Thunder and Magic: The Dark Chronicles|Nightmare Moon

Chapters

The Right Path or The Easy Path?
The Aftermath
No Return
Coronation Day
I am Lucid Storm

The Right Path or The Easy Path?

A white void was almost suffocating to the normal person, but not for the only being inside such a boundless box. There stood an old man built like a viking whom wore a silky white toga draping to his knees with golden lining along with wooden sandals that shone like they were fresh from the chopping block, carved to perfection while he had his hands folded behind him, staring beyond space. However, the man broke off from his trance as if something was watching him to which he turned around to face the new visitor, waving his left hand which had the sign of the Philosopher’s Stone engraved in blood coloured ink.

"Ah, I knew you would eventually want to see me. Following Lux through his journey must have left you wanting more I believe."

The man gave a warm smile to the empty void, in the mind of the beholder, he was looking at something very real.

"Oh! But where are my manners, can't assume that all of you have been following the boy after all. I'am... God. Or an avatar of myself that the boy thought into existence. Trust me when I say that if I was in my true form, we wouldn't be able to talk like this."

In an instant, a very comfy chair appeared behind God out of nowhere and he sat down without even looking back to see where it was placed.

"Now onto the fruit of the matter. I see that there are only a few possibilities on how the veil of reality opened back here. Perhaps it's a story about my existance? No, you're not here for some old man's wise tales. Maybe you wish to ask some questions about the earth? No, but it could be a good idea for another time."

As God lifted his hand onto his chin, the white void folded and cracked until it fully shattered, leaving behind a beautiful galaxy along with billions of stars encircling the relaxed being.

"Oh I'm just messing with you. I know what you're after. You want to see a different timeline! It does make sense I guess. Humans were always such curious creatures -oh, if only I could show you my first creations and their antics, Caelum was just an adventurous little man when he was young!- Ah nevermind, I'm getting off topic."

God extended his other hand outwards and by his will, a star came over to his hand to which he closed it and revealed it to you. "And do you wanna know the funny thing? All but one of these timeliness you see before you wasn't even made by me. It was mostly the work of one mare playing me ,and a crew of siblings trying to stop her. I'm glad though, makes things a lot less boring for me out here. I just wish I could say the same for some of these timelines... infinity brings out every possibility, including the impossible sometimes. Here, let give you an example:"

And so, the little star grew into a blinding light that encapsulated the whole galaxy, until it settled and zoomed into a very familiar destination.

Lux was ejected from the nightmarish fog's hold and would’ve hit a wall face first if he didn’t tuck and roll, slamming into it with his back. Pain shot up his body once he slumped to the floor, but the colt pulled himself off the concrete, concentrating on his breathing while stretching a few limbs for signs of lethal injury.

No sprains or cuts, just a bruise. That’s manageable. Though, I suppose getting kidnapped is a much more pressing matter. Or is it foalnapped? Uhhh other world vocabulary aside, I should probably survey the area.

He turned his focus to his location. From what the colt could gather, he stood in a regal castle and he could notice that whoever lived here hadn't returned. Roots and vegetation encapsulated the stone pillars holding the crumbling ceiling from falling under gravity's call. The windows lost their glass with only pieces of the frame being the only evidence of their existence and at the end of the hall, there lay a circular podium but with nothing on top of it.

Lux walked up the steps and stood in the middle of it to look through the framed window, his most obvious and biggest escape route, only to notice that he was about 6 floors high judging by the number of windows from a distant tower.

He frowned. “Doesn’t matter what I do, I always end up back in this damn Everfree one way or another…” Lux turned to face the open staircase on the other side, “though, broken castles must mean some sort of knowledge. Perhaps I can find something new before Nightmare Moon-”

“Leaving so soon, little colt?” The air ran cold and Lux steeled himself to meet the sound of his perpetrator who bent her neck to meet him at eye level, their muzzles so close to connecting with each other.

Lux scoffed, smirking at her. “Well, being held captive against your will doesn’t induce a lot of hospitality in a guest.”

Nightmare Moon’s widened her smile, revealing her sharp teeth. If Lux didn’t know better, he’d assume she was a carnivore. “Royalty don’t need to follow the intricacies of our subjects, besides you should be honoured foal. You are in the presence of the most powerful creature in all of Equestria.”

“Most… powerful?”

To Nightmare Moon's surprise, the colt didn’t look afraid of that fact, nor did he laugh like it was a nonsensical joke. He was looking at her with a gleam of respect and…admiration? She had already took the foal as a strange case given that he literally some archaic form of runic magic. And the fact that he was standing there stone-faced while interacting with her, the Mare of the Moon who could make grown stallions quake in their boots, was the nail in the coffin.

“Ahem, obviously little one. Now I believe you hold something valuable that I must seek,” she returned to her formal stature, averting her gaze to the window behind her, “that archaic magic you demonstrated before me, how did you acquire such magic, foal?”

Lux waited like a statue with his eyebrow raised and hoof on his chin, pondering his next move.

As she awaited his response, the alicorn lit her horn and scanned the colts body while his eyes were still shut. But surprisingly, their magic channels were still narrow and their mana storage organ wasn't that larger from a normal colt.

Yet he blasted a stream of air that blocked my controlled lightning strike... what kind of potential does this little thing even have?

And the most shocking part was the volume of magic stored inside. It filled the entire organ like it could burst at any second, a clear sign of a soon-to-be magic surge. But at 13 of all ages? The thought didn't scare her of course, but the room for growth was simply too impressive to waste.

Eventually, the colt broke from his position and prostrated himself in front of the mare which amused her greatly, given that it was the first pony to actually use the right manners in front of her. “I apologise, your majesty but to do so would most likely spell my demise by your hoof, yet I don’t wish to upset you so how about a compromise.”

Nightmare Moon peered at him, her slit pupils narrowing to wander deeper into his very being.

A bold creature, this one is. Almost too bold but no matter. “Very well, speak.” She commanded and so Lux obeyed.

“You see, I need to get stronger, I know that with all my power at this moment, it won't be enough to combat the threats that will come my way. Without strength, I’m no help at all… so here's my ultimatum! If you could teach me magic, I can teach you my skills. We both get what we want and I don’t lose out, is that satisfactory?”

She shut her eyes as if deep in thought. “No”

“What?”

“Your magic does seem impressive but it holds no candle to the might of my magic! For a colt to have such arrogance is almost amusing,” she chuckled coldly, grinning at Lux menacingly.

“A life of servitude added to such an ultimatum shall suffice. Your demise, as you put it, wouldn’t be a particularly fitting end for you, so I do encourage you to take this deal.”

The mare cooed, circling around him as he followed her gaze. “Think about it colt, you will be able to do anything under my hoof. Money, power, it shall be yours. All that's required of you is to listen and obey my orders. My words are your life and you will be wise to follow it, I do not tolerate disobedience nor cowardice.”

She stopped circling him and cupped her hoof to his chin, as if scanning for any hint of defiance. “Your answer is obvious colt, yet I need your word.”

Nightmare Moon watched carefully as the colt stared back, pondering his decision. Now that she thought about it, she never got his name. If he did plan to help her, it would at least be wise to have a right hand pony at her beck and call. But asking for it would only ruin the regal image she had made at the moment. So she resorted to more powerful methods, tapping her horn on the colts head, leaving him shocked as an unexpected floodgate of memories overflowed the mare of the Moon.

-Memory Recall

Inside an padded room lit by flourescent lights was Lux, but he was only the height of the desk he was sitting at. Even though the trapped atmosphere and the boring surroundings would've left any toddler crying, Lux was no toddler and he needed to prove it to his instructors.

On the desk itself was a sheet of test paper which had a variety of questions from different subjects which brought out topics like fractions, recent history and chemical elements. It was a bit difficult for Lux to finish it all, but nothing was going to stop him. He had studied too hard for him to retake it in another year.

About two minutes after he set his pen down, the light beeped in accordance of his deadline and out came a seemingly old man, whose face was too smooth to be that of a guy in their 80s and a guy dressed in student attire with a kind smile easily recognisable to the young boy as he eagerly hopped off his seat and hugged their leg.

"Cyprus! I can't believe it, Instructor Vir actually got you to visit."

"Well, once I heard that the big man himself wanted me to check out his newest prodigy in the making, I couldn't say no," Cyprus said cheerfully while smugly elbowing the older man's shoulder, "right, Principal?"

Without wasting an inch of emotion, Vir nodded robotically. "Yes and I apologise for taking you out of your studies on short notice, but the kid just wouldn't shut up when I told him about you and your victories over your classmates."

"Oh?" Cyprus raised an eyebrow while he grinned cheekily. "So~ What did he tell you, kid?"

When Lux realised that the bright student was looking at him, he bounced up and down excitedly. "Well he told me aaaall about how you destroyed your whole class with just your hands alone without ever getting hurt! You must have been all like blam blam!" The enthusiasm sprawled out of the boy as he punched the air like an amateur boxer would before performing a roundhouse kick with delight. "Like that or something."

