A Series of Continuous Events

After Celestia, who had entered the room just after Light had finished their explanations and story to Decaf and Banana, took a moment to breathe, and allowed herself to work through the overwhelming surge of emotions she experienced, Light, still taking deep breaths, for the energy in the room continued to hold its grasp upon them, walked over to her, and gently held her hoof.

A little while later, Luna appeared from the staircase, followed closely by Nox, Eclipse and Caff, and grasped at her chest before even managing to enter the room, and as her eyes began to well up rapidly, she sank through her legs, and laid on the ground, sobbing quietly and uncontrollably, only managing to be consoled slightly by Nox, who only just managed to hold in her tears herself.

As Caff and Eclipse, elated to see their friends and family alright after the tunnels collapsed, started to run towards the room, Light asked them to wait, warning them of the intense, overwhelming energy that emanated from the room, affecting everyone, no matter how strong they were, and though they only had somewhat of an idea of what caused it, they would try to explain.

After everyone mentally prepared themselves to enter the room of artefacts, only briefly stopping to look at the plaque upon the door to read what it was for, they sat down on the floor, making sure to tell Decaf and Banana about what was written when they took a seat, and patiently waited for Light to explain what they could, though they questioned why they had to stay in this room.

As Light took a seat upon a small desk, making sure to not touch any of the artefacts that stood upon it, they grabbed the book they first read from when entering the room, explaining that when they read what was written, many things fell in place for them, and they hoped that by reading it to them, it would help them understand this room, the book, and a familiar, yet foreign face.

"The first chapter", Light said, "starts as follows:"

Early Life

My early life before I met the Princesses was uneventful. In fact, I was one of the very few stallions who never had their flank mark - as we called them back in the day.

Honestly, back in those days, I was always alone. The family was never home much, Pa was always busy, and Ma.... She had more on her plate then I could ever handle.

I didn't mind the solitude, for I had great company in the moon and stars, and though they weren't always around, I took comfort in the fact that I had them when I did.

I'd often sing songs in an old clearing, where now the Castle of the Two Sisters stands, back when the area was just an empty clearing of grass, long before the Castle had been constructed.

Sure, it was in the most dangerous part of the world back then, even more so compared to now, but it was mine, and it was the only place I could ever escape to.

When I think back on it now, I was never really afraid of what was in the forest, as a part of me always wanted to find a wild Timberwolf, or perhaps, an Ursa Major, or any wild animal, really, or rather, for them to find me.

At least, if that happened, I'd know what they wanted, as the only think they thought about was whether I was food, an enemy or a friend. I never had to guess with them, because they avoided me, just like I did with others, and they with me.

Turns out, it's true that animals just want to be left alone, which was the one thing I had in common with the wild beasts.

Loneliness and solitude were the norm for me for a very long time. It wasn't until that one fateful night that I met them. Two mares, whom I had never seen nor met before, that I dare say were the most beautiful mares I had ever seen.

And to think, if I stayed hidden from view, I never would have met them.

At least, I wouldn't have, had it not been for that tree that fell on top of me.

First Meetings

I won't lie and say that I was a suave and charming stallion at the time, and that I somehow managed to sweep the Princesses off their feet. In fact, I think the opposite is true.

Took a while for any charm to develop.

I'd say that even back then, I was not the subtlest of creatures.

But then again, I never claimed to be.

It all started with me hiding in a bush, holding my breath, not moving a muscle. Honestly, I don't even remember what I was doing in there in the first place.

I think I got startled because I had heard something approaching, and I hid, as I was worried it was one of the town bullies, who finally decided to chase me deep into the Forest.

Either way, as I hid in the bush, a tree fell on me, nearly crushing me. I have no idea how I didn't notice it breaking and falling, as I was very aware of my surroundings.

Thank my lucky stars, it just pinned me by the legs, so I sat there for a while. I couldn't go anywhere, and it was too heavy too lift on my own.

So... I started to sing an old tune to cheer me up.

It was the wedding song I had once heard my father sing to my mother. It was old, and very few knew the song, but at the time, it was the only thing I had to comfort me a little.

Perhaps it could grant me a little hope that one day, I'd find what they had, even if it was just a fantasy back then.

That's when she came up to me: the embodiment of the Sun. My Sunlight. Heh...

She just strolled up to me and smiled. I hadn't even noticed her as she listened to me sing the song. Luna soon joined her, but the two of them stayed quiet and simply listened, before I finally noticed them.

I was surprised to say the least, for I had never heard of an Alicorn back then.

There were a lot more of them, thousands of years ago, but I had never met any, until that day.

My town was small and nameless, so it's not like they were from there.

Once I noticed them standing there, though, Celestia offered to help me, and Luna shortly after.

With the two of them helping me lift the tree, I was freed in no time at all.

When I finally could stretch my legs again, they asked me why I was here, all alone in the forest, and what I was doing.

I told them the truth, I was just talking to the Sun, and the Moon and the stars.

I'll never forget the look they gave me, for it was absolutely priceless.

They asked what I meant, and I showed them. I told them how everything had a soul, from trees to rocks, beasts to plants. Even the Sun, the Moon and the stars.

If you spoke with them, they would listen.

