The Foundation of Memory's Past

I was floating. Not really aware of my spacial awareness at the moment. Sure, I could feel the tingle of light electricity dancing up and around my body, but I was just not aware about where I was. My skin crawled as the air around me felt cold, but not unpleasant.

"Why are you here?" I heard call from my left. I didn't actually hear it but felt it. As though I was saying it, but my mouth wasn't moving. Not sure if I could answer what this thing wanted, I elected to remain silent until it repeated itself, or something else happened.

"Franz, why are you here." It repeated. It sounded familiar, almost like I knew who it was, despite not knowing.

"Franz, I need you to lift your head. You have died."

I mulled over that bit. Dead? Like, actual death? Not sure if re-spawning would be an issue, but I highly doubt it. If I wait long enough, I'll be pulled back into my new body like nothing happened, and I'll be back with Celestia and Luna at the Canterlot Castle.

"Surely you don't think that. You are dead, Franz. You died by your own hands." They said, sounding more female than they are now. By my hands? I'm fairly sure that would mean I did a suicide really quick, then bounced from that subconscious place. I mean, that would be a pretty metal way to go, fighting your inner demons and dying. Guess I should wake up now. What's taking so long?

"There is no re-spawning this time, Franz. Not from this. Listen to me. Focus on my voice." The now clearly identified she said. Like I wouldn't be able to come back. Sure, it might take a while, but it'll happen. Any day now.

"Observe this." She said, my field of vision was suddenly brought to a scene I expected to be familiar but wasn't. I was being rushed to the Hospital; my body being carefully moved as I was set up to multiple machines. Luna was there, tears in her eyes as she sobbed from a distance. She looked like she was horribly shaken, and even traumatized. But why would she? I'll re-spawn soon enough, they just have to kill me.

Celestia was there as well, and she had a stressed look in her eyes. Fear was another thing in them too, along with tears, from what I could gather. Ditzy was also here, and she was shocked to see me hooked up to so many of these machines. I think some time has passed, but Luna was still with me. Wait, was I really dead? Or was I brain dead? Something was wrong, I could feel it.

My field of view shifted again, and it looked like I was still on that bed. Luna was still there, and she was lying next to me. I felt heartache from this, and I wanted to reach out and hold her, but my arms met nothing but air.

"Do you see what this future has led to? Your death is the spark of a series of events that changed the world. Some things for the better..."

It shifted again to show them building cities that were more advanced than I previously thought. Even my home world was less developed than this particular place.

"...and for the worse." She finished, as my field of vision was blinded by a very bright light, followed by a rather large boom. I recoiled from the vision. They would do this to each other!? What of Celestia? Luna?!

"Luna, while distraught in a fit of depression and self-hatred, took her own life in hopes of being with you once more, several years after your death. Celestia followed by an accident with a spell to revive both you and Luna, and left Twilight to rule in her stead." The female voice said. It sounded oddly like Spar.

Wait.

No.

No, no, no, no, no!

Why would she do that!?

"Her love for you was everlasting, and she honestly thought she would spare her sanity if she could feel your touch again. When morning rose, she was found with a sword through her chest, with a note specifically for Celestia and her regards. She never courted anyone else within that time, and she left a verse specifically for you."

My vision shifted back to Luna, who was humming a sweet tune. A lovely song that was all too familiar as she laid next to me.

"Dear Franz, I had a fun time participating within the Ponyville tradition Winter Wrap Up, and I remembered something that thou... you would hum in our past. So, after much searching within the depths of my mind, I found it. I only wished for thou, you, to know how much I love you."

She cleared her throat , and softly began humming.

I felt my chest tighten, my very core being ripped out and torn to shreds. My breaths were hitched, my head spun. Why. By god WHY!!!

"It's a lot to take in, but this is what becomes of the world without you in it."

Luna...

What the fuck. Don't let this be real.

Don't...

"There is, however, a way to prevent all of this. To not transfer this Nightmare Moon between the two of you, which would have led to both of your deaths. Doing so will require a, how to say, price."

I'll fucking do it! Just let me see Luna again!

"If you wish. You'll be reverted back to before you became a host to this odd creature. Are you sure you'd like this? You will remember everything, but no one else will."

"Oh my god! Just let me see her again!" I said, my strength returning.

"As you command, Imagination." She said, a warm feeling crawling through my chest.

I felt myself be flung backwards intensely, and everything shift wildly. My vision dimming to glimpses of blue, along with a bit of white withing the darkness that I was in.

"With your Fundamental Element and our human ingenuity, I don't doubt you'll find a way around this."

I felt myself become jostled, and I awoke.

I jumped up with a start, pain wracking in my body as I tried to take in as much air as I could. I was blinded by the sun's rays, and I panicked.