Cyprus took a second to watch boys moves before getting the green light from Vir who remained as stone faced as ever. "Make it quick. Your final exam will be in just a week and we need to review the kids results right now."

"OK OK. Jeez old man, I know what I'm doing." The student groaned before kneeling down to Luxs level. "So you really like getting stronger, don't you?"

"Do I?" Lux asked rhetorically. "Of course I do, it's what I'm good at; What I'm born to do. I'm gonna sign up for that special course and become just like you someday! A-Actually, look at this."

The kid quickly took out a piece of paper from his plain mint gowns pockets which had the symbol of a triangle and put it in the palm of his hands before speaking. "Ignis!" And in response, a kindled flame came to life on the paper, dancing with life and energy.

"Oh, a descendent of Sir Ignis are you?"

"Yep! Instructor Vir says I've also have Lady Aers genes too but I've had no luck with making air yet... b-but I gotta be close. I just know it!"

For the first time since they locked eyes, the young boys lips quivered and his gaze hardened but the older boy wasn't about to allow that so he reached his hand out and ruffled his hair."Now now kid. No need to rush things. You've already made it further than the rest of your piers, all you need to do is keep working on your dream and eventually you can put that power to good use. Aide Academy is always looking for new people for the Conduit Program after all."

At last, Lux looked up at him through the spaces in between his fingers, the sparkles of admiration shining through his pupils. "In fact, if Mr Vir doesn't mind, I can keep checking on your progress from time to time. And if not, I'll at least tell you this kid... only those who fight for their place truly deserve it."

-End Memory Recall

Maybe it was a strange reaction that occurred from the spell, or maybe it was just the shock of the revelation but Nightmare Moon recoiled away from the colt while he looked at her, wide eyed.

"You... what did you do?"

"It was... merely a precaution to see if you'd be worth my time. Clearly, there was more than I could've ever hoped... a human boy," The alicorn echoed to herself, "you're a human boy in the body of a dead colt."

The sudden bombshell had sent Lux through a loop. He had already came to the conclusion that giving that information would be a terrible idea as it would grant him a one way trip to a pony asylum -if they had one. But now the cat was out of the bag and there was no chance to hide himself under the guise of Darkloud. It truly shook him.

Shit, what now? Is she gonna just end me right here and then? She's probbaly strong enough to do so... fuck! And I've only got the Aer symbols in my saddlebag. If only I still had the Philosopher's Stone, at least I'd have a chance!

"'Cease your inner blabbering... Lux is it? I'd rather not refer to you as day-lover anyway. This has certainly thrown a large hole in our bargain." The Nightmare grinned savagely and circled the colt once more. "So the stars have sent you into a world beyond your knowledge, am I correct?"

"W-Well yes. Though my dad got me acquainted with some basics-"

"It doesn't matter who taught you. It's actually a good thing, you weren't born and raised here... if you did, you would've grown up with the lies of my sister."

Lux' ears perked up at that. "Sister?"

"Yes, my sister. I assume you have heard of Princess Celestia?" A quick nod from the colt and she continued, stopping by him and lowering her neck over his head, whispering in his ear. "Well, she has always been a cruel sister. About 1000 years ago, we were happy as a diararchy, but it all changed when Celestia became too engrossed with her power and decided she wanted full control over her ponies as well as the night. So she overpowered me and betrayed me, Sealing me for a millennium until I had enough strength to escape."

"That's really what happened?" The story kind of puzzled the colt. Why would any sibling wish to suddenly end their own for something so selfish? "So why was everypony so scared of you? That pink mare literally screamed her head off."

Nightmare Moon showed her teeth again, walking towards a broken window. "All my sister again. Once I was sealed into the moon, she kept the night around for a few days before she set things right, fabricating a tale that I of all ponies wanted to place the world in an everlasting night. She... she tried to justify her actions when on the inside she was probably laughing at my poor subjects!"

"That's... really awful. Wait, but if it wasnt your idea, why put things in everlasting night right now?" The mare of the moon growled quietly at the sharpness of this boy, but she had to keep trying. She could see he wasn't disagreeing with her entirely.

"This is just a symbol of revenge. Now my sister can watch, trapped on that moon as I bring her little fabricated story into reality!" Nightmare Moon despised what she would do next, but she needed a nail in the coffin to fully bring the newcomer to her side. And so... she had to be sincere.

She turned back to Lux, but to his surprise, that cold gaze had softened and her lips smiled warmly. "I know you can understand me Lux. All that time, you wanted to use your gifts for others, only for them to stab you in the back and paint you as the evil one. We have that in common and I believe you have the right to live in the luxury you deserve. Forget the bargain. If you join me, I promise you that I will make you a Prince so powerful that no man, pony nor creature can touch you. All I need is your loyalty at my side, what do you say boy?"

Lux took a moment to observe the floor in concentration before looking back and nodding with a smile. "Sure thing. I don't really have a place to go anyway and who better to help me on my journey than the strongest alicorn in Equestria?"

"As you should. I know you would take up my offer Lux... no, no that name is way too non-pony for you, especially with that body. Il have to give you a new name as confirmation of your loyalties but first I must take care of something."

"And what's that?"

"Unfortuantely, Celestia has corrupted many ponies during her time here so a few ponies are trying to take the elements of harmony to stop me."

"The elements of harmony?" Lux pondered. "That sounds more like a good power than a bad one-"

"SILENCE!" She ordered in her Canterlotean voice, promptly shutting the colt up. "Thank you." Nightmare Moon's horn glowed brightly and once it ceased, a purple mare lay confused on the ground along with 6 stone spheres that rolled onto the podium. Lux could tell by the star cutie mark that it was the pony he was next to prior to Nightmare Moon's release.

"Uhhh, what the- Nightmare Moon! Release the colt, you're problems are with me."

"Oh you poor thing. Celestia has truly played with your mind little subject. Fortunately, I shall make to it that I free you from your spell."

"Huh?" Twilight tilted her head in disbelief. She must have gotten quite stupid if the alicorn thought that she would belive those lies. "Don't try to change the subject! By the name of Celestia, I will use the elements of harmony to stop you."

The two ponies ignited their horns to attack, but were disturbed by a brazen colt jumping in between them. "Wait a minute! We don't have to fight like this Miss Moon, can't you just end the spell right now and set things right?"

Twilight blinked in suprise. At last, the studious unicorn could connect the dots with the alicorns game. "Wait, Darkloud I don't know what books you've been reading, but that's the embodiment of evil! You can't negotiate with her."

"Hey, she isn't evil, she's just emotional. Wouldn't 1000 years on the moon do that to anyone?"

"Anyone? Did I hear that right? It doesn't matter, Celestia put her there for good reason and she needs to be stopped!"

However, a shiver came down Twilights spine as Nightmare Moon walked over and patted the colts head. "Now now Lux, it's alright. But I'm sorry to say that my sister's spellwork is no easy thing to crack. I'll need time to figure it out before I can free the ponies of her manipulation."

"Wait wha- Lux? Darkloud, you can't seriously be falling for this? She is literally spouting nonsense!" Twilight shouted, shooting a blast of magic at the mare who blocked it with a magical shield.

"Nonsense? My little subject, you don't know him like I. He is much wiser than the puppeted ponies could ever be. Especially you. Do you know how it felt to be blasted by those elements? To be engulfed in an unquenchable blaze, evaporated into air only to be stuck on the moon never feeling whole as I used to..."

Nightmare Moon smirked as she saw the colt stare at the stones on the podium. He recalledhis old days as a Conduit of the Philosopher's Stone and as a soldier, watching or even participating in the brutish games with his enemies. Back then, his sights were blinded by the glasses of his birth, but he knew better now and it infuriated him.

"That's horrible... why are they called the elements of harmony if they are used for such a painful use? I-Its just torture!" Lux monologues and to Twilight's horror and Nightmare Moon's delight, he stuck a sticky note with an Aer sign on his hoof and shot a blast of wind at the stones, sending them flying out of the castle to inevitably crash onto the ground.

Twilight couldn't believe her eyes, it was almost funny in a sense. A random foal just destroyed the only thing that could save the world. Now it was all over and it was all her fault. If she had just took more time into convincing the naive colt rather than facing Nightmare Moon, there could've been a slight chance that the elements would've responded to her. But now it's a hopeless dream as a deal fast magical bolt sent her flying into the wall, hitting her head and turning everything black as she slumped to the floor.

"Excellent little foal, for a moment I thought my sister's spell would entrapped you too. But it looks like I had nothing to worry about." The Nightmare grinned maniacally from behind him as he walked over the edge and gazed down the tower where the stones shattered. On one hand, it was liberating to be rid of such dangerous artefacts but at the same time, it didn't feel right. Nothing felt right with what he did.

