Black Sun

Heat lightening cracked across the red sky of the Kallai Empire, the roar of an audience could be heard from miles away. The volcanic wasteland stood out amongst the golden plains that stretched out around it. Where the rock ended, grass began, and the dead plants had ceased to regrow. The crimson sky swelled with darkness as the black clouds swirled from the volcano, sending ash floating down like snow. The Black Arena was full of equine, those that remained in the stands, and the two that fought in the ring. Fire flew from their mouths it seemed, raking their antlers at one another, throwing their hooves. Embers of fury burned in their eyes, it had been a momentous occasion. It was everyday the Prince was challenged.

The glow of the mountain kept the light concealed, as the black clouds began to wrap around the sky above the arena like a serpent. Sending more ash downwards towards the horses. In the Podium sat the Royal family, the Empress, and her daughter. The two mares watched the fighting stallions below, both praying that Hakan would win. The Crowned Prince was young, but not weak - not in the slightest. His powers were strong, but his will and courage far outweighed meager magic. He tossed his head, sending his antlers towards the larger stallion, who reared back before the sharp points connected with his throat.

Sending a kick towards the Prince as he veered to the left, his sharp cloven hoof catching Hakan's cheek. Creating a small slice, that soon began to bleed. Anger rose in the young colts chest, a fire burning deeper and brighter than Mt. Esh-Ban itself. But Goliath was stronger, and more clever. He fought to win, which resulted in him lacking all honor in his battles. This earned him his title as Warlord, but he was far too greedy for such a privilege.

As Hakan was struggling to gain the upper ground, Goliath used this chance of panic in the young Prince to strike a deathly blow. Using his razor sharp antlers, he made three long cuts across the colts neck, sending him to the ground with a loud thud. The entire audience went silent - all you could hear was the rumble of the volcano. The large black stallion moved like a wolf towards his opponent, ready to finish it. This puny Prince was no fit ruler, he thought he'd be doing the Empire a favor by killing him. Why else would his presence be beneficial? He wanted to change the entire way the Kirin think, he wanted to end the bloodthirsty way of their people, their warmongering culture. He wanted to bring an era of peace and light, but that was not the way he wanted to live by.

"Well, it seems the Great Emperor's son isn't nearly as strong as his late father dreamed he'd be...."Goliath hissed sadistically, mocking the Prince's father. His blue eyes locked with Goliath's amber ones, pure hatred fusing the two stallions. "Give my sincere condolences to your father, "he growled as he reared up, readying his hoof to end the Prince. Hakan couldn't move, he couldn't do anything. The bleeding wound on his chest was enough to take the breath from him, he knew if he had walked out alive, he would've died from the injury - possibly from infection.

Before the bloodied hoof could come crashing down on his skull, a shrill screech echoed from the Podium. Both Kirins looked to the source, his mother, Empress Enalla. Her emerald eyes glaring daggers at Goliath.  "That is quite enough General! "She shouted, causing every horse in the arena to silence and look to their hooves. Shock registered on Goliath's face, as he listened to his Queen.

"Your majesty, I apologize for asking this....but what do you mean? "He replied, raising a scaly brow.

"You've made your point, you want the Throne, you won. Hakan has fallen, isn't that enough to satisfy your desire? "She asked, ferocity engulfing the mare, her sapphire scales shimmering in the red glow of Esh-Ban. Her ivory mane waving in the breeze, her elegant antlers adorning her head with jewels and golden jewelry decorating her form.

"I challenged him to a fight to the death! Not until one of us goes down...."he shouted back, talking out of turn to the Queen was a death sentence in itself, and he had just crossed her patience.

"It is finished! "She commanded, the announcer blew the horn signaling the end of the match. "Congratulations Goliath, you've won the throne...."she hissed, turning her gaze away and ushering her daughter out of the arena and to the palace. His sneer was obviously noticeable as he turned back to the Prince.

"Lucky for you that I respect your mother, "he chuckled, walking away, but not before giving orders to two of his personal minions. Hakan could not hear what they were saying, but he knew for sure it was nothing good. After the arena was clear, instead of healers coming to see him, two Kirin guards appeared instead. Dragging him away, before he was able to get to his feet and defend himself, a bright white light flashed. All he could hear was the scream of his mother and sister, and the maniacal laughter of Goliath.

Canterlot Castle - Throne Room

Celestia hummed to herself as she sat in her throne, taking her time with hearing the issues and concerns of her people. One by one, ponies came into her hall to ask or inform her of problems. And she happily obliged by doing what she could, or at least trying to. Her light purple eyes roved over the hall, empty and silent; except for the quiet clatter of armor on armor from the fidgeting guards. Taking a moment of peace to herself, she heard the double doors open, and new right away from the sound of the hooves, it was Luna.

"Good afternoon, sister "Celestia greeted, her pigmented mane flowing in the still air. Pulsating with magic, Luna's was the same, only the smaller darker mare held an ominous frown. More so than usual. "What is it? "Celestia asked, worry taking control as her eyes went from their normally kind and inviting gaze, to solemn and concerned.

"A creature has been found in the North of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence has requested that he be brought here...."Luna announced, keeping her voice as soft as possible. The solar Princess hardened her gaze, standing up she nodded her head accordingly, giving a silent signal for Luna to give the word.

But then something drew her curiosity, "pardon me Luna, but did you say he? "