Burn Brighter

The castle was something completely different at night. The busy and almost filled hallways were replaced by this empty, calm atmosphere. If it weren't for the moon’s light filling the hallways Ariel wouldn't be able to tell where she was heading. Not that it mattered because she just wanted to walk around the castle instead of being locked in her room. She came across a choice of turning left or right. Left was a dead-end, so that was out. Turning right revealed another moon-lit hallway. But within taking a few steps Ariel was stopped by a voice.

“Don't take another step!” the mysterious voice demanded.

Ariel did stop but that didn't stop her from turning around “Ok you don't have to be so loud,” she replied. Ariel wasn't sure what she was looking at. It was obviously a female guard of the castle who was sporting dark blue armor with wings and her yellow eyes flashed bright in the shadow she was in. On top of that she was pointing her sword at Ariel. “I like what I'm seeing right now. No I'm not flirting.”

“Who are you?” the guard asked with vigor. Ariel took one step backwards with a grin on her face. The guard took three forward letting more moonlight hit her armor. Again Ariel did like it.

“I'm guessing you can fly right?” Ariel knew casually talking it out wasn't going to help.

“Are you an enemy? What are you doing around here?!” That question explained a few things to Ariel. She started to chuckle a bit. The guard’s body language suggested that she was well-trained and ready to chase Ariel if she ran.

“Let me guess. You're one of night guards and by the way your armor looks you're one of Luna’s guards. Am I correct?” The guard nodded. “Now do yourself a favor and actually look at me. Do I look I'm here to hurt anyone?” Ariel did a little spin to show the guard she was unarmed. The guard still didn't back off.

“Do you expect me to believe that?”

“How about you attack me and find out for yourself? Oh, wait you can't. So how about you run along and leave me alone?” Ariel turned around and started to walk away from the guard.

*Three, Two, One*

Right on time Ariel quickly stepped to the left and saw the guard fly right past her. She landed on her feet, turned around only to find Ariel laughing her butt off on the floor.

“What is going on here!” Another voice said. Ariel didn't recognize the voice but the guard that chased her sure as hell did. She stood up with completely straight and looked forward. Ariel sat up and saw another guard with same colored armour, but he had a symbol on the side of his helmet. He completely ignored Ariel and went straight for the girl. She looked nervous.

“Oh, Captain Leewind it's good to see you, sir. You see-”

“Save it, Private do you wanna tell me what you're doing outside of your assigned post?” He asked seriously. She simply pointed at Ariel behind him.

“I was following that creature to see what it was up to. I tried to stop her, but she bested me sadly” there was an underlying tone of anger in that reply by the Private.

“You're just predictable that's it” Ariel responded. The Captain turned around to face Ariel. He was at least two inches over Ariel if she stood up. But she refused. “Hello there, Captain Leewind” Ariel said with a smile.

“You must the human Ariel Kindle. Princess Luna mentioned you. She wants to see you personally and no she didn't tell me why” The Captain mentioned. Ariel stood up and gestures to lead the way “Well then, Captain escort me to your boss. I'll give you a kiss on the cheek for doing a good job~”

The Captain wasn't impressed and simply turned around walking towards the destination. Ariel was surprised by how quiet the walk to Luna’s office was. She tried to make some conversation but every attempt was shot down. A few minutes later Ariel found her in front of two more guards with weapons guarding a set of doors with a half-moon symbol on each of them.

“The Princess is inside” The captain said. Ariel was about to go ahead but not before keeping her promise. Her lips touched the Captains cheek which made him lightly blush much to the confusion of his fellow guards. She gave the other guards a wink just to play with them and then entered Luna’s room.

It was exactly like her sister's but a lot darker blue. At least that's what it's like at first glance. When Ariel looked up she saw what could be described as magic breaking itself up, putting itself together in different shapes and sizes. The first thing that caught her eye was the wine cabinet that was in pure moonlight. She turned her head to Princess Luna by the balcony sitting at a desk reading a book.