Silently, Nightmare Moon teleported at his side and rubbed his head in a twistedly maternal manner. "Now, you will stay here for a moment while I... 'help' the other unfortunate ponies. You have made the right decision and don't forget that. You have saved the world from my sister's hold and allow me to gift you the world for your contribution. We will gift out the details of your ascendancy once the preparations are in order. Now, if you would bow to me for a moment."

Although hesitant after the rather forcefull knockout of the lavender unicorn, he did as he was told and allowed Nightmare Moon to tap her horn on her shoulders as if he were being knighted. "I, Nightmare Moon, Queen of Equestria now acknowledge you Lux as my right hand pony and second in command. Therefore, I shall grant you the title of 'Prince' along with your new name with you shall adopt until your death, Lucid Storm!"

Once the impromptu ritual was completed, silence filled the hallways until Lux... or Lucid Storm as he is now named, noticed his Queens glare and quickly responded. "Thank you Miss Moon-"

"Ahem, it's your majesty to you."

"Uhm, sorry your majesty."

"And be honoured child, you are the first and the last to ever share a spot with royalty." She declared until the recognisable shouting came from the the staircase. "And it seems the rest of the misguided ponies are arriving. Just wait here, Il go take care of them." The alicorn chuckled menacingly as her wings extended, allowing her to glide along the hall and down the stairs.

Lucid Storm could only walk over to the unconscious unicorn and sit by her as the shouts and screams from below slowly died out to the sporadic blasts of magic and destroyed property.

The newly appointed prince placed his hoof on her neck and thankfully felt the blood still pumping through her skin.

Well, at least Il have someone- ah, I mean somepony to talk to. She understands me, unlike these ponies... more like they wouldn't understand, but I cant control that.

Lucid Storm sighed and stared out the broken window to view the stars that always gifted him with security and love, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. But the new unicorn face plastered onto the moon was painful to look at. He should feel nothing seeing a power hungry alicorn locked away forever, but then again, nopony should deserve isolation on that magnitude.

But what can he do? This was his choice and he hoped to God and those watching that he made the right judgement.

Cause at that very moment as he swiped the dust out of the lavender mares coat, he couldn't tell if the crown he'd eventually wear will be made of gold or thorns.

Author's Note

I thought I'd add some of these alternate timeline stuff as padding out for the wait with season 2. It's gonna take a long time with exams popping up so I wanna put up as much content as I can to shorten the boredom gap. Who knows? They might some into play years down the line.

The Aftermath

9th August 2017

Dear Diary,

Hello old friend. If I'm honest, I never thought I'd be writing to you again since the cake massacre in the castle but here I am with another unsolvable problem.

It was just a normal day in my duties, scheduling tomorrow's court summons and tax returns for the Princess once she returned from the Summer Sun Set Festival. However, as the clock hit the witching hour, the sun never arose. This was already an immediate red flag given that the Princess was never late for her duties, but a worse problem came from the lack of something, the mare in the moon.

I couldn't believe it, myself. It was literally the product of a ponytale! So I did what I could and kept the castle in order under the hours of panic. It was almost unnerving how quick the guards cracked under pressure as the motherly wings of their Princess were snatched away from them, their response to orders have become a lot more clumsy. But it's not like I could blame them.

Celestia was the wisest and strongest of all ponies, so for her to be missing could allude to an even stronger foe. But although the nobles don't want to admit it, I find it very obvious on who the enemy is. Nightmare Moon.

But I must assume the Princess had a plan for it. She wouldn't have forgotten her sister whom could be seen every night. I wish she at least informed me though... I just feel so useless right now.

I'm just a royal advisor, I'm not powerful enough to go search for her like the guards nor do I have the wings to survey the air like the wonderbolts. I'm just... me.

Still, Il try to keep everypony informed and hopefully see some results.

From, Raven Inkwell

10th August 2017

Dear Diary,

Oh Celestia... this has become a disaster! The good news would be that I know for sure that it's Nightmare Moon, since the search party had linked their information with the Ponyville residents. The bad news is that I had met her face to face.

I was just sitting by the throne while comparing reports. (I like to imagine the Princess is still next to me, just for a hint of normalcy in the situation.) And nothing felt too out of the ordinary until a fog of galactic smoke flooded the doors and pushed them open, revealing Nightmare Moon in her horrific form. It was like all the hope I had left just fled my body.

And so, she just sat on the throne and began declaring new orders. I think the first ever words she said to me went something like: "Do the dungeons still have the tools with them?" I mean, she didn't even ask for my name before she started calling the shots. And the dungeons? She didn't need to say anything to tell me what she needed it for.

Anyway, the following hours was pure chaos as everypony attempted to adjust to the new authority. Most of the nobles came in to kiss her hooves, which I can assume was to maintain their standing in the high class, some attempted to change their lifestyle now that the sun had vanished. It's rather that or the other side of the world, aka the undiscovered territory which is facing the worst drought possible. Meanwhile, a few ponies have gone into hiding so they can slowly emass a rebellion.

I know this cause of the propaganda posters that were confiscated off the streets. One of them had the face of Prince Blueblood on the center... I just hope he isn't the actual leader.

As the day... or night continued, I slowly started to wonder how I'd tell the time. With the moon constantly fixed in the starry sky, observation would be impossible. My solution was a pocket watch I have in my suit pocket. Luckily, Nightmare Moon permitted its use so working won't be a bother. Still, working for Nightmare Moon... I don't know how long I'll last.

Compared to her sister, she is stricter than a drill instructor, calling on me for matters consecutively while expecting my attention 24/7. I think she enjoys toying with me or something, but I can't say no. My life is now directly linked to my job and if I ever cut those strings, Il fall into my demise.

I can only hope that the resistance will find a way. 'Cause I can't tell how many lives will die to such a drastic change.

From, Raven Inkwell

11th August 2017

Dear Diary,

A strange occurance has happened today. Well, not on the scale that was the last couple days but no matter. Nightmare Moon had set up a speech for all ponies working in the castle which was the kind of stuff I expected from the tyrant. "I'am your Queen." "No tolerance for disobedience." "Loyal ponies rewarded, bad ponies punished." And even "Mentioning Princess Celestia will result in punishment." The whole shebang.

But at the end of it, she introduced us to our newly appointed Prince. It was definately a shock since Nightmare Moon seemed too prideful to share her royal spot. My surprise just continued when I saw them. He was just a unicorn colt: dark fur, yellow mane and eyes. But his demeanour felt nothing like a normal colt.

He looked down at us with a straight face and yet, he kept glancing at Nightmare Moon and back at us. It was as if he was analysing the situation carefully, like one wrong move could result in dire consequences. If so, he was right on the bit as an old stallion had the gall to talk back, resorting in the queen snatching him from the audience and locking him in place while she walked over to the colt -I think his name was Lucid Storm if I could hear her whispers correctly- and coached him into electrifying the poor stallion with magic.

The display left almost everypony horrified, including myself. It was spine wretching enough to watch a young foal, who should be out playing around, perform adult level magic for the intended purpose of torture. But I could still see it, the pain in his eyes as he watched the defiant stallion spasm from the voltage. The sparkles of wonder that normally shone brightly in a foals eyes had been destroyed, leaving a husk of their original form.

Finally, he was told to stop and he did so gladly as the stallion dropped to the floor, supposedly dead. Now I can see the ploys the Queen was using. She wanted total emotional control over all of us and to do that, she had to make an example and by putting the axe of the executioner into the hooves of a foal, we would be left to imagine the grim fate if we defied her personally.

Unfortunately, it worked. Everypony was performing their duties twice as hard as they used to. It was especially sad when I passed Private Stoneheart and Sargent Luster Purge though the throneroom gates. They used be so lively, with the Private always picking moving about in annoyed boredom while the Sargent attempted numerous jokes to keep him steady. Now, they just stand there like statues. It's disturbing, why can't we find a way out of this mess? I don't want to continue serving a maniac, just why am I alive at a time like this?...

Oh, the Queen is calling me again. I wish she'd just send me letter instead of sending magic induced headaches. But I'll write soon.

From, Raven Inkwell.

9th December 2017

Dear Diary,

Celestia must be gifting me luck from above because I believe I've been granted a break. Remember when Nightmare Moon called me before? Well, she called for me to switch my duties from herself to the Prince. Apparently, she wants me to keep an eye on him and report to her about any deviances or exponential progress on his part.

Perhaps she doesn't trust him as much as I thought. Then again, I'd rather take my chances with the lesser evil than a Queen who massacres her messengers over the slightest inconvenience. (Seriously, those are getting tougher to watch.)

Anyway, for the few weeks I've endured under Prince Storms care, I've had the chance to learn more about him. Firstly, the foal is a far cry from the menace that the Queen made him out to be. His daily routine comprises of me waking him up at 7 which isn't a hassle, but then the colt would immediately go downstairs and read up on the archives until 10 on the dot. I love reading as much as the next pony but when your only job is to watch, the sanctuary of words suddenly grows more boring. I think he knows too, since he usually asks me to check up on the stability of the castle employees at that time.

