The Phoenix and the Dark Prince

(May 11, 1873. Ponyville, Equestria)

Princess Twilight Sparkle smiled brightly as she looked around the finished room, having completed her near-weekly process of reshelving and reorganizing the books in the large library.

"Spike, could you do me a favor and get me a cup of coffee?" she requested.

Her helpful assistant, whom she loved like a brother, nodded and went off to the kitchen. She sat down at the table to relax for the first time in about two days, fifteen hours, and thirty-seven minutes.

But that relaxation and silence was shattered by the sound of the large doors to the library opening, revealing a certain farmer, who appeared frantic.

"Twilight! I need your help!" Applejack cried.

"What's wrong, Applejack?" the bookworm asked.

"It's my farm! Someone's been stealing our apples!"

"Okay. Just calm down. I'll come with you and see if I can find out who or what has been stealing your produce," Twilight said.

As the two walked down the path, Applejack looked all around, trying to spot someone.

"Have you seen who or what has been doing this?" Twilight asked.

"I've seen him around town a few times, but I mainly see him in the orchards. As far as I've been able to tell, he wears a cloak and a mask."

The sound of excited chatter reached their ears, prompting them to look in the direction of it. Applejack’s little sister, Apple Bloom, was sitting with her two best friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, on the balcony of their tree-mounted clubhouse.

Having a thought, Twilight went up to them.

“Good morning, girls,” she greeted.

“Good morning, Twilight!” the three chirped.

“Have you seen anyone around the orchards that doesn’t belong here?” she asked.

They shook their heads.

“Where’d you get those bits from?” Applejack asked, looking at what Bree was holding.

“A person we met on the road leading to the Everfree Forest gave them to us after we helped him repair his horse's saddlebags,” Apple Bloom said.

“What did he look like?”

“We don’t know. We couldn’t see his face. He was wearing this big black cloak with a hood, and a mask on his face,” Sweetie Belle replied.

"He wore armor too!" Apple Bloom added. "It looked like a combination of Equestrian, Gryphonian, and Dragovanese armor and clothing!"

“Did he seem familiar at all? Did he seem like he was from here? Did he speak Equestrian?”

“Yes to the first, no to the second, and yes to the third,” Scootaloo said.

Applejack and Twilight exchanged nervous glances. A stranger who apparently came out of the forest, just happened to come across the three girls, and just handed them some bits? That didn’t sound good.

People went about their business in the market, whether it was buying or selling goods, talking with friends and/or family, or just walking around. One young woman in particular was currently trying to purchase various greens and items she needed in order to make a special treat for her pet rabbit.

Unfortunately, she wasn't much of a social person.

"Um… excuse me…" she whispered timidly to a person who had just cut in front of her.

No response came, but when the person left, as she went up to make her purchase, she looked and saw the brand new price on the stand's cherries.

"T-T-Ten bits? But I don't have that much…" Fluttershy stuttered.

The merchant looked at her with a seemingly neutral expression.

"Eh, sorry kid. Business is business. Gotta raise prices at times, ya know?" he said.

His eyes looked her up and down before a lewd smile appeared on his face.

"But… I might be willing to just give you some cherries if you… pay me in a different way."

The sound of steady hoofbeats was the only thing that could be heard in the dead silence that had just appeared, followed by the clanking of metal, and a heavy thud as feet hit the dirt.

"Excuse me, sir, but did I hear you correctly when you blatantly refused a customer a purchase after deliberately raising the price?" a calm, faint voice asked.

The merchant looked behind Fluttershy.

"Yeah. So what?" he retorted.

"Not only that, but you attempt to extort an innocent woman to have intercourse with you—in public, might I add—to pay for something?" the voice continued.

"Hey, buddy, why don't you just mind your own damn business—"

The merchant was cut off by a chain wrapping around his throat and jerking him forwards. A black steel-covered hand grabbed his shirt.

"Listen to me, and listen closely," the voice said smoothly. "I do not take kindly to people like you treating others like they are just sacks of income lining up to fill your greedy pockets."