"LUNA!!!" I screamed, grabbing my head and shutting my eyes. My head spun as I recalled everything up to a certain point. I stayed there, not moving until the pain had subsided. I didn't feel better emotionally, but physically, I recovered. Taking deep, calming breaths, I slowly opened my eyes and noticed something. I was laying on the dirt floor. The same space where I was when I woke up. What?

"What?" I asked, not getting an answer. Observing my surroundings, I definitely was where I woke up. My mind jumped back to what I had been told. Human Ingenuity. Does this mean that Spar was human like me?

Getting up to my feet, I tried summoning my armor like before, but nothing happened. It seemed as though my lack of power was temporary. Least the materialization was.

Giving a small growl, I tried to jump up and made it about three meters high. Some abilities returned a little more immediate than what I thought.

"Guess I still have something going." I muttered, looking around for anything that I could collect. I remembered something, and I looked up at the trees, spotting my backpack up in the tree I had climbed from the previous time.

'Hope this still works.'

Jumping up into the tree, I landed on a sturdy branch and began climbing it until I reached my backpack. Grabbing it, I looked inside and saw that I still had my things inside. My small pill like speaker, my laptop, writing utensils, light snacks, and textbooks.

I tried deleting the Textbooks, and they began fading away slowly, a blue light eating away until it was gone. Something inside me sparked, and I felt only slightly stronger. Maybe dematerializing things helped me regenerate my power?

Climbing the tree further, I looked for Ponyville's bell tower. It took me a second, but I spotted it a small walk away as a human. Jumping down, I decided to see if I could revert back to my disguise. I was a bit disheartened that I couldn't, but I knew that I would eventually.

I decided to go into The Everfree instead of Ponyville. I wanted to see if I could get a head start and meet Nightmare Moon before she handed my ass to me like the first time. It was still daytime, and I had about a few hours of solid time before it got dark. How long did it take me to gain most of my strength back? About a day, if I recalled back to when I encountered Nightmare Moon.

Beginning my trek towards The Everfree, I remembered something important and quickly made my way over to a certain spot for something. After half hour of walking, I was near where the first Storage Unit was. And within 10 minutes, I found the charred device sitting underneath some grass. It was harder than it looked, but I managed.

Deciding to test my abilities again, I thought about making armor similar to my last suit. Upon flexing my power, I managed to create most of the suit. It sat on the floor nicely, bare and without weapons or the advanced tech.

Throwing on the armor, I was careful to not rip it apart by accident and jogged into The Everfree Forest with one location in mind.

After a few hours of walking, I was nearing the COTTRPS to snag a few things for today. Sliding my backpack off, I was glad that I still had my automated biological functions like before. At the least those stayed with me.

"What are you up to, Franz?" I heard Nightmare Moon say from behind me.

"I was wondering when you'd show up, Nightmare Moon. What took you so long?" I said, noting that everything slowed down like last time.

"You now my name." She whispered, an interested look crossing her features.

"I know a lot of things. Now, what do you want. I sort of need to get you out of Luna and away from us." I hurried, moving my hands in a circular motion to prompt her.

"If you must know, then I shall at least humor you on the topic."

"Yeah yeah, I betrayed you, and you want to kill me and take over Equestria with my power. I get it!" I said, growing frustrated.

"DO NOT TAKE ME LIGHTLY FRANZ! I WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!" She screeched suddenly, causing my ear to twitch.

"Love you too, sweetie." I said back, earning silence from her as she faded as fast as she showed up. Sighing, I continued as before, not bothering to bring my backpack along. I did, however, leave it under a bush. It would get in the way if I brought it.

'Finally, I get some peace and quiet.' I thought, crossing an old bridge. It was the same one I remembered that led to The COTTRPS during my journey with Celestia and Luna. Going into a sprint, I made it all the way to the entrance. Figuring I should make something to protect myself for now, I made a Trace Rifle. This bad boy can pierce through 50mm of thick steel at the least.

Aiming it at a wall, I gave it a test fire. I was hit with almost no recoil, and amazement as it cut right through the stone wall and into the opposite room. Smirking, I imagined a dial on its side and turned it up just a bit more as the gun hummed and glowed with an intimidating ice blue.

"Oh yeah, I'm keeping this." I whispered.

Kicking down the door, I made a sweep of the interior. Upon finding nothing, I beelined to where that weapons cache was. Reaching the door, I set some explosives and blew a hole in the wall, giving way for my entrance.

Running down the spiraling stairs, I broke down the doors that held those 939 variants and scanned the room for them. I counted about close to 120-240 in total.

"COME AT ME BITCHES!!!" I roared, earning several screeches in response as they charged at my voice. Pulling up my weapon, I began spraying them down, catching the first few off guard as they tripped up the few that had gotten caught up in the initial burst. My weapons didn't seem to stop them, and I slung it over my shoulder.