Little did I know, that they were my Sun and Moon, and they were listening, right then and there.

I guess it's funny, looking back and seeing how things turned out.

Once we were done talking, they soon left. I certainly didn't expect to see them again after that, yet the next night, they were there again, and they asked to hear me sing again.

I was never one to disappoint a beautiful mare, especially the two of them.

Turns out, I did have some charm after all.

New Names

Every night, the girls would return to meet me. Every night, at midnight, they would be there, at the tree, in the clearing where we met for the first time.

It was a time before they needed to move the Sun and Moon themselves, and it afforded us the opportunity to spend time together.

In place of the Princesses, back then, a counsil of Unicorns and Alicorns carried their duty.

I don't remember the exact story of why the Moon and Sun needed to be moved by Ponykind.

In any case, when I met them back then, they were not yet Royal Princesses, and were not yet burdened with their current duties, which allowed them more freedom to meet me every evening.

Before their ascension, they were 'just' lady Luna and lady Celestia, and they were absolutely incredible. But back then, I hadn't told them my name yet, for, at the time, I felt it was not necessary for them to know.

And so, every night, for many moons, we spoke from midnight to midday, often until after they needed to return home.

But they never minded taking the extra time to listen to my enchanting songs or many tales of the forest I learnt over the years.

In return, after listening to my stories and songs, they would often tell me stories of their incredible victories in battles they fought. They wielded great weapons, and whenever their old weapon was replaced, I was always the first to see it.

Luna's mace and Celestia's sword were incredible crafts, which was clearly visible in their expressions of pure excitement.

One day, the day came they finally asked my name, and I was stunned into silence.

Until then, to them, I had just been Mister Tree, a little nickname they gave me because of how we met.

When I told them my name, Andraku, which meant 'Worthless' in Old Ponish, they were stunned in return, and their expressions told me enough to figure out what they thought, which was not pretty.

Apparently, it was 'tradition' to name the Markless a terrible name in order to ward off demons and evil spirits that preyed on the Markless.

Or, at least, that's what I was told, because I knew it really was another way to insult me, and others like me.

After hearing this, their expressions turned sour, but quickly brightened up again, and they gave me a new name:

Lord.

I was very confused as I did not own any land, nor ruled over anyone. In fact, we didn't even own the house I lived in with my family.

Every day, we worked until our backs were sore, just to have a roof over our heads at night.

They told me that they chose that name for me because they sensed the heart of a Noble in me.

And I believed them.

I believed everything they told me.

They finally made me feel like I was more than just a random Markless Pony, and when they told me my new name, I cried.

More than I ever had before.

It was the first time that I remember ever being treated as an equal.

That same day, they told me they would be residing in my home town for a while, and afterwards, every evening, they would be at the door, waiting to walk with me to our favourite spot.

I think that was the day I fell in love with them.

I can honestly not remember a time before that moment that I ever felt better than after they gave me my new name and met up with me to listen to my stories.

The boost of confidence I got when I saw the looks on the faces of others, when they saw me, a Markless, waited upon by two stunningly beautiful Alicorns, was incredible.

I tried my best to not let it get to my head.

But I admit, I didn't always succeed.

I was happy, and not afraid to show it.

Becoming Theirs

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and months into years.

Every day, we spent time together, no longer just at midnight, and no longer just in the forest, but in public, where everyone could see.

It was absolutely amazing, I finally had friends, and I remember telling the sisters that our friendship was almost magical.

Somewhat ironic, now I think back about the future.

Still, it was nice.

No, nice doesn't even come close to describing it, because it was incredible, it was a euphoric feeling that I never wanted to lose.

Even just being around the sisters made me smile.

That isn't to say that I treated them anything less than they deserved, for they were my friends.

My only friends, in fact, and I never treated them quite the same way others had done.

Somehow, Celly and Lulu forgot to tell me they were Royalty, which was quite surprising.

All this time, I thought they were nobles. I mean, I figured as much, from their regal appearance.

But to think, while other stallions would open the door for them, and bow as they passed, I would sometimes tackle Luna for a play fight.*

The asterix referred to a small note at the bottom of the page, which read:

Just to make it clear, rough-housing was far more common and accepted back then.

I don't think they ever minded.

Celestia especially liked it when I tackled her sister just to playfully wrestle with her, or to ruffle her hair, and she would beam with happiness just to see her sister be allowed some time to be silly.

Luna, too, was very glad she had someone to talk to who wasn't her sister, or a random 'noble' stallion, who always just wanted to get into her bed.

Apparently, random 'nobles' walking up, and trying to flirt with them was something that happened constantly. Mares and stallions alike would throw themselves at the sisters, which I got quite annoyed with.

Even though I wasn't aware of it at the time, I admit, I got jealous whenever others tried to get their attention in any way they could.

But I didn't know they weren't comfortable with this either.

It got especially bad when others assumed they had the right to marry them and would treat them poorly, despite having known them for barely a few minutes.

I admit, I may have gotten a little hooves-on, and I might have punched a couple of no-good 'nobles'.

I often managed to leave them with fewer teeth, and sometimes even toothless if they were especially nasty, but I digress.