Fluttershy turned her eyes towards the source of the voice, having looked away for fear of violence.

The stranger wore a completely black outfit as dark as the shadows themselves. Armored Dragovanese leather boots that almost went up to his knees. Armored Equestrian trousers held up by a matching belt with a black steel buckle in the shape of the moon. Black steel gauntlets covered his hands, clearly of Gryphonian make, judging from the razor sharp talons at the end of each finger, and the spiked plates lining the gauntlets like lizard spines.

A cloak that seemed to radiate darkness itself was draped over his shoulder and down his back, the hood pulled up to hide his face beneath its shadows.

The merchant nodded frantically.

"A-Alright, pal. I won't do it again. Just please don't hurt me!" he cried fearfully.

The stranger nodded in what was most likely satisfaction.

"I thank you for your cooperation."

He removed his hand from the merchant's shirt, the chain unwrapping itself from his neck. Fluttershy nervously took the cherries she needed.

She turned towards the stranger to thank him, only to see him walking away, a black horse following closely behind him. She hurried towards him, nearly tripping over herself in her rush.

She managed to catch up with him when he stopped at the stand run by the Apple family, which sold apples and apple products. The stand was currently being run by the eldest of the three Apple siblings, Big Macintosh, who looked at the stranger with a warm expression.

"What can I do for you?" Big Mac asked.

"Hello, sir. I came into town looking for supplies and food," the stranger requested, "and was wondering if I might purchase some of your products. My friend here"—He gestured to the horse—"quite enjoys apples."

"Alright. What do you want?"

"I would like a sack of apples and two bottles of non-alcoholic cider, if you would be so kind."

Mac nodded and filled a sack with apples, which he handed to the stranger alongside two bottles. The stranger, in return, placed a small bag of gold coins on the stand.

"Thank you. Have a nice day," he said.

"You as well."

Once the stranger was away from the stand, Fluttershy tried to get his attention.

"Um… Excuse me…" she said timidly.

The stranger turned around to face her. "Can I help you, young lady?" he said.

"Um… I just wanted to thank you for helping me. You really didn't have to do that," she said.

"Ah, but that is where you are wrong," he replied. "I did have to help you. Not only is it because of how I was raised and my duty as a soldier, but I have a strong moral dislike for people that prey on those they see as weak."

"Well, um, my name's Fluttershy," she said.

"I know. My dear parents have told me of you. It is a pleasure to meet a woman such as yourself," the stranger said.

"Fluttershy! There you are!"

Fluttershy turned to the source of the voice to see Applejack and Twilight coming towards her.

"Hello, girls. How are you?" she greeted.

"We're fine. Twilight and I are looking for someone. Apple Bloom and her friends got some maps from a stranger they met on the road to the Everfree Forest. We need to find him. We're also looking for whoever's been stealing apples from my farm," Applejack informed.

"So that redheaded girl was your sister, Miss Farfield? I am afraid I was not aware," the stranger said.

The two girls turned to look at him.
"Who are you?" Twilight asked.

"I am known by many names and titles," the stranger answered. "'Bringer of Misfortune'. 'Conqueror of the Horde'. 'The Midnight Assassin'. 'The Silent Wanderer'. 'Spawn of the Sacred Mother'. 'Dragon-friend'. 'Child of the Nightmare'. 'Wielder of the Five Nightmares'."

"But you may know me as 'Prince Skipting Lunam.'"

"You're a Prince? Where are you from?"

"I was born in Equestria," he replied.

"Who are your parents?"

"My parents are Princess Nightmare Moon, Diarch of the Night, and Queen Chrysalis, Sacred Mother of the Changeling Swarm."

The girls' faces grew pale at the mention of not only the Princess of the Night, but also the changeling who had tried to take over Equestria.

"I understand that you and your friends have had… unfortunate encounters with Mother Chrysalis, but I assure you she is a much better person now. I was born years before the Lunar Rule, during the Rule of the Royal Sisters," Prince Skipting said.

"Did you help overthrow her?" Applejack asked.