Feeding energy into my hands, I began smashing through them as they closed the distance, their bodies imploding upon impact and spraying me, and the surroundings near me in their viscera. One jumped up at me, its jaws open to crush my neck. Catching it, I ripped it open while using it to smack one who tried to catch me off guard to the side. Its head split open, and whatever it held inside was spilled onto the ground as I dropped it to focus on the ones who were still attacking.

"Star Platinum!" I called, nothing happening as I felt myself get dragged to the ground. Throwing a punch, I killed it with ease, its body going limp as my shoulder was embedded into its stomach. It withered away soon after.

Delivering punches and kicks with lightning-fast speed, I dispatched several 939's before confronting the largest one. Charging a rather powerful blast in my hand, I released it into the crowd of monsters, reducing most to ash as I dragged it across the enclosed area, and causing part of the building to collapse above me.

Ducking under, I delivered a punch that blew a ripping hole into another one of these monstrosities, earning a second withering corpse on my other arm as it soon faded away. Turning quickly, I felt my eyes shift and extended my hands. Instantly, many of the 939 came hurtling towards me, the ground they were using to stay above coming along.

"Blaze Release: Honoikazuchi!" I called, black embers sprouting into the creatures that were unlucky enough to be caught in my range. One of the bigger ones that was out of my range charged me, and I brought my Trace Rifle, and began emptying its infinite ammunition supply.

It decelerated until it came to a halt in front of me, struggling to remain upright as its body was almost immobilized by the intense charge I had administered. I brought my attention back to the others, who were all cowering in fear.

"RIP AND TEAR! UNTIL IT'S DONE!" I called, bringing the Trace Rifle back up to full efficiency as it cooled off. Slinging the weapon over my back, I created The Crucible from Doom. If past me didn't exist, then I would have used this sooner.

Giving it a hefty swing, it sent out a wave of red energy that ripped through everything in its path. The 939's never stood a chance, as The Crucible would destroy everything that meets the edge of the blade. Well, mostly everything.

Another one of the bigger one's came at me, and I lifted it and swung at a sideways angle. It dodged and I launched the butt of the sword into where it's eyes would normally be. It screeched in agony, before I brought it up, over, and down onto its head, splitting it in two and cauterizing the entry point.

Deactivating The Crucible, I set it on my hip and created a pair of Energy Swords from Halo. I was only able to make one, but I was able to get by. I dashed after any of the fleeing 939 and cut them down. So far, there weren't many left. Probably only a couple that were actually trying to hide, which I decided to just eradicate with a small pulse of fire and plasma that seeped into the enclosed area.

Holstering the Energy Sword, I brought The Crucible back and activated it, its pulsating edge that gave off an intense glow as I charged it with a small percentage of my own power. Raising it up, I brought it down into the ground.

"RAAAAAH!"

And vaporized anything that was living within a 1-mile distance. Ponyville was 4 miles away, and I am glad it is. In an instant, it was done. Dropping The Crucible, I fell back into the slippery floor and caught my breath.

"You are frightening, you know that?" Nightmare Moon said.

"And I'm coming for you next." I said, looking right at her with an intense stare.

She seemed startled and disappeared quickly after. Giving a sigh, I pulled myself back up and looked over the massacre that happened. Jeez, everything was covered in blood or chunks of the 939's. I continued on my way through the tunnels, not stopping until I made it to the Weapons Cache again. Jogging through the narrow halls, and bursting through when needed, I made it in record time.

Looking around, I grabbed The Crucible again and ignited it, giving the walls a quick slash before I moved to the next room. When I got back inside, I just levitated everything into a Pocket Dimension, otherwise known as the Kamui. A temporary solution, but still a solution.

Going up to the screen, I saw that the ship was still drifting near towards that Apploosa place, only it would take almost 3 months to get there. Sighing, I connected the statistics to my helmet and all the data within the monitors.Checking the time, I saw that it was almost nightfall.

Removing the armor, I checked to see if I could change into my disguise again. I could, and I put the armor back on, shifting it to fit my form once more, changing its structure to be the previous Nanomaterial.

Looking around, I decided to go out and wait for Nightmare Moon/Luna to arrive. Perhaps I should join Twilight and the rest, but that would entail reintroducing myself, despite already knowing them and their names. It would be awkward and just feel off.

Taking a glance up, I thought of leaving and jumped into the air, blasting my way through the ground until I reached the surface. I didn't want to teleport due to my abhorrent luck with it in the past.

And I was met with a chicken dragon thing. After it stared at me for a moment, I shot it. Oddly enough, it just squawked at me and limped off. Strange.

"So, what to do, what to do..." I questioned aloud, folding my arms as I took a seat. An idea struck, and I materialized a bed and climbed in, deciding to take a nap until it was time.