Then, he'd venture to the training grounds to practice in front of the cadets for 2 hours and if I'm honest, I think he's more himself while he's with the guards. That rough exterior and cold gaze that mirrored the Queen seems to soften every time he spars with the ponies in blue. Hell, he would even ask the chef to make pastries for him to give them out on Sundays! I really need to keep it in my skull that Lucid is just a colt. Whatever got him into Nightmare Moon's hooves, it must have changed him greatly but foal-like wonder cannot be erased so easily. I think Il keep these out of my reports, he should have the chance to be himself.

Unfortunately, that's where his routine ends. Everything else will rather involve patrolling the streets for rebellious activity and doing missions ordered by Nightmare Moon. But... there is one thing I'm worried about. It usually happens every Friday at exactly 18:25 where he would go down to the cellar where the dungeons reside and asks me not to follow him. I had first assumed that he was ordered to conduct torture on the unfortunate resistance fighters that were caught, choosing to leave me outside for my sanity. I mean, it feels like the logical choice.

But if that were the case, then why would he bring a tray of food and water with him? I don't imagine that the colt is so sick in the head that he'd have his tea while burning a poor pony's back. So I could only think of one thing. Somepony he knows is down there and is being kept alive for an unknown reason. Maybe it's a family member, a friend or somepony he feels remorse towards but the fact still remains that despite a month with that horrible mare, Lucid Storm still has a heart.

Hell, I'm not even sure that's his actual name. Everytime I've called for him, he always looks dispondant like I said some nonsense. I hope he can just try talking to me. Sure, I'm glad he talks to me nicely and it's certainly a change of pace to be called Raven instead of the typical formalities, but all of our conversations have rather been questions about the responsibilities of a Prince and my own life before the disaster.

As much as I appreciate his willingness to listen to my grievances, he needs somepony who he can confide in that isn't the Queen. I'll try asking for a chat tomorrow and hope for the best. If by some miracle, the Queen falls, I don't want the King to fall for the same mistakes.

From, Raven Inkwell

Raven Inkwell finished the last stroke in her diary and sighed longingly as she closed the book and walked out of her room. As the mare strolled through the hallways under the watch of the eternal moonlight, she passed by a group of guards encased in the new blue armor that got shipped in from the East. She had to admit that they looked ascetically sleek but would she ever say that to anyponys face? Nope.

The guards were cheerfully laughing while chowing down on honeybuns whilst covered in sweat.

"Well then... phew, Prince Storm never lets up on our spars does he?"

"Well no shit, if a pesky resistance member comes knocking on our front door, we gotta be in tip top shape."

"Still, huff- does he have to make it so strenuous? I feel like my horn is about to crack from how many shields I had to conjure."

"Uhm, hello? Just dodge, sure the Prince has a ridiculous amount of magic tricks but nothing can beat the fastest flier in Equestria!"

"Oh can it Corporal Dash! You still got your ass kicked too."

"Mhmmmm mh mm mhm."

"Uh, Pinkie you still got honeybuns in your mouth."

The stoic assistant cracked a smile at the sight. It was a not so secret fact among the castle that the Prince took their health very seriously which is why a few have tried asking the Queen to be stationed with the colt. Only the highest ranked were permitted and the rest... their fate was classified.

Eventually, she arrived at the gates and opened the large doors to see nopony at the throneroom. "Huh? D-did I get the dates wrong? Oh no... my career is over- scratch that, my LIFE is over! I gotta get out of-"

Suddenly a loud boom echoed throughout the castle which made everypony pause as they flicked their ears to listen closely. Meanwhile, Raven looked out the windows to see flashes of light sparks in the sky. "What the, is Prince Storm still sparing with somepony? But it's way past his- OH SWEET CELESTIA!"

In a flash, Raven rolled to the side when a blur of darkness crashed through a window, careening into a wall whilst struggling to get up. And once the initial fright of it all had finished, she noticed that the fallen figure was Lucid Storm who was battered and bruised with the exception of his golden crown latched on his head.

"Prince Storm, are you okay?" She called in concern which made the colt lock eyes with her, the panic in him very evident.

"Raven, leave immediately! This doesnt concern you- shit!" The colt's symbols that plastered his regalia flared to life as his horn shot out a great surge of electricity which connected with a galactic stream of energy through the broken window. And at last, she could understand as Nightmare Moon gently landed inside the throne room, her magical blast still struggling against Lucids.

"I will admit colt, you've grown to be a fine unicorn under my tutilage, but to think you would be so foolish as to defy my orders." The mare continued her assault, her blast slowly overtaking the poor colts. "I would've thought that your soldier training would give you the strength to do what is done and attain your destiny, but it seems that the pony ways have softened you."

"St-Stop, you said we could help them... so why not her? Why must I prove my loyalty in such a way. Haven't all my missions done enough?" Lucid was flinching, wide eyed at his superior as she approached him through the sparks.

"The brat is too loyal to my sister. No amount of magic can break fix her mind so therefore, she must be eliminated. I don't understand why you keep pushing me on this, I gave you this final task weeks ago and yet the fool still lives. The longer you wait, the more I believe you're trying to conspire against me." By that point, their horns were practically touching each other while she stared daggers into him. "Don't you want to ascend to a higher power? Become untouchable to all that oppose you? Nopony gains power with mercy at their hips!"

"Just stop already..."

"You're my sword, Prince Storm. And a sword must be ruthless and unforgiving! Il give you one more week to face your duty or else Il throw you aside! The castle may think say you're welcome, but I know the ponies outside would jump at the chance to rip you limb from limb. You would be a public enemy by my eyes and the whole of Equestria, a forgotten tool. A dissapointment. A villain."

"ENOUGH!" Lucid screamed in agony as a shockwave of light blasted the alicorn backwards while Raven was forced to close her eyes. Once the light faded, it showed the colt staring back at her with determination along with a new mark on his flanks. A pure white thundercloud baring a wicked golden grin. "I'm NOT a villain. I've done literally everything you've asked except for this one thing so can you give me a break? Finding a way to transfuse sunlight with moonlight has been enough work for me. And if I may be honest, I'm not the one standing about, barking orders while killing any pony with an opinion. I'm at least trying!"

"You... you dare talk back to me?"

"Yes, yes I do." The colt breathed in for another rapid fire of words. "I understand that you want revenge for what happened to you, but have you seen what's going on out there? Crops can't grow anymore so thousands of unicorns have to do the work themselves, putting other ponies out of business and civillians out of food. The global temperatures have decreased so much that anypony without clothing is susceptible to hypothermia, resulting in the higher class hording the materials. Can't you see that this eternal night isn't sustainable? By killing me, you're killing off the only pony in power who probably gives a damn! You're a Queen for Moons sake, think of your subjects for once and understand how much they are suffering, how miserable they look. If this was how you ruled a thousand years ago then I don't know how this place managed to survive for so long... well?!"

The sudden outburst had even took the Queen off guard, mouth agape and eyes flickering in annoyance. But eventually, the blood had boiled and her wings flared.

"You...you hypocrite! After all that I learnt from your memories, now you want to take the moral highground?"

"That was 3 years ago, and I changed. What's your excuse?"

"..." Raven didn't need to look at Nighmare Moon to see the steam raging out of her ears. "Fine then. Stay weak! For as long as that mare is still in that cellar, your placement on this very throne shall always be in question. I hope for your sake that you grow out of this phase and understand my methods when your older. You are dismissed."

Lucid Storm nodded firmly and walked over to Raven before teleporting them to his room. As the colt sat on his king sized bed and allowed the pain of the battle to hammer him, Raven Inkwell averted her gaze whilst grabbing some medical gear from the bottom drawer. "I'm... uhm, sorry you had to see all that Raven."

"Believe me, I think the whole castle heard."

"..." Silently, the devoted assistant wrapped a bandage around his sore hoof while the colt sucked his teeth to relieve the pain.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Oh, no. I'd rather not bother y-OWCH!" Lucid Storm bit his lip as Raven pulled on his bandage a little too hard.

"With all due respect Prince Storm, I don't see how your problems aren't MY problem. Lady Moon made me your assistant after all and with Celestia still out of the picture, it would be in mine and Equestrias interest that you are in your right mind."

Lucid paused for a moment, only moving his eyes as he carefully watched Raven patch him up. "C-Can I ask you a stupid question?"

"No question is stupid Lucid. Continue."

"What was Princess Celestia like?"

"Excuse me?"

"Like, what kind of pony was she? I think I need a different view of things after what happened today. A-And don't worry about the ban, I aint a snitch."

Now it was Ravens turn to pause as she finally allowed herself to recall the nostalgia with a smile of her face. "If you insist. If there was any pony that could represent kindness, it would've been her. Despite the number of annoying nobles and conflicts, she always faced it with a smile and did everything she could to attain peace. Even though her cake addiction caused a few messes in the kitchen, I put her in high regards. 8 years in service and it was like I wasn't even working."