"No. I had no part in the overthrow of my aunt. I was in Gryphonia on diplomatic business with the king at the time."

He turned around and began to walk away, leading his horse along through the marketplace.

Prince Skipting Lunam thought about the three girls he had encountered. Former Element Bearers. He was a bit surprised that he didn't encounter the former Element of Laughter, Pinkamena Diane Pie.

That merchant, though…

Skipting thought for a moment that were he not so refined, calm, and of strong mind, he might have slain the man where he stood. But perhaps he should have. Father knows his parents had no tolerance, nor love, for those who preyed on the weak. Perhaps he could come back at a later time and take the man to his parents for punishment.

He soon arrived at the gates of Canterlot Castle. A Lunar Guard had already taken Vereor to the royal stables.

Two Lunar Guards readied their weapons at his approach.

"Halt! What business do you have here, citizen? If it is not of importance, you should leave and not bother the Princess!" the first guard barked.

Skipting chuckled a little at the guard's demand. These two were clearly new to the Guard, and as such, did not know what he looked like or who he was. They only knew his name, not his appearance. The Prince knew the guards were looking at his weapons.

They were either brave for ordering their Prince around…

… or stupid for ordering their Prince around…

… or perhaps both.

Instead of responding, his left hand went to his hip, where his old sword was strapped. Unlocking the blade from its sheath with his thumb, he continued to stare the guard down. It was an old technique he had picked up during his training with Satori, and he still continued to do it as the Midnight Assassin. It was quite a fun and effective little tactic, really.

That single action was enough to unnerve the foolish man, whose grip on his spear wavered.

"What's going on here?!"

Both guards turned around at the commanding voice. Standing before them was none other than Knight Rainbow Dash herself, the commanding officer of Princess Nightmare Moon’s personal guard, and one of the fastest and deadliest soldiers of the Guard, only outmatched by the Prince.

"This civilian has come to the Royal Castle, perhaps to seek audience with or to kill the Princess, and possibly the Prince. He was about to draw his weapon before you showed up," the guard said.

"You seem to be as foolish as you are supposedly 'brave,' soldier. Do you not see the sword he wears?" Knight Dash snapped.

"Yes, Knight Dash. I do see the sword he is wearing. But I do not see how it is of any—"

"That sword is the very blade that was wielded by the Prince in the Dragovanese War of Independence," she said. "It is the Dragovanese-made blade, the Kingusureiyā, forged by Emperor Sakura himself as a gift to the Prince during his apprenticeship to Lord Satori Ryōshi." Her stern glare intensified. "That 'civilian' that just 'threatened you' is Prince Skipting Lunam, Child of the Nightmare himself."

Rainbow Dash escorted the young Prince into the castle and towards the Princess’ bedchambers. As they came to a darker hallway, Knight Dash grabbed the man and pinned him against a wall.

"It's good to see you again, Your Highness," she purred.

"It is good to see you as well, Knight Dash," Skipting said.

"How was your visit to Dragovan?"

"It was enjoyable."

"Maybe when you're done talking with the Princess, we could go to my chambers and have a little fun?" she said.

"Perhaps."

Knight Dash stepped back and went to resume her duties, leaving the young Prince alone.

"She really likes you, Your Highness. I can tell that the two of you have something special," a guard whispered from his position next to the chamber doors.

"I know she does. And while I have feelings for her as well, we must keep our relationship professional in the presence of others," the Prince said. "It would be unwise for people to know that the Lunar Guard's most elite soldier and the Princess’ son are in such a relationship."

He pushed open the chamber doors and entered, quickly spotting his mother out on the balcony, looking over the city of Canterlot.

"'Tis a beautiful sight, is it not?" the Princess said as he came up next to her.

"Indeed it is, Mother," Skipting agreed, removing his hood.

"How was your visit to Dragovan, dear?" she asked.

"It was enjoyable," he answered.

"And how is Emperor Sakura?"

"He is well. He invited me to Masako’s wedding, where she married Princess Kassandra of Gryphonia. She was an admirable woman. Their fathers spoke with me, as they were eager to speak with the legendary Midnight Assassin."