It took me a few minutes of uncomfortable adjusting, as well as getting used to sleeping in an open sky, but I managed to actually fall asleep. When I did, I felt myself immediately be whisked away by my inner subconscious.

I was in an expansive, white room with nobody around. I believed I would have to confront my past self, so I clenched my fists, ready for whatever might be waiting. However, I was not expecting Nightmare Moon to be here, let alone Luna. She appeared to be in a relaxed state, floating in the air as if without any support. She was in her human form, and so was Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon wore sleek black armor, along with a simple under layer that would prevent chaffing. Her hair was the same murky mist it was, and she had almost the exact features as Luna, save for the key difference. Her eyes. Nightmare Moon's eyes were that of a cat. A slit, instead of a pupil.

"So, here to torture me again? Or are you going to go for mental abuse this time around?" I spat, glaring at her.

"Franz, you must listen. I do not wish to kill you, merely use you to rule over the land as a pair. Yes, I do want to get some form of revenge, but I need your cooperation at the moment."

"Only thing you'll get from me is a face full of my fist! I know what you're up to, and I'm not letting you inside my head." I said, staring her down.

"I want to rule together, Franz! What part of that don't you understand!" She said, moving closer. I summoned my energy staff and pointed it to her, making sure to extend it a bit to intimidate her.

"I'd stay right there if you know what's good for you. Last time I let you in, you killed me." I growled.

"Last time?" She asked.

"Long story, and I don't feel like explaining."

"Very well. However, our offer still stands. You have until midnight to decide."

"I know what I want, and it isn't with this version of Luna." I said, not moving from my spot.

She let out a sigh.

"If you insist." She said, drawing a sword from her hip. Before she was able to fully draw it, I shifted space and appeared behind her, my staff forming a sharp end as I pressed it up against her neck.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll place the sword back into its sheath." I whispered, my energy staff having grazed her right cheek. She gave a gasp and stiffened, before I heard it clink back into place. I lowered my staff in compliance.

"Leave Luna here on your way out." I said, focusing on Luna. In a flash, she was temporarily removed, and I could look at Luna. Going up to her, I extended a hand to her cheek, a small cut on it as I spawned a towel to clean it off.

"Luna, if you can hear me, I want to say I'm sorry. I'll try harder this time, I swear." I said, despite the lack of a response. I stroked her hair off to the side, earning a light coo from her unconscious mouth. Sighing, I figured it was time I woke up. Luna's got to wake up sometime, and that time is today.

Opening my eyes, I saw that it was still dark, and that there were a few animals laying near me on the bed. Not that I cared, but getting up was a slight hassle. My ears perked. Someone was here. No, several people were here.

Getting up, I left the bed and flew overhead to see if it was indeed them. I saw them just a few meters away from crossing the bridge unscathed. I noticed that Nightmare Moon was nearby, and I glared at the misty gas that she used so often.

Then I figured I should let this play out unlike last time, and not intervene. Gliding down, I went to where the Elements were, and I looked at them. They were all here, still ready to use for Twilight and her friends. The sixth element, however, was still missing. How did Twilight get it last time?

Contemplating, I gave a startled yelp as I heard the door open from behind me rather loudly.

"Who are you?" I heard Rainbow ask. Turning, I saw that they were all watching me with suspicion. Well, most of them. Fluttershy was cowering, and Pinkie was... Wait where did she go? She was right there!

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just leaving." I said. I really was.

"Y'all got any idea where ya are?" Applejack asked me.

"Yes. I'm at the COTTRPS, quite the trek from Ponyville I say." I said, earning a sideways glance from them.

"Wait a minute! What if you're a spy!"

"Rainbow! Just cause ya don't know somepony don't mean they're a spy, right?" She asked, looking at me.

"Yeah, I suppose you have that right to be suspicious of me. I mean, I am in the room where the Elements Of Harmony are, and Nightmare Moon is going to try and destroy them. So who knows who why I'm here, save for me." I said cryptically.

"So, you live here in this, garish castle all by yourself?! Why would anypony do that?" Rarity asked.

"No idea, I'm just here to help with Nightmare Moon." I said.

"Deal with her, or with her?" Twilight asked, eyeing me up and down.

"Look, I don't want to start off on the wrong hoof, I just want to get Luna back to we can continue where we left off." I stated.

"Who's Luna?" Pinkie asked, suddenly behind me. It took an unreal amount of effort not to accidentally lash out at her as I put my poker face on.

"Never mind that, let's just go." I said quickly, walking to the door to avoid Pinkie. It was dark, so I didn't expect them to be able to see my wings. Pulling up my visor, I looked around for her, hoping I could attack her before she did Twilight. I heard
them follow as well, leaving Twilight in the room by herself to try and activate The Elements again.

"So...What's your name?" Rainbow asked, flying above me.

