.
"This is going to suck."
"What is?"
"Really anything I have to do at this point." I then noticed a curtain splitting my room in half. Pulling apart the curtain Shinning lay in the bed and I did a not creepy scan of him to check for black veins and like that the door creaked opened to reveal princess Cadence.
Like a deer in headlights I stared at the princess, "Is he going to be okay princess?"
"For the most part yes Sun but its you everyone is worried about."
"Why is that?" She held up the mirror and a broken reflection looked back at me, My right eye glowed green with purple fog rolling off while my left was that of a wine red. My right eye had the same black veins sprawling around the skin surrounding my eye and going down my neck. my chest got really tight, "Cadence am I going to die?"
I could see the lie forming in her eyes, "N...."
"Tell me the truth", My voice as cold as the ice that put me here.
"We are preparing something we think might help but Sun your body won't heal itself and after trying to force more magic in your system it would just make your eye glow more red with little to no effect elsewhere."
"I'm not going to end like this."
"I'm sorry Sun."
"I think I want to be left alone." I moved past the princess and pulled my hood deep over my head and exited the room. I found the closest exit and pushed the door open to a sickening sky of black rolling towards the empire. I stared the sky like a endless void, the clouds occasionally releasing long strands of green lightning that shook the earth. I could hear the door I had just exited from re open, turning I saw Cadence. "He is coming for me isn't he?" She remained silent as tears were becoming visible in the corners of her eyes. "I can do it you know, fight to the end I mean. I did it once a long time ago."
"Sun I'm not going to send you to die!"
"I only die if I give up."
The tears finally came, "Sun why are you so willing to just throw yourself back into the fight?"
"Because up until accouple months ago I lived my life for myself ignoring the responsibilities to my people and all the suffering that they have gone through and will keep going through until something changes or I die."
"You will do better alive."
"I can't preach salvation if I can only provide it at the best of times."
She wiped the tears slipping down her face "Well Sun you have 48 hours to settle things before the storm is upon us."
"I will make the most of it." I turned to face her my goofy grin stretched proudly across my demonic face.
"One last thing Sun." She reached back and out of nowhere pulled a syringe and stuck it in my arm. Once injected my eyes became pinpricks and I twitched slightly as the black veins were extinguished and the slight presence of my own magical aura appeared. "Before you ask its a anti magic steroid it subdued all magic in your system until you try and activate it next and if you give it time you will have your magic back."
"Then I need to pass the time before trouble can find me."
"There's a library run by a human down the street if you are interested."
"Sounds good to me." I turned from the princess.
"Sun take this." I turned around to the princess holding out a black eye patch to me. I reached out and took it and slid it over my possessed eye.
"Thanks." A slight crack in my voice broke my iron willed charade and I quickly set off before my own emotions could sink their hooks in further.
Library
Slipping through the crowds was easy as everyone hurried towards safety oblivious of my presence as Sombra's wrath loomed over the empire for the second time in recent history. I came upon the large Gothic style crystal building sticking out like a sore thumb as its dark vibes were almost kin to my hooded presence. The large doors creaked open and slammed leaving me in a foreign land of knowledge and long dead secrets all available under natural crystal light. I scanned the library but that only revealed shady characters and the question of how big this place actually is as no depth was certain from the door. I walked up to the librarian who sat behind a counter with a pair of reading glasses firmly placed on her face increasing the overall vibe of old age and experience.
I slumped my way over keeping my eye to the floor, "Excuse me but where is the royal human history section?"
"It's in the far back." There was a long pause and I believe she was looking at me. My curiosity over powered my staring contest with the floor as I pulled my eyes up to reach the gaze of the librarian with my one eye. "Where are you from stranger?" I put on a smile to lower her defenses.
"Ponyville."She studied me heavily at my simple response.
"Did you ever meet that Sun fellow I herd he was out there awhile back?"
"yeah I ran into him briefly." Her gaze didn't even shift from me as someone came in and passed us, their aura giving me a chill but I didn't break eye contact worried I would be found out if I didn't persist the staring contest.
"The word in the empire is he is a son of Crimson Sun." I flinched at the mention of Crimson. A grin stretched from ear to ear on her face. "You can't lie to me Apollo Sun your eye gives you away, that's the eye of the dragon of the sun one of the hereditary dragons passed down in the royal linage."
"What are you talking about my name is Sun just Sun." She looked at me quizzically then without words pulled out a giant dusty book and flipped to a giant family tree. Following her old finger to the most recent was Crimson sun who was labeled location unknown spouse/ spouses unknown, offspring Nova Moon status alive location Equestria , offspring Apollo Sun status unknown location unknown, offspring Eclipse Star status alive location Eclipse empire. She tapped her finger on the book and blue magic glowed around her thumb and my name.
"I didn't carry this book for show so let me prove it to you, give me your hand." I reached out and she pressed my hand to the book and It began to glow red as the book updated with my information, Apollo Sun status alive location Equestria."To think after all these years you would find me."
"Who are you!?" Her excited expression returned to normal as she studied my confused face.
"I go by Collector these days but I was once the royal librarian for the Eclipse empire before I left for personal reasons and I'm an expert on your family and your current situation." Her eyes looked passed me for a second and scanned the library. "Lets go to the back and talk privately." She moved from behind the desk and moving to a side door that opened to a smaller private library. Almost immediately she started pulling different books from the shelf.
"Who's my mom?" I asked blankly.
She didn't even pull her head up from the book hunt," No one has ever confirmed the mother of the twins or the other son Eclipse but Eclipse has confirmed you have different mothers and Him and Nova have confirmed your existence which is still considered a myth among most people. Well at least until recently that is."
"Holy shit Eclipse empire? Nova and Eclipse?" I sat down hard and rubbed my face.
"I'm sorry Apollo to overwhelm you."
"There's so many questions but the biggest one was why did they leave me to the slavers?"
"..........you will have to find that yourself but I can teach you about other things."
"Like what?"
"Like anything in these books." She motioned to the massive pile of books. A smile spread across my face, It wouldn't last though as the door we came through was banged on and I turned and took the few strides to the door pulling it open revealed Princess Cadence.
"Hey Sun it's time."
The smile still half on my face as the current situation took my full attention once again. "Let's get me off deaths door step please." Collector was shuffling around behind me."Collec.........."
"Sun take these," A outstretched hands containing two books rested in her frail grasp, I nodded and took the books.
"Thank you very much Collector."
"You are very welcome Prince Apollo."
"I hope to learn a lot more."
"Before you see Sombra just know your brother Nova is closer then he seems."
"Ill keep that in mind." I turned from the old women and made my way out of the beautiful library as Cadence and Collector spoke. The storm seemed to of got worse in the short hour I spent in the library.
Princess Cadence looked at me, "Read anything good Sun?"
"Yeah best thing I ever read actually." She just smiled and I tucked my new books under my arm and headed to the chariot she arrived in. My heads screwed on straight, time to get healthy.
Author's Note
Everyone/anyone reading this I would like to thank you for returning to my story but I would like to ask you to try and re read the chapters with the {R} symbol next to them because of the changes I've made and I believe you can enjoy the story much more now.
--C.S
Send Me A Remedy
The wind blew through my hair as we scrambled to whatever fate this miracle medicine would provide. I just had to look to the princess to see that it was fifty fifty at best but at least I could enjoy the hours I had left. I saw panicked expressions on everyone we passed except one who locked eyes with me, It was a little human girl and all she did was smile and wave to me as we passed.
"So princess how's this going to shake out?"
"Well Sun you are going to be baptized in the pool of light."
"The what now?"
"The pool of light is the pure conflicting existence of the bath of sin. By putting you in we hope it counter acts the nightmare plague but the life pool is even less predictable than the bath of sin."
"Will I get my magic back sometime soon?"
Her eyes darted from me, "No one can say for certain."
"Let's change the subject, how is Shinning doing?"
"He is recovering nicely and shows no transmission of the plague in his system."
"Well at least I did one thing right."
Her eyes studied me and her expression was half astonished half confused," How did you do something right?"
I felt a cold psychic stare coming from Selene, "I uhhh pulled out all the dark magic from his body." My voice kind of trailed off embarrassed by my own special stupid.
"And where did the dark magic go?" The angry serious tone in her voice was becoming a regular thing now.
"It was kept in my magic reserves because I was magically drained and couldn't flush it from my system, as you found out my body reacted rather negatively."
"Why would you do that!"
"Shining would of died before the day was over if I didn't."
"That explains why neither of you woke up for two days."
"Two days!? What the fuck!"
"You should be lucky you ever opened up your eyes again."
Selene's voice perked up in the back of my head, "You would of been perfectly fine if your magic wasn't restrained by the hex and you aren't going to die drama queen I've made sure of that."
"Thanks my loyal lunar companion."
"Yeah now you're learning, took you long enough."
My blank stare must of told Cadence my mind was else where, "Sun listen to me!"
"Sorry blanked out." Sometimes its hard remembering I'm the only one who can hear the voice in my head.
Cadence just shook her head before continuing, "Okay so after you emerge from the pool it's common to be in crystal form which will be temporary so don't be alarmed but the important thing is your adrenaline and magic will be charged to the max."
I shot a quick thought to Selene, "How does this check out?"
"It will only max out till it irritates the hex then it will Plateau but we could see some strange effect."
I turned my attention back to Cadence, "How long until this is ready?"
"I would say a couple hours but it's important you don't go anywhere. Which makes the next part a lot harder to tell you, we have made contact with a large group of dark magic entities just outside the dome."
"How are we doing?"
"It has been rough but Flash Sentry says we can hold out but there's rumors a larger force is mobilizing."
"If it gets bad I will go out there and there's no negotiating."
Her look was solemn as the words left my mouth, "Lets hope it doesn't come to that." The rest of the ride was silent aside from a few bolts of lightning from the oncoming storm. I wonder if the moon will bless us with its presence tonight.
Castle
Cadence had sent me with a couple of guards as an escort to my room but I requested they take me to the library and they had no problem taking me there. Opening the large crystal door to reveal a large room full from floor to ceiling with books of any imaginable kind but the books didn't hold my attention long as the giant window looking out over the empire took the spotlight. I made my way over and pressed my head to it looking at the distant fighting I was prohibited from joining. A knot formed in my stomach and I lightly punched the glass and turned from the window before I could get sick. As I turned from the glass I saw the door to the library still wide open with many guards staring at me but these guards are.... human! My mouth hung open in surprise and there was laughter and many began to kneel. They were people of ages 15 to 30 all wearing armor and all held hopeful eyes.
One of the younger ones stood up, "Are you really the lost son of Crimson Sun?" I guess it was just common knowledge around here that there was a lost prince or even princes at all and that a royal human family still exists.
"Yes I am..." My real name got caught in my throat and I paused. Selene whispered encouragements in my head. "I am the lost son of Crimson sun ... Apollo Sun." My eyes sealed shut genuinely worried about the reactions. After a couple seconds I peeked and saw a older man walking toward me as he got close he wrapped me in a hug.
He spoke while he hugged me, "Thank you for coming to back to us." Many others followed in suit and as the line thinned out and returned to watching me as I removed my hoodie to reveal the scares covering my torso and I herd a few gasps.
"We aren't a broken people just scarred." I slipped the hoodie back on and most of them bowed and left while others wanted to give words of encouragement and left me alone with my thoughts." I think the bowing thing is always going to creep me out a bit."
Selene chuckled, "That's what Luna used to say."
I turned my attention to the books I had got only hours before and I threw myself in a chair behind desk and cracked open the first book. "Royal fire" there was three pages marked with sticky notes done by Collector, what a nice old lady.
Royal Fire by Crimson Sun
pg:1
The royal fire comes from three main concepts observing, adapting, and applying. These properties can be seen in martial arts combat by the Zebras taking their opponents styles for their own. In royal blood we have a similar concept but with magic, as a normal magic user can't develop new magic without practicing while we have shown the ability to regurgitate spells of ancestors in stressful situations or reproduce power magics we've come in contact with. An example of this was in the battle between the Griffins and Humans for the fertile lands I used a spell called Solar flare where the Sun's rays are concentrated into a beam, I did this without any prior knowledge of the spell. Another example would be my brother Moon's use of a hurricane in the battle against the sirens along side Star Swirl. Both instances were provoked from danger or harm as I had my arm cut off and as my brother put it Star swirl was in grave danger. Chances are I would of been fine with my phoenix healing but my brother acted on instinct saving his and a friends life. Royal fire is ignited by stressful situations leaving a new ability to be used. This leaves me to wonder if this concept could be used to create more magic users among the ever more sterile people of the kingdom. Maybe I could make a spell to bestow magic.
pg: 77
Looking back on history led me to reflect on how magic even got introduced to the creatures that walk this planet. It's hard to understand how the dragons of the Sun and Moon divided there power evenly between the original communities until people like Storm Crescent and Solar Flare were able to create a pact with the dragons which in turn gave them immense power. I have spoken to the dragons in myself and my brothers they all say that the process to making a pact with a strong entity isn't just confined with dragons but anything with magic potential and a ignition of the contract producing a magical artifact with unrivaled power.
pg:357
I found that royal fire can be used in the induction of magical entities that are formless or immortal, this will be what saves us ......
Library
357 ended leaving a sad whisper of what my father was trying to achieve. It also provided more answers than questions which was nice for once but my inner turmoil of how this was going to happen was still in full swing and I couldn't really hope for the concept of royal fire to do all the work. I'm going to learn how to exorcise Sombra and wipe him from this land permanently by either mimicking his magic or burning all traces of his existence from this land.
Selene perked up in my head, "I have another option if you would consider it."
"Induct him like Crimson did with other strong magic entities."
"I was kind of planning on it but I wasn't going to tell you."
"Sun you're such a dick sometimes geez, the reason why you should is he wasn't always like this he was a scholar a long time ago that lost his family to the Griffins and the hate turned him evil but the real him might be able to be reached and he could be very useful in the future."
"Well let's give it a shot then." I pressed my head to the desk and attempted to rest as a shock wave shook the empire. I rose to my feet and the sight of a slight tear in the dome was accompanied by the rushing of soldiers back in a retreat as large creatures was in pursuit. 6 wendigos the size of houses forced their way through the tear in the barrier. I looked into my reflection of the large window as I activated my magic and the green fog and red eye returned.
"How's the magic reserves looking Selene?"
"Functionable, but less than desirable."
"Good." I breathed a long focused breath that filled my lungs and released all the stress through a deep exhale.. "Excel". Like that I was launched through the window at break neck speed flying toward the opposition and despite the fact I was getting ready to fight I can appreciate the feeling of flight or at least this fake flight. I pulled the sword from my belt loop as I approached the ground. The moon sword transformed into its full glory as it sliced one of the behemoths in half. I stabbed Selene into the ground and electrocuted the remains, each bright black blue arc seemed to purge the evil being. The lumbering of another wendigo behind me tipped me off to my next target. With another use of excel and I was sent flipping backwards through the air over the monster. Landing and the light show was back on with a tremendous amount of lightning leaving my finger tips buckling the creature to its knees. My right hand retained its lightning as my left switched to a dark red fire. Bathing the creature in a explosive wave of flames and lightning leaving nothing but a puddle that in fact could be very useful. Reaching out with my magic the water slithered up my right arm were it immediately became electrified and coiled between my elbow and wrist. I turned to the others as they looked in a form of retreat out of the dome. I looked up to the sky lazily throwing a couple lightning bolts into the storm, "Send me a real challenge you undead bastard." I half jogged back to Selene still firmly stuck in the ground.
A slimy voice invaded my head, "Well you should of asked sooner young prince." Collapsing to my knees I saw flashes of Sombra in my head and was struck by intense pain in my heart and chest. I pushed on slipping and sliding dead set on retrieving my sword if he was finally going to show.
Getting within ten feet of my sword and our psychic link disconnected and the flashes died, "Sun look behind you!" I spun on my toes to the sight of a growing mass of dark magic. The wendigos began forming one giant creature resembling........ Sombra. Excel launched me to my sword, ripping it from the ground I spun the sword cleaning it off. Looking the abomination of magic stood about the height of Twilight's castle and still retained its possessors foggy green eyes. It was close enough to get a good excel in for a big hit. Launching from the ground I started my rapid approach to the behemoth. A pit in my stomach formed as a sick smile formed across its face and as I was then then swatted to the ground with the force of a comet. Bouncing I felt my ribs strain and my lose of grip on Selene as my sword was thrown somewhere out of my view.
The loss of my lunar sword left my head open to psychic messages, "Really I thought you were a smarter boy than that, trying the same move three times doesn't work against a good fighter Apollo Sun."
"I should give you more credit." I activated excel but instead of going airborne I was sent flying across the ground towards Sombra's puppet." Stopping thirty feet in front of the puppet I pointed up at his smiling face, "I'm going to use my Excel spell to put your big fat fucking head where I'm standing, I will even give you a reference." Pulling the electrified water down my arm to a giant whip, I slashed the ground leaving a X burned into the spot.
"Someone woke up on a war path this morning,"Sombra's voice mocked.
"Keep talking." I cringed at my own comeback as the words came out.
Time to get this done, Much like my approach I sped across the ground at break neck speeds but unlike my approach I sent my water whip cracking towards his leg. There was a satisfying noise as the snow was singed from the electricity but it failed to penetrate for any effect. The whips area of effect was now my interest point as the humongous creature lunged forward and I dodged shooting between his legs. Seeing the opening I launched up to the back of the knee plunging a lance of fire deep into the area as I kicked off and the lance detonated it came crashing to its hand as its knee separated into two. He wasn't done as his massive head turned to face me mouth open wide but instead of a snarky comment a concentrated blizzard was sent upon me with the full fury of a creature pissed at a missing leg. My view was blanketed by white as I was over taken by chunks of ice and snow. Fearing being trapped I once again sent myself into the air right into the clutches of Sombra.
"That's called being bated young prince."
"You son of a...".The words didn't come fast enough as I was spiked into the ground like a hoofball. I felt even more ribs give protest as they were at best bruised.
I hopped to my feet brushing myself off , "Okay motherfucker lets see how you like getting thrown into the ground." My magic burned hot in my veins as my anger spiked and the ground beneath my feet began to burn fueled by my rage."Gravitos!"The large creature tried to protest but struggled to as the area of effect covered its whole body. Launching into the air Sombra once again tried to swat me to the ground but this time the giant hand was met by a large lance of fire embedding into the hand and detonating leaving giant fingers to fall towards the ground. Landing on the shoulder and wrapping the watery whip around his neck I was once again flying up in the air, chocking the giant but everything that goes up must come down and with all the force and magic I shot towards the ground. Within a instant there was a tug on the whip as resistance formed and then faded as the whip broke through the neck. I came tumbling back down to surface level landing and rolling as a large thud the head hitting the ground with me. I slowly got to my feet and turned to see my good work and I was disappointed as the head of the giant fell only half on the marked X. I held my hand over my head and activated my earth magic which easily detected the moon metal that made up Selene and with a snap of my finger she was back in my hand. "Before you say anything Selene that's my new record without a sword."
"I'm happy you're not dead." It was a tone of half annoyance and half truth, it was what suited her best.
"I have a question though why don't I feel like shit right now or am I just past the whole dieing thing?"
"Lets just say a certain voice in your head took some responsibility for once."
"Which one if I can ask."
"You will definitely meet the scaly bastard soon."
"Always with the indirect answers."
Author's Note
About to smear Sombra off the map in the next chapter and maybe throw in some surprises for the readers interested in the hidden powers Sun possesses. Also it's fun writing like Sun is Kratos from god of war fighting giant creatures all the time.
It's Me Devil Man
Its hard to explain the feeling but the closest thing to it would be like floating in a orange hot spring with a spot light on you. Each beat of my heart echoed throughout the fluid like a single instrument orchestra. This peace was interrupted by a giant white light.
As the great light faded I was standing on the cliff I had stood on so many times before but this time the ocean was calm and the sun was out with a bright blue sky to compliment it. I sat down removing my hoodie and boots, feeling the sun on my skin was a blessing even if this was a magic induced vision, it felt real and that's all that mattered. Which reminds me if I'm in my head might as well enjoy it before it goes to shit. I stuck out my hand and a pair of black sunglasses appeared in my palm, sliding them on my face I collapsed on my back staring at the sky. My eyes shut and began staring at the back of dreamless eyelids.
"What a peaceful mindscape for a young prince." This was the voice I had herd in my dreams just not yelling now and it was coming right from behind me. I rolled over to the sight of myself but not, his hair was a fiery red and orange, while his eyes were insanely green and were spliced like a reptile with a couple red scales around his eyes, It gets weirder as he had a set of red wings with scales, and even a matching tail.
"See a week ago I would be freaking out but this self image bullshit is getting stale. I slid back onto my back and directed my attention to the bright blue sky, "Those wings are pretty tight though."
"Thank you and I would like to introduce myself, I am Draig or the red dragon formally a servant of Crimson Sun and all those who've held the mantle of the sun. We are face to face finally after many years and you look just like him." I could hear the friendliness in his voice which was weird as he was usually yelling about "The white one" as he puts it.
"By him I'm guessing you mean Crimson."
"Indeed."
"I'm sorry about being an ass about this but it's hard to believe a dragon that's been in my head just shows up to talk about Crimson. On top of that you haven't made your presence known until recently."
"Well you were never strong enough to even hear me until recently. Even if you could it would of surely meant many deaths as you were once quite the demon and managed to kill plenty without my help. In fact you still aren't strong enough it's the pool of life and the woman of the moon at work that allows us to meet like this. If only they didn't put that damn hex upon you."
"You know who did this to me?"
"I saw them through your eyes but I do not know in which they affiliate."
"Damn, well what's so important that Selene's lazy ass is pulling strings?" I could hear his steps toward me as I sat up.
"I was instructed to give you the mark of the sun to get you through your upcoming trials." He pressed a glowing hand to my left shoulder and a burning sensation rapidly came and passed leaving a golden spot that trickled down to my elbow and from within the gold emerged a red sun and a few red stars. I continued to thrash a little as the pain subsided and I herd a chuckle at my struggle, "No matter what generation you're all the same." I could feel the world slipping away.
"Well thank you Draig hope to see you again sometime." He just smiled and nodded.
"Tell the women of the moon that the dragons heart should provide a gift as generosity is shared to those who bare dragons." The world faded into obscurity with his words.
Flutter Shy's Cabin
The gentle breeze seems to be a theme in my head or the Pool Of Life setting my subconscious at ease. This was the setting of my nightmare at The Bath of Sin so it seems its ready for round two. Moving to sit up I felt many body parts covering my legs arms and torso. Moving the covers I saw the sleeping figures of Aj , Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow, Vinyl, and Spitfire.
"What the fuck!?"My confusion got ready to peak as Aj stared back at me with big blue eyes. "You're not the real Apple Jack." The faker sat up in bed and just smiled.
"Well of course not Sun but I wanted to say good luck in person and save you from having red wings. Also nice choice for a mental safe space its rather homey." It was my sword in women form, weird.
"Well thank you Selene but what about the wing thing?"
"Don't worry you will see soon." Without waiting for my snarky response she pressed her hand to my right shoulder leaving a black mark to match my gold with a blue moon and blue stars. "
"Hope you got my back." With that the world turned white for the last time as the orange fluid filled my vision and the need to breath returned. In a rather dramatic fashion I broke the surface thrashing and gasping for air. Looking to my shoulders my two new tattoo's were there, on top of that my skin shined orange like my regular tan color was turned up to 11. I took a few breathes to calm down but my heart still raced, I feel like I could fight 8 Sombra giants. Checking my surroundings it looked like a bath house with many confused or blushing humans and ponies with a certain princess looking both.
"Yo Cadence look who got their cutie mark, I've been waiting for so long we have to do the whole party thing." My joke had no effect as everyone just continued to stare, actually one of the guards was trying to hold in a laugh mental note that guys my friend.
"You got a lot more than that Sun and by the way you're naked." I felt myself die as she said naked and in a desperate attempt to cover up I tried to dive back into the deeper parts of the Pool but two new large appendages from my back stopped me from diving as they were completely stuck spread. I instantly forgot I was without cloths and grabbed my left wing .The black feathers were so soft and gave off a shine like conditioned hair.
"So you guys were watching when did I get wings?" I'm sure it was my lack of emotion that sent Selene into a laugh attack in my head.
Cadence was still in shock but stuttered out, "It was a giant flash and then you were bursting out of the pool."
"Well I think I might have a problem fitting into my armor with these attached to my back."
Cadence gave out a long breath while pinching the bridge of her nose, "Someone send for the flash prototype." She turned her attention back to me," And you get a towel and go to the crystal heart for the war ceremony when you're done."
Barracks
I stumbled through a few doors and found the general barracks and what I learned from a couple soldiers was the barracks was built around the pool when the empire was first founded to protect it. Sitting my towel wrapped body down on a bench in front of the mirror I scanned my somewhat normal complexion as two green eyes without black veins looked back at me. Losing interest with my eyes quickly I began picking and pulling at my new shoulder art. There was no flaking or bleeding from the pool, these are big boy tattoos. Hard to explain but still pretty cool.
The door abruptly swung open making me jump and slip on the floor landing on my back. "Fuck that got me." I looked at the door to reveal a human guard struggling to keep a straight face holding a black crystal a helmet and white thermal underwear. "How's it going buddy?"
He saluted, "I was tasked with bringing you the flash prototype and reporting on the outcome to the princess."
"Cut the military crap for a second and toss me the underwear." He complied and sat down on the other bench and gave the wall a intense look as I changed into the elastic garment." So do you have a name or do I have to call you guard?"
He smiled a little as I created conversation, "It's Jeremy Lionheart."
"Well its nice to meet you Jeremy my names Apollo Sun and I haven't had a regular conversation with another human in months."
"Well Apollo it's pretty cool what you're trying to do."
"I'm thankful you feel that way Jeremy. One day I'm going to make the rest of the world like the Free North."
"Well we are counting on it." He was sincere in his words and gave a smile to compliment it.
I gave a nod, "Well I won't get you in trouble with the Princess, let's get this started." He tossed the crystal and as I caught the crystal it began to glow dark purple and vibrate.
"Apollo you might want to take off your necklace and put the crystal over your heart." I herd the protest of Selene but I reached back with my free hand and unclipped the silver necklace letting it fall to the ground. As I placed the crystal in position over my heart it then stuck in place.
"Wow Jeremy what an amazing prototype you got here." Sarcasm soaked my words and he just laughed in response but karma kicked in as the crystal began to melt and cover my torso, neck, arms, and legs. It was like my head was floating and my body was eaten by a shadow. The black substance started to form to my body more making a suit similar to the one I wore under my night guard armor but it felt like I was still just in my underwear. The suit was now like a big pad, completely resistant to a couple love taps I administered to my inner thigh. A second layer of padding formed on my pecs, abs, bicep , triceps , forearms, thighs, shins, quads, shoulders, and back, This layer of padding was grayer than the rest of the black suit and was even tougher than the previous layer. I looked myself up and down in the mirror and my wings tucked in almost blended in with the suit. "Yo Jeremy pass the helmet." His eyes looked surprised at it's success but didn't say anything.
He passed the helmet and then paused, "I forgot a couple pieces, set up the helmet until I get back." He then rushed out of the barracks his heavy armor bouncing as he left.
"Set up the helmet?", I rolled it around in my hands noticing there was no mouth and a outline of a nose but no holes there was also two protrusions on the top like spikes or ears. Sliding my head into the helmet I found it super easy to breath but even weirder was at the bottom of my vision was a single blue bar and tabs like innovatory, status , radio, and map. A blue bar began to rush across my bottom vision and as I turned to follow it the motion died and I was left looking at the door of the barracks. The door was then swung in by Jeremy carrying some weird looking boots, gloves, and belt.
He stopped and stared at me, "Apollo you look like some kind of bat." I turned to the mirror and he was kind of right the spikes did kind of look like ears but what really caught my attention was that the eyes glowed red.
"This thing is all kinds of bad ass." I was passed the rest of my gear, some seriously padded black combat gloves, a belt that must of linked up to the inventory, and weird boots that went up to my knee. I say weird because they had no strings and as I slid my foot into them a circle on the side spun and tightened them from calf to foot." Getting in and out of this is going to be a bitch."
He smiled at my childish like enthusiasm, "Well I will see you later Sun."
"Yeah see you Jeremy." He left for the last time and I slid on Selene and the helmet which locked into place. "How do I look oh wise moon sword."
"You look good but I miss the flare of the old suite but I can fix that."
"We don't have time to magic art the suit up right now."
"That's where you are mistaken young Sun as you are wearing 100% magical padding that I can manipulate as it is interfaced with your nervous system."
"Do it then we could use some flare." And with that the padding began to shimmer as my blue moon and blue stars covered my chest while my arms and legs were traced by the lightning bolts that ended on my arms at the cutie mark wheel of the elements of harmony, the eyes switched to a matching dark blue glow to match the suit. Now I'm ready to go to war.
It was finally my turn to push open the barrack door to the outside world. The world was not as I left it, as black ash like snow fell from the sky and the sick flashes of green lightning smashed against the protective dome. I positioned for take off and spread my new wings.
Selene poked into my brain half laughing," You are not even close to ready for flying just practice gliding with excel."
"Yes Mom," I was a little disappointed but found it best to just comply." I folded them in and launched into the sky, within a second of reaching max altitude I began a steady lean into a controlled dive towards the crystal heart. Little blue markers began to appear and disappear rapidly as I soared over houses and the air pushed against my armored face and it lacked its icy claws that came from not wearing a helmet. I leaned in to my dive harder and I must of looked like a black comet as I approached the crystal heart. I could now make out the large force of guards and infantry equipped with swords and shields congregated around the princess who was facing the heart. The force was divided by a red carpet that lead up to the heart and my landing pad. I released my new wings and they stopped my rapid flight into a crawl, wobbly placing my legs to the make shift runway I was at a jogging pace that quickly turned into a walk. I could feel the tentative stares as many didn't recognize my new winged figure. I continued to walk calmly as I removed my helmet to the sound of chatter of many metal clad soldiers witnessing the only winged human in existence.
"So Cadence you ready for war?"
"Ceremony first war after, and take your spot next to Shinning Armor so I can get started." I complied jogging next to my half bandaged comrade. Settling next to him I went stock still and Cadence paused her gaze for a skeptical second then turned towards the crowd.
Immediately I turned to Shinning, "You're not fighting are you?"
He looked at my with a smile, "I know you are going to miss me but my wife would kill me if I went out in this condition so I'm stuck on organization duty." He returned to a forward facing stare, "You are going to have to beat the clock if we are going to win this."
My curiosity itched at me, "What do you mean?"