"Oh?" Princess Nightmare Moon tilted her head curiously. "And what did they speak with you about?"

"Various things. They mostly inquired about my weapons and allies. King Wind Claw was rather curious about my relationship with the daughter of Chancellor Strahlender Schild."

"Do you mean that excitable young officer, Explosive Joy?"

"Yes."

A knock on the chamber doors drew their attention.

"Enter," Princess Nightmare Moon said.

A young guard entered, his head covered by the standard helmet of the Lunar Guard. Skipting recognized him as Striker Spear.

"Your Highness, your presence is requested in the dungeons. One of the prisoners attempted to assault Lady Belle," Striker reported.

The guards in the chamber were soon graced with the appearance of their ruler, who radiated anger.

"Bring forth the prisoner," she commanded.

Two guards dragged a man in chains before her. The prisoner wore the same ragged clothing worn by all other prisoners, his thin, wiry blonde hair draped all over his head.

The Princess glared at the man.

"Why did you attempt to assault one of my personal maids?" she demanded.

The man coughed before replying in a rough and scratchy voice.

"Because she was a pretty little thing. Didn't put up too much of a fight," he said.

A low growl echoed through the dungeons.

"How dare you insult one of the most respected women in the city."

Some of the guards began to tremble slightly as booted footsteps edged closer to reveal Prince Skipting, his black armor and tattered cloak giving him the appearance of a living shadow, his eyes burning with a fierce wrath. The Dark Prince drew a weapon that frightened even the bravest of warriors. The legendary sword that had felled countless warriors, lords, invaders, enemies, and royals alike.

The Twilight Blade.

Forged from the stars themselves under a moonlit night a thousand years ago, the Twilight Blade had been forged by the Nightmare herself, made in preparation for the battle against King Sombra so long ago. It was said the blade absorbed the souls of its victims to strengthen itself and its wielder. Princess Nightmare Moon had passed it down to her son when he came of age, and the sword had been used with legendary skill by the young warrior.

The prisoner now found himself with that very blade against his throat, forcing him to stare into the dark abyss that was the Prince's hate-filled eyes.

Without a word, the Prince drove the blade through the man's chest, severing his spine and piercing his lungs, then pulled it free and cleaved him in two. Blood, viscera, and organs spilled out onto the stone floor of the dungeons, causing a few of the guards to lose their lunch.

The Prince now found himself lying down in his chambers, his armor and outfit on an armor stand across the room from the bed. He had donned a casual outfit consisting of a simple white button-up shirt and brown trousers with leather boots.

He was pulled from his mind by a knock on his door.

"Enter."

Knight Dash entered the room, a serious expression on her face.

"Princess Nightmare Moon requests your presence in her chambers. It's urgent," she said.

Skipting entered his mother's chambers, the sole occupant sitting at her desk and looking at a journal. He had changed into his normal outfit and armor before coming.

"You requested my presence, Mother?" he said as he closed the door.

"Yes."

He sat down in a chair next to her.

"Isn't this the journal that Aunt Celestia used to communicate with her daughter and former student, Sunset Shimmer?" he asked.

His mother nodded.
"Yes. But this is merely a copy of it. Princess Twilight has had the journal for the past eight years. I have been using this to let myself know how Sunset is doing. While I only met her briefly, I care deeply for her," she informed.

"Unfortunately, it appears that Miss Shimmer is in trouble. In the world she is in, where mankind has advanced far more than we have, an online account known as 'Anon-A-Miss' has been sharing the secrets of her fellow students at her school, all while making it look as though she is behind it. Twilight is worried about her, but Sunset has told her not to come through the portal. I, however, am not bound by such an order."

"What is it that you wish to do, Mother?"

"I want you to go through the portal and protect Sunset Shimmer. I have a feeling that there are people at her school that wish to do her harm. While you are there, prevent others from harming her—kill them, if you must. And find the ones responsible for this mess. Once your task is finished, you may return."

Skipting nodded.
"I understand. I shall do whatever it takes to ensure Miss Shimmer's safety. I shall not fail."