Lucid Storm had his eyes shut, listening solemly as he rubbed his temples. "Yeah... I kinda figured." Once the colt was wrapped in secured bandages, he tipped backwards and laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling. "You know. I always think back to that day, the day when Nightmare Moon won. I... was too naive. If it weren't for me and my stupidity, she wouldn't have succeeded as she did. But it just makes me wonder. If I did decide to deny her, would she still have won?"

With that question a slight tear soaked into his sheets as he clutched onto his pillow while Raven sat beside him. "It's just... stressful. I've made my choice and I gotta deal with the consequences and it should be only me who is hurt by them. But everytime I look outside, all I can see is the consequences of my own actions on everypony. I-I can't even look at the stars anymore without being reminded of everything!"

Observing the streams of tears settling, Raven placed a hoof on his mane gently. "So you want to make up for it by trying to help them adapt?"

"It's... hic It's my mistake. Nopony deserves to suffer for my mistake... not Celestia, not you, not the whole damn world! I've gotta keep this title and relieve their pain if I ever hope to forgive myself, but I don't want to kill some innocent pony who was only trying to help... I just can't kill somepony on purpose. At least with enemy soldiers, I can at least say that they signed up with the knowledge that they could die. But with her? With Twilight? It's not... fair."

As she waited and waited for the poor colt to cry himself to sleep while she stroked his mane, she couldn't help but tear up. Enemy soldiers? Has the Queen been sending him out on conquests or something? No foal should be forced to end a life... and yet he's blaming himself for everything. To think this little pile of fluff was that stoic colt a minute ago.

Eventually, she checked her pocket watch, which struck 11 so she retracted her hoof and slowly walked out the room before whispering to herself.

"It wasn't your fault, you're just a foal in an inescapable position... Celestia, please save that colt."

She wandered back into her room and mellowed over it all. And that was when she saw it, an owl. It was peched on her windowsill and had a scroll in its beak. Quickly, she took it from the creature and opened the contents, reading it carefully.

"They want me? I mean. If I were to be caught, I didn't know how the Prince would react, let alone the Queen... no. I can't think like that. This could be the only chance I've got to save her, to free him. I-I can do this."

And so, she set the paper in her fireplace and sat by her desk to write up something, meanwhile, the paper continued to burn until the insignia of a crystal heart turned into ash.

Author's Note

Man, idk about this one. I haven't really planned this out like my first season so maybe that's why I'm iffy on this one. That or I'm realising I suck at making sad stuff. Either way have a good day ladies and gentlecolts.

No Return

Lucid Storm passed through the dimly lit halls without a sound, taking care to abide by the shadows so the patrolling guards wouldn't do anything stupid. As much as he'd like to chat with them though, he had to be somewhere.

And so, he descended to the ground floor which glistened and shone even under the guise of darkness. Still, Lucid continued his pace. No use admiring the cleanliness that had pools of blood stained on its stone.

Eventually, the shadow reached his destination. A royal blue carpet welcomed visitors at the royal gardens entrance. But Lucid knew better, lifting the smooth object to reveal the marble floor beneath it and with a flick of the horn, a block of it had pushed itself below and shifted away from the entrance.

Without hesitation, Lucid took the staircase down the dirt tunnel and kept his stoney gaze to the bottom. But the horror show didn't make it easy for him. It was never easy for him. As he reached the room, his nose was immediately hit with the the rotten stench of death, faeces and broken dreams. But it never wavered his soul like those unfortunate enough to be sent into these destructive catacombs.

Every time he passed the bars of a cell, he would be met with the bodies of dishevelled ponies. Most had lost their colour from the hunger that ravaged them and laid motionless in their shacked suspension while others were marked with burns, bruises and scars on places that continued to aid them in their endless wailing.

He had even recognised a new face from the prisoners when he took a left, witnessing that snowy white stallion from the posters with his mane unkempt despite his voice being full of life. "Uh, y-you there! Please, I said I'd talk already, you don't have to u-use those nasty tools on me okay?"

"Sir, I'm not the royal interrogator. Try and sleep as best as you can, cause things are not gonna get better down here."

"What? Who even are you then? I-Its hard to see you when it's so dark..." As he squinted his eyes to hopelessly catch the outlines of the shadowy figure, he smiled happily. "Oh! You're a spy, of course. Now could you be a dear and unbind me. I-I stalled as long as I could, so we should meet up at the Crystal Empire ASAP. And quickly, before the guards check down here!"

Lucid hoofpalmed at the appalling sight. It had only been 2 days since the night watch had caught the Prince scrounging around at a party drunk off his tail end and he's already going delirious.

And you literally said you told them everything a moment ago, you lier.

"Mr Blueblood, as a fellow Prince myself I'd advise you to not be so careless with confidential information." Growing tired of watching the stallions proud facade, he poked his head through the bars which revealed his golden crown and thunderous eyes.

"N-No... no no no, don't try and trick me my friend. I-I know! This is one of Fancy Pants' jokes isn't it? You're just his cohort using that false brat as a disguise. While I admit it looks rather real, nopony could imitate the pathetic movements of a pony with no royal liniage in their blood-"

With gritted teeth, Lucid telekinetically slammed his head into the wall he was shackled on, producing a small crack in the concrete as sprinkles of blood soaked Bluebloods head. Luckily, the stallion had slumped unconscious so another slam wouldn't be necessary. "Tsk, cowardly, arrogant and prideful... at least Nightmare Moon is two of those."

"So, what did you do this time?" A partly brash voice rung out in defiance of the low pitched cries which got Lucids attention as he spun around and trotted to the very end of the hall where his intended prisoner was.

"Cut me a break Twilight. It's been a rough couple years."

Twilight Sparkle. She had definately been trapped here the longest, given that the corners of the cell block were invaded with mold while the spiders made their homes in the cracks.

"Yeah, no shit." Twilight said dispondantly, laying rigidly on a stone mattress with the only item of comfort being the pillow she was hugging tight. "I can tell. You're definately not the cute colt I remember."

And she was right. Lucid Storm had been gifted with a growth spurt on this 18th: his hooves grew longer and muscular, his mane and tail zapped backwards like they were lightning breaking through a cloud. And his eyes were puffy and blank, the antithesis of the sparks of electricity that struck his youth.

"Yeah... I've seen better days." The unicorn stallion grumbled, zapping a tray of food and water into existance before floating it in the cell. "And what about you-"

"Stop right there."

"...What?"

"I said stop. You heard me." Twilight mumbled in annoyance, lifting her head from the pillow. "This whole... song and dance you do. What's your game?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh come on Darkloud, don't think I haven't caught on. We've been at this for 5 years now!" As if on instinct, the mare activated her magic which didn't work due to the metallic ring on her horn. She took a second to look at the thing with hopeless longing before sighing and walking to the bars, now peering up at the stallion. "Look at every other pony in here. New prisoners have been coming in as ponies and out as bodies in a matter of weeks, meanwhile here I am. 5 years down here and still nothing. And for Celestias sake, you're the only reason I'm still around, that prisoner bread wasn't gonna keep me sustained, that's for sure."

"M-My name isnt-"

"And for some odd reason, you come down here every Friday to see me, give me a meal and ask how I'm doing while informing me of current events along with all this stuff" -Twilight pointed a hoof to the pile of books adorned in different colours and genres piled under her mattress- "I don't get you at all!"

"I just-" Having enough of his interruptions, Twilight grabbed his neck by the scruff and pulled him down to eye level, terrifying the neighbouring prisoners who still had some sense, wondering how that mare isn't dust yet.

"Do you know what it's like to be alone? I used to think it was the best thing ever. Nopony to bother you while you study..." She averted her head to the floor, so her visitor couldn't see her smile with nostalgia. "But then I had a taste of what friendship could offer. Showed me just how miserable I was. I thought I'd see what Princess Celestia saw, but I lost it as fast as I gained it..."

At last, silence had befallen the area which allowed Lucid to calmly detach Twilights hoof from his scruff. "Miss Sparkle. For what it's worth, I'm sorry. It was my lack of judgement that sealed your fate and made it everyponys problem... now I'm a Prince with so many responsibilities and it's getting harder and harder to stick to my morals."

Twilight gave him an unamused stare. "And there you go again, apologising. I don't even know why you keep doing that, you were a foal yes, but you've grown now. Nightmare Moon's evil nature has been in your face for years and yet you still stick by her. That, I can't forgive."

"And get obliterated? Miss Sparkle, being in the line of power is the only reason things are staying remotely in order. How do you think your friends got out of their cells in the first place?" Lucid questioned, teleporting inside her cell as he picked up a red covered book and flipped its pages. "I was barely able to convince her to lend them jobs, put their talents to good use, as bad as that sounds. Hell, I've been trying endlessly to grant you a pardon and bring you to your parents but apparently, you are 'too important' for her to let loose."

It was as if the mention of her friends struck a match inside the prisoners wounded heart as the colours of emotion took hold. "Uhm... how are they doing?"