"We don't have the stamina to hold a front especially against a dark force with only one real head to cut." His voice still held a impressive amount of optimism as if he saw a future unscathed by negative forethought. I'm not as fortunate to be gifted with such pleasant forethought as my mind clung to past images of a slain Boss laying with the little remains splattered across every surface including myself and Solaris, the lives taken in my early teen years taken by my suppressed murderous rage pushed at my head in a way it hadn't in years.
Selene popped into my conscious brain, "Don't let him get to you Sun."
"I won't just a lot of stuff is getting dug up and I wasn't always the greatest person." Regret and disappointment flooded from the fuzzy memories that only gave the minimalist details.
"It's okay Sun you aren't even going to kill Sombra just exorcise the evil magic controlling him and for the regret of your past life, everyone had a reason for going into the pit it's not your fault you were always the one to walk out." A smile crossed my face but not out of happiness but out of confidence and hopefulness. "By the way Draig wants me to tell you that the dragons heart may offer me a gift, could he be referring to the crystal heart.
"Yes dumbass what other heart is round or relevant, for your information during this ritual the soldiers of the Crystal Empire touch the heart for luck in battle and you maybe provided a gift as it is a formality for dragons to present dragon bloods such as yourself with gifts of war or knowledge."
"Lovely all I can ask is that it won't shock me or give me a strange illness." The congregation of soldiers clapping broke me out of my psychic conversation and back to reality.
Cadence voice boomed with gripping authority, "Now touch our light, our collective heart that binds us and may it protect you through the thick of your trials." The crowd roared once more and began filling into a line to reach the heart. For a strange reason a tightness formed in my chest causing me to squeeze on my helmet under my arm. I was motioned for by Shinning and I complied following him into line with the others and once again let my observant nature take hold as I tried to dissemble the dreadful sky with my eyes, each sick bolt of lightning was like the confusion and anger of the tortured land lashing out. I understand now this place so revered for its freedom doesn't show this kindness out of scars of the past but the bleeding wounds of today infectious and ever growing and In turn I think if the council was ever forced to assimilate humans into the ranks of society or face annihilation it would be a closer decision than most think. Would I ever corner them under the threat of war to make my dreams a reality even if it means scarring the land south as it is here, I don't know the answer anymore. I wouldn't put it past the brothers of mine who wield power like me to revenge our fathers legacy and peoples honor.
I closed my eyes firmly and let out a long sigh as I had been steadily approaching the crystal heart for some time and was now upon it. As if programmed like a machine I pulled my left hand from my glove and pressed it to the center of the heart. A blast of energy pushed against me and bright colors like orange red and pink where emitted from where my hand was placed and foreign words filled my mouth, "Love is a division of the light which puts it in the domain of the Sun, so let it bless the world as the suns ray's do and give me the power to protect those who wish to bask in this light." The light halted and left everyone in awe as my monotone facial expression broke into confusion as if my face was released from its control but I didn't have time to dwell on my strange possession as I was left with a sword handle. This handle radiated a warm power much like Solaris but its dimensions were unique, it started at a circle which lead to a spiral grooved grip that ended at two wings extending to either side of a emblem of three crystals, it was almost translucent with a red tint. I flipped it in my hand and it was as light as my other two swords but it felt empty and lacked a blade for use. Thanks Draig hope this comes in handy, a little poke in my head told me he returned my sentiments, I slid the hilt into a loop of my belt that gripped it firmly.
Cadence was in war mode as she once again took control of the situation as she sent her troops off with thunderous words of morale boosting support. I slipped my left glove back on and rapidly turned my head in hopes of locating my helmet before locking eyes with Shinning as he soundly shoved a blunt object into my stomach, "Don't lose your head Sun." I stared down at my helmet now in my hands and without words nodded to him and placed it on my head. I stanced up and took off hovering a good distance over the main force. The communication gem from within the helmet came to life with the voice of Cadence, "To all commanders and Sun we will be operating on open channels so communicate Sombra sightings and Sun we need you to keep your stamina up we are going to need you to slay the beast."
"Understood." My confirmation was followed by 6 variations of roger that held different levels of excited or nervousness. I flew freely and practiced flapping and diving, occasionally I would roll or flip to work out the new flyer awkwardness you would expect from someone who got wings that day but the comfortable progression of the main force matched my own progression of comfortableness with my new appendages. I zoned out as we still had much ground to cover.
Outside the Dome
I was rocked from my fantasy world as the harsh wind and ice beat down upon me nearly grounding me. I flapped vigorously until I caught a good up draft and was now higher than before and was dangerously close to the storm clouds and before I could adjust I was struck by a vengeful green light that left me in darkness. The words "system reboot" filled my vision along with a count down, "10... 9...8". "I don't have fucking time for this", Wrenching the helmet from my head I was plummeting to the icy ground and was only given a split second to prepare for impact, Tucking my wings in tight I collided with the ground. Bouncing and rolling snow filled my vision and sent chills through my face. I pulled myself from the heap of my crash and brushed the snow away in pursuit of my lost helmet. Moving a large pile of snow a hand attached itself to my wrist and tried to pull me down, fighting back I flew backwards landing on my back and as soon as contact was made many hands began latching onto my body holding me to the snow as the original wendigo pulled itself from the snow, once a human it still had bits of cloths and flesh clinging to its bones.
Lunging upon my shackled form it let an ungodly howl and hovered over me grabbing my face, flashes of chains and past beatings crossed my vision. Something deep within me moved in response and what followed was a war cry filled with savage intent, my hands ignited in a extreme red and orange flame. The heat given off purged the snow surrounding me and eliminated the bony arms holding me down. I advanced on the wendigo grabbing my face throwing it off and pursuing ruthlessly laying waste with a flurry of flaming punches. I kicked its leg shattering the magical bone and as it collapsed I grasped its collar bone , with the other hand I plunged my fingers in it's eye sockets. There was a short screech before enacting all the force I could easily ripping its head from it's demonic shoulders and turning it back into snow. I carefully sat in my burn mark and let out a couple breaths gaining control and standing back to my feet . I could see a group of guards making their way to me, most likely sent because of the original crash. They were almost in ear shot when I could see one of the soldiers scoop my helmet up from the snow.
Close enough to talk regularly over the wind one of the guards approached me, "Sir is everything fine."
Annoyed from my tussle in the snow I motioned for my helmet, "Please don't call me sir but I'm fine and Sombra is using wendigos under the snow as ambushes." My helmet returned I relayed the message to the other commanders who regarded me with a roger that, beside commander 6. "Commander 6 can you hear me?"
After another pause the silence broke with patchy words, "....heavy fire..... reinforcements." Urgency pulled at me and I turned toward the guards who were sent too recover me.
"Where is commander 6 in the formation?!"
The guard who once held my helmet spoke up, "Right side, opposite of us."
"Thank you!", I rocketed up in the air and deflected a incoming bolt of vomit green lightning away from myself and the guards. I pulled my helmet off as the risk of going blind wasn't a option and clipped it to my belt. I ripped of across the sky in the direction I was given and was soon upon a isolated group slowly being pulled under the snow while the rest of the force was being directly attacked by a force of wendigos that seemed to appear from the wind. I circled the smaller force laying down a constant beam of fire severing the dark magic moving through the snow, completing the full circle the demonic hands turned too snow and allowed the pinned down force to recover and move forward. I hovered for a second at my realization, holy shit I just need to sever the magic. I broke off again at speeds that would make Spitfire proud and I encircled the conflicting force repeating my experiment and once again the creatures crumbled.
I couldn't help but smile as I sped through the air free as any being ever could. I turned and spun like a great bird, this was right, this is were I belong in the heat of battle for freedom. I hovered my back to both the army of guards and the empire and recognized the coming conflict.
Apart of the blizzard compressed and revealed the jet black crystal castle that would be the true siege. Turning to my comrades I rose my hand motioned to advance before descending close to the ground and scorching a path into the earth in which they could charge, In an instant the force was following me to the monolithic black structure. The banging upon shields and hollering of war cries sounded over the land and it hollered with us the wind at our backs pressing us onward. The hands of the wendigos were crushed under crystal boot as we pushed ever closer and we still soared high with ambition of victory, I stopped my forward momentum as we stood about a mile from the castle that extended high into the sickening sky.
I reached for my helmet still at my side and slide it on , "Commanders come in, we should begin setting up the line here." the acknowledgment sounded and I touched down for the first time since we left and once again removed my helmet. I directed my attention to the mass of soldiers at the front of the pack, "I need everyone to stand back!" They complied and seemed to hold their shields tighter. Taking off I began to encircle a larger area burning away the potentially hazardous snow. After a couple of passes a roughly 400 meter circumference oval was burned into the ground, A hoof ball field should be enough right? The mass of soldiers began to move in and fit snugly in the circle with the shields on the exterior line with the lances behind them and a HQ forming in the center. Touching down I hurried to the half formed tent already containing yelling commanders about the next move. I paused before entering the flap, I let out a breath and stepped inside.
Eyes immediately shifted my direction and conversation died, "What is our next move?"
An older human about 50 cleared his throat, "Like I was saying we need to wait for him to expose himself and capitalize on his historically sloppy offensive tactics."
A middle aged unicorn countered him, "In all respect Comet we haven't had the same resources as in the past", a genuine smile was sent my way from the unicorn.
Comet sent me a serrated look, "That's commander 1 to you and we are sending an amateur night guard to kill the demon king and I don't put all my eggs in one basket, especially a basket not even half my age."
Wings folded in I plopped my armored body down in a open chair and placed my helmet on the war table, "talking like I'm not here is great and all but you're missing the point of me putting the circle here." Comets gaze didn't get any more pleasant as he gave me his full attention. "We are far enough away that when me and Sombra fight he will have to put more effort in to maintain a front on both of us, my idea is if I give him one hell of a fight you can advance with less ambushes and take the castle and at least seal him for another 1000 years."
I received nods almost unanimously except the old angry bastard, "that could work but you will have to get into the castle to fight him and its locked up tight according to my scouts so how do you suppose you gain entry?"
My stern voice earned me a couple of head nods , "I suppose , we should go with your waiting plan its most likely going to put us in a good position to execute my plan."
His face turned red with anger, "No GRUNTS IN THE WAR ROOM!" I sat up lazily grabbed my helmet and made my way to the flap not before throwing a salute to the unicorn that had set me up to talk earlier and it was returned before I excited into the cold air.
The sun must of set as it was becoming much darker and colder but the strikes of green lightning continued to light up the sky, an arc gave light to the entire camp and I saw a glimpse of Jeremy with a group of guards laughing. It seemed to be calm now and a itchy feeling picked at me. The psychic connection of Selene poked at me, "I see you have been busy Sun."
"Yeah I have and I hope you have been too."
"I mean stopping psychic attacks takes a lot out of a magical spirit like myself and you weren't completely useless you figured out how to sever the magic, even if it was by accident. "
"What do you think the chances of me getting sleep is ?"
"I don't recommend it as without you the snow creatures could over take the circle."
"Selene I will let you know they are very capable soldiers."
"I'm not denying that but they wouldn't have got this far without you. What are they going to do when you have to fight Sombra?"
"I think our friend in white is going to make a appearance so don't be to worried."
"And what makes you think he would help! He could just as easily ice this entire army and maybe you along with it." I scanned the icy landscape as if looking for the ghost.
"Call it a gut feeling but I feel like this will all work out." As if on command two large chunks of black crystal removed themselves from Sombra's castle. "Am I always fucking wrong or something!?"
"I honestly think you are usually a pretty lucky guy you just have very fine moments where it sucks to be you." A genuine laugh left my lips and would of appeared insane if any attention was in my direction. Guards rushed passed me and took up defensive positions as two hulking crystal giants moved towards our camp.
"Well Selene it's time for both of us to get back to work."
"Roger that Captain Sun."
"Shut up." I could hear her laughing almost become distant, Is my head really that empty? I pulled my helmet from my side and slid it on slapping the sides for good measure. I jumped in place a little and stretched my wings trying to work out my soreness.
The communication crystal cracked in my helmet, "Sun this is Cadence, please deal with the giant problem."
I could hear shuffling in the background and Shinning's voice, "Tell him if he can do it in less than 10 mins this time I will make him a shield."
"Challenge accepted." The buzzing of the crystal feed died and I leaped into the air engaging excel, and with three magic circles of propulsion I was airborne and flapping at my own high speed pace. The black snow that had been put on pause returned in full force along with its green electric counter part. The weathers vendetta slowed my pace as I did my best to race through the slalom of lightning and destroy the crystal giants.
Nearing the giants their features became more distinct as they both resembled humans, one was shorter and fatter and the other tall and skinny. They shared two things in common one was there ominous green eyes and the second was their attempts to knock me down as I dashed through the air above them. The shorter one proceeded to pull boulders from the earth and throw them at my ever agile figure. Though the weather had other plans as a bolt of lightning nearly turned me to ash and halted my aerial acrobatics. This was all the time the giant needed to throw a even larger boulder, without time to evade I charged my hands with as much lightning that could be summoned in the split second and released it upon the boulder. Exploding into hundreds of pieces and seeking a counter attack I reached out to the floating pieces of rock which were enveloped into my yellow magic grasp, making a throwing motion with my hands. A blizzard of sharp stones rained down and immediately chipped away at the large giant and it even lost its arm in its own defense. The crippled beast was struggling to move as I charged a immense amount of lightning. Light blue arcs sparked off my armor as the magical energy grew, green bolts from the sky attempted to strike me down but were repelled by my positive charge. Loosening my grip on the lightning and in a flash the giant was reduced to chunks of crystal writhing on the ground. I descended quickly while shooting bolt after bolt of lightning into the remaining giant that returned fire with its own crystals coming forth from its hand. Evading to the best of my ability didn't suffice as the ballistic onslaught chipped at my armor and embedded in my wings. My descent turned into a directed crash smashing full speed into the giant. It's legs buckled and fell on its back, rolling off and landing with my hands emitting a yellow aura I pushed at the earth and to my luck it pushed back where I wanted it to and the recovering giant was pierced through its torso with harpoons of half frozen rocks and crystal.
Relaxing my hand and giving it a little shake removed the fuzzy post magic feeling and I slumped crisscross apple sauce in the snow and like a dragon casually igniting my body aflame, leaving me looking like a candle and deterring grabby hands in the snow. Pulling off my helmet, little dings and scratches revealed the natural silver color of the extremely light black metal helmet. Moving the helmet to my right hand I pulled my left glove off with my teeth, giving the helmet another once over I spat on the bruised metal and fruitlessly rubbed with my thumb to try and restore its former condition. Failing I placed it on the ground as my wings extended revealing shards of cursed crystal lodged largely in my right wing. Pulling plucking and patching up my wings left several large and many smaller fragments of crystal surrounding my prone position. I picked up the largest of the bunch and pressed down and with my magical grip that was easily able to reduce diamonds to dust began to struggle, yellow and strangely black light began to escape from in between my fingers along with a burning sensation from my hand that made the breakdown of the material significantly harder. After about a minute the egg sized crystal was finally dust, "Hard to manipulate and destroy you better not be wearing armor made of this you dickhead." My own mumbling ended and the ground shook and I rocked my body into alertness pressing my un gloved palm to the ground but there was no seismic activity but there was waves of energy coming from the fortress and to my amazement/horror more giants pulled themselves from the castle and even exposed the inside of the structure to the elements as they slid down the outside of the castles outer wall. Jumping to my feet I slide on my helmet and glove as the crystal in my helmet came to life and Cadences voice filled my ear.
"Sun this is it, begin your assault."
"Understood." My wings remained tucked in tightly to my back as I took off at high speeds, butterflies once present in my stomach burned away by the fire whelming up inside me. Deep inside of me I knew Selene laughed as I bounced the length of the gap to the castle with excel. Giving my shoulder a turn a blizzard could be seen starting to envelope my comrades but not too much to remove all visibility as fighting raged on back at camp and for a split second I thought a couple wendigos were enveloped in a wall of ice. Returning to my jumping the final launch sent my throttling to the enormous castle but more specifically a large hole left by the departed giants.
Sombra's castle
The hard smack of metal on crystal sounded through the hollow hallway that spiraled towards the sky on a more than a gentle incline. Based on pure fifty fifty chances I fought the slanting hallway upwards towards top, the clicking of my boots on the floor filled the halls forever. Selene's psychic barrier must of exceeded its limit as static encroached upon my peripheral vision. It wouldn't be too long now as I was quickly encroaching on the top of the tower. The crystals that formed the hallway started to be more complex and taking shapes like tables, chandeliers, and book cases. The once empty inside of the halls began to be almost crowded as I broke speed records in the halls. Finally a red crystal carpet was slowly forming from the floor and like on command two large black doors came into view. A pit seemed to form in my stomach as I gripped the rings made to open the door.
"1...2....3", The doors flew open as I rushed in magic fire and lightning drawn and crackling with anticipation.
Throne room
The long red carpet I stood upon was like a tongue that ran up too the lions mouth, the room was almost completely open aside from the black columns that resided on both sides of the room leading too the grandiose throne that had many black crystal weapons stretching outward like a budding flower and at it's center sat the pair of green eyes that sustained itself upon the knowledge that it would get to fight at least one more time. He was human but it didn't faze me as it was a result of the cesspool of magic that was pulled from me and Shinning but what did get under my skin was my own faces sharp sneer with all his sharp teeth. His skin was a light grey and his hair was black with almost a red glow at the tips. It was silent almost like he was a manikin, unmoving but studying.
"I'm going to defeat you whether you like that or not." The smile he gave was genuine even if it was deranged.
"How do you suppose that you are going to do that?" His laughter bounced around the room.
"I know this is usually the bad guys line but I'm going to steal your soul and pluck the real Sombra out of that husk." I gestured to the crystal hilt.
"And I thought you were a bright kid, how do you think that tiny thing will be able to hold me? I will give you props for the effort but you are not your Dad, not Celestia or Luna, not even your brothers, I've seen everything in your head you were physically shaped as a work horse and a pit fighter not a mage or magic knight. You have so much potential but you choke down the beast inside you, think about how strong you felt when you were a gladiator."
"But it was wrong and I killed because I couldn't process my pain in a healthy way. The beast that waged its bloody campaign that left my ledger a deep red drown in its own anger and blood lust."
"You only think it's gone but just wait I will push you to your limit and your animal instincts will kick in again, you will fall to the nightmare curse like so many have before you."
"Yeah Nightmare Sun doesn't sound that great though." I sprung forward with excel activated both my hands clenched in flaming fists. My fist collided with the throne where his head once resided. Pulling my hand from the crystal I gave it a shake and turned to a sword welding Sombra standing almost half the room away. "Someone got faster", I pulled a black sword from the throne its dimensions where that of a two handed broad sword. Turning towards the dark lord I threw myself across the room in the pursuit. He was forced onto defense and very nostalgically was forced on his heels and adopted a very serious face. I pressed the assault harder, as he appeared to become uncomfortable, It was too easy. In a flash his face resumed a sickening smile and the floor I stood upon was launched upward pinching me to the ceiling at high speed. Returning to the floor with a bounce he began to laugh. Coughing the lack of blood was pleasant but by the time I tried to gain my footing I was cracked across the face with a sword and sent sprawling. The remnants of my helmet rolled off in pieces, blood began to accumulate as a steadily stream down the right side of my cheek.
"You're predictable and that's disappointing Sun." My hands ignited a deep orange and red as the fire burned from my anger caused by being caught off guard. The flame engulfed the sword and it looked like a burned sword with licks of flames rolling off its deep black blade. He began to study again and with the direct approach obsolete we began to circle. A quick jab step and our swords crossed violently pushing us both back. Then one after another the short steps turned into longer sword plays cutting and slashing, and once again I pursued him on a offensive spree but before going overboard I pulled back and where I once stood crumbled as many crystals jutted up like angry harpoons. Jumping over the crystals Sombra's face lit up with amazement at the wildcard move as any of the crystals could of just extended further and impaled me. With a frustrated war cry I brought my flaming sword down on the spot my target stood tenths of a second ago but he was favoring my right side as I was using the sword in my left hand, as he dodged my slam attack I twisted my body and released the sword.
"You are afraid of the dark and I have eaten at every thought you've had since you got here you miserable idealist." He stood to his feet, "You aren't getting out of here with me if you can't channel that darkness or that animal instinct Sun." He held something in his hand and as he twisted to throw I pulled Selene from the ground ending the magic circle and sliced the oncoming object that to my horror covered me in the inky blood of Sombra. It began to burn and increase in intensity until I was writhing in pain the halls echoed my screams back to me, my eyes seemed to burn from my head. I could feel the familiar sensation of infection and the burning persisted. He must of returned to his feet as the sound of his boots crept towards me, "You rely on these magic armors and swords too much, it's capping your potential hex or not."
"You don't know shit." I tried to look at him but the water filling my eyes in their own futile protection of themselves only caused me more strife as I tried to scoot away from the large looming figure approaching me. He slashed a sword across my chest and it cut the crystal and for a second nothing happened until the armor I so newly acquired faded and the crystal form which it came in laid in two on the floor my body nearly exposed besides the metal boots and underwear provided by Jeremy hours ago. Sombra sauntered over to my lunar sword expecting its dimensions before casting a large magic circle and dark chains came from the ground locking my sword in place, simultaneously the psychic channel between me and Selene turned into a pit of screaming and flashes of death and gore. Embarrassment was clouded by anger as my whole body was engulfed in a red flame and the crystals that reflected my image revealed my eyes were giving off a black fog similar to Sombra's purple.
"It seems someone is reacting differently than last time." I brought the blade less hilt that dropped from my belt loop to bear and it glowed a dark red Plunging it into the floor and pulling it upwards revealed a new double sided black blade attached too the hilt. The dark magic absorbed from the crystals that formed the blade trickled down turning the crystal emblem black and the grip dark black. My grip tightened and a flame crawled up the blade and the inky black magic crawled through my veins and reached up to my face, the pain wasn't there but the extra power was and the swinging of my blade released blast waves pushing the dark lord off his feet.
Bringing his sword to bear we clashed and in near invisible movements dashed a crossed the room trying to get an edge or find a critical slip up that would compromise the others defense. In our pursuit of each other Sombra went airborne and before I could attempt a takeoff my boots were secured by thick black crystals from the floor. Rooted like a tree ,Sombra charged up a giant ball of dark magic. I smashed the releases and with a mechanical whine the boots opened enough to free my feet and I dove out of the way of the sickly green and purple orb. As I dove the room shook violently rolling to my feet and spinning I saw the scorched remains of my boots. I continued to move defensively, zigging and zagging behind the large columns as more flaming balls of dark energy were sent my way. I soon found myself at the final piece of cover and I peeked my blade out of cover to spot Sombra charging a larger shot. Pulling my blade back I held my eyes tight waiting for the spell to be discharged...1...2..3. The room shook as the spell hurtled towards the column I was behind and the magical circle of excel formed under my feet and in a instant I bounced off the wall and three of the pillars of crystal in a path much like a lightning bolt across the throne room. Time slowed almost as I brought my sword over my head in a mighty slash and he brought his sword in a cross block and in a explosive display of power we became two mighty nexuses of dark energy. I pressured him down and the black veins in my arms bulged outward and my sword gleamed with inky black energy coming off it like smoke. The point where the swords connected began to spark and pull all energy towards its center and the pressure in the air dropped with a pop and a flash of light I rode a vicious shock wave across the room. Mimicking a tossed doll I bounced and slid a crossed the crystal finally coming to a stop on my stomach facing the equally shell shocked dark lord across the room. He bled heavily as his arm that once held his sword was useless, torn to shreds by the remains of both our blades leaving his limb resembling shredded meat leaking inky black gore. My own arm was close to the same fate and was in the process of painting the floor red in dark pools of blood. The makeshift blade was no more as just the handle remained with the dark coloring fading, the dark magic dissipated with the blade. I grabbed my bleeding right arm and pressed my back to one of the remaining columns of crystal pushing myself to my feet and stumbling towards Selene still fixed in the ground. Each step was awkward and I was leaving a red trail that was steadily draining my life. My pale face lacked the black fog around my eyes and just stared sickly back at myself through the crystals that made up the room as I hobbled towards my sword. Falling to my knees my stomach released my last meal mixed with blood but my hands made it to Selene and the direct connection brought on a screaming of voices and in the sea I could hear her just barely shrill and panicked.
"Feel the light within and banish the darkness." Wasn't that the point from the beginning, too many people allow the darkness take them and guide their decisions. I am supposed to be a symbol of good but I forget that every time I get angry and channel this poisonous magic that hurts not just myself but Selene and Draig who share my mind.
I pulled on Selene but the chains didn't budge. I rose from my knees pulling with my remaining might and the chains shocked me in response causing my knees to buckle once more and cough up blood. I reached out for the now blood soaked handle but I was denied the sharp pain of the shock from the chains for the sharp pain of the shock from Sombra's magic tossing me once again across the door coming to a rest with my back to the door of the throne room. My eyes fuzzed over as the figure loomed towards me. My eyes finally shut and I searched my mind for the light and energy needed to save the day. The hard smacking of boots began to get closer but my eyelids protested and required extra effort to pry open. Two slits of vision tried to focus on the oncoming blob as It crashed against my stomach launching my body threw the doors and smashing into the hallway wall groaning and bleeding.
His voice was more pissed now than snarky, "You are afraid and that makes you weak," his words were followed by a swift kick to my gut. "You were afraid to defend innocent people your whole life and you think crawling out from under your rock now will atone for that." He picked me up slamming me into the wall repeatedly, "People like you are the reason I am like this, being afraid to act isn't a excuse not to act." His hand glowed green and the hallway wall fell exposing us to the freezing air. I fell to my stomach as he released me. I could see what he wanted me to and it was the troops surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of wendigos and a few crystal giants laying siege on the camp. There was a figure in all white barely visible tearing through the dark force with a torrent of ice, Nova moon he was fighting hard but still getting pushed back. I looked at Sombra who lacked his purple mist around his eyes and tears rolled down his face but his rough voice stood firm, "You weren't willing to fight with everything possible to win and now all of them are going to die, killed by the tortured souls of the past."
I felt my heart twist and a internal fire lit in my blood, "Doing things the wrong way and losing yourself isn't the way to make things better."
His eyes peered into mine still full of tears, "I know that better than anyone."
"Then why do all of this!"
"Because if I can unite Eqestria against me then maybe they will reflect on their own horrible ways."
"This isn't the way Sombra let me help you." I held up a hand to him and he gave it a long stare processing the gesture before he twisted inorganically giving a shriek before his eyes turned green once more and gave off the purple fog. Grabbing my right arm that reached up to him he smashed it across his knee breaking my two bones of my fore arm in half. I screamed in pain and pulled the broken limb close into my chest.
"I respect the attempt but stronger have tried and stronger have failed." Cold and unfeeling was his words, complete opposite of the Sombra that was crying just moments ago. I felt him grip on my wing and he began to drag me to the edge, "Long live the prince of the Sun." He kicked me in attempt to make me plummet to my death but I caught the edge with my left hand. The constant abuse from the earlier fight left my wings useless so I hung onto the edge staring up into the eyes of a tortured soul and a stallion trapped within his own body.
I screamed over the wind, "Please Sombra I'm going to change the world and you can be apart of it, no one will have to live with the regret of lost friends and family we can do it together!" His eyes looked conflicted and he took a single hesitant step towards me but seemed to snap out of it again but not before I threw myself up and in a leap of faith grabbed his foot causing him to fall and giving myself the ability to fully pull myself up over the ledge. "The light within me break these poisonous bonds!" The red and gold of my arm tattoo began to glow and I leaped forward pressing my left hand to his face and flash of light blinded me.
Sombra's Subconscious
The black crystals formed millions of outwardly jutting stalagmites forming a circle that had one path that left to empty nothingness. The ground shook aggressively and Sombra began forming from a black magic circle in the middle of the floor. I reached for my sword and what was present was a glowing almost see through blade that connected to the crystal handle now boasting a white wrapped overhaul replacing the black that was once there. I took up a stance with my sword gripped blade angled at the fully formed Sombra. With only seconds to spare I closed my eyes and pictured a bright burning sun that brought warmth and light. Then a foreign feeling within my arm seemed to pour down like water and filled the sword that felt so empty. A long breathe left my mouth and my eyelids pulled back to show me glowing a red and gold aura around my body with red and gold visible veins stretching down my arm from the sun tattoo on my left arm, my left eye also boasting a red fire. My aura was penetrating the sword turning the soft red crystal to the dark red of my aura.
He stared daggers at me that just so happened to form in his hand about the length of 4 feet a piece. I lunged forward earning a cross block from the dark figure, lurching back he pushed against my weight sending me back but didn't stop me from changing my level and slashing his shins with the 5 feet reach of my sword. Contact with the sword caused his shins to burn quite visibly.
"Light banishes darkness." He didn't speak just howl a bloodthirsty cry and lunge at me like a animal. We clashed weapons over an over and he would use a blade to block and another too attack that was easily dodged the occasional chunk of crystal would spike through the ground ineffective in its pursuit of me. He did almost pierce me coming in for a slash across my chest and with the now large gap between us he placed his hands onto the ground summoning a ....... giant wolf. A piece of his aura ripped off forming a purple wolf. A wolf falls under a avatar of the moon which actually fits his proper dark magic roots. I returned the gesture by mimicking the hand placement and focusing on the dragon in my head.
"Draig come on out." Half confident that it would work but to my surprise the room was filled with flames as my red aura split forming a red dragon with glowing green eyes. The two magic entities clashed tearing at each others necks but it was quickly made clear Draig was much stronger slashing its throat and cleaving its head off. I gave a salute to the dragon who let out a monstrous roar before popping out of existence. My aura returned and the feeling was almost electric and the boost was obvious by the explosion of my aura acting with actual force cracking the ground around me. The opposite effect had plagued my opponent who bent over puking his guts out. I didn't give him a chance to recover throwing my sword at lightning speed sticking him to the crystals behind him. He sizzled from the light magic and gave his own hisses above those of burning flesh. I watched Sombra protest and felt the lack of spirit in his animal like actions. The path that once lead to nothing now was a blinding light, it finally made sense to me.
"I could cleave your head of right now and take your powers without your snarky fucking voice in my head or I could let your other half make its case." I received snarls and a actual attempt to slash my eyes out." I don't know what I was expecting from a embodiment of blind evil."
I turned and walked the new path that lead to a blinding white light.
Bright side
The Sun hung high in the sky, young ponies and humans ran and played together while adults socialized. A familiar gray unicorn with black hair whispered to a colt and filly before letting them go and turning towards me. He motioned me over which I hesitantly did and sat in the grass next to him.
He looked forward but began talking, "Have you ever herd the saying the path to hell is paved with good intentions?"
I paused tossing the words over with new meaning, "I have indeed."
"I have enough good intentions to pave to hell and back. To save my family I left it and they died because of it, to stop the Griffins I had to turn the empire into a dictatorial state that enslaves everyone so we could better unify, to ...."