For such a long time, I had no idea they felt the same way, though, as I got older, there were a few mares who tried to steal my attention.

I can't really blame them, as they all seemed to be around the time that they were desperate for connection, a relationship, love, even.

Stepping towards anyone even mildly interesting, like a Markless, or... anything, with a heartbeat, really...

Fortunately, it never lasted long, and they would back off quickly when I politely made my intentions and interests clear.

I guess that they didn't see themselves as a match to two gorgeous Alicorn Princesses who were very close to me.

Although, being stared through by two powerful Princesses, even without any spoken words, also helped me with being left alone.

In the end, I was ecstatic when I found out the feelings weren't one-sided.

Looking back, I guess it should have been more obvious, but then again, I am very oblivious and as dense as stone sometimes.

I always saw the way they looked at others, staring through them as if they weren't even there, either to ignore them, or to scare them off, as they did with the mares around me.

I just never noticed their love-filled glances towards me.

Taken Away

About 5 years after we met, we had become closer than... well, anything.

We weren't in a relationship, per se, but I definitely wasn't seeing anyone else, nor did I plan to.

I just planned to spend as much time with them as I could, as I knew, one day they would have to move back to their Castle when their business here, in these lands, was done.

I was just reading on the day it happened, when they had to leave.

Little did I know, at the end of the day, I would be leaving with them.

Unfortunately, despite being with them, the circumstances were not happy, for while we were speaking together, a great number of Raiders attacked my town.

Sadly, this would not be the day I found my Flank Mark.

But it was the day that I first saw death.

And it was everywhere.

They attacked with ferocity, without hesitation and without mercy.

Even though they all wore masks on their faces, trying - and failing - to hide themselves, the group as a whole consisted of many species, from Griffin to Pony, Dragon to Diamond Dog.

Back then, the one and only time you would see more than once species working together, was when they were fighting together, and after they ransacked the village, they...

They destroyed everything... Burnt the entire village to the ground... Not a single survivor.

The only way that I survived was because I had the Princesses at my side, who had taught me some of the finer arts of combat.

Next to playful wrestling, it was Luna's way of passing the time, I guess.

I just never thought I would have to use it so soon.

In the end, it was just the three of us left.

We managed to kill most of the raiders who ransacked the town, and any that stayed alive fled before us, but it was too late...

Everything I had known in my village, everyone I knew, had ever met, gone.

In a single afternoon.

The destruction was so incredibly horrific, I never even found any remains of my family.

If they were here, I like to think they got away, that they escaped, that even one person was alive and well.

But I would never know.

After gently placing down Harvest, who took a deep breath and waited until the quivering feeling in his legs had gone, and stretching her wings, when they reached the park gates, Light Rain looked at Harvest, asking him what he had in mind, as she and Starshine were planning to go to Ponyville to head home for the evening.

To this, Harvest replied that when he was in the Medical Centre, he saw a news report about the escape of Boomlord, the Unicorn who, just a few days prior, on the night of the special celebrations, had been arrested and taken to be imprisoned, immediately after giving Light a strange package, which ended up with them turning Nirik uncontrollably moments later.

As he knocked on the gates, asking for entry and giving his name, he continued to Rain and Starshine, saying that even though he personally knew the Unicorn, he wanted to make sure that the others who were with him in the Cente, all of whom had gone to the park, were made aware of the fact, to warn their Guards, and to prepare themselves, just in case Boom tried anything.

The Pegasi appeared quite distressed, letting their imaginations run wild and imagining quite horrible events that they thought could take place, should Boom manage to reach the park, but after noticing their discomfort, Harvest reassured them as best he could, saying that though he was unpredictable, Boom was not wholly evil at heart, and would not dare hurt his friends.

Though they were still somewhat uncomfortable, Harvest did manage to help them put their minds at ease with his gentle, reassuring words about Boom, and as they said goodbye, shortly before leaving, they told Harvest that should he, or anyone else in the park, need an extra helping hoof, either from them or one of their friends, they would only need to reach out.

As Rain and Starshine flew away, the gates to the park opened, allowing Harvest to enter, coming face-to-face with Starswirl, who politely bowed and welcomed him, saying 'Good evening, young Master Duran. I am glad to see you are doing better' and Harvest, in turn, greeted the Sorceror, after which he politely, yet worriedly, asked about the others, as he wondered where they were.

Recognising the concern in the Kirin's voice, Starswirl lead Harvest to through the park to the entrance to the Catacombs, from whence the thundering voice of Rockhoof, who was cheerfully singing aloud, could be heard echoing throughout the tunnels, which stopped only after Meadowbrook, who saw Starswirl and Harvest approach, called out to him, asking him to come topside.

It didn't take long for Harvest to hear the sounds of heavy hoofsteps getting continuously closer and louder, until Rockhoof's large head popped out of the hatch in a humerous, yet startling manner, causing the Kirin to jump and fall backwards, before he composed himself and allowed himself to chuckle at the strange situation, as he stood up and greeted the enormous Stallion.

The giant that he is, Rockhoof towered above the small Kirin, and, remembering his earlier meetings, he bowed down to help Harvest stand up, politely introducing himself to him, and asked him where he came from, as he explained that since he had not seen him before, he thought Harvest was a part of the group that had travelled down the tunnels a little while before.

