Rageshift

by DragonOverlord2012

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Slice of Life, Sad
Length: 10587

When the ancient dragon king Xerxes returns from his 3000 year magical imprisonment it’s up to Twilight alone with special training from the mysterious stallion warrior from the past, Blacklight, to stop him, but who is Blacklight really? What secrets is he hiding about his past, and what connections does he have to the wielders of harmony in this time?

A/N I got the idea for this whole thing just from Twilight's rage fit at the end of "Feeling Pinkie Keen". I'm not kidding. All of this started with just that. It started as big as a party balloon and it expanded to be a hot air balloon. Ridiculous no?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-09 21:49:47 UTC

The Black Stallion

**Author's note**

Alright, due to...recent events involving a certain critic that I will not get into, I've decided to put this new heads up before the chapter begins. Now I don't want anyone passing off my OC as a black coated Gary-Stu so mysterious he--quote--"craps shadows" right away when they read this chapter. The fact is he is explained and the air of mystery surrounding him is quickly evaporated for the most part, apart from some of the more major secrets about him, all in chapter 2. I once considered combining the two chapters into one to avoid this misconception, but then the first chapter would be over 7000 words, and I don't want that since the rest of the chapters won't get that big. Just read chapter 2 if you're overcritical of the first okay?

***

Chapter 1

The Black Stallion

Rarity was on her way to a classy social gathering in Canterlot. An art show specifically. She was wearing her favorite yellow sunhat and nothing more. While she did enjoy dressing up fancy she also believed that “It’s nice just to go out as if it were just a casual visit sometimes”. She was in uptown Canterlot heading to the castle when she saw something in the shadow of the alley out of the corner of her eye. It seemed like a moving shadow at first, but it had orange eyes.

A pony?

She watched the near invisible pony as he/she slowly crept up on a young mare-no older than Rarity herself. Suddenly he/she grabbed her purse and disappeared down the alley.

While the mare hadn’t yet noticed Rarity wasn’t going to let him/her get away with that! She took off down the alley barely making out the thief as he/she turned a corner—one that Rarity knew was a dead end. She lit up her horn and startled the thief, who turned to face her. It was a grown unicorn stallion. His coat was as black as a previous menace, his hooves a dark red, and his messy short unkempt mane and longer fuller tail were a dark maroon and a deep purple.

“Give back what you have stolen, you ruffian!”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that,” he said. The stallion spoke with a soft and remorseful, yet strong, voice. “I just got back, so I have nothing. I need this money for food.”

“Listen to me,” she said carefully. “I know the ruler of Equestria. I’m sure I can get you some kind of employment.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. While I appreciate the gesture I won’t be here long enough to get a first paycheck.”

“No matter; I’m sure Princess Celestia can spare some of the royal funds to help you.”

“Celestia? Who is this ‘Princess Celestia’?”

Rarity stood stunned by his question. How could this stallion not know who the monarch of the land was? She had ruled for over 1000 years. How was it possible to not know of her? “Surely you’re jesting, right?”

“No,” he said flatly. “Who is…Celestia, did you say? The king’s daughter perhaps?”

“Princess Celestia has ruled Equestria for over a thousand years! You must be joking!”

“One thousand years! It couldn’t have been that long!”

“You…you must be delusional; maybe you hit your head,” Rarity said thoughtfully, “Come with me. I’m sure the Princess can help you regain any memory you’ve lost.”

“No, I-I’m fine,” he quickly insisted, “I haven’t lost my memory, and I’m not going to the authorities. There’s no time for that. I need to avoid making a panic.”

“No time?” Rarity asked in concern

“I have to stop it.”

“Come with me.”

“NO!” he suddenly bellowed.

This wasn’t the time to play it nice any longer. “If you have information of a threat against Equestria I will bring you in by force if necessary.” The black stallion was stunned by her threat, but not intimidated.

“Get out my way,” he spoke with a demanding, but remorseful tone.

“I shall not!”

The stallion slowly walked up to her, and she finally realized he was even bigger than Applejack’s brother Big Macintosh. He spoke again with the same tone.

“Get out of my way, Rarity,” he demanded again.

“How do you know my name?!” she gasped.

“I said move. I’m not going to ask again.”

Rarity stood tall trying to make herself look bigger. Something the tiny mare failed at, as she was less than half the stallion’s size. She spoke with a shaky, but confident voice, “I shall not move!”

“…So be it, but please forgive me.” The black stallion raised a hoof and struck the side of her head hard, knocking her out cold.

***

When she awoke it was nighttime, and the black stallion was nowhere to be found. After trying to stop the ringing in her ears she realized, “Oh my stars! I’m late for the art show!”

She rushed off to the castle with her mind clouded with thoughts. Who was that powerful stallion? He knocked me out with one blow! As she thought of it her head started to ache. I should have Nurse Redheart check to make sure that I don’t have a serious concussion. No matter. Fluttershy is most likely worried sick! I need to let her know I’m all right. Her aching head said otherwise though. When she arrived a frightened Fluttershy greeted her. She tackled Rarity, crying hysterically.

“Oh Rarity, I was so worried about you,” the pegasus said, “When you didn’t show up, I thought somepony had kidnapped you, or worse!”

“Fluttershy, darling, you’re starting to hurt me.” The deceptively strong pegasus crawled of her friend.

“Oh I’m so sorry. Please don’t be mad.”

“It’s quite all right, darling,” she said, climbing to her hooves. “Honestly, I expected you to do something like that. You’re always concerned for your friends’ safety.”

“Oh, well, I just care,” the pegasus said modestly.

“I know, but, as you can see, I’m perfectly fine,” Rarity insisted.

“That bruise doesn’t look fine.” Rarity hadn’t considered that she might have a bruise. “What happened to you?” Fluttershy asked with heavy concern.

“I’d rather not discuss it until we get back to Ponyville,” Rarity dodged the question, “This is something I wish to discuss with Twilight especially.”

“Oh…um, okay. Did you want to leave now?”

“Oh heavens no! I’ve just arrived, and I have to maintain my social connections here in Canterlot,” the white mare reminded her timid friend, “We don’t need to stay long, but there are several important ponies I need to ‘mingle’ with.”

“Oh, okay then. Whenever you’re ready, Rarity.”

The two stayed for about another hour, and whenever somepony asked about Rarity’s bruise she replied by saying, “I was running and somepony opened a door in front of me. I didn’t wake up for half an hour, and I’m not defending a coltfriend. I don’t have one.” Some ponies were satisfied with her answer the first time, but most others needed Fluttershy to confirm Rarity’s story. She wasn’t comfortable with it, but as it turned out Fluttershy was a better liar that Rarity had assumed she’d be. When they left they headed up to the room Celestia had the guards prepared for them. Rarity was exhausted from her ordeal and collapsed on the bed.

***

The next morning the two of them returned to Ponyville. They rushed to Twilight’s library, but it was early and the sun had just risen. A very groggy Spike answered the door, and became hysterical seeing Rarity hurt. He put on his most macho act, swearing vengeance in her name instantly.