"I get the gist Sombra."
"Well I'm ready to start over and make a real difference, the only question is why you are going to such lengths to give me a fresh start."
"Before fighting you it was for your power and appeal to your good side but now after everything I think its about both of us working towards resolving our sins. I let countless people die because I was to afraid to do what was right and you were to willing to justify the means to an end."
"It's going to be weird killing myself."
I cracked a smile "I'm sure you will get over it."
He turned his face towards me to reveal a normal unicorn stallion with red eyes and nothing extra. "Before we leave this plain of existence and just encase we fail and die just take a look behind you." I was taken aback by the sight.
"Holy shit is this?..."
"Yup its the Crystal empire in the summer no snow, when there isn't an immortal spirit of pain pulling the misery from the earth its a lot more docile." Grass stretched for miles outside the dome and only failed to evade the steep inclines of the mountains.
"That's our first goal as a team, destroy the cloud barrier covering the Empire."
"Sounds like a plan."
"But first let's get out there and kill your sorry ass." He gave me a genuine smile that didn't include sharp teeth. I reached my glowing red hand out and he grabbed it turning the world into a white flash.
Sombra's castle
The flash of pain shocked me to life once more, followed by the bitter cold of the icy wind. My left arm now bore the red veins and glowing tattoo and too my knowledge I had my fiery eye. Rolling to my feet the crystals became white under my touch even that of my feet, the dark magic was being destroyed by my new magical connection to the light and darkness. I stumbled and braced myself on the wall accidentally using my broken right arm. The pain was immense and I fell to the ground as a result of failing to brace myself. The crystals began glowing under my body and the feel of them had significantly changed, then an idea hit me. Spreading out on the floor I began to move in the motion of a snow angle the many crystals collecting to my chest arms and legs. The process was taking too long, taking a huge breathe and flipping to my back I began to sink into the crystal floor. In a moment of terror the dark magic tried to overtake my light magic and trap me under the floor. Sitting up I was completely covered in a thick sheet of the rough material that held my broken arm in place. Raising a glowing hand and the crystals around my head melted allowing for my gasping breaths. I was now a miniature crystal giant that was struggling to move as my joints were blocked. Bringing my left arm upward the blockage of my elbow was resolved and I was now free to tear off the remaining joints along with the back and stomach. Next step find the handle, I made my way through the throne room door to the sight of a feral like Sombra pacing daggers in hand.
The voice of Sombra filled my head in a rather casual manner, "If you ever felt like you needed to hold back you can stop now, that thing is 105% evil and I can't be free while it lives."
"Don't worry I have a special plan for anything that crawls, growls, hisses, or in this case uses evil dark magic."
"And what is that Sun?"
"Kill it with fire." In a wicked twist of fate I caught the glimpse of the handle on the belt of the shifty figure who in that moment noticed my presence and began to charge I felt like a change of strategy was in order and in a quick flex of my hand four crystal blades extended from my four knuckles on my hands. I charged in return and we clashed in the center of the room. I caught both the blades of his daggers between my knuckle blades and held the beast back before advancing, smashing my head against his and dropping my level I slammed my fists into his stomach and slowly lifted him above my head with both my bladed hands deep in his stomach. He screeched in pain and anger as he slashed at my armored back and chest. He had actually cracked some crystal getting close to my wings but I turned my palms away from each other and ripped them in opposite directions giving out a war cry and the room sounded with screams along with wet gurgling noises as the flesh ripped and his torso and legs were split apart covering me with black intestines and blood the latter running down my face in droves. The creature squealed and attempted to crawl for its legs but its lower half was incinerated by a lance of fire leaving dust and my blade less handle. I retrieved it and plunged it into the white crystal and pulling it from the floor revealed the four foot white blade, concentrating harder the rough crystal smoothed out and became a smooth dual sided blade. I returned to the pursuit of the upper half and its black smear trail made it a easy task but It curved around one of the pillars. I kept my eyes glued to the trail as I rounded the corner and to my surprise the path stopped I looked both ways with no sign of him. To my disgust a drop of black blood peppered my shoulder and I only looked at the shoulder before giving my attention upward to see the little demon clinging to the column. It dropped towards me with a hiss only giving me half a second to react its full body weight came crashing down getting impaled on my sword. The fight didn't leave it as it clawed at my face and its blood began covering me and pooling on my torso. It stopped scratching and Its hands raised glowing with black magic circles that was then pressed to my eyes. The burning seemed to stretch to the back of my head and I seized trying to resist or at least close my eyes but to no avail. The demon finally slumped over and I rolled over tossing my sword aside resuming my knuckle blades tearing into the corpse with the ferocity of savage beast, my yelling was only countered by the wet tearing noises of the body being torn to shreds. If I wasn't already covered in blood then I definitely was now I stared at my reflection and was strangely attentive to my eyes they looked strange like they were surrounded by a thin black outline. Wiping at them only proved there legitimacy, I studied the new editions to my eyes more intensely.
"Hey partner what's up with my eyes?"
"They are your marking of a dark lord."
My breathe caught in my throat even though I wasn't talking, "What the fuck Sombra?!"
He kind of laugh, "I never took on a apprentice and there isn't any candidates left so some presence within you made you the most likely candidate to inherit the power."
"We will talk about this later." I raised my hand out towards Selene as the chains were no longer in existent. The grip of my magic pulled the sword to me and before it reached my fingers it turned to a necklace. "I guess we all had a long day." Selene's presence was definitely dormant which pushed back the inevitable headache of getting screamed at for almost losing. I had made my way to the throne room door during examination of my necklace and turning around to face this place for the last time. I raised my unbroken arm and let loose fire burning the room to cinders and slammed the door. With my back to the door I wobbled over to the huge hole in the hall way blowing in a cold breeze not as harsh as it once was and as I got closer I could see a blue sky and a rising sun. "That fight was all night, damn." The entire force of soldiers had gathered at the base of the tower. Looking down I gave a wave and they cheered slumping down I tried to spot my brother but he had vanished, I was thankful for his help. I put my left hand against he castle wall and began to slide down trying to keep my speed from getting out of control by latching onto the crystals and coming to a stop in a giant snow drift. Guards surrounded me and began lifting up my crystal covered body and cheering. I felt my chest tighten and my magic drain as the hex had finally took effect which lead to most of the crystals to break off and expose my injuries and there were some concerns for my safety but the last thing I saw was Jeremy hollering my name and in return I gave him a thumbs up and the world went black. "Please let me wake up in the hospital."
Author's Note
Inspirations for this chapter: Iron man for most of the armor, Arkham knight for the helmet, Devil Man Crybaby for Sun's dark eye definition {picture reference down bellow}, Fallout pip boy for the heads up display (HUD) in the helmet. Lion king reference when Sombra tries to kick Sun off the ledge. Suns eyes:
I am the prince of the Sun
I am the prince of the Sun
The steady beat of the heart monitor shook me from sleep and the sanitized air filled my lungs, which was in stark contrast to the stench of iron still present in my short memory. I sat up faster then my body was ready for and resulted in popping noises from most of my body. I must of slept on my back because my wings were all but pins and needles as I gave them a great big stretch before folding them back in. I began to scan my body a few new cuts and a ton of bruises peppered my body and my right arm was incased in a red crystal with a note etched in.
"Don't remove your arm is definitely broken- Cadence."
"Wonderful absolutely wonderful." I swung my feet out of bed and stood with a little sway that seemed a constant when getting out of a hospital bed for me. With no hints of blood or gore on me I made the judgment call I was clean enough to get away with waiting for my own shower. Something caught my eye at the end of my bed which stood out from the white sheets. A black suit and slacks, I recognized it as a military two piece. I grabbed my provided cloths and headed towards the full mirror generously placed in my room. The black slacks were just that black slacks nothing to fancy but the suit was another story as it was all black besides the dark blue cuffs at the wrists, matching blue buttons that went all the way up to my neck ending at a collar, the right shoulder had three short blue tassels dangling in front, and the cherry on top was the blue crescent moon over the heart with many blue stars. The jacket also had two convenient holes for wings. I leaned into the mirror and rubbed at my eyes in one last attempt to be rid of the black outlining to no success. I made my way to the sink turning the water cold on and splashing my face. In a weird twist I stared into my own eyes that winked back at me and the black out lining faded and my tan skin returned "Weird?". I herd a pop and a rush of magic as someone teleported behind me causing me to nearly lose my balance. Turning in a instant I was face to face with Cadence her arms full of more stuff most likely for me to put on.
She gave me a big genuine smile like when I met her back in Canterlot, "I see someone woke the dead."
"If only I was dead." My sour tone died into a laugh. She dropped a pair of dress shoes/socks, a belt sheath for a sword, and two dark blue gloves to match the suit buttons.
"I guess dress up isn't over?"
"Not even close." With a evil smile she snapped her fingers and a mob of maids invaded the room." Make him presentable", There was a lot of giggling as I was shoved, slid, and adjusted into my cloths. The wave of maids disappeared as fast as it appeared and I was left fully dressed from head to toe. I slid my feet into the dress shoes and pulled on the gloves grumbling.
"I can dress myself you know!" My face was bright red.
"Yeah but that's not as fun as watching you squirm."
"Whatever... just tell your husband he owes me a shield."
"That's a deal, let me guess you want it in black?"
"You really think your funny don't cha." She laughed and continued
"There is some ponies and people who want to see you." I ran my hands through my hair rapidly to get it to spike and used the opportunity to slide my new sword containing Sombra in the sheath and the large blade caused it to bulge at the black material.
"Well let's not keep them waiting, I don't want to disappoint them too much."
"Shut up and get ready to talk."
"Wait wha..." There was a pop and we teleported.
Crystal heart
My flustered look was banished by a swift bite to my inner cheek that drew the slightest amount of iron taste. The large royal looking podium was occupied by Shinning and Cadence respectfully. As they explained the events in detail with minor embellishments I scanned the crowd and caught 7 very important sets of eyes. The elements along with Luna sat at attention and I only managed to get Pinkies attention receiving a wave and a knocking motion at her arm. I pulled the sleeve of my broken arm up and knocked on it at her and she gave me a impressed look and a thumbs up just as a pair of hands pushed me up the stairs towards the raised podium. Rolling my sleeve down I pressed on for the rest of the 7 step journey. Once at the raised field of vision the crowd that had become silent during my wordless conversation with Pinkie began to pick up in a roar at the sight of me.
Cadence's voice boomed out over the crowd, "Here he is Apollo Sun champion of the north." The crowd exploded and in my minute of shock my wings sprung free and was like gas to a fire as even my friends in the crowd were on there feet screaming. My face was a dark red but was quickly shook off. Cadence continued, "Along with our applause we award our champion with the title of the eternal knight and a statue in his honor. Shinning moved over to me clipping a badge to the left side of my uniform, it was three blue crystal swords crossing over at the hilt.
He was close enough to whisper to but only one word came out in a confused huff, "Statue?" With a giant smile on his face he gestured to the giant covered mass that had its covering removed to reveal me in my armor wings spread and two hands placed a top of Selene that was stabbed into the ground. The gaze from the statue was stoic like it would come to life if there was another attack and stop it itself.
Cadences's words snapped me from my stunned look as I pulled my wings back in with the help of my hands. which probably didn't earn me any clout with any Pegasus watching. "Now listen to a few words by Sun".
The attention was now fixed to me and I shut me eyes tight before letting out a sigh and opening them. "Hello as you already know I'm Apollo Sun but before we go any further I want to confirm the rumors I am the lost prince of the human empire and third son of Crimson sun." Pausing for the reaction that must of caused several avalanches in the mountains I continued, "I have never known family or another human magic user to my knowledge and was a victim of the main lands vicious slave trade ever since I was born. I bring this up as I want everyone to understand that the greatest changes come from the darkest areas of life ones. If a very important Wonderbolt hadn't challenged me to do better I would still be mining gems just north of the bad lands. This challenge to do better helps me to push on always and when I battled Sombra he snapped my arm like a toothpick". I unrolled my sleeve to show the red crystal cast, "That challenge to do better pushed me to go past my bodily limits and win because my comrades and all of you depended on me and as long as I can fight I will defend those in need pony, human, Griffin , etc because I stand for the Sun that blesses us all with the power to do good in our lives." The crowd erupted for the last time as Cadence explained I was going but the option to stay was always there. I smiled and shook my head as the lunar princess teleported behind me wrapping me in a big hug before sticking her tongue out at Cadence and teleporting once more this time into a train car with the elements inside.
"So how has everyone been while I was gone?" Immediately I was rushed and knocked to the ground by everyone, even Luna who jumped on the pile a little late. As we began to stand the princesses along with the flyers began to circle me like sharks examining my wings. Pinkie interrupted there investigations, "So is Sunny an Alicorn now?"
"No .. no no no .. no, no way no how." Luna cocked her head while continuing her scanning of me.
"Celestia and I along with Twilight were unicorns until the gene was unlocked by a task but humans are a little different. Unlike ponies they are usually given powers while facing an impossible enemy or task and the stress forces out suppressed powers while we have to actually achieve something first."
The pink mare then chimed in, "So Sun and his people are cheaters." All the other mares nodded and agreed giving there own "yups" or "sounds like cheating to me" responses.
"It's not cheating!" My hair stuck up like a burning flame and they all just laughed at my irritation. "You should all be happy I'm not six feet deep in black crystal right now.
Aj spoke for the group, "Don't worry we missed you plenty and so has Ponyville that's why the town is gearing up for one heck of a festival in the honor of your second success."
I put my hands in a joke praying gesture, "Please do I get to sleep in the barn."
Pinkie gave me a big smile, "Good luck sleeping its going to be one for the history books." I could feel the bulging of excited butterflys in my stomach forced my face into a smile.
"Then I should probably rest up before we get there." I saw actual disappointment as the girls were escorted by an amused Luna and Rarity saying "Growing boys needs their sleep". I know I only talked briefly but the sleep I received post Sombra was lacking as my bodys changes hadn't fully finalized along with the addition to my ever growing head space. I pulled off my gloves and tucked them into my pocket before flopping face first into the red couch and almost immediately fell asleep.
4 Hours Later
My brain had made sick images of me holding a wounded Spitfire which swiftly faded to me running from a winged human through undoubtedly the Everfree as the forest burned and just as escape was insight I was lifted off my feet by my throat and was pierced by the glowing red eyes of the monster. His hand burned like acid and his aura physically manifested as hot air similar to a blast furnace. "Fear me", fire consumed my vision and I awoke covered in sweat. The room was incredibly hot along with the heat came with my stomach churning and I hastily opened the back door and released the contents of my stomach and continued to until my stomach was thoroughly empty. Needing assistance my hand gripped a metal bar that hissed on contact with my hand. All traces of snow and ice quickly vanished and were replaced with a red glow. I then realized I was on the caboose and looked out over a half frozen landscape. The tracks edged ominously close to a cliff and on the opposing side was a valley formed by two jutting mountains that reached far into the sky and almost kissed the night sky so full of life and color.
The wind drastically changed and a loud thud atop a car further up in the line filled the air. Stumbling and climbing the once frost covered ladder to the top of the train blasted me with cold air that seemed to cool me off but with this new air current came a new storm in the form of the white knight Nova recovering from what I presume was a decently good fall. I strangled my confusion in pursuit of answers. With that I hollered over the wind, "Nice of you to drop in Nova." Rising to his feet he removed the hood and mask to reveal powder white hair that flowed in the wind. He turned, eyes of a unnatural icy blue stared at me a top an expressionless face.
"Hello Apollo Sun, brother of my own blood I humbly request on behest of Eclipse Star that you return home and assume your duties as a prince." I studied his face and the lack of reaction seemed to border on creepy like his emotions were stuck in a black hole. My lips curled into a smile as my sudden summoning bordered the obnoxious.
"You sure look like a smart guy so you know I have to ask why of all times are you coming now?" His head cocked as my question seemed to catch him off guard. "We may be blood but from my perspective I was abandoned and left to struggle." The tiny bit of curiosity was eaten by his emotional black hole following my words.
"You must understand you were believed to be dead along with Mother, your memorial stands tall in the capital. As soon as the night of the solar flare happened the kingdom mobilized rather quickly in pursuit of you." It was my turn to take on the confused face.
"Night of the solar flare?"
"Yes the night your power lit up the sky and was seen for many miles." It was Ponyville when Solaris nearly reduced the center of town into a crater but that was months ago.
"So are you here to rescue me or something?"
"Not rescue per say but persuade to come with me and assume the potential that fate wishes for you." I let out a heavy breathe as my insides twisted and questions screamed in my mind.
"I'm not ready to go Nova there's too much to be done here in Eqestria." His face was still frozen in the same expression but his voice leaked disappointment.
"I can understand your hesitations, stay strong on this road you walk and until we meet again Apollo Sun." Placing the mask on and the hood up he dissolved into powdery snow that caught on the wind and disappeared. I caught myself longing for a second chance at the conversation.
"At least I have one moon to keep me company."
The crunch of snow atop the train car revealed a new presence, "Make that two moons," Luna sauntered her way over and sat down in the snow and patted the ground motioning me to sit, Which I did gladly. She stared deep into my eyes before winding back and slapping me across the face.
"What the fuck was that for!" She stared at me with an annoyed look before pressing a glowing hand to my face causing me to start shake uncontrollably as a million volts of lunar magic zoomed through my body.
"I'm going to break that stupid sword for convincing you to keep Sombra alive." Letting out a couple exhausted breaths I turned towards my commander and chief.
"It was my idea too, Selene needed revenge on Sombras corrupt soul and I needed the power he had and I think I already paid for it," moving my broken arm. She smiled at me and gave me a face that told me I was stupid.
"And who exactly is going to teach you how to use that power idiot?" I opened my mouth and was cut off. "And don't say that stupid sword or I'm going to send it to the sun." She was loud even with the wind.
"She did already teach me some Lunar spells like Gravitos and Excel."
Luna let out a huff, "of course she did." I stood up and began walking towards the ladder. "Where do you think you are going Mr?"
Already being half way down the ladder I peaked my head up to yell to her, "I'm not in the mood to get sick again," She stuck her tongue out at me and I mirrored the gesture before swinging into the train car and collapsing on the couch. I stared at the ceiling.
Only like 8 more hours until Ponyville, my lips curled into a giant smile at the thought. "Tomorrow is going to be a good day."
Author's Note
Ripped jeans and a Flannel
Ripped jeans and a Flannel
The world came back in pieces along with an immense light from the curtains of the train car. I rose to my feet and pulled the curtains open to feel the warmth of the sun on my nearly naked body. A big smile stretched across my face as I jogged over to the bathroom and threw the door open to reveal steam and the sound of running shower, my face lit up and went beat red as Apple jack took a step out of the shower to meet eyes with me sharing an equally embarrassed expression. Jumping backwards I slammed the bathroom door and hustled over to my bags throwing on my Rainbow Dash hoodie and black cargo pants. Forgetting my old wardrobe wouldn't work, my wings were mushed until bursting out the back of the cyan material. The bathroom door began to open and I zipped up the athletic hoodie and dashed for the caboose door wrenching it open and slamming it shut my chest was rising and falling rapidly with every flustered breath. "Why am I so fucking unlucky?" I turned to climb the ladder and with a single barefooted ladder step I was on top of the train. The day was still young I would say 8 o'clock and it was going to be warm even though the tree's were in the stage of the year were all the leaves die. I smacked my head, "Fall that's what it's called." Slave education did me wonders.
"Who are you talking to Sun?" The voice had a ominous tone but was unmistakable as Rainbow's. My eyes got big as the half dressed mare stood atop the train car staring me down. My young adult eyes began to wander, she really was a athlete among athletes. "Sun! Did someone hit you with the perv stick when you were gone?"
I turned away from the mare and pulled up the hood cracking a little embarrassed smile, "Maybe I'm just noticing everyone more since I almost died." I lowered my voice to a whisper, "you aren't exactly bad looking by any means."
"Is that right?" She chuckled evilly as she had invaded my personal space and lurked just in range to hear my whisper. I tried to make words as she kept getting closer and I equally tried to back petal away from this female predator. "Are you afraid of me Sun?"
"I uh... of course not just put some cloths on." I dodged her around a chimney as she jumped at me. She shrieked in pain, turning around revealed she had stubbed her toe and was bending over rubbing the damaged appendage, but giving a full view of her chest. In response my wings flew open, "You have to be...." The wind ripped me from atop the train and angling my wings I soared high into the bright blue sky. Within a second the rainbow blur was upon me and tackling me through many clouds. I tried to struggle and get away but there wasn't a way without hurting her, I was pinned and the predator was about to sink her fangs in me.
"I think the best way to make it up to me is you have to..." She trailed off and I stared up into her eyes. I began the squirm and her face went beat red. I then went stock still ,sometime ago my lower half had started reacting to Rainbows presence. She looked down then to my face then back.
My face went completely red, "Embarrassing!!!" My body gave off a static shock that spooked the mare and I took my opening, dashing back to the train car. Throwing the door open I sprinted to the bathroom bashing on the door and hearing no response I ran in and slammed the door. I turned on the shower and got in setting the water on really hot. This morning couldn't get any worse I swear. Standing under the hot water the stress melted away and my wings began to become heavy under the added weight of the water. This has to be the first time in a long time that my head has been empty with only my own thoughts.
Should I start going by Apollo? Should I join Eclipse and Nova? My priorities are my friends and freeing the people first. I held out my hand and stopped the water mid air, and figuring out my whole magic situation. Releasing my grip the water all dropped. Stepping out of the shower my eyes locked with the turning knob and I froze, there was no where to run and all I felt was dread as the door swung open to reveal the yellow Pegasus. I turned red but was still frozen and all she did was stare before hiding in her hair and walking the other way. I watched her leave the train car as I still stood in place completely exposed. Within a instant of the door shutting I dashed out of the bathroom scooping up my uniform and crystal sword before retreating to the bathroom. I was shocked to look at the sword finding the handle to still be dark red but the once white blade was now a storm of black, red, and blue. It was like a storm with the occasionally flash of red and blue lightning.
I emerged from the bathroom fully dressed sword sheath and all, I was missing Selene though and I began tearing the train car apart in pursuit my main companion. As I reached under the couch Luna came in.
"Eventful morning young prince?" I snickered at her question still occupied with the couch.
"You don't even know."
"Oh I'm very familiar with this mornings events, just remember you have a couple of months to make your moves on the girls." I finally turned my head towards her.
"You're very funny princess." My eyes immediately spotted the necklace she wore rather proudly.
"Oh looks like we have a traitor in our midst." Her smug look just annoyed me.
"Me and Selene are just talking strategy and training."
"That's why you wanted me to take her over Solaris so you could gather information you snake!"
"Don't get your panties in a wad its only temporary". Her eyes dashed to my waist where the Sombra swords sleek black blade was giving off its ominous glow of dark energy. "And don't get any ideas about using that thing it will probably eat you." The sword began to shake and with a flash of magic a little crystal Sombra resided on the floor. I reached down and picked him up as he began moving causing me to jump back and drop him. The little statuette thing regained its bearing and began to speak.
"I'm no monster Luna, I'm now an instrument of good and will be educating the young prince on dark magic that wouldn't fall under your domain. I no longer do the bidding of the dark nexus of the north but it's true that the power is now dormant in the young prince so I do believe the first step of training will be that of mental fortitude." She rolled her eyes and snatched up the mini Sombra.
"Sun stop making my life so hard." She headed toward the exit before stopping, "Breakfast is ready in the dining car try not to peek at any of the girls for the rest of the morning."
" I wasn't planning on it in the first place!"
Dining car
Opening the door to the car I was met by everyone staring at me and my face went dark red. In response I shot my eyes to the floor and surgically navigated to the assortment of food and picked up a pile of strawberries before sitting at the farthest seat from the girls. I could hear whispering from down the table and the eyes of six girls were burning into me.
"Hey AJ I'm sorry about this morning." She looked to the floor her face as red as mine.
"It's okay just don't do it again..." The Cyan pegasus was rather distraught.
"What about me?! You were perving on me so hard!" Pinkie began laughing hysterically and pounding a fist on the table. Before I could say anything Twilight spoke up.
"If you're waving flesh in front of a guy how do you expect him to react Rainbow?" The pegusus just stared at Twilight. To everyone's surprise the staring match was ended by Fluttershy as she added to the conversation.
"It's not uncommon for different species to have males go through heat around this time of the year." Everyone just stared at her until she began hiding behind her hair and all attention was on me.
"That's just.....no.. humans", the door busted open to reveal Luna with a big smile on her face.
"Okay everyone time to get ready we are almost at the station." She looked around at all the red faces. "What's wrong ?"
"Suns going through heat!" She just blinked and erupted with laughter. I tunneled my vision with my hands to not look at anyone.
"Regular humans don't do that." I jumped up from my seat and got ready to bask in my victory, "Let me finish Sun before you start celebrating. Normal humans don't go through it but those from the royal family especially the big three, the star, the moon, and especially the sun do. Our dearest Apollo Sun is a budding flower or more like a fire work just waiting for his body to recognize the right candidate or candidates to spread the royal genes." I stood up and dropped the uneaten strawberries in the trash can.
"Thank you everyone for ruining my breakfast. I think I'm going to hit my head really hard in the other car and hopefully forget this whole morning."
Returning to the couch of my on car I flopped down uncomfortably on my crystal cast still wrapping my arm. I sat up rolling up my sleeve waving my arm wildly ."why cant you heal faster!" The already red crystal began to glow brighter until it burst and my arm was free leaving just fading red veins that stretched from my sun tattoo. "Thanks Draig."
Luna walked into the car staring at me, "well that's one thing I can't take from you." I studied her reaction and it was weird.
"Hey Luna I have a question."
"And what would that be Sun?"
"How do you know so much about humans?"
"Well I could tell you a boring excuse like I was just so found of them or that my relations with the ancient human powers was great but the truth is Crimson Sun and I used to date along with Celestia, royal couples were all the rage back then especially with Eqestria's male problem.
"That's so weird. So what was my dad like?" She smiled and looked away as she was hit with the full nostalgia of her past.
"He was a lot like you in how strong of a person he was but he had a shorter fuse than you and would often butt heads with Celestia over who would raise the sun." She stopped and chuckled, "He once burned a heart into a mountain for our anniversary. He was sweet and caring and that's what made it so hard for me to watch him go through pain and watch that caring heart burn up in a furnace of rage. His hair was red like a beautiful sunset, celestia would always say it was like a peaceful sunrise. The thing you both have is your determination and the emerald eyes of the sun dragon. I really wonder if your hex got dissolved if your hair would turn red like your dads?"
"It's kind of hard to hate a guy when you hear all that cute stuff about him." I smiled and I could see tears forming in Luna's eyes pulling her in for a hug her tears rolled down my back.
"I thought I would never look into those eyes again thank you."
"Let's make him proud." Just as my words left my mouth the train lurched as we entered the Ponyville station. Luna popped up and dragged me to the exit barely grabbing my bags on the way out. Standing in the Sunlight the day was even warmer than earlier and the village was in full swing with ponies running every direction setting things up. Hands covered my eye's and Twilight's voice filled my ears.
"No peeking", and with one magic pop I was landing in a heap on the steps of Sweet Apple Acres. I looked out over the apple trees to see many becoming bare of fruit with basket upon basket being full to the brim with apples. My sudden appearance must of alerted Granny as she opened the screen door behind me with a big smile.
"How have you been Sun?" I gave an equally big smile back to the old mare.
"Pretty good I had another successful mission and my DNA test results came back and my dad is Crimson Sun." She didn't even skip a beat.
"Tell me something I didn't know." She chuckled, "Congratulations I'm proud, of you such a fine young man overcoming
"They're a side effect of a bad choice I think they are permanent." I proceeded to explain the whole story of my time in the crystal empire.
"Well you certainly had a exciting time up north."
"Looking back on it I still can't believe I did it, I don't think I've ever used so much magic before."
"I think you need a little return to normalcy in your life."
"Yeah I need a break for at least a month."
"Could I ask of you a small favor Sun?" I smiled deeply shes so sweet I couldn't say no and I was riding on sleeping in the barn for a week or so.
"Of course ,what do you need?"
"Could you run around the orchard and grab the remaining buckets of apples there should be around 20, and don't worry I have some of Macs old cloths you can do yard work in." Without giving me time to respond she hustled inside and within a few minutes had gathered some ripped blue jeans, white shirt, red flannel, and a old pair of sneakers called chuck haylors. She pointed inside, "You still remember where the bathroom is right?"
"Of course I do." I pushed through the screen door with my back before turning into the hallway and into the tiny bathroom. During the complicated process of pulling up my new jeans a pair of scissors slid under the door for the purpose of wing space in the new shirts. "Thank you!" Sliding on my cloths and lacing up my shoes I really did feel like a farm boy which brought a childish smile to my face. I swung the door open still retaining my grin, "So how do I look?" Granny looked up from her book from within the kitchen.
"I would say you're Sweet Apple Acres material but you have that rats nest on your head." I jokingly dropped to my knees in a dramatic fashion.
"Cruel world now Apple jack will never love me because of my nasty long hair!" Just in that moment Aj came in the front door and my response was to get wide eyed and run out the back door, the cackling and voice of Granny followed me out.
"Ill fix up that hair when you are done." The laughing faded as I ran around the house to the front gathering the first basket that was just at the tree line and I hustled dropping it at the front of the barn, I repeated this a couple more times and by the 9th basket I was traveling deep into the orchard and beads of sweat were rolling down my face along with my hair starting to almost cover my eyes. Dropping the basket I felt eyes on me as I ran deep into the orchard traveling through the trees dodging and weaving was really fun and the smell of fall was intoxicating and I all I could think of was making this place my home what a wonderful place in such a messed up world. I came upon the 10th basket outside a tree house and just from the loud conversation from within I could hear Apple Bloom in a heated debate with two other voices chiming in. The door swung open with Apple bloom in the lead talking to Rarity's sister with a unknown pegasus girl in tow. I waved before picking up the basket.
"Good morning everyone." Apple Bloom snapped to attention throwing up a salute.
"Good morning Sun sir!" I chuckled what's up with the seriousness all the sudden. All three of them stared at me with big eyes.
The orange Pegasus spoke up, "You're like a legend now like Spitfire or Shinning armor..." A smile was firmly in place now on my face.
"I'm gonna stop you right there," I paused as another laugh got caught in my throat thinking about my statue in the crystal empire, " I'm not on that level yet but thank you for believing in me." I've grabbed most of the baskets by the house any chance you three know were the last ten of these baskets are?"
Apple Bloom looked at me like I was the dumbest thing on two legs, " They should be scattered around the front it would probably be in yer best interest to fly them." I kind of flinched at the thought of a magicless take off but I did want to finish before the afternoon was over.
