Where There Is No Rainbow

Chapters

Awakening
Alone In Equestria
A Dark Mystery
Rocks, More Rocks
Delirium
Brother Thy Keeper
The Shadow Pony
Black Rainbow

Awakening

It was another casual day in Equestria, like any day you would expect to wake up at every morning. Quite peaceful and often loud with every pony working at this hour but that's just the way things are now. Black Cross had just signed up to work for Princess Twilight Sparkle at the School of Friendship as a librarian to make sure students are checking in and out spell books, he knows a lot about spells but not so many. After his shift, he had gone home where he felt really tired after work and on his way home upon entering a gate with a fence surrounding his house, it was two stories high, had six windows, and two bedrooms. To him, it was like paradise where he felt comfortable and safe to keep his distance from others, he isn't shy around other ponies, he just doesn't trust them, otherthan his brother, Hearts Dalliance, a royal guard.

Black Cross only cares for his family, but he never got to meet most of them. His parents have died during the war, all he has left is his younger brother, who was born after him, despite he was born an alicorn, he still acts like a child. The two have a strong bond and understand each other perfectly well with no problems, however occasionally Heart Dalliance gets himself into trouble which means Black Cross has to be the one to save him.

At least that wasn't until one day....

After Black Cross had step foot on his front porch he notice some lights were on, he could tell as one of the front windows were illuminating on the inside where the light was visible from the outside. He suspects that someone must have broken into his home, no pony ever enters not without Black Cross knowing, besides that, he has the key unless someone were to find another way in but there were no broken windows. He slowly, quitely opens the door but when he looks to his left - the lights have turned off as if someone were expecting him to enter. Black Cross had thought once he enters the house, he will make a quick reaction and call the police to get help.

He entered his house but was stopped when the lights were turned back on blinding him, it felt strange but he knew after being outside at night then coming into a home where it was bright as daylight, the lights would eventually cause this. Then the blindness fades away only to reveal his brother in the room and quite several other ponies he wasn't familiar with, they are probably friends of his. Black Cross looks around, there were balloons high above the ceiling and confetti all over his furniture, he knew it wasn't a break-in, but rather a surprise party.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" Hearts Dalliance shouted.

Assuming this was his brother's doing. Black Cross didn't realize this was all planned out, of course it was his birthday but he does not like surprise parties and Hearts already knew that, perhaps he wanted to celebrate his own brother's birthday.

"What's the meaning of all this?" asked Black Cross, he seemed calm after realizing that no-one had broken into his home, but he was agitated with Hearts Dalliance knowing that he had broken a promise with him.

"I thought I told you I don't like surprise parties, I could have called the police" said Black Cross, he was honest and made sure that he told Hearts Dalliance to never do this again.

Hearts Dalliance had smiled at Black Cross, knowing the good brother he is, Hearts Dalliance apologizes but convinces Black Cross that surprise parties are suppose to be a secret, that explains how Black Cross was unaware of this event that it would be taken place at his own house.

"Are you hungry, Pinkie Pie baked you a cake with your name on it, I know you don't like surprise parties but after telling my friends about you, they were curious, and they wanted to make you smile" said Hearts Dalliance, he tries not to break his smile but he believes it would be the only way to see Black Cross smile for the first time.

Black Cross was feeling uneasy and tired at the same time, he didn't want to argue with his brother, so he tries to reason with him "I'm not feeling so well, it's been a long day and I deserve some peace" - he quickly learns it would be disrespectful to ignore Hearts Dalliance after what he was trying to accomplished - "I need you all to leave my house, I would really appreciate that" he said.

Pinkie Pie jumps over Hearts Dalliance like a kangeroo interrupting their conversation, she handed over to reveal the cake that she made for Black Cross "Come on, don't be a party pooper, try some of this cake" said Pinkie Pie, she continues to smile widely.

"I'm not interested, please just leave my home" said Black Cross, he was beginning to get annoyed and he feels like wanting to threaten everypony to leave but tries hard not to let anger get the best of him.

"Can't you celebrate your birthday just a little bit?" asked Hearts Dalliance, he felt as if he wasn't doing enough after working so hard to throw this party for his brother, it was beginning to break his heart, and his smile was slowly turning into a frown.

Black Cross was getting angry and begins to stomp with his hooves against the floor to suppress his temper as if it would help him quit being aggressive "I've already told you; I don't like surprise parties," - he points to the door - "Now please, everypony leave!" he shouted.

Hearts Dalliance looked sad and tried not to cry, he wanted to do something special for his brother, he was grateful for having a brother to take care of him after they lost their parents but Black Cross does not realize how he truly feels. Then he begins to wonder, why doesn't he like surprise parties, "Why don't you like to smile?" he asked.

Black Cross sighs.

"There are some things that I can't explain, I wish I could tell you if I knew, but I prefer to take things seriously, I don't waste time on pointless things" said Black Cross, it was hard for Black Cross when he had witness the death of their parents, only he knew what it felt like to be alone and Hearts Dalliance was only a young colt at the time, today they are in their early 20s. It was a promise that his father made for Black Cross, to keep this secret away from his brother, he knew Hearts wouldn't understand until he got older, however Black Cross believes that his brother is not ready to know the truth why they passed away without saying anything.

Everypony in the room decided to leave the house, but Pinkie Pie was by the door blocking the exit, while still holding onto the cake she made, she accidentally tips over with the cake falling out of her hooves flying into Black Cross's face and the rest landing onto the floor. His face was covered in cream as it slowly falls off his nose, Pinkie Pie had looked at him and was laughing uncontrollably, followed by other ponies in the room had started laughing at Black Cross.

Black Cross was furious, angry and upset - he wanted to teleport away to never be seen again but instead he quickly turns and walks up stairs stomping his feet extremely loud but not loud enough to suppress the laughing, before he enters his bedroom he turns to the crowd screaming at the top of his lungs, "I WISH EVERYBODY WOULD JUST GO AWAY!!" he shouted, as he enters his room slamming the door behind him.

His brother, and everypony else had left the house that night. At this time, everypony went home and had gone to asleep.

Later that night, Black Cross was in his bedroom sleeping, he slowly begins to see something in his dream, it revealed he was at the front door with cake still on his face, everypony in the room was laughing at him and he remembers repeating the phrase "I wish everybody would just go away" but this time he was standing in front of them, everypony in the room had stopped laughing, frozen and their eyes had turned black with red pupils in the center of the eye as they exploded into thin air with blood raining on the spot from where they were standing, then the blood fades away like nothing was there.

Black Cross was immediately shocked as if he had done something to them, he wanted to wake up but he couldn't as if something was preventing him from waking up, then he heads outside only to see the moon covered in blood. He bows down covering his face to block his vision "It's only a dream" he cried, but suddenly he hears a soft voice that he wasn't familiar with, he looks up only to see Princess Luna, former ruler of Equestria.

"Do not be afraid" said Princess Luna, the master of dreams, and capable of entering into the dreamrealm when ponies are asleep.

Princess Luna had came into his dream to warn Black Cross the danger that is happening right now, "There is not much time, you must wake up, get your brother and go get help" said Princess Luna.

"Wait, what's going on?" asked Black Cross, he was unsure of the situation, he thought it was his doing but turns out to be something far worse than his expectations.

Princess Luna was beginning to fade away, like almost as if she were transparent but before she disappears, Princess Luna makes her final words before going into limbo, "Twilight had messed up, you must find Starswirl, only he can help you, the Dark Kingdom is coming, help save Equestria-" Princess Luna fades away where she couldn't be seen by the naked eye.

