Seventeen years later…

The day was faring well in Canterlot. Just like any other day since the great battle years ago. Though that day had left many scars, scars faded, and in time, the new tissue repaired the body of the city. By the present, Canterlot was back to its former glory. It had been the same for the rest of Equestria. The Crystal Empire, and even the different towns and cities had reported all traces of the Fiend’s forces had dissipated. With the whole of the country at peace, ponies were able to rebuild their lives. Yet, the Fiend’s defeat hadn’t been the only thing to celebrate. For two weeks later, a blessed event occurred within the kingdom.

Within the royal castle of Canterlot, a great clanging sounded out midst the stone walls, bouncing through the halls, reverberating against the stained glass windows. Images depicted battles past, the defeat of Nightmare Moon, Discord, the Royal wedding of Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, and the fall of Lord Tirek. Each one was inscribed, recording a story for all to see. Suddenly, the clanging came to a stop. The source came from a room, furbished within the castle. Behind the door lay a room and in that room was a bed, a desk, and several other pieces of furniture to give it a lived in feel. The room itself was large, larger than a bedroom should be, but it made sense considering the status of the one who owned it. But what lay in one part, partially considered its own room itself. Inside there was a workbench, several pieces of metal lay strewn about, and on that work bench a hammer pounded against metal.

The work bench itself was a place of many talents and creation, outfitted in order to accommodate the user’s needs. Said user was a young unicorn. His coat an indigo color, his mane and tail a blueish black color. His cutie mark was a moon among storm clouds. His eyes shone with a silver light, he had an assortment of straps and fastenings around his legs, one side for money, while the other for his new toy. Lastly, around his neck was a small circular pendent. It was silver in color, depicting a crescent moon upon it; a birthday gift. He wasn’t really dressed so formally, but he was allowed freedom in his position. At least his mother allowed it.

The young stallion’s name was Tempest Noctis, for he had been born during a stormy evening. It wasn’t the first time somepony was named after the weather. A certain Crystaling many years back was testament to that.

Tempest looked over what he had just created. It was a blade, long and slender, but intertwined within it were several gears. Using his magic, he turned the gears and the blade soon folded up back into a compact size.

“Perfect.” He mused, placing it into a holder at his waist.

With his task done, he found the room itself starting to confine him. Time for some fresh air. Opening the door, he stepped into the hallway and began to trot down the familiar hall.

“Good afternoon Prince Tempest.” A passing guard said as he walked by.

“Oh hey.” Tempest greeted.

“Heard all that commotion, you building something new?” The guard asked.

“Yeah, just finished it today.” Tempest remarked proudly.

Yes, Tempest was indeed a prince. The only son of Princess Luna, ruler of Equestria.

“Well you certainly have a talent for such things, anyway I have to continue my rounds. Your highness.” The guard said with a bow.

Tempest nearly rolled his eyes at the display of adoration. Of course, it was expected in the role of a prince. Though, being a prince in Equestria was hardly anything worth of note, least if you asked Tempest. Frankly, princesses had all the fun and glory. They were renowned and their rank long sought after by anyone in Equestira. Not everypony could reach it, but those who did were inscribed in memory. The stain glass windows leading into his mother’s throne room each listed a tale detailing a great feat in Equestria. But of course, there would be none for a prince, for it seemed the feminine touch was what was noted in this country.

Tempest stepped out of the castle and was greeted by the sun and songs of the day. As he walked out, several guards showed their respect towards their prince. He didn’t bother rolling his eyes this time, just smiled and waved at them. They remained stoic, per usual of their assigned roles. They were all loyal to a fault, ready to lay their lives down for the royal family. Tempest had to give them credit, they were loyal. But he put thoughts of them aside as he stepped down into the central grand of Canterlot. This was something he was dreading, for he knew the moment he did this, it would inevitably lead to…

“Oh my gosh! It’s Prince Tempest!”

Right on cue, a throng of mares crowded around the prince, all of them young and giddy.

Tempest simply forced a nervous smile and greeted with an insincere laugh. “Um. Hi ladies.”

