The Black Sunby Super PonymanChaptersPrologue: Black Sun RebornChapter 1: Make Love, and Maybe War Afterwards...Chapter 2: A "Homo Equestrian"Chapter 3: A Fallen Star...Chapter 4: Feelings and FatalitiesChapter 5: Vs Black Sun! Stardust Speedway Showdown!Chapter 6: Justice Vs RevengeChapter 7: Two Ex’s CollideChapter 8: Confronting the SourceChapter 9: Vs Black Sun! The Great Mall War!Chapter 10: We All Wear MasksChapter 11: A Heartless PrinceChapter 13: Vs Black Sun! Assault on Shadow Station!Chapter 14: Vs Prince Eclipsio! Showdown for the Sun and Moon!Chapter 15: Vs BLACK ABYSS! Humanity’s Last Hope...Epilogue: Life Will ChangeChapter 12: The Unbreakable Ironheart vs The Unkillable Black SunPrologue: Black Sun RebornAuthor's Note Hello everyone, it's Super Ponyman, it's time again to dive headfirst into the world of Burning Star Saga! If any of you remember from Sundered Universes, a one shot villain named Black Sun was introduced and promptly curb stomped by Burning Star, and left for dead... Well, this is what happened to him. (Disclaimer: This Chapter has gore and dark content, viewer discretion is advised.) Also, Burning Star has a chat with the Princesses... Prologue: Black Sun Reborn (Everfree Forest, Castle of the Two Sisters. Two Days Before Doom Star...) To the ponies of Equestria, The Everfree Forest was full of abnormalities. The weather changed on its own... Plants grew as they pleased... And primal, uncontrollable magic was everywhere... Of course the reason why they considered this abnormal is because they had the ability to control the weather, influence plant growth, and bend magical forces to their whim. The castle of the Two Sisters was a treacherous place, even if it wasn't located near the very heart of the Everfree, powerful magic irradiated the ruins. Currently, a thunderstorm was dumping a torrential rainstorm upon the castle, it soaked everything to the bone... Including a lone figure slogging through the woods. The figure was a unicorn pony, and the body shape was that of a stallion. He wore a broken set of black and gray armor that sparked and sputtered with magic flecks every so often, thanks to the rain pouring down on him in sheets as thick as yak wool. The figure spotted the ancient castle, and pushed open the door with his magic. He walked over to the old throne of Celestia and sat down, trying to somehow dry himself. No matter how many fire spells he cast to create a campfire, nothing would dry quickly, further angering the figure. The pony removed his black and gray helmet, revealing an Ivory furred head with a Mane of blond hair, which was currently hanging around his face, absolutely drenched with water. The pony lifted his mane off of his face, revealing the grumpy and bothered face of the Prince of Canterlot and Celestia's nephew, Prince Blueblood Morningstar. The Prince thought to himself, "Curse this wretched rain, curse this wretched forest, and curse that wretched Burning Star! He should not be conversing with the powerful noble houses of Canterlot, while I sit more wet than a mare in a brothel." Blueblood took his helm in his magic grasp and laid it down on the throne's peak before saying out loud, "If there was any justice in this world, I will arrive back in Canterlot and have the Royal Guard execute him for the crime of beating me senseless!" The Prince stood up, saying in an unusually angry tone, "For Faust's sake, I am Prince Blueblood, nephew of Princess Celestia, descendant of Princess Platinum, the first leader of Canterlot..." A hiss-like voice called out from the doorway, "And you're just the stallion I wanted to see..." Blueblood looked to the doorway to see another pony standing at the end of the hall, he was obscured by the darkness... The Prince called out to the shadowy figure, "Pardon me, but who are you?" The pony took a few steps forward, a flash of lightning illuminating his form. He wore black robes with a hood that hid his face. The Prince couldn't tell if it was a mare or a stallion, so he repeated his question, "I asked you something, you stalker. Who are you?" The shadowy figure flashed a visible smirk, his white teeth glinted in the dim light. "Who I am doesn't matter, what I want does, Blueblood..." Prince Blueblood snorted in frustration, "Excuse me?! I am a Prince, you creep! You will refer to me as-" The shadowy figure suddenly roared, sending a large shiver of fear down Blueblood's back. "YOU ARE NOT A PRINCE TO ME." This shout caused Blueblood to quickly activate his suits magic casters and point them at the hidden pony. Blueblood responded, fear in his voice, "S-Stay back, being of darkness, I have a powerful weapon with me." The Shadowy figure let out an unholy wail similar to a writhing spirit, then lunged at the Prince, it's blazing blue eyes the only thing visible. "GIVE ME THE WEAPON OR DIE!" Blueblood squinted his eyes shut and screamed as the Shadow lunged at him, his wails echoing throughout the castle. (Canterlot Castle, Burning Star's Room, Six weeks later...) Canterlot Castle was quiet and peaceful, after all it was the middle of the night. It's ivory towers and purple parapets were being lit by the light of Luna's great moon. While most ponies would be asleep, dreaming their dreams at this hour... Burning Star, the Alicorn of Fire, was wide awake. Burning Star had adapted to his new appearance change rather well, his mane no longer hung around his neck, but it now was similar to Celestia's Mane. Howver, instead of it being composed of rainbow light, it was made of red and orange flames that danced above his head and billowed as if it was being blown by some invisible wind. It had been six weeks since the "Sundered Universes" event had concluded... Six weeks since he defeated Doom Star forever... Six weeks of rather unusual peace... The Alicorn of Fire sat atop the roof of his quarters, staring out onto the Everfree Forest and letting his mind wander. "Well, tomorrow is the big day. Shadow Armor's wedding, I hope this goes well and with little to no conflict. Last thing I need is somepony or something like Doom Star popping up again." He closed his eyes and ignited his horn, calming himself in adavance. He was meeting with somepony extremely important tomorrow morning, and he couldn't afford to lose his temper. Burning Star felt a gust of air from a silent flap of wings, and he wheeled around and drew his sword, the deadly blade known as Deicide. The point of the sword stopped at the nose of an ivory colored Alicorn as well as a dark blue Alicorn, both of which were standing absolutely still. Behind Burning Star stood The Alicorn sisters, Celestia and Luna! He said to them, a hint of disappointment in his voice, "Didn't anypony teach you two how to approach somepony without them noticing? Because if that was your attempt to sneak up on me, it wasn't great." Luna responded to Burning Star's statement, "We doth not mean to approach you in without thou noticing, Alicorn of Fire." Celestia added in, "Lulu, your speaking in archaic again..." The Princess of the Night cleared her throat, "We, I mean, I am sorry sister. It is a bad habit I'm trying to break." The Alicorn of Fire turned to face the sisters, he mockingly bowed before them and said, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna... what have I done to earn the pleasure of an audience with thee?" Neither sister responded, both of them raising an eyebrow in confusion. Burning Star smiled, then let out a chuckle, "Hahaha! I'm just messing with you. But in all seriousness, why did you seek to meet me at this hour?" Celestia responded to the Alicorn, her tone warm and friendly, "I came to speak with you personally. My sister has told me that you have some grievances with me concerning what happened to the village of Firebrand about 20 years or so ago." The Fire pony's glare turned flinty, "I do have quite a few... what was it you said? Right... grievances, I do have a few grievances with you Celestia." Princess Luna carefully watched Burning Star, watching for any movement to draw his sword and slash out in anger. Burning Star however, relaxed his body and spoke, "But I took a long hard look at them and a lot of talking with somepony a lot like you, and I've realized that they aren't worth fighting over any longer." He continued, stretching out his massive wings. "So, I'm guessing you are also here for the wedding of Shadow Armor and Fluer? I'm not gonna stop you from attending, but on one condition." Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes, "What would that be?" The Alicorn of Fire's tone turned serious. "That you two help with the security of the ceremony. After hearing about what happened at the wedding of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, I'm not going to take any risks with security, especially when it concerns my family and friends." Princess Luna nodded her head, "I think that's fair, but what about us officiating the wedding?" Burning Star smirked, "Sorry, sisters. I've already got that covered, Prince Eclipsio will be officiating, since he is unbiased." Princess Celestia's eyes widened and she said with some annoyance in her voice, "Are you suggesting that I am biased, Burning Star?" The Alicorn of Fire nodded, "No Celestia, I'm STATING that you are biased. You have always been strongly opposed to ponies as dark as Shadow Armor getting what they want." Celestia uncharacteristically slammed her hoof down in anger, she said now truly annoyed, "Lord Burning Star. You know that I have been trying to accept beings like your "Shadow Armor" into Equestrian society... are you assuming that I will not allow this marriage? What made you speculate this?" The Alicorn of Fire's gaze hardened till it was like steel, "Oh I don't know, your reaction to King Sombra becoming an Alicorn and the information that he is my father did upset you quite severely, did it not Luna?" Princess Luna suddenly felt cornered, "I... may have observed that but I do not think my sister is biased." It was evident that Celestia's incredible patience wearing thin when she said, "Well I'm sorry that I was a little hostile with you and your father when I found out about those little issues... but King Sombra had been one of our greatest enemies for over 1,000 years, Burning Star. Finding out that the pony that married my student was related to him did understandably shock me." Burning Star snorted, himself getting a little angry now, "Well you didn't have to light my father ablaze with solar fire when he showed up to dinner one night." Princess Luna began to see smoke coming from Burning Star's mane, and she said, trying to diffuse the situation. "Well that is in the past, we should focus on the wedding. Tomorrow is supposed to be a day of peace and happiness for a newly-wed couple, not a day of conflict and anger over problems that were already addressed." The Princess of the Moon wrapped her wing around her sister and said, "Sister, I recommend we both rest for tomorrow's ceremony. If this wedding is going to be as important as Burning Star thinks it is, then we need to alert all of our forces to watch for intruders that seek to disrupt this holy matrimony." Celestia sighed, knowing that her sister was right. "Yes Luna, we all must get some rest for tomorrow." Burning Star snickered and began to fly off, but Luna said to him before he could fly away, "That includes you, Alicorn of Fire. Sleep deprivation isn't good for a warrior king." Burning Star hung his head and said, "Yes mom, I'll go to bed. See ya tomorrow morning." The Alicorn of Fire flew down to his balcony and went inside, then laid down and fell asleep the instant his head hit the pillow. Another pony was up at this time, he was currently sitting in his chambers, his mind wandering. The Alicorn of Eclipses, Prince Eclipsio was always an odd fellow to say the least. He was reclusive and aloof only appearing at extremely important political meetings and when he was absolutely needed. Truthfully, he found politics a downright bore, mainly because he was a master chessmaster... so doing something as easily as saying the right thing to the right pony was much too easy. Although, when you had the ability to travel to various different dimensions and alternate realities at a whim, being called "odd" is a genuine compliment. The Alicorn of Eclipses was currently talking with one of his best friends, Discord, over a cup of chocolate milk, which Eclipsio adored. Eclipsio spoke to Discord, "So Discord... how is the relationship between you and Fluttershy coming along?" The draconequess responded, slicking back the tuft of hair between his mismatched horns, "Oh it's going positively wonderous, Eclipsio. My dear Fluttershy was once again put in charge of animal care and handling for the wedding tomorrow, and she has allowed me to bring along some of the more "rowdy" animals from the Everfree." The Prince raised an eyebrow, "What do you intend to bring that Lady Fluttershy would consider "rowdy", Discord?" Discord pulled at the collar of his fur, which stretched out as if it were a shirt collar, "Uh, well let's just say I may or may not have invited the Ursa Major and Minor that attacked Ponyville all those years ago..." The prince's eyes went wide, "That is considered, ahem... "rowdy", discord? We have both dealt with beings that rivaled the gods in power, so an Ursa Major and Minor would be a honestly calm experience for once." He flapped over to Discord and put his hooves on his chest, "Besides, we both know Fluttershy is some sort of animal whisperer, and if she can handle you... then I think an Ursa Major and Minor will be a walk in the park for her... provided she doesn't faint on the spot when you tell her." Discord smiled sheepishly, "Uh... well about that, Eclipsio..." The prince's eyes narrowed, "You didn't bother to tell her about this?" The draconequess pulled at his fur again, steam visibly emitting from it. "Heh-heh, well I didn't want to tell her..." Eclipsio sighed and pinched the bridge of his snout, "Discord you realize that those beasts are roughly the size of this very castle, do you not?" Discord's face was starting to turn red, "Yes but..." Eclipsio continued, "You also realize that creatures of that size would cause quite a bit of alarm for the city, yes?" Discord's face turned beet red, "I know but..." The Prince finished by saying, "And you do realize that if something angers those beasts, this ceremony as well as this city is pretty screwed, right?" Discord sighed, "Uh... um... yes. I do realize the risks, but think about the reward, Eclipsio! I would be able to introduce the rather sheltered ponies of Canterlot to the more wild and wacky creatures of the Everfree. And don't you worry your pretty little head, if the two start to act up, I'll simply pop the both of them back to the woodland cave they call home." Prince Eclipsio downed the rest of his chocolate milk and said, "Alright Discord, but don't count on me bailing you out if this goes awry, this is on YOU." Wit that, the Prince of Eclipses teleported away in a silver flash of light, leaving Discord alone, until he then popped off as well. (Canterlot Castle, Vision Pool) With his conversation concluded, Eclipsio returned to his main duty... Staring at his vision pool and looking at the past, present, and futures of the many worlds across the Multiverse. "Let's see what evil is going on tonight." he said to himself, eyeing the pits of Tartarus first, seeing Tirek struggling in futility to free himself. He spat various curses at Celestia's name, Luna's name, and the names of any gods out there that had confined him to this hellish prison. This got a chuckle from Eclipsio, "Poor bastard, you were so close to victory, but the power of friendship and Rainbow Power beat you down so easily." He turned his attention to the battle between Doom Star and Pure Star, despite six weeks passing since the chaotic battle that nearly destroyed two worlds and the space time continuum itself, space-time was still healing from the massive blast that came from Doom Star's demise. "Burning Star got extremely lucky nothing too severe was damaged in space time, He stopped the "God of Destruction" just in time before a total event collapse could occur." he thought to himself. A spike in evil went off during that event that caught Eclipsio off guard, the resulting force sent him flying away as a dark aura seeped from the past event like blood from an open wound. It was frightening to behold, that is for sure. Prince Eclipsio got to his hooves and shook his head to get his focus back before saying, "What in the name of my sisters was that? It felt like concentrated, pure evil. I haven't felt such potent negative energy since Doom Star appeared, although this was different..." Just to be safe, Eclipsio created magisteel axe and held it tight as he approached the pool on his hind legs in order to peer into the past event. When nothing dangerous came out, he said to himself as he ignited his horn, "I better go check this out... I'm not liking something this evil being unknown to me." Prince Eclipsio pointed his horn towards the past event and he disappeared in a flash of light. (6 weeks earlier... Castle of the Two Sisters) The Prince of Eclipses arrived in his shadow form and slunk into the shadows to observe, carefully making mental notes on what he saw. He looked at one of the two figures standing in the dark... "Prince Blueblood?! What are you doing here?!" Eclipsio thought to himself, now looking closer at the Prince. He was wearing some sort of armor, although Eclipsio didn't know what armor it was... but it looked damaged. Eclipsio heard another sound, a frightening screech coming from the door. He looked towards the door and saw a figure wrapped in black cloth slowly inching forward, for some reason, Eclipsio couldn't see him, even with his night vision on. Blueblood squinted his eyes shut and screamed as the Shadow lunged at him, his wails echoing throughout the castle. He fired the magic casters in all directions, trying to keep up with the shadow as it leapt about like a mad cat. bolts of magical power impacted the walls and floor in rapid succession, leaving black scorch marks behind. Eclipsio had to jump to the shadows on the ceiling to avoid being torn to bits from the hail of magic bolts, he reached a safe spot and continued his observation. Blueblood heard the unholy screech of that shadow again and fired at a large vase, reducing it to dust. His shots lit up the empty castle with a glowing red yellow light. Another roar, this time coming from his left. The Prince of Canterlot yelled as he fired another storm of magical bolts, shattering the windows and letting the torrential rain into the castle. Blueblood screamed like a filly as he fired wildly, trying to keep up with the jumping shadow as it bounded around the hall. It finally jumped straight up through the roof, causing debris to rain down on Blueblood and Prince Eclipsio to dodge out of the way of the collapsing support beams. Prince Blueblood fired a explosive blast of magic that blasted the rubble before it could crush him, he was covered in dust from it. Blueblood looked at his dirtied Mane and groaned, "Damn this filth... I'm going to have to wash my mane for hours to get all of this out!" A voice called out from behind him, and a hoof grabbed his throat, yanking him out of the throne and pinning him to the ground. The shadow spoke to the prince, his voice raspy and frightening, "You have bigger things to worry about than your appearance, Blueblood." The Prince sneered at the figure, "I told you, it's Prince Blueblood, and I will have you know-" Blueblood was suddenly lifted into the air decked across the face, sending him skidding across the floor. "Silence, you worthless royal brat. I came here for something you have and I'm going to get it." Said the shadow, his gaze like ice towards the Prince. "W-who... what are you?" The Shadow picked up the Prince and pulled him close, Blueblood could feel the hot breath on his face as the shadow spoke. "What I am and who I am does not concern you, what does concern you is this." The shadow pointed towards the helmet Blueblood had tossed away. This prompted the prince to say, "What? What do you want with my armor?" The shadow bared his teeth, sharp canines visible as a flash of lightning briefly lit up the castle. "Your armor is what I want, Blueblood. I have an offer that may be of interest to you." Blueblood raised an eyebrow, "What is this offer you speak of, fiend?" The Shadow tossed Blueblood like a sack of wet cement to the stairs, where he hit his head hard upon the stone steps, causing blood to trickle down his head from a cut. It stained Blueblood's perfect white coat a dark red... much to his dismay. The shadow approached Blueblood, who was currently kneeling, trying to stop the bleeding. It said to him, "My offer is simple, you give me the armor and teach me how it works." Blueblood found the courage to say, "And if I refuse? What then? You kill me and you will have all of Equestria looking for you and my auntie's military ready to strike you down for the crime of regicide." The Prince tried to stand, but found a long, jagged knife pressed against his throat. The shadow's tone grew grim, "No Blueblood, I will not kill you, that would be a mercy to us all, I will do worse. I will inflict pain so bad that will make you wish for the final gasp of death. If you still refuse, then I will torture you further. I will bleed you dry and make you scream in agony. I will break your will and spirit until you will tell me anything I want to know about the armor, anything to make the pain go away..." The shadow turned the knife slightly, causing a small cut to appear on the Prince's neck, Blueblood clenched his teeth in pain as he saw more blood drip onto his pristine white coat. The Prince of Eclipses got a bit closer, jumping down onto a broken wall sconce and perching there like some sort of bird of prey. He heard the Shadow speak again, voice hushed but furious. "The way you walk out of here alive and mostly intact is simple, you siniveling cur, is to give me that armor... NOW." Blueblood had the balls to respond with, "And if I refuse? What? You will do all of those dreadful things to me? I highly doubt it..." Prince Eclipsio watched in horror as The Shadow pulled the knife away from Blueblood's neck and brutally stabbed him in the left leg, causing the prince to scream in pain and clutch the rapidly bleeding gouge in his left leg. Blueblood crumpled to the floor, before the Shadow picked him up and stabbed him in the back right leg, then tore a gash across it length wise, coating the knife with crimson blood and causing Blueblood to tremble in fear, realizing that this Shadow meant business. The Prince of Eclipses could only watch as the Shadow picked up Blueblood and threw him into his sisters old throne, shattering it and dropping rubble on Blueblood. Blueblood tried to lift the debris off of him but the Shadow lifted his hoof over his head and brought it down hard. Eclipsio cringed as the Shadow brought his hoof down on Blueblood's horn, crushing it to dust and causing the rocks to slam down on Blueblood's back, pinning him down. The Shadow ripped Blueblood out of the rubble and said to him in the most icy tone possible... "You're right... I'll just kill you as brutally as possible." Prince Eclipsio watched as the Shadow pulled out a larger knife that looked more like a fat-bladed sword and leveled it against Blueblood's neck. Blue blood blubbered like a child, "I'm sorry! I-I-I didn't mean to test you, dark thing! I can give you whatever you want! Just let me live!" The Shadow replied, "I want that armor, and I will carve it off your dead carcass to get it..." With a quick slash of the blade, Blueblood's neck burst open in a spray of red upon the Shadow's face, which bore a unnatural and terrifying smirk. With that, Prince Blueblood died... alone and without Allies. Murdered in cold blood by a shadowy killer who stood below Eclipsio, smiling at his work. The Shadow then looked at the bloody red blade, seeing the blood drip from it slowly. It then stuck his tounge out and ran it across the bloodied surface, licking up the red liquid like a filly would lick a lollipop, then swallowed it with a gurgling gulp. The Shadow then began to carve into Blueblood's corpse, humming creepily as he pulled off bits of flesh connecting the armor to Blueblood's body. The Shadow finally got all of it off, leaving Blueblood's corpse a mangled, bloodstained mess. Eclipsio lost his lunch and upchucked his chocolate milk, his hayburger and fries, and anything else in his stomach. He wiped his mouth and covered his eyes, trying to put that image out of his mind. Which for somepony who had a photographic memory, was nearly impossible. Eclipsio pulled his eyes towards the Shadow, getting a quick glance at him, and wishing he never saw him. The figure was a stallion, but Eclipsio couldn't tell what species since he was covered in black cloth, and stood nearly as tall as Burning Star, who was one of the largest Alicorns (Next to Faust). His entire body was obscured by the black cloth, except for his eyes. The Shadow turned upwards, and his eyes made the adult Alicorn shudder in terror. His eyes were bright neon-blue colored, and glowed like little blue fires in the dark of the castle. The Shadow pulled all the armor off and said while staring at the helmet, "This was all too easy, Blueblood was pathetic, unfit to bear this weapon properly. However, I will not be like him, I will use this weapon for its intended purpose, to the greatest efficiency possible... soon all will fear my wrath... the wrath of Black Sun, REBORN!!!!!" Prince Eclipsio pulled himself out of the past event and shuddered in terror at the gruesome display he just bore witness to. Prince Eclipsio was always a stoic figure, nothing could scare him or even faze him. But this... this made him absolutely terrified. It shattered his willpower instantly. Eclipsio curled up into a ball and started to sob audibly, his cries echoing around him in a haunting voice. "Evil has survived. Evil has survived. Evil has survived. Evil has survived." He repeated as he rocked back and forth, too scared to stop. His cries got the attention of Hiller, Prince Eclipsio's personal guard. He rushed into the room with his protopony whip-hoof active, seeing the prince sobbing he grabbed him and said with both worry and frustration in his voice, "Eclipsio! What happened? Why the hell are you crying? Did you see something that frightened you?!" Prince Eclipsio shakily pointed to the vision pool and Hiller approached it, his bladed whip-hoof still active. He peered into the pool himself, seeing the carnage of Blueblood by the shadow, then said in his most unnerved voice. "Holy crap man, I did want Blueblood dead but I didn't expect that. He was slaughtered like a helpless timber wolf. Killed in cold blood, even I wouldn't do that. I'd give him a good fight, at least. I wouldn't do... that..." he said, pointing at the vision of the lifeless corpse of the prince of canterlot. Hiller continued, "What are we going to do now? Should we tell the guests about this issue?" Prince Eclipsio shook his head, "No. it would only cause more chaos than a marriage already has..." Hiller put away the whip and paced towards the Prince of Eclipses, "So we keep this under wraps? That is a great idea, since we have Him coming over... let's hope he can't hear about this, I don't want him to start a firefight with our Celestia, or even worse, Burning Star." Eclipsio added in, "Yeah, he may boast that his body can withstand anything, I would hate to see Burning Star turn his Pure Star form on his special guest... I don't think he can withstand the heat of an exploding star. Hell... I can barely survive it. I asked him to practice it on me, to see how powerful he was... let's just say we blew up half of the Fortress of Nil with one Purity Starstrike." Hiller raised one of his black eyebrows, "What is a Purity Starstrike?" Prince Eclipsio shuddered when he said, "Think Burning Star's Starstrike Attack, with its power times 20. Yeah... picture that right now, how powerful that is." Hiller let out a yawn, "Uhhh... I'm tired, I think we both need some rest, Prince Eclipsio, I will see you in the morning. Good luck on your sermon for the wedding. Ciao!" With that, Hiller leapt off and towards his room, Eclipsio was now alone. Remembering what he saw, he thought to himself, "On second thought... maybe telling him could help. He is a master of destroying evil, so let's just see how it turns out." Prince Eclipsio went to his room and lay down on his king-sized bed, before turning out his light and falling asleep. Chapter 1: Make Love, and Maybe War Afterwards...Author's Note First official chapter! That prologue was intense, but we are finally at the main plot... the wedding! I'm sure everything is going to go well! It's not like a murderous pony wearing extremely dangerous battle armor is coming! (Sarcasm) Chapter 1: Make Love, and Maybe War Afterwards... (Act 1: A Mad World) (Canterlot Castle, The Twilight Guard Quarters) The Royal Guard has been the general mascot for Equestria's armed forces, despite how... lackluster they were in combat before their new division was approved. This new division, called the Twilight Guard (named after the mare who commissioned them), were the strongest fighters of the Royal Guard, hoof-picked by the head of security, the Black Knight Shadow Armor. Despite Shadow Armor's rank being similar to that of a lord, he preferred to sleep in a simple chamber over the Twilight Guard Quarters. Shadow Armor was many things, Strong, loyal, ambitious, passionate... but he wasn't showy. While he wanted a quiet wedding as to not draw attention, he knew his fiancé Fluer wanted a wedding worthy of a hero such as him... and he caved. So now, the black knight stood in front of a mirror, being fitted with his ceremonial armor, with was colored chrome black with bright red highlights. What he didn't expect when he agreed to the ceremony was who his His groomstallions would be. Almost instantly, the entirety of the Masters of Nature half volunteered, half demanded to be them, so of course Shadow Armor had to pick them, lest he die on his wedding day from the combined might of their powers. So here he was, his best man being Shining Armor, and his other best man being Quickfire... it was unusual... but Quickfire was actually there as a bodyguard for him. Shining Armor lifted one of the Black Knight's legs and began to slip on a hoof guard, "Come on Shadow..." he said, a little annoyance in his voice, "give me a hoof here. I can't fit these things on without you actually putting in effort. So slide your hooves in, please." Shadow Armor sighed and dropped his hoof like a rock, it slid in seamlessly, wrenching the metal boot out of Shining's magical grasp and stomping on the floor with a loud clang. Shadow Armor replied with ire in his tone, "Shining, the reason I'm being the slightest bit uncooperative is because I believe that this wedding is overly grandiose. I still wanted to get married, but having this many ponies here is the perfect setup for another invasion. Look what happened with you're wedding!" Thunder Fury cut in, "Yeah, but Queen Chrysalis is freaking dead. You saw her body, the Guardians killed her and most, if not all of her hive." Iron Steed added in his own reassuring voice, "Also, if anypony actually does attack, the sheer amount of security here would stop them cold." Wind Walker trotted over and said to the black knight, his wraith like voice only audible to him, "If anypony with ill intent is approaching, I would know ahead of time, Lord Shadow Armor. As you know, My powers allow me to sense anything exposed to open air." Shadow Armor responded to the group, "Thanks for helping with the cold hooves I'm getting... I just can't believe that i am actually getting married. Me, the Black Knight. I honestly thought that I would die in battle before this day could ever come. It's almost too good to be true, isn't it?" Sea Breeze nodded his head, "Aye, but the day has come, hasn't it lad? It's a rarity that ponies like us don't get often... attending a wedding, such a joyous occasion." Hiller burst into the room and said, "Everypony, Burning Star's ahem... "special guest" is here." Shadow Armor raised an eyebrow as his helm was put on, "What is with the tone, Mr. Hiller? Is something the matter with this special guest pony?" Hiller responded with a shrug, "That is the problem, I don't even know if he is a pony at all." (Canterlot Castle, Back Courtyard) Burning Star stood stoically in the back courtyard of the castle, his sword on his back and his horn ready to ignite at a moments notice, should his "special guest" become hostile. Celestia and Luna stood at his sides, with Eclipsio in front of them, he had activated a portal to another world. Both of them were naturally nervous by the idea that ANOTHER Off-world pony they know little about was coming to visit for the wedding. Celestia asked the Alicorn of Fire, "So who is this guest you have invited over, Burning Star? Last time an incident where dimensions crossed over we had a dark goddess of magic run amok and various other issues." Burning Star rolled his deep blue eyes, "Yeah I remember, I solved that issue with the help of a few friends, who unfortunately couldn't be here due to some sort of incident involving them. That, and I think they have had their fill of multidimensional mayhem for a while." Luna nodded, "I agree with Burning Star that his new allies didn't need to be invited due to their duties, but why invite this surprise guest you have been keeping in the dark?" The Alicorn of Fire smirked, "If I told you who he was, both of you would have made a big fuss over it." He turned directly towards Celestia, his eyes unusually intense, "Especially you, sun-butt." Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes in frustration, she was already annoyed with Burning Star for assigning her as apart of security, now she was taking back talk from him?! She was a Princess of Equestria! She deserved respect! Celestia gathered what was left of her patience and said as calmly as possible, "You will treat me with respect, Burning Star." Prince Eclipsio cleared his throat to get everypony's attention. "Hey! We got incoming. Traveller from other dimension is here! Duck!" Eclipsio ducked as did the rest of the alicorns and guard detail as a silver and black blur shot out of the portal propelled by his great metallic wings. Celestia looked up to see the metal-winged being stop mid-flight and crashed down in front of Burning Star in a superhero landing, cracking the very rock below him. The figure in front of Burning Star stood about as tall as him, maybe a few inches shorter. His wings were made of some sort of metal and thrusters were attached to the base of the wings. Burning Star stuck out his hoof for a shake, "Welcome to my dimension, Pony of Vengeance. Please excuse the crowd, but I wanted to make sure this wedding goes along without issue." The figure spoke to Burning Star, his voice scary enough to make the two sisters shiver and the majority of the guard detail to lower their spears. "Well this isn't the first time I've been surrounded by law enforcement, Alicorn of Fire... and it certainly will not be the last." The figure unveiled his cloak and Celestia and Luna's jaw dropped. The figure lacked any flesh or bone of any kind, rather he had some silvery metal shell protecting his inner workings from damage. He stood on his hind legs, his face similar to that of a pony, but much shorter and lacking a long snout. His front legs were tipped with long metal fingers and knife like claws lay upon the fingers for its nails. He spoke again, this time addressing the massive guard detail, "Lower your spears before I chop them faster than you can throw them at me, not like they would do anything to me..." Burning Star signaled for the guards to lower their weapons, which they did with great unease at the sight of this metal monster. Burning Star turned to the guards and the sisters and said, "Mares and Stallions, Princesses and Princes, meet your boss for the next day and a half. Why don't you introduce yourself?" The metal being gave a small wave, "I am Ironheart, the Pony of Vengeance. Burning Star has invited me to this wedding as a special guest, and due to me being who I am, it was strictly on a need to know basis, and you two didn't need to know." Celestia let out an annoyed huff, now she was taking orders?! From a ROBOT?! She finally lost her patience with Burning Star and snapped at him, "ENOUGH! I've had it up to here with this... this... madness! I am Princess Celestia Alicornus, the Princess of the Sun and and one of the ruling monarchs of Equestria! I've humoresque your little... scheme to stay in power for far too long, you wanted to see my warrior side?! Well you are about to get it!" Princess Celestia summoned her halberd and stomped over to Burning Star, who began to reach for his sword. Suddenly, Celestia's halberd was slashed by a flash of an electrical blade, sending the weapon clattering to the floor in two pieces. It was Ironheart! He had drawn his Thunderblade and cut the Princess's weapon without anypony noticing, sheathing the weapon and saying with quite a bit of venom in his voice, "If you two are planning on killing each other, wait until this wedding is over, but we have work to do with our security!" He was pulled aside by Prince Eclipsio who said to the bionic pony, "Ironheart, there are issues that you can't deal with without context, this is one of them." Ironheart pulled himself out of the Eclipse Prince's magical grasp, obviously annoyed by being pulled around by the Alicorn, "Fine. Explain what will happen today in detail on the way to the security room, got it?" Prince Eclipsio nodded, "As you wish, Pony of Vengeance." (Canterlot Castle, Main Hallway, 15 minutes later...) Prince Eclipsio had teleported back to his room, much to Ironheart's impatience, he had come here on the equivalent of a dare by Burning Star. he honestly didn't expect that there would actually be a wedding! Ironheart didn't know much about Shadow Armor's personal life, outside of his letters back and forth between the two, and the Holo-Archives he had developed only repeated info he already knew. So why was he here? What could possibly be so important that he, Ironheart, the freaking Pony of Vengeance, had to be called to another dimension from his own... to assist in the security of a wedding? Ironheart sensed something... off, and he didn't like it. The metallic pony had enough of the secrecy and asked the Prince of Eclipses, "So why am I really here, Eclipsio? Because I don't think that I would be the best wedding guest, since I already said that in my letter to Burning Star 2 months ago..." Eclipsio nodded, "Yes, but 2 months ago a massive God-like being of destruction called Doom Star appeared and Burning Star struck him down, he wanted to make sure he had another being just as powerful as him, just in case something and devastating as that popped up during the wedding." Ironheart raised a nonexistent eyebrow, "Why doesn't he manage security, then? He has dealt with this Doom Star and slaughtered him, I still don't see your point. So, why I was called in to manage security by the hot headed Alicorn?" Prince Eclipsio nervously smiled, "Yeah... that chat you had with him, that was me. I needed you to come on an investigation, since you have just disposed of Count Privilege (by the way well done.) I figured your intellect and ferocity would prove useful for a problem I have encountered." Ironheart's right hand reached for his electric sword slowly as he said, quite frustrated, which was hard to do to the Pony of Vengeance, "You mean I came I came all the way out here for a made-up reason you created in order to employ me to fix some problem you know nothing about? You realize how frustrating this is for me?" He finally drew his electric blade, Eclipsio responded by creating a plasma blade in his left hoof and blocking the swipe from Ironheart seamlessly, leaving a scorch mark on the wall. Ironheart yelled, venom seeping into his voice, "I had my grand design ready for deployment and to you called me away for a CSI case?! You must be joking, right?!" The Prince pushed Ironheart back about 50 feet and stared at Ironheart, his piercing golden gaze matching Ironheart's burning orange and yellow one, "It is not just that, Ironheart. This involves a murder, and a murder in cold blood nonetheless. That is why I called you, you're an expert at disposing of killers and other unsavory criminals that stained your world, I figured this would be right up your alley." Ironheart only heard the words "murderer", "criminal", and "dispose". he said, his interest now piqued, "Alright... what happened?" Eclipsio responded to the metal pony's question with a sigh, "It would be better to show you, but I must get you to the briefing room so you can look over the plans, make adjustments, etc." (Canterlot Castle, Wedding Security Briefing) Ironheart pushed open the door, seeing the various species of ponies. The standard Royal Guard was sitting uncomfortably in their seats, they were represented by the golden armor. What surprised Ironheart was the collection of guards flanking Burning Star and the two sisters. They bore determined expressions and held their weapons relaxed at their sides, great marks of a warrior. They were Earth Ponies, Pegasus, and Unicorns, all were dressed in gold and black armor. The Gold color for Fluer, the Black color for Shadow Armor. The Pony of Vengeance turned his fiery gaze to the guards and said, "So, who are the guards that are ready enough to give their lives for Equestria?" Most of the standard Royal Guard shot their hooves Up, while the black and gold clad soldiers at the front remained motionless. Ironheart looked around at the guards, noticing the change. He activated out one of his machine guns and pointed it at the group, live ammo in the chamber. He altered the question slightly, "Ok then, who is actually willing to do it?" Almost the entirety of the standard Royal Guard shuffled out, leaving the guard detail at the front. Ironheart then flipped the gun's stock around to the guards and tossed the firearm in the air while he pulled out his electric sword and took a swing at Eclipsio. One of the guards grabbed the gun and fired off three rounds into Ironheart. One knocking the weapon out of his hand, one sending the weapon skittering away, and the final to where his lung would be. He did all of this without visibly moving an inch! Ironheart felt no pain from the bullets, he was made of metal, but his systems registered a slight puncture to his chest, the guard that had grabbed the gun had ignited his horn into a plasma blade and sent it right where Ironheart's heart would be... but since he was pretty much indestructible... all it did was pierce his armor. It left all of his vital systems untouched! Ironheart clapped his clawed hands together saying, "Well done, sir. You've managed to disarm and wound me, even though the objective was to kill the attacker. Why didn't you?" The unicorn pulled off his helmet, revealing his face. he said in a , "Because true courage comes from knowing when to take a life, and knowing when to spare one." The Pony of Vengeance picked up his sword and picked up the machine gun, reattaching it to his frame before saying to Prince Eclipsio, "Eclipsio, He is my second in command, soldier... what is your name?" The soldier responded with his name, which rang with dominance, "My comrades call me Frosty because of what I am, but my full name is Frostclaw Melody-Scratch." As he spoke his name, his mane seemed to glow with bright blue light, which took the form of shards of ice that grew from his hair. Ironheart took in the sight, Frostclaw was... odd to say the least. He had the general body shape of a pony, but he was a bit skinner and longer. From his hooves sharp talons were sprouting, and his fur had patches of what looked to be dragon scales near his joints and muscles. His cutie mark was an iceberg with a claw mark in it. Prince Eclipsio stopped the soldier and asked, "What are you, Frosty?" "Frosty" answered with a smirk, "Why Eclipsio, I am in fact not a pony, I am what is referred to as a Kirin. A fusion of pony and dragon blood... I'm originally from overseas, but two mares adopted me." Eclipsio raised one of his eyebrows, "A Kirin? What is a powerful creature like a Kirin doing so far from Neighpon?" Frostclaw shrugged and sighed, "I don't know, us Kirin don't usually go outside Neighpon, I arrived because I sensed a great tragedy about to happen, but it seems I was six weeks too late. Oops..." Ironheart shook his head, "Nothing happens without reason, Frostclaw. Something or somepony drew you to Equestria, what you're really here for is yet to be seen. But for now, you are in charge of these ponies." Frostclaw nodded, "It would be an honor." The Pony of Vengeance looked over the plans of Canterlot Castle, and began to formulate a plan in his internal computer. He finished his thinking and said to the group his plan, "Alright listen carefully. This is how we guard this wedding as effectively as possible." He pointed to the left and right courtyards, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be taking the Royal Guard to the right and left courtyards, Right one for Celestia, Left one for Luna. We will have Unicorn Snipers in the four towers in each tower, connected to the walls that surround the castle." He pointed to Frostclaw and said, "Lieutenant Frostclaw, you will your elite guard and split it into four groups, one for each entrance of the castle. Two groups will take the front entrance, frisk the guests and set up metal detectors. We need absolute confidence that everypony here for this wedding is here for the wedding only." He pointed to the back entrance, "Frostclaw will take the back entrance to the throne room, don't let anypony other than Prince Eclipsio, myself, or the bride and groom." He finished off by saying with venom in his voice, "If anything or anypony approaches that looks Off, you radio in to me. and if the attacker approaches, kill him." The guards nodded and saluted, "Yes sir." Ironheart waved the guards off, "Good, now go! We have a job to do." The Prince and Pony of Vengeance both walked out of the room and towards Eclipsio's vision pool room, the Prince had to show Ironheart the event... Maybe he could figure out what happened... (Vision Pool) Ironheart stepped into a chamber that looked to be carved out of the rock of the mountain Canterlot was built on. He looked around, seeing a glowing pool filled with some sort of Light blue liquid. The same liquid dripped from the ceiling, which had stone spikes hanging from it like it was the mouth of some great beast. Ironheart asked Eclipsio the obvious question, "What is this place, Prince Eclipsio?" The Prince turned and faced Ironheart, a grin across his face, "Welcome to my vision pool, Pony of Vengeance." Ironheart began to speak again, and walked towards the pool in the center, "Im guessing you stand here and observe all that happens in your universe and others?" Eclipsio's jaw dropped, "How did you figure that out? I was about to explain it and stuff..." The Pony of Vengeance looked at the pool's surface, which swirled and writhed with strange symbols and letters. He lowered one of his metal hands to the pool to try and sample the liquid... Eclipsio cried out, "No Ironheart!" Ironheart didn't hear and his hand went into the liquid, and a particular feeling washed over him. Pain... He felt agonizing pain! Ironheart tried to pull his hand out but it was stuck and the liquid was slowly pulling him in! He fired his thrusters and tried to pry his hand away but he only sank deeper. Another feeling washed over him, Fear... Prince Eclipsio activated his magic and pulled as hard as he could, yanking Ironheart out. He crashed into the wall with a bang. Ironheart looked at his hand, and saw something that shocked him. His hand was partially melted... a hand coated in Infisteel and stronger than anything ever made, had nearly melted off... Prince Eclipsio spoke to Ironheart in a annoyed, but worried tone, "What were you thinking? That is a pool of concentrated cosmic energy, Ironheart. Only I can safely handle it, as it is what I do." Eclipsio looked at Ironheart's near-melted hand, he ignited his horn and began to turn back time... Within seconds, Ironheart's hand was repaired! Ironheart stood up slowly, slightly weirded out by what just happened, "So you sit around all day using that to help with your abilities? If it is that powerful, how did you use it all this time?" Eclipsio ignited his horn again, "Well first off... I never enter the pool without magic. You can't survive it without magic on your side..." He placed his Horn into the pool, changing it into the image from last night. He then grasped Ironheart's hand, and the Pony of Vengeance's vision flooded with golden light. Eclipsio finished and Ironheart stood still, before he tipped backwards and fell on his butt. He had just seen the events of the past, and his systems were overloaded from the sheer amount of magic Eclipsio had used. He finally regained his focus and said, "So I was brought here to possibly stop whatever the hell that was?" Eclipsio nodded, "Yes, due to the seriousness of Prince Blueblood's death..." The Pony of Vengeance clenched his fist, "The twit had it coming, Prince Eclipsio." The Prince gave him a deadpan look, "he did, but murder is still murder. You know that more than anypony, Ironheart. I hope you aren't in over your head..." Ironheart clenched his hand around Eclipsio's hoof, saying to him, "I am not, Eclipsio. By the time I'm finished, ponies will bow in my shadow. I need to go to this wedding now to make sure this freak doesn't show up, goodbye." Prince Eclipsio watched as Ironheart ran off, and the Prince said to himself. "Either the world will bow in your shadow, or you will fall in your own..." (Burning Star's Room) Meanwhile across the castle, a mighty roar of frustration came from the room of the Alicorn of Fire. Burning Star stood completely still, extremely uncomfortable as Rarity made the finishing touches on her specialized suit. Because of Burning Star's pyrotechnic abilities, Rarity had to find some sort of fabric or material that was fire-proof, but still looked absolutely amazing with Burning Star's black fur. Eventually she stumbled upon she'd Dragon skin, which she knew was Fireproof, since Spike could dive into molten lava and be completely fine. Granted, Spike was now nearly 20 feet tall and his scales could stop piercing rounds cold... so when he shed his skin, Rarity asked for it and the Dragon happily gave it to her. She took one of Spike's massive shed skins and labored for an entire night sewing and cutting it into an Alicorn-sized suit. "Are you done yet, Rarity? If you aren't I can just wear my armor out." The white unicorn snorted, "Oh pish posh, Burning Star. You're armor may be strong and reliable, but the orange and red just doesn't match your fur, it makes your red Mane stand out too much, too much red. You need a lighter color to contrast your dark coat." She set the last stitch in and put the finishing touches on the shirt, before saying. "I'm finished! Come take a look, darling." Burning Star waddled over to Rarity, his metal hoofguards making clinking sounds on the hard marble floor. The Alicorn looked over Rarity's head and saw the suit, and despite the delay, he liked it. His suit was colored a creamy white with purple lining that still had the same dragon scale pattern to it. Down its back and underneath the suit were green flaps that were the openings for his wings and legs, which stretched out as he slipped into the suit. Burning Star took a trot around the room, testing whether or not the suit was comfortable. He said to Rarity, "Alright, Rarity. Extraordinary comfort and style, but can it survive this?" The unicorn bit her lip. "Here we go, the final test." she thought to herself. Even though Spike had told her that his skin was fireproof, can it survive the heat of a star? Burning Star flared his mane and ignited his fur, turning it a blazing orange until he was completely engulfed in flames. His fire made the suit glow slightly, but it was holding up! When the Alicorn extinguished himself, the suit was still in one piece, with not a scorch or burn mark on it! Burning Star whistled in surprise, "Awesome! I finally have a dress suit that is fire-proof, what is this made of, Rarity?" Rarity relaxed and said, "Oh, it's made with dragonskin that Spike gave me. It seems to have worked wonders, you didn't incinerate another set of clothes, and you're finally dress appropriately for this wedding." The unicorn was suddenly swept up in a hug from Burning Star, "Thanks so much, Rarity. This means a lot to me. Any way I can repay you?" Rarity waved her hoof, "Oh don't bother, dear. I'm always willing to help my friends, even if it took me a day and a half to get this done, it was worth it just to see you smile... and with clothes on." Feeling excited, Burning Star rushed out the door, a wave of heat flying through the hall as he sped towards the throne room. He thought to himself, "Rarity may had said it was for nothing, but I am a stallion who keeps his promises. I wonder if she wants an interview with the Royal Tailor?" He put those thoughts to the side as he entered the throne room, seeing the vast family of Fluer De Lis, who had decided to invite them all... All 150 members... which meant more guests, and that meant more security, and it eventually just lead to more stress on his mind. Burning Star walked over to Princess Celestia, who stood in the corner, checking her radio for any news on intruders. The Alicorn of Fire asked Celestia, "Any news from your squad, Celly?" She shook her radio, "Nothing so far, it's all just affirmations that they are in position." He nodded, "Brilliant, I have to go check the guard center, see who is where and such one more time..." Celestia grabbed Burning Star's hoof and pulled him to face her before saying, "Burning Star? Is something the matter? I'm sorry if I... exploded back when I met your friend, but I was frustrated that you were not telling us of another breach of our fabric of reality." The Alicorn of Fire nodded and looked to the door, "Yeah thanks for apologizing but I really have to go..." The Princess raised an eyebrow, "You seem tense, Is something wrong that I can help with?" Burning Star looked at Celestia, seeing the caring expression on her face, before sighing "Ugh... yes. I'm worried that something bad is going to happen again. We already know that our dimension can be accessed by outsiders, who is to say that another trans-dimensional monster will pop in and ruin this wedding that Twilight and I worked so hard to arrange?" Celestia cupped the black pony's face, "Calm down, Burning Star. You have done everything you can, Canterlot Castle is sealed tighter than a drum and Canterlot is currently protected by one of Shining Armor's shields, if anything even gets in here they would have to fight through dozens of the most elite military we have at our disposal. Not to mention, they would have to defeat me and Luna. As well as you, the Masters of Nature and the Elements of Harmony before they'd make it to the altar. I believe that we are safe, so calm yourself." Burning Star took a breath, then said, "Alright... Maybe I've got the wedding jitters Shadow Armor doesn't appear to have." Princess Celestia pointed to Shadow Armor, who was standing at the side of the Altar, Prince Eclipsio standing in front of it. "That is because he has confidence in your abilities, and the abilities of the guards that serve under him." The music started playing, and Burning Star flew into his seat, followed by Celestia and Luna, who had just entered from the central door. The central door opened, and Fluer was led out by her father, the Duke of De Lis, Prance. He was a unicorn with gray fur and a dark purple Mane that showed gray lines due to his age. Shadow Armor looked at his bride to be, seeing her draped in a stunning white dress decorated in flowery swirls. He said to himself, awestruck, "Holy Faust, she looks amazing. Rarity and Coco really outdone themselves again." Fluer finally made it to the altar and smiled as she stared at Shadow Armor, who was dressed in his ceremonial armor, due to not having a suit. Eclipsio was about to speak when suddenly the center door burst open and in flew Ironheart, who landed in front of the crowd, earning a few worried mutters and some gasps. He looked around at the crowd and said, a small smirk on his face, "Oh don't mind me, I don't mean to interrupt this ceremony, I'm just late. Go back to your adoration of the soon to be married couple, I'll be over here with the Groom's family." A few worried mumbles echoed throughout the crowd as Ironheart's imposing form sat down in his seat in the front row near the right door. He was sitting next to Quickfire, Crimson Mane, and Hiller. Despite his own Issues, He found the three of them stupidly tolerable of his unpleasant attitude. Prince Eclipsio signaled for everypony to be silent, and began to speak. "Hello, and welcome to this joyous day. A day where we celebrate the wonderful love between Shadow Armor and Fluer De Lis, and the beginning of their journey in marriage. Now, the concept of marriage implies joining two ponies who are deeply in love with each other, and wish to promise that their love will last forever. Through joy and sorrow, through anger and calm, through any occasion until the end of time." He continued, flaring his wings out. "Before we start, I would like to tell you all the reason you were all inspected so throughly as you arrived. The family of the groom has felt that this wedding should go on without interruption by forces beyond our control, so if you see guards walking around, know that they are there to protect you all." The crowd shot A few worried glances towards the metal organism that sat at the front row, Eclipsio noticed this and said, "If you all are concerned about my friend here, he is simply here for assistance in our security measures." He cleared his throat, "Now then, shall we begin?" (Canterlot Air Space) The Royal Guard's Pegasus division was busy patrolling the skies above Canterlot, looking for any rouge fliers. They found none, and a majority decided to relax on clouds that they had pulled up with them. The Wonderbolts were also called in as well for a show after the wedding, they had brought an pair of their assault airships with them, just to be sure. Suddenly, a flash of light appeared in the sky... slowly getting brighter. Spitfire, the head of the Wonderbolts, heard the crack of a sonic boom as something pierced through a cloud Off in the distance. "What in Celestia's name?" She said, before turning and speaking to Soarin, "I thought Rainbow Dash was at the wedding?" Soarin took a look at the object approaching the city, and it was approaching FAST. Soarin responded to Spitfire, "Well that may be her... I'd have to check with the Princess." Spitfire raised an eyebrow, "You're right Rainbow Dash doesn't go... that fast..." Spitfire pulled out the binoculars and saw that the object was on a collision course with them! She rushed over to the radio and practically screamed, "ALL WONDERBOLTS! ABANDON SHIP, I REPEAT ABANDON SHIP! We have a UFP approaching, on a collision course..." It was too late, Spitfire watched in horror as the figure pierced the first shield around the city and crashed into the other airship, which exploded in an inferno of smoke and flames. The figure stopped dead and charged their ship, they had no time to react as he smashed the ship to bits, sending the Wonderbolts flailing wildly into the open sky. Thankfully, a group of the Royal Guard broke their fatal fall and landed roughly in the front courtyard. The figure that just blew them out of the sky just floated down to the ground, hovering in midair and not moving. Spitfire reached for her radio and called in, "This is the Wonderbolts, we have an intruder." Frostclaw just so happened to be on the other line, "Copy Wonderbolts, this is Frostclaw, is intruder hostile?" Spitfire snorted into the radio, "it just blew our airships out of the sky, of course he is hostile!" Frostclaw repsonded, "Copy Wonderbolts, reporting to the Princesses, reinforcements shall be at your location shortly." The figure thought to himself, "Call your allies, it matters not how many you bring... because I will exterminate you, no matter how many you throw at me..." Frostclaw called Princess Luna, "Luna, this is Lieutenant Frostclaw, get your sister and get to the front courtyard, we have an uninvited guest. He is hostile and dangerous, bring your guard detail." Frostclaw radioed the general security network, "All available units, arm yourselves and get to the front courtyard, we have a confimed hostile intruder." Princess Celestia and Luna got the call and slowly stepped out of the room. Ironheart noticed this, ignoring the long winded speech Eclipsio was making. "Well it appears we have company..." He thought to himself as he excused himself and left the room. Once he was out of sight, he patched into the radio network, hearing the call for help and the mention of an intruder. He responded to the call, "This is Ironheart, what the hell is going on out there?" Frostclaw replied, "Intruder in the front courtyard, sir. He just blew up the Wonderbolts airships, we have Celestia and Luna on their way here now. I will call you in if we need help." Ironheart snapped back, he was not one to let words stop him, "Negative, Frosty. I will be there in five." The Pony of Vengeance clenched his firearms, ignited his wings, and blasted off down the hall leading to the courtyard. He activated his internal computer and began to charge his weapons from his internal power core. It was time to show this jerk why he was called the Pony of Vengeance... (Canterlot Castle, Front Courtyard) Princess Celestia and Luna stood at the edge of the stairs leading down to the courtyard, the mysterious figure floating motionless in the air in front of them. The figure was a Stallion based on the body shape, although everything else about him was concealed underneath the black armor he was wearing. Only his bright blue eyes were seen, they were glowing like eerie lights. Princess Luna spoke to the figure, her magical grasp on her broadsword, "Identity yourself, intruder." The figure spoke, his voice warm, but with an icy coldness to it, "I am a warrior who has come to witness this marriage, as well as other things I mean to take care of." Celestia pointed her halberd at the figure, "And what are those other things?" The figure descended onto the ground and stood on his hind legs, saying in a frighteningly calm voice, "You're death..." The guards charged the stallion down, who flicked his hooves outward. The gauntlets he wore suddenly changed into magic casters that mowed down the soldiers that approached him, reducing their bodies to powder. Another guard managed to approach under the hail of magic fire and swung a Axe at the figure. The figure suddenly extended a Blade from his other hoof and cut the guard's horn off, before jabbing it into his neck and slicing it across, decapitating him. His head rolled underneath the figure, who then crushed it into a bloody mess. Celestia shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice and ran forward, "Charge!" The entirety of the Royal Guard and Twilight Guard ran at the figure, who smirked under his helmet. "Now, Shall we begin?" The figure smashed into the onslaught of guards and the two Alicorns, and the battle began. It was nothing but a slaughter for the sisters... (Canterlot Castle, Throne Room) Meanwhile, the ceremony went on. "Today is a day to celebrate the union of Shadow Armor and Fluer De Lis in the bonds of marriage. The bride and groom have asked me to recite vows for them." Eclipsio to Shadow Armor, "Shadow Armor, Black Knight of Equestria. Do you take Fluer De Lis to be your lawfully wed wife? To have and to hold, For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Shadow Armor responded, his voice filled with pride. "I do." Burning Star sat in his seat, shedding a rare tear in happiness for his friend. (Courtyard) The battle was going so wrong for the Princesses, It wasn't even a battle, it was a slaughter. The figure finally emptied his canisters of ammo. by the time he dropped his arms, nearly entire guard detail lay dead or dying, Celestia and Luna themselves had been sliced and stabbed numerous times. They had hit this... thing with weapons and spells that could crack even the mightiest of armor, but to no avail. He picked up the two of them by their necks and said, "If you two are wondering why I didn't kill you, it is because i still need you." Celestia managed a weak response, "Y-You monster, you slaughter dozens of soldiers... just to get at us?" The figure replied, "They are casualties of war, simple numbers. They can be replaced, you two can't... it's the only reason why you two are still alive." Luna struggled against the figure's iron grasp, somehow this thing possessed the strength to overpower an Alicorn! "What do you want from u-us, demon?" The lunar princess said, trying desperately to escape his grasp. Her response was a crushing headbutt that knocked her out, "You call me a demon? You were Nightmare Moon... the Mare in the Moon, the being that cast eternal night upon this world. You are just as bad as me..." He delivered the same blow to Celestia, before saying, "Let's go home..." Ironheart swiftly burst through the door leading to the courtyard and saw the figure gripping the two Princesses's neck. While he was normally against the sisters, this was wrong. Ironheart aimed his rifle barrel at the figure as he tried to take off with the two princesses and fired. The metal slug hit the head of the figure, causing him to turn his head, revealing a set of icy blue eyes as frightening as his own Burning orange ones. He shouted at the creature, "Put the princesses down, or you will regret it..." Ironheart saw the figure slowly float down and drop the Princesses in a nearby bush, before saying to Ironheart. "Ah, So the Pony of Vengeance decided to show his metal mug. I expected this wedding to be locked down, but if you're here, then my enemy has quite a heavy case of paranoia." Ironheart pointed his rifle arm and the figure and growled, his metallic voice speaking like some sort of demon from Tartarus, "He isn't paranoid, he is quite smart. Something you're not, apparently." The figure tilted his head slightly, tipping Ironheart off to his next attack, as the figure threw a large knife at him. The Pony of Vengeance shot one of his razor sharp feathers at the knife, they collided midair and he lunged at the figure. The two ironclad warriors drew their melee weapons, Ironheart's electric blade, and this figures flaming blade. The two clashed, neither giving an inch, even as Ironheart sent his elbow into the armored stallion, who responded with a powerful flipping bicycle kick that struck the Pony of Vengeance in the jaw. The figure leapt in the air and sneered, "I don't have time for you, weakling. All you have done has hidden behind a metal shell, take that off, and you're still the weak and helpless pony you really are..." Ironheart lost it and sent a rocket powered punch to the figure, who caught his blow flawlessly. The figure said to him, "And you will get no sympathy from me..." (Throne Room) The Prince of Eclipses spoke to Fluer next, "I ask the same to you. do you, Fluer De Lis, take Shadow Armor to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Fluer answered with a joyous, "I do." Eclipsio closed the book in front of him, "Then by the power invested in me by Faust and any other God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Shadow Armor grabbed Fluer and kissed her deeply, sending everypony into a frenzy of cheers and claps. Burning Star smiled warmly, then his hearing picked up something off... A crashing sound... He looked out one of the windows to see the shield around the castle break as a object hurtled towards the window. "Everypony get down!" He shouted as he put up a barrier around the crowd and the now married couple. Ironheart flew through the window and crashed into the altar, before the figure flew in and mockingly clapped his hooves. "Bravo, congratulations Shadow Armor and Fluer De Lis... too bad your death comes today." He pulled a large magic Cannon from his gauntlet and said, "Now die for me." Burning Star fired a shot of flames at the figure, it didn't do much, but it covered the room in smoke. He shouted to everypony, "Everypony, go with the Masters of Nature and Elements of Harmony, they will was you to safety!" Twilight turned to Burning Star, grasping his shoulder and said, "And where do you think you are going?" Burning Star removed her hoof and replied with a determined face, "I am going to help Ironheart, get everypony out of here. Stay safe, don't worry about me. I'm not gonna die today..." Burning Star took off towards Ironheart, who had gotten to his feet and he spit out some blood caught in his face plates. He said to Burning Star, "Get behind me, Burning Star. I've got this." Burning Star shook his head, "I'm not going anywhere." The Pony of Vengeance sneered, and said with venom in his voice, "Fine. Then stay out of my line of fire." The smoke finally cleared and the sound of spinning gun barrels was heard. The figure looked down to see Ironheart and his miniguns locked on him. The figure smirked, and said to them. "Bring it on, you two." Ironheart made some sort of unholy roar as he loosed round after round of hot steel bullets into the figure, they impacted his armor and left dents and scratches, but there was no flinch from the figure. Burning Star unleashed a beam of red hot flames that engulfed the figure... no damage! Burning Star took to the air, so did Ironheart, and the two of them stared down the figure. The Alicorn of Fire shouted to the figure, "Who the hell are you?" The figure made a mock bow and spoke in the most casual of tone, "I am your next and final opponent. I am the ultimate life form... I AM BLACK SUN." Black Sun picked up the two unconscious bodies of the Princesses and smirked under his mask as he spoke, "As you can see, I've aquired my targets... now I just have to take care of any witnesses." Ironheart's instincts were telling him that something was off about this... Black Sun. Something... unnatural to him. The Pony of Vengeance tackled Black Sun mid Flight and jabbed his electric blade into his chest. He increased the power until it pierced his armor and went through Black Sun, the Blade embedded in him up to the hilt. Black Sun made no cry of pain or frustration, he simply pushed Ironheart off of him and stood up. With a smooth motion, he pulled the deadly sword out of his chest and threw it back to Ironheart, who caught it. Black Sun looked at him, then let out a small laugh. "As I said, weak and pathetic... even in your new body. Now, I will show you just how outclassed you are..." Suddenly, a large sword went across Black Sun's masked face, causing blood to drip down it. It was Burning Star! He had sent his own sword into Black Sun's face, and the armored stallion was bleeding! Black Sun took a look at Burning Star, then at Ironheart. He then snarled, "Well played, Alicorn of Fire and Pony of Vengeance... you have won this round. But we will meet again, when the time and place is right, so crawl away and reflect on how you failed so badly to stop me..." Black Sun took off and flew outside, picking up the bodies of the Princesses and flying north. Before he flew off, he fired a explosive ball of magic into the roof of the castle, causing the entirety of it to fall down. Before they were crushed, Burning Star put up a red magic shield and half the castle crumbled on them, burying them in rubble. When the dust settled, a loud bang was heard as the Pony of Vengeance fired his rocket launcher into the rocks above. The two jumped out, caked with dust and blood. Burning Star snapped at the metal pony, "Eclipsio told me everything before the wedding, I didn't know Eclipsio called you here for this... monster. I thought you were here to help with security, which you did." Burning Star tossed Ironheart a distortion orb and said, "Ironheart, go home. This isn't your fight, and it's not your world. Let me deal with this on my own..." Ironheart responded with a slightly annoyed tone, "What? You're telling me to leave? Why?" The Alicorn scowled, "I don't want you to kill somepony that isn't meant for you. This... Black Sun is my enemy now." Ironheart was about to protest, but he understood, "You don't want to put any more blood on my hands that I don't deserve?" The Alicorn of Fire nodded, "Yeah. This was a horrible decision, the wedding. I knew something would go wrong... I'm such an idiot." He felt a cold metal hand upon his shoulder, it was Ironheart's! The Pony of Vengeance said to Burning Star in his abnormally emotional tone, "Go tear him apart, I'm... sorry this didn't go well for you. Tell your friends I said hello..." Ironheart smashed the Distortion orb and flew off, thinking to himself as he entered the portal. "How in the name of Faust did he know who I was?" (Castle Barracks, 10 minutes later...) The Elements of Harmony, Masters of Nature, and the other VIPs sat quietly, a wall of soldiers in front of them ready to defend. Prince Eclipsio arrived in a flash of light and said, audible worry in his voice. "We have a problem..." Burning Star flashed in and interrupted Eclipsio, "A damn big one. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been kidnapped." A wave of panic washed over the ponies, followed by screams and many ponies fainting. Many questions were shouted out. "Who did it?" "What happened?" "Why did this happen?!" The Alicorn of Fire slammed his hooves down and his Mane flared, "SILENCE!" The crowd went silent, and the Alicorn continued, "Thank you. Now as I was saying, as of right now, Princess Celestia and Luna have been kidnapped by a pony known as Black Sun. Me and my associate attempted to stop and peruse him, but he has dropped out of visual sight." A hoof went up, "Will we ever see them again? Are you planning to rescue them?" Prince Eclipsio nodded, "Yes, but due to Black Sun dropping off my field of vision, I can only assume he has gone to a world I cannot see at the moment." Burning Star added in, "He said that we should reflect on how we failed so... badly..." The answer stuck Burning Star, and he whispered to Eclipsio. "The mirror world! Go!" The two Alicorns disappeared, leaving the majority of the party in shock. (Crystal Empire, Mirror chamber) Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio appeared in a flash of light, just to see Black Sun toss Celestia and Luna into the mirror. Black Sun noticed them and said in his frightening voice, "Oh good, you're here. Just in time to see me leave with your princesses." Prince Eclipsio attempted to grab Black Sun with his magic, but a knife to the chest sent Eclipsio sprawling in pain. Burning Star tackled the armored figure and delivered a hammering strike with his front hooves... no reaction... Black Sun wrapped his back legs around Burning Star's neck and flung him away, saying, "Nice try, but it isn't your time to die yet. You're lucky I'm busy, Burning Star... or I would have killed you and everypony at that stupid wedding." "Life... Liberty, Happiness it's nothing but mistakes upon your kind and my kind, I intend to fix that. Permanently. And the best part? You can't stop me." Black Sun jumped into the portal and dropped a grendade, which exploded and blew the mirror to bits. Prince Eclipsio got up to see the mirror shatter, and his heart sank. He said to the Black Alicorn, "Its destroyed... we can't catch him." The Alicorn of Fire smirked, "Can we? You said that my time to return to my home was arriving soon, I believe this is the time. Let's go back to Canterlot and tell our allies the plan." (Canterlot Castle, Front Courtyard) Somehow, the Masters of Nature and Elements of Harmony got the guests back to their hotels and homes, assuring them that Burning Star with return with the princesses. At least, that is what they hoped... Prince Eclipsio teleported to the courtyard, only to immediately to be punched by Shadow Armor. "Really? REALLY?! My wedding day and you two and that Ironheart turn it into a war zone?! Also, what are we going to do about that thing?!" Prince Eclipsio got to his feet and began to speak to the group, "Stallions and Mares, stay calm. Our best bet now is to stay strong and form a plan should this thing return. We know where he went... the mirror world." Twilight raised an eyebrow, "The mirror world? And you didn't follow him?" Burning Star hung his head, "He destroyed the mirror before I could catch him... but we have another, albeit risky option." Wind Walker stepped forward and added In, "Which is what?" Eclipsio held up a fragment of he mirror in his magic, "I can open a portal to the mirror world. The only problem is that, unless my magic works there, it's only one way." The group started to panic, before Burning Star stomped his hooves and shouted, "Quiet! Twilight has told me about the mirror world and I'm sure she has told you all of some of the events there as well... if Eclipsio's estimations are correct the mirror world is about 10 years behind our world, and since it is behind us in time it means that we have an advantage over this thing!" He continued, taking to the air, "I am prepared to travel to this world and take the fight to this figure, kill him, and return with the Princesses. However, does anypony want to accompany me? you are more than welcome to." Eclipsio finished by saying, "this task no small about of bravery and fighting prowess. This is possibly the most dangerous mission we have ever gone on, I'm going with Burning Star, who else?" A pony stepped forward, it was Shadow Armor! The Black Knight scowled, "I'm going. No one ruins my freaking wedding, attacks my friends, and kidnaps the two important figures of our race. Who else?" A clawed hoof reached up, it was Frostclaw! Frostclaw stepped forward, speaking as his mane sparked with icy energy. "I'm going as well. I see now that This is the reason why i came here." He turned to his parents, Octavia and Vinyl, and said. "I love you, moms. But I have to go save the day... it's my job to protect you two." Octavia tried to protest, but her adoptive sons face silenced her. A hoof shot up, it belonged to Twilight. "I'm coming with you, you need me." She said, her eyes narrowed. Burning Star pushed her hoof down, "No, Twilight. You need to manage the kingdom in Celestia and Luna's absence. I'll be fine, trust me." Burning Star looked around, seeing no other hooves held up. Then, Burning Star said to the crowd, "For now, go about your daily lives. We will get Celestia back, I promise." Twilight ran up to Burning Star and hugged him, "Please come back to me, Star. Be careful out there." The Alicorn of fire smirked, "You know I'm not gonna die while you're still around, Twilight. You need me and I need you, don't worry, ok? I got this." With that, Eclipsio, Shadow Armor, Frostclaw, and Burning Star warped off to Burning Stars Room. (Burning Star's room) Burning Star teleported back to his room and ran straight for his closet, tearing out a large trunk and placing it in the center of the room. He huddled together with the three stallions and said, "Ok, we go through with this, we may not come back. You all sure about this?" Frostclaw chimed in, "We sorta rushed through the goodbyes? Why?" Shadow Armor answered him, "With every minute Black Sun gets farther and farther away. We needed to hurry, Frostclaw." The three ponies nodded, and Eclipsio opened a portal from the mirror shard. He signaled to them, "Then let's go..." Eclipsio stepped into the portal first, followed by Frostclaw and Shadow Armor. Burning Star stood staring at the portal, thinking to himself. "Im coming for you Black Sun, no one messes with my home." With that, Burning Star jumped into the portal and it shut in a flash of light. Chapter 2: A "Homo Equestrian"(Somewhere in the vastness of Space-time...) The group was falling, falling, falling. In short, they were falling down into some sort of void, much to the terror of the Alicorn of Fire. Burning Star was falling like a rock into a abyss of blue and gray, flapping his wings to no avail and trying to control his descent. He was not afraid of heights, rather he was afraid of crashing... Prince Eclipsio floated next to him and yelled over the rushing air, "Relax yourself, Burning Star! This is no different then when we crossed dimensions to deal with Doom Star! But out of curiosity, Why are you freaking out?" The Fire pony screamed at the top of his lungs, "BECAUSE IM FALLING AND I CANNOT FLY, YOU IDIOT! DO SOMETHING!" Frostclaw was also falling beside the Alicorns and said to them, "The reason you cannot fly is because there is no air for your wings to catch a lift on." The Kirin snaked around seamlessly while free falling, "I don't need air to fly, I use my body to glide on waves of light! If you are worried about your flying skills, then use rocket propulsion!" Prince Eclipsio asked the kirin, "How did you know that?!" Frostclaw shrugged, "I figured it out as we entered the portal. I assumed that you had surrounded us in a bubble of breathable air amongst the airless vacuum of inter-dimensional space, but since there is-" He was cut off by Burning Star yelling, "SAVE ME NOW! LECTURE ME LATER!" Frostclaw sighed and then responded with, "Ignite your wings Burning Star and force flames out of the feathers, that should create a stabilizing thrust." Burning Star ignited his wings and funneled as much of his fire abilities into them, his falling speed stabilized. Shadow Armor scowled as he fell with great difficulty, as unicorns (specifically himself) were not suited for flying. For this reason he preferred teleportation or riding in a chariot pulled by the Pegasus. He also so happened to be underneath Burning Star when he ignited his wings. he was scorched black from the heat and flames of the Alicorn of Fire's "stabilizing thrust." He managed to claw his way towards Burning Star and said to him, his face covered in burnt fur. "I hope you don't try that again, or at least try it when I'm not underneath you..." The Alicorn of Fire smiled sheepishly, "Whoops... sorry." The Black Knight floated over to Eclipsio with a even bigger scowl on his face, before asking him an obvious question. "Ok, we are traveling to this mirror world... that is great and all. But how are we supposed to get there if we are freefalling at terminal velocity?! You think of that, Prince?!" Eclipsio shrugged, "I didn't expect the way to this mirror world to be so long. if physics will cooperate with me, we should be slowing down... now." Almost on command, the four stallions slowed to a halt in front of a group of many portals that lay scattered about the space-time bridge. Eclipsio signaled for the group to hold up and he said, "Stay here, I'm going to check which one is the right one..." Eclipsio began walking towards a red and pink portal, which he stuck his head into. The Prince of Eclipses's head stuck out of the portal, which let out into a desolate wasteland that looked vaguely like Equestria. A explosion went off as Eclipsio saw a gray unicorn with a brown mane duck behind some rubble and fire her horn numerous times in the other direction. Eclipsio wondered where he was... then he noticed her dark blue jumpsuit with yellow lines. He pulled his head out and spoke to the group, "Not that one. That one leads to the Fallout E. Universe. It's not a pleasant place to be. You don't want to know what's on the other side..." Frostclaw raised his front leg, "Out of curiosity, What is on the other side?" The Prince's tone grew grim as he said, "On the other side of that portal lies a version of Equestria that has been blasted to hell by multiple nuclear explosions sent by many different countries, including our own." Frostclaw padded the ground and responded with a curt nod, "Now I see why you didn't want to talk about it..." Shadow Armor raised an eyebrow and said, "Prince Eclipsio, with all due respect, do actually you know WHICH portal is the correct one?" Shadow Armor's words fell on deaf ears as the prince stuck his head in another portal. His head emerged in what looked to be a grassy plain of some sort, large loops and oddly shaped pillars of soil stuck out of the ground. The Prince decided to step into the dimension and thought to himself, "I wonder where I am? Judging from the odd landscape I could be somewhere in Gryphonstone, but there is too much green here." The prince heard the sound of what was likely a jet engine as a large, sphere shaped object whizzed overhead. Eclipsio looked at the occupant, it was a large hairless primate wearing a red military jacket. His face had a large brown mustache, and a pair of goggles sat on his bald head. Another sound was heard, a sonic boom. Prince Eclipsio ducked out of the way of a blue blur that collided with the round hovercraft. It ran circles around it before sending another tackle to the vehicle. The Prince pulled his head out of the portal just before he was shredded by a giant saw of some kind that swung from the round hovercraft. Eclipsio signaled for the group to follow him, and they trotted after him at a slow pace. As they walked, Frostclaw was trying to mingle with Shadow Armor, and failing hard. The Kirin spoke to the Black Knight nervously, "Sir, can I speak with you in private?" Shadow Armor rolled his eyes at the term "sir" before saying, "Fine. You do not need to call me sir, Frostclaw. We are off-world so there is no need for formalities. Also, we don't have any privacy here, but I doubt that Burning Star or Prince Eclipsio will care what we are speaking about." The kirin bowed his head, "Sorry, I'm so used to being in the Royal Guard that I've not gotten much time to go... as you say... "mingle" with other ponies." That comment made the Knight raise an eyebrow, "What do you mean? Don't you take breaks?" The Kirin replied with a curt shake of his head, "No." "Vacations?" "No." "Any sort of rest of any kind?" The Kirin shook his head yet again before saying, "I don't require much sleep to function effectively. I'm part Dragon after all, so I can work for days on end without feeling tired. I've never needed a day off in the six months I've been working in Canterolt, and the six months I worked in the Crystal Empire." Shadow Armor was slightly surprised, slightly pitying by this guards blind dedication. "How can you work for so long? Even that Dragon assistant spike has to rest during the night, what makes you different?" The knights question fell on deaf ears as he spotted Frostclaw passed out on the floor, Fast asleep. He sighed to himself, "Great he worked himself too hard and now he is asleep. How am I supposed to move him if my magic doesn't work here?" Burning Star walked quickly after the prince before he heard the sound of snoring and various grunts of frustration. He stopped and looked down to see Shadow Armor trying to lift Frostclaw on to his back with his hooves, but it ended up pinning him to the floor under his weight. The Alicorn of Fire chuckled as he said, "Shadow Armor? Why is Frostclaw sleeping? More importantly, why is he sleeping on you?" Shadow Armor spat back, anger very prevalent in his voice, "He didn't fall asleep on me, Burning Star. I'm trying to lift him up and carry his body to wherever the Prince is going." The Alicorn of Fire's face twisted into a smirk, "Well he seems to have pinned you down to the floor. You want my help?" "NO! I'm perfectly... perfectly... (Faust how much does he weigh?) fine carrying him. I do not need your help, fire pony." Shadow Armor barked, still struggling to lift the Kirin. Burning Star sighed and scooped up the both of them on to his back and said while holding back a snicker, "If you don't want to walk, I'll carry you two myself. Alright?" His response was an angry frown from the Black Knight. "This is horribly embarrassing, you know..." After about 10 minutes of walking, Eclipsio stopped in front of another portal, colored blue and white with a reflective surface to it. This was the mirror world! The Prince turned around to see Burning Star slogging behind him, carrying Shadow Armor and Frostclaw on his back. The strain was clearly getting to him, even though he was an Alicorn. Prince Eclipsio pointed to the mirror portal and said, "Here we are, The mirror world, the one where it all started..." The Alicorn of Fire interrupted, "and the dimension Black Sun fled to. He won't get far, not as long as I'm still breathing." Burning Star took a step forward and put one hoof in the portal, "What are you three waiting around for? Some kind of invitation? We have a warmongering psychopath to catch!" With that, the Alicorn of Fire jumped into the portal, leaving the Black Knight bewildered. "Why is he so eager to go? Even Pinkie isn't that excited about travel... actually she is. She is excited about pretty much everything, although I do not know why." The Prince put a hoof on Shadow Armor's head and said, "Its Pinkie Pie, you will live longer if you don't question it. Not even the laws of physics can stop her. I should know, I was peacefully meditating in my own pocket dimensions, and she pops out of the barrel I was sitting on to invite me to a party. Needless to say I screamed and I may or may not have disintegrated a small village during my panic..." Shadow Armor gave an amused snort of laughter, "The stoic Prince Eclipsio frightened by a simple pink earth pony? I'll be telling stories about that for a long time." Prince Eclipsio rolled his eyes and grabbed Frostclaw's unconscious body. He stepped through the portal, followed shortly by Shadow Armor. Burning Star felt his body changing shape as the magic of the mirror portal began to transform him into what Twilight referred to as "homo sapiens." Although since he was coming from Equestria at the time, perhaps "Homo Equestrian" was more appropriate. The three other ponies felt their bodies change as well, Frostclaw waking up to his change as he screamed in unusual terror. (Mirror World, Canterlot High Statue) With a sudden pop and a painful smack, Burning Star was thrown out of the portal at blinding speed. He landed face first in the dirt, his hair caked with soil. It was night time, the perfect time for the group to arrive. There would be little to no witnesses, and that meant that the group could conduct its chase of this metal-clad monster in peace. Perfect time, not a perfect entrance however... "Damn... thought my enterance would have been smoother. Oh well, let's take a look at myself." he thought as he turned to the reflective statue. Burning Star's human appearance was one of a a young man, probably about 18 years old. His deep blue eyes and flaming red hair were still present, but his hair was no longer on fire (which would most likely cause some alarm if it was) and it hung down the back of his neck in a shaggy mess of red and orange. Despite having black fur as a pony, his skin was white with a slight tan. The tan probably coming from his fire powers. He was currently dressed in the camouflage hoodie and dark blue jeans he had brought to Equestria all those years ago... and they still fit perfectly. He also wore a maroon-colored athletic shirt under his hoodie. It was emblazoned with his mark, the five pointed star of flames. He had a brown braided leather belt around his waist and a messenger's satchel hanging across his chest on his right side. He wore black slip on sneakers that felt extremely comfy on his newly formed feet. On his back lay "Deicide", his signature sword. A sword he hoped he could plunge deep into Black Sun's supposedly painless body, numerous times. It was sheathed in the former scabbard of his Godslayer Cleaver, since the weapon would be to damn heavy to lug around as a human. He was too busy admiring his reflection when his three other comrades flew out of the portal and crashed into him, pinning him underneath three other ponies turned humans. Shadow Armor was the first to get up, saying to the still pinned Burning Star with a smirk on his face, "Not so fun when the shoe is on the other... hoof... what the hell happened to me?!" The former Alicorn of Fire said, "You're no longer a pony, you are now a human." Shadow Armor tried to stand but fell on his butt as he tried to get used to being two-legged. He roared out, "I can see that but, Look at me!" The Black Knight looked in the mirror and observed his human form, which to Burning Star was quite appropriate. His skin was also pale like Burning Star's except it was unhealthy white from being inside too long. He wore a simple black-red cloth tunic with gray pieces of body armor being pronounced visibly on the clothing. He concluded that his clothing reflected that he was a knight, and it was confirmed when he saw he was wearing gray shorts lined with more padding. His hair was a deep red, almost maroon and was cut short on the sides, but left long on the top. This molded it into a almost eraser-like mohawk style. His eyes were the same shade of red, and you could see the fury behind them. On his back was a backpack that contained a vast assortment of knives and other weapons, it also had a stitch of his Razor Sword mark on the main pouch. He wore two dark red fingerless gloves with forest green cuffs on them, most likely a reference to the forest green streaks in his mane when he was a pony. Why these didn't show up in his hair, he had no clue. Maybe the universe didn't want him to be called "Christmas mane", as Fluer began to mockingly call him. He felt around until he found a pair of sunglasses in one of his pockets, which he immediately put on to cover his red eyes and shield himself from any questions of what was wrong with his eyes. But factoring in all his quirks, he looked pretty badass! The black knight thought to himself, "Well I thought I would look rather edgy, which I do... but it's the GOOD edgy. It's not the moody temperamental brat edgy, it's a "I've seen some crap" edgy." Shadow Armor saw that Burning Star was standing on his feet and said to him, "I cant get up, I have fallen and I can't get up?! Burning Star... How come you're so used to this?" The former Alicorn of Fire responded, "Shadow, I do most of my fighting on my hind legs, using my wings as balance for my body. Due to all this upright standing, I find this easy. if you need balance, stick out your arms and stand up." Shadow Armor tried to stand, his arms spread wide, and he did. He wobbled in place for a few seconds, but he finally was standing upright. The Equestrian of Fire leaned in and wiggled his eyebrows as he said, "You're welcome by the way..." He got a growl from Shadow Armor, "I would have figured it out eventually... I didn't need your help." Eclipsio was the next to wake up, and he gasped at his change in appearance. While he expected his humanoid body to be different... He didn't expect such a "Drastic" change Since he had chrome black fur like Burning Star, Eclipsio's skin had turned pale as well, but he was a bright alabaster white. His eyes were still the same golden color and his mane had transformed into long silver hair that hung behind him, bundled up in a shaggy ponytail. Two long sliver gray bangs hung in front of his face, obscuring part of it. Eclipsio was wearing what looked to be dark gray trench coat with silver lining running along its edges. Inside of his long coat he wore a pair of black kakis and a white polo shirt, giving off a more formal vibe. He wore black and gray boots with high ankles and a pair of gray spiked gloves on his hands. A large sword was on his back, A katana that was at least six feet long. He looked sorta like an anime character... But Frostclaw's human form bore the most anime-like look of the group. Frostclaw's body was rather muscular and he was quite large, even larger as Burning Star. His skin was light blue with some pure white tones, His eyes were less round and bright green with slitted pupils. His face also had a large, voluminous mass of spiky blue hair with white tips. It took up the majority of his head. He was dressed in what a passerby could only conclude as "Anime attire." His wardrobe consisted of whitish gray slacks and blue sandals. Frostclaw opened his mouth to check his teeth and Burning Star saw that his canines were much more pronounced, and a forked tongue was also seen. But something was missing, something very obviously missing... He was shirtless. Shirtless and muscular... Frostclaw pulled his arms up, and his bare arms were visible. A tattoo of a blue oriental dragon ran up his arm and halfway across his chest... whenever Frostclaw took a breath, his powerful chest moved up and down as if it were the tides of the ocean. His chest could also be compared to the oceans majesty... Burning Star was drifting off in thought, "Ok I'm not going to think about this anymore, it's getting a little weird. Universe, why did you birth this majestic beast of a man without a shirt?" The Equestrian of Fire realized he was talking to the universe, and that it would most likely not to respond. And if it did, Burning Star would probably need to question his sanity... and maybe go see Dr. Wolf... He said to himself "No more fantasties! quickly! about something else me that will confirm that I am straight!" Burning Star thought for a moment, then he settled on an image that more than confirmed it. Twilight's human form... Completely naked... Burning Star mentally drooled at that image, and then his thoughts returned to normal. The REAL reason Frostclaw was shirtless... was because he saw his reflection. He had torn off his shirt with the sharp nails on his fingers... And he was freaking out to say the least. "Gah! What?! Why? What is happening to me? Why am I some sort of... hairless monkey?!" He said, his voice booming. He crawled at blinding speed away from the mirror and swung his arm out, striking a nearby tree and blowing it into splinters. Burning Star put one of his hands on Frostclaw's shoulder and spoke to him, "You are now human, Frostclaw. Albeit, you have a few more enhanced features, such as your teeth and incredible strength apparently." Frostclaw looked over at the broken tree, and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I sometimes don't know my own strength... I once fell from my hammock and I sorta... broke the top floor." Shadow Armor raised one of his dark red eyebrows, "Wait a second, if you managed to collapse your house's entire roof then you would have to either A) fallen from a height that would probably kill you. Or B) you would have to weigh a ton." Frostclaw pointed to the sky and said, "Did I mention that I usually nest in the clouds?" If The Black Knight's eyebrows could get any higher they would have floated away, "And you're adopted parents are Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody? A unicorn and earth pony?" Frostclaw nodded his head quickly, "Yes they are, how is this important?" Shadow Armor's was now raising his eyebrows so high that his eyelids were peeling back. "You do realize that they cannot fly? And most creatures of your size that can fly tend to sleep on the ground to avoid such a thing?!" Frostclaw shrugged, causing his hair to shuffle, "Yeah, but that would involve me building a nest, and I don't think they would be comfortable with me digging up their yard for my little hole to sleep in." Shadow Armor sighed deeply, "Ugh, I'm not going to get anywhere with you, am I?" It was the former kirin's turn to raise his eyebrows, "Go anywhere with me where?" Prince Eclipsio suddenly smacked them on the head with his bare hands, saying. "Listen you two, figure all of this out later. Right now we need to find some sort of shelter from any sort of witnesses that have seen us appear from that portal." Burning Star poked Eclipsio on the forehead, "Eclipsio, I don't think anyone is up at 3 in the morning..." The Prince narrowed his eyes, "Ok... so let's just go to wherever the human counterparts of the Element Bearers are, surely they could provide us with some information regarding Black Sun." Now the Equestrian of Fire was getting impatient, and he snapped at the prince in a whisper-yell, "Once again, its 3 in the god-damn morning Spooky! Who do you think would be up at this hour, Huh?!" Shadow Armor pointed to a light on in one of the basement windows of the high school. All four humans were thinking the same thing... "Who the hell is up at this hour?" Shadow Armor stopped thinking and his brain went into sneak mode. He dove into the bushes, then behind a tree before climbing up it, now suprisingly mobile. He was preparing to leap to the roof of a toolshed along the wall next to the tree when Burning Star yanked him out of the tree saying, "Would you cut it out?! There is no need to go all stealth mode right now, Shadow." Shadow Armor groaned, "Please, Burning Star. Please let me have this... I haven't done anything related to military activity for the past six weeks thanks to all of the wedding hubbub. For your sake and my own sanity, let me have this one moment of stealth takedown majesty." Burning Star sighed, "Can't you at least calm down your lieutenant Frostclaw? He is currently sorta having a mental breakdown... guess he can't handle his new body." Frostclaw was currently curled up in the fetal position and rocking back and forth, eyes wide with pure horror at his new body. He was muttering to himself over and over, "I'm still a kirin. I'm still a kirin. I'm still a kirin. I'm still a Kirin." Shadow Armor was still slinking away and arrived at the basement window, he peered in and saw an unusual sight. Inside of the window was some kind of laboratory... it was very dark and was littered with papers and various blueprints that read "The Concept of Magic" and "Improved Magic Harnessing Device." Shadow Armor smiled devilishly and said to himself, "This must be Black Sun's laboratory. All these blueprints and papers must be the work of that monster... hold on Celestia and Luna, I'm a coming to save you!" Burning Star peered into the window and saw all the machinery, he said to Shadow Armor, "Uh Shadow Armor, I may have an idea as to who this lab belongs to and... you're already gone, aren't you?" Shadow Armor was already in the dark basement, he landed soundlessly and hid behind one of the large machines that looks o he some sort of box with various dials on it. Although he didn't not have his magic, he did have excellent night vision. The Black Knight spied a sleeping body of another human who was passed out on the desk, it's hair matted to its head in a frazzled mess. He silently praised his discovery, "At last, the identity of Black Sun has been discovered!" Burning Star had now slithered through the window as well and was walking silently towards the door out into the hallway. He quietly said to Shadow Armor, "Shadow, something seems off about this. I don't think..." A battle cry rang out as Shadow Armor grabbed the figure out of its chair and pinned it to the floor. Burning Star could see the red eyes glinting in the moonlight. The figure shouted, "What's going on? Who are you? Sunset! Sunset help!" Burning Star could now make out who this voice belonged to and who this person actually was. The person Shadow Armor had pinned down underneath him was dressed in a white lab coat with a pair of goggles in her purple-pink hair which sat in a ponytail. She wore glasses that had skittered across the floor and bumped into the Equestrian of Fire's foot. Burning Star concluded that this girl was the Twilight Sparkle of this world! Burning Star shut the door and hid behind it before the door flew open and slammed into his nose, causing him to yell into his hands as his nose was broken. Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer of all people appeared in the door and turned on the light, seeing her best friend, Twilight Sparkle, being pinned to the floor by some unknown young man. "Hey! Get off my friend, creep!" Said Sunset as she prepared to swing her pan, Shadow Armor looked up to see the red-orange haired girl holding a frying pan. He immediately regretted his actions as Sunset sent the grand master of weapons straight into his face, knocking him out cold. The former Alicorn of Fire quietly thanked Sunset's strike to Shadow Armor, but obviously not quiet enough. Sunset heard his thank you and wheeled around to see Burning Star in his new human body, to which she said. "Burning Star? Is that you?" The young man sheepishly smiled, "Uh... yeah. I-it is me. Hi Sunset, Hi other Twilight." An awkward silence filled the room, before Burning Star picked up Twilight's glasses and reached them over to the purple-haired human, "These are yours, right? Here you go." The human version of Twilight carefully took her glasses back and put them on, finally seeing Burning Star's form clearly. More awkward silence, then Sunset Shimmer finally, "Alright if we're done being awkwardly quiet I would like to ask you something, Burning Star." Burning Star raised an eyebrow, "What is it?" Sunset put down the frying pan and began to speak, "How did you get here and why are you here? The Twilight of my world told me that you had some wedding to go to, right?" The Equestrian of Fire nodded, "Right, I figured my Twilight would contact you through an inter-dimensional message or something like that." Yet Another awkward silence ensued, before Sunset asked. "Sooo... how have you been?" Burning Star replied with an awkward smile, "Good... I guess. I got the wedding done for Shadow Armor and Fluer finally... and the two married without interruption. Then it all went to hell in a hand basket after the fact." Sunset looked worried, "What do you mean by that? What happened?" Eclipsio finally slipped through the window, dragging Frostclaw with him. The two of them landed with a loud crash, breaking the table they landed on. Sunset Shimmer recognized the person standing at the wall, "Prince Eclipsio? Is that you?" Prince Eclipsio took a bow, "Yes Ms. Sunset Shimmer... It is I, Prince Eclipsio. We have come here with grave tidings." Sunset Shimmer looked worried, "Please don't tell me that another villain from some outside dimension has come here. I've sorta had my fill of conflict for a while." The Eclipse Prince continued, "Sorry to burst your bubble Sunset, but unfortunately another villain has come into our dimensional fabric. A villain the likes of which I've never encountered before, showed up and slaughtered the guard detail in cold blood. He didn't care, referring to them as "easily replaceable." The red-haired girl gasped, "Yikes, that's horrible!" "It gets worse, Princess Celestia and Luna were kidnapped by the attacker, who fled to this mirror world, the original version." Said Eclipsio, panic in his voice. Sunset's eyes send wide, "What?! Celestia and Luna were kidnapped? How?! We have to find them. Wait, isn't it your job to prevent these things from happening?" The Eclipse Prince interrupted, "It is my Job to prevent incidents like this, but a certain somebody decided to go to another dimension to get these clothes from some guy called "One-Winged Angel" and that I would look good in them." Sunset looked at Eclipsio's attire, before commenting. "Well he isn't wrong, you do look badass in them. All you're missing is the Giant Katana." Eclipsio unsheathed the katana on his back and showed it to Sunset, who let her jaw hit the floor. "Well then... he didn't just get clothes from whoever this one winged angel is, it looks like he stole his entire wardrobe and armory." Eclipsio sheathed his katana and sighed, "Yeah, how the hell did this guy get around with this sword around his waist? The only reason I have it on my back is because if i kept it on my waist it would probably cut everything I walk near." Sunset took that comment into account and then said, "Well if we are all done freaking out, I would think you four would need a place to stay for a while, right?" Prince Eclipsio immediately smiled, "Thank you for letting us stay at your place, Ms. Sunset Shimmer." With that he walked out of the room with both Frostclaw and Shadow Armor slung over his shoulder. Sunset's eye twitched in disbelief, "Wait what?" She turned to Burning Star and asked him, "What... just happened?" Burning Star's face twisted into a smirk, "You fell for one of Eclipsio's traps. Never give him an offer or opportunity to do anything, Sunset. Despite being a multiversal cosmic guardian, he is pretty lazy." Sunset's face turned red, "Why didn't you tell me this when I was on your world and I first met the guy?!" The Equestrian of Fire shrugged, "You didn't ask, so I didn't tell you." Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes, "Well that would have been helpful." The lights had suddenly went dark, the two ponies turned humans guessed that the generator had blown a fuse. Burning Star opened his palm, and small red flames ignited in his hand, he blew them around the room, lighting the place in a soft light. The human girl's eyes widened, "Did you know that would work?" Burning Star shook his head, "No I didn't. I thought Equestrian magic didn't work as well here, guess it doesn't apply to natural born powers like my fire abilities." She tilted her head in confusion, "Wait, wouldn't that mean that Prince Eclipsio's powers over space-time also work?" Burning Star shrugged, "I don't know, we will cross that bridge when we get to it." Sunset noticed Twilight was still standing shock still in front of Burning Star. She was staring at the Fireball that was currently coming out of his hand, and somehow not burning his skin! She cut in front of Sunset with a curious look in her eyes, "What is this... magic that you can use, Mr. Star? It's unlike any sort of magic I've seen!" Burning Star looked at human Twilight, noticing the same maddening look in her eyes that his Twilight had during what was now known as the "Lesson Zero" incident. When Burning Star learned about that event and saw the photo of Twilight, Princess Luna had to be called to put him to sleep, since all he saw when he closed his eyes was that... freakish smile. Burning Star looked to Sunset, who said, "Well if you're going to be busy with Twilight, I'm going to sort out the three stooges that you brought along. See ya later, Star." Sunset went towards the exit of the room, leaving Burning Star saying "Wait Sunset I'm not entirely sure what.." She shut the door and Burning Star was alone in the dark with a human version of Twilight. He turned towards Twilight and said, "Sooo... what do you want to know, Twilight?" She somehow pulled out a pen pad and a pencil from behind him before saying, "Everything." The Equestrian of Fire looked confused, "I'm going to need a little more specifics, Twilight." Twilight sighed and said, "I want to know how your pyrokinesis works. Does it use your own internal body tempterture and oxygen to produce flame through external combustion, or is it produced by some sort of flammable compound present on your skin that causes the ignition process?" Burning Star sighed, "Twilight, my fire powers originate from a mystic force that presides in my world known as the Masters of Nature. If I were to describe the legend of this legendary fighting legion, it would probably take the rest of the night." Twilight eargerly said, "I can listen, I have time!" Burning Star smiled nervously, "Uh... Twilight. Don't you think that sleep is a little more important of a priority than listening to a Alicorn of Fire speak about legends?" Twilight pulled out a coffee machine and plugged it in, "I can stay up, I have coffee to keep me awake." Burning Star sighed and said to himself, "Damn it human Twilight, you need to keep away from caffeine like my Twilight has to." Twilight Sparkle smiled even more eagerly, "So, where do we start? Huh?" Burning Star rolled his eyes and pinched a point on Twilight's neck, knocking her unconscious. He scooped her up in his arms and said softly, "You will thank me later... I can't stand seeing you run yourself ragged. Even if this isn't the you i know, you are still Twilight, and I swore to protect you." Burning Star walked out of the school door, the sun was just starting to break over the horizon. He smiled and took in a breath, warm summer air filling his lungs. "Ah, it's good to be human again." Chapter 3: A Fallen Star...(Main Hallway, Canterlot High) Burning Star trudged down the hallways of Canterlot High School, Twilight now slung over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He had decided to go ask the principals of this school (who just so happened to be Celestia and Luna and AlSO went missing a few days ago) for help. To his surprise, no one at school thought this act of him carrying a student that was knocked out Cold down the hall as unusual... But to residents of Canterlot High that have dealt with She-Demons, Magical Mind Control Sea Witches, Corrupted Goddesses of Magic, and Memory stealing stones... This was by far the most sane thing happening. A few teachers had tried to ask him questions as to why Twilight was slung over his shoulders. They were quickly silenced by a glare from Burning Star's furious blue eyes. (Canterlot High, Twilights Classroom) Burning Star approached one of the classrooms and laid Twilight down as he walked in. The first person he ran into was one of Twilight's nerdy friends, Moondancer. And By ran into, he literally smacked his body into hers and knocked her down. "Ow! Watch where you're going, pal. You just knocked me over." She said, clearly annoyed by the utter lack of manners from Burning Star Burning Star looked down and saw Moondancer upon the floor, he then lifted her up by her shirt and said. "Where is the Dean of the student body? I need some information from her." Moondancer raised an eyebrow behind her glasses, "And what sort of information would that be?" Burning Star dropped Moondancer into her seat, picked up Twilight, and brought her in. He sat her in her seat before removing his camouflage sweater and turning it into a pillow for her head. "I need to know where Twilight Sparkle lives, she was working late into the night and foregoing sleep again." Said Burning Star, who was leaning against the wall near Twilight's desk. Moondancer asked an obvious question, "Wait, are you one of Twilight's friends? How come I've never seen you before?" Burning Star shrugged, "I've been in a long distance relationship with Twilight. Up until recently, I didn't think she would need me to come in and help with her projects on the research of Magic and its various uses." He was telling the truth, he did come to help Twilight with magic from a long distance world, but he purposely left it out of context. The last thing he needed was for someone to call the police on him. Drawing From past experiences, Burning Star has always hated law enforcement... since he had been running from them the majority of his life. Moondancer tilted her head and asked, "And why did you choose to come out of the blue to help Twilight? I don't even know you, and Twilight tells me everything. I'm her lab partner." Burning Star sighed, "Because even Twilight has secrets, and if I came out into the open I would put her and her family in danger." He wasn't lying, he did risk endangering Twilight. Black Sun most likely knew how much she meant to him... But that wouldn't stop him. It hadn't stopped him from crossing dimensions to stop Midnight, and it won't stop him here. Moondancer considered calling for one of the other teachers coming in, but then she felt Burning Star's gaze upon her. She shakily replied, "Twilight lives in the east part of town, near the Public Library. Her friends all live nearby, I swear they are like her roommates or something." Burning Star nodded, "Thank you, now one more thing... why didn't you call for help?" Moondancer replied, "Well you seem to know Twilight well enough, and how she is OBSESSED with figuring out how magic works. I think that you've been watching her grow up, even when she turned into Midnight Sparkle." Burning Star feigned a worried reaction, "I... remember that day. I am glad that she had friends to help her and welcome her here. By any chance do you know why Crystal Prep was disbanded? I had went there before to search for Twilight, yet I found no trace of the school or her. Pray tell, what happened?" He was telling the truth about everything he was saying, except the last one. He was taking a guess as to why Twilight was here... Moondancer shuddered, "Cinch was convicted of a crime with her treatment of the Shadowbolts and verbal assault by forcing the coach to run them ragged, or he was going to be fired." Burning Star rolled his eyes, "I knew Cinch, well my father knew Cinch." He said through a feigned reaction of annoyance. Truthfully, His father Sombra had known Cinch. She was one of his tutors that Sombra had brought back from beyond the grave to assist in teaching him Dark Magic. He didn't really like her much, so he wasn't surprised her being reduced to ashes by one of Burning Star's little fits. That tantrum was actually what made Sombra take him as his personal protégée, he may have been the first to join him... but he wasn't the only. Well, he was the only one to survive, This to King Sombra, meant he was strong. And the King knew he was... he had written a book on him! Who knew the Shadow King was an author under the name K. Arbmoss? He found this message in the obscure book he found while he was in Sombra's library, written in his former teachers handwriting. The book was called, "An Assessment of Ponykind." "Only the strongest thrive. We assume evolution is for a uniform reason: To survive on the bare essentials. But, perhaps not. Dominance is a desire, not a need. So, whatever gave us this ludicrous thirst for supremacy is not on nature's side." Burning Star wanted to finish up the conversation as quickly as possible, so he asked. "What is her address?" Moondancer responded quickly, she also was trying to get out the conversation with the large man with blazing red hair and a sword strapped to his back. "She lives in Apartment 457, Star Street Housing Complex. If you can't find it, Sunset Shimmer lives down the road." Burning Star had heard about Star Street Housing back on Equestria, it was run-down and out of the way. And a hotspot for magic duels... many of which he had to break up. What was Twilight of this world doing there? The answer hit her like a ton of bricks, "Right, needs to practice her magic away from the authorities... don't want herself to be called a freak. I should make a note to have that place refurbished when I get back home." he thought to himself. Burning Star reached down to scoop up Twilight, who had awoken during the conversation. She reached into her pocket to put on her glasses before saying, "Burning Star? What are you still doing here? Shouldn't we be..." The Equestrian of Fire cut her off by saying, "Going back "home" to "talk"?" He wiggles his eyebrows while saying "Home" and "Talk". Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion, before realizing what he meant and saying. "Y-Yes! We need to go talk about how my studies on magic are going, ok?" Moondancer attempted to ask another question, but Burning Star and Twilight were out the door before she could blink. (Main Hallway Closet, Canterlot High) Twilight had pulled Burning Star out of the classroom and into a nearby closet before saying, "What are you doing?! I think you know that someone my age has school today!" Burning Star shrugged, "Never been a big fan of School, Twilight. Is it ok if I call you that? I feel like calling you, "Twilight from This World" would set off a few people to my true intentions." Twilight looked shocked, not at the name, but at his opinion on school. "B-But education leads to a successful life, Burning Star?! How come you dislike it?!" The Equestrian of Fire clamped one of his hands over her mouth before saying, "Quiet, I can't risk being discovered. Fine, go to your classes, today should be an easy day as it is the first day of school and all... I will see you later, Twilight." With that Burning Star waited until no one was in the hall, before jettisoning Twilight and dashing down the hall at a speed that would have impressed Rainbow Dash. Twilight walked off to class, wondering what he meant about "being discovered" (Main Street, Canterlot City) The Equestrian of Fire had his camouflage hoodie on with the hood pulled up, he couldn't risk his face being shown. If Black Sun was capable of destroying an entire security detail and getting in and out without Eclipsio knowing... Who knows if he was watching at all times? That was the major reason he wanted to stay concealed. The other one, was his appearance. While many of the people living in Canterlot had various hair colors, his red hair and tall stature made him stand out. There were red-heads in the city, hell... Sunset was red-headed. But her hair was mixed in with golden streaks. His hair was a bright, bright red. It was very similar to his fire-wreathed mane in hue. Burning Star walked into a fast food joint and ordered a hamburger meal. While Ponies were alien to eating meat, he was different. King Sombra was a primarily a carnivore, as evidenced by his sharp teeth and fangs. Burning Star did eat plants, but he preferred meat more. Unlike most ponies, he had a pair of canines, and one stuck out of his mouth during his famous fang-lined smirk. He greedily devoured the hamburger meal before leaving the tray on the trash like a good customer. He walked past more people, everyone was staring at him. Some mothers pulled their kids close as he plodded along like some sort of Giant beast. Burning Star was no beast, well not at the moment, but he was Giant. He looked in the window of a store, he easily was 6 foot 4 inches, and his furious blue gaze coming from his hood did frighten him a bit. Burning Star pulled down his hood and let his hair hang out into his hood. He tried to crack a smile, but the glass only reflected his fang-lined grin. Burning Star wandered over to a bench and sat down, thinking to himself. "This isn't going well. I'm supposed to fit in, not stick out like a sore thumb." "What is wrong with me?" He said audibly. He heard a voice, "Burning Star? Is that you?" The young adult looked up to see Sunset Shimmer, holding an ice cream cone in one hand, and a bag in the other. Burning Star sighed, "Yes. It's me... Can we please talk somewhere private?" Sunset Shimmer noticed the sullen tone in his voice and nodded, "Ok. Come to my house, I'm right up the block." Burning Star shuffled to his feet and walked with Sunset, who noticed something about him. "Are those... tears in his eyes? What happened to you?" She said to herself, walking to her home on the end of Main Street (Sunset's House, Canterlot City) Sunset's house was pretty large, and most were curious why she had this home if she lived all alone... Sunset unlocked the door to her house and Burning Star stepped inside and held the door for her. Sunset stepped in, closed the door, and said to him, "Ok I can tell something is bothering you. You're never this quiet, Burning Star. What's wrong?" Burning Star said nothing as he shuffled over to the coat rack and placed his sweater on one of the hangars, he then walked over to the court and face planted into the cushions. Then the tears came, Burning Star wailed. He wailed like he was there was no tomorrow... his tears were hot like boiling water and caused steam to erupt when they hit the floor. Sunset walked over to him and put her soft hand on his hair. She said to him, "Its alright, Burning Star." The Equestrian of Fire shot Up and screamed, "No it is not ALRIGHT Sunset! What is alright about what's happening?! Huh?!" Sunset was shocked by the sudden burst of energy from Burning Star. She said to him, "I can see that this "Black Sun" issue is on your mind. Do you want to talk about it..." Silence from the boy, then one word. "Fine." Burning Star was about to cry again, but Sunset gave him a tissue to dry his eyes. She said to him, "What happened with Black Sun?" Burning Star quietly said, "He won... Black Sun defeated me." Sunset Shimmer was curious, "But, you did fight him as hard as you could, right?" Burning Star nodded, his expression extremely sad. "...Yes. But I still lost... I pulled out as much power as I could to keep the ponies I love safe, but it wasn't enough. I lost, and now he has Celestia and Luna." Sunset looked at Burning Star and bit it her lip at seeing him so down, she said to him. "You protected those close to you, you had no clue he would show up." Burning Star snapped his head up and said, "You don't get it. I'm supposed to be the hero! I'm supposed to be the one who always defeats the villain and saves the day... but I couldn't even save Celestia and Luna from a freak in a suit of armor... what am I if I can't save the day, Sunset? A temperamental and petulant child who somehow got friends through ponies feeling sorry for me?" Sunset sighed and said, "No. You are a good friend to you're Twilight, and you deserve your friendships. Why do you think you don't?" Burning Star's tone grew angry, "BECAUSE I AM A HORRIBLE FRIEND! From my point of view, I only became friends with Twilight to get back at my father. When that was over, I didn't know what to do. So I played along, I ruled the kingdom... and I hated lying to everyone about being their friend. I never deserved friendship, Sunset!" Burning Star got up and his hair ignited into smoke, "the only conclusion to my story would be either banishment or dying alone! I killed ponies, Sunset! I killed them out of anger and out of reasons I don't even remember, and I LIKED IT! Tell me, is there reform for a villain that enjoyed what he did?" Sunset thought back to what she did, then said. "I enjoyed making life hell for others, I really did. But through some SERIOUS karma, Twilight and her friends stopped me from destroying my chance at friendship. Personally, I think you're similar to me... albeit more violent." She put her hand on his. His hand was hard and covered in various scars on palm, probably from the tide of battles that he had gotten into time after time. She looked at his face, it was tough yes... but he looked tired. He looked extremely tired, tired of the violence... tired of the evil... His eyes were so tired, and concealed it so well. Sunset saw right through him and said, "You never matured, did you? Deep down, you're still so alone. You still feel alone in a cold world, that no one likes you, right?" Burning Star only nodded, and Sunset continued. "Judging from what I can gather from what you said to me, you never got the chance to take a breath. To just step back and breathe for once... to find out who your were. You were so concerned with trying to be a hero, trying to make everyone happy so maybe they would overlook just how miserable you were on the inside. How long have you hid this from Twilight, Star?" Burning Star sighed, his voice so tired. "All my life... I've hid my sadness behind my heroism. I became a good guy because I felt that if I was good, I would actually matter... that I would finally have done something good. Without my heroism, I'm nothing Sunset!" Sunset cupped his face and said, "I don't believe that, Burning Star. You're feeling upset because you made a mistake, you weren't a hero." She continued, wiping his tears away. "Now, you feel like no one will care about the real you, the person and pony that cares so much about the world... but is dying slowly inside. Why do you hide this? If I know Twilight, she is perfectly willing to help you. But, she can't help you, and I can't help you if you don't let us..." Burning Star said nothing, before Sunset suddenly hugged him and said, "Black Sun hurt you. He reminded that you were only doing this to hide, didn't you?" Again, nothing from Burning Star. Sunset then felt tears hit her skin, Burning Star was crying. Crying tears of true sadness... of a man that has felt so bad all his life, and hid it for so long. The door to the kitchen opened and six girls came out. From what Burning Star could observe, these were the human versions of the Elements of Harmony. Only Fluttershy was missing, staying with the other members of Burning Star's party. Burning Star turned to the group and asked, "How much did you hear of that?" Pinkie said, her hair flat. "Everything. I'm floored, usually I would find something to give, something cheer you up. Some sort of way to make you smile, but it sounds like you haven't really smiled in a long time." Applejack sat down next to the fiery man and said, "Ah have heard very honest statements, and ah can tell a truth from a lie. Ah can say that I've never met someone say something so honest, so gosh darn brutally honest." Rarity's makeup was running, it was clear she felt bad for Burning Star. "Darling, you aren't alone... we will help you the best we can. I promise you, you can and will feel better." Rainbow Dash sighed and said, "Dude, you must have been so sad for so long, and you still were willing to care so much for Twilight and your world? God damn it, you're so loyal it hurts." Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, her glasses were visibly fogged up and her cheeks peppered with tears. She said to Burning Star. "I-I'm sorry that this all happened to you. Just... wow. That is all I can say, wow." Sunset squeezed the former Alicorn of Fire tighter and said, "You will get better, just let us help you. Black Sun can wait, you cannot fight him like this... you can't even fight at all." Burning Star looked around as the rest of the girls gave him a massive group hug, he muttered something under his breath. "Thank you." (Sunset's House, Stairwell) Meanwhile from the Stairwell, Fluttershy was crying. She was crying for a boy she hadn't even met, but from what she heard... she felt so bad for him. So so bad, it hurt. Shadow Armor was busy with Frostclaw setting up the room, while Prince Eclipsio was busy standing around with Flutters. He was busy telling her about what he came here to do when Burning Star stared bawling his eyes out. Unlike the girls, Eclipsio didn't feel bad... He scowled, he scowled and it became an ugly grimace on his face. Fluttershy looked at the scowl on Eclipsio's face and asked, "Why aren't you upset? Didn't you here what happened?" Eclipsio's response was so blunt it was painful to hear, "He should be focused on the mission, not solving his emotional turmoil." Fluttershy's eyes widened and she about faced before saying, "What? H-How can you be so uncaring, that is your friend down there..." Prince Eclipsio snorted out, "No he isn't. He is an ally, not a friend, Ms Fluttershy." Fluttershy frowned, she poked him in the chest before saying. "Why are you so insensitive to his pain?! He is clearly hurt deeply, and all you can focus on is your mission?" He practically roared at the timid girl, which he never did. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it... HARD. "DO NOT LECTURE ME, COWARD. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME, NOR ABOUT BURNING STAR!" Fluttershy shrank back before saying to him, "Now I get it. You never cared, did you? This is all about the mission." Prince Eclipsio twisted harder, causing Fluttershy to silently scream. He said to her, "I Don't have time for emotions, Goodnight Ms Fluttershy... and good luck consoling that... emotional wreck. While you all waste your time with him, I will be doing my god damn job, Finding a way to destroy Black Sun." With that, Prince Eclipsio let go of Fluttershy and stomped up to his room, muttering curses. Fluttershy clutched her wrist and said, "You don't see it yet, but you're just as nasty as Black Sun. You don't feel sad or happy, you don't feel anything at all, except frustration." Fluttershy walked down to Burning Star and gave him a hug, telling him such kind things because... that is what she does. But with no one noticing, Shadow Armor was listening as well. The Black Knight thought about what Burning Star said, and a single tear rolled down his cheek. When he heard what Eclipsio said, and heard Fluttershy's silent scream... he clenched his fist so hard that his palm began to bleed. He said to himself, "If this is what Eclipsio cares about, then I'm going to side with Burning Star... this mission can wait. Helping my friend that has helped me so much is important to me. Celestia and Luna would want that..." Shadow Armor walked over to his bed and fell asleep. Night fell across Canterlot, and a lone figure in armor overlooked Sunset's home. It was Black Sun, and he was perched on a nearby roof. It said out loud, "You are hurt... I will make you feel worthless, pathetic... then I will destroy you Burning Star. I will destroy you and everyone you care about." With that, Black Sun took off and flew off into the setting sun. Chapter 4: Feelings and Fatalities(Sunset's House, Canterlot) The Sun had risen slowly over cozy houses of the city of Canterlot, its warm glow bathed the city in yellow light. Birds landed upon the tall trees along the streets and sang their morning tune. From the joyful tweets of the sparrows and robins, to the loud cries of crows and ravens that echoed along the silent avenues of the city. Not many people were up at this point, and the people that were Up were mostly sanitation workers picking up trash and the mailman making his rounds in the quiet neighborhood that Sunset Shimmers House sat in. The Shimmer house was quiet, the Human versions of the Main Six had decided to stay the night, sleeping together in sleeping bags or on blankets on the floor. The Group that Burning Star had brought with him was asleep upstairs, each dozing in their soft beds. Shadow Armor was curled up in a ball, dreaming dreams about his wife, and how he missed her dearly. Prince Eclipsio was vacant from his bed, he had gone out early to look for clues related to Black Sun. He also needed to vent off his anger towards Fluttershy confronting him. His ego made it hard for him to forgive. He groaned aloud as he stomped down the block. "How could she do that to me? ME?! Ugh, whoever gave that girl the confidence to confront me I'm going to find that worm and turn his insides into his outsides. No one, be they mare, stallion, or foal has ever done that to me." He put a hand through his silver hair and said, "Also, how did she know who I apparently resembled? Whoever this "Sephiroth" is, I'm going to have a word with about his wardrobe. How does one walk with this... this black robe everywhere?" He leaned his hand against a lightpost and sighed as he looked at the rising sun, "Sisters, please be safe. I will come find you and I will destroy Black Sun. He will pay for what he has done to me... I mean us." Eclipsio noticed a girl was walking towards him, she was slouched over and the Equestrian of Eclipses couldn't see her face. The girl stopped in front of him and stayed there, not moving an inch. Prince Eclipsio finally asked, "Who are you? Why are you just standing in front of me?" The girl remained silent, lifting her head slightly, but not enough to let Eclipsio see her face. He felt something touch his face quickly, then it left. She then said. "You're not him." And walked off, leaving the prince very confused. "Who was that? Also, where is Frostclaw? He must have not come to Sunset's house." Now the Prince had an objective, find the icy Kirin that had tagged along with the group. He wanted to shout out for him, but he knew that would only wake up more people before the day began. He attempted to use his space-time powers to find him, but nothing happened. He was shocked, This was impossible! "Why do my powers not work and Burning Star's do? I'm just as powerful as him if not more, so what gives?" he thought to himself, trying to comb the bangs that hung in front of his eyes backwards. He cursed his appearance, mainly by how ridiculous he looked with this giant sword on his back. He looked like some character from anime, and while Burning Star found Anime intriguing... Eclipsio thought it was plain childish, why spend so much time on it when you could be focused on training for whatever hellish enemy awaited you. "Why have emotions at all if all they cause you is pain?" He looked towards the rising sun and asked it, "Sister, why do you stay among these mortals? All they do is rely on feelings rather than intellect. Don't they know that knowledge is power, and Emotions aren't?" He received no response, and so he kept walking. (Canterlot City, Main Street) Prince Eclipsio eventually reached Main Street, and he sat down on a bench. He began to observe the humans going about their early morning business. "How in the wide universe does this race prosper so well??" he muttered to himself. A voice apparently heard him, it was Twilight. She called to him, "Eclipsio? Is that you?" The Prince of Eclipses turned his head to Twilight and said, "Yes, what are you doing out here so early? Shouldn't you be getting ready for school or whatever you mortals do?" Twilight swung her backpack off her back and put in on the sidewalk before sitting down and saying, "Yes I have school, but it's 7:15, school doesn't start till 9:00 am. I was just out on a walk to the pharmacy to pick up some aspirin for Burning Star. All his tears and stress has left him with one heck of a headache." The Prince frowned, "Figures. These bodies are so vulnerable. I wish I still had my Alicorn Body, then at least I wouldn't have to worry about menial head pain caused by his little tantrum yesterday." Twilight's eyes widened, "What do you mean tantrum? Burning Star was clearly upset, I assume you heard him from upstairs, right?" Eclipsio nodded, "I did. While I offer my sympathy for his failure, I don't Understand this race of humans." The purple haired teen raised an eyebrow, "Well what don't you understand? Maybe I can help." The Prince sighed, then said to Twilight. "Humans, they are by far the most frustratingly complex species I've ever observed. Do They know that they are mere specks of life on our planet, even if this race died no one would know. The planet would keep spinning even without them, why stick around?" Twilight Sparkle put a hand through her hair before saying, "Yes, but Humans are pretty resourceful. We have survived for thousands of years because we adapt to our environment, shape it to our own." The Prince's eyes narrowed in annoyance. Not at Twilight, but at the comment, "So what does it matter what humanity does Twilight? Their lives appear for a moment on the time stream, then flare and die. How do they cope with their mortality, when they could die at any moment?" Twilight racked her brain for an answer to the former Alicorn's question, eventually settling on, "we are mortal beings, yes. But until our species dies out we can make the best of it, humanity can keep pushing forward. And who knows? Maybe we may transcend the grip of time and leave a legacy on this world and possibly others. Only time will tell, Eclipsio. You can't always expect everything to go exactly as planned." The Prince bared his teeth and growled out, "There. That is the problem with your kind! You constantly defy the notion that your species doesn't matter in the universe." He got up on his feet and glared at Twilight, "Ponies are easy to understand, they always seem to accept whatever the universe throws at them, this is because they operate under simple and predictable motives." He pointed a finger at Twilight, causing her to shrink back, "But for some reason that is unknown to me, your kind has consistently been defying fate since day one, and I'm angry because I don't get it!" Twilight unexpectedly snapped back, thoroughly annoyed by Eclipsio harsh rhetoric, "That is because every human is unique, Mr Nihilist! Not everyone follows the same motives and has the same desires as you. Frankly, I think you are getting this worked up about humans because your pride has been hurt since you couldn't protect your sisters! Now, all you can do is lash out because you're too scared to admit you failed!" Twilight realized what she just said and clamped her hand over her mouth before picking up her bag and running away, leaving Eclipsio stunned by her words. He slumped his shoulders down and walked back towards Sunset's house. he said to himself, "Why did Twilight do that to me? No one has ever told me that my opinion is wrong, it's right... right?" (Sunset's House) Meanwhile back at the house Sunset Shimmer awoke to the sound and smell of something burning. She bolted out of bed and rushed downstairs to see Burning Star angrily glaring at the toaster, which was charred black and smoking. She said to him, "What are you doing?! That's a toaster, Burning Star. What did it do to you to warrant being blasted with fire?" Burning Star turned around and said, "It kept burning my toast. I lost my cool and toasted the toaster, since I thought I could make toast better than it could," Sunset looked at the toaster, which was unharmed, just a little charred from the fireball Burning Star had hurled at it. She looked at the number on the toaster and sighed. "You had it set to level 9, Burning Star. You needed it to be set to either level 1 or 2 to make toast well." She said looking at Burning Star's confused look. The Equestrian of Fire paused for a moment, then sheepishly smiled, "Sorry, I didn't know. Did I destroy the toaster, Sunset?" Sunset looked at the toaster and sighed, "No. but it's not usable right now. I'll make eggs for all of us, ok? Wait, can you eat meat?" Burning Star nodded, "Yeah, I'm human now, I may have been a pony, but humans eat meat as well as plants." Sunset raised an eyebrow, "But you're from Equestria! Do you eat meat there?" Burning Star nodded, "Yes. I was raised by King Sombra after all, and since there is little to no plant life in the Frozen North... I had to adapt." Sunset shivered, "Well then... not gonna ask what you ate, but let's talk for a minute before we all get up and go to school. Are you going to our school? You're supposed to "blend in" right?" Burning Star shrugged, "I would, but if I'm away from you girls it's less likely that you would get into danger from Black Sun. He seems to attract to me like a moth to a flame. Actually, all danger seems to attract to me." Sunset smirked, "Guess you've been a hero for so long that villains just can't help but try to take a swing at you." She put her hand on his chest and said, "But that isn't the issue. The issue at hand is to help you find some peace of mind. I can tell you're on the right track or you wouldn't have told me about your problems." Burning Star sat on the counter, saying "Thanks Sunset, but where should I start? It's not like something interesting is gonna happen today..." The Equestrian of Fire closed his eyes and waited... Sunset looked confused and asked, "What are you doing?" He replied quickly, "Quiet! I'm tempting fate, seeing if the universe reacts to my bluff." A good 3 minutes of silence passed before Burning Star sighed. "Dang it, I was hoping something would happen. Getting back on track, where would you have me go?" Sunset thought for a moment, "I can't bring him to school with me, he needs someplace to go and enjoy himself... aha!" Sunset spoke her idea, "How bout you go out to the mall? Maybe something there will catch your eye, or you'll meet someone new. Who knows?" Burning Star swallowed hard, "You realize that we have a psychopath in a suit of nigh-invincible armor running around? One that is trying to kill me, nevertheless?" Sunset shook her head, "Listen to me, the less you worry about Black Sun, the better. I'm sure even he has something to do that doesn't involve trying to kill you." (Somewhere...) Up atop the pinnacle of Canterlot Tower, Black Sun was busy scanning the city. He had found where that fool Burning Star and his idiotic friends were living, in the care of someone named Sunset Shimmer and the human versions of the Elements of Harmony found in Equestria. While he was capable of bursting down the door of the house and gunning down the entire group... that would be too painless. Leave too many witnesses... He'd have to kill the entire city just to get away clean. He was there to make Burning Star hate himself, to destroy his happiness before he snuffed out his annoying life forever. then he would do it to every one of these flimsy little humans, until the world would fear him. But right now, He was busy scanning... and scanning... and scanning... He finally stopped and said to himself with a bored snort "Come on, Burning Star... come look for me. I'm ready and waiting with a few of my friends to tear you apart." He scanned the house again and still found Burning Star there... Chucking the scanner off the roof he sighed in boredom. "Out of all the enemies I picked... Burning Star just has to be the most indecisive twit in the universe." Burning Star walked back upstairs and Black Sun put his head in his hands. "Great, now he's gone out of my vision. I swear to god if you don't leave that house I'm going to blow it up." He said, a missile in its launching tube. Black Sun breathed a sigh of relief as Burning Star finally exited the home and walked down the street. He positioned himself for take off before thinking. "Its broad daylight out, people are going to see me and my little army... The thought passed and he took off saying, "When has that ever stopped me before? I finally can kill this pest." Black Sun flew off like a rocket towards the Park Burning Star was walking through, his group of minions arrived in black vans across the park and began to watch. (White Tail Park) Burning Star had not gone to the mall, he feared that Black Sun would easily find him in such a popular place to be. So he chose to take a walk in the park. During his walk, he accidentally bumped into a girl that was walking the other way. She was knocked onto her butt. He said to her, "Oh... sorry about that." And offered her a hand up. The girl accepted the hand up and stood slouching in front of the Equestrian of Fire. Burning Star felt something lift his face slightly and the girl lifted her own, but only high enough for her to see his. The unknown touch disappeared and the girl walked off, leaving Burning Star very confused. "That was odd, something touched me. Don't know what though, must have been a bug." He said as he sat down in on the bank of a lake, skipping stones across it. Well by skipping he meant throwing them across like darts and having them embed themselves in a tree on the other side... But he enjoyed the Park. it was calm, it was peaceful... Right up until a metal bola went whizzing above his head, he ducked as two more were let fly and multiple guys dressed in black rushed out of the trees. He thought to himself, "AMBUSH!" as he ignited his fists and went into battle position. He tried to reach for his sword, but it had been left at Sunset's House! "Guess it's flaming fists for today, bring it on." he thought as three guys approached him with stun batons. He opened his palm and pushed it outward, creating a wave of heat that burned the exposed skin of the guys causing them to drop their weapons. Before they could recover two of them had their own batons smashed into them and the third was quickly knocked into a tree by a haymaker punch from Burning Star's iron fists. He was about to take on the next group when something tackled him from the sky and threw him into a tree, snapping it in half and pinning him to the ground by someone standing on him. It was Black Sun! Burning Star struggled to get armored monster off of him, but he didn't budge. The armored figure looked down on him and said as he was lying underneath his feet, pressing down on him with his clawed boots and carving various scrapes on his body. "Come now Burning Star, you know I won't let you relax even a bit, you should have stayed inside all day alone." Black Sun lifted the young adult to his feet and delivered a crushing punch to his chest, causing Burning Star to double over in pain. Black Sun must have broken his ribs... He tried to retaliate by blasting fire from his hand but Black Sun caught his right hand and crushed it, sending waves of agony across his body. He didn't dare scream, he wouldn't give the psycho the proof he was in pain... Black Sun lifted Burning Star up by his arm and two thugs put restraints on his arms and legs, before Black Sun threw him against another tree. Intense pain rocketed all over his body as Burning Star felt a slug to his face from Black Sun's metal gauntlet, it left cuts on his cheek. Multiple tugs stepped out of the woods, until there were about a dozen or so heavily armed men staring him down with assault rifles. Black Sun then stepped forward and said to the bloodied human, "You're weak, Burning Star. No wonder you fall apart so easily, humans are so pitiful, so you have to die now... but at least you should know that your friends will follow soon after." Burning Star managed to weakly say, "What about making me feel the worst pain imaginable, You Heartless f--k?!" Burning Star spat blood on Black Sun's visor, which earned him another punch to the face. The armored Monster loaded his machine guns and said, "I believe the pain you will feel in Tartarus will suffice. Burn in hell, Alicorn of Fire." He fired his guns, but the bullets stopped midair, before falling to the ground. Burning Star thanked god for... whatever just did that. Suddenly, a scream was heard and a spray of red went across Black Sun's visor, obscuring his vision. Burning Star looked at each of the thugs that surrounded him, trying to find the source of that scream. then one of the thugs was quickly sliced to ribbons and another had his head crushed, bits of the thug's skull covered his face, and he held back vomit as it oozes off of his face. Black Sun looked around as multiple men were quickly eviserated and demolished by what appeared to be nothing, their bodies rendered a blooded mess from the unknown assailant. Black Sun suddenly felt something... Fear. He fired his weapons into the trees, shooting anything he heard approach him. His gunfire shredded the trees and left holes in the leaf-covered floor. "Show yourself coward! You can't hide from me!" Then a voice, presumably female, spoke. It's word were like the coldest ice found in the deepest darkest parts of space. They were cold enough to send a shiver of dread up the spine of Black Sun. "No one hurts Matthew." Black Sun fired his entire magazine towards Burning Star, hoping to hit him as well as his unknown guardian. The bullets once again stopped short, then fell harmlessly to the floor. The voice spoke again, its words so cold and disturbing that it practically hurt to hear them. "Die." Black Sun's midsection was suddenly bent into a V, and his arms were crumpled in his armor. Somehow feeling pain, he broke free and rocketed off. Burning Star cranes his neck up to watch Black Sun hastily make retreat, flying farther and father away until he was but a speck in the distance. Burning Star looked around at the dead bodies littering the floor, they were horribly mutilated and the ground was drenched in blood. The voice said to him, "Don't Move." The solid steel chains binding his arms and legs were cut by something he couldn't see, but he heard the sound of something moving. Burning Star said thank you to every god he knew for sending this... whatever or whoever it was to save him. Then, the voice stepped out of the woods. It was the girl from earlier! The girl was maybe a foot shorter than him, and was about as pale as him. Her hair was pinkish-red and her eyes were bright cherry red. She wore a ribbon on the chest of her simple pink shirt and black blouse. Long black socks were seen on her legs, and she wore slip on black sneakers. The most unusual part of her was the fact that she was covered, no, DRENCHED in blood. Almost every part of her seemed to have blood and sinew hanging from it. it was light in some areas, but some parts were heavy enough that Burning Star couldn't see her skin underneath all the red. He suddenly felt his body lift into the air by some unknown force and put into an a sitting position on a nearby tree stump that was formed from the tree Black Sun had toppled during his firefight with him. She walked over to him and pulled his head up, her gaze was dead-eyed and focused. Burning Star's normally intense blue eyes were currently being overwhelmed by this girls piercing red gaze. He was too stunned to speak. He had so many questions... How did this girl know his former human name?! Why did this girl show up?! What the hell just happened to Black Sun and his posse!? She then said to him, "Matthew, are you ok? Are you hurt?." Her voice had no change in tone, it was deader than death itself. Burning Star nodded, very creeped out by the girls voice. "Y-Yeah, thanks to you... you did all this? The girl nodded, "Yes, You needed help. I helped you." Burning Star shuddered at the utterly freaky voice, then squeaked out, "W-Who are you?" The girl stood up and Burning Star felt something grab his face and pulled him into her embrace. She wasn't moving at all! The girl put her arms around him and gave him a hug before saying, "Do you remember me, Matthew?" Burning Star looked at her face and wiped the blood off her face with his hand. then he gasped... And fainted. (White Tail Park, Blackguard Van) "Matthew..." Burning Star stirred in his sleep, hearing some sort of voice. It sounded... familiar... ”Matthew... wake up." The voice got louder, and then a sharp pain hit him across the face, causing Burning Star to jolt up. "Gah! What the heck was that for?!" He exclaimed, rubbing the red mark on his face, before clutching his sides in pain. He looked down and saw that his chest was bandaged, and his arm was in a spilnt. He was also shirtless... Compared to what happened earlier, this was probably the least strange thing all day. He looked around and saw that he was in one of the vans that the thugs had rode in on. He looked to the drivers seat and saw what was left of the driver, a bloodied mangled mess. The girl looked at him briefly and he felt something touch him, although he could not see the girl moving an inch. Whatever touched him was feeling Up and down his body, the touch was delicate, as if it didn't want to hurt him. The feeling of touch drifted south towards his pants. Burning Star pulled his pants tight, despite the pain it put on his right hand, but they were ripped right out of his grasp. The girl looked at Burning Star and said, "I need to look at your legs, Matthew." "Matthew." Er... Burning Star sighed and said back, "Oh phew, I thought you were going to take my underpants off or something." The girl's face developed a slight blush, but she said with a straight face, "Do you want me to take off your underpants?" Burning Star's face turned as red as his hair, "N-NO! I mean... No, thank you." The girl turned her gaze away from Burning Star, and whatever was feeling up and down his body stopped. Burning Star talked to the girl, "Thanks for the help in tending to my wounds... but who are you, exactly?" The girl seemed to sigh and a single tear rolled down her cheeks. she said softly, "You don't remember me, do you? figures, it has been over 10 years." Burning Star asked again, "I'm still wondering who are you, what am I supposed to remember from ten years ago?" The girl approached Burning Star and placed one of her real hands on his head, and the Equestrian of Fire's head flooded with memories. Dark, painful memories that he couldn't understand or describe... they were too horrible to imagine... Then a name floated into his mind and the girl let go of his head. She walked back to the front of the van and looked at the bloodied corpse of the driver. Burning Star said the name of the girl, "Lucina..." The corpse suddenly lifted into the air and was slid out the window, trailing blood across the ground, before it was tossed into the garbage. Lucina suddenly rushed towards Burning Star and hugged him tightly in her arms. She said to him, "I missed you so much Matthew. I didn't know where you went, I searched everywhere." Burning Star put his hand on her head and brushed her hair, "Shh... it's ok. I'm back now... although this isn't my world, I'm back with you." Lucina looked up to Burning Star, tear streaks ran down her cheeks as she said, "W-Where did you go? I couldn't find you at your home... the world was dying... what happened?" Burning Star hung his head, "My trans-dimensional gate worked... but it sucked in only a choice few. It was experimental, it shot me to a place called Equestria... I'm sure you have heard of it." Lucina nodded, "Yes I have. I... couldn't reach you. I needed you, I heard from those other girls. You married?" Burning Star rubbed the back of his neck, "Not officially, it was for political stability. Technically I'm single, but why did you- mmph!" Burning Star was suddenly kissed full on the lips by Lucina, there was so much passion behind it, and he returned it. It was a kiss from a love that was never realized... a love that could have blossomed. The two broke the kiss and both were blushing madly. "G-good to see you again... heheh..." said Burning Star, red in the face. "Yeah... same." Said Lucina, so red in the face she could be mistaken for a tomato. Burning Star stumbled out the door and started to walk towards Sunset's house before he collapsed to the ground in pain. The cry of pain from Burning Star made Lucina rush to his aid and lifted him into the air with some invisible force. He landed in her arms and she said, "You are unable to walk, Matthew. Let me take you back to where you are staying." Burning Star sighed, "Ok... do you know where I'm staying?" Lucina's eyes grew dark, "...Yes." With that, Lucina carried Burning Star in her physical arms. It began to rain, then it began to pour. Burning Star expected to get soaked, but whatever Lucina used to shred the thugs and turn Black Sun into a crumpled tin can had moved to block the rain from them. The invisible force covered the pair like an umbrella and the two didn't get soaked. Lucina looked to Burning Star, who had passed out again since his body needed to recover. She quietly said to him, "I love you, Matthew. I love you so much, You are the only reason that your friends are still alive... because if I hurt anyone close to you, you wouldn't like me anymore..." The girl walked on towards Sunset's house and knocked on the door. She took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. (Canterlot City, Sunset's House) The girls were worried sick, Burning Star had been gone when they came back from school after a report of gunfire went off at White Tail Park. Multiple dead bodies were found by the police, they had no gunshot wounds, rather they looked as if they had been torn apart by something sharp. Twilight's brother had done the girls a favor and gotten them an escort home, but all signs pointed to Black Sun being behind this. If he could kill hundreds of armed men... Who's to say he wouldn't kill them? The girls all jumped when they heard a knock on the door, Sunset quickly got to her feet and nervously tiptoed to the door. "Coming!" She said, trying to hide her fear, but failing. She opened the door a crack and asked, "W-Who is it?" An unknown female voice called out to her, "Are you Sunset Shimmer?" Sunset grabbed a vase from the wall and held it in her right hand, she then said "Who is asking?" Lucina responded, her words like ice. "A friend of his, now open the door." Sunset shakily asked, "What if you are Black Sun? An group of killings happened in White Tail Park today." Lucina put one of her hands to her face, "If I was Black Sun you would all be dead already... now open the door." Sunset slowly opened the door to see a pink-red haired girl carrying Burning Star in her arms. He was bound in white bandages and had a splint on one of his arms. The girl herself had blood on her shirt, Lucina had forgotten to change her clothing. Sunset felt weak and fell backwards into unconsciousness, something caught her and brought her inside... Then Lucina closed the door. Chapter 5: Vs Black Sun! Stardust Speedway Showdown!(Sunset’s House, Living Room) While Lucina was entering the home, The girls were busy talking about what happened at White Tail Park. All of them were in shock at seeing so much blood and gore strewn about the once green grass, which was stained with the blood of the corpses who were butchered like animals. Fluttershy was so horrified by the bloodshed she couldn’t speak for nearly three hours. The rest of the girls were still feeling sick, and Rainbow threw up upon seeing it. “Hey Twilight, what do you suppose happened there? Cus I couldn’t make sense of it.” Said Applejack, eating one of her apples she kept in her bag. Twilight shuddered, “This does look like what Black Sun would do, Burning Star had told us what happened to the guard detail, he slaughtered them. To me, this shows that Black Sun isn’t afraid to leave his victims bodies around, it’s like he doesn’t care who he kills.” Rarity nodded, trying to keep calm. She was wearing one of Sunset’s T-Shirts, since her other clothes had blood on them. “That does sound like what Black Sun would do, it was so dreadful to see, girls. The worst part is that the clothes I wastill smell like blood... I stepped in one of the puddles and I may have fainted in it.” Pinkie Pie was trying to keep a smile on her face, but the memory of that massacre was burned into her mind. Her hair was straight against her head and tears were visible in her eyes. She spoke to Twilight, sadness in her voice, “Twilight... is this going to happen again? Please say that it won’t. Please, please say that this won’t happen again.” Twilight was about to respond but an unfamiliar voice cut her off. “No, Pinkie... it may happen again.” The voice’s words belonged to a girl who just walked in, she was carrying Burning Star in her hands and Sunset Shimmer seemed to float above her, carried by some invisible force. “Sunset?! Burning Star?!” The girls shouted in unison. Their combined voices were loud enough to make the girl cover her ears. “Could you six be quiet? I came to bring back “Burning Star”. Sunset fainted on sight of seeing me.” Lucina said, lifting Burning Star into the air and suspending him there. Twilight looked at the floating bodies of Burning Star and Sunset Shimmer and asked an obvious question, “Who are you and How are you doing that?” Lucina sighed and said, “I’m Lucina. I’m a really old friend of Burning Star from his world.” Rainbow Dash tilted her head, “You mean Equestria?” Lucina sighed again and placed the two adolescents on the floor. “No, I’m from Burning Star’s Home. He came to Equestria, I was sent here.” Twilight Sparkle raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean Lucina? Is Burning Star not from Equestria?” Lucina responded in her normally dead tone, “No.” She then poked Sunset and Burning Star on the forehead, causing them to wake up. “Ow, why does it feel like I hit my head on something?” Said Sunset Shimmer, rubbing her forehead. Burning Star tried to stand, but doubled over in pain, causing the girls to run over to him and help him to his feet. He had bandages around his bare chest and a bandage around his head, his legs were also badly bruised. Rainbow Dash looked at the bandages and said, “Yeah... he broke a few ribs and got a cut on his head. His legs are not broken, but they are very sore.” Twilight was shocked to hear such accurate dialogue from Rainbow, “Where did you learn how to identify these injuries, Dash?” Rainbow Dash shrugged, “I play sports a lot, Twi. Over time after hearing about injuries from the field medics, you pick up some knowledge about how the body works.” Twilight turned to Lucina and said, “How long has it been since you changed these bandages?” Lucina spoke, her voice carrying a twinge of icy dread. “About 2 hours ago. He passed out after I found him, I couldn’t cut him open without waking him. So I used my powers.” This piqued Twilight’s interest, “Powers? What sort of powers?” Lucina looked directly at Twilight and the purple-haired girl felt something touch her softly, although she didn’t see anything. It ran across her hair and down her back, sending shivers up her spine before whatever was touching her body stopped. Rarity asked Lucina, “Darling? What did you just do?” Lucina’s response was blunt, “I touched her with my abilities.” She stood up and said, “My powers come from my brain, I can use a higher percent of it than typical human can, this has led to me developing what could be theoretically described as psychokinetic abilities.” Sunset sat up and snickered, “So you can read minds or something?” If looks could kill, Sunset would have been dead thanks to the deadly gaze Lucina shot at her. She looked around to see no one else was talking, then she continued, her dead tone not disappearing. “Yes, Sunset Shimmer has stated in her rude remark that I am able to sense what another being is thinking slightly. I mainly use my psychokinesis to generate fields of high-powered TK.” Twilight’s eyes shot open, “Like the levitation magic that Unicorn Ponies have?” Lucina showed Twilight a small smile of approval, then her face went back to its stony appearance. “Yes Twilight, my telekinetic abilities work similarly to levitation magic. But unlike magic which draws upon the user’s magic energy, my powers are completely natural and don’t drain me in the slightest. My TK often takes the shape of what you could refer to as “Invisible Arms”, I can have six of these at once and they are very powerful. Observe.” She turned her eyes to the sofa, lifting Fluttershy off it and placing her on the ground, before lifting the sofa into the air and placing it upside down. She then picked it up again and turned it right side up. Everyone’s jaws were on the floor, while they had seen levitation before, there was always some sort of aura around an object. This was full-fledged invisible telekinesis! Twilight went immediately to badgering Lucina with questions. “I’ve never seen this before. How does it work? How much can you manage with one arm? How long are they?” Her mouth was shut by Lucina’s telekinetic Arms, “Please... shut up.” She sounded quite annoyed. Twilight calmed down, then asked. “So... what do we do now? Black Sun has hurt Burning Star. Right now he is in no condition to fight him, both physically and mentally.” Lucina spoke to the group, “His Alicorn regeneration will take a long time to work, since right now it is not used to a human body. He will recover, but it will take time. Right now he needs to relax and rest.” She looked into the kitchen and opened the door with one of her invisible arms, pulling out a can of soda and opening it. The soda floated into her actual hands and she began to drink it, then she said. “I will be staying here to look after Burning Star.” Sunset got to her feet and said rather apprehensively, “Wait a minute. What makes you think that we are going to let you just stay here?” Lucina’s eyes went dark, she turned and glared at Sunset. “Don’t make me hurt you... I can do it, you wouldn’t see me coming.” Sunset felt a wave of fear from Lucina’s deadly serious words, but she stood tall and said, “I’m not going to let some girl who says she knows Burning Star walk in and demand to stay here.” Lucina had enough and sent one of her arms like a knife to Sunset’s chest. “LUCINA NO!” Burning Star had bolted awake at the sound of Sunset’s voice, he heard what was going on and leapt at blinding speed. He was now all that was standing between Sunset and what would have been a very messy death. Burning Star looked at Lucina with pleading eyes, “Please, Lucina. Please Don’t kill her, she is just looking out for everyone... including me.” Lucina scowled angrily for a moment, then retracted one of her invisible arms and said to Burning Star with a sad face. “Ok, Star... just for you. I won’t hurt them... you care about them, killing them would make you unhappy.” The Equestrian of Fire stepped towards Lucina and grabbed her hand, “C’mon, you can stay in my room.” Lucina walked upstairs slowly, she felt horrible for almost doing what she was about to do. Burning Star waited till she was out of earshot, then shouted at Sunset. “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!” Sunset shouted back, “hey! It isn’t my fault that some girl with invisible death Arms is stalking you!” Burning Star took a breath and lowered his voice to a more calm tone. Then he said, “What?” “She has been following one or more of us all day, saying “You not him”, then walking off. She really needs some manners, Burning Star.” Rarity chimed in. Pinkie’s hair was back to normal, and she said to him. “Yeah! As much as I like other people, she is super duper spooky.” “She touched me with those invisible arm-tentacle things!” Shouted Rainbow Dash. Burning Star screamed loud enough to shake the room. ”QUIET!” Everyone shut up, including Burning Star himself. There was an awkward silence left by his massive shout. Then, Twilight finally said something, “Listen, we aren’t judging you on who you’re friends are, Burning Star. We are just worried about how powerful she is. We already have Eclipsio upset.” Burning Star’s eyebrows raised, “Why is he upset?” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Apparently he can’t figure out why humans are still around or something... he also is annoyed at Fluttershy and Twilight because they stood up to him.” Shadow Armor came in from the pantry and joined in on the conversation, he had a bag of crackers in his hand. “Burning Star, don’t give it any of your time. Eclipsio’s just jealous that you have powers here and he doesn’t.” The fiery human facepalmed and said to himself, “Why am I not surprised...” Burning Star walked to the stairs and began to ascend, before he disappeared he said to the girls. “Listen, I’m sorry Lucina scared you all, she is very protective of me. She listens to me, I’ll tell her that you all are my friends.” With that he ascend the stairs and left the girls alone to think. They all had one collective thought on their minds. ”What have we gotten ourselves into?” (Burning Star’s Room) Burning Star entered his room, it was dark as night inside. He flipped on a light switch and his face turned red when he saw who was on his bed. Lucina sitting up on his bed, her hair untied from its clip and hanging loosely around her shoulders. That wasn’t what Burning Star was red in the face about. He was red in the face because she was shirtless and pants-less! “L-Lucina?! Why... W-Why are you not wearing clothes?” Burning Star stammered out, trying not to look at her nearly naked body. Her clothes were off in a laundry bin near the closet where he kept his sword Deicide and a few other things. Lucina used one of her invisible arms to grab the teen’s head and turn it towards her. She said to him with bedroom eyes, “Burning Star... I said I missed you. Did you miss me?” Burning Star tried to make a break for the door but it slammed shut on him, courtesy of Lucina’s powers. He felt two or three of her telekinetic arms grab him and pull him towards the bed. He tried to pull away but Lucina’s grasp was way too strong, and he was way too weak. The placed him on the bed and returned to the pink-red haired girl, who eyed Burning Star like he was a piece of delicious candy. And certain parts of him could be considered “candy” The Equestrian of Fire’s face was red and he was sweating nervously. “Lucina, w-why are you doing this?” Lucina gave him a kiss on the head and said, “Because I love you, Matthew. I love you more than anyone else...” Burning Star turned his head away again, “Yes I know that... but why do...” he motioned to her nearly naked form with his hands, trying not to touch her exposed body. “”This”” Now?” His head was moved back towards her and she said to him with half-lidded eyes. “Because I can’t let you go run off and defeat another villain. You saved me all those years ago, and I never got to return the favor...” He was suddenly pinned to the bed by Lucina’s powerful grip and she leaned in to kiss him. Burning Star shouted a quick, “HELP ME SHADOW-“ before Lucina smothered him. (Sunset’s House, Living Room) Shadow Armor sat with Sunset Shimmer in the living room. The girls had all gone home, they had school tomorrow and Shadow Armor didn’t want to keep them from a necessary responsibility they had to fulfill. So now he sat, eating his third bag of saltine crackers. He did this because he had a bad habit of gorging on food when stressed out... Which he never did... until recently. Sunset Shimmer sat next to Shadow Armor on the couch, an awkward silence filling the room only broken by the sounds of Shadow Armor crunching the crackers. The silence was broken by Shadow Armor saying to the red-headed girl, “You know Burning Star really cares about you...” Sunset rolled her eyes and asked the knight, “Yeah... I know. Is he always this... clingy?” Shadow Armor put down his bag of crackers and spoke to her, “Well... yes. You need to understand Sunset Shimmer, Burning Star has lived the majority of his childhood in the wilds of Equestria. He has tried to get as many people and/or ponies to like him so they overlook his depression. Frankly, I’m surprised he didn’t go insane from the isolation.” “I certainly would have... and I am sure you would.” He said as he pointed to himself, then to Sunset Shimmer. “But that crazy girl just said Burning Star was once human! What am I supposed to believe?” Sunset groaned, putting her hands on her face. Shadow Armor thought for a moment, then responded, “You don’t have to believe he was human or he was pony. Hell, you don’t have to believe him at all. But you need to believe that he trusts you and your friends judgment. He is doing something he hates, he is putting faith in you all... I hope that you can help him in ways that I cannot.” He continued to speak, opening one of his hands and putting it on his chest. “I may be one of my worlds greatest warriors, somepony... err, someone who can defend Burning Star from any enemy and any physical harm, but even I struggle when it comes to psychological scars, Sunset. They run so deep within his mind, whatever or whoever he was before all this... pain happpend to him was damaged severely.” The knights face twisted into a somber frown, “If it wasn’t for Twilight and her friends giving him the friendship he desperately needed... I can’t even imagine what would become of him and of my world.” Sunset lifted her face to see a single tear stream down his face, “Look at me... a life form created from dark magic and the DNA of a witless wonder prince... what is wrong with me, Sunset?” Sunset put one of her soft hands on Shadow’s hard face, lifting his eyes to hers. His eyes didn’t seem as tired as Burning Star’s... but she didn’t see anything behind them. It was like she was peering into a cold, dead wasteland devoid of life and purpose... and it seemed to stretch on endlessly. There was nothing there... no anger, no grief... Nothing but an empty gaze and an empty soul... Sunset tore her gaze away from his and said, “Listen... didn’t you get married? Why aren’t you happy for yourself?” “Because I’m afraid when Fluer finds out how I came to be... she wouldn’t love me anymore.” Shadow Armor said, sniffing up some mucus. Sunset got him a tissue and he blew his nose. “Question Shadow Armor... why did you and Burning tell me this, a practically complete stranger to you and your friends, instead of somepony like Twilight?” Shadow Armor shrugged and said, “Twilight is the princess of Friendship, she may be able to do great things Sunset... but dealing with the machinations and inner thoughts of psychologically scarred minds isn’t one of them, unfortunately. Our Twilight isn’t the most pleasant pony when she doesn’t know the answer to something. She acts sorta like how Eclipsio acts, but she at least has the sense to ask for help. Our little prince however...” She turned towards him and said, “He dwells on it and it makes him frustrated?” Shadow Armor pointed at her, “Yep. No matter how much I’ve tried to get him some relief, he always puts his job as “Guardian of the Multiverse” first. So he presses down on his frustrations and lets it seethe and drive him nuts.” “That sounds like it is unpleasant to deal with.” Said Sunset, putting one of her arms up and around Shadow Armor. The knight groaned, “It is... and his frustration usually comes from things not going how he thinks they will go. He is no god, but he DESPERATELY wants to be one... so no pony would do something unexpected.” Sunset rolled her eyes at the thought of that silver-haired teen being a god, “So he just hides all of this behind that stone-faced expression?” Shadow Armor nodded, “Yep. The Prince really needs some time to talk to you as well, I think it would help him immensely.” Sunset’s eyes went wide, “What? Shadow, I’m not a professional that handles this.” The knight shot her a smirk, “No... but you are be amazing at these things. I’ll see you later, going up to bed.” With that Shadow Armor walked upstairs, leaving Sunset alone to think. ”Black Sun... What are you?” An idea struck her about what to do about Black Sun... and she rushed out the door to get some supplies from a nearby stationary store. Shadow Armor was walking past Burning Star’s room when he heard some creaking sounds coming from inside. One of his eyebrows raised, ”What is going on in there?” A cry came out from inside and Shadow Armor went into attack mode. “I’m coming in, Burning Star!” Burning Star was busy being sat upon by Lucina to hear Shadow Armor’s battle cry. With a single punch, Shadow Armor smashed the door off it’s hinges and was reduced to splinters. The Black Knight stepped in with his fists up, saying. “Ok buddy, you got ten seconds to haul ass out of here before I show you a world of pain.” Shadow Armor saw the act being committed on the bed, and his face flushed red. Prince Eclipsio was awoken by the smash of the door and went to go check it out. “Shadow Armor what in my sister’s name is... oh sweet Celestia.” He said, now just realizing what was happening in front of him. Lucina gave the two of them glares that would cut diamonds with how sharp they were, “Breathe a word about this and I will turn you two to mulch before you could even blink.” The two young men nodded in unison and began to step out the door. Burning Star pried his head up and yelled, “Wait! Where are you two going?! Help me!” Shadow Armor, still red in the face, said “Sorry but you’re on your own Star. I’ve... got to go wash my eyes out.” Shadow Armor walked out of the room, Prince Eclipsio following close behind him. Sunset went up to see what happened and came upon the broken door to Burning Star’s room. “Burning Star, what are you... oh dear.” She said, now looking at Lucina sitting on Burning Star’s chest. Her face immediately turned red at the sight. Lucina quickly pushed Sunset out and grabbed a piece of cloth and put it over the broken doorframe. Sunset’s face was still red as she said, “What did I get myself into?” (The Next Morning...) The sun rose above Canterlot City, which was on a little higher alert since the “White Tail Park Massacre” happened a few days ago. Police were on high alert, looking for anything that could cause such carnage... Too bad the carnage was coming to them... (Sunset’s House, Kitchen) Everyone in Sunset’s House awoke and arrived at the kitchen to see Frostclaw making breakfast. The former Kirin hummed To himself as he flipped pancakes and fried eggs on pans over the stove. No one said a word, all of them were aware of what happened last night... and no one dared speak about it. Someone finally said a word, it was Burning Star. “Listen about last night...” Sunset glared at him, “We will never speak of what happened yesterday.” Lucina returned the glare, “That is fine by me, Sunset Shimmer. Just as long as you don’t intrude upon me again.” The room fell silent except for Frostclaw’s humming. Shadow Armor spoke, “You could at least have put a sock on the door...” “What door Shadow Armor?! You punched through it!” Burning Star snapped at him, very cranky. Eclipsio put his hands to his face and said, “We all saw what happened... let’s not repeat this... huhhhuh... encounter again.” Frostclaw stopped his humming and said, “Wait... are you five talking about Lucina and Burning Star having...” “SHUT UP!” Burning Star noticed the box sitting next to Frostclaw and said, “Frostclaw... what’s with the radio?” Frostclaw shook his head, “It’s not a radio, Burning Star. It’s a police scanner, I figured that if we are going to be hunting down Black Sun, we would need a reliable way of finding him. Since that metallic monster tends to strike whenever he pleases, even in broad daylight, l figured the police radio would lead us straight to him.” He pushed a box of what appeared to be earplugs forwards. “These are communicators Sunset and I made, they work by vibrating the bones of your ear so that only you can hear what is being said. If Black Sun is as dangerous a foe as he says he is, then staying in touch comes first.” Burning Star placed his earpiece in his ear and tested the connection. ”So is it working?” The earpieces all emitted a whining noise, probably because they were too close to each other. Burning Star took a few steps back and tried again, contacting Sunset. ”Better?” Sunset and the group nodded, while Frostclaw brought out the final box he had under the kitchen table. He opened it up and inside were what looked like high-tech glasses. Frostclaw motioned for everyone to put them on and everyone immediately had a HUD appear in front of their eyes. Frostclaw spoke, a sheepish grin on his face, his fangs showing. “I may or may not have stolen the designs from the Espionage Department of the police...” He motioned for everyone to follow him, and the group entered Sunset’s Office Room. Sunset internally squealed, she and Frostclaw had been working on this all night, he seemed incredibly proficient in technology... despite never being on earth. Was their Equestria more technologically advanced than hers? Around the room, Multiple Monitors were set up, each with various images and meters measuring various things from temperature to volume. Shadow Armor took it all in and said, “Frostclaw... you did all this to catch one guy?” Lucina gave him a knowing stare, “This isn’t some ordinary criminal, this is Black Sun. This is a man armed with a suit so powerful it could and should be classified as a WMD. He is fast, he is deadly, and he is annoyingly punctual when he goes to attack someone or something.” Burning Star asked Frostclaw, “Frostclaw... how do you know so much about technology?” Frostclaw sat in one of the swivel chairs and said, “I went to the library the other day and read every book on computers and technology they had. Then, I traded in bits for some cash, as they are made of gold i got a about 5,000 dollars from it... and I used it to build this, My masterpiece.” The radio near the monitor suddenly started up and a voice came out of it. “Attention all officers in the area, there are multiple explosions on Main Street caused by an unknown figure in what appears to be... armor of some sort. Subject is currently not moving and standing at the corner of 20th Avenue and Main Street.” Sunset gasped, “That is the location of Canterlot High! He is going after the girls!” Burning Star stood up and ran upstairs, grabbing his sword and strapping it on his back. He had his camouflage hoodie on and a pair of what appeared to be steel-toed boots. Frostclaw pulled up a map of Canterlot and sent it to Burning Star’s HUD on his glasses. He heard Frostclaw on the radio, ”Ok, I’ve sent you the address and street maps of Canterlot High. There is currently a large heat spike going on near it. Black Sun is there for sure!” “Let me take this one, everyone. If I can’t kill him, I’ll just make him wish he never messed with us.” He said, his eyes narrowed. Eclipsio steppes forwards as well, “I’m going and you can’t stop me. Black Sun dies today.” “What about your sisters?” Sunset reminded him. Prince Eclipsio snarled, “I’ll rip it out of his mind forcefully, then I will end his existence.” Another call came in, this one sounding more panicked, ”Attention all officers, Subject is now opened fire on the school building, the building is empty, all students are out on a field trip.” Burning Star rushed out the door, Eclipsio close behind him. This left the group to get to work on the other terminals. Frostclaw patched through to Burning Star and said, ”This is Stable to Pyro and Blackout, come in Pyro and Blackout.” Burning Star responded, ”Read you loud and clear, Stable. what is the situation now?” Eclipsio practically shouted into his com, ”Where is Black Sun?!” Burning Star snorted, ”Cool it, Eclipsio. But really, where is he?” Sunset spoke on the mic, ”I’m looking through the traffic cams. He is currently floating in the air. Burning Star, he is raining hell on the officers near the school.” Lucina came up on the radio next, ”Ok Burning Star, The Rainbooms are on that bus heading out on the field trip. Bus number 347-A. Got that?” Eclipsio responded harshly, ”Always something getting in our way, now we have to save the Rainbooms? Really? We already have to catch Black Sun, they can take care of themselves.” “They are my friends, you insensitive jerk! You are going to get them to safety.” Burning Star dialed in the police radio again. A shot rang out over the radio and Black Sun’s unnerving voice came on. ”Attention Chief Shining Armor, you’re pathetic police force stands no chance of stopping me. Soon, Twilight and all her little friends will be nothing more than red stains on the ends of my blades.” The radio went dead... leaving everyone with a feeling of utter terror. Burning Star shook his head and talked to Eclipsio. ”That is Twilight’s Brother, Eclipsio. We are helping him with this.” “Always got to be a pure hero, don’t you? The loss of Shining Armor doesn’t matter to us, we have to take down Black Sun. He is expendable...” Sunset let an audible growl out, which was quickly silenced by Burning Star saying. ”I’ll get them home safe... I promise.” (Canterlot High School) Burning Star and Eclipsio ran down the road using their enhanced speed gained from Alicorn DNA. He was easily running 30 miles per hour. Eclipsio’s Alicorn abilities had returned, but he still couldn’t open a portal with his magic. The two arrived at the school just to see Black Sun unleash another hail of bullets into the windows. Burning Star was now relieved to know that the school was out on a field trip. Black Sun floated in the air, multiple officers taking aim at him while Shining Armor stepped out of his car and shouted at Black Sun. “What gives you the right to mess with my family, you metal monster!?” Black Sun sighed and opened fire, and a hail of bullets cascaded down upon the area. He fired off a rain of bullets at Shining, he was yanked out of the way by a fellow officer who died in his place. The armored figure faked a yawn, “I will kill you all, but at a different time... my guest is here, and it seems he brought company.” Black Sun landed on the grass and stared at Burning Star, his weapons loaded. He looked completely unharmed, despite getting mangled the other day. Eclipsio shouted at Black Sun, “What have you done with my sisters?!” “SHUT YOUR TRAP! This is between me and Burning Star.” Black Sun roared at the prince. Burning Star spoke to the ironclad menace to life, “So you decided to shoot up a school and possibly kill a few dozen officers, just to get my attention? Then come down here and face me.” Black Sun snarled out, “Well that was the original plan, but I think killing your friends will be oh so painful for you and the chief of police. After all, his sister is on that bus, I intend to kill her as brutally as I possibly can...” He took to the air and said, “But if you are so willing to throw your miserable lives away trying to catch me, be my guest. Goodbye you infernal ingrate, watch as your entire life is extinguished of all good things.” Black Sun rocketed in the direction of the bus’s tire tracks. Burning Star wasn’t about to let him get away with killing more innocent lives. So he went to random guy on a motorcycle that was stopped to see the chaos. Upon seeing the glare in the Equestrian’s eyes the man stepped off and Burning Star got on and sped off after Black Sun. Prince Eclipsio was close behind him on another motorbike. Shining Armor saw Burning Star and Eclipsio speed off after Black Sun and he got in his car and said to his deputy. “After him! Now!” “Which one, sir?” “ALL OF THEM! SEND EVERYONE!” A call went across the entire police radio. ”This is Chief Shining Armor. Subject is being pursued by, civilians, possible relation to hostile target. All cars in the precinct converge on my destination. Subjects are heading to Stardust Speedway...” (Stardust Speedway) Burning Star sped after Black Sun on the motorcycle he got from that random guy on the street. Prince Eclipsio was close behind him, gunning his engine until he was right besides the Equestrian of Fire. Black Sun looked back to see the blaring lights of the police cars and the motorcycle-riding Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio. The armored figure shouted down to the Equestrian of Fire, “Nice Rides boys... but it better be able to catch me or your little friends are done for... you insignificant whelps.” “Flame Beam!” Shouted the Equestrian of Fire. A blast of fire hit Black Sun in the face, it didn’t deal damage but it knocked him for a loop. Burning Star was holding a fireball in his hand. He fired again, still not doing damage to Black Sun, but he was screwing with his flight. Black Sun responded to the attack by firing an heat seeking missile at Burning Star. The rocket soared through the air towards the flame-imbued man. Burning Star ignited his hand and chucked a fireball off to the side. Prince Eclipsio fired black lightning from his hand, it missed Black Sun barely. Sunset’s voice came over the radio. ”Burning Star, Eclipsio... he is heading directly towards the bus Twilight and the girls are on. You have to catch him as soon as possible.” A map of the speedway appeared on the two Equestrians’s HUDs. Black Sun was about 10 miles from the bus and closing fast! ”Thanks for the map, Stable. Eclipsio, go on ahead and keep Black Sun occupied.” “FINALLY. It’s time to make him pay...” Burning Star asked the group at home, ”Hey Stable. This earpiece is two-way communication, right? I need you to do something.” “We wouldn’t be speaking if it wasn’t, what do you need, Pyro?” asked Frostclaw from the other side. ”Put me on the frequency that Shining Armor is on right now. I need to have a word with him.” Burning Star heard static for a moment, then he heard the chaotic sounds of sirens and officers talking on the radio loudly. It was all very painful to hear at once. He said to his friends, ”I meant what frequency is his individual car on, not the radio frequency he is using to talk to the rest of the force! My ears...” The frequency changed and he was locked into Shining’s car radio. He called in, ”Chief Shining Armor, Come in. I’m talking to you right now.” Shining grabbed the radio out of the dash board and called in, “Who are you, identify yourself!” Burning Star winced from Shining Armor’s Volume, before dodging out of the way of a hail of gunfire from Black Sun. ”Listen to me, I’m not one to point fingers, but I’m not with Black Sun.” Shining Armor responded, “How do I know that?” ”WHY DO YOU THINK HE IS TRYING TO KILL ME?!” Shining Armor said to him, ”Alright you are against Black Sun, but you are still pursuing him, why?” ”Because I’m friends with your sister. I can’t let her die, Shining. Please, i need your help here. From one big brother to another... help me out.” Shining thought for a moment, before saying. ”A-Alright. But you and I are going to talk later about Twilight and all of this craziness, ok?” ”Thank you, Twilight would be proud of you Shining. Now this is what I need, can you call this in to the rest of the chase?” Shining responded, ”Sure. Patching you through now... you’re broadcasting to the rest of the chase.” Burning Star saw his HUD blow up with police cars currently on the road, he announced to them. ”Attention all cars. Chief Shining Armor has allowed me to broadcast to all of you about the target you’re chasing. Let’s get one thing straight, I am not with the suspect. I’m just a guy with his friend (who currently is in a firefight with the suspect) trying to save my friends from this monster. But I can’t do it without your help, there is a bus carrying innocent people being targeted by a man known only as Black Sun. He will not stop until everyone I love is dead... please help me beat him... and I will personally hand him over to you. Call ahead and Arrange a police barricade at the end of the speedway.” The radio died down to a low roar, before Shining said. ”Promise you’ll save my sister?” Burning Star closed his eyes and said. ”I promise.” The chase went on for a little longer, until the bus was in sight. Burning Star was running out of time! He switched his coms to the Stable and asked, ”Hello? Come in Stable, switch me to the phone lines. I need to call one of the Rainbooms, get their attention.” Frostclaw called in and said while pulling up images of each of the Rainbooms. ”Roger. Which one do you want to talk to?” The Equestrian of Fire quickly thought, then said. ”Ah... I don’t know, who is on their phone at the moment?” ”Supringly, Applejack is on her phone right now. Putting you through now.” (Pause Music) (The Bus) The Canterlot High Bus was filled with noise, all except Applejack and her phone, she was listening to a slow country song on her music app when her phone rang and Burning Star’s name popped up. She answered it and said, “Hey hot stuff, what going on?” Burning Star responded, uneasiness in his voice. ”Oh not much... only the fact that Black Sun is currently about half a mile behind you being chased by Prince Eclipsio, me, and about 40 or so police cars slightly behind him. He is coming to kill you girls... I’m here to stop him.” AJ nearly dropped her phone. She responded shakily, ”W-What are you sayin? Black Sun is comin at us Guns blazing?” ”Guns, missiles, knives, flamethrowers, whole nine yards.” “What do Ah do? Where are you?” Burning Star pulled up behind the bus, he was speaking again. ”I’m right behind you. now, listen to me, I want you to get everyone away from the windows and down under the seats or into the aisles, this way you will be protected from the spray of glass and bullets. Do it now, Black Sun is coming up fast.” Applejack hollered, “Alright everyone! Somethin’s bad about to happen, get down now!” Everyone ducked under the seats as Black Sun rushed by and unleashed a hail of gunfire on the bus, breaking the windows and sending glass shards flying out. Black Sun screamed out, “COME FACE YOUR DEATH, YOU PATHETIC RAINBOOMS! I DIDNT GO TO YOUR SCHOOL AND CHASE THIS BUS DOWN FOR NO ONE TO DIE TODAY!” A ball of confetti was tossed at him, it came from Pinkie Pie. She thought that it would work, it didn’t, and she ducked just as he fired another round of bullets into the bus. “FINE! IF YOU WONT COME TO ME, I WILL JUST HAVE TO COME TO YOU!” He roared. Meanwhile, Prince Eclipsio was landing blast after blast against Black Sun, but it did nothing. However, every time Black Sun fires back he has to swerve around wildly trying to avoid the hail of gunfire or a powerful missile attack. Eclipsio pulled up to the side of the bus and began to slow down, seeing Black Sun ascend higher and fly over the bus. Black Sun boosted up to the roof and landed on it, he extended one of his wrist blades and stuck it into the roof and began to cut a hole in it so he could drop in and mow down the rest of the Rainbooms (and maybe the students if he felt like it) Eclipsio has had enough, he jumped off his motorbike, which crashed off the side of the speedway in a Fireball, and landed on top of the bus, fists bared and alight with black lightning. He sent a right hook to Black Sun’s face, sending him to the floor. “Remember me?” Burning Star pulled up to the door of the bus and reached over, the driver pulled it open and said to him. The driver looked no older than 20, “W-What’s going on man?! I’m driving and suddenly the bus starts getting lit up by some dude in a armored suit and now there is police after me!” Burning Star slapped the driver, “Listen to me! Those cops are going to arrange a way to get this bus to safety, just stay calm and drive. I’ll take care of the students. You The wind was roaring past the two warriors that were standing atop the moving bus. “Finally... my chance to take revenge.” Prince Eclipsio snarled, his teeth bared. “Revenge for what, Eclipsio? Me taking your sisters? Or for me wounding you’re ego?” Black Sun snapped back. Black Sun preformed a whirlwind kick while balancing on his hands to send Eclipsio back. He got to his feet and extended his gauntlet blades. They were easily 6 inches long and were serrated like a saw. Black Sun clenched his fist and they sprung alight with a superheated plasma blade. Eclipsio pulled out the large katana he had as a part of his outfit. He wielded it In one hand and pointed it at Black Sun. “This is where your journey ends, Black Sun. Tell me, where are my sisters!?” Black Sun snarled and sent a jab towards Eclipse, he blocked with the katana and slashed at Black Sun’s chest plate, leaving a small gash on it. “Wouldn’t you like to know... Alicorn of Eclipses. While I was here to kill Burning Star, I guess I could kill you first as a little... appetizer. After all, you about as important to me as an insect." said the armored monster. Black Sun lashed out with his plasma blades, making Prince Eclipsio jump backwards and onto his hands, he sent a reverse bicycle kick to Black Sun’s helmet. Meanwhile inside of the bus, Twilight stuck her head out and saw Burning Star, she said to him. “Burning Star?! What is going on, why is Black Sun here? Why is Prince Eclipsio currently fighting with Black Sun on top of the bus?! What is happening?!” Burning Star put his hands to the sides of Twilight’s head and said, “Listen, I’ve got this.” Burning Star called the Stable. ”This is Pyro, the Rainbooms are secure with me. What is the status of the police barricade I requested?” Shadow Armor came on the coms and said, ”What this Shining Armor lacks in academic knowledge, he makes up for in police smarts. Your barricade is ready.” Burning Star announced to the bus, “Alright, Don’t panic, the police are currently arranging a barricade on the end of the speedway. You will all get home safe.” One student called out, “How do you know we can trust you with our lives?” Eclipsio lifted Black Sun into the air and piledrived him into the roof of the bus, his helm punctured the roof and was right above Burning Star’s Head. It sent the student body into panic. Burning looked up to see the menacing face of Black Sun and growled, throwing his fist out at his head, it connected and sent Black Sun flying into the air and off the bus, he quickly boosted back on and continued his fight with the prince. “Any questions?” Said Burning Star, to which he got an array of shaking heads. The kids on the bus shrieked as a large katana sliced inches above their heads. Burning Star’s eyes twitched and he called the Stable again, ”Hey Stable, can get me Eclipsio’s com for a minute? I need a word with the Prince.” He saw his channel switch on his hud and he signaled for everyone to cover their ears. Prince Eclipsio sent another slash to Black Sun, who blocked and kicked him in the stomach. The Prince noticed that Burning Star was on his channel, and he listened in. ”This is Eclipsio, what’s up Burning Star?” ”WOULD YOU WATCH WHERE YOU’RE SWINGING THAT DAMN SWORD! I HAVE A BUS FULL OF STUDENTS WHO ARE ALREADY SCARED WITLESS.” Eclipsio clench his teeth shut at the painful yell from Burning Star, the radio screech also seemed to cause Black Sun to wince In pain, the radio frequency must have messed with his technology in his helmet! Prince Eclipsio seized the opportunity and vaulted on the Sword, sending both his legs into Black Sun’s chest in a cannon ball kick. The force of the kick sent Black Sun Flying on to the road in front of the bus. Burning Star heard the strike and then felt a large bump, they might have run over Black Sun. Eclipsio smiled at a job well donee then turned around and was smacked in the face by a metal guantlet. The Prince lay hanging unconscious off the side of the bus, Black Sun prepared to shove him off and into the rapidly approaching posse of police cars. Then... something hit him. Black Sun was suddenly tackled by something fast and sent flying off the bus and into the air. He ignited his wing engines and searched around for who or what hit him, and he couldn’t react fast enough to the incoming object that smacked him and knocked him into the woods over near the barricade. Black Sun got up and unleashed a hellish tide of bullets, missiles, and anything else in every direction. He was screaming like a madman, his paitence finally running out. “Damn You! Show yourself coward!” Surprisingly, the thing that hit Black Sun appeared, light radiating off it. Black Sun tried to get a look st it, but it shone so bright it made the sun look dim. He was bashed in the chest and flung into a tree. He heard the sounds of footsteps, most likely from the police and he blasted off, his armor sparking. (End Music) The police arrived to see the giant light-engulfed object stand on the ground and stare at them. Some officers pulled their weapons and leveled them pointing at the ball of light, whatever or whoever it was... it seemed to stay stationary. One of the officers radioed in to Shining, ”Chief the bus has been stopped, everyone is relatively unharmed. Some minor injuries, nothing serious.” Shining and Burning Star let out a collective sigh, then Shining said. ”Alright I’ll be there in a minute. Keep the two civilians that fought off Black Sun on the scene. I want to speak to them.” The officer looked at the ball of light in front of him and said, ”Chief, the Suspect Black Sun got away. He flew off, seemingly in retreat... sorry we couldn’t get him.” Shining cursed under his breath, but said. ”Ok. Thanks, I’ll talk to you later, Chief Shining Armor out.” The ball of light suddenly lifted into the air and took off into the distance... It kept going faster and faster, until it broke the sound barrier and disappeared over the horizon. (End Of Act 1) Chapter 6: Justice Vs Revenge(Act 2: Echoing Chaos) (Canterlot City Outskirts, Police Barricade) The Canterlot High Bus had ground to a halt at the Police barricade, they were unloaded from the bus and the police began to process them and find out how they can get home. Meanwhile, The Rainbooms stood with Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio. all of them were both frightened by the attack by Black Sun, and shocked that he would actually attack students out of spite! “Burning Star dear, what in the name of Faust just happened to us? Black Sun appeared, fired off some shots... and everything seemed to be a blur. Care to explain what we should do now?” Said Rarity, combing her hair, it was an absolute mess. Burning Star turned towards the Rainbooms and replied, “Black Sun attacked the bus you girls were on, he was hoping to kill you all and cause as much carnage as he possibly could. If I hadn’t got there in time all of you may not be standing here.” “How could someone be so evil as to attack students?! What did we do to him?!” Asked Twilight, throughly terrified. “He probably saw you as a way to bait us into a trap, remember girls... he feels nothing at all. No pain, no fear, no remorse for his actions. He is beyond saving.” Said Eclipsio. The Prince pointed to himself, “Which is why I will kill him and eliminate his threat to your world and my world.” The word “kill” made Fluttershy wince, she said to him. “Why can’t you just capture him, Eclipsio? Why does he have to die?” Eclipsio growled, “Because he just does, because he deserves it!” Chief Shining Armor exited His police car and ran over to Twilight. “Twily!” Twilight ran over to Shining Armor and the two embraced in a hug. She said to him, “Big Brother! Thank you for coming to help rescue us.” “It’s my job to keep people safe, Twily. I’m glad you’re ok, Sis.” He said, a small tear running down his cheek. He noticed the two civilians that assisted with the rescue talking with each other, the he broke the hug and said to them, “Greetings. I believe you two are the guys that helped save these students and repel the suspect called Black Sun?” The bright red-headed teen nodded, “Yes we are. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Burning Star, and this is my associate Eclipsio.” The silver-haired teen gave a small wave and replied grumbling, “Hello.” Shining Armor took a mental note of the two young adults appearances and said to the one called Burning Star with an annoyed look on his face. “Ok, Start explaining what’s going on. I get a report about shots fired at Canterlot High Only to find some freak in armor firing into the building and gunning down some of my best officers. Then he takes off like some sort of metal bird with rockets and flies after the bus my sister is on, you two in pursuit of him.” He pointed to both of them, “To make matters more confusing, the silver haired guy jumps off of his vehicle and starts fighting this metal freak on top of the bus while you Burning Star go inside and help secure the students.” He finished by clenching his fists and saying, “While I admire you for your assistance in driving off that psycho and apparently beating him senseless, he escaped and someone could have gotten seriously hurt during that firefight!” “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t arrest you right here and now for obstructing justice, breaking the speed limit, and possible grand theft auto.” He said With his handcuffs out. Prince Eclipsio was starting to lose his patience with Shining, every moment this officer stalled him Black Sun got further and further away. The Prince stepped forward and snarled at Shining, but the chief of police didn’t lose his cool. “I do not have time for you lecturing me on how many laws we may have broken, Shining Armor... now MOVE ASIDE. I will be heading to go kill Black Sun, and I don’t think you can stop me.” Shining spat back, “I don’t like vigilantes, especially ones that kill. You start running and I’ll arrest you. So don’t push me, old man.” The two men glared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Shining’s light blue eyes staring into Eclipsio’s golden yellow ones. “Fine, if you want to stay in my way then I will remove you myself.” Eclipsio said while putting his hand to his sword hilt. Shining responded, “Go ahead and make my day, silver-hair... I guarantee I’m a faster draw than you.” He said as he slowly reached for his pistol. Twilight and Burning Star had enough and stepped in front of both of them. “Don’t do it, Shiny! There doesn’t need to be any more fighting!” She yelled at her brother. “Listen To Twilight, you two. She is right, the fight is over for today. Stand down the both of you.” Burning Star said, his hands turning red from heat. He then said to the Prince, “Eclipsio, when we get back to base, you and I are going to have a very long talk about your intolerance towards humans defying you and your absolutely reckless abandon on this mission.” The two men exchanged piercing glares, but relaxed themselves. Shining Armor spoke to Burning Star next, “I agree with Mr. Burning Star. You are going to go back to whatever base of operations you two are working out of and I’m coming with you.” “Absolutely not! I forbid it.” Screeched Eclipsio, his hand shooting immediately back to his sword. Burning Star had enough, and he roared while his hair and hands burst into flames, ”THAT IS NOT YOUR DECISION, YOU ROYAL BRAT! IT IS MINE, AND I SAY HE IS COMING WITH US. SO DEAL WITH IT!” Shining took a few steps back from the literal flaming-haired man with his eyes wide. Burning Star lowered his voice, “If we are all done behaving like children, I’m going back to base with both of you with me. Got it?” Both Eclipsio and Shining gave a silent nod. Shining said to the The Rainbooms, “Girls. Go home and stay safe. I told My officers to get you to your homes. Twilight, I’ll be home in a few hours.” Shining Armor walked over to his car and got in, Burning Star followed. Eclipsio opened the door and sat in the back, Shining Armor felt he deserved to sit back there considering his angry behavior. “So, where is this base of yours?” The chief of police asked. Burning Star pointed to the road, “Just follow my directions and we will be there in a little while.” He radioed in to Sunset, ”Stable, This is Pyro. We are returning to base with Chief Shining Armor... he may be able to assist us.” He then turned to Eclipsio and frowned, “And you stay quiet, I have had enough of your attitude for one day.” All he got from Eclipsio was a growling, “Fine.” Shining started driving down the side roads back towards Canterlot, Burning Star began giving him directions. the days events weighed heavily on the minds of both of them. ”Black Sun is a much bigger threat than I thought, If he can go after anyone close to me... then I need to stop him as quickly as possible.” Meanwhile, a lone figure was watching from a nearby tree, his helmets systems locked onto the car. The figure stood silently for a minute, before taking off and blending into the evening sky... (Sunset’s House) Shining Armor pulled up to the house of one of Twilight’s friends, Sunset Shimmer. It was already dark and the lights in the living room were on. Shining looked at Burning Star and said, “So you are operating out of Sunset’s house? Are you working for her or something?” “No, Shining. My team is just staying here until we can either find Black Sun and defeat him for good, or we find a more suitable location that is hidden from him.” Burning Star replied, running a hand through his hair. He got out of the car and waved for Shining and Eclipsio to follow him. They approached the door of the house and Burning Star knocked. A distant “Coming!” Was heard and Sunset opened the door to see Burning Star and Eclipsio standing with the chief of police. Sunset Shimmer swallowed hard, “Uh... Burning Star, care to explain why the chief of police is here at my house?” Shining cut in, “Your friends helped me and my officers drive off Black Sun and save the lives of students at Canterlot High School. Burning Star here says that you have been sheltering him and his group, May I come in to speak with them?” Sunset shakily replied, “Sure t-thing.” And opened the door wider, allowing the three boys to walk in. Shining stepped in and looked around, seeing three humans sitting on the couch watching the news coverage of the bus attack. “Everyone, the chief of police is here. He wants to ask us a few questions about Black Sun.” Sunset announces to the group, causing many of them to assume a defensive position. Shining stepped into the living room and said the group, “It has come to my attention that you six are responsible for helping the CCPF drive off the suspect Black Sun. Is this true?” One of the humans, a deep red-headed one wearing sunglasses got up and said. “Yes we are, why do you ask, Chief Shining Armor? Did we do something wrong?” Shining shrugged, “Officially, Law enforcement is supposed to be the one to pursue and arrest criminals... But since you all did what you did to stop a criminal from committing a crime, you are protected under the city’s Good Samaritan law.” Lucina asked Shining, “So you won’t arrest us?” Shining sat down and continued, “No. However, I want to know everything about this operation. Who is in charge of it?” Shadow Armor pointed at Burning Star, and Shining put his hand to his face. “Oh come on... you’re in charge of this whole thing?” The red-head nodded, “Yep. But If you want to hear what we’re up to, talk to Shadow Armor.” Shining’s eyebrows shot up at the man’s name, “Shadow... Armor? Why does he have my name?” Shadow Armor pulled him aside and said, “I will tell you during the explanation. Now come with me, we have much to discuss.” Shining followed Shadow Armor to the computer room, where Shadow Armor pulled up a chair for him to sit down. “You may want to sit down, this is going to take a while...” Shining sat down and tilted his head slightly, “Ok, I’m all ears.” “What you are about to hear, Shining Armor... You may think this is a bit farfetched.” Shining shrugged, “Please, I just spent the day fighting some psycho wearing armor that fired bullets and missiles, took orders from two men that look like they fell out of an anime show that my sister watches, and watched them beat this “Black Sun” senseless on top of a moving bus with blasts of magic and a giant sword. What could it be that is so farfetched?” “We are not from Earth, we’re from another world entirely.” Shadow Armor said, his expression unchanged. Shining’s eyes widened. “Wait... so you’re... aliens or something?” Shadow Armor shrugged, “Well... yes. But we are from the world that your sister Twilight Sparkle is studying, the world of Equestria.” “Ok, even if I were to believe that you’re little party of “heroes” were from this “Equestria”... how and why did you come here to stop Black Sun?” “The same way that Black Sun came here, through a portal. He attacked my wedding ceremony and killed dozens of guards, before kidnapping the two rulers of Equestria and fleeing here. Determined to save them, Burning Star assembled a task force which included me, Eclipsio, and Frostclaw to track him down and find those two rulers that way we can bring them home.” Shadow Armor finished with, “We tried to be discreet about the whole ordeal, Shining Armor... but Black Sun wants to cause as much pain and destruction as possible. He isn’t afraid to do it in broad daylight either... the park massacre yesterday was one of his attacks.” Shining put a hand to his head, “So you’re saying that nearly two dozen people were killed by this thing, and you six are the only ones capable of stopping him?” Shadow Armor responded with a curt nod, “Well... yeah. Eclipsio intended for us to deal with him alone, that the law enforcement of this world was inadequate for dealing with such a monstrous task, But if you are willing to aid us we can use all the help we can get right now.” Shining Armor thought to himself, ”He sounds like he is telling the truth, but how do I know?” “What are all these computers for?” Asked Shining Armor, rolling up to one of the monitors. Shadow Armor pulled up to his monitor and entered in a code, suddenly Shining’s monitor played the footage of Black Sun getting away from him. It was taken by one of the city’s traffic cameras. “We have been watching for any signs of Black Sun since this morning, Shining Armor. Burning Star had us break into the camera networks of the city in order to watch for him.” Shadow Armor pointed to another monitor which displayed a graph that fluctuated up and down. “This graph is our warning sign. Black Sun’s Suit emits a powerful pulse of electromagnetic force when he is flying about and firing his weapons. It’s why phones and other devices tend to cut out of he is nearby. this graph monitors the frequencies of cell phone communications, if it starts dropping rapidly, there is a good sign he is near.” Shining Armor looked at the graph and said, “And you’re sure that this works? You promise you are on the side of good here, I can trust you?” Shadow Armor nodded, “Yes. I have full faith in Burning Star and this team. But the big question is... do you? I saw him save that bus full of students. He could have left it alone and taken down Black Sun, but he sacrificed that opportunity to protect innocent people.” He put his hand on Shining’s shoulder and removed his sunglasses, showing his frightening red eyes. “Black Sun may have escaped our grasp, but he will be back, and I assure you that your officers can’t handle someone who wears a suit that can be considered a WMD.” “As much as I hate to say it... you are right. But please tell your friends to try and be more careful when you engage Black Sun next time?” Shadow Armor nodded and smiled, “Yes. If you want, I can transfer some of our data to the police, maybe you guys can make heads or tails out of it. I may be adept at pursuing, catching, and defeating criminals... but investigation isn’t my forté.” Shadow Armor walked over to the terminal and pressed a key, he inserted a flash drive and waited a few seconds. He finally pulled the drive out and handed it to Shining Armor, “Here is everything we know about Black Sun. I’m putting a lot of trust into your department, Shining. I hope it is not misplaced.” Shining asked him a question, “And what about your leader? Wouldn’t he object to working with law enforcement?” “No. Burning Star understands that we need as much help as we can get when facing foes of such great a threat. He was planning on contacting you today anyways...” said Shadow Armor, wearing a smirk. Shining exited the room with Shadow and said to the group, “Your friend Shadow Armor here has given me information on Black Sun. I’m going to take it to my investigation team so they can analyze it, be warned that we may contact you to ask for you to come down to the police headquarters for any further questions, ok?” The group gave a collective nod, all except Eclipsio, who snorted out in rage. Shining went towards the door and said to them, “I wish you all good luck, we will be in touch.” He exited the house and got into his car, then drove off towards his house. Once he was gone, Eclipsio punched Shadow Armor in the face, sending him crashing to the floor. “What are you doing?! We do not need that idiots help with this! I was just about to go and destroy Black Sun for good, and you just decided to give him the data of our entire operation?! Who told you to do this?!” Screamed the Prince, his face twisted in rage. “I did, Eclipsio. I already let the team know, I was conditioned letting you know as well, but judging from your reaction I was wise not to tell you.” Burning Star said, his eyes narrowed. Lucina put one of her invisible TK arms on Eclipsio and pushed him back. “This was the best decision we could have made that didn’t involve any drastic actions. The chief of police is right, Eclipsio. We have to be more discreet about these things.” The Prince snarled, “As we speak, Black Sun is out there doing Faust knows what, he has proven that he can attack at any moment. Why are we not hunting him down and destroying him?” Sunset helped Shadow to his feet and got him a bag of ice to put on his face, “You want to know why? He has Celestia and Luna. That is the reason we are looking for him. This isn’t about your petty vengeance, this is about bringing Black Sun to justice and saving them.” “SCREW CELESTIA AND LUNA!” The room fell silent after Eclipsio’s shout, Only the sounds of the fan in the room was heard. Eclipsio turned to the door and opened it, grabbing his sword. “Where are you going?” “Out to find Black Sun! Since you all are not going to do it, I’ll do it myself!” Eclipsio yelled as he stepped out the door and ran down the road. Sunset went to stop him but Lucina put one of her hands on her chest and said, “Don’t do it, Sunset. It’s not worth getting yourself hurt. Eclipsio is being reckless, let him learn the hard way.” Sunset turned to the group and said, “Alright, let’s get some rest everyone. We can’t search for Black Sun when we are all half-asleep.” Everyone silently nodded and went upstairs, Sunset stayed downstairs and thought to herself. ”Please someone snap Eclipsio out of his wrath, it is blinding him to the mission.” Unknown to Sunset, A figure watched from across the street, concealed from sight. The figure had heard the entire conversation and took off towards Eclipsio. (Canterlot Red-Light District) Eclipsio dashed down the road into the seedier of the city, a perfect place to find the scum of the world. And hopefully, Black Sun. He stopped at the corner in front of an old broken down house, to which he barged down the door of and entered. The unknown figure saw the Prince enter the home and silently flew in through the window, landing without a sound. Prince Eclipsio walked around the derelict building, his sword drawn and his face twisted in anger. He said out loud, “How dare Burning Star give that idiot anything on Black Sun. What does he know about how I’m feeling right now? Nothing, he can’t even be a hero right because his emotions get in the way.” An unknown voice called out to him. “So, what do you know about heroism, Prince Eclipsio that makes you a better hero than Burning Star?” The Prince immediately turned around and was blinded by a bright light source that burned with more intensity than the brightest star in the sky. He swung his sword but it was caught by... something... and he was disarmed. “Show yourself Black Sun! I know that is you, so stop with the games and fight me!” Yelled the Prince, now his fists were clenched. The ball of light spoke to him, ”You think anyone opposed to your quest for revenge is your enemy and that they must be removed... they are opposed to it because all it’s doing is making you act like a complete jerkass...” A hand stuck out of the light source, ”Go back to Burning Star and apologize for this childish behavior.” “I AM NO JERKASS! I AM A PRINCE OF EQUESTRIA!” Eclipsio exclaimed, taking a swing at the ball of light... Only for it to catch his fist and say, ”Fine... I will teach you a lesson in what a hero is...” A mighty crash was heard as Eclipsio was flung through the wall and out into the street. He was covered in debris from the house. The mass of light floated outside and grabbed Eclipsio by the neck and rocketed into the air. He soared higher and higher until he was far above the tallest building in the city. he kept going, holding the prince by his neck, until he was over 2500 feet in the air... Eclipsio looked down and saw just how high he was above the city, and he screamed. The light said to him, ”You break free Eclipsio, it’s a loooong way down to the ground, and I know even you with your Alicorn strength couldn’t survive that fall.” “Who are you?! Let me go now!” Said Eclipsio, struggling in this... thing’s iron grip. The ball of light flew higher into the air, now at 5000 feet. ”My identity is of no concern to you, Prince Eclipsio. But, what I have to say... is important.” “I really don’t care! I’m after Black Sun, damn it! Let me kill him!” Said Eclipsio, kicking towards the light, and doing nothing. The light flew higher with Eclipsio, now at 7500 feet, before saying. ”No. I am with your friend Burning Star and his allies on this, you have forgotten what a hero is supposed to do.” “I know what a hero is supposed to do, you cretin! A hero is supposed to defeat the villain!” The light dragged Eclipsio higher until he was at 10000 feet in the air, ”You are wrong again, a hero is someone who does this...” The light dropped Eclipsio from this height and he plummeted towards the ground and towards his death. Eclipsio was screaming in terror as he plummeted at breakneck speed towards the hard asphalt below. “OK OK I GET IT! I WILL STOP! JUST SAVE ME PLEASE! I DONT WANT TO DIEEEEEEE!” Eclipsio closed his eyes and braced for the end... Until the ball of light flew down and caught him inches from the ground! He dropped Eclipsio on his butt and said to him, ”A hero is someone who is willing to do the right thing no matter whether or not he or she likes it... and Heroes DO. NOT. KILL.” Eclipsio was completely hysterical and passed out soon after he heard that. The being of light picked up his unconscious body and flew off towards Sunset’s house. (Sunset’s House, Living Room) Sunset had fallen asleep waiting for Eclipsio to return when she awoke to the front door being opened. She crept forwards and peered into the Hall, before shielding her eyes from the bright light that was coming from her doorway. A voice came from it, ”Are you the one called Sunset Shimmer?” She gave a nod and quietly said, “Yes. Can you turn down the lights. I’m going blind here...” ”Ah yes... a moment, please.” Sunset felt the light disappear and she blinked the spots out of her eyes. When they were finally gone, her eyes went wide and her jaw dropped. Before her stood a figure in armor much like Black Sun did. But everything else about him was radically different. His suit was sleek and streamlined, possessing smooth and elegant curves as opposed to the rough and jagged texture of Black Sun’s armor. Black Sun’s armor was colored black with metallic silver and dark red accents, while the figures Suit was decorated with light blue and gold accents and was colored a crystal clear white. It was so well polished, Sunset could see her face in the armor’s reflective plating, it was like looking into a mirror. On his back were great metal wings that emitted trails of white smoke from the exhaust ports, unlike Black Sun... she felt safer with their shadow being cast upon her. He wore a full-head covering helmet of the same crystal white with gold and was shaped in the likeness of some sort of holy being, as opposed to Black Sun’s deliberately demonic helm. A pair of light blue fins curved upwards, giving him the appearance that he had a halo above his head. And then Sunset saw his shoulder pads... Emblazoned across his shoulder pads was a blazing golden star with six sides to it, each side was a wing covered in feathers. Sunset was never a really religious person, but Everything about him screamed that this was some divine being. The white-armored figure spoke to Sunset, it’s voice almost angelic. ”I came to return Prince Eclipsio to you, Ms Sunset Shimmer. May I come in and place him somewhere where he may rest?” Sunset weakly nodded and stepped aside, the white-clad figure walked in and deposited Prince Eclipsio’s unconscious body upon the couch, before turning and walking to the door. Sunset asked the figure something, “Who are you? Are you an angel of some sort?” A small laugh escaped the figure, ”No Ms Sunset Shimmer, I am not of divine origin, although my armor appears to give you that idea...” He hovered in the air and said, ”Good Bye Ms Sunset Shimmer, I have to be going now. I too seek to stop Black Sun and save the day, and my mission is not yet complete.” He ran one of his armored finger across her hair and said, ”Perhaps our paths will cross again...”. He began to glow with bright light, then he flew off... leaving Sunset completely starstruck. She walked inside and collapsed on the couch, thinking to herself as she drifted off to sleep. ”What was that... that... tha...?” She didn’t finish her thought and she fell into the warm embrace of sleep. Chapter 7: Two Ex’s Collide(Sunset’s House, Living Room) The house of Sunset Shimmer was finally quiet and peaceful. After some... thing showed up and dropped Eclipsio onto the couch, Sunset fell asleep on it as well, landing right on top of him. Of course, Prince Eclipsio was completely out, and Sunset didn’t weigh much in comparison to him. TL:DR, the two were lying facing each other belly-to-belly, in quite the... interesting position as well. The first rays of the sun broke through the blinds and hit Eclipsio in the face, he opened his golden eyes slowly and looked around... Before his eyes went wide at seeing Sunset’s sleeping face near his chest, her red and yellow hair was in a tangled mess and she was still wearing her clothes from last night... Prince Eclipsio silently screamed and his face turned so red he could have been mistaken for a tomato. He assumed that what happened last night between the Light attacking him and his awakening was all some sort of nightmare. But here was, completely awake, with Sunset lying on top of him. The Prince of Eclipses dared not move, lest he wake Sunset up and cause the moment to get even more awkward. ”Why is Sunset on top of me?! This is far from comfortable, but maybe I could let her sleep... maybe I can shimmy out from underneath her...” Eclipsio realized what he just thought, and turned red, ”Oh my god, that sounds wrong. Holy crap...” Eclipsio tried to move but went shock still when Shadow Armor walked down the stairs and saw the two of them lying together, he also saw Eclipsio struggling. “Hey Eclipsio? Why is Sunset lying on top of you?” Asked Shadow Armor, which immediately woke up Sunset. The two sleepy people looked at each other, with Sunset on top of him, and both of them jumped away from each other. “Oh my god! What are you doing here!?” Shouted Sunset Shimmer, her face red in embarrassment. “Me?! What are you doing here? I fall asleep on the couch only to awake to your body pressed against mine.” Said Eclipsio, stretching his arms out. He then smirked and said, “I know I’m attractive Sunset, but take me out for a date first at least.” Sunset pushed a pillow into her face, it was burning up. “Oh my god... I... with you... ARGH!” She stomped up the stairs and grabbed Burning Stars legs before dragging him down the stairs. As soon as his head hit the floor he shot up and asked, “What the hell?! Sunset, what was that for?! Why are you beet red and Eclipsio is as well...” He began to put two and two together, before asking, “Did you two...” Eclipsio and Sunset collectively screamed. “NO!” Burning Star rubbed his ears, “Ow, not so loud guys. I would stay and ask a few more questions... but I need to go out for a walk.” “What about Black Sun? He is still out there, you know?” Shadow Armor asked. The Equestrian of Fire rolled his eyes, “Black Sun is a hazard, but I have a feeling even he isn’t out this early. I have to go meet Shining Armor for some new evidence, see ya.” He rushed upstairs and got changed, before he exited the house and began to run down the road towards the city. Burning Star put on his HUD glasses and his coms, calling the Stable. ”This is Pyro, come in Stable. Stable, this is Pyro... FROSTCLAW WAKE UP!” Frostclaw had fallen asleep at the computer, but that shout woke him up and made him jump out of his seat. He quickly recollected himself and jumped to the computer saying, ”This is Stable, wha- (yawn) what are you doing up so early, Burning Star? It’s the weekend, we have time to relax and cool off.” ”Relax and Cool off? May I remind you that we are currently working with the police to find Black Sun? You know... the main reason why we can’t relax?” Frostclaw’s response was a yawn, ”Yeah, but... even he needs to rest, right? I’m not seeing any excess electromagnetic energy in the air at the moment, but if you want, I’ll keep looking.” ”That would be great. I’m gonna sign out for now, let me know if anything changes, ok? Bye!” said Burning Star, and deactivated his coms. (Canterlot City, Police Headquarters) After a half-hour run, Burning Star stopped in front of the police headquarters. It was a short brown and gray building made of concrete. The walls showed signs of wear and tear that had been hastily repainted over and over. It had few windows and stood only 3 stories tall, but was half the block long, in comparison to the Barracks back on Equestria, which took up an entire section of the castle walls, this wasn’t too bad. The smallness of the police HQ was both comforting and dreadful. Comforting because it shows that Canterlot didn’t have much Crime permeating the city, but dreadful because they must be terribly unprepared for whatever hell Black Sun could unleash upon this city. Burning Star walked up the stairs to the building and spotted Shining Armor in his crisp blue and white uniform, his badge on his chest and captains bars on his shoulders. Burning Star had changed out of his camouflage hoodie and black jeans, they were filthy with dust and burned asphalt from the showdown with Black Sun on Stardust Speedway. He now had on a pair of blue denim jeans with some tears in them. he wore these during his fight with Black Sun in White Tail Park, the tears were from the sharp claws on that monster’s boots. He wore a loose fitting dark red and bright yellow tunic on his chest which was emblazoned with his Flaming Star mark on his breast. The ends of it hung behind him and off his back, giving the tunic short coattails. Shining Armor saw Burning Star walking up and said, “So I guess you got my message?” “I did, you found something interesting on Black Sun?” He responded, running a hand through his hair, trying to make himself look presentable. The chief of police nodded, “Interesting, we got a big lead. we identified what his weapons use, but we are stumped on what his armor is composed of.” “Alright, I can help you. Am I allowed to be brought in to help with an investigation? A civilian?” Asked Burning Star, an unusually concerned look on his face. Shining shrugged, “I can say that you are a private investigator working from outside of the department, which you technically are.” The captain pushed the doors inward and the two men entered the building. Burning Star walked past the front desk and up a set of stairs, until the two finally entered the main office. Rows of desks were laid about on a black tile floor, some were being worked at by officers, some were vacant. A sealed room was off to the side, it’s windows layered with reinforced glass. Burning Star thought to himself, ”Must be the questioning room... wonder if anyone has seen Black Sun outside of an attack? I’ll ask the investigators later.” He entered a large office that opened out into a window and Shining sat down behind his desk in his large leather chair. He motioned for Burning Star to sit down, and the Equestrian of Fire sat down with an audible thump. Shining said to him, “My CSI division got back recently with various evidence samples from the chase on Stardust Speedway as well as evidence from the “White Tail Park Massacre” as some people call it now.” Burning Star leaned back on his chair and responded, “So, you brought me here because you have no clue what most of the evidence traces back to, right?” Shining hung his head, “Yeah, you weren’t kidding when you said you know little about Black Sun... but we did identify his weapons, come see.” Shining got up and exited his office, Burning Star followed but ran into something. He looked down to see that it was a package of what looked to be paper Not wanting to get in trouble, he placed the package on a nearby file cabinet and walked after Shining. Burning Star activated his coms and quietly said. ”Stable, I need a list of everyone that was on this investigation, local and federal.” Shadow Armor was on the computer and responded, ”Sure. Why are you asking for this, Burning Star? Shining Armor can be trusted, right?” “Yes, I am sure he can be, but I don’t know his team. Look them up and send their files to me when you find them. “... Done... Anything else you need this morning?” ”Just sit quiet and document everything I look over for our files. Use the camera on my HUD glasses. Burning Star out.” With that, Burning Star stopped talking but left the channel open so Shadow Armor could listen in. Shining opened the elevator door and Burning Star stepped inside. “What’s with the glasses, Burning Star?” Asked Shining Armor, now curious. “Oh, these? Gift from a friend...” he said nonchalantly. (The Evidence Room) Shining and Burning Star exited the elevator and entered the basement, where the evidence room, and by proxy the evidence for cases, was kept. “Now look, some of the guys down here may be a little afraid of your... different appearance. Some may even ask you questions, do not answer them if you feel as you will incriminate yourself.” Shining said to Burning Star, right before he opened the door to the room. A large table was laid out in the center of the room, various pieces of evidence were lying upon it. Bullets, metal shards, empty shotgun shells, etc. “Boys, this is Burning Star. He is a private investigator from outside of the department, he has had two first hand encounters and physical interactions with the suspect known currently as Black Sun.” Shining announced to the group, to which they immediately ran over and bombarded him with questions. “Who is Black Sun?” “Why is he attacking Canterlot?” “How did you drive him off?” Another person entered the room, a woman dressed in a black suit and wearing an earpiece like Burning Star. She was rather large, and has white hair with purple tips to it cut into a tuft at the front. Her eyes were golden yellow and had slotted irises. She earpiece was connected to a wire. Burning Star immediately recognized her as the Federal Investigator. ”Of course the government would want to stick its nose in this...” he thought to himself. “Are you Mr. Burning Star? The investigation team said you would be coming today.” The woman asked coldly, her eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Shadow Armor spoke to the Equestrian of Fire via his coms, ”Hey, that is the federal agent that has been assigned to this case by the FBI, Special Agent Gilda. From what her files say at their HQ she is very fond of cases involving magical influence. She will take in anyone related to the case and interrogate them viciously.” Burning Star calmly responded with, “Ah, I believe you must be the federal investigator assigned to this case, Agent Gilda... I presume?” Gilda raised one of her eyebrows, “How did you know all that?” Burning Star shrugged, “Saw a black car pulling up earlier, had a federal issue license plate on it. I’ve also seen you’re face on the news, Agent Gilda.” The agent’s response was cold, “I am here for the same reason you are supposedly here for. We will discuss you later.” Burning Star responded with a nod and immediately went to looking at the evidence. Through the camera in his HUD glasses, Shadow Armor documented it, identified it, and filed it away for later use. The Equestrian of Fire put on a pair of gloves and picked up a bullet, this one he knew. One of the investigatiors said to him, “This is a bullet casing found in both the White Tail Park and Stardust Speedway crime scenes.” Burning Star spouted the name, “This is a bullet from Black Sun’s weaponry alright. Its .50 caliber machine gun ammo. Normally, a gun that fires that strong of a shot would be similar to a heavy machine gun... but judging from these casings he has modified his weaponry so that he has two LMG barrels on each of his gauntlets.” He picked up a piece of melted steel and said, “You found this at the Stardust Speedway, yes?” The investigation team nodded, to which Burning Star said. “These are fragments from thermal-tracking missiles that he fires. They’re Mini Stinger Missiles, judging from the casings. Something this strong would need a large base to fire from, but He can fire them from his shoulders and hands.” Burning Star picked out The last piece of unlabeled evidence, “This is the thing you needed me to identify?” Gilda stepped forwards and said, “Yes. I found that off in the forest near the Stardust Speedway. It is some sort of metallic fragment, I just cannot identify it to any known alloy on record that armor is made out of.” Burning Star lifted the piece into the air and quietly sent some of his fire abilities into it... Suddenly the piece began to spark with energy, and he set it down before saying. “This is not an alloy normally used for armor plating. It is called Magisteel. It is a fusion of Osmium, Titanium, and Aluminum, which is then lightened and supercharged with arcane force. Or as you commonly call it, “Magic.” This makes it extremely resistant to anything natural. Fire, bullets, corrosion, the vacuum of space... it will regrow if damaged. only things either made of Magisteel or a being proficient in the arcane arts can inflict noticeable damage on it.” Gilda gave Burning Star a suspicious look, “And just how do you know about this “Magisteel” Burning Star? You also seem to know quite a bit about weaponry that Black Sun uses... you want to tell me something?” The Equestrian of Fire shook his head, “I do not have to answer any questions that will self-incriminate me. What you are doing is trying to pin blame for this on someone that is outside both the federal government and police department. All I am is a researcher of the recently discovered “Arcane Arts”, Gilda. thus... I know how Magisteel would be made.” She raised her eyebrow, “And just what do you researchers use Magisteel for, exactly?” Burning Star waved a hand at her, “Like I said, not going to give you a reason.” Gilda lost her temper, “You know something about this suspect, don’t you?! You’re just being rude and keeping it from me!” Burning Star ignored the annoyed agent, he walked passed her and said to Shining, “I reviewed your evidence, Chief Shining Armor... I’ll deliver my statements in print later today. Goodbye.” Shining opened the door, but Burning Star stopped at the door and said to the now irate agent. “And I’ll be seeing you soon, Agent Gilda.” The Agent clenched her fist so hard her glasses broke in her hand. (Canterlot Police Headquarters, Shinings Office) Shining Armor sat in his chair, staring at Burning Star, who had the biggest crap eating grin in the world on his face. “I’ve always wanted to do that! Oh that was good!” Said Burning Star, absolutely cracking up. Shining slammed his hand on his desk, “Burning Star! That was a FEDERAL AGENT! She can arrest all of you! What were you thinking?!” Burning Star stared at Shining, before giving a snort of laughter. “W-Wait... you actually bought that she was a federal agent? Ahahahaha! Oh you are pretty gullible!” He pointed to his glasses, “Shining Armor, I had everything on her during that little exchange. The boys and girls back home are feeding me information on these.” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow, “What are those things? They look just like normal Glasses...” He put them on and was greeted by something in the earpiece. ”Greetings Shining Armor.” “Gah! What... where are you?” He stammered, pulling the glasses off. The voice came again, from his desk phone, ”It’s me, Shadow Armor. I hacked into the cellular network of the building, but only to your office.” Burning Star put his glasses back on and smirked, “Shadow, Bring up “Agent Gilda”. Shadow pressed a key on his computer and an email appeared in Shining’s computer. “Come on... what system are you not in?” He groaned into his hands. “Well... I can’t get into Twilight’s personal account. Her security is locked down tighter than a drum, and the only reason I want to be in there is to keep an eye on her.” Shining frowned, “Why are you trying to spy on my sister?” Shadow Armor snickered, “Heh... I’m just messing with you Shining.” His serious demeanor returned quickly, ”But onto different matters, “Agent Gilda” WAS an agent. She was let go because she tried to prove that “magic” existed. Ever since your sister went full on crazy Elder-God for about ten minutes and ripped open portals left and right, arcane energy or “magic” has been POURING into this world by the bucketful.” Shining groaned into his hands again, “So my sister caused this?” Burning Star shook his head, “No, Cinch pushed Twilight to use the Magic Amulet... she was scared and felt alone, the overload of magic released her inhibitions... she lost control.” Burning Star noticed Shining’s eyes were boring Into his skull. He coughed and changed the subject, “So Shadow Armor, any luck finding out where this modified ammo is coming from?” ”No such luck.” Shining cleared his throat and said, “Uh... I... may know someone like that.” Burning Star’s eyes widened, “Really?! Great!” “I will tell you when we are outside the station, this isn’t a very good connection.” Said Shining Armor, who nervously shuffled out of the room. Shadow Armor said to Burning Star over his coms, ”Soooo... think it’s Chrysalis?” Burning Star spoke over his coms, ”This is Shining Armor here... of course it’s gonna be Chrysalis.” (Canterlot Streets) Burning Star stood outside a fast food joint, his camouflage hoodie on and his sword concealed underneath it. He also had pinched a pair of pistols and some ammo from two officers that moved too close to him. He got a call from Shadow Armor, ”Hey Burning Star, Can I ask you a favor?” ”Sure, what’s up?” Shadow Armor shuddered in his seat as he said, ”Can you take Lucina with you on this investigation of Shining’s lead?” ”Why should I bring her?” Burning Star said, confused. ”PLEASE take her with you, I INSIST...” said Shadow Armor, fear in his voice. Burning Star recognized this and said to him, ”Shadow... is something wrong? Wait... Lucina, are you there? are you holding one of your telekinetic arms against Shadow Armor’s neck with it turned into a blade?” There was silence in the room, before Burning Star heard the distinctive cold hiss of Lucina, ”No...” ”Alright Lucina, we are over by the burger joint down the road. Come on over... just don’t cause any trouble for Shining Armor.” said Burning Star, closing his coms and waiting for Lucina to arrive. The line closed and Shining Armor appeared out of the burger store with a sack of hamburgers and a pair of French fry containers, he hadn’t eaten anything for dinner. “So... I bought myself some burgers, you sure you don’t want anything?” Asked Shining, looking at Burning Star. Despite Burning Star having enough strength to move large trucks with his bare hands thanks to his Alicorn DNA... He was still pretty thin, barely breaking 30 inches at the waist. His arms and legs were slim, but long and physically dense. In shorter terms, his Alicorn DNA made him many, MANY times stronger, faster, and tougher than a normal human. This was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because it made him utterly unstoppable when facing humans in combat, and let him last so long against Black Sun. Curse because he often underestimated his own strength... such as when he slammed his fist on the coffee table in Sunset’s house and snapped it in half... while also cracking the floor all the way down to the foundation. Yeah... big problem when doing delicate tasks. “One sec... I’ll get my order. My partner should be here soon.” Burning Star said as he walked into the store. “Partner? He must have invited one of his friends from his operations back at Sunset Shimmer’s house... I pray that it isn’t Eclipsio. He is not my favorite person...” Shining said to himself out loud. A girls voice responded to him, sending a great chill down his spine. “I have the same opinion of Prince Eclipsio, Chief Shining Armor.” Shining turned around to see a pinkish red-haired girl wearing a black skin tight suit with pink streaks. Her eyes were cold and distant, Shining felt cold looking into them. He felt... something touch his head and then felt the feeling of something going into his mind. It was a feeling similar to an idea, but more tangible. Burning Star appeared from the fast food place with two huge bags of food and said to Lucina, “Lucina... stop with that. Shining is a friend.” Shining felt the feeling in his head disappear, and a dizzy feeling overtook him. He put one head to his head and said to Burning Star, “So... this is your partner... Lucina. Nice to meet you, I’m Shining...” Lucina cut him off with her icy voice. “I know all about you, Shining Armor Sparkle. You are the older brother to Twilight Sparkle, Student at Canterlot High and former student at Crystal Prep. You were former head of security there and became Chief of your precinct on favor from your father, Night “Watcher” Light.” Shining’s jaw dropped. Lucina continued, “Your ex girlfriend is-“ Shining clamped one hand over her mouth and said to Burning Star, “DON’T say her name... please.” Burning Star was getting into Shining’s civilian car when he said, “Shining... we are going to meet your ex, aren’t you?” “Sigh... yeah.” He said as he got in the car, Lucina sat in the back, right behind Burning Star. Shining drove off towards the Red-Light District before he said, “Since we are going to meet my ex, I may as well tell you who she is.” “A’ight... whro is she?” Said Burning Star, stuffing an entire double hamburger in his mouth, which seemed to unhinge like a snake as he chewed it. Shining winced as he said, “Her name is Cadence...” “Caden-hrk!” Burning Star began to choke on his burger, prompting Lucina to reach around the seat with her invisible TK arms and cause him to cough up the burger onto the dashboard. Shining shot him a look, “Really? Now I have to clean that...” Burning Star quietly used his fire powers to incinerate the burger waste while Shining Armor wasn’t looking. Lucina was also in slight shock, but it was well hidden behind the dead look in her eyes. “What made you break up with her?” She said, her eyes widening about half an inch. “I’ll let her tell you, PERSONALLY.” He said through gritted teeth. (Canterlot City, Red Light District) Shining Armor pulled up in front of a Dance Club with a neon sign of a lady on a pole. The sign underneath it said “Love Shack” “If anyone knows about custom-made ammo and weapons, Its Candence... she pretty much knows everything about the Canterlot underground.” He said, entering the club. Burning Star said to himself, ”Cadence is Shining’s Ex? I don’t believe it!” Lucina’s Voice reached into his mind, ”Remember Burning Star, this world is different from yours... perhaps something happened between Shining and Cadence that drove them apart?” ”Perhaps, lets ask her when we meet her.” he responded in his mind, before Lucina broke the connection. The three humans entered the main room, erotic music playing and various women dancing on poles and on the stage, posing in very... showy ways. Burning Star dares not look, for he was worried Lucina’ s jealously may take over and this would turn into a bloodbath... Judging from Lucina’s completely dead face, if Shining didn’t hurry his butt to the back room this was bound to happen. A large man approached Shining Armor, “Are you here on an appointment with Cadence, Princess of the Love Shack?” Shining sighed and said, “Listen Bookend... it is me Shining Armor. Let me see Cadence, it’s a matter of “upmost importance”. The bouncer suddenly blushed, “O-Oh right... are your friends here for this as well?” Shining nodded and Bookend stepped aside, letting the three of them pass. The room they entered was lit by a soft pink light, a great red heart-shaped bed lay against the wall. Various... revealing photos and unsettlingly detailed newspaper articles were hung on the wall in frames. On the bed lay a woman presumably in her late 20s, she had bright pink hair with yellow streaks running through it. Her body was curvy and her hips were wide. Her... “assets” were round and her actual rear was quite shapely as well. This was definitely Cadence... “Shiiiny~ You’re back for me...” she said with half lidded eyes and a mischievous smirk on her face. “I’m not here to get back together with you Cadence, I’m here to talk about something important.” Shining said, causing Cadence to look to Burning Star, the same expression on her face. “And what about you? You look like you are in desperate need of someone to love...” she said, sitting up and stretching her arms out. Burning Star shook his head, trying to avert his eyes away from Cadence’s chest. “N-No. I am here with Shining about the same thing. I-I am not sure why you would want well... me.” Cadence shrugged, “Oh well, perhaps later then, ok? Now what is it that you two boys wanted to speak about, hm?” “Cadence, I need some information on black market dealings, specifically in the ammunition department. You see, a figure named Black Sun has been terrorizing this City...” Shining said, also trying to avert his eyes. “I am aware of Black Sun, he has been a major thorn in the side of my “businesses”, he hasn’t bought anything, he has stolen it.” She said, looking down. “It’s quite stressful for me, and I haven’t had a good stress relief in weeks, boys. Would one of you Care to Help? with that, hm? Or would you both like to?” Cadence said, a frankly adorable and oddly sexual pout on her face. Lucina hissed at Cadence, her voice colder than the Antarctic, “No. Just give us the information and we will be leaving.” “And who are you? The boss of these two?” Said Cadence, shooting Lucina a look that said it all. Shining heard Burning Star whisper to him, ”Shining, why is Cadence so thirsty?” ”Well why don’t you ask her?” whispered Shining Armor. Burning Star did just that, “Ms. Cadence, I am Burning Star and this is Lucina, we are friends of Shining Armor. We are also involved with this case... but on another topic... why did you and Shining split up?” Cadence sighed, “Shining didn’t understand that I had certain... “needs” to be filled. While he could provide them, he eventually got tired of it and we split.” Burning Star looked confused, “Needs?” Lucina quietly said to him, “She only cared about what was down south than what was up north...” Shining Armor pointed at Cadence, “It’s not my fault that you didn’t have any interest in staying with me.” “I did have interest in staying with you Shiny, but I like my relationships to be “open ended”. Apparently you didn’t... oh well.” Cadence said while crawling towards Burning Star. She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and said, “What about you, Mr. Burning Star? Are you interested in an open ended relationship with me? Or are you chained up to your little girl Lucina over there?” Lucina’s eyes narrowed and one of her invisible arms shot out towards Cadence’s head, stopping just before it. “Burning Star is mine alone, don’t you go into this, Cadence.” She growled, sending a chill up Cadence’s spine. She immediately regret her comment and said, “Yes... I have seen Black Sun. My assistants have sold weapons before.” “Like what?” Asked Burning Star, his hand slowly reaching behind him towards his sword. “Oh guns, missiles, grenades, weapons grade plutonium...” She said as she waved her hand nonchalantly. Burning Star’s eyes went wide, “What?! Why in the world would Black Sun need weapons grade Plutonium? Is he building a bomb?” Cadence shook her head and giggled, “No silly... he uses it to power and recharge his suit. I helped him design it...” Lucina finally raised both eyebrows in shock, “What did you say!? You designed that WMD?” “Yes... until he cheated me out of it. He had another suit made for a girl, he promised that I would have it for my own, until he left with it and flew off to Faust knows where! Ugh!” She yelled, throwing her hands into the air. “We finally have a concrete lead. Cadence helped design the suit, that is interesting.” Burning Star thought to himself. He quickly stepped out of the room and towards the bathroom, where he immediately called the Stable HQ back at Sunset’s house on his coms. ”Stable, this is Pyro. You get all that information I just heard?” A brief silence passed, before Frostclaw’s shrill voice pierced the comlinks. ”Every last word. Now, I have one question for her myself.” Burning Star raised an eyebrow, ”Yeah... what is it?” “Is Cadence single right now?” Burning Star coughed up something and his face flushed red. ”What?! Why do you ask me to ask for you?! Why can’t you come ask yourself, if you are so intent on find out?” Frostclaw jumped out of his seat, ”Ok! I’m coming now! See you in a few minutes!” ”Wait Frostclaw I was-“ The line cut out and Burning Star groaned. “Being... sarcastic... ah f—k.” He exited the bathroom to find Shining Armor sucked behind one of the various fabric chairs in Cadence’s back room, Lucina and Cadence were arguing with each other in the center. “So you really are thirsty aren’t you? From what I have heard from Shining you were perfectly fine sleeping around with other people.” Snarled Lucina, her TK arms flared and ready to strike down Cadence. Burning Star was spotted by Lucina and she immediately returned them to her body, where they twisted and whrithed like some sort of hellish snake. “Thirsty? You call me thirsty, well at least I’m not a psychopath obsessed with being Burning Star.” Cadence snapped back, getting off her bed and standing up. She said to Lucina, “You see, I have a particular ability that allows me to sense emotions that others feel, and I know you love Burning Star SO MUCH. So much so you will do ANYTHING to keep him, including killing anyone that hurts him even the slightest bit or is the most minor threat to your crush on him!” Burning Star ducked behind the chair next to the one that Shining was hiding behind before saying to him. “I left the room for 5 minutes and everything went to hell. What happened?” Asked Burning Star, understandably terrified by Lucina. Burning Star feared Lucina for her immense psychokinetic powers and dangerously unstable personality. Compared to Black Sun, Black Sun at his full strength barely held a candle to Lucina... It’s probably why he ran off after she bent and crushed his armor so easily... “Burning Star is mine, not anyone else’s... MINE. HE IS MY SENPAI!” Lucina’s TK arms shot out and went into Cadence’s mind... They retreated and Lucina smirked, “You aren’t Cadence... are you?” Shining Armor and Burning Star both said. ”What do you mean that isn’t Cadence?” Cadence smirked and broke into a laugh, her eyes turned green. ”Oh you are just such a clever girl, aren’t you?” She was engulfed in green flames and Burning Star’s jaw dropped. Before the group stood a woman in her mid 30s, she had green stringy hair with little round pins in it. Her eyes were bright green and were filled with deception, and she wore a slim black dress that emphasized her rear and... ahem... “assets”. She stood about a head shorter than Burning Star, and two little fangs were poking out of her mouth, as well as a forked tongue flicking in and out. Burning Star’s hair began to emit smoke, ”Chrysalis... You’ve returned.” He heard Shadow Armor’s voice over the comlinks. ”I called it!” Shining’s jaw was on the floor as well, before he said. “C-Cadence? Is that you?” Chrysalis let out a short laugh, ”No, Shining Armor. However, I am much more desirable than that piece of cardboard you call a girlfriend.” Burning Star’s hair exploded into flames as he said. “Then where is she, you parasitic love leech?! If you have been impersonating her, what have you done with the Real Cadence?!” Lucina’s TK arms shot out and she said, “If you value your life... I recommend telling him where she is.” Chrysalis snapped her fingers, and a horde of buzzing sounds was heard. ”Oh you will be joining her shortly.” CHANGELINGS! CAPTURE SHINING ARMOR FOR ME! ERADICATE THE REST!” Shining was too stunned to speak before he was lifted up by Lucina saying. “We are going NOW.” Lucina opened the door to see various humanoid Changelings in the main hall, hissing at them and their green-blue eyes staring directly towards the trio. Lucina said to Shining, “Shining, please cover your eyes.” “Why?! Whatever you are about to do can’t be worse than what I just saw...” said Shining, still scared out of his mind of the black-shelled humans slowly approaching them. “Suit yourself, but try not to vomit...” said Lucina. A Changeling lunged at Shining Armor, Lucina looked at it and said. “Die.” Her invisible arms shot out and tore the Changeling’s body in half before crushing the head. The rest of the Changelings lunged at the trio, and Lucina went ballistic. Her TK arms went wild, tearing up bodies rapidly. Burning Star held Shining behind Lucina as she slashed and hacked her way through the dozens of Changeling-human hybrids. Green-blue blood sprayed on all three of them, the two boys dared not move, lest they be turned to mulch by the rapidly slashing TK arms of Lucina. A Changeling got past her and lunged at Shining, it was snatched out of the air by Burning Star and he twisted his arms, snapping its neck and dropping its lifeless body onto him. Shining finally unfroze and pulled out his gun, firing into the seemingly endless swarm of Changeling humanoids. When the dust settled, dozens, possibly hundreds of bodies were littered across the floor, the majority of them in pieces. Greenish blood covered the floors and walls, as well as the three humans that just fought off a small army of bug-people. The three of them stepped outside and Shining ran to Lucina and said, “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT THING YOU DID?!” Lucina sighed, “I used my abilities... my brain is stronger and more advanced than that of a human. This led to me developing psychokinesis, which manifests as invisible arms that I can turn into deadly weapons. What you just saw was my abilities in action, are you ok, Burning Star? Shining Armor?” Burning Star nodded, “Yes. Thanks to you again.” Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis burst out of the door her eyes narrowed in rage. ”You slaughtered my children! You... YOU monster. I will kill you!” Queen Chrysalis lunged forward before Lucina caught her in her telekinetic arm’s grip. Lucina scowled and said, “Does it hurt? Does it hurt so badly to see your children destroyed? Now you know how much it hurts to miss the one you love...” Shining Armor looked at Burning Star and said, “W-What the hell is going on...” Lucina shot her telekinetic arms into Chrysalis’s mind, pulling out Cadence’s location... PAINFULLY. Chrysalis screamed, ”YOU KNOW THAT I WILL BE BACK! YOU CAN NEVER TRULY GET RID OF ME! I WILL RETURN WITH A BIGGER SWARM.” Lucina growled, “No... I’ll put you out if your misery.” Burning Star covered Shining’s eyes as Lucina launched all of her invisible arms towards Chrysalis and sliced her apart, leaving a green puddle where she once stood. She then fired those arms into the apartment above the club and ripped open the top windows, before pulling out the real Cadence. She was tied to a chair with rope and tape was across her mouth. Her eyes were red and puffy from tears as well. “Don’t Move.” Said Lucina, and she cut the rope away and pulled the tape off her mouth. As soon as Cadence was free, she ran over to Shining Armor and into his embrace. “Shining!” “Cadence! You’re alive!” Burning Star let the two lovebirds hug it out, before a rumble came from the building. The building collapsed on top of itself, before a large humanoid shot out of the crater. It was Chrysalis! She was still alive?! ”Hahahaha... fools. You actually bought that I would reveal myself? I know you all have some special powers, so allow me to show you WHAT IM MADE OF! HEEERAAAAH!” Thunderbolts struck down as it began to rain, the water doing no good in washing away the sticky Changeling blood. Chrysalis screeched as the spinal ridge on her back opened up and four large insect wings popped out. Then large spider-like legs began to emerge, hoisting the Changeling Queen into the air, where she took off and hovered in place. She now had 6 insectoid legs poking out her back that were primed for attack, as well as her two powerful wings. Her fangs had elongated to the point where they looked like daggers, and her hair began to have black jagged horns emerge from it. ”AT LAST! My ultimate form is complete... From this point onwards you will refer to me as Empress Chrysalis” Cadence growled at Chrysalis, “You freak! Why did you kidnap me and lock me up?! What did I ever do to you?” Chrysalis grinned, her needle sharp teeth glinting in the light of the street lamps. ”My dear, it was the only way to get at your lovely Shining Armor. He is the Chief of Police, If I had him in my little harem, I would be invincible... plus I would have my own little bundle of love to lay on whenever I wanted to... and maybe, just maybe I would have spared your friend Burning Star.” Burning Star uncharacteristically shrunk back behind Lucina, who was standing still, not impressed by the now 20 foot tall bug-human Changeling... thing. Chrysalis pointed at the Equestrian of Fire, ”Of course I would use him for food, and to spite that frustrating, unintelligent, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Shining snapped and unloaded his entire clip into Chrysalis, the bullets bounced off her armored exoskeleton. ”I’m flattered by your attempt to try and stop me, but resistance is futile...” Chrysalis said, extending one of her large insect legs to Shining and picking him up by his shirt collar. ”Now lets go home my pet... I have a new hive o produce... and you will get to be the father of the largest family in history!” Chrysalis suddenly had her exoskeleton armor pierced by Burning Star’s blazing sword. The blade of Deicide stung the queen, and caused her to drop her prey. Cadence picked up a rock and chucked it at her, hitting Chrysalis in her unarmored head. “Stay away from my boyfriend!” Lucina saw that Chrysalis’s head and joints in between her Armor was open to attack, and she extended her TK arms. She said to the group in her dead tone, “If you value your innocence, close your eyes.” Chrysalis lunged at the group, only to have herself pinned down by... something she couldn’t see. Lucina began to strike her armored skin over and over, saying to her. “You Invade this world, kidpap Cadence, threaten my friends... all of these things I don’t mind...” Her tone grew so cold that it sent shivers up everyone’s spines. “But when you hurt Burning Star... is when I get mad... and when I get mad, I don’t have mercy for our opponents.” Chrysalis felt a sharp pain in her chest as something began to pull her in two different directions. Lucina uttered one word that frightened everyone. “DIE.” Chrysalis practically shattered... raining green and blue blood upon everyone. (End song) Cadence opened her eyes to see the carnage around her and she felt the need to vomit. She saw that her and Shining were not covered in the disgusting stuff, and she pulled Shining close. “Shining, I’ve missed you so much, that... that freak had me stuck in her attic for weeks!” Cadence said, tilting his head down to hers. She pulled him in for a kiss and the two locked lips, right in front of Burning Star and Lucina... Both of them were drenched in both water and Changeling Blood... and both had huge grins on their faces. “Well I think we did good, didn’t we?” Burning Star said, putting his sword away and stretching his arms up. Lucina, still covered in blood, pulled Burning Star close and said... “Oh shut up and kiss me already...” Burning Star received a lip lock similar to Cadence and Shining making out, but instead of them being drenched in the rain... They were covered in blue and green blood... And they didn’t care at all. Burning Star pulled away for a minute and said, “This is going to be a thing with us, isn’t it?” Lucina pressed close to him and said, “What do you think?” Meanwhile, Black Sun stood atop a nearby building, having to remove his mask to vomit. While he had inflicted gore-filled massacres before... That, that was truly gruesome. ”New objective, don’t piss her off. This armor may make me practically invincible, but even if my armor would crumble under that... I will strike down Burning Star and his miserable little friends.” Black Sun took to the air, before a massive lightning bolt hit him and he fell to the roof a sparking and smoking mess. “Or... I will wait till this damn rain ends. Then I will kill him and those irritating little ingrates.” He said, before walking off the roof and flying in the opposite direction. Chapter 8: Confronting the Source(Sunset’s House) Shining and Cadence dropped Burning Star and Lucina off at Sunset’s house... It was still raining, and all three of them still had the smell of Changeling blood on them. It smelled like mint ice cream.. and strangely tasted like it too. How did Burning Star know all this? When Lucina kissed him, she was still covered in it, and it got into his mouth. So when they broke the kiss... their mouths tasted and smelled like mint... “God that is disgusting now that I’m thinking about it.” Burning Star said to himself, walking to the door of Sunsets house and knocking on it. Strangely, Shadow Armor came to the door and opened it, seeing the blood-soaked couple and giving them a weak smile. “Oh... I guess that the meeting with Cadence didn’t go well?” He said, trying not to bring up the blood that coated the two of them. Shadow Armor was no stranger to blood, he has cut down many foes and had blood splattered against him. But the way Lucina killed, the brutal and disturbing way she literally tore her opponents to pieces... it left more than a splatter... It drenched her in blood... and it made Shadow Armor’s stomach turn. He had been watching the battle between Lucina and the humanoid Queen Chrysalis, he had SEEN the gore fest, and let’s just say he emptied his stomach of his entire days worth of food. “No, it didn’t go well. Turns out your predictions about Queen Chrysalis being Cadence was true, good catch Shadow Armor.” Said Burning Star, reaching his hand out. Shadow Armor said to the couple, “Go get in a shower, you two. You look like green popsicles...” Lucina grabbed Burning Star with her TK arms and lead him inside, the biggest grin on his face. He suddenly said, “See ya, Shadow Armor.” He stuck his head out the door and yelled excitedly, “IM GETTING LAID IN THE SHOWER! HAHAHA!” Sunset came out of her room in her pajamas and gave both of them the eye, “Will you two quiet down? Also... why do you smell like mint ice cream?” Lucina extended one of her arms and grabbed Sunset saying, “We will tell you later... go get some sleep.” Sunset tried to object but Lucina reached another arm into her brain, She passed out immediately afterwards, asleep and dead to the world. She levitated her inside and tucked her in like a mother tucking in a child, before pulling Burning Star into the shower and locking the door with a click. Shadow Armor heard the sounds of “paired showering” and his cheeks began to heat up. He knew he had to get to his room, but two of his friends were busy with... whatever the hell someone with fire powers and a bravado worthy of legend. Also, someone with deadly psychokinesis and a dangerous obsession for Burning Star. Either way, whatever was going on was weird, wet, and wild... ”Why the hell am I thinking this? I must miss Fluer so bad that I’m making up fantasies involving my friends in lewd acts...” said Shadow Armor, rubbing the back of his head. Nearby, The figure in white armor watched Sunset Shimmer while she slept. not in the creepy way... in the “I’m guarding you” way... Ok, watching anyone while they were sleeping was creepy. ”Ah... the Lovely Sunset Shimmer. A foot in one world, a hoof in another, you are such the... strange figure. You hold the entire world upon your shoulders, the world not acknowledging your beauty...” said the figure, peering into the window at Sunset’s sleeping form. She was curled up in a ball, shivering in the cold room fueled by the overworking air conditioner. The figure couldn’t stand seeing her like this and floated down to the window, lifting it open with a smooth slide. He slipped in as silent as a breeze and picked up the covers and placed them on Sunset, she immediately stopped shivering. The figure looked at Sunset’s sleeping form, thinking to itself... before making its move. The figure reached one of his metal-clad hands to Sunset’s hair and ran it through her red and golden locks, before saying to him itself. ”Her hair is like velvet... so supple and easy to brush. Why is she not with the most handsome man in school?” the figure said, barely a whisper. Sunset stirred in her sleep, her hand pressed against the figure’s metal-clad greaves... she pulled it back slowly, wincing at how cold it was in her sleep. The figure turned away from Sunset and said into the mirror, ”What about me? Would Sunset accept me as her “boyfriend?” It clenched it’s fist, ”No... I must stop Black Sun before she sees me for who I am. Then and only then will I be worthy of her...” The figure moved toward the window and flew out silently, a breeze carrying him away. (The Next Morning...) The sun poured its light into the window of Sunset Shimmer’s bedroom, waking the girl to the new morning. She slowly opened her eyes to see what was going on... Before they shot open and she screamed in shock at who was in her room! Eclipsio was sitting at the end of her bed, his shirt off, letting Sunset see his rather muscly body. It wasn’t ripped, Rather it had definition to it. It was lean and sturdy, and it made her cheeks flush red. While she had seen Burning Star shirtless when Lucina was pouncing on him, he was thin. Eclipsio’s body had some bulk that seemed to ebb and flow whenever he took a breath. Prince Eclipsio raised an eyebrow, “Sunset? What is the matter?” “What’s the matter?! You are in MY ROOM! Why are you here, Eclipsio!” screeched Sunset, covering herself. Prince Eclipsio shrugged, “I just entered here to speak with you, Is this a bad time?” Sunset threw her pillow at the Prince, it bounced off his head and landed with a pomf sound. “Yes this is a bad time! Didn’t your sisters ever teach you to not invade a girls room?!” “Sunset, I was banished for over 1000 years, courtesy wasn’t on my to-do list when I got back. So, no.” He said nonchalantly, running a hand across his arm. Sunset pulled her covers up around her chest, she had slept without a shirt on, and god forbid that Eclipsio would catch her shirtless. “I’m not dressed yet! Can it wait?” “Of course, go get dressed. I will wait here patiently.” Said Eclipsio, rolling his shoulders back. Sunset’s face turned red, “I would like some privacy, at least!” Eclipsio nodded, “Say no more, I shall be over in your closet. What would you like to wear today, perhaps your trademark leather jacket? Or this red dress?” “I can pick out my clothes on my own! I don’t need you to do it for me!” She said, covers now wrapped around her body like a robe. Eclipsio stepped out of the way and Sunset looked at him and said, “Well?! Aren’t you going to leave?” “Why would I leave? I am perfectly fine with a female changing in my vicinity. Celestia and Luna pay no mind to me changing in theirs either, although I wonder why their faces are so red... perhaps they were coming down with an illness? But that is highly unlikely, Alicorns cannot be ill.” the Prince wondered, putting his balled fist to his chin. He bowed to Sunset, “So if you feel as if you are uncomfortable with changing in my vicinity, it is fine with me. Why is it not fine with you? Do you have something to hide from me?” Sunset delivered a massive punch to Eclipsio’s nose, causing it to bleed. She then flung the prince out of her room and said, “STAY OUT!” Eclipsio pinched his nose closed to stop the blood and said to himself, ”Hm... wonder why she was so embarrassed to change around me? I had to peel off her smelly pajama clothes she had on last night into her crisp and clean ones... why is she so embarrassed by me?” (Kitchen) One EXTREMELY AWKWARD dressing later and Sunset came down in her leather jacket and a pair of jeans. Eclipsio saw her come down and said, “Ah, I see you went with your trademark “distressed biker girl” look.” He was slapped in the face by Sunset hard enough to restart his nosebleed. She still had a bit of red on her face when she said to him, “You really have no shame, do you? Stepping into a girls room while they are asleep?! Really?!” Prince Eclipsio raised an eyebrow while he pinched his nose shut, “I have shame, Ms Sunset Shimmer. But, I don’t understand why this is such a big deal for you. I had assumed as we are both friends that such things like changing in each other’s company are not awkward.” Sunset Shimmer put her face into her hands, “Ugh... you really don’t get humans yet, do you?” Eclipsio nodded his head, “It is rather... difficult for me to do so, Sunset Shimmer. Humanity is frustratingly complex.” Sunset gave him another tissue to stuff up his nose then put her hand on his shoulder, “Well, what is frustrating you, Eclipsio? Maybe I can help?” Prince Eclipsio saw that the fury had disappeared from Sunset’s eyes, then he said. “Humans are just... so... so... full of contradictions!” He got up and stared to pace about the room, the ceiling fan made his long silver hair billow in the breeze, similar to his mane when he was in Pony Form. It ended up blowing into his face and he coughed as it went into his mouth. “Ack! Confound this hair! How is it that such long hair can exist and not get in the way?!” Sunset held back a laugh as the Prince unceremoniously spun around and tripped over his katana, which had been strewn out on the floor. He face planted to the tile floor, this time getting a laugh from Sunset Shimmer. Prince Eclipsio snapped, and screamed. ” DO NOT MOCK ME!” The Prince got to his feet and slammed his feet downwards, causing a crack in the floor. ”I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY PATIENT WITH MY HUMAN BODY. BUT EVEN I. HAVE. MY. BREAKING POINT! AND IVE JUST REACHED THAT POINT!” He wheeled around and picked up his katana and drew it before stabbing a pillow, spilling stuffing everywhere. ”THIS SEARCH FOR BLACK SUN HAS LED ME TO A WORLD THAT HAS NO SPACE-TIME MANIPULATION POWERS! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FIND HIM IF WE MUST RELY ON THE “TALENT” OF CHIEF SHINING ARMOR, A WITLESS WONDER!” He finished his train of thought by grabbing Sunset by her jacket and saying, ”YOU THINK I AM OVEREACCTING, DON’T YOU?” Sunset had enough, and she retaliated with her own shout, her eyes glowing like orange flames. ”Well I think you are, overreacting, Eclipsio! I am frustrated with you about your insensitive attitude with me and my friends! I would like you to stop it.” Eclipsio put his hand to his katana and began to pull it, but Sunset grabbed his hand and said. “You pull that katana and I show you why I was the queen at Canterlot High...” The Prince’s voice grew sly, “And what? You think that you, a human, can wrestle with a full-grown Alicorn-Human that has been fighting for his entire life? I highly doubt it will work.” Sunset’s teeth grew into fangs and her eyes turned green, ”Wanna try it, Edgy boy?” she said, sending a small chill up the Prince’s spine. The Prince thought about it, then he lowered his hands away from his sword, “Fine... you win Sunset. But this isn’t over, I’m going out to look for more evidence on Black Sun.” Sunset stepped in front of Eclipsio and pushed him back, “No, you are going to stay here and talk with me. Now I’m sorry that I yelled at you, but we are both angry and I think we can help each other, ok?” The Prince fumed for a minute, his fists clenched, but he relaxed and sighed out in defeat. “...Fine...” Sunset walked over to the couch and sat down, she patted the cushion next to her and Eclipsio sat down as well. He had a stony expression on his face that spoke VOLUMES. “Eclipsio, judging by your body language and general demeanor, you clearly are troubled. What to tell me why, or will you sit there in silence and mope all day, like you usually do?” Said Sunset, raising an eyebrow. Prince Eclipsio shrugged, “Why do you care? You have no impact on me and the world, so why try to alter my perspective on life?” “Well... I figured what you need right now is a assertive, but compassionate person to listen to you. From what I’ve gathered, you are similar to Burning Star in demeanor. You are so caught up in what and why you think you matter to others that you never had time to grow up and mature emotionally did you?” Said Sunset, a small smile of sympathy on her face. The Prince growled, “Why should I take time to feel? My sisters are missing, my options are few, and my friends refuse to help me enact my plans to stop Black Sun for good.” He then said while staring off into space, “Regardless of whether or not Celestia and Luna are found via Black Sun or my own intuition, I lost them to a mistake I made... I didn’t take the shot. if I hit my sisters with a magic blast... they would forgive me right? Would they?” Sunset put her hand on Eclipsio’s shoulder, saying to him. “I think that they would, but I don’t think you wouldn’t forgive yourself... would you?” Prince Eclipsio raised an eyebrow, “Why should I forgive myself? Sunset Shimmer... I have been banished most of my adolescent and adult life in the inky blackness of deep space. Not just that, I wasn’t just banished to space... I was banished to the space between spaces. I was lost for over a thousand years, Sunset... what do you know about isolation and helplessness?” Sunset Shimmer’s face turned serious, “Isolation? Prince Eclipsio, for the majority of my adolescence I ruled Canterlot Highs student body as a tyrant. I used fear and lies to get ahead, I ABANDONED my Celestia because I felt as if she did not have the answers to my biggest question.” Now Eclipsio was curious, “And what was that question, Sunset Shimmer? How to become an Alicorn like Twilight had become one? Were you jealous she had friends and all you had was your hatred of your teacher?” “Honestly, the question was this. “Did all of your teachings really matter?” Sunset clenched her fist, Small orangish yellow sparks of magic danced over her knuckles. “Unlike Twilight who sought peers to respect and love, I sought, no CRAVED dominance. Dominance enough to suppress and control the majority of the student body. Then Twilight chased me here after I stole the Element of Magic.” She began to form tears in her eyes My grip was slipping, Eclipsio. I hated that there was one person that wasn’t afraid of me. One person that made friends, and in my hatred. I turned one is the most powerful Elements of Harmony, if not the most powerful, into a dangerous weapon that rivaled The Alicorns in Power.” Eclipsio’s photographic memory began to record what Sunset was saying. Despite having a Sunset Shimmer on his own world, he had never met another version of her that was so... vocal. Then again, he had never met another version of Sunset at all! Sunset hung her head as she said, “I used it to become a powerful Demon... and I turned my hate into a spell that would hurt Twilight severely, it could have possibly killed her if she didn’t channel magic from her new friends and herself to shield herself. Then, she hit me with a blast of magic so pure it completely obliterated my demonic form.” She now was staring to cry slightly, “I was beaten, embarrassed to the greatest degree. Every single thing I had built had fallen. I expected Twilight to leave me there in disgrace... but she did something I never expected and I still don’t fully understand, even after all this time.” She lifted her head and said directly to Eclipsio’s face, “She offered a hand to me, she offered me forgiveness... every part of me told me to swat it away and strangle her for humiliating me so badly... but that part of me that wanted to start over... it won out and I accepted her hand up.” Sunset still continued to speak, her eyes slowly dripping tears as she went on. “Ever since then I have been working my ass off to fix my mistakes. I had to battle magical sirens, take on Midnight Sparkle, stave off a powerful Elder God of the Forest, and recently... start over because some bitter teen I never noticed erased memories of my good deeds from my friends heads.” Eclipsio’s eyes widened at her accomplishments, “Wait... you are saying that you... a human girl barely over 20, has defeated sirens from Equestria? Midnight Sparkle once (before we had to finish the job), the freaking GODDESS OF THE EVERFREE FOREST, and overcame memory magic and a overly-bitter girl with it?” Sunset nodded, “Well... yeah. I mean I had help, but that just about sums it up.” Eclipsio’s jaw hit the floor, then he brought up the last accomplishment she said. “You mentioned memory erasing magic, Sunset. How did this girl do this and what was her name?” Sunset sensed something was odd about Eclipsio, his eyes were cold and his hand was on his sword. “You aren’t going to hurt her, right?” She asked nervously. “Sunset... erasing memories is a very serious offense on any world. You are taking away time in their lives and no matter if the Spell is reversed completely, those memories will never return the same way... the reason I am concerned is because in certain places in my Equestria... that magic can get you Imprisoned, or worse... killed.” Said Eclipsio, his eyes colder than the arctic. He then put his hand on her shoulder and said, “I will not hurt her in sight, but if she tries the same thing with me... I cannot guarantee her safety. I am familiar with the magic of the mind, and memory erasing is something even the most vile of ponies wouldn’t do. Please, tell me her name so that I may have a rather STERN talk with her.” Sunset took a risk and said, “Wallflower Blush. She should still be in school. She had since given u-you’re already gone aren’t you?” The Prince has bolted out the door with a quick, “Sorry Sunset, I wil discuss my past and the accomplishments I have attained later, for now... I am off to show this... Wallflower a little lesson in common decency.” Sunset moved as fast as she could and tackled Eclipsio to the ground. They rolled through the muddy grass and Sunset said to him, venomous ire in her voice. “What are you doing?!” Sunset said, trying to pin down the Prince. “The Stone was destroyed by Twilight! Why are you going to hurt Wallflower?!” Eclipsio’s response was blunt, “Because it’s fair.” “Fair?! How is this fair?!” Sunset yelled, making Eclipsio cover his ears. He responded with an even blunter statement. “She hurt you, you have every right to hurt her back... yet you have not done that. Why?” Sunset sighed, “Because I don’t act on all of my emotions. I have to think before acting, something you may struggle with, am I right?” Prince Eclipsio stayed silent, but he got up and walked inside with a curt, “Yes.” Sunset looked at her mud-stained jacket and sighed, ”Crap. I just washed this.” Prince Eclipsio walked inside and began to fiddle with his hair while Sunset went to go put her jacket in the wash. She returned to the room in just her t-shirt. Despite Eclipsio wearing his long black tunic with coattails, she was the one that stuck out the most. Her red-gold hair blew in the breeze that came from the open window. Prince Eclipsio then spoke, “You wanted to hear my thoughts on what is happening, Sunset Shimmer?” “Yes I do. It’s always nice to hear what others have to say, don’t you think?” She responded, a small smile on her face. Prince Eclipsio’s face twisted into a frightened frown, then he said. “I’m afraid... Sunset. I’m afraid of failure.” Sunset noticed tears in his golden eyes, “All my life I have never known fear, because I knew that the villains we faced were real beings. I have never felt fear because they felt pain, they felt fear of us as well... Black Sun feels nothing ordinary. He emits some of the purest hatred and malice, for life itself, and for everything alive or dead.” He put his hands to his face, “And yet I still cannot find out who he is... that is what is scaring me, Sunset.” ”He fears the unknown... must be because he knows so much about the world that he craves control so much. Something as unexpected and ruthless as Black Sun must have caught him off-guard, and since he didn’t have a face to see that meant that he can’t fight back... he needs to know EVERYTHING.” thought Sunset. “You know, Twilight went through a phase like this where she wanted to know everything. Except it was about magic, not fighting a supervillain.” Said Sunset, giving the Prince a tissue. She put one of her hands in Eclipsio’s hair, “Sometimes, it’s better to not know someone or something. If you knew everything, then there wouldn’t be any more wonder to this world, would there?” The Prince of Eclipses thought for a moment, before responding. “You... are correct, Sunset. I desired control and understanding out of fear, not out of curiosity... I see that now.” He turned his head to Sunset and said while leaning closer, “I need some time to think about this, Sunset. But before I go, I wanted to do this as thanks.” Sunset was about to question what when Eclipsio leaned in to kiss her, she thwacked him on the head. “Whoa! No, not that! I appreciate the thanks, Prince Eclipsio... but I don’t think I am ready for... that.” The Prince nodded before turning scarlet red, “O-oh... my apologies Sunset Shimmer. I thought that our talk was leading into a moment. I was awestruck by you. Not only are your beautiful on the outside, your internal beauty and compassion amplifies that external beauty exponentially.” Sunset’s face turned scarlet red as well. “It’s ok, Eclipsio. Maybe one day, but not today. I need to talk with Burning Star when he gets back from his day with the girls...” The Prince got on his knees, “Please do not tell him about our conversation, Sunset! I would prefer to not see that utterly obnoxious smirk he dons when he gets his way.” Sunset let out a short laugh, “I wasn’t planning on telling him, don’t worry. I just needed to ask him about our next move. Black Sun isn’t going to be gone forever. he is bound to turn up soon, which means that if we are going to defeat him and rescue your sisters, we need to be prepared.” Prince Eclipsio nodded, “A capital idea, Sunset. I suggest that once this Chief Shining Armor finds out anything new and gives it to us, we start our investigation post haste.” Sunset gave a happy smile at the Prince’s newly formed confidence and said to him, “See? Your already feeling better. Now, we have a lot of work to do, including making lunch.” The Prince raised an eyebrow, “Make Lunch? You expect me to serve food to...” Sunset flared at him, and he cleared his throat. “Uh, of course. Getting right on it, heh-heh.” Sunset watched as Eclipsio moved at high speed mixing salad and frying pita bread, he was making Gyros for everyone by the looks of it. ”Eclipsio sure is an interesting guy... but did he really mean that beautiful comment earlier?” She let the thought run around in her head as she began to fix drinks for everyone that was coming over. Little did they know that their enemy was watching them. Black Sun stood atop a tree, perched like a bird of prey looking at his food. The metaphorical “food” being the group that decided to oh so frustratingly last so long against him. ”Why don’t they just lay down and die already? They clearly do not have the heart to defeat me, why can’t I just blow them away?” he thought to himself, a sniper rifle in his hands. He sighed exasperatedly at the tension between Sunset and Eclipsio. “Ugh... get a room you two. Young love is so useless, existing solely for beings to crush and ruin... I don’t see how love or even friendship can defeat that which has bested FOUR ALICORNS.” An unknown voice called out from behind him. ”Answer is simple Black Sun... As a team.” Black Sun wheeled around to the tree behind him, spotting the light that smacked him about like a wet fish and he opened fire. The .50 caliber round flew through the air towards the light-shrouded figure’s Head. Black Sun noticed the bullet stopped in the air, then he saw that a hand coming from the light had caught the bullet between its fingers, far away from his head. ”Murder will not solve the problems that plague your mind, Armored Atrocity Black Sun, mercy will.” The light disappeared and the white-clad figure appeared in front of Black Sun with one of his arms held out towards him. ”I offer mercy to you, surrender and I will attempt to mend the wounds carved by you upon the worlds you have come to. I will bring you peace, if you surrender.” Black Sun reached out his hand, before switching it to machine gun mode and unloading an entire clip into the white-armored figure. The high-powered ammo bounced harmlessly off the chest plate and helm of his opponent. “NEVER! I will never accept mercy from anyone... this world will PAY FOR WHAT IT HAS DONE TO ME!” Black Sun yelled, his mask lighting up a bright red, before he took off towards the city... He was going to end this once and for all... “the Rainbooms, Burning Star, everyone and everything... all of it must DIE!” he thought as he blasted off towards the Financial district of Canterlot. The light was bright enough so that the white-clad figure could see Black Sun’s face behind the mask, and he said to himself. ”Look how far you have fallen... Black Sun.” The white clad figure took off himself, pursuing the Black Armor-clad figure to the city’s center. Chapter 9: Vs Black Sun! The Great Mall War!(Canterlot Mall) The Canterlot Mall was very busy at this time of day, considering it was the weekend after all. The Rainbooms walked along with Burning Star in tow, they were all heading to many of their favorite outlet stores and Burning Star happened to be interested in buying a few things. He first was going with Rarity to get himself some new clothing, as wearing his two outfits over and over was getting old and Rarity was keen on getting Burning Star some decent clothing. Rarity entered the clothing store with Burning Star and spoke to him, “Oh darling, this should prove to be interesting for the two of us. I didn’t know that you had an interest in getting new clothes, but here we are.” “Yeah, figured I should get something else to wear... considering that I might be on this world for a while.” Said Burning Star breaking away from Rarity and heading towards the mens clothing section. Rarity followed him, curious as to what he was choosing. She commented to herself as Burning Star picked out a black t-shirt and dark gray jacket. He also had a pair of black jeans and a dark red scarf with him. ”My word. All this black and red is certainly hard on the eyes. If he wanted to have such dark clothing I should have taken him to Hot Topic.” She approached Burning Star and asked him, “Burning Star, may I ask why you are going to purchase so many black and red outfits?” His response was blunt, “Rarity, Black and Red hides me from sight and it goes well with how I express myself, do you have a problem with it?” “N-No darling! I’m just wondering if you would like some... recommendation on what you could pick out BESIDES black and red.” Rarity said, stepping back from Burning Star’s fierce gaze. “Personally, this blue and white shirt and jeans would work wonders to contrast with your red hair. And to be frank... it’s still rather warm out and dark colors absorb heat rather quickly.” She said, holding out a white polo shirt and blue jeans. Burning Star eyed the clothes for a minute, before saying, “A’ight. I’ll change into them.” He grabbed the blue jeans and shirt before heading into the changing room. Rarity waited outside, sitting next to Burning Star’s bag of combat gear, which was surprisingly large considering all the stuff he kept in there. She tried to pick it up and move it, but it was extremely heavy. ”My word, Burning Star... you carry this big bag wherever you go? What do you even keep in here, bricks?” She managed to lift it up off the seat, but The bag fell on top of her and she was pinned underneath it. “Well this is not the most comfortable position I’ve been put in...” Rarity huffed, struggling to get out from under the bag. Her words made her blush wildly. “Oh sweet heavens, I realized what I just said... oh my.” Burning Star emerged to see Rarity pinned under his bag in a very... comprising position. His face went red and he quickly said to Rarity, “R-Rarity? Why are you stuck underneath my bag?” Rarity sniffed, “I tried to move it and it fell on top of me... please be a dear and lend me a hand?” Burning Star picked up the bag and slung it back over his shoulder, his face still red. “There you go. Uh R-Rarity?” Rarity tilted her head, “Yes sweetie?” “Why are your... undergarments... on the floor?” He asked, so red in the face he could be mistaken for a tomato. Rarity looked behind her and saw the horrible truth. Her undergarments had snapped off! She went red as well. “Oh heavens! I-I hope you didn’t see anything, Burning Star... Burning Star?” Burning Star was shaking uncontrollably, then he fell down like a toppled tree. Rarity’s eyes went wide, “Oh no! He’s fainted, I better get the girls to help me carry him out of here discreetly.” She began to drag him by the legs towards the back door, thinking to herself. ”I hope he didn’t see anything too lewd, and if he did he certainly couldn’t handle the shock.” The Rainbooms all dropped their bags on the sight of Rarity dragging Burning Star out of the store. “Rarity! What happened to Burning Star?! Why is he passed out?” Asked Twilight, rushing over to him and lifting his head up slightly. Rarity began to speak, “He well... I got pinned underneath his bag and he helped me get up, but my... you know what’s slipped off... and he may or may not have accidentally seen up my skirt while I was stuck there.” Everyone’s face flushed red, with Fluttershy saying to Rarity, “Oh... m-my. Is he ok, Rarity?” Burning Star started to stir, before he opened his eyes with a groan. He said four words that made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. “What just happened now?” Pinkie Pie picked him up and sat him down, “You passed out silly! You were out shopping with Rarity to get some super cool clothes and you passed out after seeing-“ Rainbow clamped her hand over Pinkie’s mouth. “Not now, Pinkie!” Burning Star thought to himself, ”They must be hiding the fact I saw “that” I already know it... Lucina’s gonna kill Rarity, then the girls, then me...” (Canterlot City Financial District) Black Sun screamed across the sky and entered the heart of the financial district. The figure clad in white armor right behind him. He turned around and unleashed a hail of bullets upon the figure, who immediately dodged out of the way of them and responded with a few words. ”Your weaponry is harmless to me, Black Sun. Please, surrender and I can help you.” Black Sun’s response was a missile to the face, which the figure had to brace himself for. “NEVER. I will never surrender to a white-clad, knight in shining armor such as yourself. Everyone must pay for what happened to me!” The figure sighed, ”Come now, Black Sun. You know you are going to lose, why do you still fight me. Please, Surrender and I will show you mercy.” Black Sun fired a pair of rockets towards the figure, who batted them away harmlessly. They collided into the side of a building, causing people on the floor to panic and people across the area to look up and observe the two ironclad titans flying through the air. Black Sun activated his scanners and he saw that the Rainbooms and Burning Star were nearby. “If can’t hurt you, then I will settle for killing that flaming freak and his little friends instead... so watch the carnage unfold, faker.” He said before rocketing off to the mall below. The figure sighed at his threat, ”You try to be reasonable...” Burning Star looked up to see Black Sun coming towards them and he shouted to the girls. “GET DOWN!” Burning Star put up a flaming wall as the figure caught up to Black Sun and grabbed him, crashing through the skylight of the mall and sacattering glass shards on to the crowd below. Twilight immediately dialed for her brother. Shining Armor was in the middle of lunch, he was having a gyro when Twilight’s emergency contact number came up. It caused him to bobble the open gyro and he picked up the phone with food in his mouth. ’ey Twily. What’s going on?” he said with food in his mouth. ”BLACK SUN IS HERE AT THE MALL! Get the police down here, quickly!” Twilight practically screeched. Shining Armor spat out his food and ran out into the main office of the precinct. He shouted to them, “We got a call! The suspect known as Black Sun has been spotted at the Canterlot mall! All personnel get to your cruisers!” The officers and deputies ran through the door with their uniforms on and keys in hand, once they were out of the room Shining Armor contacted Shadow Armor. “Hell yeah! Take that Frostclaw! My Mario Kart 8 DX Skills are still on point!” Shadow Armor said. he was busy playing Mario Kart with Frostclaw on one of the TV sets in the headquarters. Frostclaw had lost, for the 10th time in a row! The alarm went off and the police scanner went berserk, as well as the electromagnetic pulse detector. The two dropped their controllers and ran to their monitors, Lucina and Eclipsio rushes down as well. Shadow Armor opened up a channel to Shining’s radio in his car. ”Shining... this is Shadow Armor. Black Sun has confirmedspotted in the shopping and financial district.” Said Shadow Armor. “That is where Burning Star and the girls are! He must be after them!” Shouted Sunset in the background, extreme panic in her voice. Shining responses by saying, ”Yeah. Twilight called me and told me about him, he is right now fighting in the mall itself. I’m going there, mind sending me back up?” Shadow Armor looked around and saw Lucina already at the door, but he said to Shining. “All right, I’m coming myself.” He then said to Lucina, “Sunset is in command until I return, Lucina. Please don’t run out to help Burning Star. He is with the girl- she is already gone isn’t she?” Sunset sighed, “Yep. I’ll hold the fort while you go stop Black Sun. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” Shadow Armor rushed out the front door and down the road, while he wasn’t nearly as fast as Burning or Eclipsio... he still booked it down the street at 40 mph. Sunset rolled up to the coms and called Burning Star. ”This is Stable, come in Pyro. Burning Star, pick up!” Burning Star opened a line and said, ”Yeah, I know. Black Sun is at the mall, I’m gonna try to get the girls and civilians out of here, Sunset. Which way to the nearest exit?” “Hold on, I’m sending you the building schematics now. It’s down the right hall past the restaurant. Good luck Burning Star!” shouted Frostclaw over the radio. (Canterlot Mall) Meanwhile back at the mall, Black Sun lay sprawled out on the floor of the mall, he was embedded in the tile floor, the other figure standing about 20 feet away from his hole. The figure called out to Black Sun, ”All of this can end if you just give up, you know.” Burning Star looked at the figure standing over Black Sun and immediately thought, ”Normally I would love to get in on this... but innocents come first!” Black Sun screeched at an ear-splitting volume, “NO! I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY SOME SELF-RIGHTEOUS LITTLE SH-T!” He rocketed out of the crater and roared, “You want a battle, white boy? I’ll give you a war.” Black Sun shot out a series of rocket darts from his gauntlets, the figure rushes behind a island in the middle of the room, which exploded into a shower of tile and dirt. The figure attempted to go rescue the girls, but Black Sun unleashed an entire salvo of missiles on him, and he went flying into a store, which then collapsed on him and buried him in rubble. While some tiny part of the girls wanted to watch the battle, the majority of their brains only had one word to say right now. “Run!” Screamed Rainbow, who took off towards Burning Star. Before they could even take a step, Black Sun boosted up to the bridge they were on and landed with a crash, smashing the bridge to Burning Star. The Equestrian of Fire dropped to the floor below, wincing in pain as he crashed through a food cart. He stood in front of the Rainbooms and pointed his wrist mounted flamethrowers at them. (Pause music) “Sorry, but I’m not leaving until you all are reduced to charred corpses on the floor. No white armored, pure of heart freak or edgelord fireball from Hot Topic can defeat me, so it’s been nice knowing you. Wait, no it hasn’t...” hissed Black Sun, staring down the Rainbooms with true hatred in his eyes. Applejack screamed at him, “Why hay are you after us. What did we ev’r do to you?!” Black Sun laughed at Applejacks question, his frightening voice echoing in the now empty corridor, “Why, you ask? Why? I will tell you why... once my audience gets here.” The distant sound of police sirens was heard and Twilight said to Black Sun, “You are out of time, The Police are outside now, probably armed with heavy weaponry... you may have us cornered, but you are surrounded yourself.” Black Sun looked up to see helicopters overhead and he said to Twilight, “Surrounded, no Twilight... they are in my trap. You were only here as bait for them. Now observe what I think of “Canterlots finest”.” Black Sun fired a rocket towards the helicopters above him. It split into mini rockets that blasted each chopper out of the sky. He then smirked viciously under his helmet, “They are pathetic. Unable to stop me, just as Burning Star and his allies are unable to stop me from killing you. So you will burn and die...” Shadow Armor and Shining Armor arrived in a police cruiser, the SWAT team was here already. The two protectors were both outfitted in Riot Gear and armed with automatic weapons. Shadow Armor then handed Shining a pair of HUD glasses, “Here, these will let you communicate with us in the building. All cell service is down thanks to Black Sun’s suit.” Shining Armor put them on and immediately spoke to all the radios of the police cars in the area. ”This is Chief Of Police Shining Armor, all officers in the area report in, and put in a message to the mayor about the situation. Tell her that Black Sun is here in the Canterlot Mall.” Shadow Armor said to Shining, “Wait, let me call Burning Star. He is in there, he may be able to tell us what is going on. He may have taken the girls hostage, this may be a trap.” Shining nodded, “Alright. All officers! Standby for further orders, we have someone on the inside!” Shadow Armor activated his HUD glasses and called the fiery warrior. ”Burning Star, can you hear me? Come in, Burning Star?” Burning Star responded with a weak, ”Yeah... ow. I’m in the building, Shadow... but I’ve got some bad news.” Shining Armor hopped on his own Iine to Burning and asked nervously, ”Burning Star, tell me. Is my sister alright?” ”No. Black Sun has Twilight and the girls hostage. He wanted the police to come here, he wants to slaughter you all... don’t enter the building.” Shadow Armor asked him, “Why? Is this a double trap?” Burning Star sniffed the air, he smelled rotten eggs... “F—k... that is gas.” He responded with a urgent tone, ”Yes. Black Sun has cut the main gas line, you make a move and he blows up the building and half of the financial district with it. I can’t use my fire powers to get up to him, I’d ignite the gas. While I am fireproof, and Black Sun certainly is as well... your sister and her friends are not.” Shining’s heart sank, another danger to his sister... a gas leak. (Resume music) Black Sun heard Burning Star curse and said, “Very good Burning Star. I had the gas line broken so you can’t use your powers, lest you incinerate your little friends...” Black Sun turned to the girls and said, “Now then, where was I?” The figure poked its head out of the rubble and called Burning Star on his coms. ”Burning Star, use your powers. Black Sun is bluffing...” Burning Star’s eyes went wide, ”Wait... How do you know that?! How do I know that he hasn’t set this building to blow us sky high?” ”If he did cut the gas line, his thrusters and my thrusters residual heat would have set it off already... The gas smell is coming from his flamethrowers.” said the figure, climbing out of the rubble. ”Why should I trust you?” sad Burning Star, hesitating to Move. The figure said softly, ”Because I am on your side, Burning Star. And you know that, do not be afraid of Black Sun’s threats. They are nothing but empty show. After all, it’s you he wants to kill.” Burning Star took a risk and used his fire powers to rocket up to the bridge, no explosion went off and he landed in front of Black Sun, who unleashed his flamethrowers upon the Rainbooms. He turned around and said, “As I said... pathetic.” ”No, you are pathetic Black Sun.” The flames cleared and the Rainbooms were unharmed! Burning Star had blocked the majority of the blast, while the figure had put up a golden force field to block the rest. Burning Star smirked and said, “You forgot, I’m fireproof.” A machine gun barrel pointed at him, “And you forget, I have a gun. Die.” The figure shoved Burning Star out of the way and the barrage is bullets hit him in the chest, no damage suffered. The figure kicked Black Sun in the chest, sending him flying off the broken bridge and to the floor. The figure said to Black Sun ”So you are willing to take the lives of innocent people out of petty vengeance for something they had no part in?” Black Sun took to the air and unleashed a barrage of mini rockets, the figure snapped its fingers and they all detonated midair, inflicting no harm to the girls. The figure’s helmet lit up and his armor as well before he said, ”Ok... if a hand will not communicate with you, perhaps a fist will.” The black-armored being sneered, “Why do you deny me my revenge? I have every right to be angry at them! Now I have the power to get what I want and you... you... pests choose to get in my way?! Fine then... I will destroy all obstacles in my way!” The figure said to the Rainbooms, “Rainbooms. I recommend that you exit the building as quickly as possible. Chief Shining Armor and one of Burning Star’s friends Shadow Armor awaits you outside.” Fluttershy called out to the figure, “What about you? Are you really going to fight Black Sun?” The figure walked over to the girls and said, ”Do not be afraid of Black Sun. He is a villain, and I defeat villains.” Black Sun went to grab the figure but he was hit in the back by a large fireball thrown by Burning Star. “C’mon girls, let’s get going!” Said Twilight, who started to run down the hall, followed by the rest of her friends. Black Sun recovered from the attack and looked around to see the white figure and Burning Star, a scowl appearing on his concealed face. “So, two on one it is? Pity, no one here... is going to see you die. RAAAGH!” Said Black Sun as he blasted a torrent of hot lead towards the two heroes. Burning Star dodged out of the way and began to unleash a stream of red-hot flames on Black Sun. No damage, but it did make Black Sun focus on Burning Star. The figure lunged at Black Sun and two long triple bladed claws emerged from his gauntlet. They sparked with white-hot electricity and he delivered a slash across Black Sun’s arm. To Burning Star’s surprise, the weaponry on the gauntlet was obliterated and the nearly-indestructible Magisteel armor was sliced open like a tin can and exposed Black Sun’s right arm for an attack. Burning Star waisted no time and jumped to grab Black Sun out of the air and he burned Black Sun’s exposed under-armor padding badly. Black Sun roared in frustration, since he couldn’t feel pain. The armored monster delivered a headbutt to Burning Star, who returned the favor, stunning the both of them. Black Sun recovered and threw Burning Star into the floor before he prepared to fire a large magic-caster cannon at him. The figure grabbed Black Sun’s arm and twisted it, turning the cannon into the air and causing it to fire into the ceiling, dumping rubble between Burning Star and Black Sun. The figure said to Burning Star as he climbed out of the dust, ”Go. I will deal with Black Sun. make sure that the Rainbooms are safe, and then get home. I will be in touch shortly...” Burning Star wanted to protest, but he understood and responded with a quick nod. He booked it to the exit that the Rainbooms were going towards, leaving the figure and Black Sun alone in the mall. No one said a word for a good minute, until Black Sun said. “So... you can puncture my armor. Interesting... but it will do you no good. For my Armor is self-repairing, ergo... you can’t kill me.” The figure watched with little surprise as the plating on Black Sun’s armored gauntlet stretched and reformed itself. It then said to Black Sun, scraping the metal fragments off of its plasma claws. ”I know what it does, it is how you can get back up again after being dealt a justified blow from Burning Star and his allies.” Black Sun sent a talon-covered kick to the figure’s head, causing the figure to turn his head slightly. Black Sun then extended his own plasma blade and sent a brutal jab into the figure’s chest, it pierced the armor... but the figure didn’t double over in pain. Instead, the figure’s own chest piece opened up and fired a beam of light that flung Black Sun back and seriously damaged his armor. The armor-clad warlord tried to stand up but he was grabbed by the figure and thrown through the entire mall and out into the street. Black Sun looked around and saw the hundreds of officers surrounding him, he tried to activate his weapons... but everything was too heavily damaged. The figure exited the mall and stared at Black Sun before saying, ”You have lost Black Sun, surrender and I will not harm you any more.” Black Sun roared out in fury and in slight fear. “This is not over, Burning Star. We will meet again, and next time you won’t have this guaridan angel to save you!” Black Sun’s armor lit up orange before his wings ignited and he rocketed off, leaving everyone stunned. The figure landed in front of the girls and Burning Star, before saying to them. ”Are you all ok?” Burning Star groaned in pain, “Yeah we are good, just a bit banged up and dirty from your battle... What is your name and why did you save us?” The figure suddenly lit up a bright blinding white before saying. ”I saved you because that is what I do... and my name is exactly what I do.” Rarity raised an eyebrow and asked, “Which is what?” The figure said before he flew off, ”Savior...” “Savior” took to the air and rocketed off, breaking the sound barrier and flying off into the distance. Burning Star suddenly had his radio blast into his ear, ”BURNING STAR COME IN!” He winced in pain, ”Gah! yes I read you Stable. Mind telling me what the hell I just met?” Eclipsio’s voice came over the coms, ”Actually I was hoping you could tell me that. Something just touched you and... everything went dark. All the systems just overloaded and overheated. We caught it in time, but we came dangerously close to a crash. So care to tell me what the hell was that white-armored thing?” Burning Star spoke into the Coms, ”It is called Savior... and he may be coming over soon to speak with us.” Sunset groaned over the radio, ”Wait? White-armored figure? I saw him a couple nights ago! He dropped off Eclipsio. He mentioned that “our paths may cross again” so he must be coming to discuss Black Sun! I’ll go get ready to welcome him...” Burning Star said to the radio group, ”Alright Sunset and Lucina, you go get ready to welcome our guest. Eclipsio and Frostclaw, start running over any references to this “Savior” in recent news.” “What are you going to do?” Frostclaw asked Burning Star. ”I have to make sure that everyone gets home. I’ll be back in an hour or so. See ya.” Burning Star closed his coms and thought to himself. ”What are you? Savior... well you certainly lived up to that name, didn’t you...” Chapter 10: We All Wear Masks(Sunset’s House, Backyard) The sun went down over the city of Canterlot, the city now FULLY aware of the threat of Black Sun. Despite Shining Armor issue a statement reassuring the people of Canterlot that the police were investigating the suspect called Black Sun. They were very, very afraid... of both Black Sun and any other threats that could be lurking in the shadows. Sunset Shimmer lay out in the backyard, watching the sun passed over the western horizon, bathing the city in a soothing red color. It was quite a contrast considering the events of today. Not only did Black Sun attack again, he did it in broad daylight at a major populated area of Canterlot. If Burning Star and this “Savior” weren’t there, hundreds, no... thousands of people could have died. These attacks by the armored monster called Black Sun were getting more and more violent, and more and more common. And still... no hint as to Black Sun’s identity or even a reason behind his actions! The only thing that the group found out about him is that he is a threat that needs to be addressed NOW. The screen door opened slightly and out came Frostclaw, a pair of sodas in his hands. “Hi Sunset! What are you doing out here?” Frostclaw asked cheerfully, standing behind her. Sunset turned around to see Frostclaw and responded to him, “Oh. Hey Frostclaw, strange to see you outside of the computer station... what are you doing out here?” Frostclaw handed Sunset a soda and he sat cross legged on the grass, looking at the sky and saying demurely. “I... know about your little talks with the other members of this little hunting party.” Sunset’s eyebrow raised, “Ok... what is the problem, Frostclaw?” Frostclaw turned his face to Sunset and she heard the Kirin-boy say. Frostclaw spoke nearly inaudibly, “I... I wanted to talk about me...” Sunset leaned in closer and asked him, “You wanted to talk with me, like the others talked with me Frostclaw?” The Kirin was dead silent. Sunset noticed that his eyes were red and puffy, he must have been hiding his emotions under that cheery hello. Frostclaw feigned a smile, which disappeared with a sniffle, “Sunset, I need a friend right now. With Burning Star awaiting that Savior guy, and Eclipsio off on his little tirade on “Black Sun needs to die.”, I haven’t gotten any help with my own problems.” Sunset asked him, “Well didn’t you think that you could talk to me? I was available to talk with, why didn’t you ask for my help?” The kirin tensed his muscles and let out a growl that caught the red-haired girl off guard. “I know! But... I needed to find Black Sun. I... couldn’t get any help as long as he was out there! I had to find him, then everything would be fine.” Sunset hesitantly reached her hand out to Frostclaw and put it in his light blue mane of hair. She felt his body go hard as another wave of force ran up his body. When Sunset touched him, all the tension he had suddenly drained from his body, causing the Kirin to finally relax. “Hey Frostclaw?” Sunset asked, the sweetest tone in her voice. “Why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself, ok?” Frostclaw sighed, then said. “A-A-Alright. Despite my outward focus, I am horribly insecure about myself... I do everything in my power to make myself seem valuable to others. I’m smart, kind, I’m everything somepony would want... but I was ignored by my other Kirin.” “Why did the other Kirin ignore you? You seem like you have everything figured out.” Sunset asked him, a soft smile on her face. Frostclaw snorted in annoyance, an icy mist exhaling from his nostrils. “THAT IS JUST THE THING! The tribe I’m from are not focused on the mental strength of someone... they focus on the brute force and physical prowess someone has. How hot is your fire? how fast can you fly? What is your favorite treasure?” Sunset was confused, “Wait, didn’t you say you were from Neighpon?” Frostclaw nodded, “Yes. I was born in Neighpon, I spent most of my hatchling years there, but my drakehood and wyvernhood was spent in the Dragon Exchange Program, as my parents didn’t like that I had developed ice breath instead of the typical dragonfire or Kirin lightning abilities.” He hit the grass with his fist, his hard hand leaving a small hole in the dirt. “I was sent to live in the harsh volcanic Dragon Lands of Wyrmia, while some dull-witted, fire-spitting... wyvern was sent to live in the lush riverside forests of Kirindale in Neighpon!” Now Sunset was curious, “And what was the name of this dragon?” Frostclaw snarled, causing his icy breath to drizzle on the ground, it took the shape of blue-white zigzag lines and the temperature dropped a few degrees. Frostclaw said next, “His Name was Garble... when he got back I learned that he had learned nothing in Neighpon. Only that he judged the Kirin as “stupid soft dragons” because we are half pony. So I did the only logical thing possible when someone dishonors my race.” Sunset was afraid to ask, but asked anyways, “Tell someone?” It seemed as Frostclaw’s mood worsened, the temperature dropped faster and faster. Soon, clouds gathered and snow was starting to fall slowly to the ground. Sunset tried to diffuse the situation before she froze solid, she said through chattering teeth. “F-F-F-Frostclaw? Are yyyou ok?” Frostclaw broke out into a mighty roar, turning the small flurry into a full tilt snowstorm. “I FROZE HIM SOLID AND THEN I DROPPED HIM INTO THE LARGEST VOLCANO I COULD FIND. Dragons are fireproof, Sunset... but the fall scared him stupid.” Frostclaw noticed that Sunset was shivering, and he stopped breathing his icy breath. Sunset stopped shaking, but the yard was covered in a thin sheet of snow. He looked around and smiled sheepishly, “Oh... whoops. I didn’t mean to snow over your backyard. My cryokinetic abilities can often do this if I lose control. I should go, I’ve embarrassed myself too much...” Sunset pulled Frostclaw’s face to hers and his sharp eyes met hers. Sunset saw beyond his gaze, there was stress... and pain, and no small amount of inner strength in Frostclaw. His determination ironically burned with the strength of a raging wildfire. Sunset’s teal eyes seemed like tiny teal dots to his large eyes, which consumed her stare in a haze of green light. “Sunset... why are you so... so... empathic?” Asked Frostclaw, genuinely confused. Sunset sighed, “I guess I can connect with people that have felt bad better than most can.” She placed one of her soft hands onto one of his scale-covered ones, the sudden change in sensation caused Frostclaw to shudder. She continued to speak, “Frostclaw, from what I’ve learned from talking with the rest of the group that is now staying at my house, I think you all needed this trip more as a vacation than as a mission, in my eyes at least.” She placed one hand in his hair, “You probably needed this most of all... considering all the stress you have been under looking for Black Sun on your own.” Frostclaw tried to speak, but Sunset silenced him, “Listen. I know Black Sun is dangerous, but I also know that you all CAN and WILL defeat him and bring the Princessess home. Believe in yourselves, and your friendship.” Sunset suddenly felt herself enveloped in a firm hug by Frostclaw. “Thank you Sunset, I know that you may not have much to say about me since I am still a mystery... but know that every little bit helps...” said Frostclaw, before breaking the hug and walking inside. Sunset watched as Frostclaw closed the door, before she turned her head skyward and began to think. ”I’ve talked with each and every one of Burning Star’s friends... except Lucina. I’ve been avidly avoiding talking to her for very uncomfortable reasons.” thought Sunset, looking back inside to see Lucina standing in the kitchen, using her powers to prepare dinner. Lucina has cut her hair recently, it now was much shorter and had a pair of white hair clips in it. They looked like little devil horns. Sunset was nervous, she was well aware of what Lucina could do, but she knew that the only way that she could understand Lucina’s frightening attitude was to confront it at the source. Sunset got up from her lawn chair and walked inside towards Lucina, her body tense. The red haired girl asked her, “Lucina, can we talk?” The pink-haired girl turned to Sunset and said in her dead tone, “Why?” Sunset winced at her voice, but her resolve stood firm, “I wanted to find out more about you. You have been quiet for the entire time you were here.” No response from Lucina, but Susnet felt one of her invisible TK arms push her away. “No.” Said Lucina, one crimson eye visible from under the bangs of her hair. That eye made Sunset shrink back, somehow Lucina’s gaze was even more terrifying than her powers. “I don’t want to be rude, but everyone else has shared a little about themselves, so it is only fair that you do to.” Sunset reaffirmed her statement with. Lucina was about to send her powers to mow down the red-haired Female. “I said no, now leave.” Said Lucina, her invisible arms extending. Burning Star was chopping carrots when he noticed this and thankfully cut her off by saying. “Lucina, you know she is right. Go talk to her, maybe you will learn something new.” Lucina looked at Burning Star, then at Sunset, she had a frustrated glare on her face, but she finally caved and said briefly. “Fine.” Sunset smiled slightly before walking over to the couch and patting next to her, signaling Lucina to sit down. Lucina sluggishly walked over and slumped down in the couch, her mood sour and her expression unpleasant. Sunset started her questions, “Lucina? Is this the first time you have talked to someone other than Burning Star?” The girls response was a curt nod, she was silent and unmoving outside of that. Sunset’s brow lowered, “You are supposed to say something, Lucina.” Lucina surprised Sunset with her bitter tone, “I don’t talk with anyone but him. He is the only one that matters.” Sunset’s response was a look of shock, shocked because of her almost... obsessive tone. “You really like Burning Star, don’t you? Why do you like him so much?” She asked, slightly nervous. Lucina’s tone grew grim, “Because he is mine. Why do you want to find out about me, Sunset? What does it matter to you?” Sunset’s response was hard, “It matters to me because in truth, I don’t like you very much.” Lucina’s face hardened, “Is that so? Why?” Sunset continued, “While I Don’t usually jump to conclusions here, I can’t help but feel like you have something... off about you.” Lucina growled, “Off, how? I want to stop Black Sun as much as anyone else here. In my opinion, you are a bit off, with my Burning Star in your house.” Sunset snorted in annoyance, “What?! How am I Off? Burning Star isn’t affecting me. If anything he is affecting you, Lucina.” Shadow Armor, who was awakened by the two girls talking, leaned out of his chair and chimed in, “I’d have to agree with Sunset, Lucina. Any time Burning Star is around and we want to talk to him you get pretty hostile.” “Don’t bring him into this! He is only for me, not any of you! He belongs to me!” Lucina snapped, getting the attention of the Equestrian of Fire. He dropped his knife and entered the conversation, “Excuse me, when did I say that I belong to you, Lucina?” The pink-haired girl froze up at the sound of Burning Star’s voice. “B-Burning Star! I didn’t know you heard that.” Sunset quietly whispered to Shadow Armor, ”Busted.” Lucina apparently heard her and sent one of her TK arms to Sunset’s face. she slapped her... HARD. Sunset fell off the couch and to the floor, Lucina stood up and lunged on top of her, smacking her repeatedly, which Sunset fighting back as best as she could. “He is mine! Not yours! MINE! I waited forever for him to return... you won’t take him away from me!” screamed Lucina, before Sunset swung back and socked her in the jaw. Burning Star and Shadow Armor pulled the two girls apart and restrained them. “What was that for Lucina?! What has gotten into you?!” Said Burning Star, trying desperately to restrain her, as Lucina writhed violently in his grip. Lucina said in a strangely aggressive voice, “She should be here! You’re Mine Burning Star. Sunset wants to take you away from me, me!” Shadow Armor touched Sunset’s face, she winced in pain. Across her face was something that made Shadow Armor hurt. Sunset looked into the window and saw her reflection, her face twisted into one of pure anguish before she covered her face with her hands and ran upstairs sobbing, leaving the living room in silence. “I think that look suits her better, honestly.” Luicna callously said, shoving Burning Star aside. She went towards the stairwell, intent on finishing Sunset off. The Equestrian of Fire’s Head was ablaze and he stepped in front of his friend. ”LUCINA! STOP THIS!” For the first time, Lucina used her TK arms to shove Burning Star aside. “Get out of my way Burning Star. She dies now.” She said icily. Shadow Armor stepped in front of her and hissed, “Dies for what? Pointing out the truth? You clearly have an UNHEALTHY obsession with Burning Star here, and you clearly can’t take criticism when confronted by it.” Shadow Armor leapt out of the way of a thrown chair as Lucina charged forward with her TK arms sharpened like swords. Shadow Armor closed his eyes and braced for his end as he heard the Arms soaring towards him... But they were suddenly stopped by a white colored, metal-clad Hand! It was Savior, he had blocked Lucina’s attack with his arm, which had developed into a yellow energy shield. “Ms. Lucina, I recommend you reconsider your motives. I would not want to do anything... unpleasant to you.” Savior spoke, his voice notably lower than usual. Lucina tried her best to reach around the Shield, a murderous look on her face, but she received an Punch to the gut, which knocked her down and knocked the wind out of her. Burning Star whistled in amazement, “Wheeew, not many people ballsy enough to actually talk back to Lucina, let alone hit her. You know she can crumple your armor like paper, right?” Savior spoke again and his tone turned considerably darker, “She is welcome to try, but she will fail.” The white-clad figure turned to Burning Star and said, “Ah Burning Star... We have much to discuss about Black Sun. But first, care to introduce your team?” Burning Star whistled upstairs and down came Frostclaw, Eclipsio was following behind him, his expression shifted to one of frustration when he saw the white armored hero standing in the living room. Burning Star waved his hand to his team, “Allow me to introduce you to the squad. This is Shadow Armor, Frostclaw, Lucina, and Price Eclipsio.” Shadow Armor gave a short wave, Frostclaw smiled a huge grin, and Lucina shot him a glare. Eclipsio stayed silent, staring at Savior with ire in his golden eyes. The Prince finally said, “So... you’re Savior...” He turned to Burning Star, “Give me a reason as to why we need this white knight to do our work for us, Burning Star? I... ugh... we are perfectly capable of handling everything on our own.” Burning Star snorted, “Apparently not, Eclipsio, so quit your whining. Black Sun has escaped us numerous times, although he seems to be getting weaker... he still has the Princesses. So, Savior here can help us find them and beat Black Sun for good.” He walked over to Eclipsio and poked him in the chest, “and when I mean quit your whining, I mean QUIT IT.” Eclipsio shoved him back roughly, “Don’t. You. Dare. Touch Me.” Shadow Armor stepped in between the two, “Ok, that is enough. We have a guest here, and I suggest we treat him as such.” He turned to Savior and said, “As we were saying, Black Sun is now more of a challenge locating than fighting. If you could help us, that would be greatly appreciated.” Savior tilted his head before saying in a satisfied tone, “Good. With that out of the way, I would like to go speak with Ms. Sunset Shimmer. She is the owner of this house, and I will need a place to stay and formulate our plan to stop Black Sun and recuse Princess Celestia and Luna.” Savior suddenly turned his eyes to Eclipsio, “And find out what is really going on...” “Are you implying that I am in contact with that psychopath?” The Prince asked Savior, now annoyed. Burning Star, raising an eyebrow, chimed in. “Yeah... what are you stating Savior?” Savior was silent for a moment, then said. “I will be going to see Ms. Sunset Shimmer now, I presume she is in her room, yes?” The group nodded and Savior ascended the staircase, once he was out of earshot, Prince Eclipsio let it out. “Great, just freaking perfect! We have another person we can do without on our “team”. I think you forgot our objective here was to kill Black Sun, Burning Star... not be some sort of rescue squad.” “No, you forgot that we promised Twilight and all of Equestria that we would bring them back and bring Black Sun to Justice, not murder.” Burning Star snapped back, his hair emitting smoke and his breath sizzling. “No, YOU'RE mission was to rescue the princesses, MY mission was to take revenge, not be a hero.” Said Eclipsio, his eyes glowing a ominous golden light. Shadow Armor interrupted, “Guys, this is no time to be arguing like children. Every minute Black Sun is probably doing Faust knows what to the princesses, this is not about your petty vengeance Eclipsio. This IS about being a hero.” “Shut up, you unholy copy of a witless wonder!” screeched Eclipsio, “you are lucky I can’t obliterate you from reality, otherwise I would banish you to the farthest reaches of space.” Burning Star grabbed the Prince’s collar, “You wouldn’t dare...” he said, small embers coming out of his mouth. Prince Eclipsio snarled, his teeth showing, “I WOULD dare, you hot headed jerkass.” He yanked away from Burning Star, and put his hand to his sword, “Don’t you ever touch me again, or I’ll eviserate you.” Burning Star did the same and clasped Deicide’s hilt, “I guarantee I would do the same to you, Tall, dark and edgy.” Hissed the Equestrian of Fire. Shadow Armor prepares one of his knives and Frostclaw prepared one of his knuckle blades, ready to block whatever the two Alicorn humans would do. Lucina was ready with her TK arms, prepared to cut down Eclipsio were he stood. The tension was thick. so, so thick that not even the largest sword in existence (The Buster Sword) could cut it. It began to rain, then it poured... Then the power went out, leaving the house in complete darkness, leaving the house to only be illuminated by flashes of lightning. (Sunset’s Room) Savior quietly opened the door to the room of Sunset Shimmer. It was a large room with a bed covered in red sheets with a blazing sun cutie mark on the sheet top. Savior looked around to try and find Sunset in the blackness, and he found her staring at the window, a blanket over her body and she shivered whilst sobbing. Sunset Shimmer mourned what happened to her face, it hurt so much. Not just physically, but emotionally. She had just been attacked and nearly killed by Lucina, nearly reduced to a bloody mess. if Burning Star and the others hadn’t have been there, she would have died a grisly death. “Ms Sunset Shimmer, are you there?” Called the echoing voice of Savior, his voice slightly soothing the quivering girl. Sunset’s response was a sob, a sob so genuine it seemed false. Savior approached Sunset and asked her, “You ok? Something wrong?” Sunset sat in silence, not reacting to Savior’s question. Savior sighed, then walked closer to her and sat down on the floor next to her, his armor making a clunk as he hit the hardwood floor. “Ms. Sunset, I am a good listener, please tell me what is wrong, I can help you... or at least I can try.” He spoke to her again. Sunset finally said a word, “Lucina nearly killed me, Savior. She hit me so hard, it hurts so much...” Savior looked down upon Sunset, who was shorter than him, and said, “What hurts so much? Sunset?” Sunset sat in silence once more, tears seen trailing down her cheeks. Savior saw this and said, “Sunset, please let me see your face” Sunset didn’t move. Savior repeated his question like a command, “Turn your head now, I can’t help you if you don’t show me what’s wrong.” Sunset finally turned her head and Savior saw what happened to her, and he felt a great deal of sympathy. Across Sunset’s yellow face was a red line scar that ran across her eye and to her chin, it had stopped bleeding but there was dried blood evident near the crack in her skin. “Lucina hit me, she scarred my face. How am I supposed to face everyone looking like this? Eclipsio was right, the group should have not come here, because of my idiocy I got hurt.” Savior looked at Sunset’s face and he felt his chest tighten up, something he rarely felt for a stranger. Savior sighed, “Your one scar doesn’t make you weak, it shows you are tough. That you defended yourself and your beliefs, even if you got hurt. I should know, I have many scars... both emotional and physical.” Sunset looked at Savior and felt his hand touch her face, despite the metal gauntlet, his touch was delicate and comforting... but it didn’t do much to alleviate her sorrow. “I don’t know you, but why are you so nice to me? You are an armored covered human that I think is also armed to the teeth with weaponry similar to Black Sun, are you not?” Said Sunset, sniffing up some mucus that was coming out her nose. Savior hung his head, he had dealt with sadness born from life affirming fear before... but Sunset was rightfully afraid of Lucina... he could only do what he did best. He could help... by showing her who he was. Maybe, just maybe... it would soothe her sadness. “Sunset Shimmer, may I show you something? It’s rather personal. It may help you deal with your scar, at least a little.” Asked Savior, putting his hand in hers. Sunset shrugged, “O-Ok Savior. I guess that could help.” Savior lifted her hands to his helmet and said, “No... I want you to take it off, it’s only fair you told me what happened, that I show you who I am.” Sunset felt the side of the helmet, finding two buttons, she pressed them, and she heard a click. Savior’s helmet lifted slightly with a hiss of steam, before it began to collapse like an accordion and roll back into the back of his suit with the click clack of hard metal chips. When it finally rolled back, Sunset gasped at the sight of Saviors face, which was illuminated by a flash of Lightning, it was a brief glance, but a glance nonetheless. Savior had a head of metallic gray hair, it looked to even be half metal flakes itself. His face was covered in scratches and was significantly harder than an average human’s face, and his mouth was more angled and sharp. Pointed sliver and white teeth were visible when he opened his mouth to breathe, as he seemed to not have a visible nose, only small air vents. His breath was raspy and felt cold on her skin. The strangest thing were his eyes, they were colored a bright orange and yellow and seemed to flicker like little candles in the dark, they stared deep into Sunset’s teal eyes, who felt scared looking at them for too long, making her turn away. Sunset tried to say something, but Savior pressed one of his metal fingers on her mouth and began to speak again, “I’m sure you have a lot of questions, but allow me to answer a few about myself before I go and talk to the others, is that ok with you?” Sunset felt suddenly a little safer now, Savior may appear scary, but he certainly had a nice voice. Sunset finally asked, “Who and what are you?” Savior began to speak, “While I call myself Savior, my real name should be familiar to you, Burning Star told you about me.” Savior smiled and continued, “I am known by many names, Night Terror, Guaridan of Manehattan...” He placed his hand upon her face, “but you may call me... Ironheart, The FORMER Pony of Vengeance.” Sunset widened her eyes in shock as the man now known as Ironheart slowly stroked her hair and hummed to her softly, as if she was a small child. Now Sunset felt safe, safe enough to ask. “Wait, I thought that the Ironheart that Burning Star told me about was some sort of ruthless killing machine. A WMD that wanted nothing more than to make the world “Bow in his shadow?”” Ironheart let out a small laugh, “Yes, but that is... or at least was, Ironheart Alpha. He was the original Ironheart. I am from Equestria Beta, I’m called Ironheart Beta by Prince Eclipsio.” He suddenly scowled, “When I first heard him talking to Ironheart Alpha, he said he didn’t enjoy his ruthlessness and killing, but I knew he was lying.” Sunset thought for a moment, before saying. “Wait... you’re Ironheart? Like, the Ironheart from the comic series, ”Power Ponies: Pony of Vengeance!?” THE Ironheart from “Marevel Comics?” Ironheart nodded, “Well, I guess I am, although I am a lot more mellow and understanding than Ironheart Alpha, I still am just as deadly when my city is in danger.” He hung his head, “I know I must sound incredibly cheesy compared to the OG Ironheart, but there are multiple versions of him throughout the Multiverse, I just happened to be one that listened to Twilight- I mean Masked Matter-Horn and turn my hatred of ponykind into hatred of criminals.” He stood up and finished by saying, “l took an oath to not harm an innocent man, woman or child, and I have withheld that oath for my entire time as the Pony of Vengeance.” Sunset stood up and finally weakly smiled, “That sounds awesome, but that still doesn’t explain how you got here, and why you have tried to stop Black Sun.” Savior Ironheart growled, “I chased him across my dimension and others, attempting to stop him. Over my journey I have teamed up with many other super-beings. The Power Ponies, Mare-Do-Well, Even Celestia and Luna of my dimension... but He continues to elude me.” “So, what is he?” Sunset asked him, taking the blanket off. Savior shuddered, but he finally said with clenched fists. “I have faced and fought countless demons, monsters, madmen, a wannabe king, corrupted gods, and Faust knows what else. I've defeated them all... even locked them away... but never before have I faced something so.... horrible as him. something so... inhuman. he is some unholy perversion of what was once a proud man with strong ideals, now nothing but a hollow and broken shell clinging to life and concealed in unbreakable armor.” Sunset shivered at the thought of that, “Thanks for that... nightmare fuel... but I still don’t understand.” Savior sighed before continuing, “What I mean is that Black Sun is someone so obscure, so forgotten, yet had so much potential. Think about it for a moment, Sunset. He also couldn’t pull ALL this off on his own. As we have seen, he isn’t the smartest guy out there.” “Yeah, come to think of it, he has been getting weaker and weaker. If you are suggesting that someone or something is helping him, than you may be on to something.” Responded Sunset, scratching her head. She put her open hand to her chin before continuing. “But who or what could help him?” “Well, what causes the sun to turn black, Sunset?” Savior suggested, while pressing buttons on his gauntlets, calibrating the jet engines on his wings and the weapon modes. Sunset’s eyes went wide when she heard that. Then she asked, “Wait, say that again.” “What causes the sun to turn Black?” Savior repeated, a small smirk on his face. Sunset’s eyes went wide as all the pieces fit into place. “Son of a bitch. Eclipsio’s attitude shift, his pursuit of Black Sun... his ignoring of the real mission to rescue the princesses...” Said Sunset as her eyes narrowed and her fists clenched. “That dark prince has played us for fools! C’mon Ironheart, its time to have a chat with his highness!” Shouted Sunset, watching as Saviors helm rolled back on to his head. The armor suddenly changed from its pure white to a sterling silver with black highlights. The sound of ammo loading and blades extending could be heard as Savior said to Sunset, his mask lighting up and his burning eyes visible through it. “Yes, lead the way, Sunset Shimmer.” He said, voice filled with determination. The two heard the sound of clashing weapons followed by a loud crash, and they ran out the door. Sunset rushed downstairs with Ironheart in tow, he was armed to the teeth with his chain guns out and loaded full of bullets. Sunset said to herself, “Eclipsio’s treachery will be revealed, and Black Sun will be brought to justice along with him!” (End of Act 2) Chapter 11: A Heartless Prince(Act 3: Betrayal of Friendship) (Sunset’s House, Living Room) Sunset and Ironheart entered the living room, and were greeted by various groans of pain from their group. The group was sprawled out on the floor or collapsed on the couch, crude bandages stained with blood wrapped around their arms and legs, some even had gashes across the chest, which were being stitched together by a wounded Shadow Armor. Sunset’s heart sank at the sight of this, she asked them. “What happened? Who did this to you?” Shadow Armor winced as he said, “Prince Eclipsio... he suddenly flew into a rage and attacked us... gah, I don’t know why though. He just started slashing at us, and he tackled Burning Star out the door.” He tried to stand, but he sunk to his knees, “Go... stop Prince Eclipsio... for us.” He passed out, falling to the floor before Ironheart caught him and laid him down gently. The metal-clad man growled, “Prince Eclipsio will answer for all of this. Both his deception and misuse of our trust, and for hurting our allies.” He activated his chain guns and snarled out. “He. Will. SUFFER.” “You do that, but first we help Burning Star and save the Princesses, Ironheart.” Sunset mentioned, taking a pair frying pans from the kitchen. They would be her weapons. A shockwave shook the house, blowing out the windows, Ironheart stepped in front of Sunset and put a golden energy shield, blocking the glass shards. His armor had switched back to the Savior appearance. He turned back and said, “Are you alright, Sunset?” Sunset nodded and responded with a scowl, “Fine. Now let’s go stop Prince Eclipsio.” She ran outside with Ironheart, who ran in front of her with his shields up, blocking any more shockwaves from the two Alicorn Humans colliding. Sunset and Ironheart stopped when they got outside they witnessed the battle unfold. Burning Star stood in the pouring rain, his shirt off and his exposed chest visible. He had various wounds across his body and he was bleeding from the head. He gripped Deicide tightly and the Blade was alight with blazing white fire that turned any rain that came near it into steam. Steam also poured off his body and head as his skin seemed to glow and pulse with heat. Prince Eclipsio’s robe was torn up, he also had various cuts and bruises along his body, and a large gash in his chest that seemed to have healed itself. He radiated a dark aura that distorted the air around him, making him flicker in and out like a trick of the light or an illusion. He snarled at Eclipsio as he blocked a punch from the prince, “Prince Eclipsio, I knew that you had a problem with our slow pace on finding Black Sun, but you are being ridiculous!” Eclipsio let out a battle cry swung his sword, which clashed with Burning Star. The collision ended up causing the ground to crack underneath it’s impact. “Ridiculous? Hah!” Said the prince, kicking Burning Star in the gut. “No, you infernal insect, you have outlived you’re usefulness to me.” Burning Star delivered an elbow strike to the side of Eclipsio’s face, the prince responded by punching Burning Star directly in the face, which knocked him to the floor. “Leave him alone!” Shouted Sunset as she got close enough to Eclipsio to smack him with her pans. it stunned the prince long enough to let Savior rush in and deliver a cannonball kick to his head. Eclipsio fell to the floor, then jumped to his feet immediately and said, “I see you all are willing to get in my way, perfect.” He pointed his katana at Sunset and snarled out, showing his sharpened teeth. “Obstacles like you will be removed. Painfully!” Eclipsio dashed forward and took a wide swing at Sunset Shimmer, it was blocked and partied by Savior’s plasma-edged Blades. The Prince sent a spinning kick to Savior, who grabbed his feet and piledrived him into the ground. Burning Star was lifted to his feet by Sunset, who said to him, “You need some help here?” Burning Star unintentionally snapped at her, “What gives?! I’m fighting Eclipsio for some reason, and he is intent on killing me and my friends. what is going on, Sunset?!” Eclipsio shouted, ”Die! Taste Eigaon!” A blast of darkness flew out of his hands towards Burning Star, who raised his hands and prepared to counter. ”AGIDYNE!” Said Burning Star, and a beam of scarlet flames erupted from his palm. The two attacks collided midair and a smoke cloud appeared. Burning Star picked up Deicide and ran into the smoke cloud, taking a leap and he managed to boost off of Savior’s back into the air. Prince Eclipsio couldn’t put up his guard enough and Deicide chopped into his shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain, but he managed to send a slash to Burning’s chest. The two men staggered back in pain, Sunset rushed to Burning Star’s aid while Savior ran to take his shot at Eclipsio. The prince suddenly said with pure hate in his voice, “Well it seems I’ve been found out, I was hoping that I could kill you all quickly...” Savior delivered an axe kick to Eclipsio’s head, before saying. “And what did you mean by kill us quickly?” The prince’s face twisted into a frightening grin, and he let out a malevolent chuckle. “Why I would slit everyone’s throats in their sleep, make them choke and drown in their own blood.” He got close to Sunset and grasped her by the neck while also kicking Burning Star into a tree, “You see it now Sunset, don’t you? Your fragile, human bodies are too weak for me. You all are pathetic creatures, especially you for believing I had a shred of “love” for your kind.” He tossed her to the floor and sneered, Sunset hurt all over from his immense strength. He continued to speak, “As I said to your Twilight, if it were up to me, I would have obliterated this planet long ago.” “Why are you doing this? Why side with Black Sun?” Sunset said weakly, trying to recover from her dizziness. The Prince of Eclipses smirked and said, “Why you ask? For one reason, revenge. Revenge against my sisters and all of mankind and ponykind.” He turned around to catch Savior in his grasp before throwing him into the same tree Burning Star was in, it snapped in half and buried the two under wood and leaves. Sunset got to her feet and responded with as much force as she could muster, “So everything you said was a lie? Even your talk with me? All of this... just for revenge against your sisters?” Eclipsio nodded, his sharp fangs showing, “Yes. I had to maintain the image that I actually gave a damn about you all, at least until I learned of your accomplishments. My sisters are proud of you, so they will be struck with sorrow... once I cut you all down.” Savior blasted out of the tree and tackled Eclipsio like a lion pouncing on his prey, delivering a truly brutal stab with an electrical blade. it went right through his chest effortlessly. Eclipsio howled in pain and attempted to send his own sword through Savior’s chest, it pierced the outer armor but it stopped against the hidden metallic skin of Ironheart. Ironheart ripped the sword out and began to punch and kick Eclipsio over and over, his plasma blades extended. The Prince was cut in numerous places, but he still stood tall. Eclipsio sent a massive punch that crumpled Savior’s chestplate and sent him to the floor, before he ran back over to Sunset and picked her up by her neck again. She kicked and struggled to get free, but Eclipsio squeezes down on her neck, suffocating her. “You’re all pathetic, you cannot stop me. My revenge will be complete, and there is nothing that the weak, insignificant force known as “Friendship” can do to stop me. Death is inevitable for you and your defiant kind... and I will be the one to end it.” He raised her higher and began to announce to the world. “Now, the revenge I have sought for millennia will finally come true. Your world and Equestria will feel my hate and spite of my sisters, it will scorch and desecrate the world. Everything they built, everything they made, ALL OF IT WILL DIE!” He snapped his fingers, and the bodies of Sunset’s friends appeared in suspended animation, “And the best part, you and your weak-ass friends are the only obstacles in my way from total destruction of everything my sisters care about.” Sunset weakly asked, “Why Eclipsio? We don’t have anything to do with you, why destroy our world?” Eclipsio snarled out, his tongue licking Sunset’s face, “Simple. It would cause my sisters and The Elements of Harmony pain... and I will be rid of your wretched friendship once and for all. All your talk of love and compassion and understanding, something you so desired to spread to me... allow me the pleasure to take it away in the most violent and brutal way I can.“ “You’ll never take away our friendship! I won’t let you!” Sunset said with defiance, she recived a harsh slap from Eclipsio. Eclipsio’s shouted at her, “SILENCE YOU Bitch. I don’t plan on breaking you all up, no... I’m just gonna slaughter you all and be rid of this... disgusting friendship. Tell me, Sunset... what is the point of friendship and hope? It is an excuse for those without power to feel important, when they really aren’t! You all hide behind friendship, hide from your weakness, hide from the fact you can’t face the fact that you don’t matter... that you all will NEVER MATTER.” He tossed her into a bush and said, “To be honest, I liked it when you were the alpha bitch at Canterlot High. Dominating and breaking any chance of friendship, THAT Sunset... that is the one I fell in love with. Your new “friendship” with these useless girls perverts that Sunset’s image, your image of POWER. In fact, I was hoping, PRAYING, for you Kill Twilight and her obnoxious little friends. It would be one less obstacle in my way.” He snapped his fingers and a swarm of daggers appeared surrounding everyone’s heads. “So tell me Sunset Shimmer... who is gonna save you now? Heh-hahahhaa-ha!” Sunset felt something grab her and wrench her from the prince’s grip. Her friends were also grabbed out of their suspended states. It was Lucina! She had gotten to her feet alongside Shadow Armor. Both of them were still bandaged, but were strong enough to stand. Lucina saw Sunset on the floor and lifted her to her feet, saying to her. “Get up, we aren’t finished yet.” “Wait... I thought you didn’t like me?” Sunset asked meekly. Lucina sighed, then said. “After learning from Shadow Armor about the hell you went through... I get it now. You did everything to make yourself into a better person... and I’m proud of that.” Sunset felt Shadow Armor hand her a knife and he said to her, “Now... lets get this traitor.” Prince Eclipsio looked around at the now quite large group of people surrounding him. Lucina, Frostclaw, and Shadow Armor in the rear protecting the Rainbooms, who were struggling to get up. All of them were hurt, covered in cuts and bruises across their body... but it was Fluttershy who was hurt the worst. Her shirt was ripped open and a vicious set of cuts ran across her chest and face, almost as if Eclipsio had taken a buzzsaw to her... Shadow Armor felt her neck, there was a pulse, but barely. Savior looked back to see the awful sight, and he said to Eclipsio. “You... you sick piece of shit... hurting innocent girls. They had nothing to do with you, and you nearly beat them to death out of spite.” Eclipsio cracked an evil grin, “Nothing to do with me? They are the human versions of the Elements of Harmony, they were used by my sisters to banish me... by destroying them I will destroy any hope of defeating me. Also, no one would care if they were gone anyways... they may have accomplished much, but they could never defeat a GOD such as myself. By destroying them now, I will kill two birds with one stone.” Savior pointed one of his chain guns at the Prince, who had been cleaning his blade of blood with his tongue, a sight that would have made Savior gag (if he still could). Savior screamed, he sounded like some sort of bat, “YOU WILL BURN!” and he unloaded his clip into Eclipsio, who simply created a shield before snapping his fingers. A roar was heard from overhead as Black Sun descended out of the sky and landed near the Prince, who had the biggest smirk on his face. (End theme) “Black Sun... good to see you, my minion. I presume that everything is in order for my plans?” Said Eclipsio, who put a hand on Black Sun’s mask. The armored monster nodded and said, “Yes Master... the sisters are still in my custody, just as you asked.” Black Sun looked upon the group, seeing them all wounded. They all looked terrified. “Master... what about them? What shall I do with the enemy?” He asked, tilting his head, almost as if he was confused or conflicted by his question. Eclipsio looked at the people who were once his friends, and he said with no emotion in his voice. “Kill them. They are of no use to me.” Black Sun raised his guns to the group, then... he paused. Sunset was staring at Black Sun, whatever she was doing to him was stopping him from shooting. “Well? What are you waiting for? Kill them! Gun them down and end our opposition!” yelled Eclipsio, his eyes glowing gold. Sunset swore she saw Black Sun Mouth something under his mask. ”I’m sorry Sunset.” He grabbed Eclipsio and flew off into the air, flying so fast that he broke the sound barrier and passed above the clouds... Leaving the Rainbooms and the heroes brusied and bloodied on the grass. Sunset felt faint and she collapsed to the floor, and she felt darkness come over her. But she saw a shadow... just before she closed her eyes. ”Sunset! Sunset!” The figure shouted and sirens were heard, everything was a blur. ”You’re gonna be ok. Hi SOMEONE GET A STRETCHER! GET THEM IN THE AMBULANCES!” (Black Sun’s Base) Black Sun arrived at his base, the hangar doors opening from the darkness, he entered the hangar and landed silently. Eclipsio broke out of his embrace and growled, “Why did you retreat?” Black Sun remained silent. “Answer me, damn it.” He continued, grasping Black Sun’s neck plating. Black Sun finally said something, “They aren’t a problem, you have your sisters... you have everything you need, why do we have to kill them? They are crippled, beaten, why end them now?” Prince Eclipsio snarled, his teeth showing in the low light of the hangar, “To make sure they don’t pursue us. You have let them live numerous times, Black Sun. ALL because of your... “humanity”, I should have turned you into a mindless slave as soon as you got the armor...” He threw his arms up in frustration, “But no... you wanted freedom of choice, far lot of good it has done me. You kept Burning Star alive, and judging from his body not disappearing when I stabbed him over and over, he has survived.” Black Sun grabbed Eclipsio’s hand and pulled it away saying, “You promised me something, Prince Eclipsio. So as long as that is still on the table, I am on your side. You got that?” Prince Eclipsio punched Black Sun. the armored human turned slightly, as Eclipsio said “Do not remind me... go rest for your next mission. Burning Star will likely be in the hospital. I want you to go there and kill everyone there.” Black Sun tilted his head, “Everyone?” Prince Eclipsio snorted, “Did I stutter? Everyone. Every man, woman, child. It doesn’t matter if they are innocent or guilty... I want to send a message to that sleepy little city... that I will destroy their so popular peace in the most brutal way possible. Kill everyone, and when your finished, burn the building... I want to make sure the city knows just how strong you are.” Black Sun nodded, “It will be done tomorrow, Master.” Prince Eclipsio smirked and let out his evil laugh while saying, “Soon, that useless tool Burning Star will be gone, and all of his friends with him. Gah-hahaha-ha!” Black Sun walked through the metal halls of the base, thinking to himself. Despite being inside of his warm suit, he felt cold inside. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and he hated it... but he had to do it. He had his motives, and Prince Eclipsio would fulfill them. Black Sun entered his room, it was a large room with a black and blue bed in the corner. A slew of junk and old food wrappings were strewn about his trash area. On his desk were various blueprints and papers which had weapon models and plans inscribed on them, some were his, but the majority of them were Eclipsio’s. There was a window in his room, it let out into the dark void peppered by little stars. Black Sun’s base was in space, orbiting around the earth like a space station. He stood in front of a mirror and said to himself, ”This is wrong, I know it is... but it is worth it.” Black Sun sat down upon his bed and pressed the buttons on the back of his helmet, the helmet expanded and Black Sun lifted it off his head. he proceeded to do the same to the rest of his armor, staring with his greaves and leggings, followed by his gauntlets and chestplate with the wings attached. He hung the armor on a rack that slid up and into the repair chamber of the base, it had taken a great deal of damage and he had forgotten to repair it from the last time. Black Sun looked into the mirror and looked at his unarmored body. He was clad in a light gray and blue tunic with a strange blue lightning bolt emblazoned on his breast. He wore blue jeans and a pair of fingerless gloves. Black Sun’s head had spiky dark blue hair that was combed back into what appeared to be a bird-like crest, his eyes had been turned a darker blue. His face was hard, and covered in scars. Despite that, he still was someone he considered was alive... He still loved the Twilight of Equestria... He is... or now was... Flash Sentry. Flash Sentry lay back on his bed and opened his bedside table, pulling out a picture of Twilight and her friends together with him at Canterlot High during the Battle of the Bands... It brought back memories... memories of more pleasant times. Times when he was still just Flash, a brilliant teen that acted like a bumbling idiot, all because he didn’t want to be picked on. Perhaps he should have revealed that he was smart long ago... maybe he would have realized that siding with the Psycho Prince of Eclipses was a REALLY BAD IDEA in hindsight. But there was no turning back now, he knew that... He had two choices in front of him, each were extremely tough to make. He could go along with the mad plan of spreading death and destruction under Eclipsio’s command... Or, he could try and defy him, and most likely die a horribly painful death at his hands. He did this for Twilight, for Twily... but he knew she would hate him for this much bloodshed. But... would she? ”Flash, what have you gotten yourself into? You should have just died, not except help from that... psychopath. But here I am, killing innocent people for him... all because of a promise I made and a pact I forged with him. Damn it I’m stupid.” Flash Sentry thought to himself, before he picked up his guitar and started to strum. ”When everything I knew had come and gone...” ”Only scars remain of who I was...” ”When there is no one left to carry on.” ”My pain persists, I can’t resist, but that’s what it takes to be Infinite.” He got up and started to sing, somber and sad. ”So look around you and tell me what you really see, I’ll never end and that is the difference between you and me. For when my time is up and everything is falling down, it’s only me and you... who is gonna save Me now?” ”So look around you and tell me what you really see. I lived a lie and that’s the difference between you and me, I have the power, but I can’t show you what it’s all about... it’s only me and you. Who is gonna save Me now?” Somewhere across the base, Eclipsio heard it and said to himself. ”Who is gonna save you now? No one, everything my sisters have built will fall... and it is all because of your killings and my hatred giving you strength. Without it, you would be nothing...” Prince Eclipsio was standing in the room where his sisters floated in suspended animation, a smirk on his face. He said to them, “Even though you probably cannot hear me, know this... sisters, take one last look at your worlds...” He laughed as he said, “For soon, nothing of it shall remain, but my laughter... hah-haha-hahaha-HA!” Chapter 13: Vs Black Sun! Assault on Shadow Station!(Sunset’s House, Living Room, 48 hours later...) The sun was setting over Canterlot City, and once again... another disaster took the city by storm. Black Sun, still alive and kicking somehow, managed to attack the main hospital of the city. Thankfully, Chief of Police Shining Armor and Ironheart saved the building from his wrath, even identifying who Black Sun really was. Black Sun was Flash Sentry! Flash motherf—king Sentry?! Sunset couldn’t believe that one teen could cause this much destruction and fear, she may have spread fear across Canterlot High in the past... but Black Sun/Flash was on a WHOLE nother level. He had the entire city in a state of panic, no one went outside. Shops were closed early, deathly afraid that a metal-clad Demon would descend from the sky and destroy everything they worked for and built. Times were tough, and Sunset wasn’t fairing we’ll both physically and mentally. Physically, she had a broken arm and several broken ribs, as well as a slight concussion and a cut In her head that needed stiches. Mentally, she was scared. Scared for her life... but more scared that someone she once thought was her friend was ACTIVELY TRYING TO KILL THEM! She stared out the window of her house, it was getting darker and darker, and she sensed that the final battle was nearly upon them. She was also disappointed that she wouldn’t be the one to chip in her bits of anger against that traitor Eclipsio... She sat down on the couch and said out loud to herself, “Jeez... how did a investigation by Burning Star turn into Burning Star trying to stop Eclipsio from dooming the two diarchs of Equestria hanging in the Balance?” A voice interrupted her, it was dark and familiar... “When Burning Star decided to start taking interest in me...” Sunset turned to the window and saw Prince Eclipsio standing outside, his golden eyes gleaming in the darkness. Sunset tried to scream but Eclipsio clamped his hand over her mouth and put his hand on her neck. “Scream and I snap your little human spine, Sunset Shimmer.” Snarled Eclipsio, his voice deader than dead. Sunset did the only thing she could and bit down on Eclipsio’s hand, causing him to yank it away. His hand flew to his sword and he drew it seamlessly out of its sheath before leaning on it. “What is wrong with you?! You send Flash Senty dressed up as “Black Sun” to attack a goddamn hospital?! How heartless are you?” Sunset screamed at Eclipsio. Prince Eclipsio snorted, “They are humans, they live and die in short bursts, why should I care about them?” He lifted his sword and pointed it against Sunset’s chest, “In fact, I came here to kill Burning Star and his friends, tell me where they are and you will be the last one I kill...” Sunset pushed the sword away with her hand and said, “Ok, you need to cool it, Eclipsio! Why are you so gung ho about killing us?! What have we done to you?” Prince Eclipsio scoffed, pointing his sword at Sunset again, “Simple. You are in my way in my quest for revenge against my sisters. Obstacles such as you and Burning Star’s allies are in my way must be removed in the most efficient way possible, and that means you all must perish.” Sunset pushed the sword away again and walked up to Eclipsio, then slapped him across the cheek. “I know that, dumbass! Why are you intent on taking revenge on your sisters?! You never explained why, maybe I can help you overcome this anger.” Eclipsio laughed, “I don’t want your help! I NEVER WANTED YOUR HELP! All you did was delay me from gaining the required item I needed, which I obtained when I kidnapped your precious Twilight... before you freed her...” The Prince started to creepily smile, “Sunset, by the time my project is complete, there won’t be an Earth or Equestria left. tomorrow the sun will not rise, both the sun and moon will be destroyed, the skies will be torn asunder, and I will freeze and scorch this planet until they are nothing but dead rocks floating through the endless abyss of space.” “I win, you all lose, end of story.” He said while snickering. Eclipsio opened a portal and started to enter it, but he tossed Sunset something. It was a black Syringe filled with red blood, it was labeled “For Sunset”. He said before he entered it, “that is for you, by the way... it’s a vial of my Alicorn blood. It will provide you my abilities of Alicornhood... I can’t fight someone who is crippled, I want a real opponent, not a weak and feeble girl. Bye!” As soon as Eclipsio left, Sunset cursed at the Prince. ”Weak? Feeble?! Crippled?!! Oh I’ll show you who is weak and feeble...” Surprisingly, the Prince wasn’t lying. It was Alicorn Blood in the syringe, Savior was Home at the time and had identified it. But she dared not use it... Burning Star finally came home to see Sunset staring at the syringe filled with red liquid that shimmered like starlights. He rushed over to her and nearly roared, “What are you doing?! Did Eclipsio give you that?!” Sunset nodded, and Burning Star grabbed the syringe out of her hands before smashing it in his fist. “Sunset, please... what led you to believe that Eclipsio was helping you... he said something sympathetic didn’t he?” He told Sunset, who nodded shamefully. Burning Star sighed, “Listen, i understand that you want to reform villains, but Eclipsio has shown us that he is not going to play by our rules and is going to hide up in his little space base. So, if he won’t come to us... I’m going to him.” He noticed Sunset’s broken arm, then he touched it, causing Susnet to cringe in pain. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out his own syringe. Sunset raised an eyebrow at this, “Where did you get that?” She asked, as he walked over to the sink. Burning Star shrugged, “One of the medical carts wasn’t being monitored, so I grabbed some stuff.” Sunset’s eyes went wide as she asked in disbelief, “Why did you steal from the hospital, Burning Star? He shrugged again, “Eh... they weren’t using it at the time. And I’m not one to ignore free stuff.” Sunset groaned loudly, “Ugh... you know you’re going to get yourself in serious trouble one day, Burning Star. How are you going to get out of it?” “Sunset... please, I survived out in the wilderness for four years and have defeated dangerous beings that rival gods in power, I think a few security guards won’t be a problem for me.” He said while aiming the syringe at his arm and penetrating his skin. Sunset raised her other eyebrow as Burning Star handed her a full syringe of his blood. “Wait... I thought you said that Alicorn Blood is dangerous? Why are you giving me yours?” The Equestrian of Fire smiled and rubbed Sunset’s Head, “Remember Sunset Shimmer, I USED to be a human before I was turned into a pony on Equestria. It’s one of the reasons why my appearance didn’t change much from my pony form to my human form. My blood is part-human, part-equine because of this. also...” Sunset put a hand over his mouth. “Get to the point already!” Burning Star removed Sunset’s hand from his mouth and responded a miffed. “Tl:DR, I am a human with Alicorn level strength, speed, and REGENERATION. Now hold still...” Sunset had no time to react as Burning Star penetrated her skin with the syringe and his blood went into her broken arm. Sunset’s broken arm began to glow reddish orange and it started to hurt badly. she clutched her arm and grit her teeth for what felt like an eternity. “Ghhgh! Why does this hurt so much!?” She shouted, her arm still glowing red. Burning Star responded with a small smirk, “It’s because of how my body works. My blood is physically hotter than most Alicorns. It’s due to my biology... also, you’re arm should be healed now. Try moving it.” Sunset moved her arm up and down, there was no pain outside of a strange tingling feeling that felt like pins and needles. Sunset was speechless, but finally squeaked out. “How did you do that? My arm fixed itself in seconds! Burning Star, how powerful ARE you?!” “You want to know how I have so much power in me? This may take a while to explain.” He said, his eyes focused on Sunset. The Equestrian of Fire took a deep breath and began to speak, “You see Sunset. While my Fire Abilities are drawn from my place as one of the Masters of Nature, my true power comes in the form of Thermokinesis. or in simple terms, the manipulation of thermal energy and force. My absolutely tremendous energy comes from my body, which holds the average energy output of an decently sized nuclear reactor.” Sunset’s eyes widened, “Wait, you hold energy in your body equal to a decently sized nuclear reactor? How do you not irradiate everything you touch?” Burning Star lignited his hand, “I do emit radiation, but it comes in the form of ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation instead of gamma radiation. The reason everything tends to explode when I hit with my “fireballs” is because the flames I produce are merely just an byproduct of my Master of Fire status. in reality, I’m throwing highly-ionized plasma.” He started to pace back and forth, his hands still glowing reddish-orange, “whenever my “fire” attacks hit something, The sudden release of energy from the impact causes a chain reaction of atoms splitting. which as you know, produces a tremendous amount of energy that violently discharges in a small area, incinerating most if, not all it touches.” The Equestrian of Fire gasped for air, “It is also why my fire powers work underwater, the plasma that emits from my body is way too hot for water to douse it.” “Wait, I thought plasma was formed from high-powered Electrical energy? Then how does yours form?” Sunset asked him, now very curious. Burning Star extinguished his hands and continued, “My plasma abilities are based off how a star works, hence my name. A star keeps burning because of elements such as hydrogen undergoing nuclear fusion. My strongest move, Starcrash is based on this reaction. I concentrate molecules in the air into a tightly packed orb I form with my magic, then I superheat the gas trapped until it turns into Plasma, before flinging the damn thing like a baseball and having it detonate on impact with whatever or whoever is in the way.” “And how hot is your “Starstrike” attack?” Sunset asked, which made Burning Star grin sheepishly. He finished explaining, “Uh... never got around to measuring it since it tend to INCINERATE ANYTHING IT HITS. Fortunately, the Twilight of my world taught me how to control my powers and focus it into the much more powerful and manageable “Star Strike.” Process is similar, but I can control the size of the explosion and the orb it forms in, but it still requires a tremendous amount of both my magical energy and my thermal power to form it.” Sunset’s Head was spinning from the explanation, ”Plasma... Starstrikes... gah my head hurts.” she thought to herself. “Alright... I sorta get your powers, but you may want to write this stuff down somewhere in a more succinct summary, rather than telling me EVERYTHING.” She told him, putting a hand to her head. Burning Star nodded his head and sighed, “Yeah... in truth I’m not exactly sure how to explain it. This is not my forté, Sunset. I’m just paraphrasing what Twilight wrote about me... whew.” The two stood in silence for a few minutes, then Savior came downstairs, his recorder out. He quickly put it back in his gauntlet before cutting the silence with his voice, “Hey Burning Star, look over here for a minute.” The Equestrian of Fire turned towards Savior and said, “Yeah? What’s up?” Savior responded with a voice that was familiar to the Alicorn turned human, “Hello Burning Star, it is good to see you again.” Burning Star’s eyes went wide and his jaw dropped, “N-no... you’re dead. I saw your broken body, Ironheart is dead!” He said in a state of panic. Savior deactivated his helmet, it rolled back into his suit revealing the partially-metal face of the former Pony of Vengeance. Burning Star was speechless, “You’re SAVIOR!? H-How are you even alive?!” He said, still stammering. Sunset smiled, “Actually, he told me who he was a few days ago. I forgot to tell you and the group in the chaos that resulted from Eclipsio’s betrayal and subsequent assault on us. But this isn’t the Ironheart you know.” Ironheart bowed, “Just as there are Multiple universes, there are multiple versions of Ironheart. I am Ironheart Beta, coming from Manehattan on the world Equestria Beta, The World of the Power Ponies.” If the The Equestrian of Fire’s eyelids could get any wider they would have peeled back like bananas, “So you are telling me that you come from a world where ANOTHER Pony of Vengeance exists... although you seem a lot more even-tempered than the other Ironheart.” Ironheart Beta’s eyes narrowed, “Yes. But I am still just as fierce a fighter as him. Despite my origins being nearly the same, I never destroyed myself in shame when my Manehattan Project was disrupted and my world came crashing down. When I was at my lowest, and I believed myself irredeemable... Twilight- I mean Matter-Horn offered me a hoof and I got help. I adopted my name Savior from the local newspapers calling me “The Savior of All”. Savior walked over to Burning and placed one of his gauntlets on his shoulder, “I was the first to see Black Sun be reborn. Has Sunset told you of the man behind that mask?” The redhead led girl shook her head, “No I didn’t. Burning, you may want to sit down for this.” The Equestrian of Fire sat down on the couch and said, “Ok, what could be so shocking that I needed to sit down for?” Sunset winced as she said, “Black Sun’s identity is Flash Sentry.” Burning’s pupils shrank to pinpricks, “Wait what?! Black Sun is Flash Sentry?!” A cacophony of voices came from the stairs. it was Shadow Armor, Frostclaw, and Lucina. “WHAT?! FLASH SENTRY?!” Shadow Armor took a weird step and the trio of humans all tumbled down the stairs and landed in a pile at the bottom. All three of them let out a groan of pain. Savior turned around and said, “Also, nice to see you all again.” The three all saw Ironheart’s face and let out another collective shout. “IRONHEART?! BUT YOURE DEAD!” Savior sighed, “Yes and No, Ironheart Alpha is Dead. I am Ironheart Beta, but call me Savior for ease of identification.” Shadow Armor sighed, “I’m guessing this is more Alternative Universe crap... I swear this mission keeps getting stranger and stranger.” “You have no idea how strange it’s going to get now, Shadow Armor.” He said with a small smirk. Savior pulled what looked to be a Distortion Orb out of the back of his suit. “Now if you all are ready, we have to go to a space station to fight an extremely forgettable person wearing highly dangerous battle armor, as well as our former ally that stabbed us in the back in order to take revenge on his sisters for banishing him...” Lucina added in, “you forgot to mention that the two of them are hell bent on trying to kill us all and that Eclipsio is to wipe out humankind and ponykind.” Frostclaw added in, “We also are the only things standing in his way, and he is one of the strongest beings on Equestria.” Savior realized what they all just said and laughed slightly, “Wow, you’re right Shadow. This does sound pretty ridiculous, but no one else will stand up to him, nor even try to stand up for what is right.” Suddenly, Shining Armor ran into the house, he was panting heavily due to him running halfway across town. “You aren’t *huff* going without *huff* me!” Shadow Armor looked at Shining and rolled his eyes while shaking his head, “No Shining. This is too dangerous for even you, Eclipsio plays with the fabric of reality like it’s his personal toy or something... I don’t think you can handle this.” Burning Star eyed Shining Armor for a moment, he sensed something... familiar about him. Shining snorted in anger and slammed his hand on the coffee table, shattering it. “I AM going with you, and you can’t stop me.” “Eclipsio will kill you in seconds, you realize that right?” Warned Lucina, who supringly sounded afraid of Shining. “I am a police officer, it is my job to stop criminals. So I’m going with you, and I’m going to KILL ECLIPSIO!” He snapped back, his face contorted in anger. Burning Star noticed that Shining’s eyes flickered to a deep red for a split second, then they returned to blue. “I say Shining Armor can come. He has demonstrated that he is more than capable of defending himself against Black Sun.” Said Burning Star, getting to his feet and grabbing Deicide. The Equestrian of Fire turned to the group and said to them, “Well? What are we standing around for? Lets go get Celestia and Luna back, and make Eclipsio wish he hadn’t betrayed us.” The flame-haired human leaps into the portal, followed closely by Savior and Lucina. Shadow Armor looked at Sunset and frowned, “You are staying here, I can’t have you die after all you’ve done for us.” Sunset pushed past Shadow and responded in irritation, “No. I’m going to find out why that royal pain in our asses is so pissed at Celestia and Luna.” She entered the portal followed by Frostclaw, leaving Shining Armor and Shadow Armor alone together. Shining Armor started to speak after a good minute of silence, “Listen... I’m sorry I smashed that table. I pay for the replacement, I swear. The real reason I’m after Black Sun is because of this... I picked this off of his suit while I fought him with that Savior guy.“ Shining pulled out a note from the back pocket of his jeans and handed it to Shadow Armor. “What is this?” The Black Knight asked as he opened it. Shining responded, “I am not sure, some kind of Blueprint or plans for something.” Shadow Armor began to read... And for the first time in a long time... he felt true fear. The piece of paper had the picture of a amulet of some sort, and there was a diagram of it drawn onto the paper. The diagram was covered in Dark Equestrian letters and the symbol of a black vortex at the center. But it wasn’t the amulet that scared him... It was the thing it was attached to. Shadow Armor folded up the piece of paper and placed it in his bag saying, “We need to stop Black Sun and Eclipsio as soon as we can. If the writing on this paper is true, not even Burning Star could ever hope to stop the Prince.” The two guardians leapt into the portal, which closed with a flash of light. (Shadow Station, Main Entrance Hall) The group arrived on the space station base and was immediately presented with a window looking out on to the Earth below. Frostclaw looked down at the planet below him and raised an eyebrow in curiosity, “Hey guys. If Eclipsio’s base is floating in near-earth orbit around the planet, don’t you think someone would have noticed it by now?” Burning Star shook his head, “Come on, Prince Eclipsio is known for his secrecy, so he has probably got some sort of cloaking device or something to obscure this place from sight.” Sunset Shimmer looked around at the base known as Shadow Station. It was barely bright enough to see, the walls were made of cold steel and titanium, which were triple reinforced. Everything from the doors to the ceiling above was either colored chrome black, silver, or golden yellow. She took a step forward, and the sound of her footsteps echoed around the empty chamber. Various pipes and ducts were lining the walls and ceiling, all of them going down the central corridor. She felt a chill go up her spine, “Yikes. Why would Eclipsio build a base in this creepy wreck? How can he see, its pitch black in here?!” Burning Star went to ignite his hand, but it was grabbed by Savior. “No Burning Star! My HUD is indicating that pure oxygen runs throughout the station, you ignite and this entire thing goes up in flames.” He said in a apprehensive voice. Burning Star yanked his hand away, “OK! jeez man, didn’t have to crush my hand.” Lucina groaned, “Will you two get it together? We are on this dick’s personal space station. We have to be on our A-Game here. Which means no fighting with firearms or explosives unless totally necessary, ok?” The two warriors nodded and Savior passed out the HUD glasses that the group had been using. “Here.” He said, handing them to everyone quickly, “I’ve upgraded these HUD glasses with thermal and night vision. We will be able to see with them on, a flashlight would give us away too easily.” The group each put on their respective pair and Burning Star began to speak. “Alright. We are here... judging by the sheer amount of wiring Eclipsio has he is drawing power, and a LOT of from the size of these things.” Savior activated his helmet and he ran a scan of the wiring, before saying. “Magic, magic everywhere... yet no sign of the two princesses. Whatever Eclipsio is doing he is funneling Equestrian magic down through the system into a room at the center of this base.” Shadow Armor chimed in, “So lets go get him then. We have the element of surprise, right?” Sunset shook her head shamefully, “No. He dared us to come, and we came... but I don’t think he expected us to come.” Shining smiled, “Looks like he has underestimated humanity again... he does that a lot doesn’t he? Underestimate others?” Burning Star nodded slowly, “Yeah... about that... guys look up there.” The heroes turned their heads skyward to see Black Sun perched on a balcony above and away from them. The armored monster laughed under his mask, “Well then, Eclipsio was right. You guys really are stupid... I gave you a way to get here and you actually use it? What were you thinking?!” Shadow Armor pulled one of his knives and chucked it at Black Sun, who batted it aside and unsheathed his own blades, “Sorry, but I’m not going to fail this time... now die.” Sunset narrowed her eyes and yelled, “Will you quit it with this act! Flash I know that’s you under there! Take off that stupid mask.” Black Sun stopped for a moment, then removed his mask, revealing the face of Flash Sentry. Shadow Armor couldn’t believe it, “Well I’ll be damned... Flash Sentry. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Didn’t you die or something?” Flash smiled creepily, “No. I lay in death’s cold embrace, I was going to die all alone... no friends or family to remember me... then Eclipsio came and gave me a purpose.” He threw his hands back, “I would be his ultimate weapon. I would be the bullet to the gun that kills two worlds that thought I didn’t matter. So I would make myself be remembered as the man who killed a god, by killing Burning Star! Hahahahaha!” Sunset frowned, “So all of this, all the murder, all the bloodshed is for Eclipsio’s little quest for vengeance?!” Flash shook his head and put his hand to his face, “No Sunset, my grudge was not with him alone... but with the ponies and people that let me fade into infmany and then, obscurity...” Burning Star waved everyone off, “Ok everyone, get going! I’ll deal with Flash!” Savior stepped in front of him, “No. Your target is Eclipsio... I will deal with him. Now Go!” Burning Star wanted to protest, but he realized that Savior would be a much better match against Black Sun, and he led everyone down the central corridor past Flash Sentry. Savior tilted his head in confusion, “Why did you let them go?” Flash shrugged, “Eclipsio has something planned for them, you on the other hand have been a very annoying thorn in my side for FAR TOO LONG.” Savior called out to him, “You are running low on magic to patch you up, aren’t you? I can tell... your suit isn’t glowing as bright as it usually is before you fight.” “Eclipsio took a lot of energy out to complete his project, but even with my armor weakened slightly... I still have enough power to smash your pure-hearted ass into mush.” Flash Said, dropping his mask onto his face. He then charged and swung his blades at Savior, who parried them easily. “I will show how outclassed you really are!” Screamed the armored teen. Savior grabbed Black Sun and threw him down a hallway, “I’m in a class all my own, it’s time to put up or shut up, Black Sun. But know this, by the time this fight is over... Only one of us will be left standing.” Black Sun took off down the hallway, Savior chased after him, his thrusters at full throttle. Since Prince Eclipsio’s base was built like a giant circle, the two effectively had an endless hall to battle in. Black Sun flipped himself around and started to speak, “So... what would you like your epitaph to read? How ‘bout, “here lies the pain in my ass?” “How about here sleeps a mangled corpse? Might as well make it for the guy that needs it, right? I’ve had it with your destruction and anger Flash Bang Sentry! This is the end for you, once I’m done with you... you’re going to need three separate coffins!” Savior snapped back, his old Ironheart systems clicking in, his artificial eyes turning blood red. Black Sun turned around and unleashed an absolute storm of magic bolts, Savior put up his shield and they bounced off, scorching the walls and floor with each impact. “I see you’re not as stupid as I thought, Flash. Firearms in a space station would ignite the high oxygen in the air, And even your suit has limits when it comes to heat.” Savior called out to Black Sun, then he retaliating by charging into Black Sun with a powerful uppercut to the jaw. Flash staggered back, but was unharmed. “Funny thing about losing, you learn from your mistakes. One of my mistakes was not upgrading my armor to contend with yours.” Flash said, his voice distorted thanks to his mask. Black Sun quickly closed the gap and unleashed a series of brutal punches, sending Savior flying back. Savior and Black Sun traded blows, each one incredibly brutal. Black Sun landed a talon-covered kick to Savior... which sent the man to the ground and pinned him under Black Sun’s foot. Savior could only defend himself as Black Sun began to rapidly punch and strike Savior over and over, he was beyond furious at this point. Savior rocketed out from underneath him and delivered a haymaker to his helmet, which Black Sun caught and responded with a blast of magic to the chest. Savior charged his own magic casters and fired. Yellow bolts of magic raked Black Sun’s armor, but he stood firm. Savior slashed at Black Sun with his plasma claws, who countered with his own blades. The two locked up and literally butted heads, both of them seeing each other’s reflection in the opposite’s helmet. Black Sun broke the clash and delivered an axe kick. Savior dodged out of the way and the armored monster’s talon-covered foot smashed into the floor, crumpling the solid steel and titanium like paper. Black Sun was stuck, and Savior threw him across the hall and into a wall, where he preceded to wail on him. Savior punched and jabbed at Black Sun with his claws, each strike slowly chipping away at his armor. Savior received a crushing headbutt followed by a point-Black magic blast that sent him flying through the wall and into what looked to be a gym of some sort. Black Sun flew in and roared, “COME ON! I still got plenty of fight in me, what about you metal-head?!” Savior jumped out of the rubble and tossed a dumbbell at Black Sun, who sliced it in half. “Huh, where was this strength the last time we fought, Black Sun?” Savior snarled back, dodging another shot of magic from his enemy. “You see, I’ve been going easy on you all, letting you beat me senseless... so that I could crush you at your highest point.” Black Sun spat back, lunging at Savior with his blades extended. Savior kneed him in the chest and stabbed Black Sun’s leg... and punctured his armor. Black Sun didn’t care, he also punctured Savior’s right arm, nearly slicing it off before Savior elbowed him in the head. The two traded blows again, each one growing more and more brutal. Punches, kicks, Slashes, blasts of magic... both of the armored beings tossed everything they had and the kitchen sink at each other. The two finally stopped to catch their breath, and both observed their damage on the opponent. Black Sun’s helmet and mask was shattered, leaving his head exposed and scars on his face showing. His left leg plating and both his gauntlets were inoperable. His chest plate was cracked wide open and various cuts could be seen on the under armor. Savior was just as bad, both his arm cannons were down and his blades were destroyed. His chest plate was broken and both his wings were down. His cybernetic face showed through a large crack in his helmet. Both Warriors were exhausted, they had been fighting for who knows how long, the only thing keeping them going was the adrenaline and sheer hatred for the other. Black Sun spat blood on the ground and said, “Hah... Hah... you know you’re never going to win. Even if I fall, Eclipsio will just bring me back to life again so I can try again... and again... and again.” Savior spoke as well, his voice hoarse, “Why though? Why come back at all? What makes you want to go on? WHY ARE YOU SERVING THAT MONSTER?!” Black Sun tore off the last remaining parts of his helmet and screamed back, “BECAUSE IF I DONT HE’LL KILL TWILIGHT AND EVERYONE THAT CARED FOR ME ON MY EQUESTRIA AND EARTH!” He began to rant on, Savior wanted to attack, but he couldn’t do it. “All I wanted was to die, I didn’t want to be turned into a murder puppet... you think I don’t feel guilty for what I’m doing?! I’m doing this so I can be with my Twilight, so that I can be free to be normal again.” Said Black Sun, who was now charging down Savior. Savior clotheslined him and responded, “So.. what? You think the Twilight of your world would like you to be this psychotic person? No! What made you do this?!” Flash Sentry slugged Savior across the jaw, “Because I deserved happiness and a better life! He offered it, I was DYING! DESPERATE! LIFE HAD DEALT ME A BAD HAND...” Savior, for once... screamed back, his voice booming like a megaphone. “THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT YOURSELF! Eclipsio is evil! Did you really think he would spare you once he got what he wanted?!” Flash took a swing and missed, “Yes I do! He wouldn’t be here without me... this is my base, Savior... not his.” He swung again, missing and falling to his knees. “I built this base to study Equestrian magic’s Effects on the fabric of Reality, I used the armor he gave me to build it... he asked for something in return, that I would bring him his sisters...” Black Sun fell to his knees, “He told me never to ask about it... but eventually I found out... and it was so powerful that it would be “the weapon to destroy all “obstacles”.” He finally fell to the floor on his back, “I made a horrible mistake in trusting him... and now he has what I have...” Savior’s artificial eyes went wide, “Wait? He has... holy shit! I need to get to Burning Star, and you are coming with me.” Flash waves him off, “No... just leave me here... please. I can’t face him... please kill me... end it.” Flash was vulnerable, Savior pulled his spare combat knife out of his suit, he raised it above his head... Then dropped it and offered Flash the last thing he expected... A hand up. Savior grabbed Flash and pulled him out of his armor, he hoisted him onto his back and said. “I can’t do this alone... you need to tell Burning Star about what you’ve seen. One version of me once said, ”The Unrepentant are unforgiven...”, he was wrong.” Savior strapped Flash to his back, “You clearly made a lot of mistakes, but the fact that you can admit you made mistakes shows that there still is a good inside you... it’s the one thing Eclipsio can’t take away...” Flash weakly replied, blood oozing out of his nose, “What’s that?” Savior sighed and looked at his hand, before saying. “He can’t take your heart... I made the mistake that destroying my mortal body for a metal shell was a good idea... that vengeance was everything. Then I met my Twilight... and she pulled me out of the pit.” Savior started to sluggishly make his way down the hall towards the central chamber... Where the Prince of Eclipses awaited... (Central Hallway) Burning Star rushed down the hall, his friends and allies right behind him. Prince Eclipsio’s sanctum was just up ahead! Suddenly, a door slammed down and cut off Sunset and the group from Burning Star. “Burning Star! No!” Shouted Shadow Armor, banging on the door. The Equestrian of Fire sighed and said, “Go... find another way around. I will keep the Prince occupied. Good luck...” Burning Star ran away from the door, saying to himself. ”This is it Celestia and Luna, I’m almost to you...” Burning Star had one last trial set before him The Alicorn of Eclipses, Swallower of the Sun and Moon and True Mastermind of Black Sun... Prince Eclipsio Alicornus awaited him in the room beyond the doorway, Burning Star ripped open the door with his bare hands and stepped inside. He saw the two Princesses still in their Pony forms, they were in stasis... and the motherf—ker that put them in there was standing about 30 feet in front of him. Prince Eclipsio smiled, “Finally... Burning Star... are you ready to die knowing you will fail? That your world will burn and it will be all your fault?” Burning Star smirked and said to him. “By the authority of Equestria, Earth, and any other dimensions or worlds you have threatened... I will defeat you, Prince Eclipsio.” Prince Eclipsio drew his sword, Burning Star did the same... The Prince let out his final words before the two leapt at each other. ”EVERYTHING YOU KNOW AND LOVE IS COMING TO AN BRUTAL AND BLOODY END! RAAAAAGH!” Chapter 14: Vs Prince Eclipsio! Showdown for the Sun and Moon!(Black Sun’s Base, Chamber of Artifacts) In the search for another entry to Eclipsio’s inner sanctum, Sunset and the group stumbled upon a rather curious room. It seemed that Eclipsio as well as being a traitor and god-like being, he was also a collector apparently! Shining Armor looked around and whistled in surprise, “Wow... Prince Eclipsio is a major collector of artifacts by the looks of it.” He walked over to an Black amulet shaped like a winged horse with a horn, a single red gem sat at the center of it. “Wonder what this does...” Lucina slapped Shining and dragged him away from the amulet before she said. “Don’t touch anything, Shining... ESPECIALLY NOT THAT.” Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head, “That slap hurt you know...” Lucina hit him again, “oh grow up. That is the Alicorn Amulet. It is tremendously powerful, but it turns its wearer evil and heartless. It was a very dangerous item when on Equestria, I can’t even imagine what it could do here...” Shining shuddered, “Yeah... what about this thing?” He said, pointing at a glass case filled with what appeared to be purple smoke and gas. Shining walked over to the case with Shadow Armor in tow, just in case Shining had to be pulled away again. Shining walked up to the glass case, it was about the size of a dinner table and the purple smoke inside writhed and swirled like it was... alive. Shining peered in, and stepped back in fright as the case shook violently and a pair of mirror like eyes poked out of the smoke. Shadow Armor instantly recognized it. “Shining, what you see before you is a Nightmare from the Dream World, specifically the leader of the bunch... Tantabus.” Shadow poked at the case, causing the imprisoned avatar of night terrors to hiss. “Although I have no clue how Eclipsio resurrected it...” “Maybe this a Tantabus from a different dimension... Prince Eclipsio can hop dimensions on a whim. He probably picked up part of Tantabus from Equestria Alpha.” Frostclaw chimed in, walking around before stopping in front of a large glass box. “Uh guys... you may want to take a look at this... because I’m not sure who or what it is...” said Frostclaw, who stood idly I’m front of the large glass box. Shadow Armor, Lucina and Sunset all walked over to the box, leaving Shining Armor alone in the artifacts room. There were dozens of ancient talismans, powerful weapons, and all sorts of random stuff strewn about. Shining walked past a pair of Armor racks that held very strange armor... One set was orange and red, covered in spikes and wing-like edges. The other was a cool blue with black, and was much more sleek in its design. The armor started to violently shake, and Shining Armor slowly stepped away from it, backing into a small room, which shut with the slam of a door. Shining tried to pry the door up, but it was too heavy for him. He was trapped like a rat. “Crap... this is karma for snooping around without anyone to stop me...” Shining thought to himself, looking around for an exit. He got up and walked around, trying to find some sort of exit... a hatch, air duct, anything to get out. No such luck... Then Shining saw the artifact that was present in the room... and it struck him as... Strange. Suspended in the air by a force field was a red curve shaped object which ended in a knife-like point. It was about as large as Shining’s hand, and it was shining with an eerie red and black light that illuminated the room, as there was no other light sources present. Shining approached the artifact and stared at it, upon closer inspection the entire thing was pulsing with energy. Purple and green bubbles and sparks danced around it, and the light off Shining’s HUD glasses seemed to be absorbed by the object in front of him. Shining thought to himself, ”If this room is completely cut off in and out, Eclipsio must have teleported in and out of this room. How could something like this warrant so much security?” Shining Armor noticed that the object started to glow brightly, and he reached his hand out to stop it. When the light died out, the doors flew open and the red curved blade (at least that was Shining thought it was) sat in his hand. It felt cold to the touch, but warm as well... it seemed to sting his hand and feel soft as cotton... ”What the hell is this thing?” wondered the Police chief. Shining Armor, now curious, lifted the blade closer. He swore he heard voices, whispers coming from the artifact... Whatever they were saying, Shining couldn’t understand them. But they sounded rather happy... probably happy that they were freed from Eclipsio. Shadow Armor noticed Shining in the room and called to him, “SHINING! Get out here and stop dawdling!” Shining quickly shoved the curved object into one of the inner pockets of his vest. Unknown to him, the artifact was glowing brighter, and small voice came out of it... not loud enough to hear clearly. ”At last... Freedom...” (Eclipsio’s Sanctum) Burning Star and Eclipsio had been locking blades for the past ten minutes, neither giving an inch. Physically, they were both the same in strength and build, lean and thin, but still strong. Eclipsio snarled at Burning Star, “You just don’t quit do you, why are you still resisting?!” Burning Star delivered a stunning headbutt, “You know why I’m not gonna give up. It’s my job to stop people and ponies like you, so you should give up, cause I’m not one to surrender easily!” Prince Eclipsio shouted, ”Eigaon!” and a blast of darkness erupted from his fingers. It knocked Burning Star to the ground and knocked the wind out of him. Burning Star shouted back ”Agidyne!” and a pillar of flame engulfed Eclipsio, badly burning him. It was quickly patched up by his Alicorn regeneration. ”Behold! Deathbound!” Said Eclipsio, as a wave of purple claws lunged at Burning Star, who countered with his own spell. ”Heat Wave!”, shouted Burning Star as he swung his sword around him. A wave of fire destroyed the beam and knocked Eclipsio down. Burning took advantage of the opening and followed up with his next attack. ”Agneyastra!” and a trio of fiery meteors smashed into Eclipsio, sending him flying through the metal wall and dropping it on top of him. Prince Eclipsio got out of the rubble and retaliated with one of his stronger moves. ”Go Megidola!” A few spheres of light blasted into Burning Star, who countered with the same spell. ”Megidola!” Both spells collided midair, and Eclipsio jumped through the smoke and delivered a brutal Slash with his sword, Thanatos. Burning Star’s chest was cut and blood dripped from his shirt. He was shaking, but retaliated with his own incredible blow from Deicide. A large gash was cut from Prince Eclipsio’s chin to his abdomen, he staggered back as his healing kicked in. Burning Star did the same as his own regeneration sprung into action sewing his body back together. Burning Star took advantage of the pause in the fighting and said to him, “You can’t kill me... I can’t kill you... also, how have we not blown each other up as well as the entire station?” Eclipsio’s face twisted into a freakishly large smile. “You idiot, do you think that I would use pure oxygen in my room and training grounds?! Hahaha, you really are helpless without your friends to think for you.” Burning Star had enough of His taunting and fired off a devastating strike with his sword, ”Bloodbath!!” Eclipsio was hit by multiple red blades, caring deep wounds that burned, and then returned fire, ”Vorpal Blade!” Bright blue Slashes were carved into the air as Burning Star was slashed multiple times by Thanatos. Huge gashes appeared on his body, causing him to back up in pain. It was Eclipsio’s turn to strike as hard as he could. He screamed out, ”BRAVE BLADE!”, and a massive sword was swung down on Burning Star. The Alicorn of Fire parried and forced both his own sword and Eclipsio’s into the floor. Both warriors had lost their main weapons, so they resorted to the most basic of tactics... Hand to hand combat. Eclipsio sent a haymaker to Burning Star, who grabbed it and slammed Eclipsio’s back to the floor. “Ok Eclipsio, if spells and blades won’t knock sense into you, then I’m going to beat it into you.” said Burning Star, absolutely livid. Eclipsio’s face twisted into a sneer, “Then go ahead and try. Because I wouldn’t give up trying to kill you with my bare hands! Now die!” (The Reactor) (Pause music) Sunset and the group finally arrived in a large room that contained dozens of wires and pipes connected to a large tank filled with magic. They were on a long metal balcony that lead to the center of the room, where the tank was laying. The tank was massive, easily reaching from the ceiling to the bottom of the chamber some 50 feet below them and above them. Sunset took in the sight of so much magic, “Yikes... I know that Alicorns have colossal magic reserves, but this... this is all from Celestia and Luna? Where are they?” Shadow Armor looked around, spying a pair of force field pods, and inside sat their goal. The Princesses were floating in the force field, held in what appeared to be suspended animation. Their bodies were in their human forms, which was a truly regal appearance. Celestia was wearing a white robe down to her legs with bands of rainbow color running across it, a bright golden sun emblem sat on its breast and a pair of sun-shaped bracers sat around her arms. Her face was soft, and her hair was bright pink and seemed to drift aimlessly in the force field. Atop her head sat a golden tiara and around her neck was her golden necklace. On her back was a golden halberd that Shadow Armor recognized as Sunsplinter Luna was wearing a midnight blue robe that reached down to her legs, with black crescent moons sitting on the bracers on her arms. Her black crown and necklace was present as well. Around her waist was a light blue belt with her devastating boradsword Moonbeam. Her blue hair was floating in the breeze as well. Their faces were sagging and gray, as was their skin. Whatever Eclipsio had done to them had sapped them of their life. Celestia! Luna! No!” Screamed Sunset, running over to the panel connected to the two force fields and tried to figure out the system, but she was no hacker like Frostclaw. Frostclaw was immediately at the terminal, trying desperately to unlock the terminal. “I can’t break it, Sunset. Eclipsio sealed the thing tighter than a drum.” Shadow Armor poked at the Force field with one of his hands, “So... what do we do? We can’t just leave them here. There has to be some way to unlock it.” Suddenly, a door opened and in came Savior with someone on his back. It was Black Sun of all people! Savior’s Armor looked heavily damaged, Flash wasn’t wearing any at all, stripped down to his dark blue under armor and devoid of any weapons. Savior was weaponless as well... Savior noticed the sisters floating in the force field and he sighed, “Ah... good. They are still alive. Come on... let’s go Flash.” Flash groaned, “Ok...” Shadow Armor and Frostclaw supported Savior Ironheart as he walked slowly towards the terminal. Lucina used her TK arms to move Flash off his back and sit him down against the railing of the balcony. Flash opened his eyes to see everyone glaring at him, and he had the nerve to crack a smirk. “Well... you finally did it, didn’t you? You defeated me, and you didn’t die to Prince Eclipsio, at least not yet.” He said, clutching his side trying to stop some bleeding on his side. Shadow Armor grabbed Flash by his shirt collar and roared, “You have quite the nerve, don’t you Flash? Attacking us, hurting our friends, you damn near killed us all and yet you smirk?! Really?!” Sunset snorted out, “Flash, you better explain yourself and do it fast. I have a feeling that Lucina wants to tear you apart for hurting Burning Star, don’t you?” Lucina extended one of her invisible arms and slapped Flash across the face. “Sunset is correct, I recommend you start talking.” Flash rolled his eyes, “Alright I get it, you all hate me quite a bit, but I have my reasons for ALL of this that has happened.” He started to explain, “You see, I joined with Eclipsio because I was dying, alone and cold in a ditch. desperate to cling to life, Prince Eclipsio used me as his little weapon of destruction to capture his sisters. He said that if I captured Celestia and Luna AND killed them once they were of no use to him, he would spare Equestria Alpha.” Flash managed enough strength to clench his fist, “He is a goddamn liar. Eclipsio doesn’t care about anyone, not even me. The only reason I did what he told me to do was because I wanted to be free to live with Twilight... but I guess that will never happen, will it?” A single tear ran down his scarred cheeks, “The worst part is that Eclipsio has tied me to his soul, so I can’t die... no matter how many times you kill me, I will just keep coming back.” Shadow Armor pointed to the terminal and asked Flash bluntly. “Are you able to free the Princesses from this prison?” Flash weakly nodded, “Of course I can... I put them there, after all... but why should I? Eclipsio will just kill them. Why should I free them if they are just going to run off to their deaths against a foe that is so much stronger than them?” Sunset sighed, “You aren’t wrong, Flash. Eclipsio is extremely powerful, but he isn’t invincible. Burning Star is fighting him as we speak, and I’m sure he is holding his own against the prince.” Flash laughed, “Hah! I highly doubt that, Once the Prince unleashed his ultimate weapon, no one can stand in his way.” “Ultimate weapon, What do you mean Flash? Also... why do want to help us now?” Asked Shadow Armor, raising one of his eyebrows. Flash shrugged slowly, he was so weak from battle that he could barely move. “What I mean is that Eclipsio needed their magic for his project, his alone wasn’t enough to power it.” “What project?” Frostclaw asked him, somewhat annoyed at Flash’s smug tone. Flash Sentry got to his knees and said, “Well... it’s called Project Ragnarok. He has been building it for over ten years now, ever since he got back from being banished by Celestia and Luna, from what his notes said.” “What is Ragnarok?” Asked Shining, he was curious now. Despite his constant disdain for Flash, for once he felt something else... Pity. Ironheart cut in, “Project Ragnarok is a superweapon created by Eclipsio. It is possibly the most dangerous weapon I’ve ever heard of, even more dangerous than me.” Flash finally got up and limped to the machine, placing his hand on the screen. “And he will unleash it upon Equestria and Earth, and both will fall in his shadow... unless you three somehow stop him.” Flash spoke to the machine, “Computer. Security Confirmation Sentry, Flash. Open the observation roof above the chamber and release the subjects.” The force field deactivated and Shadow Armor and Frostclaw caught the two Princesses as they slumped out of the pods. The roof above them opened and the light of the sun and moon poured into the room, engulfing Celestia and Luna in their light. It was blinding to look at, and the group averted their eyes. The light disappeared, and Celestia and Luna still laid on the floor, not moving. Sunset but her lip, “Oh no, we were too late...” she grabbed Celestia and began to shake her. “Celestia! Luna! Please wake up! You can’t die, please!” Still no response from the princesses, and the group was silent. “They are gone Sunset... we lost.” Said Shadow Armor, hanging his head. The group started to leave, but a sound came from the two bodies on the floor. Suddenly, a groan of pain came from Luna, then Celestia. “Ugh... in the name of myself... why am I so tired?” Said the Princess of the Night. “W-What happened?” Said Celestia, trying to get to her feet, but collapsing to the floor again. Sunset ran over and hugged them in her arms, tears of joy in her eyes. “Thank Faust! You’re alive! I was afraid you were... y-you were...” Princess Celestia smiled weakly, “That we were dead? Sunset, we are Alicorns. You can’t truly kill us... but I am extremely weak.” Luna cut in, “Where are we? What happened?” Shadow Armor began to explain, causing the Princesses eyes to go wide, “Well... you are currently on a space station orbiting the mirror world known as Earth. A master murderer known as Black Sun kidnapped you from the wedding.” Shadow Armor pointed at Flash, who shrunk back from the Princesses menacing gaze. “H-hey... I’m Black Sun... or as you may know me, Flash Sentry.” The princesses looked confused at the sound of Flash’s name. “Who?” They both said at once. This earned a snicker from Lucina. “Typical... not even the most important figures remember me.” Flash growled, crossing his arms. Celestia finally got up, but she had to support herself on the railing. “Someone please tell me what happened in detail... because I don’t remember what went on.” Sunset stepped forward and began to explain, “Well Princess, after you two were kidnapped by Black Sun Burning Star and his allies pursued him here. Shadow Armor, Prince Eclipsio, and Frostclaw were with him when he came to Earth. Of course he needed a place to stay, so against my wishes Eclipsio crashed at my house with the rest of them. Burning Star also talked with me about how depressed he was and that he felt like he needed to be a hero all the time for ponies to like him.” Luna raised her eyebrows at that news, “Well that is something that Celly and I didn’t know. Continue Sunset.” Sunset continued to speak, unaware that Ironheart was recording everything for later. “Shortly after, Black Sun Attacked Burning Star in the Park, but was driven off by this girl, Lucina.” Lucina gave them a scowl, “He was going to hurt him, I hurt him first.” She said bluntly. Sunset continued, “After that, Black Sun Attacked Canterlot High and tried to kill my friends, Burning Star and Eclipsio chased after him and also dragged half of the police with them. Oh by the way, meet Chief Shining Armor.” Shining gave them a wave, “Hello, Princesses Celestia and Luna. I’ve been wondering what you looked like.” Sunset resumed speaking, “After that, Eclipsio stormed off after not getting a chance to pursue Black Sun as well as letting the police in on our investigation and eventual rescue of you two. After a few more attacks by Black Sun, this man in the Armor joined us as well. Meet Ironheart Beta, or Savior.” Ironheart bowed, “It is always an honor to see you two.” Sunset finished her speech, “Finally, we discovered that Prince Eclipsio had betrayed us and was the one to order your kidnapping, he needed your magic to activate something called Project Ragnarok. I have no clue what that is, but whatever it is... it sounds dangerous.” Celestia’s eyes went wide enough that they seemed to peel open, “Wait go back a bit, Eclipsio ordered us to be kidnapped? He betrayed you? Why in the name of myself would he do that?” Shadow Armor cut in, “Apparently this is payback for banishing him thousands of years ago... although he never explained to us what he was banished for. Care to tell us?” Celestia and Luna frowned and Sunset swore she heard Celestia curse. “You want to know what he was banished for? We’ll tell you on the way to him. Where is he now?” Sunset continued, “Fighting Burning Star. We were with him for a while before Eclipsio cut us off so he could fight the Alicorn of Fire alone. Also, he tried to kill us all because we were “in his way” of revenge against you or something like that. It all seemed really childish, honestly. He also said something along the lines of making people feel fear, then pain, then he would destroy everything you built.” Celestia and Luna both got to their feet and Luna said. “Then lets go! With every moment Eclipsio wears Burning Star closer to defeat, we have to stop our brother!” “I agree, Eclipsio must be stopped before the world of Equestria AND earth pays the ultimate price.” Said Celestia, who was already running down the hall. The group followed her close behind, Savior grabbed Flash Sentry and hoisted him on his back again. “What are you doing? I’ll just slow you down? Leave me here!” Flash asked loudly. Savior ignored Flash’s complaining and chased after Sunset. (Inner Sanctum) (Resume music) Burning Star was losing strength. He had been holding back Eclipsio for who knows how long, and his immense stamina was starting to wear thin. Eclipsio was also losing power as well... despite being magically stronger than Burning Star, they were still even when it came to physical prowess. Eclipsio broke the clash with Burning Star with a knee to his gut. Burning Star slugged Eclipsio hard enough to send him flying. Neither one of them could do anything to kill the other... But Burning Star was losing power. He needed to hold him off long enough for Sunset and the group to get here. “You seem to be slowing down, Burning Star. I will finally be... victorious.” Said Eclipsio, rubbing his face from the punch Burning Star had delivered to him. Burning Star spat out blood, “Huff* I can do this all day Eclipsio if I have to... huff*, you should give up. I know you’re getting tired as well.” Eclipsio sluggishly fired another dark spell at Burning Star, who fired a fireball back. Both fighters sank to their knees, and were now taking rapid breaths of air. Eclipsio got to his feet, using his sword as a support and he kicked Burning Star in the head, sending him to the floor. Eclipsio raised his sword above his head and swung down, Burning Star blocked with his own blade and sank it deep into Eclipsio’s chest, before pulling it out with a disgusting squish. Despite the deep wound, the Alicorn of Eclipses still was standing, making Burning Star curse. “Well... shit.” He said, as Eclipsio sent his blade across Burning Star’s Head, it cut deep, but he was still alive. Burning Star tried to get up, but everything was hurting and sore, and Eclipsio’s regeneration was so fast that his could not keep up. Burning Star put up a shield, which shattered under Eclipsio’s immense strength. Although, Eclipsio seemed to falter as well for a second, before his regeneration kicked in and he stood up. The Prince of Eclipses smiled evilly, “As I said before. Humanity is weak and feeble. As are you, Burning Star... now prepare to die.” As the heroes ran down the hall, Celestia began to speak about her brother to Sunset. “You wanted to know why my brother was banished, Sunset Shimmer? It is a rather macabre tale to say the least.” Said Celestia, pumping her legs as fast as she could. Sunset nodded, “Yeah. What is the deal with his whole revenge plot against you?” Celestia started to speak, “Long ago, Prince Eclipsio was given to us by a pony of immense power. I’m sure you have heard of King Sombra, yes?” Sunset shook her head, “Not much. All I know is that he was the Tyrant ruler of the Crystal Empire on my world. How does your Sombra’s history play out?” Luna continued from where Celestia left off, “The Sombra of our world was the son of King Da’irko, the first king of Equestria. A unicorn of incredible power that rivaled ours. Prince Eclipsio was born to another mare as an Alicorn with strange qualities. Instead of the usual feathery wings and smooth fur and mane, Eclipsio’s wings were dark and were more reptilian. His fur was chrome black and his man was silver, his eyes were golden and filled with power.” Celestia continued, “Technically, King Da’irko is our uncle... which means Sombra is our cousin and Eclipsio is our cousin, not brother. If we revealed this information to him we feared that he would turn on us and side with Da’irko during the coming war for the Crystal Empire. So, We fought him while Eclipsio was kept behind... as to not endanger lives. Sombra then claimed the Crystal Empire as his home after his father died by his own hooves.” Shadow Armor cut in, “Is that the reason why he is so filled with hate for you two?” Both Princesses said, “No. He believed himself stronger than us, and he was. But unlike us who wanted to rule to ensure a future of peace and put our conquest days behind us... Eclipsio desired conflict. He craved, no obsessed over war and manipulation. He thrived off the chaos and destruction of warfare and battle, This made him dangerously unpredictable and extremely difficult to reason with. He saw through us and our perceived “facade of peace” and so... we had fears he would turn his agression and pain into hatred of us.” Frostclaw cut in as well, “Well that ended up happening, didn’t it?” Celestia sadly nodded, “Yes. Eventually he grew tired of politics and the slow-paced process of change in the days of Old. He wanted to bring Equestria and the Alicorn Race as a whole... back to its days of conquest and warfare. and he wanted it BADLY, and our mother was no longer able to stop him, she had long left this world.” Savior raised a metallic eyebrow, “Mother? You mean Faust? Faust left this world because of Eclipsio?” Luna shook her head, “Not directly, because of his actions. Long ago... Eclipsio once had a vision that he would conquer both Equestria and Earth, and that the very universe would be his... but in his moment of triumph.. he would be struck down by a pony unlike any other... A black pony wreathed in fire, with the power of a star as his ally.” Sunset gasped, “You mean... Burning Star?” Luna shrugged, “No... his ancestor, Princess Astaris, The Princess of Stars and Burning Star’s true mother. She was also our cousin...” Everyone looked confused, then Luna said, “Yeah our family tree is pretty complicated. But She sensed that Eclipsio was going to do something drastic... and so she hid in the guise of a normal pony.” Celestia frowned, “For once in his life, Eclipsio felt afraid of his race. And so he left us to change his fate... but what he did next, Only sealed it.” “What did he do?” Lucina asked, a feeling of dread taking her over. Everyone watched as Celestia cried, a few tears in her eyes. “He killed everyone and everything he found, deathly afraid of the one that could destroy him. Many of our race perished trying to stop him. He created the Alicorn Bane poison, which literally erases the things it hits from reality. When he found Astaris, he attacked and nearly killed her, but she made it to the Crystal Empire... where Sombra had stayed 1000 years ago. Upon seeing the young Alicorn and the dying Astaris, he the foal into hibernation with him... where he awakened 1000 years later as Burning Star. Unknown to us, of course.” Celestia finished by saying, The Shadow King helped us one last time... by joking his dark magic with our own Alicorn Magic, we stopped Eclipsio’s genocide and banished him to the farthest reaches of space as punishment.” Luna ended her statement with something that made everyone shiver, “But unlike when I was sealed in the moon and put into some sort of hibernation, Eclipsio was fully awake and aware of his banishment, as it was a spell that had to be completed fast in order to stop him from destroying the world. As such, it was imperfect... and Eclipsio was able to return to us after 1000 years... still seething with hatred and hellish anger, but concealed behind his facade of serenity and knowledge. Something we regrettably failed to notice upon his return. Sunset stopped running, she needed a moment to process all of this... but she also needed to catch her breath. They had arrived at the door to Eclipsio’s sanctum, and Celestia and Luna stepped forward. They waved for everyone to stand back as the door was blown open with a loud bang. Eclipsio turned his head to the side and saw that his sisters were freed! And for some reason... Black Sun was alive and the heroes were as well! The Prince cracked a smirk and tossed Burning Star towards them, “Well well... seems that my sisters have finally awoken. Thank you Black Sun for delivering them to me.” Black Sun was yanked off of Savior’s back and placed in front of the group, Eclipsio put a large gun in his hand. “Now, do your job and finish them off... start with my sisters.” The Prince hissed, his golden eyes glowing like blazing fires. Black Sun leveled the gun at the group and loaded a magazine... He then said, “Sorry...” And then turned around and fired right into Eclipsio’s chest, sending the Prince flying back. Flash ran over to Burning Star and got him up, Celestia and Luna each drew their weapons, ready to support the human. Prince Eclipsio unleashed a shockwave that knocked everyone flat. However, Flash Sentry was on his feet. Eclipsio screamed and dived down with his sword in hand, intent on finishing off the heroes. Burning Star heard a grunt of pain, but it wasn’t him or anybody else... Flash Sentry has stepped in front of the sword and was currently impaled on it! Prince Eclipsio kicked the dying man off his blade and leveled his sword again. “Flash! No!” Shouted Sunset, running over to him. Eclipsio simply chuckled, “Such a noble and cliche sacrifice, too bad all Flash did was get himself killed. You all will still die... and I’m going to enjoy it even more knowing that his precious Twilight Sparkle will shortly follow!” Burning Star felt his own regeneration kick in and he jumped to his feet, Deicide in hand and eyes glowing blue. He responded with a violent scream. ”Eclipsio! I will End You!” Celestia put a hand on his shoulder, “Cam yourself, Burning Star. Rage will get you nowhere...” She shot a flinty gaze at her brother, “Something that Eclipsio has failed to understand. Did you learn nothing while banished?” Eclipsio cried ”Maeiagon!” and several blasts of darkness flew towards the heroes. (End first track) Celestia and Luna returned fire, ”Makougaon!” ”Mabufudyne!” Several blasts of holy light flew from Celestia, and several icy spikes flew from Luna. They collided with Eclipsio’s spell and destroyed it. Celestia spoke to her brother, who was furious beyond belief. Eclipsio! stop this madness, please! The humans have done nothing to you, and yet you choose to slaughter them like animals? Your grudge is not with them, is it?” Prince Eclipsio snarled, “Don’t try it Celestia! Don’t try to sway me, humans and ponies will pay equally for what you did to me. After all... you helped build both worlds, so it is only fair that both worlds will fall to ruin.” Luna snorted in anger, “This is ridiculous, Brother. Humanity has never opposed you, yet you kill them. Why?” Prince Eclipsio’s face turned into a frightening grin, “Because I don’t care... because I want to. They are an possible obstacle in my way and they will be destroyed because of that.” Sunset yelled at Eclipsio, “What?! That makes no sense. You’re trying to destroy all of humanity based on a possibility? Did you ever think that maybe we wouldn’t have gotten in your way?” The Prince threw a blast of darkness towards her, and Savior fired off his attack. “Freidyne!” A beam of blue-green Energy was fired from his gauntlet, it hit Eclipsio’s Blast and exploded in a small blast that vaporized the attack. Everyone was stunned that Savior could use magic, and before they could ask him he simply said. “It isn’t magic, guys. As you know I run off nuclear energy, I simply fired off some as an attack.” Burning Star stood alongside Celestia, Luna, and Savior... The rest backed off and went to get Sunset and Flash to safety. Prince Eclipsio blasted a hole in the roof and leapt through the ceiling, the remaining heroes following him through the hole in the ceiling. They emerged in what appeared to be a massive arena, it was wide and tall. Above them was a reinforced glass ceiling that led into the vacuum of space. The four warriors stared down at the Prince of Eclipses, who started to laugh. “Make no mistake... I will not let you all live any longer. I WILL take my revenge and I WILL destroy Earth and Equestria!” Eclipsio snarled, as he floated into the air. The Prince suddenly grew his giant wings from his back and he hovered above the group. Celestia figures out what was going on, “It seems this room is designed to mimic the magical field found on Equestria. Which means that we have full access to our powers here...” Celestia and Luna suddenly grew their wings and the sisters hovered into the air. Burning Star followed, his black wings ablaze with fire. Savior took off, using his rocket powered wings to sustain his flight. Burning Star growled at the Prince, “Everyone has gone through crap because of you... it’s on!” Eclipsio roared like a monster and charged into the fray, the heroes meeting him in the middle of the room. (Start 2nd theme) The collision sent everyone flying back, and Eclipsio unleashed a much stronger attack. ”Mamudoon!” A series of black needles flew towards everyone, who retaliated with their own spells. ”Inferno!” ”Diamond Dust!” ”Thunder Reign!” “Atomic Flare!” Eclipsio’s attack was consumed by a beam of fire, shards of ice, blasts of lightning, and a large nuclear blast... sending the Prince flying, as well as Savior. He said to them, “Not bad... but there is still a long way to go.” Eclipsio roared out, “I WOULDN’T GIVE UP MY CHANCE TO MASSACRE YOU WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS!” Celestia jabbed at her brother with her halberd, only to be slashed across the chest with his sword. Luna struck Eclipsio with her broadsword, but received a crushing roundhouse kick to the face. Burning Star delivered a series of slashes to Eclipsio, but he received the same amount in return. Burning Star spoke to the two sisters, “Ok... how strong is this guy?!” Luna answered, equally fed up. “He is stronger than the two of us combined, Eclipsio was bred for and thrives on conflict. He is possibly the most powerful Alicorn to exist on our world.” Eclipsio taunted the heroes, “If you wanted the ultimate opponent Burning Star... you’re looking right at him. I am stronger than all of you, but yet you still persevere against me! Just DIE ALREADY, and stop wasting my time.” Burning Star looked at the two sisters and said, “Go. Get everyone off this blasted station and back to earth. I will deal with Eclipsio.” He is at full power, Burning Star! He will kill you in seconds!” Shouted Luna, a worried look on her face. “No he won’t... someone once told me that the reason I am as powerful as I am is because my strength grows to match the threat at hand, when facing off against Doom Star... he should have killed me. But yet I survived and blew him away... if I have all that power within me... maybe it’s time to unleash it.” He said with a determined face. Celestia and Luna felt Burning Star lift them up in his magic and send them into the corridor. “Go! I will defeat him!” Celestia called out to him, “How do you know you can?!” The Equestrian of Fire smirked, “Because it is what I do best...” He shut and sealed the door with his fire abilities, leaving him and Eclipsio alone again. Eclipsio laughed, “So... you send those two away just so you could face me yourself? How stupid are you?! You are weak! Unable to stand up against me alone...” Burning Star interrupted him and said, “Well... if I’m so weak, how come you have not killed me yet?” The Prince paused for a moment and thought to himself, ”Actually... that is strange. Why hasn’t he been obliterated like every other Alicorn I have killed? I’m using all of my power against him... why isn’t he dying?!” Eclipsio was too lost in thought to notice Burning Star attacking him. ”Megaton Raid!” The Prince was hammered into the ground by Burning Star’s fists, cratering the floor. Burning Star floated down and said to him, “Well, Eclipsio? Why aren’t you able to defeat me, huh?” Eclipsio flew out of the hole and attacked with his sword. ”Vorpal Blade!” ”Vorpal Blade!” Blue slashes from Thanatos collided with red slashes from Deicide, canceling each other out. Burning Star unleashed a bigger attack, ”Blazing Hell.” The ground turned to lava and burned the Prince badly, he staggered out of the pool, still on fire. “That’s enough! I’m sick of playing around with you!” Screamed the Prince, charging up one of his strongest attacks. “Well then let’s end this already!” Burning Star responded with fierceness in his voice. The two of them charged up a ball of light that was glowing bright enough that the light of the sun paled in comparison. With a mighty roar from the both of them, the two Alicorn humanoids let loose their spells. ”MEGIDOLAON!” The Megidolaon spells collided with each other, and a beam clash occurred. Eclipsio pumped as much power as possible into his attack, Burning Star did the same. The beams of light grew wider and wider, until they were stretching as wide as the field itself. But then, Eclipsio’s strength failed, and he was consumed in a massive explosion of energy that shook the entire stadium. Sunset was running down the hallways when the entire corridor shook violently. She braced herself against the wall. The ENTIRE STATION rocked with the blast of Burning Star’s Megidolaon attack, it was so strong, he was blown back against the wall from his own blast. When the blast cleared The field was smashed into rubble, the walls were melted in multiple places, And the glass ceiling above them was cracked. Burning Star looked for Eclipsio, finding that he had been completely vaporized. Burning Star pumped his fist in the air weakly, before he fell to the floor. Savior had somehow survived the explosion in his armor, he was the first to see Burning Star collapse to the ground... He was completely unconscious and heavily wounded, but still alive. Savior scooped Burning Star on to his back and said to him. “You did good, now lets get out of here and blow this place to kingdom come...” Savior blasted the door open with Freidyne, and ran down the corridor to Sunset. Sunset was shaking as she got up from the floor, whatever Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio did rocked the entire damn station. Then, Savior appeared with Burning Star on his back, and the girl took a relieved sigh. She was about to ask if he was ok, but Savior beat her to the punch and said. “Yes, he is fine... he Just passed out. His body needs time to heal... Eclipsio is done for.” Said Savior, pushing past Sunset. Sunset looked back down the hall, thinking to herself. ”Finally... it’s over.” Chapter 15: Vs BLACK ABYSS! Humanity’s Last Hope...(Shadow Station) Sunset looked back down the hall, thinking to herself. ”Finally... it’s over.” Savior motioned for everyone to listen to him. He started to explain his plan, “Ok, so We have our way back. But we still have to destroy this place, just so no one can use it.” He projected a holographic image from his gauntlet. “We are here, near the observation deck. Our way out is in the entrance hall. I’ve placed several charges around the station, as soon as I press this button, we will have 10 minutes to get out of here and into that portal.” Celestia sensed a odd shift in tone from Savior, “You don’t think Eclipsio is gone, do you? That is why you want to destroy this place.” Savior nodded, “This seemed like it was too easy a victory. I didn’t find the body of Eclipsio, I could only assume either Burning Star’s Megidolaon attack completely vaporized him... which is unlikely due to him being an Alicorn, or he disappeared to regroup and rearm.” Shadow Armor responded to his statement, “My bits are on the latter. Eclipsio has proven time after time in the past that he could survive anything.” “So let’s all get to the portal, like... now!” Shouted Lucina, who sprinted down the hallway. Everyone took off after her, but the thought of Eclipsio was heavy on Sunset’s mind. ”He couldn’t be alive... could he?” she thought as she ran down the hallway. The group arrived at the entrance and Savior pressed his gauntlet, activating the portal and charges at the same time. “Alright everyone! Let’s go!” He said, ushering the Princesses in first, followed by Sunset, Frostclaw, Shining and Shadow, then Lucina. Savior looked at the base behind him and sighed, “Damn... couldn’t save you, you wouldn’t want that Eclipsio. Fine... you want to burn us, then you can burn.” Savior jumped through the portal and it closed with a white flash. (Sunset’s House) A portal opened and the Heroes fell out and on top of each other as the portal collapsed behind them, since it had no other anchor. A collective groan of pain was heard from everyone as they all tried to stand up at once. They all fell over each other trying to stand up. Savior finally got to his feet and said with a relieved sigh. “That was close... I may have been off on how long I set those charges for.” Luna frowned, “Really?! We didn’t notice!” She said sarcastically, then received an accidental elbow to the face from Shadow Armor. After 2 or 3 minutes of struggling, everyone was up and recovering. Savior had placed Burning Star on the couch to rest, Flash was placed on the other end. His wounds had healed... but the fact that he was still somehow alive both gave Sunset hope and worried her. She decided to talk to Celestia about this, “Celestia, Flash is still alive... how?” The Princess surprisingly shrugged, “I for once don’t know, Sunset Shimmer. I am not of your world, the world that I come from is called Equestria Gamma, we are three worlds away from Equestria Alpha and Earth Alpha.” Sunset looked confused, “Yeah that has been bothering me, how does all this trans-dimensional/alternate universe travel work exactly?” Frostclaw has overheard Sunset talking and he smiled wide enough that all his sharp teeth were visible at once, “OOH! OOOH! I KNOW THIS! Ask me!” Celestia turned to Frostclaw and told him, “Ok then Frostclaw. What do you know about the process of trans-dimensional travel and the workings of the Multiverse?” Frostclaw ran downstairs to the Stable command hub, then came back up with a large binder that had been used heavily. It had several pieces of loose leaf sticking out of it and it’s cover was peeling. Frostclaw slammed the binder down on the kitchen table and opened it up, “So... Dimensional travel... You thought that the ponies of Equestria were the first to travel to alternate dimensions and universes? Not even close. In fact, the first species to even cross into another dimension were the dragons of the Far East.” Luna looked shocked, “What? How have you done this without us noticing?” Frostclaw shrugged, “While the Western Dragons found in the Dragonlands as well as much of Equestrian Europe are rather dull-witted, but freakishly strong... the eastern dragons found on Equestria’s Asia were not as physically powerful, but our magical prowess and intellect was more than enough.” He continued to read, everyone now listening the best they could. “The first dragons to ever cross from one plane of reality to the next were the serpentine dragons of Neighpon. They had access to the Yokai Dimension, a place that was filled with strange creatures called Yokai. Some looked like Demons, some were animals, but each one was unusual in one way or another. Thankfully we don’t go there much anymore, the Yokai Yamato-No-Orochi is currently locked in battle with a warrior known as Susanoo.. Not the best person to annoy.” Celestia’s eyebrows shot up at the reference to Sunsano-o, “Wait... you mean Susanoo, the god of storms and summer, the brother of Amaterasu? The goddess of the sun in Neighpon and Japan, and Tsukuyomi, the God of the Moon? He is on Equestria Gamma?” Frostclaw nodded, “Yes. Thunder Fury got into trouble with him... we had to deal with a month long storm as the two battled it out. Thunder Fury lost, of course... he was fighting a god. What did he expect to happen?” Sunset sighed, “Can we get back on topic, please?” Frostclaw noticed Sunset’s comment and cleared his throat. “Over time... the dragons of Equestria Gamma faded into obscurity and Starswirl the Bearded was the first pony to use dimensional travel to seal away the three siren sisters... Eclipsio was a avid fan of the wizard... and even got his cutie mark in Reality warping and illusions, not Eclipses.” He continued to read, “thousands of years later... it is still in use. Teleportation is just a short distance version of dimensional travel. A unicorn turns itself into magical energy, and reappears where it was desired to go. For larger distances... artifacts such as the Mirror Portal and Multiverse Pool have to be used.” “Sooo... that still doesn’t explain what alll this dimensional travel is about.” Sunset commented Frostclaw shrugged, “Sorry Sunset. I only read history, Eclipsio was the one that knew all about this, I can only read from a book I borrowed from Twilight.” Sunset nodded, “Ok then. That’s fair, maybe I could figure this out with Sci-Twi and the girls or when I head back to Equestria again... speaking of that, shouldn’t you all be going as well?” Shadow Armor whistled to get her attention, “Sunset, I’m not entirely sure we can return. Black Sun destroyed the mirror on our Equestria, and none of us at this moment can use dimensional travel. Guess who was the one to usher us here?” Sunset sighed, “I’m guessing Eclipsio was that guy. But what about the girls and I using the Magic gems we used to defeat Gaia Everfree to open a portal?” Shadow Armor shook his head, “No. That would most likely backfire and sent us who knows where. The magic you used was of this world, the mirror was of Equestria. We would need some sort of magical object on Equestria to attach the dimensional bridge to. Without an anchor, the portal would collapse almost instantly.” Sunset face palmed, “Ok then if that won’t work, what are we going to do... wait for Burning Star to wake up?” Celestia and Luna said at the same time, “We could open the portal.” Shadow Armor raised an eyebrow at that, “Really? You were able to do that and you were caught by Black Sun?” “He effectively ambushed us, and I didn’t see you spring into action.” Luna pouted. Shadow Armor’s eyebrows fell over his eyes and he said surprisingly aggressively, “What was that?” Everyone, including Celestia and Savior... backed up as Shadow Armor’s stoic composure broke... His normal stone-faced frown twisted into a frightening snarl that showed off his sharp fangs, his eyes narrowed until the only part you could see of them were his burning red irises, and his tone changed drastically. He started speaking to the Princess of the Night, slowly stepping towards her. Everyone was as far away from Shadow Armor and Luna as possible. “Luna... while you were busy screwing around with Black Sun... I was busy both getting married, getting my new wife and the rest of the guests to safety, AND I even decided to go on a possible one-way trip to save your royal ass and destroy the twit that kidnapped you in the first place! Now tell me this... Princess, who had the bigger problem?!” Shadow Armor was leaning over the Princess of the Night, her deep blue eyes trying to shy away from an angry red glare that made Burning Star’s look paltry... Luna quietly said, “Sorry...” Shadow Armor backed up and saw that everyone that was in the room was either hiding or trying to keep themselves as far away from him as possible. His face returned to his stoic look and he sighed, “C’mon now, I’m not that scary when I’m mad, am I?” Celestia peered our from behind a curtain. Considering her size, How she fit there was beyond Shadow Armor’s imagination. She said to him, “No Shadow Armor, you ARE that scary. I’ve never seen you lose your composure before...” The Black Knight raised a scarlet eyebrow, “Would you like me to lose it more often?” The Princess of the Sun when pale, “No... never... ever do it again.” He looked even more confused, “Why? Did I do something to... Princess... Luna...” He turned around to see Luna shaking on the floor in fear. Her pupils were mere pinpricks and her hair was a mess. The Black Knight groaned, “Oh come on now. Youre Princess Luna, you have seen the eldritch nightmares of the Dream World, someone like me isn’t that frightening, am I?” Luna replied shakily, “No, your worse. Because at least with them I have the comfort knowing that they are nothing but bad dreams... that... glare you gave me was enough to shatter the nerves of anyone.” Shadow Armor lowered his eyebrow back to his eye before it could get high enough to fly off his head. “Oh... well then I apologize for that. I didn’t mean to be so... intimidating.” Suddenly, a cough of pain was heard from the couch, everyone left their hiding spaces and saw a miracle. Burning Star and Flash Sentry had awoken! The Equestrian of Fire tried to get up, as did Flash, but both fell back onto their backs. “Gah... I feel like I just died and came back...” wheezed the Alicorn. “I think I actually died and came back... ow.” Flash groaned, trying to sit up again. Savior lifted the two of them up and said with a small smile on his face, “Well then... welcome back to the land of the living you two, had us all worrying the worst.” Sunset looked over at Flash and saw that the stab wound in his chest was somehow gone... She asked him uncomfortably, “Flash... why are you not dead?” ”Yikes that sounds mean...” she remarked to herself. Flash Sentry put a hand to his head. “Am I supposed to be dead? Because I’m feeling and looking very alive at the moment.” Lucina mentally gasped as she saw the impossible... She saw Savior’s jaw drop... LITERALLY. Savior’s metallic has had come unhinged and had fallen to the floor with a clatter. She respectfully picked it up and placed it back on before he noticed. Savior placed a hand on Flash’s shoulders and began to shake him. “How are you alive! You were stabbed straight through the heart! You should be dead!” Flash placed a hand to his shirt and felt the blood on it, he took off his shirt and everyone was shocked by what they saw. Flash’s chest had completely repaired itself... despite him apparently being human! Although now seeing this... no one was sure “who” or “what” Flash was... Flash poked at the scar left by the stab wound, “Oh... you mean this? Eclipsio bound my soul to his... meaning as long as he is still alive, I’m would not stay dead for very long, remember?” Everyone still looked confused, and Flash asked again, “What?!” Celestia made her way over to the teen and lifted him up by his arm, thanks to her own incredible strength. “We all can see that Mr. Sentry... but it doesn’t make sense. Eclipsio’s katana Thanatos is coated in Alicorn Bane, a substance that erases anything it touches from existence. The better question is... How are you still existing?” Flash Sentry scratched his head, then said, “Well... it may have something to do with...” Shining Armor ran inside and screamed, “WE HAVE A PROBLEM!” Everyone was startled by the sudden outburst, all except Shadow Armor, who asked him. “Alright... but How did you get sent outside when the rest of us were sent in here?” Shining facepalmed and screamed at him, “DOES THAT MATTER RIGHT NOW?! THERE IS CUREENTLY A METEOR SCREAMING TOWARDS US!” Savior rushed outside and saw that Shining was correct... There was indeed something meteor-shaped flying across the sky... And he knew who it was immediately... Savior turned to the Equestrian of Fire and asked him. “How fast does your regeneration work?” Burning Star tilted his head in bewilderment, “Takes a couple minutes, little longer the more seriously I’m hurt... why do you ask?” Savior lifted him above his head and tossed him out the door, he landed on the lawn with his head facing the sky. Burning Star groaned, “Hey! What was that for...” he noticed the meteor heading towards Canterlot... And his expression changed from one of confusion to one of Fury so fast it was scary. He walked... more like STOMPED inside and grabbed Deicide. “Of all the times in the world... OF ALL THE TIMES!” He grumbled loudly, stomping out the door. He stopped and turned around to the group, “Look we both know who it f—King is, so lets get this over with...” Everyone let out both a groan of exasperation and a yell of anger before grabbing their own gear and running out the door. The meteor screamed across the sky and landed in the center of the city, black smoke pouring out of the buildings it smashed through. As the group ran towards the crashing object, Burning Star cursed to himself. ”This has better not be f—King Eclipsio... it had better not be him or I’m gonna lose my shit...” (Canterlot City, Canterlot Tower) The heroes arrived at the crash site to see Firefighters and other disaster workers on the scene. They were busy putting out the flames on the surrounding buildings that were ignited by the meteor’s trail of destruction. Celestia looked around and said, “These poor people... they must have been through so much during these last few weeks... yet somehow they still have the will to go on. How?” Sunset interrupted her, “It is the power of humanity, Celestia. When we are put against the wall by something like this we can do two things, die or survive. We have grown pretty good at the latter and rarely do the former, as you can see.” The smoke cleared and the crater was finally fully revealed. It was not a meteor... it was “something”. This something was a large black object covered in various runes and markings, both of Equestrian and Terran origin. It looked to be made of some sort of metal, although no one had identified it yet... Burning Star warily put his hand to his sword hilt and braved himself for the worst. He said to himself, ”If this is Eclipsio again I’m gonna go ballistic...” The object suddenly let out a hiss of steam and the object took off into the air, bolts of energy erupting from it as it unfurled... revealing a face that Burning Star was absolutely livid with rage at seeing. The object began to speak, ”Surprised to see me Burning Star?” Everyone but Flash and Burning stepped back as the object fired off a large red laser beam that cut away at the ground around him, it sliced apart buildings and cars. Celestia, Luna, as well as everyone but Flash Sentry and Burning Star was blown back and a large purple-Black force field went up around them. Prince Eclipsio snarled, his voice echoing across the air, ”I will deal with you all later... I’m going to deal with you two first!” Flash wanted to run, every instinct said he should run and hide... but he stood next to Burning Star, paralyzed with fear. But he was less scared of Prince Eclipsio... who looked like a black mass of spikes and metal that seemed to seethe with hatred. Flash Sentry had seen Eclipsio mad... he wasn’t anything like what he was seeing Burning Star Burning Star looked like he was about to LITERALLY EXPLODE into a mass of fire and anger that would inevitably consume him and eventually the world. While he had heard from Eclipsio in the past that Burning Star was a dangerous man when angry... He honestly would feel more safe when he was next to Eclipsio than Burning Star. Mainly because despite being unable to die, at least as far as being stabbed and shot... He assumed that complete incineration would kill even Prince Eclipsio and him... as well as everything within the city. Flash scooted a bit closer away from Burning Star, and the Equestrian of Fire grabbed him by the shoulder and glared at him with a gaze so intense that it seemed to bore right through his head. “YOU ARE STAYING RIGHT! HERE!” Burning Star said, his hand firmly gripped on Deicide. Flash managed a weak response to Eclipsio, still feeling that overwhelming gaze on him. “H-Hey Eclipsio, how are you doing?” He said, his voice extremely small. ”EIGAON!” Prince Eclipsio’s response was a HUGE blast of darkness from his palms that leveled the ground in front of him. ”You want to know how I’m doing? Huh?! Well, let me tell you what happened, and how you forced me into this... this... THING for the wrong reason.” Prince Eclipsio’s Armor projected a hologram recording out (Shadow Station, Hangar, 1 hour ago...) A single gasp of air echoed throughout the now empty base... Followed by another... and then another. Prince Eclipsio was alive... He was burned badly, had many bones broken and was bleeding internally and externally... but somehow alive! Burning Star’s Megidolaon must have overloaded his regeneration and he passed out. He woke up to the sound of explosions, his base was blowing up! “Damn that Ironheart! I knew I should have destroyed him before he even had the idea to build that suit...” he snarled as he stood up. A smile crept on to his face, “...However that metal-head had his uses. Project Ragnarok is my last-ditch weapon against those worms. I will finally be able to destroy Burning Star using it as well!” The heavily wounded Alicorn half-ran, half-limped up the stairs to the reactor. He reached his hand out to the panel and said. “Computer... transfer all available magical energy to Project Ragnarok and activate it...” The computer responded, alarms still blaring. “Critical damage to the reactor and security grid. The transfer may cause a rupturing of the artifact containers.” “Damn the artifacts! Just activate the goddamn project! Prepare for immediate launch.” He roared as he struggled to the panel behind him as the tanks of magical energy drained and flowed into the Magic Battery at the far end of the room. Eclipsio types in the activation code and he spread his arms out, equipping Project Ragnarok. He socketed the Magic Battery in the chest piece and he stepped out with heavy steps. He was wearing some sort of armor... A smile broke across his face, “Computer... Launch now.” The hatch below him opened and Eclipsio flew out into open space. The base finally exploded, sending Eclipsio flying towards the planet, very alive... and very mad. “Alright heroes... You think you’re hot shit? You think you can blow me up and walk away? Well if you all want to run away to Equestria, then I’m going to destroy that world too! But first, BURNING STAR! YOU ARE GOING TO DIE SCREAMING!” Eclipsio plummeted towards Earth, he entered the atmosphere... all the while Project Ragnarok was changing him into his greatest form... A form that could obliterate worlds... and finally crush his sisters forever... (Back to the Present...) Prince Eclipsio deactivated the hologram and roared like some unholy beast. ”You see it now, don’t you? Look around Burning Star... humanity is disposable, they are born and live for mere moments, before dying...” Burning Star had the balls to show a smirk to him. ”And despite their mortality they have survived for thousands of years... so what is your point?” ”It makes no sense! I destroy nearly ALL life on Equestria and my sisters decided to restore it? Why did she bother doing it?! I had done what I was born to do!” Through either the rush of adrenaline or actual, real bravery. Flash felt his voice return to him and he managed to get in his words against Eclipsio. “So you would condemn Earth and Equestria for destruction because of some petty grudge you have against your sisters?” He said, crossing his arms. The Eclipse Prince nodded, ”YES! I have conquered! I have killed our enemies!” Burning Star fired his spell, ”Maragidyne!” and several plumes of Fire were unleashed upon Eclipsio. No damage was dealt... Celestia yelled at him in the Royal Canterlot Voice, “At what cost Eclipsio?! You were so paranoid that someone would destroy you that you commit genocide against you own kind?! Now you see why we banished you...” Prince Eclipsio screeched back as another blast of darkness flew from his hands, it was swatted away by Burning Star, ”Eclipsio is Dead! He was weak, unwilling to do what must be done to ensure that you and Luna know that everything doesn’t matter. Why do we associate ourselves with the pathetic ponies? They are mortal, they live sad little lives doing the task set to them, then die alone with no escape from death... why should I care about them? What reason have they given me to care? NONE.” Sunset decided to give him a piece of her own mind, “You have every reason to care, you twit! I thought the fact that you have so much power meant you were mature enough to use it, I guess I was wrong, wasn’t i?” Prince Eclipsio suddenly clutched his head and started screaming, ”SHUT UP! I am no longer bound by the chains of your “friendship” and “Love”. I have returned to what I was once, and should have been in the first place.” Prince Eclipsio’s Armor suddenly blew up and he emerged, his new form making all but Burning Star shiver in terror. Prince Eclipsio’s body had grown significantly, he now stood nearly 10 feet tall and he was much more muscular. His skin was charred black and seemed to pulse with purple and black sparks of energy. His robes had been completely destroyed, leaving tatters of clothing wrapped around his arms and legs. A long blood red scarf was wrapped around his neck, it was twisting in the wind like some sort of serpent. His once human hands and feet had morphed into monstrous claws and talons, each razor sharp and colored a bright silver. His once silver hair had been turned dark red and two black horns were sticking out of his head from behind his ears. Eclipsio’s face has morphed into something so nightmarish it couldn’t be described too well. His eyes had turned a sickly purple and black flames were blazing out of them. His teeth were pointed and black fire was seen coming out of the gaps of them. A long, spike-lined tail had emerged from his back and giant black and red demonic wings erupted from his shoulders. Burning Star looked upon this form and said to Flash Sentry, “Well that form is something I haven’t seen in a while...” Flash nervously asked, “What do you mean by that?” The Equestrian of Fire chuckled a bit, “Well... when I first met Eclipsio his body was destroyed and he was using an artificial one created by my Sunset Shimmer. When he was banished he went by a different name...” The demonic... thing roared loudly, shaking the very earth. ”I AM THE CONSUMER OF WORLDS! THE TERROR FROM CELESTIA AND LUNA’S WORST NIGHTMARES!” He unleashed several Megidola spells around the area, small balls of light scattered out, destroying everything they touched. It forced Burning Star to put up a shield. ”I AM BLACK ABYSS!” (Start Music) Black Abyss’s body glowed a eerie red and purple and the buildings around them had pieces being broken off. They were swept up into a purplish vortex that was appearing from the former Prince of Eclipses... Now he was Black Abyss, Consumer of Worlds and Bane to All Living Things. A monster so powerful that he literally destroyed his own body... ”VORPAL BLADE!” Black Abyss unleashed one of his attacks, sending blue energy blades towards Burning Star. They effortlessly smashed his shield and sent him flying against the crater wall, brutally injured. He tried to get up, but Black Abyss kept attacking him with Eigaon, pounding his body again and again... Burning Star threw Deicide at him, Black Abyss swatted the sword aside and sent a punch to him that sent him flying into the air and crash onto a car. Black Abyss opened his palms. ”NOW DIE! BLACK MEGIDOLAON!” All Flash could do was watch as Burning Star was engulfed in a purple energy blast that blew him away and onto the hard rocks below. ”Megidolaon!” Burning Star’s attack was destroyed on impact... ”Megaton Raid!” No scratch appeared on Black Abyss... Despite his strength and his multiple counter attacks, even Burning Star was unable to do anything to Black Abyss. Any attack he fired simply didn’t do any damage to him. Flames extinguished upon impact... His sword bounced off his skin... Even his own Megidolaon was nullified on contact... What could he do?! Black Abyss launched his own sword towards Burning Star, impaling him on it and dragging him into the air and into Black Abyss’s waiting claws. Black Abyss punched him in the face multiple times, as well as slashing him repeatedly midair. The Equestrian of Fire was slowly being killed... He couldn’t get away... he was going to die... Black Abyss finally threw him down into a building and unleashed THREE MEGIDOLAON attacks at once, blowing the entire skyscraper apart and dropping it on top of Burning Star, burying him. Black Abyss laughed, ”YOU ARE PATHETIC! AS I SAID, I AM THE MOST POWERFUL BEING EVER, AND ALL WILL BE DESTROYED BY MY HANDS. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Sunset screamed, “Burning Star! C’mon get up! You can’t lose!” No response... Shadow Armor also yelled, “You can’t die here! You can’t let this thing be the thing that puts you down!” No response... Burning Star crawled out the rubble, and was hit by another Megidolaon, sending him flying like a rag doll. Flash could only watch... this was all his fault... Black Abyss turned to the heroes and screamed out, ”Go ahead! Cry for your hero! He is nothing compared to me! He is useless, worthless, all because he values life. I WILL RENDER YOUR WORLD AND EQUESTRIA EXTINCT, AND HE WILL GO TO TARTARUS KNOWING HOW HE FAILED SO BADLY... THE MIGHTY BURNING STAR IS NOTHING BUT A WEAK, INSIGNIFICANT, UNIMPORTANT, HUMAN...” Black Abyss pointed his hand out and a dark ball of destruction formed, ”NOW DIEEEEEE!” Flash felt something well up inside him, either bravery or stupidity... and he ran out and grabbed Burning Star our of the way. He placed Burning Star on the ground behind him as Black Abyss floated in front of him. “Get back, you monster!” Flash shouted, earning a laugh from the Demon. ”Oh... what is this? You dare to stand in my way? The lonely and unimpressive Flash Sentry is going to save Burning Star? What chance to you stand against me?” Flash shook his head and assumed a fighting stance, “I will protect him, you will not get past me, Black Abyss!” This actually made Black Abyss smile, then he laughed again. “YOU WANT TO STOP ME!? AHAHAHAHAHA! Perhaps I underestimated you Flash Sentry. You are completely stupid as well as completely worthless. You really think that you, a fragile, unimpressive human with no powers... can stop me, the almighty destroyer of everything?” Flash felt his anger build, and he finally unleashed it. “I know I can! You are the one that is pathetic, Black Abyss!” Black Abyss snarled, ”You call me pathetic? How am I the pathetic one?” Flash looked back upon the broken body of Burning Star, and he felt his determination to stop this monster skyrocket. He said to the monster, no fear in his voice. “How are you pathetic? You are trying to destroy people and ponies that had nothing to deal with your banishment, you are willing to kill billions of innocent lives because you believe that because you are powerful you can do whatever you want to those less than you?!” ”Humans and ponies are weak! They deserve to be destroyed for their weakness!” Flash couldn’t take it anymore and screamed at the top of his lungs, tears in his eyes. “We are not weak! We have adapted and survived for thousands of years, built mighty empires and developed into a advanced society. We have done all this without your godlike powers, we have survived on instinct, intelligence, and willpower so strong that nothing can break it. Not even you!” Sunset looked at Flash yelling at Black Abyss, and she felt something well up within her as well. Flash continued to yell at the Demon. unknown to him... his body slowly began to glow. “And yet you, Prince Eclipsio... decide to destroy us simply because we are not as strong as you? I think you really want to destroy us because you are afraid of us... afraid that deep down, we are Infinitely stronger than you will ever be.” Flash stomped his foot down and pointed his hand at Black Abyss. “You. You are the weak one, because you fear us. You fear the idea that there could be someone slightly stronger than you, that even with all your magic and weapons and anything else... you will never be able to become a truly strong being.” The demonic destroyer roared, ”Silence! You know nothing of my power!” Black Abyss threw a boulder at Flash, who slid out of the way and continued to speak. “The fact that you need to constantly attack and lash out at anyone only tells me that you are the weakest being in the world. True strength comes from within, from drawing upon the strength of others, and by believing in them as well as yourself. That is what the true power is, the power of friendship... a force even you cannot defeat!” Burning Star came to just to hear Flash chewing out Black Abyss, “All my life I thought I was alone, that I was going to be forgotten, that what I’ve done as Black Sun was unforgivable. I made a mistake... but my friends are there to help, to give me strength. what you are doing is, in my opinion at least, this revenge is childish and sad. You did something wrong and were punished, F—King DEAL WITH IT, YOU WHINY BASTARD. YOU ARE A PETULANT CHILD...” Black Abyss flew forward and roared, ”I WILL END YOU! RAAAAGH!” Burning Star closed his eyes and waited to hear Flash’s scream of pain as Black Abyss tore him apart... But he heard nothing. He opened his eyes to see Flash Sentry... HOLDING BLACK ABYSS BACK!? (Stop first theme) (Begin 2nd theme) Black Abyss looked at Flash Sentry, the teen’s eyes were glowing blue and his hair was turning a dark blue. Some strange feeling ran across Black Abyss... something he didn’t know that he could feel... Terror. Flash Sentry cocked his fist back and punched Black Abyss clean across the face, sending him flying into the Canterlot Tower behind him. Burning Star felt his regeneration finally kick in, and he struggled to his feet. His jaw was on the floor... Flash Sentry... a normal human... had just shouted at Black Abyss... one of the most powerful beings to ever exist... and then punched him into a building. Flash turned around to see Burning Star standing up, and he said to him, his voice unusually strong, “You alright?” The Equestrian of Fire was speechless... Flash smiled, “I will take your silence as a yes... can you fight?” Burning Star nodded, “Do I really have a choice at the moment?” Flash let out a small chuckle, before Black Abyss flew out of the building covered in small bits of rubble. Burning Star picked up Deicide, while Flash Sentry just stood there... weaponless. Burning Star asked the human, “H-How did you do that?” Flash shrugged, “Does it really matter? Just get ready for battle!” Burning Star asked him again, “Wait... what about you?” Flash shot a smirk towards everyone that gave them hope. “For the sake of the humans and ponies who had lost their lives at the hands of Black Sun or him. will defeat Black Abyss... because that is what must be done.” He pointed his hand to the sky and exclaimed, “So I beg of thee, let the shroud of death descend upon the monster known as Black Abyss, and lend me the strength to do so!” Flash suddenly erupted into a plume of blue and black light, and his body started to change. His face was suddenly consumed by a white mask and a black robe engulfed his entire body. He began to float midair and his hands began to emit blue fire. His eyes turned blue and glowed with supernatural light. Flash snapped his fingers and a weapon manifested in his hand, a large dual ended scythe with one black blade on one end, and one white blade on the other. He split the scythe into two smaller ones and descended to the ground. The robed figure looked at Burning Star and spoke, his voice chilling him to the bone. ”You do not need to fear me, Alicorn of Fire. Through his show of true bravery in the face of impossible odds... Flash Sentry has proven himself worthy of my powers for a short time...” Burning Star was about to ask who or what this being was, but the being best him to the Punch. ”I am known by many names, the harvester of souls, the harbinger of death... but I am known by one name... The Reaper...” The Reaper pointed at Black Abyss, with his black scythe. ”Black Abyss... you have upset the balance between life and death with your needless destruction of innocent lives... the souls of the ones you killed scream out for your demise, I am here to fufill them.” ”DARK MEGIDOLAON!” shrieked Black Abyss, and a dark purple beam of light was launched at The Reaper. The Reaper simply held out his hand, and the attack vanished. Sunset was stunned, she said to everyone. “That thing that engulfed Flash just negated Black Abyss’s spell! How?!” The Reaper pointed at Black Abyss, and Burning Star knew what he had to do... Burning Star charged up his true strongest attack... All that this Reaper needed was an opening... Burning Star finished and pulled his arm back, the giant flaming ball of light held in his left hand. He then screamed his heart out, and put every last drop of his strength into his attack. Sunset signaled for everyone to get down... she what Burning Star was about to do... ”STAR... STRIIIIIKE!!!” Burning Star flung his Starstrike attack as hard as he could, it sailed toward Black Abyss, who put up his shield in hopes of lessening the impact. The shield broke instantly... and Black Abyss was engulfed in a massive explosion of fire and heat that could been seen throughout the city. It was like someone took the sun out of the sky and dropped it upon the world... in fact... it kinda was. Black Abyss screamed in agony as his incredible regeneration couldn’t keep up and his body was burned alive. The attack ended, and Black Abyss crashed to the ground, struggling to stand up. He finally stood up, but he was immediately greeted by the Reaper’s Black scythe against his body, and the chilling eyes of the Reaper were staring at him. Black Abyss kicked away and said with real fear in his voice. ”I can still stop you... you are still Flash Sentry under there...” The Reaper spoke, his words turning Black Abyss pale. ”No one can stop Death.” The Reaper swung his scythe across Black Abyss, and the demon shook for a moment... Then Black Abyss just... shattered into nothingness leaving behind a haunting scream that made even Burning Star’s blood run cold. (End music) The shield around the heroes vanished and Sunset ran down to Burning Star, embracing him in a hug. “Thank Faust you’re alive! You did it, you both did it, both you and Flash...” She turned to the black-robed being, and said to it. “Is... Flash alive?” The Reaper approached Sunset and bowed its head, ”Flash Sentry... is no longer with us... he sacrificed his life to stop Prince Eclipsio and save you all... I am sorry, Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset sank to her knees and wept... “To think I hated him for being that monster... I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him *sniff.” The Reaper hissed out, ”You can say farewell to him one last time...” The Reaper suddenly opened like a gate, and a translucent version of Flash floated out. Sunset looked at him with tears in her eyes, “I... I’m sorry for what I said when you were Black Sun... I don’t want to say goodbye to you.” Flash put his ethereal hand on Sunset’s cheek, he gave a small smile. ”You do not have to, Sunset.” He placed his hand over her heart and said to her, as well as everyone there. ”Do not be sad that I am gone... I will never be gone... I will always be with you all. Goodbye.” The spirit of Flash Sentry stepped back inside the Reaper, and it closed once more. The Reaper then began to speak, ”Do not mourn for Flash Sentry, instead... take solace in knowing that he finally free from the horror of serving Eclipsio. He will be watching you... from the world beyond.” The Reaper made his scythe disappear, and he began to speak, every word seemed to hurt the hearts of everyone. ”Reapers are not usually ones to offer condolences for what we do. We harvest souls of the ones that have died... and punish those who think themselves beyond our power. What you all have done has been enough to earn the respect of me and Death himself... you all willingly threw yourselves against a foe that in every way would have been your end. But you did it to save lives... and you have saved many. For that, I thank you.” He continued, his robe slowly billowing in an invisible wind. ”Life and Death are a necessary part of any universe, they do not take sides... you should know this. Death is not an enemy... it never has been an enemy of life... just the other end of it.” He started to walk to Burning Star, placing his unearthly hand upon his shoulder. ”Alicorn of Fire... while you have taken the lives of others, you have shown penance for your actions. And so... I shall spare you.” The Reaper finally started to disappear, but he finished by saying, ”I say to you all... while Life and Death normally do not change... one force can overpower both... Friendship.” The Reaper vanished into the wind, leaving the sounds of sobbing echoing throughout the silent city. The sun shone down upon the city, bringing back the light and heralding in the sense of peace. Sunset thought to herself... still in tears, but in tears of both sorrow and joy. ”Now... It is over...” Burning Star felt his own tears streaming down his cheeks, and he said quietly. ”Today is a day of rebirth for this city... as well as this world. Prince Eclipsio is forever destroyed... and I can rest easy on that. Flash Sentry... whoever or whatever you are I have one thing to say... “Thank you...” Epilogue: Life Will ChangeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 12: The Unbreakable Ironheart vs The Unkillable Black Sun(Canterlot Hospital, ER) The hospital was busy, well... busier than usual. The commotion all started when multiple ambulances pulled, each one having a person in their late teens in it, they were all covered in cuts and bruises, many of which were bandaged crudely with pieces of cloth and paper towels. Whoever made these bandages tried the best they could to stop the bleeding, but they needed medical attention. After a few hours of surgery, stitching, and other medical procedures, the heroes were all laid down in hospital beds, IV bags of blood being administered into them. In the corner of the room stood Ironheart... writing away in his data logs, which he kept in his gauntlets. ”Ironheart’s Log Date 10/01/28.” “I have made discoveries regarding Black Sun, his employer is the Alicorn by the name of Prince Eclipsio Da’irko/Alicornus, younger brother to Princess Celestia Alicornus and Princess Luna Alicornus. I attempted to confront him along with Element of Compassion, Sunset Shimmer. The Alicorn of Fire known as Burning Star as well as his allies Shadow Armor, Frostclaw the Kirin, and the psychokinesis using Lucina aided me in the conflict, but Eclipsio’s sheer strength and his heartless fighting style bested me.” he wrote down, while keeping his helmet on to not alarm anyone with his cybernetic face. He looked at the sleeping body of Sunset Shimmer, he had requested that he should stay with her. He continued to write, ”Now I stand as the only one not seriously injured by the wrath of the Prince of Eclipses, my armor had to be repaired, but that was about the largest extent of my injuries.” Sunset began to stir in her sleep, and she opened her eyes slowly to see Savior standing in the corner dictating something to some sort of holographic image. “I-Ironheart... ouch.” She wheezed out, sitting up before collapsing back in pain. “Sunset... you’re alive! Thank Faust...” Ironheart said as he rushed over to Sunset. Sunset managed a weak smile, “Agh... I’m not gonna die Ironheart, everything just hurts all over... what happened? Why am I in a hospital? Where is the rest of the group and the Rainbooms?” The cybernetic human hung his head, “They suffered more serious injuries than you did. Some had to be operated on to remove bits of metal and fix broken bones. The doctors said they are all going to be ok.” Suddenly, the Chief of Police, Shining Armor, stepped into the room. He had a relieved expression on his face when he saw Sunset was awake. “Welcome back, Sunset. It was a good thing your white knight over here sent us an alert, otherwise you would have most likely died out there.” He said, his face resuming his worried expression. “But I need to ask you, what happened out there? I arrive on the scene with half of the force with me, I’m outfitted in my Riot Gear, and I find you and your friends critically injured and Black Sun flying off with someone in his arms?” He asked while raising an eyebrow. Sunset started to explain, wincing in pain, “Well... it turns out that Prince Eclipsio was the one using Black Sun all this time... he said that it was all apart of his revenge against his sisters or something...ouch.” Shining had an angry and knowing look on his face, “I knew he couldn’t be trusted, as soon as I saw him I felt something wrong, and i am both angry and scared to see that I was right.” Sunset looked at the two of them before saying, “Well... what now? Both of them escaped and we’re all sitting ducks here in the hospital. I know Eclipsio is going to be sending that armored monster any time now!” Almost as if on cue, an explosion went off outside. Savior ran to the window and saw who Sunset just mentioned. It was Black Sun! He had broken through the police barricade set up along the road and was currently blowing up cars and gunning down officers. He shouted towards the hospital, “Burning Star! Where are you?! Eclipsio has injured you, and it is my job to kill you! I swore that I would be the one to end you, and I will make good on that promise.” Savior looked out upon the destruction, his audio receptors in his helmet picking up the screams of pain and terror from the police and medical staff that were cut down like wheat in a field. He clenched his fist and snarled in rage, “Black Sun has to be stopped... and Burning Star can’t stop him while he is wounded...” Savior turned to Sunset and said, “I’m going out there, Sunset. Black Sun must be stopped before he spills any more innocent blood. This is a hospital, and Eclipsio attacks it because we are here... because he wants to send a message that everyone will die. I will send him a message of my own, that I will not let him destroy a world that has nothing to do with the Alicorn Sisters.” He began to walk out the door, but Shining stepped in front of him, blocking him. “You aren’t going out there without me. I’m tired of being on the sidelines. So I’m coming with you, Savior.” Said Shining, a fierce look in his eyes. Savior shook his head and moved him to the side, “No Shining... you are just going to get yourself killed. Black Sun is far too dangerous for you.” Shining Armor stomped his foot, “I don’t care how powerful he is. Those two bastards hurt my sister, killed my officers, and made my life a living hell for the past week... I’m getting my shot at them, whether it kills me or not.” Savior shook his head again and responded, now irritated, “Black Sun will kill you if you go out there! do not throw your life away for the sake of revenge!” “Not going out there would kill us all... now let’s go.” Shining responded, no fear in his voice. Savior took one look back at Sunset, who gave him a silent nod to go ahead. Savior grabbed Shining Armor in his arms and the two blasted out the doors. (Hospital Parking Lot) Savior and Shining Armor landed out in the parking lot, they hadn’t gotten the attention of Black Sun. The armored villain was currently spraying the ambulances full of bullets. Another group of officers arrived on the scene, Black Sun shrugged. “More humans to crush... these insects have yet to offer me a real challenge.” He said while firing a rocket at the police cars, blowing them up. Savior and Shining both pointed their guns at the ironclad menace and shouted, “BLACK SUN! Down here!” Black Sun turned his head downward to see the two Warriors, and he laughed as he said, “You dare challenge me? Me?! Don’t make me laugh harder, you can’t kill me, no one can kill me.” Shining Armor fired a few shots at Black Sun, they bounced harmlessly off him. He said to the villain, “That remains to be seen, Black Sun. So far you haven’t stayed around long enough for us to deal any serious damage. While I originally thought that you were retreating because you were growing bored of our conflict, you were really retreating because you really aren’t as invincible as you boast you are, am I right?” Black Sun strangely went silent for a few minutes, then he suddenly said, “You are correct, but only in the case that I was fighting the Alicorn humans and that girl Lucina... Your police force has no effect on me.” Said Black Sun, floating in the air. He then loaded his weapons and pointed them at the two before saying, “If you will not wait for your destruction, then I will do away with you now. I have taught you fear, given you pain... and now... you will DIE.” Black Sun unleashed a hail of bullets upon the duo, Shining immediately ducked behind a concrete barrier and Savior rushed at Black Sun, the bullets bouncing off his armor harmlessly. He extended his plasma blades and delivered a slash to Black Sun’s arms, slicing off the gun muzzles Off and cleaving through the external armor coating. He responded by blasting a rocket point blank into Savior’s chest plating. Savior flew back a good twenty feet before he stabilized himself and crashed into Black Sun, driving him into the ground and cratering it. “Here, take this!” Said Savior, tossing his electrified sword to Shining Armor, who picked it up and ignited it. Shining leapt into the fray, putting his fighting skills to the test against a super-dangerous armored human with fuel to WMDs powering his armor. Shining now realized how badass that sounded, and he swung the blade at Black Sun’s chest, it cut it open, but not that deep. Shining was kicked in the gut followed by a cross chop to the face, his nose broke and one of his eyes swelled up, he heard several ribs crack, but he didn’t care. His adrenaline was so high he wasn’t feeling any pain. Shining finally stabbed Black Sun’s wings and broke them, before he enacted his own flavor of pain, a jab to the gut with his combat knife. “You won’t hurt my sister or her friends any more... Black Sun, I’m placing you under arrest.” Said Shining, wiping the blood off his mouth. Black Sun was laying spread out on the ground, and he snarled at the chief of police. “Don’t count on it, Shining Armor. I’ll break out, Eclipsio will free me... I will make sure to kill all of your sisters friends and your sister in the most brutal, sickening, disturbing way possible. You can be sure of that. Heh-heh...” Savior prepared to assist, but he stopped when he heard a haunting sound. Shining Armor let out a scream... a scream of rage that sounded like something not of this earth. Like something from the shadows had crawled out of the blackest pit of hell and arrived in front of him. Shining Armor suddenly flew into what could be described as “Berserk”, he began to hack and cut away at Black Sun, screaming like a hellion. “JUST DIE ALREADY! NO ONE HURTS MY SISTER! NO ONE! RAAARGH!” His onslaught of blows continued, each one slicing through Black Sun’s armor like a hot knife through butter... he finally hit Black Sun’s head and cracked his mask open, before laughing a laugh so frightening that it sent a metaphorical shiver up the spine of Ironheart. ”GRAH-HAHAHAHA-HA!” bellowed Shining, ripping off the rest of the mask from Black Sun, before his eyes widened. The face he was looking upon was the face of Twilight’s first crush, it was Flash Sentry! Flash couldn’t fight back, retreat, or even defend himself. Nearly all his weapons were dead, his wings were broken, and his armor was failing underneath the savage blows of both Shining and Savior. Shining stopped pummeling for a brief moment upon seeing his face, “Flash?! Why are you Black Sun?” He asked in shock, his voice changing in tone and pitch. Flash kicked Shining off of him and staggered to his feet, Savior took this chance and sent a rocket powered Punch to his chest, sending him flying through a brick wall and into a gym next to the hospital. Burning Star happened to be training there when Black Sun flew into the building and he stepped off his treadmill. Because of his Alicorn Regeneration, he was up faster than the others... but parts of him were still sore. So when the armored monster responsible for most, if not all of his pain flew through the brick wall... he was more than annoyed. He was FURIOUS! Burning Star picked up Black Sun and tossed him back out the hole, saying to him. “I don’t have time for this...” Black Sun flew uncontrollably into the arms of Savior, who delivered a slug to his chest with his infinisteel clad fist. Shining heard a sickening crunch as Black Sun’s Magisteel Armor was broken under the superior metal, causing him to collapse in pain. Flash growled, “You... you can’t kill me...” Shining Armor wasted no words and impaled him on the electric Sword, causing the teen to cry out in agony. Savior ripped him off and grasped him by his neck, asking him with venom in his voice. “We have beaten you, stabbed you, blasted you, and you still are alive. How?” Black Sun laughed weakly, “I just told you... you can’t kill me, I can’t die... I literally cannot die.” He began to speak more clearly, “You see, Prince Eclipsio injected me with pure, untamed Alicorn Magic that he extracted from his own blood... heh-heh. while I didn’t gain his magical prowess, I gained super speed, strength, and most importantly... his inability to be killed by natural means. This includes stabbing me, cutting me, and hitting me with attacks that would turn a normal human to mush...” Black Sun kicked out of Savior’s grasp and a blue and black portal opened behind him. He turned towards it and then turned his head to the two men that just beat him senseless, “You fought well today... but I will be victorious the next time we meet. If you want to settle this once and for all, Shining... tell Burning Star to use this device to enter my base.” He finished by smirking and saying, “Also, bring all your friends... make it interesting for me. Eclipsio would love to kill you all, and it would be much easier for you to just come to him Rather for him to come to you... goodbye!” Black Sun rushed into the portal and dropped a sphere filled with swirling blue and black mist in it, before the portal closed with a bright flash. (End theme) Shining turned to Savior and asked quite bluntly, “Why did we let him go?” Savior snorted out, “Because we are doing what Eclipsio intends to do to us. He is only sending Black Sun after us because he is too afraid of us to take us on one-on-one... we have inflicted pain upon Black Sun.” He unloaded his empty magazines and finished by saying, “Once everyone is ready, we prepare to confront them at Black Sun’s base. You go get some rest...” Shining noticed that he still had Savior/Ironheart’s sword in his hand, and he reached out to give it back. Savior waved his hand away, “No... keep it. You fought like no man I’ve seen in a while. Where did you get that strength?” Shining rubbed his head sheepishly, “What strength? I-I don’t know what you are talking about, Savior. But thank you for the sword, and I must be going back to my headquarters now. Bye!” Shining Armor took off running down the street at incredible speed. This made Ironheart raise one of his metal eyebrows in curiosity, while he had seen Burning Star, Eclipsio, and many other of the Humanized Equestrians run at that speed... that was because they could do it as ponies. As far as Ironheart knew this Shining wasn’t a pony... so what could allow him to survive against one of the most dangerous men in the world? He opened up his recorder again and began to speak into it. ”Profile Update: Chief Shining Armor” “Subject has exhibited heightened strength and speed, as well as a ridiculous tolerance to pain. His wounds would have proved fatal to a normal human, but he was unhindered by the various wounds. In fact, his physical strength had increased to superhuman levels for the time he was brutally attacking Black Sun.” He changed files to “Black Sun” and he began to write in that as well. ”Profile update: Black Sun” “Identity of Black Sun has been confirmed as Flash Sentry, who I previously thought deceased due to finding his grave in the Everfree Forest. Upon further inspection of Flash Sentry it seems that his body has grown from his previous 5’ 07” to a large 6’ 01”. Eclipsio’s magic is the most likely cause.” He finished up his writing with one last paragraph, “This change may be possible through the use of the Equestrian magic equivalent of an anabolic steroid as well as several milliliters of Alicorn Blood, judging from the samples on my claws and bullets found shot through his exposed skin.” Ironheart closed his database and turned to the hole in the wall and sighed. “Oh boy... that’s gonna suck to fix.” (Black Sun’s Base, Eclipsio’s room) Prince Eclipsio’s room was built like an astral observatory. It had a clear view of both the sun and the moon outside in the blackness of space. Eclipsio hated Space... and the fact that he was in space during his banishment didn’t help it. Black Sun reasoned with him that this would be “the best possible way to continually replenish his sisters powers.” After all, he needed it to heal Black Sun, and to charge his “project”. He had been working with Magitek for a little while, he usually left that twit Flash Sentry to handle it. Despite being dumb as a post at most things, he was an expert in everything technology and magic. Apparently he had paid attention to the ravings of that “Sci-Twi” as he called her... ”Pathetic human, you had ambition when you turned into Midnight Sparkle. I saw your power, but you gave it up like the weakling you are...” thought Eclipsio, fiddling with a knife. Behind him floated his sisters Celestia and Luna, stuck in suspended animation, being bathed in the the light of their respective celestial bodies to charge their magic for later... Black Sun flew out of a portal and into the observatory, he was beaten and bartered... He said to his “champion”, “Typical, you lost again... it’s becoming a pattern Flash. I’m starting to wonder why I even bothered brining you back from the dead.” Flash pulled off his helmet and threw it to the side, before he pointed the prince and said. “Hey, you’re the one who wanted me to teach you how to act on this world. You also needed MY help to find the Magic Battery that Twilight used.” Eclipsio smirked and responded, “Yes. She should have disposed of the shards in its entirety...” He pulled a circular object out of his robe, it was the magic battery! However, instead of purple and dark pink it was black and silver with red lining. It also had his Eclipse mark on it instead of the magic emblem of Twilight. He placed it on a machine that was connected to Celestia and Luna’s pods by two silver tubes. He pressed a button and the tubes began to glow white. Celestia and Luna writhed in pain as their wings drooped and the color drained from their eyes, Magic was flowing into the amulet. It glowed bright white and silver, illuminating the dark room. Black Sun suddenly stopped the machine and Celestia and Luna stopped twitching. The Prince looked mad. He nearly roared, “Why did you stop?! The battery is almost full... just a little more and I will have all the magic I need to activate my project... and yet your HUMANITY continues to get in the way!” Flash suddenly did something Eclipsio didn’t expect... He slugged Eclipsio across the face, HARD. The Prince recoiled back and collapsed in pain. Flash walked over and spit on him, “I wish I never met you, I could have had a happy afterlife. But you, you dragged me into your hellish scheme for revenge. I will abide by our contract, I will kill Burning Star... but after that... I’m coming for you.” “BEGONE... THOT!” Prince Eclipsio shouted as he sent Black Sun out of the room. He rushed over to his cushion and ripped it in half with his sword, tearing the feathers across the room in a fit of rage. Eclipsio thought to himself, ”My plan is almost complete, Sisters... soon, everything you built will fall and die. And the best part, the very best part?” He turned toward the earth and smiled, “Soon, EVERYONE WILL BURN! Hahahahahhaha!” From her suspended animation, a single tear could be seen dripping from Celestia’s eye.