Black Cross shook his head and tries to wake himself up, only to be awaken in his bedroom. It was morning.

He pants a little after witnessing what he had experienced, it felt strange to him, as if it was real, he doesn't know who or what had spoken to him, but it didn't matter. It was just a dream he wondered. Black Cross got up and gets ready for work.

Upon leaving the house, Hearts Dalliance was standing in front of the door where he was waiting for him.

"Brother, what are you doing here?" - as he puts his jacket on - "I don't have time to talk right now, I've gotta go to work" said Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance had looked at his brother and sighs, "Look, I just want to apologize about the party last night.." he said, he begins to pout as if he felt that his brother would no longer love him after what he did.

Black Cross knew that Hearts Dalliance was trying to do something nice for him from all the years he's been watching over him after they lost their parents, "You know what, don't worry it, I forgive you" he said.

"So, you're not mad?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"I was, maybe a little but I know it wasn't your fault" said Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance and Black Cross hugged it out.

"Oh, before you go, have you ever seen a alicorn in your dreams?" - Hearts Dalliance paused trying to remember - "It was weird, because I've never seen any other alicorns other than Princess Twilight, so I came to you if you knew" he said.

Black Cross paused and remembered seeing an alicorn in his dream last night, he suspects that his brother is messing with him, but he wouldn't make up a story like that, he seemed serious this time, "Was this alicorn associated with the color of dark blue and had a black crown?" asked Black Cross, he looked at his brother and he notice Hearts Dalliance was feeling a bit scared after hearing that response.

"Yes, that is exactly what it looked like" said Hearts Dalliance.

Strange, both brothers remembered what the alicorn was and what it looked like, oddly enough it was though as if someone was trying to contact them or perhaps it was all just an elaborate coinicidence. If that was the case, then what were they trying to tell us and what do they mean that Twilight had messed up?

"I'll tell you what, after I get off work, we'll meet up with Princess Twilight and get to the bottom of this" Black Cross added, they both agree as Black Cross waves at his brother goodbye and leaves the house to go to work.

Black Cross knew a lot about alicorns but never would he ever had a dream about them, besides that they are rare in Equestria or ever been seen in public, they do play an important role, perhaps that's what this alicorn was trying to tell them but until there is further evidence in order to resolve this case. He exits.

Alone In Equestria

Black Cross was at the school library, he was alone and no-one was around for some odd reason. He wondered if something had happened to the students, but that's impossible, they come every Thursday to return their books and pick some new ones. Pretty sure they'll come by later, or tomorrow perhaps. He was feeling a bit uneasy, this is one of those days where students always visit the library on school days, or maybe it's one of those slow days.

He sighs and sits there on his chair where he usually sits, waiting for some pony,... or anybody to show up, but hours have passed and no one showed up. Except for one pony.

Maud Pie walks in carrying some books as she puts them in a basket and finds something else to read.

Things were getting weird around here, only one pony had shown up, but why Maud Pie, she's not a student and she doesn't work here. Perhaps it was all in your head, Black Cross.

Black Cross gets down from his chair and walks up to Maud Pie but quickly stops realizing that he might disturb her.

Maud Pie did not notice Black Cross, she continues to read her book that she picked out, it looked like she was studying about a record of rocks and their properties that these inanimate objects were able to withhold powerful magic but the question is, why would Maud Pie read something like that, didn't she get her doctors degree a few years ago?

Black Cross goes back to his seat, then Maud Pie sits up and leaves the library with her books.

Black Cross patiently waits for the school to close so he could leave and meet up with his brother later this evening. As the clock reaches to 6:30 PM he gets off his chair and leaves the school, but strangely no-pony was around, usually he would see students leave their classrooms to go home or perhaps some rather stayed in their rooms, he thought.

As Black Cross left the school, he notice the sun was still set from the east side. Okay now things were getting weirder, did Princess Twilight forget to lower the sun during the afternoon or has time truly stopped. He decided to go back to the School of Friendship, after wandering around the halls and entering the rooms, no-one was inside, or maybe everyone was sent home early.

"Where the hell is everybody, this cannot be real" said Black Cross, he paces back and forth to check every room again, still nobody around even on a school night, he wondered if the alicorn from his dream was telling the truth; did everyone really disappeared but if that were the case, why is Black Cross still alive?

Black Cross ran for his life as if he was going to be next.

Black Cross ran straight home but as he came through Ponyville, there was nobody else around and no sign of anypony or Maud Pie either. As he got to his house, he immedidately unlocked the door and went inside closing the door behind him, he looks out the window to make sure nothing was following him. He was paranoid, something was out there or perhaps he believed there was something grabbing everybody, but that does not explain why everyone had disappeared all of a sudden. He was worried that his brother could have been affected by this occurrence, he grabs a scroll and writes a note to make sure if he was alright.

Black Cross was shaking up.

After waiting a full hour while staying put right beside the front door as if he was protecting himself from something. He hears a knock on the door, he reacts and slowly looks out from the window, it looked like something had flew by but he can't see as the sun was shining by the figure creating a black silhouette or a shadow he thought. Black Cross slowly turns over the knob and the figure seems to be standing by the doorstep looking at him.

"Brother, it's me!" said Hearts Dalliance, it became more clear to him and he gets Black Cross off the floor.

Black Cross hugs Hearts Dalliance tightly.

It was a relief that Hearts Dalliance was all right. They sat down in the living room where both of them had looked at each other not knowing what the hell was going on. It appears that both brothers were freaked out by this occurrence.

"I want to know what's going on, tell me everything what you did today, leave nothing out of it" said Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance had explained to his brother on his way to work, he was the only one guarding Twilight's castle, there were no other guards in the castle, this usually never happens unless she tells them to go on break or take a vacation but Twilight would never do that. He went on about his shift, then he went to visit Princess Twilight at her throne but what was truly disturbing was that Princess Twilight was not there.

"So Twilight is missing...?" asked Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance shook his head, that would never be the case, "That's impossible, Princess Twilight would never leave her throne, unless she is needed, but we would've been notified if she was going to a meeting" he said, as he paced around the room.

"I am worried about Princess Twilight" said Heart Dalliance.

Black Cross realized that this was a time of crisis, he suspects that this is no-longer a hoax or a coincidence. This is real.

"Don't worry, we'll find her," said Black Cross, as he got up to comfort his brother.

Now they know this isn't a dream, it's really happening, but could they still bring back their friends? If one thing, only one pony might be able to help them, at least that is what they were told from the beginning. Hearts Dalliance had looked at his brother, maybe he had an answer to all of this and why it's happening.

"What should we do?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

Black Cross thought that the alicorn from their dream had gave them a clue where to go, "Remember that dream we had together, what if that alicorn had spoken to us about what's going on, I believe we were suppose to find somepony" he said.

"You do? Who??" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"I think I remember his name was Starswirl" said Black Cross, he picks out a book from a shelf and finds a page where it tells a legend about the Pillars of old Equestria, he shows it to Hearts Dalliance.

It was a sketch of what Starswirl looks like, Black Cross suspects that this is the pony they have to find.

"I never heard of him, who is he?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

It was believed that after Starswirl had returned to Equestria from limbo, he helped Twilight Sparkle to defeat Equestria's most dangerous threats, then he just suddenly disappeared without a trace. According to Princess Luna, there might be a chance that Starswirl may still be alive at this point, and even after helping Twilight a long time ago.