“Wow I can’t believe it, the prince is out here mingling with us common folks!”

“Yeah heheh, here I am, just a regular pony like the rest of you.” Tempest said, hoping to say anything that would part away the herd.

“And he’s so modest too! Oh wow I would give anything to be part of Canterlot high society!”

Tempest assumed that was probably why some of them wanted to be near him. Despite the fact he was a good looking stallion, there was one undeniable fact about himself that would draw any eager girl to his side.

“So, do you have a date to the festival tonight?” One mare asked, her eyes glinting with a seductive light. The other mares in the party held the same light, staring at Tempest with their twinkling eyes.

“Um well.” Tempest began, but was uncertain of what to say. He didn’t want to offend anyone, but at the same time he didn’t want to leave any opening. He needed some kind of sign, some breakaway from this moment.

“All right all right! Break it up!” A rough female voice announced. The mares present widened their eyes in surprise, and when they turned around, they glowered as they noticed a certain mare trotting towards them.

The pegasus mare herself was a young thing, fair looks, and a pink coat with a blue mane, a cutie mark depicting twin bolts of a similar color emphasizing her speed. Her front hooves held a pair of bladed points, hoof guards they were called. And like Tempest she held knapsacks around her legs, ending in a leather vest around her chest.

Frowns etched upon the faces of the assembled mares. “Oh great, it’s Firefly.” One of them said in a low tone.

“Yeah yeah beat it ya vultures!” Firefly declared.

Seeing nothing else, the mares departed, shooting the pegasus a series of dirty looks.

“Ugh look at her, swarming around the prince.”

“I bet she’s using him to boost herself into Equestrian nobility.”

“How sleazy. Well I for one think somepony doing that is about as low as a diamond dog.”

Firefly listened to what the mares were saying, and could only roll her eyes at the hypocrisy of their statements.

“Thanks Fly, once again you pulled a timely rescue.” Tempest said, managing a small smile.

“Hey what are best friend’s for?” Firefly replied. “Man how do ponies like that sleep at night?”

It was to be expected. Being a prince, he was a prime candidate for marriage material. By marrying him, they would technically be a princess, and they wouldn't even have to go through the process of becoming an alicorn. Least Tempest didn’t think so. Honestly he hadn’t seen the process before. He only knew of two ponies who had gone through the transformation. Both his mother and aunt were born alicorns supposedly. Then of course the head of the Crystal Empire was an alicorn, even if he hadn’t met her. For a long while, Tempest had wondered why he wasn’t born an alicorn himself? Reason could stand that only mares were meant to become alicorns, but a male alicorn would certainly be an interesting sight.

“Who knows? So what’s up?” Tempest asked, changing the subject.

“There’s something I have to show you!” Firefly excitedly exclaimed. “It’s for the festival tonight!”

Tonight’s festival was certainly cause for celebration. The Festival of Moonlight, or Moonlight Festival, an event celebrating Princess Luna’s rule. On this eve, the princess would raise the moon and all night they would celebrate. It was very similar in tone to the Summer Sun Celebration once ushered in by Princess Celestia. But the festival had a double meaning. It wasn’t just to celebrate his mother’s rule, but a commemoration where she sealed away the Four Fiends. Tempest had heard stories of that war, the one that rocked all of Equestria, and even a little beyond. His mother had been pregnant with him at the time, so technically he was there during it, just nestled within his mother’s womb. But based on the stories he had heard, he was thankful he hadn’t experienced it. But, part of him wished he had, if only to meet his Aunt Celestia.

Celestia, another pony he had heard stories about. Once long ago, she had been the sole ruler of Equestria, bringing forth the day and night and ruling with kindness and grace. Before that, it had been her and his mother Luna, each responsible for the sun and moon respectively. But Luna’s jealousy towards the love Celestia received from her subjects spurred jealousy in her, causing her to transform into the dreaded Nightmare Moon. In that state, she had intended to usher in a new era of evil, so with reluctance, His aunt sealed her away, but not just with her own power, but the power of the Elements of Harmony.