“Spike, sweetheart, calm down,” Rarity took a motherly tone, “You wouldn’t be able to do anything if you found him, and I’m here to talk to Twilight about it. Could you go wake her for me?”

“Alright!” Spike said before dashing up the stairs at a speed that would impress even Rainbow Dash.

“He really needs to get over me,” Rarity sighed.

“Don’t be mean, Rarity,” Fluttershy chided.

“I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that…well…” she trailed off nervously not wanting to say the obvious.

“Well what?” the butterscotch mare pried.

“He is a dragon after all. I’m not going to live nearly as long as he will. It would never work even if I was interested.”

“Oh, well I guess that’s a good point,” Fluttershy conceded understandingly, “Just don’t break his little heart.”

“Oh Fluttershy you know I don’t have the heart to do that,” Rarity smiled softly.

“Do what?” Twilight asked as she walked down the stairs.

“Oh nothing important. I’m here to talk to you about this bruise.” Rarity pointed to it. Twilight went wide-eyed at the sight of it.

“Yikes! What the hay happened?” Twilight asked.

Before she could get an answer, Applejack barged through the door. “I need yer help, Twi,” she said urgently.

“Applejack, I’m a little busy,” Twilight said, a bit annoyed.

“Too busy to help me catch a thief?”

“A thief?” Twilight and Rarity asked simultaneously.

“Yeah, I only caught a glimpse of him. He was a black stallion with red hooves and a maroon and purple mane.” Rarity gasped upon hearing the description. “Does that mean somethin’ to ya, Sugarcube,” Applejack asked suspiciously.

“That’s the same stallion that gave me this,” the white unicorn explained, gesturing to the bruise on her face.

“Oh dear. You don’t think it’s the same pony, do you?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m certain,” Rarity replied.

“Wait, just a cotton-pickin’ moment. What the hay happened to yer face?” Applejack asked firmly, but with concern for her wounded friend.

“Just give me a few minutes to explain.” Rarity started, “Well yesterday I was headed to an art show where Fluttershy was waiting for me. I was of course going to meet with Fancy Pants and discuss business, but Fluttershy wanted to come with and who was I to say she couldn’t go? Besides, the two of us haven’t gotten to spend much time together outside of our weekly spa visits so—”

“Got to the point Sugarcube,” Applejack interrupted in deadpan annoyance.

“Yes, well. I suppose I did get sidetracked,” Rarity continued, begrudgingly suppressing the urge to scold Applejack for interrupting her, “As I said, I was on my way to the art show to meet Fluttershy, when I noticed what looked like a moving shadow with eyes. It wasn’t, of course; it was a stallion, and a thief at that!”

“You ran into a thief?” Twilight asked, “In Canterlot of all places?”

“Those were my thoughts exactly Twilight,” Rarity continued, “But I didn’t run into said thief, no, I ran after said thief. As soon as he stole that mare’s purse I pursued him with only justice in mind.”

“So ya’ weren’t worried about dirtying up yer mane?” Applejack mocked.

“Well since you ask, no, the thought didn’t cross my mind until now,” Rarity said with clear irritation, “Anywho, I pursued the thief into a nearby alleyway, which I knew to be a dead-end. As I rounded the corner and lit up my horn he was startled by my sudden presence. He said he had ‘just gotten back’ and that he didn’t want to steal but he simply believed he had no choice. Even stranger is that this stallion seemed not to know of Celestia’s rule—mentioning something about a king instead—and the fact she had ruled over a thousand years was met with…how did he put it? I believe he said ‘One thousand years! It couldn’t have been that long!’ At first I merely thought he was delusional from a concussion of some sort and may have lost some memory, but then something set me off.

“This stallion knows something that could be important. He said ‘I’m not going to the authorities either. There’s no time for that’. When I demanded he tell me of any threat to Equestria he refused to tell me anything. When I threatened to bring him in by force—I know Applejack,” Rarity veered off momentarily to stop another snide comment from Applejack, who clamped her open mouth shut, “He approached me finally and I realized how large he is. He was even taller and stronger than your brother Applejack.

“After I refused to let him leave he told me to get out of his way, calling me by my name, although I hadn’t introduced myself. After I continued to refuse he asked me to forgive him and, well, you can see what happened next,” Rarity gestured to her eye as she spoke, “This stallion is strong, dangerous, and possibly knows of a threat to Equestria. Even if he does not he is still a thief, and must be brought to justice. Thank you for withholding your questions.”

“So, he knew who you were, but not Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Now you know why I’m distraught,” Rarity concluded.

“Whoa Nelly,” Applejack said with shock. “You really mean ta tell me he’s bigger than Big Mac?!” Rarity nodded.

“The way you said it, it really sounded like he believed he had no choice,” Fluttershy added.

“I don’t quite understand it, but yes he did. We need to find him,” Rarity said with finality.

“I agree,” Twilight added. “Even if he’s just crazy, he did still hurt Rarity. We can’t let him get away with that.”

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie burst through the door. “Twilight! Oh, and everypony else, come quickly!” the energetic party pony said, “Rainbow Dash and I are chasing a thief that stole from Big Mac!” The three mares looked between each other and knew who it had to be. They quickly ran after Pinkie Pie as she led them to an alley.

“Last I saw them, Dash chased him down this alley, but it goes aaall over the place,” Pinkie informed them.

“We should split up, and send some kind of signal if you find him,” Twilight said; nopony argued with her. They ran down the alley and each took a separate path. Suddenly, Twilight heard voices.

***

Moments earlier Rainbow Dash had rounded a corner to catch the thief in the dead-end alleyway.

“Another dead-end? My luck is horrible today,” the thief stated to nopony in particular.

“You got that right!” Rainbow yelled, not concerned with hiding her presence in the least. The thief merely sighed in response.

“You’re not as subtle as your white-coated friend Rarity,” he deadpanned, “Ironic since white isn’t a good color for sneaking.”

“How do you know Rarity? Did you steal from her too!?” Rainbow demanded.

“No. She cornered me in a similar manner as you have, but she kept her presence hidden from me until I was cornered. Strange, I’m normally quicker to realize I’m being followed. That mare must be light on her hooves.” The stallion tapped his chin thoughtfully

“Well she is kinda frou-frou,” Rainbow said tapping her chin. Suddenly she snapped back saying, “HEY! Don’t change the subject!”

“I suppose you want me to give back what I stole?” he asked simply.

“Right! Now hand them over nice and easy,” Rainbow demanded with a sneer.

“I already ate it,” he said flatly, “I didn’t take that many.”

“Nopony steals from my friends’ family! You’re coming with me.”

“You don’t want to do this. You’re friend tried it as well and it didn’t end well. She’s okay of course, but I don’t give love-taps to ponies who try to apprehend me.”

“What?! You hurt Rarity?! Now I’m definitely not letting you get away!” Twilight was somewhere close enough to hear at this point.

“Get out of my way, Rainbow!” the thief demanded.