"We were blind from the beginning, but there is nothing else we can do to change the past, let's not waste anymore time, let's get to the train station to find this Starswirl" said Black Cross.

"...but where are we going?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"According to Starswirl's journal, which Twilight had kept some records of Starswirl, where he lived, and what he does, it looks like we'll have to travel far to find him" said Black Cross.

Black Cross had brought out a long and slim tool covered by some cloth, he unwraps it to reveal a sword. It had a handle with two edges, only one side had a strange gnarld tip that would balance the weight for the user, the blade was so sharp it could cut through flesh and bones. The sword had belonged to his father, a gift to him before he passed away. He puts it alongside of his waist to bring with him when they decide to travel and find Starswirl to end this nightmare.

"What are going to do with that?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"Something to protect us with..." Black Cross replied, as he sheathed it to cover the blade.

Both brothers set foot out the door on a journey to find Starswirl the bearded and help their friends be free from wherever they may be. Then a mysterious dark cloud hovers over Ponyville, killing all the flowers and houses were turning gray as if everything was being inverted into something sinister or evil. The two brothers haven't notice the dark clouds behind them hovering over Ponyville as they arrived to the train station, however there was no train to be found or perhaps someone was operating the train somewhere else before everyone had disappeared.

"I guess we're walking, come on" said Black Cross, as he pulled out a map to reveal Equestria and every known location. He shows the map to Hearts Dalliance to a mark where Starswirl may be and they both journey across Equestria to find him just south of Ponyville.

A Dark Mystery

After walking miles along the roadside, it lead to a new area no-pony has ever been to. It looked like some pony could get lost at a place without a map but the two brothers knew they were on the right path. Strangely enough, they find themselves in a small area, there were barbwire fences with dolls attached to them, they had a burnt face, maybe Starswirl was trying to create a ritual to protect himself from someone, maybe he was scared, but why would he need this if he has magic, perhaps he was getting prepared for something.

They looked around to make sure if anyone was nearby but no one could be found, not for miles or anywhere. The brothers kept close to each other so neither of them would get lost, a shack was found, it was rather small, perhaps Starswirl was in there. Black Cross had knocked on the door, but no one answered, they listen closely to check if anyone was home however all they heard was the wind gusting, it was too quiet and rather creepy at the same time.

"Hello, is anybody home?" said Black Cross, as he had knocked on the door again, still no answer.

Then suddenly the two brothers hear rustling noises around the corner, they went around back of the shelter where they found another pony, or supposedly one, you couldn't see his face as it was covered by a hoodie, he appears to be searching for something in the garbage can. "Hello?" Black Cross had called, the hooded figure looks at them and takes off his hoodie only to reveal that it was Stygian all along, "Uhh can I help you?" he asked.

"Wait, you're Stygian, I've read about you.." said Black Cross.

"Do you know me?" asked Stygian.

"Well not personally, this is the first time I've ever seen you, I've read about you in Twilight's book about Friendship," said Black Cross as he scratched his head knowing he finally met someone mentioned from a book that Princess Twilight wrote.

"Oh right, I remember reading about that, and Twilight too, I think I met her" said Stygian.

Black Cross learns that Stygian knows Twilight, perhaps he could help them find Starswirl the Bearded.

"Hey, maybe you can help us, we're looking for Starswirl the bearded" said Black Cross.

"Oh right, I know him too, he's my teacher..." Stygian added.

Black Cross and Hearts Dalliance had looked at each other, they had no idea that Starswirl was a teacher.

"Right this way, follow me" said Stygian, he walks passed the two brothers leading them to an old structure that looks like a house but with no windows and only a sealed door that a unicorn could surpass that barrier, Stygian teleports the two ponies inside where the place looks like a library, there were books lying around and tables were dirty covered in filth.

Starswirl appears before them, he was meditating upon a stairwell, Stygian had whispered to his ear about the visitors and he begins to wake up where he had walked down stairs to talk to them.

"You are from Ponyville, I presume?" Starswirl claimed, as he shook their hooves introducing himself to the brothers.

"We traveled pretty far in search for you" said Black Cross.

"What do you need me for?" asked Starswirl.

"An alicorn had spoken to me and my brother in our dream one night, this entity had a dark blue coat, it had a wavy mane as similar as Twilight's mane but it was sparkerly like the night sky, it was also wearing a black crown on its head, and I believe it had a cutie mark but I couldn't really tell - my memory is too vivid from now" said Black Cross.

"Hmm... and this creature had told you to get help from me?" asked Starswirl.

"That's right, it mentioned that something had happened, then all of our friends suddenly disappeared" Hearts added.

Starswirl paused and remembers a pony who is able to enter the dreamrealm, "I believe you have met Princess Luna" Starswirl claimed, "Yes, she will occasionally enter your dreams and sometimes helps you confront your deepest darkest fears" he added.

Starswirl was unsure what to think why Princess Luna would send them here.

"..and your friends have disappeared you say?" asked Starswirl.

"That's right, on Thursday, all of our friends have disappeared without a trace" said Hearts Dalliance.

"What else did Princess Luna tell you?" asked Starswirl.

"I recall she claimed that Twilight Sparkle had done something wrong, then she said something about the 'Dark Kingdom' which I have no idea what that was all about" said Black Cross.

Starswirl went cold, he was shocked hearing that Black Cross had mentioned the Dark Kingdom, he never heard of that term in ages, perhaps over millennial he thought, but it was definitely no myth. He walks back and forth thinking about the Dark Kingdom and the random occurrence that has been happening.

"Oh dear, this cannot be happening, maybe Twilight was onto something" Starswirl murmured.

"What did you say about... Twilight?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

Starswirl looks at them, he knew they would be asking questions in regard of his past research on the Dark Kingdom.

"What is this Dark Kingdom?" asked Black Cross.

The Dark Kingdom was said to be the opposite side of the Pastel Kingdom or as they call the living - which is where Equestria is now. Starswirl goes in depth with his research but no one knows where it came from. It was believed that the Elder God, Pegasus had created the ponies, including the realms within so that they can enter as they pleased. In theory, the reason Pegasus created the Dark Kingdom was to punish those who broken its commandments. According to MachoPoni, there was a way to get in but Starswirl would never thought that the Dark Kingdom would come to us.

"If you must know, but back then I did some research on the Dark Kingdom, when I was sent into limbo along with the Pony of Shadows long ago, I could have sworn I thought my life flashed before my very own eyes, I saw a dark landscape it was a cold and dark kingdom with isolation but I realized I was stuck in time and space, I could not get in to the Dark Kingdom or perhaps that wasn't my fate, I thought it was the afterlife, then after I returned to Equestria thanks to Twilight, I did some research on this kingdom, I didn't actually believe it but according to MachoPoni, he reported that he returned to life after leaving a dark place, I assumed they meant the Dark Kingdom but why is that, I wondered," he said.

"What is the Dark Kingdom and what does it have to do with ponies coming back to life?" asked Black Cross.

"I believe that after we die, we are sent to the Dark Kingdom, an isolated and empty void where ponies are forgotten, of course this theory was incorrect, not every pony enters this dark realm, only to those who have step foot in its world or perhaps if some pony had commited a crime and cannot let go of the past, they will be sent there" Starswirl explained.