Prologue: Black Sun RebornAuthor's Note Hello everyone, it's Super Ponyman, it's time again to dive headfirst into the world of Burning Star Saga! If any of you remember from Sundered Universes, a one shot villain named Black Sun was introduced and promptly curb stomped by Burning Star, and left for dead... Well, this is what happened to him. (Disclaimer: This Chapter has gore and dark content, viewer discretion is advised.) Also, Burning Star has a chat with the Princesses... Prologue: Black Sun Reborn (Everfree Forest, Castle of the Two Sisters. Two Days Before Doom Star...) To the ponies of Equestria, The Everfree Forest was full of abnormalities. The weather changed on its own... Plants grew as they pleased... And primal, uncontrollable magic was everywhere... Of course the reason why they considered this abnormal is because they had the ability to control the weather, influence plant growth, and bend magical forces to their whim. The castle of the Two Sisters was a treacherous place, even if it wasn't located near the very heart of the Everfree, powerful magic irradiated the ruins. Currently, a thunderstorm was dumping a torrential rainstorm upon the castle, it soaked everything to the bone... Including a lone figure slogging through the woods. The figure was a unicorn pony, and the body shape was that of a stallion. He wore a broken set of black and gray armor that sparked and sputtered with magic flecks every so often, thanks to the rain pouring down on him in sheets as thick as yak wool. The figure spotted the ancient castle, and pushed open the door with his magic. He walked over to the old throne of Celestia and sat down, trying to somehow dry himself. No matter how many fire spells he cast to create a campfire, nothing would dry quickly, further angering the figure. The pony removed his black and gray helmet, revealing an Ivory furred head with a Mane of blond hair, which was currently hanging around his face, absolutely drenched with water. The pony lifted his mane off of his face, revealing the grumpy and bothered face of the Prince of Canterlot and Celestia's nephew, Prince Blueblood Morningstar. The Prince thought to himself, "Curse this wretched rain, curse this wretched forest, and curse that wretched Burning Star! He should not be conversing with the powerful noble houses of Canterlot, while I sit more wet than a mare in a brothel." Blueblood took his helm in his magic grasp and laid it down on the throne's peak before saying out loud, "If there was any justice in this world, I will arrive back in Canterlot and have the Royal Guard execute him for the crime of beating me senseless!" The Prince stood up, saying in an unusually angry tone, "For Faust's sake, I am Prince Blueblood, nephew of Princess Celestia, descendant of Princess Platinum, the first leader of Canterlot..." A hiss-like voice called out from the doorway, "And you're just the stallion I wanted to see..." Blueblood looked to the doorway to see another pony standing at the end of the hall, he was obscured by the darkness... The Prince called out to the shadowy figure, "Pardon me, but who are you?" The pony took a few steps forward, a flash of lightning illuminating his form. He wore black robes with a hood that hid his face. The Prince couldn't tell if it was a mare or a stallion, so he repeated his question, "I asked you something, you stalker. Who are you?" The shadowy figure flashed a visible smirk, his white teeth glinted in the dim light. "Who I am doesn't matter, what I want does, Blueblood..." Prince Blueblood snorted in frustration, "Excuse me?! I am a Prince, you creep! You will refer to me as-" The shadowy figure suddenly roared, sending a large shiver of fear down Blueblood's back. "YOU ARE NOT A PRINCE TO ME." This shout caused Blueblood to quickly activate his suits magic casters and point them at the hidden pony. Blueblood responded, fear in his voice, "S-Stay back, being of darkness, I have a powerful weapon with me." The Shadowy figure let out an unholy wail similar to a writhing spirit, then lunged at the Prince, it's blazing blue eyes the only thing visible. "GIVE ME THE WEAPON OR DIE!" Blueblood squinted his eyes shut and screamed as the Shadow lunged at him, his wails echoing throughout the castle. (Canterlot Castle, Burning Star's Room, Six weeks later...) Canterlot Castle was quiet and peaceful, after all it was the middle of the night. It's ivory towers and purple parapets were being lit by the light of Luna's great moon. While most ponies would be asleep, dreaming their dreams at this hour... Burning Star, the Alicorn of Fire, was wide awake. Burning Star had adapted to his new appearance change rather well, his mane no longer hung around his neck, but it now was similar to Celestia's Mane. Howver, instead of it being composed of rainbow light, it was made of red and orange flames that danced above his head and billowed as if it was being blown by some invisible wind. It had been six weeks since the "Sundered Universes" event had concluded... Six weeks since he defeated Doom Star forever... Six weeks of rather unusual peace... The Alicorn of Fire sat atop the roof of his quarters, staring out onto the Everfree Forest and letting his mind wander. "Well, tomorrow is the big day. Shadow Armor's wedding, I hope this goes well and with little to no conflict. Last thing I need is somepony or something like Doom Star popping up again." He closed his eyes and ignited his horn, calming himself in adavance. He was meeting with somepony extremely important tomorrow morning, and he couldn't afford to lose his temper. Burning Star felt a gust of air from a silent flap of wings, and he wheeled around and drew his sword, the deadly blade known as Deicide. The point of the sword stopped at the nose of an ivory colored Alicorn as well as a dark blue Alicorn, both of which were standing absolutely still. Behind Burning Star stood The Alicorn sisters, Celestia and Luna! He said to them, a hint of disappointment in his voice, "Didn't anypony teach you two how to approach somepony without them noticing? Because if that was your attempt to sneak up on me, it wasn't great." Luna responded to Burning Star's statement, "We doth not mean to approach you in without thou noticing, Alicorn of Fire." Celestia added in, "Lulu, your speaking in archaic again..." The Princess of the Night cleared her throat, "We, I mean, I am sorry sister. It is a bad habit I'm trying to break." The Alicorn of Fire turned to face the sisters, he mockingly bowed before them and said, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna... what have I done to earn the pleasure of an audience with thee?" Neither sister responded, both of them raising an eyebrow in confusion. Burning Star smiled, then let out a chuckle, "Hahaha! I'm just messing with you. But in all seriousness, why did you seek to meet me at this hour?" Celestia responded to the Alicorn, her tone warm and friendly, "I came to speak with you personally. My sister has told me that you have some grievances with me concerning what happened to the village of Firebrand about 20 years or so ago." The Fire pony's glare turned flinty, "I do have quite a few... what was it you said? Right... grievances, I do have a few grievances with you Celestia." Princess Luna carefully watched Burning Star, watching for any movement to draw his sword and slash out in anger. Burning Star however, relaxed his body and spoke, "But I took a long hard look at them and a lot of talking with somepony a lot like you, and I've realized that they aren't worth fighting over any longer." He continued, stretching out his massive wings. "So, I'm guessing you are also here for the wedding of Shadow Armor and Fluer? I'm not gonna stop you from attending, but on one condition." Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes, "What would that be?" The Alicorn of Fire's tone turned serious. "That you two help with the security of the ceremony. After hearing about what happened at the wedding of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, I'm not going to take any risks with security, especially when it concerns my family and friends." Princess Luna nodded her head, "I think that's fair, but what about us officiating the wedding?" Burning Star smirked, "Sorry, sisters. I've already got that covered, Prince Eclipsio will be officiating, since he is unbiased." Princess Celestia's eyes widened and she said with some annoyance in her voice, "Are you suggesting that I am biased, Burning Star?" The Alicorn of Fire nodded, "No Celestia, I'm STATING that you are biased. You have always been strongly opposed to ponies as dark as Shadow Armor getting what they want." Celestia uncharacteristically slammed her hoof down in anger, she said now truly annoyed, "Lord Burning Star. You know that I have been trying to accept beings like your "Shadow Armor" into Equestrian society... are you assuming that I will not allow this marriage? What made you speculate this?" The Alicorn of Fire's gaze hardened till it was like steel, "Oh I don't know, your reaction to King Sombra becoming an Alicorn and the information that he is my father did upset you quite severely, did it not Luna?" Princess Luna suddenly felt cornered, "I... may have observed that but I do not think my sister is biased." It was evident that Celestia's incredible patience wearing thin when she said, "Well I'm sorry that I was a little hostile with you and your father when I found out about those little issues... but King Sombra had been one of our greatest enemies for over 1,000 years, Burning Star. Finding out that the pony that married my student was related to him did understandably shock me." Burning Star snorted, himself getting a little angry now, "Well you didn't have to light my father ablaze with solar fire when he showed up to dinner one night." Princess Luna began to see smoke coming from Burning Star's mane, and she said, trying to diffuse the situation. "Well that is in the past, we should focus on the wedding. Tomorrow is supposed to be a day of peace and happiness for a newly-wed couple, not a day of conflict and anger over problems that were already addressed." The Princess of the Moon wrapped her wing around her sister and said, "Sister, I recommend we both rest for tomorrow's ceremony. If this wedding is going to be as important as Burning Star thinks it is, then we need to alert all of our forces to watch for intruders that seek to disrupt this holy matrimony." Celestia sighed, knowing that her sister was right. "Yes Luna, we all must get some rest for tomorrow." Burning Star snickered and began to fly off, but Luna said to him before he could fly away, "That includes you, Alicorn of Fire. Sleep deprivation isn't good for a warrior king." Burning Star hung his head and said, "Yes mom, I'll go to bed. See ya tomorrow morning." The Alicorn of Fire flew down to his balcony and went inside, then laid down and fell asleep the instant his head hit the pillow. Another pony was up at this time, he was currently sitting in his chambers, his mind wandering. The Alicorn of Eclipses, Prince Eclipsio was always an odd fellow to say the least. He was reclusive and aloof only appearing at extremely important political meetings and when he was absolutely needed. Truthfully, he found politics a downright bore, mainly because he was a master chessmaster... so doing something as easily as saying the right thing to the right pony was much too easy. Although, when you had the ability to travel to various different dimensions and alternate realities at a whim, being called "odd" is a genuine compliment. The Alicorn of Eclipses was currently talking with one of his best friends, Discord, over a cup of chocolate milk, which Eclipsio adored. Eclipsio spoke to Discord, "So Discord... how is the relationship between you and Fluttershy coming along?" The draconequess responded, slicking back the tuft of hair between his mismatched horns, "Oh it's going positively wonderous, Eclipsio. My dear Fluttershy was once again put in charge of animal care and handling for the wedding tomorrow, and she has allowed me to bring along some of the more "rowdy" animals from the Everfree." The Prince raised an eyebrow, "What do you intend to bring that Lady Fluttershy would consider "rowdy", Discord?" Discord pulled at the collar of his fur, which stretched out as if it were a shirt collar, "Uh, well let's just say I may or may not have invited the Ursa Major and Minor that attacked Ponyville all those years ago..." The prince's eyes went wide, "That is considered, ahem... "rowdy", discord? We have both dealt with beings that rivaled the gods in power, so an Ursa Major and Minor would be a honestly calm experience for once." He flapped over to Discord and put his hooves on his chest, "Besides, we both know Fluttershy is some sort of animal whisperer, and if she can handle you... then I think an Ursa Major and Minor will be a walk in the park for her... provided she doesn't faint on the spot when you tell her." Discord smiled sheepishly, "Uh... well about that, Eclipsio..." The prince's eyes narrowed, "You didn't bother to tell her about this?" The draconequess pulled at his fur again, steam visibly emitting from it. "Heh-heh, well I didn't want to tell her..." Eclipsio sighed and pinched the bridge of his snout, "Discord you realize that those beasts are roughly the size of this very castle, do you not?" Discord's face was starting to turn red, "Yes but..." Eclipsio continued, "You also realize that creatures of that size would cause quite a bit of alarm for the city, yes?" Discord's face turned beet red, "I know but..." The Prince finished by saying, "And you do realize that if something angers those beasts, this ceremony as well as this city is pretty screwed, right?" Discord sighed, "Uh... um... yes. I do realize the risks, but think about the reward, Eclipsio! I would be able to introduce the rather sheltered ponies of Canterlot to the more wild and wacky creatures of the Everfree. And don't you worry your pretty little head, if the two start to act up, I'll simply pop the both of them back to the woodland cave they call home." Prince Eclipsio downed the rest of his chocolate milk and said, "Alright Discord, but don't count on me bailing you out if this goes awry, this is on YOU." Wit that, the Prince of Eclipses teleported away in a silver flash of light, leaving Discord alone, until he then popped off as well. (Canterlot Castle, Vision Pool) With his conversation concluded, Eclipsio returned to his main duty... Staring at his vision pool and looking at the past, present, and futures of the many worlds across the Multiverse. "Let's see what evil is going on tonight." he said to himself, eyeing the pits of Tartarus first, seeing Tirek struggling in futility to free himself. He spat various curses at Celestia's name, Luna's name, and the names of any gods out there that had confined him to this hellish prison. This got a chuckle from Eclipsio, "Poor bastard, you were so close to victory, but the power of friendship and Rainbow Power beat you down so easily." He turned his attention to the battle between Doom Star and Pure Star, despite six weeks passing since the chaotic battle that nearly destroyed two worlds and the space time continuum itself, space-time was still healing from the massive blast that came from Doom Star's demise. "Burning Star got extremely lucky nothing too severe was damaged in space time, He stopped the "God of Destruction" just in time before a total event collapse could occur." he thought to himself. A spike in evil went off during that event that caught Eclipsio off guard, the resulting force sent him flying away as a dark aura seeped from the past event like blood from an open wound. It was frightening to behold, that is for sure. Prince Eclipsio got to his hooves and shook his head to get his focus back before saying, "What in the name of my sisters was that? It felt like concentrated, pure evil. I haven't felt such potent negative energy since Doom Star appeared, although this was different..." Just to be safe, Eclipsio created magisteel axe and held it tight as he approached the pool on his hind legs in order to peer into the past event. When nothing dangerous came out, he said to himself as he ignited his horn, "I better go check this out... I'm not liking something this evil being unknown to me." Prince Eclipsio pointed his horn towards the past event and he disappeared in a flash of light. (6 weeks earlier... Castle of the Two Sisters) The Prince of Eclipses arrived in his shadow form and slunk into the shadows to observe, carefully making mental notes on what he saw. He looked at one of the two figures standing in the dark... "Prince Blueblood?! What are you doing here?!" Eclipsio thought to himself, now looking closer at the Prince. He was wearing some sort of armor, although Eclipsio didn't know what armor it was... but it looked damaged. Eclipsio heard another sound, a frightening screech coming from the door. He looked towards the door and saw a figure wrapped in black cloth slowly inching forward, for some reason, Eclipsio couldn't see him, even with his night vision on. Blueblood squinted his eyes shut and screamed as the Shadow lunged at him, his wails echoing throughout the castle. He fired the magic casters in all directions, trying to keep up with the shadow as it leapt about like a mad cat. bolts of magical power impacted the walls and floor in rapid succession, leaving black scorch marks behind. Eclipsio had to jump to the shadows on the ceiling to avoid being torn to bits from the hail of magic bolts, he reached a safe spot and continued his observation. Blueblood heard the unholy screech of that shadow again and fired at a large vase, reducing it to dust. His shots lit up the empty castle with a glowing red yellow light. Another roar, this time coming from his left. The Prince of Canterlot yelled as he fired another storm of magical bolts, shattering the windows and letting the torrential rain into the castle. Blueblood screamed like a filly as he fired wildly, trying to keep up with the jumping shadow as it bounded around the hall. It finally jumped straight up through the roof, causing debris to rain down on Blueblood and Prince Eclipsio to dodge out of the way of the collapsing support beams. Prince Blueblood fired a explosive blast of magic that blasted the rubble before it could crush him, he was covered in dust from it. Blueblood looked at his dirtied Mane and groaned, "Damn this filth... I'm going to have to wash my mane for hours to get all of this out!" A voice called out from behind him, and a hoof grabbed his throat, yanking him out of the throne and pinning him to the ground. The shadow spoke to the prince, his voice raspy and frightening, "You have bigger things to worry about than your appearance, Blueblood." The Prince sneered at the figure, "I told you, it's Prince Blueblood, and I will have you know-" Blueblood was suddenly lifted into the air decked across the face, sending him skidding across the floor. "Silence, you worthless royal brat. I came here for something you have and I'm going to get it." Said the shadow, his gaze like ice towards the Prince. "W-who... what are you?" The Shadow picked up the Prince and pulled him close, Blueblood could feel the hot breath on his face as the shadow spoke. "What I am and who I am does not concern you, what does concern you is this." The shadow pointed towards the helmet Blueblood had tossed away. This prompted the prince to say, "What? What do you want with my armor?" The shadow bared his teeth, sharp canines visible as a flash of lightning briefly lit up the castle. "Your armor is what I want, Blueblood. I have an offer that may be of interest to you." Blueblood raised an eyebrow, "What is this offer you speak of, fiend?" The Shadow tossed Blueblood like a sack of wet cement to the stairs, where he hit his head hard upon the stone steps, causing blood to trickle down his head from a cut. It stained Blueblood's perfect white coat a dark red... much to his dismay. The shadow approached Blueblood, who was currently kneeling, trying to stop the bleeding. It said to him, "My offer is simple, you give me the armor and teach me how it works." Blueblood found the courage to say, "And if I refuse? What then? You kill me and you will have all of Equestria looking for you and my auntie's military ready to strike you down for the crime of regicide." The Prince tried to stand, but found a long, jagged knife pressed against his throat. The shadow's tone grew grim, "No Blueblood, I will not kill you, that would be a mercy to us all, I will do worse. I will inflict pain so bad that will make you wish for the final gasp of death. If you still refuse, then I will torture you further. I will bleed you dry and make you scream in agony. I will break your will and spirit until you will tell me anything I want to know about the armor, anything to make the pain go away..." The shadow turned the knife slightly, causing a small cut to appear on the Prince's neck, Blueblood clenched his teeth in pain as he saw more blood drip onto his pristine white coat. The Prince of Eclipses got a bit closer, jumping down onto a broken wall sconce and perching there like some sort of bird of prey. He heard the Shadow speak again, voice hushed but furious. "The way you walk out of here alive and mostly intact is simple, you siniveling cur, is to give me that armor... NOW." Blueblood had the balls to respond with, "And if I refuse? What? You will do all of those dreadful things to me? I highly doubt it..." Prince Eclipsio watched in horror as The Shadow pulled the knife away from Blueblood's neck and brutally stabbed him in the left leg, causing the prince to scream in pain and clutch the rapidly bleeding gouge in his left leg. Blueblood crumpled to the floor, before the Shadow picked him up and stabbed him in the back right leg, then tore a gash across it length wise, coating the knife with crimson blood and causing Blueblood to tremble in fear, realizing that this Shadow meant business. The Prince of Eclipses could only watch as the Shadow picked up Blueblood and threw him into his sisters old throne, shattering it and dropping rubble on Blueblood. Blueblood tried to lift the debris off of him but the Shadow lifted his hoof over his head and brought it down hard. Eclipsio cringed as the Shadow brought his hoof down on Blueblood's horn, crushing it to dust and causing the rocks to slam down on Blueblood's back, pinning him down. The Shadow ripped Blueblood out of the rubble and said to him in the most icy tone possible... "You're right... I'll just kill you as brutally as possible." Prince Eclipsio watched as the Shadow pulled out a larger knife that looked more like a fat-bladed sword and leveled it against Blueblood's neck. Blue blood blubbered like a child, "I'm sorry! I-I-I didn't mean to test you, dark thing! I can give you whatever you want! Just let me live!" The Shadow replied, "I want that armor, and I will carve it off your dead carcass to get it..." With a quick slash of the blade, Blueblood's neck burst open in a spray of red upon the Shadow's face, which bore a unnatural and terrifying smirk. With that, Prince Blueblood died... alone and without Allies. Murdered in cold blood by a shadowy killer who stood below Eclipsio, smiling at his work. The Shadow then looked at the bloody red blade, seeing the blood drip from it slowly. It then stuck his tounge out and ran it across the bloodied surface, licking up the red liquid like a filly would lick a lollipop, then swallowed it with a gurgling gulp. The Shadow then began to carve into Blueblood's corpse, humming creepily as he pulled off bits of flesh connecting the armor to Blueblood's body. The Shadow finally got all of it off, leaving Blueblood's corpse a mangled, bloodstained mess. Eclipsio lost his lunch and upchucked his chocolate milk, his hayburger and fries, and anything else in his stomach. He wiped his mouth and covered his eyes, trying to put that image out of his mind. Which for somepony who had a photographic memory, was nearly impossible. Eclipsio pulled his eyes towards the Shadow, getting a quick glance at him, and wishing he never saw him. The figure was a stallion, but Eclipsio couldn't tell what species since he was covered in black cloth, and stood nearly as tall as Burning Star, who was one of the largest Alicorns (Next to Faust). His entire body was obscured by the black cloth, except for his eyes. The Shadow turned upwards, and his eyes made the adult Alicorn shudder in terror. His eyes were bright neon-blue colored, and glowed like little blue fires in the dark of the castle. The Shadow pulled all the armor off and said while staring at the helmet, "This was all too easy, Blueblood was pathetic, unfit to bear this weapon properly. However, I will not be like him, I will use this weapon for its intended purpose, to the greatest efficiency possible... soon all will fear my wrath... the wrath of Black Sun, REBORN!!!!!" Prince Eclipsio pulled himself out of the past event and shuddered in terror at the gruesome display he just bore witness to. Prince Eclipsio was always a stoic figure, nothing could scare him or even faze him. But this... this made him absolutely terrified. It shattered his willpower instantly. Eclipsio curled up into a ball and started to sob audibly, his cries echoing around him in a haunting voice. "Evil has survived. Evil has survived. Evil has survived. Evil has survived." He repeated as he rocked back and forth, too scared to stop. His cries got the attention of Hiller, Prince Eclipsio's personal guard. He rushed into the room with his protopony whip-hoof active, seeing the prince sobbing he grabbed him and said with both worry and frustration in his voice, "Eclipsio! What happened? Why the hell are you crying? Did you see something that frightened you?!" Prince Eclipsio shakily pointed to the vision pool and Hiller approached it, his bladed whip-hoof still active. He peered into the pool himself, seeing the carnage of Blueblood by the shadow, then said in his most unnerved voice. "Holy crap man, I did want Blueblood dead but I didn't expect that. He was slaughtered like a helpless timber wolf. Killed in cold blood, even I wouldn't do that. I'd give him a good fight, at least. I wouldn't do... that..." he said, pointing at the vision of the lifeless corpse of the prince of canterlot. Hiller continued, "What are we going to do now? Should we tell the guests about this issue?" Prince Eclipsio shook his head, "No. it would only cause more chaos than a marriage already has..." Hiller put away the whip and paced towards the Prince of Eclipses, "So we keep this under wraps? That is a great idea, since we have Him coming over... let's hope he can't hear about this, I don't want him to start a firefight with our Celestia, or even worse, Burning Star." Eclipsio added in, "Yeah, he may boast that his body can withstand anything, I would hate to see Burning Star turn his Pure Star form on his special guest... I don't think he can withstand the heat of an exploding star. Hell... I can barely survive it. I asked him to practice it on me, to see how powerful he was... let's just say we blew up half of the Fortress of Nil with one Purity Starstrike." Hiller raised one of his black eyebrows, "What is a Purity Starstrike?" Prince Eclipsio shuddered when he said, "Think Burning Star's Starstrike Attack, with its power times 20. Yeah... picture that right now, how powerful that is." Hiller let out a yawn, "Uhhh... I'm tired, I think we both need some rest, Prince Eclipsio, I will see you in the morning. Good luck on your sermon for the wedding. Ciao!" With that, Hiller leapt off and towards his room, Eclipsio was now alone. Remembering what he saw, he thought to himself, "On second thought... maybe telling him could help. He is a master of destroying evil, so let's just see how it turns out." Prince Eclipsio went to his room and lay down on his king-sized bed, before turning out his light and falling asleep.
Chapter 1: Make Love, and Maybe War Afterwards...Author's Note First official chapter! That prologue was intense, but we are finally at the main plot... the wedding! I'm sure everything is going to go well! It's not like a murderous pony wearing extremely dangerous battle armor is coming! (Sarcasm) Chapter 1: Make Love, and Maybe War Afterwards... (Act 1: A Mad World) (Canterlot Castle, The Twilight Guard Quarters) The Royal Guard has been the general mascot for Equestria's armed forces, despite how... lackluster they were in combat before their new division was approved. This new division, called the Twilight Guard (named after the mare who commissioned them), were the strongest fighters of the Royal Guard, hoof-picked by the head of security, the Black Knight Shadow Armor. Despite Shadow Armor's rank being similar to that of a lord, he preferred to sleep in a simple chamber over the Twilight Guard Quarters. Shadow Armor was many things, Strong, loyal, ambitious, passionate... but he wasn't showy. While he wanted a quiet wedding as to not draw attention, he knew his fiancé Fluer wanted a wedding worthy of a hero such as him... and he caved. So now, the black knight stood in front of a mirror, being fitted with his ceremonial armor, with was colored chrome black with bright red highlights. What he didn't expect when he agreed to the ceremony was who his His groomstallions would be. Almost instantly, the entirety of the Masters of Nature half volunteered, half demanded to be them, so of course Shadow Armor had to pick them, lest he die on his wedding day from the combined might of their powers. So here he was, his best man being Shining Armor, and his other best man being Quickfire... it was unusual... but Quickfire was actually there as a bodyguard for him. Shining Armor lifted one of the Black Knight's legs and began to slip on a hoof guard, "Come on Shadow..." he said, a little annoyance in his voice, "give me a hoof here. I can't fit these things on without you actually putting in effort. So slide your hooves in, please." Shadow Armor sighed and dropped his hoof like a rock, it slid in seamlessly, wrenching the metal boot out of Shining's magical grasp and stomping on the floor with a loud clang. Shadow Armor replied with ire in his tone, "Shining, the reason I'm being the slightest bit uncooperative is because I believe that this wedding is overly grandiose. I still wanted to get married, but having this many ponies here is the perfect setup for another invasion. Look what happened with you're wedding!" Thunder Fury cut in, "Yeah, but Queen Chrysalis is freaking dead. You saw her body, the Guardians killed her and most, if not all of her hive." Iron Steed added in his own reassuring voice, "Also, if anypony actually does attack, the sheer amount of security here would stop them cold." Wind Walker trotted over and said to the black knight, his wraith like voice only audible to him, "If anypony with ill intent is approaching, I would know ahead of time, Lord Shadow Armor. As you know, My powers allow me to sense anything exposed to open air." Shadow Armor responded to the group, "Thanks for helping with the cold hooves I'm getting... I just can't believe that i am actually getting married. Me, the Black Knight. I honestly thought that I would die in battle before this day could ever come. It's almost too good to be true, isn't it?" Sea Breeze nodded his head, "Aye, but the day has come, hasn't it lad? It's a rarity that ponies like us don't get often... attending a wedding, such a joyous occasion." Hiller burst into the room and said, "Everypony, Burning Star's ahem... "special guest" is here." Shadow Armor raised an eyebrow as his helm was put on, "What is with the tone, Mr. Hiller? Is something the matter with this special guest pony?" Hiller responded with a shrug, "That is the problem, I don't even know if he is a pony at all." (Canterlot Castle, Back Courtyard) Burning Star stood stoically in the back courtyard of the castle, his sword on his back and his horn ready to ignite at a moments notice, should his "special guest" become hostile. Celestia and Luna stood at his sides, with Eclipsio in front of them, he had activated a portal to another world. Both of them were naturally nervous by the idea that ANOTHER Off-world pony they know little about was coming to visit for the wedding. Celestia asked the Alicorn of Fire, "So who is this guest you have invited over, Burning Star? Last time an incident where dimensions crossed over we had a dark goddess of magic run amok and various other issues." Burning Star rolled his deep blue eyes, "Yeah I remember, I solved that issue with the help of a few friends, who unfortunately couldn't be here due to some sort of incident involving them. That, and I think they have had their fill of multidimensional mayhem for a while." Luna nodded, "I agree with Burning Star that his new allies didn't need to be invited due to their duties, but why invite this surprise guest you have been keeping in the dark?" The Alicorn of Fire smirked, "If I told you who he was, both of you would have made a big fuss over it." He turned directly towards Celestia, his eyes unusually intense, "Especially you, sun-butt." Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes in frustration, she was already annoyed with Burning Star for assigning her as apart of security, now she was taking back talk from him?! She was a Princess of Equestria! She deserved respect! Celestia gathered what was left of her patience and said as calmly as possible, "You will treat me with respect, Burning Star." Prince Eclipsio cleared his throat to get everypony's attention. "Hey! We got incoming. Traveller from other dimension is here! Duck!" Eclipsio ducked as did the rest of the alicorns and guard detail as a silver and black blur shot out of the portal propelled by his great metallic wings. Celestia looked up to see the metal-winged being stop mid-flight and crashed down in front of Burning Star in a superhero landing, cracking the very rock below him. The figure in front of Burning Star stood about as tall as him, maybe a few inches shorter. His wings were made of some sort of metal and thrusters were attached to the base of the wings. Burning Star stuck out his hoof for a shake, "Welcome to my dimension, Pony of Vengeance. Please excuse the crowd, but I wanted to make sure this wedding goes along without issue." The figure spoke to Burning Star, his voice scary enough to make the two sisters shiver and the majority of the guard detail to lower their spears. "Well this isn't the first time I've been surrounded by law enforcement, Alicorn of Fire... and it certainly will not be the last." The figure unveiled his cloak and Celestia and Luna's jaw dropped. The figure lacked any flesh or bone of any kind, rather he had some silvery metal shell protecting his inner workings from damage. He stood on his hind legs, his face similar to that of a pony, but much shorter and lacking a long snout. His front legs were tipped with long metal fingers and knife like claws lay upon the fingers for its nails. He spoke again, this time addressing the massive guard detail, "Lower your spears before I chop them faster than you can throw them at me, not like they would do anything to me..." Burning Star signaled for the guards to lower their weapons, which they did with great unease at the sight of this metal monster. Burning Star turned to the guards and the sisters and said, "Mares and Stallions, Princesses and Princes, meet your boss for the next day and a half. Why don't you introduce yourself?" The metal being gave a small wave, "I am Ironheart, the Pony of Vengeance. Burning Star has invited me to this wedding as a special guest, and due to me being who I am, it was strictly on a need to know basis, and you two didn't need to know." Celestia let out an annoyed huff, now she was taking orders?! From a ROBOT?! She finally lost her patience with Burning Star and snapped at him, "ENOUGH! I've had it up to here with this... this... madness! I am Princess Celestia Alicornus, the Princess of the Sun and and one of the ruling monarchs of Equestria! I've humoresque your little... scheme to stay in power for far too long, you wanted to see my warrior side?! Well you are about to get it!" Princess Celestia summoned her halberd and stomped over to Burning Star, who began to reach for his sword. Suddenly, Celestia's halberd was slashed by a flash of an electrical blade, sending the weapon clattering to the floor in two pieces. It was Ironheart! He had drawn his Thunderblade and cut the Princess's weapon without anypony noticing, sheathing the weapon and saying with quite a bit of venom in his voice, "If you two are planning on killing each other, wait until this wedding is over, but we have work to do with our security!" He was pulled aside by Prince Eclipsio who said to the bionic pony, "Ironheart, there are issues that you can't deal with without context, this is one of them." Ironheart pulled himself out of the Eclipse Prince's magical grasp, obviously annoyed by being pulled around by the Alicorn, "Fine. Explain what will happen today in detail on the way to the security room, got it?" Prince Eclipsio nodded, "As you wish, Pony of Vengeance." (Canterlot Castle, Main Hallway, 15 minutes later...) Prince Eclipsio had teleported back to his room, much to Ironheart's impatience, he had come here on the equivalent of a dare by Burning Star. he honestly didn't expect that there would actually be a wedding! Ironheart didn't know much about Shadow Armor's personal life, outside of his letters back and forth between the two, and the Holo-Archives he had developed only repeated info he already knew. So why was he here? What could possibly be so important that he, Ironheart, the freaking Pony of Vengeance, had to be called to another dimension from his own... to assist in the security of a wedding? Ironheart sensed something... off, and he didn't like it. The metallic pony had enough of the secrecy and asked the Prince of Eclipses, "So why am I really here, Eclipsio? Because I don't think that I would be the best wedding guest, since I already said that in my letter to Burning Star 2 months ago..." Eclipsio nodded, "Yes, but 2 months ago a massive God-like being of destruction called Doom Star appeared and Burning Star struck him down, he wanted to make sure he had another being just as powerful as him, just in case something and devastating as that popped up during the wedding." Ironheart raised a nonexistent eyebrow, "Why doesn't he manage security, then? He has dealt with this Doom Star and slaughtered him, I still don't see your point. So, why I was called in to manage security by the hot headed Alicorn?" Prince Eclipsio nervously smiled, "Yeah... that chat you had with him, that was me. I needed you to come on an investigation, since you have just disposed of Count Privilege (by the way well done.) I figured your intellect and ferocity would prove useful for a problem I have encountered." Ironheart's right hand reached for his electric sword slowly as he said, quite frustrated, which was hard to do to the Pony of Vengeance, "You mean I came I came all the way out here for a made-up reason you created in order to employ me to fix some problem you know nothing about? You realize how frustrating this is for me?" He finally drew his electric blade, Eclipsio responded by creating a plasma blade in his left hoof and blocking the swipe from Ironheart seamlessly, leaving a scorch mark on the wall. Ironheart yelled, venom seeping into his voice, "I had my grand design ready for deployment and to you called me away for a CSI case?! You must be joking, right?!" The Prince pushed Ironheart back about 50 feet and stared at Ironheart, his piercing golden gaze matching Ironheart's burning orange and yellow one, "It is not just that, Ironheart. This involves a murder, and a murder in cold blood nonetheless. That is why I called you, you're an expert at disposing of killers and other unsavory criminals that stained your world, I figured this would be right up your alley." Ironheart only heard the words "murderer", "criminal", and "dispose". he said, his interest now piqued, "Alright... what happened?" Eclipsio responded to the metal pony's question with a sigh, "It would be better to show you, but I must get you to the briefing room so you can look over the plans, make adjustments, etc." (Canterlot Castle, Wedding Security Briefing) Ironheart pushed open the door, seeing the various species of ponies. The standard Royal Guard was sitting uncomfortably in their seats, they were represented by the golden armor. What surprised Ironheart was the collection of guards flanking Burning Star and the two sisters. They bore determined expressions and held their weapons relaxed at their sides, great marks of a warrior. They were Earth Ponies, Pegasus, and Unicorns, all were dressed in gold and black armor. The Gold color for Fluer, the Black color for Shadow Armor. The Pony of Vengeance turned his fiery gaze to the guards and said, "So, who are the guards that are ready enough to give their lives for Equestria?" Most of the standard Royal Guard shot their hooves Up, while the black and gold clad soldiers at the front remained motionless. Ironheart looked around at the guards, noticing the change. He activated out one of his machine guns and pointed it at the group, live ammo in the chamber. He altered the question slightly, "Ok then, who is actually willing to do it?" Almost the entirety of the standard Royal Guard shuffled out, leaving the guard detail at the front. Ironheart then flipped the gun's stock around to the guards and tossed the firearm in the air while he pulled out his electric sword and took a swing at Eclipsio. One of the guards grabbed the gun and fired off three rounds into Ironheart. One knocking the weapon out of his hand, one sending the weapon skittering away, and the final to where his lung would be. He did all of this without visibly moving an inch! Ironheart felt no pain from the bullets, he was made of metal, but his systems registered a slight puncture to his chest, the guard that had grabbed the gun had ignited his horn into a plasma blade and sent it right where Ironheart's heart would be... but since he was pretty much indestructible... all it did was pierce his armor. It left all of his vital systems untouched! Ironheart clapped his clawed hands together saying, "Well done, sir. You've managed to disarm and wound me, even though the objective was to kill the attacker. Why didn't you?" The unicorn pulled off his helmet, revealing his face. he said in a , "Because true courage comes from knowing when to take a life, and knowing when to spare one." The Pony of Vengeance picked up his sword and picked up the machine gun, reattaching it to his frame before saying to Prince Eclipsio, "Eclipsio, He is my second in command, soldier... what is your name?" The soldier responded with his name, which rang with dominance, "My comrades call me Frosty because of what I am, but my full name is Frostclaw Melody-Scratch." As he spoke his name, his mane seemed to glow with bright blue light, which took the form of shards of ice that grew from his hair. Ironheart took in the sight, Frostclaw was... odd to say the least. He had the general body shape of a pony, but he was a bit skinner and longer. From his hooves sharp talons were sprouting, and his fur had patches of what looked to be dragon scales near his joints and muscles. His cutie mark was an iceberg with a claw mark in it. Prince Eclipsio stopped the soldier and asked, "What are you, Frosty?" "Frosty" answered with a smirk, "Why Eclipsio, I am in fact not a pony, I am what is referred to as a Kirin. A fusion of pony and dragon blood... I'm originally from overseas, but two mares adopted me." Eclipsio raised one of his eyebrows, "A Kirin? What is a powerful creature like a Kirin doing so far from Neighpon?" Frostclaw shrugged and sighed, "I don't know, us Kirin don't usually go outside Neighpon, I arrived because I sensed a great tragedy about to happen, but it seems I was six weeks too late. Oops..." Ironheart shook his head, "Nothing happens without reason, Frostclaw. Something or somepony drew you to Equestria, what you're really here for is yet to be seen. But for now, you are in charge of these ponies." Frostclaw nodded, "It would be an honor." The Pony of Vengeance looked over the plans of Canterlot Castle, and began to formulate a plan in his internal computer. He finished his thinking and said to the group his plan, "Alright listen carefully. This is how we guard this wedding as effectively as possible." He pointed to the left and right courtyards, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be taking the Royal Guard to the right and left courtyards, Right one for Celestia, Left one for Luna. We will have Unicorn Snipers in the four towers in each tower, connected to the walls that surround the castle." He pointed to Frostclaw and said, "Lieutenant Frostclaw, you will your elite guard and split it into four groups, one for each entrance of the castle. Two groups will take the front entrance, frisk the guests and set up metal detectors. We need absolute confidence that everypony here for this wedding is here for the wedding only." He pointed to the back entrance, "Frostclaw will take the back entrance to the throne room, don't let anypony other than Prince Eclipsio, myself, or the bride and groom." He finished off by saying with venom in his voice, "If anything or anypony approaches that looks Off, you radio in to me. and if the attacker approaches, kill him." The guards nodded and saluted, "Yes sir." Ironheart waved the guards off, "Good, now go! We have a job to do." The Prince and Pony of Vengeance both walked out of the room and towards Eclipsio's vision pool room, the Prince had to show Ironheart the event... Maybe he could figure out what happened... (Vision Pool) Ironheart stepped into a chamber that looked to be carved out of the rock of the mountain Canterlot was built on. He looked around, seeing a glowing pool filled with some sort of Light blue liquid. The same liquid dripped from the ceiling, which had stone spikes hanging from it like it was the mouth of some great beast. Ironheart asked Eclipsio the obvious question, "What is this place, Prince Eclipsio?" The Prince turned and faced Ironheart, a grin across his face, "Welcome to my vision pool, Pony of Vengeance." Ironheart began to speak again, and walked towards the pool in the center, "Im guessing you stand here and observe all that happens in your universe and others?" Eclipsio's jaw dropped, "How did you figure that out? I was about to explain it and stuff..." The Pony of Vengeance looked at the pool's surface, which swirled and writhed with strange symbols and letters. He lowered one of his metal hands to the pool to try and sample the liquid... Eclipsio cried out, "No Ironheart!" Ironheart didn't hear and his hand went into the liquid, and a particular feeling washed over him. Pain... He felt agonizing pain! Ironheart tried to pull his hand out but it was stuck and the liquid was slowly pulling him in! He fired his thrusters and tried to pry his hand away but he only sank deeper. Another feeling washed over him, Fear... Prince Eclipsio activated his magic and pulled as hard as he could, yanking Ironheart out. He crashed into the wall with a bang. Ironheart looked at his hand, and saw something that shocked him. His hand was partially melted... a hand coated in Infisteel and stronger than anything ever made, had nearly melted off... Prince Eclipsio spoke to Ironheart in a annoyed, but worried tone, "What were you thinking? That is a pool of concentrated cosmic energy, Ironheart. Only I can safely handle it, as it is what I do." Eclipsio looked at Ironheart's near-melted hand, he ignited his horn and began to turn back time... Within seconds, Ironheart's hand was repaired! Ironheart stood up slowly, slightly weirded out by what just happened, "So you sit around all day using that to help with your abilities? If it is that powerful, how did you use it all this time?" Eclipsio ignited his horn again, "Well first off... I never enter the pool without magic. You can't survive it without magic on your side..." He placed his Horn into the pool, changing it into the image from last night. He then grasped Ironheart's hand, and the Pony of Vengeance's vision flooded with golden light. Eclipsio finished and Ironheart stood still, before he tipped backwards and fell on his butt. He had just seen the events of the past, and his systems were overloaded from the sheer amount of magic Eclipsio had used. He finally regained his focus and said, "So I was brought here to possibly stop whatever the hell that was?" Eclipsio nodded, "Yes, due to the seriousness of Prince Blueblood's death..." The Pony of Vengeance clenched his fist, "The twit had it coming, Prince Eclipsio." The Prince gave him a deadpan look, "he did, but murder is still murder. You know that more than anypony, Ironheart. I hope you aren't in over your head..." Ironheart clenched his hand around Eclipsio's hoof, saying to him, "I am not, Eclipsio. By the time I'm finished, ponies will bow in my shadow. I need to go to this wedding now to make sure this freak doesn't show up, goodbye." Prince Eclipsio watched as Ironheart ran off, and the Prince said to himself. "Either the world will bow in your shadow, or you will fall in your own..." (Burning Star's Room) Meanwhile across the castle, a mighty roar of frustration came from the room of the Alicorn of Fire. Burning Star stood completely still, extremely uncomfortable as Rarity made the finishing touches on her specialized suit. Because of Burning Star's pyrotechnic abilities, Rarity had to find some sort of fabric or material that was fire-proof, but still looked absolutely amazing with Burning Star's black fur. Eventually she stumbled upon she'd Dragon skin, which she knew was Fireproof, since Spike could dive into molten lava and be completely fine. Granted, Spike was now nearly 20 feet tall and his scales could stop piercing rounds cold... so when he shed his skin, Rarity asked for it and the Dragon happily gave it to her. She took one of Spike's massive shed skins and labored for an entire night sewing and cutting it into an Alicorn-sized suit. "Are you done yet, Rarity? If you aren't I can just wear my armor out." The white unicorn snorted, "Oh pish posh, Burning Star. You're armor may be strong and reliable, but the orange and red just doesn't match your fur, it makes your red Mane stand out too much, too much red. You need a lighter color to contrast your dark coat." She set the last stitch in and put the finishing touches on the shirt, before saying. "I'm finished! Come take a look, darling." Burning Star waddled over to Rarity, his metal hoofguards making clinking sounds on the hard marble floor. The Alicorn looked over Rarity's head and saw the suit, and despite the delay, he liked it. His suit was colored a creamy white with purple lining that still had the same dragon scale pattern to it. Down its back and underneath the suit were green flaps that were the openings for his wings and legs, which stretched out as he slipped into the suit. Burning Star took a trot around the room, testing whether or not the suit was comfortable. He said to Rarity, "Alright, Rarity. Extraordinary comfort and style, but can it survive this?" The unicorn bit her lip. "Here we go, the final test." she thought to herself. Even though Spike had told her that his skin was fireproof, can it survive the heat of a star? Burning Star flared his mane and ignited his fur, turning it a blazing orange until he was completely engulfed in flames. His fire made the suit glow slightly, but it was holding up! When the Alicorn extinguished himself, the suit was still in one piece, with not a scorch or burn mark on it! Burning Star whistled in surprise, "Awesome! I finally have a dress suit that is fire-proof, what is this made of, Rarity?" Rarity relaxed and said, "Oh, it's made with dragonskin that Spike gave me. It seems to have worked wonders, you didn't incinerate another set of clothes, and you're finally dress appropriately for this wedding." The unicorn was suddenly swept up in a hug from Burning Star, "Thanks so much, Rarity. This means a lot to me. Any way I can repay you?" Rarity waved her hoof, "Oh don't bother, dear. I'm always willing to help my friends, even if it took me a day and a half to get this done, it was worth it just to see you smile... and with clothes on." Feeling excited, Burning Star rushed out the door, a wave of heat flying through the hall as he sped towards the throne room. He thought to himself, "Rarity may had said it was for nothing, but I am a stallion who keeps his promises. I wonder if she wants an interview with the Royal Tailor?" He put those thoughts to the side as he entered the throne room, seeing the vast family of Fluer De Lis, who had decided to invite them all... All 150 members... which meant more guests, and that meant more security, and it eventually just lead to more stress on his mind. Burning Star walked over to Princess Celestia, who stood in the corner, checking her radio for any news on intruders. The Alicorn of Fire asked Celestia, "Any news from your squad, Celly?" She shook her radio, "Nothing so far, it's all just affirmations that they are in position." He nodded, "Brilliant, I have to go check the guard center, see who is where and such one more time..." Celestia grabbed Burning Star's hoof and pulled him to face her before saying, "Burning Star? Is something the matter? I'm sorry if I... exploded back when I met your friend, but I was frustrated that you were not telling us of another breach of our fabric of reality." The Alicorn of Fire nodded and looked to the door, "Yeah thanks for apologizing but I really have to go..." The Princess raised an eyebrow, "You seem tense, Is something wrong that I can help with?" Burning Star looked at Celestia, seeing the caring expression on her face, before sighing "Ugh... yes. I'm worried that something bad is going to happen again. We already know that our dimension can be accessed by outsiders, who is to say that another trans-dimensional monster will pop in and ruin this wedding that Twilight and I worked so hard to arrange?" Celestia cupped the black pony's face, "Calm down, Burning Star. You have done everything you can, Canterlot Castle is sealed tighter than a drum and Canterlot is currently protected by one of Shining Armor's shields, if anything even gets in here they would have to fight through dozens of the most elite military we have at our disposal. Not to mention, they would have to defeat me and Luna. As well as you, the Masters of Nature and the Elements of Harmony before they'd make it to the altar. I believe that we are safe, so calm yourself." Burning Star took a breath, then said, "Alright... Maybe I've got the wedding jitters Shadow Armor doesn't appear to have." Princess Celestia pointed to Shadow Armor, who was standing at the side of the Altar, Prince Eclipsio standing in front of it. "That is because he has confidence in your abilities, and the abilities of the guards that serve under him." The music started playing, and Burning Star flew into his seat, followed by Celestia and Luna, who had just entered from the central door. The central door opened, and Fluer was led out by her father, the Duke of De Lis, Prance. He was a unicorn with gray fur and a dark purple Mane that showed gray lines due to his age. Shadow Armor looked at his bride to be, seeing her draped in a stunning white dress decorated in flowery swirls. He said to himself, awestruck, "Holy Faust, she looks amazing. Rarity and Coco really outdone themselves again." Fluer finally made it to the altar and smiled as she stared at Shadow Armor, who was dressed in his ceremonial armor, due to not having a suit. Eclipsio was about to speak when suddenly the center door burst open and in flew Ironheart, who landed in front of the crowd, earning a few worried mutters and some gasps. He looked around at the crowd and said, a small smirk on his face, "Oh don't mind me, I don't mean to interrupt this ceremony, I'm just late. Go back to your adoration of the soon to be married couple, I'll be over here with the Groom's family." A few worried mumbles echoed throughout the crowd as Ironheart's imposing form sat down in his seat in the front row near the right door. He was sitting next to Quickfire, Crimson Mane, and Hiller. Despite his own Issues, He found the three of them stupidly tolerable of his unpleasant attitude. Prince Eclipsio signaled for everypony to be silent, and began to speak. "Hello, and welcome to this joyous day. A day where we celebrate the wonderful love between Shadow Armor and Fluer De Lis, and the beginning of their journey in marriage. Now, the concept of marriage implies joining two ponies who are deeply in love with each other, and wish to promise that their love will last forever. Through joy and sorrow, through anger and calm, through any occasion until the end of time." He continued, flaring his wings out. "Before we start, I would like to tell you all the reason you were all inspected so throughly as you arrived. The family of the groom has felt that this wedding should go on without interruption by forces beyond our control, so if you see guards walking around, know that they are there to protect you all." The crowd shot A few worried glances towards the metal organism that sat at the front row, Eclipsio noticed this and said, "If you all are concerned about my friend here, he is simply here for assistance in our security measures." He cleared his throat, "Now then, shall we begin?" (Canterlot Air Space) The Royal Guard's Pegasus division was busy patrolling the skies above Canterlot, looking for any rouge fliers. They found none, and a majority decided to relax on clouds that they had pulled up with them. The Wonderbolts were also called in as well for a show after the wedding, they had brought an pair of their assault airships with them, just to be sure. Suddenly, a flash of light appeared in the sky... slowly getting brighter. Spitfire, the head of the Wonderbolts, heard the crack of a sonic boom as something pierced through a cloud Off in the distance. "What in Celestia's name?" She said, before turning and speaking to Soarin, "I thought Rainbow Dash was at the wedding?" Soarin took a look at the object approaching the city, and it was approaching FAST. Soarin responded to Spitfire, "Well that may be her... I'd have to check with the Princess." Spitfire raised an eyebrow, "You're right Rainbow Dash doesn't go... that fast..." Spitfire pulled out the binoculars and saw that the object was on a collision course with them! She rushed over to the radio and practically screamed, "ALL WONDERBOLTS! ABANDON SHIP, I REPEAT ABANDON SHIP! We have a UFP approaching, on a collision course..." It was too late, Spitfire watched in horror as the figure pierced the first shield around the city and crashed into the other airship, which exploded in an inferno of smoke and flames. The figure stopped dead and charged their ship, they had no time to react as he smashed the ship to bits, sending the Wonderbolts flailing wildly into the open sky. Thankfully, a group of the Royal Guard broke their fatal fall and landed roughly in the front courtyard. The figure that just blew them out of the sky just floated down to the ground, hovering in midair and not moving. Spitfire reached for her radio and called in, "This is the Wonderbolts, we have an intruder." Frostclaw just so happened to be on the other line, "Copy Wonderbolts, this is Frostclaw, is intruder hostile?" Spitfire snorted into the radio, "it just blew our airships out of the sky, of course he is hostile!" Frostclaw repsonded, "Copy Wonderbolts, reporting to the Princesses, reinforcements shall be at your location shortly." The figure thought to himself, "Call your allies, it matters not how many you bring... because I will exterminate you, no matter how many you throw at me..." Frostclaw called Princess Luna, "Luna, this is Lieutenant Frostclaw, get your sister and get to the front courtyard, we have an uninvited guest. He is hostile and dangerous, bring your guard detail." Frostclaw radioed the general security network, "All available units, arm yourselves and get to the front courtyard, we have a confimed hostile intruder." Princess Celestia and Luna got the call and slowly stepped out of the room. Ironheart noticed this, ignoring the long winded speech Eclipsio was making. "Well it appears we have company..." He thought to himself as he excused himself and left the room. Once he was out of sight, he patched into the radio network, hearing the call for help and the mention of an intruder. He responded to the call, "This is Ironheart, what the hell is going on out there?" Frostclaw replied, "Intruder in the front courtyard, sir. He just blew up the Wonderbolts airships, we have Celestia and Luna on their way here now. I will call you in if we need help." Ironheart snapped back, he was not one to let words stop him, "Negative, Frosty. I will be there in five." The Pony of Vengeance clenched his firearms, ignited his wings, and blasted off down the hall leading to the courtyard. He activated his internal computer and began to charge his weapons from his internal power core. It was time to show this jerk why he was called the Pony of Vengeance... (Canterlot Castle, Front Courtyard) Princess Celestia and Luna stood at the edge of the stairs leading down to the courtyard, the mysterious figure floating motionless in the air in front of them. The figure was a Stallion based on the body shape, although everything else about him was concealed underneath the black armor he was wearing. Only his bright blue eyes were seen, they were glowing like eerie lights. Princess Luna spoke to the figure, her magical grasp on her broadsword, "Identity yourself, intruder." The figure spoke, his voice warm, but with an icy coldness to it, "I am a warrior who has come to witness this marriage, as well as other things I mean to take care of." Celestia pointed her halberd at the figure, "And what are those other things?" The figure descended onto the ground and stood on his hind legs, saying in a frighteningly calm voice, "You're death..." The guards charged the stallion down, who flicked his hooves outward. The gauntlets he wore suddenly changed into magic casters that mowed down the soldiers that approached him, reducing their bodies to powder. Another guard managed to approach under the hail of magic fire and swung a Axe at the figure. The figure suddenly extended a Blade from his other hoof and cut the guard's horn off, before jabbing it into his neck and slicing it across, decapitating him. His head rolled underneath the figure, who then crushed it into a bloody mess. Celestia shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice and ran forward, "Charge!" The entirety of the Royal Guard and Twilight Guard ran at the figure, who smirked under his helmet. "Now, Shall we begin?" The figure smashed into the onslaught of guards and the two Alicorns, and the battle began. It was nothing but a slaughter for the sisters... (Canterlot Castle, Throne Room) Meanwhile, the ceremony went on. "Today is a day to celebrate the union of Shadow Armor and Fluer De Lis in the bonds of marriage. The bride and groom have asked me to recite vows for them." Eclipsio to Shadow Armor, "Shadow Armor, Black Knight of Equestria. Do you take Fluer De Lis to be your lawfully wed wife? To have and to hold, For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Shadow Armor responded, his voice filled with pride. "I do." Burning Star sat in his seat, shedding a rare tear in happiness for his friend. (Courtyard) The battle was going so wrong for the Princesses, It wasn't even a battle, it was a slaughter. The figure finally emptied his canisters of ammo. by the time he dropped his arms, nearly entire guard detail lay dead or dying, Celestia and Luna themselves had been sliced and stabbed numerous times. They had hit this... thing with weapons and spells that could crack even the mightiest of armor, but to no avail. He picked up the two of them by their necks and said, "If you two are wondering why I didn't kill you, it is because i still need you." Celestia managed a weak response, "Y-You monster, you slaughter dozens of soldiers... just to get at us?" The figure replied, "They are casualties of war, simple numbers. They can be replaced, you two can't... it's the only reason why you two are still alive." Luna struggled against the figure's iron grasp, somehow this thing possessed the strength to overpower an Alicorn! "What do you want from u-us, demon?" The lunar princess said, trying desperately to escape his grasp. Her response was a crushing headbutt that knocked her out, "You call me a demon? You were Nightmare Moon... the Mare in the Moon, the being that cast eternal night upon this world. You are just as bad as me..." He delivered the same blow to Celestia, before saying, "Let's go home..." Ironheart swiftly burst through the door leading to the courtyard and saw the figure gripping the two Princesses's neck. While he was normally against the sisters, this was wrong. Ironheart aimed his rifle barrel at the figure as he tried to take off with the two princesses and fired. The metal slug hit the head of the figure, causing him to turn his head, revealing a set of icy blue eyes as frightening as his own Burning orange ones. He shouted at the creature, "Put the princesses down, or you will regret it..." Ironheart saw the figure slowly float down and drop the Princesses in a nearby bush, before saying to Ironheart. "Ah, So the Pony of Vengeance decided to show his metal mug. I expected this wedding to be locked down, but if you're here, then my enemy has quite a heavy case of paranoia." Ironheart pointed his rifle arm and the figure and growled, his metallic voice speaking like some sort of demon from Tartarus, "He isn't paranoid, he is quite smart. Something you're not, apparently." The figure tilted his head slightly, tipping Ironheart off to his next attack, as the figure threw a large knife at him. The Pony of Vengeance shot one of his razor sharp feathers at the knife, they collided midair and he lunged at the figure. The two ironclad warriors drew their melee weapons, Ironheart's electric blade, and this figures flaming blade. The two clashed, neither giving an inch, even as Ironheart sent his elbow into the armored stallion, who responded with a powerful flipping bicycle kick that struck the Pony of Vengeance in the jaw. The figure leapt in the air and sneered, "I don't have time for you, weakling. All you have done has hidden behind a metal shell, take that off, and you're still the weak and helpless pony you really are..." Ironheart lost it and sent a rocket powered punch to the figure, who caught his blow flawlessly. The figure said to him, "And you will get no sympathy from me..." (Throne Room) The Prince of Eclipses spoke to Fluer next, "I ask the same to you. do you, Fluer De Lis, take Shadow Armor to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Fluer answered with a joyous, "I do." Eclipsio closed the book in front of him, "Then by the power invested in me by Faust and any other God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Shadow Armor grabbed Fluer and kissed her deeply, sending everypony into a frenzy of cheers and claps. Burning Star smiled warmly, then his hearing picked up something off... A crashing sound... He looked out one of the windows to see the shield around the castle break as a object hurtled towards the window. "Everypony get down!" He shouted as he put up a barrier around the crowd and the now married couple. Ironheart flew through the window and crashed into the altar, before the figure flew in and mockingly clapped his hooves. "Bravo, congratulations Shadow Armor and Fluer De Lis... too bad your death comes today." He pulled a large magic Cannon from his gauntlet and said, "Now die for me." Burning Star fired a shot of flames at the figure, it didn't do much, but it covered the room in smoke. He shouted to everypony, "Everypony, go with the Masters of Nature and Elements of Harmony, they will was you to safety!" Twilight turned to Burning Star, grasping his shoulder and said, "And where do you think you are going?" Burning Star removed her hoof and replied with a determined face, "I am going to help Ironheart, get everypony out of here. Stay safe, don't worry about me. I'm not gonna die today..." Burning Star took off towards Ironheart, who had gotten to his feet and he spit out some blood caught in his face plates. He said to Burning Star, "Get behind me, Burning Star. I've got this." Burning Star shook his head, "I'm not going anywhere." The Pony of Vengeance sneered, and said with venom in his voice, "Fine. Then stay out of my line of fire." The smoke finally cleared and the sound of spinning gun barrels was heard. The figure looked down to see Ironheart and his miniguns locked on him. The figure smirked, and said to them. "Bring it on, you two." Ironheart made some sort of unholy roar as he loosed round after round of hot steel bullets into the figure, they impacted his armor and left dents and scratches, but there was no flinch from the figure. Burning Star unleashed a beam of red hot flames that engulfed the figure... no damage! Burning Star took to the air, so did Ironheart, and the two of them stared down the figure. The Alicorn of Fire shouted to the figure, "Who the hell are you?" The figure made a mock bow and spoke in the most casual of tone, "I am your next and final opponent. I am the ultimate life form... I AM BLACK SUN." Black Sun picked up the two unconscious bodies of the Princesses and smirked under his mask as he spoke, "As you can see, I've aquired my targets... now I just have to take care of any witnesses." Ironheart's instincts were telling him that something was off about this... Black Sun. Something... unnatural to him. The Pony of Vengeance tackled Black Sun mid Flight and jabbed his electric blade into his chest. He increased the power until it pierced his armor and went through Black Sun, the Blade embedded in him up to the hilt. Black Sun made no cry of pain or frustration, he simply pushed Ironheart off of him and stood up. With a smooth motion, he pulled the deadly sword out of his chest and threw it back to Ironheart, who caught it. Black Sun looked at him, then let out a small laugh. "As I said, weak and pathetic... even in your new body. Now, I will show you just how outclassed you are..." Suddenly, a large sword went across Black Sun's masked face, causing blood to drip down it. It was Burning Star! He had sent his own sword into Black Sun's face, and the armored stallion was bleeding! Black Sun took a look at Burning Star, then at Ironheart. He then snarled, "Well played, Alicorn of Fire and Pony of Vengeance... you have won this round. But we will meet again, when the time and place is right, so crawl away and reflect on how you failed so badly to stop me..." Black Sun took off and flew outside, picking up the bodies of the Princesses and flying north. Before he flew off, he fired a explosive ball of magic into the roof of the castle, causing the entirety of it to fall down. Before they were crushed, Burning Star put up a red magic shield and half the castle crumbled on them, burying them in rubble. When the dust settled, a loud bang was heard as the Pony of Vengeance fired his rocket launcher into the rocks above. The two jumped out, caked with dust and blood. Burning Star snapped at the metal pony, "Eclipsio told me everything before the wedding, I didn't know Eclipsio called you here for this... monster. I thought you were here to help with security, which you did." Burning Star tossed Ironheart a distortion orb and said, "Ironheart, go home. This isn't your fight, and it's not your world. Let me deal with this on my own..." Ironheart responded with a slightly annoyed tone, "What? You're telling me to leave? Why?" The Alicorn scowled, "I don't want you to kill somepony that isn't meant for you. This... Black Sun is my enemy now." Ironheart was about to protest, but he understood, "You don't want to put any more blood on my hands that I don't deserve?" The Alicorn of Fire nodded, "Yeah. This was a horrible decision, the wedding. I knew something would go wrong... I'm such an idiot." He felt a cold metal hand upon his shoulder, it was Ironheart's! The Pony of Vengeance said to Burning Star in his abnormally emotional tone, "Go tear him apart, I'm... sorry this didn't go well for you. Tell your friends I said hello..." Ironheart smashed the Distortion orb and flew off, thinking to himself as he entered the portal. "How in the name of Faust did he know who I was?" (Castle Barracks, 10 minutes later...) The Elements of Harmony, Masters of Nature, and the other VIPs sat quietly, a wall of soldiers in front of them ready to defend. Prince Eclipsio arrived in a flash of light and said, audible worry in his voice. "We have a problem..." Burning Star flashed in and interrupted Eclipsio, "A damn big one. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been kidnapped." A wave of panic washed over the ponies, followed by screams and many ponies fainting. Many questions were shouted out. "Who did it?" "What happened?" "Why did this happen?!" The Alicorn of Fire slammed his hooves down and his Mane flared, "SILENCE!" The crowd went silent, and the Alicorn continued, "Thank you. Now as I was saying, as of right now, Princess Celestia and Luna have been kidnapped by a pony known as Black Sun. Me and my associate attempted to stop and peruse him, but he has dropped out of visual sight." A hoof went up, "Will we ever see them again? Are you planning to rescue them?" Prince Eclipsio nodded, "Yes, but due to Black Sun dropping off my field of vision, I can only assume he has gone to a world I cannot see at the moment." Burning Star added in, "He said that we should reflect on how we failed so... badly..." The answer stuck Burning Star, and he whispered to Eclipsio. "The mirror world! Go!" The two Alicorns disappeared, leaving the majority of the party in shock. (Crystal Empire, Mirror chamber) Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio appeared in a flash of light, just to see Black Sun toss Celestia and Luna into the mirror. Black Sun noticed them and said in his frightening voice, "Oh good, you're here. Just in time to see me leave with your princesses." Prince Eclipsio attempted to grab Black Sun with his magic, but a knife to the chest sent Eclipsio sprawling in pain. Burning Star tackled the armored figure and delivered a hammering strike with his front hooves... no reaction... Black Sun wrapped his back legs around Burning Star's neck and flung him away, saying, "Nice try, but it isn't your time to die yet. You're lucky I'm busy, Burning Star... or I would have killed you and everypony at that stupid wedding." "Life... Liberty, Happiness it's nothing but mistakes upon your kind and my kind, I intend to fix that. Permanently. And the best part? You can't stop me." Black Sun jumped into the portal and dropped a grendade, which exploded and blew the mirror to bits. Prince Eclipsio got up to see the mirror shatter, and his heart sank. He said to the Black Alicorn, "Its destroyed... we can't catch him." The Alicorn of Fire smirked, "Can we? You said that my time to return to my home was arriving soon, I believe this is the time. Let's go back to Canterlot and tell our allies the plan." (Canterlot Castle, Front Courtyard) Somehow, the Masters of Nature and Elements of Harmony got the guests back to their hotels and homes, assuring them that Burning Star with return with the princesses. At least, that is what they hoped... Prince Eclipsio teleported to the courtyard, only to immediately to be punched by Shadow Armor. "Really? REALLY?! My wedding day and you two and that Ironheart turn it into a war zone?! Also, what are we going to do about that thing?!" Prince Eclipsio got to his feet and began to speak to the group, "Stallions and Mares, stay calm. Our best bet now is to stay strong and form a plan should this thing return. We know where he went... the mirror world." Twilight raised an eyebrow, "The mirror world? And you didn't follow him?" Burning Star hung his head, "He destroyed the mirror before I could catch him... but we have another, albeit risky option." Wind Walker stepped forward and added In, "Which is what?" Eclipsio held up a fragment of he mirror in his magic, "I can open a portal to the mirror world. The only problem is that, unless my magic works there, it's only one way." The group started to panic, before Burning Star stomped his hooves and shouted, "Quiet! Twilight has told me about the mirror world and I'm sure she has told you all of some of the events there as well... if Eclipsio's estimations are correct the mirror world is about 10 years behind our world, and since it is behind us in time it means that we have an advantage over this thing!" He continued, taking to the air, "I am prepared to travel to this world and take the fight to this figure, kill him, and return with the Princesses. However, does anypony want to accompany me? you are more than welcome to." Eclipsio finished by saying, "this task no small about of bravery and fighting prowess. This is possibly the most dangerous mission we have ever gone on, I'm going with Burning Star, who else?" A pony stepped forward, it was Shadow Armor! The Black Knight scowled, "I'm going. No one ruins my freaking wedding, attacks my friends, and kidnaps the two important figures of our race. Who else?" A clawed hoof reached up, it was Frostclaw! Frostclaw stepped forward, speaking as his mane sparked with icy energy. "I'm going as well. I see now that This is the reason why i came here." He turned to his parents, Octavia and Vinyl, and said. "I love you, moms. But I have to go save the day... it's my job to protect you two." Octavia tried to protest, but her adoptive sons face silenced her. A hoof shot up, it belonged to Twilight. "I'm coming with you, you need me." She said, her eyes narrowed. Burning Star pushed her hoof down, "No, Twilight. You need to manage the kingdom in Celestia and Luna's absence. I'll be fine, trust me." Burning Star looked around, seeing no other hooves held up. Then, Burning Star said to the crowd, "For now, go about your daily lives. We will get Celestia back, I promise." Twilight ran up to Burning Star and hugged him, "Please come back to me, Star. Be careful out there." The Alicorn of fire smirked, "You know I'm not gonna die while you're still around, Twilight. You need me and I need you, don't worry, ok? I got this." With that, Eclipsio, Shadow Armor, Frostclaw, and Burning Star warped off to Burning Stars Room. (Burning Star's room) Burning Star teleported back to his room and ran straight for his closet, tearing out a large trunk and placing it in the center of the room. He huddled together with the three stallions and said, "Ok, we go through with this, we may not come back. You all sure about this?" Frostclaw chimed in, "We sorta rushed through the goodbyes? Why?" Shadow Armor answered him, "With every minute Black Sun gets farther and farther away. We needed to hurry, Frostclaw." The three ponies nodded, and Eclipsio opened a portal from the mirror shard. He signaled to them, "Then let's go..." Eclipsio stepped into the portal first, followed by Frostclaw and Shadow Armor. Burning Star stood staring at the portal, thinking to himself. "Im coming for you Black Sun, no one messes with my home." With that, Burning Star jumped into the portal and it shut in a flash of light.
Chapter 2: A "Homo Equestrian"(Somewhere in the vastness of Space-time...) The group was falling, falling, falling. In short, they were falling down into some sort of void, much to the terror of the Alicorn of Fire. Burning Star was falling like a rock into a abyss of blue and gray, flapping his wings to no avail and trying to control his descent. He was not afraid of heights, rather he was afraid of crashing... Prince Eclipsio floated next to him and yelled over the rushing air, "Relax yourself, Burning Star! This is no different then when we crossed dimensions to deal with Doom Star! But out of curiosity, Why are you freaking out?" The Fire pony screamed at the top of his lungs, "BECAUSE IM FALLING AND I CANNOT FLY, YOU IDIOT! DO SOMETHING!" Frostclaw was also falling beside the Alicorns and said to them, "The reason you cannot fly is because there is no air for your wings to catch a lift on." The Kirin snaked around seamlessly while free falling, "I don't need air to fly, I use my body to glide on waves of light! If you are worried about your flying skills, then use rocket propulsion!" Prince Eclipsio asked the kirin, "How did you know that?!" Frostclaw shrugged, "I figured it out as we entered the portal. I assumed that you had surrounded us in a bubble of breathable air amongst the airless vacuum of inter-dimensional space, but since there is-" He was cut off by Burning Star yelling, "SAVE ME NOW! LECTURE ME LATER!" Frostclaw sighed and then responded with, "Ignite your wings Burning Star and force flames out of the feathers, that should create a stabilizing thrust." Burning Star ignited his wings and funneled as much of his fire abilities into them, his falling speed stabilized. Shadow Armor scowled as he fell with great difficulty, as unicorns (specifically himself) were not suited for flying. For this reason he preferred teleportation or riding in a chariot pulled by the Pegasus. He also so happened to be underneath Burning Star when he ignited his wings. he was scorched black from the heat and flames of the Alicorn of Fire's "stabilizing thrust." He managed to claw his way towards Burning Star and said to him, his face covered in burnt fur. "I hope you don't try that again, or at least try it when I'm not underneath you..." The Alicorn of Fire smiled sheepishly, "Whoops... sorry." The Black Knight floated over to Eclipsio with a even bigger scowl on his face, before asking him an obvious question. "Ok, we are traveling to this mirror world... that is great and all. But how are we supposed to get there if we are freefalling at terminal velocity?! You think of that, Prince?!" Eclipsio shrugged, "I didn't expect the way to this mirror world to be so long. if physics will cooperate with me, we should be slowing down... now." Almost on command, the four stallions slowed to a halt in front of a group of many portals that lay scattered about the space-time bridge. Eclipsio signaled for the group to hold up and he said, "Stay here, I'm going to check which one is the right one..." Eclipsio began walking towards a red and pink portal, which he stuck his head into. The Prince of Eclipses's head stuck out of the portal, which let out into a desolate wasteland that looked vaguely like Equestria. A explosion went off as Eclipsio saw a gray unicorn with a brown mane duck behind some rubble and fire her horn numerous times in the other direction. Eclipsio wondered where he was... then he noticed her dark blue jumpsuit with yellow lines. He pulled his head out and spoke to the group, "Not that one. That one leads to the Fallout E. Universe. It's not a pleasant place to be. You don't want to know what's on the other side..." Frostclaw raised his front leg, "Out of curiosity, What is on the other side?" The Prince's tone grew grim as he said, "On the other side of that portal lies a version of Equestria that has been blasted to hell by multiple nuclear explosions sent by many different countries, including our own." Frostclaw padded the ground and responded with a curt nod, "Now I see why you didn't want to talk about it..." Shadow Armor raised an eyebrow and said, "Prince Eclipsio, with all due respect, do actually you know WHICH portal is the correct one?" Shadow Armor's words fell on deaf ears as the prince stuck his head in another portal. His head emerged in what looked to be a grassy plain of some sort, large loops and oddly shaped pillars of soil stuck out of the ground. The Prince decided to step into the dimension and thought to himself, "I wonder where I am? Judging from the odd landscape I could be somewhere in Gryphonstone, but there is too much green here." The prince heard the sound of what was likely a jet engine as a large, sphere shaped object whizzed overhead. Eclipsio looked at the occupant, it was a large hairless primate wearing a red military jacket. His face had a large brown mustache, and a pair of goggles sat on his bald head. Another sound was heard, a sonic boom. Prince Eclipsio ducked out of the way of a blue blur that collided with the round hovercraft. It ran circles around it before sending another tackle to the vehicle. The Prince pulled his head out of the portal just before he was shredded by a giant saw of some kind that swung from the round hovercraft. Eclipsio signaled for the group to follow him, and they trotted after him at a slow pace. As they walked, Frostclaw was trying to mingle with Shadow Armor, and failing hard. The Kirin spoke to the Black Knight nervously, "Sir, can I speak with you in private?" Shadow Armor rolled his eyes at the term "sir" before saying, "Fine. You do not need to call me sir, Frostclaw. We are off-world so there is no need for formalities. Also, we don't have any privacy here, but I doubt that Burning Star or Prince Eclipsio will care what we are speaking about." The kirin bowed his head, "Sorry, I'm so used to being in the Royal Guard that I've not gotten much time to go... as you say... "mingle" with other ponies." That comment made the Knight raise an eyebrow, "What do you mean? Don't you take breaks?" The Kirin replied with a curt shake of his head, "No." "Vacations?" "No." "Any sort of rest of any kind?" The Kirin shook his head yet again before saying, "I don't require much sleep to function effectively. I'm part Dragon after all, so I can work for days on end without feeling tired. I've never needed a day off in the six months I've been working in Canterolt, and the six months I worked in the Crystal Empire." Shadow Armor was slightly surprised, slightly pitying by this guards blind dedication. "How can you work for so long? Even that Dragon assistant spike has to rest during the night, what makes you different?" The knights question fell on deaf ears as he spotted Frostclaw passed out on the floor, Fast asleep. He sighed to himself, "Great he worked himself too hard and now he is asleep. How am I supposed to move him if my magic doesn't work here?" Burning Star walked quickly after the prince before he heard the sound of snoring and various grunts of frustration. He stopped and looked down to see Shadow Armor trying to lift Frostclaw on to his back with his hooves, but it ended up pinning him to the floor under his weight. The Alicorn of Fire chuckled as he said, "Shadow Armor? Why is Frostclaw sleeping? More importantly, why is he sleeping on you?" Shadow Armor spat back, anger very prevalent in his voice, "He didn't fall asleep on me, Burning Star. I'm trying to lift him up and carry his body to wherever the Prince is going." The Alicorn of Fire's face twisted into a smirk, "Well he seems to have pinned you down to the floor. You want my help?" "NO! I'm perfectly... perfectly... (Faust how much does he weigh?) fine carrying him. I do not need your help, fire pony." Shadow Armor barked, still struggling to lift the Kirin. Burning Star sighed and scooped up the both of them on to his back and said while holding back a snicker, "If you don't want to walk, I'll carry you two myself. Alright?" His response was an angry frown from the Black Knight. "This is horribly embarrassing, you know..." After about 10 minutes of walking, Eclipsio stopped in front of another portal, colored blue and white with a reflective surface to it. This was the mirror world! The Prince turned around to see Burning Star slogging behind him, carrying Shadow Armor and Frostclaw on his back. The strain was clearly getting to him, even though he was an Alicorn. Prince Eclipsio pointed to the mirror portal and said, "Here we are, The mirror world, the one where it all started..." The Alicorn of Fire interrupted, "and the dimension Black Sun fled to. He won't get far, not as long as I'm still breathing." Burning Star took a step forward and put one hoof in the portal, "What are you three waiting around for? Some kind of invitation? We have a warmongering psychopath to catch!" With that, the Alicorn of Fire jumped into the portal, leaving the Black Knight bewildered. "Why is he so eager to go? Even Pinkie isn't that excited about travel... actually she is. She is excited about pretty much everything, although I do not know why." The Prince put a hoof on Shadow Armor's head and said, "Its Pinkie Pie, you will live longer if you don't question it. Not even the laws of physics can stop her. I should know, I was peacefully meditating in my own pocket dimensions, and she pops out of the barrel I was sitting on to invite me to a party. Needless to say I screamed and I may or may not have disintegrated a small village during my panic..." Shadow Armor gave an amused snort of laughter, "The stoic Prince Eclipsio frightened by a simple pink earth pony? I'll be telling stories about that for a long time." Prince Eclipsio rolled his eyes and grabbed Frostclaw's unconscious body. He stepped through the portal, followed shortly by Shadow Armor. Burning Star felt his body changing shape as the magic of the mirror portal began to transform him into what Twilight referred to as "homo sapiens." Although since he was coming from Equestria at the time, perhaps "Homo Equestrian" was more appropriate. The three other ponies felt their bodies change as well, Frostclaw waking up to his change as he screamed in unusual terror. (Mirror World, Canterlot High Statue) With a sudden pop and a painful smack, Burning Star was thrown out of the portal at blinding speed. He landed face first in the dirt, his hair caked with soil. It was night time, the perfect time for the group to arrive. There would be little to no witnesses, and that meant that the group could conduct its chase of this metal-clad monster in peace. Perfect time, not a perfect entrance however... "Damn... thought my enterance would have been smoother. Oh well, let's take a look at myself." he thought as he turned to the reflective statue. Burning Star's human appearance was one of a a young man, probably about 18 years old. His deep blue eyes and flaming red hair were still present, but his hair was no longer on fire (which would most likely cause some alarm if it was) and it hung down the back of his neck in a shaggy mess of red and orange. Despite having black fur as a pony, his skin was white with a slight tan. The tan probably coming from his fire powers. He was currently dressed in the camouflage hoodie and dark blue jeans he had brought to Equestria all those years ago... and they still fit perfectly. He also wore a maroon-colored athletic shirt under his hoodie. It was emblazoned with his mark, the five pointed star of flames. He had a brown braided leather belt around his waist and a messenger's satchel hanging across his chest on his right side. He wore black slip on sneakers that felt extremely comfy on his newly formed feet. On his back lay "Deicide", his signature sword. A sword he hoped he could plunge deep into Black Sun's supposedly painless body, numerous times. It was sheathed in the former scabbard of his Godslayer Cleaver, since the weapon would be to damn heavy to lug around as a human. He was too busy admiring his reflection when his three other comrades flew out of the portal and crashed into him, pinning him underneath three other ponies turned humans. Shadow Armor was the first to get up, saying to the still pinned Burning Star with a smirk on his face, "Not so fun when the shoe is on the other... hoof... what the hell happened to me?!" The former Alicorn of Fire said, "You're no longer a pony, you are now a human." Shadow Armor tried to stand but fell on his butt as he tried to get used to being two-legged. He roared out, "I can see that but, Look at me!" The Black Knight looked in the mirror and observed his human form, which to Burning Star was quite appropriate. His skin was also pale like Burning Star's except it was unhealthy white from being inside too long. He wore a simple black-red cloth tunic with gray pieces of body armor being pronounced visibly on the clothing. He concluded that his clothing reflected that he was a knight, and it was confirmed when he saw he was wearing gray shorts lined with more padding. His hair was a deep red, almost maroon and was cut short on the sides, but left long on the top. This molded it into a almost eraser-like mohawk style. His eyes were the same shade of red, and you could see the fury behind them. On his back was a backpack that contained a vast assortment of knives and other weapons, it also had a stitch of his Razor Sword mark on the main pouch. He wore two dark red fingerless gloves with forest green cuffs on them, most likely a reference to the forest green streaks in his mane when he was a pony. Why these didn't show up in his hair, he had no clue. Maybe the universe didn't want him to be called "Christmas mane", as Fluer began to mockingly call him. He felt around until he found a pair of sunglasses in one of his pockets, which he immediately put on to cover his red eyes and shield himself from any questions of what was wrong with his eyes. But factoring in all his quirks, he looked pretty badass! The black knight thought to himself, "Well I thought I would look rather edgy, which I do... but it's the GOOD edgy. It's not the moody temperamental brat edgy, it's a "I've seen some crap" edgy." Shadow Armor saw that Burning Star was standing on his feet and said to him, "I cant get up, I have fallen and I can't get up?! Burning Star... How come you're so used to this?" The former Alicorn of Fire responded, "Shadow, I do most of my fighting on my hind legs, using my wings as balance for my body. Due to all this upright standing, I find this easy. if you need balance, stick out your arms and stand up." Shadow Armor tried to stand, his arms spread wide, and he did. He wobbled in place for a few seconds, but he finally was standing upright. The Equestrian of Fire leaned in and wiggled his eyebrows as he said, "You're welcome by the way..." He got a growl from Shadow Armor, "I would have figured it out eventually... I didn't need your help." Eclipsio was the next to wake up, and he gasped at his change in appearance. While he expected his humanoid body to be different... He didn't expect such a "Drastic" change Since he had chrome black fur like Burning Star, Eclipsio's skin had turned pale as well, but he was a bright alabaster white. His eyes were still the same golden color and his mane had transformed into long silver hair that hung behind him, bundled up in a shaggy ponytail. Two long sliver gray bangs hung in front of his face, obscuring part of it. Eclipsio was wearing what looked to be dark gray trench coat with silver lining running along its edges. Inside of his long coat he wore a pair of black kakis and a white polo shirt, giving off a more formal vibe. He wore black and gray boots with high ankles and a pair of gray spiked gloves on his hands. A large sword was on his back, A katana that was at least six feet long. He looked sorta like an anime character... But Frostclaw's human form bore the most anime-like look of the group. Frostclaw's body was rather muscular and he was quite large, even larger as Burning Star. His skin was light blue with some pure white tones, His eyes were less round and bright green with slitted pupils. His face also had a large, voluminous mass of spiky blue hair with white tips. It took up the majority of his head. He was dressed in what a passerby could only conclude as "Anime attire." His wardrobe consisted of whitish gray slacks and blue sandals. Frostclaw opened his mouth to check his teeth and Burning Star saw that his canines were much more pronounced, and a forked tongue was also seen. But something was missing, something very obviously missing... He was shirtless. Shirtless and muscular... Frostclaw pulled his arms up, and his bare arms were visible. A tattoo of a blue oriental dragon ran up his arm and halfway across his chest... whenever Frostclaw took a breath, his powerful chest moved up and down as if it were the tides of the ocean. His chest could also be compared to the oceans majesty... Burning Star was drifting off in thought, "Ok I'm not going to think about this anymore, it's getting a little weird. Universe, why did you birth this majestic beast of a man without a shirt?" The Equestrian of Fire realized he was talking to the universe, and that it would most likely not to respond. And if it did, Burning Star would probably need to question his sanity... and maybe go see Dr. Wolf... He said to himself "No more fantasties! quickly! about something else me that will confirm that I am straight!" Burning Star thought for a moment, then he settled on an image that more than confirmed it. Twilight's human form... Completely naked... Burning Star mentally drooled at that image, and then his thoughts returned to normal. The REAL reason Frostclaw was shirtless... was because he saw his reflection. He had torn off his shirt with the sharp nails on his fingers... And he was freaking out to say the least. "Gah! What?! Why? What is happening to me? Why am I some sort of... hairless monkey?!" He said, his voice booming. He crawled at blinding speed away from the mirror and swung his arm out, striking a nearby tree and blowing it into splinters. Burning Star put one of his hands on Frostclaw's shoulder and spoke to him, "You are now human, Frostclaw. Albeit, you have a few more enhanced features, such as your teeth and incredible strength apparently." Frostclaw looked over at the broken tree, and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I sometimes don't know my own strength... I once fell from my hammock and I sorta... broke the top floor." Shadow Armor raised one of his dark red eyebrows, "Wait a second, if you managed to collapse your house's entire roof then you would have to either A) fallen from a height that would probably kill you. Or B) you would have to weigh a ton." Frostclaw pointed to the sky and said, "Did I mention that I usually nest in the clouds?" If The Black Knight's eyebrows could get any higher they would have floated away, "And you're adopted parents are Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody? A unicorn and earth pony?" Frostclaw nodded his head quickly, "Yes they are, how is this important?" Shadow Armor's was now raising his eyebrows so high that his eyelids were peeling back. "You do realize that they cannot fly? And most creatures of your size that can fly tend to sleep on the ground to avoid such a thing?!" Frostclaw shrugged, causing his hair to shuffle, "Yeah, but that would involve me building a nest, and I don't think they would be comfortable with me digging up their yard for my little hole to sleep in." Shadow Armor sighed deeply, "Ugh, I'm not going to get anywhere with you, am I?" It was the former kirin's turn to raise his eyebrows, "Go anywhere with me where?" Prince Eclipsio suddenly smacked them on the head with his bare hands, saying. "Listen you two, figure all of this out later. Right now we need to find some sort of shelter from any sort of witnesses that have seen us appear from that portal." Burning Star poked Eclipsio on the forehead, "Eclipsio, I don't think anyone is up at 3 in the morning..." The Prince narrowed his eyes, "Ok... so let's just go to wherever the human counterparts of the Element Bearers are, surely they could provide us with some information regarding Black Sun." Now the Equestrian of Fire was getting impatient, and he snapped at the prince in a whisper-yell, "Once again, its 3 in the god-damn morning Spooky! Who do you think would be up at this hour, Huh?!" Shadow Armor pointed to a light on in one of the basement windows of the high school. All four humans were thinking the same thing... "Who the hell is up at this hour?" Shadow Armor stopped thinking and his brain went into sneak mode. He dove into the bushes, then behind a tree before climbing up it, now suprisingly mobile. He was preparing to leap to the roof of a toolshed along the wall next to the tree when Burning Star yanked him out of the tree saying, "Would you cut it out?! There is no need to go all stealth mode right now, Shadow." Shadow Armor groaned, "Please, Burning Star. Please let me have this... I haven't done anything related to military activity for the past six weeks thanks to all of the wedding hubbub. For your sake and my own sanity, let me have this one moment of stealth takedown majesty." Burning Star sighed, "Can't you at least calm down your lieutenant Frostclaw? He is currently sorta having a mental breakdown... guess he can't handle his new body." Frostclaw was currently curled up in the fetal position and rocking back and forth, eyes wide with pure horror at his new body. He was muttering to himself over and over, "I'm still a kirin. I'm still a kirin. I'm still a kirin. I'm still a Kirin." Shadow Armor was still slinking away and arrived at the basement window, he peered in and saw an unusual sight. Inside of the window was some kind of laboratory... it was very dark and was littered with papers and various blueprints that read "The Concept of Magic" and "Improved Magic Harnessing Device." Shadow Armor smiled devilishly and said to himself, "This must be Black Sun's laboratory. All these blueprints and papers must be the work of that monster... hold on Celestia and Luna, I'm a coming to save you!" Burning Star peered into the window and saw all the machinery, he said to Shadow Armor, "Uh Shadow Armor, I may have an idea as to who this lab belongs to and... you're already gone, aren't you?" Shadow Armor was already in the dark basement, he landed soundlessly and hid behind one of the large machines that looks o he some sort of box with various dials on it. Although he didn't not have his magic, he did have excellent night vision. The Black Knight spied a sleeping body of another human who was passed out on the desk, it's hair matted to its head in a frazzled mess. He silently praised his discovery, "At last, the identity of Black Sun has been discovered!" Burning Star had now slithered through the window as well and was walking silently towards the door out into the hallway. He quietly said to Shadow Armor, "Shadow, something seems off about this. I don't think..." A battle cry rang out as Shadow Armor grabbed the figure out of its chair and pinned it to the floor. Burning Star could see the red eyes glinting in the moonlight. The figure shouted, "What's going on? Who are you? Sunset! Sunset help!" Burning Star could now make out who this voice belonged to and who this person actually was. The person Shadow Armor had pinned down underneath him was dressed in a white lab coat with a pair of goggles in her purple-pink hair which sat in a ponytail. She wore glasses that had skittered across the floor and bumped into the Equestrian of Fire's foot. Burning Star concluded that this girl was the Twilight Sparkle of this world! Burning Star shut the door and hid behind it before the door flew open and slammed into his nose, causing him to yell into his hands as his nose was broken. Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer of all people appeared in the door and turned on the light, seeing her best friend, Twilight Sparkle, being pinned to the floor by some unknown young man. "Hey! Get off my friend, creep!" Said Sunset as she prepared to swing her pan, Shadow Armor looked up to see the red-orange haired girl holding a frying pan. He immediately regretted his actions as Sunset sent the grand master of weapons straight into his face, knocking him out cold. The former Alicorn of Fire quietly thanked Sunset's strike to Shadow Armor, but obviously not quiet enough. Sunset heard his thank you and wheeled around to see Burning Star in his new human body, to which she said. "Burning Star? Is that you?" The young man sheepishly smiled, "Uh... yeah. I-it is me. Hi Sunset, Hi other Twilight." An awkward silence filled the room, before Burning Star picked up Twilight's glasses and reached them over to the purple-haired human, "These are yours, right? Here you go." The human version of Twilight carefully took her glasses back and put them on, finally seeing Burning Star's form clearly. More awkward silence, then Sunset Shimmer finally, "Alright if we're done being awkwardly quiet I would like to ask you something, Burning Star." Burning Star raised an eyebrow, "What is it?" Sunset put down the frying pan and began to speak, "How did you get here and why are you here? The Twilight of my world told me that you had some wedding to go to, right?" The Equestrian of Fire nodded, "Right, I figured my Twilight would contact you through an inter-dimensional message or something like that." Yet Another awkward silence ensued, before Sunset asked. "Sooo... how have you been?" Burning Star replied with an awkward smile, "Good... I guess. I got the wedding done for Shadow Armor and Fluer finally... and the two married without interruption. Then it all went to hell in a hand basket after the fact." Sunset looked worried, "What do you mean by that? What happened?" Eclipsio finally slipped through the window, dragging Frostclaw with him. The two of them landed with a loud crash, breaking the table they landed on. Sunset Shimmer recognized the person standing at the wall, "Prince Eclipsio? Is that you?" Prince Eclipsio took a bow, "Yes Ms. Sunset Shimmer... It is I, Prince Eclipsio. We have come here with grave tidings." Sunset Shimmer looked worried, "Please don't tell me that another villain from some outside dimension has come here. I've sorta had my fill of conflict for a while." The Eclipse Prince continued, "Sorry to burst your bubble Sunset, but unfortunately another villain has come into our dimensional fabric. A villain the likes of which I've never encountered before, showed up and slaughtered the guard detail in cold blood. He didn't care, referring to them as "easily replaceable." The red-haired girl gasped, "Yikes, that's horrible!" "It gets worse, Princess Celestia and Luna were kidnapped by the attacker, who fled to this mirror world, the original version." Said Eclipsio, panic in his voice. Sunset's eyes send wide, "What?! Celestia and Luna were kidnapped? How?! We have to find them. Wait, isn't it your job to prevent these things from happening?" The Eclipse Prince interrupted, "It is my Job to prevent incidents like this, but a certain somebody decided to go to another dimension to get these clothes from some guy called "One-Winged Angel" and that I would look good in them." Sunset looked at Eclipsio's attire, before commenting. "Well he isn't wrong, you do look badass in them. All you're missing is the Giant Katana." Eclipsio unsheathed the katana on his back and showed it to Sunset, who let her jaw hit the floor. "Well then... he didn't just get clothes from whoever this one winged angel is, it looks like he stole his entire wardrobe and armory." Eclipsio sheathed his katana and sighed, "Yeah, how the hell did this guy get around with this sword around his waist? The only reason I have it on my back is because if i kept it on my waist it would probably cut everything I walk near." Sunset took that comment into account and then said, "Well if we are all done freaking out, I would think you four would need a place to stay for a while, right?" Prince Eclipsio immediately smiled, "Thank you for letting us stay at your place, Ms. Sunset Shimmer." With that he walked out of the room with both Frostclaw and Shadow Armor slung over his shoulder. Sunset's eye twitched in disbelief, "Wait what?" She turned to Burning Star and asked him, "What... just happened?" Burning Star's face twisted into a smirk, "You fell for one of Eclipsio's traps. Never give him an offer or opportunity to do anything, Sunset. Despite being a multiversal cosmic guardian, he is pretty lazy." Sunset's face turned red, "Why didn't you tell me this when I was on your world and I first met the guy?!" The Equestrian of Fire shrugged, "You didn't ask, so I didn't tell you." Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes, "Well that would have been helpful." The lights had suddenly went dark, the two ponies turned humans guessed that the generator had blown a fuse. Burning Star opened his palm, and small red flames ignited in his hand, he blew them around the room, lighting the place in a soft light. The human girl's eyes widened, "Did you know that would work?" Burning Star shook his head, "No I didn't. I thought Equestrian magic didn't work as well here, guess it doesn't apply to natural born powers like my fire abilities." She tilted her head in confusion, "Wait, wouldn't that mean that Prince Eclipsio's powers over space-time also work?" Burning Star shrugged, "I don't know, we will cross that bridge when we get to it." Sunset noticed Twilight was still standing shock still in front of Burning Star. She was staring at the Fireball that was currently coming out of his hand, and somehow not burning his skin! She cut in front of Sunset with a curious look in her eyes, "What is this... magic that you can use, Mr. Star? It's unlike any sort of magic I've seen!" Burning Star looked at human Twilight, noticing the same maddening look in her eyes that his Twilight had during what was now known as the "Lesson Zero" incident. When Burning Star learned about that event and saw the photo of Twilight, Princess Luna had to be called to put him to sleep, since all he saw when he closed his eyes was that... freakish smile. Burning Star looked to Sunset, who said, "Well if you're going to be busy with Twilight, I'm going to sort out the three stooges that you brought along. See ya later, Star." Sunset went towards the exit of the room, leaving Burning Star saying "Wait Sunset I'm not entirely sure what.." She shut the door and Burning Star was alone in the dark with a human version of Twilight. He turned towards Twilight and said, "Sooo... what do you want to know, Twilight?" She somehow pulled out a pen pad and a pencil from behind him before saying, "Everything." The Equestrian of Fire looked confused, "I'm going to need a little more specifics, Twilight." Twilight sighed and said, "I want to know how your pyrokinesis works. Does it use your own internal body tempterture and oxygen to produce flame through external combustion, or is it produced by some sort of flammable compound present on your skin that causes the ignition process?" Burning Star sighed, "Twilight, my fire powers originate from a mystic force that presides in my world known as the Masters of Nature. If I were to describe the legend of this legendary fighting legion, it would probably take the rest of the night." Twilight eargerly said, "I can listen, I have time!" Burning Star smiled nervously, "Uh... Twilight. Don't you think that sleep is a little more important of a priority than listening to a Alicorn of Fire speak about legends?" Twilight pulled out a coffee machine and plugged it in, "I can stay up, I have coffee to keep me awake." Burning Star sighed and said to himself, "Damn it human Twilight, you need to keep away from caffeine like my Twilight has to." Twilight Sparkle smiled even more eagerly, "So, where do we start? Huh?" Burning Star rolled his eyes and pinched a point on Twilight's neck, knocking her unconscious. He scooped her up in his arms and said softly, "You will thank me later... I can't stand seeing you run yourself ragged. Even if this isn't the you i know, you are still Twilight, and I swore to protect you." Burning Star walked out of the school door, the sun was just starting to break over the horizon. He smiled and took in a breath, warm summer air filling his lungs. "Ah, it's good to be human again."
Chapter 3: A Fallen Star...(Main Hallway, Canterlot High) Burning Star trudged down the hallways of Canterlot High School, Twilight now slung over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He had decided to go ask the principals of this school (who just so happened to be Celestia and Luna and AlSO went missing a few days ago) for help. To his surprise, no one at school thought this act of him carrying a student that was knocked out Cold down the hall as unusual... But to residents of Canterlot High that have dealt with She-Demons, Magical Mind Control Sea Witches, Corrupted Goddesses of Magic, and Memory stealing stones... This was by far the most sane thing happening. A few teachers had tried to ask him questions as to why Twilight was slung over his shoulders. They were quickly silenced by a glare from Burning Star's furious blue eyes. (Canterlot High, Twilights Classroom) Burning Star approached one of the classrooms and laid Twilight down as he walked in. The first person he ran into was one of Twilight's nerdy friends, Moondancer. And By ran into, he literally smacked his body into hers and knocked her down. "Ow! Watch where you're going, pal. You just knocked me over." She said, clearly annoyed by the utter lack of manners from Burning Star Burning Star looked down and saw Moondancer upon the floor, he then lifted her up by her shirt and said. "Where is the Dean of the student body? I need some information from her." Moondancer raised an eyebrow behind her glasses, "And what sort of information would that be?" Burning Star dropped Moondancer into her seat, picked up Twilight, and brought her in. He sat her in her seat before removing his camouflage sweater and turning it into a pillow for her head. "I need to know where Twilight Sparkle lives, she was working late into the night and foregoing sleep again." Said Burning Star, who was leaning against the wall near Twilight's desk. Moondancer asked an obvious question, "Wait, are you one of Twilight's friends? How come I've never seen you before?" Burning Star shrugged, "I've been in a long distance relationship with Twilight. Up until recently, I didn't think she would need me to come in and help with her projects on the research of Magic and its various uses." He was telling the truth, he did come to help Twilight with magic from a long distance world, but he purposely left it out of context. The last thing he needed was for someone to call the police on him. Drawing From past experiences, Burning Star has always hated law enforcement... since he had been running from them the majority of his life. Moondancer tilted her head and asked, "And why did you choose to come out of the blue to help Twilight? I don't even know you, and Twilight tells me everything. I'm her lab partner." Burning Star sighed, "Because even Twilight has secrets, and if I came out into the open I would put her and her family in danger." He wasn't lying, he did risk endangering Twilight. Black Sun most likely knew how much she meant to him... But that wouldn't stop him. It hadn't stopped him from crossing dimensions to stop Midnight, and it won't stop him here. Moondancer considered calling for one of the other teachers coming in, but then she felt Burning Star's gaze upon her. She shakily replied, "Twilight lives in the east part of town, near the Public Library. Her friends all live nearby, I swear they are like her roommates or something." Burning Star nodded, "Thank you, now one more thing... why didn't you call for help?" Moondancer replied, "Well you seem to know Twilight well enough, and how she is OBSESSED with figuring out how magic works. I think that you've been watching her grow up, even when she turned into Midnight Sparkle." Burning Star feigned a worried reaction, "I... remember that day. I am glad that she had friends to help her and welcome her here. By any chance do you know why Crystal Prep was disbanded? I had went there before to search for Twilight, yet I found no trace of the school or her. Pray tell, what happened?" He was telling the truth about everything he was saying, except the last one. He was taking a guess as to why Twilight was here... Moondancer shuddered, "Cinch was convicted of a crime with her treatment of the Shadowbolts and verbal assault by forcing the coach to run them ragged, or he was going to be fired." Burning Star rolled his eyes, "I knew Cinch, well my father knew Cinch." He said through a feigned reaction of annoyance. Truthfully, His father Sombra had known Cinch. She was one of his tutors that Sombra had brought back from beyond the grave to assist in teaching him Dark Magic. He didn't really like her much, so he wasn't surprised her being reduced to ashes by one of Burning Star's little fits. That tantrum was actually what made Sombra take him as his personal protégée, he may have been the first to join him... but he wasn't the only. Well, he was the only one to survive, This to King Sombra, meant he was strong. And the King knew he was... he had written a book on him! Who knew the Shadow King was an author under the name K. Arbmoss? He found this message in the obscure book he found while he was in Sombra's library, written in his former teachers handwriting. The book was called, "An Assessment of Ponykind." "Only the strongest thrive. We assume evolution is for a uniform reason: To survive on the bare essentials. But, perhaps not. Dominance is a desire, not a need. So, whatever gave us this ludicrous thirst for supremacy is not on nature's side." Burning Star wanted to finish up the conversation as quickly as possible, so he asked. "What is her address?" Moondancer responded quickly, she also was trying to get out the conversation with the large man with blazing red hair and a sword strapped to his back. "She lives in Apartment 457, Star Street Housing Complex. If you can't find it, Sunset Shimmer lives down the road." Burning Star had heard about Star Street Housing back on Equestria, it was run-down and out of the way. And a hotspot for magic duels... many of which he had to break up. What was Twilight of this world doing there? The answer hit her like a ton of bricks, "Right, needs to practice her magic away from the authorities... don't want herself to be called a freak. I should make a note to have that place refurbished when I get back home." he thought to himself. Burning Star reached down to scoop up Twilight, who had awoken during the conversation. She reached into her pocket to put on her glasses before saying, "Burning Star? What are you still doing here? Shouldn't we be..." The Equestrian of Fire cut her off by saying, "Going back "home" to "talk"?" He wiggles his eyebrows while saying "Home" and "Talk". Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion, before realizing what he meant and saying. "Y-Yes! We need to go talk about how my studies on magic are going, ok?" Moondancer attempted to ask another question, but Burning Star and Twilight were out the door before she could blink. (Main Hallway Closet, Canterlot High) Twilight had pulled Burning Star out of the classroom and into a nearby closet before saying, "What are you doing?! I think you know that someone my age has school today!" Burning Star shrugged, "Never been a big fan of School, Twilight. Is it ok if I call you that? I feel like calling you, "Twilight from This World" would set off a few people to my true intentions." Twilight looked shocked, not at the name, but at his opinion on school. "B-But education leads to a successful life, Burning Star?! How come you dislike it?!" The Equestrian of Fire clamped one of his hands over her mouth before saying, "Quiet, I can't risk being discovered. Fine, go to your classes, today should be an easy day as it is the first day of school and all... I will see you later, Twilight." With that Burning Star waited until no one was in the hall, before jettisoning Twilight and dashing down the hall at a speed that would have impressed Rainbow Dash. Twilight walked off to class, wondering what he meant about "being discovered" (Main Street, Canterlot City) The Equestrian of Fire had his camouflage hoodie on with the hood pulled up, he couldn't risk his face being shown. If Black Sun was capable of destroying an entire security detail and getting in and out without Eclipsio knowing... Who knows if he was watching at all times? That was the major reason he wanted to stay concealed. The other one, was his appearance. While many of the people living in Canterlot had various hair colors, his red hair and tall stature made him stand out. There were red-heads in the city, hell... Sunset was red-headed. But her hair was mixed in with golden streaks. His hair was a bright, bright red. It was very similar to his fire-wreathed mane in hue. Burning Star walked into a fast food joint and ordered a hamburger meal. While Ponies were alien to eating meat, he was different. King Sombra was a primarily a carnivore, as evidenced by his sharp teeth and fangs. Burning Star did eat plants, but he preferred meat more. Unlike most ponies, he had a pair of canines, and one stuck out of his mouth during his famous fang-lined smirk. He greedily devoured the hamburger meal before leaving the tray on the trash like a good customer. He walked past more people, everyone was staring at him. Some mothers pulled their kids close as he plodded along like some sort of Giant beast. Burning Star was no beast, well not at the moment, but he was Giant. He looked in the window of a store, he easily was 6 foot 4 inches, and his furious blue gaze coming from his hood did frighten him a bit. Burning Star pulled down his hood and let his hair hang out into his hood. He tried to crack a smile, but the glass only reflected his fang-lined grin. Burning Star wandered over to a bench and sat down, thinking to himself. "This isn't going well. I'm supposed to fit in, not stick out like a sore thumb." "What is wrong with me?" He said audibly. He heard a voice, "Burning Star? Is that you?" The young adult looked up to see Sunset Shimmer, holding an ice cream cone in one hand, and a bag in the other. Burning Star sighed, "Yes. It's me... Can we please talk somewhere private?" Sunset Shimmer noticed the sullen tone in his voice and nodded, "Ok. Come to my house, I'm right up the block." Burning Star shuffled to his feet and walked with Sunset, who noticed something about him. "Are those... tears in his eyes? What happened to you?" She said to herself, walking to her home on the end of Main Street (Sunset's House, Canterlot City) Sunset's house was pretty large, and most were curious why she had this home if she lived all alone... Sunset unlocked the door to her house and Burning Star stepped inside and held the door for her. Sunset stepped in, closed the door, and said to him, "Ok I can tell something is bothering you. You're never this quiet, Burning Star. What's wrong?" Burning Star said nothing as he shuffled over to the coat rack and placed his sweater on one of the hangars, he then walked over to the court and face planted into the cushions. Then the tears came, Burning Star wailed. He wailed like he was there was no tomorrow... his tears were hot like boiling water and caused steam to erupt when they hit the floor. Sunset walked over to him and put her soft hand on his hair. She said to him, "Its alright, Burning Star." The Equestrian of Fire shot Up and screamed, "No it is not ALRIGHT Sunset! What is alright about what's happening?! Huh?!" Sunset was shocked by the sudden burst of energy from Burning Star. She said to him, "I can see that this "Black Sun" issue is on your mind. Do you want to talk about it..." Silence from the boy, then one word. "Fine." Burning Star was about to cry again, but Sunset gave him a tissue to dry his eyes. She said to him, "What happened with Black Sun?" Burning Star quietly said, "He won... Black Sun defeated me." Sunset Shimmer was curious, "But, you did fight him as hard as you could, right?" Burning Star nodded, his expression extremely sad. "...Yes. But I still lost... I pulled out as much power as I could to keep the ponies I love safe, but it wasn't enough. I lost, and now he has Celestia and Luna." Sunset looked at Burning Star and bit it her lip at seeing him so down, she said to him. "You protected those close to you, you had no clue he would show up." Burning Star snapped his head up and said, "You don't get it. I'm supposed to be the hero! I'm supposed to be the one who always defeats the villain and saves the day... but I couldn't even save Celestia and Luna from a freak in a suit of armor... what am I if I can't save the day, Sunset? A temperamental and petulant child who somehow got friends through ponies feeling sorry for me?" Sunset sighed and said, "No. You are a good friend to you're Twilight, and you deserve your friendships. Why do you think you don't?" Burning Star's tone grew angry, "BECAUSE I AM A HORRIBLE FRIEND! From my point of view, I only became friends with Twilight to get back at my father. When that was over, I didn't know what to do. So I played along, I ruled the kingdom... and I hated lying to everyone about being their friend. I never deserved friendship, Sunset!" Burning Star got up and his hair ignited into smoke, "the only conclusion to my story would be either banishment or dying alone! I killed ponies, Sunset! I killed them out of anger and out of reasons I don't even remember, and I LIKED IT! Tell me, is there reform for a villain that enjoyed what he did?" Sunset thought back to what she did, then said. "I enjoyed making life hell for others, I really did. But through some SERIOUS karma, Twilight and her friends stopped me from destroying my chance at friendship. Personally, I think you're similar to me... albeit more violent." She put her hand on his. His hand was hard and covered in various scars on palm, probably from the tide of battles that he had gotten into time after time. She looked at his face, it was tough yes... but he looked tired. He looked extremely tired, tired of the violence... tired of the evil... His eyes were so tired, and concealed it so well. Sunset saw right through him and said, "You never matured, did you? Deep down, you're still so alone. You still feel alone in a cold world, that no one likes you, right?" Burning Star only nodded, and Sunset continued. "Judging from what I can gather from what you said to me, you never got the chance to take a breath. To just step back and breathe for once... to find out who your were. You were so concerned with trying to be a hero, trying to make everyone happy so maybe they would overlook just how miserable you were on the inside. How long have you hid this from Twilight, Star?" Burning Star sighed, his voice so tired. "All my life... I've hid my sadness behind my heroism. I became a good guy because I felt that if I was good, I would actually matter... that I would finally have done something good. Without my heroism, I'm nothing Sunset!" Sunset cupped his face and said, "I don't believe that, Burning Star. You're feeling upset because you made a mistake, you weren't a hero." She continued, wiping his tears away. "Now, you feel like no one will care about the real you, the person and pony that cares so much about the world... but is dying slowly inside. Why do you hide this? If I know Twilight, she is perfectly willing to help you. But, she can't help you, and I can't help you if you don't let us..." Burning Star said nothing, before Sunset suddenly hugged him and said, "Black Sun hurt you. He reminded that you were only doing this to hide, didn't you?" Again, nothing from Burning Star. Sunset then felt tears hit her skin, Burning Star was crying. Crying tears of true sadness... of a man that has felt so bad all his life, and hid it for so long. The door to the kitchen opened and six girls came out. From what Burning Star could observe, these were the human versions of the Elements of Harmony. Only Fluttershy was missing, staying with the other members of Burning Star's party. Burning Star turned to the group and asked, "How much did you hear of that?" Pinkie said, her hair flat. "Everything. I'm floored, usually I would find something to give, something cheer you up. Some sort of way to make you smile, but it sounds like you haven't really smiled in a long time." Applejack sat down next to the fiery man and said, "Ah have heard very honest statements, and ah can tell a truth from a lie. Ah can say that I've never met someone say something so honest, so gosh darn brutally honest." Rarity's makeup was running, it was clear she felt bad for Burning Star. "Darling, you aren't alone... we will help you the best we can. I promise you, you can and will feel better." Rainbow Dash sighed and said, "Dude, you must have been so sad for so long, and you still were willing to care so much for Twilight and your world? God damn it, you're so loyal it hurts." Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, her glasses were visibly fogged up and her cheeks peppered with tears. She said to Burning Star. "I-I'm sorry that this all happened to you. Just... wow. That is all I can say, wow." Sunset squeezed the former Alicorn of Fire tighter and said, "You will get better, just let us help you. Black Sun can wait, you cannot fight him like this... you can't even fight at all." Burning Star looked around as the rest of the girls gave him a massive group hug, he muttered something under his breath. "Thank you." (Sunset's House, Stairwell) Meanwhile from the Stairwell, Fluttershy was crying. She was crying for a boy she hadn't even met, but from what she heard... she felt so bad for him. So so bad, it hurt. Shadow Armor was busy with Frostclaw setting up the room, while Prince Eclipsio was busy standing around with Flutters. He was busy telling her about what he came here to do when Burning Star stared bawling his eyes out. Unlike the girls, Eclipsio didn't feel bad... He scowled, he scowled and it became an ugly grimace on his face. Fluttershy looked at the scowl on Eclipsio's face and asked, "Why aren't you upset? Didn't you here what happened?" Eclipsio's response was so blunt it was painful to hear, "He should be focused on the mission, not solving his emotional turmoil." Fluttershy's eyes widened and she about faced before saying, "What? H-How can you be so uncaring, that is your friend down there..." Prince Eclipsio snorted out, "No he isn't. He is an ally, not a friend, Ms Fluttershy." Fluttershy frowned, she poked him in the chest before saying. "Why are you so insensitive to his pain?! He is clearly hurt deeply, and all you can focus on is your mission?" He practically roared at the timid girl, which he never did. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it... HARD. "DO NOT LECTURE ME, COWARD. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME, NOR ABOUT BURNING STAR!" Fluttershy shrank back before saying to him, "Now I get it. You never cared, did you? This is all about the mission." Prince Eclipsio twisted harder, causing Fluttershy to silently scream. He said to her, "I Don't have time for emotions, Goodnight Ms Fluttershy... and good luck consoling that... emotional wreck. While you all waste your time with him, I will be doing my god damn job, Finding a way to destroy Black Sun." With that, Prince Eclipsio let go of Fluttershy and stomped up to his room, muttering curses. Fluttershy clutched her wrist and said, "You don't see it yet, but you're just as nasty as Black Sun. You don't feel sad or happy, you don't feel anything at all, except frustration." Fluttershy walked down to Burning Star and gave him a hug, telling him such kind things because... that is what she does. But with no one noticing, Shadow Armor was listening as well. The Black Knight thought about what Burning Star said, and a single tear rolled down his cheek. When he heard what Eclipsio said, and heard Fluttershy's silent scream... he clenched his fist so hard that his palm began to bleed. He said to himself, "If this is what Eclipsio cares about, then I'm going to side with Burning Star... this mission can wait. Helping my friend that has helped me so much is important to me. Celestia and Luna would want that..." Shadow Armor walked over to his bed and fell asleep. Night fell across Canterlot, and a lone figure in armor overlooked Sunset's home. It was Black Sun, and he was perched on a nearby roof. It said out loud, "You are hurt... I will make you feel worthless, pathetic... then I will destroy you Burning Star. I will destroy you and everyone you care about." With that, Black Sun took off and flew off into the setting sun.