“How the hay do you know my name?!” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“I said move. I’m not going to ask again,” he warned.

“I’m not gonna let you get away!”

“…So be it, but please forgive me.” Twilight rounded the corner just in time to see the black stallion knock out Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight yelled out.

“So her last name is Dash…good to know,” the stallion thought aloud to himself. Twilight tried to tackle the stallion, but he merely sidestepped and let her fall to the ground.

“Who are you,” Twilight demanded, getting back to her hooves. “What threat do you know of?”

“I’m getting tired of this routine, Twilight,” he sighed.

“How do you…,” Twilight veered off as a thought occurred to her, and she decided to test just how much this stallion knew of them, “Do you know my last name?”

“No,” the stallion answered.

Twilight looked at him quizzically. “What are you looking for? Maybe I can help.”

“Perhaps. I’m looking for a pony right now,” he explained. “I can’t give any details since I don’t know any, other than the pony has a star shaped birthmark on their neck, just behind the left ear.” Twilight stood motionless, simply stunned with her jaw hanging open.

“Do you know anypony with that birthmark?” the thief asked. Twilight turned her head and moved her mane with one hoof, revealing a small, bright red, star-shaped birthmark. The stallion looked at her in disbelief. “You!? The wielder of Magic is of the Sparkle family?”

“Hold on a moment,” Twilight stopped him as a million questions suddenly flooded her mind, “What do you mean? It’s just a birthmark, and I thought you didn’t know my last name, and just what do you mean ‘wielder of magic’? You’re a unicorn too!”

“Twilight Sparkle,” he said absently. “What a beautiful name. That birthmark only appears once every 5 generations of your family, and I was referring to the Element of Magic. Because you wield the Elements of Harmony, that’s how I knew your name and your friends’ first names.”

“How do you know all that?” Twilight asked unconvinced of the reasons. “How can you know our names because of the Elements, and what do you know about the Elements for that matter?”

“I’ll explain later,” the stallion said as he picked up Rainbow Dash in his ash gray magic; setting her on his back, “We need to go somewhere private.”

“You can tell me here and now!” Twilight stood in his path defiantly, just as Rainbow and Rarity had done, but she knew this was different: he needed her for something.

“Twilight listen to me: you’re more powerful than you know,” he explained, keeping it as vague as he could for the moment.

“Princess Celestia told me she had never seen a filly with as much power as me, so I can guess how powerful I am,” she deadpanned.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Again with the Celestia. You’ll need to fill me in on what’s happened around Equestria while I was gone, but I digress,” he quickly drew himself back to the topic, “Celestia—whoever that is—only saw your magic power, and it wasn’t all of it. That much is obvious to me.”

“How is that obvious?” Twilight asked, again unconvinced.

“Equestria is still here isn’t it?” The stallion asked mockingly.

Twilight looked at him in shock. “Am I really that powerful?” she asked dumbly.

“That birthmark is proof enough, but it means more than just your magic power,” he explained sagely, “It also marks you as a member of your family that can perform the legendary ‘Rageshift’ technique. You might have used it once when you were infuriated over something.”

“Well…one time I was really mad, and my coat turned a bright-near white-orange, my eyes were completely red, and my mane and tail turned into fire,” Twilight recollected for him, “Is that the ‘Rageshift’ technique?”

“The look is different from the stallion I knew, but its appearance changes from colt to filly, more specifically for everypony that uses it. I can’t say for certain, as it only appears once every couple of centuries. I only knew one pony that could use it, and that might have been a few millennia ago.”

“Rarity told me you said you ‘just got back’ and that you didn’t know Celestia, but millennia ago…that’s just not possible.”

“It is if you’ve been trapped in time and space like I have,” he deadpanned, while Twilight’s jaw hit the floor.

“What!?” she screamed.

“I’ve been sealed away by a powerful spell that kept me frozen in time and space. Basically like when somepony is trapped by liquid nitrogen. I didn’t age, but I couldn’t go anywhere either. I’ve been trapped for so many years I lost count around 420, and that was only an estimation. Can we please go somewhere private now?” he pleaded suddenly, “Don’t you have a home we can go to?”

“Oh. Yes. I don’t live far from here either.”

“Good. Lead the way,” he requested.

“How do I know you won’t run off when I turn around?” she asked sternly.

“I need your help, remember?” he deadpanned.

“Right…what’s your name anyways?” Twilight asked with curiosity.

“Blacklight. My mother thought of my name while looking at my coat.”

“Fitting,” Twilight thought aloud, “All right, follow me.” Blacklight followed Twilight without question

***

It didn’t take long for the two of them run into the other wielders of Harmony. Each of them wanted to know what was happening, but Blacklight wasn’t talking. They all arrived at Twilights library, and Rainbow Dash had woken up shortly before they arrived, much quicker than Rarity had Blacklight noted aloud. He said she was clearly more accustomed to injury and had a greater recovery rate, which only seemed to aggravate both mares further.

When they did arrive they wanted Blacklight to answer some questions. He told them what he already told Twilight rather quickly, but what they wanted to know was if something was threatening Equestria.

“What the hay is wrong with you?” Rainbow demanded.

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash.”

“‘Sorry’ doesn’t cut it!” she snapped, “I probably have a concussion cuz of you!”

“To be fair I did warn you,” he said simply.

“What?! You think that makes it okay?”

“That’s not what I said,” he deadpanned.

“That’s what it sounds like,” she sneered.

“You’re not a calm pony by any means are you?” Blacklight cocked his head as he spoke.

“Heck no,” Applejack answered, “Aight now, what the hay are y’all up to Blacklight?”

“I have to stop something, but Twilight is the only one that can help. The rest of you should just steer clear,” Blacklight explained.

“But we have the Elements of Harmony when we’re together,” Fluttershy reminded him, “That should stop any threat to Equestria dead in its tracks, um, I think.”

“I know about the Elements, but they won’t help Equestria this time,” Blacklight said without hope.

“Please stop being so dramatic Blacklight, “Rarity said in her overdramatic manner, although this time it was intentionally meant to mock him, “The Elements of Harmony have never been stronger then when they were used by the six of us.”

“Yeah! Oh, but I sure do miss the chocolate rain!” Pinkie Pie said naïvely.

“I’m aware of that Rarity, but I—chocolate rain?” He looked at Pinkie with his head cocked in utter confusion.

“Please don’t ask,” Fluttershy whimpered, still trying to forget that time period. Blacklight nodded seemingly not wanting to know.

“Anyways,” he continued, “I know that they won’t work on him. He’s too powerful, “Blacklight explained, “Only a large, more natural magic can defeat him.”

“Hold on a minute, yer gettin’ ahead of us all. Who er’ y’all talkin’ about exactly?” Applejack asked. A loud roar answered Applejack’s question, as did the fact that Fluttershy hid under Twilight’s desk after looking out the window saying, “Oh no! Not that, anything but that!”

“Blacklight?” Twilight looked at him nervously.

“How angry can you get on a moments notice?” Blacklight asked.

“What? Why?”