"Thanks Ill probably start flying them then, you girls have a good day." I took a couple hard steps and with a flap of my wings I was off the ground and trudging along at a good pace. Coming within the opening of the house I dove into a landing that was a touch too hot skidding on my heels and lurching forward I began to fall but caught myself on the barn smacking my forehead and falling in a heap with only a couple apples falling out of my basket. Standing to my feet I brushed off the dirt and went airborne once more. "If I'm going to have wings then I might as well master them or at least learn how to fly effectively." I leaned into a sprint and began to rapidly flapping my wings and unlike previous flying attempts I had done in the past I stayed close to the ground weaving through the main path of Sweet Apple Acres at a speed that pulled the dying leaves from the trees. Spotting a basket I closed the gap on my target attempting to snatch it while in flight but just managing to crash into a tree. Bouncing to the ground and landing in a pile of leaves I remained still and coughing before rolling to my back, staring up at the reds and and browns of the fall orchard was quite peaceful. I rose to my feet and snatched up the basket only nine more to go. I continued this shuttle flight back and forth down to the last basket and on my last attempt I successfully snatched the basket from the ground and pulled up flying above the tree line and the triumphant victory over gravity felt pretty great. I descended for the last time and landed almost gracefully stumbling and face planting with outstretched arms preserving the baskets integrity. I looked up to see Granny and Aj looking at me from inside the barn laughing quite hard. I brushed off the dirt and jumped up trying to preserve a calm cool persona. Making my way over to the barn I could see a barbers chair along with hair cutting supplies erupting from a small bag.
"Please cut this hair off it's making we sweat like a dog." Granny just smirked as I plopped down in the chair and had a cloth draped across me courtesy of Aj.
"So what kind of haircut you want?" Granny chuckled
"I want a crew cut that's a little longer in the front and on top."
"That's definitely do able." At the drop of a hat sheers, clippers, and scissors whizzed around my head for about 10 minuets before I was being circled for errors by the mares. Granny and Aj nodded to each other confirming hopefully a job well done.
"How do I look?"
"Like a person who belongs on the farm," Granny chuckled. Aj nodded to the comment.
"Sun definitely looks the part." Granny elbowed AJ causing her to blush and pull her hat down. "Sun I'm leaving for town watch Granny so she doesn't get up to any shenanigans."
The old mare snickered, "He couldn't stop me if he tried."
"Yeah I second that." Aj just shook her head and headed down the path towards town. "I think tonight is going to be fun Granny." I looked around for the old mare but she was nowhere to be seen.
Granny then yelled from the kitchen, "Sun come help me cook up something special."
"Ill be there in a sec." I watched Aj as she disappeared around a bend. I saw a naked mare today I wonder how the rest of today is gonna go? I herd Granny call once more. I turned and ran for the house, "I'm coming!"
Author's Note
I wrote this whole chapter listening to the Black Eyed Peas and honestly it was pretty great.
oh and late happy 2019 MOFO'S
Party till we're purple
Cold water stung my hands as the particulate from cooking disappeared and apple scented soap filled my nose. Granny had me make "Special" fritters that had a special ingredient of some kind of alcohol, my job was beating the crap out of the dough so the other processes were lost on me, but I did have fun with my menial task. Granny was now wrapping and stuffing the overabundance of desserts into a ratty old red back pack. I hopped up on the counter and talked about the nonexistent drinking age for humans and my rather ambiguous age that could be anything from 19-23 as I stared out the window. The sun dipped below the trees and the golden sky became increasingly dark. As the last light faded from the sun the bag was tossed into my lap and I was pointed to the door and to my surprise Granny hugged me as we said good bye.
"Stay smart tonight Sun, don't get dragged into any beds you're not familiar with." I chuckled and put the back pack on awkwardly in the front so I could fly.
"The only bed I know around here is the loft in the barn." I had twinge in my spine remembering Fluttershy's cabin in my hallucination from up north. "Ill see you tomorrow", leaping from the porch my feet slapped against the ground no more than four times and I was airborne. My flannel was flapping in the wind as I soared high above the trees and the village came into view with all its lights and decorations but surprisingly no ponies to be seen. I slowed down and stood upon a cloud looking down upon the string and street lamp lit village. I hopped from my fixed position and elected to glide atop a stage placed in front of town hall. I hung my legs over the ledge and kicked them as I pulled off the bag in search of its contents. Pulling out an apple fitter I did mental gymnastics to justify my first time consuming alcohol and honestly who cared anymore because I sure didn't. Sinking in my teeth the strange flavor filled my mouth and burned my throat, cinnamon whiskey. I made quick work of it and as I reached for another, the feeling of being watched caused me to turn my torso to look at the big curtain that slightly parted and revealed a bottle that began to roll towards me slightly glowing purple. Getting close enough to grab I stared at the bottle to the curtain and back, picking it up it read hard cider ten percent refined magical alcohol. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Leaning over I smacked the top of the bottle on the corner of the stage and the cap went flying. I raised it and the hidden figures must of held their breaths and for the laughs I put it down. In a flash of blue the rainbow headed mare was upon me shoving the bottle in my mouth. I squirmed at the mighty grip of the mare.
"Stop fussing so we can get this party going." The contents of the bottle slid down my innards and imbued me with a healthy warmth in my chest. Everyone in Ponyville jumped out and I think even a couple fireworks went off as everyone filed out in front of the stage. I spit out the bottle and grabbed the mare and looked deep into her eyes
"Shots later", I turned away from Rainbow and began to scan the crowd of ponies. I honestly felt like a rock star with everyone staring up at me. "How's it going Ponyville!" the crowd hollered back at me. I could here the voices of my friends behind me and spinning around the curtain was parted revealing the enormous sound system of Vinyl scratch along with the other five of the elements all dressed to the nines. Twilight rushed up to me with a bottle of wild pegasus whiskey along with a microphone outstretched. I grabbed the mic and the bottle, tapping the mic the speakers reacted reflexively, "This is no speech by any mean but everyone who has something to raise, raise it and toast to the best night of my life so far." The crowd cried out and I bit off the top to my bottle and began chugging which elicited more excitement and laughter. My throat burned and by the time I lowered the bottle the contents were a third gone, I threw up a salute to vinyl and the music began to bang. I jumped down into the crowd and began dancing with the many ponies that made all the hard work worth it.
Under the crescent moon Ponyville was probably the happiest place on the planet with no conspiracies or tragic back stories everyone just existed and had fun for the sake of having fun, I think for a night I can act my own age. A dance circle soon formed and many talented dancers were filling the circle with moves I couldn't even explain. I felt a shove from the back and I found myself in the center with no way out. Moving to the music my moves were really goofy and earned laughs but a challenger emerged from the crowd a mint green unicorn I remember being named Lyra began leaning in towards me and reflexively I leaned back, I began leaning forward and she leaned back, we were in a duel of footwork and sliding past one another we grasped hands and spun. The song was faster than I'm used to but by no means club music and as I spun and dipped my partner the crowd oohed and awed and as the song began to end I lifted Lyra for a grand finally and as the final note rang out the crowd cheered and I lowered the mare who was grinning rather widely.
"Not everyday you get to feel like a princess thanks for that Sun, or should I say prince Apollo Sun."
"Sun's fine, and you're welcome anytime," I smiled and the mare sped off into the crowd. I picked up my bottle and took another swig that opened up my lungs and I made my way through the crowd. Many smiling faces, pats on the back, and a few smacks on the ass by drunken mares and I found my self in an alley taking a leak. Two mares were making out and the idea of kissing caused me to grin as I finished up and zipped my pants. I wonder how the girls are... I was hit in the head by a bottle cap, looking up Rainbow was on the roof grinning.
"Enjoying your alley neighbors Sun?" I whipped my head to the mares and back to Rainbow.
"N... WHY ARE YOU WATCHING ME PISS", She laughed and fell off the roof landing in my arms. "Its time for shots Rainbow." Her face lit up and she jumped from my arms grabbing me by the hand and dragged me into the crowd. My face was super red as the realization that everyone who was looking just saw me and Rainbow come out of the alley. Rainbows destination was the bar set up next to the stage which was impossible to see when I originally landed earlier in the night. Slamming her hand down on the bar.
"Royalty here demands 6 shots for him and his blue companion," She was laughing so hard she almost fell over. The bartender was Big Mac slid the six shots over. Locking eyes with Rainbow the whiskey disappeared quickly and she grabbed my hand leaning close, "I think you should come..." The song changed and the blue mare whipped around, "This is me and Pinkies song ill be back in a bit." She zoomed off and I looked at Big Mac.
"Can I get an orange pop with vodka?" he turned around and started pouring before sliding me the orange liquid, "Thanks."
"Eeyup." I think its about time I gave the Dj a visit. I protected the orange liquid as I navigated the crowd and hopped up to the stage. The Dj was surrounded by lasers and smoke machines from what I knew just regular Dj stuff. I climbed up to perch where Vinyl was throwing another disk on.
"How's your evening almighty slayer of disks." She pushed her glasses up and chuckled.
"Quite enjoyable slayer of evil, besides becoming the sweetheart of the Crystal empire anything new?"
"Well I'm a prince I guess so that's kinda dope."
"Well has the prince had enough to drink that he would be willing to sing a few songs."
"You are funny if you think I can sing but maybe if a mare as pretty as yourself asked id consider it." She blushed a little but rolled over my comment.
"All my friends that work in castle said your singing in the shower was quite lovely, and a mare as pretty as me is asking." My face was red or more red than it was previously.
"If I can pick the song you might have a deal."
The speakers fell silent and the lasers stopped but the fog rolled out in a higher intensity and the curtains shut. My white shirt lay on the ground while my flannel was tied at my waist. The beat began to start and my heart swelled with a strange anticipation and fear. I picked the only song I knew well enough to sing, and it was either going to be awesome or a complete flop.
(1:15 Seconds ) The curtains remained closed as I began to sing nearing the high first high note the curtains flew open revealing the crowd of ponies all gathered around the stage like a concert and in a short couple seconds of just instrumental I rushed to the front of the stage and continued singing my heart out as many drunk ponies reached up towards me. My voice filled the night commanding all attention and from the short glances I took across the crowd everyone was going nuts. My friends eventually found themselves at the foot of the stage and out of the bottom of my eyes I could see them smiling up at me and in that moment I actually felt like a rock star and that's something I honestly never thought was possible.
I pointed up to the moon and mentally thanked Luna for such a beautiful night and for such amazing friends. I know there are many things still hiding in my future but for tonight I'm just a part time farmer/rock star who's friends are all smoking hot and older. I'm not a knight , not a prince, just a dude who's going to get hammered with very attractive friends.
As the song crept towards the finale I spread my wings wide and shot my arms up. The beat dissipated and Ponyville roared probably loud enough to shake Canterlot. "Me and Vinyl are going on tour as soon as I can bring world peace," I laughed and ran up to the set up hugging Vinyl, "If you ever need a feature let me know."
"You definitely didn't disappoint I might have to take you up on that." With the alcohol very in my system I kissed her on the cheek and childishly ran away, looking back she had her glasses over her eyes again and was shaking her head. I ran jumping off the stage and opened my wings gliding up towards a cloud that sat directly in line with the moon.
"I don't know where you are right now but thank you Luna for giving me even more things to fight so hard for." The music not by me resumed and everyone below me began dancing again. I pulled my flannel from my waist and buttoned it up. I could hear a gentle flapping of wings beside me, glancing I saw Fluttershy in a yellow hoodie with the hood up looking at the sky. "Yo Fluttershy come sit with me." Her head whipped around to stare at me her pink hair partly hanging out of the hood.
"Are you okay with that?" I smacked my face.
"Yes I'm sure." Floating over she sat down on the cloud criss cross apple sauce while still looking up at the sky. "You having fun tonight?" She remained looking up.
"Yeah I'm definitely not the party pony but it's your party and everypony hanging out is always fun. Sun I have a question for you if that's all right."
"You're one of my closest friends of course you can ask me anything."
"How do you do all the scary stuff by yourself?" I paused to think about my answer.
"I'm not alone I've had you guys, Shinning Armor, Luna, and especially Spitfire to help me through everything. I'm not going to lie though even the past couple weeks my life has changed so much and all this fighting and politics is honestly pretty scary."
"What happens when you don't want to fight anymore?"
"I'll come back here and start a family I think I might rebuild the castle of the two sisters for myself and then Ill fill it with people and kids." I laughed at the idea of such a happy ending.
"All the girls are talking about it after this morning but are you even attracted to mares?" I started to laugh harder and she started to get red.
"Well I definitely don't like stallions if that's what you are asking." She pulled the strings of her hoodie tight
"I meant like....... vs human women." I thought back on the previous girls who had been in my life and sighed.
"I would have to pick mares but you can't tell anyone that." She looked into my eyes, "You promise?"
"I promise." Looking into each others eyes the distance between us rapidly began to disappear and right before impact she paused. "How many kids do you want?"
"A lot"
"Good"
"What's good?" A third voice appeared and Fluttershy jumped up and sped off leaving a pink trail of light in her wake. I laid back completely hanging my head off the cloud and coming eye to eye with Rainbow.
"Whats up chief?"
"We need you at sugar cube corner for a beer pong." I looked off to see no sign of Fluttershy then back to the frat pony, "Sure why not." I rolled off the cloud and opened my wings at the last moment to save my legs from unnecessary injury. I weaved through the crowd towards the bakery and was now at the door. The memories of the last party flooded my brain as the door flew open and I was snatched up by Pinkie and thrown in front of a plastic foldable table. To my left was Twilight who was in a skirt and a tube top, across the table was Rainbow in her athletic jacket and short shorts, to her right was Aj wearing a tied flannel and jean shorts, It was a drunk me paradise and I wasn't a hundred percent in the hole yet. plastic balls began to fly and drinks were rapidly disappearing. It was starting to look like me and Twilight were going to lose, If only I knew wind magic I could curve the ball in every time. Raising my hand and minding my elbows I released the ball and shortened the lead two to one. Acquiring the ball lazily lofted by the drunk princess Aj closed one eye and drained it and to add insult to injury Rainbow drained it. I picked up my drink and finished the already weaning contents.
"Stupid game." The comment stirred the other team.
"Arm wrestling then?" They both jumped at me.
"And the loser dose?" They both stared at one another.
Rainbow's eyes lit up, "Loser has to run with their partner to Sweet apple Acres and back, naked." I looked over at Twilight who gave me a thumbs up.
"Team royalty is going to kick your asses." Pulling up chairs I sat across from Aj as Twilight showed off against Rainbow. The two were in a stalemate and soon got the attention of the group within the store and cheering soon erupted. I was screaming and jumping up and down, in a miracle upset Twilight beat Rainbow. The whole crowd gathered and I began to pose as Pinkie came from nowhere with a microphone hollering out my height and weight and my stats and notable achievements and doing the same for AJ. Our hands locked and soon battled a stalemate as my arm still wasn't healed a hundred percent from Sombra smashing the bone to pieces. Her eyes said she was calm but her arm said otherwise, "Granny was so gracious to let me look into you diary ."
"SHE WHAT?!" Like a viper in the Appleloosian dessert I struck and her hand smacked the table. I jumped upon the table flexing and screaming my head off as the place went absolutely nuts. My opponent was still appalled not understanding it was a bluff, I plopped down in front of Aj and flipped her hat up.
"So element of honesty you want to kiss the victor?" I closed my eyes and I was hit so extremely hard I bounced off the ground. A boot was pressed to my head and my arms were tied behind my back. "What did you read you snooping vermin?" In my intoxicated state of mind I could only press the issue.
"Only the parts where you say I'm really cute and I'm a good role model for all the fillies and colts." The boot pressed harder and the knot became tighter. I switched to my best Shinning Armor impression,"I will not capitulate to this equine aggression." I rolled hard under the table and knocked AJ off me, lowering my hands I stepped over the knot bringing my hands to the front. Regaining her bearrings she tugged me forward and I lurched forward into her arms that crushed me in a bear hug.
"You're playing with fire Sun and if you want to keep your man parts intact you better start talking, and before you say anything Granny told me they were on the outside."
"How did that come up?" My back and wings were given more pressure as her original question wasn't answered. "I never read it Granny jokingly brought it up when we were cooking and she was talking about your poems." The pressure disappeared and she pulled her hat down.
"Ill show you sometime but I better never catch you in my room." I smirked a little.
"Eeyup."She pulled her leg back and kicked me in the nuts, the group oohed as I crumpled and I swear I could feel some healing magic from my Sun tattoo going to my reproductive system. I was breathing heavy and rolling around as Rarity waved air to me. "You're an absolute doll Rarity."
"You Sun are quite the one with the silver tongue to get historically calm Apple jack in such a tizzy." I laughed through the pain.
"It's part of my charm." The party continued regularly and Pinkie even got me an ice pack which I politely declined. Many ponies began to trickle out and Fluttershy managed to trickle in very intoxicated, stumbling up to me she grabbed my arm and pulled at it. "What's up?"
"8."
"Eight what?"
"Our earlier conversation." My face went beat red as what eight meant rushed around my head. My wings popped open and everyone looked over to me my face red and wings wide while Fluttershy was whispering in my ear."
The voice of Rarity could be herd but not seen, "How bold Fluttershy!" She whipped her head towards the room.
"If you care what I'm doing you're not drunk enough." I began to laugh at the uncharacteristic outburst. Rarity came out from the hallway that led away from the sitting room that was filled with the elements.
The white unicorn spoke up, "I think its time for some truth or dare!" I groaned as I was dragged by the yellow pegasus and was thrown down coming to rest on the couch in between Aj and Fluttershy. Twilight rested her head against my knee as she sat on the floor, everyone else decorated the rest of the furniture.
"So who's going first?"
Rarity shot her hand up, "Ladies first of course." I started to stare at the ceiling as drunkenness seemed to effect my head the most. "Sun truth or dare?" I didn't take my eyes of the ceiling.
"Truth, I can't really move." The white mare tapped her chin evilly.
"Out of everypony in this room who did you miss most when you were in the Crystal Empire."
"You can't ask me that, any answer would hurt feelings or..."
Pinkie jumped in, "I think it's between Twilight, Apple Jack, Rainbow dash, and Fluttershy , just because of today events.
"That's not fair I love your parties and Rarity literally put the cloths on my back, I missed everyone equally." Pinkie just laughed and Rarity just rolled her eyes smiling. My memory of this mornings train ride and the embarrassing argument about heat crept into my thoughts.
"So Pinkie truth or dare?" The pink mare starred into the glass bottle as she twirled the contents.
"Sunny my human friend I pick truth." My grin stretched evilly.
"What time a year does heat happen in Ponyville?" The eyes of everyone were intensely on me, I looked down at my lap, "I'm just curious."
"It's in the spring right after wrapping up the winter all the males go into hiding and the mares roam the streets like hell mares." I could kind of imagine a zombie like scenario were anything male was ripped apart, spooky. I could imagine Luna making up some mission like protect the males of Ponyville and putting me out here just to see me run around. Pinkies attention went to the yellow pegasus clinging to my arm.
"Hey Fluttershy ,truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"I dare you to kiss..." Without the question being finished the lips of the once shy mare smacked against mine. She jumped up from the couch.
"Finally I kissed a guy, now you girls can't give me shit anymore!" Everyone was silent, followed by Pinkies laughing and rolling on the floor. "Rainbow truth or dare!"
"Dare!"
"I dare you to give me a foot massage!" Fluttershy while drunk gave zero fucks and it was kinda awesome.
"What ever you say Yellow menace." I decided to chime in.
"Does she always go this crazy when she drinks?" Everyone simultaneously nodded. She pounded her chest bottle in hand.
Rainbow finished rubbing the feet of the drunken yellow frat pony, "AJ truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Who was the first stallion you ever kissed?" The element of honesty was trapped in between a rock and a hard place as she was incapable of lying but was extremely embarrassed. She just pointed at me and the other girls oohed at her. "Raise your hand if you have kissed Sun." Four sixths of the room raised a hand with a red face, I sunk into the couch embarrassed.
"I think I need some air." I hopped up and darted for the door freeing myself from the strange atmosphere. The party was dieing down a lot and instead of mingling I flapped my wings and headed for a cloud, Ponyville was a very pretty place especially from a birds eye view. Thinking stuff like that is really starting to make me think I'm going soft. I made it to my destination and collapsed on the fluffy airborne mass, I think I'm going to tie a rope around them and make a bed one of these days.
I smiled harder than I ever had tonight and for some reason even now something was wrong. Where did Luna go, and why did Spitfire not come?
Side bets part 2, Three Brothers
Three Brothers
The moonlight danced on the sand like diamonds, the desert was plunged into the deep darkness that made the sands appear infinite. The blade of the scythe dragged in the sand behind the figure as it moved across the land leaving nothing but a gentle scar. There where two blue dots emitted from the figures face other than that it was feature less. He watched the breeze of the night pull the loose grains of sand to a place unknown and endlessly create the pattern that snaked across the dunes. Lights began to appear in the distance and the figure stopped before appearing to disintegrate into the sand.
He appeared much closer to the lights, the identity of the illumination being revealed as a trade cart being handled by two unicorn. The magical lights they used were dim and didn't detect the figure as he moved like a shadow over the sand. He was always curious about the ponies and why they had feared human supremacy enough to destabilize the previous kings power. He knew not what Eclipse would do when the time came to reveal themselves officially to the rest of the world or what that would mean for his twin and the ponies.
The cart moved on but the thoughts of his brother rose to the surface were nagging at him rather tirelessly since speaking with him on the train. His brother was a slave but smiled and laughed as if more a free man than anyone at the castle. Apollo seemed a lot like Eclipse taking after their father while he must take after their mother who ever she may be.
Nova stopped and stared up at the moon his heart and mind confused by the actions of both brothers in their quests for their goals. He thought what are his goals? what happens when there can only be one and the next human king will be crowned, who will bring the people up from the ashes, the sun, the star, or the moon? He looked off far in the distance to see a mighty mountain rising from the land and it gave off the magical signature of home. He raised his hand which glowed a frost like blue and the sand began to break its pattern into a circle and form runes. The sand glowed the same blue for a moment before a pop and Nova was gone.
Ponyville
Apollo Sun lurched forward and fell from his cloud above Ponyville. He plummets the short distance to the ground and his eyes are once again filled by dark images of Spitfire in trouble painted his head. Something was wrong and he couldn't tell what, his body began to increase in temperature the stones he placed his hands on began to steam. He couldn't tell what was going on but the urge to fly to Canterlot became over whelming. His wings opened and he sped across the night sky. The adrenaline was pushing him on to levels of speed he only reached with the lunar magic Excel.
The flight was going to be long and only a couple minutes in it began to rain. He felt as if he was going crazy as he flew towards the city attached to the mountain. Lightning struck all around him and the wind increased trying to throw him off course. His heart was beating like war drums and things were going fuzzy, calling out to Draig failed and he was truly alone as only the worst possible outcomes flashed in his head.
What felt like hours of strong wind and rain that tried to throw him back the way he came, and only doubled down as he ascended to the capital city. The lights of the city lit the streets with only the red light district containing any sign of life and the absence of the Sun made it sure Luna was still on duty. Aiming towards the castle the soaked flyer remained in hot pursuit. The balcony of the Lunar princess came into view with a squeak of the sneakers borrowed from Sweet Apple Acres Apollo landed and banging on the balcony door of Luna. It opened and the Lunar princess studied the disheveled human.
"Where is Spitfire it's urgent?" She was taken aback realizing how distressed he was.
"She's probably at the spare Wonderbolt house further up the mountain." Sun didn't even wait to elaborate as he turned and dove from the balcony flapping his tired wings desperately.
The house quickly came into view resting on a grassy out cropping that had a pond fed by a waterfall. Next to it was a small cottage that over looked the castle and Equestria. Hitting the ground Apollo stumbled his soaked jeans which where causing stiffness of movement stuck to his legs. He rose up to his feet and awkwardly began to run towards the structure. As he approached the hinges on the door were busted in, a sign of forced entry. He entered the house and his blood ran cold a pony stood in the living room wearing the same unmarked armor he had seen back in the night club before the mission to the Crystal empire. His blood boiled over and he charged the unicorn tackling him and falling through a glass table. The dazed figure moments ago unaware of the looming danger was now fighting for their life as Apollo Sun grabbed a shard of glass and tore at their neck and eyes. The vicious slashes continued until the intruder was limp. Now caked in blood and hearing commotion in another room Apollo grabbed a fire poker from a stand next to the fire place. The stoking utensil began to drip beads of blood as the glass had cut him during his savage onslaught.
Turning the corner Apollo's vision was distorted by a great white flash and a knife to the shoulder. He didn't crumple as soon as the knife slashed at his skin he began back peddling blind. The prince was punched numerous times before gaining his sight back. He stepped back from the hallway and into the living room still being pursued by the second individual. The figure threw a left hook which was grabbed by Apollo who turned the attackers wrist outward and smashed the elbow across his knee almost breaking it completely off, the skin of the individual keeping it attached. The fire poker still in hand was then driven into the base of the neck and had accumulated enough uncontrolled magic from Apollo that it appeared a current of lightning shot down the metal instrument and into the home invader causing their head to pop and paint everything in gore. Apollo ran down the hall hearing the noise coming from the last door in the hall. He didn't slow down as he leaped through the air his feet smashing through the door and coming to rest inside the room. There stood a black unicorn over top Spitfire who was bruised and bloody. The unicorns magic began to start as Apollos hand charged a mighty blast of lighting and in a flash the pony was thrown in chunks and the wall of the house was blown out. Skidding on the debris Apollo picks up Spitfire in his gore covered hands beginning to weep over her unconscious form. A couple flashes of light and some nightguards appear with Luna and as the personnel try and take Spitfire, Apollo resists and seems to be in a state of complete deliriousness until Luna places a hand on his shoulder. The guards remove Spitfire and Apollo seems to twitch his eyes develop a black aura that develops into a black smoke. He limply walks out of the hole in the wall towards the pond and begins to look around confused. He sees the guards bringing out Spitfire and he freezes.
The green eyes of the prince change to that of a dark red glow as he's lifted off the ground. The wind begins to pick up and the form of Apollo raises itself from the ground fists clenched and wings extended. A cyclone of air begins to form around the prince his red eyes the only thing visible from within. The guards try and take cover as Luna charges up a spell and as it is set on Apollo she lets out a single tear. The dark blue lightning arches from the princesses hand and strikes the forming tornado. A shriek can be herd over the tearing wind but it doesn't stop. Luna teleports everyone to safety and with a big flash the Prince has nothing to do except eat his own tail. A large amount of lightning emits from Apollo from every angle and color, a boom that could be heard all the way in Appaloosa rung out. The air calmed down and Apollo went from a hover too crumpled on his knees whimpering. The clouds seemed to dissipate and the rising sun began to peak out. The presence of a warm energy appeared behind Apollo and a hand was placed upon his shoulder.
"I failed Celestia the first person who ever believed in me is dead." The white alicorn looked at Apollo as he stared off into the sun.
"It was right here where your father said the same thing to me and I couldn't help him make the right decision and it cost me him and Luna." You haven't failed and she's not dead but I don't know if she'll ever be okay again." Apollo Sun began to cry harder as Celestia held him.
Eclipse Empire
Eclipse Star sat back watching his brother being embraced by Celestia through his looking glass. He felt anger watching Celestia hold Apollo. Sitting up he hollered for Nova and the court to assemble. He looked into the looking glass that now only held his reflection. The silver hair and youthful appearance isn't what you would expect from someone as old as he. His own purple eyes dissected himself as the monsoon in his head calculated the next step. In the end there can only be one brother left standing.
Author's Note
Does anyone still read this?
How Do I Make It Not Hurt?
How Do I Make It Not Hurt?
The steady heartbeat monitor that was for once not for me was all I herd as I tentatively watched over the frail form of Spitfire, her breathing ever so shallow. My wet clothes were sent to my room in the castle and I was wrapped in my military suit sent from Ponyville my dress shoes were replaced by my wonder bolt boots. The Sombra sword was on my left hip giving off a black fog from the blade and Selene was on my right courteous of a second sheath belt, Selene occasionally gave off a black tendril magic which would be swallowed up by the blade almost as soon as it came. I wasn't stable and everyone knew it, I couldn't even control the dark magic in my body that had to be vented by my swords and eyes. The break through of wind magic was nothing at the moment as my brain tortured me with how everything was my fault. The only thing taken from Spitfire was Solaris, my sword, my responsibility.
I was shook from my sulking by the air current being blocked by someone outside the door I raised my hand not holding spitfires which glowed grey and opened the door with a gentle breeze. The other side revealed a couple of WonderBolts, they locked eyes with me but remained silent. My mouth became extremely dry as I tried to say something.
"I'm... sorry." The blue pegasus Sourin just shook his head trying to hold back the tears, collapsing on the side of the bed he wailed different forms of he should of been there. Another pegasus pushed past me that I didn't recognize while one I did Flee Foot beckoned me out into the hall. The door shut and the wails from inside got louder. My eyes went to the floor from guilt.
"Sun, I can call you that right? Get your weird glowing eye balls off the floor and look me in the eyes." I looked up to see the mare trembling but her voice stood firm. "The first step to finding out who did this is knowing the real story, what happened this morning." I went over every detail from the visions to the armor matching the guys I fought at the club. She nodded her head, "she cared about you a lot you know? Wouldn't shut up about how reckless you were and if something was to happen to her that we should watch out for you. In the Wonderbolts we are family and that extends to you through her."
"Promise me if you find any leads that you will notify me?"
"Of Sun course and I expect the same." She embraced me and a couple tears escaped both of our eyes before she opened the door and went to tend to her family. I crumplued to the floor my head on my knees, I felt a spike of anger come over me and I rose up throwing a fist into the wall, the marble cracking under the force of my fist. Raising my hands to my eyes I temporarily pulled the emitting magic from them to not alarm anyone. I navigated my way to the entrance where a line of journalists and guards had formed. The mass of ponies was going to be a pain, If only I could teleport I could navigate around the horde. The guards acknowledged my presence and let me through, the snapping of cameras and screaming of questions fell on deaf ears as I scanned the blue and black carriage that beckoned my presence. I didn't need to see Luna to know she was there. I headed down the steps of Canterlots general hospital to the large carriage. Luna poked her head out followed by the door being fully open and some new faces being revealed.
A big bat pony looked me up and down as I pulled my swords out to not stab through the seats. "So this is the cowboy?"
"Shut up Crescent we all had a long night especially him." A female bat pony spoke up half asleep. He turned back to look at her.
"Just making sure he's not going to blow the carriage over with another twister." I wasn't in the mood for it.
"We can do the whole new guy bottom of the totem pole song and dance later." Everyone just kind of shut up after that, I turned to Luna. "Where are we headed?" She let out a huff and went to looking out the window.