“Well, Ariel are you just gonna stand there? Or are you gonna sit down with me?” Luna said without looking at Ariel.

Ariel did eventually take her seat across from the Princess “I like your guards, Princess. Even though one of them tried hilariously failed attacking me for a ‘lack of information’ reason.”

Luna gave a raised eyebrow “Thank you kindly. I can assure you that the pony who attacked you will be talked to”- Luna put down her book, got up and went to the wine cabinet. She picked up a glass bottle of water and two drinking glasses. Luna sat back down and poured them both a shot. She passed Ariel one glass and to Luna’s surprise Ariel did take it and waited for a response.

“You mixed magic in that water didn't you?” Ariel asked while slowly swinging the glass around in circles.

“It's intended effect is to relax the one who's drinking it. So how do you feel?” It took a minute for the effects to kick in but Ariel did feel lighter but not in drunken way. Ariel gave a relaxed nod. “Good, it looked like you needed it. Don't worry about the effect it doesn't last very long” Luna finished. Luna expected Ariel to feel out the effects of magical water, and she did quietly tap her fingers on the table. Ariel found a rhythm and moved her head to her own beat. When Ariel finished she actually did feel a little better.

“You said you wanted to talk correct? Fine first question-- Between you and your sister who's stronger?” Ariel asked boldly with a smile.

Luna raised an eyebrow with interest “why is that important to you right now?” Luna replied.

Ariel looked around Luna’s bedroom again “it's not my imagination that's telling me your half bedroom is covered in the shadow of the moon. But yet here you are princess sitting in the light of the moon. That sings a song of ‘I'm the dark one because my sibling is the light’
And judging from the look of your room i’d say you got a very beautiful story to tell me, Princess” Ariel finished while turning back to the Princess. “Yes, I know I'm reading too much into it but I did just drink magic water so please cut me some slack.”

Luna couldn't believe what she just heard. Of course Ariel was wrong. But to confidently say all that did make a good first impression with Luna.

“I think you hit your head a little too hard, Ariel hehe” Luna chuckled. “I hate to burst the bubble but it's simply the position of the moon tonight. It's normally much brighter in my room” Luna said with a slight smile. Ariel wanted to question it but decided not to.

“Damn, I actually thought I was onto something there. But what about my other question?” Ariel replied while putting a hand under her chin.

“We are on equal terms when it comes to power” Luna said flatly. It was a lie of course. Since Luna was gone for a long time Celestia had the same amount of time to learn a lot more than her. It didn't bother Luna in the slightest since she was catching up with her sister. Of course Ariel didn't know that but Luna could tell that Ariel wasn't ready to let this topic go. That's when the human sighed.

“Ok fine I'll drop it. I understand if I can't get straight answers right away but; at the very least make it fun for me!” Ariel said frustrated while crossing her arms laying back into her chair. This caused Luna to actually giggle. “I don't understand what's so funny, Princess.”

“I'm sorry but I find this entertaining that's all. You sure swing from emotion to emotion really quickly. I don't blame you though. You're in a very hard position” Luna finished. When a quick response that was expected didn't come Luna just waited for it.

Ariel uncrossed her arms and went back to her original position “you're not getting an apology. But now that you mentioned mood swinging I should probably mention that I haven't eaten anything since I woke up hehe” Ariel giggled rubbing the back of her head.

Luna chuckled “I honestly believe you, Ariel.” Luna’s horn glowed, and she clapped her hands twice. Suddenly a guard came in the room. It was one of the two guards standing in front of Luna’s bedroom.

“Yes, Princess Luna” the guard said standing in attention.

“Please tell the cooks to prepare whatever our guest here wants. Go ahead, Ariel” Luna said. Ariel wasn't prepared for this but hey she wasn't going to pass this opportunity up.

“I-- wait I have to ask. How do you ponies feel about meat eaters?”

“We are fine with that actually” the guard replied quickly. Ariel looked Luna to make sure the guard wasn't lying to her. Luna nodded to back that up. So with that confirmed Ariel went ahead.