Lucid kept his focus on the writings inbthe book he held, attaining a smile as he flipped the pages. "Well, Rainbow Dash has flew her way up the ranks of the lunar guards and landed herself a cushy position as my 2nd Lutenant. Pinkie Pie wanted the cool armour but we don't give that stuff for the catering staff, so I put her on sentry duty. I think she's working wonders for her colleagues with how boring waiting around can be.

Rarity has taken a lead role in sprucing up the castle for us. But as passively hostile as she is, I'm glad to have her around, can't say the same for the Queen though..."

"Oh no, did she do something?"

"I back her up the best I can, but sometimes I'm on missions so I have to come back healing the mare."

"With your weird magic right?" Lucid lowered the book so he could meet Twilight's gaze with his own, adorned with a raised eyebrow.

"Weird magic?" He repeated.

"Yeah, like those symbols that shot out those gust of wind all those years ago."

The puzzle pieces slowly connected in the stallions brain which spark a bang of remembrance. "Oh! Uh, no I just use regular healing magic. I've mostly forgone all that stuff since I dont believe I can use them like before. Well, except for fire and air. They've always been a part of me." To show what he ment, Lucid Storm tapped his golden chestplate which bore the symbol of a two arrows pointing upwards, though the bottom one had a horizontal line through it.

Twilight nodded in a drowned interest before sighing, sitting by the stallion as she attempted to comb her messy hair with her hoof. "So that it? Where did you even learn to do that stuff?"

Lucid peeked over the book again, watching her struggle before poofing a comb into existence to telekinetically streak through her mane. "Would you believe me if I said I learnt it from another world?"

"I don't know." She responded, relaxing her muscles as she felt the calming strokes of plastic smooth her scalp. "I'd love to disagree, but I have no other explanation so..."

Noticing the calmer atmosphere, the spiders exit their safe space and creep around the cold floors as they attempted to swarm onto the pairs fur. This was quickly thwarted however, as the Prince erected a shield that denied them entry, leaving them squeaking in protest before venturing outside the bars for warmth.

"Say... Darkloud?"

"That's not my name anymore and you know it." Lucid responded. "It's not... me."

"... Fine then 'Lucid', can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you have anypony you care about?" The lavender prisoner flinched when Lucids magic which held the book almost crushed it. "Uhm, Lucid. Are you okay?"

"I-Its nothing. And yes, I do have ponies I care about. I've told you about Miss Inkwell already, but the guards have their own way to my heart, they work night... and night to keep me safe, so it's only fair that I should worry about their health. I mean, you should've seen Sargent Luster in the invasion of Griffinstone, he lost his right eye protecting me from a stray spear even though I was fully capable of deflecting it. I don't know why they are expected to do that."

Lucid was as still as a statue for a moment, remembering the adrenaline pumping in his veins, the stench of burning flesh and fire along with a deafening call of his name. Then there was the splattering of blood that covered his coat and everything went black.

"He should be fine though, I was able to put him on paid leave for some recovery time."

"And what happened to Griffinstone?"

"..."

"Lucid, what happened to Griffinstone?"

"I completed the seige. That was all that mattered..." The stallion proceeded to engage a thousand yard stare with the wall in front of him, his heart racing as his mind wandered off. "My lord, it was Sacrum all over again..." He murmured.

"Sacrum? Im sorry, but that's not on the Equestrian map. Care to explain?" Twilight asked, but the tension in her voice never left. Every time she interacted with the Prince, he was normally the one asking stuff. Like when he wanted advice about switching light ray reactions in plants with moonlight. But at that moment, it was as if the faucet had finally opened up after all those years.

"It was my greatest failure... I'd rather not elaborate on it. The place brings back some unwanted memories." Life filled the stallion once more as he broke from his crazed stare as he surveyed the final page though the creases of his own doing. "And unfortunately, I don't think Il be able to talk about that stuff with anypony else."

"But what about Raven Inkwell, you're close with her. Right?"

Promptly, Lucid shut the book of his distractions and tossed it into Twilights vision. "... Miss Sparkle, do you even read the stuff I bring out for you?"

Slightly confused about the sudden shift in tone, she grabbed the book in her hooves and took a look at the cover.

'My Diary' Signed R.Inkwell

Twilight raised an eyebrow in disgust. "Really Lucid? Now you're stealing personal stuff from your friends-"

"Read it."

Flinching from the force of his words, she flipped the pages like he had and got to reading.

"'Dear Diary, Hello old friend. If I'm hone-"

"I ment read the end of it."

Scoffing in defiance, she kept flipping the pages until she landed on the last one.

March 21st 2021

Dear Diary,

Unfortunately, I don't write to you under the best pretences. The strict clock that dictates my fate is running out and I can feel it vastly approaching. I all occurred yesterday evening when I was piling out the latest reports of the Eastern invasion until the rendezvous owl arrived on schedule, where I equipped it with the copies. Lucid Storm normally gets owl mail sent to his quarters at this time frame so no guard has been the wiser.

But this time, some sentry mare in with a poofy pink mane just caught it as it flew past the castle walls!

It doesn't matter what kind of reprimanding the perpetrator will have since in the end, they will have to check the contents to inspect the damages. It was only a matter of time that they see the maps and the plans, then connect the dots back to me. Nopony would dare suspect the Prince of conspiring against his own kingdom, so as the only pony besides the Queen with accessed to the Princes quarters, it will be lead back to me.

I'm sure that Princess Cadance was dissapointed, but with my position as a double agent compromised, I had to flee to a resistance base. But the attempt was impossible the more I tried as by the time I arrived at Ponyville, the patrol agents were notified of my treachery so taking the train was out of the plan. The only way forward was by walking, which put my hooves to the test. I've never felt so tired before and I think it's taking a toll on my body.

I can't even write a full sentence without taking a break, it's pathetic I know. So now, I'm just waiting on this rock to die a semi-painful death. I never thought about how dying would feel like, but now that I have the chance, all I can say is it's really cold. Blinking is taking more effort and every movement feels like I've got weights all over.

If this is my final thoughts, I must apologise to you Lucid. Please know that my decision was not to hurt you, but to free our world from a worse ruler. Should everything fail and you stay in power, I only wish that you treat Equestria with the same kindness Celestia did. It was an honor being your-

Twilight saw that the last word has a heafty stroke through the pages which made her gulp at the predicted outcome. "Oh... Lucid, I'm so sorry."

"It's alright," Lucid dismissed, "I don't blame her for what she did. I'm fully aware of the blood on my crown, but still." The armored stallion paused for a moment. "I wish she was still here..."

Twilight nodded solemly as she swiped the dust from the cover of the diary, passing it back to him. "So where was this?"

"In the dunes down west. I'm just glad my portion of the airforce found it before the elite squadron. I'd hate it to be burnt up. It was strange though, they didn't report a body nor a skeleton near the item."

"That could be a good thing. Maybe she found help in time."

"And left her book? I doubt it... though it does leave me with some hope."

"If it's that special to you, why leave it with me?"

"Cause I thought it would help you keep the older events memorised and maybe... help you understand me a little more. Raven had a knack for widdling personal stuff out of me after all."

"Lucid. We've had this conversation already. I forgive you, despite your blatent inaction."

"..." Lucid averted his gaze, deciding to cup his chin. "It just doesn't feel like forgiveness is enough."

Twilight had really wanted to maintain the status quo, but it was getting too difficult to break from it. Because in the end, the Queen had informed her of her fate the second she woke up in that very cell and even though the Prince wished to avoid it, there was nothing else to divert to.

"Lucid. I think I understand... why you really did all of this." At last, the Prince flicked his gaze back at her. The passionate electricity that roared with life in his youth now just a spark in his eyes, like he was waiting for this moment. "This friendly interactions, the stuff you've done for my friends and family... this." To emphasise 'this' she swayed her hooves to point in the direction of the book pile. "It was to send me off feeling better about what happened. Right?"

And with that, she knew that she hit the mark as the stallions eyes watered with emotion and his lip quivered. He thought this part would never happen so soon in all reality. Because he knew what he must do, how he must attain the final leagues of power.

"Trust me Miss Sparkle, I've been using every trick in the book to get one over Nightmare Moon. But no matter what I do, she always wins. She's just too old, too strong. So the only way I feel like I can make amends for my mistakes and defeat the tyrant of my creation is to get on equal playing field in potential and biology. Becoming an alicorn."

"And Nightmare Moon won't let you ascend until you prove your loyalty. Which is killing me."

The hesitance was evident on the poor stallion as he groaned in shame. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For not ending things sooner." At last, Lucid stood up with shaking hooves. "I know this sounds strange. Especially from a pony who was involved in your horrid situation. But I feel like we had a connection ever since we met at the castle... like, you were what I could've been. Bright, hopeful, but still determined to continue fighting. So I guess what I'm trying to say is... thanks for being a friend, even if you didn't see me the same."