Hearing this, Harvest's eyes grew in shock, and he tried to shove past the massive Earth Pony, but he was unable to, and was quickly stopped by the Pillars, who asked him, in a very confused tone, what could be so important for them to know that he felt the need to rush in, without even knowing where they had gone, or what laid at the other end of the tunnels. Harvest replied hastily, saying:

"It's complicated, but I want to make sure that they at least know what could happen..."

New Beginnings

All I would know was emptiness, loss, devastation, grief.

Though I never loved my town, and never really liked anyone who lived there, I knew them all.

They were all Ponies, hard workers with families and loved ones across the nation, and each and every single one of them was gone, slain without mercy.

Everyone, except for me.

A single Markless, who now had nothing.

Not even a name worth remembering.

I don't really remember what happened after. I know I fell to my knees, and I just cried.

And I think I did not stop crying for a very, very long time.

I was alone, I had nothing, I had nobody anymore.

Nobody, except for Luna and Celestia.

After I sunk to the floor, they embraced me in their wings, and we wept.

We must have sat there for hours, weeping uncontrollably, until they finally took me away. Together, they managed to lift me up, and brought me to their Palace.

When we finally arrived at their Palace, there was quite the commotion. Two Alicorns, bringing home a Markless Pony, to their grand Castle, was a thing unheard of at the time.

In fact, when I entered the grounds, I lost count of the amount of nobles who demanded my execution simply for daring to step foot in there.

All around me, I heard 'It's a scandal!', 'Begone with him!', or 'Put him to the sword'.

I still dream about the way that Celestia lost her temper, for it was the first time I had ever seen her like that.

I was only really used to Luna losing her temper, and letting her anger get out of control, but we always managed to help her calm down again.

Not Celestia.

Not this time.

Then again, I guess you shouldn't mess with the living embodiment of the Sun, let alone her favourite idiot. That isn't to say that Luna wouldn't have done the exact same, of course.

They were always there for me, as I was for them.

Still, now I was in the Royal Palace, and they thought I deserved a proper name and a title.

In the most astonishing act in over a millennium, I was crowned an actual Lord.

Luna gave me a new name too, and at the coronation, I was crowned Lord Bumi, a word in an ancient tongue, older even than Ponish, that they told me meant 'Guardian'.

I wore that name with pride.

From that day onwards, I was the head of the first joint legion of Royal Guards, and the only Guard out of all in the legion who was tasked with protecting both of the Princesses.

I loved that job, but I have to say, I never really truly felt like I fit in when I wasn't around Tia and Luna. This didn't happen often, though.

It was amazing that I was around them even more often than before.

Love

I was with them for many years, guarding the best I could, although, admittedly, very few times I actually ever had to fight anyone.

Most Ponies wouldn't dream of attacking a Princess, especially an Alicorn, so all I really had to do was to look pretty and keep the Princesses entertained.

Luckily for me, I never lost my talent for singing, and so, I serenaded them every day.

Their gentle words and compliments about my voice never failed to bring a bright redness to my face.

It was also around this time that I noticed they started using more... possessive pronouns, such as 'My Guard' or 'My Bumi'.

One time while Luna was half-asleep she called me her Dream, something that immediately woke her up, and what I never let her forget, and neither did Celly. It was too cute!

And I can't say it was a one-sided thing either.

Often, I would call them my Princesses, my Sun and my Moon, although, more often than not, I'd refer to them as Sunlight and Moonshine, names that only I could ever call them.

If anyone else tried, I'm fairly certain they would have been turned to dust right where they stood.

I wasn't afraid to call them those nicknames.

Even in front of Nobles they were meeting I'd call them that, and even though they would chastise me for it, I had a feeling they actually really liked it when I did.

Still, I was the only one who ever treated them like equals, or Royals, or Gods, and trust me, I wasn't afraid to let them know when I disagreed with them.

One of these times was when Celestia tried to make cake the symbol of the new nation of Equestria.

Goodness, that was a very long argument.

I even had to call for Luna to talk her out of it, but in the end, I won her over, and she didn't set cake as the symbol.

Although, she did try to make it part of my uniform as an emblem... By throwing a piece at my face.

Eventually, the happiest day of my life arrived. Little did I know then, but it would probably be the last happy day I would ever have.

I was heading to bed one night, for I was exhausted, and it happened to be the 'anniversary' of the day I had lost my home.

I just came back from visiting a memorial where the town once stood, when I found Celly and Luna in my chambers.

Needless to say, I was very surprised to find they were there.

Apparently, they had been waiting for me to return for quite a while, and before I could say anything, they embraced me and started...

Singing.

They sang the same song I always sung for them, and I gently sang along, still in their embrace. We held each other close, and we ended up confessing our love to each other.

From that point on, it was official. I had fallen in love with two Alicorn Princesses, and they had fallen in love with me.

It was the most incredible feeling that I doubt I'll ever forget.

I laughed as I gave both Lulu and Celly kisses as they kissed me and laughed in return, and we spent our first night together as partners - the first polyamorous couple in the history of the land, in fact.