Chapter 4: Feelings and Fatalities(Sunset's House, Canterlot) The Sun had risen slowly over cozy houses of the city of Canterlot, its warm glow bathed the city in yellow light. Birds landed upon the tall trees along the streets and sang their morning tune. From the joyful tweets of the sparrows and robins, to the loud cries of crows and ravens that echoed along the silent avenues of the city. Not many people were up at this point, and the people that were Up were mostly sanitation workers picking up trash and the mailman making his rounds in the quiet neighborhood that Sunset Shimmers House sat in. The Shimmer house was quiet, the Human versions of the Main Six had decided to stay the night, sleeping together in sleeping bags or on blankets on the floor. The Group that Burning Star had brought with him was asleep upstairs, each dozing in their soft beds. Shadow Armor was curled up in a ball, dreaming dreams about his wife, and how he missed her dearly. Prince Eclipsio was vacant from his bed, he had gone out early to look for clues related to Black Sun. He also needed to vent off his anger towards Fluttershy confronting him. His ego made it hard for him to forgive. He groaned aloud as he stomped down the block. "How could she do that to me? ME?! Ugh, whoever gave that girl the confidence to confront me I'm going to find that worm and turn his insides into his outsides. No one, be they mare, stallion, or foal has ever done that to me." He put a hand through his silver hair and said, "Also, how did she know who I apparently resembled? Whoever this "Sephiroth" is, I'm going to have a word with about his wardrobe. How does one walk with this... this black robe everywhere?" He leaned his hand against a lightpost and sighed as he looked at the rising sun, "Sisters, please be safe. I will come find you and I will destroy Black Sun. He will pay for what he has done to me... I mean us." Eclipsio noticed a girl was walking towards him, she was slouched over and the Equestrian of Eclipses couldn't see her face. The girl stopped in front of him and stayed there, not moving an inch. Prince Eclipsio finally asked, "Who are you? Why are you just standing in front of me?" The girl remained silent, lifting her head slightly, but not enough to let Eclipsio see her face. He felt something touch his face quickly, then it left. She then said. "You're not him." And walked off, leaving the prince very confused. "Who was that? Also, where is Frostclaw? He must have not come to Sunset's house." Now the Prince had an objective, find the icy Kirin that had tagged along with the group. He wanted to shout out for him, but he knew that would only wake up more people before the day began. He attempted to use his space-time powers to find him, but nothing happened. He was shocked, This was impossible! "Why do my powers not work and Burning Star's do? I'm just as powerful as him if not more, so what gives?" he thought to himself, trying to comb the bangs that hung in front of his eyes backwards. He cursed his appearance, mainly by how ridiculous he looked with this giant sword on his back. He looked like some character from anime, and while Burning Star found Anime intriguing... Eclipsio thought it was plain childish, why spend so much time on it when you could be focused on training for whatever hellish enemy awaited you. "Why have emotions at all if all they cause you is pain?" He looked towards the rising sun and asked it, "Sister, why do you stay among these mortals? All they do is rely on feelings rather than intellect. Don't they know that knowledge is power, and Emotions aren't?" He received no response, and so he kept walking. (Canterlot City, Main Street) Prince Eclipsio eventually reached Main Street, and he sat down on a bench. He began to observe the humans going about their early morning business. "How in the wide universe does this race prosper so well??" he muttered to himself. A voice apparently heard him, it was Twilight. She called to him, "Eclipsio? Is that you?" The Prince of Eclipses turned his head to Twilight and said, "Yes, what are you doing out here so early? Shouldn't you be getting ready for school or whatever you mortals do?" Twilight swung her backpack off her back and put in on the sidewalk before sitting down and saying, "Yes I have school, but it's 7:15, school doesn't start till 9:00 am. I was just out on a walk to the pharmacy to pick up some aspirin for Burning Star. All his tears and stress has left him with one heck of a headache." The Prince frowned, "Figures. These bodies are so vulnerable. I wish I still had my Alicorn Body, then at least I wouldn't have to worry about menial head pain caused by his little tantrum yesterday." Twilight's eyes widened, "What do you mean tantrum? Burning Star was clearly upset, I assume you heard him from upstairs, right?" Eclipsio nodded, "I did. While I offer my sympathy for his failure, I don't Understand this race of humans." The purple haired teen raised an eyebrow, "Well what don't you understand? Maybe I can help." The Prince sighed, then said to Twilight. "Humans, they are by far the most frustratingly complex species I've ever observed. Do They know that they are mere specks of life on our planet, even if this race died no one would know. The planet would keep spinning even without them, why stick around?" Twilight Sparkle put a hand through her hair before saying, "Yes, but Humans are pretty resourceful. We have survived for thousands of years because we adapt to our environment, shape it to our own." The Prince's eyes narrowed in annoyance. Not at Twilight, but at the comment, "So what does it matter what humanity does Twilight? Their lives appear for a moment on the time stream, then flare and die. How do they cope with their mortality, when they could die at any moment?" Twilight racked her brain for an answer to the former Alicorn's question, eventually settling on, "we are mortal beings, yes. But until our species dies out we can make the best of it, humanity can keep pushing forward. And who knows? Maybe we may transcend the grip of time and leave a legacy on this world and possibly others. Only time will tell, Eclipsio. You can't always expect everything to go exactly as planned." The Prince bared his teeth and growled out, "There. That is the problem with your kind! You constantly defy the notion that your species doesn't matter in the universe." He got up on his feet and glared at Twilight, "Ponies are easy to understand, they always seem to accept whatever the universe throws at them, this is because they operate under simple and predictable motives." He pointed a finger at Twilight, causing her to shrink back, "But for some reason that is unknown to me, your kind has consistently been defying fate since day one, and I'm angry because I don't get it!" Twilight unexpectedly snapped back, thoroughly annoyed by Eclipsio harsh rhetoric, "That is because every human is unique, Mr Nihilist! Not everyone follows the same motives and has the same desires as you. Frankly, I think you are getting this worked up about humans because your pride has been hurt since you couldn't protect your sisters! Now, all you can do is lash out because you're too scared to admit you failed!" Twilight realized what she just said and clamped her hand over her mouth before picking up her bag and running away, leaving Eclipsio stunned by her words. He slumped his shoulders down and walked back towards Sunset's house. he said to himself, "Why did Twilight do that to me? No one has ever told me that my opinion is wrong, it's right... right?" (Sunset's House) Meanwhile back at the house Sunset Shimmer awoke to the sound and smell of something burning. She bolted out of bed and rushed downstairs to see Burning Star angrily glaring at the toaster, which was charred black and smoking. She said to him, "What are you doing?! That's a toaster, Burning Star. What did it do to you to warrant being blasted with fire?" Burning Star turned around and said, "It kept burning my toast. I lost my cool and toasted the toaster, since I thought I could make toast better than it could," Sunset looked at the toaster, which was unharmed, just a little charred from the fireball Burning Star had hurled at it. She looked at the number on the toaster and sighed. "You had it set to level 9, Burning Star. You needed it to be set to either level 1 or 2 to make toast well." She said looking at Burning Star's confused look. The Equestrian of Fire paused for a moment, then sheepishly smiled, "Sorry, I didn't know. Did I destroy the toaster, Sunset?" Sunset looked at the toaster and sighed, "No. but it's not usable right now. I'll make eggs for all of us, ok? Wait, can you eat meat?" Burning Star nodded, "Yeah, I'm human now, I may have been a pony, but humans eat meat as well as plants." Sunset raised an eyebrow, "But you're from Equestria! Do you eat meat there?" Burning Star nodded, "Yes. I was raised by King Sombra after all, and since there is little to no plant life in the Frozen North... I had to adapt." Sunset shivered, "Well then... not gonna ask what you ate, but let's talk for a minute before we all get up and go to school. Are you going to our school? You're supposed to "blend in" right?" Burning Star shrugged, "I would, but if I'm away from you girls it's less likely that you would get into danger from Black Sun. He seems to attract to me like a moth to a flame. Actually, all danger seems to attract to me." Sunset smirked, "Guess you've been a hero for so long that villains just can't help but try to take a swing at you." She put her hand on his chest and said, "But that isn't the issue. The issue at hand is to help you find some peace of mind. I can tell you're on the right track or you wouldn't have told me about your problems." Burning Star sat on the counter, saying "Thanks Sunset, but where should I start? It's not like something interesting is gonna happen today..." The Equestrian of Fire closed his eyes and waited... Sunset looked confused and asked, "What are you doing?" He replied quickly, "Quiet! I'm tempting fate, seeing if the universe reacts to my bluff." A good 3 minutes of silence passed before Burning Star sighed. "Dang it, I was hoping something would happen. Getting back on track, where would you have me go?" Sunset thought for a moment, "I can't bring him to school with me, he needs someplace to go and enjoy himself... aha!" Sunset spoke her idea, "How bout you go out to the mall? Maybe something there will catch your eye, or you'll meet someone new. Who knows?" Burning Star swallowed hard, "You realize that we have a psychopath in a suit of nigh-invincible armor running around? One that is trying to kill me, nevertheless?" Sunset shook her head, "Listen to me, the less you worry about Black Sun, the better. I'm sure even he has something to do that doesn't involve trying to kill you." (Somewhere...) Up atop the pinnacle of Canterlot Tower, Black Sun was busy scanning the city. He had found where that fool Burning Star and his idiotic friends were living, in the care of someone named Sunset Shimmer and the human versions of the Elements of Harmony found in Equestria. While he was capable of bursting down the door of the house and gunning down the entire group... that would be too painless. Leave too many witnesses... He'd have to kill the entire city just to get away clean. He was there to make Burning Star hate himself, to destroy his happiness before he snuffed out his annoying life forever. then he would do it to every one of these flimsy little humans, until the world would fear him. But right now, He was busy scanning... and scanning... and scanning... He finally stopped and said to himself with a bored snort "Come on, Burning Star... come look for me. I'm ready and waiting with a few of my friends to tear you apart." He scanned the house again and still found Burning Star there... Chucking the scanner off the roof he sighed in boredom. "Out of all the enemies I picked... Burning Star just has to be the most indecisive twit in the universe." Burning Star walked back upstairs and Black Sun put his head in his hands. "Great, now he's gone out of my vision. I swear to god if you don't leave that house I'm going to blow it up." He said, a missile in its launching tube. Black Sun breathed a sigh of relief as Burning Star finally exited the home and walked down the street. He positioned himself for take off before thinking. "Its broad daylight out, people are going to see me and my little army... The thought passed and he took off saying, "When has that ever stopped me before? I finally can kill this pest." Black Sun flew off like a rocket towards the Park Burning Star was walking through, his group of minions arrived in black vans across the park and began to watch. (White Tail Park) Burning Star had not gone to the mall, he feared that Black Sun would easily find him in such a popular place to be. So he chose to take a walk in the park. During his walk, he accidentally bumped into a girl that was walking the other way. She was knocked onto her butt. He said to her, "Oh... sorry about that." And offered her a hand up. The girl accepted the hand up and stood slouching in front of the Equestrian of Fire. Burning Star felt something lift his face slightly and the girl lifted her own, but only high enough for her to see his. The unknown touch disappeared and the girl walked off, leaving Burning Star very confused. "That was odd, something touched me. Don't know what though, must have been a bug." He said as he sat down in on the bank of a lake, skipping stones across it. Well by skipping he meant throwing them across like darts and having them embed themselves in a tree on the other side... But he enjoyed the Park. it was calm, it was peaceful... Right up until a metal bola went whizzing above his head, he ducked as two more were let fly and multiple guys dressed in black rushed out of the trees. He thought to himself, "AMBUSH!" as he ignited his fists and went into battle position. He tried to reach for his sword, but it had been left at Sunset's House! "Guess it's flaming fists for today, bring it on." he thought as three guys approached him with stun batons. He opened his palm and pushed it outward, creating a wave of heat that burned the exposed skin of the guys causing them to drop their weapons. Before they could recover two of them had their own batons smashed into them and the third was quickly knocked into a tree by a haymaker punch from Burning Star's iron fists. He was about to take on the next group when something tackled him from the sky and threw him into a tree, snapping it in half and pinning him to the ground by someone standing on him. It was Black Sun! Burning Star struggled to get armored monster off of him, but he didn't budge. The armored figure looked down on him and said as he was lying underneath his feet, pressing down on him with his clawed boots and carving various scrapes on his body. "Come now Burning Star, you know I won't let you relax even a bit, you should have stayed inside all day alone." Black Sun lifted the young adult to his feet and delivered a crushing punch to his chest, causing Burning Star to double over in pain. Black Sun must have broken his ribs... He tried to retaliate by blasting fire from his hand but Black Sun caught his right hand and crushed it, sending waves of agony across his body. He didn't dare scream, he wouldn't give the psycho the proof he was in pain... Black Sun lifted Burning Star up by his arm and two thugs put restraints on his arms and legs, before Black Sun threw him against another tree. Intense pain rocketed all over his body as Burning Star felt a slug to his face from Black Sun's metal gauntlet, it left cuts on his cheek. Multiple tugs stepped out of the woods, until there were about a dozen or so heavily armed men staring him down with assault rifles. Black Sun then stepped forward and said to the bloodied human, "You're weak, Burning Star. No wonder you fall apart so easily, humans are so pitiful, so you have to die now... but at least you should know that your friends will follow soon after." Burning Star managed to weakly say, "What about making me feel the worst pain imaginable, You Heartless f--k?!" Burning Star spat blood on Black Sun's visor, which earned him another punch to the face. The armored Monster loaded his machine guns and said, "I believe the pain you will feel in Tartarus will suffice. Burn in hell, Alicorn of Fire." He fired his guns, but the bullets stopped midair, before falling to the ground. Burning Star thanked god for... whatever just did that. Suddenly, a scream was heard and a spray of red went across Black Sun's visor, obscuring his vision. Burning Star looked at each of the thugs that surrounded him, trying to find the source of that scream. then one of the thugs was quickly sliced to ribbons and another had his head crushed, bits of the thug's skull covered his face, and he held back vomit as it oozes off of his face. Black Sun looked around as multiple men were quickly eviserated and demolished by what appeared to be nothing, their bodies rendered a blooded mess from the unknown assailant. Black Sun suddenly felt something... Fear. He fired his weapons into the trees, shooting anything he heard approach him. His gunfire shredded the trees and left holes in the leaf-covered floor. "Show yourself coward! You can't hide from me!" Then a voice, presumably female, spoke. It's word were like the coldest ice found in the deepest darkest parts of space. They were cold enough to send a shiver of dread up the spine of Black Sun. "No one hurts Matthew." Black Sun fired his entire magazine towards Burning Star, hoping to hit him as well as his unknown guardian. The bullets once again stopped short, then fell harmlessly to the floor. The voice spoke again, its words so cold and disturbing that it practically hurt to hear them. "Die." Black Sun's midsection was suddenly bent into a V, and his arms were crumpled in his armor. Somehow feeling pain, he broke free and rocketed off. Burning Star cranes his neck up to watch Black Sun hastily make retreat, flying farther and father away until he was but a speck in the distance. Burning Star looked around at the dead bodies littering the floor, they were horribly mutilated and the ground was drenched in blood. The voice said to him, "Don't Move." The solid steel chains binding his arms and legs were cut by something he couldn't see, but he heard the sound of something moving. Burning Star said thank you to every god he knew for sending this... whatever or whoever it was to save him. Then, the voice stepped out of the woods. It was the girl from earlier! The girl was maybe a foot shorter than him, and was about as pale as him. Her hair was pinkish-red and her eyes were bright cherry red. She wore a ribbon on the chest of her simple pink shirt and black blouse. Long black socks were seen on her legs, and she wore slip on black sneakers. The most unusual part of her was the fact that she was covered, no, DRENCHED in blood. Almost every part of her seemed to have blood and sinew hanging from it. it was light in some areas, but some parts were heavy enough that Burning Star couldn't see her skin underneath all the red. He suddenly felt his body lift into the air by some unknown force and put into an a sitting position on a nearby tree stump that was formed from the tree Black Sun had toppled during his firefight with him. She walked over to him and pulled his head up, her gaze was dead-eyed and focused. Burning Star's normally intense blue eyes were currently being overwhelmed by this girls piercing red gaze. He was too stunned to speak. He had so many questions... How did this girl know his former human name?! Why did this girl show up?! What the hell just happened to Black Sun and his posse!? She then said to him, "Matthew, are you ok? Are you hurt?." Her voice had no change in tone, it was deader than death itself. Burning Star nodded, very creeped out by the girls voice. "Y-Yeah, thanks to you... you did all this? The girl nodded, "Yes, You needed help. I helped you." Burning Star shuddered at the utterly freaky voice, then squeaked out, "W-Who are you?" The girl stood up and Burning Star felt something grab his face and pulled him into her embrace. She wasn't moving at all! The girl put her arms around him and gave him a hug before saying, "Do you remember me, Matthew?" Burning Star looked at her face and wiped the blood off her face with his hand. then he gasped... And fainted. (White Tail Park, Blackguard Van) "Matthew..." Burning Star stirred in his sleep, hearing some sort of voice. It sounded... familiar... ”Matthew... wake up." The voice got louder, and then a sharp pain hit him across the face, causing Burning Star to jolt up. "Gah! What the heck was that for?!" He exclaimed, rubbing the red mark on his face, before clutching his sides in pain. He looked down and saw that his chest was bandaged, and his arm was in a spilnt. He was also shirtless... Compared to what happened earlier, this was probably the least strange thing all day. He looked around and saw that he was in one of the vans that the thugs had rode in on. He looked to the drivers seat and saw what was left of the driver, a bloodied mangled mess. The girl looked at him briefly and he felt something touch him, although he could not see the girl moving an inch. Whatever touched him was feeling Up and down his body, the touch was delicate, as if it didn't want to hurt him. The feeling of touch drifted south towards his pants. Burning Star pulled his pants tight, despite the pain it put on his right hand, but they were ripped right out of his grasp. The girl looked at Burning Star and said, "I need to look at your legs, Matthew." "Matthew." Er... Burning Star sighed and said back, "Oh phew, I thought you were going to take my underpants off or something." The girl's face developed a slight blush, but she said with a straight face, "Do you want me to take off your underpants?" Burning Star's face turned as red as his hair, "N-NO! I mean... No, thank you." The girl turned her gaze away from Burning Star, and whatever was feeling up and down his body stopped. Burning Star talked to the girl, "Thanks for the help in tending to my wounds... but who are you, exactly?" The girl seemed to sigh and a single tear rolled down her cheeks. she said softly, "You don't remember me, do you? figures, it has been over 10 years." Burning Star asked again, "I'm still wondering who are you, what am I supposed to remember from ten years ago?" The girl approached Burning Star and placed one of her real hands on his head, and the Equestrian of Fire's head flooded with memories. Dark, painful memories that he couldn't understand or describe... they were too horrible to imagine... Then a name floated into his mind and the girl let go of his head. She walked back to the front of the van and looked at the bloodied corpse of the driver. Burning Star said the name of the girl, "Lucina..." The corpse suddenly lifted into the air and was slid out the window, trailing blood across the ground, before it was tossed into the garbage. Lucina suddenly rushed towards Burning Star and hugged him tightly in her arms. She said to him, "I missed you so much Matthew. I didn't know where you went, I searched everywhere." Burning Star put his hand on her head and brushed her hair, "Shh... it's ok. I'm back now... although this isn't my world, I'm back with you." Lucina looked up to Burning Star, tear streaks ran down her cheeks as she said, "W-Where did you go? I couldn't find you at your home... the world was dying... what happened?" Burning Star hung his head, "My trans-dimensional gate worked... but it sucked in only a choice few. It was experimental, it shot me to a place called Equestria... I'm sure you have heard of it." Lucina nodded, "Yes I have. I... couldn't reach you. I needed you, I heard from those other girls. You married?" Burning Star rubbed the back of his neck, "Not officially, it was for political stability. Technically I'm single, but why did you- mmph!" Burning Star was suddenly kissed full on the lips by Lucina, there was so much passion behind it, and he returned it. It was a kiss from a love that was never realized... a love that could have blossomed. The two broke the kiss and both were blushing madly. "G-good to see you again... heheh..." said Burning Star, red in the face. "Yeah... same." Said Lucina, so red in the face she could be mistaken for a tomato. Burning Star stumbled out the door and started to walk towards Sunset's house before he collapsed to the ground in pain. The cry of pain from Burning Star made Lucina rush to his aid and lifted him into the air with some invisible force. He landed in her arms and she said, "You are unable to walk, Matthew. Let me take you back to where you are staying." Burning Star sighed, "Ok... do you know where I'm staying?" Lucina's eyes grew dark, "...Yes." With that, Lucina carried Burning Star in her physical arms. It began to rain, then it began to pour. Burning Star expected to get soaked, but whatever Lucina used to shred the thugs and turn Black Sun into a crumpled tin can had moved to block the rain from them. The invisible force covered the pair like an umbrella and the two didn't get soaked. Lucina looked to Burning Star, who had passed out again since his body needed to recover. She quietly said to him, "I love you, Matthew. I love you so much, You are the only reason that your friends are still alive... because if I hurt anyone close to you, you wouldn't like me anymore..." The girl walked on towards Sunset's house and knocked on the door. She took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. (Canterlot City, Sunset's House) The girls were worried sick, Burning Star had been gone when they came back from school after a report of gunfire went off at White Tail Park. Multiple dead bodies were found by the police, they had no gunshot wounds, rather they looked as if they had been torn apart by something sharp. Twilight's brother had done the girls a favor and gotten them an escort home, but all signs pointed to Black Sun being behind this. If he could kill hundreds of armed men... Who's to say he wouldn't kill them? The girls all jumped when they heard a knock on the door, Sunset quickly got to her feet and nervously tiptoed to the door. "Coming!" She said, trying to hide her fear, but failing. She opened the door a crack and asked, "W-Who is it?" An unknown female voice called out to her, "Are you Sunset Shimmer?" Sunset grabbed a vase from the wall and held it in her right hand, she then said "Who is asking?" Lucina responded, her words like ice. "A friend of his, now open the door." Sunset shakily asked, "What if you are Black Sun? An group of killings happened in White Tail Park today." Lucina put one of her hands to her face, "If I was Black Sun you would all be dead already... now open the door." Sunset slowly opened the door to see a pink-red haired girl carrying Burning Star in her arms. He was bound in white bandages and had a splint on one of his arms. The girl herself had blood on her shirt, Lucina had forgotten to change her clothing. Sunset felt weak and fell backwards into unconsciousness, something caught her and brought her inside... Then Lucina closed the door.
Chapter 5: Vs Black Sun! Stardust Speedway Showdown!(Sunset’s House, Living Room) While Lucina was entering the home, The girls were busy talking about what happened at White Tail Park. All of them were in shock at seeing so much blood and gore strewn about the once green grass, which was stained with the blood of the corpses who were butchered like animals. Fluttershy was so horrified by the bloodshed she couldn’t speak for nearly three hours. The rest of the girls were still feeling sick, and Rainbow threw up upon seeing it. “Hey Twilight, what do you suppose happened there? Cus I couldn’t make sense of it.” Said Applejack, eating one of her apples she kept in her bag. Twilight shuddered, “This does look like what Black Sun would do, Burning Star had told us what happened to the guard detail, he slaughtered them. To me, this shows that Black Sun isn’t afraid to leave his victims bodies around, it’s like he doesn’t care who he kills.” Rarity nodded, trying to keep calm. She was wearing one of Sunset’s T-Shirts, since her other clothes had blood on them. “That does sound like what Black Sun would do, it was so dreadful to see, girls. The worst part is that the clothes I wastill smell like blood... I stepped in one of the puddles and I may have fainted in it.” Pinkie Pie was trying to keep a smile on her face, but the memory of that massacre was burned into her mind. Her hair was straight against her head and tears were visible in her eyes. She spoke to Twilight, sadness in her voice, “Twilight... is this going to happen again? Please say that it won’t. Please, please say that this won’t happen again.” Twilight was about to respond but an unfamiliar voice cut her off. “No, Pinkie... it may happen again.” The voice’s words belonged to a girl who just walked in, she was carrying Burning Star in her hands and Sunset Shimmer seemed to float above her, carried by some invisible force. “Sunset?! Burning Star?!” The girls shouted in unison. Their combined voices were loud enough to make the girl cover her ears. “Could you six be quiet? I came to bring back “Burning Star”. Sunset fainted on sight of seeing me.” Lucina said, lifting Burning Star into the air and suspending him there. Twilight looked at the floating bodies of Burning Star and Sunset Shimmer and asked an obvious question, “Who are you and How are you doing that?” Lucina sighed and said, “I’m Lucina. I’m a really old friend of Burning Star from his world.” Rainbow Dash tilted her head, “You mean Equestria?” Lucina sighed again and placed the two adolescents on the floor. “No, I’m from Burning Star’s Home. He came to Equestria, I was sent here.” Twilight Sparkle raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean Lucina? Is Burning Star not from Equestria?” Lucina responded in her normally dead tone, “No.” She then poked Sunset and Burning Star on the forehead, causing them to wake up. “Ow, why does it feel like I hit my head on something?” Said Sunset Shimmer, rubbing her forehead. Burning Star tried to stand, but doubled over in pain, causing the girls to run over to him and help him to his feet. He had bandages around his bare chest and a bandage around his head, his legs were also badly bruised. Rainbow Dash looked at the bandages and said, “Yeah... he broke a few ribs and got a cut on his head. His legs are not broken, but they are very sore.” Twilight was shocked to hear such accurate dialogue from Rainbow, “Where did you learn how to identify these injuries, Dash?” Rainbow Dash shrugged, “I play sports a lot, Twi. Over time after hearing about injuries from the field medics, you pick up some knowledge about how the body works.” Twilight turned to Lucina and said, “How long has it been since you changed these bandages?” Lucina spoke, her voice carrying a twinge of icy dread. “About 2 hours ago. He passed out after I found him, I couldn’t cut him open without waking him. So I used my powers.” This piqued Twilight’s interest, “Powers? What sort of powers?” Lucina looked directly at Twilight and the purple-haired girl felt something touch her softly, although she didn’t see anything. It ran across her hair and down her back, sending shivers up her spine before whatever was touching her body stopped. Rarity asked Lucina, “Darling? What did you just do?” Lucina’s response was blunt, “I touched her with my abilities.” She stood up and said, “My powers come from my brain, I can use a higher percent of it than typical human can, this has led to me developing what could be theoretically described as psychokinetic abilities.” Sunset sat up and snickered, “So you can read minds or something?” If looks could kill, Sunset would have been dead thanks to the deadly gaze Lucina shot at her. She looked around to see no one else was talking, then she continued, her dead tone not disappearing. “Yes, Sunset Shimmer has stated in her rude remark that I am able to sense what another being is thinking slightly. I mainly use my psychokinesis to generate fields of high-powered TK.” Twilight’s eyes shot open, “Like the levitation magic that Unicorn Ponies have?” Lucina showed Twilight a small smile of approval, then her face went back to its stony appearance. “Yes Twilight, my telekinetic abilities work similarly to levitation magic. But unlike magic which draws upon the user’s magic energy, my powers are completely natural and don’t drain me in the slightest. My TK often takes the shape of what you could refer to as “Invisible Arms”, I can have six of these at once and they are very powerful. Observe.” She turned her eyes to the sofa, lifting Fluttershy off it and placing her on the ground, before lifting the sofa into the air and placing it upside down. She then picked it up again and turned it right side up. Everyone’s jaws were on the floor, while they had seen levitation before, there was always some sort of aura around an object. This was full-fledged invisible telekinesis! Twilight went immediately to badgering Lucina with questions. “I’ve never seen this before. How does it work? How much can you manage with one arm? How long are they?” Her mouth was shut by Lucina’s telekinetic Arms, “Please... shut up.” She sounded quite annoyed. Twilight calmed down, then asked. “So... what do we do now? Black Sun has hurt Burning Star. Right now he is in no condition to fight him, both physically and mentally.” Lucina spoke to the group, “His Alicorn regeneration will take a long time to work, since right now it is not used to a human body. He will recover, but it will take time. Right now he needs to relax and rest.” She looked into the kitchen and opened the door with one of her invisible arms, pulling out a can of soda and opening it. The soda floated into her actual hands and she began to drink it, then she said. “I will be staying here to look after Burning Star.” Sunset got to her feet and said rather apprehensively, “Wait a minute. What makes you think that we are going to let you just stay here?” Lucina’s eyes went dark, she turned and glared at Sunset. “Don’t make me hurt you... I can do it, you wouldn’t see me coming.” Sunset felt a wave of fear from Lucina’s deadly serious words, but she stood tall and said, “I’m not going to let some girl who says she knows Burning Star walk in and demand to stay here.” Lucina had enough and sent one of her arms like a knife to Sunset’s chest. “LUCINA NO!” Burning Star had bolted awake at the sound of Sunset’s voice, he heard what was going on and leapt at blinding speed. He was now all that was standing between Sunset and what would have been a very messy death. Burning Star looked at Lucina with pleading eyes, “Please, Lucina. Please Don’t kill her, she is just looking out for everyone... including me.” Lucina scowled angrily for a moment, then retracted one of her invisible arms and said to Burning Star with a sad face. “Ok, Star... just for you. I won’t hurt them... you care about them, killing them would make you unhappy.” The Equestrian of Fire stepped towards Lucina and grabbed her hand, “C’mon, you can stay in my room.” Lucina walked upstairs slowly, she felt horrible for almost doing what she was about to do. Burning Star waited till she was out of earshot, then shouted at Sunset. “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!” Sunset shouted back, “hey! It isn’t my fault that some girl with invisible death Arms is stalking you!” Burning Star took a breath and lowered his voice to a more calm tone. Then he said, “What?” “She has been following one or more of us all day, saying “You not him”, then walking off. She really needs some manners, Burning Star.” Rarity chimed in. Pinkie’s hair was back to normal, and she said to him. “Yeah! As much as I like other people, she is super duper spooky.” “She touched me with those invisible arm-tentacle things!” Shouted Rainbow Dash. Burning Star screamed loud enough to shake the room. ”QUIET!” Everyone shut up, including Burning Star himself. There was an awkward silence left by his massive shout. Then, Twilight finally said something, “Listen, we aren’t judging you on who you’re friends are, Burning Star. We are just worried about how powerful she is. We already have Eclipsio upset.” Burning Star’s eyebrows raised, “Why is he upset?” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Apparently he can’t figure out why humans are still around or something... he also is annoyed at Fluttershy and Twilight because they stood up to him.” Shadow Armor came in from the pantry and joined in on the conversation, he had a bag of crackers in his hand. “Burning Star, don’t give it any of your time. Eclipsio’s just jealous that you have powers here and he doesn’t.” The fiery human facepalmed and said to himself, “Why am I not surprised...” Burning Star walked to the stairs and began to ascend, before he disappeared he said to the girls. “Listen, I’m sorry Lucina scared you all, she is very protective of me. She listens to me, I’ll tell her that you all are my friends.” With that he ascend the stairs and left the girls alone to think. They all had one collective thought on their minds. ”What have we gotten ourselves into?” (Burning Star’s Room) Burning Star entered his room, it was dark as night inside. He flipped on a light switch and his face turned red when he saw who was on his bed. Lucina sitting up on his bed, her hair untied from its clip and hanging loosely around her shoulders. That wasn’t what Burning Star was red in the face about. He was red in the face because she was shirtless and pants-less! “L-Lucina?! Why... W-Why are you not wearing clothes?” Burning Star stammered out, trying not to look at her nearly naked body. Her clothes were off in a laundry bin near the closet where he kept his sword Deicide and a few other things. Lucina used one of her invisible arms to grab the teen’s head and turn it towards her. She said to him with bedroom eyes, “Burning Star... I said I missed you. Did you miss me?” Burning Star tried to make a break for the door but it slammed shut on him, courtesy of Lucina’s powers. He felt two or three of her telekinetic arms grab him and pull him towards the bed. He tried to pull away but Lucina’s grasp was way too strong, and he was way too weak. The placed him on the bed and returned to the pink-red haired girl, who eyed Burning Star like he was a piece of delicious candy. And certain parts of him could be considered “candy” The Equestrian of Fire’s face was red and he was sweating nervously. “Lucina, w-why are you doing this?” Lucina gave him a kiss on the head and said, “Because I love you, Matthew. I love you more than anyone else...” Burning Star turned his head away again, “Yes I know that... but why do...” he motioned to her nearly naked form with his hands, trying not to touch her exposed body. “”This”” Now?” His head was moved back towards her and she said to him with half-lidded eyes. “Because I can’t let you go run off and defeat another villain. You saved me all those years ago, and I never got to return the favor...” He was suddenly pinned to the bed by Lucina’s powerful grip and she leaned in to kiss him. Burning Star shouted a quick, “HELP ME SHADOW-“ before Lucina smothered him. (Sunset’s House, Living Room) Shadow Armor sat with Sunset Shimmer in the living room. The girls had all gone home, they had school tomorrow and Shadow Armor didn’t want to keep them from a necessary responsibility they had to fulfill. So now he sat, eating his third bag of saltine crackers. He did this because he had a bad habit of gorging on food when stressed out... Which he never did... until recently. Sunset Shimmer sat next to Shadow Armor on the couch, an awkward silence filling the room only broken by the sounds of Shadow Armor crunching the crackers. The silence was broken by Shadow Armor saying to the red-headed girl, “You know Burning Star really cares about you...” Sunset rolled her eyes and asked the knight, “Yeah... I know. Is he always this... clingy?” Shadow Armor put down his bag of crackers and spoke to her, “Well... yes. You need to understand Sunset Shimmer, Burning Star has lived the majority of his childhood in the wilds of Equestria. He has tried to get as many people and/or ponies to like him so they overlook his depression. Frankly, I’m surprised he didn’t go insane from the isolation.” “I certainly would have... and I am sure you would.” He said as he pointed to himself, then to Sunset Shimmer. “But that crazy girl just said Burning Star was once human! What am I supposed to believe?” Sunset groaned, putting her hands on her face. Shadow Armor thought for a moment, then responded, “You don’t have to believe he was human or he was pony. Hell, you don’t have to believe him at all. But you need to believe that he trusts you and your friends judgment. He is doing something he hates, he is putting faith in you all... I hope that you can help him in ways that I cannot.” He continued to speak, opening one of his hands and putting it on his chest. “I may be one of my worlds greatest warriors, somepony... err, someone who can defend Burning Star from any enemy and any physical harm, but even I struggle when it comes to psychological scars, Sunset. They run so deep within his mind, whatever or whoever he was before all this... pain happpend to him was damaged severely.” The knights face twisted into a somber frown, “If it wasn’t for Twilight and her friends giving him the friendship he desperately needed... I can’t even imagine what would become of him and of my world.” Sunset lifted her face to see a single tear stream down his face, “Look at me... a life form created from dark magic and the DNA of a witless wonder prince... what is wrong with me, Sunset?” Sunset put one of her soft hands on Shadow’s hard face, lifting his eyes to hers. His eyes didn’t seem as tired as Burning Star’s... but she didn’t see anything behind them. It was like she was peering into a cold, dead wasteland devoid of life and purpose... and it seemed to stretch on endlessly. There was nothing there... no anger, no grief... Nothing but an empty gaze and an empty soul... Sunset tore her gaze away from his and said, “Listen... didn’t you get married? Why aren’t you happy for yourself?” “Because I’m afraid when Fluer finds out how I came to be... she wouldn’t love me anymore.” Shadow Armor said, sniffing up some mucus. Sunset got him a tissue and he blew his nose. “Question Shadow Armor... why did you and Burning tell me this, a practically complete stranger to you and your friends, instead of somepony like Twilight?” Shadow Armor shrugged and said, “Twilight is the princess of Friendship, she may be able to do great things Sunset... but dealing with the machinations and inner thoughts of psychologically scarred minds isn’t one of them, unfortunately. Our Twilight isn’t the most pleasant pony when she doesn’t know the answer to something. She acts sorta like how Eclipsio acts, but she at least has the sense to ask for help. Our little prince however...” She turned towards him and said, “He dwells on it and it makes him frustrated?” Shadow Armor pointed at her, “Yep. No matter how much I’ve tried to get him some relief, he always puts his job as “Guardian of the Multiverse” first. So he presses down on his frustrations and lets it seethe and drive him nuts.” “That sounds like it is unpleasant to deal with.” Said Sunset, putting one of her arms up and around Shadow Armor. The knight groaned, “It is... and his frustration usually comes from things not going how he thinks they will go. He is no god, but he DESPERATELY wants to be one... so no pony would do something unexpected.” Sunset rolled her eyes at the thought of that silver-haired teen being a god, “So he just hides all of this behind that stone-faced expression?” Shadow Armor nodded, “Yep. The Prince really needs some time to talk to you as well, I think it would help him immensely.” Sunset’s eyes went wide, “What? Shadow, I’m not a professional that handles this.” The knight shot her a smirk, “No... but you are be amazing at these things. I’ll see you later, going up to bed.” With that Shadow Armor walked upstairs, leaving Sunset alone to think. ”Black Sun... What are you?” An idea struck her about what to do about Black Sun... and she rushed out the door to get some supplies from a nearby stationary store. Shadow Armor was walking past Burning Star’s room when he heard some creaking sounds coming from inside. One of his eyebrows raised, ”What is going on in there?” A cry came out from inside and Shadow Armor went into attack mode. “I’m coming in, Burning Star!” Burning Star was busy being sat upon by Lucina to hear Shadow Armor’s battle cry. With a single punch, Shadow Armor smashed the door off it’s hinges and was reduced to splinters. The Black Knight stepped in with his fists up, saying. “Ok buddy, you got ten seconds to haul ass out of here before I show you a world of pain.” Shadow Armor saw the act being committed on the bed, and his face flushed red. Prince Eclipsio was awoken by the smash of the door and went to go check it out. “Shadow Armor what in my sister’s name is... oh sweet Celestia.” He said, now just realizing what was happening in front of him. Lucina gave the two of them glares that would cut diamonds with how sharp they were, “Breathe a word about this and I will turn you two to mulch before you could even blink.” The two young men nodded in unison and began to step out the door. Burning Star pried his head up and yelled, “Wait! Where are you two going?! Help me!” Shadow Armor, still red in the face, said “Sorry but you’re on your own Star. I’ve... got to go wash my eyes out.” Shadow Armor walked out of the room, Prince Eclipsio following close behind him. Sunset went up to see what happened and came upon the broken door to Burning Star’s room. “Burning Star, what are you... oh dear.” She said, now looking at Lucina sitting on Burning Star’s chest. Her face immediately turned red at the sight. Lucina quickly pushed Sunset out and grabbed a piece of cloth and put it over the broken doorframe. Sunset’s face was still red as she said, “What did I get myself into?” (The Next Morning...) The sun rose above Canterlot City, which was on a little higher alert since the “White Tail Park Massacre” happened a few days ago. Police were on high alert, looking for anything that could cause such carnage... Too bad the carnage was coming to them... (Sunset’s House, Kitchen) Everyone in Sunset’s House awoke and arrived at the kitchen to see Frostclaw making breakfast. The former Kirin hummed To himself as he flipped pancakes and fried eggs on pans over the stove. No one said a word, all of them were aware of what happened last night... and no one dared speak about it. Someone finally said a word, it was Burning Star. “Listen about last night...” Sunset glared at him, “We will never speak of what happened yesterday.” Lucina returned the glare, “That is fine by me, Sunset Shimmer. Just as long as you don’t intrude upon me again.” The room fell silent except for Frostclaw’s humming. Shadow Armor spoke, “You could at least have put a sock on the door...” “What door Shadow Armor?! You punched through it!” Burning Star snapped at him, very cranky. Eclipsio put his hands to his face and said, “We all saw what happened... let’s not repeat this... huhhhuh... encounter again.” Frostclaw stopped his humming and said, “Wait... are you five talking about Lucina and Burning Star having...” “SHUT UP!” Burning Star noticed the box sitting next to Frostclaw and said, “Frostclaw... what’s with the radio?” Frostclaw shook his head, “It’s not a radio, Burning Star. It’s a police scanner, I figured that if we are going to be hunting down Black Sun, we would need a reliable way of finding him. Since that metallic monster tends to strike whenever he pleases, even in broad daylight, l figured the police radio would lead us straight to him.” He pushed a box of what appeared to be earplugs forwards. “These are communicators Sunset and I made, they work by vibrating the bones of your ear so that only you can hear what is being said. If Black Sun is as dangerous a foe as he says he is, then staying in touch comes first.” Burning Star placed his earpiece in his ear and tested the connection. ”So is it working?” The earpieces all emitted a whining noise, probably because they were too close to each other. Burning Star took a few steps back and tried again, contacting Sunset. ”Better?” Sunset and the group nodded, while Frostclaw brought out the final box he had under the kitchen table. He opened it up and inside were what looked like high-tech glasses. Frostclaw motioned for everyone to put them on and everyone immediately had a HUD appear in front of their eyes. Frostclaw spoke, a sheepish grin on his face, his fangs showing. “I may or may not have stolen the designs from the Espionage Department of the police...” He motioned for everyone to follow him, and the group entered Sunset’s Office Room. Sunset internally squealed, she and Frostclaw had been working on this all night, he seemed incredibly proficient in technology... despite never being on earth. Was their Equestria more technologically advanced than hers? Around the room, Multiple Monitors were set up, each with various images and meters measuring various things from temperature to volume. Shadow Armor took it all in and said, “Frostclaw... you did all this to catch one guy?” Lucina gave him a knowing stare, “This isn’t some ordinary criminal, this is Black Sun. This is a man armed with a suit so powerful it could and should be classified as a WMD. He is fast, he is deadly, and he is annoyingly punctual when he goes to attack someone or something.” Burning Star asked Frostclaw, “Frostclaw... how do you know so much about technology?” Frostclaw sat in one of the swivel chairs and said, “I went to the library the other day and read every book on computers and technology they had. Then, I traded in bits for some cash, as they are made of gold i got a about 5,000 dollars from it... and I used it to build this, My masterpiece.” The radio near the monitor suddenly started up and a voice came out of it. “Attention all officers in the area, there are multiple explosions on Main Street caused by an unknown figure in what appears to be... armor of some sort. Subject is currently not moving and standing at the corner of 20th Avenue and Main Street.” Sunset gasped, “That is the location of Canterlot High! He is going after the girls!” Burning Star stood up and ran upstairs, grabbing his sword and strapping it on his back. He had his camouflage hoodie on and a pair of what appeared to be steel-toed boots. Frostclaw pulled up a map of Canterlot and sent it to Burning Star’s HUD on his glasses. He heard Frostclaw on the radio, ”Ok, I’ve sent you the address and street maps of Canterlot High. There is currently a large heat spike going on near it. Black Sun is there for sure!” “Let me take this one, everyone. If I can’t kill him, I’ll just make him wish he never messed with us.” He said, his eyes narrowed. Eclipsio steppes forwards as well, “I’m going and you can’t stop me. Black Sun dies today.” “What about your sisters?” Sunset reminded him. Prince Eclipsio snarled, “I’ll rip it out of his mind forcefully, then I will end his existence.” Another call came in, this one sounding more panicked, ”Attention all officers, Subject is now opened fire on the school building, the building is empty, all students are out on a field trip.” Burning Star rushed out the door, Eclipsio close behind him. This left the group to get to work on the other terminals. Frostclaw patched through to Burning Star and said, ”This is Stable to Pyro and Blackout, come in Pyro and Blackout.” Burning Star responded, ”Read you loud and clear, Stable. what is the situation now?” Eclipsio practically shouted into his com, ”Where is Black Sun?!” Burning Star snorted, ”Cool it, Eclipsio. But really, where is he?” Sunset spoke on the mic, ”I’m looking through the traffic cams. He is currently floating in the air. Burning Star, he is raining hell on the officers near the school.” Lucina came up on the radio next, ”Ok Burning Star, The Rainbooms are on that bus heading out on the field trip. Bus number 347-A. Got that?” Eclipsio responded harshly, ”Always something getting in our way, now we have to save the Rainbooms? Really? We already have to catch Black Sun, they can take care of themselves.” “They are my friends, you insensitive jerk! You are going to get them to safety.” Burning Star dialed in the police radio again. A shot rang out over the radio and Black Sun’s unnerving voice came on. ”Attention Chief Shining Armor, you’re pathetic police force stands no chance of stopping me. Soon, Twilight and all her little friends will be nothing more than red stains on the ends of my blades.” The radio went dead... leaving everyone with a feeling of utter terror. Burning Star shook his head and talked to Eclipsio. ”That is Twilight’s Brother, Eclipsio. We are helping him with this.” “Always got to be a pure hero, don’t you? The loss of Shining Armor doesn’t matter to us, we have to take down Black Sun. He is expendable...” Sunset let an audible growl out, which was quickly silenced by Burning Star saying. ”I’ll get them home safe... I promise.” (Canterlot High School) Burning Star and Eclipsio ran down the road using their enhanced speed gained from Alicorn DNA. He was easily running 30 miles per hour. Eclipsio’s Alicorn abilities had returned, but he still couldn’t open a portal with his magic. The two arrived at the school just to see Black Sun unleash another hail of bullets into the windows. Burning Star was now relieved to know that the school was out on a field trip. Black Sun floated in the air, multiple officers taking aim at him while Shining Armor stepped out of his car and shouted at Black Sun. “What gives you the right to mess with my family, you metal monster!?” Black Sun sighed and opened fire, and a hail of bullets cascaded down upon the area. He fired off a rain of bullets at Shining, he was yanked out of the way by a fellow officer who died in his place. The armored figure faked a yawn, “I will kill you all, but at a different time... my guest is here, and it seems he brought company.” Black Sun landed on the grass and stared at Burning Star, his weapons loaded. He looked completely unharmed, despite getting mangled the other day. Eclipsio shouted at Black Sun, “What have you done with my sisters?!” “SHUT YOUR TRAP! This is between me and Burning Star.” Black Sun roared at the prince. Burning Star spoke to the ironclad menace to life, “So you decided to shoot up a school and possibly kill a few dozen officers, just to get my attention? Then come down here and face me.” Black Sun snarled out, “Well that was the original plan, but I think killing your friends will be oh so painful for you and the chief of police. After all, his sister is on that bus, I intend to kill her as brutally as I possibly can...” He took to the air and said, “But if you are so willing to throw your miserable lives away trying to catch me, be my guest. Goodbye you infernal ingrate, watch as your entire life is extinguished of all good things.” Black Sun rocketed in the direction of the bus’s tire tracks. Burning Star wasn’t about to let him get away with killing more innocent lives. So he went to random guy on a motorcycle that was stopped to see the chaos. Upon seeing the glare in the Equestrian’s eyes the man stepped off and Burning Star got on and sped off after Black Sun. Prince Eclipsio was close behind him on another motorbike. Shining Armor saw Burning Star and Eclipsio speed off after Black Sun and he got in his car and said to his deputy. “After him! Now!” “Which one, sir?” “ALL OF THEM! SEND EVERYONE!” A call went across the entire police radio. ”This is Chief Shining Armor. Subject is being pursued by, civilians, possible relation to hostile target. All cars in the precinct converge on my destination. Subjects are heading to Stardust Speedway...” (Stardust Speedway) Burning Star sped after Black Sun on the motorcycle he got from that random guy on the street. Prince Eclipsio was close behind him, gunning his engine until he was right besides the Equestrian of Fire. Black Sun looked back to see the blaring lights of the police cars and the motorcycle-riding Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio. The armored figure shouted down to the Equestrian of Fire, “Nice Rides boys... but it better be able to catch me or your little friends are done for... you insignificant whelps.” “Flame Beam!” Shouted the Equestrian of Fire. A blast of fire hit Black Sun in the face, it didn’t deal damage but it knocked him for a loop. Burning Star was holding a fireball in his hand. He fired again, still not doing damage to Black Sun, but he was screwing with his flight. Black Sun responded to the attack by firing an heat seeking missile at Burning Star. The rocket soared through the air towards the flame-imbued man. Burning Star ignited his hand and chucked a fireball off to the side. Prince Eclipsio fired black lightning from his hand, it missed Black Sun barely. Sunset’s voice came over the radio. ”Burning Star, Eclipsio... he is heading directly towards the bus Twilight and the girls are on. You have to catch him as soon as possible.” A map of the speedway appeared on the two Equestrians’s HUDs. Black Sun was about 10 miles from the bus and closing fast! ”Thanks for the map, Stable. Eclipsio, go on ahead and keep Black Sun occupied.” “FINALLY. It’s time to make him pay...” Burning Star asked the group at home, ”Hey Stable. This earpiece is two-way communication, right? I need you to do something.” “We wouldn’t be speaking if it wasn’t, what do you need, Pyro?” asked Frostclaw from the other side. ”Put me on the frequency that Shining Armor is on right now. I need to have a word with him.” Burning Star heard static for a moment, then he heard the chaotic sounds of sirens and officers talking on the radio loudly. It was all very painful to hear at once. He said to his friends, ”I meant what frequency is his individual car on, not the radio frequency he is using to talk to the rest of the force! My ears...” The frequency changed and he was locked into Shining’s car radio. He called in, ”Chief Shining Armor, Come in. I’m talking to you right now.” Shining grabbed the radio out of the dash board and called in, “Who are you, identify yourself!” Burning Star winced from Shining Armor’s Volume, before dodging out of the way of a hail of gunfire from Black Sun. ”Listen to me, I’m not one to point fingers, but I’m not with Black Sun.” Shining Armor responded, “How do I know that?” ”WHY DO YOU THINK HE IS TRYING TO KILL ME?!” Shining Armor said to him, ”Alright you are against Black Sun, but you are still pursuing him, why?” ”Because I’m friends with your sister. I can’t let her die, Shining. Please, i need your help here. From one big brother to another... help me out.” Shining thought for a moment, before saying. ”A-Alright. But you and I are going to talk later about Twilight and all of this craziness, ok?” ”Thank you, Twilight would be proud of you Shining. Now this is what I need, can you call this in to the rest of the chase?” Shining responded, ”Sure. Patching you through now... you’re broadcasting to the rest of the chase.” Burning Star saw his HUD blow up with police cars currently on the road, he announced to them. ”Attention all cars. Chief Shining Armor has allowed me to broadcast to all of you about the target you’re chasing. Let’s get one thing straight, I am not with the suspect. I’m just a guy with his friend (who currently is in a firefight with the suspect) trying to save my friends from this monster. But I can’t do it without your help, there is a bus carrying innocent people being targeted by a man known only as Black Sun. He will not stop until everyone I love is dead... please help me beat him... and I will personally hand him over to you. Call ahead and Arrange a police barricade at the end of the speedway.” The radio died down to a low roar, before Shining said. ”Promise you’ll save my sister?” Burning Star closed his eyes and said. ”I promise.” The chase went on for a little longer, until the bus was in sight. Burning Star was running out of time! He switched his coms to the Stable and asked, ”Hello? Come in Stable, switch me to the phone lines. I need to call one of the Rainbooms, get their attention.” Frostclaw called in and said while pulling up images of each of the Rainbooms. ”Roger. Which one do you want to talk to?” The Equestrian of Fire quickly thought, then said. ”Ah... I don’t know, who is on their phone at the moment?” ”Supringly, Applejack is on her phone right now. Putting you through now.” (Pause Music) (The Bus) The Canterlot High Bus was filled with noise, all except Applejack and her phone, she was listening to a slow country song on her music app when her phone rang and Burning Star’s name popped up. She answered it and said, “Hey hot stuff, what going on?” Burning Star responded, uneasiness in his voice. ”Oh not much... only the fact that Black Sun is currently about half a mile behind you being chased by Prince Eclipsio, me, and about 40 or so police cars slightly behind him. He is coming to kill you girls... I’m here to stop him.” AJ nearly dropped her phone. She responded shakily, ”W-What are you sayin? Black Sun is comin at us Guns blazing?” ”Guns, missiles, knives, flamethrowers, whole nine yards.” “What do Ah do? Where are you?” Burning Star pulled up behind the bus, he was speaking again. ”I’m right behind you. now, listen to me, I want you to get everyone away from the windows and down under the seats or into the aisles, this way you will be protected from the spray of glass and bullets. Do it now, Black Sun is coming up fast.” Applejack hollered, “Alright everyone! Somethin’s bad about to happen, get down now!” Everyone ducked under the seats as Black Sun rushed by and unleashed a hail of gunfire on the bus, breaking the windows and sending glass shards flying out. Black Sun screamed out, “COME FACE YOUR DEATH, YOU PATHETIC RAINBOOMS! I DIDNT GO TO YOUR SCHOOL AND CHASE THIS BUS DOWN FOR NO ONE TO DIE TODAY!” A ball of confetti was tossed at him, it came from Pinkie Pie. She thought that it would work, it didn’t, and she ducked just as he fired another round of bullets into the bus. “FINE! IF YOU WONT COME TO ME, I WILL JUST HAVE TO COME TO YOU!” He roared. Meanwhile, Prince Eclipsio was landing blast after blast against Black Sun, but it did nothing. However, every time Black Sun fires back he has to swerve around wildly trying to avoid the hail of gunfire or a powerful missile attack. Eclipsio pulled up to the side of the bus and began to slow down, seeing Black Sun ascend higher and fly over the bus. Black Sun boosted up to the roof and landed on it, he extended one of his wrist blades and stuck it into the roof and began to cut a hole in it so he could drop in and mow down the rest of the Rainbooms (and maybe the students if he felt like it) Eclipsio has had enough, he jumped off his motorbike, which crashed off the side of the speedway in a Fireball, and landed on top of the bus, fists bared and alight with black lightning. He sent a right hook to Black Sun’s face, sending him to the floor. “Remember me?” Burning Star pulled up to the door of the bus and reached over, the driver pulled it open and said to him. The driver looked no older than 20, “W-What’s going on man?! I’m driving and suddenly the bus starts getting lit up by some dude in a armored suit and now there is police after me!” Burning Star slapped the driver, “Listen to me! Those cops are going to arrange a way to get this bus to safety, just stay calm and drive. I’ll take care of the students. You The wind was roaring past the two warriors that were standing atop the moving bus. “Finally... my chance to take revenge.” Prince Eclipsio snarled, his teeth bared. “Revenge for what, Eclipsio? Me taking your sisters? Or for me wounding you’re ego?” Black Sun snapped back. Black Sun preformed a whirlwind kick while balancing on his hands to send Eclipsio back. He got to his feet and extended his gauntlet blades. They were easily 6 inches long and were serrated like a saw. Black Sun clenched his fist and they sprung alight with a superheated plasma blade. Eclipsio pulled out the large katana he had as a part of his outfit. He wielded it In one hand and pointed it at Black Sun. “This is where your journey ends, Black Sun. Tell me, where are my sisters!?” Black Sun snarled and sent a jab towards Eclipse, he blocked with the katana and slashed at Black Sun’s chest plate, leaving a small gash on it. “Wouldn’t you like to know... Alicorn of Eclipses. While I was here to kill Burning Star, I guess I could kill you first as a little... appetizer. After all, you about as important to me as an insect." said the armored monster. Black Sun lashed out with his plasma blades, making Prince Eclipsio jump backwards and onto his hands, he sent a reverse bicycle kick to Black Sun’s helmet. Meanwhile inside of the bus, Twilight stuck her head out and saw Burning Star, she said to him. “Burning Star?! What is going on, why is Black Sun here? Why is Prince Eclipsio currently fighting with Black Sun on top of the bus?! What is happening?!” Burning Star put his hands to the sides of Twilight’s head and said, “Listen, I’ve got this.” Burning Star called the Stable. ”This is Pyro, the Rainbooms are secure with me. What is the status of the police barricade I requested?” Shadow Armor came on the coms and said, ”What this Shining Armor lacks in academic knowledge, he makes up for in police smarts. Your barricade is ready.” Burning Star announced to the bus, “Alright, Don’t panic, the police are currently arranging a barricade on the end of the speedway. You will all get home safe.” One student called out, “How do you know we can trust you with our lives?” Eclipsio lifted Black Sun into the air and piledrived him into the roof of the bus, his helm punctured the roof and was right above Burning Star’s Head. It sent the student body into panic. Burning looked up to see the menacing face of Black Sun and growled, throwing his fist out at his head, it connected and sent Black Sun flying into the air and off the bus, he quickly boosted back on and continued his fight with the prince. “Any questions?” Said Burning Star, to which he got an array of shaking heads. The kids on the bus shrieked as a large katana sliced inches above their heads. Burning Star’s eyes twitched and he called the Stable again, ”Hey Stable, can get me Eclipsio’s com for a minute? I need a word with the Prince.” He saw his channel switch on his hud and he signaled for everyone to cover their ears. Prince Eclipsio sent another slash to Black Sun, who blocked and kicked him in the stomach. The Prince noticed that Burning Star was on his channel, and he listened in. ”This is Eclipsio, what’s up Burning Star?” ”WOULD YOU WATCH WHERE YOU’RE SWINGING THAT DAMN SWORD! I HAVE A BUS FULL OF STUDENTS WHO ARE ALREADY SCARED WITLESS.” Eclipsio clench his teeth shut at the painful yell from Burning Star, the radio screech also seemed to cause Black Sun to wince In pain, the radio frequency must have messed with his technology in his helmet! Prince Eclipsio seized the opportunity and vaulted on the Sword, sending both his legs into Black Sun’s chest in a cannon ball kick. The force of the kick sent Black Sun Flying on to the road in front of the bus. Burning Star heard the strike and then felt a large bump, they might have run over Black Sun. Eclipsio smiled at a job well donee then turned around and was smacked in the face by a metal guantlet. The Prince lay hanging unconscious off the side of the bus, Black Sun prepared to shove him off and into the rapidly approaching posse of police cars. Then... something hit him. Black Sun was suddenly tackled by something fast and sent flying off the bus and into the air. He ignited his wing engines and searched around for who or what hit him, and he couldn’t react fast enough to the incoming object that smacked him and knocked him into the woods over near the barricade. Black Sun got up and unleashed a hellish tide of bullets, missiles, and anything else in every direction. He was screaming like a madman, his paitence finally running out. “Damn You! Show yourself coward!” Surprisingly, the thing that hit Black Sun appeared, light radiating off it. Black Sun tried to get a look st it, but it shone so bright it made the sun look dim. He was bashed in the chest and flung into a tree. He heard the sounds of footsteps, most likely from the police and he blasted off, his armor sparking. (End Music) The police arrived to see the giant light-engulfed object stand on the ground and stare at them. Some officers pulled their weapons and leveled them pointing at the ball of light, whatever or whoever it was... it seemed to stay stationary. One of the officers radioed in to Shining, ”Chief the bus has been stopped, everyone is relatively unharmed. Some minor injuries, nothing serious.” Shining and Burning Star let out a collective sigh, then Shining said. ”Alright I’ll be there in a minute. Keep the two civilians that fought off Black Sun on the scene. I want to speak to them.” The officer looked at the ball of light in front of him and said, ”Chief, the Suspect Black Sun got away. He flew off, seemingly in retreat... sorry we couldn’t get him.” Shining cursed under his breath, but said. ”Ok. Thanks, I’ll talk to you later, Chief Shining Armor out.” The ball of light suddenly lifted into the air and took off into the distance... It kept going faster and faster, until it broke the sound barrier and disappeared over the horizon. (End Of Act 1)
Chapter 6: Justice Vs Revenge(Act 2: Echoing Chaos) (Canterlot City Outskirts, Police Barricade) The Canterlot High Bus had ground to a halt at the Police barricade, they were unloaded from the bus and the police began to process them and find out how they can get home. Meanwhile, The Rainbooms stood with Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio. all of them were both frightened by the attack by Black Sun, and shocked that he would actually attack students out of spite! “Burning Star dear, what in the name of Faust just happened to us? Black Sun appeared, fired off some shots... and everything seemed to be a blur. Care to explain what we should do now?” Said Rarity, combing her hair, it was an absolute mess. Burning Star turned towards the Rainbooms and replied, “Black Sun attacked the bus you girls were on, he was hoping to kill you all and cause as much carnage as he possibly could. If I hadn’t got there in time all of you may not be standing here.” “How could someone be so evil as to attack students?! What did we do to him?!” Asked Twilight, throughly terrified. “He probably saw you as a way to bait us into a trap, remember girls... he feels nothing at all. No pain, no fear, no remorse for his actions. He is beyond saving.” Said Eclipsio. The Prince pointed to himself, “Which is why I will kill him and eliminate his threat to your world and my world.” The word “kill” made Fluttershy wince, she said to him. “Why can’t you just capture him, Eclipsio? Why does he have to die?” Eclipsio growled, “Because he just does, because he deserves it!” Chief Shining Armor exited His police car and ran over to Twilight. “Twily!” Twilight ran over to Shining Armor and the two embraced in a hug. She said to him, “Big Brother! Thank you for coming to help rescue us.” “It’s my job to keep people safe, Twily. I’m glad you’re ok, Sis.” He said, a small tear running down his cheek. He noticed the two civilians that assisted with the rescue talking with each other, the he broke the hug and said to them, “Greetings. I believe you two are the guys that helped save these students and repel the suspect called Black Sun?” The bright red-headed teen nodded, “Yes we are. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Burning Star, and this is my associate Eclipsio.” The silver-haired teen gave a small wave and replied grumbling, “Hello.” Shining Armor took a mental note of the two young adults appearances and said to the one called Burning Star with an annoyed look on his face. “Ok, Start explaining what’s going on. I get a report about shots fired at Canterlot High Only to find some freak in armor firing into the building and gunning down some of my best officers. Then he takes off like some sort of metal bird with rockets and flies after the bus my sister is on, you two in pursuit of him.” He pointed to both of them, “To make matters more confusing, the silver haired guy jumps off of his vehicle and starts fighting this metal freak on top of the bus while you Burning Star go inside and help secure the students.” He finished by clenching his fists and saying, “While I admire you for your assistance in driving off that psycho and apparently beating him senseless, he escaped and someone could have gotten seriously hurt during that firefight!” “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t arrest you right here and now for obstructing justice, breaking the speed limit, and possible grand theft auto.” He said With his handcuffs out. Prince Eclipsio was starting to lose his patience with Shining, every moment this officer stalled him Black Sun got further and further away. The Prince stepped forward and snarled at Shining, but the chief of police didn’t lose his cool. “I do not have time for you lecturing me on how many laws we may have broken, Shining Armor... now MOVE ASIDE. I will be heading to go kill Black Sun, and I don’t think you can stop me.” Shining spat back, “I don’t like vigilantes, especially ones that kill. You start running and I’ll arrest you. So don’t push me, old man.” The two men glared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Shining’s light blue eyes staring into Eclipsio’s golden yellow ones. “Fine, if you want to stay in my way then I will remove you myself.” Eclipsio said while putting his hand to his sword hilt. Shining responded, “Go ahead and make my day, silver-hair... I guarantee I’m a faster draw than you.” He said as he slowly reached for his pistol. Twilight and Burning Star had enough and stepped in front of both of them. “Don’t do it, Shiny! There doesn’t need to be any more fighting!” She yelled at her brother. “Listen To Twilight, you two. She is right, the fight is over for today. Stand down the both of you.” Burning Star said, his hands turning red from heat. He then said to the Prince, “Eclipsio, when we get back to base, you and I are going to have a very long talk about your intolerance towards humans defying you and your absolutely reckless abandon on this mission.” The two men exchanged piercing glares, but relaxed themselves. Shining Armor spoke to Burning Star next, “I agree with Mr. Burning Star. You are going to go back to whatever base of operations you two are working out of and I’m coming with you.” “Absolutely not! I forbid it.” Screeched Eclipsio, his hand shooting immediately back to his sword. Burning Star had enough, and he roared while his hair and hands burst into flames, ”THAT IS NOT YOUR DECISION, YOU ROYAL BRAT! IT IS MINE, AND I SAY HE IS COMING WITH US. SO DEAL WITH IT!” Shining took a few steps back from the literal flaming-haired man with his eyes wide. Burning Star lowered his voice, “If we are all done behaving like children, I’m going back to base with both of you with me. Got it?” Both Eclipsio and Shining gave a silent nod. Shining said to the The Rainbooms, “Girls. Go home and stay safe. I told My officers to get you to your homes. Twilight, I’ll be home in a few hours.” Shining Armor walked over to his car and got in, Burning Star followed. Eclipsio opened the door and sat in the back, Shining Armor felt he deserved to sit back there considering his angry behavior. “So, where is this base of yours?” The chief of police asked. Burning Star pointed to the road, “Just follow my directions and we will be there in a little while.” He radioed in to Sunset, ”Stable, This is Pyro. We are returning to base with Chief Shining Armor... he may be able to assist us.” He then turned to Eclipsio and frowned, “And you stay quiet, I have had enough of your attitude for one day.” All he got from Eclipsio was a growling, “Fine.” Shining started driving down the side roads back towards Canterlot, Burning Star began giving him directions. the days events weighed heavily on the minds of both of them. ”Black Sun is a much bigger threat than I thought, If he can go after anyone close to me... then I need to stop him as quickly as possible.” Meanwhile, a lone figure was watching from a nearby tree, his helmets systems locked onto the car. The figure stood silently for a minute, before taking off and blending into the evening sky... (Sunset’s House) Shining Armor pulled up to the house of one of Twilight’s friends, Sunset Shimmer. It was already dark and the lights in the living room were on. Shining looked at Burning Star and said, “So you are operating out of Sunset’s house? Are you working for her or something?” “No, Shining. My team is just staying here until we can either find Black Sun and defeat him for good, or we find a more suitable location that is hidden from him.” Burning Star replied, running a hand through his hair. He got out of the car and waved for Shining and Eclipsio to follow him. They approached the door of the house and Burning Star knocked. A distant “Coming!” Was heard and Sunset opened the door to see Burning Star and Eclipsio standing with the chief of police. Sunset Shimmer swallowed hard, “Uh... Burning Star, care to explain why the chief of police is here at my house?” Shining cut in, “Your friends helped me and my officers drive off Black Sun and save the lives of students at Canterlot High School. Burning Star here says that you have been sheltering him and his group, May I come in to speak with them?” Sunset shakily replied, “Sure t-thing.” And opened the door wider, allowing the three boys to walk in. Shining stepped in and looked around, seeing three humans sitting on the couch watching the news coverage of the bus attack. “Everyone, the chief of police is here. He wants to ask us a few questions about Black Sun.” Sunset announces to the group, causing many of them to assume a defensive position. Shining stepped into the living room and said the group, “It has come to my attention that you six are responsible for helping the CCPF drive off the suspect Black Sun. Is this true?” One of the humans, a deep red-headed one wearing sunglasses got up and said. “Yes we are, why do you ask, Chief Shining Armor? Did we do something wrong?” Shining shrugged, “Officially, Law enforcement is supposed to be the one to pursue and arrest criminals... But since you all did what you did to stop a criminal from committing a crime, you are protected under the city’s Good Samaritan law.” Lucina asked Shining, “So you won’t arrest us?” Shining sat down and continued, “No. However, I want to know everything about this operation. Who is in charge of it?” Shadow Armor pointed at Burning Star, and Shining put his hand to his face. “Oh come on... you’re in charge of this whole thing?” The red-head nodded, “Yep. But If you want to hear what we’re up to, talk to Shadow Armor.” Shining’s eyebrows shot up at the man’s name, “Shadow... Armor? Why does he have my name?” Shadow Armor pulled him aside and said, “I will tell you during the explanation. Now come with me, we have much to discuss.” Shining followed Shadow Armor to the computer room, where Shadow Armor pulled up a chair for him to sit down. “You may want to sit down, this is going to take a while...” Shining sat down and tilted his head slightly, “Ok, I’m all ears.” “What you are about to hear, Shining Armor... You may think this is a bit farfetched.” Shining shrugged, “Please, I just spent the day fighting some psycho wearing armor that fired bullets and missiles, took orders from two men that look like they fell out of an anime show that my sister watches, and watched them beat this “Black Sun” senseless on top of a moving bus with blasts of magic and a giant sword. What could it be that is so farfetched?” “We are not from Earth, we’re from another world entirely.” Shadow Armor said, his expression unchanged. Shining’s eyes widened. “Wait... so you’re... aliens or something?” Shadow Armor shrugged, “Well... yes. But we are from the world that your sister Twilight Sparkle is studying, the world of Equestria.” “Ok, even if I were to believe that you’re little party of “heroes” were from this “Equestria”... how and why did you come here to stop Black Sun?” “The same way that Black Sun came here, through a portal. He attacked my wedding ceremony and killed dozens of guards, before kidnapping the two rulers of Equestria and fleeing here. Determined to save them, Burning Star assembled a task force which included me, Eclipsio, and Frostclaw to track him down and find those two rulers that way we can bring them home.” Shadow Armor finished with, “We tried to be discreet about the whole ordeal, Shining Armor... but Black Sun wants to cause as much pain and destruction as possible. He isn’t afraid to do it in broad daylight either... the park massacre yesterday was one of his attacks.” Shining put a hand to his head, “So you’re saying that nearly two dozen people were killed by this thing, and you six are the only ones capable of stopping him?” Shadow Armor responded with a curt nod, “Well... yeah. Eclipsio intended for us to deal with him alone, that the law enforcement of this world was inadequate for dealing with such a monstrous task, But if you are willing to aid us we can use all the help we can get right now.” Shining Armor thought to himself, ”He sounds like he is telling the truth, but how do I know?” “What are all these computers for?” Asked Shining Armor, rolling up to one of the monitors. Shadow Armor pulled up to his monitor and entered in a code, suddenly Shining’s monitor played the footage of Black Sun getting away from him. It was taken by one of the city’s traffic cameras. “We have been watching for any signs of Black Sun since this morning, Shining Armor. Burning Star had us break into the camera networks of the city in order to watch for him.” Shadow Armor pointed to another monitor which displayed a graph that fluctuated up and down. “This graph is our warning sign. Black Sun’s Suit emits a powerful pulse of electromagnetic force when he is flying about and firing his weapons. It’s why phones and other devices tend to cut out of he is nearby. this graph monitors the frequencies of cell phone communications, if it starts dropping rapidly, there is a good sign he is near.” Shining Armor looked at the graph and said, “And you’re sure that this works? You promise you are on the side of good here, I can trust you?” Shadow Armor nodded, “Yes. I have full faith in Burning Star and this team. But the big question is... do you? I saw him save that bus full of students. He could have left it alone and taken down Black Sun, but he sacrificed that opportunity to protect innocent people.” He put his hand on Shining’s shoulder and removed his sunglasses, showing his frightening red eyes. “Black Sun may have escaped our grasp, but he will be back, and I assure you that your officers can’t handle someone who wears a suit that can be considered a WMD.” “As much as I hate to say it... you are right. But please tell your friends to try and be more careful when you engage Black Sun next time?” Shadow Armor nodded and smiled, “Yes. If you want, I can transfer some of our data to the police, maybe you guys can make heads or tails out of it. I may be adept at pursuing, catching, and defeating criminals... but investigation isn’t my forté.” Shadow Armor walked over to the terminal and pressed a key, he inserted a flash drive and waited a few seconds. He finally pulled the drive out and handed it to Shining Armor, “Here is everything we know about Black Sun. I’m putting a lot of trust into your department, Shining. I hope it is not misplaced.” Shining asked him a question, “And what about your leader? Wouldn’t he object to working with law enforcement?” “No. Burning Star understands that we need as much help as we can get when facing foes of such great a threat. He was planning on contacting you today anyways...” said Shadow Armor, wearing a smirk. Shining exited the room with Shadow and said to the group, “Your friend Shadow Armor here has given me information on Black Sun. I’m going to take it to my investigation team so they can analyze it, be warned that we may contact you to ask for you to come down to the police headquarters for any further questions, ok?” The group gave a collective nod, all except Eclipsio, who snorted out in rage. Shining went towards the door and said to them, “I wish you all good luck, we will be in touch.” He exited the house and got into his car, then drove off towards his house. Once he was gone, Eclipsio punched Shadow Armor in the face, sending him crashing to the floor. “What are you doing?! We do not need that idiots help with this! I was just about to go and destroy Black Sun for good, and you just decided to give him the data of our entire operation?! Who told you to do this?!” Screamed the Prince, his face twisted in rage. “I did, Eclipsio. I already let the team know, I was conditioned letting you know as well, but judging from your reaction I was wise not to tell you.” Burning Star said, his eyes narrowed. Lucina put one of her invisible TK arms on Eclipsio and pushed him back. “This was the best decision we could have made that didn’t involve any drastic actions. The chief of police is right, Eclipsio. We have to be more discreet about these things.” The Prince snarled, “As we speak, Black Sun is out there doing Faust knows what, he has proven that he can attack at any moment. Why are we not hunting him down and destroying him?” Sunset helped Shadow to his feet and got him a bag of ice to put on his face, “You want to know why? He has Celestia and Luna. That is the reason we are looking for him. This isn’t about your petty vengeance, this is about bringing Black Sun to justice and saving them.” “SCREW CELESTIA AND LUNA!” The room fell silent after Eclipsio’s shout, Only the sounds of the fan in the room was heard. Eclipsio turned to the door and opened it, grabbing his sword. “Where are you going?” “Out to find Black Sun! Since you all are not going to do it, I’ll do it myself!” Eclipsio yelled as he stepped out the door and ran down the road. Sunset went to stop him but Lucina put one of her hands on her chest and said, “Don’t do it, Sunset. It’s not worth getting yourself hurt. Eclipsio is being reckless, let him learn the hard way.” Sunset turned to the group and said, “Alright, let’s get some rest everyone. We can’t search for Black Sun when we are all half-asleep.” Everyone silently nodded and went upstairs, Sunset stayed downstairs and thought to herself. ”Please someone snap Eclipsio out of his wrath, it is blinding him to the mission.” Unknown to Sunset, A figure watched from across the street, concealed from sight. The figure had heard the entire conversation and took off towards Eclipsio. (Canterlot Red-Light District) Eclipsio dashed down the road into the seedier of the city, a perfect place to find the scum of the world. And hopefully, Black Sun. He stopped at the corner in front of an old broken down house, to which he barged down the door of and entered. The unknown figure saw the Prince enter the home and silently flew in through the window, landing without a sound. Prince Eclipsio walked around the derelict building, his sword drawn and his face twisted in anger. He said out loud, “How dare Burning Star give that idiot anything on Black Sun. What does he know about how I’m feeling right now? Nothing, he can’t even be a hero right because his emotions get in the way.” An unknown voice called out to him. “So, what do you know about heroism, Prince Eclipsio that makes you a better hero than Burning Star?” The Prince immediately turned around and was blinded by a bright light source that burned with more intensity than the brightest star in the sky. He swung his sword but it was caught by... something... and he was disarmed. “Show yourself Black Sun! I know that is you, so stop with the games and fight me!” Yelled the Prince, now his fists were clenched. The ball of light spoke to him, ”You think anyone opposed to your quest for revenge is your enemy and that they must be removed... they are opposed to it because all it’s doing is making you act like a complete jerkass...” A hand stuck out of the light source, ”Go back to Burning Star and apologize for this childish behavior.” “I AM NO JERKASS! I AM A PRINCE OF EQUESTRIA!” Eclipsio exclaimed, taking a swing at the ball of light... Only for it to catch his fist and say, ”Fine... I will teach you a lesson in what a hero is...” A mighty crash was heard as Eclipsio was flung through the wall and out into the street. He was covered in debris from the house. The mass of light floated outside and grabbed Eclipsio by the neck and rocketed into the air. He soared higher and higher until he was far above the tallest building in the city. he kept going, holding the prince by his neck, until he was over 2500 feet in the air... Eclipsio looked down and saw just how high he was above the city, and he screamed. The light said to him, ”You break free Eclipsio, it’s a loooong way down to the ground, and I know even you with your Alicorn strength couldn’t survive that fall.” “Who are you?! Let me go now!” Said Eclipsio, struggling in this... thing’s iron grip. The ball of light flew higher into the air, now at 5000 feet. ”My identity is of no concern to you, Prince Eclipsio. But, what I have to say... is important.” “I really don’t care! I’m after Black Sun, damn it! Let me kill him!” Said Eclipsio, kicking towards the light, and doing nothing. The light flew higher with Eclipsio, now at 7500 feet, before saying. ”No. I am with your friend Burning Star and his allies on this, you have forgotten what a hero is supposed to do.” “I know what a hero is supposed to do, you cretin! A hero is supposed to defeat the villain!” The light dragged Eclipsio higher until he was at 10000 feet in the air, ”You are wrong again, a hero is someone who does this...” The light dropped Eclipsio from this height and he plummeted towards the ground and towards his death. Eclipsio was screaming in terror as he plummeted at breakneck speed towards the hard asphalt below. “OK OK I GET IT! I WILL STOP! JUST SAVE ME PLEASE! I DONT WANT TO DIEEEEEEE!” Eclipsio closed his eyes and braced for the end... Until the ball of light flew down and caught him inches from the ground! He dropped Eclipsio on his butt and said to him, ”A hero is someone who is willing to do the right thing no matter whether or not he or she likes it... and Heroes DO. NOT. KILL.” Eclipsio was completely hysterical and passed out soon after he heard that. The being of light picked up his unconscious body and flew off towards Sunset’s house. (Sunset’s House, Living Room) Sunset had fallen asleep waiting for Eclipsio to return when she awoke to the front door being opened. She crept forwards and peered into the Hall, before shielding her eyes from the bright light that was coming from her doorway. A voice came from it, ”Are you the one called Sunset Shimmer?” She gave a nod and quietly said, “Yes. Can you turn down the lights. I’m going blind here...” ”Ah yes... a moment, please.” Sunset felt the light disappear and she blinked the spots out of her eyes. When they were finally gone, her eyes went wide and her jaw dropped. Before her stood a figure in armor much like Black Sun did. But everything else about him was radically different. His suit was sleek and streamlined, possessing smooth and elegant curves as opposed to the rough and jagged texture of Black Sun’s armor. Black Sun’s armor was colored black with metallic silver and dark red accents, while the figures Suit was decorated with light blue and gold accents and was colored a crystal clear white. It was so well polished, Sunset could see her face in the armor’s reflective plating, it was like looking into a mirror. On his back were great metal wings that emitted trails of white smoke from the exhaust ports, unlike Black Sun... she felt safer with their shadow being cast upon her. He wore a full-head covering helmet of the same crystal white with gold and was shaped in the likeness of some sort of holy being, as opposed to Black Sun’s deliberately demonic helm. A pair of light blue fins curved upwards, giving him the appearance that he had a halo above his head. And then Sunset saw his shoulder pads... Emblazoned across his shoulder pads was a blazing golden star with six sides to it, each side was a wing covered in feathers. Sunset was never a really religious person, but Everything about him screamed that this was some divine being. The white-armored figure spoke to Sunset, it’s voice almost angelic. ”I came to return Prince Eclipsio to you, Ms Sunset Shimmer. May I come in and place him somewhere where he may rest?” Sunset weakly nodded and stepped aside, the white-clad figure walked in and deposited Prince Eclipsio’s unconscious body upon the couch, before turning and walking to the door. Sunset asked the figure something, “Who are you? Are you an angel of some sort?” A small laugh escaped the figure, ”No Ms Sunset Shimmer, I am not of divine origin, although my armor appears to give you that idea...” He hovered in the air and said, ”Good Bye Ms Sunset Shimmer, I have to be going now. I too seek to stop Black Sun and save the day, and my mission is not yet complete.” He ran one of his armored finger across her hair and said, ”Perhaps our paths will cross again...”. He began to glow with bright light, then he flew off... leaving Sunset completely starstruck. She walked inside and collapsed on the couch, thinking to herself as she drifted off to sleep. ”What was that... that... tha...?” She didn’t finish her thought and she fell into the warm embrace of sleep.
Chapter 7: Two Ex’s Collide(Sunset’s House, Living Room) The house of Sunset Shimmer was finally quiet and peaceful. After some... thing showed up and dropped Eclipsio onto the couch, Sunset fell asleep on it as well, landing right on top of him. Of course, Prince Eclipsio was completely out, and Sunset didn’t weigh much in comparison to him. TL:DR, the two were lying facing each other belly-to-belly, in quite the... interesting position as well. The first rays of the sun broke through the blinds and hit Eclipsio in the face, he opened his golden eyes slowly and looked around... Before his eyes went wide at seeing Sunset’s sleeping face near his chest, her red and yellow hair was in a tangled mess and she was still wearing her clothes from last night... Prince Eclipsio silently screamed and his face turned so red he could have been mistaken for a tomato. He assumed that what happened last night between the Light attacking him and his awakening was all some sort of nightmare. But here was, completely awake, with Sunset lying on top of him. The Prince of Eclipses dared not move, lest he wake Sunset up and cause the moment to get even more awkward. ”Why is Sunset on top of me?! This is far from comfortable, but maybe I could let her sleep... maybe I can shimmy out from underneath her...” Eclipsio realized what he just thought, and turned red, ”Oh my god, that sounds wrong. Holy crap...” Eclipsio tried to move but went shock still when Shadow Armor walked down the stairs and saw the two of them lying together, he also saw Eclipsio struggling. “Hey Eclipsio? Why is Sunset lying on top of you?” Asked Shadow Armor, which immediately woke up Sunset. The two sleepy people looked at each other, with Sunset on top of him, and both of them jumped away from each other. “Oh my god! What are you doing here!?” Shouted Sunset Shimmer, her face red in embarrassment. “Me?! What are you doing here? I fall asleep on the couch only to awake to your body pressed against mine.” Said Eclipsio, stretching his arms out. He then smirked and said, “I know I’m attractive Sunset, but take me out for a date first at least.” Sunset pushed a pillow into her face, it was burning up. “Oh my god... I... with you... ARGH!” She stomped up the stairs and grabbed Burning Stars legs before dragging him down the stairs. As soon as his head hit the floor he shot up and asked, “What the hell?! Sunset, what was that for?! Why are you beet red and Eclipsio is as well...” He began to put two and two together, before asking, “Did you two...” Eclipsio and Sunset collectively screamed. “NO!” Burning Star rubbed his ears, “Ow, not so loud guys. I would stay and ask a few more questions... but I need to go out for a walk.” “What about Black Sun? He is still out there, you know?” Shadow Armor asked. The Equestrian of Fire rolled his eyes, “Black Sun is a hazard, but I have a feeling even he isn’t out this early. I have to go meet Shining Armor for some new evidence, see ya.” He rushed upstairs and got changed, before he exited the house and began to run down the road towards the city. Burning Star put on his HUD glasses and his coms, calling the Stable. ”This is Pyro, come in Stable. Stable, this is Pyro... FROSTCLAW WAKE UP!” Frostclaw had fallen asleep at the computer, but that shout woke him up and made him jump out of his seat. He quickly recollected himself and jumped to the computer saying, ”This is Stable, wha- (yawn) what are you doing up so early, Burning Star? It’s the weekend, we have time to relax and cool off.” ”Relax and Cool off? May I remind you that we are currently working with the police to find Black Sun? You know... the main reason why we can’t relax?” Frostclaw’s response was a yawn, ”Yeah, but... even he needs to rest, right? I’m not seeing any excess electromagnetic energy in the air at the moment, but if you want, I’ll keep looking.” ”That would be great. I’m gonna sign out for now, let me know if anything changes, ok? Bye!” said Burning Star, and deactivated his coms. (Canterlot City, Police Headquarters) After a half-hour run, Burning Star stopped in front of the police headquarters. It was a short brown and gray building made of concrete. The walls showed signs of wear and tear that had been hastily repainted over and over. It had few windows and stood only 3 stories tall, but was half the block long, in comparison to the Barracks back on Equestria, which took up an entire section of the castle walls, this wasn’t too bad. The smallness of the police HQ was both comforting and dreadful. Comforting because it shows that Canterlot didn’t have much Crime permeating the city, but dreadful because they must be terribly unprepared for whatever hell Black Sun could unleash upon this city. Burning Star walked up the stairs to the building and spotted Shining Armor in his crisp blue and white uniform, his badge on his chest and captains bars on his shoulders. Burning Star had changed out of his camouflage hoodie and black jeans, they were filthy with dust and burned asphalt from the showdown with Black Sun on Stardust Speedway. He now had on a pair of blue denim jeans with some tears in them. he wore these during his fight with Black Sun in White Tail Park, the tears were from the sharp claws on that monster’s boots. He wore a loose fitting dark red and bright yellow tunic on his chest which was emblazoned with his Flaming Star mark on his breast. The ends of it hung behind him and off his back, giving the tunic short coattails. Shining Armor saw Burning Star walking up and said, “So I guess you got my message?” “I did, you found something interesting on Black Sun?” He responded, running a hand through his hair, trying to make himself look presentable. The chief of police nodded, “Interesting, we got a big lead. we identified what his weapons use, but we are stumped on what his armor is composed of.” “Alright, I can help you. Am I allowed to be brought in to help with an investigation? A civilian?” Asked Burning Star, an unusually concerned look on his face. Shining shrugged, “I can say that you are a private investigator working from outside of the department, which you technically are.” The captain pushed the doors inward and the two men entered the building. Burning Star walked past the front desk and up a set of stairs, until the two finally entered the main office. Rows of desks were laid about on a black tile floor, some were being worked at by officers, some were vacant. A sealed room was off to the side, it’s windows layered with reinforced glass. Burning Star thought to himself, ”Must be the questioning room... wonder if anyone has seen Black Sun outside of an attack? I’ll ask the investigators later.” He entered a large office that opened out into a window and Shining sat down behind his desk in his large leather chair. He motioned for Burning Star to sit down, and the Equestrian of Fire sat down with an audible thump. Shining said to him, “My CSI division got back recently with various evidence samples from the chase on Stardust Speedway as well as evidence from the “White Tail Park Massacre” as some people call it now.” Burning Star leaned back on his chair and responded, “So, you brought me here because you have no clue what most of the evidence traces back to, right?” Shining hung his head, “Yeah, you weren’t kidding when you said you know little about Black Sun... but we did identify his weapons, come see.” Shining got up and exited his office, Burning Star followed but ran into something. He looked down to see that it was a package of what looked to be paper Not wanting to get in trouble, he placed the package on a nearby file cabinet and walked after Shining. Burning Star activated his coms and quietly said. ”Stable, I need a list of everyone that was on this investigation, local and federal.” Shadow Armor was on the computer and responded, ”Sure. Why are you asking for this, Burning Star? Shining Armor can be trusted, right?” “Yes, I am sure he can be, but I don’t know his team. Look them up and send their files to me when you find them. “... Done... Anything else you need this morning?” ”Just sit quiet and document everything I look over for our files. Use the camera on my HUD glasses. Burning Star out.” With that, Burning Star stopped talking but left the channel open so Shadow Armor could listen in. Shining opened the elevator door and Burning Star stepped inside. “What’s with the glasses, Burning Star?” Asked Shining Armor, now curious. “Oh, these? Gift from a friend...” he said nonchalantly. (The Evidence Room) Shining and Burning Star exited the elevator and entered the basement, where the evidence room, and by proxy the evidence for cases, was kept. “Now look, some of the guys down here may be a little afraid of your... different appearance. Some may even ask you questions, do not answer them if you feel as you will incriminate yourself.” Shining said to Burning Star, right before he opened the door to the room. A large table was laid out in the center of the room, various pieces of evidence were lying upon it. Bullets, metal shards, empty shotgun shells, etc. “Boys, this is Burning Star. He is a private investigator from outside of the department, he has had two first hand encounters and physical interactions with the suspect known currently as Black Sun.” Shining announced to the group, to which they immediately ran over and bombarded him with questions. “Who is Black Sun?” “Why is he attacking Canterlot?” “How did you drive him off?” Another person entered the room, a woman dressed in a black suit and wearing an earpiece like Burning Star. She was rather large, and has white hair with purple tips to it cut into a tuft at the front. Her eyes were golden yellow and had slotted irises. She earpiece was connected to a wire. Burning Star immediately recognized her as the Federal Investigator. ”Of course the government would want to stick its nose in this...” he thought to himself. “Are you Mr. Burning Star? The investigation team said you would be coming today.” The woman asked coldly, her eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Shadow Armor spoke to the Equestrian of Fire via his coms, ”Hey, that is the federal agent that has been assigned to this case by the FBI, Special Agent Gilda. From what her files say at their HQ she is very fond of cases involving magical influence. She will take in anyone related to the case and interrogate them viciously.” Burning Star calmly responded with, “Ah, I believe you must be the federal investigator assigned to this case, Agent Gilda... I presume?” Gilda raised one of her eyebrows, “How did you know all that?” Burning Star shrugged, “Saw a black car pulling up earlier, had a federal issue license plate on it. I’ve also seen you’re face on the news, Agent Gilda.” The agent’s response was cold, “I am here for the same reason you are supposedly here for. We will discuss you later.” Burning Star responded with a nod and immediately went to looking at the evidence. Through the camera in his HUD glasses, Shadow Armor documented it, identified it, and filed it away for later use. The Equestrian of Fire put on a pair of gloves and picked up a bullet, this one he knew. One of the investigatiors said to him, “This is a bullet casing found in both the White Tail Park and Stardust Speedway crime scenes.” Burning Star spouted the name, “This is a bullet from Black Sun’s weaponry alright. Its .50 caliber machine gun ammo. Normally, a gun that fires that strong of a shot would be similar to a heavy machine gun... but judging from these casings he has modified his weaponry so that he has two LMG barrels on each of his gauntlets.” He picked up a piece of melted steel and said, “You found this at the Stardust Speedway, yes?” The investigation team nodded, to which Burning Star said. “These are fragments from thermal-tracking missiles that he fires. They’re Mini Stinger Missiles, judging from the casings. Something this strong would need a large base to fire from, but He can fire them from his shoulders and hands.” Burning Star picked out The last piece of unlabeled evidence, “This is the thing you needed me to identify?” Gilda stepped forwards and said, “Yes. I found that off in the forest near the Stardust Speedway. It is some sort of metallic fragment, I just cannot identify it to any known alloy on record that armor is made out of.” Burning Star lifted the piece into the air and quietly sent some of his fire abilities into it... Suddenly the piece began to spark with energy, and he set it down before saying. “This is not an alloy normally used for armor plating. It is called Magisteel. It is a fusion of Osmium, Titanium, and Aluminum, which is then lightened and supercharged with arcane force. Or as you commonly call it, “Magic.” This makes it extremely resistant to anything natural. Fire, bullets, corrosion, the vacuum of space... it will regrow if damaged. only things either made of Magisteel or a being proficient in the arcane arts can inflict noticeable damage on it.” Gilda gave Burning Star a suspicious look, “And just how do you know about this “Magisteel” Burning Star? You also seem to know quite a bit about weaponry that Black Sun uses... you want to tell me something?” The Equestrian of Fire shook his head, “I do not have to answer any questions that will self-incriminate me. What you are doing is trying to pin blame for this on someone that is outside both the federal government and police department. All I am is a researcher of the recently discovered “Arcane Arts”, Gilda. thus... I know how Magisteel would be made.” She raised her eyebrow, “And just what do you researchers use Magisteel for, exactly?” Burning Star waved a hand at her, “Like I said, not going to give you a reason.” Gilda lost her temper, “You know something about this suspect, don’t you?! You’re just being rude and keeping it from me!” Burning Star ignored the annoyed agent, he walked passed her and said to Shining, “I reviewed your evidence, Chief Shining Armor... I’ll deliver my statements in print later today. Goodbye.” Shining opened the door, but Burning Star stopped at the door and said to the now irate agent. “And I’ll be seeing you soon, Agent Gilda.” The Agent clenched her fist so hard her glasses broke in her hand. (Canterlot Police Headquarters, Shinings Office) Shining Armor sat in his chair, staring at Burning Star, who had the biggest crap eating grin in the world on his face. “I’ve always wanted to do that! Oh that was good!” Said Burning Star, absolutely cracking up. Shining slammed his hand on his desk, “Burning Star! That was a FEDERAL AGENT! She can arrest all of you! What were you thinking?!” Burning Star stared at Shining, before giving a snort of laughter. “W-Wait... you actually bought that she was a federal agent? Ahahahaha! Oh you are pretty gullible!” He pointed to his glasses, “Shining Armor, I had everything on her during that little exchange. The boys and girls back home are feeding me information on these.” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow, “What are those things? They look just like normal Glasses...” He put them on and was greeted by something in the earpiece. ”Greetings Shining Armor.” “Gah! What... where are you?” He stammered, pulling the glasses off. The voice came again, from his desk phone, ”It’s me, Shadow Armor. I hacked into the cellular network of the building, but only to your office.” Burning Star put his glasses back on and smirked, “Shadow, Bring up “Agent Gilda”. Shadow pressed a key on his computer and an email appeared in Shining’s computer. “Come on... what system are you not in?” He groaned into his hands. “Well... I can’t get into Twilight’s personal account. Her security is locked down tighter than a drum, and the only reason I want to be in there is to keep an eye on her.” Shining frowned, “Why are you trying to spy on my sister?” Shadow Armor snickered, “Heh... I’m just messing with you Shining.” His serious demeanor returned quickly, ”But onto different matters, “Agent Gilda” WAS an agent. She was let go because she tried to prove that “magic” existed. Ever since your sister went full on crazy Elder-God for about ten minutes and ripped open portals left and right, arcane energy or “magic” has been POURING into this world by the bucketful.” Shining groaned into his hands again, “So my sister caused this?” Burning Star shook his head, “No, Cinch pushed Twilight to use the Magic Amulet... she was scared and felt alone, the overload of magic released her inhibitions... she lost control.” Burning Star noticed Shining’s eyes were boring Into his skull. He coughed and changed the subject, “So Shadow Armor, any luck finding out where this modified ammo is coming from?” ”No such luck.” Shining cleared his throat and said, “Uh... I... may know someone like that.” Burning Star’s eyes widened, “Really?! Great!” “I will tell you when we are outside the station, this isn’t a very good connection.” Said Shining Armor, who nervously shuffled out of the room. Shadow Armor said to Burning Star over his coms, ”Soooo... think it’s Chrysalis?” Burning Star spoke over his coms, ”This is Shining Armor here... of course it’s gonna be Chrysalis.” (Canterlot Streets) Burning Star stood outside a fast food joint, his camouflage hoodie on and his sword concealed underneath it. He also had pinched a pair of pistols and some ammo from two officers that moved too close to him. He got a call from Shadow Armor, ”Hey Burning Star, Can I ask you a favor?” ”Sure, what’s up?” Shadow Armor shuddered in his seat as he said, ”Can you take Lucina with you on this investigation of Shining’s lead?” ”Why should I bring her?” Burning Star said, confused. ”PLEASE take her with you, I INSIST...” said Shadow Armor, fear in his voice. Burning Star recognized this and said to him, ”Shadow... is something wrong? Wait... Lucina, are you there? are you holding one of your telekinetic arms against Shadow Armor’s neck with it turned into a blade?” There was silence in the room, before Burning Star heard the distinctive cold hiss of Lucina, ”No...” ”Alright Lucina, we are over by the burger joint down the road. Come on over... just don’t cause any trouble for Shining Armor.” said Burning Star, closing his coms and waiting for Lucina to arrive. The line closed and Shining Armor appeared out of the burger store with a sack of hamburgers and a pair of French fry containers, he hadn’t eaten anything for dinner. “So... I bought myself some burgers, you sure you don’t want anything?” Asked Shining, looking at Burning Star. Despite Burning Star having enough strength to move large trucks with his bare hands thanks to his Alicorn DNA... He was still pretty thin, barely breaking 30 inches at the waist. His arms and legs were slim, but long and physically dense. In shorter terms, his Alicorn DNA made him many, MANY times stronger, faster, and tougher than a normal human. This was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because it made him utterly unstoppable when facing humans in combat, and let him last so long against Black Sun. Curse because he often underestimated his own strength... such as when he slammed his fist on the coffee table in Sunset’s house and snapped it in half... while also cracking the floor all the way down to the foundation. Yeah... big problem when doing delicate tasks. “One sec... I’ll get my order. My partner should be here soon.” Burning Star said as he walked into the store. “Partner? He must have invited one of his friends from his operations back at Sunset Shimmer’s house... I pray that it isn’t Eclipsio. He is not my favorite person...” Shining said to himself out loud. A girls voice responded to him, sending a great chill down his spine. “I have the same opinion of Prince Eclipsio, Chief Shining Armor.” Shining turned around to see a pinkish red-haired girl wearing a black skin tight suit with pink streaks. Her eyes were cold and distant, Shining felt cold looking into them. He felt... something touch his head and then felt the feeling of something going into his mind. It was a feeling similar to an idea, but more tangible. Burning Star appeared from the fast food place with two huge bags of food and said to Lucina, “Lucina... stop with that. Shining is a friend.” Shining felt the feeling in his head disappear, and a dizzy feeling overtook him. He put one head to his head and said to Burning Star, “So... this is your partner... Lucina. Nice to meet you, I’m Shining...” Lucina cut him off with her icy voice. “I know all about you, Shining Armor Sparkle. You are the older brother to Twilight Sparkle, Student at Canterlot High and former student at Crystal Prep. You were former head of security there and became Chief of your precinct on favor from your father, Night “Watcher” Light.” Shining’s jaw dropped. Lucina continued, “Your ex girlfriend is-“ Shining clamped one hand over her mouth and said to Burning Star, “DON’T say her name... please.” Burning Star was getting into Shining’s civilian car when he said, “Shining... we are going to meet your ex, aren’t you?” “Sigh... yeah.” He said as he got in the car, Lucina sat in the back, right behind Burning Star. Shining drove off towards the Red-Light District before he said, “Since we are going to meet my ex, I may as well tell you who she is.” “A’ight... whro is she?” Said Burning Star, stuffing an entire double hamburger in his mouth, which seemed to unhinge like a snake as he chewed it. Shining winced as he said, “Her name is Cadence...” “Caden-hrk!” Burning Star began to choke on his burger, prompting Lucina to reach around the seat with her invisible TK arms and cause him to cough up the burger onto the dashboard. Shining shot him a look, “Really? Now I have to clean that...” Burning Star quietly used his fire powers to incinerate the burger waste while Shining Armor wasn’t looking. Lucina was also in slight shock, but it was well hidden behind the dead look in her eyes. “What made you break up with her?” She said, her eyes widening about half an inch. “I’ll let her tell you, PERSONALLY.” He said through gritted teeth. (Canterlot City, Red Light District) Shining Armor pulled up in front of a Dance Club with a neon sign of a lady on a pole. The sign underneath it said “Love Shack” “If anyone knows about custom-made ammo and weapons, Its Candence... she pretty much knows everything about the Canterlot underground.” He said, entering the club. Burning Star said to himself, ”Cadence is Shining’s Ex? I don’t believe it!” Lucina’s Voice reached into his mind, ”Remember Burning Star, this world is different from yours... perhaps something happened between Shining and Cadence that drove them apart?” ”Perhaps, lets ask her when we meet her.” he responded in his mind, before Lucina broke the connection. The three humans entered the main room, erotic music playing and various women dancing on poles and on the stage, posing in very... showy ways. Burning Star dares not look, for he was worried Lucina’ s jealously may take over and this would turn into a bloodbath... Judging from Lucina’s completely dead face, if Shining didn’t hurry his butt to the back room this was bound to happen. A large man approached Shining Armor, “Are you here on an appointment with Cadence, Princess of the Love Shack?” Shining sighed and said, “Listen Bookend... it is me Shining Armor. Let me see Cadence, it’s a matter of “upmost importance”. The bouncer suddenly blushed, “O-Oh right... are your friends here for this as well?” Shining nodded and Bookend stepped aside, letting the three of them pass. The room they entered was lit by a soft pink light, a great red heart-shaped bed lay against the wall. Various... revealing photos and unsettlingly detailed newspaper articles were hung on the wall in frames. On the bed lay a woman presumably in her late 20s, she had bright pink hair with yellow streaks running through it. Her body was curvy and her hips were wide. Her... “assets” were round and her actual rear was quite shapely as well. This was definitely Cadence... “Shiiiny~ You’re back for me...” she said with half lidded eyes and a mischievous smirk on her face. “I’m not here to get back together with you Cadence, I’m here to talk about something important.” Shining said, causing Cadence to look to Burning Star, the same expression on her face. “And what about you? You look like you are in desperate need of someone to love...” she said, sitting up and stretching her arms out. Burning Star shook his head, trying to avert his eyes away from Cadence’s chest. “N-No. I am here with Shining about the same thing. I-I am not sure why you would want well... me.” Cadence shrugged, “Oh well, perhaps later then, ok? Now what is it that you two boys wanted to speak about, hm?” “Cadence, I need some information on black market dealings, specifically in the ammunition department. You see, a figure named Black Sun has been terrorizing this City...” Shining said, also trying to avert his eyes. “I am aware of Black Sun, he has been a major thorn in the side of my “businesses”, he hasn’t bought anything, he has stolen it.” She said, looking down. “It’s quite stressful for me, and I haven’t had a good stress relief in weeks, boys. Would one of you Care to Help? with that, hm? Or would you both like to?” Cadence said, a frankly adorable and oddly sexual pout on her face. Lucina hissed at Cadence, her voice colder than the Antarctic, “No. Just give us the information and we will be leaving.” “And who are you? The boss of these two?” Said Cadence, shooting Lucina a look that said it all. Shining heard Burning Star whisper to him, ”Shining, why is Cadence so thirsty?” ”Well why don’t you ask her?” whispered Shining Armor. Burning Star did just that, “Ms. Cadence, I am Burning Star and this is Lucina, we are friends of Shining Armor. We are also involved with this case... but on another topic... why did you and Shining split up?” Cadence sighed, “Shining didn’t understand that I had certain... “needs” to be filled. While he could provide them, he eventually got tired of it and we split.” Burning Star looked confused, “Needs?” Lucina quietly said to him, “She only cared about what was down south than what was up north...” Shining Armor pointed at Cadence, “It’s not my fault that you didn’t have any interest in staying with me.” “I did have interest in staying with you Shiny, but I like my relationships to be “open ended”. Apparently you didn’t... oh well.” Cadence said while crawling towards Burning Star. She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and said, “What about you, Mr. Burning Star? Are you interested in an open ended relationship with me? Or are you chained up to your little girl Lucina over there?” Lucina’s eyes narrowed and one of her invisible arms shot out towards Cadence’s head, stopping just before it. “Burning Star is mine alone, don’t you go into this, Cadence.” She growled, sending a chill up Cadence’s spine. She immediately regret her comment and said, “Yes... I have seen Black Sun. My assistants have sold weapons before.” “Like what?” Asked Burning Star, his hand slowly reaching behind him towards his sword. “Oh guns, missiles, grenades, weapons grade plutonium...” She said as she waved her hand nonchalantly. Burning Star’s eyes went wide, “What?! Why in the world would Black Sun need weapons grade Plutonium? Is he building a bomb?” Cadence shook her head and giggled, “No silly... he uses it to power and recharge his suit. I helped him design it...” Lucina finally raised both eyebrows in shock, “What did you say!? You designed that WMD?” “Yes... until he cheated me out of it. He had another suit made for a girl, he promised that I would have it for my own, until he left with it and flew off to Faust knows where! Ugh!” She yelled, throwing her hands into the air. “We finally have a concrete lead. Cadence helped design the suit, that is interesting.” Burning Star thought to himself. He quickly stepped out of the room and towards the bathroom, where he immediately called the Stable HQ back at Sunset’s house on his coms. ”Stable, this is Pyro. You get all that information I just heard?” A brief silence passed, before Frostclaw’s shrill voice pierced the comlinks. ”Every last word. Now, I have one question for her myself.” Burning Star raised an eyebrow, ”Yeah... what is it?” “Is Cadence single right now?” Burning Star coughed up something and his face flushed red. ”What?! Why do you ask me to ask for you?! Why can’t you come ask yourself, if you are so intent on find out?” Frostclaw jumped out of his seat, ”Ok! I’m coming now! See you in a few minutes!” ”Wait Frostclaw I was-“ The line cut out and Burning Star groaned. “Being... sarcastic... ah f—k.” He exited the bathroom to find Shining Armor sucked behind one of the various fabric chairs in Cadence’s back room, Lucina and Cadence were arguing with each other in the center. “So you really are thirsty aren’t you? From what I have heard from Shining you were perfectly fine sleeping around with other people.” Snarled Lucina, her TK arms flared and ready to strike down Cadence. Burning Star was spotted by Lucina and she immediately returned them to her body, where they twisted and whrithed like some sort of hellish snake. “Thirsty? You call me thirsty, well at least I’m not a psychopath obsessed with being Burning Star.” Cadence snapped back, getting off her bed and standing up. She said to Lucina, “You see, I have a particular ability that allows me to sense emotions that others feel, and I know you love Burning Star SO MUCH. So much so you will do ANYTHING to keep him, including killing anyone that hurts him even the slightest bit or is the most minor threat to your crush on him!” Burning Star ducked behind the chair next to the one that Shining was hiding behind before saying to him. “I left the room for 5 minutes and everything went to hell. What happened?” Asked Burning Star, understandably terrified by Lucina. Burning Star feared Lucina for her immense psychokinetic powers and dangerously unstable personality. Compared to Black Sun, Black Sun at his full strength barely held a candle to Lucina... It’s probably why he ran off after she bent and crushed his armor so easily... “Burning Star is mine, not anyone else’s... MINE. HE IS MY SENPAI!” Lucina’s TK arms shot out and went into Cadence’s mind... They retreated and Lucina smirked, “You aren’t Cadence... are you?” Shining Armor and Burning Star both said. ”What do you mean that isn’t Cadence?” Cadence smirked and broke into a laugh, her eyes turned green. ”Oh you are just such a clever girl, aren’t you?” She was engulfed in green flames and Burning Star’s jaw dropped. Before the group stood a woman in her mid 30s, she had green stringy hair with little round pins in it. Her eyes were bright green and were filled with deception, and she wore a slim black dress that emphasized her rear and... ahem... “assets”. She stood about a head shorter than Burning Star, and two little fangs were poking out of her mouth, as well as a forked tongue flicking in and out. Burning Star’s hair began to emit smoke, ”Chrysalis... You’ve returned.” He heard Shadow Armor’s voice over the comlinks. ”I called it!” Shining’s jaw was on the floor as well, before he said. “C-Cadence? Is that you?” Chrysalis let out a short laugh, ”No, Shining Armor. However, I am much more desirable than that piece of cardboard you call a girlfriend.” Burning Star’s hair exploded into flames as he said. “Then where is she, you parasitic love leech?! If you have been impersonating her, what have you done with the Real Cadence?!” Lucina’s TK arms shot out and she said, “If you value your life... I recommend telling him where she is.” Chrysalis snapped her fingers, and a horde of buzzing sounds was heard. ”Oh you will be joining her shortly.” CHANGELINGS! CAPTURE SHINING ARMOR FOR ME! ERADICATE THE REST!” Shining was too stunned to speak before he was lifted up by Lucina saying. “We are going NOW.” Lucina opened the door to see various humanoid Changelings in the main hall, hissing at them and their green-blue eyes staring directly towards the trio. Lucina said to Shining, “Shining, please cover your eyes.” “Why?! Whatever you are about to do can’t be worse than what I just saw...” said Shining, still scared out of his mind of the black-shelled humans slowly approaching them. “Suit yourself, but try not to vomit...” said Lucina. A Changeling lunged at Shining Armor, Lucina looked at it and said. “Die.” Her invisible arms shot out and tore the Changeling’s body in half before crushing the head. The rest of the Changelings lunged at the trio, and Lucina went ballistic. Her TK arms went wild, tearing up bodies rapidly. Burning Star held Shining behind Lucina as she slashed and hacked her way through the dozens of Changeling-human hybrids. Green-blue blood sprayed on all three of them, the two boys dared not move, lest they be turned to mulch by the rapidly slashing TK arms of Lucina. A Changeling got past her and lunged at Shining, it was snatched out of the air by Burning Star and he twisted his arms, snapping its neck and dropping its lifeless body onto him. Shining finally unfroze and pulled out his gun, firing into the seemingly endless swarm of Changeling humanoids. When the dust settled, dozens, possibly hundreds of bodies were littered across the floor, the majority of them in pieces. Greenish blood covered the floors and walls, as well as the three humans that just fought off a small army of bug-people. The three of them stepped outside and Shining ran to Lucina and said, “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT THING YOU DID?!” Lucina sighed, “I used my abilities... my brain is stronger and more advanced than that of a human. This led to me developing psychokinesis, which manifests as invisible arms that I can turn into deadly weapons. What you just saw was my abilities in action, are you ok, Burning Star? Shining Armor?” Burning Star nodded, “Yes. Thanks to you again.” Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis burst out of the door her eyes narrowed in rage. ”You slaughtered my children! You... YOU monster. I will kill you!” Queen Chrysalis lunged forward before Lucina caught her in her telekinetic arm’s grip. Lucina scowled and said, “Does it hurt? Does it hurt so badly to see your children destroyed? Now you know how much it hurts to miss the one you love...” Shining Armor looked at Burning Star and said, “W-What the hell is going on...” Lucina shot her telekinetic arms into Chrysalis’s mind, pulling out Cadence’s location... PAINFULLY. Chrysalis screamed, ”YOU KNOW THAT I WILL BE BACK! YOU CAN NEVER TRULY GET RID OF ME! I WILL RETURN WITH A BIGGER SWARM.” Lucina growled, “No... I’ll put you out if your misery.” Burning Star covered Shining’s eyes as Lucina launched all of her invisible arms towards Chrysalis and sliced her apart, leaving a green puddle where she once stood. She then fired those arms into the apartment above the club and ripped open the top windows, before pulling out the real Cadence. She was tied to a chair with rope and tape was across her mouth. Her eyes were red and puffy from tears as well. “Don’t Move.” Said Lucina, and she cut the rope away and pulled the tape off her mouth. As soon as Cadence was free, she ran over to Shining Armor and into his embrace. “Shining!” “Cadence! You’re alive!” Burning Star let the two lovebirds hug it out, before a rumble came from the building. The building collapsed on top of itself, before a large humanoid shot out of the crater. It was Chrysalis! She was still alive?! ”Hahahaha... fools. You actually bought that I would reveal myself? I know you all have some special powers, so allow me to show you WHAT IM MADE OF! HEEERAAAAH!” Thunderbolts struck down as it began to rain, the water doing no good in washing away the sticky Changeling blood. Chrysalis screeched as the spinal ridge on her back opened up and four large insect wings popped out. Then large spider-like legs began to emerge, hoisting the Changeling Queen into the air, where she took off and hovered in place. She now had 6 insectoid legs poking out her back that were primed for attack, as well as her two powerful wings. Her fangs had elongated to the point where they looked like daggers, and her hair began to have black jagged horns emerge from it. ”AT LAST! My ultimate form is complete... From this point onwards you will refer to me as Empress Chrysalis” Cadence growled at Chrysalis, “You freak! Why did you kidnap me and lock me up?! What did I ever do to you?” Chrysalis grinned, her needle sharp teeth glinting in the light of the street lamps. ”My dear, it was the only way to get at your lovely Shining Armor. He is the Chief of Police, If I had him in my little harem, I would be invincible... plus I would have my own little bundle of love to lay on whenever I wanted to... and maybe, just maybe I would have spared your friend Burning Star.” Burning Star uncharacteristically shrunk back behind Lucina, who was standing still, not impressed by the now 20 foot tall bug-human Changeling... thing. Chrysalis pointed at the Equestrian of Fire, ”Of course I would use him for food, and to spite that frustrating, unintelligent, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Shining snapped and unloaded his entire clip into Chrysalis, the bullets bounced off her armored exoskeleton. ”I’m flattered by your attempt to try and stop me, but resistance is futile...” Chrysalis said, extending one of her large insect legs to Shining and picking him up by his shirt collar. ”Now lets go home my pet... I have a new hive o produce... and you will get to be the father of the largest family in history!” Chrysalis suddenly had her exoskeleton armor pierced by Burning Star’s blazing sword. The blade of Deicide stung the queen, and caused her to drop her prey. Cadence picked up a rock and chucked it at her, hitting Chrysalis in her unarmored head. “Stay away from my boyfriend!” Lucina saw that Chrysalis’s head and joints in between her Armor was open to attack, and she extended her TK arms. She said to the group in her dead tone, “If you value your innocence, close your eyes.” Chrysalis lunged at the group, only to have herself pinned down by... something she couldn’t see. Lucina began to strike her armored skin over and over, saying to her. “You Invade this world, kidpap Cadence, threaten my friends... all of these things I don’t mind...” Her tone grew so cold that it sent shivers up everyone’s spines. “But when you hurt Burning Star... is when I get mad... and when I get mad, I don’t have mercy for our opponents.” Chrysalis felt a sharp pain in her chest as something began to pull her in two different directions. Lucina uttered one word that frightened everyone. “DIE.” Chrysalis practically shattered... raining green and blue blood upon everyone. (End song) Cadence opened her eyes to see the carnage around her and she felt the need to vomit. She saw that her and Shining were not covered in the disgusting stuff, and she pulled Shining close. “Shining, I’ve missed you so much, that... that freak had me stuck in her attic for weeks!” Cadence said, tilting his head down to hers. She pulled him in for a kiss and the two locked lips, right in front of Burning Star and Lucina... Both of them were drenched in both water and Changeling Blood... and both had huge grins on their faces. “Well I think we did good, didn’t we?” Burning Star said, putting his sword away and stretching his arms up. Lucina, still covered in blood, pulled Burning Star close and said... “Oh shut up and kiss me already...” Burning Star received a lip lock similar to Cadence and Shining making out, but instead of them being drenched in the rain... They were covered in blue and green blood... And they didn’t care at all. Burning Star pulled away for a minute and said, “This is going to be a thing with us, isn’t it?” Lucina pressed close to him and said, “What do you think?” Meanwhile, Black Sun stood atop a nearby building, having to remove his mask to vomit. While he had inflicted gore-filled massacres before... That, that was truly gruesome. ”New objective, don’t piss her off. This armor may make me practically invincible, but even if my armor would crumble under that... I will strike down Burning Star and his miserable little friends.” Black Sun took to the air, before a massive lightning bolt hit him and he fell to the roof a sparking and smoking mess. “Or... I will wait till this damn rain ends. Then I will kill him and those irritating little ingrates.” He said, before walking off the roof and flying in the opposite direction.