“Rageshift. It’s the only way to bring out your full potential,” he explained quickly.

“But I only did it once, and that was after an entire day of Pinkie sense! And that still doesn’t make any sense!” She was officially freaking out.

“Pinkie sense?” He cocked his head again.

“Don’t ask,” Twilight responded with her own deadpan, quickly becoming frantic again afterwards, “but I can’t do it on a moments notice!”

“…Then we’re doomed,” Blacklight said hopelessly.

“It’s not over till we say it’s over,” Rainbow Dash boasted.

“It’s over,” Fluttershy said still trembling in fear.

“What’s out there anyways?” Rainbow Dash asked.

An answer she regrets getting, as the roof is torn off and the upper part of Twilight house thrown across town. A snarly voice says, “Hello Blacklight.” All of the wielders of Harmony look up in fear, as an enormous black dragon that dwarfs the others they’ve seen looks down upon them.

To be continued…

Blacklight

Chapter 2

Blacklight

The dragon looked down upon the seven of them with murderous intent.

Blacklight shouted, “Xerxes, you bastard!”

“So long since I’ve seen you and that’s your greeting, Blacklight,” The dragon asked.

“I’ll destroy you if it’s the last thing I do,” Blacklight bellowed in anger.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The best you could manage was to seal me away, and that was with the help of your all-powerful ruler helping you.”

“Blacklight? What’s he talking about?” Twilight asked. Blacklight refused eye contact as if ashamed of his answer.

“When I said I’ve been sealed away, I meant I sealed myself away with my enemy as a last resort. I was hoping in a later time period I would find somepony powerful enough to help me defeat him.”

“Well we’ve got the Elements right here!” Twilight exclaimed as she pulled a book from a nearby shelf. She opened it to reveal the Elements of Harmony inside.

“Twilight dear, how did you convince the princess to let you keep them there?” Rarity asked.

“No time. Necklace, necklace, necklace, necklace, necklace, aaaand big crown thingy.” Twilight said, giving each Element to her friends as she spoke.

“Twilight NO!” Blacklight exclaimed, but nopony listened as they launch their attack on Xerxes: a vibrant rainbow was launched at the giant dragon. As it went to strike him Xerxes swiped at it with his claws causing it to shatter, and the wielders of Harmony were sent flying.

“TWILIGHT!” Blacklight yelled. Twilight managed to teleport them all to the ground with minimal injuries. Blacklight jumped over the wall and galloped up to them with Xerxes following.

“TWILIGHT! RUN!” Blacklight warned. Twilight and her friends struggled to stand and started running as fast as they could. Suddenly Xerxes was coated in a golden light and sent flying.

“What in the name of Sol was that?” Blacklight asked.

“Look! It’s the princesses!” Twilight exclaimed while pointing to the descending alicorns.

“Twilight. Use the Elements,” Celestia ordered.

“We did! It didn’t do a thing!”

“What? But how?” Celestia asked. Xerxes rose and roared, spewing fire from his giant maw.

“Celestia, we need to seal him away,” Luna said.

“That seems to be our only option,” Celestia agreed. Luna and Celestia charged their magic as Xerxes charged, and he disappeared in a flash of magic. A magic bolt struck Celestia as she landed, launched by Blacklight.

“YOU IDIOT!” he roared. A moment later a dark blue magic weighted him down. He could do nothing but look up at the strange dark blue alicorn that was clearly the one trapping him.

“HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY SISTER! SHE HAS RULED THIS LAND FOR MORE THAN A THOUSAND YEARS!” she hollered in a tone Blacklight recognized.

“You dare use the royal Canterlot speaking voice on me? You two don’t know what you’ve done. He’ll more than escape; Xerxes will absorb the magic you used to seal him away! He’ll come back even stronger than before! That’s the second reason I was sealed in with him. I absorbed the magic that was used so he couldn’t. Now release me you disrespectful wench!” Blacklight demanded.

“HOW DARE YOU ADDRESS A PRINCESS THAT WAY! I SHOULD HAVE YOU—”

“That’s enough Luna,” Celestia interrupted sadly, “This stallion knows much more than we do, and we did make a horrid mistake by the sounds of it.”

“BUT HE—”

“Knows what we need to know,” Celestia finished, “Please release him.” Luna was hesitant, but she gave into her sister’s request and released Blacklight, who arose saying to Celestia, “Perhaps you are not as ignorant as I first thought. You are clearly mature enough. Now I would advise going to Canterlot castle, if it’s still there that is.”

“Canterlot castle has been around a little more than three millennia,” Celestia stated, “It will continue to be the capital of Equestria for as long as the kingdom stands. You are correct though, it would be wise to retreat to Canterlot for now.”

“Why don’t we discuss things here?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know this stallion’s reasons,” Celestia started, “But should our—”

“Spell break while we discuss the matters at hoof we would be defenseless against Xerxes’ attack,” Blacklight finished.

Celestia was flabbergasted. “Um, yes exactly…how did you come to that conclusion?” Celestia asked.

“I think we should leave already,” Blacklight stated impatiently.

“Very well,” Celestia sighed. The two royal sisters focused their magic and teleported in two chariots.

“GUARDS,” Celestia hollered, immediately getting four pegasi guards.

“Please escort these unicorn and earth ponies to the castle,” Celestia ordered, “The pegasus ponies, Luna, and I shall fly to the castle.” The guards bowed respectfully and readied themselves for take-off. Twilight and Applejack took one chariot, while Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Blacklight took the other.

***

“HOW COULD YOU BE SO DISRESPECTFUL TO THE PRINCESSES?” Rarity fumed.

“Yeah! The princesses are always nice! Except on Nightmare Night Luna pulls all sorts of pranks, but it’s all in good fun.”

“I don’t need to—,” Blacklight stopped for a moment in confusion, “What the hay is ‘Nightmare Night’?”

“How long did you say you were sealed away for?” Rarity asked.

“I didn’t,” Blacklight answered.

“Well could you tell me?”

“Well I don’t see why not,” he tapped his chin in thought for a brief moment, “Let me think a moment…the white one said that Canterlot castle was built a little over three thousand years ago, so…about three thousand years—give or take a few decades.”

Rarity’s jaw hung open, and Pinkie was no different than her dramatic friend. “THREE THOUSAND YEARS?!” Rarity exclaimed, “That would mean you were around when Canterlot castle was first built!”

“Indeed I was. I was also there for the building of Canterlot itself. Building the castle was a long process, but with the help of several skilled ponies of all kinds—myself included—we managed to do it in a little over two years. It took half as long to make the hedge maze.”

“You must’ve had an AWESOME party to celebrate its finish!” Pinkie Pie said in her naive chipper way.

“Um, well yes,” he said less than enthusiastically, “The very first Grand Galloping Gala. Tell me, does Canterlot continue to hold the Gala yearly?”

“Well yes,” Rarity answered distastefully, “But I’m not sure if it’s how you remember it.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie butted in, “It’s just a bunch of snooty ponies that wanna drink bland punch and talk about business. BO-RING!”