"Franz." I said, keeping it brief.

"I feel like you're hiding something, Franz." She continued, exaggerating my name to try and provoke me.

"Rainbow, quit it. I'm sure Franz here ain't got nothing to be suspicious of. Sorry bout that, partner. I'm Applejack." Applejack said, raising her hoof for a shake. I noted that I was still a good size taller than them, maybe a little smaller than Luna at this time.

"It's by no means any trouble. I know how she can get sometimes. Awfully loyal she is." I said, realizing my poor choice of wording.

"Yes. Wait, what?" She said, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. I saw a bright light shine through the room, and I narrowed my eyes for what was here.

"What's wrong?" Pinkie asked, suddenly appearing near me.

"..." I said nothing and activated my armor, my body wanting to lash out and smack her and I was starting to think she was doing it on purpose. Feeling it crawl over me and take form, I condensed my power into raw energy for my armor to be able to utilize without consequence.

I felt them stare at me in surprised awe, and I spread my wings, launching myself up and off the ground to locate where Nightmare Moon would be. After a brief pause of a few seconds, Nightmare Moon, along with Twilight and the Elements, reappeared right where they were last time.

Nightmare Moon was staring at Twilight as her spell took effect of The Elements and sent her flying back. Rearing on her hind legs, Nightmare Moon brought them down, with Twilight watching in horror as they smashed the Elements to pieces once again.

Slowing time, I divebombed Nightmare Moon and crashed next to her. Resuming time, I maneuvered behind and grabbed her by her waist and threw myself backwards into a suplex. She was caught off guard and embedded into the ground away from Twilight. Moving away and over to Twilight, her expression of terror had vanished, now replaced by one of confusion.

"If you're gonna use those things, Twilight, I'd do it now." I said, levitating The Elements remains over. I heard the others approaching, but kept my armor on. I wasn't taking any chances with this.

Nightmare Moon burst from the ground in an explosion of magic, and lit the whole room in light as she faced me.

"What was that!" She screamed, the dirt on her being flung in all directions.

"I'd stay down if I were you." I said, activating The Crucible I mounted to my foreleg. The sword I had illuminated the room in a fine red tint, and I pointed it directly at her.

"Let Luna go. Or I'll be forced to make you." I growled, my eyes spinning into a Sharingan from under my helmet. Nightmare Moon gave me a glare, her sense of power seemingly shaken from the ease of my tackle.

"Never! I'll make Equestria pay for how you all treated my night, and you for abandoning me so!" She cried, getting up and summoning what looked like a purely black sword that seemed to absorb all light.

"I'LL KILL YOU!!!" She roared, charging at me with the blade. Bringing up The Crucible, it sliced through her sword like scissors gliding through paper as it clattered to either sides of me, my sword just inches from her head. She appeared startled and suddenly teleported to an unknown location.

"Who are you?" Twilight asked, amazement in her face as she looked up at my armored form.

"Get The Elements ready. I'm going to buy you some time." I said, flaring my wings and startling her.

"Y-you're an Alicorn!?" Was all I heard before flying off.

"I know you're here somewhere, Nightmare Moon, where's my fucking girlfriend!" I yelled, looking around the forest for her to appear. A beam of magic came at me, and I deflected it with The Crucible and sent it off into the sky. Damn, this thing is overpowered.

Pushing some of my power into it, I slashed where the beam came from and unleashed a massive crescent shaped attack towards her. Something popped above me, and I barely brought my sword up to block her sword. Which looked exactly liked the sword I made for Luna.

My right eye flashed purple, and I switched places with Nightmare Moon, who looked disoriented by the sudden change.

Deactivating The Crucible, I grabbed the sword and felt my hoof burn slightly from it. Pulling myself closer to Nightmare Moon, she used a spell that flashed my face with an extremely bright white light. It didn't affect me, and I thanked my past self for that hindsight.

I caught the right hook that was supposed to catch me off guard and grabbed her by the neck. Shifting my weight, I made for a dive bomb to the ground, with Nightmare Moon being used as a makeshift pogo stick. Her hoof slammed into my visor, and I released my grip on her as she flashed out of existence, and the ground closing in fast.

"Shit." Was all I muttered, before being suddenly hoisted off to the side. I landed rather hard, and I thought I saw a hint of cyan before I came to a stop. Checking my body over, I detected no major damage and got up to check what grabbed me. Shifting onto my hooves, I saw Rainbow was near me in a heap of pain. She risked herself to catch me, and I'm glad she did, but annoyed she got hurt. Healing her minor wounds quickly, I gave her a quick shock on the side to jostle her before going back into the air.

"Franz! This is enough! We both know that you are no match for my power!" Nightmare Moon claimed.

"Get a load of this dumbass." I said, looking over to Rainbow and pointing to Nightmare Moon, who was just watching me with an intimidated look.