“Uh alright-- burger and fries please?” Ariel asked.

“Same for me, Beatbox thank you” Luna voiced. The guard nodded and quickly existed the bedroom.

Ariel turned back to Luna who was taking a sip of water “So about our chat. You were going to ask me something correct?” Ariel questioned calmly. Luna finished her drink and nodded in response.

“What are you going to do about your split memories?” Ariel knew this question was coming at some point.

“I'm going to look for them and put them back where they belong” Ariel answered confidently. Luna wasn't surprised at that answer.

“Do you even know where they are first of all, Ariel?” Luna replied turning her attention to the window. Equestria sure was beautiful at night.

“Of course not. However, they are apart of me and I love to think that I know myself perfectly. So they can't be that far away right? Besides, it doesn't any type of difference because at least I get to travel around Equestria and see all the things I'm missing out on. It's a win-win from my point of view.”

Luna didn't bother turning around but that didn't stop her from being impressed with Ariel's positive outlook on the situation.

“Seems like you don't really care about it being dangerous.” Luna said curiously.

“The potential for fun is just another win in my book.” Ariel replied somewhat grinning.

Luna scanned Ariel's body language. Ariel wasn't lying and top of that Luna could tell behind those colorless eyes there was something else driving the young girl. But before Luna could say anything else the door was being knocked on.

“Come in!” Luna said. It was the guard from earlier with her and Ariel's food. The smell hit Ariel's nose like a raging hurricane and At that moment she realized how hungry she was. Her stomach roared which caused her to jump a bit. “Hurry, Beatbox before this girl’s stomach jumps out of her and eats everything hehe” Luna teased.

The guard put the food on the desk, bowed and left just as fast as he came in. The burger looked amazing but there was no time to adore it. Ariel grabbed it and brought it up to her mouth. The first bite sent heavenly shocks through Ariel's entire body. Maybe because she hadn't eaten in a while but there was no time for that now. Luna watched Ariel take bite after bite after bite. To say Ariel was enjoying the burger would be an insult against understatements. When Ariel was finished with her victim she laid back in her chair.

“Ok that was fucking-- AMAZING!!” Ariel shouted. She actually forgot where she was for a second. “Uh..sorry you had to see that I was starving hehe” Ariel chuckled.

Luna shrugged her shoulders “I'm glad you enjoyed it. What about the rest?” Luna asked pointing towards the fries. Ariel grabbed one and ate it. Again she was very impressed with its quality. She and Luna took a few minutes to finish their meals in quiet.

“Hey, Princess do you mind if I take in the view over the balcony?” Ariel asked. Luna simply nodded and waved Ariel off. A few moments later she pushed open the doors and a very soft gust of wind hit Ariel's face. She took three steps onto the balcony and the view was wonderful. The sleeping city of Canterlot down below was also a sight to behold.

“You like?” Luna said right behind Ariel. Ariel nodded in response.

“Does it ever get boring?” Ariel said while looking upward at the stars above her. Luna walked up to the edge of the balcony laid and looked up with Ariel.

“Sometimes it does. But most of the time I have a book at my side so it's not all bad.”

“I see.” Another gust of wind hit Ariel, and she had to readjust her hair. “So are you going to help me get my memories back or not, Princess?” Ariel asked calmly.

“Before I say yes promise me one thing.” Ariel turned to the lunar Princess arms crossed across her chest.

“I can't promise you that you won't get somewhat hurt. Judging by my first memory I must have done something really wrong in my life to make other parts of me attack me. That sounds really dumb when I actually speak it out loud.”

Luna chuckled at that “No no me getting hurt is not what I'm worried about-”

“You're worried about your friends correct? Well if our last encounter is anything to go by… certain actions must be taken in order to see one of my memories to begin with. And since only three of us know about the situation I'm pretty sure we're in the clear, Princess.”