“No that is how it was back then too. Boring indeed,” Blacklight grunted. Thinking about the gala bored him to the point where he just hung his head over the side of the chariot to watch the scenery go by.

“You seem as though you were quite involved in early Canterlot, and its development,” Rarity pointed out.

“There’s a good explanation for that, but all will be explained in Canterlot. If these guards were as fast as the guards in my day, we’d be there already; strange. I wonder when the guards started wearing such bulky and restrictive armor. That must be the reason it’s taking so long.” One of the guards decided to pipe up.

“I couldn’t agree more. I can fly a lot faster when I’m not wearing this heavy tin can.”

“I believe it, which makes me wonder why you have to wear it.”

“Celestia thinks the guards should be properly defended in case of an emergency,” the pegasus said with a roll of his eyes.

“In my day such trivialities were not a concern. Not just because there was no threat to Equestria, but a mere cloak would have sufficed for the guards. They needed no protection because they were well built. Not unlike myself, though not many were quite as tall, or strong as myself actually.”

“Wish I had a training schedule like yours. You’re enormous.” the guard said. Blacklight responded nonchalantly, “That’s what she said.” The guards and Pinkie all burst out laughing, while Rarity rolled her eyes at the “low-brow joke”. Blacklight, however, just stood there not even bothering to laugh at his own joke.

***

It took some time to reach the castle after Blacklight’s crack, but when they arrived it was strictly business. Celestia approached Blacklight as a ruler first, and a friend second.

“Blacklight, what do you know of that dragon?” Celestia inquired.

“I will not speak of such important matters to a mere princess. Now, where is king Sol?” Blacklight demanded.

Instantly Rainbow Dash was in his face, screaming at him. “How dare you speak to the princess like that? She’s ruled Equestria for over a thousand years!”

“Get out of my way, Rainbow…” Blacklight stopped in shock and began to back away slowly saying, “That’s impossible.”

“Calm down, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia ordered, “I’m sure he has a reasonable misunderstanding to explain. How do you know of Sol? I have not heard my father’s name since about a century into my rule.”

“Who the hay is Sol?” Rainbow asked.

“I’ve never heard you mention your dad, or any parents for that matter,” Twilight pointed out.

“Sol was the first pony, and the rightful ruler of Equestria,” Blacklight explained, “I know Sol very well. Now where is he?”

“Blacklight, is it?” Celestia asked, “Sol has been dead for over thirteen centuries.”

“What?!” Blacklight exclaimed, “But how? Sol is immortal!”

“It’s far too complicated, and I never fully understood what happened, but the fact is he’s gone.”

“What happened? What could kill an immortal?” Blacklight was flustered, which given his average demeanor was a strange sight.

“…Discord. The malevolent spirit of disharmony killed him,” Celestia explained solemnly, “He used his power to make my father’s body grow old, and weak. Until he crumbled to dust.”

“Where is this ‘Discord’? I swear I will take vengeance in Sol’s name!”

“Discord was defeated by Luna and me. With his dying breath Sol said he realized what Discord was, and told us of the Elements of Harmony. He said it was the only thing that could defeat him.”

“The Elements are for the singular purpose of returning the world to its natural state. They can even change a being who has been corrupted by something such as a spell gone wrong or an outside force and return them to there true states. Something I must ask though: you said you used the Elements once correct?”

“My sister and I did use them to seal away Discord, yes.”

“Yet I know that the Elements have been used four times in the past 1300 years.”

“How could you possibly know that?” Luna asked.

“I presume you are Luna then?” the stallion inquired.

“Yes. Now answer my question. As far as I’m concerned you are a prisoner,” Luna warned.

“You would treat your father’s advisor like a common criminal?” Blacklight asked. Everypony fell silent.

“I know you said you were familiar with the creation of Canterlot, but you were the royal advisor?” Rarity asked.

“Yes. I designed this castle, and the city. Though I’d assume that both have undergone changes in my absence.”

“Indeed they have Blacklight,” Celestia confirmed, “But the castle has not changed much. I believe most things will be as you remember it. Now returning to Luna’s question.”

“How I know is not important. What is important is that I know my kingdom’s history involving the Elements.”

“How is this important?” Celestia inquired.

“Because the Elements can increase the natural power of the ones that have wielded them by a certain amount for a certain amount of time depending on the frequency at which they are used. I know the only ones to have wielded them since I’ve been gone are the ponies in this room. Though I was unaware that you two had used them since you are evidently no longer connected to them.”

“I was unaware the Elements could do such a thing, but how could you know we are no longer connected to the Elements?” Celestia asked.

“Because these six ponies are. While it is possible for a single pony to wield all six Elements, they are most powerful when used by six different ponies that best represent the corresponding Element. Pinkie’s laughter, Rarity’s generosity, Fluttershy’s kindness, Rainbow’s loyalty, Applejack’s honesty, and Twilight’s magical talent. No two ponies can wield the same Element, so it would be impossible for seven or more ponies to wield the six Elements. Now will you please quit stalling and tell me?”

“Very well. I must say though, you are quite intelligent Blacklight,” the solar princess commended.

“Notice my cutie mark?” Blacklight asked. Nopony had paid attention to it before, but it was an image of a vertical eye with a gray iris.

“A little ominous don’t you think?” Twilight asked.

“It merely means I’m perceptive. I think logically and discover truths that while obvious to me might not be as obvious to somepony else. I also pay close attention to my surroundings, so I often know when I’m being followed, with the said exception of Rarity whom is evidently very light on her hooves. Now back to my question?”

“Yes of course,” Celestia answered, “The Elements were used by me and my sister 13 centuries ago to defeat Discord and seal him in stone. One millennia ago they were used by me on Nightmare Moon, my sister who had been corrupted by her own selfish desires, and I banished her to the moon for the entire millennia. Two years ago she was released as I had foreseen, and these six used the Elements in a way I alone could not; purifying her. The fourth and most recent use was three months ago when Discord escaped from his stone prison. Twilight and her friends used the Elements after some…difficult, chaotic, and bizarre trials to seal Discord in stone once more. Does that answer your questions?”

“Hm. Yes it does,” he nodded, “Now I have no doubt that Twilight will be able to defeat Xerxes.”

“Is yer brain in a blender?” Applejack asked, “We already used the Elements on ‘im, and that did squat.”

“Squat?” Rainbow mocked, “Squat is when nothing happens. We got are butts beaten in one hit when we used the Elements. That’s worse then ‘squat’!”

“Enough, both of you,” Celestia demanded.

“Yes princess,” they both replied.

“It’s alright princess,” Blacklight assured her, “I merely forgot how it can take others longer to catch on. I was not implying that Twilight and the rest of you use the Elements again, as that would be a fatal error. They won’t work on Xerxes because as I said before they are meant to cleanse and purify. Xerxes is rotten to the core, and therefore immune to the Elements. Also the reason Celestia could not cleanse her sister of Nightmare Moon is because when under the use of a single pony the power of the Elements is quite limited. Under the use of you six on the other hoof, well, I don’t think they’ll ever be stronger. Discord on the other hoof…how was he released exactly?”