"You dare make a mockery of me!?" She yelled, her horn charging up another spell.

"Quite. Now I just want Luna back, so if you could kindly go away, that'd be nice." I said, realizing she not there anymore when I turned back. Something slammed into me, and I felt myself being dragged through the ground from her magic impacting my armor. Being dazed suddenly, I flared my power and deflected the attack into the sky, which blew up son after. She charged another spell as soon as I finished getting up.

"With this final spell, I shall erase you from this very realm!" She boomed, the spell looking like a hyper concentrated ball of magic focused in one area. She was pouring everything she had into this, so I doubt she will want my power anymore.

I readied myself, and she fired a blast of magic rivaling the size of a house in length. Pulling my own final move, I created a special card and held it in front of me. The blast closed in, before splitting and being redirected back to Nightmare Moon in multiple beams. Her fatigued eyes widened as she saw imminent defeat.

"NO YOU!" I yelled, watching her take the full concussive blast and being flung into the air from the force of each hit.

"Shit." I cursed, dashing after her as she began falling. I flew over to where she would land with open arms and slowed time to get there before she hit the ground. I managed to catch her, and I saw she had bits of smoke trailing from her body, and a tired, defeated look on her closed eyed face. Her helmet was burned, and starting to crack apart. Gliding down to the ground, I set her onto a grassy part of the forest.

She looked like she was unconscious. Her eyes closed shut as I watched her for any sign of life. Grabbing her when she groaned in pain, I slung her over my shoulder and began carrying her back to where Twilight and the others were at. Her hooves dragged along the floor due to her larger frame and I figured she would understand why she was dirtier. I saw the girls ahead, and most of them were running up to me. Even Fluttershy.

"Franz!" Twilight called.

"Yes?" I asked, stopping to meet them. They stopped a few feet away from me, unsure looks on their muzzles as I casually carried Nightmare Moon.

"What was that?" Twilight asked, seemingly demanding me.

"A job well done, considering I save both you, your friends, and the world by extent. So, I once again say, that was a job well done." I said, folding my helmet back over my head to keep a better track of Nightmare Moon's life signs.

"How were you able to do that?" Rainbow asked, practically getting in my face and staring me.

"I think we have more pressing matters at hoof here. Shouldn't we take care of the person on my back?" I asked them.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Pinkie said, suddenly next to me once again. DAMN IT PINKIE STOP THAT!

"Yep, did you find out how to activate The Elements?" I asked Twilight, distracting myself from Pinkie's attempts to scare me. I swear she's doing this on purpose.

"Yes, I did. I realized that when I saw my frien-" I tuned her out as we walked back to the COTTRPS, the details not really needing to be repeated as I already lived through this. I was wondering why Luna wasn't trying to fight Nightmare Moon like last time. Last time, she managed to attack Nightmare Moon while she was talking to me. Perchance it's because I took a different approach compared to last time. As long as Luna is safe, then I'll be fine.

"Guh..." I heard from my back.

Everyone besides me backed away as soon as they heard her, Fluttershy practically diving behind Applejack as they all seemed to do.

"Wonderful night it is, huh Moonie?" I told her, casualness in my tone.

"I'm... not finished..."

"I think you are." I said, turning over to Twilight and giving her a nod. They ran off to get the Elements, which seemed to be in another room for some reason.

"No... I... Need to hurt...you." She growled, trying to get off me. Sliding her off me gently and onto the ground, I firmly told her.

"No."

She tried to throw a hoof at me, and I caught it, and countered with a rough shove. She yelped, and raised her hooves to her face as I reeled back to punch her face. I followed through and slammed my hoof into the ground next to her head, and she flinched. A whimper came from her, and I stared at her as I was becoming unsure if I should continue demoralizing her.

"Nightmare Moon, I'm sorry you feel this way. And I'm sorry for what I did to you all those years ago, but keep in mind that I didn't mean to betray you." I said, staring her down from my position over her.

"Liar! You know well what you did!" She said in a sudden burst of anger, her head raising to butt against my own.

"And not everyone meant to sleep through your night. They need a time to rest, and they can't be up forever. They didn't do anything wrong." I reasoned, not pushing back against her as I tried my best to calm.

"You did me wrong."

"And I'll do whatever I can to fix it." I whispered, softening my voice to appeal her.

"Liar."

"Look, are we going to have a moment of reformation, or am I going to have to break into your mind and force you?" I asked, staring her down. She shrunk under my gaze, and I sighed internally.

"Amends?" I asked, getting off of her and offering her my hoof.

"What for? You're just going to use the Elements on me to get Luna back." She said, trying to stand and failing to as her legs gave out from under her.

"I have to at least try to make peace with you." I responded, her stance of self righteousness beginning to grate my nerves.