"This is all my fault, if I hadn't given Twilight my journal then she wouldn't have been curious enough to find out what this Dark Kingdom was like, now I understand" said Starswirl.

"...but how does that explain why our friends our disappearing?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"An interesting question, but rather difficult to answer, the Dark Kingdom is a place where the dead can enter, back then the living was able to enter but no one cannot enter anymore, if you were to set foot in the Dark Kingdom, should you become dead as the rest, this theory was proven when I found a diary written by MachoPoni who had a near-death experience when he entered the Dark Kingdom, his body was turning dark and gray or perhaps everything was colorblind to him he thought, the reason our friends are disappearing is because they have been raptured into its realm, at least that's what MachoPoni had recorded when his girlfriend had been dragged in" said Starswirl.

"Then how come we're not affected, why didn't we get raptured into the Dark Kingdom?" asked Black Cross.

"Well, according to his diary, when MachoPoni went into the Dark Kingdom he came back to life but didn't get to save his special pony.." Starswirl claimed, "Her name was Dust, and she came back to our realm only to be completely gray, after that, MachoPoni and Dust had children together, which they then came out as gray ponies, therefore, the reason we aren't effected is probably because we are half dead" he said.

"Does this mean we are related?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"Now that... I am unsure of, the only thing we have in common is our gray coat, I cannot explain why ponies are gray" Starswirl explained.

"How is this even possible?" asked Black Cross.

"That... I am not sure of" said Starswirl.

"...how are we going to get our friends back?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"It's impossible, comparing this crisis to MachoPoni's story, this occurence is completely different since MachoPoni only entered the Dark Kingdom and came out alive, therefore we cannot bring our friends back from this point" said Starswirl.

"Then how are we going to stop the Dark Kingdom from coming into our world and save Equestria?" asked Black Cross.

"Hmm... there might be a way, but I don't really know if the legend is true.." said Starswirl.

"We're not getting anywhere" said Black Cross, the two brothers had looked at each other and they walked around the room reading spell books to find a way to get their friends back.

"Now hold on, there still may be hope" Starswirl added.

"What is it Starswirl?" asked Black Cross.

Starswirl picks out a book from a shelf about other elements that existed in their world.

"...like I said, this is only a legend, but I could be wrong" said Starswirl, he opens the book to reveal the mysterious power of light that brings happiness to everything around.

"Do you think this spell could work?" asked Black Cross.

"There is a possibility, but I've never tried it myself - according to this book, if you bring in six ponies along with each of their own belongings, you could unleash the power of light, since we do not have the elements of harmony, this spell might be our only chance to push back the Dark Kingdom" Starswirl explained.

"We can do that, there is me and my brother, who else do we need?" asked Black Cross.

"Well, you just have to find somepony to help you-" said Starswirl.

"What about Stygian?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"Stygian is my pupil, unfortunately he cannot be in your ritual, you will need some pony that you know and can trust, it can be some pony who is part of your family, or maybe a friend, but that is up to you to decide, I cannot help you from there" said Starswirl.

"Then there's no time to waste, let's find some ponies that can help us" said Black Cross.

"It's not that simple, there aren't many ponies left in the world, it would be difficult to find ponies with a darker skin color, but I cannot help you, if you can bring me four more ponies into your party then I may be able to help cast the spell for you, then from there we should be able to bring our friends back" said Starswirl.

"Alright, then I guess we'll be on our way" said Black Cross.

"Before you do... there is one thing you should know, the element of light has some side effects, this spell will remove all negative energy, maybe even ourselves, I just hope you know that you are making the right choice" Starswirl added.

Black Cross and Hearts Dalliance left Starswirl, with little time left before the Dark Kingdom swallows up Equestria, they will find ponies they can trust, until then, they shall return to Starswirl, and they will save their friends. They exit.

Rocks, More Rocks

Black Cross and Hearts Dalliance had went back to Ponyville where they believe they should start finding ponies, but as they got there, the two brothers notice a dark cloud was hovering over Ponyville for some odd reason, perhaps it had something to do with the Dark Kingdom.

"Is that what I think it is..?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"Yeah, that must be where they have taken our friends" said Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance was beginning to feel uneasy just looking at the dark cloud, it was rotating around Ponyville like a hurricane, it was strange to view as he felt a cold breeze pass through him "brrrr... that's cold" he said.

Black Cross had an idea who could help them save their friends, but he notice that his brother was unsure where to go, Black Cross knew that his brother feels lost, since he was following him around, "Are you going to be okay, brother" he asked.

"I'll be okay," said Hearts Dalliance, besides just tapping his hoof on the ground looking a bit nervous, Black Cross knew what he had to do.

"Listen, here's what we're going to do, we split up and find some pony that could help us" said Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance was feeling a bit scared knowing that he might wander off if he doesn't know where to go, but he knew he had no other choice, he needed to get help in order to bring back his friends.

"Everything will be fine," - Black Cross hugs his brother, - "I mean you do know where to go, right?" he asked.

"I don't know... honestly" said Hearts Dalliance.

"Think for a moment, what did Starswirl say; he said we have to bring four ponies that we both know, that way Starswirl could help and maybe the spell might actually work if we tried hard enough" said Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance shook his head, he tries not to pout thinking that they won't succeed, as he was beginning to doubt himself, "I don't know!" he shouted.

"Well there has to be some pony you know, think about it, Starswirl mentioned that only colorful ponies can be raptured, if we can find some pony with a gray or darker coat, then chances are we might succeed" Black Cross added.

"Maybe you're right, I just gotta think hard enough" said Hearts Dalliance.

"What about Maud Pie?" asked Black Cross.

"I know Maud Pie, we use to hang out all the time, but we stopped hanging out after I got a job as a royal guard" said Hearts Dalliance.

"Then that's who we need, Maud is strong, we could use her help, can you do that?" asked Black Cross.

"I could try... but where would I find her" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"Hmmm... I'm not sure, last I seen her was on Thursday, I saw her at the library, she checked out a book and then left without saying anything" said Black Cross.

"Do you know where she went?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"You might want to check her home first, at the rock farm, maybe you'll get some answers there" said Black Cross, as he turned around heading west but was stopped by Hearts Dalliance.

"Wait, what are you going to do?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"I am going to find some pony that we know from our family" said Black Cross.

"But we don't know anybody from our family, most of them are forgotten or passed away" Hearts claimed.

"That may be true, but I do know one pony, a friend to the family who has a darker coat and had not passed away, she's from Manehattan, I believe her name was Ada" said Black Cross.

"Well then good luck, and be careful" said Hearts Dalliance, as he hugs his brother before leaving.

"Thanks, and same to you" Black Cross replied, as he rushed east to get to Manehattan.

Black Cross exits.

Hearts Dalliance flew over to the Rock Farm where he suspects that Maud Pie and her sisters would be there. On his way, he lands right by the entrance of the farm, there was a ravine in front of him that he had never seen before, perhaps the Pie sisters were constructing on something, he wondered. He decided to look around in the ravine to check if any pony was there when suddenly a large boulder came rolling in, luckily Hearts Dalliance got out of the way almost nearly crushing him.

"Woaw, hey!!" he shouted.

He flew upwards above the creek to back away from the the ravine only to see two of Maud's sisters. They approached him, but one backed away as if it were shy hiding behind a rock out of sight, but the other sister was slightly aggressive than the other.

"You are trespassing, leave our farm now!" she shouted.