Even though at that moment I could not be happier, and I doubted they could be either, I knew that it would have to end one day.

They would remain as I passed on, and everyone they would ever hold dear to them, if it were not their sister, would pass as they remained.

I woke up early in the morning and dried my tears, the feeling of one day having to leave them had become unbearable.

What would happen to them if- no, when I died?

My Worst Descision

I spent many years with the Princesses, happy as I could ever be, but all that time, in the back of my mind, I always knew I was mortal, and I would leave them eventually.

They knew how much I loved them, and I knew how much they loved me, and I couldn't help but think about the pain they would feel when my time would finally come.

Many nights I spent awake, embracing both of my loves, and trying to think of something, anything, that I could do that would prevent my passing.

Death comes to all, but for Alicorns, Dragons, and many other beings, they would live for aeons, hundreds of thousands of lifetimes of the world, and yet, they would remain, until at last, they too, shall pass.

In the grand scheme of things, my life may just have been a speck to them - an unnoticeable blip, a single moment, an easily forgotten instance of life, only one in thousands that they would meet over their lives.

One lifetime for me and other mortals would only feel like a second to them.

And these fears kept me awake, controlled me, haunted me to beyond my dreams.

I feared going to the afterlife, as I didn't know what would be on the other side.

But whatever may lay ahead, wherever it may be, I did not want to go if they would not be there.

But there was nothing I could do.

Now, looking back, I wish I had died naturally, so they would remember me as me, and would continue to hold me close to their heart with love, not with disgust and disdain.

One day, I decided that I would find a way to prevent it.

The worst decision I would ever make, one that I regret beyond belief.

But I had to do it.

I went into the Forbidden Sections of the Library, where I found a book, in which was written an ancient legend, and the last known location of a powerful magic artefact that was said to grant extended life:

The Golden Quill, and its companion, the Consecrated Notebook.

Back at the Park, Harvest, having explained his reasoning to the Pillars, and expressing grave concern over the possible danger that the Green Unicorn posed, asked the Pillars for their assistance and support, as he wished to inform them as quickly as possible, though, through the tunnels of the Catacombs, he did not know the way.

Upon hearing this, Starswirl called forth a number of Praetorian Guards, both to accompany Harvest and the Pillars as they traversed towards the other end of the tunnels, where they hoped to find the other group, safe and sound, as well as keep the area secured, should any intruder try to break into the park, aiming to wreak havoc.

After saluting the Guards, who split up into two separate groups, of which, one would escort the four from the park through the tunnels, while the other would make sure the park stayed secure, Starswirl took to the front of the group as he led Harvest and the other pillars through the underground tunnels to the other exit, hoping that the hallways were stable and secure.

Though, while leading the group, Starswirl continuously had to be waited upon by the others, as he could not stop himself from focusing on the intricate details of specific parts of the tunnels that they walked through, frequently, yet silently, cursing himself and his curiosity, as he knew, by Harvest's account, that their help could be gravely needed by the other group.

Eventually, after passing the Surveillance office, where they found the note that Light had left, still on the table beneath the running screens, the Bearded Sorceror could not stop himself from investigating the long and ancient halls of the Catacombs, and told the others to go on without him, as he reckoned that the other exit would not be far away.

Incredulously, Harvest and Meadowbrook stared at Starswirl as he absent-mindedly wandered into yet another branching corridor, followed closely by one of the accompanying Praetorian Guards, which was then, in turn, closely followed by loud scolding coming from the tunnel whither the Sorceror and Guard had gone, about breaking his focus and disturbing his peace.

Not wishing to dwell upon the irony of the situation, Meadowbrook and Harvest began to speak with one another over what they would do, when Rockhoof spoke up to tell them that he would stay with Starswirl, and asked the remaining Guards to escort the two smaller beings to the other end of the tunnels, as he figured that they would need their support more than he would.

The two gave him a small and bittersweet smile as he bowed to them, wishing them the best, and promised that they would meet in the park again very soon, after which, the large Stallion walked towards the corridor from whence Starswirl's loud and arrogant voice could still be heard, clear as crystal, while Harvest and Meadowbrook, along with a pair of Guards for them both, headed on.

Though it did not fully sit right with them, as they left Rockhoof and Starswirl behind, Harvest and Meadowbrook continued on, reaching the other end of the tunnels with relative ease, comforted by the fact that the collapsed parts of the structure seemed to only be those closest to the park, where much more stress could have built up over many aeons that the tunnels could have been here.

Meanwhile, elsewhere outside of the park, having felt a strange disturbance, one that they had not felt in aeons, a hooded figure appeared over the hill in the distance, and calmly made their way over to the gates, while the supervising Guards, who did not recognise the figure, asked them to turn around and leave, to come back another time. The figure stood still for a moment, and said:

"You might want to get away from there..."

As a strange metallic ball rolled towards the gates, with a burning fuse in its side...

Parting Ways

Not only would these two artefacts grant the owner an extended life, they would also allow them to cast incredibly powerful magic - something I was unable to do, despite being a Unicorn.

As luck would have it, these artefacts were already in the Archives of the Palace of the Princesses.

I took them quite easily, and found myself strengthened, as if a hidden power was unlocked within.