The elements were the most powerful magic within Equestria. Each one represented a certain facet of Equestria: Laughter, Honesty, Kindness, Loyalty, Generosity, and Magic. For generations, the elements had chosen bearers to represent each of them in order to combat evil. Though usually in teams of six, there were rare occasions where fewer were chosen. The only occasion where that was recalled to happen was when the elements only chose Luna and Celestia. Tempest reasoned as alicorns, his mother and aunt had higher power, enough for three elements each. And Celestia had managed to summon all six in order to seal away her sister. But Luna and Celestia had used the elements to seal away the spirit of disharmony Discord. Then one thousand years later, the elements had chosen six others: Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Twilight Sparkle. The six mares had fought against all manners of evil, but they had met their end during the war against the Fiends. Tempest still didn’t know the full details, but he had heard if not for those six mares, his mother would not have been able to seal away the fiends in the first place.

All while Tempest thought of this, he and Firefly had arrived at their destination.

“The stable?” Tempest asked, as he noticed that they indeed were at the stable.

Firefly lifted the latch and opened up the door. “Come on.” She said ushering herself and her friend inside.

Trusting Firefly’s instincts, Tempest stepped inside and right away he was hit with a peculiar smell. He didn’t know how quite to describe it, but held a certain musty yet fragrant scent. But a telltale sound reached his ears, one that was quite familiar within Equestria.

“Wark!”

There before him, was an assortment of yellow feathered bodies, with talon feet scratching at the floor. Wings flapped in place as black eyes stared out of their beaked heads.

“Chocobos?” That wasn’t anything new. The chocobo stables were a normal part of Canterlot. But then Tempest noticed something, they were practically packed.

“Yeah my dad imported a bunch of them from the finest stables in Equestria. Tonight their going to parade them around!” Firefly cheered excitedly.

Firefly’s father was the stable manager, being responsible for the livestock of the city. That and Firefly had a distant cousin whose family specialized in Chocobo breeding.

“Wow! That’s pretty interesting, guess Mom is going all out for tonight’s celebration.” Tempest noted.

“Yeah, your mom really knows how to treat her subjects.” Exclaimed Firefly. “I mean, heck, there’s a poll about who was a better princess, your mom or your aunt?”

Tempest tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, “Really?”

Firefly shrugged, “I dunno, Just what I heard.” Firefly’s eyes drifted from the winged beauties and focused intently on what lay upon Tempest’s side. “So? What’s the story with that sword?”

Tempest had momentarily forgotten about his little tool, but Firefly had certainly noticed. “Oh this? This is just something I’ve been working on for a while.”

“So that’s the big project I’ve been hearing about? Can you whip it out?” Tempest pleaded.

“Well I don’t know...”

“Come on please?”

Tempest still felt hesitance, but there was a small part of him that wanted to show off his new little toy. Removing it from the holster, Tempest raised it up, unfolding it for all to see. “I call it the gear blade.” Tempest remarked proudly.

Firefly stared up at it with awe filled eyes. “Woah! Man that thing looks like it can hold a candle to my hoof guards.” Firefly said referring to the bladed portions upon her hooves.

“Yeah, I designed it for personal protection.” Tempest noted, recalling the intricate detail he had put into creating this sword.

“So can it do anything cool?” Firefly asked.

“Well there is one detail, I’ve been practicing and I’ve found a way to incorporate magic into it.” Tempest couldn’t help but note the pride within that last note. He had practiced long and hard, and more than anything he wanted to show it off.

“Come on show me!” And judging from Firefly’s pleas, he had definitely gained her interest.

Tempest however, noticed his surroundings. “Well maybe not here?”

“You can just show me a little trick. Can’t you?” Firefly continued to plead.

It probably would have been a better idea to do this trick out in the open, but he argued in his head that his mother probably wouldn’t have approved of him performing black magic out in the open. Black magic was reserved for battle purposes after all. But, he was careful, so he figured why not?

“Okay. But just a little one. How about a blizzard spell?”

“Blizzard? Nah go for thunder! I mean heck my cutie mark is a double lightning bolt!”