“Well,” Luna started, “According to a schoolteacher—Cheerilee I think—she noticed cracks appearing on the statue when a few of her students her arguing irrationally. This was around the same time he was released, so we believe the spell was weakened enough after such a long time that the slightest amount of chaos could spark his power and release him.”

“Strange,” Blacklight replied, “However! Being immune to the Element we must turn to the most powerful magic known to me, as I remember things that have likely been lost to the sands of time.”

“Get to the point,” Rainbow said impatiently.

“Yes, well. The point is that Twilight will defeat Xerxes, but on her own.”

“WHAT?!” Everypony exclaimed at the same time.

“The Rageshift technique of the Sparkle family causes the user’s own innate magical power to fully surface using pure ‘rage’ as the trigger and causing the users magic power to ‘shift’ towards the fire Element, hence the name. While using this technique a pony’s physical strength is boosted to the point where it matches the user’s magical strength, which is even more powerful than an alicorn’s.”

“WHAT?!” Everypony exclaimed again.

“While using the technique a pony’s body has always undergone changes. I've been back long enough to do my research. Everypony that has ever used it has always undergone a visible, but not physical, transformation. The users coat changes color, pupils disappears, in some cases irises change color, and the mane and tail become fire.”

“Like when Twilight got so mad that she couldn't figure out my Pinkie sense that she just burst into flames!” Pinkie said, “So that super scary thing was Twilight’s ‘Rageshift’?”

“Twilight told me of that moment and I can assure you that was Twilight’s Rageshift transformation,” Blacklight confirmed.

“How is it possible for a mere unicorn to become more powerful than an alicorn?” Celestia asked.

“You know what a soul is right?”

“Yes of course. It is theorized that a soul is what gives a pony their personality and morals. It has never been confirmed that souls exist, but I understand the concept quite well. What of it?”

“Well a soul does not give a pony their morals, but it does give a pony their power,” Blacklight explained like a scholar, “The body of an earth pony gains raw muscle mass quicker than other types of pony. A pegasus pony’s body is granted with the natural ability to interact with clouds, which otherwise are not solid, and manipulate and control the weather. A unicorn’s soul uses the unicorn’s horn as a focusing point for their power, which is what magic really is. Sol and I discovered this quite some time ago in my life, but never revealed the information to the public, as it would have raised too many questions and the research was not yet completed.”

“This is all so fascinating!” Twilight exclaimed in excitement, “Why wasn’t the research completed?”

“Because I was one of the test subjects, and I was sealed away before the research could be completed,” Blacklight explained, “I asked Sol to use a preservation spell and leave documents telling me the fate of the research in a predetermined location in Canterlot. This is what I was looking for when Rarity caught me…doing things I feel remorse about.”

“Well you should!” Rarity stated.

“And so I do.”

“What does remorse mean?” Fluttershy asked. She hadn’t spoken at all before so everypony was a little surprised to be reminded she was there.

“Regret is to feel bad about doing something,” Blacklight explained, “Remorse is essentially the same thing, but you would do anything in your power if you could to change it, that being both present and future tense.”

“Blacklight,” Celestia asked; getting his attention, “What must be done about Xerxes?”

“Well the first step is to train Twilight in the field of offensive magic, which is something I excel in. I was also the strongest unicorn under Sol’s rule, both physically and magically. I will teach Twilight how to use her magic for the offensive purposes. The second step is to teach Twilight how to manipulate her own emotions so she can become angry enough to initiate Rageshift at will. The final step is waiting for Xerxes to be released. I can’t know for certain, but I think that will be two weeks from now. I’m basing this off of what I know of his power, both facing him and being trapped with him for three millennia.”

“So…” Twilight began, “If you need to train me, then when do we start?”

“Now.”

Training Begins

Chapter 3

Training Begins

Day 1—late afternoon

“WRONG!” Blacklight shouted as magic dust flew.

“I’M TRYING, BUT YOU’RE TOO ROUGH!” Twilight shot back.

“WE’VE BEEN AT THIS ALL DAY AND YOU CAN’T MANAGE A SIMPLE SHEILD! DO YOU THINK XERXES WILL BE SO MERCIFUL? HE’LL KILL YOU THE MOMENT HE GET’S THE CHANCE!”

“WELL YOU COULD BE A LITTLE MORE SUPPORTIVE!”

“SUPPORTIVE? DO YOU THINK I GOT TO BE AS POWERFUL AS I AM BECAUSE LIFE WAS KIND TO ME? I FOUGHT FOR MY LIFE CONSTANTLY! …Though I suppose you’ve never had tough love before with this spineless ruler looking after you,” Blacklight gestured to Celestia sitting on her throne. The two were training under Celestia’s watch for the moment. It had been decided that the two princesses would take turns in surveillance duty.

“WHO ARE YA CALLING SPINELESS?” Applejack shouted.

“Remember our agreement Applejack. You’re allowed to be here so long as you keep quiet, and don’t interfere,” Blacklight reminded her.

“Ahm not gonna sit here and let ya’ll insult the princess just cause she’s not gonna say nothin’ on account of ya’ll knowing her dad in yer time!”

“Then leave,” Celestia warned.

“But princess with all due respect—”

“I’ll only say it once, dear Applejack. I don’t agree with being called ‘spineless’, but I never have been very hard on Twilight. Even during her grievous mistake of enchanting all of Ponyville. If Blacklight wishes to teach Twilight as such that is how it will be.”

“But ahm—”

“Leave us,” Celestia ordered. Applejack scowled at Blacklight before leaving. Fluttershy on the other hoof remained quiet.

“Don’t you have anything to say?” Blacklight asked, “I don’t imagine the wielder of kindness being okay with my teaching methods.”

“It’s okay,” Fluttershy said, “I’ve had to give tough love myself a couple of times. One in particular was a dragon that was clouding Equestria’s skies with its snoring.”

“As I recall Twilight saying, you made the scaly beast cry,” Celestia said.

“Well that was only after it attacked us, so why are you okay with this?” Twilight asked.

“Well Xerxes already attacked us once, so I think the same rules apply,” Fluttershy explained.

“How level-headed of you,” Blacklight commended, “Now again Twilight.” Blacklight’s horn glowed and launched another magic projectile, and Twilight responded with a magenta shield made from her magic just before it struck her. The shield counteracted the blast, but shattered upon doing so.

“WRONG! Focus your magic into a solid flat surface.”

“I’M TRYING!”

“TRY HARDER! Remember, you still need to use your levitation spell to hold it in place. TRY AGAIN!” Blacklight attacked again, and Twilight attempted another shield. This time the shield stood.

“I…I DID IT!” Twilight hopped about in excitement.

“DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!” Blacklight shouted as he attacked again. Twilight failed to recover from her excitement, and was struck in the side of the head. Twilight flew through the air a few feet before hitting the ground; holding her head in pain.