"And why can't I live within your mind? Surely a being of such high power like yourself could handle me." She said, earning a glare from me.

"Last time I did that you killed me." I told her, my voice laced with malice.

"You keep saying that. Last time. What was last time like?" She asked. I remained silent until I heard the girls come back.

"Franz, we're back." I heard Twilight say from next to me. Looking over to them, they had their adornments on and were ready to go.

"Okay. Ready?" I asked.

"Ready as ah'll ever be." Applejack said.

"Franz, tell me, what was last time like?" Nightmare moon asked again, struggling to get up. I transformed my eyes into a Sharingan and locked them with hers.

"Rest now, in the everlasting Tsukuyomi." I said, showing her what happened last time within a split second. She immediately fell and started screaming, her body writhing in agony before she slowly stopped and lay prone on the ground.

"Now." I said, closing my eyes as a bit of blood leaked from them. Maybe using this wasn't a good idea in front of the girls.

"What did you do to her?" Fluttershy asked, terrified as she took a further position from me.

"Showed her what she wanted. Twilight, The Elements. Use them now." I said, turning to her.

"Franz, your eyes!"

"Now!" I demanded.

And they did, albeit apprehensively. They began floating in the air, and magic danced all around them. A rainbow began spiraling from somewhere and was sent at Nightmare Moon, before it began enveloping her. And just as it happened, a searing pain shot throughout my body, almost like something was being ripped from my core. Falling to the ground,my breath was knocked from me as it felt like my soul was being hacked apart by a deranged animal.

Tears formed around my eyes from our Soul Bond was being destroyed, and the pain it was wreaking across my body. My ears were rung, and my vision darkened around the edges as I keeled over in agony, my sight going and along with my consciousness.

"Fr-nz, y-u -k-y?" I heard echo throughout my head. Opening my eyes, everything was a blur. I could barely make out what was in front of me as they helped me to my hooves. Everything was starting to return, but the sensation of emptiness along the chest was causing some discomfort. No doubt that's where the soul link formed, and I couldn't help but feel less than sober. Coughing, I tried to focus my vision, and I was met with Rarity holding me up against her side. What was she doing?

"D-rling, I d-n't believe th-t he is feeling well. Perh-ps - trip to the h-spit-l will help?" She said.

Everything was coming back rapidly, and I tried to push myself off of her.

"Whoa there partner, I'd stay put if ah were ya." Applejack said, catching me as I unintentionally threw myself onto her now.

"Luna... is she..." I grunted, forcing myself to stabilize on my own hooves.

"Easy, easy, she's safe, thanks to you. Safe an' alive." Applejack said.

"Where." I croaked, a lingering soreness in my chest.

"Princess Luna!" I heard boom from above, followed by a startled gasp.

"Tia." I said, looking above at her.

"Prince Franz, it's been to long." Celestia said, smiling at me.

"More like a few hours for me." I muttered.

"What was that?" She asked, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Nothing." I said, spotting Luna a few meters away. I focused my power throughout my body, and I was able to get back on my own legs, Applejack letting me go as I approached Luna, her own body now smaller than even me at this point. No doubt her magic was going to kick in after a few hours and get her back to full size.

"Luna, it's me." I said, my throat raspy from being seemingly dehydrated.

"D-dear Franz?" She asked, squinting as she looked for me.

"Dear?" Twilight and her friends asked loudly in both shock and surprise. I thought I heard a sad 'Aw' from one of them, but I didn't really care at the moment as I was giving Luna all of my attention.

"Sister, it has been a thousand years since we last saw each other." Celestia said. Luna shrunk, and I watched on my tired legs as she approached her. Sitting down, I tried to rest a bit, but found that position fairly uncomfortable, and decided to lay down. Not going to worry everyone with that stereotyped hero fall. I've done that way too many times already and it was getting old.

"Franz, what're you doing?" Celestia asked, glancing over to me.

"Don't worry about me. Just resting is all." I said. Sleep sounded very good at the moment.

"Are you sure, Your Highness? And on this filthy floor too?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, Good Night y'all."

"But it's morning." Pinkie said. I didn't respond as I just closed my eyes, sleep coming for me and taking me once more.

"He is just being dramatic." I heard Celestia say.

"No u..." I whispered and passed out as I heard Luna giggle at that.

When I woke back up, I saw that I was on a bed. It looked similar to my room, just without all of the designs and consoles. Glad they didn't take me to the hospital, or else that would be a little too familiar.

Giving a stretch, I smacked my lips and looked around. I was alone, and I wondered how I got here. Tossing the covers off of me, I hopped off the bed and looked into the hallway. There were a pair of guards there, who immediately took notice of me.

"Hello there." I greeted.

"Your Majesty." They both replied respectfully. I was severely disappointed that they didn't say what I wanted them to say, but I guess I'd have to mess around with the Guard Training Manual to make them say "General Kenobi." or something like that.