Although the grim future held Twilights neck in a vice grip, she took the effort to give the Prince one last smile. "You know, for a while, I thought you were nothing but a power hungry colt who would take to his position without remorse. But as I kept observing the anxious foal in you, even when you grew older, I do feel like you could've been better in different circumstances. Maybe we are friends in another life or something simple like neighbours. But right now," Twilight shut her eyes as tears streaked down her fur, "I can only hope that you can set things right."

Lucid kind of wished it wasn't going to be this easy as he stared emotionally at the still unicorn he grown to know over the years. If the mare had tried to fight him or be somewhat angry, maybe firing a blast from his horn would be as simple as survival instinct. But Twilight was too nice for that, greeting death with a smile as the same reaper struggled to swipe the scythe.

Flashes of a young Lux caught his vision in quick bursts, mirroring the same sacrificial face that his friend was making. It made him reminice to the times of war, of the times he fought head first to protect his friends and the world. Now he had to end the one thing about himself that he never wanted to die.

So as if it were like a memorial for the name he left behind long ago and for the friend he could've had, he sung.

I know songs arent that good in a reading format, so skipping this is optional. The songs tone and beat is based on I'm Just a Man by EPIC Ensemble and Jorge Rivera-Herrans

I look into your eyes and I
Think back to a friend of mine
I'm now old as he was
When he left for war

Will these actions haunt my days
All the foes I've slain
Is the price I pay, just in vein?
Lose your eyes
And dream a better view
How can I do this?

Im just a man
Whose body ain't his own
Even after all the years away from what I've known
I'm just a man
Who's righting all his wrongs
Deep down I would trade my life to change this wretched song
Im just a man

But when does an infant become a warrior
When does a hero become afraid
When does a prince become a tyrant

When does a human become a unicorn
When does the action become the blame
When does a prince become a tyrant

(When does an infant become a warrior)
(When does a hero become afraid)
Forgive me
(When does a prince become a tyrant)
Forgive me
(When does a prince become a tyrant)
Forgive me

Im just a man

ZAP!

The trapdoor unlatched itself in a magical aura, allowing Lucid to leave the miserable dungeons but alow his body was left untouched, his mind had was now different from when he entered.

The stone cold mask that he had worn for close to 5 years had finally shattered as his visage released a surge of guilt, anger and despair along with a stream of tears that stained the carpets.

He knew that eventually, Nightmare Moon will awaken from her slumber and sense the lack of a particular energy source in the dungeons. He could already imagine the wicked grin on her face, even if a part of him wanted to believe otherwise.

So all he had to do was head to bed and count the days before the true beginning of his ascent to power unfolds. To cool static that overtook his mind, he walked around the gardens which worked their magic.

The gentle waft of night synthesised flowers pared beautifully with the array of animals that slept peacefully in the habitats, illuminated by the maternal moonlight.

When Lucid glared up at the moon, he didn't know what to think about it. When he was just a boy, the moon was a calming source of light that relaxed his mind before any exams or battles that greeted him in the morning. But now, it was a symbol of eternal fear and power, concepts that he would rather avoid.

As he continued to stare, his mask slowly reformed itself into something new as instead of the usual stone cold glare, his eyes sparked with electricity as a wave of determination surged in his body.

Raven, Twilight. I promise Il fix things... the day that the moon becomes a source of care once again will be the day I relieve myself of the mistakes of my past!

Author's Note

I really wanted to finish things in 3 chapters but I've noticed how unpolished it feels. Hopefully it will still do what it's ment to do: tell a different tale.

Coronation Day

Lucid awoke from his bed with apathetic confusion. He had expected the nightmares to plague him even worse than before given what happened last night, but he didn't have any dreams of a dead Twilight nor did he dream of finding the skeleton of his friendly assistant in the sands of the desert. It was actually a nice dream for once.

If he could recall, the dream was in a humble courtyard that lit up from the moon-filled starscape above. His whole body was paralysed during the whole experience and yet he didn't care because he was lying on something soft like fur. So he just laid there, basking the view of the stars, an unrecognisable hoof stroked his back and his mane in a rhythmic manner.

He had read from a book that mothers do that kind of practice on their kid to calm them down so maybe he was unconsciously using that information to keep himself from panicking in his dreams.

Man. If that's the case then I hope I can keep doing that. It's better than the nightmares at least.

"Did you sleep well, Prince?"

Despite the familiarty of the voice, it never failed to make Lucids skin crawl when he heard it. Still, he brought his gaze to the corner where the shadows took their spot and saw those snake-like diamond eyes gleaming back at him.

"You could've knocked, you know?" Lucid commented as the mare proudly exited the veil of shadows and into some proper lighting where the Prince could see her cackling grin.

"And you should be more aware of a sudden entry. If I were a rebel pony, you would've been a deer caught in headlights."

A scowl immediately formed on his lips. "Don't take my inaction for cowardice, Nightmare. If I froze up often, I'd be dead by now."

"That I'm sure." She responded, her body slithering beside his bed as she awaited his every breath. "Now, I'm also sure that you understand why I 'am here." A slow nod from the drowsy stallion was all she needed to give the Prince a dastardly grin. "Good. Now, come walk with me. We have much to discuss."

Without a moment of hesitation, Lucid got out of bed and teleported his regalia onto himself, the golden gleam from its smooth texture shining proudly for the Queen to see. I guess Miss Rarity is putting in more effort than normal. Hope she's doing okay.

Steadily, the pair of royalty made their way through the castle hallways, but Lucid knew better. It was essentially the same path that he took when he got bored, so he could only presume a long chat was ahead of him.

"So as you are definately aware, I had noticed that a particular thorn in my side has finally kicked the bucket. You were responsible for this, yes?" Although the images of that night still turned his stomach, he gave a resolute nod. "Excellent. I thought it would take a decade or two before you got rid of that sentimental idiocy, but colour me impressed Storm."

Usually, Lucid would use Custodios alchemic arts to hide the rage slowly bubbling within him, but that form of alchemy was now lost to him so he had to use sheer force of will. It was barely successful.

Thankfully, Nightmare Moon was too engrossed in squishing his cheeks with her magic. "Well, I shouldn't be too surprised. I raised you after all. Hehehehehe~" Eventually, the mare stopped in her tracks as she guided the stallion onto a balcony. Billions of stars greeted him beyond the horizon and at last, his heart paced itself.

"Why did you bring me up here? I've seen this starscape hundreds of times now."

"Oh no, dear. What I'm thinking is below my domain. Equestria herself." She said slyly and with a touch more gentle than he had ever felt from the tyrant, she lowered the stallions chin to face the land below. Both Canterlot and Ponyville could be seen thanks to the endless generation of lights that gleamed the houses. Around 2 years ago, he was able to create a stable source of electricity using his limited alchemy, reverted backwards with a time gem.

What did I name it again? The Infini-Magnet? Man, I suck at names.

Either way, he could smile fondly whenever he looked at those lights as if the joys of his breakthrough and the happiness of the pony civillians had came back for seconds. Nightmare Moon smiled proudly as she spoke again. "Tell me, Lucid Storm. When you look at your kingdom, what do you see?"

"Uhm... I see a place that can grow on its own, ponies that I must protect. Stuff like that."

The mare of the moon scoffed playfully. "You think too small, young foal."

"Oi!" Lucid blurted. "I'm 18, I'd appreciate some respect if you want me to be your heir."

"And I'm 1049 years old, young one. So you would be wise to listen. Will you?"

"..."

"Thank you. As I was saying, you're views are too short sighted for your role in this world. Sooner or later, everything the moonlight touches shall be our kingdom. We will have to show all the creatures that dwell on this planet that we are the superior beings with both the physical and regal right to rule over them. Unfortunately, that would become only me in 90 more years, your might may be strong for most ponies but time isn't a foe one can face."

Swiftly but gracefully, she extended her wings and hovered above the balcony, giving the stallion a prideful smirk as the moon bathed her in shadows.

"So with your test finally over, I believe it's about time for your true coronation to begin!"

About 2 moon cycles later, Lucid was walking through the ballroom that had been referberished for his up-coming coronation. The place shone like the moonlight and the ponies were all crowded together as they mingled to pass the time.

He almost forgot how refreshing it was to partake in these kinds of parties. The last one he remembered attending was the Academy Prom night back at his old world, where he and Zelus caused quite a rukus on the dance floor. Just recalling the pissed off faces of the much older Belican Elites with punch soaking their hair and formal attire left a cheeky smirk on his lips.

Hehehehe... man I miss those days.

Sadly, the fun he would dream for was neigh impossible in his current position.

"Y-Your drink, Prince S-Storm..." A frail and anxious voice whispered, though Lucid didn't need to turn his head to recognise the shaking mess that was the cleaner. Her natural flowing mane he recalled years ago was now neatly tied in a bun and wore the midnight coloured attire that all the servents were required to use. But the fear that bound her eyes and body were still the same which put a sour taste in his heart.