I had hoped the Quill and Notebook would have been enough, until I read in the book that it would only extend one's life outside of the universe one obtained it.

I would have to leave, to stay forever.

I cursed my lack of knowledge, my hastiness, my incredible foolhardiness.

I threw down the book and set it ablaze, just as I noticed it also held a map, which I quickly tore out.

The map was slightly singed and the paper around it was burnt, but it described a path to the lair of an ancient creature, said to be a Demon of great power:

Kar-min-bis.

I didn't expect to be make a deal with this demon, so I tried to think of something else.

Then, I found the power that had been unlocked was to drain others of magic and life - after accidentally draining another Guard, who fell unconscious...

Luckily, he ended up alright. I knew I had to be careful around others because of this, though...

If I could drain this demon's power, perhaps I could stay forever.

I spent a while thinking of a way to leave the Palace for a few days without having the Princesses worry too much.

Fortunately, yet painfully too, they had recently moved from their former Palace to the Palace of the Two Sisters, that stood in the clearing in the forest where we first met.

I made my plans to leave and return as quickly as I could.

Looking back, it aches my heart to see Luna was preparing for a wedding, hoping I wouldn't notice.

Tasting cakes, ordering decorations, so many things to prepare...

I told them I was heading on a scouting mission, to which they replied they wanted me back soon, to mark the day that we met for the first time.

It took all my strength to hold back my tears as I set out that day.

I could have stopped.

I could have proposed, then and there.

I could have accepted my fate.

Perhaps we could have looked for a solution together.

But I left the official papers with Celestia, and I headed off to the demon's lair, after promising them to return as soon as possible.

Little did I know, that would be the last time I ever saw them smile...

A Terrible Deed

After days of travelling, I finally arrived at my destination.

I knew the Princesses were worried sick, but I told myself that all would be fine.

I'd just tell them I got lost, or kidnapped by some Griffons or Dragons until I managed to slay them. Any story, really, would work.

Perhaps, one day, I could even tell them the truth once we were truly together and I had nothing left to hide.

Until then, I continued making my way to the lair of the Demon.

Looking back at all I have done, all I have been through, everything that I have experienced, it is the thing that I regret most in my life.

I didn't even know what I was doing at the time.

But, it turns out, going behind the backs of the Princesses and trying to steal forbidden power was highly punishable.

Big surprise, eh?

I was a fool.

I don't know why I went on.

If I had stopped and thought about my next step for even a moment, a single instance of thinking about the consequences, I could have prevented all of this.

I could have turned around.

I could have returned to Luna and Celly.

I would have been alright.

But I went on, into the belly of the beast, and I succeeded.

Oh, why did I have to succeed?

I didn't realise what was happening until it was too late.

After the Demon's power took hold of me, as I absorbed it, it bound itself to my mind and soul, and it controlled me.

Hate, anger, greed, any emotion I held was taken and amplified one hundred-fold.

It became a voice in my mind, that held a hunger that could not be satiated, and that was the first time the Monster appeared.

I was a prisoner in my own mind, forced to watch with eyes that did not sleep, ears that heard everything, and senses of smell, and taste, and touch, so strong, that I doubt I'll ever be able to forget what It did, what I went through.

I wish I had never woken up, that I had stayed as that Monster, that I had died as it.

Because when I woke up, everything was different.

No longer was I in the cave.

Everywhere I looked, with eyes that could see everything, I saw bodies, drained of life, and magic, and blood.

Not just Ponies, but Griffons, Dragons, any living creature that tried to stop It, that got in the way, or even that was just in the area close to It.

Elders, children, adults, it did not matter.

Everyone It came across was torn to shreds.

Three days.

It took three days before I woke up again.

And when I woke up, that's when I saw them...

While Harvest and Meadowbrook, accompanied by a number of Praetorian Guards, headed towards the other exit to the Catacombs, Rockhoof and a single Praetorian Guard were watching over Starswirl, who was erraticly moving around the branching tunnels, searching for any hint of knowledge about this strange, magical place, and writing down whatever he found, as anything could be of use.

Suddenly, further to the beginning parts of the Catacombs, closer to the exit that lead to Pie Park, Rockhoof heard low, rumbling echoes, which sounded like explosions, and the sounds of other commotion coming from the direction of the park, leading to firmly holding his spare, anticipating the ceiling to come crashing down again, as it had before, though fortunately, it held strong.

Shortly after, they he a breeze roll over him, which felt as if a wave of darkness just flowed throughout the tunnels, followed by a gentle voice, and more echoing sounds, though, strangely enough, with these sounds, a slight vibration came, that Rockhoof could feel through the ground, after which he turned to the Guard, and told them to keep an eye on Starswirl for a moment.

The Guard nodded and saluted the large Stallion, who slowly and carefully moved back to the main tunnels, from whence he knew the strange noises and feelings had come, and headed towards the exit to Pie Park, still holding his spade, not knowing what he might encounter, for who could move the entirety of the strange, dark magic that the tunnels held, if not a being of great power?