"Wait, aren't you Limestone," - he turns to Marble Pie only to have frighten her where she goes to Limestone and hides behind her sister - "...and you must be Marble, you guys are related to Maud!" he called.

"Yeah? And who are you?" asked Limestone, she stood there keeping her guard up and protecting Marble.

"I am Hearts Dalliance, I work for the royal guard as Princess Twilight's knight of Friendship" he said, he flew down to land on to the ground and slowly approaches the Pie sisters.

"Never heard of you, are you here for our gems?" asked Limestone.

Hearts Dalliance shook his head, he only came for one pony, "No, but I am looking for your sister, Maud Pie" he said.

"What do you need our sister for?" asked Limestone, her right eyebrow lifts up, she suspects something is going on.

"It's important, I need her help - and besides she is also a friend of mine" he claimed.

"I hate to break it to you buddy, but neither of us know where Maud is, you came to the wrong place" said Limestone.

Marble nodded "Mhmm!"

"Well thanks for nothing.." said Hearts Dalliance, before he could fly away as he turned around Maud was standing behind him listening to their conversation.

Hearts Dalliance was a bit surprised to see Maud Pie after not seeing each other for a long time, he rubs his arm and looks down feeling nervous. Maud was now in front of him, he tries not to blush and remembers to focus on his quest.

"Ahem, right!" - he clears his throat - "Hello... Maud" he murmured.

"Hello Hearts, long time no see, it's been awhile" said Maud Pie.

Limestone and Marble notice her sister Maud from across the creek of the ravine, they tried getting her attention.

"Maud!! What are you doing here?" asked Limestone.

"I thought I'd stop by and visit the farm after being away from home after a long time, there was nobody to talk to so I came here" said Maud as if she didn't know the situation happening around Equestria.

"Maud listen, ponies are disappearing left and right from every corner, I need your help - you are the only one I can trust," said Hearts Dalliance.

Maud blinks not saying a word, she continues to stare at Hearts Dalliance, she nodded only to answer with a single word "Okay" and joins them on their quest.

"Oh alright, so you don't mind saving Equestria?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

Maud nodded, and blinks again slowly "I wouldn't mind, it would be the perfect time to spend time with an old friend" she murmured.

"But before we go, you need to bring something, we're trying to summon the elements of light" he said.

Maud takes out Boulder from her pouch and puts him on the ground "We can use Boulder" she added.

"But Maud, Boulder is your... pet" said Hearts Dalliance.

Maud shrugged her shoulders "I wouldn't mind, if bringing back our friends then sacrificing one might save them all and Equestria" she claimed.

Hearts nodded and agree to take Maud to meet up with his brother where Starswirl would be waiting for them. Maud exits but Hearts Dalliance was stopped by Limestone Pie when she threw a rock at him.

Hearts Dalliance turns around, "Hey, keep an eye on her," - Limestone's eyebrows narrowed down - "..and bring her back here!" she shouted, as he exits.

Limestone and Marble had watched them leave the farm as they return home with only Marble saying "Mhm" from behind them as they exits.

Delirium

Black Cross had made it to Manehattan where he believes Ada would be present, it was cold outside, he was standing beside a tree up a hill where he could view parts of the city, he could see the park and the public library from his persepective. Suddenly a unicorn exits the library, it must've been Ada for sure, she has a dark gray coat, red eyes, as well as a black mane and tail. She appears to be carrying some books while walking along the sideroad with some friends of hers, some which had color, perhaps they haven't been raptured yet, he thought.

Ada had felt as if something was watching her, she stops and looks above a hill "Huh?" she murmured, while staring at the hill questioning if someone was stalking her but no one was there, her friends had called to her and she continues to walk with them. Black Cross had quickly reacted, he was hidng behind a tree slightly nervous and then decides to follow Ada home. Her house was the size of a mansion, too many windows to count, perhaps Ada had lived here her whole life.

When Black Cross steps foot on her porch he knocks on the door and waits patientally for somebody to answer. He was looking down feeling a bit queasy, as the front door had slowly opened, Ada was tilting the door to see who it was "Hello?" she questioned, with a soft voice, it made Black Cross frozed in place, he does not know how to answer, he gets nervous around females, he almost never interacts with them, not like back home in Ponyville.

"Can I help you?" asked Ada, as she opens the door widely to get a better look at him, she walks closer to Black Cross but the closer she got the more nervous he went as he began to sweat and his heart was beginning to thump loudly, he tries to speak but only studders with his words "I need... you" he paused and goes silent.

Ada had tilt her head not understanding what Black Cross had just said or perhaps she didn't hear him clearly, "Do you need help?" she asked, as she got closer Ada puts her hoof on his head to feel his temperature, Black Cross was on fire and his face turned red, "Oh my, you're burning up" she said.

Suddenly her friend approaches them from behind Ada, "Ada, who's at the door?" she asked, but as she witness what Ada was doing with Black Cross, Ada's friend leans by the doorstep, "Oooo who's the lucky stallion?" she said as she giggled.

Ada had immediately put her hoof down and looks at her friend, "Claudia!" she shouted, as she looked at her blushing and shook her head "I was just kidding" said Claudia, Ada turns back to Black Cross to check on him, "Are you okay?" she asked.

Black Cross had shook his head trying to get a hold of himself, "I'm sorry to bother you, but... can I come in?" - his mouth was feeling a bit dry - "I need a drink of water.." he said. Ada decides to bring Black Cross into her home and gave him a cup of water.

Black Cross, Ada and her friend, Claudia were sitting in the dining room where they look at each from across the room, "Who are you?" asked Ada. Black Cross knew who Ada was but she never knew him back then when they went to Twilight's School for the gifted unicorns.

"You probably don't remember me, but we use to... we were in the same class when we attended at Twilight's School for the gifted unicorns" said Black Cross, as he drank more water to catch his breathe.

Ada had no idea who this pony was or how he knows her, however she can't recall when they met, "I'm sorry, I don't remember you or ever going to this school for the gifted unicorns, - forgive me, my memory is vivid, it's difficult to remember these days" she said.

"But you and I are... I was told that we might be related" Black Cross claimed.

"That's not possible, I've lived alone most of my life, I don't remember my parents, I don't know if I even have any relatives or cousins" said Ada.

"That may be true, we might not look a-like but one thing we do have in common, our ancestor had walked into the Dark Kingdom, they barely came out alive only to be fully gray, that is why we have darker skins" said Black Cross.

Claudia was staring at Black Cross and listening to their conversation, she had whispered to Ada, "You two would a make a cute couple," she added, as she gave them a grin on her face, Black Cross stood silent and Ada began to blush again, "Claudia, shut up" she chuckled. They looked back at Black Cross questioning what brings him to their home.

"Listen, there is a storm coming, your friends are in danger" said Black Cross, Ada was confused but she was curious with his stories, perhaps he was giving them a warning.

"What do you mean?" asked Ada, she tilts her head looking at Black Cross wondering if something was wrong.

"We do not have much time, the Dark Kingdom is coming," he said.

Black Cross had explained to Ada what the Dark Kingdom was, although she was not familiar with the topic, she knew he was being serious that ponies are disappearing. Then he goes on about getting help from family members and close friends they can trust that could help save Equestria.

"...and you need me to help you on your quest?" she asked.

Black Cross nodded, he was sure that Ada would eventually join them, but he doesn't think there wouldn't be enough ponies to summon the elements of light, "If you could bring along an inanimate object to the ritual, we should be able to free our friends" he claimed.