“TWILIGHT!” Celestia yelled as she disappeared in light to appear at her side, “Twilight, are you all right?”

“That was too much Blacklight!” Fluttershy scolded. Blacklight merely looked at her, completely void of any emotion. Twilight stood up with her head hung low. Her gaze shot up as she yelled.

“You…YOU JERK!” Twilight yelled, and as she did she opened her eyes to reveal they had turned red, and her pupils had disappeared.

“If you let down your guard for a moment in battle you will die,” Blacklight responded while returning his attention to his new student. Blacklight’s horn glowed again as he launched several magic blasts at her. Celestia’s horn glowed as she attempted to defend her, but Twilight’s coat turned a near white orange, and her mane and tail burst into flames. She created a new shield made from flaming magic, which stopped every projectile Blacklight had created.

“20. 20 attacks, and not even a flinch,” Blacklight noted aloud, “Now you see what kind of power Rageshift grants.” Twilight lowered the shield and charged him screaming in a focused rage. Blacklight was unimpressed though, and didn’t move an inch.

“Come at me you whelp,” Blacklight taunted. Blacklight created his own shield in preparation, which Twilight bashed through with a simple hoof strike. Blacklight stood firm, and Twilight back-hoofed him, sending him flying into the wall. The wall collapsed as Blacklight crashed into it, and Twilight started to gallop at him again.

“TWILIGHT STOP!” Fluttershy and Celestia yelled. Twilight’s eyes widened in shock as she grinded to a halt, and then she closed them. She reverted to normal, and her eyes were violet and pupiled when she opened them again. Celestia teleported to the collapsed wall and started digging through the rubble; tossing stones away with her magic.

“Blacklight? Where are you? Can you hear me?” Celestia asked franticly.

“You’re only concerned for me because I knew your father,” Blacklight’s voice came from under the rubble. When Celestia dug him out he limped out; using one hoof to hold his jaw in place.

“Nice back-hoof,” Blacklight said through his teeth, “My bones are hard as steel from having been broken so many times, and the correct dietary amount of calcium helped me reach that too. Now here I stand with a broken jaw, because of your Rageshift. Are you beginning to understand the power you possess?”

“Oh goodness!” Celestia exclaimed, her hoof held against her chest in shock.

“Tell me you at least know some medical magic, Celestia. Medical magic is just one of many things your father excelled at, and I hope you inherited that from him at the very least,” Blacklight said still holding his jaw.

“I am experienced in that field, yes,” Celestia confirmed as she regained her composure. Her horn glowed, and after some sickening snaps Blacklight stretched his jaw muscles; rotating his jaw in every way.

“At least you least you gained that much from your father,” Blacklight said. Celestia smiled shyly.

“You idiot,” Blacklight remarked. Celestia’s smile vanished.

“You’re so obsessed with the fact that I was your father’s advisor that you’ve been desperately trying to obtain my approval,” Blacklight explained, “You can’t even see when I’m patronizing you, and you’re letting it interfere with your duties as ruler.”

“What do you mean by that?” Celestia asked; clearly confused. The chamber door opened and Luna trotted in looking even more confused.

“Sister? Have I been un-informed of a schedule change?” Luna asked.

“What do you mean Luna?” Celestia asked.

“You should have set the sun an hour ago you twit,” Blacklight deadpanned.

“OH MY GOODNESS!” Celestia shouted.

“You forgot?” Luna asked. Twilight pulled a face-hoof, and Fluttershy sighed with her head hung in embarrassment. Celestia shuffled about frantically trying to explain her error.

“Oh goodness no! I’m so sorry Luna I just lost track of time and I—”

“Will you shut up already?” Blacklight deadpanned again.

“Uh…I, um,” Celestia stopped and tried to think of something to say, but nothing came out.

“Could thou just set thine sun already sister?” Luna asked.

“Yes of course! So sorry,” Celestia said as she trotted to the west window. Luna trotted to the east window, and both princesses did their celestial duty of changing day to night, despite the fact they were late.

“I’ll say it again: you’re a twit,” Blacklight mocked. Celestia returned to her throne without a word; still embarrassed. Luna sighed and trotted for the door.

“Why did you wait an hour to point it out?” Blacklight asked before she left.

“What?” Luna asked as she turned back to face him.

“It’s a straightforward question: why did you wait so long to point out that the night was late due to Celestia’s error?”

“I was…busy, with other things,” Luna replied hesitantly. Blacklight eyed her suspiciously. Luna became visibly uneasy and started for the door.

“Well I have things that require my immediate attention, so if you’ll excuse me I must be going,” Luna said as she trotted away. Blacklight slammed the door shut with his magic before she could leave.

“It’s hard to fool a pony whose special talent is perception,” Blacklight reminded her, “Exactly what are you hiding?”

“I do not answer to thee nor anypony else you arrogant FOAL!” she screamed in response. Her expression was one of pure rage as her eyes glowed white, wings spread, and magic at the ready. She put herself in a stance ready to charge at him while he just shook his head.

“You let your anger control you so quickly,” he said in disappointment, “400-500 years of life I estimate and you can’t control your own emotions. Shameful really, and here I thought you were the more mature of the two.” Luna’s magic was causing whirlwinds and stormy clouds to appear in the throne room.

“YOU LITTLE FOAL! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME THAT WAY!” she roared using the same spell to amplify her voice that she used for the Canterlot speaking voice.

“Princess stop! He’s just egging you on and you’re scaring Fluttershy,” Twilight yelled in urgency. Luna looked at Fluttershy and went into a state of shock. Her magic ceased and her eyes returned to normal. Fluttershy was scared stiff, hiding herself under her wings and hooves, and shaking like a leaf. Luna forced her gaze to Celestia, who was staring at her in fear. Of what Luna already knew.

“I must leave,” she said quickly before subsequently teleporting out of the room. Blacklight looked at Celestia with a look of curiosity.

“Does that happen often?” he asked her. Fluttershy was slowly creeping out from underneath herself now, while Twilight still stood in disbelief of what happened. Celestia gathered herself and narrowed her eyes at Blacklight.

“I think it’s best that we retire for the evening,” she suggested.

“Perhaps so,” Blacklight agreed to everypony’s surprise, “Most ponies can’t keep up with this level of training for so long. Good evening to you princess.” Celestia nodded and left the room in a flash of light. Blacklight returned his attention to Twilight.

“I must say it’s commendable how durable you are Twilight,” he told her, “Must be in the blood.” Twilight snapped back to reality by shaking her head furiously.

“Huh, wait, what?” she asked, “What do you mean?” She cocked her head in confusion.

“Mentally and physically you’re quite durable,” Blacklight told her, “Not many ponies could continue magic training like this for so long and not be gasping for breath on the ground. In addition that blast I hit you with was quite powerful. Rageshift or not I didn’t expect you to recover so quickly.” Twilight was surprised at the praise she was suddenly receiving from the stallion that blindsided her.

“Despite the fact that you need practice in properly channeling your rage, you will make a fine warrior in time,” he told her, “Simply put though, that back-hoof should have been stronger given that you were in Rageshift.”