Closer to the Park hatch, after the intruder had tossed the bag with a lit fuse, it detonated, covering the entire area in a dense mist, causing all the Guards to lose their bearings, as they could not see a hoof in front of their face, which allowed the intruder to quickly make their way into the Tunnels, all the while barely making a sound.

Before they walked further into the Catacombs, they felt there was a strange power emanating from the tunnels that laid ahead, and as they felt unable to use their magic, they took out their quill and wrote upon another parchment, finding just enough room in the magic well of the Catacombs to cast the spell, and as they walked on, singing a tune to themselves, shadows protected them.

The deep and heavy, rumbling sounds of the tunnels, that appeared to be repairing themselves, as the intruder, cloaked in shadows, slowly walked onward, reverberated throughout the area, reaching the ears of Rockhoof, who had by now reached the Surveillance Office, where he had a glimpse on the monitors that still flickered in the room, finding that the Guards, topside, were scattered.

Knowing he would be unable to reach the Guards in the park to help them, Rockhoof took a deep sigh and took up a defensive position, standing defiantly in the hallway, awaiting whomever may have gotten into the park, and subsequently, the tunnels, as the echoing sounds of rock and stone got ever closer, when he noticed an additional sound, akin to breathing, echoing around him.

Turning the corner, the intruder, covered by a cloak and cloaked in shadow, came face to face with Rockhoof, the tall Stallion towering over the smaller figure, standing broadly and blocking the hallway, who noticed, behind the figure, strange, dark blobs lined the edges and corners of the tunnels, with nary a single pebble left on the ground after the cloaked figure had walked past.

The two beings, near equals in power in wholly distinct areas, faced each other, and after a moment of tense silence, Rockhoof asked the cloaked figure what their goal was and why they were here, to which the figure replied their goals were their own, and asked the same question in response to the large Stallion, as well as requesting him to pass towards the other exit.

Neither willing to give a hoof of distance, they bowed to each other in respect, and prepared to fight.

A Lonely Path

When I woke up, I saw them standing a distance away.

The Princesses, holding a spear of pure silver, and standing by them, a group of priests, holding vials of Holy Water, and drenching the spear with it.

An instance later, the spear found its mark in my shoulder, and it burnt, and froze, and I was in unspeakable pain.

The look of pure and utter hatred, disdain, and disgust on their faces, I can't ever forget.

They took the spear and Holy Water and stabbed me, continuously, over and over again.

I tried to stand up, tried to speak, but to no avail.

At the time, I didn't even realise how quickly I was healing, nor how much it hurt as my body restored itself, tearing itself back together.

Eventually, I managed to grab a hold of the spear with my magic, and threw it to the side.

Firstly, Luna spoke: "Begone with thee, foul beast! Thou hast stained our lands with thy wickedness and thou hast disgraced thyself!"

Then, Celestia's voice thundered throughout the land, and everywhere around me, I heard: "Leave now, Markless. You are no longer our Lord. Do not ever return, lest we are forced to kill the last memory we have of our love, you monster!"

Even through her anger, I could tell she was holding back tears, and pain. So much pain...

I tried to speak, tried to beg for forgiveness, but I never could.

I could only watch as they stood there and cursed me.

And I ran.

I just kept running, for days on end, and I did not stop running, or crying, or cursing myself for my foolishness, cursing the Monster that took hold of me.

I never saw them again.

For many years, my name was nothing.

It did not matter anymore, I would never be closer to anyone, so I didn't bother.

Over one hundred years after that day, after I was attacked by yet another gang of Raiders, I finally got my Mark, and with it, the new name I chose.

Both to remember who I was, and for whom I needed to find a way to redeem myself.

Boomlord.

It's been a long time since then.

I have lost count of the years since I last saw them.

I do not know if I still desire their forgiveness, as that was all I told myself for years on end.

I would do anything to have those days of peace and love back.

Maybe, one day, someone will show mercy and end my endless life. Perhaps, then, I shall finally know peace

In the mean time, I'll do my best, helping others, perhaps finding a way to get rid of the Monster.

Maybe, then, finally, I can look them in the eye again.

Until then, I'll be the weapon they tried to hide from themselves, I'll be the unheard song, the greatest Stallion in history, always trying to find a way to say I'm sorry.

And none shall stand in my way, lest they be destroyed.

I just wish to see them smile again...

When Light finished the last page, they took a deep breath as they closed the book, then, while they looked around the room, their heart and mind felt heavier than before they had started reading, and they knew, whatever energy or power was present in the room, it had increased in magnitude, as nobody, not even the Princesses, sat, stunned, unable to stop themselves from crying.

Even Harvest and Meadowbrook, whom Light had quietly greeted as they entered around halfway through the book, despite not knowing the whole story, felt overwhelmed by many feelings and emotions, and together, everycreature sat in silence, and allowed themselves a moment, to process their feelings and think about everything that Light had read about the Pony they knew as Boom.

Nobody dared move a muscle, not due to fear, but due to intense, emotional pain, which they all felt in their hearts, though none felt it more so than the Princesses, whose entire perspective had shifted after hearing the story of the Green Unicorn whom they once knew dearly, seeing his actions and reactions in a new light, and finding peace, not having to hold on to hatred anymore.