Ada is unsure if the spell would even work, as she cannot recall who Black Cross was, "I dunno if I can help you, not without knowing or remembering who you were" said Ada, she claims she hasn't seen anyone from her family in a long time.

Black Cross had teleported in front of Ada preventing her from leaving the room, he leans forward to touch her horn with his to reveal their long-term distant past when they attended at Twilight's School for the gifted unicorns, it was a few years ago. Ada and Black Cross used to work together on their projects in alchemy class, in their free time they played games after school and they hung out at lunch at the same table. After graduation, the two went their separate ways and never saw each other again - until now.

Ada frozed after Black Cross had shown her the past, her lips were twitching almost as if she were trying to smile, she blinks back in to reality and immediately pounces Black Cross pinning him down onto the floor, "BLACK CROSS!!" - as she hugged him tightly - "It's really you, now I remember!" she cried. Black Cross was surprised to see Ada again after a long time. It was like a reunion they never had before.

Claudia just stares at them, "Awwwwe" as she got up from her seat and begins to walk away, "I'll be right back, I'll leave you two alone" she said as she stumbled upon the front door and exits.

Ada had quickly realized something, she got up from the floor and chased after Claudia but as she ran through the front door, it was snowing, then a dark cloud was hovering over Manehattan, Ada had looked around for Claudia but she was no where to be found.

Black Cross took Ada back inside where it was warm, he comforts her after realizing her friend had suddenly vanished, but they believe that she was raptured into the Dark Kingdom along with their other friends. "I'm sorry for what happened to your friend," said Black Cross.

Ada's emotions had went from normally calm to being slightly angry, she grinds her teeth knowing that Claudia was taken from her, "I want to know who is behind all of this, whoever it is, I'm going to kill this mother fucker" - Ada turns to Black Cross, - "let's get our friends" she said.

"In this storm, it would be impossible to walk out of here" said Black Cross.

"Then what should we do?" asked Ada.

"Well, maybe we can find some other pony to help us on our quest?" Black Cross suggested.

"There really isn't much that I can do, I don't think there's anypony else" Ada claimed, she was serious and very sincere.

Black Cross had looked around in Ada's home, there were books on the shelves, most of them were spell books on different types of rituals and black magic. He wondered if it would be possible to meet the pony that could help them on their quest, but the question is how are they going to bring them here.

"Ada, do you know any rituals of bringing the dead back to life?" asked Black Cross.

Ada had looked at Black Cross confused as to why would he asked for something like that, perhaps he was onto something, she thought, as she decides to question him, "What do you need to know?" Ada asked.

Black Cross knew he just had to come up with an idea, if Starswirl's theory is correct then chances are they could get help from some pony they know from their family, even if that means turning the tables.

"I would like to meet our ancestors,... MachoPoni and Dust to find out the truth, only they will know" said Black Cross.

Although Ada wasn't sure what Black Cross was going to do, but she will accept his favor otherwise, it might even help them bring back their friends, she nodded and picks out a book to find a spell that could summon the dead.

"I have to warn you, this spell is temporarily, once you have summoned the dead they will follow you wherever you go without having to teleport with their magic, however they can still do harm to you and others" Ada explained.

"I understand," - he nodded, - "...it's the only way to get our friends back," said Black Cross.

Ada had drawn a red circle with a star in the middle which looked like some sort of pentagram, this is truly advanced magic. How did she ever learned to do that, perhaps she wanted to study on conjuring spells.

Brother Thy Keeper

Ada was preparing to summon an old family member which Black Cross had believed to be their ancestor who may also be their guardian from the beginning.

"Who are we summoning?" asked Ada.

Black Cross moved his head up and down slowly nodding, "I think you know whom" he said.

Ada remembers why Black Cross came all the way from Ponyville to Manehattan, he needed her help, after telling her a story that Starswirl had told him, she suspects that Black Cross was referring to MachoPoni and his girlfriend, Dust.

"Okay, I was just checking to make sure" she added.

Black Cross unsheathed his sword in case if something goes wrong as if it would protect him from what they are about to do. He takes a step back holding onto his sword in front of him while Ada prepares to summon their ancestor. Then raw energy filled the room as the circle that Ada drew began to suck it all in only to reveal the soul of a past family member. They realized that MachoPoni and his wife Dust are now in the room with them.

"Huh? What is this place, and how did I get here?" asked MachoPoni, he looked around the room curiously and noticed Dust was standing beside him.

"Calm down, we just have a few questions to ask you" said Black Cross.

"Who are you?" asked Dust.

"You probably don't realize but we are your great grandchildren from the future" said Black Cross.

MachoPoni and Dust looked at each other confused, they don't remember having children.

"I'm sorry, you must be mistaken for someone else, we never had any children, Dust and I aren't married" said MachoPoni.

Black Cross was utterly confused and he didn't want to upset the spirits of his ancestors, perhaps they needed to refresh their memories somehow.

"Then what about the story about Dust entering the Pastel Kingdom with her whole body all gray?" asked Black Cross.

"The part where she was gray is true but she never came back to the living... I can't remember what happened after that" said MachoPoni.

Dust had looked down to the floor not showing any emotions, she had a rough relationship with MachoPoni during those bad times, it never healed her wounds for what she had done to MachoPoni.

"It was all my fault..." said Dust, she paused and wanted to tell MachoPoni the truth.

"This isn't good," - Ada had noticed the negative energy surrounding the saddened spirit, - "If this continues, Dust could really hurt somebody" she added.

"Then why have you summoned us?" asked MachoPoni.

Black Cross was feeling upset as if he wasn't making any progress, he wanted to gain trust with MachoPoni but things take a harsh turn for him and Dust.

"I don't know, I just wanted to protect my brother" said Black Cross, he paused and looks at the floor.

"Your brother?" MachoPoni replied.

"You see, our parents have died during the war, after that I kept him close to me, if something bad happens to him, then I don't know what'd I do next" said Black Cross.

"Hmm... it sounds to me, you weren't doing a good job - where is your brother now?" asked MachoPoni.

"I don't know, am I not my brother's keeper?" said Black Cross.

MachoPoni paused not knowing how to respond to his reaction, "What do you mean?" he asked.

"My brother is all I have left, there's no-one else in this world that I care about, but I have to do what must be done even that means I have to save Equestria otherwise there won't be a place to protect him in" said Black Cross.

"Well I'm not sure how am I suppose to help you, I don't know the situation that's going on" said MachoPoni.

"It's about the Dark Kingdom, it's going to swallow up this world and make it into another replica of itself" said Black Cross.

"The Dark Kingdom?!" - MachoPoni looked at Dust and remembers him being there - "You know about the Dark Kingdom?" asked MachoPoni.

"I've only heard legends about it, I don't really know why this is happening to our world but our friends are trapped inside" said Black Cross.

"It's impossible to leave," - MachoPoni shook his head, - "Someone would have dragged them in there, if they did, only they can bring them out, same thing happened to me with Dust and I blame Clint for doing that to her" he said.

"So you're saying our friends were not raptured into the Dark Kingdom?" asked Black Cross.

"No, he's saying someone or something pulled them into the dark realm" said Ada.

"If that were the case, then who is the culprit?" asked Black Cross.

"You'll probably have to find that out on your own," - MachoPoni stands straight up, - "But until we meet again" he said, for a moment of silent MachoPoni acts as if he was ready to return back to the afterlife... but nothing happens.