Luna stayed quiet for a time and considered Ariel’s words. If she was correct than her subjects were safe. However, if Ariel was wrong then Luna would have a lot to worry about. In the midst of thinking Luna got an idea.

“Ok, Ariel how about we test that little theory of yours?” Luna said turning to Ariel. The Princess was meant an interested look from Ariel.

“I'm listening.”

“Let's go look for another piece of your memory” Luna said with confidence.

Ariel chuckled “I don't have a choice if I want to earn your trust Princess. Let me go change and I'll come right back.”

“Right” Luna replied.

****

Ariel came back sporting a normal street outfit, hoodies, jeans and all. She was ready for whatever was going to take place tonight. She meant Luna on the very same balcony. The Princess was rocking a set of light armor that complemented her body nicely.

“Oh, Ariel you ready?” Luna said without turning to the human.

“Yeah. Let's do this.”

“Alright-” Luna got up the edge of the balcony, and then she jumped off — “let's go!” Ariel ran to the edge of the balcony when Luna went out of view. She looked down to see the Princess standing on a chariot laughing at her. “You coming or not?!”

*What the hell did I sign up for?! Oh, well- might as well follow suit* Ariel walked backwards until she was sure she could get a running start. She took a stance, braced herself and immediately sprinted. Hopping over the edge of balcony in the middle of the night in a strange land was not something she thought was ever possible but here she was.

“Nice landing” Luna said. Ariel bowed like she did that for a big crowd.

“I would give that an eight. So where to first?” Ariel questioned. Luna clapped her hands and the chariot started to move.

“I figured we would fly around until you feel something” Luna’s horn then started glowing and pulsing like a beacon. “We gotta go to Ponyville” She said. Ariel obviously had questions but those were for later. Luna directed the chariot to their destination and with the speed of flying bat ponies they got to Ponyville in a short amount of time. They landed a few feet from Twilight’s castle's front door. Ariel and Luna got off the chariot.

“Someone called you here. There's no welcome sign. So I guess something is wrong. Do we walk in carefully or bust our way in?” Luna suddenly grabbed Ariel’s hand and teleported them both inside the castle. Ariel was meant a very large library it was actually impressive.

“Luna!” The sound came from Ariel’s left.

“Twilight! I came as fast as I could. What's the problem?”

“That” Twilight directing Luna’s and Ariel’s attention to the cutie map in the middle of the room. There was a creature unknown to Twilight but very familiar to Luna and Ariel. It was another piece of Ariel’s self-aware memories. But this one completely in a moment of zen. On top of that she had three completely blank pieces of paper floating around her. “I've tried everything I could to make this thing go away. However, nothing works. I even tried blasting it but my spells just bounces off it. It also seems like those papers are protecting that thing” Twilight spoke.

“When did this start happening?” Luna questioned with interest in her voice.

“I'm not sure. It sure wasn't during the day I can tell you that much. My best guess would be sometime tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if I was wrong though.”

“I see. Ariel, any ideas?” Luna asked while turning to her. Ariel didn't reply. She simply walked up to the cutie map and got on top of it. She sat down in front of herself and pulled out her diary. Just like last time the dairy started to glow with magic. The pages floating around the memory went inside the dairy. Ariel reached for the dairy but then something stopped her. Or rather someone.

“Hello there, Ariel Kindle. I've been waiting to meet you.” Ariel looked at herself. This piece seemed less angry and calmer. That didn't stop the entire room to engulfed in the same time stopping spelling as before.

“What!?” Twilight yelled! The young Princess looked around her library with shock and awe. Everything that didn't have a heartbeat seem to completely freeze. “Lu-”

“I know, Twilight. Everything is going to be ok just don't panic. Let Ariel take care of most of it ok?” Luna meant Twilight a smile that shimmered her down just a bit.

“Ok, first off, are every single one of you going to the whole thing ‘Ariel Kindle’ thing? I get that's our name but comes off as really stupid” Ariel said. Her memory didn't seem impressed by the statement.

