Raven Laid upon his bed, reading though his wife's diary. Skimming though the pages, he came across a letter that she had written for him on the last page.
Dear Raven Star
If you are reading this, then you know I have already passed, so please, for my sake, try not to dwell on my death for too long. I want you to know, that meeting you was the best thing that could ever happen to me and I love you very much. I know you tried so hard to save me, but the doctors said it's to late for any further treatment. The cancer has taken its toll on me. I'm sorry my love. I promise one day we will be tougther again. I'll be waiting for you.
Love Scarlet.
A tear dripped on the note as he held her necklace to his chest. Wiping at the wetness that stung his eyes, he looked at the clock seeing that it was already 2 AM. He closed the book and placed it on the desk next to the bed. Blowing out the candle that cast it's soft glow over his room into darkness, he laid his head upon the soft pillow. Closing his eyes, though knowing his dreams would be fitful, he let sleep take him. The next day, Raven asked his son to join him on a walk around the Kingdom grounds.
"So, what did you wanna talk about?" The young, violet coated aliacorn asked.
The prince spoke.
"My son, I have watched you grow up to be the smart, handsome, and talented pony that you are today. You've learned what I could teach you, and far more that I could not, and I know that you have what it takes to be a prince." He said, looking to his son with a smile.
"Well of course. I want to follow in your hoof steps. It took me awhile to understand what my true destiny was. I know what I must do now. It's clear to me now".
Nodding shortly, though not without pride, the Prince softly proclaimed.
"Then I think you're ready for the next step".
Shocked, the young son looked to his father, concern etched across his features.
"Dad, you'll be giving up your immortality, and-"
A hoof made it's way to his lips stopped him before he could finish.
"I'm well aware of that. You have the courage, the bravery and the heart of a true warrior. I know you will be a great Prince. You care for the subjects just as much as I have and they look up to you. So I'm trusting you to lead the Shadow Empire".
Dusk went silent for a few moments, thinking of the words to say, taking everything in before he finally found the words to say.
"I'll do my best. I-I won't fail you". He said with a stutter.
It had been exactly one week since the Prince and his son had spoken, the Prince's tired eyes scanned the courtyard. The entire Shadow Empire had gathered around them to witness the crowing of a new prince. His face, wizened and content, the older vampony channeled his magic through his horn to lift the crown from his head, and placed it upon his sons head, passing the power over to the new him. His mane and tail begun to rapidly age, going from his black and purple to grey. Falling to his knees, his breathing became laboured, his old age finally taking it's toll on him. His son, eyes sorrowful but understanding, helped him to his hooves, shifting his weight to allow his father to lean against his body for support tears falling from his eyes.
"Can you take me to the tree son"? The elder vampony asked in a weak voice.
The Prince nodded, knowing which one he was talking about. Walking slowly, they approached an old oak tree that overlooked the lake that surrounded the Kingdom. The ponies of the Shadow Empire forming a circle around them as tears fell freely from the young Prince and his subjects as he laid his Father in the shade. None of them spoke as the young Prince hugged his father tight and cried in his chest. A few moments pass before Dusk let go of the embrace. The elder stallion laid his head on the grass, closing his eyes as a gentle wind caressed the hillside. Celestia's sun was starting to set.
"I'm going to miss you". The young prince said.
"I know. I will miss you, too."
The old vampony smiled softly, his dulling eyes resting upon his son's figure.
"I know she is very proud of you. I love you, my son".
The once crowned Prince of the Shadow Kingdom closed his eyes for the final time, a bright light surrounded him, and in a gust of wind, he was gone.
[color=#a66ebe"Good bye Dad. I won't let you down".] Dusk said, smiling up to the sky as Luna's moon began to rise.
Celestia sat at the railing of her chamber's balcony at Canterlot Castle, overlooking the Kingdom she loved and protected. She had just finished lowering the sun for her Luna's moon to rise, her sister sitting diligently next to her. As the final Ray's of sunlight sank below the horizon, they walked back into her chambers for some tea. They knew what had happened. The solar Princess spoke first.
""Did you feel it too, dear sister"?
"Yes, I did." Luna said, wrapping her wings around her sister. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew the doors of the throne room open. Smiling softly to each other, familiar to what was happening, they looked to see a spirit smiling with their wings wrapped around them.
"It's been a long time since I saw you two cry. I came here to tell you, thank you for saving my life and everything you did for me. For taking me in and raising me. I love you".
In a flash of light, the spirit was gone. A few days later all of Equestria and its leaders where gathered at the Shadow Kingdom to remember the Prince, the amethyst spires and walls gleaming beautifully as Celestia's sun danced across of them. Dusk placed his Mother and Father's armor on a couple of mannequins Rarity had made for him under the tree next to one stone that read:
Here lies two Heroes of The Dragon Wars. Once apart, now reunited, their love can live on to the great beyond. May their hearts live on in all of Equestria.
Author's Note
Thank to Whisper Quill for editing.