Chapter 8: Confronting the Source(Sunset’s House) Shining and Cadence dropped Burning Star and Lucina off at Sunset’s house... It was still raining, and all three of them still had the smell of Changeling blood on them. It smelled like mint ice cream.. and strangely tasted like it too. How did Burning Star know all this? When Lucina kissed him, she was still covered in it, and it got into his mouth. So when they broke the kiss... their mouths tasted and smelled like mint... “God that is disgusting now that I’m thinking about it.” Burning Star said to himself, walking to the door of Sunsets house and knocking on it. Strangely, Shadow Armor came to the door and opened it, seeing the blood-soaked couple and giving them a weak smile. “Oh... I guess that the meeting with Cadence didn’t go well?” He said, trying not to bring up the blood that coated the two of them. Shadow Armor was no stranger to blood, he has cut down many foes and had blood splattered against him. But the way Lucina killed, the brutal and disturbing way she literally tore her opponents to pieces... it left more than a splatter... It drenched her in blood... and it made Shadow Armor’s stomach turn. He had been watching the battle between Lucina and the humanoid Queen Chrysalis, he had SEEN the gore fest, and let’s just say he emptied his stomach of his entire days worth of food. “No, it didn’t go well. Turns out your predictions about Queen Chrysalis being Cadence was true, good catch Shadow Armor.” Said Burning Star, reaching his hand out. Shadow Armor said to the couple, “Go get in a shower, you two. You look like green popsicles...” Lucina grabbed Burning Star with her TK arms and lead him inside, the biggest grin on his face. He suddenly said, “See ya, Shadow Armor.” He stuck his head out the door and yelled excitedly, “IM GETTING LAID IN THE SHOWER! HAHAHA!” Sunset came out of her room in her pajamas and gave both of them the eye, “Will you two quiet down? Also... why do you smell like mint ice cream?” Lucina extended one of her arms and grabbed Sunset saying, “We will tell you later... go get some sleep.” Sunset tried to object but Lucina reached another arm into her brain, She passed out immediately afterwards, asleep and dead to the world. She levitated her inside and tucked her in like a mother tucking in a child, before pulling Burning Star into the shower and locking the door with a click. Shadow Armor heard the sounds of “paired showering” and his cheeks began to heat up. He knew he had to get to his room, but two of his friends were busy with... whatever the hell someone with fire powers and a bravado worthy of legend. Also, someone with deadly psychokinesis and a dangerous obsession for Burning Star. Either way, whatever was going on was weird, wet, and wild... ”Why the hell am I thinking this? I must miss Fluer so bad that I’m making up fantasies involving my friends in lewd acts...” said Shadow Armor, rubbing the back of his head. Nearby, The figure in white armor watched Sunset Shimmer while she slept. not in the creepy way... in the “I’m guarding you” way... Ok, watching anyone while they were sleeping was creepy. ”Ah... the Lovely Sunset Shimmer. A foot in one world, a hoof in another, you are such the... strange figure. You hold the entire world upon your shoulders, the world not acknowledging your beauty...” said the figure, peering into the window at Sunset’s sleeping form. She was curled up in a ball, shivering in the cold room fueled by the overworking air conditioner. The figure couldn’t stand seeing her like this and floated down to the window, lifting it open with a smooth slide. He slipped in as silent as a breeze and picked up the covers and placed them on Sunset, she immediately stopped shivering. The figure looked at Sunset’s sleeping form, thinking to itself... before making its move. The figure reached one of his metal-clad hands to Sunset’s hair and ran it through her red and golden locks, before saying to him itself. ”Her hair is like velvet... so supple and easy to brush. Why is she not with the most handsome man in school?” the figure said, barely a whisper. Sunset stirred in her sleep, her hand pressed against the figure’s metal-clad greaves... she pulled it back slowly, wincing at how cold it was in her sleep. The figure turned away from Sunset and said into the mirror, ”What about me? Would Sunset accept me as her “boyfriend?” It clenched it’s fist, ”No... I must stop Black Sun before she sees me for who I am. Then and only then will I be worthy of her...” The figure moved toward the window and flew out silently, a breeze carrying him away. (The Next Morning...) The sun poured its light into the window of Sunset Shimmer’s bedroom, waking the girl to the new morning. She slowly opened her eyes to see what was going on... Before they shot open and she screamed in shock at who was in her room! Eclipsio was sitting at the end of her bed, his shirt off, letting Sunset see his rather muscly body. It wasn’t ripped, Rather it had definition to it. It was lean and sturdy, and it made her cheeks flush red. While she had seen Burning Star shirtless when Lucina was pouncing on him, he was thin. Eclipsio’s body had some bulk that seemed to ebb and flow whenever he took a breath. Prince Eclipsio raised an eyebrow, “Sunset? What is the matter?” “What’s the matter?! You are in MY ROOM! Why are you here, Eclipsio!” screeched Sunset, covering herself. Prince Eclipsio shrugged, “I just entered here to speak with you, Is this a bad time?” Sunset threw her pillow at the Prince, it bounced off his head and landed with a pomf sound. “Yes this is a bad time! Didn’t your sisters ever teach you to not invade a girls room?!” “Sunset, I was banished for over 1000 years, courtesy wasn’t on my to-do list when I got back. So, no.” He said nonchalantly, running a hand across his arm. Sunset pulled her covers up around her chest, she had slept without a shirt on, and god forbid that Eclipsio would catch her shirtless. “I’m not dressed yet! Can it wait?” “Of course, go get dressed. I will wait here patiently.” Said Eclipsio, rolling his shoulders back. Sunset’s face turned red, “I would like some privacy, at least!” Eclipsio nodded, “Say no more, I shall be over in your closet. What would you like to wear today, perhaps your trademark leather jacket? Or this red dress?” “I can pick out my clothes on my own! I don’t need you to do it for me!” She said, covers now wrapped around her body like a robe. Eclipsio stepped out of the way and Sunset looked at him and said, “Well?! Aren’t you going to leave?” “Why would I leave? I am perfectly fine with a female changing in my vicinity. Celestia and Luna pay no mind to me changing in theirs either, although I wonder why their faces are so red... perhaps they were coming down with an illness? But that is highly unlikely, Alicorns cannot be ill.” the Prince wondered, putting his balled fist to his chin. He bowed to Sunset, “So if you feel as if you are uncomfortable with changing in my vicinity, it is fine with me. Why is it not fine with you? Do you have something to hide from me?” Sunset delivered a massive punch to Eclipsio’s nose, causing it to bleed. She then flung the prince out of her room and said, “STAY OUT!” Eclipsio pinched his nose closed to stop the blood and said to himself, ”Hm... wonder why she was so embarrassed to change around me? I had to peel off her smelly pajama clothes she had on last night into her crisp and clean ones... why is she so embarrassed by me?” (Kitchen) One EXTREMELY AWKWARD dressing later and Sunset came down in her leather jacket and a pair of jeans. Eclipsio saw her come down and said, “Ah, I see you went with your trademark “distressed biker girl” look.” He was slapped in the face by Sunset hard enough to restart his nosebleed. She still had a bit of red on her face when she said to him, “You really have no shame, do you? Stepping into a girls room while they are asleep?! Really?!” Prince Eclipsio raised an eyebrow while he pinched his nose shut, “I have shame, Ms Sunset Shimmer. But, I don’t understand why this is such a big deal for you. I had assumed as we are both friends that such things like changing in each other’s company are not awkward.” Sunset Shimmer put her face into her hands, “Ugh... you really don’t get humans yet, do you?” Eclipsio nodded his head, “It is rather... difficult for me to do so, Sunset Shimmer. Humanity is frustratingly complex.” Sunset gave him another tissue to stuff up his nose then put her hand on his shoulder, “Well, what is frustrating you, Eclipsio? Maybe I can help?” Prince Eclipsio saw that the fury had disappeared from Sunset’s eyes, then he said. “Humans are just... so... so... full of contradictions!” He got up and stared to pace about the room, the ceiling fan made his long silver hair billow in the breeze, similar to his mane when he was in Pony Form. It ended up blowing into his face and he coughed as it went into his mouth. “Ack! Confound this hair! How is it that such long hair can exist and not get in the way?!” Sunset held back a laugh as the Prince unceremoniously spun around and tripped over his katana, which had been strewn out on the floor. He face planted to the tile floor, this time getting a laugh from Sunset Shimmer. Prince Eclipsio snapped, and screamed. ” DO NOT MOCK ME!” The Prince got to his feet and slammed his feet downwards, causing a crack in the floor. ”I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY PATIENT WITH MY HUMAN BODY. BUT EVEN I. HAVE. MY. BREAKING POINT! AND IVE JUST REACHED THAT POINT!” He wheeled around and picked up his katana and drew it before stabbing a pillow, spilling stuffing everywhere. ”THIS SEARCH FOR BLACK SUN HAS LED ME TO A WORLD THAT HAS NO SPACE-TIME MANIPULATION POWERS! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FIND HIM IF WE MUST RELY ON THE “TALENT” OF CHIEF SHINING ARMOR, A WITLESS WONDER!” He finished his train of thought by grabbing Sunset by her jacket and saying, ”YOU THINK I AM OVEREACCTING, DON’T YOU?” Sunset had enough, and she retaliated with her own shout, her eyes glowing like orange flames. ”Well I think you are, overreacting, Eclipsio! I am frustrated with you about your insensitive attitude with me and my friends! I would like you to stop it.” Eclipsio put his hand to his katana and began to pull it, but Sunset grabbed his hand and said. “You pull that katana and I show you why I was the queen at Canterlot High...” The Prince’s voice grew sly, “And what? You think that you, a human, can wrestle with a full-grown Alicorn-Human that has been fighting for his entire life? I highly doubt it will work.” Sunset’s teeth grew into fangs and her eyes turned green, ”Wanna try it, Edgy boy?” she said, sending a small chill up the Prince’s spine. The Prince thought about it, then he lowered his hands away from his sword, “Fine... you win Sunset. But this isn’t over, I’m going out to look for more evidence on Black Sun.” Sunset stepped in front of Eclipsio and pushed him back, “No, you are going to stay here and talk with me. Now I’m sorry that I yelled at you, but we are both angry and I think we can help each other, ok?” The Prince fumed for a minute, his fists clenched, but he relaxed and sighed out in defeat. “...Fine...” Sunset walked over to the couch and sat down, she patted the cushion next to her and Eclipsio sat down as well. He had a stony expression on his face that spoke VOLUMES. “Eclipsio, judging by your body language and general demeanor, you clearly are troubled. What to tell me why, or will you sit there in silence and mope all day, like you usually do?” Said Sunset, raising an eyebrow. Prince Eclipsio shrugged, “Why do you care? You have no impact on me and the world, so why try to alter my perspective on life?” “Well... I figured what you need right now is a assertive, but compassionate person to listen to you. From what I’ve gathered, you are similar to Burning Star in demeanor. You are so caught up in what and why you think you matter to others that you never had time to grow up and mature emotionally did you?” Said Sunset, a small smile of sympathy on her face. The Prince growled, “Why should I take time to feel? My sisters are missing, my options are few, and my friends refuse to help me enact my plans to stop Black Sun for good.” He then said while staring off into space, “Regardless of whether or not Celestia and Luna are found via Black Sun or my own intuition, I lost them to a mistake I made... I didn’t take the shot. if I hit my sisters with a magic blast... they would forgive me right? Would they?” Sunset put her hand on Eclipsio’s shoulder, saying to him. “I think that they would, but I don’t think you wouldn’t forgive yourself... would you?” Prince Eclipsio raised an eyebrow, “Why should I forgive myself? Sunset Shimmer... I have been banished most of my adolescent and adult life in the inky blackness of deep space. Not just that, I wasn’t just banished to space... I was banished to the space between spaces. I was lost for over a thousand years, Sunset... what do you know about isolation and helplessness?” Sunset Shimmer’s face turned serious, “Isolation? Prince Eclipsio, for the majority of my adolescence I ruled Canterlot Highs student body as a tyrant. I used fear and lies to get ahead, I ABANDONED my Celestia because I felt as if she did not have the answers to my biggest question.” Now Eclipsio was curious, “And what was that question, Sunset Shimmer? How to become an Alicorn like Twilight had become one? Were you jealous she had friends and all you had was your hatred of your teacher?” “Honestly, the question was this. “Did all of your teachings really matter?” Sunset clenched her fist, Small orangish yellow sparks of magic danced over her knuckles. “Unlike Twilight who sought peers to respect and love, I sought, no CRAVED dominance. Dominance enough to suppress and control the majority of the student body. Then Twilight chased me here after I stole the Element of Magic.” She began to form tears in her eyes My grip was slipping, Eclipsio. I hated that there was one person that wasn’t afraid of me. One person that made friends, and in my hatred. I turned one is the most powerful Elements of Harmony, if not the most powerful, into a dangerous weapon that rivaled The Alicorns in Power.” Eclipsio’s photographic memory began to record what Sunset was saying. Despite having a Sunset Shimmer on his own world, he had never met another version of her that was so... vocal. Then again, he had never met another version of Sunset at all! Sunset hung her head as she said, “I used it to become a powerful Demon... and I turned my hate into a spell that would hurt Twilight severely, it could have possibly killed her if she didn’t channel magic from her new friends and herself to shield herself. Then, she hit me with a blast of magic so pure it completely obliterated my demonic form.” She now was staring to cry slightly, “I was beaten, embarrassed to the greatest degree. Every single thing I had built had fallen. I expected Twilight to leave me there in disgrace... but she did something I never expected and I still don’t fully understand, even after all this time.” She lifted her head and said directly to Eclipsio’s face, “She offered a hand to me, she offered me forgiveness... every part of me told me to swat it away and strangle her for humiliating me so badly... but that part of me that wanted to start over... it won out and I accepted her hand up.” Sunset still continued to speak, her eyes slowly dripping tears as she went on. “Ever since then I have been working my ass off to fix my mistakes. I had to battle magical sirens, take on Midnight Sparkle, stave off a powerful Elder God of the Forest, and recently... start over because some bitter teen I never noticed erased memories of my good deeds from my friends heads.” Eclipsio’s eyes widened at her accomplishments, “Wait... you are saying that you... a human girl barely over 20, has defeated sirens from Equestria? Midnight Sparkle once (before we had to finish the job), the freaking GODDESS OF THE EVERFREE FOREST, and overcame memory magic and a overly-bitter girl with it?” Sunset nodded, “Well... yeah. I mean I had help, but that just about sums it up.” Eclipsio’s jaw hit the floor, then he brought up the last accomplishment she said. “You mentioned memory erasing magic, Sunset. How did this girl do this and what was her name?” Sunset sensed something was odd about Eclipsio, his eyes were cold and his hand was on his sword. “You aren’t going to hurt her, right?” She asked nervously. “Sunset... erasing memories is a very serious offense on any world. You are taking away time in their lives and no matter if the Spell is reversed completely, those memories will never return the same way... the reason I am concerned is because in certain places in my Equestria... that magic can get you Imprisoned, or worse... killed.” Said Eclipsio, his eyes colder than the arctic. He then put his hand on her shoulder and said, “I will not hurt her in sight, but if she tries the same thing with me... I cannot guarantee her safety. I am familiar with the magic of the mind, and memory erasing is something even the most vile of ponies wouldn’t do. Please, tell me her name so that I may have a rather STERN talk with her.” Sunset took a risk and said, “Wallflower Blush. She should still be in school. She had since given u-you’re already gone aren’t you?” The Prince has bolted out the door with a quick, “Sorry Sunset, I wil discuss my past and the accomplishments I have attained later, for now... I am off to show this... Wallflower a little lesson in common decency.” Sunset moved as fast as she could and tackled Eclipsio to the ground. They rolled through the muddy grass and Sunset said to him, venomous ire in her voice. “What are you doing?!” Sunset said, trying to pin down the Prince. “The Stone was destroyed by Twilight! Why are you going to hurt Wallflower?!” Eclipsio’s response was blunt, “Because it’s fair.” “Fair?! How is this fair?!” Sunset yelled, making Eclipsio cover his ears. He responded with an even blunter statement. “She hurt you, you have every right to hurt her back... yet you have not done that. Why?” Sunset sighed, “Because I don’t act on all of my emotions. I have to think before acting, something you may struggle with, am I right?” Prince Eclipsio stayed silent, but he got up and walked inside with a curt, “Yes.” Sunset looked at her mud-stained jacket and sighed, ”Crap. I just washed this.” Prince Eclipsio walked inside and began to fiddle with his hair while Sunset went to go put her jacket in the wash. She returned to the room in just her t-shirt. Despite Eclipsio wearing his long black tunic with coattails, she was the one that stuck out the most. Her red-gold hair blew in the breeze that came from the open window. Prince Eclipsio then spoke, “You wanted to hear my thoughts on what is happening, Sunset Shimmer?” “Yes I do. It’s always nice to hear what others have to say, don’t you think?” She responded, a small smile on her face. Prince Eclipsio’s face twisted into a frightened frown, then he said. “I’m afraid... Sunset. I’m afraid of failure.” Sunset noticed tears in his golden eyes, “All my life I have never known fear, because I knew that the villains we faced were real beings. I have never felt fear because they felt pain, they felt fear of us as well... Black Sun feels nothing ordinary. He emits some of the purest hatred and malice, for life itself, and for everything alive or dead.” He put his hands to his face, “And yet I still cannot find out who he is... that is what is scaring me, Sunset.” ”He fears the unknown... must be because he knows so much about the world that he craves control so much. Something as unexpected and ruthless as Black Sun must have caught him off-guard, and since he didn’t have a face to see that meant that he can’t fight back... he needs to know EVERYTHING.” thought Sunset. “You know, Twilight went through a phase like this where she wanted to know everything. Except it was about magic, not fighting a supervillain.” Said Sunset, giving the Prince a tissue. She put one of her hands in Eclipsio’s hair, “Sometimes, it’s better to not know someone or something. If you knew everything, then there wouldn’t be any more wonder to this world, would there?” The Prince of Eclipses thought for a moment, before responding. “You... are correct, Sunset. I desired control and understanding out of fear, not out of curiosity... I see that now.” He turned his head to Sunset and said while leaning closer, “I need some time to think about this, Sunset. But before I go, I wanted to do this as thanks.” Sunset was about to question what when Eclipsio leaned in to kiss her, she thwacked him on the head. “Whoa! No, not that! I appreciate the thanks, Prince Eclipsio... but I don’t think I am ready for... that.” The Prince nodded before turning scarlet red, “O-oh... my apologies Sunset Shimmer. I thought that our talk was leading into a moment. I was awestruck by you. Not only are your beautiful on the outside, your internal beauty and compassion amplifies that external beauty exponentially.” Sunset’s face turned scarlet red as well. “It’s ok, Eclipsio. Maybe one day, but not today. I need to talk with Burning Star when he gets back from his day with the girls...” The Prince got on his knees, “Please do not tell him about our conversation, Sunset! I would prefer to not see that utterly obnoxious smirk he dons when he gets his way.” Sunset let out a short laugh, “I wasn’t planning on telling him, don’t worry. I just needed to ask him about our next move. Black Sun isn’t going to be gone forever. he is bound to turn up soon, which means that if we are going to defeat him and rescue your sisters, we need to be prepared.” Prince Eclipsio nodded, “A capital idea, Sunset. I suggest that once this Chief Shining Armor finds out anything new and gives it to us, we start our investigation post haste.” Sunset gave a happy smile at the Prince’s newly formed confidence and said to him, “See? Your already feeling better. Now, we have a lot of work to do, including making lunch.” The Prince raised an eyebrow, “Make Lunch? You expect me to serve food to...” Sunset flared at him, and he cleared his throat. “Uh, of course. Getting right on it, heh-heh.” Sunset watched as Eclipsio moved at high speed mixing salad and frying pita bread, he was making Gyros for everyone by the looks of it. ”Eclipsio sure is an interesting guy... but did he really mean that beautiful comment earlier?” She let the thought run around in her head as she began to fix drinks for everyone that was coming over. Little did they know that their enemy was watching them. Black Sun stood atop a tree, perched like a bird of prey looking at his food. The metaphorical “food” being the group that decided to oh so frustratingly last so long against him. ”Why don’t they just lay down and die already? They clearly do not have the heart to defeat me, why can’t I just blow them away?” he thought to himself, a sniper rifle in his hands. He sighed exasperatedly at the tension between Sunset and Eclipsio. “Ugh... get a room you two. Young love is so useless, existing solely for beings to crush and ruin... I don’t see how love or even friendship can defeat that which has bested FOUR ALICORNS.” An unknown voice called out from behind him. ”Answer is simple Black Sun... As a team.” Black Sun wheeled around to the tree behind him, spotting the light that smacked him about like a wet fish and he opened fire. The .50 caliber round flew through the air towards the light-shrouded figure’s Head. Black Sun noticed the bullet stopped in the air, then he saw that a hand coming from the light had caught the bullet between its fingers, far away from his head. ”Murder will not solve the problems that plague your mind, Armored Atrocity Black Sun, mercy will.” The light disappeared and the white-clad figure appeared in front of Black Sun with one of his arms held out towards him. ”I offer mercy to you, surrender and I will attempt to mend the wounds carved by you upon the worlds you have come to. I will bring you peace, if you surrender.” Black Sun reached out his hand, before switching it to machine gun mode and unloading an entire clip into the white-armored figure. The high-powered ammo bounced harmlessly off the chest plate and helm of his opponent. “NEVER! I will never accept mercy from anyone... this world will PAY FOR WHAT IT HAS DONE TO ME!” Black Sun yelled, his mask lighting up a bright red, before he took off towards the city... He was going to end this once and for all... “the Rainbooms, Burning Star, everyone and everything... all of it must DIE!” he thought as he blasted off towards the Financial district of Canterlot. The light was bright enough so that the white-clad figure could see Black Sun’s face behind the mask, and he said to himself. ”Look how far you have fallen... Black Sun.” The white clad figure took off himself, pursuing the Black Armor-clad figure to the city’s center.
Chapter 9: Vs Black Sun! The Great Mall War!(Canterlot Mall) The Canterlot Mall was very busy at this time of day, considering it was the weekend after all. The Rainbooms walked along with Burning Star in tow, they were all heading to many of their favorite outlet stores and Burning Star happened to be interested in buying a few things. He first was going with Rarity to get himself some new clothing, as wearing his two outfits over and over was getting old and Rarity was keen on getting Burning Star some decent clothing. Rarity entered the clothing store with Burning Star and spoke to him, “Oh darling, this should prove to be interesting for the two of us. I didn’t know that you had an interest in getting new clothes, but here we are.” “Yeah, figured I should get something else to wear... considering that I might be on this world for a while.” Said Burning Star breaking away from Rarity and heading towards the mens clothing section. Rarity followed him, curious as to what he was choosing. She commented to herself as Burning Star picked out a black t-shirt and dark gray jacket. He also had a pair of black jeans and a dark red scarf with him. ”My word. All this black and red is certainly hard on the eyes. If he wanted to have such dark clothing I should have taken him to Hot Topic.” She approached Burning Star and asked him, “Burning Star, may I ask why you are going to purchase so many black and red outfits?” His response was blunt, “Rarity, Black and Red hides me from sight and it goes well with how I express myself, do you have a problem with it?” “N-No darling! I’m just wondering if you would like some... recommendation on what you could pick out BESIDES black and red.” Rarity said, stepping back from Burning Star’s fierce gaze. “Personally, this blue and white shirt and jeans would work wonders to contrast with your red hair. And to be frank... it’s still rather warm out and dark colors absorb heat rather quickly.” She said, holding out a white polo shirt and blue jeans. Burning Star eyed the clothes for a minute, before saying, “A’ight. I’ll change into them.” He grabbed the blue jeans and shirt before heading into the changing room. Rarity waited outside, sitting next to Burning Star’s bag of combat gear, which was surprisingly large considering all the stuff he kept in there. She tried to pick it up and move it, but it was extremely heavy. ”My word, Burning Star... you carry this big bag wherever you go? What do you even keep in here, bricks?” She managed to lift it up off the seat, but The bag fell on top of her and she was pinned underneath it. “Well this is not the most comfortable position I’ve been put in...” Rarity huffed, struggling to get out from under the bag. Her words made her blush wildly. “Oh sweet heavens, I realized what I just said... oh my.” Burning Star emerged to see Rarity pinned under his bag in a very... comprising position. His face went red and he quickly said to Rarity, “R-Rarity? Why are you stuck underneath my bag?” Rarity sniffed, “I tried to move it and it fell on top of me... please be a dear and lend me a hand?” Burning Star picked up the bag and slung it back over his shoulder, his face still red. “There you go. Uh R-Rarity?” Rarity tilted her head, “Yes sweetie?” “Why are your... undergarments... on the floor?” He asked, so red in the face he could be mistaken for a tomato. Rarity looked behind her and saw the horrible truth. Her undergarments had snapped off! She went red as well. “Oh heavens! I-I hope you didn’t see anything, Burning Star... Burning Star?” Burning Star was shaking uncontrollably, then he fell down like a toppled tree. Rarity’s eyes went wide, “Oh no! He’s fainted, I better get the girls to help me carry him out of here discreetly.” She began to drag him by the legs towards the back door, thinking to herself. ”I hope he didn’t see anything too lewd, and if he did he certainly couldn’t handle the shock.” The Rainbooms all dropped their bags on the sight of Rarity dragging Burning Star out of the store. “Rarity! What happened to Burning Star?! Why is he passed out?” Asked Twilight, rushing over to him and lifting his head up slightly. Rarity began to speak, “He well... I got pinned underneath his bag and he helped me get up, but my... you know what’s slipped off... and he may or may not have accidentally seen up my skirt while I was stuck there.” Everyone’s face flushed red, with Fluttershy saying to Rarity, “Oh... m-my. Is he ok, Rarity?” Burning Star started to stir, before he opened his eyes with a groan. He said four words that made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. “What just happened now?” Pinkie Pie picked him up and sat him down, “You passed out silly! You were out shopping with Rarity to get some super cool clothes and you passed out after seeing-“ Rainbow clamped her hand over Pinkie’s mouth. “Not now, Pinkie!” Burning Star thought to himself, ”They must be hiding the fact I saw “that” I already know it... Lucina’s gonna kill Rarity, then the girls, then me...” (Canterlot City Financial District) Black Sun screamed across the sky and entered the heart of the financial district. The figure clad in white armor right behind him. He turned around and unleashed a hail of bullets upon the figure, who immediately dodged out of the way of them and responded with a few words. ”Your weaponry is harmless to me, Black Sun. Please, surrender and I can help you.” Black Sun’s response was a missile to the face, which the figure had to brace himself for. “NEVER. I will never surrender to a white-clad, knight in shining armor such as yourself. Everyone must pay for what happened to me!” The figure sighed, ”Come now, Black Sun. You know you are going to lose, why do you still fight me. Please, Surrender and I will show you mercy.” Black Sun fired a pair of rockets towards the figure, who batted them away harmlessly. They collided into the side of a building, causing people on the floor to panic and people across the area to look up and observe the two ironclad titans flying through the air. Black Sun activated his scanners and he saw that the Rainbooms and Burning Star were nearby. “If can’t hurt you, then I will settle for killing that flaming freak and his little friends instead... so watch the carnage unfold, faker.” He said before rocketing off to the mall below. The figure sighed at his threat, ”You try to be reasonable...” Burning Star looked up to see Black Sun coming towards them and he shouted to the girls. “GET DOWN!” Burning Star put up a flaming wall as the figure caught up to Black Sun and grabbed him, crashing through the skylight of the mall and sacattering glass shards on to the crowd below. Twilight immediately dialed for her brother. Shining Armor was in the middle of lunch, he was having a gyro when Twilight’s emergency contact number came up. It caused him to bobble the open gyro and he picked up the phone with food in his mouth. ’ey Twily. What’s going on?” he said with food in his mouth. ”BLACK SUN IS HERE AT THE MALL! Get the police down here, quickly!” Twilight practically screeched. Shining Armor spat out his food and ran out into the main office of the precinct. He shouted to them, “We got a call! The suspect known as Black Sun has been spotted at the Canterlot mall! All personnel get to your cruisers!” The officers and deputies ran through the door with their uniforms on and keys in hand, once they were out of the room Shining Armor contacted Shadow Armor. “Hell yeah! Take that Frostclaw! My Mario Kart 8 DX Skills are still on point!” Shadow Armor said. he was busy playing Mario Kart with Frostclaw on one of the TV sets in the headquarters. Frostclaw had lost, for the 10th time in a row! The alarm went off and the police scanner went berserk, as well as the electromagnetic pulse detector. The two dropped their controllers and ran to their monitors, Lucina and Eclipsio rushes down as well. Shadow Armor opened up a channel to Shining’s radio in his car. ”Shining... this is Shadow Armor. Black Sun has confirmedspotted in the shopping and financial district.” Said Shadow Armor. “That is where Burning Star and the girls are! He must be after them!” Shouted Sunset in the background, extreme panic in her voice. Shining responses by saying, ”Yeah. Twilight called me and told me about him, he is right now fighting in the mall itself. I’m going there, mind sending me back up?” Shadow Armor looked around and saw Lucina already at the door, but he said to Shining. “All right, I’m coming myself.” He then said to Lucina, “Sunset is in command until I return, Lucina. Please don’t run out to help Burning Star. He is with the girl- she is already gone isn’t she?” Sunset sighed, “Yep. I’ll hold the fort while you go stop Black Sun. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” Shadow Armor rushed out the front door and down the road, while he wasn’t nearly as fast as Burning or Eclipsio... he still booked it down the street at 40 mph. Sunset rolled up to the coms and called Burning Star. ”This is Stable, come in Pyro. Burning Star, pick up!” Burning Star opened a line and said, ”Yeah, I know. Black Sun is at the mall, I’m gonna try to get the girls and civilians out of here, Sunset. Which way to the nearest exit?” “Hold on, I’m sending you the building schematics now. It’s down the right hall past the restaurant. Good luck Burning Star!” shouted Frostclaw over the radio. (Canterlot Mall) Meanwhile back at the mall, Black Sun lay sprawled out on the floor of the mall, he was embedded in the tile floor, the other figure standing about 20 feet away from his hole. The figure called out to Black Sun, ”All of this can end if you just give up, you know.” Burning Star looked at the figure standing over Black Sun and immediately thought, ”Normally I would love to get in on this... but innocents come first!” Black Sun screeched at an ear-splitting volume, “NO! I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY SOME SELF-RIGHTEOUS LITTLE SH-T!” He rocketed out of the crater and roared, “You want a battle, white boy? I’ll give you a war.” Black Sun shot out a series of rocket darts from his gauntlets, the figure rushes behind a island in the middle of the room, which exploded into a shower of tile and dirt. The figure attempted to go rescue the girls, but Black Sun unleashed an entire salvo of missiles on him, and he went flying into a store, which then collapsed on him and buried him in rubble. While some tiny part of the girls wanted to watch the battle, the majority of their brains only had one word to say right now. “Run!” Screamed Rainbow, who took off towards Burning Star. Before they could even take a step, Black Sun boosted up to the bridge they were on and landed with a crash, smashing the bridge to Burning Star. The Equestrian of Fire dropped to the floor below, wincing in pain as he crashed through a food cart. He stood in front of the Rainbooms and pointed his wrist mounted flamethrowers at them. (Pause music) “Sorry, but I’m not leaving until you all are reduced to charred corpses on the floor. No white armored, pure of heart freak or edgelord fireball from Hot Topic can defeat me, so it’s been nice knowing you. Wait, no it hasn’t...” hissed Black Sun, staring down the Rainbooms with true hatred in his eyes. Applejack screamed at him, “Why hay are you after us. What did we ev’r do to you?!” Black Sun laughed at Applejacks question, his frightening voice echoing in the now empty corridor, “Why, you ask? Why? I will tell you why... once my audience gets here.” The distant sound of police sirens was heard and Twilight said to Black Sun, “You are out of time, The Police are outside now, probably armed with heavy weaponry... you may have us cornered, but you are surrounded yourself.” Black Sun looked up to see helicopters overhead and he said to Twilight, “Surrounded, no Twilight... they are in my trap. You were only here as bait for them. Now observe what I think of “Canterlots finest”.” Black Sun fired a rocket towards the helicopters above him. It split into mini rockets that blasted each chopper out of the sky. He then smirked viciously under his helmet, “They are pathetic. Unable to stop me, just as Burning Star and his allies are unable to stop me from killing you. So you will burn and die...” Shadow Armor and Shining Armor arrived in a police cruiser, the SWAT team was here already. The two protectors were both outfitted in Riot Gear and armed with automatic weapons. Shadow Armor then handed Shining a pair of HUD glasses, “Here, these will let you communicate with us in the building. All cell service is down thanks to Black Sun’s suit.” Shining Armor put them on and immediately spoke to all the radios of the police cars in the area. ”This is Chief Of Police Shining Armor, all officers in the area report in, and put in a message to the mayor about the situation. Tell her that Black Sun is here in the Canterlot Mall.” Shadow Armor said to Shining, “Wait, let me call Burning Star. He is in there, he may be able to tell us what is going on. He may have taken the girls hostage, this may be a trap.” Shining nodded, “Alright. All officers! Standby for further orders, we have someone on the inside!” Shadow Armor activated his HUD glasses and called the fiery warrior. ”Burning Star, can you hear me? Come in, Burning Star?” Burning Star responded with a weak, ”Yeah... ow. I’m in the building, Shadow... but I’ve got some bad news.” Shining Armor hopped on his own Iine to Burning and asked nervously, ”Burning Star, tell me. Is my sister alright?” ”No. Black Sun has Twilight and the girls hostage. He wanted the police to come here, he wants to slaughter you all... don’t enter the building.” Shadow Armor asked him, “Why? Is this a double trap?” Burning Star sniffed the air, he smelled rotten eggs... “F—k... that is gas.” He responded with a urgent tone, ”Yes. Black Sun has cut the main gas line, you make a move and he blows up the building and half of the financial district with it. I can’t use my fire powers to get up to him, I’d ignite the gas. While I am fireproof, and Black Sun certainly is as well... your sister and her friends are not.” Shining’s heart sank, another danger to his sister... a gas leak. (Resume music) Black Sun heard Burning Star curse and said, “Very good Burning Star. I had the gas line broken so you can’t use your powers, lest you incinerate your little friends...” Black Sun turned to the girls and said, “Now then, where was I?” The figure poked its head out of the rubble and called Burning Star on his coms. ”Burning Star, use your powers. Black Sun is bluffing...” Burning Star’s eyes went wide, ”Wait... How do you know that?! How do I know that he hasn’t set this building to blow us sky high?” ”If he did cut the gas line, his thrusters and my thrusters residual heat would have set it off already... The gas smell is coming from his flamethrowers.” said the figure, climbing out of the rubble. ”Why should I trust you?” sad Burning Star, hesitating to Move. The figure said softly, ”Because I am on your side, Burning Star. And you know that, do not be afraid of Black Sun’s threats. They are nothing but empty show. After all, it’s you he wants to kill.” Burning Star took a risk and used his fire powers to rocket up to the bridge, no explosion went off and he landed in front of Black Sun, who unleashed his flamethrowers upon the Rainbooms. He turned around and said, “As I said... pathetic.” ”No, you are pathetic Black Sun.” The flames cleared and the Rainbooms were unharmed! Burning Star had blocked the majority of the blast, while the figure had put up a golden force field to block the rest. Burning Star smirked and said, “You forgot, I’m fireproof.” A machine gun barrel pointed at him, “And you forget, I have a gun. Die.” The figure shoved Burning Star out of the way and the barrage is bullets hit him in the chest, no damage suffered. The figure kicked Black Sun in the chest, sending him flying off the broken bridge and to the floor. The figure said to Black Sun ”So you are willing to take the lives of innocent people out of petty vengeance for something they had no part in?” Black Sun took to the air and unleashed a barrage of mini rockets, the figure snapped its fingers and they all detonated midair, inflicting no harm to the girls. The figure’s helmet lit up and his armor as well before he said, ”Ok... if a hand will not communicate with you, perhaps a fist will.” The black-armored being sneered, “Why do you deny me my revenge? I have every right to be angry at them! Now I have the power to get what I want and you... you... pests choose to get in my way?! Fine then... I will destroy all obstacles in my way!” The figure said to the Rainbooms, “Rainbooms. I recommend that you exit the building as quickly as possible. Chief Shining Armor and one of Burning Star’s friends Shadow Armor awaits you outside.” Fluttershy called out to the figure, “What about you? Are you really going to fight Black Sun?” The figure walked over to the girls and said, ”Do not be afraid of Black Sun. He is a villain, and I defeat villains.” Black Sun went to grab the figure but he was hit in the back by a large fireball thrown by Burning Star. “C’mon girls, let’s get going!” Said Twilight, who started to run down the hall, followed by the rest of her friends. Black Sun recovered from the attack and looked around to see the white figure and Burning Star, a scowl appearing on his concealed face. “So, two on one it is? Pity, no one here... is going to see you die. RAAAGH!” Said Black Sun as he blasted a torrent of hot lead towards the two heroes. Burning Star dodged out of the way and began to unleash a stream of red-hot flames on Black Sun. No damage, but it did make Black Sun focus on Burning Star. The figure lunged at Black Sun and two long triple bladed claws emerged from his gauntlet. They sparked with white-hot electricity and he delivered a slash across Black Sun’s arm. To Burning Star’s surprise, the weaponry on the gauntlet was obliterated and the nearly-indestructible Magisteel armor was sliced open like a tin can and exposed Black Sun’s right arm for an attack. Burning Star waisted no time and jumped to grab Black Sun out of the air and he burned Black Sun’s exposed under-armor padding badly. Black Sun roared in frustration, since he couldn’t feel pain. The armored monster delivered a headbutt to Burning Star, who returned the favor, stunning the both of them. Black Sun recovered and threw Burning Star into the floor before he prepared to fire a large magic-caster cannon at him. The figure grabbed Black Sun’s arm and twisted it, turning the cannon into the air and causing it to fire into the ceiling, dumping rubble between Burning Star and Black Sun. The figure said to Burning Star as he climbed out of the dust, ”Go. I will deal with Black Sun. make sure that the Rainbooms are safe, and then get home. I will be in touch shortly...” Burning Star wanted to protest, but he understood and responded with a quick nod. He booked it to the exit that the Rainbooms were going towards, leaving the figure and Black Sun alone in the mall. No one said a word for a good minute, until Black Sun said. “So... you can puncture my armor. Interesting... but it will do you no good. For my Armor is self-repairing, ergo... you can’t kill me.” The figure watched with little surprise as the plating on Black Sun’s armored gauntlet stretched and reformed itself. It then said to Black Sun, scraping the metal fragments off of its plasma claws. ”I know what it does, it is how you can get back up again after being dealt a justified blow from Burning Star and his allies.” Black Sun sent a talon-covered kick to the figure’s head, causing the figure to turn his head slightly. Black Sun then extended his own plasma blade and sent a brutal jab into the figure’s chest, it pierced the armor... but the figure didn’t double over in pain. Instead, the figure’s own chest piece opened up and fired a beam of light that flung Black Sun back and seriously damaged his armor. The armor-clad warlord tried to stand up but he was grabbed by the figure and thrown through the entire mall and out into the street. Black Sun looked around and saw the hundreds of officers surrounding him, he tried to activate his weapons... but everything was too heavily damaged. The figure exited the mall and stared at Black Sun before saying, ”You have lost Black Sun, surrender and I will not harm you any more.” Black Sun roared out in fury and in slight fear. “This is not over, Burning Star. We will meet again, and next time you won’t have this guaridan angel to save you!” Black Sun’s armor lit up orange before his wings ignited and he rocketed off, leaving everyone stunned. The figure landed in front of the girls and Burning Star, before saying to them. ”Are you all ok?” Burning Star groaned in pain, “Yeah we are good, just a bit banged up and dirty from your battle... What is your name and why did you save us?” The figure suddenly lit up a bright blinding white before saying. ”I saved you because that is what I do... and my name is exactly what I do.” Rarity raised an eyebrow and asked, “Which is what?” The figure said before he flew off, ”Savior...” “Savior” took to the air and rocketed off, breaking the sound barrier and flying off into the distance. Burning Star suddenly had his radio blast into his ear, ”BURNING STAR COME IN!” He winced in pain, ”Gah! yes I read you Stable. Mind telling me what the hell I just met?” Eclipsio’s voice came over the coms, ”Actually I was hoping you could tell me that. Something just touched you and... everything went dark. All the systems just overloaded and overheated. We caught it in time, but we came dangerously close to a crash. So care to tell me what the hell was that white-armored thing?” Burning Star spoke into the Coms, ”It is called Savior... and he may be coming over soon to speak with us.” Sunset groaned over the radio, ”Wait? White-armored figure? I saw him a couple nights ago! He dropped off Eclipsio. He mentioned that “our paths may cross again” so he must be coming to discuss Black Sun! I’ll go get ready to welcome him...” Burning Star said to the radio group, ”Alright Sunset and Lucina, you go get ready to welcome our guest. Eclipsio and Frostclaw, start running over any references to this “Savior” in recent news.” “What are you going to do?” Frostclaw asked Burning Star. ”I have to make sure that everyone gets home. I’ll be back in an hour or so. See ya.” Burning Star closed his coms and thought to himself. ”What are you? Savior... well you certainly lived up to that name, didn’t you...”
Chapter 10: We All Wear Masks(Sunset’s House, Backyard) The sun went down over the city of Canterlot, the city now FULLY aware of the threat of Black Sun. Despite Shining Armor issue a statement reassuring the people of Canterlot that the police were investigating the suspect called Black Sun. They were very, very afraid... of both Black Sun and any other threats that could be lurking in the shadows. Sunset Shimmer lay out in the backyard, watching the sun passed over the western horizon, bathing the city in a soothing red color. It was quite a contrast considering the events of today. Not only did Black Sun attack again, he did it in broad daylight at a major populated area of Canterlot. If Burning Star and this “Savior” weren’t there, hundreds, no... thousands of people could have died. These attacks by the armored monster called Black Sun were getting more and more violent, and more and more common. And still... no hint as to Black Sun’s identity or even a reason behind his actions! The only thing that the group found out about him is that he is a threat that needs to be addressed NOW. The screen door opened slightly and out came Frostclaw, a pair of sodas in his hands. “Hi Sunset! What are you doing out here?” Frostclaw asked cheerfully, standing behind her. Sunset turned around to see Frostclaw and responded to him, “Oh. Hey Frostclaw, strange to see you outside of the computer station... what are you doing out here?” Frostclaw handed Sunset a soda and he sat cross legged on the grass, looking at the sky and saying demurely. “I... know about your little talks with the other members of this little hunting party.” Sunset’s eyebrow raised, “Ok... what is the problem, Frostclaw?” Frostclaw turned his face to Sunset and she heard the Kirin-boy say. Frostclaw spoke nearly inaudibly, “I... I wanted to talk about me...” Sunset leaned in closer and asked him, “You wanted to talk with me, like the others talked with me Frostclaw?” The Kirin was dead silent. Sunset noticed that his eyes were red and puffy, he must have been hiding his emotions under that cheery hello. Frostclaw feigned a smile, which disappeared with a sniffle, “Sunset, I need a friend right now. With Burning Star awaiting that Savior guy, and Eclipsio off on his little tirade on “Black Sun needs to die.”, I haven’t gotten any help with my own problems.” Sunset asked him, “Well didn’t you think that you could talk to me? I was available to talk with, why didn’t you ask for my help?” The kirin tensed his muscles and let out a growl that caught the red-haired girl off guard. “I know! But... I needed to find Black Sun. I... couldn’t get any help as long as he was out there! I had to find him, then everything would be fine.” Sunset hesitantly reached her hand out to Frostclaw and put it in his light blue mane of hair. She felt his body go hard as another wave of force ran up his body. When Sunset touched him, all the tension he had suddenly drained from his body, causing the Kirin to finally relax. “Hey Frostclaw?” Sunset asked, the sweetest tone in her voice. “Why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself, ok?” Frostclaw sighed, then said. “A-A-Alright. Despite my outward focus, I am horribly insecure about myself... I do everything in my power to make myself seem valuable to others. I’m smart, kind, I’m everything somepony would want... but I was ignored by my other Kirin.” “Why did the other Kirin ignore you? You seem like you have everything figured out.” Sunset asked him, a soft smile on her face. Frostclaw snorted in annoyance, an icy mist exhaling from his nostrils. “THAT IS JUST THE THING! The tribe I’m from are not focused on the mental strength of someone... they focus on the brute force and physical prowess someone has. How hot is your fire? how fast can you fly? What is your favorite treasure?” Sunset was confused, “Wait, didn’t you say you were from Neighpon?” Frostclaw nodded, “Yes. I was born in Neighpon, I spent most of my hatchling years there, but my drakehood and wyvernhood was spent in the Dragon Exchange Program, as my parents didn’t like that I had developed ice breath instead of the typical dragonfire or Kirin lightning abilities.” He hit the grass with his fist, his hard hand leaving a small hole in the dirt. “I was sent to live in the harsh volcanic Dragon Lands of Wyrmia, while some dull-witted, fire-spitting... wyvern was sent to live in the lush riverside forests of Kirindale in Neighpon!” Now Sunset was curious, “And what was the name of this dragon?” Frostclaw snarled, causing his icy breath to drizzle on the ground, it took the shape of blue-white zigzag lines and the temperature dropped a few degrees. Frostclaw said next, “His Name was Garble... when he got back I learned that he had learned nothing in Neighpon. Only that he judged the Kirin as “stupid soft dragons” because we are half pony. So I did the only logical thing possible when someone dishonors my race.” Sunset was afraid to ask, but asked anyways, “Tell someone?” It seemed as Frostclaw’s mood worsened, the temperature dropped faster and faster. Soon, clouds gathered and snow was starting to fall slowly to the ground. Sunset tried to diffuse the situation before she froze solid, she said through chattering teeth. “F-F-F-Frostclaw? Are yyyou ok?” Frostclaw broke out into a mighty roar, turning the small flurry into a full tilt snowstorm. “I FROZE HIM SOLID AND THEN I DROPPED HIM INTO THE LARGEST VOLCANO I COULD FIND. Dragons are fireproof, Sunset... but the fall scared him stupid.” Frostclaw noticed that Sunset was shivering, and he stopped breathing his icy breath. Sunset stopped shaking, but the yard was covered in a thin sheet of snow. He looked around and smiled sheepishly, “Oh... whoops. I didn’t mean to snow over your backyard. My cryokinetic abilities can often do this if I lose control. I should go, I’ve embarrassed myself too much...” Sunset pulled Frostclaw’s face to hers and his sharp eyes met hers. Sunset saw beyond his gaze, there was stress... and pain, and no small amount of inner strength in Frostclaw. His determination ironically burned with the strength of a raging wildfire. Sunset’s teal eyes seemed like tiny teal dots to his large eyes, which consumed her stare in a haze of green light. “Sunset... why are you so... so... empathic?” Asked Frostclaw, genuinely confused. Sunset sighed, “I guess I can connect with people that have felt bad better than most can.” She placed one of her soft hands onto one of his scale-covered ones, the sudden change in sensation caused Frostclaw to shudder. She continued to speak, “Frostclaw, from what I’ve learned from talking with the rest of the group that is now staying at my house, I think you all needed this trip more as a vacation than as a mission, in my eyes at least.” She placed one hand in his hair, “You probably needed this most of all... considering all the stress you have been under looking for Black Sun on your own.” Frostclaw tried to speak, but Sunset silenced him, “Listen. I know Black Sun is dangerous, but I also know that you all CAN and WILL defeat him and bring the Princessess home. Believe in yourselves, and your friendship.” Sunset suddenly felt herself enveloped in a firm hug by Frostclaw. “Thank you Sunset, I know that you may not have much to say about me since I am still a mystery... but know that every little bit helps...” said Frostclaw, before breaking the hug and walking inside. Sunset watched as Frostclaw closed the door, before she turned her head skyward and began to think. ”I’ve talked with each and every one of Burning Star’s friends... except Lucina. I’ve been avidly avoiding talking to her for very uncomfortable reasons.” thought Sunset, looking back inside to see Lucina standing in the kitchen, using her powers to prepare dinner. Lucina has cut her hair recently, it now was much shorter and had a pair of white hair clips in it. They looked like little devil horns. Sunset was nervous, she was well aware of what Lucina could do, but she knew that the only way that she could understand Lucina’s frightening attitude was to confront it at the source. Sunset got up from her lawn chair and walked inside towards Lucina, her body tense. The red haired girl asked her, “Lucina, can we talk?” The pink-haired girl turned to Sunset and said in her dead tone, “Why?” Sunset winced at her voice, but her resolve stood firm, “I wanted to find out more about you. You have been quiet for the entire time you were here.” No response from Lucina, but Susnet felt one of her invisible TK arms push her away. “No.” Said Lucina, one crimson eye visible from under the bangs of her hair. That eye made Sunset shrink back, somehow Lucina’s gaze was even more terrifying than her powers. “I don’t want to be rude, but everyone else has shared a little about themselves, so it is only fair that you do to.” Sunset reaffirmed her statement with. Lucina was about to send her powers to mow down the red-haired Female. “I said no, now leave.” Said Lucina, her invisible arms extending. Burning Star was chopping carrots when he noticed this and thankfully cut her off by saying. “Lucina, you know she is right. Go talk to her, maybe you will learn something new.” Lucina looked at Burning Star, then at Sunset, she had a frustrated glare on her face, but she finally caved and said briefly. “Fine.” Sunset smiled slightly before walking over to the couch and patting next to her, signaling Lucina to sit down. Lucina sluggishly walked over and slumped down in the couch, her mood sour and her expression unpleasant. Sunset started her questions, “Lucina? Is this the first time you have talked to someone other than Burning Star?” The girls response was a curt nod, she was silent and unmoving outside of that. Sunset’s brow lowered, “You are supposed to say something, Lucina.” Lucina surprised Sunset with her bitter tone, “I don’t talk with anyone but him. He is the only one that matters.” Sunset’s response was a look of shock, shocked because of her almost... obsessive tone. “You really like Burning Star, don’t you? Why do you like him so much?” She asked, slightly nervous. Lucina’s tone grew grim, “Because he is mine. Why do you want to find out about me, Sunset? What does it matter to you?” Sunset’s response was hard, “It matters to me because in truth, I don’t like you very much.” Lucina’s face hardened, “Is that so? Why?” Sunset continued, “While I Don’t usually jump to conclusions here, I can’t help but feel like you have something... off about you.” Lucina growled, “Off, how? I want to stop Black Sun as much as anyone else here. In my opinion, you are a bit off, with my Burning Star in your house.” Sunset snorted in annoyance, “What?! How am I Off? Burning Star isn’t affecting me. If anything he is affecting you, Lucina.” Shadow Armor, who was awakened by the two girls talking, leaned out of his chair and chimed in, “I’d have to agree with Sunset, Lucina. Any time Burning Star is around and we want to talk to him you get pretty hostile.” “Don’t bring him into this! He is only for me, not any of you! He belongs to me!” Lucina snapped, getting the attention of the Equestrian of Fire. He dropped his knife and entered the conversation, “Excuse me, when did I say that I belong to you, Lucina?” The pink-haired girl froze up at the sound of Burning Star’s voice. “B-Burning Star! I didn’t know you heard that.” Sunset quietly whispered to Shadow Armor, ”Busted.” Lucina apparently heard her and sent one of her TK arms to Sunset’s face. she slapped her... HARD. Sunset fell off the couch and to the floor, Lucina stood up and lunged on top of her, smacking her repeatedly, which Sunset fighting back as best as she could. “He is mine! Not yours! MINE! I waited forever for him to return... you won’t take him away from me!” screamed Lucina, before Sunset swung back and socked her in the jaw. Burning Star and Shadow Armor pulled the two girls apart and restrained them. “What was that for Lucina?! What has gotten into you?!” Said Burning Star, trying desperately to restrain her, as Lucina writhed violently in his grip. Lucina said in a strangely aggressive voice, “She should be here! You’re Mine Burning Star. Sunset wants to take you away from me, me!” Shadow Armor touched Sunset’s face, she winced in pain. Across her face was something that made Shadow Armor hurt. Sunset looked into the window and saw her reflection, her face twisted into one of pure anguish before she covered her face with her hands and ran upstairs sobbing, leaving the living room in silence. “I think that look suits her better, honestly.” Luicna callously said, shoving Burning Star aside. She went towards the stairwell, intent on finishing Sunset off. The Equestrian of Fire’s Head was ablaze and he stepped in front of his friend. ”LUCINA! STOP THIS!” For the first time, Lucina used her TK arms to shove Burning Star aside. “Get out of my way Burning Star. She dies now.” She said icily. Shadow Armor stepped in front of her and hissed, “Dies for what? Pointing out the truth? You clearly have an UNHEALTHY obsession with Burning Star here, and you clearly can’t take criticism when confronted by it.” Shadow Armor leapt out of the way of a thrown chair as Lucina charged forward with her TK arms sharpened like swords. Shadow Armor closed his eyes and braced for his end as he heard the Arms soaring towards him... But they were suddenly stopped by a white colored, metal-clad Hand! It was Savior, he had blocked Lucina’s attack with his arm, which had developed into a yellow energy shield. “Ms. Lucina, I recommend you reconsider your motives. I would not want to do anything... unpleasant to you.” Savior spoke, his voice notably lower than usual. Lucina tried her best to reach around the Shield, a murderous look on her face, but she received an Punch to the gut, which knocked her down and knocked the wind out of her. Burning Star whistled in amazement, “Wheeew, not many people ballsy enough to actually talk back to Lucina, let alone hit her. You know she can crumple your armor like paper, right?” Savior spoke again and his tone turned considerably darker, “She is welcome to try, but she will fail.” The white-clad figure turned to Burning Star and said, “Ah Burning Star... We have much to discuss about Black Sun. But first, care to introduce your team?” Burning Star whistled upstairs and down came Frostclaw, Eclipsio was following behind him, his expression shifted to one of frustration when he saw the white armored hero standing in the living room. Burning Star waved his hand to his team, “Allow me to introduce you to the squad. This is Shadow Armor, Frostclaw, Lucina, and Price Eclipsio.” Shadow Armor gave a short wave, Frostclaw smiled a huge grin, and Lucina shot him a glare. Eclipsio stayed silent, staring at Savior with ire in his golden eyes. The Prince finally said, “So... you’re Savior...” He turned to Burning Star, “Give me a reason as to why we need this white knight to do our work for us, Burning Star? I... ugh... we are perfectly capable of handling everything on our own.” Burning Star snorted, “Apparently not, Eclipsio, so quit your whining. Black Sun has escaped us numerous times, although he seems to be getting weaker... he still has the Princesses. So, Savior here can help us find them and beat Black Sun for good.” He walked over to Eclipsio and poked him in the chest, “and when I mean quit your whining, I mean QUIT IT.” Eclipsio shoved him back roughly, “Don’t. You. Dare. Touch Me.” Shadow Armor stepped in between the two, “Ok, that is enough. We have a guest here, and I suggest we treat him as such.” He turned to Savior and said, “As we were saying, Black Sun is now more of a challenge locating than fighting. If you could help us, that would be greatly appreciated.” Savior tilted his head before saying in a satisfied tone, “Good. With that out of the way, I would like to go speak with Ms. Sunset Shimmer. She is the owner of this house, and I will need a place to stay and formulate our plan to stop Black Sun and recuse Princess Celestia and Luna.” Savior suddenly turned his eyes to Eclipsio, “And find out what is really going on...” “Are you implying that I am in contact with that psychopath?” The Prince asked Savior, now annoyed. Burning Star, raising an eyebrow, chimed in. “Yeah... what are you stating Savior?” Savior was silent for a moment, then said. “I will be going to see Ms. Sunset Shimmer now, I presume she is in her room, yes?” The group nodded and Savior ascended the staircase, once he was out of earshot, Prince Eclipsio let it out. “Great, just freaking perfect! We have another person we can do without on our “team”. I think you forgot our objective here was to kill Black Sun, Burning Star... not be some sort of rescue squad.” “No, you forgot that we promised Twilight and all of Equestria that we would bring them back and bring Black Sun to Justice, not murder.” Burning Star snapped back, his hair emitting smoke and his breath sizzling. “No, YOU'RE mission was to rescue the princesses, MY mission was to take revenge, not be a hero.” Said Eclipsio, his eyes glowing a ominous golden light. Shadow Armor interrupted, “Guys, this is no time to be arguing like children. Every minute Black Sun is probably doing Faust knows what to the princesses, this is not about your petty vengeance Eclipsio. This IS about being a hero.” “Shut up, you unholy copy of a witless wonder!” screeched Eclipsio, “you are lucky I can’t obliterate you from reality, otherwise I would banish you to the farthest reaches of space.” Burning Star grabbed the Prince’s collar, “You wouldn’t dare...” he said, small embers coming out of his mouth. Prince Eclipsio snarled, his teeth showing, “I WOULD dare, you hot headed jerkass.” He yanked away from Burning Star, and put his hand to his sword, “Don’t you ever touch me again, or I’ll eviserate you.” Burning Star did the same and clasped Deicide’s hilt, “I guarantee I would do the same to you, Tall, dark and edgy.” Hissed the Equestrian of Fire. Shadow Armor prepares one of his knives and Frostclaw prepared one of his knuckle blades, ready to block whatever the two Alicorn humans would do. Lucina was ready with her TK arms, prepared to cut down Eclipsio were he stood. The tension was thick. so, so thick that not even the largest sword in existence (The Buster Sword) could cut it. It began to rain, then it poured... Then the power went out, leaving the house in complete darkness, leaving the house to only be illuminated by flashes of lightning. (Sunset’s Room) Savior quietly opened the door to the room of Sunset Shimmer. It was a large room with a bed covered in red sheets with a blazing sun cutie mark on the sheet top. Savior looked around to try and find Sunset in the blackness, and he found her staring at the window, a blanket over her body and she shivered whilst sobbing. Sunset Shimmer mourned what happened to her face, it hurt so much. Not just physically, but emotionally. She had just been attacked and nearly killed by Lucina, nearly reduced to a bloody mess. if Burning Star and the others hadn’t have been there, she would have died a grisly death. “Ms Sunset Shimmer, are you there?” Called the echoing voice of Savior, his voice slightly soothing the quivering girl. Sunset’s response was a sob, a sob so genuine it seemed false. Savior approached Sunset and asked her, “You ok? Something wrong?” Sunset sat in silence, not reacting to Savior’s question. Savior sighed, then walked closer to her and sat down on the floor next to her, his armor making a clunk as he hit the hardwood floor. “Ms. Sunset, I am a good listener, please tell me what is wrong, I can help you... or at least I can try.” He spoke to her again. Sunset finally said a word, “Lucina nearly killed me, Savior. She hit me so hard, it hurts so much...” Savior looked down upon Sunset, who was shorter than him, and said, “What hurts so much? Sunset?” Sunset sat in silence once more, tears seen trailing down her cheeks. Savior saw this and said, “Sunset, please let me see your face” Sunset didn’t move. Savior repeated his question like a command, “Turn your head now, I can’t help you if you don’t show me what’s wrong.” Sunset finally turned her head and Savior saw what happened to her, and he felt a great deal of sympathy. Across Sunset’s yellow face was a red line scar that ran across her eye and to her chin, it had stopped bleeding but there was dried blood evident near the crack in her skin. “Lucina hit me, she scarred my face. How am I supposed to face everyone looking like this? Eclipsio was right, the group should have not come here, because of my idiocy I got hurt.” Savior looked at Sunset’s face and he felt his chest tighten up, something he rarely felt for a stranger. Savior sighed, “Your one scar doesn’t make you weak, it shows you are tough. That you defended yourself and your beliefs, even if you got hurt. I should know, I have many scars... both emotional and physical.” Sunset looked at Savior and felt his hand touch her face, despite the metal gauntlet, his touch was delicate and comforting... but it didn’t do much to alleviate her sorrow. “I don’t know you, but why are you so nice to me? You are an armored covered human that I think is also armed to the teeth with weaponry similar to Black Sun, are you not?” Said Sunset, sniffing up some mucus that was coming out her nose. Savior hung his head, he had dealt with sadness born from life affirming fear before... but Sunset was rightfully afraid of Lucina... he could only do what he did best. He could help... by showing her who he was. Maybe, just maybe... it would soothe her sadness. “Sunset Shimmer, may I show you something? It’s rather personal. It may help you deal with your scar, at least a little.” Asked Savior, putting his hand in hers. Sunset shrugged, “O-Ok Savior. I guess that could help.” Savior lifted her hands to his helmet and said, “No... I want you to take it off, it’s only fair you told me what happened, that I show you who I am.” Sunset felt the side of the helmet, finding two buttons, she pressed them, and she heard a click. Savior’s helmet lifted slightly with a hiss of steam, before it began to collapse like an accordion and roll back into the back of his suit with the click clack of hard metal chips. When it finally rolled back, Sunset gasped at the sight of Saviors face, which was illuminated by a flash of Lightning, it was a brief glance, but a glance nonetheless. Savior had a head of metallic gray hair, it looked to even be half metal flakes itself. His face was covered in scratches and was significantly harder than an average human’s face, and his mouth was more angled and sharp. Pointed sliver and white teeth were visible when he opened his mouth to breathe, as he seemed to not have a visible nose, only small air vents. His breath was raspy and felt cold on her skin. The strangest thing were his eyes, they were colored a bright orange and yellow and seemed to flicker like little candles in the dark, they stared deep into Sunset’s teal eyes, who felt scared looking at them for too long, making her turn away. Sunset tried to say something, but Savior pressed one of his metal fingers on her mouth and began to speak again, “I’m sure you have a lot of questions, but allow me to answer a few about myself before I go and talk to the others, is that ok with you?” Sunset felt suddenly a little safer now, Savior may appear scary, but he certainly had a nice voice. Sunset finally asked, “Who and what are you?” Savior began to speak, “While I call myself Savior, my real name should be familiar to you, Burning Star told you about me.” Savior smiled and continued, “I am known by many names, Night Terror, Guaridan of Manehattan...” He placed his hand upon her face, “but you may call me... Ironheart, The FORMER Pony of Vengeance.” Sunset widened her eyes in shock as the man now known as Ironheart slowly stroked her hair and hummed to her softly, as if she was a small child. Now Sunset felt safe, safe enough to ask. “Wait, I thought that the Ironheart that Burning Star told me about was some sort of ruthless killing machine. A WMD that wanted nothing more than to make the world “Bow in his shadow?”” Ironheart let out a small laugh, “Yes, but that is... or at least was, Ironheart Alpha. He was the original Ironheart. I am from Equestria Beta, I’m called Ironheart Beta by Prince Eclipsio.” He suddenly scowled, “When I first heard him talking to Ironheart Alpha, he said he didn’t enjoy his ruthlessness and killing, but I knew he was lying.” Sunset thought for a moment, before saying. “Wait... you’re Ironheart? Like, the Ironheart from the comic series, ”Power Ponies: Pony of Vengeance!?” THE Ironheart from “Marevel Comics?” Ironheart nodded, “Well, I guess I am, although I am a lot more mellow and understanding than Ironheart Alpha, I still am just as deadly when my city is in danger.” He hung his head, “I know I must sound incredibly cheesy compared to the OG Ironheart, but there are multiple versions of him throughout the Multiverse, I just happened to be one that listened to Twilight- I mean Masked Matter-Horn and turn my hatred of ponykind into hatred of criminals.” He stood up and finished by saying, “l took an oath to not harm an innocent man, woman or child, and I have withheld that oath for my entire time as the Pony of Vengeance.” Sunset stood up and finally weakly smiled, “That sounds awesome, but that still doesn’t explain how you got here, and why you have tried to stop Black Sun.” Savior Ironheart growled, “I chased him across my dimension and others, attempting to stop him. Over my journey I have teamed up with many other super-beings. The Power Ponies, Mare-Do-Well, Even Celestia and Luna of my dimension... but He continues to elude me.” “So, what is he?” Sunset asked him, taking the blanket off. Savior shuddered, but he finally said with clenched fists. “I have faced and fought countless demons, monsters, madmen, a wannabe king, corrupted gods, and Faust knows what else. I've defeated them all... even locked them away... but never before have I faced something so.... horrible as him. something so... inhuman. he is some unholy perversion of what was once a proud man with strong ideals, now nothing but a hollow and broken shell clinging to life and concealed in unbreakable armor.” Sunset shivered at the thought of that, “Thanks for that... nightmare fuel... but I still don’t understand.” Savior sighed before continuing, “What I mean is that Black Sun is someone so obscure, so forgotten, yet had so much potential. Think about it for a moment, Sunset. He also couldn’t pull ALL this off on his own. As we have seen, he isn’t the smartest guy out there.” “Yeah, come to think of it, he has been getting weaker and weaker. If you are suggesting that someone or something is helping him, than you may be on to something.” Responded Sunset, scratching her head. She put her open hand to her chin before continuing. “But who or what could help him?” “Well, what causes the sun to turn black, Sunset?” Savior suggested, while pressing buttons on his gauntlets, calibrating the jet engines on his wings and the weapon modes. Sunset’s eyes went wide when she heard that. Then she asked, “Wait, say that again.” “What causes the sun to turn Black?” Savior repeated, a small smirk on his face. Sunset’s eyes went wide as all the pieces fit into place. “Son of a bitch. Eclipsio’s attitude shift, his pursuit of Black Sun... his ignoring of the real mission to rescue the princesses...” Said Sunset as her eyes narrowed and her fists clenched. “That dark prince has played us for fools! C’mon Ironheart, its time to have a chat with his highness!” Shouted Sunset, watching as Saviors helm rolled back on to his head. The armor suddenly changed from its pure white to a sterling silver with black highlights. The sound of ammo loading and blades extending could be heard as Savior said to Sunset, his mask lighting up and his burning eyes visible through it. “Yes, lead the way, Sunset Shimmer.” He said, voice filled with determination. The two heard the sound of clashing weapons followed by a loud crash, and they ran out the door. Sunset rushed downstairs with Ironheart in tow, he was armed to the teeth with his chain guns out and loaded full of bullets. Sunset said to herself, “Eclipsio’s treachery will be revealed, and Black Sun will be brought to justice along with him!” (End of Act 2)
Chapter 11: A Heartless Prince(Act 3: Betrayal of Friendship) (Sunset’s House, Living Room) Sunset and Ironheart entered the living room, and were greeted by various groans of pain from their group. The group was sprawled out on the floor or collapsed on the couch, crude bandages stained with blood wrapped around their arms and legs, some even had gashes across the chest, which were being stitched together by a wounded Shadow Armor. Sunset’s heart sank at the sight of this, she asked them. “What happened? Who did this to you?” Shadow Armor winced as he said, “Prince Eclipsio... he suddenly flew into a rage and attacked us... gah, I don’t know why though. He just started slashing at us, and he tackled Burning Star out the door.” He tried to stand, but he sunk to his knees, “Go... stop Prince Eclipsio... for us.” He passed out, falling to the floor before Ironheart caught him and laid him down gently. The metal-clad man growled, “Prince Eclipsio will answer for all of this. Both his deception and misuse of our trust, and for hurting our allies.” He activated his chain guns and snarled out. “He. Will. SUFFER.” “You do that, but first we help Burning Star and save the Princesses, Ironheart.” Sunset mentioned, taking a pair frying pans from the kitchen. They would be her weapons. A shockwave shook the house, blowing out the windows, Ironheart stepped in front of Sunset and put a golden energy shield, blocking the glass shards. His armor had switched back to the Savior appearance. He turned back and said, “Are you alright, Sunset?” Sunset nodded and responded with a scowl, “Fine. Now let’s go stop Prince Eclipsio.” She ran outside with Ironheart, who ran in front of her with his shields up, blocking any more shockwaves from the two Alicorn Humans colliding. Sunset and Ironheart stopped when they got outside they witnessed the battle unfold. Burning Star stood in the pouring rain, his shirt off and his exposed chest visible. He had various wounds across his body and he was bleeding from the head. He gripped Deicide tightly and the Blade was alight with blazing white fire that turned any rain that came near it into steam. Steam also poured off his body and head as his skin seemed to glow and pulse with heat. Prince Eclipsio’s robe was torn up, he also had various cuts and bruises along his body, and a large gash in his chest that seemed to have healed itself. He radiated a dark aura that distorted the air around him, making him flicker in and out like a trick of the light or an illusion. He snarled at Eclipsio as he blocked a punch from the prince, “Prince Eclipsio, I knew that you had a problem with our slow pace on finding Black Sun, but you are being ridiculous!” Eclipsio let out a battle cry swung his sword, which clashed with Burning Star. The collision ended up causing the ground to crack underneath it’s impact. “Ridiculous? Hah!” Said the prince, kicking Burning Star in the gut. “No, you infernal insect, you have outlived you’re usefulness to me.” Burning Star delivered an elbow strike to the side of Eclipsio’s face, the prince responded by punching Burning Star directly in the face, which knocked him to the floor. “Leave him alone!” Shouted Sunset as she got close enough to Eclipsio to smack him with her pans. it stunned the prince long enough to let Savior rush in and deliver a cannonball kick to his head. Eclipsio fell to the floor, then jumped to his feet immediately and said, “I see you all are willing to get in my way, perfect.” He pointed his katana at Sunset and snarled out, showing his sharpened teeth. “Obstacles like you will be removed. Painfully!” Eclipsio dashed forward and took a wide swing at Sunset Shimmer, it was blocked and partied by Savior’s plasma-edged Blades. The Prince sent a spinning kick to Savior, who grabbed his feet and piledrived him into the ground. Burning Star was lifted to his feet by Sunset, who said to him, “You need some help here?” Burning Star unintentionally snapped at her, “What gives?! I’m fighting Eclipsio for some reason, and he is intent on killing me and my friends. what is going on, Sunset?!” Eclipsio shouted, ”Die! Taste Eigaon!” A blast of darkness flew out of his hands towards Burning Star, who raised his hands and prepared to counter. ”AGIDYNE!” Said Burning Star, and a beam of scarlet flames erupted from his palm. The two attacks collided midair and a smoke cloud appeared. Burning Star picked up Deicide and ran into the smoke cloud, taking a leap and he managed to boost off of Savior’s back into the air. Prince Eclipsio couldn’t put up his guard enough and Deicide chopped into his shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain, but he managed to send a slash to Burning’s chest. The two men staggered back in pain, Sunset rushed to Burning Star’s aid while Savior ran to take his shot at Eclipsio. The prince suddenly said with pure hate in his voice, “Well it seems I’ve been found out, I was hoping that I could kill you all quickly...” Savior delivered an axe kick to Eclipsio’s head, before saying. “And what did you mean by kill us quickly?” The prince’s face twisted into a frightening grin, and he let out a malevolent chuckle. “Why I would slit everyone’s throats in their sleep, make them choke and drown in their own blood.” He got close to Sunset and grasped her by the neck while also kicking Burning Star into a tree, “You see it now Sunset, don’t you? Your fragile, human bodies are too weak for me. You all are pathetic creatures, especially you for believing I had a shred of “love” for your kind.” He tossed her to the floor and sneered, Sunset hurt all over from his immense strength. He continued to speak, “As I said to your Twilight, if it were up to me, I would have obliterated this planet long ago.” “Why are you doing this? Why side with Black Sun?” Sunset said weakly, trying to recover from her dizziness. The Prince of Eclipses smirked and said, “Why you ask? For one reason, revenge. Revenge against my sisters and all of mankind and ponykind.” He turned around to catch Savior in his grasp before throwing him into the same tree Burning Star was in, it snapped in half and buried the two under wood and leaves. Sunset got to her feet and responded with as much force as she could muster, “So everything you said was a lie? Even your talk with me? All of this... just for revenge against your sisters?” Eclipsio nodded, his sharp fangs showing, “Yes. I had to maintain the image that I actually gave a damn about you all, at least until I learned of your accomplishments. My sisters are proud of you, so they will be struck with sorrow... once I cut you all down.” Savior blasted out of the tree and tackled Eclipsio like a lion pouncing on his prey, delivering a truly brutal stab with an electrical blade. it went right through his chest effortlessly. Eclipsio howled in pain and attempted to send his own sword through Savior’s chest, it pierced the outer armor but it stopped against the hidden metallic skin of Ironheart. Ironheart ripped the sword out and began to punch and kick Eclipsio over and over, his plasma blades extended. The Prince was cut in numerous places, but he still stood tall. Eclipsio sent a massive punch that crumpled Savior’s chestplate and sent him to the floor, before he ran back over to Sunset and picked her up by her neck again. She kicked and struggled to get free, but Eclipsio squeezes down on her neck, suffocating her. “You’re all pathetic, you cannot stop me. My revenge will be complete, and there is nothing that the weak, insignificant force known as “Friendship” can do to stop me. Death is inevitable for you and your defiant kind... and I will be the one to end it.” He raised her higher and began to announce to the world. “Now, the revenge I have sought for millennia will finally come true. Your world and Equestria will feel my hate and spite of my sisters, it will scorch and desecrate the world. Everything they built, everything they made, ALL OF IT WILL DIE!” He snapped his fingers, and the bodies of Sunset’s friends appeared in suspended animation, “And the best part, you and your weak-ass friends are the only obstacles in my way from total destruction of everything my sisters care about.” Sunset weakly asked, “Why Eclipsio? We don’t have anything to do with you, why destroy our world?” Eclipsio snarled out, his tongue licking Sunset’s face, “Simple. It would cause my sisters and The Elements of Harmony pain... and I will be rid of your wretched friendship once and for all. All your talk of love and compassion and understanding, something you so desired to spread to me... allow me the pleasure to take it away in the most violent and brutal way I can.“ “You’ll never take away our friendship! I won’t let you!” Sunset said with defiance, she recived a harsh slap from Eclipsio. Eclipsio’s shouted at her, “SILENCE YOU Bitch. I don’t plan on breaking you all up, no... I’m just gonna slaughter you all and be rid of this... disgusting friendship. Tell me, Sunset... what is the point of friendship and hope? It is an excuse for those without power to feel important, when they really aren’t! You all hide behind friendship, hide from your weakness, hide from the fact you can’t face the fact that you don’t matter... that you all will NEVER MATTER.” He tossed her into a bush and said, “To be honest, I liked it when you were the alpha bitch at Canterlot High. Dominating and breaking any chance of friendship, THAT Sunset... that is the one I fell in love with. Your new “friendship” with these useless girls perverts that Sunset’s image, your image of POWER. In fact, I was hoping, PRAYING, for you Kill Twilight and her obnoxious little friends. It would be one less obstacle in my way.” He snapped his fingers and a swarm of daggers appeared surrounding everyone’s heads. “So tell me Sunset Shimmer... who is gonna save you now? Heh-hahahhaa-ha!” Sunset felt something grab her and wrench her from the prince’s grip. Her friends were also grabbed out of their suspended states. It was Lucina! She had gotten to her feet alongside Shadow Armor. Both of them were still bandaged, but were strong enough to stand. Lucina saw Sunset on the floor and lifted her to her feet, saying to her. “Get up, we aren’t finished yet.” “Wait... I thought you didn’t like me?” Sunset asked meekly. Lucina sighed, then said. “After learning from Shadow Armor about the hell you went through... I get it now. You did everything to make yourself into a better person... and I’m proud of that.” Sunset felt Shadow Armor hand her a knife and he said to her, “Now... lets get this traitor.” Prince Eclipsio looked around at the now quite large group of people surrounding him. Lucina, Frostclaw, and Shadow Armor in the rear protecting the Rainbooms, who were struggling to get up. All of them were hurt, covered in cuts and bruises across their body... but it was Fluttershy who was hurt the worst. Her shirt was ripped open and a vicious set of cuts ran across her chest and face, almost as if Eclipsio had taken a buzzsaw to her... Shadow Armor felt her neck, there was a pulse, but barely. Savior looked back to see the awful sight, and he said to Eclipsio. “You... you sick piece of shit... hurting innocent girls. They had nothing to do with you, and you nearly beat them to death out of spite.” Eclipsio cracked an evil grin, “Nothing to do with me? They are the human versions of the Elements of Harmony, they were used by my sisters to banish me... by destroying them I will destroy any hope of defeating me. Also, no one would care if they were gone anyways... they may have accomplished much, but they could never defeat a GOD such as myself. By destroying them now, I will kill two birds with one stone.” Savior pointed one of his chain guns at the Prince, who had been cleaning his blade of blood with his tongue, a sight that would have made Savior gag (if he still could). Savior screamed, he sounded like some sort of bat, “YOU WILL BURN!” and he unloaded his clip into Eclipsio, who simply created a shield before snapping his fingers. A roar was heard from overhead as Black Sun descended out of the sky and landed near the Prince, who had the biggest smirk on his face. (End theme) “Black Sun... good to see you, my minion. I presume that everything is in order for my plans?” Said Eclipsio, who put a hand on Black Sun’s mask. The armored monster nodded and said, “Yes Master... the sisters are still in my custody, just as you asked.” Black Sun looked upon the group, seeing them all wounded. They all looked terrified. “Master... what about them? What shall I do with the enemy?” He asked, tilting his head, almost as if he was confused or conflicted by his question. Eclipsio looked at the people who were once his friends, and he said with no emotion in his voice. “Kill them. They are of no use to me.” Black Sun raised his guns to the group, then... he paused. Sunset was staring at Black Sun, whatever she was doing to him was stopping him from shooting. “Well? What are you waiting for? Kill them! Gun them down and end our opposition!” yelled Eclipsio, his eyes glowing gold. Sunset swore she saw Black Sun Mouth something under his mask. ”I’m sorry Sunset.” He grabbed Eclipsio and flew off into the air, flying so fast that he broke the sound barrier and passed above the clouds... Leaving the Rainbooms and the heroes brusied and bloodied on the grass. Sunset felt faint and she collapsed to the floor, and she felt darkness come over her. But she saw a shadow... just before she closed her eyes. ”Sunset! Sunset!” The figure shouted and sirens were heard, everything was a blur. ”You’re gonna be ok. Hi SOMEONE GET A STRETCHER! GET THEM IN THE AMBULANCES!” (Black Sun’s Base) Black Sun arrived at his base, the hangar doors opening from the darkness, he entered the hangar and landed silently. Eclipsio broke out of his embrace and growled, “Why did you retreat?” Black Sun remained silent. “Answer me, damn it.” He continued, grasping Black Sun’s neck plating. Black Sun finally said something, “They aren’t a problem, you have your sisters... you have everything you need, why do we have to kill them? They are crippled, beaten, why end them now?” Prince Eclipsio snarled, his teeth showing in the low light of the hangar, “To make sure they don’t pursue us. You have let them live numerous times, Black Sun. ALL because of your... “humanity”, I should have turned you into a mindless slave as soon as you got the armor...” He threw his arms up in frustration, “But no... you wanted freedom of choice, far lot of good it has done me. You kept Burning Star alive, and judging from his body not disappearing when I stabbed him over and over, he has survived.” Black Sun grabbed Eclipsio’s hand and pulled it away saying, “You promised me something, Prince Eclipsio. So as long as that is still on the table, I am on your side. You got that?” Prince Eclipsio punched Black Sun. the armored human turned slightly, as Eclipsio said “Do not remind me... go rest for your next mission. Burning Star will likely be in the hospital. I want you to go there and kill everyone there.” Black Sun tilted his head, “Everyone?” Prince Eclipsio snorted, “Did I stutter? Everyone. Every man, woman, child. It doesn’t matter if they are innocent or guilty... I want to send a message to that sleepy little city... that I will destroy their so popular peace in the most brutal way possible. Kill everyone, and when your finished, burn the building... I want to make sure the city knows just how strong you are.” Black Sun nodded, “It will be done tomorrow, Master.” Prince Eclipsio smirked and let out his evil laugh while saying, “Soon, that useless tool Burning Star will be gone, and all of his friends with him. Gah-hahaha-ha!” Black Sun walked through the metal halls of the base, thinking to himself. Despite being inside of his warm suit, he felt cold inside. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and he hated it... but he had to do it. He had his motives, and Prince Eclipsio would fulfill them. Black Sun entered his room, it was a large room with a black and blue bed in the corner. A slew of junk and old food wrappings were strewn about his trash area. On his desk were various blueprints and papers which had weapon models and plans inscribed on them, some were his, but the majority of them were Eclipsio’s. There was a window in his room, it let out into the dark void peppered by little stars. Black Sun’s base was in space, orbiting around the earth like a space station. He stood in front of a mirror and said to himself, ”This is wrong, I know it is... but it is worth it.” Black Sun sat down upon his bed and pressed the buttons on the back of his helmet, the helmet expanded and Black Sun lifted it off his head. he proceeded to do the same to the rest of his armor, staring with his greaves and leggings, followed by his gauntlets and chestplate with the wings attached. He hung the armor on a rack that slid up and into the repair chamber of the base, it had taken a great deal of damage and he had forgotten to repair it from the last time. Black Sun looked into the mirror and looked at his unarmored body. He was clad in a light gray and blue tunic with a strange blue lightning bolt emblazoned on his breast. He wore blue jeans and a pair of fingerless gloves. Black Sun’s head had spiky dark blue hair that was combed back into what appeared to be a bird-like crest, his eyes had been turned a darker blue. His face was hard, and covered in scars. Despite that, he still was someone he considered was alive... He still loved the Twilight of Equestria... He is... or now was... Flash Sentry. Flash Sentry lay back on his bed and opened his bedside table, pulling out a picture of Twilight and her friends together with him at Canterlot High during the Battle of the Bands... It brought back memories... memories of more pleasant times. Times when he was still just Flash, a brilliant teen that acted like a bumbling idiot, all because he didn’t want to be picked on. Perhaps he should have revealed that he was smart long ago... maybe he would have realized that siding with the Psycho Prince of Eclipses was a REALLY BAD IDEA in hindsight. But there was no turning back now, he knew that... He had two choices in front of him, each were extremely tough to make. He could go along with the mad plan of spreading death and destruction under Eclipsio’s command... Or, he could try and defy him, and most likely die a horribly painful death at his hands. He did this for Twilight, for Twily... but he knew she would hate him for this much bloodshed. But... would she? ”Flash, what have you gotten yourself into? You should have just died, not except help from that... psychopath. But here I am, killing innocent people for him... all because of a promise I made and a pact I forged with him. Damn it I’m stupid.” Flash Sentry thought to himself, before he picked up his guitar and started to strum. ”When everything I knew had come and gone...” ”Only scars remain of who I was...” ”When there is no one left to carry on.” ”My pain persists, I can’t resist, but that’s what it takes to be Infinite.” He got up and started to sing, somber and sad. ”So look around you and tell me what you really see, I’ll never end and that is the difference between you and me. For when my time is up and everything is falling down, it’s only me and you... who is gonna save Me now?” ”So look around you and tell me what you really see. I lived a lie and that’s the difference between you and me, I have the power, but I can’t show you what it’s all about... it’s only me and you. Who is gonna save Me now?” Somewhere across the base, Eclipsio heard it and said to himself. ”Who is gonna save you now? No one, everything my sisters have built will fall... and it is all because of your killings and my hatred giving you strength. Without it, you would be nothing...” Prince Eclipsio was standing in the room where his sisters floated in suspended animation, a smirk on his face. He said to them, “Even though you probably cannot hear me, know this... sisters, take one last look at your worlds...” He laughed as he said, “For soon, nothing of it shall remain, but my laughter... hah-haha-hahaha-HA!”