“As the saying goes; play stupid games win stupid prizes right? ”

“So what's my stupid prize for playing this stupid game?”

“You already know the answer to that question, Ariel. But, let's skip to the point, why are you here?” the memory questioned. Ariel tilted her head and narrowed her eyes.

“Let's see, all of my memories are separated from their original places I wonder what I could be doing here in the middle of the night. So let's not waste anymore time. Get back where you belong” Ariel finished with some anger behind her voice. Again her memory didn't seem fazed by it.

“Don't you want to know what specific memory I hold?”

Ariel suddenly grabbed her memory by the top she was wearing “Listen here you little shit I don't care what you hold. Do what you're told and get back inside my head!” Ariel’s memory stared into her eyes with a blank expression.

“I'm sorry, I can't be afraid of someone who lost their eyes colors. You're trying your hardest to be angry and maybe you are but, I'm just not seeing it, sister. However, since you started it... Tell me something, how badly did you get your ass kicked last time you did this?”

“Wh- ghah!” Ariel felt a sudden pain in her gut. Another one quickly came and then suddenly she was knocked off the table. Standing up wasn't too much of a problem, but then she was faced with her memory pointing her fist at her. “Y-you know.. This fight isn't going too last… Gah! Long.”

“Then come up here and fight me if you're so sure about yourself” The memory responded with sudden confidence.

“Ariel, wait!” Luna said.

“Stay out of this, Princess. I don't want you to get burned” Ariel replied while getting back the cutie map. Luna and Twilight watched on as Ariel walked up to her memory, evaded the incoming attacks like she knew when they were coming, get behind her memory and impressively disabled her from attacking again.

“Let me go!” The memory yelled. Ariel closed her eyes and spoke calmly.

*You know what to do*

“I will Burn the void I will Burn the fear I will do everything In my power to make it clear my power shall grow stronger and fight this war.” At that moment Ariel entire body started to shine bright orange every single scar she had showed themselves. On top of that, they seemed to follow a direct order. They surrounded the fake Ariel then tightly wrapping themselves up on her.

“NOOOO-” The memory was suddenly on fire. However, the flame did last long as the memory was quickly and literally burned into the original Ariel. Ariel then opened her eyes and a wave of happiness washed over her.

“Oh yeah! Did you see that, Princess! I honestly didn't think I could do that but here we are! Man I'm awesome!” Ariel said while hopping around with full-blown confidence.

“Uh.. Yeah, Ariel you did fine. I'm not sure what I just witnessed..” Luna watched the library return to normal and with that everything looked to be fine. That is until a certain Princess wanted to say something that had been swelling up in her chest.

“CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT JUST HAPPENED! AND GET OFF MY MAP!” Twilight yelled at the top of her lungs. That suddenly knocked Ariel out of her moment.

“Hehe sorry, Princess Twilight.” Ariel quickly got off the cutie map with her diary with nervous movement. Luckily Luna was there to save her.

“Ahem.. Twilight Sparkle meet Ariel Kindle. This isn't the way I wanted you two to meet but this might as well be the best time” Luna voiced. Ariel bowed as best as she could. Twilight didn't seem impressed.

“Well, Ariel it's nice to meet you. Obviously I have questions that I would love to ask you. However, since it's the middle of the night and I don't want to wake up any-”

“Twilight! What happened? Why did you yell? Are we under attack? Who's that next to the armored Princess Luna? Why does she look so weird?!”

“P-pinkie pie?! What are you doing here?” Twilight questioned. Then there was a loud bang and suddenly the rest of her friends came rushing in.

“Twilight! Pinkie got the rest us up, and we came as fast as we could. What's the emergency and Aw why does it smell like burnt paper in here?” Applejack said.

Luna chuckled, “You have a lot of explaining to do, Ariel.”

“The only good thing about this is that you're here along with me, Princess” Ariel responded with a smile on her face.

“Yeah yeah whatever” Luna said while playfully rolling her eyes.