"The Council building Sun." I just put my face in my hands and tried to get my magic under control before I had to go in there looking like Sombra. I let out a big breathe and licks of black flames danced from between my fingers, a test of civility just what I need today.
The Council Building
The huge white building was supported by columns of limestone that gave me the impression of an open maw with its white staggered tongue reaching out towards the carriage in the form of row after row of white steps. The others piled out of the carriage in an uninspired manner and I was quickly getting the impression everyone present was dreading this as much as me. We were a small set of black uniforms in a sea of white which almost felt like wearing a sign that just flashed misfits. The Bluemoons didn't seem to care groggily joking about previous appearances and I over herd Crescent and a smaller bat pony who's name I learned was Flash Night, how they would sneak out two sinks this time compared to the one on the prior trip. I moved my gaze to the steps under my feet and chuckled at their desire to act like delinquents for the sake of a good laugh. Another pair of boots appeared next to my own and I raised my head to match the gaze of the Bluemoon field commander Blood rain. She had a scar over her dark red eyes that matched her hair and her skin was as close to a fruit bat as one could get in color and even in my poor mood I felt my heart twinge as she looked me deep in the eyes.
"It's nice to finally meet you captain, I'm sorry it was under these circumstances." She gave me a nod and looked forward.
"It's nice to put a face to a name Apollo Sun, I am sorry that your mentor was attacked." I still maintained a half smile while looking back to the stone steps. "We have our intelligence officers working on trying to identify the faction so don't worry about them getting away."
"I hope you guys don't beat me to the punch." She stopped and turned towards me.
"Apollo you maybe the Princesses new project but we are a team and If you can't work with this team there's no room for you here you'll just get in the way, go join the Wonderbolts if that's your mentality. " My teeth ground against one another.
"Did you see what I did to those ponies with just my bare hands, I did that alone and when Luna sent me to Ponyville to fight the Misfits or the Crystal empire I did that alone too. If anything you'll be in my way." Her face remained calm as my temper flared and I could almost feel my eyes turn a shade of red to match her own.
"You lack emotional control a thing required for playing nice with others, lets look at last night as an example everyone was nearly injured by your magic and the bodies were so badly damaged its taking far longer than usual to get an ID on them. You're sloppy and hot headed and until you get over that you wont be able to be brought into the fold. We are switching our operation ready point to Ponyville we'll have a lot of time for you to prove to me you are ready for this responsibility." I was steaming I could feel my hair stand up. She walked into the large red doors as I just starred daggers until the door closed. Crescent stuck his head out from the door.
"I was in favor of you joining officially after you blew that Boss guy up in Ponyville." He was pulled back into the building by Blood Rain. I leaned against a pillar and wiped at my eyes and tried to calm down. My suit felt wrong on me now and I wanted to tear apart. I wanted to be back in the Crystal empire in the prototype suit soaring through the skies helping the crystal army. Those were my comrades not this phony group of slackers, I could feel Luna's magic about to teleport on my position. I bit down on my lip and entered the building to avoid the conversation.
The walls were well furnished and the place had an air of supremacy which must of originated far up the pompous asses of those who called this place their chamber of social service. I found it ironic a human was wandering around the halls of the council of Eqestria the place that had originated so much pain and suffering. A cold shiver ran down my neck and a sultry voice seemed to whisper behind me, "You could always burn this place down right not." I spun around and no one was there and scary enough it sounded like Spitfire. I tried to move my attention to something else as Luna popped out of the grand doors at the end of the hallway and motioned me to hurry up. I hustled down the hall and tried to enter the meeting area but was stopped by Luna. She tapped both of my swords with a glowing finger which flashed and turned them into black gauntlets one having a blue gem in the form of a crescent moon and the other having a red crescent moon.
"What was that for?"
"It's a precaution we don't need the council knowing the son of Crimson Sun also has the power of a dark lord." I just nodded as I passed her and walked into the big room that formed a huge bowl of seats with a talking floor in the center. The room was broken into a bunch of sections based on their interest groups. The Wonderbolts and the royal guards where in attendance. Highest ranks and rulers where in the front like Luna and Blood rain and the lower ranks were in the back of the sections. The moons were by far the smallest out of the groups and shared a section with regular night guards the council was even larger than us which didn't allow me to be veiled by the darkness when the lights were dimmed and changed to stage lights. Everything was started as a white unicorn smacked his stand with his gavel. His voice filled the room effortlessly.
"The Eqestrian council has called the powers of this empire together to discuss the terrorist attack that took place in the capital this morning against one of our highest ranked and decorated officers." We first call upon now acting Wonderbolt captain Fleet foot to speak on Spitfires current mission at the time of attack." The pegasus rose and walked the descending isle to the floor and bowed before speaking to the room.
"Greetings everyone, Spitfire was currently under orders to be mentoring and training Apollo Sun the human of the Bluemoon task force. She was in the capital last night in preparation of his return as she was in possession of a magic artifact that is a possession of Sun's. This was the only thing taken from the home that we know of at this time. The perpetrators have also been seen acting in Canterlot previously during the night club attack documented weeks ago. That is all we know at this time." She gave another bow and returned to her seat as chatter began to rise in the peanut gallery. I sunk a little in my chair. The unicorn with the gavel then turned his attention to Luna and Blood Rain.
" Does Luna or Blood Rain have answers on why the leader of the Wonderbolts was training a night guard or why a human was in possession of a magical artifact of such importance." Luna rose and descended to the floor.
"Apollo Sun is a special case and I felt required a special mentor as many students of hers pegasi or other have gone on to do such great things, it fit in my mind."
He scoffed, "Yes in your mind. What about the magical artifact then?" Celestia surprisingly joined in.
"Sun is currently the wielder of the Holy solar sword Solaris which was taken from Spitfire in the events of last night. This is due to him being the only living being besides me to be able to do so as that sword was forged by Crimson Sun for me over 1000 years ago, its a magical impossibility that anyone else can even activate the sword unless they are biologically related to me or Crimson." The assembly gasped at the mention of Crimson and the possibility of other creatures made by my father out there.
The gavel pony nodded and spoke, " The council would now like to get an Idea of the creature that wields such power, is it in attendance?" I rose to my feet and planted them were no human ever had.
"I am." The room was silent and the pony with the gavel locked eyes with me and I refused to look away. The magic in my eyes made it clear I was a couple bad comments from producing magical smoke.
"The council wishes to know what's your goal with joining the military." I kept my face flat and my voice monotone.
"To serve the common beings who reside in the borders of Eqestria." He grinned.
"We did our research on you and you showed no sign of cooperation in the past and have quite the track record of rebellious sentiments besides what resides in your blood. Honestly just being the son of Crimson Sun and some whore should have you lashed to a cross in the badlands."
"I'm glad we are on the same page." I grinned
"What do you mean by that." His eyes narrowed.
"My father and the women who produced me are a poison coursing through my veins and I'm just confirmed your opinion of me that's all." I turned to see Luna and Celestia a mixture of pissed and confused. "How much do you really know about me though I'm curious?" The pony squinted at me trying to understand what angle I was working at. He then turned and picked up a rather large book.
"At age 8 you clubed an older slave to death with a rock for trying to steal your rations, punishment saw you left in a hotbox for two weeks and you survived. Later that year you were invited into slave pit fighting at site 13 and by the end of that year you earned the title of red death as you would cake the blood of fallen slaves upon yourself. You killed more slaves than anyone in this entire room before you hit the age of 14. Its wrote here that a challenger once tried to poison you before
I blinked a couple seconds to pull myself out of it. "You've only got the boring regular stuff."
"What could a human know that we don't!" I smiled at the flustered pony.
"Maybe what happened to site 13." Most ponies began whispering. "All those humans and ponies disappear and the only thing recovered was me." I won this attempt to politically destroy me and I could feel I was snow balling. "I was the first responder this morning and I slaughtered those ponies without hesitation not out of residual contempt for pony kind but out of loyalty to Spitfire. I will find everyone involved and get my sword back upon which I will enact the curse of banishment to the moon and I highly doubt the individuals in question have a thousand years to spare. I will be ruthless in my pursuit of these ponies and I expect the Wonderbolts feel the same so lets not make this about me and instead we handle this as a military body that just lost one of its most important pieces." I turned and walked to my seat earning cheers from the pegasi and a nod from Sourin. The Bluemoon's all just stared at me and I gave them no acknowledgement. The rest of the meeting was over information I already knew or provided like the artifact recovered after the nightclub and possible goals of the group. Before I knew it the meeting was over and everyone was standing up and leaving I jumped up heading out the door and pulled off my gauntlets and focused my magic returning them to swords and sliding them through the loops on the belts. I could feel many eyes but I paid them no mind as I saw myself out.
The sky was a brilliant orange as dusk was settling over Canterlot. Many bodies passed as I leaned against the great white pillar and looked up endlessly. I was soon grabbed by someone and reflexively my hand shot out and in a new twist sent a blast of wind knocking back who I could now see was Blood Rain. She opened her wings and gained her balance, cool non lethal magic. She marched up to me understanding she startled me.
"Sun I would like to say..." I looked past her and saw Sourin and Fleet foot coming out one of the doors.
"I'm going to cut you off and I understand you're my commanding officer but you're right I'm Luna's project that's where I get my orders and my support not you. When I needed you guys you weren't there but I've got things done, Princess Cadence asked for me to solve the problem there and I've only been doing this for a couple months so before you try to lecture me like Spitfire used to try and understand the situation and if you can't I will join the Wonderbolt's without a moments hesitation." I passed her and made my way to the two flyers. "We will get them I promise, you can tell the rest of the Wonderbolts if they need anything to let me know." Fleet foot nodded and surprisingly Sourin embraced me tears on the verge of coming out.
"Same goes for you Sun." The flyers saluted and began to fly off into the dusk sky towards Cloudsdale. I saluted as they flew off and the gaze of Blood Rain followed me as I spread my wings and headed off to be by Spitfires side.
Night above Canterlot
I had gone to the Hospital just to be turned away and channeling the delinquency I must of picked up from my squad mates I used my wings to sneak into the window of Spitfire and stand above my mentor in her comatose state. I pressed my left hand to the side of her face and focused on my light magic, I could feel the red magic snake its way down my arm from the sun on my left shoulder, the magic became visible as the red magic traveled to my palm and began to glow with contact with her cheek and I did my best to heal her which brought nothing but some tears which dropped onto her unaware form. I left as swiftly as I had came and had spent the last couple hours blasting all the clouds away from Canterlot.
The last cloud in all of the Canterlot sky existed beneath me as I stared up at the crescent moon and the countless stars. "I'm no Bluemoon, maybe I should just ask Fleet foot to join the Wonderbolts." Thinking out loud had been a long time strategy of keeping myself company.
"I think Luna would be quite upset with that." I knew the voice was Blood Rain.
"Luna's like my mom or a really weird aunt at this point she would get over it." I could feel my cloud being invaded by the annoying bat pony.
"It took me awhile to clear all the clouds so I could be alone.
"Yeah I know I watched you take forever, it made me question if Spitfire really was your mentor."
"Cut me some slack my wings are a new addition."
"Maybe to you but Luna told me to prepare for wings the day you signed with us."
"What a sneaky princess."
"She cares about all of us but your just in a spot all your own."
"Am I sensing a hint of jealousy from you captain?"
"Honestly I thought it was skepticism at first but I guess I do believe its grown into jealousy as Luna's previous project it sucks to share the spotlight."
"Sorry I ruined your Luna attention monopoly." She actually chuckled.
"I just want to say everyone wasn't like me and most of the guys are pretty big supporters of you and had to be magically sedated to keep them from going to the crystal empire to help you." My lips curled into a smile.
"Not to be rude but what do you guys even do, you say I'm sloppy but of course you don't make mistakes when you don't do anything." She laughed almost enough to fall off the cloud.
"Our job is to make people think that, we are mostly off the books and leave no trace so of course you don't hear about what we do."
"Which includes?" I quizzically gazed at the mare as she remained looking up.
"We are what goes bump in the night, we remove the problem weather that's ponies, artifacts, magical entities, political threats, and many more."
"Well that's actually cool to bad I don't believe you quite yet."
"I can understand after seeing us today but be ready for a rude awakening when you see us in action we will make you a shadow like the rest of us in time. This is your real start as a Bluemoon if you still want it." I stood up and offered a hand.
"I don't like you, like at all but I'm willing to give you my best effort."
Author's Note
Under cover chapter in Manehattan with Vinyl is coming up!
Getting ready to write more (2022) and honestly this is my favorite chapter other than side bets pt 2 up to this point in this story.
A King and His Castle
The Sun was high over the Everfree forest and beads of sweat sat heavy on my brow as fire from my hands burned away the foliage that had began to grow on the castles walls. It had been about a week since Canterlot and I had spent every waking moment on the restoration of the large structure utilizing almost every magic I knew. I had also taken it upon myself to create a clear path to Ponyville, Sweet apple acres, and Flutershys cabin. I put in a request for red carpet and magic glass sealer which had came during day 4 and was perfect for restoring the atmosphere and the stained glass windows. The internal growth of foliage was remedied by some fire and new bricks. The magical torches and candles still worked with the snap of a finger. Surprisingly I spent most of my time repairing doors and the bridge. The finale piece of the puzzle would be arriving from the Crystal Empire this evening so removing extra foliage and creating sculptures was the only thing to keep me busy.
My exposed torso was covered in dirt while my blue jeans where a split blue and brown. I was bare foot as I began imbuing the ground with my magic to scare off the critters of the forest. I was told the squad would be arriving with my requested materials. My military clothes laid in a neat pile on a log next to Selene along with my bags which were busting at the seems from there contents.
I pulled the Sombra sword from the belt on my hip and plunged it into the ground, dark magic pulsed down the blade and a magic circle formed that pushed a section of rock six feet high. I left the sword in place as I pressed a hand to the stone pillar crumbled to resemble a featureless stone golem. "Go check my work around the castle, report back in an hour." The stone creature awkwardly bent at the waist then hobbled off into the patched up castle. All the walls were repaired but the tower that once stood in the middle was still absent. I collapsed in the dirt my wings being smashed beneath my body as I looked up to the clouds.
I had been sleeping in the ruins the entire time I had been back the desire to see everyone was completely absent as even Luna's telepathic attempts were jammed by the fuzz of my own growing magic that was only further increased by the forest which existed as a dark magic nexus. The magic was actually strong enough that I haven't even needed to eat or sleep that much. I'm just a dirty hermit in the woods and honestly I wouldn't have it any other away for a couple more days, distance from everyone allowed me to vent and not accrue anymore worry as my magic and hex danced in a competitive tango that threatened my control to satiate the hex. To use up some excess magic I've been blowing a warm wind through all the trees of the forest all the way to Ponyville, it fills the air with a wonderful smell of fall and is improving my ability to visualize what my wind magic hits as it passes through the forest. It could be my aerial counterpart to vibration detection that my earth magic can do.
The clouds above were disturbed and a blue pegasus emerged and quickly locked on to my location. I rose to my feet and began walking towards the big castle doors. I tapped the top of the Sombra sword as I passed and in a flash of magic two golem rose from the ground looking like night guards. The flyer landed as I opened and shut the large doors. I pressed my back against the wood as Rainbow hollered outside. I herd the smashing of rock and I curiously peaked out to have the Sombra sword come an Inch from my eye.
"Sun get out here we need to talk." I removed myself from my shelter and pulled my sword from the door converting it to a red and black gauntlet on my left arm.
"I'm not in the mood to talk." I could see her face turn red with frustration.
"We understand it's been tough for you with what happened to Spitfire," My eyes began to narrow. "She was important to me too but you cant shut everyone out." I felt the unstable dance of magic make its way through my system and my hex bite down causing massive knee buckling pain, the Sun and moon on my shoulders lost their colors turning grey and the tightening of my chest just continued. Rainbow was soon upon me holding my twitching form in her arms. "What's wrong Sun?!" It couldn't be helped I had finally hit my ceiling.
"Take me to the tree." The pegasus pulled me up and my arm went around her shoulder for balance as we hobbled towards the newly refurbished stone steps that lead down towards the tree of harmony. I could feel my blood vessels dilate and tighten as I was entering magically induced cardiac arrest. The gleaming of the tree of harmony came into my blurred vision. Of course I would die to my own magic , Rainbow set me down with my back to the tree and as soon as the crystal made contact with my back my vision was filled with the many colors of the tree and the pressure faded and was replaced with the rush of adrenaline my heart beat banging in my ears. The pegasus stared at me in shock as at the front of the cave a flash of blue light signaled the arrival of Luna followed by Celestia. The three ponies stared at me as I began to float and glow white. Luna and Celestia looked distressed but I couldn't hear them over the magic, I could see off the crystals in the cave my hair had turned white along with my wings as my eyes shined red and blue. Then the pressure returned and my hair went red and so did my wings, my eyes began to glow green, the power of Draig filled my chest and I could feel the struggle of all my magic to overcome the hex. The trees power seemed to be strengthening my magic, visions of places and things I hadn't seen before flashed in my eyes, a desert filled with soldiers, a castle in a mountain and, a school full of humans with a girl who's hair looked like fire.
There was a pop and I could feel Luna's magic reach out and blend with the tree's and right before all the magic stopped I saw an image of a tall man in black combat armor with a big sword smiling, "Dad." I hit the ground and quickly found nothing had changed besides the fact that I was no longer on deaths door step. I looked up to the ponies, "Am I okay?" Luna looked at me with complete seriousness.
"Yes, but your hex has been rendered half destroyed."
"Why did you two show up so fast?" Luna looked away and Celestia looked down, Rainbow just shrugged. Celestia looked up.
"Your magic signature was the same as your fathers."
"How were you able to feel that in Canterlot?" Luna looked back to me.
"Magical contracts like marriage can allow the individuals to detect each other no matter the distant." Marriage what a scary word. A grin spread across my face for the first time in awhile.
"So you two are like my step moms?" Celestias eyes shot open.
"NO Sun we are not, you are our soldier and that's it!" She huffed and vanished in a flash of white light.
I looked to Luna, "So this isn't awkward at all." Luna turned to Rainbow.
"Did you give him the potion." She just shook her head and pulled out the glowing red bottle.
"Sun, Luna and Twilight cooked this up for you it will turn you into a pony so you can go into town and be yourself without your guilt. It's nightmare night so it would be nice to know your out and about and not spending it alone, we wont know what you look like so you can spend the night with who you wish." She seemed to have lost the anger from earlier and it was replaced with genuine concern for me that I bet was shared with the rest of the group. She tossed me the bottle and flew away before I could say anything. Luna watched the pegasus fly away with a glint of sadness.
"They all miss you terribly, they sent Rainbow because they figured she would be able to make it through talking to you without crying." I had already made up my mind that I would go but that was just extra nails in the coffin.
"What about the castle there's still building the tower and the gear coming from the Crystal empire."
"Me and the Moons will take care of it."
"Will the potion like hurt?" She gave a chuckle.
"No it will be as easy as drinking the potion and growing a horn." Its true unicorns horns where quite small but it still freaked me out.
"Whatever you say Luna," I downed the bottle easily as it tasted like cherry juice, immediately the magic tattoo on my left shoulder disappeared and the one on my right began to spread across my body like an inky black wave, when it finished I was left looking like a gender swapped Luna. I touched my long ears which looked like an elf's and my my horn which slightly poked from my waving blue hair. Luna just stared at me her expression lost in thought, "is everything alright?"
"Yeah, just a curious question try making a fire in your palm." I raised my left palm and with a blue glow a little blue flame appeared. I lost focus as the flame had looked so strange. "Just as I thought your aura is completely different now but your magical ability hasn't been diminished."
"So in dumb people terms?"
"This is a viable disguise for a mission that's coming up." Oh great more work can't wait.
"What should I do tonight for clothes?" She held a hand out and the black shirt with Luna's cutie mark appeared along with black ripped jeans. She poked the white moon on the t shirt and it turned blue.
"These should do."
I nodded, "I fixed the bathroom in the castle so I'm going to go get cleaned up before I go."
"That would be wise Sun." I saluted Luna and began to walk up the steps. "Hey Sun," I turned around to see what was the matter, "I knew your mother I'm sorry I never told you but I know she would be very proud of you." I felt a twinge in my heart for the hurt in Luna's voice.
"I'm happy to hear that, I think it's crazy my Dad had three wives." She gave me a suspicious look.
"Sun you're not thinking of taking on wives any time soon are you?" My face went red.
"I'm leaving Luna." I could hear the thunderous laughter all the way until I shut the large front doors of my castle.
The Royal bathroom
The huge bathroom was more like a pool inside that was furnished with gold and silver trim and showers on the deck of the bath. I was floating in the bath trying to relax in the water which was magically pulled and heated from a underground well. I snapped my fingers and the magical torches went out and the ceiling glowed with a huge star map dotted with millions of stars and numerous identifiable constellations, the water glowed blue due to the crystals that lined the bottom of the bath. This was definitely up there for favorite room in this entire place. I rose from the water and extended my jet black wet wings. I stepped onto the deck of the bath and a blue fire rose from my feet and I was dry in a flash I slid on my clothes and wandered down the staircase and main hall to stand just outside the front door and lift off into the dusk sky.
I felt my pocket was heavy as I flew and placing my hand there was quite a few bits and a note, "Dear Sun the magical suppression magic can be turned off by focusing on that red lizard, after that you can always change to pony mode by focusing on what the form looks like - Dear Luna" I could definitely use this look to try those fancy bakeries in Canterlot, a little grin formed on my face or I could use it to mess with everyone at sugar cube corner. I landed just outside the forest and began my walk into town.
The streets were full of ponies of all ages most in costumes. Decorations lined the streets like fake bats, pumpkins, and scare crows. There was also the pleasant smell of fall and cider that filled the air. I felt light and happy in only a way Ponyville could make me feel.
There were so many recognizable faces that had no idea who I was. A couple minuets in I was beaming with satisfaction as no one came up to talk to me and I got closer and closer to Sugar Cube Corner. The shop was coming into sight and a growing sense of nervousness was building and hit its highest as I stared into the door of the shop. I grasped the handle and immediately started sweating. I opened the door slowly but the bell still rung and the eyes were on me. Mr cake looked up at me.
"You get lost out of towner?" He stared at me intently. I thought of my best Canterlot impression.
"No good sir I was feeling a bit parched that is all." He began to laugh.
"I'm just pulling your leg, where are you from?" I approached the counter and sat down on the spinning seat.
"Canterlot."
"Traveled all this way for our little festival."
"I've herd this town throws quite the lovely parties."
"I'm guessing you've herd about the parties for the towns adopted golden boy then." I looked at him quizzically.
"Golden boy?" It was his turn to look confused.
"You're telling me you've never herd of Sun or I guess Apollo Sun the human night guard, the prince of the humans." I felt a little pride he thought so highly of me. I was shook to the core as Mr.Cake called to someone behind me. "Pinkie this stallion has never herd of your friends coltfriend." I turned around to be mere inches from the pink pony.
"Well Mr, Sunny is a prince who's stolen the hearts of most the elements of harmony and many more mares with his heroic bravado." Heroic Bravdo? "If he shows up tonight I'll introduce you to him." I nodded to the pink mare and before I could respond my heart stopped as I herd the rest of the girls coming from the side room. The whole group was now looking at this strange stallion supposedly from Canterlot. They were all dressed up Pinkie was a zombie, Aj was a librarian, Rarity was a queen, Fluttershy was a vampire a chill ran down my spine, Twilight was a witch, and Rainbow was a wonder bolt. My eyes lingered on the wonderbolt uniform and I stood up from the counter.
"I do remember that Sun guy isn't he the guy that failed to save Spitfire." I blinked and I was held tackled over the counter by the blue flyer. Her eyes had a fire lit in them in a way I had never seen.
"I don't know if that's the word from where your from but he did everything he could to save her." She let go of my shirt and left in a huff. Fluttershy helped me up.
"She must of had a bad day." The yellow vampire nodded.
"Sun wont leave the forest and the animals say he's very sad." I forgot she was in cohorts with the wildlife. I remembered Mr.Cake calling me their coltfriend.
"With so many caring mare friends I'm sure he'll come out of the forest soon." Most of their faces went red except Rarity.
"I would not describe my future top my model as a coltfriend in a romantic capacity purely economic. Speaking of modeling and fashion would you mind telling me were you acquired such a shirt." Rarity found me out!
"I purchased it from the night selection of the Canterlot fashion catalog." She smiled I must look for it when the catalog gets shipped here.
"Well I better get going." Raritys evil smile got bigger.
"What's your name darling?" I smiled back.
"Artemis Moon, and yours?"
"I think you know mine." I said my good byes and made my way out. About .2 seconds after I shut the door I herd a large commotion and that was my que to disappear as queen lose lips definitely spilled the beans. I stepped into an alley and peaked out to see the gang trying to find me in the crowd. I began snickering and went to find the nearest cider stand. It took me a couple minuets to find it but the stall tended by Granny smith was quite popular and took me awhile to get to the front of the line. Before I could say hello Granny Smith glared at me.
"Yer way to young to fool me Sun" I just stared at the mare slightly terrified.
"Just how?" She laughed.
"You walk around like a little kid in a candy shop when yer here." I felt defeated. "It's a good costume unless yer really half pony."
"Wait they can do that?"
"I don't know I'm just an old earth pony." She winked at me and my brain melted as I stared at her like an idiot.
"Well now I need cider." She pushed two of the largest wooden mugs towards me.
"Down it in a thirty seconds and its free." I just smiled and threw both the drinks down the gullet.
"I was joking stupid but I'm impressed." I was now red in the face and I threw up a salute and walked off into the crowd. There was bobbing for apples, face painting, and a lot of scantily dressed mares who were quickly noticing the new addition to the limited stallion population. The usual hands off Sun rule didn't apply to Artemis Moon and the mares were like predators who herded me towards the dancing area. I was passed around more than a smoking stick at a fancy Canterlot salon party. I was dancing with a mare I believe was named Rosebud as a hand was put on my shoulder and I was spun to face a quite drunk yellow vampire. Fuck. Rosebud went to step in between me and Fluttershy but Fluttershy jumped into my arms and hissed at Rosebud who walked away in a huff.
"Don't make me bite you Sun." That means they all know and I'm too drunk to care.
"Where's everyone else at?"
"Looking for you." makes sense to me. The yellow mare looked deep into my eyes as she leaned forward and not so subtly pressed her huge yabos against me. "So what were you saying about being our coltfriend at Sugar Cube." I looked around for any possible save, it's not that I didn't want to I just was kinda scared of the shy mare hating me when she sobered up. By some stroke of luck the world began to shake and deep within the Everfree forrest rose a huge crystal tower.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy my package arrived and I have to go check it out." I opened my wings and with the help of excel I was sent launching through the air. I could see the yellow pegasus begin to follow me but that was the least of my issues as a blue blur missed me by mere inches. Of course the one person I can't out fly in town finds me, I leaned down close to the tree layer hoping she wouldn't dive bomb m, I was wrong as the predator was quickly approaching. I dipped below the tree layer taking a couple branches to the face but was safe for the time being. I raised my hand to start projecting the wind magic forward. I weaved in between the foliage and everything began blurring together as I sped up. I was no where near as fast as Rainbow without excel but I was definitely getting faster. I came shooting out of the trees with an entourage of leaves and came to a break neck stop in front of my castle. I stopped staring up at the huge mass that extended into the sky, on a cloudy day I think the tower would by above the clouds.
Luna and the Moons came out of the front door and joined me in looking up at the tower. "I hope everyone knows it was my idea so my rooms up their."
Crescent chuckled, "Good luck with the stairs Cowboy." I focused on the power of Draig and I was surrounded by a vortex of fire, as it dispersed my normal looks had returned.
"I think I have an announcement to make."
Author's Note
Halloween chapter in February
Under The Pale Moon Light
Under The Pale Moon Light
The morning sun was stabbing its way between the cracks of the blinds of the extra room in Sugar cube corner. The lines of light were the only things that lit the room as I stared up at the ceiling fan which hummed to its steady tune. I had attempted to move but was basically at the bottom of the pile of breathing corpses. The night prior was the same old song and dance, the girls getting hammered and me getting embarrassed or forced into an uncomfortable position and having to squirm my way out. I gave my announcement of my castle to the town and partied hard till around 3 am when I decided to let the fan put me to sleep which in turn put the rest of the gang to bed eventually.
In the other room the ding of the door marked the entry of a patron, I strained my neck to try and look towards the doorway that lead to the customers area, my vision was blocked by a wall of yellow thighs causing me to lift my head off the carpet. Spike popped his head from around the corner and we locked eyes.
"Whats up buddy?" He threw up a salute.
"Just here to pick up Twilight." I laughed at his seriousness.
"Good luck prying her off me." The purple mare was deeply embracing my left arm.
"I can tell you its easier than you think." I stayed quiet as he navigated over Rarity and Pinkie to the sleeping princess. I was genuinely curious what he was going to do. He leaned down to get close to her ear, "Celestia is on her way Twilight you over slept." I could feel her go rigid before mechanically sitting up and looking panicked. I hushed my laughs with my now free hand.
"That's not okay Spike." She rubbed her eyes before standing saying her goodbyes and leaving still groggy as hell. I turned towards my right arms anchor which happened to be the blue pegasus dressed like a Wonderbolt. I didn't want to shake everyone from their sleep so the gentle blowing of air on Rainbow was used to wake her quietly. Her big violet eyes locked with mine as she just studied me.
"Hey, I'm sorry for all the trouble I put you through yesterday." She huffed at my words and buried her face in my arm pit.
"How about for the past couple weeks." I kinda rolled my eyes as she peaked out from her hiding spot.
"I didn't think I was a problem until recently."
"Pinkie and Rarity are always so confident that you'll be okay but the rest of us are always so worried about you."
"If it makes you feel any better I promise I wont die." She sat up and flicked my nose.
"I guess that will have to do for now Sun." She made her way to the other room and I lost sight of her and a ding signed her departure. Time to free my legs, I sat up and wiggled trying to free myself from Aj's death grip. The mare eventually came loose and I made my way to the door. With the ding of the door I was out in the cold fall morning.
Ponies filled the streets cleaning and purchasing goods from stands. I gave my hellos and did a fare share of picking up bottles and things from last nights celebration. I made it to the center of town to surprisingly see Luna talking to the mayor. I approached and was quickly noticed by by both parties.
Luna motioned me over, "Tell everyone who asks it's Suns castle which was sold to him by me and Celestia."
The mayor turned towards me, "Sun is it really your castle?"
"Yes, is that an issue?" She put her head in her hands.
"Why can't this place go back to the quiet place it used to be?" I laughed.
"It wouldn't be as fun that way." She just looked defeated and began to walk off.
I looked to Luna, "How are the Moons?"