"I'm going to go for a walk now." I said, watching them not move at all. Leaving them, I went over to Luna's room. I still had my armor, and I got stares from almost everyone I passed. What, they've never seen a male Alicorn before? Let alone one as cool looking as me?

There were a pair of Night Guards at her door, and they blocked me off.

"Apologies, Your Highness, but Princess Luna is not to be disturbed at this time." He said.

"Stop being a schmuck and let me see her already. I think she's been waiting long enough." I retorted.

"Like I said, Princess Luna is not to be disturbed as this time." He said.

'I really don't want to pull rank right now.'

"Let me guess, new job?" I asked.

"I've been serving the Night Guard as a proud member for three years as of this point." He said.

"Uh huh. And what are the regulations?" I asked him, suddenly flicking my eyes down the hall.

I could tell he wanted to look, but didn't.

"Regulation is-" I didn't pay attention to him as I pretended to listen to him drone about regulation, all the while doing physiological pranks on him. Whenever he would stop talking, I would ask another question that would need him to give a lengthy explanation. And when he did, I motioned him to give me something, which he did without noticing.

I managed to take his helmet, spear, and gave him some bubblegum wrappers and a stick of butter I created while maintaining eye contact. It worked like a charm, until I decided to wrap it up.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know, Your Highness?" He asked, holding the melted butter and empty wrappers. It was making a mess on the floor, and it was a miracle that he didn't notice it. What was his perception? A 1?!

"No, I'll talk to Luna right now though." I said, going for the door.

"Hold it. Princess Luna is to no-" He trailed off mid-sentence as he noticed what he was blocking me off with.

"How did-"

"Think fast!" I said, tossing him his spear at a sideways angle.

He went to catch it and dropped the glob of butter. And in doing so, he failed to realize that he had a slippery grip and tried to grab the spear only for it to slip from his hooves and onto the ground, where he immediately fell and landed hard. He tried to get back up, and the other guard would have helped, if she hadn't suffered the same fate as him and joined his slip and slide from hell.

"Sayonara, guards!" I said, knocking on Luna's door. It opened and I saw her doing her best to fall asleep, only for her throw the covers off and mouth open to yell at where the door would be. Instead, I was here.

"Could thy please sile-" She stopped mid scream, and her features immediately softened.

"Dear Franz?" She said quietly, hopping out of bed and onto the ground. I smiled and felt myself be flashed by memories of my past interactions with her, and the promises she made with me.

"One and only." I copied, feeling something sting my eyes. She immediately rushed me, and I opened my arms to greet her.

"Franz!" She cried, latching onto me.

"Shh, shh, shh. It's alright. I'm here now." I whispered, holding onto her and hoping to calm myself down to help her. She brought my head down for something, and I was suddenly kissed. I kissed back and I held her close. I noticed I was just a bit taller than her, even after she regained her magical flowy mane.

I felt her tongue prod my mouth, and I let her in, allowing her to explore me as I did the same to her. The simple kiss turned into a mini make out session, and I was tempted to shut the doors and have a moment with her. But alas, I needed her to breathe since she needed air. Breaking the kiss, I stared into her baby blue eyes, and felt myself sag as a wave of warmth spread across my chest.

"Luna, I love you." I told her. She looked surprised at my words, as if not expecting them.

"We know. Thou has't always wished the best for us." She said, leaning up and bumping her nose to mine. It felt very intimate, and my face warmed up to her gesture. I heard the guards thumping on the ground every few seconds in their attempt to get into the room, the melted butter no doubt making it even harder for them to even walk.

"Want me to help with them?" I asked her. She shook her head in response.

"Nay. They are Night Guards. They are trained for situations like this." She said, a look of suppressed amusement taking hold of her as we watched them struggle to even stand. And when they did, they slipped and slid across the floor while their wings barely helped them.

"Luna, we have a lot to catch up on." I said, looking over to her while the Night Guards were having the worst day of their lives.

"And that is?"

"This is my second time doing this." I said, deciding it would be best to flat out tell her. One of the guards slipped and crashed into the other, causing their success to be for naught as he flung the lubed-up spear into the wall.

"Pardon?" She questioned.

"Yeah, yeah. I know, sounds weird. But I need to talk to you, Celestia, and Cadence." I told her, getting distracted by the crash of more guards arriving and suffering as well.

"Who's Cadence?"

"Oh, right, you haven't met her yet." I said, more to myself as Luna watched me.

"What?" She said, clearly confused.

"It's a long story." I said, knowing the rest of the day would be a rather long, and mentally draining time.

"Stop! You... Hold me still, you violated the law!" The guard yelled, another guard crashing into them as the slip and slid from hell itself took them.

"Piss off!"