The crowd had spoken, so Tempest brought up his blade and concentrated. His horn glowed with the spark of magic, and it coated his sword. But, within the metal, a surge of energy crackled against the metal. Tempest kept up the concentration and focused intently on the tip. The light began to shine as the electricity was contained.

“I call it Sword Magic, pretty cool huh?” Said Tempest.

Firefly looked with awe in her eyes. “Cool? This is awesome!” The mare said leaping into the air, “I mean I knew you were some kind of genius, but this is incredible! I mean not any old unicorn could come up with this!”

Tempest felt a flush to his face at his friend’s words. And in that moment, he couldn’t help but feel pride as he waved the blade around, but within that pride, he soon found his concentration slipping. And once that concentration slipped, the energy was released. In a sharp burst the lighting shot forth.

“What the!?” Firefly exclaimed.

At that very moment, Tempest had realized his folly. “Oh crap!” Tempest exclaimed, but it was too late. The magic sparked everywhere, though in that last moment, Tempest did his best to contain it, or at least make sure it didn’t start a fire. But then, a small spark struck the door behind him and blasted it open. That with the rest of the electricity, the chocobos gave out squawks, panic fully overtaking them. And like with any panicked animal, they reacted.

In a flurry of feathers, the chocobos stampeded out of the barn. Tempest and Firefly quickly moved, Firefly herself flying up into the air.

“Wait! Come back!” Tempest called. But the chocobos were already clear out of the stable, and moving out into the open space of Canterlot.

Right away, Tempest and Firefly heard warks mixed in with surprised cries of various ponies. The duo rushed outside into the open space and watched as the herd...flock...or whatever chocobos were grouped together as ran rampant out into the city streets.

“We have to catch them fast!” Tempest said with urgency.

“How are we supposed to do that!?” Firefly cried with concern.

“I don’t know! We just have to go after them!”

With that the pair ran and flew in order to catch up with the herd. All the while, ponies moved out of the way in order to flee the oncoming birds. Seeing that he was getting nowhere from behind, he ran to the side, hoping to catch up with them.

Taking out his sword, he began to charge an ice spell. “If I maneuver this just right.” He said to himself. If he could just fire at a certain range, he could probably make an ice wall that could block their path.

Using his sword as a conduit, he shot it up into the air. He watched as the ice blast soared through, and nicked Firefly in one of her wings.

“Hey!” She cried.

With the added weight of ice, she found her flying difficult and began to falter and fall from the sky. Tempest looked up with wide eyes as he noticed where she was falling.

“Uh oh!” He exclaimed right before Firefly landed on top of him.

Firefly lay there in pain, trying her best to flick off the ice from her wings.

“Nice shot.” She muttered sarcastically.

“Sorry.” Tempest apologized.

The chocobos continued to run, and it would look like they would continue to do so, but then suddenly, a bright flash of magic shone around them. The creatures halted in their tracks yet they still continued to panic. But then, the magic shone more brilliantly and instantly the chocobos calmed down. A soothing spell if there ever was one.

“The princess!” One pony shouted.

Tempest and Firefly looked up and noticed the descending shape of Princess Luna.

“Oh no. It’s my mom.” Tempest said fearfully.

The alicorn mare descended upon the ground. Tempest and Firefly didn’t need long to realize they were in trouble, as Princess Luna sternly stared at them.

“Busted.” Firefly muttered.

XXX

The chocobos had been herded back into their pen with no trouble at all. But things were not so easy for Tempest and Firefly. The moment the chocobos were returned, the princess had ordered the pair to the castle.

Within the walls of the castle, Luna had her back turned to the two teenagers.

“Well, the surprise for the festival was revealed earlier than expected.” Luna stated firmly.

“Look Mom, I just wanted to say-” Tempest spoke up, hoping to interject some form of leniency.

“Thankfully nopony was hurt, and there were minimal damages. But nonetheless, things could of escalated if I hadn't stepped in.” The mare turned around, facing the pair, her form intimidating them both.

“Mom I-”

“It’s all my fault your highness!” Firefly blurted in. “I begged Tempest to show me some of his magic and then well things fell apart.”