"You know childish but efficient."
"And Blood Rain?" Luna shook her head.
"No more mares Sun."
"I didn't mean it like that!" She began to walk away from me, "Luna I didn't."
"Whatever you say Sun." My hair stood up and I crossed my arms as I followed the Princess towards the castle.
Everfree Castle
Looking up the black tower looked like a tree reaching towards the sky. I gently lifted off the ground and made my way to the top. Opening the window I was in a hallway which spiraled downward like Sombra's Castle. In front of me though was a big blue crystal door with a moon and sun on it. The door opened to a spacious room that was furnished with couches, a looking glass, tables and a bar. I explored the room and found a ladder that lead to a loft with a bed and an eqestrian map which was black and blue, it reminded me of twilight's map at her castle as a bunch of cutie marks were spread out all over the map some I recognized and others were unfamiliar. One pulsed it was a red sun with golden stars on it, poking it it turned into a Blue moon with black stars in it, It was me. After that I quickly found Luna's cutie mark which was appearing and disappearing around the castle. I felt magical pressure as Luna teleported into the room.
"I love the room, it feels like an apartment." She looked stressed but it seemed to fade.
"Good I'm glad, I designed this entire tower and all the facilities." Her smile was nervous.
"What's up Luna?" Her eyes danced about the room.
"How do you feel about the color purple?" I just looked at her confused. "Well me and Cadence were working on a prototype and every time we run your magic through it the effect is a purplish red effect to the veins and padding."
"Did you make me a new suit?!" She was surprised by my out burst.
"Yes, just a little more purposed for the missions that you'll be taking up from now on." My heart was beating fast from excitement. "We are still working out the kinks with cloaking and the magical entity in put."
"Is it here?" She seemed to of feed off my excitement and began to loose the stressed out look. She held out a dark pink crystal crescent moon which glowed with magical energy.
"Place it over your heart." I remembered having to change first.
"Luna could you you look away." She nodded and I stripped down to my white compression underwear and placed the crystal over my heart. It melted into a thin layer that covered my whole body that then turned jet black, the crystal seemed to thicken and turn into a flexible fiber. The crystals on my wings weren't even noticeable and remained transparent, the ones on my chest, abs, shins, forearms , and digits of my fingers were a dark red/purple. The chest had a black crescent moon in the center of the dark purple chest armor. The crystals on the bottom of my feet remained mostly black with a trim of the red/purple. Everywhere the color was seemed to lightly glow and dim making the suit look alive. Overall the suit looked significantly beefed up and would provide a lot more defense than the lighter suit Sombra tore apart. I no longer had the need for gloves to protect my hands as the crystals had extended that far this time. My hips both had loops for active swords.
"What about the helmet?"
"That's controlled telepathically." I just shrugged and thought about the previous helmet and the crystals that stopped at my neck previously crawled up my face and formed the bat looking helmet that concealed my entire head. Two pointy ears and glowing purple eyes were the only distinguishing characteristics. "One last thing Sun try flipping up the armor on your left forearm. I attempted and the the purplish armor opened to a black compartment which had three holes and two filled by the broken heart pendant of Sombra and the crescent heart of Selene, the only missing spot was Solaris. "They are linked to your radio so everyone in the team can hear them on missions. Blood Rain will be training you tonight so try to get used to it and check your bed Shinning sent you a gift."
"Thank you so much Luna." She was smiling as much as I was from within my helmet.
"Anytime Sun you deserve it." She chuckled and disappeared in a flash. I looked down to the empty spot on my forearm meant for Solaris.
"Soon." I slapped the compartment closed and headed over to my bed which was extremely large and had rather large box on it. I pulled off the note attached," A sword can defend a country but a shield protects what your friends and family care about - S.A" I opened the box and it had another note, "and it comes in black, make sure you protect your ass."
"What a dick," I chuckled as I pulled out the black crystal shield .It had three crowned points that lead down to one, it was weightless as I expected and sliding my arm into it was a perfect fit in the armor. What am I supposed to do with it when I'm not fighting? The note caught my attention or at least the protect my ass part, I felt my back and sure enough there was a notch that would clip in my shield just below my wings. Snapping it into place it felt like it wasn't even there.
Finally I feel like I can really kick some ass again.
Night Everfree Forest
The air was cold and filled with sounds of the forest as the clearing was bathed in the light of the moon. I had both swords raised as the hunters lingered just beyond sight. I was nervous as I was forced to the opening by Blood Rain and the others ability to be everywhere in the trees. I was overwhelmed quickly and just hoping to put up a competent stand before I was ruled out by Luna.
The grass was waist height and gently swayed with the wind. A noise from behind me sounded and I reflexively turned and blasted two trees across the clearing apart with a blast of blue lightning. I tried to sense vibrations but I got nothing, the wind magic wasn't picking anything up either. My heart was pounding and I was very aware that my usefulness was far greater when I can see the thing I'm trying to fight. The trees began to twirl as a large gust of wind went through the forest, which left a gap in my magic detecting ability. I spun on my heels over and over trying to locate the blue eyes of the others suits. Their eyes glowed along with a magic battery on the back which was one more spot for detecting them. I could feel a misstep as a member of the team stepped too close and was detected by my magic. I didn't have to look as I stomped hard to unleash a stone pillar under the feet of the Bluemoon. I turned to attack and the black suit with blue eyes was barreling towards me sword drawn, time seemed to slow as I side stepped the sword and both my blades slashed the attacker across the side, rules dictated they were out.
There was no time to celebrate as a streak came across the sky. I stepped back hard as the ground I once stood upon was now a crater. The huge bat pony was for sure Crescent and he began to use his huge frame to charge me. I stabbed both of my swords in the dirt. I rushed forward with a boost from excel which caused my knee to smash into his jaw at a barely visible speed. landing my fists hardened by the suit unleashed a volley of punches while I maintained the agility to keep avoiding his attempts to grab me or return a punch. I wound up hard and a blue magic circle formed on my leg which was swung with excel propelling the pony across the clearing into the cover of trees. My helmet came down and I wiped the sweat from my brow, I could feel the dark magic form around my eyes, the warmth of magic signaled a change and the dark marks under my eyes formed a line that extended to my jawline. I only have half a hex its about time I started acting like it. I raised my fist and slammed it down on the earth causing a shock through the earth and sending anything not tied down airborne, this included combatants that were immediately struck down by branching arcs of lightning. Many black suits began to emerge from the trees, I raised my hand and the Sombra sword came flying and was swung which released a wave of dark magic which knocked down the ponies. With my off hand a ball of wind was launched which sent the victims sprawling against the far trees. I once again placed my sword in the soil and pulled all of the air inward and up causing a vortex. With all the lightning, thunder, and now roaring wind it must of seemed like a thunderstorm from Ponyville. Only a few ponies were sucked inward and sent flying by the magic, as soon as the wind stopped I rearmed myself and slid the Sombra sword into one of the loops on my hip. Selene was at the ready and was quickly being aimed at every tree.
"Any idea where she's at?" Selene just laughed.
"I hate people that spoil things and honestly you're not getting any better leaning on me." The sword then vibrated and returned to a necklace. I quickly and clumsily placed her into the compartment on my arm. I reached for the Sombra sword just to see the thing already reverted into a broken heart necklace on the ground. Of all the times to have you guys protest me. I extended my left arm and raised my right ready to fight at the blink of an eye. Though no enemy showed themselves and I waited fist raised high, minutes turned into a hour and with that came the return of the noises of the forest making it harder to determine what was in my head and what was actually happening. The first hour passed and I was starting to think I had dealt with everyone but the creeping suspicion I was still being watched persisted. I began to walk towards the path that lead back to the castle, a few steps in a powder was thrown into my eyes that burned. I stumbled back desperately to the clearing. I could make out a figure with red eyes pursuing me, my helmet slammed shut as the base of whatever weapon they used attempted to bash my face in, my eyes began watering heavily and I reacted as most people would spontaneously launch lightning bolts at the figure. Unlucky for me they parried every shot closing the gap and planting their foot on my cheek which launched me a fair distance. I scrambled backward on my butt as the figure stood above me pointing their short swords against my neck.
"You shouldn't of lowered your guard Sun." My hand tapped the earth and the figures feet were encased in rock. I rolled backwards just avoiding their swords.
"I hope that armors really good." I could feel the warm glow of the magic from my Sun tattoo transfer to my right leg along with the boost of magic from my moon tattoo to my excel spell, I didn't need to see to hit a stationary opponent. I swung my leg with all my might launching the figure across the clearing with a crack that knocked leaves off the trees. Everyone emerged from the trees stunned, Luna came marching over to me in a huff.
"So did I pass?" She looked irritated.
"Your field commander is in a pile of leaves she knocked off the tree with the force of that kick." My helmet came down and I began wiping at my eyes.
"So I definitely passed." She smacked her face. I was personally satisfied stupid Blood Rain could see I wasn't all talk and I could keep it under control.
"Well I'll tend to Blood Rain please make sure you didn't zap any of your teammates to death." I just snickered as I asked around if anyone was really that injured but besides Crescent and Blood Rain I didn't go that hard and Crescent was fine, impressed but fine. I could see Luna peel off Blood Rain's helmet and tend to her like a mother. In the end she won the battle for Luna's attention today. Everyone began heading back to the castle besides the whiner and Luna, I made my way over as the two were getting into a heated debate.
Blood Rains eyes narrowed at Luna, "He has proven himself enough, if tonight doesn't show that nothing will." The ball was now in Luna's court.
"You are the field commander but I have the finale say and I don't think its a good idea." They both looked to me and like any confused person would do I just looked at the two with my clueless expression clear as day on my face. They both went to talk but Blood beat Luna to the punch.
"Sun we just decided on your job within the team." I looked to Luna who looked away. "You will be our newly created position of arcane demolition and unique mission operator."
"What does that entail?"
"Basically destroying target compounds after we assassinate everyone to make it look like an accident and anything strange the princesses cook up."
"Sounds easy enough."
"Good next week we are deployed on a mission to recover Solaris from a compound just south of Las Pegasus." A pit formed in my stomach and my hands got hot, I turned away. "If you can handle it of course." I turned back to face the two with the best fake smile I had.
"Don't worry I'll be fine." I turned from the two and hopefully they didn't sense my forming killer intent. The dark magic in my system faded but was put in a box to be unleashed in a week. I left the ground and began climbing high into the sky, and I became a silhouette over the forest caste by the pale moon light.
Author's Note
Some clean up things for the Bluemoon's and Sun is off to Hoofington
The Sun Comes Out At Midnight
The Sun Comes Out At Midnight
I sat at the map writing a letter to Fleetfoot and Sourin about the mission to reclaim Solaris while in Twilight's castle as all the girls worked around me for their next mission. Everyone's cutie marks were reacting meaning it was going to be a big friendship problem. I tapped at the glowing marks on the map and was hit with some static magic. I let out a lazy groan as I sat back in the chair, today was my last day to relax before my first day as an acting member of the Bluemoons. We would be departing at sunset tomorrow and be flying all the way to a compound outside Las Pegasus gathering intelligence and blowing the place off the map. I had been put through a sneaking for dummies course by Blood Rain and Luna for the past week and had grown to enjoy moving silently as an alternative to overwhelming force. Blood Rains philosophy was the deadliest cut is the one that kills without being herd, which was impressive and terrifying.
Pinkie shook me from my day dream, "Are you okay Sunny?" I smiled at her.
"Yeah I was just wondering if you guys get this nervous when I leave." I let out a laugh to sell it.
"Well I know you'll be okay but the others usually freak out, Twilight hyper ventilated when Cadence thought you were going to die." I touched my eye that was once cursed with the nightmare plague, good times.
"I know you'll all do great but the butterflies in my stomach wont go away." I was a little worried for them as they were getting close to changeling territory and ponies are their favorite prey.
"Maybe you need to eat," She looked around and spotted a stressed out Twilight, " Take drama queen and go out to eat." I genuinely laughed at the sight of the princess micro managing all of the girl to an excessive degree.
"Yes Pinkie sir," She saluted which I returned. I rose from my chair collecting my finished letter and made my way over to the ball of anxiety. "Hey Twilight I figured we both need a break, want to go catch a bite to eat?" She looked at me with big pleading eyes.
"Yes Sun, I would like that very much," She turned to the rest of the room, "My stuff is taken care of but I'll make sure to triple check everything before we leave." Everyone acknowledged Twilight to put her at ease as we left the map room.
"So what are you feeling for lunch?" She maintained a serious look with me.
"I know what you are doing tomorrow Sun and personally it scares me." I had hoped she didn't know but by how she was acting it was obvious.
"Its just a standard mission no Sombras or crazy curses just normal stuff."
"Nothing is ever normal with you and there's nothing normal about blowing a building off the face of the planet in the middle of the night." I thought back to how many things I've blown up or destroyed.
"It's kind of normal for me, honestly this is a lot more tame than usual." She sighed
"Why can't you just retire and be Ponyvilles sheriff, just settle down and have a couple of kids or something it would stress everyone else out a whole lot less." I grinned at the thought.
"I haven't really changed anything yet and something still calls me to fight," I pointed to my heart. "When that changes I promise I will fill that castle in the woods full of ponies humans and maybe kids who knows."
"When do you think that will happen?" I honestly thought about it.
"First I have to get freedom for all humans, figure out who put a hex on me , find my dad, learn who my mom is, go to the moon, heal Spitfire, beat Luna in chess, and get married." I paused, "Oh and I have to go to the Grand Galloping Gala."
"That's a hefty list Sun." She seemed almost sad.
"I just think as a human its kind of hard to attract the opposite sex when I haven't seen a female human in like 6 months." She got a weird look on her face. "what's that look for?"
"You told me and the girls you like mares and according to Luna ponies and humans can you know.. procreate?" My face got red, this was the first time this topic got discussed without booze involved.
"Yeah I'm aware of that fact but there's also the stigma of being associated with humans still so unless," I focused on my lunar magic and went pony form, "I look like this all the time my significant other or others will be submitted to unfair treatment because of me."
Her face got really red, "Everyone promised not to show you this but I think you need to see it." Her hand flashed and a playpony magazine appeared, she magically flipped to the back page which contained the top bachelors in Eqestria. My eyes scanned the lower part of the page before she motioned me up to the top, "No.2 Apollo Sun the human prince and night guard, he's currently in the company of the elements of harmony, Vinyl Scratch, and one Spitfire of the Wonderbolts. He's mysterious and constantly surrounded by some of the most powerful mares in all of Eqestria. Prices exceeding 12 million bits have been asked of the Princesses for the transfer of his service but all have been turned down as this human is free! His annual income is suspected to be that of a high class noble so if he tickles your fancy try meeting him with a big smile and he just might let you into his group of high class mares." I just looked at the pictures that ranged from me on my balcony after a shower in Canterlot to me at the crystal heart ceremony. I felt like I was on fire but I still looked at number one, "Shinning armor the master of all mares hearts," I felt my embarrassment fade at Shinning's title.
"Sun mares are noticing you and we are worried you're going to get swept away by some crazy mares," I looked at her quizzically.
"Who is we?" She became flustered.
"Like the girls and the princesses, see its an issue of national security."
"I understand, we can't have little Suns running around." As we talked we made it out of the castle and into the newly winterized Ponyville, I zipped up my black jacket and adjusted a black hat Rarity gave me called a beanie. "I know we always go to Sugar Cube but I'm feeling it today." She smiled from beneath her newly dawned scarf.
"You always want to go there."
"What can I say its one of my happy places." The ground was coated with a light couple inches of snow which crunched under my boots, the sound was like nails on chalk board and any moment I thought about a wendigo popping up from the snow.
Twilight nudged me, "Don't tell me you're afraid of the snow?" I scoffed at the accusation like a true Canterlot pony.
"Me afraid of the snow hilarious, I just hate what can come out of the snow."
"I don't think you will find any wendigos around here Sun."
"Your brother probably wrote you didn't he?"
"Of course, he dose bi weekly and honestly I think everything that happened up north was quiet remarkable."
"Why do you say that?"
"You grew wings while you were there." I honestly forget how new my appendages were.
"You've got a good point but I would much rather go there now compared to my first visit." She playfully bumped into me.
"Why is that? Because they have a big statue of you now?" I smiled to the thought of standing in front of the statue and critiquing it to have ponies and people realize it was me.
"That would be a plus but there's an old library that holds tons of info on human history, honestly for a bookworm like you I think you would have fun there."
"Yeah I'm always willing to learn new stuff, we should take a trip up there."
"Sounds like a good time to me." We kept up the chatter about normal Ponyville stuff as I slipped my letter in the mailbox to Cloudsdale and we made it to Sugar Cube corner.
The door opened with a chime of the bell and the place was nearly filled with ponies enjoying coffee and hot chocolate, I followed the purple jacketed princess to the counter to sit and continued talking.
"So Sun some of the girls and I were wondering when your birthday is?" I paused to think and I couldn't remember what the day was called.
"It's uh that day that's the shortest of the year I can't remember what its called." Her eyes went wide
"You mean the winter solstice."
"Yeah that one." Mr.cake saw the two of us and being privy to my form change still slid me my regular; a hot chocolate explosion with a whole bunch of nonsense on it, Pinkie had got me addicted to sugar recently and this concoction was one of the leading causes. "Thank you Mr.Cake," I slid ten bits across the counter which were taken, thrown up into the air individually bounced off a foot and landed into the register.
Twilight poked me taking my attention from the incredible feat of hand eye coordination, "Your birthday will be here pretty soon."
"So its just another year not like we know the exact number." She looked shocked then reality hit her and she looked a little sad.
"Of course you've never celebrated your birthday, well this year will be different we'll all go do something special."
"What does that entail?"
"Not telling, its a secret." I playfully rolled my eyes. "Don't be like that Sun." I took a sip of my sugar monstrosity while not giving her the attention she wanted. She reached over and swiped some whip cream from my cheek and stuck her tongue out at me in a childish manner before sucking the whip cream from her finger.
"My only request is that everyone has a good time." She nodded as she drank her coffee. I guess birthdays are a big thing in the pony world but for humans the 16th birthday was the only one that mattered as you could choose to specialize in a certain slave trade unless you were me or any of the other 6 high threat level slaves then it was either mining, cooking, fishing, or death. I wasn't even allowed to cook and I don't get along with water so it left me with cave duties ,stupid slave system I couldn't wait to see the Counsel thrown out.
"Weird question when will it stop snowing?" She looked at me like I was stupid.
"Sun it just started."
"I just don't like it okay." Its kind of nice just living and putting my mind on auto pilot but I feel guilty sometimes when I have so much when so many still have nothing.
"Is there another reason you don't like it besides the mission up north?"
"When I was younger and I didn't know fire magic I was constantly cold and it just does something to your head its kind of like being hungry once you are cold its all you can think about."
"I'm sorry Sun, I forget you've been through so much sometimes."
"It's all right I try not to think about it most of the time." The bell of the shop dinged and in came the bundled up Pink pie.
"Twilight all the stuff is ready!"
Twilight sighed, "Good luck Sun."
"Thank you, and you too." She hugged me which was surprising but was returned. The two mares left and I returned to my drink with the addition of every ponies eyes now on me. I smiled as I took a sip, I wonder if I can become both number two and three bachelor in Eqestria with this form.
Everfree castle
The last day had ticked by slowly and the pit in my stomach was growing to the point I was giving off static electricity. The other Moons where starting to wake up and put their gear on, mine had been put on taken off polished examined and put back on at least twice. I held out the Sombra sword which was awkwardly changing its own blade, The dark red crystal of the T grip with the black crystal emblem in the center extended into a single black blade that hooked at the top extending backwards a couple inches before scooping in and the back of the blade was unevenly serrated back to the grip. I was uneasy so the sword made with half my magic was uneasy. I felt a strong hand shake me from my examining of the weapon, I looked up to see Crescent accompanied by Flash Night with serious faces.
"It's time to go Sun." I nodded and the hulking bat pony placed his helmet on and made his way out of the castle doors. I hopped up from my resting place and followed while making the conscious decision to keep my helmet off. The night air was cold and my breathe was visible, beyond the fog of my breathe were numerous glowing blue eyes that marked my team mates presence, the single pair of red eyes was Blood rain who just motioned towards the sky which signaled everyone to take flight. The silent formation of flyers formed two V's the first was 12 with me and Blood Rain at the helm, because I was deemed to volatile and green to a situation that required stealth, the second V of 24 was lead by Crescent.
The night was getting consistently brighter as we passed over Appleloosa and many smaller little towns. Everyone was quiet and it seemed like it ranged from professionalism to nerves, I was the latter. I thought about the girls mission and how they were in the middle of nowhere compared to me and the Moons which were going to be a couple miles outside one of the most populated cities in Eqestria.
As soon as the lights from Appleoosa faded the lights of the city of sin began to make the horizon glow in artificial light, a great white spear extended from the earth and was the only structure I could make out as we began to descend. The tree layer was thick and blocked the light from the moon above. Pair after pair of glowing eyes fell in line marching towards the three building installation. The flight had been a little over 2 hours so a 15 minute jog was nothing, almost everyone was bringing weapons to bear except me as mine were found to be too loud. The compound was swiftly coming into view and I stayed with the archery line to wait for the signal.
The three buildings seemed to consist of a communications building, a hanger, and a barracks. There was lights on in the coms building and team 2 headed there as team one pushed into the hangar, team three the archers were in overwatch. The team leader of team three was a quiet mare with snow white hair and eyes, I've herd her speak a total of zero times always answering with a nod but I've also never seen her miss a shot. The radio in her helmet must of given orders as she nodded and brought her bow to bear, it was a white ivory that had a lot of intense carvings on it. Team two was stacked up at the door of the coms building as the bow of the team leader was pulled taught before sending a single arrow flying across the opening to hit the metal door with a thud and fall into the hand of stallion named Comet, not a second later the door came open and a pony was snatched into the darkness to have their throat peeled open courteous of Comet with the arrow, team two pushed into the building and the lights went off. The team leader turned and looked at me motioning to her helmet. Mine quickly formed and my radio crackled to life, it was Blood Rain.
"Sun we need you in the hanger we are pinned down by magic users." The message died and I took flight with excel and was in the door in a second. I pushed past the members of team one and was soon faced with the red zone which was marked by a flipped desk that had magic spells flying over top it. I went to hop over it both swords already drawn and giving off dark magic in mass ,my blood starting to boil as I could feel the heart beats of those responsible for what happened to Spitfire just a room away. Blood Rain came from the shadows and grabbed me, "Like a professional Apollo, " I didn't flinch at the use of the name but felt a cap on my emotions form. I nodded and stepped over to the desk blocking the door way, a lance of fire flew past my head and I let out a breathe I was holding. Two balls of grey magic formed in my hands, I raised my arms and the pressure grew measurably before a wall of air was launched from my hands and sent everything to the far wall. I hopped the desk and I was instantly a surgeon, the Sombra sword was hurtled from my grasp and was sent through one of the unicorns faces to pin them to the far wall, I ran dipping below a sword of an earth pony to impale him through the gut and lift him off the ground turning the blade side ways and tearing it out the other side almost rendering him in two. The mass of swords ponies and magic users now concentrated on me and as I brought Selene to bare in both of my palms I removed the heads of several earth ponies with the finesse of ballet dancer, the blade didn't even struggle to penetrate the armor and pass through the spines of the ponies like butter and spray me in a fountain of gore. Selene hummed elevator music in my head as I plunged her blade into the earth just to have a black tendril appear from the ground at the end of room and pull a couple unicorns to their doom. The magic support of the enemy was gone and the Moons began filling the room. I called for my sword in the wall which came flying back towards me at high speeds, with its new hook it snagged the shoulder of one of the remaining ponies dragging him to me. The ponies head was caught in my hands, my helmet came down to look him in the eyes, the only thing I saw was terror, I was hoping to see something worth saving but instead all I saw was the face of the ponies that took Spitfire away from me, my hands got extremely hot even through my suit and he screamed until I spun his head around with a crunch that sounded over the steadily more quiet room. My helmet came back up as I turned to be helmet to helmet with Blood Rain.
I felt numb in my suit, "Like a professional." I put my swords in there loops on my hips and passed her. The radio in my helmet turned on to Crescent sounding distressed.
"Coms building facing heavy resistance, the enemy has a magic discharging weapon." I thought about the weapon that could throw fire magic at the club in Canterlot. I signaled to Blood Rain and she nodded which meant I could go. I was out in the open again and the night had gotten a lot louder as volley after volley of arrows were sent at the emerging enemy from the barracks. I was fairly confident that team three wasn't going to hit me so I headed into the fire of arrows. My hands glowed yellow and a ramp of stone raised from the ground and lead up to the third floor windows of the coms building, The crystal boots smacked hard against the stone as I avoided the offending spells and friendly arrows. I squeezed my wings extra tight to my body as I fully extended diving through the window.
I regained my bearings and I was in a darkroom with many machines beeping and flashing lights. I shook off the glass and pushed through the only door, I could hear a scuffle down the hall. I reached up activating my radio as I headed towards the noise, "It's Apollo, Crescent where are you guys at?" I kicked open the door to the stairs and the commotion got a lot louder.
"Second floor stress test lab." The radio cut and I hopped the rail to land in front of the door to the second floor. The door flung open and the enemy's backs were to me, I raised my hand a couple bolts of blue electricity left several smoldering holes that once was their chest cavities. I ran over to the flash fried corpses and picked up one of their weapons examining it, they were all different variations of the one I found in Canterlot. I picked up as many as I could and began magically sticking them to my legs. I herd a boom and was forced to stop looting. I ran down the hall to almost be stabbed by a couple of jumpy Moons. "Where is Crescent?" They just pointed to the Stress test lab door. I made it down the hall to the big doors and was immediately fired upon as I passed the threshold of the door. I ducked down behind the barricade that was concealing about half the team. I grabbed the closest pony, "Where is Crescent?" The sounds of magic being artificially shot was making it hard to hear and he yelled over the fire.
"He's behind the table!" I nodded and dive/rolled across the 7 feet gap to the table. My ears began to ring and I peaked out from cover to spot the giant glass case that held the golden Sun pendant, I pulled my head back before it could be shot off.
I grabbed the giant bat pony, "I've got a plan, I'm going to grab my Sun pendant you hand these out and give covering fire." I began to un stick the weapons from my legs and pass them out.
"Just say when Apollo." I took a breathe and closed my eyes for a second and tried to reach out to Solaris. I could just faintly feel the magical connection.
"Now!" I jumped over and headed into the hail of fire immediately taking a shot to the leg and chest which made me stumble but didn't penetrate my armor. I hurtled my body forward and smashed through the glass case and snatched the golden sun. The room flashed gold and by the time my vision came back Solaris in all her glory of the large golden sword was in my hand and the magic was resonating with mine and giving off waves of power. I ducked into cover as the opposing fire resumed, beakers and desks exploded around me. I pushed myself up against the wall to keep all the shooting in front of me. Crescent wasn't even flinching as the magic hit him, what a meat head. My left arm began to have electricity connect to the gold sword in my hand, a whine began to grow as I channeled more power into the blade. "Solaris I'm sorry I wasn't there." I popped up and the tip of my blade released a beam of energy that disintegrated the opposing force and completely blew out the back wall. My heart was fluttering at the exertion.
I rested Solaris on my shoulder as Crescent ran up to me, "How are you feeling champ?"
"That felt really good honestly." He slapped me on the back and gave a hearty laugh.
"I think you're going to enjoy the next part way more," before I could ask the radio cut in and the voice was Luna.
"Sun everyone is going to start pulling out we need you to head to a central location between all the buildings for complete demolition."
"Copy." I was lazy and turned to the wall I had been backed up to previously and pushed it outward, the team followed me through the new hole and began heading to the sky. I scanned and found the perfect spot, " I got my spot."
"Place all the swords in the ground in the shape of a triangle," I proceeded to do as told. "Now stand in the center and think about your father." I almost began to protest but kept quiet and began to think of the man. I shut my eyes and everything went white.
Cliffside
My mental safe space was warm and the sound of water hitting the rocks was soothing but I began to notice the sky had the sun and moon up. I turned from looking at the imaginary ocean to see Sombra, Draig, and two women one with long gold hair and the other with short black. My head cocked and the confusion was very apparent on my face. The two women walked over and the black haired one looked very entertained.
"What you don't recognize me stupid?" It was Selene. I just looked away.
"Sorry who are you?" She raised her fist and went to hit me but was stopped by the women with golden hair.
"I'm guessing that's you Solaris?" She nodded maintaining her monotone face. She raised a hand and placed it on my chest, her hand flashed and a red Sun formed on the backs of her hands. She gave a slight bow and went to stand by Draig.
"Is she okay?" Selene punched me in the stomach and all the air left my lungs and I bent over trying to get my breathe. She stuck her hand down to reveal the blue moon that formed.
"She feels like she failed to save Spitfire just like you."
"She couldn't have done anything though."
"Neither could you but still it persists."
"I feel like you are just jealous your sisters around again."
"I don't agree with what's going on that's all."
"Are they issues with Luna?" She turned away.
"She's doing something stupid and selfish." Before I could ask any questions I felt a heat form behind me, I spun and rose my hands giving off arcs of blue lightning. My blood went cold as the man with red hair stared at me, he wore white armor with gold trim. In his right hand was a black and grey sword with a crooked blade. I tried to call my blades to me but nothing happened they just stared at me. My heart began to race as he began walking towards me, I smashed my foot against the ground but the stone pillar that went to hit the man was destroyed by the simplest lowering of his foot. I turned to look at the emotionless magical beings, before I could turn back I was launched off my feet by a stone pillar of his making. I rolled to my feet and began launching bolt after bolt which were either evaded or deflected easily. I blew a plume of fire to keep him back but he sliced through it and my fire was consumed by his sword. My movements were just panic filled, I had never been over powered like this before. He swept my legs and I tried to excel a kick to the balls but he grabbed my leg and turned to throw me 180 degrees to my face. The panic was replaced with anger, I slid my hand across the ground kicking up dust into his eyes. It gave me a second to look over at Sombra whos eyes where beginning to glow with my red glow, I reached up and felt my left eye which was giving off a red fog.