Dust smacks MachoPoni, "Don't be rude, they need our help!" she shouted.

Black Cross turns to Ada, "Wait, why can't they return back to the afterlife, I thought you said the spell was temporarily?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, maybe there's something preventing them from leaving, something is holding them back" said Ada.

Ada explains that when a spirit has been called upon the living, they cannot return to the afterlife unless they are forgiven for their sins or they let go of the distant past.

"There's still one thing I just don't understand, how come we aren't affected, why haven't we been dragged into the Dark Kingdom, why does it only effect to ponies with color?" asked Black Cross.

"That's probably because the Dark Kingdom... or whoever is dragging everypony, it does not see you as a threat or maybe they see you dead already" said MachoPoni.

"I've heard stories that you almost turned gray, was that true and are gray ponies associated with the Dark Kingdom?" asked Black Cross.

MachoPoni is beginning to get bored answering questions, he scratches his head and thinks about the origin of the dark side, "That part was true, I almost turned gray," - he nodded and remembers that experience, - "Also, the part where ponies are born with gray and darker skin color has nothing to do with the Dark Kingdom, that is a myth" said MachoPoni.

"Then where did gray ponies came from?" asked Black Cross.

MachoPoni smirks remembering the time he asked his mother that question, "I've heard stories of the first ponies that walked this land, before there were color - there was only gray ponies everywhere," - he leans forward to touch Black Cross's horn with his to show him the prehistoric events before Equestria was founded many years ago, - "These ponies weren't isolated or upset about anything, they were strong and extremely intelligent, they are the reason we have color today" said MachoPoni.

"Now I think I understand" said Black Cross.

"Listen, I may not know what happened and I don't know how you plan on stopping it, but really, you don't need magic to protect someone - or whoever, I had to learn that the hard way, back then we had no magic, I had to journey across the Dark Kingdom alone to save Dust, but I realized it was all for nothing, then after I returned back to the Pastel Kingdom I thought my heart was broken knowing that Dust had betrayed me..." - he looks at Dust but she turns around not making any eye contact with him, - "then that's when my body had turned back to it's original skin color, purple, you see happiness doesn't come naturally, sometimes you gotta feel sorrow" he said.

"But I thought happiness gives you color... or was it color that gives you happiness?" asked Black Cross.

"There are other methods to find happiness, but color is just an abstract of that philosophy" said MachoPoni.

"So what's going to happen to us if I find happiness, will I get my own color?" asked Black Cross.

"You shouldn't have to change the way you look.... like I said earlier, gray ponies are intelligent and rather stronger than any other colorful horses" said MachoPoni.

"I guess you're right" Black Cross added.

He realized the truth about the past, he and Ada decided to go to Ponyville where they would meet up with his brother to find an alternate solution to save Equestria, but there wasn't enough time, they hurry to the village where they would expect to stop the ritual and defeat the evil presence within the Dark Kingdom where they believe that someone is responsible for summoning the dark realm.

Author's Note

The idea for the title of this chapter being "Brother Thy Keeper" is a reference to the Bible, when God had asked Cain, where his brother was. Cain answered, “I know not; am I my brother's keeper?” In this case, Black Cross was responsible for protecting his brother, he believed that the 'Elements of Light' would protect his little brother and save Equestria, however it wasn't really necessary, he can stop the Dark Kingdom from merging with Equestria without the power of magic.

The Shadow Pony

After returning home to Ponyville, Black Cross meets up with his brother where they are expected a visit from Starswirl however the dark cloud from earlier was growing much worse than before, blocking out the sun and everything around the area was turning gray.

"Hey brother, what's going on, I thought you were bringing more friends to help?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about..." Black Cross replied.

Black Cross had explained everything to his brother about the gray ponies and the Dark Kingdom, they then were approached by Starswirl holding onto his spell book when he realized the two were standing in front of him.

"Black Cross... Hearts Dalliance, what's going on?" asked Starswirl.

"We believe Princess Twilight wasn't responsible for summoning the Dark Kingdom, we suspect someone who was previously involved with threatening Equestria before, and now they are back" said Black Cross.

Starswirl was feeling a bit concerned, perhaps his research had a miscalculation.

"Then... who could it be?" asked Starswirl.

Suddenly, a laugh can be heard from the distance, every pony had looked up to see where the voice was coming from, it came from the dark cloud in the sky as black fluid began to rain upon them, the liquid had merged together making up a strange figure with a horn and a pair of wings, only to form into what looks like the Pony of Shadows. He had returned.

Starswirl was shocked to see the Pony of Shadows after a long time when he was sent back to limbo, "By the Gods..." he was petrified.

Black Cross had looked at him as he wondered if Starswirl knew what it was, "Starswirl, what is it?" he asked.

But Starswirl could not move or talk, he was completely out of his league.

Ada turns to Black Cross, "What should we do?" she asked.

Black Cross confronts the mysterious shadow figure, he wasn't scared but a bit confused, "Who are you?" he asked.

The Pony of Shadows had laughed uncontrollably, "I am called Pony of Shadows," - he leans in closer, - "...but you may call me, Clint" he said.

The ponies were shocked, neither of them know how to respond to that. However, Black Cross is familiar with that name, perhaps it was the same character that MachoPoni was talking about.

"Wait a minute, MachoPoni mentioned about a pony named Clint, he was responible for luring Dust into the Dark Kingdom" he said, as he quickly looks to Ada knowing that this must be some trick, but she has no response to that question, it must really be Clint somewhere inside the Pony of Shadows.

Black Cross was angry, he wanted to slain the creature with his sword but he still needed answers, "Why are you doing this?!" he shouted.

"Nyahahah!" the Pony of Shadows continues to laugh, "I am going to turn Equestria inside-out, it will be the new Dark Kingdom where everything you've ever cared will die and turn gray, this is revenge for being defeated by ugly colorful ponies - now it is my turn to flip the cards" he said.

"I don't care about any pony except for my brother, I must protect him, but you are being irrational and you must die!" said Black Cross.

The Pony of Shadows was interested with his anger, he wanted to use Black Cross as his ultimate power, "You sound very upset, I like it - your powers might even be enough for me to destroy your world," - he stands up straight where a black and slender whip grapples onto Black Cross, - "You soul will serve me well" he said.

Black Cross was being dragged by the Pony of Shadows but his friends were beside him trying to pull him back until it was too late, he was already inside of him. It was dark inside, he could not see anything as if everything was just another nightmare of his.

He casts a flash light on his horn, Black Cross had realized he was inside the Pony of Shadows, as he walks around he notice another pony that he wasn't familiar with, perhaps it was Clint that the Pony of Shadows had swallowed up.

"You must be Clint?" asked Black Cross.

The mysterious pony looks at him, he wanted to say something but was too embarrassed to admit what he has done, "Yes, I am Clint," - with a soft and saddened voice, - "I never wanted any of this to happen" he said.

"What do you mean?" asked Black Cross, he kneeled down trying to comfort him.

"The truth is... I wanted to get back at the ponies who were mean to me" said Clint, but Black Cross did not believe him, perhaps he was trying to trick him.

"You must be joking, right?" - he trots around back and forth thinking, - "MachoPoni said that you were mean to him, you lured Dust into the Dark Kingdom" said Black Cross.

"Yeah, well that was to get rid of MachoPoni..." Clint added.

Black Cross wondered why these two characters had a tough relationship, "Why do you hate MachoPoni so much?" he asked.