“No! It was my fault! I didn’t control my magic.” Tempest but in, not wanting his friend to take the full blame.

Luna eyed them both, her stern gaze never faltering. “Well it’s good to see you two taking responsibility for your actions. Firefly, you may go, I need to have a talk with my son in private.”

Hearing that, Tempest audibly gulped.

Firefly respectfully bowed to her ruler and leaned in close to Tempest. “Good luck buddy.”

“Yeah I’ll need it.” Tempest muttered back.

Tempest and Luna waited till Firefly was out of the room before they began to talk. Once the room was clear, they started.

“Tempest. You have to show more control than that.” Luna chided firmly.

“I know Mom.”

“You can’t let your pride sway you just because somepony asks you to show your power. As a prince of Equestria, you have to show an example to your subjects.”

“Don’t you mean your subjects? I mean it’s not like I’m an alicorn.” Tempest responded, adding a few layers of sarcasm.

Luna ignored that, or missed it, and continued. “Alicorn or not, you are still royalty, and a prince cannot undertake in such reckless actions.”

Bowing his head, Tempest nodded, “I know Mom. I’m sorry.”

And it was here, that the princess let out a sigh. “Look, Tempest, I know how hard it is to be a teenager, especially one with your potential. But understand I am simply trying to guide you.” Staring up, Luna’s face took on a longing tone. “Ever since your aunt’s departure, all of Canterlot, all of Equestria has looked to me for guidance. I have a responsibility to it’s ponies.”

And then it was here Tempest let out a sigh of his own, one of exasperated annoyance. This time, Luna picked up on it, and realized she was making herself too business like with her son.

Taking her hoof, she pulled up Tempest’s chin. “You have a lot of passion, just like your father. And I know that one day you will make your mark upon Equestria.”

“I know cause I’m a prince.” Tempest said, knowing full where this was going.

But then, Tempest noticed his mother’s face turned tender. “You may be a prince, but you are my son first and foremost.” Then without warning, Luna embraced Tempest in a hug.

As the hug broke, Tempest found himself chuckling. “Wow Mom, did a little 180 on the mood there didn’t you?”

“Well sometimes I forget I’m a mother and I can’t act like a stuffy old princess all the time. Honestly your aunt did a better job at that than me.”

Tempest had heard stories of his aunt Celestia. From what he had heard, she was a beloved ruler perfectly suited for the job. Before Equestria had rested squarely on her shoulders, with his mother Luna in the background. Now his mother was center stage, and even after seventeen years, it was still a new experience for her. But that brought Tempest to the other mention, his father. Now that was a pony he didn’t know much about. He had certainly asked, especially as a young colt, but his mother had always told him she would tell him when he was ready. Here he was a young man of seventeen, and still no word on the stallion who had planted his seed. But, he knew getting information out of his mother was next to impossible, so he didn’t press it any further.

“Okay son, now run off and I will see you tonight.” Luna said, dismissing the prince from her attendance.

“Um...okay. Thanks Mom.” Tempest said trotting off. Hopefully he could catch up with Firefly so they could at least hang out before the festival tonight.

Luna watched as her child left. Her boy, her blood. It was so hard to believe Tempest was almost an adult. She remembered the day he was born, that tiny bundle crying as the storm raged outside. Motherhood was another new experience she hadn’t anticipated. But it had been thrust upon her and she adjusted to it as best as she could. But still, she knew that in her heart, Celestia was better at the day to day job of running a country, and she knew parenthood was a two pony job. Of course, considering circumstances, she knew Tempest’s father being involved would have probably caused a scandal. She wanted to tell her son so many things, but for now, she would focus on the here and now and make sure the festival was a success.

And so the princess of the moon returned to her duties. Upholding them with the utmost efficiency.

Author's Note

Once again thanks to my beta reader Grahf for finding errors and mistakes I missed. You're the best. Honestly I should have found a beta a long time ago. Okay, just to let everyone know, this version of Equestria is an AU of sorts. It follows the same general timeline as the show's Equestria, but it has Final Fantasy terms, creatures, and magic within it. Also I kind of want to establish that there have been multiple element bearers throughout history.