"Okay Crimson you really want to go lets do it." I raised a glowing red and black hand which caused several black crystal pikes to impale the man. The pillars continued to rapidly jut from the earth until my breathing was heavy and there was a sweat on my brow. I stared at the red white and black porcupine and to my horror it twitched and began to move. "you've got to be shitting me." He let out a mighty roar and the crystal was reduced to dust, his hand was raised over his head which contained a ball of pure light magic. His wounds seemed to catch fire and then dissipate leaving seemingly untouched flesh. The ball in his hand turned into a chain which was spun like a lasso. Black flames consumed my arms in anticipation of the next attack. He grew impatient and sent the golden chain at me, I met it halfway with a burning fist. I was filled with dread as the chain canceled out my flames and wrapped itself around my arm. His face remained monotone as he ripped me forward and caught my throat with the none chain hand and began crushing my wind pipe. I reached my legs up to put him in an arm bar but the threat of a broken arm didn't phase him as the arm broke and he retaliated by beating me ruthlessly to and frown against the ground. My ribs were cracked and my arms felt dislocated, my armor had done a great job of keeping me alive. I laid on my back about a foot deep in the ground, Crimson went to retrieve his creepy floating sword. I staggered to my feet and raised my arm a dark blue circle formed, "Gravitos." The man stood up straight as the downward force of gravity began to spike, the blue magical circle began to glow brighter as more energy was channeled into it. The ground began to sink a little under the force and Crimson went down to a knee then had to place both hands on the earth to keep him from being stuck to the ground. I felt my confidence rise as my opponent was rendered immobile. I lowered a foot and a stone spear rose up, I grasped it in my left hand rotating it to throwing position. Even under the gravitational force hundreds of times greater than normal the beast still moved. My body wound up and lurched forward propelling the stone spear through the back of the head of Crimson. He went limp and stupidly I let the gravitos spell dissipate. I turned towards the four magic beings that had witnessed the event without batting an eye. My body felt taxed even though this was all happening in my mind. I made my way to Draig and wound up to punch his lights out. Before my fist made contact a sharp pain went through my torso that with a look down revealed the grey blade of Crimsons sword. He raised me off my feet as I clutched the blade through my chest to not sink farther down the blade, he flicked his wrist as if trying to get blood off the blade and it sent me skidding across the dirt to end up on my back looking upwards in a pool of my own insides. I coughed blood and it covered the inside of my helmet and the entire thing came down just to have the sun blocked by the face of Crimson who just started smiling like an idiot. I grabbed his ankle as protest and he shook it free, he raised his sword and right before it made contact with my face it disappeared, he disappeared along with the pain.
I got up and saw the world turn to the dark forest I had met Luna in numerous times. The damage to my ego and anger persisted. I felt the heat of fire start crawling across my body, the grass beneath my feet squealed as the fire rendered it to ash. "Luna where are you?" My voice boomed with aggressive authority. The sky opened up and the night princess along with Crimson appeared. "What was the point of that?" She just matched my icy gaze.
"You need to get stronger and seeing what the previous wielder of your power can do should inspire you to work harder." My eyes narrowed.
"Having my guts ripped out isn't that fucking inspiring!" I was shaking with anger and I felt the dark magic growing and replace the fire in forms of black tendrils that extended from my ever visible aura. She remained silent as I stared the two of them down. He leaned over to Luna and whispered something in her ear and she nodded.
"You did good for not having all of your power."
"I didn't have any of my swords or Draig, I had my dark magic and my elemental magic to fight an undying figment of my imagination. What does any of this have to do with demolition?" She let out a long breath and pointed at Crimson.
"This isn't an illusion or a fake this is actually Crimson Sun your father." My blood went cold and all my magic stopped. My eyes shot wide and me and the man just stared into each others eyes. "The boost in your magic acted like a beacon which allowed him to manifest in your mind." I walked up to the man who was still a couple inches taller than me. I placed my fist on his chest plate.
"Who is my mother?" He just smiled at me. "I'm not playing around I will peel back your ribs and tear out your beating heart you scum bag." He just kept looking at me with a smile.
Luna spoke up, "You won't be able to hear him Sun." I felt tears forming at the corners of my eyes.
"Well isn't that just fantastic." I let out a huff and turned away from the two. "Am I supposed to believe that he's been watching me my whole life and has always wanted to reach out and talk to me?"
"In short yes, he's not banished in the same way Celestia did to myself he's trapped within the minds of Celestia and myself."
"Then how would he be able to watch me?"
"Your his son aren't you?" My eyes narrowed
"You are really trying to sell it to me like that?" I laughed, "Your joking right?" She didn't budge.
"He's seen your struggles and empathizes with your journey, he's proud of you and the man you've grown into." My anger simmered down to annoyance.
"How does this have anything to do with demolition?" Luna gave me a smile which wasn't well received.
"You know the crazy healing magic and chain Crimson used?" I just nodded putting my face in my palm, "Well all the fighting was an intro to Solar magic and give you a reference to conjure it. You strangely have only ever used Solar magic when fighting Boss when calling down that beam of magic from the Sun but you had Solaris as a catalyze. So I the amazing night princess moved space itself to bring you the strongest Solar magic user in existence." Crimson leaned down to Luna, "Crimson would like to apologize he didn't realize you only had half of your power," great even my creator doesn't know why I have a hex.
"Lets get this over with I know I'm not going to get any of the answers I'm looking for tonight." Crimson nodded and took a step forward and placed his thumb on my forehead. I felt immense warm energy flood my body and the red sun on my right shoulder felt as it was absorbing most of the energy.
He just looked into my eyes and nodded, I nodded in return and the world went white.
The Compound
The night had got brighter and to my amazement the Sun was up. I looked down to see the golden magic coming off me in waves. The swords that surrounded me were also giving off the same golden energy. I focused inward and began to float the swords also rising up and beginning to orbit around me. I really hope everyone is out of range, The Sun and Moon released there own beams which twisted together in a double helix that struck the ground bleaching everything from the earth. I returned to the ground and the swords reverted back to pendants which I scooped up and placed in my arm slot. I looked up and saw many faint pairs of blue dots that hovered right below the cloud layer. The magic circle of Excel formed below my feet and launched me into the night sky. My wings opened and I navigated the shocked expressions to Blood Rain.
"Overall how do you rate my first outing?"
"I'd say 9 out of 10." I smiled within my helmet.
"What kept it from being a 10?"
"Your jobs not over yet, while you were in your creepy floating trance Luna radioed in and requested support for the elements of harmony as they've ran into some opposition with their mission. You, Comet, and Crescent are going to follow the marker being sent to your helmets HUD." My helmets compass flashed and the girls cutie marks pointed northeast, I saluted and turned towards the marker. I began flying away from formation and was joined by the two bat ponies on either side of me, my hands began to glow grey with wind magic that removed almost all drag from the three of us made flying the long distance a lot more manageable.
"So Comet what do you specialize in?" I could hear Crescent snicker a little.
"I uh specialize in cloak and dagger techniques." I slightly looked over my shoulder to look at him.
Crescent jumped in, "He's good at assassinations and literally throwing knives."
"Sounds like your a good pony to be friends with." Me and Crescent were laughing as Comet remained silent. "I know its weird to be working with a human Comet but I don't want it to get in the way of us being friends."
"I don't think it will Apollo." Another day another friend on team Apollo Sun. The flight was going much quicker because of the loss of head wind but nerves began eating at me and we switched to a line formation with the assistance of Excel and my wind magic to speed us up even further. The possible 4 hour flight was cut to 45 minutes, The lights of towns had been gone for awhile and a storm was rolling off the mountains which was where we were headed. We landed near a cave entrance, the mountain path was at risk of being washed out and the wind was roaring forcing us to use our radios to communicate. I brought out the Sombra sword and took point as the marker on all of our HUDs were ever closer. I raised a hand to signal to stop and I placed a hand to the mountain to try and get an idea of how many people were in the cave. I could sense 10. I threw up ten fingers and my comrades nodded, as we pushed in the glow of magic was resonating from a wall of cutie marks. The elements where on the ground along with three unknown ponies, while a lilac colored unicorn with a wooden staff stood above them. She aimed the staff at Twilight and I launched myself over with Excel to block the magic with my sword. The blue magic hit my blade with such force that my arms shook aggressively. The beam of magic ricocheted hitting the wall of cutie marks spraying glass and flashing the room with a white light. I felt the steps of the pony flee the room.
"Take care of the wounded I'm going to catch her." I ran out into the storm and the faint steps went further down the mountain path. I put my sword in its holster and began booking it after the unicorn. The rain was pouring but the rain that hit my helmet began to freeze, I lowered the covering before I was rendered blind. The steps were getting closer and the unicorn was faintly coming into sight. The shape of another cave at the end of the path became clear and I stopped running, slamming a glowing yellow foot down the cave entrance was sealed. Lightning crackled and even struck the bridge of stone that lead to the now sealed cave. I raised my hands as they crackled and sparked with red lightning, she turned and raised her staff that began glowing blue. My hair was wet and my ears burning as the wind had rubbed them raw. I tried to scream over the wind, "Just stop you're not getting away!" The staff let out a beam of blue magic which was narrowly avoided by leaping into the air. She started firing at a quicker pace which forced me to pick up my own movements, it wasn't to difficult with excel but the closer I got the bigger risk I was running. I took in a big breath and two balls of grey magic formed in my hands which ruptured to blast the unicorn with the might of a hurricane, she flew backwards and as she made contact with the mountain I raised my left hand now glowing yellow and closed my fist causing the stone to reach out and secure her to the mountain. I dashed over with excel and pinched her horn in an electrified hand, "I can send a electrical pulse to your brain that will pop your head like a grape, so you better start talking."
"I'm not your enemy Apollo Sun." Her eyes seemed calm and serious.
"What did you do to the elements of harmony?"
"They messed with the magic consumption experiment that had been going on here."
"What's the purpose of the experiment?" Her eyes remained steady.
"To turn my king into a god." I felt a magic disturbance and the wall the unicorn was attached to crumbled. I ignited my hands with fire and threw them into the reopened cave to see the unicorn disappear and a large form reveal itself. I dashed backwards as the metal figure began approaching. He stood taller than me in black knight armor that had purple veins running through all the seams, it concealed his face in a helmet similar to my own. Lightning was striking near us more and more, I took a bolt directly from the sky and redirected it towards the figure who raised a hand to catch it. The energy was crushed in the figures hand who in turn began to glow more purple. His hands sparked and he released a bolt of lightning, I raised my hand and sent a lance of fire which met the bolt halfway and detonated blinding me for a couple seconds. When my vision came back he was gone and the cave was re sealed. I made my way over to the sealed cave and placed my hand on the new stone which earned me a zap.
"Just another mystery to add to the pile."
Author's Note
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
A Sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres
Author's Note
The dream duel is set to Duel of fates from Star wars if you want to have fun with it.
A Sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres
A Sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres
Dream world
The mountains rose high around the lengthy stone bridge that connected two terrestrial masses above a seemingly bottomless abyss. The white garb wrapped me tightly and secured my wings to my body, I rolled my shoulders but it didn't seem to loosen the body wrap under the garb. Across the stone walk way was the figure in a dark cloak, Luna removed her hood and raised a black saber of magic which ignited with an ominous hiss and gave off dark energy like a dark fog. I raised my own saber and ignited the white blade and slid my feet apart while pointing two fingers and angling the saber downwards at Luna.
She nodded and in an instant she was gone, on habit I tried to detect her through the ground but all my elemental magic had been frozen. I anticipated a strike and rolled back to have my previous location slashed by the saber of Luna. I bounced off two magic circles from excel to try and score a blow to the head or upper torso. She evaded and we both stood upon magic circles of the same spell.
"You were like a mother to me Luna, how could you do this?" We both dashed forward and clashed blades at incredible speeds. I bounced around through the air twisting and turning hoping to catch a hole in her defense but she remained low and was feeling out my strikes for a counter attack. The magic blades hissed as we both pressured in trying to break the others resolve. The saber would only remain on if I continued an uninterrupted flow of solar magic into the crystal in the hilt, Luna had some fashioned in the crystal empire but the engineers up there cant get the things to not blow up so until then we practice during naps.
"You were supposed to be the chosen one Sun." I turned off he blade to catch her off guard but before I could reignite she almost managed to slice my head off. I dashed backwards and raised a glowing hand which unleashed a gold beam at the Lunar princess, she returned her own black beam.
I had a trick up my sleeve I had been practicing since Crimson almost beat me to death in my own head, "Chains of the divine!" The Lunar princess looked shocked as my magic morphed into many golden chains that began quickly eating her dark energy. The chains wrapped themselves around Luna causing her to lose focus and fall to the stone path below. She quickly became annoyed and reduced the chains to glitter with a dark pulse. I pointed my saber down at her, "I have the high ground Luna give up!" I saw a smile spread across her face and the word "Gravitos" walk across her lips as I was immediately crushed against a magic circle as the gravity was increased by a couple hundred times.
"Not yet Sun, not this century at least." I just closed my eyes to end the training session.
Top of the Tower: Everfree castle
My loft had the same chill it always did because of its peculiar altitude which really made it suck to take that first step out of the bed in the morning. It had been two weeks sense the raid outside Las Pegasus and the Intel recovered was taking the team in two directions, direction one was following the money and nobility connections, direction two was my job following the confirmed connection to the Eqestrian club scene and how they are using night clubs to transport their weapons in Hoofington. For this mission Ill be disguised as a pony code name Artemis Moon working with the one and only Vinyl Scratch on her tour. This amazing plan was thought up by Luna and Blood Rain based on the data and Vinyls leg of her tour being the best opportunity to come in contact with the mercs. All things considered Vinyl seemed really excited when me, Luna, Blood, and her sat down to discuss if she was willing to participate, She seemed too excited to have Artemis Moon at her beck and call for a week. Fun stuff aside I was preparing for my next mission and training in stealth and dark magic which was making big strides, I could almost shadow cloak which is basically an invisibility spell using shadows and my dark magic tendrils can hold up a train car so I can start relying on those more. My Solar magic was limited to the chain spell and a spell I created called a hero shot, basically I just charge Solaris up with as much energy as possible and pass out but I'm working on it. Other than that most of the team was spread out across Eqestria leaving my castle to me and the spiders.
There was a pounding on my door causing me to drop my pen that was for a letter to Fleetfoot regarding the Las Pegasus raid. I preemptively checked my cutie mark map to see who was outside the door. The butterflies and Apples signifying Fluttershy and Aj put me at ease. I didn't need Luna showing up in her mistress of darkness costume wanting to dual this early in the morning. I opened the door to a nervous Apple jack and a smiling Fluttershy.
"How's it going you two?" Aj wasn't making eye contact so I looked to Fluttershy.
"All the girls are getting together tonight and we're wondering if you wanted to spend sometime with us before you leave tomorrow." I had been locked up in my room for awhile trying to track down the mysterious knight and unicorn on top of building a case file on the mercenary gang. It would do me good to spend some time with the girls before I spent the week with Vinyl.
"I'm free what's the plan?"
"We are all going over to Apple jacks and having a relaxed night."
"Sounds good to me", Aj moved her eyes to mine
"You should probably bring sleeping stuff." My face got red and I retreated into my room a little bit.
"Will do. Any chance you girls want to come in for a little while?" They both nodded, heading into my inner sanctum ahead of them the embarrassed mare wouldn't pick up her head even as I packed a small bag and pulled the cuff of my jeans over my wonderbolt boots. "I know we are having a relaxed night but I have a request."
Fluttershy cocked her head at me, "What is it Sun?"
"I want to go sledding!" My brain had already made the switch from planning to fun and I wanted to make the most of this peaceful moment before its gone. Both of the mares smiled and Apple Jack perked up.
"I know the perfect spot." I gave her a big smile as I slung the bag over my shoulder.
"Why wait then lets go now." They informed me that the rest of the girls would be busy until later tonight.
Ponyville Sledding Hill
We had left my castle for Fluttershy's house so she could grab some thicker coats and pants, we did the same for Apple jack and I dropped off my bag at Sweet Apple Acres. I was dragging the sleds as the two ahead of me where chatting about not sledding in ages. The fillies and colts of Ponyville were enjoying their day off school and where surprised to see us. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo ran up to the mares ahead of me. The three fillies question the older girls why they are here.
"I actually made them because I have never gone before." Their eyes popped wide and I was basically dragged up the hill to the amusement of the mares. I found myself at the top of the hill where everyone aside us four had stopped part way up. "So why are we so much farther up than everyone else?" Applebloom made a face like I was dumb.
"See this hill has only been conquered top to bottom by Rainbow Dash and we need you to do it." I looked at the distant forms Aj and Fluttershy at the bottom of the hill. I had no fear of heights but the prospect of wiping out in front of the girls was embarrassing. I went to protest but the three fillies gave me a push and I was now off down the hill on my back and upside down. I rolled to my stomach to get a nice few of the ever approaching bottom, as I hurtled down the slope many ponies jumped out of my way to not get run over. In the blink of an eye I passed the area where the other sleds stopped and was sent up a drift and into the air. My wings popped wide in surprise and before I could think I was face down in the snow. A couple moments passed and I felt gentle prodding from a boot, rolling over I was in the company of AJ, Fluttershy, and the three fillies.
"How nice of you guys to visit me and my snow drift here." Two big smiles formed on the mares faces and propositions to go down again were thrown at me by the other three. I stood up and put my arms around the two mares, "So who's going down with me?" They both turned a little red but Fluttershy beat Aj with a raised hand. I clasped her yellow hand and charged about halfway up the hill the same way the younger girls did with me. She took the front part of the sled and I sat behind her and as soon as we began to move she gripped the sides of the sled with a death grip. I could only imagine her stressed out face as we went down the hill with considerable speed. We came to rest and she jumped for joy and gave me a hug.
"Thank you Sun that's the highest on the hill I've ever been I can finally get Rainbow to stop picking on me."
"You are welcome, honestly I forget how much of a scaredy cat you can be." She just smiled still in the euphoria of her triumphant moment. I was interrupted from the touching moment as my legs were swept out from beneath me as I came to rest on my back. "Well that was sudden," I looked over and AJ and her sister had collided with me on purpose as they were snickering at my sprawled out form. Without moving from my back I pointed my right hand at them and their smiles turned to dread as a grey ball of wind magic formed and then released spraying a mound of snow on the two. I began laughing hysterically as the two popped their heads out of the snow. "Mess with the Sun you get the burn." They both cringed and Apple Jack grabbed the sled and attempted to bonk me on the head with it. I moved a little too fast for the mare and I slapped her right leg in front of her left causing her to fall on top of me. Her face fell right between my legs and I was blessed with her toned legs not gently coming to rest on my face, like a cat to water her whole body lurched and as quick as she came into contact with me she was on her feet blushing profusely.
"Sun you are such an idiot I swear." It was reasonable to not be amused after something like that. Fluttershy was standing anxiously off to the side and went to say something as a large commotion could be herd by the pond. Diamond tiara and Silver Spoon strangely enough came running up to us destroying the awkward tension.
"Sun, some pony fell through the ice!" I stopped a mental gulp at the thought of water especially cold water as I hopped up and ran to the crowd. As I hurried I pulled of my top layers to try and lessen the chance of drowning my boots also came undone at the waters edge as I was informed the colt Snails was the one who had fallen through the ice playing hockey. There was a couple bubbles right where the hole was and that's all I needed to jump in head first. The water immediately stabbed into me as if a million frozen needles grazed my skin at once. There was a moment of panic before I noticed the orange jacket of the colt. I grabbed the hood and pulled him closer as a blue magic circle stopped my descent in the water, excel went into effect and we both came bursting out of the water into the air. The crowd had grown much larger and panicked. I moved over to the still unmoving form and began expelling large amounts of heat from my body to hopefully warm up the colt. I checked for breathe but he definitely wasn't breathing.
"Does anypony know CPR?" I got no response I cursed mentally before hovering a glowing blue hand over the colts lungs. If I screwed this up just the tiny bit the blood in his heart would also stop moving and he would certainly die. I slowly moved the hand towards his face and he began coughing up the water most of it ending up in my face, luckily for me he rolled over before dumping the contents of his stomach. I sat back onto my ass as Aj and Fluttershy wrapped me in my own coat. I was basically already dry besides my hair as a result of my magic but it was still so cold. They were both rubbing my arms trying to heat me up with some friction but my shivering persisted. In a moment of clarity I raised a hand towards the water and a small ball of white light formed and my eyes could of deceived me but part of the hole I had just came out of froze over a little. I was snapped from my day dream as the two mares hugged me.
AJ had a strange pride in her voice, "What would this place do without you Sun." Fluttershy gave a reaction to the statement by squeezing me tighter. "Well Sugar cube we should probably get you to Sweet Apple Acres before you go on and turn into a Sunsicle." I mentally noted I was on sugar cube status for the day.
"Ill be fine don't worry I just need to get a little warmer." I hopped to my feet and took a couple cautious steps back before I allowed the orange and red flames to dance up my body rendering me hypothermia proof for the time being. I dawned my coat once again and noticed the crowd was still not dispersing but actually looking at me expectantly. " We can't throw a huge party every time I do something." The crowd of mostly teenage ponies deflated and begin walking off, I was probably the best thing to happen to all these young ponies that want to party all the time. I turned to my friends who were smiling at me.
Fluttershy spoke up, "You mean no public party." I grinned at the yellow mare
"I guess you're right. Why don't we start heading over to AJ's, it would suck for the others to beat us over there."
` Sweet Apple Acres
I had come to rest in the living room couch as soon as I had arrived which was over an hour ago. Everyone was gathered in the living room which included all of the elements, Granny, and Mac. The noise over todays heroics came and went, with the current topic being the secret that Rarity couldn't tell me but wish she could. Everyone was either rolling their eyes or they were Rarity. I began shoveling an Apple fritter in my mouth from off the coffee table as she was excitedly explaining how she had outdone herself. I looked over at Mac who must of felt my gaze as I motioned with my head to go to the other room. As we got up the mares gave us little attention besides granny who also got up and followed us into the kitchen. I turned to face the two ponies as we were out of ear shot. "Hey Mac, you ever have a girlfriend?" He wasn't expecting the question and actually began chuckling.
"Eeyup."
"How about multiple at one time." Granny was also beginning to grin.
"Eeyup" I mentally smacked myself for asking the least talkative guy I know, I could of asked Crescent but I would of got a bogus story about how he laid 17 bat mares in one night or something, and Shinning was out of the question. "I'm one of the only stallions around these parts and especially when the heat happens I'm approached by a lot of mares." My eyes went a little wide getting such a long response from him.
"Is it ever overwhelming?"
"Eeyup." I smacked myself and granny chuckled. I could put off my romantic issues until I got home. Granny could tell I was struggling and finally gave her 2 sense.
"Sun you are a man, a prince, and quite popular. I'm sorry to say it but you are going to be expected to wed quite a bit of mares but you do need to get some experience and this one on one time with a mare might do you some good." I was dumb struck.
"What do you mean by experience?" She didn't say anything but gave me the I'm stupid look. "I'm not a ...."
"With mares you are and if you are gonna end up spending the rest of your life with some of the mares in the next room over you should at least know how to please them. I know my granddaughter is one of the front runners in your heart but I'm also looking out for you when I say figure yourself out romantically before you tie yourself down to a harem, wouldn't want you losing that spot in playpony so soon after getting it." I died a little bit and she laughed rather heavily as she expertly pushed the right buttons to get the reaction she wanted.
"How do you even know that?"
"I always listen to their gossip, like right now they are talking over how they feel about you going away with Vinyl and why Rarity made such flashy clothing for a guy her friends like, oh didn't mean to spoil the surprise." I guess it makes sense that Luna would contract Rarity to make a new wardrobe for my Artemis form. I pressed my ear to the wall to hear Rarity defending herself from the onslaught of the other mares.
"Hot guys make cloths hot even if I gave him a dish rag when he turns all mysterious and handsome there's no way mares wont notice, you all just need to calm down and realize there's a special place in his heart for all of you and you might have to share that with a couple more mares." I couldn't hear what the response was but it was probably better I didn't know. Granny just pointed me back into the room and I sunk my headed and waddled my way back getting an encouraging smack on the back as I passed Big Mac.
I rounded the corner to a room only containing the single smile of Pinkie and a whole lot of serious faces. "Come on everyone lets be in a good mood before I'm gone for a week." Everyone tried to play it off but even as I resumed my spot on the couch between Apple Jack and Rainbow the two shifted their weight to lean against me, in response I put my arms along the back of the couch, no more being on the defensive around these mares. They noticed the gap seemed to fill it gradually. Everyone seemed to be a little surprised by my boldness, I looked at all the faces in the room "So who told Granny about me being ranked in playpony?" Just like that the powder keg that was this living room erupted,
Twilight with a red face stood up, "Sun we don't think its a good Idea you going away with Vinyl!" She was even surprised by her outburst but was immediately backed up by the mares to each side of me.
"What does Vinyl have to do with anything?" Twilight seemed like she was going to double down.
"She's just not one of us okay and it feels like we are gonna lose you to her." I paused before responding and really thinking over my words.
"Twilight this is work just like what you have to do, it just so happens I'm doing it with a friend whos also a mare. You guys aren't going to lose me in any shape or form. She doesn't even have feelings like that towards me." Rarity shook her head
"Yes she does Sun, Vinyl is quite the smitten kitten especially after your little singing number, she was even stopping in trying to help with designing the surprise Luna had me make for you."
"Stop pulling my leg." She narrowed her eyes at me.
"Stop being so dense, you are a male and you have to pick up these things and by the time you are back from Hoofington you should be ready to court some of the mares in your life.
"I agree." the room went silent and faces were burning, "With that said though Vinyl makes me feel at home just like the rest of you and she deserves a chance to express her affection if I'm really expected to have multiple partners. The girls began looking around at one another, I couldn't get a good read on any of them.
Granny poked her head into the room, "Before the night is ruined, I think we should all look at the situation from different perspectives some of you have all made it painfully obvious how you feel while others haven't but no one has made an honest confession, as great as he is Sun isn't your typical stallion/man so we can't expect him to just know how this works. You should all take the time to think about how you really feel and figure out how you want to convey it when he gets back.
"With that said lets please try to have some fun before I leave tomorrow."
Rainbows head shot up from deep thought, "snowball fight!" Everyone present looked at her confused as she busted out the front door. It was starting to get dark out and as I looked out from the well lit house into the dark I couldn't see the mare. Suddenly a ball of snow and ice came hurtling towards me from the black and was narrowly dodged but hit Big Mac in his chest. He huffed and charged outside reaching into the snow and hurtling a massive glob of snow at the mare. I joined big mac reaching into the snow and hurling my own ball at the mare. She laughed as she easily dodged our attacks. I felt an evil smile spread across my face as I filled my hand with snow and the blue magic formed beneath my feet. The flyer didn't see it coming as I bounced off my circle to shove the snow in her face. I landed on the ground to a high five from Mac and suddenly more snowballs flew from the girls coming out of the house to protect Rainbow. The night was filled with laughter and a couple magic spells exchanged between me and Twilight. The earlier tension melted into a truly wholesome moment. About half n hour passed before we were all shivering and went in to hot coco already made by Granny. Highlights like Rainbow burying me using a cloud or Fluttershy almost knocking Mac on his ass were discussed and laughed over, the night had finally became what it was meant to.
We found ourselves back in the living room watching a scary movie called Attack of the Changelings. All the girls had a run with them at Cadences and Shining's wedding a couple years back. I remember hearing that their colony bordered the badlands and Eqestria and unlike what the girls experienced they snatch people to drain them of their emotions in their colonies the thought genuinely made my skin crawl. I was laying on the ground as the girls sqeezed onto the couch and were oohing and jumping at every scare, I was suddenly joined by a yellow visitor who dug herself between me and the couch to hide from the movie. An orange foot was shoved into my head and I looked up to see AJ horribly acting like she didn't just do it. In response I pointed to the spot in front of me and that got her attention, she began looking at the other girls before back to me and as she went to move Rainbow slid off the couch and began sitting leaning against my legs. The movie continued and after a decent jump scare there was a purple flash and my head was in Twilights lap her trying to act like she didn't just teleport under my head. The purple princess began rubbing my head and I felt myself being towards sleep but I fought it off. The movie was reaching its climax and my hand at my side was grasped by AJ from the couch. I tried to look back at her but Twilight was in the way of seeing her, all I could see was Fluttershy completely asleep behind me.
I felt the clutches of sleep begin to take me and before I completely was out I felt the lips of the princess above press against my head. "Sun we all care about you so much and hope you make it back safe." I turned to look up at her.
"I'm sorry I stress you guys out so much but I do look forward to deepening my relationship with everyone when I get back from Hoofington."
"We are too, get some sleep you are going to need it."
"Gladly", I shifted around to get comfy in her lap and retired to sleep.
Erotic City Part 1
The not so gentle shaking of the train kept me just away from sleep as my face was smushed against the glass. Luna and Blood Rain had kidnapped me at 4 in the morning and stuck me on this train to be picked up by Vinyl when I arrive at the station. I should of protested for a couple more hours of sleeping as AJ had made the move from the couch to cuddling up to me with Rainbow and Fluttershy with Twilight as my pillow. It was 200X better than being Artemis Moon this early in the morning. The stares were one thing as many curious mares made one too many trips by me, you never notice the gender difference until everyone's looking at you like an alien. Honestly I couldn't tell what was worse human in Canterlot or alicorn on train. I closed my eyes in an attempt to get a weird magic dream or regular sleep but I was not that lucky. I pulled the hood to my new black wind breaker over my head to try and get a little more darkness but sleep continued evading me. I got up and headed to the bathroom as many gazes burned into me. I had my eyes glued to the floor as my mind ran not giving much thought to what was coming the opposite way and just to my luck someone else was doing the same. I collided with a stallion and we both hit the walls of the tight isle. I went to apologize but before I could his eyes popped wide, "Who the fuck are you?" his tone wasn't aggressive but more surprised.
"Sorry about running into you, I'm Artemis." He smiled pretty big smile.
"I'm Love struck, its nice to meet you Artemis, where are you from?" He had pink hair and red eyes with white skin, almost like one of those romantic candy boxes became sentient.
" I'm uh from Canterlot but have been staying in Ponyville with some friends." I tried to smile away my bluff.
"And you're going to Hoofington now for?" He looked at me with a slick smile as if he knew what I was gonna say.
"Visiting another friend." I didn't want to name drop Vinyl and have this guy like beg to meet her.
"Any chance this is a lady friend or wife?" He started to grin bigger.
"No just a friend." I wasn't super annoyed and typically rapid fire questions were annoying but it kept me out of my seat.
"I have friends I'd like you to meet if you're interested in making a lot of bits." A part of me told me something bad was gonna happen and the other half didn't care because wandering the train beat fake sleeping. My brain lulled as I thought it over.
"I'm not gonna get stabbed or jumped right?" It didn't really matter but I'd hate to tear apart the train if it could be avoided, too much attention and I might get sent to the discipline chamber with Blood Rain.