After what felt like an eternity, Light made the first movement after wiping away their tears, as they placed the book in their bag, and in its place, took out a small note, that only they knew about, as they explained to the others, that when they left the Medical Centre, and they raced back to grab their bag, they had taken along the unknown satchel, in which, they found this note.

While Light started to explain the last missing pieces of the puzzle, back in the tunnels, the clash between Rockhoof and the intruder had come to an impasse, as both had spent all of their energy trying to defeat the other, though, equal as they were, neither overpowered the other, and they sat, breathing heavily, exhausted, yet barely hurt, beyond a few light scratches.

As neither had the energy to stand against the other, the two opponents engaged in small talk with each other, complimenting the other's fighting style, and laughing, as if speaking with an old friend, until Rockhoof asked his cloaked opponent what they wished to do, to which they replied that they felt a disturbance, and headed to the park, where they found the Catacombs.

They knew, when they got close to the tunnels, that their magic would be of little use, but when they saw the state of the hallways, and the many remains of collapsed tunnels, they felt they had to do something, and cast a peculiar spell to reinforce the walls and ceilings, which is what caused the strange gust of wind and the strange blobs in the corners of the repaired hallways.

Though Rockhoof was confused for a moment since he was unfamiliar with many types of magic, knowing he was still mostly a stranger in this time, he nodded and accepted this answer, then, as he gently stood up, leaning on his trusty spade, told his opponent he would slowly head to his fellow Pillars further in the tunnels, to see if they required any assistance.

The cloaked figure took off their hood revealing their dark haired visage, and they raised themselves to their hooves, using the wall as support, and, with a limp, carefully walked over to the larger Stallion, as one of their forelegs was hurt, and, walking side-by-side with the Earth Pony, headed towards the end of the tunnels, with blobs of shadow trailing behind them as they did.

Meanwhile, Starswirl and the Praetorian Guard had continued walking further into the tunnels, moving swiftly and erratically without counting their steps, nor noting whether they turned a corner, leading the Guard to mark any turn with a small cross on the wall, constantly having to catch up to the old Sorceror, who kept mumbling to himself, speaking about some ancient history.

That is, until he stopped to look at an engraved wall, and quietly said:

"It is unfortunate that I missed many things while I was in Limbo. But I am glad to have missed this..."

Looking around the room after having heard the entirety of the book and the story of the Green Unicorn, and seeing all the ancient artefacts of ages past, it became clear to everyone why their hearts felt burdened by strong emotions, as all of these artefacts, the armour, blades, rings, and many other items scattered about, were all connected to the Princesses and their lost future.

The armour that their protector wore when first assigned to be their Guard, ornately crafted knives to match one another, to help defend themselves and those they loved, wedding rings, unused, but so close to completing their one true love, and an old painting, showing a more complete, unbothered time, one Luna and Celestia wouldn't ever get back after losing their love.

After losing the one they loved, seeing what became of them, the memory of the one who wore the armour, who wielded the blade, for whom the wedding ring was made and who was portrayed on the painting, the memories became too difficult to bare, and, unable to ease the pain, they sealed it away, kept it hidden and forgotten about for aeons, until Light managed to open the room.

Through their deep breaths and chaotic thoughts, their memories from that time so long ago finally seen from a new perspective, changing their entire view on the matter, Celestia and Luna asked Light how they managed to get here, to this room, upon which they remembered they had put a sealing spell, unable to be opened save for the combined power of both of the Alicorn sisters.

Grabbing the note again, Light said that while they weren't sure when this happened, at one point, they must have been visited by someone, when nobody else was around, who left the satchel of items, among which was the book that told the tale of their lost special one, as well as the key that opened the secret door, and a note, with small explanations that told a great tale.

The note that they found explained this room was originally used for other purposes, not just to store the items that were too painful to lay eyes upon again, and though the Princesses had put sealing spells upon the door, and hid away the stairs and this room, there was a kept, kept from them for aeons, and when they used it, the door's mechanism overpowered their magic.

Whether it was fate or just coincidence, they did not know, but when the tunnels collapsed, and Light, Decaf and Banana were trapped behind the piles of rubble, they were lucky to find that the Catacombs lead to the ruined Castle, where, after only a little while of looking around, they managed to uncover the doorway and find this hidden room, joined later by the others.

After a moment of silence, allowing the Princesses to work through more of what they heard, Banana spoke up, and said that on the night that the Princesses and he left the Centre, after Luna first contacted Light, he remembered seeing a shadowy figure through the window in the door, but he had written this off as a product of his own fatigue, and had thought of it no more.

For a single moment, Light's ear twitched, as Celestia continued, adding to Banana's account, saying when he stopped and walked back to look at the room, she asked him to join her to her Palace, both because she needed help to support her sister, who had spent her energy speaking with Light while they were unconscious, but also to offer him and his friends a place to rest.

It felt as though a weight had been lifted off of their hearts, able to remember their past love with more fondness for them than hatred for the Monster that had claimed them, although, they continued, they would always have to live with the knowledge of what they lost, but Light simply smiled and said this may not be the case, as they nodded towards the back of the room.

There, walking next to Rockhoof, they saw the Green Unicorn, who said:

"I guess I owe you an explanation, don't I?"