“What?” Twilight asked.

“In Rageshift even a novice is able to effortlessly lift a hydra off the ground,” he explained, “But only when it’s a focused and purposed rage, not blind rage like yours. You would have more than just broken my jaw otherwise. Had you been coherent even I would have been weary of you.”

“Wow. Rageshift is more complicated than I thought it would be,” Fluttershy thought aloud. Twilight sat down to take in the new information.

“I must apologize however,” Blacklight said, causing both fillies to pull a double take, “Normally it’s against my code of honor to blindside an opponent as such, but I am teaching you to fight Xerxes, so I made an exception.”

“So she’s really that far along already?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, and for future reference: I never lie,” Blacklight told her.

A thought suddenly occurred to Twilight. “You said ‘it must be in the blood’,” she pointed out, “What did you mean by that?”

“From the research I’ve done on the wielders of Rageshift before you I know that each of them was an accomplished warrior in the Equestrian army, although there were no records of them using Rageshift while in service,” he told her, “Information I only gained since coming to the castle. During the last break I was flipping through military records, though I could only find records during Celestia’s reign. Records of Sol’s time seem to be stored elsewhere.”

“What about siblings?” Twilight asked.

“Actually yes,” Blacklight confirmed, “Siblings of Rageshift wielders seem to be exceptionally skilled in combat magic, both offensive and defensive. I’d assume you’re asking because you have a brother or sister in the Equestrian military at the moment.”

Well I don’t have to explain it to him at least. “My brother, yes. Shining Armor,” she told him, “He’s actually the captain of Celestia’s royal guard, but he’s on leave right now.”

Blacklight cocked his head in curiosity. “Why?” he asked.

“Why’s he on leave? Nothing major,” she told him, “He got married about a month ago and left for his honeymoon the day after.”

Blacklight closed his eyes and smiled as he seemingly became lost in memory. He absently gave a happy sigh. “Now that’s a feeling I know all too well,” he said softly.

“Sounds like you were married yourself,” Fluttershy pointed out. His eyes shot back open and he returned to his normal stature.

“I’m not here to discuss my past with you all,” he said sternly, “Leave it be.” The words were obviously meant as a warning.

“Blacklight!” Twilight scolded.

“Sorry,” Fluttershy said, “I didn’t mean to dig up old ghosts. Oh wait.” She stopped to try and think of a different way to put it.

“It’s fine,” he told her, “Just don’t do it again.” The butterscotch mare nodded in agreement, then yawned, which caused Twilight to yawn too.

“Celestia was right,” Blacklight said to both mares surprise, “It would be best to retire for the evening. I’m off to continue catching up on Equestrian history.” He trotted out the throne room door and shut it behind him.

“Rude much?” Twilight shot, “He could at least say goodbye.”

“Well he’s not very social,” Fluttershy pointed out.

Twilight looked at her with an eyebrow raised. “Why are you taking his side?” she asked.

Fluttershy pawed at the tiled floor nervously. “I just think there’s more to him than we know,” she admitted, “Besides, we need his help either way.”

Twilight sighed. “Alright you got me there,” she admitted.

“Besides,” the pegasus continued, “What he did in his life isn’t our business, and it’s not like something he did back then would effect us now.”

“Except for Xerxes,” Twilight reminded her.

“He didn’t have a choice Twilight, and you know that,” Fluttershy scolded.

Twilight sighed in response, which turned into yet another yawn. “You’re right, you’re right,” she yawned, “Okay I’m sorry, but I can’t stay awake another minute, I’ll see you in the morning, okay?” Fluttershy nodded and the two finally left the throne room, going separate ways to their respective destinations, but Fluttershy wasn’t going to her room.

***

Day 1—early night

Fluttershy trotted among the different flowers in the garden like she had before, and once again the creatures that lived there scattered in fear of her. Likely because they remember what happened the last time she was there. She sighed and gave up; she wasn’t about to cause another scene.

She left the garden and roamed around the castle walls, until she saw somepony up on the hill to the right of the castle. They say curiosity killed the cat. This is true. It is also true of everything else with a pulse. Fluttershy approached the silhouette of a pony, and could already guess why it was a silhouette against the moonlit hill.

“Hi Blacklight,” she said as she approached him. He turned his head to look at her.

“Hello Fluttershy,” he said softly, “Honestly I wished you’d given me a couple more seconds to guess. It’s a little game I like to play sometimes.”

Fluttershy sat a couple feet from him. “What game?” she asked.

“Let’s see who’s behind me,” he told her, “After knowing somepony for some time I can recognize their trotting pattern. You’re very light on your hooves you know.” Fluttershy nodded and looked out over the cliff. She could see Ponyville from this spot.

“I remember when that wasn’t there,” he thought aloud, more to himself then to Fluttershy, “Just a large field.”

Fluttershy thought for a moment, but couldn’t fathom an answer to her question. “This place is special to you isn’t it?” she asked quietly. He nodded in response.

“You know…I did most of my growing up after I became the advisor,” he told her to her surprise, mostly because she was shocked to hear him openly talk about his past after what he said, “I was young, rash, and very arrogant, but Sol saw how wise I was. He gave me a better life, and for that I am eternally grateful…and now…he’s gone.” She could hear his voice starting to crack as he spoke. She didn’t need to look at him to tell he was holding back tears.

“You two must have been very close friends,” she thought aloud, much to his dismay, “I’m sorry Blacklight, please don’t cry.” She put a foreleg around his broad neck as he shook, trying to hold back tears.

“I just can’t believe he’s gone.” His eyes were clenched shut, his ears flattened against his head, and his teeth were clenched shut.

“I can’t imagine what you’re going through,” Fluttershy whispered. She’d never seen somepony in so much pain before.

“He was the first pony to believe I could be something more,” Blacklight admitted, “and he was right. Now what do I have left? Not a thing.” The full force of being alone was finally hitting him, and the only thing dulling the pain was a gentle grip over the back of his neck. Then he realized something that dulled the pain enough for him to stop shaking. He finally opened his eyes as he thought of it.

“Thank you,” he told her. Fluttershy blinked a couple times in confusion.

“For what?” she asked.

“For being my first friend in this day and age.” He lowered his head to the ground and fell asleep afterwards. His small breakdown exhausted him mentally to the point where he could no longer stay awake. Fluttershy looked at him, then over the cliff again. Poor Blacklight. She contemplated trying to take him back to his room, but he was too big for her to move alone.

After a few minutes of sitting with him he awoke for a brief moment and teleported away. Fluttershy could see the dull flash in the spire his room was in from where she laid. She could understand why. Sometimes somepony just needs to be alone with their thoughts, emotion…or even pain.

She finally got up and trotted to her own room. She laid down and finally let herself fall asleep. She was as exhausted as Blacklight was. The poor filly just put his needs above her own desires, like she does with everypony. If Blacklight were to see her then he would most likely tell her she’s truly worthy of the Element of Kindness.