Clint shook his head, he could not remember why he despise on MachoPoni as a whole, "I don't really know, it was a long time ago," - he looks down where he could see his own hooves, - "...then when I was sent to the Dark Kingdom for my sins, I met the Pony of Shadows, he wanted to help me, but inside he is only draining my magic" he said.

Black Cross recalls he was feeling a bit weak before entering inside the Pony of Shadows, perhaps it was draining his magic too. He wanted to escape but there was no way out however he had an idea.

"Maybe it's time to let go and start over," - he reaches out to Clint giving him a hand, - "You can trust me, we can get out of this mess together" said Black Cross.

Clint had looked up to Black Cross once again, he gets up on his four limbs but still wobbly and twitching.

"Posey and Prickly!" - Black Cross had casted a spell to surround himself and Clint by flowers and light, it was bright as holy shimmering and erasing all the darkness, the Pony of Shadows was beginning to inflate with all the happiness filling him up where he would explode like a balloon. The Pony of Shadows was defeated.

Black Cross and Clint were free, but they were feeling exhausted after using all of their magic that was left in order to defeat the Pony of Shadows, his brother was at the scene along with their friends, Maud Pie and Ada. Suddenly the dark clouds in the sky had disappeared, then ponies began to reappear returning to their original form being colorful and happy, before they knew it, it was finally over.

In the distance, MachoPoni and Dust were watching them sacrificing themselves to slain the Pony of Shadows, after realizing that Clint was no longer angry with them, they were starting to fade away as they had returned back to the afterlife where they can finally rest in peace.

Hearts Dalliance had took his brother to a nearby hospital where they could cure him after being inside the Pony of Shadows for awhile, as they left the scene, Starswirl had not said another word at that time but he decided to leave Ponyville to continue with his studies.

Black Cross was still unconscious, but his brother did not ever leave his room, and after his first checkup, the doctors had said that he was going to be fine.

Black Rainbow

After defeating Pony of Shadows, everything goes back to normal however Black Cross was unconscious after using all of his magic to defeat the fiend when he was laying in bed where he brother was sitting right beside him to comfort him. After a few days, Black Cross had woken up from his coma.

"What happened?" he asked, as he looked around the room only to see his brother and friends.

"It's okay, I'm here now - I will protect you" said Hearts Dalliance.

Black Cross had a flashback where he remembers the time when he told his younger brother the exact same phrase, he wanted to cry but he knew that his brother would save him one day, he truly has grown up. At least now, Black Cross doesn't have to worry about protecting his brother anymore. He could watch himself if he wanted to.

Ada had walked in the room where she had walked to the other side of the bed and punches Black Cross in the gut, "You jerk!" - she was furious and punches him again, - "Don't ever scare me like that, you had us all worried" she said.

He sits up only to cover his stomach area with his hoof as if it would heal, but he was grateful to have a friend like Ada. He never had a friend that cared but he knew they were already friends from the beginning when they went to school together.

"I'm sorry, I did what I had to do," - Black Cross gets down from his bed, - "Thank you everyone" he said.

"Do you need help?" asked Hearts Dalliance.

Black Cross shook his head, "No, I'm fine, I can walk" he said as he opens the front door with his hooves only to see the sunlight flashing his eyes.

Hearts Dalliance and his friends were standing beside him where they could all see the sun, before realizing, it was in the middle of the afternoon.

"What happened while I was... resting?" asked Black Cross.

Hearts Dalliance had looked at him, "You were out for 4 days, but the doctors were able to help you, I know you usually wouldn't ask for help but thankfully they were there, then the doctors asked me if I wanted to donate some magic, so I did just that and after that, you made a full recovery," - he nodded and hugs his brother, - "...but don't worry about that now" he said.

His brother had explained what happened with every pony else who was involved with the incident when the Dark Kingdom was coming to Equestria. Princess Twilight confirmed that she never was responsible for summoning the dark place, it was Clint all along, however he had moved on from his mistakes and lived as an inventor of the first ever pony known to create the telephone pole. Starswirl was never seen again, but later was founded, he had passed away from getting sick.

"What about the Dark Kingdom, did it ever returned back to its original state?" asked Black Cross.

"Well not everything went back to the way things should have been than what you were expecting, the town was covered in gray but ponies from Manehattan lead a hand and started to paint the town with some color, but that's about it" said Hearts Dalliance.

"Okay, that's all I needed to know," - as he began to walk away, - "I'm going home" he said, as he leaves the hospital to go look around Ponyville for awhile.

Black Cross decides to walk home but he noticed the lights were left on, he ran up to the doorstep where the lights were suddenly turned off as if someone was expecting him to enter. He goes inside only to have the lights turned back on blinding him again as before, as the brightness fades away, he noticed that his brother and other friends were already here before him, Hearts must've teleported them here.

"Surprise!!" everyone shouted.

"What's going on?" asked Black Cross.

Suddenly Princess Twilight walks in, this time she was there with Hearts and his friends at the scene. She walks up to Black Cross to give him a smooch on the head to thank him for saving Equestria and every pony that were stuck in the Dark Kingdom, then Pinkie Pie shows up with another cake however Black Cross had took a step back to keep his distance from getting cake in his face like last time.

"I am sorry about before, I had no idea you were upset, so after Hearts had told us that you saved Equestria, I baked you another cake" said Pinkie Pie, she shows Black Cross the cake which was written in words that reads "Feel Better Black Cross Day" although Black Cross felt a little queasy down in his stomach after Ada had punched him there, but he realized that every pony was trying to be nice to him, even from the beginning.

"Thank you everypony" said Black Cross. He never thought how friends would be this kind to him, so he decides to continue making friends to make sure he makes other ponies happy for them.

Pinkie Pie smiled widely, "Great! Let's party!" she shouted.

They party, dancing around and waving their hooves like they just couldn't stop. Every pony was happy. Even Hearts Dalliance was glad that his brother could accept surprise parties for once, Maud Pie had given Black Cross a rock - it was a momento to remember their friendship, then Ada gave Black Cross a kiss on the lips, she was happy to be friends again with someone after not seeing them for a long time.

After the party was over, every pony went home that day. Then Black Cross looking through the window, it was starting to get cloudy again, almost as if the dark clouds had returned but that would have been impossible as the seal had been broken after the Pony of Shadows was defeated. Hearts Dalliance was standing beside him, wondering if everything was okay, "Hey brother, is something up?" he asked.

"Everything's fine" Black Cross replied, as he had looked at his brother with a grin on his face and turns back staring through the window only to realize that it was raining now.

It was strange, it rarely - almost never rains in Ponyville, except in this case, the town was covered in gray anyway even despite it being painted over by color, but he knew it was a life lesson for him. Sometimes it takes a little sorrow, no one shouldn't be afraid to lose something, joy will soon come around.

The sky was gray, rain had drained all the color to reveal the town gray again, but over Twilight's castle there can be what looks like a rainbow beside from the palace, however it had no color - only black, gray, and white - it was round shaped just like a rainbow hovering over in the distance. Black Cross felt as if this was normal to him but he had never seen anything like this before, it truly must be paradise. The End.

Author's Note

The message that this ending was trying to send was that rain (just like tears) can create a rainbow (happiness), however in this case, the rainbow was in a much darker color, it was referring to being the opposite only the main character suggesting that even if a rainbow were to be gray, it wouldn't matter because the colors were still there and it still made him feel happy.