What lays behind the chaos.

Out of control

It was a dark, stormy night. Nearly everypony stayed inside, sheltered from the rain, but there was one who had too much running through his mind to care about the rain.

Shadow Lightning, a young grey pegasus with a black and golden mane and a matching tail, former general of the Lunar army, dashed trough the houses, heading for the castle at the center of the citadel. Upon reaching the front gate, he was greeted by the guards. He ignored them, as he was in a hurry to get to the throne room. He ran into the castle, having all the guards opening doors for him without hesitation.

As he arrived at the throne room he saw his friend Midnight Flare and said

"Midnight! I think something's going on-" he said gasping for air "-I've looked everywhere! I can't seem to find her, and I'm starting to worry. This is not like her. Have you seen her anywhere? Did she come here..."

Shadow stopped looking directly at Midnight, noticing something odd. A strangely wide smile started to form at his face as Shadow explained the situation.

"What do you know about this?!" Shadow said, getting angry at the black pony.

Midnight stood up from his seat and walked towards Shadow, smiling, his dark green mane flowing.

"You seem confused" Midnight giggled, "you also look tired, sit down..."

"Cut the bullshit Midnight!" Shadow interrupted "Explain yourself!"

Midnight's smile faded slightly

"You sound like you don't know." Midnight went on, "I did tell you this was going to happen, didn't I?"

"What do you mean!?" Shadow asked angrily, "What did you do to her?! What did you do to Luna!?"

Midnight stopped smiling completely.

"Since you don't seem to remember I'll tell you again." Midnight started "I told you the time of royalty was over! I told you the rule of the alicorns was due for an end! You seemed to agree with me, don't you remember?"

"I never agreed to THIS!" Shadow replied.

"Of course you did. Or.. were you just blinded by your envy, and agreed with me just to get rid of him?"

Shadow didn't answer, he just turned his head, avoiding eye contact.

"Ha! It was that!" Midnight laughed, "I can't believe it! But don't worry, I took care of him too."

"Why would you do this!?"

"For the good of the Republic, of course!"

"The Republic?" Shadow started "How can you say this was for the Lunar Republic? Have you forgotten how this all started? Have you forgotten WHY this all started?"

"The Republic has changed." Midnight replied "Those reasons are not important anymore, for we have to care for our future now. We have to put an end to the war."

"Don't you see? Without the princess, this can't be done! There is no way you can lead us to victory, and you gave them the advantage Midnight!"

As Shadow said this, a messenger entered the room.

"Reports from the Solar Empire sir!" the messenger said "They say their part of the deal is done."

"Thank you" said Midnight. "You may leave now"

"Yes sir!"

Shadow stood there. Speechless.

"See," Midnight re-started "there is nothing to worry about now they're in the same situation as us."

"What does this mean Midnight?! You plotted with the Empire? Just to fulfill your idea of overthrowing the alicorns? How could you do this?"

"I told you already. It was for the good of the Republic"

"The good of the Republic? THIS!? Are you crazy? You are damning us, Midnight! This isn't what I've been fighting for all these years, and if this is course the Republic is taking, then don't count me in. I won't be part of this! I'm leaving!"

"Leaving?" Midnight asked angrily "Do you think this is some game you can quit whenever you want? This is war, Shadow, and we have to end it! You are not leaving the Republic! YOU DON'T LEAVE THE REPUBLIC! THE REPUBLIC LEAVES YOU! And if it leaves you, you better pray to god you're still able to walk when it lets you go! NO you're not going anywhere Shadow, I don't care how you feel now. You started this and I am going to end it!"

"I started it alright." Shadow answered "And I'm going to end it too, but not like this. I don't know what happened to you Midnight, but I won't let you keep going with this. I'm going to end this!" Shadow started heading for the door "I'm going to stop you"

"I want to see you try." Midnight smiled widely, "let's see who gets who first"

Shadow left the room feeling absolutely livid. He was determined to find out what had happened to Luna, and stop Midnight from ruining the Republic.