Chapter 13: Vs Black Sun! Assault on Shadow Station!(Sunset’s House, Living Room, 48 hours later...) The sun was setting over Canterlot City, and once again... another disaster took the city by storm. Black Sun, still alive and kicking somehow, managed to attack the main hospital of the city. Thankfully, Chief of Police Shining Armor and Ironheart saved the building from his wrath, even identifying who Black Sun really was. Black Sun was Flash Sentry! Flash motherf—king Sentry?! Sunset couldn’t believe that one teen could cause this much destruction and fear, she may have spread fear across Canterlot High in the past... but Black Sun/Flash was on a WHOLE nother level. He had the entire city in a state of panic, no one went outside. Shops were closed early, deathly afraid that a metal-clad Demon would descend from the sky and destroy everything they worked for and built. Times were tough, and Sunset wasn’t fairing we’ll both physically and mentally. Physically, she had a broken arm and several broken ribs, as well as a slight concussion and a cut In her head that needed stiches. Mentally, she was scared. Scared for her life... but more scared that someone she once thought was her friend was ACTIVELY TRYING TO KILL THEM! She stared out the window of her house, it was getting darker and darker, and she sensed that the final battle was nearly upon them. She was also disappointed that she wouldn’t be the one to chip in her bits of anger against that traitor Eclipsio... She sat down on the couch and said out loud to herself, “Jeez... how did a investigation by Burning Star turn into Burning Star trying to stop Eclipsio from dooming the two diarchs of Equestria hanging in the Balance?” A voice interrupted her, it was dark and familiar... “When Burning Star decided to start taking interest in me...” Sunset turned to the window and saw Prince Eclipsio standing outside, his golden eyes gleaming in the darkness. Sunset tried to scream but Eclipsio clamped his hand over her mouth and put his hand on her neck. “Scream and I snap your little human spine, Sunset Shimmer.” Snarled Eclipsio, his voice deader than dead. Sunset did the only thing she could and bit down on Eclipsio’s hand, causing him to yank it away. His hand flew to his sword and he drew it seamlessly out of its sheath before leaning on it. “What is wrong with you?! You send Flash Senty dressed up as “Black Sun” to attack a goddamn hospital?! How heartless are you?” Sunset screamed at Eclipsio. Prince Eclipsio snorted, “They are humans, they live and die in short bursts, why should I care about them?” He lifted his sword and pointed it against Sunset’s chest, “In fact, I came here to kill Burning Star and his friends, tell me where they are and you will be the last one I kill...” Sunset pushed the sword away with her hand and said, “Ok, you need to cool it, Eclipsio! Why are you so gung ho about killing us?! What have we done to you?” Prince Eclipsio scoffed, pointing his sword at Sunset again, “Simple. You are in my way in my quest for revenge against my sisters. Obstacles such as you and Burning Star’s allies are in my way must be removed in the most efficient way possible, and that means you all must perish.” Sunset pushed the sword away again and walked up to Eclipsio, then slapped him across the cheek. “I know that, dumbass! Why are you intent on taking revenge on your sisters?! You never explained why, maybe I can help you overcome this anger.” Eclipsio laughed, “I don’t want your help! I NEVER WANTED YOUR HELP! All you did was delay me from gaining the required item I needed, which I obtained when I kidnapped your precious Twilight... before you freed her...” The Prince started to creepily smile, “Sunset, by the time my project is complete, there won’t be an Earth or Equestria left. tomorrow the sun will not rise, both the sun and moon will be destroyed, the skies will be torn asunder, and I will freeze and scorch this planet until they are nothing but dead rocks floating through the endless abyss of space.” “I win, you all lose, end of story.” He said while snickering. Eclipsio opened a portal and started to enter it, but he tossed Sunset something. It was a black Syringe filled with red blood, it was labeled “For Sunset”. He said before he entered it, “that is for you, by the way... it’s a vial of my Alicorn blood. It will provide you my abilities of Alicornhood... I can’t fight someone who is crippled, I want a real opponent, not a weak and feeble girl. Bye!” As soon as Eclipsio left, Sunset cursed at the Prince. ”Weak? Feeble?! Crippled?!! Oh I’ll show you who is weak and feeble...” Surprisingly, the Prince wasn’t lying. It was Alicorn Blood in the syringe, Savior was Home at the time and had identified it. But she dared not use it... Burning Star finally came home to see Sunset staring at the syringe filled with red liquid that shimmered like starlights. He rushed over to her and nearly roared, “What are you doing?! Did Eclipsio give you that?!” Sunset nodded, and Burning Star grabbed the syringe out of her hands before smashing it in his fist. “Sunset, please... what led you to believe that Eclipsio was helping you... he said something sympathetic didn’t he?” He told Sunset, who nodded shamefully. Burning Star sighed, “Listen, i understand that you want to reform villains, but Eclipsio has shown us that he is not going to play by our rules and is going to hide up in his little space base. So, if he won’t come to us... I’m going to him.” He noticed Sunset’s broken arm, then he touched it, causing Susnet to cringe in pain. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out his own syringe. Sunset raised an eyebrow at this, “Where did you get that?” She asked, as he walked over to the sink. Burning Star shrugged, “One of the medical carts wasn’t being monitored, so I grabbed some stuff.” Sunset’s eyes went wide as she asked in disbelief, “Why did you steal from the hospital, Burning Star? He shrugged again, “Eh... they weren’t using it at the time. And I’m not one to ignore free stuff.” Sunset groaned loudly, “Ugh... you know you’re going to get yourself in serious trouble one day, Burning Star. How are you going to get out of it?” “Sunset... please, I survived out in the wilderness for four years and have defeated dangerous beings that rival gods in power, I think a few security guards won’t be a problem for me.” He said while aiming the syringe at his arm and penetrating his skin. Sunset raised her other eyebrow as Burning Star handed her a full syringe of his blood. “Wait... I thought you said that Alicorn Blood is dangerous? Why are you giving me yours?” The Equestrian of Fire smiled and rubbed Sunset’s Head, “Remember Sunset Shimmer, I USED to be a human before I was turned into a pony on Equestria. It’s one of the reasons why my appearance didn’t change much from my pony form to my human form. My blood is part-human, part-equine because of this. also...” Sunset put a hand over his mouth. “Get to the point already!” Burning Star removed Sunset’s hand from his mouth and responded a miffed. “Tl:DR, I am a human with Alicorn level strength, speed, and REGENERATION. Now hold still...” Sunset had no time to react as Burning Star penetrated her skin with the syringe and his blood went into her broken arm. Sunset’s broken arm began to glow reddish orange and it started to hurt badly. she clutched her arm and grit her teeth for what felt like an eternity. “Ghhgh! Why does this hurt so much!?” She shouted, her arm still glowing red. Burning Star responded with a small smirk, “It’s because of how my body works. My blood is physically hotter than most Alicorns. It’s due to my biology... also, you’re arm should be healed now. Try moving it.” Sunset moved her arm up and down, there was no pain outside of a strange tingling feeling that felt like pins and needles. Sunset was speechless, but finally squeaked out. “How did you do that? My arm fixed itself in seconds! Burning Star, how powerful ARE you?!” “You want to know how I have so much power in me? This may take a while to explain.” He said, his eyes focused on Sunset. The Equestrian of Fire took a deep breath and began to speak, “You see Sunset. While my Fire Abilities are drawn from my place as one of the Masters of Nature, my true power comes in the form of Thermokinesis. or in simple terms, the manipulation of thermal energy and force. My absolutely tremendous energy comes from my body, which holds the average energy output of an decently sized nuclear reactor.” Sunset’s eyes widened, “Wait, you hold energy in your body equal to a decently sized nuclear reactor? How do you not irradiate everything you touch?” Burning Star lignited his hand, “I do emit radiation, but it comes in the form of ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation instead of gamma radiation. The reason everything tends to explode when I hit with my “fireballs” is because the flames I produce are merely just an byproduct of my Master of Fire status. in reality, I’m throwing highly-ionized plasma.” He started to pace back and forth, his hands still glowing reddish-orange, “whenever my “fire” attacks hit something, The sudden release of energy from the impact causes a chain reaction of atoms splitting. which as you know, produces a tremendous amount of energy that violently discharges in a small area, incinerating most if, not all it touches.” The Equestrian of Fire gasped for air, “It is also why my fire powers work underwater, the plasma that emits from my body is way too hot for water to douse it.” “Wait, I thought plasma was formed from high-powered Electrical energy? Then how does yours form?” Sunset asked him, now very curious. Burning Star extinguished his hands and continued, “My plasma abilities are based off how a star works, hence my name. A star keeps burning because of elements such as hydrogen undergoing nuclear fusion. My strongest move, Starcrash is based on this reaction. I concentrate molecules in the air into a tightly packed orb I form with my magic, then I superheat the gas trapped until it turns into Plasma, before flinging the damn thing like a baseball and having it detonate on impact with whatever or whoever is in the way.” “And how hot is your “Starstrike” attack?” Sunset asked, which made Burning Star grin sheepishly. He finished explaining, “Uh... never got around to measuring it since it tend to INCINERATE ANYTHING IT HITS. Fortunately, the Twilight of my world taught me how to control my powers and focus it into the much more powerful and manageable “Star Strike.” Process is similar, but I can control the size of the explosion and the orb it forms in, but it still requires a tremendous amount of both my magical energy and my thermal power to form it.” Sunset’s Head was spinning from the explanation, ”Plasma... Starstrikes... gah my head hurts.” she thought to herself. “Alright... I sorta get your powers, but you may want to write this stuff down somewhere in a more succinct summary, rather than telling me EVERYTHING.” She told him, putting a hand to her head. Burning Star nodded his head and sighed, “Yeah... in truth I’m not exactly sure how to explain it. This is not my forté, Sunset. I’m just paraphrasing what Twilight wrote about me... whew.” The two stood in silence for a few minutes, then Savior came downstairs, his recorder out. He quickly put it back in his gauntlet before cutting the silence with his voice, “Hey Burning Star, look over here for a minute.” The Equestrian of Fire turned towards Savior and said, “Yeah? What’s up?” Savior responded with a voice that was familiar to the Alicorn turned human, “Hello Burning Star, it is good to see you again.” Burning Star’s eyes went wide and his jaw dropped, “N-no... you’re dead. I saw your broken body, Ironheart is dead!” He said in a state of panic. Savior deactivated his helmet, it rolled back into his suit revealing the partially-metal face of the former Pony of Vengeance. Burning Star was speechless, “You’re SAVIOR!? H-How are you even alive?!” He said, still stammering. Sunset smiled, “Actually, he told me who he was a few days ago. I forgot to tell you and the group in the chaos that resulted from Eclipsio’s betrayal and subsequent assault on us. But this isn’t the Ironheart you know.” Ironheart bowed, “Just as there are Multiple universes, there are multiple versions of Ironheart. I am Ironheart Beta, coming from Manehattan on the world Equestria Beta, The World of the Power Ponies.” If the The Equestrian of Fire’s eyelids could get any wider they would have peeled back like bananas, “So you are telling me that you come from a world where ANOTHER Pony of Vengeance exists... although you seem a lot more even-tempered than the other Ironheart.” Ironheart Beta’s eyes narrowed, “Yes. But I am still just as fierce a fighter as him. Despite my origins being nearly the same, I never destroyed myself in shame when my Manehattan Project was disrupted and my world came crashing down. When I was at my lowest, and I believed myself irredeemable... Twilight- I mean Matter-Horn offered me a hoof and I got help. I adopted my name Savior from the local newspapers calling me “The Savior of All”. Savior walked over to Burning and placed one of his gauntlets on his shoulder, “I was the first to see Black Sun be reborn. Has Sunset told you of the man behind that mask?” The redhead led girl shook her head, “No I didn’t. Burning, you may want to sit down for this.” The Equestrian of Fire sat down on the couch and said, “Ok, what could be so shocking that I needed to sit down for?” Sunset winced as she said, “Black Sun’s identity is Flash Sentry.” Burning’s pupils shrank to pinpricks, “Wait what?! Black Sun is Flash Sentry?!” A cacophony of voices came from the stairs. it was Shadow Armor, Frostclaw, and Lucina. “WHAT?! FLASH SENTRY?!” Shadow Armor took a weird step and the trio of humans all tumbled down the stairs and landed in a pile at the bottom. All three of them let out a groan of pain. Savior turned around and said, “Also, nice to see you all again.” The three all saw Ironheart’s face and let out another collective shout. “IRONHEART?! BUT YOURE DEAD!” Savior sighed, “Yes and No, Ironheart Alpha is Dead. I am Ironheart Beta, but call me Savior for ease of identification.” Shadow Armor sighed, “I’m guessing this is more Alternative Universe crap... I swear this mission keeps getting stranger and stranger.” “You have no idea how strange it’s going to get now, Shadow Armor.” He said with a small smirk. Savior pulled what looked to be a Distortion Orb out of the back of his suit. “Now if you all are ready, we have to go to a space station to fight an extremely forgettable person wearing highly dangerous battle armor, as well as our former ally that stabbed us in the back in order to take revenge on his sisters for banishing him...” Lucina added in, “you forgot to mention that the two of them are hell bent on trying to kill us all and that Eclipsio is to wipe out humankind and ponykind.” Frostclaw added in, “We also are the only things standing in his way, and he is one of the strongest beings on Equestria.” Savior realized what they all just said and laughed slightly, “Wow, you’re right Shadow. This does sound pretty ridiculous, but no one else will stand up to him, nor even try to stand up for what is right.” Suddenly, Shining Armor ran into the house, he was panting heavily due to him running halfway across town. “You aren’t *huff* going without *huff* me!” Shadow Armor looked at Shining and rolled his eyes while shaking his head, “No Shining. This is too dangerous for even you, Eclipsio plays with the fabric of reality like it’s his personal toy or something... I don’t think you can handle this.” Burning Star eyed Shining Armor for a moment, he sensed something... familiar about him. Shining snorted in anger and slammed his hand on the coffee table, shattering it. “I AM going with you, and you can’t stop me.” “Eclipsio will kill you in seconds, you realize that right?” Warned Lucina, who supringly sounded afraid of Shining. “I am a police officer, it is my job to stop criminals. So I’m going with you, and I’m going to KILL ECLIPSIO!” He snapped back, his face contorted in anger. Burning Star noticed that Shining’s eyes flickered to a deep red for a split second, then they returned to blue. “I say Shining Armor can come. He has demonstrated that he is more than capable of defending himself against Black Sun.” Said Burning Star, getting to his feet and grabbing Deicide. The Equestrian of Fire turned to the group and said to them, “Well? What are we standing around for? Lets go get Celestia and Luna back, and make Eclipsio wish he hadn’t betrayed us.” The flame-haired human leaps into the portal, followed closely by Savior and Lucina. Shadow Armor looked at Sunset and frowned, “You are staying here, I can’t have you die after all you’ve done for us.” Sunset pushed past Shadow and responded in irritation, “No. I’m going to find out why that royal pain in our asses is so pissed at Celestia and Luna.” She entered the portal followed by Frostclaw, leaving Shining Armor and Shadow Armor alone together. Shining Armor started to speak after a good minute of silence, “Listen... I’m sorry I smashed that table. I pay for the replacement, I swear. The real reason I’m after Black Sun is because of this... I picked this off of his suit while I fought him with that Savior guy.“ Shining pulled out a note from the back pocket of his jeans and handed it to Shadow Armor. “What is this?” The Black Knight asked as he opened it. Shining responded, “I am not sure, some kind of Blueprint or plans for something.” Shadow Armor began to read... And for the first time in a long time... he felt true fear. The piece of paper had the picture of a amulet of some sort, and there was a diagram of it drawn onto the paper. The diagram was covered in Dark Equestrian letters and the symbol of a black vortex at the center. But it wasn’t the amulet that scared him... It was the thing it was attached to. Shadow Armor folded up the piece of paper and placed it in his bag saying, “We need to stop Black Sun and Eclipsio as soon as we can. If the writing on this paper is true, not even Burning Star could ever hope to stop the Prince.” The two guardians leapt into the portal, which closed with a flash of light. (Shadow Station, Main Entrance Hall) The group arrived on the space station base and was immediately presented with a window looking out on to the Earth below. Frostclaw looked down at the planet below him and raised an eyebrow in curiosity, “Hey guys. If Eclipsio’s base is floating in near-earth orbit around the planet, don’t you think someone would have noticed it by now?” Burning Star shook his head, “Come on, Prince Eclipsio is known for his secrecy, so he has probably got some sort of cloaking device or something to obscure this place from sight.” Sunset Shimmer looked around at the base known as Shadow Station. It was barely bright enough to see, the walls were made of cold steel and titanium, which were triple reinforced. Everything from the doors to the ceiling above was either colored chrome black, silver, or golden yellow. She took a step forward, and the sound of her footsteps echoed around the empty chamber. Various pipes and ducts were lining the walls and ceiling, all of them going down the central corridor. She felt a chill go up her spine, “Yikes. Why would Eclipsio build a base in this creepy wreck? How can he see, its pitch black in here?!” Burning Star went to ignite his hand, but it was grabbed by Savior. “No Burning Star! My HUD is indicating that pure oxygen runs throughout the station, you ignite and this entire thing goes up in flames.” He said in a apprehensive voice. Burning Star yanked his hand away, “OK! jeez man, didn’t have to crush my hand.” Lucina groaned, “Will you two get it together? We are on this dick’s personal space station. We have to be on our A-Game here. Which means no fighting with firearms or explosives unless totally necessary, ok?” The two warriors nodded and Savior passed out the HUD glasses that the group had been using. “Here.” He said, handing them to everyone quickly, “I’ve upgraded these HUD glasses with thermal and night vision. We will be able to see with them on, a flashlight would give us away too easily.” The group each put on their respective pair and Burning Star began to speak. “Alright. We are here... judging by the sheer amount of wiring Eclipsio has he is drawing power, and a LOT of from the size of these things.” Savior activated his helmet and he ran a scan of the wiring, before saying. “Magic, magic everywhere... yet no sign of the two princesses. Whatever Eclipsio is doing he is funneling Equestrian magic down through the system into a room at the center of this base.” Shadow Armor chimed in, “So lets go get him then. We have the element of surprise, right?” Sunset shook her head shamefully, “No. He dared us to come, and we came... but I don’t think he expected us to come.” Shining smiled, “Looks like he has underestimated humanity again... he does that a lot doesn’t he? Underestimate others?” Burning Star nodded slowly, “Yeah... about that... guys look up there.” The heroes turned their heads skyward to see Black Sun perched on a balcony above and away from them. The armored monster laughed under his mask, “Well then, Eclipsio was right. You guys really are stupid... I gave you a way to get here and you actually use it? What were you thinking?!” Shadow Armor pulled one of his knives and chucked it at Black Sun, who batted it aside and unsheathed his own blades, “Sorry, but I’m not going to fail this time... now die.” Sunset narrowed her eyes and yelled, “Will you quit it with this act! Flash I know that’s you under there! Take off that stupid mask.” Black Sun stopped for a moment, then removed his mask, revealing the face of Flash Sentry. Shadow Armor couldn’t believe it, “Well I’ll be damned... Flash Sentry. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Didn’t you die or something?” Flash smiled creepily, “No. I lay in death’s cold embrace, I was going to die all alone... no friends or family to remember me... then Eclipsio came and gave me a purpose.” He threw his hands back, “I would be his ultimate weapon. I would be the bullet to the gun that kills two worlds that thought I didn’t matter. So I would make myself be remembered as the man who killed a god, by killing Burning Star! Hahahahaha!” Sunset frowned, “So all of this, all the murder, all the bloodshed is for Eclipsio’s little quest for vengeance?!” Flash shook his head and put his hand to his face, “No Sunset, my grudge was not with him alone... but with the ponies and people that let me fade into infmany and then, obscurity...” Burning Star waved everyone off, “Ok everyone, get going! I’ll deal with Flash!” Savior stepped in front of him, “No. Your target is Eclipsio... I will deal with him. Now Go!” Burning Star wanted to protest, but he realized that Savior would be a much better match against Black Sun, and he led everyone down the central corridor past Flash Sentry. Savior tilted his head in confusion, “Why did you let them go?” Flash shrugged, “Eclipsio has something planned for them, you on the other hand have been a very annoying thorn in my side for FAR TOO LONG.” Savior called out to him, “You are running low on magic to patch you up, aren’t you? I can tell... your suit isn’t glowing as bright as it usually is before you fight.” “Eclipsio took a lot of energy out to complete his project, but even with my armor weakened slightly... I still have enough power to smash your pure-hearted ass into mush.” Flash Said, dropping his mask onto his face. He then charged and swung his blades at Savior, who parried them easily. “I will show how outclassed you really are!” Screamed the armored teen. Savior grabbed Black Sun and threw him down a hallway, “I’m in a class all my own, it’s time to put up or shut up, Black Sun. But know this, by the time this fight is over... Only one of us will be left standing.” Black Sun took off down the hallway, Savior chased after him, his thrusters at full throttle. Since Prince Eclipsio’s base was built like a giant circle, the two effectively had an endless hall to battle in. Black Sun flipped himself around and started to speak, “So... what would you like your epitaph to read? How ‘bout, “here lies the pain in my ass?” “How about here sleeps a mangled corpse? Might as well make it for the guy that needs it, right? I’ve had it with your destruction and anger Flash Bang Sentry! This is the end for you, once I’m done with you... you’re going to need three separate coffins!” Savior snapped back, his old Ironheart systems clicking in, his artificial eyes turning blood red. Black Sun turned around and unleashed an absolute storm of magic bolts, Savior put up his shield and they bounced off, scorching the walls and floor with each impact. “I see you’re not as stupid as I thought, Flash. Firearms in a space station would ignite the high oxygen in the air, And even your suit has limits when it comes to heat.” Savior called out to Black Sun, then he retaliating by charging into Black Sun with a powerful uppercut to the jaw. Flash staggered back, but was unharmed. “Funny thing about losing, you learn from your mistakes. One of my mistakes was not upgrading my armor to contend with yours.” Flash said, his voice distorted thanks to his mask. Black Sun quickly closed the gap and unleashed a series of brutal punches, sending Savior flying back. Savior and Black Sun traded blows, each one incredibly brutal. Black Sun landed a talon-covered kick to Savior... which sent the man to the ground and pinned him under Black Sun’s foot. Savior could only defend himself as Black Sun began to rapidly punch and strike Savior over and over, he was beyond furious at this point. Savior rocketed out from underneath him and delivered a haymaker to his helmet, which Black Sun caught and responded with a blast of magic to the chest. Savior charged his own magic casters and fired. Yellow bolts of magic raked Black Sun’s armor, but he stood firm. Savior slashed at Black Sun with his plasma claws, who countered with his own blades. The two locked up and literally butted heads, both of them seeing each other’s reflection in the opposite’s helmet. Black Sun broke the clash and delivered an axe kick. Savior dodged out of the way and the armored monster’s talon-covered foot smashed into the floor, crumpling the solid steel and titanium like paper. Black Sun was stuck, and Savior threw him across the hall and into a wall, where he preceded to wail on him. Savior punched and jabbed at Black Sun with his claws, each strike slowly chipping away at his armor. Savior received a crushing headbutt followed by a point-Black magic blast that sent him flying through the wall and into what looked to be a gym of some sort. Black Sun flew in and roared, “COME ON! I still got plenty of fight in me, what about you metal-head?!” Savior jumped out of the rubble and tossed a dumbbell at Black Sun, who sliced it in half. “Huh, where was this strength the last time we fought, Black Sun?” Savior snarled back, dodging another shot of magic from his enemy. “You see, I’ve been going easy on you all, letting you beat me senseless... so that I could crush you at your highest point.” Black Sun spat back, lunging at Savior with his blades extended. Savior kneed him in the chest and stabbed Black Sun’s leg... and punctured his armor. Black Sun didn’t care, he also punctured Savior’s right arm, nearly slicing it off before Savior elbowed him in the head. The two traded blows again, each one growing more and more brutal. Punches, kicks, Slashes, blasts of magic... both of the armored beings tossed everything they had and the kitchen sink at each other. The two finally stopped to catch their breath, and both observed their damage on the opponent. Black Sun’s helmet and mask was shattered, leaving his head exposed and scars on his face showing. His left leg plating and both his gauntlets were inoperable. His chest plate was cracked wide open and various cuts could be seen on the under armor. Savior was just as bad, both his arm cannons were down and his blades were destroyed. His chest plate was broken and both his wings were down. His cybernetic face showed through a large crack in his helmet. Both Warriors were exhausted, they had been fighting for who knows how long, the only thing keeping them going was the adrenaline and sheer hatred for the other. Black Sun spat blood on the ground and said, “Hah... Hah... you know you’re never going to win. Even if I fall, Eclipsio will just bring me back to life again so I can try again... and again... and again.” Savior spoke as well, his voice hoarse, “Why though? Why come back at all? What makes you want to go on? WHY ARE YOU SERVING THAT MONSTER?!” Black Sun tore off the last remaining parts of his helmet and screamed back, “BECAUSE IF I DONT HE’LL KILL TWILIGHT AND EVERYONE THAT CARED FOR ME ON MY EQUESTRIA AND EARTH!” He began to rant on, Savior wanted to attack, but he couldn’t do it. “All I wanted was to die, I didn’t want to be turned into a murder puppet... you think I don’t feel guilty for what I’m doing?! I’m doing this so I can be with my Twilight, so that I can be free to be normal again.” Said Black Sun, who was now charging down Savior. Savior clotheslined him and responded, “So.. what? You think the Twilight of your world would like you to be this psychotic person? No! What made you do this?!” Flash Sentry slugged Savior across the jaw, “Because I deserved happiness and a better life! He offered it, I was DYING! DESPERATE! LIFE HAD DEALT ME A BAD HAND...” Savior, for once... screamed back, his voice booming like a megaphone. “THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT YOURSELF! Eclipsio is evil! Did you really think he would spare you once he got what he wanted?!” Flash took a swing and missed, “Yes I do! He wouldn’t be here without me... this is my base, Savior... not his.” He swung again, missing and falling to his knees. “I built this base to study Equestrian magic’s Effects on the fabric of Reality, I used the armor he gave me to build it... he asked for something in return, that I would bring him his sisters...” Black Sun fell to his knees, “He told me never to ask about it... but eventually I found out... and it was so powerful that it would be “the weapon to destroy all “obstacles”.” He finally fell to the floor on his back, “I made a horrible mistake in trusting him... and now he has what I have...” Savior’s artificial eyes went wide, “Wait? He has... holy shit! I need to get to Burning Star, and you are coming with me.” Flash waves him off, “No... just leave me here... please. I can’t face him... please kill me... end it.” Flash was vulnerable, Savior pulled his spare combat knife out of his suit, he raised it above his head... Then dropped it and offered Flash the last thing he expected... A hand up. Savior grabbed Flash and pulled him out of his armor, he hoisted him onto his back and said. “I can’t do this alone... you need to tell Burning Star about what you’ve seen. One version of me once said, ”The Unrepentant are unforgiven...”, he was wrong.” Savior strapped Flash to his back, “You clearly made a lot of mistakes, but the fact that you can admit you made mistakes shows that there still is a good inside you... it’s the one thing Eclipsio can’t take away...” Flash weakly replied, blood oozing out of his nose, “What’s that?” Savior sighed and looked at his hand, before saying. “He can’t take your heart... I made the mistake that destroying my mortal body for a metal shell was a good idea... that vengeance was everything. Then I met my Twilight... and she pulled me out of the pit.” Savior started to sluggishly make his way down the hall towards the central chamber... Where the Prince of Eclipses awaited... (Central Hallway) Burning Star rushed down the hall, his friends and allies right behind him. Prince Eclipsio’s sanctum was just up ahead! Suddenly, a door slammed down and cut off Sunset and the group from Burning Star. “Burning Star! No!” Shouted Shadow Armor, banging on the door. The Equestrian of Fire sighed and said, “Go... find another way around. I will keep the Prince occupied. Good luck...” Burning Star ran away from the door, saying to himself. ”This is it Celestia and Luna, I’m almost to you...” Burning Star had one last trial set before him The Alicorn of Eclipses, Swallower of the Sun and Moon and True Mastermind of Black Sun... Prince Eclipsio Alicornus awaited him in the room beyond the doorway, Burning Star ripped open the door with his bare hands and stepped inside. He saw the two Princesses still in their Pony forms, they were in stasis... and the motherf—ker that put them in there was standing about 30 feet in front of him. Prince Eclipsio smiled, “Finally... Burning Star... are you ready to die knowing you will fail? That your world will burn and it will be all your fault?” Burning Star smirked and said to him. “By the authority of Equestria, Earth, and any other dimensions or worlds you have threatened... I will defeat you, Prince Eclipsio.” Prince Eclipsio drew his sword, Burning Star did the same... The Prince let out his final words before the two leapt at each other. ”EVERYTHING YOU KNOW AND LOVE IS COMING TO AN BRUTAL AND BLOODY END! RAAAAAGH!”
Chapter 14: Vs Prince Eclipsio! Showdown for the Sun and Moon!(Black Sun’s Base, Chamber of Artifacts) In the search for another entry to Eclipsio’s inner sanctum, Sunset and the group stumbled upon a rather curious room. It seemed that Eclipsio as well as being a traitor and god-like being, he was also a collector apparently! Shining Armor looked around and whistled in surprise, “Wow... Prince Eclipsio is a major collector of artifacts by the looks of it.” He walked over to an Black amulet shaped like a winged horse with a horn, a single red gem sat at the center of it. “Wonder what this does...” Lucina slapped Shining and dragged him away from the amulet before she said. “Don’t touch anything, Shining... ESPECIALLY NOT THAT.” Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head, “That slap hurt you know...” Lucina hit him again, “oh grow up. That is the Alicorn Amulet. It is tremendously powerful, but it turns its wearer evil and heartless. It was a very dangerous item when on Equestria, I can’t even imagine what it could do here...” Shining shuddered, “Yeah... what about this thing?” He said, pointing at a glass case filled with what appeared to be purple smoke and gas. Shining walked over to the case with Shadow Armor in tow, just in case Shining had to be pulled away again. Shining walked up to the glass case, it was about the size of a dinner table and the purple smoke inside writhed and swirled like it was... alive. Shining peered in, and stepped back in fright as the case shook violently and a pair of mirror like eyes poked out of the smoke. Shadow Armor instantly recognized it. “Shining, what you see before you is a Nightmare from the Dream World, specifically the leader of the bunch... Tantabus.” Shadow poked at the case, causing the imprisoned avatar of night terrors to hiss. “Although I have no clue how Eclipsio resurrected it...” “Maybe this a Tantabus from a different dimension... Prince Eclipsio can hop dimensions on a whim. He probably picked up part of Tantabus from Equestria Alpha.” Frostclaw chimed in, walking around before stopping in front of a large glass box. “Uh guys... you may want to take a look at this... because I’m not sure who or what it is...” said Frostclaw, who stood idly I’m front of the large glass box. Shadow Armor, Lucina and Sunset all walked over to the box, leaving Shining Armor alone in the artifacts room. There were dozens of ancient talismans, powerful weapons, and all sorts of random stuff strewn about. Shining walked past a pair of Armor racks that held very strange armor... One set was orange and red, covered in spikes and wing-like edges. The other was a cool blue with black, and was much more sleek in its design. The armor started to violently shake, and Shining Armor slowly stepped away from it, backing into a small room, which shut with the slam of a door. Shining tried to pry the door up, but it was too heavy for him. He was trapped like a rat. “Crap... this is karma for snooping around without anyone to stop me...” Shining thought to himself, looking around for an exit. He got up and walked around, trying to find some sort of exit... a hatch, air duct, anything to get out. No such luck... Then Shining saw the artifact that was present in the room... and it struck him as... Strange. Suspended in the air by a force field was a red curve shaped object which ended in a knife-like point. It was about as large as Shining’s hand, and it was shining with an eerie red and black light that illuminated the room, as there was no other light sources present. Shining approached the artifact and stared at it, upon closer inspection the entire thing was pulsing with energy. Purple and green bubbles and sparks danced around it, and the light off Shining’s HUD glasses seemed to be absorbed by the object in front of him. Shining thought to himself, ”If this room is completely cut off in and out, Eclipsio must have teleported in and out of this room. How could something like this warrant so much security?” Shining Armor noticed that the object started to glow brightly, and he reached his hand out to stop it. When the light died out, the doors flew open and the red curved blade (at least that was Shining thought it was) sat in his hand. It felt cold to the touch, but warm as well... it seemed to sting his hand and feel soft as cotton... ”What the hell is this thing?” wondered the Police chief. Shining Armor, now curious, lifted the blade closer. He swore he heard voices, whispers coming from the artifact... Whatever they were saying, Shining couldn’t understand them. But they sounded rather happy... probably happy that they were freed from Eclipsio. Shadow Armor noticed Shining in the room and called to him, “SHINING! Get out here and stop dawdling!” Shining quickly shoved the curved object into one of the inner pockets of his vest. Unknown to him, the artifact was glowing brighter, and small voice came out of it... not loud enough to hear clearly. ”At last... Freedom...” (Eclipsio’s Sanctum) Burning Star and Eclipsio had been locking blades for the past ten minutes, neither giving an inch. Physically, they were both the same in strength and build, lean and thin, but still strong. Eclipsio snarled at Burning Star, “You just don’t quit do you, why are you still resisting?!” Burning Star delivered a stunning headbutt, “You know why I’m not gonna give up. It’s my job to stop people and ponies like you, so you should give up, cause I’m not one to surrender easily!” Prince Eclipsio shouted, ”Eigaon!” and a blast of darkness erupted from his fingers. It knocked Burning Star to the ground and knocked the wind out of him. Burning Star shouted back ”Agidyne!” and a pillar of flame engulfed Eclipsio, badly burning him. It was quickly patched up by his Alicorn regeneration. ”Behold! Deathbound!” Said Eclipsio, as a wave of purple claws lunged at Burning Star, who countered with his own spell. ”Heat Wave!”, shouted Burning Star as he swung his sword around him. A wave of fire destroyed the beam and knocked Eclipsio down. Burning took advantage of the opening and followed up with his next attack. ”Agneyastra!” and a trio of fiery meteors smashed into Eclipsio, sending him flying through the metal wall and dropping it on top of him. Prince Eclipsio got out of the rubble and retaliated with one of his stronger moves. ”Go Megidola!” A few spheres of light blasted into Burning Star, who countered with the same spell. ”Megidola!” Both spells collided midair, and Eclipsio jumped through the smoke and delivered a brutal Slash with his sword, Thanatos. Burning Star’s chest was cut and blood dripped from his shirt. He was shaking, but retaliated with his own incredible blow from Deicide. A large gash was cut from Prince Eclipsio’s chin to his abdomen, he staggered back as his healing kicked in. Burning Star did the same as his own regeneration sprung into action sewing his body back together. Burning Star took advantage of the pause in the fighting and said to him, “You can’t kill me... I can’t kill you... also, how have we not blown each other up as well as the entire station?” Eclipsio’s face twisted into a freakishly large smile. “You idiot, do you think that I would use pure oxygen in my room and training grounds?! Hahaha, you really are helpless without your friends to think for you.” Burning Star had enough of His taunting and fired off a devastating strike with his sword, ”Bloodbath!!” Eclipsio was hit by multiple red blades, caring deep wounds that burned, and then returned fire, ”Vorpal Blade!” Bright blue Slashes were carved into the air as Burning Star was slashed multiple times by Thanatos. Huge gashes appeared on his body, causing him to back up in pain. It was Eclipsio’s turn to strike as hard as he could. He screamed out, ”BRAVE BLADE!”, and a massive sword was swung down on Burning Star. The Alicorn of Fire parried and forced both his own sword and Eclipsio’s into the floor. Both warriors had lost their main weapons, so they resorted to the most basic of tactics... Hand to hand combat. Eclipsio sent a haymaker to Burning Star, who grabbed it and slammed Eclipsio’s back to the floor. “Ok Eclipsio, if spells and blades won’t knock sense into you, then I’m going to beat it into you.” said Burning Star, absolutely livid. Eclipsio’s face twisted into a sneer, “Then go ahead and try. Because I wouldn’t give up trying to kill you with my bare hands! Now die!” (The Reactor) (Pause music) Sunset and the group finally arrived in a large room that contained dozens of wires and pipes connected to a large tank filled with magic. They were on a long metal balcony that lead to the center of the room, where the tank was laying. The tank was massive, easily reaching from the ceiling to the bottom of the chamber some 50 feet below them and above them. Sunset took in the sight of so much magic, “Yikes... I know that Alicorns have colossal magic reserves, but this... this is all from Celestia and Luna? Where are they?” Shadow Armor looked around, spying a pair of force field pods, and inside sat their goal. The Princesses were floating in the force field, held in what appeared to be suspended animation. Their bodies were in their human forms, which was a truly regal appearance. Celestia was wearing a white robe down to her legs with bands of rainbow color running across it, a bright golden sun emblem sat on its breast and a pair of sun-shaped bracers sat around her arms. Her face was soft, and her hair was bright pink and seemed to drift aimlessly in the force field. Atop her head sat a golden tiara and around her neck was her golden necklace. On her back was a golden halberd that Shadow Armor recognized as Sunsplinter Luna was wearing a midnight blue robe that reached down to her legs, with black crescent moons sitting on the bracers on her arms. Her black crown and necklace was present as well. Around her waist was a light blue belt with her devastating boradsword Moonbeam. Her blue hair was floating in the breeze as well. Their faces were sagging and gray, as was their skin. Whatever Eclipsio had done to them had sapped them of their life. Celestia! Luna! No!” Screamed Sunset, running over to the panel connected to the two force fields and tried to figure out the system, but she was no hacker like Frostclaw. Frostclaw was immediately at the terminal, trying desperately to unlock the terminal. “I can’t break it, Sunset. Eclipsio sealed the thing tighter than a drum.” Shadow Armor poked at the Force field with one of his hands, “So... what do we do? We can’t just leave them here. There has to be some way to unlock it.” Suddenly, a door opened and in came Savior with someone on his back. It was Black Sun of all people! Savior’s Armor looked heavily damaged, Flash wasn’t wearing any at all, stripped down to his dark blue under armor and devoid of any weapons. Savior was weaponless as well... Savior noticed the sisters floating in the force field and he sighed, “Ah... good. They are still alive. Come on... let’s go Flash.” Flash groaned, “Ok...” Shadow Armor and Frostclaw supported Savior Ironheart as he walked slowly towards the terminal. Lucina used her TK arms to move Flash off his back and sit him down against the railing of the balcony. Flash opened his eyes to see everyone glaring at him, and he had the nerve to crack a smirk. “Well... you finally did it, didn’t you? You defeated me, and you didn’t die to Prince Eclipsio, at least not yet.” He said, clutching his side trying to stop some bleeding on his side. Shadow Armor grabbed Flash by his shirt collar and roared, “You have quite the nerve, don’t you Flash? Attacking us, hurting our friends, you damn near killed us all and yet you smirk?! Really?!” Sunset snorted out, “Flash, you better explain yourself and do it fast. I have a feeling that Lucina wants to tear you apart for hurting Burning Star, don’t you?” Lucina extended one of her invisible arms and slapped Flash across the face. “Sunset is correct, I recommend you start talking.” Flash rolled his eyes, “Alright I get it, you all hate me quite a bit, but I have my reasons for ALL of this that has happened.” He started to explain, “You see, I joined with Eclipsio because I was dying, alone and cold in a ditch. desperate to cling to life, Prince Eclipsio used me as his little weapon of destruction to capture his sisters. He said that if I captured Celestia and Luna AND killed them once they were of no use to him, he would spare Equestria Alpha.” Flash managed enough strength to clench his fist, “He is a goddamn liar. Eclipsio doesn’t care about anyone, not even me. The only reason I did what he told me to do was because I wanted to be free to live with Twilight... but I guess that will never happen, will it?” A single tear ran down his scarred cheeks, “The worst part is that Eclipsio has tied me to his soul, so I can’t die... no matter how many times you kill me, I will just keep coming back.” Shadow Armor pointed to the terminal and asked Flash bluntly. “Are you able to free the Princesses from this prison?” Flash weakly nodded, “Of course I can... I put them there, after all... but why should I? Eclipsio will just kill them. Why should I free them if they are just going to run off to their deaths against a foe that is so much stronger than them?” Sunset sighed, “You aren’t wrong, Flash. Eclipsio is extremely powerful, but he isn’t invincible. Burning Star is fighting him as we speak, and I’m sure he is holding his own against the prince.” Flash laughed, “Hah! I highly doubt that, Once the Prince unleashed his ultimate weapon, no one can stand in his way.” “Ultimate weapon, What do you mean Flash? Also... why do want to help us now?” Asked Shadow Armor, raising one of his eyebrows. Flash shrugged slowly, he was so weak from battle that he could barely move. “What I mean is that Eclipsio needed their magic for his project, his alone wasn’t enough to power it.” “What project?” Frostclaw asked him, somewhat annoyed at Flash’s smug tone. Flash Sentry got to his knees and said, “Well... it’s called Project Ragnarok. He has been building it for over ten years now, ever since he got back from being banished by Celestia and Luna, from what his notes said.” “What is Ragnarok?” Asked Shining, he was curious now. Despite his constant disdain for Flash, for once he felt something else... Pity. Ironheart cut in, “Project Ragnarok is a superweapon created by Eclipsio. It is possibly the most dangerous weapon I’ve ever heard of, even more dangerous than me.” Flash finally got up and limped to the machine, placing his hand on the screen. “And he will unleash it upon Equestria and Earth, and both will fall in his shadow... unless you three somehow stop him.” Flash spoke to the machine, “Computer. Security Confirmation Sentry, Flash. Open the observation roof above the chamber and release the subjects.” The force field deactivated and Shadow Armor and Frostclaw caught the two Princesses as they slumped out of the pods. The roof above them opened and the light of the sun and moon poured into the room, engulfing Celestia and Luna in their light. It was blinding to look at, and the group averted their eyes. The light disappeared, and Celestia and Luna still laid on the floor, not moving. Sunset but her lip, “Oh no, we were too late...” she grabbed Celestia and began to shake her. “Celestia! Luna! Please wake up! You can’t die, please!” Still no response from the princesses, and the group was silent. “They are gone Sunset... we lost.” Said Shadow Armor, hanging his head. The group started to leave, but a sound came from the two bodies on the floor. Suddenly, a groan of pain came from Luna, then Celestia. “Ugh... in the name of myself... why am I so tired?” Said the Princess of the Night. “W-What happened?” Said Celestia, trying to get to her feet, but collapsing to the floor again. Sunset ran over and hugged them in her arms, tears of joy in her eyes. “Thank Faust! You’re alive! I was afraid you were... y-you were...” Princess Celestia smiled weakly, “That we were dead? Sunset, we are Alicorns. You can’t truly kill us... but I am extremely weak.” Luna cut in, “Where are we? What happened?” Shadow Armor began to explain, causing the Princesses eyes to go wide, “Well... you are currently on a space station orbiting the mirror world known as Earth. A master murderer known as Black Sun kidnapped you from the wedding.” Shadow Armor pointed at Flash, who shrunk back from the Princesses menacing gaze. “H-hey... I’m Black Sun... or as you may know me, Flash Sentry.” The princesses looked confused at the sound of Flash’s name. “Who?” They both said at once. This earned a snicker from Lucina. “Typical... not even the most important figures remember me.” Flash growled, crossing his arms. Celestia finally got up, but she had to support herself on the railing. “Someone please tell me what happened in detail... because I don’t remember what went on.” Sunset stepped forward and began to explain, “Well Princess, after you two were kidnapped by Black Sun Burning Star and his allies pursued him here. Shadow Armor, Prince Eclipsio, and Frostclaw were with him when he came to Earth. Of course he needed a place to stay, so against my wishes Eclipsio crashed at my house with the rest of them. Burning Star also talked with me about how depressed he was and that he felt like he needed to be a hero all the time for ponies to like him.” Luna raised her eyebrows at that news, “Well that is something that Celly and I didn’t know. Continue Sunset.” Sunset continued to speak, unaware that Ironheart was recording everything for later. “Shortly after, Black Sun Attacked Burning Star in the Park, but was driven off by this girl, Lucina.” Lucina gave them a scowl, “He was going to hurt him, I hurt him first.” She said bluntly. Sunset continued, “After that, Black Sun Attacked Canterlot High and tried to kill my friends, Burning Star and Eclipsio chased after him and also dragged half of the police with them. Oh by the way, meet Chief Shining Armor.” Shining gave them a wave, “Hello, Princesses Celestia and Luna. I’ve been wondering what you looked like.” Sunset resumed speaking, “After that, Eclipsio stormed off after not getting a chance to pursue Black Sun as well as letting the police in on our investigation and eventual rescue of you two. After a few more attacks by Black Sun, this man in the Armor joined us as well. Meet Ironheart Beta, or Savior.” Ironheart bowed, “It is always an honor to see you two.” Sunset finished her speech, “Finally, we discovered that Prince Eclipsio had betrayed us and was the one to order your kidnapping, he needed your magic to activate something called Project Ragnarok. I have no clue what that is, but whatever it is... it sounds dangerous.” Celestia’s eyes went wide enough that they seemed to peel open, “Wait go back a bit, Eclipsio ordered us to be kidnapped? He betrayed you? Why in the name of myself would he do that?” Shadow Armor cut in, “Apparently this is payback for banishing him thousands of years ago... although he never explained to us what he was banished for. Care to tell us?” Celestia and Luna frowned and Sunset swore she heard Celestia curse. “You want to know what he was banished for? We’ll tell you on the way to him. Where is he now?” Sunset continued, “Fighting Burning Star. We were with him for a while before Eclipsio cut us off so he could fight the Alicorn of Fire alone. Also, he tried to kill us all because we were “in his way” of revenge against you or something like that. It all seemed really childish, honestly. He also said something along the lines of making people feel fear, then pain, then he would destroy everything you built.” Celestia and Luna both got to their feet and Luna said. “Then lets go! With every moment Eclipsio wears Burning Star closer to defeat, we have to stop our brother!” “I agree, Eclipsio must be stopped before the world of Equestria AND earth pays the ultimate price.” Said Celestia, who was already running down the hall. The group followed her close behind, Savior grabbed Flash Sentry and hoisted him on his back again. “What are you doing? I’ll just slow you down? Leave me here!” Flash asked loudly. Savior ignored Flash’s complaining and chased after Sunset. (Inner Sanctum) (Resume music) Burning Star was losing strength. He had been holding back Eclipsio for who knows how long, and his immense stamina was starting to wear thin. Eclipsio was also losing power as well... despite being magically stronger than Burning Star, they were still even when it came to physical prowess. Eclipsio broke the clash with Burning Star with a knee to his gut. Burning Star slugged Eclipsio hard enough to send him flying. Neither one of them could do anything to kill the other... But Burning Star was losing power. He needed to hold him off long enough for Sunset and the group to get here. “You seem to be slowing down, Burning Star. I will finally be... victorious.” Said Eclipsio, rubbing his face from the punch Burning Star had delivered to him. Burning Star spat out blood, “Huff* I can do this all day Eclipsio if I have to... huff*, you should give up. I know you’re getting tired as well.” Eclipsio sluggishly fired another dark spell at Burning Star, who fired a fireball back. Both fighters sank to their knees, and were now taking rapid breaths of air. Eclipsio got to his feet, using his sword as a support and he kicked Burning Star in the head, sending him to the floor. Eclipsio raised his sword above his head and swung down, Burning Star blocked with his own blade and sank it deep into Eclipsio’s chest, before pulling it out with a disgusting squish. Despite the deep wound, the Alicorn of Eclipses still was standing, making Burning Star curse. “Well... shit.” He said, as Eclipsio sent his blade across Burning Star’s Head, it cut deep, but he was still alive. Burning Star tried to get up, but everything was hurting and sore, and Eclipsio’s regeneration was so fast that his could not keep up. Burning Star put up a shield, which shattered under Eclipsio’s immense strength. Although, Eclipsio seemed to falter as well for a second, before his regeneration kicked in and he stood up. The Prince of Eclipses smiled evilly, “As I said before. Humanity is weak and feeble. As are you, Burning Star... now prepare to die.” As the heroes ran down the hall, Celestia began to speak about her brother to Sunset. “You wanted to know why my brother was banished, Sunset Shimmer? It is a rather macabre tale to say the least.” Said Celestia, pumping her legs as fast as she could. Sunset nodded, “Yeah. What is the deal with his whole revenge plot against you?” Celestia started to speak, “Long ago, Prince Eclipsio was given to us by a pony of immense power. I’m sure you have heard of King Sombra, yes?” Sunset shook her head, “Not much. All I know is that he was the Tyrant ruler of the Crystal Empire on my world. How does your Sombra’s history play out?” Luna continued from where Celestia left off, “The Sombra of our world was the son of King Da’irko, the first king of Equestria. A unicorn of incredible power that rivaled ours. Prince Eclipsio was born to another mare as an Alicorn with strange qualities. Instead of the usual feathery wings and smooth fur and mane, Eclipsio’s wings were dark and were more reptilian. His fur was chrome black and his man was silver, his eyes were golden and filled with power.” Celestia continued, “Technically, King Da’irko is our uncle... which means Sombra is our cousin and Eclipsio is our cousin, not brother. If we revealed this information to him we feared that he would turn on us and side with Da’irko during the coming war for the Crystal Empire. So, We fought him while Eclipsio was kept behind... as to not endanger lives. Sombra then claimed the Crystal Empire as his home after his father died by his own hooves.” Shadow Armor cut in, “Is that the reason why he is so filled with hate for you two?” Both Princesses said, “No. He believed himself stronger than us, and he was. But unlike us who wanted to rule to ensure a future of peace and put our conquest days behind us... Eclipsio desired conflict. He craved, no obsessed over war and manipulation. He thrived off the chaos and destruction of warfare and battle, This made him dangerously unpredictable and extremely difficult to reason with. He saw through us and our perceived “facade of peace” and so... we had fears he would turn his agression and pain into hatred of us.” Frostclaw cut in as well, “Well that ended up happening, didn’t it?” Celestia sadly nodded, “Yes. Eventually he grew tired of politics and the slow-paced process of change in the days of Old. He wanted to bring Equestria and the Alicorn Race as a whole... back to its days of conquest and warfare. and he wanted it BADLY, and our mother was no longer able to stop him, she had long left this world.” Savior raised a metallic eyebrow, “Mother? You mean Faust? Faust left this world because of Eclipsio?” Luna shook her head, “Not directly, because of his actions. Long ago... Eclipsio once had a vision that he would conquer both Equestria and Earth, and that the very universe would be his... but in his moment of triumph.. he would be struck down by a pony unlike any other... A black pony wreathed in fire, with the power of a star as his ally.” Sunset gasped, “You mean... Burning Star?” Luna shrugged, “No... his ancestor, Princess Astaris, The Princess of Stars and Burning Star’s true mother. She was also our cousin...” Everyone looked confused, then Luna said, “Yeah our family tree is pretty complicated. But She sensed that Eclipsio was going to do something drastic... and so she hid in the guise of a normal pony.” Celestia frowned, “For once in his life, Eclipsio felt afraid of his race. And so he left us to change his fate... but what he did next, Only sealed it.” “What did he do?” Lucina asked, a feeling of dread taking her over. Everyone watched as Celestia cried, a few tears in her eyes. “He killed everyone and everything he found, deathly afraid of the one that could destroy him. Many of our race perished trying to stop him. He created the Alicorn Bane poison, which literally erases the things it hits from reality. When he found Astaris, he attacked and nearly killed her, but she made it to the Crystal Empire... where Sombra had stayed 1000 years ago. Upon seeing the young Alicorn and the dying Astaris, he the foal into hibernation with him... where he awakened 1000 years later as Burning Star. Unknown to us, of course.” Celestia finished by saying, The Shadow King helped us one last time... by joking his dark magic with our own Alicorn Magic, we stopped Eclipsio’s genocide and banished him to the farthest reaches of space as punishment.” Luna ended her statement with something that made everyone shiver, “But unlike when I was sealed in the moon and put into some sort of hibernation, Eclipsio was fully awake and aware of his banishment, as it was a spell that had to be completed fast in order to stop him from destroying the world. As such, it was imperfect... and Eclipsio was able to return to us after 1000 years... still seething with hatred and hellish anger, but concealed behind his facade of serenity and knowledge. Something we regrettably failed to notice upon his return. Sunset stopped running, she needed a moment to process all of this... but she also needed to catch her breath. They had arrived at the door to Eclipsio’s sanctum, and Celestia and Luna stepped forward. They waved for everyone to stand back as the door was blown open with a loud bang. Eclipsio turned his head to the side and saw that his sisters were freed! And for some reason... Black Sun was alive and the heroes were as well! The Prince cracked a smirk and tossed Burning Star towards them, “Well well... seems that my sisters have finally awoken. Thank you Black Sun for delivering them to me.” Black Sun was yanked off of Savior’s back and placed in front of the group, Eclipsio put a large gun in his hand. “Now, do your job and finish them off... start with my sisters.” The Prince hissed, his golden eyes glowing like blazing fires. Black Sun leveled the gun at the group and loaded a magazine... He then said, “Sorry...” And then turned around and fired right into Eclipsio’s chest, sending the Prince flying back. Flash ran over to Burning Star and got him up, Celestia and Luna each drew their weapons, ready to support the human. Prince Eclipsio unleashed a shockwave that knocked everyone flat. However, Flash Sentry was on his feet. Eclipsio screamed and dived down with his sword in hand, intent on finishing off the heroes. Burning Star heard a grunt of pain, but it wasn’t him or anybody else... Flash Sentry has stepped in front of the sword and was currently impaled on it! Prince Eclipsio kicked the dying man off his blade and leveled his sword again. “Flash! No!” Shouted Sunset, running over to him. Eclipsio simply chuckled, “Such a noble and cliche sacrifice, too bad all Flash did was get himself killed. You all will still die... and I’m going to enjoy it even more knowing that his precious Twilight Sparkle will shortly follow!” Burning Star felt his own regeneration kick in and he jumped to his feet, Deicide in hand and eyes glowing blue. He responded with a violent scream. ”Eclipsio! I will End You!” Celestia put a hand on his shoulder, “Cam yourself, Burning Star. Rage will get you nowhere...” She shot a flinty gaze at her brother, “Something that Eclipsio has failed to understand. Did you learn nothing while banished?” Eclipsio cried ”Maeiagon!” and several blasts of darkness flew towards the heroes. (End first track) Celestia and Luna returned fire, ”Makougaon!” ”Mabufudyne!” Several blasts of holy light flew from Celestia, and several icy spikes flew from Luna. They collided with Eclipsio’s spell and destroyed it. Celestia spoke to her brother, who was furious beyond belief. Eclipsio! stop this madness, please! The humans have done nothing to you, and yet you choose to slaughter them like animals? Your grudge is not with them, is it?” Prince Eclipsio snarled, “Don’t try it Celestia! Don’t try to sway me, humans and ponies will pay equally for what you did to me. After all... you helped build both worlds, so it is only fair that both worlds will fall to ruin.” Luna snorted in anger, “This is ridiculous, Brother. Humanity has never opposed you, yet you kill them. Why?” Prince Eclipsio’s face turned into a frightening grin, “Because I don’t care... because I want to. They are an possible obstacle in my way and they will be destroyed because of that.” Sunset yelled at Eclipsio, “What?! That makes no sense. You’re trying to destroy all of humanity based on a possibility? Did you ever think that maybe we wouldn’t have gotten in your way?” The Prince threw a blast of darkness towards her, and Savior fired off his attack. “Freidyne!” A beam of blue-green Energy was fired from his gauntlet, it hit Eclipsio’s Blast and exploded in a small blast that vaporized the attack. Everyone was stunned that Savior could use magic, and before they could ask him he simply said. “It isn’t magic, guys. As you know I run off nuclear energy, I simply fired off some as an attack.” Burning Star stood alongside Celestia, Luna, and Savior... The rest backed off and went to get Sunset and Flash to safety. Prince Eclipsio blasted a hole in the roof and leapt through the ceiling, the remaining heroes following him through the hole in the ceiling. They emerged in what appeared to be a massive arena, it was wide and tall. Above them was a reinforced glass ceiling that led into the vacuum of space. The four warriors stared down at the Prince of Eclipses, who started to laugh. “Make no mistake... I will not let you all live any longer. I WILL take my revenge and I WILL destroy Earth and Equestria!” Eclipsio snarled, as he floated into the air. The Prince suddenly grew his giant wings from his back and he hovered above the group. Celestia figures out what was going on, “It seems this room is designed to mimic the magical field found on Equestria. Which means that we have full access to our powers here...” Celestia and Luna suddenly grew their wings and the sisters hovered into the air. Burning Star followed, his black wings ablaze with fire. Savior took off, using his rocket powered wings to sustain his flight. Burning Star growled at the Prince, “Everyone has gone through crap because of you... it’s on!” Eclipsio roared like a monster and charged into the fray, the heroes meeting him in the middle of the room. (Start 2nd theme) The collision sent everyone flying back, and Eclipsio unleashed a much stronger attack. ”Mamudoon!” A series of black needles flew towards everyone, who retaliated with their own spells. ”Inferno!” ”Diamond Dust!” ”Thunder Reign!” “Atomic Flare!” Eclipsio’s attack was consumed by a beam of fire, shards of ice, blasts of lightning, and a large nuclear blast... sending the Prince flying, as well as Savior. He said to them, “Not bad... but there is still a long way to go.” Eclipsio roared out, “I WOULDN’T GIVE UP MY CHANCE TO MASSACRE YOU WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS!” Celestia jabbed at her brother with her halberd, only to be slashed across the chest with his sword. Luna struck Eclipsio with her broadsword, but received a crushing roundhouse kick to the face. Burning Star delivered a series of slashes to Eclipsio, but he received the same amount in return. Burning Star spoke to the two sisters, “Ok... how strong is this guy?!” Luna answered, equally fed up. “He is stronger than the two of us combined, Eclipsio was bred for and thrives on conflict. He is possibly the most powerful Alicorn to exist on our world.” Eclipsio taunted the heroes, “If you wanted the ultimate opponent Burning Star... you’re looking right at him. I am stronger than all of you, but yet you still persevere against me! Just DIE ALREADY, and stop wasting my time.” Burning Star looked at the two sisters and said, “Go. Get everyone off this blasted station and back to earth. I will deal with Eclipsio.” He is at full power, Burning Star! He will kill you in seconds!” Shouted Luna, a worried look on her face. “No he won’t... someone once told me that the reason I am as powerful as I am is because my strength grows to match the threat at hand, when facing off against Doom Star... he should have killed me. But yet I survived and blew him away... if I have all that power within me... maybe it’s time to unleash it.” He said with a determined face. Celestia and Luna felt Burning Star lift them up in his magic and send them into the corridor. “Go! I will defeat him!” Celestia called out to him, “How do you know you can?!” The Equestrian of Fire smirked, “Because it is what I do best...” He shut and sealed the door with his fire abilities, leaving him and Eclipsio alone again. Eclipsio laughed, “So... you send those two away just so you could face me yourself? How stupid are you?! You are weak! Unable to stand up against me alone...” Burning Star interrupted him and said, “Well... if I’m so weak, how come you have not killed me yet?” The Prince paused for a moment and thought to himself, ”Actually... that is strange. Why hasn’t he been obliterated like every other Alicorn I have killed? I’m using all of my power against him... why isn’t he dying?!” Eclipsio was too lost in thought to notice Burning Star attacking him. ”Megaton Raid!” The Prince was hammered into the ground by Burning Star’s fists, cratering the floor. Burning Star floated down and said to him, “Well, Eclipsio? Why aren’t you able to defeat me, huh?” Eclipsio flew out of the hole and attacked with his sword. ”Vorpal Blade!” ”Vorpal Blade!” Blue slashes from Thanatos collided with red slashes from Deicide, canceling each other out. Burning Star unleashed a bigger attack, ”Blazing Hell.” The ground turned to lava and burned the Prince badly, he staggered out of the pool, still on fire. “That’s enough! I’m sick of playing around with you!” Screamed the Prince, charging up one of his strongest attacks. “Well then let’s end this already!” Burning Star responded with fierceness in his voice. The two of them charged up a ball of light that was glowing bright enough that the light of the sun paled in comparison. With a mighty roar from the both of them, the two Alicorn humanoids let loose their spells. ”MEGIDOLAON!” The Megidolaon spells collided with each other, and a beam clash occurred. Eclipsio pumped as much power as possible into his attack, Burning Star did the same. The beams of light grew wider and wider, until they were stretching as wide as the field itself. But then, Eclipsio’s strength failed, and he was consumed in a massive explosion of energy that shook the entire stadium. Sunset was running down the hallways when the entire corridor shook violently. She braced herself against the wall. The ENTIRE STATION rocked with the blast of Burning Star’s Megidolaon attack, it was so strong, he was blown back against the wall from his own blast. When the blast cleared The field was smashed into rubble, the walls were melted in multiple places, And the glass ceiling above them was cracked. Burning Star looked for Eclipsio, finding that he had been completely vaporized. Burning Star pumped his fist in the air weakly, before he fell to the floor. Savior had somehow survived the explosion in his armor, he was the first to see Burning Star collapse to the ground... He was completely unconscious and heavily wounded, but still alive. Savior scooped Burning Star on to his back and said to him. “You did good, now lets get out of here and blow this place to kingdom come...” Savior blasted the door open with Freidyne, and ran down the corridor to Sunset. Sunset was shaking as she got up from the floor, whatever Burning Star and Prince Eclipsio did rocked the entire damn station. Then, Savior appeared with Burning Star on his back, and the girl took a relieved sigh. She was about to ask if he was ok, but Savior beat her to the punch and said. “Yes, he is fine... he Just passed out. His body needs time to heal... Eclipsio is done for.” Said Savior, pushing past Sunset. Sunset looked back down the hall, thinking to herself. ”Finally... it’s over.”
Chapter 15: Vs BLACK ABYSS! Humanity’s Last Hope...(Shadow Station) Sunset looked back down the hall, thinking to herself. ”Finally... it’s over.” Savior motioned for everyone to listen to him. He started to explain his plan, “Ok, so We have our way back. But we still have to destroy this place, just so no one can use it.” He projected a holographic image from his gauntlet. “We are here, near the observation deck. Our way out is in the entrance hall. I’ve placed several charges around the station, as soon as I press this button, we will have 10 minutes to get out of here and into that portal.” Celestia sensed a odd shift in tone from Savior, “You don’t think Eclipsio is gone, do you? That is why you want to destroy this place.” Savior nodded, “This seemed like it was too easy a victory. I didn’t find the body of Eclipsio, I could only assume either Burning Star’s Megidolaon attack completely vaporized him... which is unlikely due to him being an Alicorn, or he disappeared to regroup and rearm.” Shadow Armor responded to his statement, “My bits are on the latter. Eclipsio has proven time after time in the past that he could survive anything.” “So let’s all get to the portal, like... now!” Shouted Lucina, who sprinted down the hallway. Everyone took off after her, but the thought of Eclipsio was heavy on Sunset’s mind. ”He couldn’t be alive... could he?” she thought as she ran down the hallway. The group arrived at the entrance and Savior pressed his gauntlet, activating the portal and charges at the same time. “Alright everyone! Let’s go!” He said, ushering the Princesses in first, followed by Sunset, Frostclaw, Shining and Shadow, then Lucina. Savior looked at the base behind him and sighed, “Damn... couldn’t save you, you wouldn’t want that Eclipsio. Fine... you want to burn us, then you can burn.” Savior jumped through the portal and it closed with a white flash. (Sunset’s House) A portal opened and the Heroes fell out and on top of each other as the portal collapsed behind them, since it had no other anchor. A collective groan of pain was heard from everyone as they all tried to stand up at once. They all fell over each other trying to stand up. Savior finally got to his feet and said with a relieved sigh. “That was close... I may have been off on how long I set those charges for.” Luna frowned, “Really?! We didn’t notice!” She said sarcastically, then received an accidental elbow to the face from Shadow Armor. After 2 or 3 minutes of struggling, everyone was up and recovering. Savior had placed Burning Star on the couch to rest, Flash was placed on the other end. His wounds had healed... but the fact that he was still somehow alive both gave Sunset hope and worried her. She decided to talk to Celestia about this, “Celestia, Flash is still alive... how?” The Princess surprisingly shrugged, “I for once don’t know, Sunset Shimmer. I am not of your world, the world that I come from is called Equestria Gamma, we are three worlds away from Equestria Alpha and Earth Alpha.” Sunset looked confused, “Yeah that has been bothering me, how does all this trans-dimensional/alternate universe travel work exactly?” Frostclaw has overheard Sunset talking and he smiled wide enough that all his sharp teeth were visible at once, “OOH! OOOH! I KNOW THIS! Ask me!” Celestia turned to Frostclaw and told him, “Ok then Frostclaw. What do you know about the process of trans-dimensional travel and the workings of the Multiverse?” Frostclaw ran downstairs to the Stable command hub, then came back up with a large binder that had been used heavily. It had several pieces of loose leaf sticking out of it and it’s cover was peeling. Frostclaw slammed the binder down on the kitchen table and opened it up, “So... Dimensional travel... You thought that the ponies of Equestria were the first to travel to alternate dimensions and universes? Not even close. In fact, the first species to even cross into another dimension were the dragons of the Far East.” Luna looked shocked, “What? How have you done this without us noticing?” Frostclaw shrugged, “While the Western Dragons found in the Dragonlands as well as much of Equestrian Europe are rather dull-witted, but freakishly strong... the eastern dragons found on Equestria’s Asia were not as physically powerful, but our magical prowess and intellect was more than enough.” He continued to read, everyone now listening the best they could. “The first dragons to ever cross from one plane of reality to the next were the serpentine dragons of Neighpon. They had access to the Yokai Dimension, a place that was filled with strange creatures called Yokai. Some looked like Demons, some were animals, but each one was unusual in one way or another. Thankfully we don’t go there much anymore, the Yokai Yamato-No-Orochi is currently locked in battle with a warrior known as Susanoo.. Not the best person to annoy.” Celestia’s eyebrows shot up at the reference to Sunsano-o, “Wait... you mean Susanoo, the god of storms and summer, the brother of Amaterasu? The goddess of the sun in Neighpon and Japan, and Tsukuyomi, the God of the Moon? He is on Equestria Gamma?” Frostclaw nodded, “Yes. Thunder Fury got into trouble with him... we had to deal with a month long storm as the two battled it out. Thunder Fury lost, of course... he was fighting a god. What did he expect to happen?” Sunset sighed, “Can we get back on topic, please?” Frostclaw noticed Sunset’s comment and cleared his throat. “Over time... the dragons of Equestria Gamma faded into obscurity and Starswirl the Bearded was the first pony to use dimensional travel to seal away the three siren sisters... Eclipsio was a avid fan of the wizard... and even got his cutie mark in Reality warping and illusions, not Eclipses.” He continued to read, “thousands of years later... it is still in use. Teleportation is just a short distance version of dimensional travel. A unicorn turns itself into magical energy, and reappears where it was desired to go. For larger distances... artifacts such as the Mirror Portal and Multiverse Pool have to be used.” “Sooo... that still doesn’t explain what alll this dimensional travel is about.” Sunset commented Frostclaw shrugged, “Sorry Sunset. I only read history, Eclipsio was the one that knew all about this, I can only read from a book I borrowed from Twilight.” Sunset nodded, “Ok then. That’s fair, maybe I could figure this out with Sci-Twi and the girls or when I head back to Equestria again... speaking of that, shouldn’t you all be going as well?” Shadow Armor whistled to get her attention, “Sunset, I’m not entirely sure we can return. Black Sun destroyed the mirror on our Equestria, and none of us at this moment can use dimensional travel. Guess who was the one to usher us here?” Sunset sighed, “I’m guessing Eclipsio was that guy. But what about the girls and I using the Magic gems we used to defeat Gaia Everfree to open a portal?” Shadow Armor shook his head, “No. That would most likely backfire and sent us who knows where. The magic you used was of this world, the mirror was of Equestria. We would need some sort of magical object on Equestria to attach the dimensional bridge to. Without an anchor, the portal would collapse almost instantly.” Sunset face palmed, “Ok then if that won’t work, what are we going to do... wait for Burning Star to wake up?” Celestia and Luna said at the same time, “We could open the portal.” Shadow Armor raised an eyebrow at that, “Really? You were able to do that and you were caught by Black Sun?” “He effectively ambushed us, and I didn’t see you spring into action.” Luna pouted. Shadow Armor’s eyebrows fell over his eyes and he said surprisingly aggressively, “What was that?” Everyone, including Celestia and Savior... backed up as Shadow Armor’s stoic composure broke... His normal stone-faced frown twisted into a frightening snarl that showed off his sharp fangs, his eyes narrowed until the only part you could see of them were his burning red irises, and his tone changed drastically. He started speaking to the Princess of the Night, slowly stepping towards her. Everyone was as far away from Shadow Armor and Luna as possible. “Luna... while you were busy screwing around with Black Sun... I was busy both getting married, getting my new wife and the rest of the guests to safety, AND I even decided to go on a possible one-way trip to save your royal ass and destroy the twit that kidnapped you in the first place! Now tell me this... Princess, who had the bigger problem?!” Shadow Armor was leaning over the Princess of the Night, her deep blue eyes trying to shy away from an angry red glare that made Burning Star’s look paltry... Luna quietly said, “Sorry...” Shadow Armor backed up and saw that everyone that was in the room was either hiding or trying to keep themselves as far away from him as possible. His face returned to his stoic look and he sighed, “C’mon now, I’m not that scary when I’m mad, am I?” Celestia peered our from behind a curtain. Considering her size, How she fit there was beyond Shadow Armor’s imagination. She said to him, “No Shadow Armor, you ARE that scary. I’ve never seen you lose your composure before...” The Black Knight raised a scarlet eyebrow, “Would you like me to lose it more often?” The Princess of the Sun when pale, “No... never... ever do it again.” He looked even more confused, “Why? Did I do something to... Princess... Luna...” He turned around to see Luna shaking on the floor in fear. Her pupils were mere pinpricks and her hair was a mess. The Black Knight groaned, “Oh come on now. Youre Princess Luna, you have seen the eldritch nightmares of the Dream World, someone like me isn’t that frightening, am I?” Luna replied shakily, “No, your worse. Because at least with them I have the comfort knowing that they are nothing but bad dreams... that... glare you gave me was enough to shatter the nerves of anyone.” Shadow Armor lowered his eyebrow back to his eye before it could get high enough to fly off his head. “Oh... well then I apologize for that. I didn’t mean to be so... intimidating.” Suddenly, a cough of pain was heard from the couch, everyone left their hiding spaces and saw a miracle. Burning Star and Flash Sentry had awoken! The Equestrian of Fire tried to get up, as did Flash, but both fell back onto their backs. “Gah... I feel like I just died and came back...” wheezed the Alicorn. “I think I actually died and came back... ow.” Flash groaned, trying to sit up again. Savior lifted the two of them up and said with a small smile on his face, “Well then... welcome back to the land of the living you two, had us all worrying the worst.” Sunset looked over at Flash and saw that the stab wound in his chest was somehow gone... She asked him uncomfortably, “Flash... why are you not dead?” ”Yikes that sounds mean...” she remarked to herself. Flash Sentry put a hand to his head. “Am I supposed to be dead? Because I’m feeling and looking very alive at the moment.” Lucina mentally gasped as she saw the impossible... She saw Savior’s jaw drop... LITERALLY. Savior’s metallic has had come unhinged and had fallen to the floor with a clatter. She respectfully picked it up and placed it back on before he noticed. Savior placed a hand on Flash’s shoulders and began to shake him. “How are you alive! You were stabbed straight through the heart! You should be dead!” Flash placed a hand to his shirt and felt the blood on it, he took off his shirt and everyone was shocked by what they saw. Flash’s chest had completely repaired itself... despite him apparently being human! Although now seeing this... no one was sure “who” or “what” Flash was... Flash poked at the scar left by the stab wound, “Oh... you mean this? Eclipsio bound my soul to his... meaning as long as he is still alive, I’m would not stay dead for very long, remember?” Everyone still looked confused, and Flash asked again, “What?!” Celestia made her way over to the teen and lifted him up by his arm, thanks to her own incredible strength. “We all can see that Mr. Sentry... but it doesn’t make sense. Eclipsio’s katana Thanatos is coated in Alicorn Bane, a substance that erases anything it touches from existence. The better question is... How are you still existing?” Flash Sentry scratched his head, then said, “Well... it may have something to do with...” Shining Armor ran inside and screamed, “WE HAVE A PROBLEM!” Everyone was startled by the sudden outburst, all except Shadow Armor, who asked him. “Alright... but How did you get sent outside when the rest of us were sent in here?” Shining facepalmed and screamed at him, “DOES THAT MATTER RIGHT NOW?! THERE IS CUREENTLY A METEOR SCREAMING TOWARDS US!” Savior rushed outside and saw that Shining was correct... There was indeed something meteor-shaped flying across the sky... And he knew who it was immediately... Savior turned to the Equestrian of Fire and asked him. “How fast does your regeneration work?” Burning Star tilted his head in bewilderment, “Takes a couple minutes, little longer the more seriously I’m hurt... why do you ask?” Savior lifted him above his head and tossed him out the door, he landed on the lawn with his head facing the sky. Burning Star groaned, “Hey! What was that for...” he noticed the meteor heading towards Canterlot... And his expression changed from one of confusion to one of Fury so fast it was scary. He walked... more like STOMPED inside and grabbed Deicide. “Of all the times in the world... OF ALL THE TIMES!” He grumbled loudly, stomping out the door. He stopped and turned around to the group, “Look we both know who it f—King is, so lets get this over with...” Everyone let out both a groan of exasperation and a yell of anger before grabbing their own gear and running out the door. The meteor screamed across the sky and landed in the center of the city, black smoke pouring out of the buildings it smashed through. As the group ran towards the crashing object, Burning Star cursed to himself. ”This has better not be f—King Eclipsio... it had better not be him or I’m gonna lose my shit...” (Canterlot City, Canterlot Tower) The heroes arrived at the crash site to see Firefighters and other disaster workers on the scene. They were busy putting out the flames on the surrounding buildings that were ignited by the meteor’s trail of destruction. Celestia looked around and said, “These poor people... they must have been through so much during these last few weeks... yet somehow they still have the will to go on. How?” Sunset interrupted her, “It is the power of humanity, Celestia. When we are put against the wall by something like this we can do two things, die or survive. We have grown pretty good at the latter and rarely do the former, as you can see.” The smoke cleared and the crater was finally fully revealed. It was not a meteor... it was “something”. This something was a large black object covered in various runes and markings, both of Equestrian and Terran origin. It looked to be made of some sort of metal, although no one had identified it yet... Burning Star warily put his hand to his sword hilt and braved himself for the worst. He said to himself, ”If this is Eclipsio again I’m gonna go ballistic...” The object suddenly let out a hiss of steam and the object took off into the air, bolts of energy erupting from it as it unfurled... revealing a face that Burning Star was absolutely livid with rage at seeing. The object began to speak, ”Surprised to see me Burning Star?” Everyone but Flash and Burning stepped back as the object fired off a large red laser beam that cut away at the ground around him, it sliced apart buildings and cars. Celestia, Luna, as well as everyone but Flash Sentry and Burning Star was blown back and a large purple-Black force field went up around them. Prince Eclipsio snarled, his voice echoing across the air, ”I will deal with you all later... I’m going to deal with you two first!” Flash wanted to run, every instinct said he should run and hide... but he stood next to Burning Star, paralyzed with fear. But he was less scared of Prince Eclipsio... who looked like a black mass of spikes and metal that seemed to seethe with hatred. Flash Sentry had seen Eclipsio mad... he wasn’t anything like what he was seeing Burning Star Burning Star looked like he was about to LITERALLY EXPLODE into a mass of fire and anger that would inevitably consume him and eventually the world. While he had heard from Eclipsio in the past that Burning Star was a dangerous man when angry... He honestly would feel more safe when he was next to Eclipsio than Burning Star. Mainly because despite being unable to die, at least as far as being stabbed and shot... He assumed that complete incineration would kill even Prince Eclipsio and him... as well as everything within the city. Flash scooted a bit closer away from Burning Star, and the Equestrian of Fire grabbed him by the shoulder and glared at him with a gaze so intense that it seemed to bore right through his head. “YOU ARE STAYING RIGHT! HERE!” Burning Star said, his hand firmly gripped on Deicide. Flash managed a weak response to Eclipsio, still feeling that overwhelming gaze on him. “H-Hey Eclipsio, how are you doing?” He said, his voice extremely small. ”EIGAON!” Prince Eclipsio’s response was a HUGE blast of darkness from his palms that leveled the ground in front of him. ”You want to know how I’m doing? Huh?! Well, let me tell you what happened, and how you forced me into this... this... THING for the wrong reason.” Prince Eclipsio’s Armor projected a hologram recording out (Shadow Station, Hangar, 1 hour ago...) A single gasp of air echoed throughout the now empty base... Followed by another... and then another. Prince Eclipsio was alive... He was burned badly, had many bones broken and was bleeding internally and externally... but somehow alive! Burning Star’s Megidolaon must have overloaded his regeneration and he passed out. He woke up to the sound of explosions, his base was blowing up! “Damn that Ironheart! I knew I should have destroyed him before he even had the idea to build that suit...” he snarled as he stood up. A smile crept on to his face, “...However that metal-head had his uses. Project Ragnarok is my last-ditch weapon against those worms. I will finally be able to destroy Burning Star using it as well!” The heavily wounded Alicorn half-ran, half-limped up the stairs to the reactor. He reached his hand out to the panel and said. “Computer... transfer all available magical energy to Project Ragnarok and activate it...” The computer responded, alarms still blaring. “Critical damage to the reactor and security grid. The transfer may cause a rupturing of the artifact containers.” “Damn the artifacts! Just activate the goddamn project! Prepare for immediate launch.” He roared as he struggled to the panel behind him as the tanks of magical energy drained and flowed into the Magic Battery at the far end of the room. Eclipsio types in the activation code and he spread his arms out, equipping Project Ragnarok. He socketed the Magic Battery in the chest piece and he stepped out with heavy steps. He was wearing some sort of armor... A smile broke across his face, “Computer... Launch now.” The hatch below him opened and Eclipsio flew out into open space. The base finally exploded, sending Eclipsio flying towards the planet, very alive... and very mad. “Alright heroes... You think you’re hot shit? You think you can blow me up and walk away? Well if you all want to run away to Equestria, then I’m going to destroy that world too! But first, BURNING STAR! YOU ARE GOING TO DIE SCREAMING!” Eclipsio plummeted towards Earth, he entered the atmosphere... all the while Project Ragnarok was changing him into his greatest form... A form that could obliterate worlds... and finally crush his sisters forever... (Back to the Present...) Prince Eclipsio deactivated the hologram and roared like some unholy beast. ”You see it now, don’t you? Look around Burning Star... humanity is disposable, they are born and live for mere moments, before dying...” Burning Star had the balls to show a smirk to him. ”And despite their mortality they have survived for thousands of years... so what is your point?” ”It makes no sense! I destroy nearly ALL life on Equestria and my sisters decided to restore it? Why did she bother doing it?! I had done what I was born to do!” Through either the rush of adrenaline or actual, real bravery. Flash felt his voice return to him and he managed to get in his words against Eclipsio. “So you would condemn Earth and Equestria for destruction because of some petty grudge you have against your sisters?” He said, crossing his arms. The Eclipse Prince nodded, ”YES! I have conquered! I have killed our enemies!” Burning Star fired his spell, ”Maragidyne!” and several plumes of Fire were unleashed upon Eclipsio. No damage was dealt... Celestia yelled at him in the Royal Canterlot Voice, “At what cost Eclipsio?! You were so paranoid that someone would destroy you that you commit genocide against you own kind?! Now you see why we banished you...” Prince Eclipsio screeched back as another blast of darkness flew from his hands, it was swatted away by Burning Star, ”Eclipsio is Dead! He was weak, unwilling to do what must be done to ensure that you and Luna know that everything doesn’t matter. Why do we associate ourselves with the pathetic ponies? They are mortal, they live sad little lives doing the task set to them, then die alone with no escape from death... why should I care about them? What reason have they given me to care? NONE.” Sunset decided to give him a piece of her own mind, “You have every reason to care, you twit! I thought the fact that you have so much power meant you were mature enough to use it, I guess I was wrong, wasn’t i?” Prince Eclipsio suddenly clutched his head and started screaming, ”SHUT UP! I am no longer bound by the chains of your “friendship” and “Love”. I have returned to what I was once, and should have been in the first place.” Prince Eclipsio’s Armor suddenly blew up and he emerged, his new form making all but Burning Star shiver in terror. Prince Eclipsio’s body had grown significantly, he now stood nearly 10 feet tall and he was much more muscular. His skin was charred black and seemed to pulse with purple and black sparks of energy. His robes had been completely destroyed, leaving tatters of clothing wrapped around his arms and legs. A long blood red scarf was wrapped around his neck, it was twisting in the wind like some sort of serpent. His once human hands and feet had morphed into monstrous claws and talons, each razor sharp and colored a bright silver. His once silver hair had been turned dark red and two black horns were sticking out of his head from behind his ears. Eclipsio’s face has morphed into something so nightmarish it couldn’t be described too well. His eyes had turned a sickly purple and black flames were blazing out of them. His teeth were pointed and black fire was seen coming out of the gaps of them. A long, spike-lined tail had emerged from his back and giant black and red demonic wings erupted from his shoulders. Burning Star looked upon this form and said to Flash Sentry, “Well that form is something I haven’t seen in a while...” Flash nervously asked, “What do you mean by that?” The Equestrian of Fire chuckled a bit, “Well... when I first met Eclipsio his body was destroyed and he was using an artificial one created by my Sunset Shimmer. When he was banished he went by a different name...” The demonic... thing roared loudly, shaking the very earth. ”I AM THE CONSUMER OF WORLDS! THE TERROR FROM CELESTIA AND LUNA’S WORST NIGHTMARES!” He unleashed several Megidola spells around the area, small balls of light scattered out, destroying everything they touched. It forced Burning Star to put up a shield. ”I AM BLACK ABYSS!” (Start Music) Black Abyss’s body glowed a eerie red and purple and the buildings around them had pieces being broken off. They were swept up into a purplish vortex that was appearing from the former Prince of Eclipses... Now he was Black Abyss, Consumer of Worlds and Bane to All Living Things. A monster so powerful that he literally destroyed his own body... ”VORPAL BLADE!” Black Abyss unleashed one of his attacks, sending blue energy blades towards Burning Star. They effortlessly smashed his shield and sent him flying against the crater wall, brutally injured. He tried to get up, but Black Abyss kept attacking him with Eigaon, pounding his body again and again... Burning Star threw Deicide at him, Black Abyss swatted the sword aside and sent a punch to him that sent him flying into the air and crash onto a car. Black Abyss opened his palms. ”NOW DIE! BLACK MEGIDOLAON!” All Flash could do was watch as Burning Star was engulfed in a purple energy blast that blew him away and onto the hard rocks below. ”Megidolaon!” Burning Star’s attack was destroyed on impact... ”Megaton Raid!” No scratch appeared on Black Abyss... Despite his strength and his multiple counter attacks, even Burning Star was unable to do anything to Black Abyss. Any attack he fired simply didn’t do any damage to him. Flames extinguished upon impact... His sword bounced off his skin... Even his own Megidolaon was nullified on contact... What could he do?! Black Abyss launched his own sword towards Burning Star, impaling him on it and dragging him into the air and into Black Abyss’s waiting claws. Black Abyss punched him in the face multiple times, as well as slashing him repeatedly midair. The Equestrian of Fire was slowly being killed... He couldn’t get away... he was going to die... Black Abyss finally threw him down into a building and unleashed THREE MEGIDOLAON attacks at once, blowing the entire skyscraper apart and dropping it on top of Burning Star, burying him. Black Abyss laughed, ”YOU ARE PATHETIC! AS I SAID, I AM THE MOST POWERFUL BEING EVER, AND ALL WILL BE DESTROYED BY MY HANDS. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Sunset screamed, “Burning Star! C’mon get up! You can’t lose!” No response... Shadow Armor also yelled, “You can’t die here! You can’t let this thing be the thing that puts you down!” No response... Burning Star crawled out the rubble, and was hit by another Megidolaon, sending him flying like a rag doll. Flash could only watch... this was all his fault... Black Abyss turned to the heroes and screamed out, ”Go ahead! Cry for your hero! He is nothing compared to me! He is useless, worthless, all because he values life. I WILL RENDER YOUR WORLD AND EQUESTRIA EXTINCT, AND HE WILL GO TO TARTARUS KNOWING HOW HE FAILED SO BADLY... THE MIGHTY BURNING STAR IS NOTHING BUT A WEAK, INSIGNIFICANT, UNIMPORTANT, HUMAN...” Black Abyss pointed his hand out and a dark ball of destruction formed, ”NOW DIEEEEEE!” Flash felt something well up inside him, either bravery or stupidity... and he ran out and grabbed Burning Star our of the way. He placed Burning Star on the ground behind him as Black Abyss floated in front of him. “Get back, you monster!” Flash shouted, earning a laugh from the Demon. ”Oh... what is this? You dare to stand in my way? The lonely and unimpressive Flash Sentry is going to save Burning Star? What chance to you stand against me?” Flash shook his head and assumed a fighting stance, “I will protect him, you will not get past me, Black Abyss!” This actually made Black Abyss smile, then he laughed again. “YOU WANT TO STOP ME!? AHAHAHAHAHA! Perhaps I underestimated you Flash Sentry. You are completely stupid as well as completely worthless. You really think that you, a fragile, unimpressive human with no powers... can stop me, the almighty destroyer of everything?” Flash felt his anger build, and he finally unleashed it. “I know I can! You are the one that is pathetic, Black Abyss!” Black Abyss snarled, ”You call me pathetic? How am I the pathetic one?” Flash looked back upon the broken body of Burning Star, and he felt his determination to stop this monster skyrocket. He said to the monster, no fear in his voice. “How are you pathetic? You are trying to destroy people and ponies that had nothing to deal with your banishment, you are willing to kill billions of innocent lives because you believe that because you are powerful you can do whatever you want to those less than you?!” ”Humans and ponies are weak! They deserve to be destroyed for their weakness!” Flash couldn’t take it anymore and screamed at the top of his lungs, tears in his eyes. “We are not weak! We have adapted and survived for thousands of years, built mighty empires and developed into a advanced society. We have done all this without your godlike powers, we have survived on instinct, intelligence, and willpower so strong that nothing can break it. Not even you!” Sunset looked at Flash yelling at Black Abyss, and she felt something well up within her as well. Flash continued to yell at the Demon. unknown to him... his body slowly began to glow. “And yet you, Prince Eclipsio... decide to destroy us simply because we are not as strong as you? I think you really want to destroy us because you are afraid of us... afraid that deep down, we are Infinitely stronger than you will ever be.” Flash stomped his foot down and pointed his hand at Black Abyss. “You. You are the weak one, because you fear us. You fear the idea that there could be someone slightly stronger than you, that even with all your magic and weapons and anything else... you will never be able to become a truly strong being.” The demonic destroyer roared, ”Silence! You know nothing of my power!” Black Abyss threw a boulder at Flash, who slid out of the way and continued to speak. “The fact that you need to constantly attack and lash out at anyone only tells me that you are the weakest being in the world. True strength comes from within, from drawing upon the strength of others, and by believing in them as well as yourself. That is what the true power is, the power of friendship... a force even you cannot defeat!” Burning Star came to just to hear Flash chewing out Black Abyss, “All my life I thought I was alone, that I was going to be forgotten, that what I’ve done as Black Sun was unforgivable. I made a mistake... but my friends are there to help, to give me strength. what you are doing is, in my opinion at least, this revenge is childish and sad. You did something wrong and were punished, F—King DEAL WITH IT, YOU WHINY BASTARD. YOU ARE A PETULANT CHILD...” Black Abyss flew forward and roared, ”I WILL END YOU! RAAAAGH!” Burning Star closed his eyes and waited to hear Flash’s scream of pain as Black Abyss tore him apart... But he heard nothing. He opened his eyes to see Flash Sentry... HOLDING BLACK ABYSS BACK!? (Stop first theme) (Begin 2nd theme) Black Abyss looked at Flash Sentry, the teen’s eyes were glowing blue and his hair was turning a dark blue. Some strange feeling ran across Black Abyss... something he didn’t know that he could feel... Terror. Flash Sentry cocked his fist back and punched Black Abyss clean across the face, sending him flying into the Canterlot Tower behind him. Burning Star felt his regeneration finally kick in, and he struggled to his feet. His jaw was on the floor... Flash Sentry... a normal human... had just shouted at Black Abyss... one of the most powerful beings to ever exist... and then punched him into a building. Flash turned around to see Burning Star standing up, and he said to him, his voice unusually strong, “You alright?” The Equestrian of Fire was speechless... Flash smiled, “I will take your silence as a yes... can you fight?” Burning Star nodded, “Do I really have a choice at the moment?” Flash let out a small chuckle, before Black Abyss flew out of the building covered in small bits of rubble. Burning Star picked up Deicide, while Flash Sentry just stood there... weaponless. Burning Star asked the human, “H-How did you do that?” Flash shrugged, “Does it really matter? Just get ready for battle!” Burning Star asked him again, “Wait... what about you?” Flash shot a smirk towards everyone that gave them hope. “For the sake of the humans and ponies who had lost their lives at the hands of Black Sun or him. will defeat Black Abyss... because that is what must be done.” He pointed his hand to the sky and exclaimed, “So I beg of thee, let the shroud of death descend upon the monster known as Black Abyss, and lend me the strength to do so!” Flash suddenly erupted into a plume of blue and black light, and his body started to change. His face was suddenly consumed by a white mask and a black robe engulfed his entire body. He began to float midair and his hands began to emit blue fire. His eyes turned blue and glowed with supernatural light. Flash snapped his fingers and a weapon manifested in his hand, a large dual ended scythe with one black blade on one end, and one white blade on the other. He split the scythe into two smaller ones and descended to the ground. The robed figure looked at Burning Star and spoke, his voice chilling him to the bone. ”You do not need to fear me, Alicorn of Fire. Through his show of true bravery in the face of impossible odds... Flash Sentry has proven himself worthy of my powers for a short time...” Burning Star was about to ask who or what this being was, but the being best him to the Punch. ”I am known by many names, the harvester of souls, the harbinger of death... but I am known by one name... The Reaper...” The Reaper pointed at Black Abyss, with his black scythe. ”Black Abyss... you have upset the balance between life and death with your needless destruction of innocent lives... the souls of the ones you killed scream out for your demise, I am here to fufill them.” ”DARK MEGIDOLAON!” shrieked Black Abyss, and a dark purple beam of light was launched at The Reaper. The Reaper simply held out his hand, and the attack vanished. Sunset was stunned, she said to everyone. “That thing that engulfed Flash just negated Black Abyss’s spell! How?!” The Reaper pointed at Black Abyss, and Burning Star knew what he had to do... Burning Star charged up his true strongest attack... All that this Reaper needed was an opening... Burning Star finished and pulled his arm back, the giant flaming ball of light held in his left hand. He then screamed his heart out, and put every last drop of his strength into his attack. Sunset signaled for everyone to get down... she what Burning Star was about to do... ”STAR... STRIIIIIKE!!!” Burning Star flung his Starstrike attack as hard as he could, it sailed toward Black Abyss, who put up his shield in hopes of lessening the impact. The shield broke instantly... and Black Abyss was engulfed in a massive explosion of fire and heat that could been seen throughout the city. It was like someone took the sun out of the sky and dropped it upon the world... in fact... it kinda was. Black Abyss screamed in agony as his incredible regeneration couldn’t keep up and his body was burned alive. The attack ended, and Black Abyss crashed to the ground, struggling to stand up. He finally stood up, but he was immediately greeted by the Reaper’s Black scythe against his body, and the chilling eyes of the Reaper were staring at him. Black Abyss kicked away and said with real fear in his voice. ”I can still stop you... you are still Flash Sentry under there...” The Reaper spoke, his words turning Black Abyss pale. ”No one can stop Death.” The Reaper swung his scythe across Black Abyss, and the demon shook for a moment... Then Black Abyss just... shattered into nothingness leaving behind a haunting scream that made even Burning Star’s blood run cold. (End music) The shield around the heroes vanished and Sunset ran down to Burning Star, embracing him in a hug. “Thank Faust you’re alive! You did it, you both did it, both you and Flash...” She turned to the black-robed being, and said to it. “Is... Flash alive?” The Reaper approached Sunset and bowed its head, ”Flash Sentry... is no longer with us... he sacrificed his life to stop Prince Eclipsio and save you all... I am sorry, Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset sank to her knees and wept... “To think I hated him for being that monster... I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him *sniff.” The Reaper hissed out, ”You can say farewell to him one last time...” The Reaper suddenly opened like a gate, and a translucent version of Flash floated out. Sunset looked at him with tears in her eyes, “I... I’m sorry for what I said when you were Black Sun... I don’t want to say goodbye to you.” Flash put his ethereal hand on Sunset’s cheek, he gave a small smile. ”You do not have to, Sunset.” He placed his hand over her heart and said to her, as well as everyone there. ”Do not be sad that I am gone... I will never be gone... I will always be with you all. Goodbye.” The spirit of Flash Sentry stepped back inside the Reaper, and it closed once more. The Reaper then began to speak, ”Do not mourn for Flash Sentry, instead... take solace in knowing that he finally free from the horror of serving Eclipsio. He will be watching you... from the world beyond.” The Reaper made his scythe disappear, and he began to speak, every word seemed to hurt the hearts of everyone. ”Reapers are not usually ones to offer condolences for what we do. We harvest souls of the ones that have died... and punish those who think themselves beyond our power. What you all have done has been enough to earn the respect of me and Death himself... you all willingly threw yourselves against a foe that in every way would have been your end. But you did it to save lives... and you have saved many. For that, I thank you.” He continued, his robe slowly billowing in an invisible wind. ”Life and Death are a necessary part of any universe, they do not take sides... you should know this. Death is not an enemy... it never has been an enemy of life... just the other end of it.” He started to walk to Burning Star, placing his unearthly hand upon his shoulder. ”Alicorn of Fire... while you have taken the lives of others, you have shown penance for your actions. And so... I shall spare you.” The Reaper finally started to disappear, but he finished by saying, ”I say to you all... while Life and Death normally do not change... one force can overpower both... Friendship.” The Reaper vanished into the wind, leaving the sounds of sobbing echoing throughout the silent city. The sun shone down upon the city, bringing back the light and heralding in the sense of peace. Sunset thought to herself... still in tears, but in tears of both sorrow and joy. ”Now... It is over...” Burning Star felt his own tears streaming down his cheeks, and he said quietly. ”Today is a day of rebirth for this city... as well as this world. Prince Eclipsio is forever destroyed... and I can rest easy on that. Flash Sentry... whoever or whatever you are I have one thing to say... “Thank you...”
Epilogue: Life Will ChangeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 12: The Unbreakable Ironheart vs The Unkillable Black Sun(Canterlot Hospital, ER) The hospital was busy, well... busier than usual. The commotion all started when multiple ambulances pulled, each one having a person in their late teens in it, they were all covered in cuts and bruises, many of which were bandaged crudely with pieces of cloth and paper towels. Whoever made these bandages tried the best they could to stop the bleeding, but they needed medical attention. After a few hours of surgery, stitching, and other medical procedures, the heroes were all laid down in hospital beds, IV bags of blood being administered into them. In the corner of the room stood Ironheart... writing away in his data logs, which he kept in his gauntlets. ”Ironheart’s Log Date 10/01/28.” “I have made discoveries regarding Black Sun, his employer is the Alicorn by the name of Prince Eclipsio Da’irko/Alicornus, younger brother to Princess Celestia Alicornus and Princess Luna Alicornus. I attempted to confront him along with Element of Compassion, Sunset Shimmer. The Alicorn of Fire known as Burning Star as well as his allies Shadow Armor, Frostclaw the Kirin, and the psychokinesis using Lucina aided me in the conflict, but Eclipsio’s sheer strength and his heartless fighting style bested me.” he wrote down, while keeping his helmet on to not alarm anyone with his cybernetic face. He looked at the sleeping body of Sunset Shimmer, he had requested that he should stay with her. He continued to write, ”Now I stand as the only one not seriously injured by the wrath of the Prince of Eclipses, my armor had to be repaired, but that was about the largest extent of my injuries.” Sunset began to stir in her sleep, and she opened her eyes slowly to see Savior standing in the corner dictating something to some sort of holographic image. “I-Ironheart... ouch.” She wheezed out, sitting up before collapsing back in pain. “Sunset... you’re alive! Thank Faust...” Ironheart said as he rushed over to Sunset. Sunset managed a weak smile, “Agh... I’m not gonna die Ironheart, everything just hurts all over... what happened? Why am I in a hospital? Where is the rest of the group and the Rainbooms?” The cybernetic human hung his head, “They suffered more serious injuries than you did. Some had to be operated on to remove bits of metal and fix broken bones. The doctors said they are all going to be ok.” Suddenly, the Chief of Police, Shining Armor, stepped into the room. He had a relieved expression on his face when he saw Sunset was awake. “Welcome back, Sunset. It was a good thing your white knight over here sent us an alert, otherwise you would have most likely died out there.” He said, his face resuming his worried expression. “But I need to ask you, what happened out there? I arrive on the scene with half of the force with me, I’m outfitted in my Riot Gear, and I find you and your friends critically injured and Black Sun flying off with someone in his arms?” He asked while raising an eyebrow. Sunset started to explain, wincing in pain, “Well... it turns out that Prince Eclipsio was the one using Black Sun all this time... he said that it was all apart of his revenge against his sisters or something...ouch.” Shining had an angry and knowing look on his face, “I knew he couldn’t be trusted, as soon as I saw him I felt something wrong, and i am both angry and scared to see that I was right.” Sunset looked at the two of them before saying, “Well... what now? Both of them escaped and we’re all sitting ducks here in the hospital. I know Eclipsio is going to be sending that armored monster any time now!” Almost as if on cue, an explosion went off outside. Savior ran to the window and saw who Sunset just mentioned. It was Black Sun! He had broken through the police barricade set up along the road and was currently blowing up cars and gunning down officers. He shouted towards the hospital, “Burning Star! Where are you?! Eclipsio has injured you, and it is my job to kill you! I swore that I would be the one to end you, and I will make good on that promise.” Savior looked out upon the destruction, his audio receptors in his helmet picking up the screams of pain and terror from the police and medical staff that were cut down like wheat in a field. He clenched his fist and snarled in rage, “Black Sun has to be stopped... and Burning Star can’t stop him while he is wounded...” Savior turned to Sunset and said, “I’m going out there, Sunset. Black Sun must be stopped before he spills any more innocent blood. This is a hospital, and Eclipsio attacks it because we are here... because he wants to send a message that everyone will die. I will send him a message of my own, that I will not let him destroy a world that has nothing to do with the Alicorn Sisters.” He began to walk out the door, but Shining stepped in front of him, blocking him. “You aren’t going out there without me. I’m tired of being on the sidelines. So I’m coming with you, Savior.” Said Shining, a fierce look in his eyes. Savior shook his head and moved him to the side, “No Shining... you are just going to get yourself killed. Black Sun is far too dangerous for you.” Shining Armor stomped his foot, “I don’t care how powerful he is. Those two bastards hurt my sister, killed my officers, and made my life a living hell for the past week... I’m getting my shot at them, whether it kills me or not.” Savior shook his head again and responded, now irritated, “Black Sun will kill you if you go out there! do not throw your life away for the sake of revenge!” “Not going out there would kill us all... now let’s go.” Shining responded, no fear in his voice. Savior took one look back at Sunset, who gave him a silent nod to go ahead. Savior grabbed Shining Armor in his arms and the two blasted out the doors. (Hospital Parking Lot) Savior and Shining Armor landed out in the parking lot, they hadn’t gotten the attention of Black Sun. The armored villain was currently spraying the ambulances full of bullets. Another group of officers arrived on the scene, Black Sun shrugged. “More humans to crush... these insects have yet to offer me a real challenge.” He said while firing a rocket at the police cars, blowing them up. Savior and Shining both pointed their guns at the ironclad menace and shouted, “BLACK SUN! Down here!” Black Sun turned his head downward to see the two Warriors, and he laughed as he said, “You dare challenge me? Me?! Don’t make me laugh harder, you can’t kill me, no one can kill me.” Shining Armor fired a few shots at Black Sun, they bounced harmlessly off him. He said to the villain, “That remains to be seen, Black Sun. So far you haven’t stayed around long enough for us to deal any serious damage. While I originally thought that you were retreating because you were growing bored of our conflict, you were really retreating because you really aren’t as invincible as you boast you are, am I right?” Black Sun strangely went silent for a few minutes, then he suddenly said, “You are correct, but only in the case that I was fighting the Alicorn humans and that girl Lucina... Your police force has no effect on me.” Said Black Sun, floating in the air. He then loaded his weapons and pointed them at the two before saying, “If you will not wait for your destruction, then I will do away with you now. I have taught you fear, given you pain... and now... you will DIE.” Black Sun unleashed a hail of bullets upon the duo, Shining immediately ducked behind a concrete barrier and Savior rushed at Black Sun, the bullets bouncing off his armor harmlessly. He extended his plasma blades and delivered a slash to Black Sun’s arms, slicing off the gun muzzles Off and cleaving through the external armor coating. He responded by blasting a rocket point blank into Savior’s chest plating. Savior flew back a good twenty feet before he stabilized himself and crashed into Black Sun, driving him into the ground and cratering it. “Here, take this!” Said Savior, tossing his electrified sword to Shining Armor, who picked it up and ignited it. Shining leapt into the fray, putting his fighting skills to the test against a super-dangerous armored human with fuel to WMDs powering his armor. Shining now realized how badass that sounded, and he swung the blade at Black Sun’s chest, it cut it open, but not that deep. Shining was kicked in the gut followed by a cross chop to the face, his nose broke and one of his eyes swelled up, he heard several ribs crack, but he didn’t care. His adrenaline was so high he wasn’t feeling any pain. Shining finally stabbed Black Sun’s wings and broke them, before he enacted his own flavor of pain, a jab to the gut with his combat knife. “You won’t hurt my sister or her friends any more... Black Sun, I’m placing you under arrest.” Said Shining, wiping the blood off his mouth. Black Sun was laying spread out on the ground, and he snarled at the chief of police. “Don’t count on it, Shining Armor. I’ll break out, Eclipsio will free me... I will make sure to kill all of your sisters friends and your sister in the most brutal, sickening, disturbing way possible. You can be sure of that. Heh-heh...” Savior prepared to assist, but he stopped when he heard a haunting sound. Shining Armor let out a scream... a scream of rage that sounded like something not of this earth. Like something from the shadows had crawled out of the blackest pit of hell and arrived in front of him. Shining Armor suddenly flew into what could be described as “Berserk”, he began to hack and cut away at Black Sun, screaming like a hellion. “JUST DIE ALREADY! NO ONE HURTS MY SISTER! NO ONE! RAAARGH!” His onslaught of blows continued, each one slicing through Black Sun’s armor like a hot knife through butter... he finally hit Black Sun’s head and cracked his mask open, before laughing a laugh so frightening that it sent a metaphorical shiver up the spine of Ironheart. ”GRAH-HAHAHAHA-HA!” bellowed Shining, ripping off the rest of the mask from Black Sun, before his eyes widened. The face he was looking upon was the face of Twilight’s first crush, it was Flash Sentry! Flash couldn’t fight back, retreat, or even defend himself. Nearly all his weapons were dead, his wings were broken, and his armor was failing underneath the savage blows of both Shining and Savior. Shining stopped pummeling for a brief moment upon seeing his face, “Flash?! Why are you Black Sun?” He asked in shock, his voice changing in tone and pitch. Flash kicked Shining off of him and staggered to his feet, Savior took this chance and sent a rocket powered Punch to his chest, sending him flying through a brick wall and into a gym next to the hospital. Burning Star happened to be training there when Black Sun flew into the building and he stepped off his treadmill. Because of his Alicorn Regeneration, he was up faster than the others... but parts of him were still sore. So when the armored monster responsible for most, if not all of his pain flew through the brick wall... he was more than annoyed. He was FURIOUS! Burning Star picked up Black Sun and tossed him back out the hole, saying to him. “I don’t have time for this...” Black Sun flew uncontrollably into the arms of Savior, who delivered a slug to his chest with his infinisteel clad fist. Shining heard a sickening crunch as Black Sun’s Magisteel Armor was broken under the superior metal, causing him to collapse in pain. Flash growled, “You... you can’t kill me...” Shining Armor wasted no words and impaled him on the electric Sword, causing the teen to cry out in agony. Savior ripped him off and grasped him by his neck, asking him with venom in his voice. “We have beaten you, stabbed you, blasted you, and you still are alive. How?” Black Sun laughed weakly, “I just told you... you can’t kill me, I can’t die... I literally cannot die.” He began to speak more clearly, “You see, Prince Eclipsio injected me with pure, untamed Alicorn Magic that he extracted from his own blood... heh-heh. while I didn’t gain his magical prowess, I gained super speed, strength, and most importantly... his inability to be killed by natural means. This includes stabbing me, cutting me, and hitting me with attacks that would turn a normal human to mush...” Black Sun kicked out of Savior’s grasp and a blue and black portal opened behind him. He turned towards it and then turned his head to the two men that just beat him senseless, “You fought well today... but I will be victorious the next time we meet. If you want to settle this once and for all, Shining... tell Burning Star to use this device to enter my base.” He finished by smirking and saying, “Also, bring all your friends... make it interesting for me. Eclipsio would love to kill you all, and it would be much easier for you to just come to him Rather for him to come to you... goodbye!” Black Sun rushed into the portal and dropped a sphere filled with swirling blue and black mist in it, before the portal closed with a bright flash. (End theme) Shining turned to Savior and asked quite bluntly, “Why did we let him go?” Savior snorted out, “Because we are doing what Eclipsio intends to do to us. He is only sending Black Sun after us because he is too afraid of us to take us on one-on-one... we have inflicted pain upon Black Sun.” He unloaded his empty magazines and finished by saying, “Once everyone is ready, we prepare to confront them at Black Sun’s base. You go get some rest...” Shining noticed that he still had Savior/Ironheart’s sword in his hand, and he reached out to give it back. Savior waved his hand away, “No... keep it. You fought like no man I’ve seen in a while. Where did you get that strength?” Shining rubbed his head sheepishly, “What strength? I-I don’t know what you are talking about, Savior. But thank you for the sword, and I must be going back to my headquarters now. Bye!” Shining Armor took off running down the street at incredible speed. This made Ironheart raise one of his metal eyebrows in curiosity, while he had seen Burning Star, Eclipsio, and many other of the Humanized Equestrians run at that speed... that was because they could do it as ponies. As far as Ironheart knew this Shining wasn’t a pony... so what could allow him to survive against one of the most dangerous men in the world? He opened up his recorder again and began to speak into it. ”Profile Update: Chief Shining Armor” “Subject has exhibited heightened strength and speed, as well as a ridiculous tolerance to pain. His wounds would have proved fatal to a normal human, but he was unhindered by the various wounds. In fact, his physical strength had increased to superhuman levels for the time he was brutally attacking Black Sun.” He changed files to “Black Sun” and he began to write in that as well. ”Profile update: Black Sun” “Identity of Black Sun has been confirmed as Flash Sentry, who I previously thought deceased due to finding his grave in the Everfree Forest. Upon further inspection of Flash Sentry it seems that his body has grown from his previous 5’ 07” to a large 6’ 01”. Eclipsio’s magic is the most likely cause.” He finished up his writing with one last paragraph, “This change may be possible through the use of the Equestrian magic equivalent of an anabolic steroid as well as several milliliters of Alicorn Blood, judging from the samples on my claws and bullets found shot through his exposed skin.” Ironheart closed his database and turned to the hole in the wall and sighed. “Oh boy... that’s gonna suck to fix.” (Black Sun’s Base, Eclipsio’s room) Prince Eclipsio’s room was built like an astral observatory. It had a clear view of both the sun and the moon outside in the blackness of space. Eclipsio hated Space... and the fact that he was in space during his banishment didn’t help it. Black Sun reasoned with him that this would be “the best possible way to continually replenish his sisters powers.” After all, he needed it to heal Black Sun, and to charge his “project”. He had been working with Magitek for a little while, he usually left that twit Flash Sentry to handle it. Despite being dumb as a post at most things, he was an expert in everything technology and magic. Apparently he had paid attention to the ravings of that “Sci-Twi” as he called her... ”Pathetic human, you had ambition when you turned into Midnight Sparkle. I saw your power, but you gave it up like the weakling you are...” thought Eclipsio, fiddling with a knife. Behind him floated his sisters Celestia and Luna, stuck in suspended animation, being bathed in the the light of their respective celestial bodies to charge their magic for later... Black Sun flew out of a portal and into the observatory, he was beaten and bartered... He said to his “champion”, “Typical, you lost again... it’s becoming a pattern Flash. I’m starting to wonder why I even bothered brining you back from the dead.” Flash pulled off his helmet and threw it to the side, before he pointed the prince and said. “Hey, you’re the one who wanted me to teach you how to act on this world. You also needed MY help to find the Magic Battery that Twilight used.” Eclipsio smirked and responded, “Yes. She should have disposed of the shards in its entirety...” He pulled a circular object out of his robe, it was the magic battery! However, instead of purple and dark pink it was black and silver with red lining. It also had his Eclipse mark on it instead of the magic emblem of Twilight. He placed it on a machine that was connected to Celestia and Luna’s pods by two silver tubes. He pressed a button and the tubes began to glow white. Celestia and Luna writhed in pain as their wings drooped and the color drained from their eyes, Magic was flowing into the amulet. It glowed bright white and silver, illuminating the dark room. Black Sun suddenly stopped the machine and Celestia and Luna stopped twitching. The Prince looked mad. He nearly roared, “Why did you stop?! The battery is almost full... just a little more and I will have all the magic I need to activate my project... and yet your HUMANITY continues to get in the way!” Flash suddenly did something Eclipsio didn’t expect... He slugged Eclipsio across the face, HARD. The Prince recoiled back and collapsed in pain. Flash walked over and spit on him, “I wish I never met you, I could have had a happy afterlife. But you, you dragged me into your hellish scheme for revenge. I will abide by our contract, I will kill Burning Star... but after that... I’m coming for you.” “BEGONE... THOT!” Prince Eclipsio shouted as he sent Black Sun out of the room. He rushed over to his cushion and ripped it in half with his sword, tearing the feathers across the room in a fit of rage. Eclipsio thought to himself, ”My plan is almost complete, Sisters... soon, everything you built will fall and die. And the best part, the very best part?” He turned toward the earth and smiled, “Soon, EVERYONE WILL BURN! Hahahahahhaha!” From her suspended animation, a single tear could be seen dripping from Celestia’s eye.