The unicorn looked shocked, "Of course not, just follow me." There's a 45% chance I get jumped, I crossed my fingers and let him guide the way. It must of been funny to see us this unicorn in a white dress shirt and tight red pants followed by this alicorn wearing a black wind breaker and black jeans. The looks we did receive ranged from curiosity to uncomfortable levels of interest. Its early in the morning why are all these mares ready to go, this trains hormones were off the chart. As we walked Love Struck would flirt with the mares sometimes stop at their cabin doors for awhile as I stood silent as the groups of mares would giggle at his corny ass jokes. I came back to reality when one of the mares asked if we could stay a little longer in their cabin, "You know what cabin to call if you want to see me again, just ask for Love and you shall be struck." They fawned over his dumb line as we continued on, I made a mental note that he was definitely a prostitute and I was probably on my way to see his pimp. Fuck, I internally yelled as loud as I could. We finally reached the destination and Love ducked into the rather large cabin by passing through a purple curtain, I sighed and followed. The room was spacious and filled with many well dressed stallions and one unicorn mare who seemed actually really tame with glasses, purple skin, and white hair. All eyes were on the two new comers but there were all smiles especially from the mare, I made sure to remember the positions of all the unicorns just incase fighting broke out. The unicorn mare looked at Love than back to me.
"Where in Eqestria did you find him Love." He cracked a big grin at her astonished tone.
"I found him while exploring this train actually."
She gestured to me, "Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Night Veil and I'm the current overseer of Playpony magazine." Of course I'm here in this place at this exact time to run into this pony, I could almost hear the future in which Blood Rain tears me apart for gaining too much attention in the first hours of my mission.
"It's nice to meet you, I'm Artemis Moon." Her grin was almost too much for her face that made her attractive features almost unsettling.
"So Mr. Artemis what is your current occupation." I mentally froze, what does Artemis do? Hazardous magic consultant, bingo smart job for a smart guy.
"I'm a hazardous magic consultant in Canterlot." I sounded a lot calmer than I was.
"Brains and beauty seems like you might make my list after all." Seriously I need at least one face which isn't massively recognizable.
"I'm kind of a private stallion there's definitely more interesting ponies that should be in the top ten." She looked at me with some pride for a weird reason.
"Oh so you've heard of it then." I mentally smacked myself in the face.
"Well my friends were talking about it back in Ponyville and I happened to overhear that's all."
"So you are an alicorn who was visiting Ponyville but you are from Canterlot, any chance you happened to run into Apollo Sun in your travels?" I could feel a weird tension in the room which made me curious.
"Yeah I barely know the guy but we talked during his party after getting back from the Crystal Empire." She bit her lip as if thrilled.
"What is he like?" Its starting to feel like Artemis isn't going to make the list which was a relief but it felt like my birth form was in danger.
"You know high-strung talkative for a human, and overall pretty good guy. Might be hard to get close to him he's surrounded by some pretty over protective mares."
"I know, trying to get Luna to the table to even offer him an appearance in the magazine feels impossible."
"Probably scared him away by making him second on your list." She looked slightly takin aback.
"I did him and our night princess a favor by giving him that much publicity, also can't have him live in that monopoly the elements of harmony have on him forever, the humans got to know that mares are dieing to get a little sun." She winked at the last part and I felt my stomach churn a little.
"Well good luck with that he's more of a fighter than a lover I can tell you that much."
"Don't think I'm ill informed, so many high ranking mares and stallions owe me favors that I can and do know almost anything I want especially when it comes to the human prince." The stallions clapped for her as she looked proud.
"Then what's he up to right now?" I felt my privacy breached and truly wondered how much influence this mare had.
"Well he's in his castle in Ponyville of course, probably banging line after line of mares that flock from that little village."
"Mares in Ponyville aren't like that and honestly I think you're misinformed if you think he's doing that." The conversation was getting a little aggressive on my end she just kept smiling at me all the same.
"All it takes is one mare to wake that beast in him and trust me its gonna be the biggest harem since Blueblood tried to marry half of Canterlot." I rolled my eyes at her claim and the confidence that leaked from her words.
"Time will tell."
"Seems like you don't like the human, jealous maybe." Oh yes, you crazy pony I am jealous of myself.
"Sun's a good guy and always been nice to me but I just don't think anyone has seen the real him yet."
"That we can both agree on, sorry for taking up so much of your time care for a drink?" I saw the large bar and realized most ponies in the room were all ready drinking, if it will make the train ride go faster why not.
"A vodka and orange pop would be swell." She just looked to one of the stallions who was behind the bar and boom I was mingling. Hoofington was still a good couple hours away so it couldn't hurt.
The first went down easy and it seemed like every cluster of stallions had a fun topic of questions or an inside secret on the modeling mares. I learned that these guys weren't prostitutes but if approached by wealthy mares they would sometime accept the request. I finally opened up to some of the stallions about going to Vinyl's concert and almost everyone in the train car was already planning on going, I omitted the part about knowing her to try and not over share. I was on drink 5 when I finally sat down next to Love.
"Thanks for bringing me back her Love its a nice change of pace from the stares." He chuckled into his glass.
"You don't like the looks personally there my favorite part of my day, honestly I might saunter my way back to that one cabin from earlier."
"Whatever floats your boat man." He looked at me slightly drunk.
"You know, you don't talk like a Canterlot pony."
"Yeah I'm probably the worst at being one."
"Well whatever your doing keep doing it I'm pretty sure you're the shoe in for the third ranked spot in the magazine."
"What makes you say that?" I was a little annoyed that I would be gaining even more attention than necessary. He slammed his drink.
"Well one I saw her making arrangements to change the draft and honestly you have the commanding presence when talking to a mare that most stallions don't have." I forgot these dudes even when coming off confident are kind of submissive in the end.
"I just wasn't raised to treat anyone differently."
"Or maybe its the combination of the things sticking out of your head and back."
"Nah I'm just a regular stallion I swear." I mentally laughed manically, I wish I could see his face if I went human. This weird car was starting to bore me and I was getting sick of being asked asked if I was Lunas or Celestia's secret kid so I made my way out saying my goodbyes before quickly putting some space between me and the car. By the time I made it back to my seat I was buzzing pretty good and confidently able to put my head back and ignore the looks I was getting. I know Luna had something to do with putting me on a train with the PlayPony ponies.
Hoofington
The train screeched into the station and as I had no bags on me I hastily made my way out onto the subway deck. I scanned for the white mare but all the craziness around me was overwhelming. I was suddenly grabbed from behind as two arms wrapped around me.
"I'm glad you finally made it!" I turned around to Vinyl with a great big smile. "I have all your stuff back at the hotel already, we could go there or grab a bite to eat."
"I'm happy I made it too, lets grab something to eat I'm dieing." The booze was still very much in my system and getting a nice base layer of food would probably do me some good with what was upcoming tonight.
"Perfect I know a really good pizza place near here." She grabbed my hand which made me blush a little and like that we were up the stairs out of the subway and into the city. The density of bodies was insane compared to anything I had seen in civil society up to this point and as I was dragged through the crowd I looked up at the huge glowing signs which displayed advertisements for drinks and beauty supplies which were lightly covered in snow, everything was so bright but everypony in sight seemed to have a grey cloud over their heads. Vinyl was more happy then I had ever seen her or atleast more expressive, she was always warm to me but I guess thinking back there has kind of been a spark even back when I had my first run in with the mercenaries in the club. My mind went to Spitfire as it was her idea to go to the club in the first place which lead to seeing Vinyl that night. I had stopped moving and the mare stopped as well looking at me quizzically.
"Everything all right Sun?" I didn't even react to her using the wrong name.
"Yeah sorry just uh Spitfire popped into my head." She gave me arguably the best encouraging smile I had ever seen thus far in my existence.
"I've known her for a very long time Sun and I know from the bottom of my heart she would want you to have fun on this mission and not suffer on her behalf." I felt my lips curl upward a little.
"You know what I think you're right and right now that not suffering starts with getting pizza." I grabbed her hand a little tighter and moved along side her before we continued to the pizza joint.
It seemed so quick, we turned a corner and the place was right there. Vinyl ordered a slice with mushrooms, which made me cringe as I got the ever bland just cheese. I took a seat at a booth as the mare sat opposite to me, much like the train I felt curious eye balls on us.
"Its funny I can't tell if all the looks are for you or me." I caught her mid bite and as she chewed she decided to return the stares which seemed to get them to stop.
"Its probably both of us honestly, I'm a B rate celebrity and you are an alicorn. I'm also fucking up this slice of pizza so its quite the show." I audibly laughed at the antics of the Unicorn as she took another monster bite in pure bliss.
"Slayer of discs you never cease to entertain." She pushed her glasses up and gave a playful bow.
"Slayer of Evil I'm going to change your life in these 7 days I promise." I took my own monstrous bite which made her smile, the pizza was actually stupid good.
Hotel
I stood at the base of the huge structure that reached high into the sky, I was dragged through the front door into the mostly white granite lobby which made me feel like I was back in the castle in Canterlot. It seemed like this was a really high end place even the elevator was extremely nice with golden buttons and ivory finish on most of the fixtures. I happened to notice the button Vinyl hit was the very highest floor. As the ding sounded the door opened to reveal a black brick hallway lit with purple lights leading up to two black double doors with purple cloth. We walked side by side and both of us threw open a door to a huge room that over looked the city. The room had a large c shaped couch with a white carpet under it, there was also a sleek black granite counter and black table, A balcony with a hot tub stretched alongside the impressive width of the room, taking a few steps forward I could see that the hot tub protruded from the balcony over the street below. The lights around the room changed color from red, blue, and purple which reflected off the mostly white and black furniture. I continued to find there was a smaller guest room which had a purple design to everything in there, the main bedroom was black and blue it also had my new bags and also Vinyl's bags. A white blur flew by me jumping on my bed coming to rest on her stomach.
"By the way Sun those cool lights are in the hot tub too."
"That's good to know." She flopped onto her back now looking at me upside down.
"Any chance you want to go in right now?"
"I would but I should probably go through the bags before I start relaxing." She looked a little bummed.
"Suite yourself I could definitely go for a good soak right now, you know what I think I will." She headed off to the bathroom bag in hand as I went for the black duffel bag with a blue moon on it. I dug out the Pinkish purple crescent moon crystal which was my dormant armor, I placed it on the night stand along with the Sun, moon, and broken heart necklace. Most of the clothes I pulled out were black jeans three pair ripped three not then three dress shirts red, blue, purple and that's all I got counting the black turtle neck I have under my wind breaker. My gaze shifted as something caught me attention out of the corner of my eye. Vinyl walked by in a shirt just short enough to see that her butt utterly consuming a tiny blue cloth that was supposed to be a bikini bottom. My jaw almost hit the floor as she continued to the sliding glass door and to the edge of the hot tub. She acted like I wasn't looking and pulled her top off to reveal an equally tiny bikini fighting desperately to hold up two large white orbs, she quickly got out of the winter air by jumping into the water and obscuring my view. How am I supposed to stay sane for the next couple days. I found a letter in a side flap of the bag.
"Objectives by Blood Rain and Princess Luna"
1.Find a traceable lead that connects the mercenary group to the other incidents and other factions at home or abroad.
2.Secure all strange arcane technology.
3.Hold all enemies until proper authorities arrive.
4.Don't blow your cover or expose real identity.
5.Don't break too much stuff.
6.Go to cloud 9 it is very fun- Luna.
6 1/2. Focus on the mission but have a little fun too- Blood Rain
I'm starting to think this was a vacation in disguise, I peeled off my wind breaker and pants before making my way to the glass door. The unicorn mare was looking out over the city as I opened the door and she looked towards me glasses gone.
"I wonder what your fans would think of this secret rendezvous Vinyl, can't have another group of people after my head." She just cocked her head and laughed.
"I pissed off the elements of harmony to spend the week with you, and you're worried about my fans." I shrugged nonchalantly as I put my legs over the lip of the hot tub
"So that brings up the question, why risk taking that one way trip to the moon." She approached swaying slightly exaggerating her movements.
"Maybe its the sense of danger, or your charming personality, could even be that you are royalty and I've always seen my self as a punk princess. I mean if you see anypony beat trained mercenaries without breaking a sweat you got to wonder what they are like in bed. Jokes aside though I genuinely want to see you in an environment where you can truly be free and have fun, not worrying about the princesses or the elements just fun and selfishly me." She put a finger on my chest and I looked down which she then flicked my nose with. "Its not lost on me that you've suffered a lot but as Artemis I hope I can facilitate an environment that can bring out the happiest version of you." I felt my heart skip a beat as I blushed and looked up at the sky trying to ignore the mare basically between my legs at this point. She gently put her hand on my neck and went down my torso as I shivered slightly. "I think its time for me to get out and get ready for tonight, what do you think Sun?"
"Whatever you want is best." She laughed slapping the water a little bit.
"That's not gonna get you anywhere, I guess I will have to wait until you get a little more courage in you." Before I could protest or correct my pitiful masculine display she hopped out and swayed her big white butt to the door and paused before entering and banishing me to isolation. I sighed at my flop but it was probably for the best, I fully submerged myself in the pool sized hot tub as snow began to fall. "I bet Nova and Eclipse have a bunch of wives where ever they are, stupid spoiled brothers." I raised a glowing blue hand and all the hot tub water stopped its viscous motion and to my surprise the white clumps of snow slowed but didn't completely stop until it was in the form of water. I let the water go back to water activities before looking over the far wall and seeing the busy street below, if I was a bad guy I'd definitely post up here and throw snowballs down but I'm mature and don't have the temptation at all. I sunk into the warm water before rising up and heading inside. The vibrations hit me as Vinyl was blasting music and running around in jeans and a blue bra, the vibes were great. I made my way to the room as she danced past me fighting her way into a white shirt. My shirt I had put out earlier had been replaced my a white hoodie with Vinyls cutie mark over the heart. I slid the hoodie on and just as it made it past my eyes I was tackled onto the bed. I fought my way out of it as I rolled over to look at Vinyl who was all smiles.
"Sun are you ready for night one of the best week of your life," She was oozing enthusiasm.
"Yes Vinyl I'm super excited!"
"Then kick your ass into high gear our limos arriving soon." She jumped up and darted out of the room.
"Did you take something when I wasn't looking because you are bouncing off the walls right now." I finally got the hoodie on along with the broken heart necklace. I felt Sombra's magical presence as I headed out the door and into the elevator.
I mentally poked at the necklace,"Sombra how are you this evening?"
"Good I will be scanning for anything arcane or peculiar in nature."
"Glad we are on the same page." The elevator made it to the lobby and if on que the white and blue limo pulled up, I stuck my arm out which Vinyl took as we headed to our ride.
"So Vinyl what's the club called we are headed too, "Night veil, the owner is actually pretty high up in Play Pony." I mentally knocked my own tooth out with a jab as me and Vinyl took our seats.
"I think I met her today actually." My companion looked at me with a bizarre reaction. "I met her on the train it was actually really strange."
Night Veil
We arrived about the time I finished telling Vinyl about my train ride and she explained that Night veil herself was almost always surrounded by weird stallions which made her amusing but big headed. I opened the door for the dj and as she got out I took a second to look up at the green crescent moon peaking out from a black cloud displayed by a huge sign reading Night Veil. It sure looked cool and as I followed Vinyl in, skipping the line of course I looked over the sea of mares in the cramped building the bar glowed purple and green and was closer to the door than the dance floor. Vinyl got two of something before handing me one and pulling me into an outlet which lead back stage.
"Sun I'm only going to say this once, its my only rule don't drink anything that's left your hand." I was a little puzzled and she could tell. "Mares will try and put something in your drink that makes you horny as fuck, its called heat and can really jack up a stallions system. Other than that have a blast and feel free to join me up on stage when my set starts." I nodded my head and she kissed her hand before slapping my face. "Get out there tiger." I returned to the club area and inspected the drink in my hand, the green liquid was strange and tasted like lime with a little bite. I scanned the room and surprise surprise no bad guys, just short dresses and oh shit a small group of stallions. I made my way towards them in hopes of making some friends and recognized a couple faces from the train but forgot their names and before I could remember any of them they spotted me and welcomed me rather loudly.
"Artemis Moon if it isn't our great alicorn pal." heads whipped around at the A word and I laughed as I quickly made it to the group of guys.
"Didn't think I would be seeing all you gentle stallions so soon must be my lucky day." One of the stallions asked where I was staying in which I promptly responded Trouble towers penthouse.
He looked at me quizzically as the rest of the guys began paying more attention, "Isn't that where Vinyl Scratch is staying." I can still recover from this.
"That makes a ton of sense actually because there was a bunch of music coming from the attached penthouse." A couple of the group nodded while the rest began giving their dramatic oh's and awe's as few even punched my arm.
"That's what you meant by going to Vinyl's concert big dog you were talking private concert." The overly broish vibe was foreign to me but I chuckled and played along.
"You guys wouldn't of believed me if I told the truth." a stallion nodded and spoke up in a joking manner.
"You're right Vinyl doesn't sleep with anyone alicorn or otherwise." I began to feel a little embarrassed.
"Well who said anything about sleeping together." They all hooted and hollered as the music came on. I threw back my drink and wanted to get drunk before I could blow my cover or make others more interested in my backstory. I threw a wave to the stallions as I made my way to the bar and went to order my standard vodka and orange pop. The bartender a mare with a hoof accent looked at me funny when I went to order it.
"Alicorn boy do you mean a vodka and orange soda?" really pop, soda its the same exact thing.
"Yes I mean a vodka with orange soda." she nodded as she made my drink.
"Not from around here I'm guessing."
"Nope, Canterlot."
"That's funny because you talk like you are from the sticks but with that horn coming out of yer head and wings on your back I'm not gonna question no Alicorn."
"I'm a genetic accident not royalty."
"Well whatever you are Vinyls covering your tab so I hooked you up with a triple." I threw her a thumbs up as I took my drink in hand and worked my way to the stairs stopping right before I descended to the dance floor. I scanned for any hostile or out of the ordinary magics and got nothing. So I was making the conscious decision to get unfathomably wrecked. The orange liquid fueled my spirits and the music provided something to move to. The first two drinks went away uneventfully but upon trying to get my third a certain Night Veil appeared next to me at the bar.
"So Mr. Artemis what brings a stallion like you to my fine establishment." I gestured to my clothing
"The one and only Vinyl Scratch." she looked fake disappointed almost pouty.
"That's too bad because I have a whole group of mares who want to make your acquittance." I looked her in the eyes as my buzz was really peaking.
"That sounds like an amazing offer, it really does but I'm doing everything in my power to see Vinyl without her clothes on tonight so I can't ruin my chances talking to your associates." another mare tapped me on my shoulder
"You ain't gotta shot with the Dj hot stuff she likes mares." I laughed in my drink.
"That's what you think" Night Veil directed my attention back to herself with a long stare and a question.
"What do you exactly know Mr. Artemis." I felt a goof coming on as I pulled my orange drink from the bar.
"I know everything," the magic in my opposite hand from the glass pulled the contents over to my palm mimicking it being in a pitcher, "But I also know nothing, " A current ran through the liquid turning it to gas before a mini cyclone formed spinning the orange cloud in my hand, it then as a cloud swirled back into my glass and returned to a liquid due to the glasses cold temperature, "In simple terms I know everything you want me to know and nothing you don't a truly strange unexplainable mystery." I took a long pull from glass, "Here's the real question why are you interested in me when you have that clown troupe following you everywhere?"
"If you have to know its because I always desire what I can't have, just like how I crave your associate Apollo." I snickered making her frown.
"I told you he's not my associate and you can't get to him through me." She looked determined.
"I can get you basically anything in this city, mares, power, security, weapons." My ears perked up at weapons.
"You wouldn't know anything about magical casting devices would you, hypothetically if you did I might know some more stuff about Apollo."
"Well of course hypothetically every club owner in this city is letting mercs sell those magic guns in our back rooms its everywhere now no one knows who they are or how they can offer such huge checks to keep us all quiet but I can definitely get you in contact with someone If you answer these questions." I gave a nod. " Who is the top mare in Apollos harem."
"He doesn't have a top mare and doesn't plan on having one."
"Next question, has he began an intimate relationship with any of the elements of harmony."
"He actually just recently got approached by 4 of the 6 to begin a formal courtship, those 4 are unknown to me." I was laughing hard on the inside as drunkness made me want exaggerate and make shit up.
"Finale question, Is he having a relationship with either of the princesses." I felt myself gag at the question. I looked at her with a deadpan expression.
"Other than Twilight he wouldn't even consider it."
"And why is that?"
"Him and Luna have this weird mother son bond and Celestia is like that too in a way, yeah no romance there at all." Before the mare could continue the voice of Vinyl filled the club.
"Before we get started tonight I would like to dedicate this night and this week to a very special stallion in my life." Drunk me firmly had the steering wheel as I raised my drink and headed in the direction of the dance floor. Vinyl continued, "Some of you mares might have spotted him already he's quite the specimen rocking not just a horn but wings and my cutie mark on his chest tonight," A spotlight found me drink still in the air. "So lets all raise a toast to this fine stallion who's gonna make sure I'm walking funny tomorrow." The crowd erupted into cheers as I jogged my way up to the DJ booth and grabbing the mic.
"Regularly I would just be a drunk stallion but with Vinyl I'm a very happy drunk stallion." I kissed the mare on the lips which she embraced and the club cheered on , "So lets make sure everyone ends up as happy as me tonight and party hard." Dropping the Mic, the basses boom and my drunk ass goes tumbling behind the booth as the music starts jumping. Vinyl helps me up sitting me in her chair and hops into my lap.
"I hope you meant all that drunk ass."
"I am drunk but I am no liar, I hope the same goes for you." She began straddling me and got her tongue in my mouth before gently pulling away.
"I meant every word." A fire inside unlike anything before was lit as the Dj spun back around to continue her music while giving enough attention to begin dancing in my lap. I was going to become a man like a man man tonight. Then a thought crossed my mind I killed someone with a rock before I ever slept with someone that is kind of sad. Vinyl looked back at me
"Are you just gonna stare or are you gonna smack it cherry boy." My face got a little red before I smacked her ass in front of a club full of ponies who were all getting a little frisky the guys from before were basically drowning but I don't think I'd trade places with them as I really did enjoy dancing with the Dj. Our bodies grinded against each other and she let out a pleasured gasp as I kissed her neck and traced her body with my hands. "Don't make me stop this set early and go back to the hotel Sun."
"I didn't start this I'm just retaliating."
"Make sure you save some of that retaliation for when we are alone." We embraced once more, now both our tongues entering each others mouths before returning to gentle kissing as Vinyl suddenly pulls back and bites into my neck causing my system to be shocked with adrenaline and this rush of libido, she finally pulled away and smacked my neck, "I marked you first you are mine Apollo Sun." In this moment I felt something in me move in a way it never has before VInyl's eyes looked into mine intently not wavering under my gaze as if she was exhilarated to be there and I knew from this point on there was no future without her in it.
Hours later
Vinyl had finished her set hours ago and we now existed in a booth surrounded by fans of her until the limo was too arrive. I gently scooched the attached mare off my lap to go to the restroom. Only about ten feet from our booth I past through the doors to have the sound of the club dim and I was able to splash some cold water in my face, I was indeed hammered. Two stallions in black combat armor burst into the bathroom causing me to ready myself for a fight. The two mercs extend a letter.
The green unicorn spoke, "Ms. Night veil sends her regards." And after I took the paper they departed. I stumbled back to the booth to then be dragged past the crowd and into the limo which I laid on the seats and Vinyl laid on my chest.
"Weird night my friend." in response to my words she peeked up from my chest.
"I hope you had fun at least." I gave her the best smile I could muster.
"Yeah I did but our targets played their hand a little sooner than we thought, Night Veil is in cohorts with the mercs." at the mention of work she resumed planting her face in my chest glasses and all.
"Doesn't that all check out according to the info Luna and Blood Rain gave you." I genuinely smiled at her remembering the finer details of this operation. Indeed club owners were the prime suspects.
"I was starting to think this was a rues and Luna had pimped me out to you for a week."
"That is an insult to my feminine charm to think I would have to go through Luna to get you alone with me."
"You're right about that I tried to rest my head on the seat as we came to a halt in front of our hotel." I gave a nod to the driver as I scooped up the Dj and made our way inside, she was playing up her drunkness so I would carry her which I did to the elevator and up. The room to our door opened as she began to pretend to sleep, I made it to the master bed tucking her in before returning to the kitchen living space and opening the parchment handed to me in the bathroom.
"To Mr. Artemis Moon this is your formal invitation to the Hoofington night trade sincerely Night Veil." Most of the paper was taken up by her cutie mark and under her regards was a list of places with dates and time. on the back there was a message, "I've already contacted a seller of arcane weapons in hopes of getting what you are looking for hope to see you on friday." Friday would be the third to last day I was here I couldn't wait that long until taking action. I felt my brain struggle against my bloods alcohol content as I planned to scout out the other places and times the next couple nights before going attack mode, I also have to get all this information back to Luna and Blood Rain. I pressed my hand into my face as a white and blue blur shot behind me and out into the pool sized hot tub with a splash.
NSFW
My curiosity wasn't even peaked as I knew the Dj wasn't even asleep when I put her to bed. I made my way to the exit to make sure she didn't slip and hit her head. I was met with the backside of a completely nude vinyl whos shapely ass rested just below the crystal clear water line. My heart accelerated and I almost felt like running as I was very much the prey and she the predator.
"Sun I wasn't fully truthful earlier when I was talking about communicating with Luna about you, I'm not exactly a princess or element of harmony and I honestly thought it would be impossible to have a night like this with you, there's so much competition but to my surprise Luna was more than understanding about my feelings for you even though I'm not exactly on your social level." The last part was apparent that it hurt her and was quite the persisting thought. "When Luna approached me about this mission I implied making a move and instead of getting upset with me she smiled and told me I was free to make any welcomed advances on you and that made me really happy." She turned around exposing her large chest without covering up. Her tone turned seductive, "So is this a welcome advance Sun?" My jaw dropped wide as she stalked towards me coming further out of the water and exposing her white genitals, her whole body glistened from the city lights bouncing off her wet figure, a part of me stiffened and she smiled as she took notice closing the gap further eventually coming to press her chest against mine and look me into my eyes. My hands reflexively went to her ass and she smiled before kissing my neck and making it to my lips. I sqeezed my hands as she gasped and bit her lips she lowered herself down my body and fought with the button of my pants until they dropped there was one last layer to get through dropping my last garment my appendage swung forward coming to rest with a light smack on Vinyl's face as she looked a little surprised, "Your bigger than what Fluttershy said," I said nothing as I thought back to the embarrassing incident on the train when Fluttershy walked in one me in the shower. I was about to ask her when they had time to talk about something like that but I was overcome by a foreign feeling of overwhelming pleasure as Vinyl kissed the tip and took me part way into her mouth. I had to lean back slightly and grab the glass table behind me as the mare began to bob aggressively seeming to relish in my squirms and unintentional noises. Her one hand moved in rythm with her mouth as the other gently grasped my balls, I felt the night coming to a quick end so I gently tried to pull away which made VInyl pinch my thigh and speed up even more completely aware of what was coming. The noises she made became even more erotic as I felt the pressure build in my member and at this point there was no stopping and the aggressive release began in the mares mouth and continued for 4 -5 swells that were more than enthusiastically sucked down causing me to almost to convulse. She gasped and began laughing as she turned her back to me and leaned into my chest, "Oh what I do for my Prince." Her joking voice was accompanied by a more than gentle press of her bare ass into my spent member. "I'm going to give you the best lesson of your life just reach your arms around me." I complied and she took my hand and guided it to her clit and started my finger in a counter clockwise rub around the bead of flesh as she shivered and reached a hand up to touch my face and push back into me. I wasn't completely unaware of the female anatomy and with my spare finger I entered her, earning a moan and more aggressive grinding from the mare. I sped up my movement with both fingers as well as finding the sensitive ridges on the inside of her and rubbing her clit causing her to tighten slightly and shake, I continued as her breathe got heavier and her legs began to shake and her insides locked down on my finger and she climaxed. She pulled away from me slightly as she bent over and spread her ass to reveal her soaking we lower half, "Are you ready for round two yet?" Without the need for an answer my bottom half came alive once more as I peeled the rest of my clothes off and followed her to the carpeted ground. She spread her legs wide and wrapped them around me as I penetrated her, a feeling that was different but just as enjoyable as her mouth. She flinched a little as I began to fully insert my member.
"Is everything okay Vinyl?" She looked up into my eyes a little sheepishly.
"I know I was talking a big game but this is my first time with a stallion or male for that matter." My eyes kind of popped wide at the realization. Before I could say anything she gently touched my face with her hand, "Just go slow at first." With her legs still locked around me I gently began moving inside her as we both did our best to keep our moaning down. I could feel her start to loose some tension and I picked up my rhythm and depth which earned me no protest as she made euphoric faces. We both were beginning to sweat as I began to thrust harder into her my hands running through her hair. Her eyes were wide as she rolled to her side getting on top of me. I was surprised as the mare began to ride me while touching her clit. I reached up and took her breasts in my hands as she cooed getting closer to another climax. She came to rest no longer going up and down but more back and forth before she raised herself off of me and and getting on all fours. She waved her ass at me as a sweet invitation. I smacked the white flesh which bounced in response and the mare cried out in a delighted moan, I penetrated her from behind and began a vigorous pace which quickly had Vinyl's face in the carpet giving me a better angle to penetrate her from behind. I could feel her lock down on me as she began to climax and I picked up my pace as I wasn't far behind. She let out a very audible shout as she shook and I began to fill her with everything my member could muster. The sweaty mare could barely talk as she leaked a large amount cum before I had pulled out, upon doing so she slid to a completely prone position in her bliss. "Sun I definitely need a shower and a walker for tomorrow." I grinned a very happy person in my own nirvana like state.
"I never knew anything could feel like that Vinyl." She rolled into my arms as I took a spot laying next to her on the ground.
"I'm glad I made the night a little bit more magical for you my shining Sun." We embraced as we let sleep take us.
Author's Note
Yes I'm alive, yes I'll make more than one chapter this year.
Human Empire
The sound of foot steps thunder towards a large wooden door. It is a courier his satchel old and worn but bore a symbol of an eclipse, this symbol long forgotten by the world. The courier busts through the wooden door into a throne room. This throne room holds no ponies but humans. They all watch as the courier approaches the throne his head already down out of fear or respect it is not certain. The rough voice of the courier rolls over the silence of the room.
"Your majesty it seems project Apollo and the recovery of the swords of eclipse have run into problems."
The human which the throne belongs to stands staring out the window at a large spear of light far out in the distance, "Tell me something I couldn't figure out by looking out my window. He's still so young and is cursed but can still manage this amount of magic control."
"Our sources say that Celestia knows of him but doesn't know what he is yet." A wicked smile curls across the mans face, "War is upon us messenger go to my brother and tell him I have a job for him involving the lost piece of the puzzle. The courier ran from the room as the large human remained at the window talking to himself.
"The Eclipse is almost upon us and there's nothing the sun or moon can do about it." The sword on his side moved as if alive reacting to his words.