I kind of hoped I would change that, but it beats how she saw me down in the dungeons... how everypony saw me down there.

"Thank you Fluttershy, I could really use a glass." He responded warmly, elegantly levitating the drink of apple cider with magic before taking a quick gulp of it. The instant taste of fruity freshness has enveloped him, reacting with a restrained sigh. "Hooo, I can get used to this..."

And with that, he took the bottle that lightly bounced on the shaky tray Fluttershy held and chugged on that too, but not for long as it was plucked out of his mouth. "You... uh- really shouldn't drink so much so fast, you could get sick during your big day."

Lucid glared coldly at the frantic servant as if it were second nature, but one instinctual flap away from him told him everything as his demeanour softened. "Sorry Fluttershy, y-your right. Just thought I'd try livening myself up before it starts."

An awkward chill filled the air that almost held form, the other guests staying clear of their view in a state of compliment ignorance. "Thanks anyway, Il should meet up with-" Before he could turn around however, he could feel the air that breezed on his fur along with a hoof that gently gripped his back.

"Are you... feeling nervous?" The question almost sounded ridiculous to him. He was in the forefront of several wars from both sides of his life. He who had taken more lives than he would care to have on his conscience.

"Me.... nervous?" Lucid chuckled half-heartedly. "Noooo of course not. I'm only becoming a deity who will need to hold the responsibility of an entire country with somepony whom I can't tell is supporting me out of love or malice. Does that sound like I'm nervous?" Fluttershy gave the prince a look of pity before nodding in tow. Lucids forced grin vanished instantly. "Yeah, fine... I'm a little nervous."

"Do you wanna talk about it?" The mare hovered to his left and set down the tray and glassware on a nearby table. "Talking about my problems to my animals makes me feel better, maybe it can work for you."

"Last time I checked, you aren't an animal Fluttershy and the irony isn't lost on me ,but I get what you mean." Lucid teleported two seats beside them and sat down to set the mood. "It's just I've got alot on my hooves and it's gonna get more heavy from here on out."

"But you've been performing your duty for as long as I've known you." Fluttershy averted her gaze for a brief moment, the thoughts of the past still clawing at her mind. "I mean, many ponies would be lost if you haven't lent a hoof. And if you didn't give me and my friends a chance, I...I don't want to think about it."

"It was the least I could do. There's much more I need to make amends for..."

He coldly glared up to the podium which he would be stationed soon and where his majesty stood, pridefully conversing with the nobles in her inner circle. He even recognised a few them such as Fancy Pants whom had invited him to a play regailing his previous conquests and Mr Rich who gave a generous donation to the Royal Court.

Fluttershy followed his glare before giving an awkward smile. "Well, I-I may not be the best pony to help you with that, but if it makes you feel any better, you're going to be alright. And I know that whatever you do next will be for the good of everypony. You have heart and that's all you need."

The kind servents words had seemed to resonate with the Prince, though the tang of regret never escaped his tongue.

I have a heart huh? One drenched in blood thats for sure... if only you knew what I had to do in that prison you were once trapped in.

Shrugging that though however, he tried to respond to her advise with a resolute nod. "Thanks Fluttershy, Il be a Prince that everypony can look at fondly, just wait and see."

The air felt warmer all of a sudden but Lucid didn't mind as he made his way towards the podium to meet his destiny while the servent watched from behind.

"I sure hope so..."

"Hey Fluttershy, what are you doing standing around?" Said another servent. "Get another tray before the superiors catch on!"

Immediately, she shrieked and instinctually bounced in the air. "C-Coming!"

"And that was the story of how Prince Storm successfully subdued the Griffon chief of Griffinstone. Truly a glorious tale was it not?" Nightmare Moon said.

"Why of course," Fancy Pants answered honestly, "for as young as he is, to be able to make 12 battalions surrender with a magically enhanced thunderstorm is quite amazing."

"Y-You've certainly raised him well, your highness." Mr Rich stammered, his eyes aiming their gaze towards her hooves.

"Ohohoho, that is obvious peasant. My intuition of a pony's potential has never been wrong ,despite all the set backs out of my control." The alicorn showed her teeth at her last sentence, the memories of Lucids past defiance on her mind. That was until a shadow was cast between them which linked back to the stallion in question. "And thank the stars, Prince Storm. I was almost sure that you'd wait in your quarters until the big event." She then raised her hoof towards him

Lucid sparked a faint smile at her. "Well, I didn't want to trust my clock so I thought I'd bare the festivities." And although the act always made his fur stand on edge, he lowered his neck and kissed the plating on her hoof, as per curtesy.

"Hmf, I suppose now you're here, we should get along with the ceremony. Peasants, you're all excused." One by one, the nobles stepped off the podium with restrained annoyance on their faces besides Fancy Pants who past by Lucid Storm confidently.

"Good luck your highness." He whispered before taking his leave and rendezvousing with his wife. Despite the sentiment holding no personal connection to the Prince, it still made a dent in his default cold demeanour.

"Now then, before I make the announcement, please heed my words carefully my dear." Nightmare Moon cooed before pulling his head inches from hers with a magical tug. "From here forth, you are now an official Prince of the eternal night and thereby related to my blood. I expect you to carry on my will as long as you're alive and train your offspring in the same teachings should you choose to produce. Am I clear. My son?"

Son? Now that's new.

On one side, it almost warmed him that she finally saw him in such a way. But on the other hand, it wasn't like he knew how that felt in the first place so for all he knew, she was just playing with tradition.

Still awaiting a responce, the stallion spoke firmly. "Yes."

"..." Her hold hadn't loosened.

"Yes Miss Moon."

"..."

"Yes your majesty."

"You're testing my patience Lucid."

"... yes. Mom."

A callous smirk expanded on her smugly. "Wonderful." The previously tense flow of magic had unlatched from Lucid as he got into place in the center of the podium. Meanwhile, Nightmare Moon teleported to the edge and surveyed the room before teleporting a mirror case to briefly check her visage.

"Ahem." She coughed, but the ponies were rather too afraid to look in her vicinity or just didn't hear her which produced a bulged vein on her symmetrical face. "AHEM. GREETINGS MY SUBJECTS!" The reins of her Canterlot voice put everypony in a chokebind as none moved a muscle while the music faded into silence like the Queens mere presence terrified it.

And it greatly amused her. "Now that I have your ignorant attention, I shall first thank you all for coming. I do recognise that 3 days was of short notice for many but it warms my heart to have a full audience. I wouldn't have expected any less."-

Lucid didn't need to read their minds to know that their shallow faces responded harshly to the Queens words.

Warms your heart? You barely have one. A random pony thought. Everypony else had similar opinions from what Lucid could feel, and it was lucky that Nightmare Moon was too caught up with her speech to delve into their thoughts. Otherwise, there would be blood.

-"But as you should be aware, this night is very special in our history. Far beyond the events you normally mingle in. For today marks the first time in a millennium that a pony ascends to the throne as an alicorn! And I wouldn't bestow this opportunity to any lowly pony, not even one with class. No, only perfection would be suitable to be at my hoof and at last, I've done it." Nightmare Moon promptly shut the doors with a blue haze and shined her carnivorous jaws to the audience. "I welcome you the newest member of my family, and the central force of the Equestrian guard, Prince Storm."

As the sound of cheers and clops filled the air, Lucid exhaled his stress away before standing beside her. She then lit her horn towards the moon which sent a scroll flying out of it and into the Queens grasp. "Now. Are you ready?" She stated.

"Yes." And that was the last thing that needed to be said as she spoke the words written in the scroll. Immediately, his body glowed a bright yellow as he floated in the air, hair drifted back and eyes a pure white. He could feel his consciousness pulling itself somewhere and the feeling was growing fast.

All he could see was the audience whom stared up at him in amazement. A few caught his eye like Fluttershy whose hopeful smile put him at ease and the guards who were saluting him through the whole process. But he had a different feeling in his gut. Like he was missing somepony else.

And that's where he saw her.

The formal silk suit and crimson tie, the studious black eyes and glasses, the brunette hair neatly tied in a bun. It was too similar to be anypony else.

Raven?! She's alive? The revelation seemed to add yet another boost to his soul as he smirked genuinely at the crowd. Fluttershys right, I've got ponies counting one me and it isnt on me to let them down... wait. At that moment, his mind clicked. Raven Inkwell said before that she'd try to head to a base from Cadences Revolution. So if she's here, then that means-

Crap! Was all he could think before the light sent his thoughts away.

A galactic glow glistened beautifully among the walls of the ballroom which stone a cascade of colours to Inkwells dark eyes.

So this is the process of alicornification. Sweet Celestia, it's more gorgeous than I imagined.

But it didn't wash away the struggles of the stallion behind the light and she wasn't about to let it continue any longer. Ever since she took up the role of double agent for the rebellion, the dilligent secretary had Lucid Storm in mind. Just the thoughts of seeing the stressed foal relaxing under the sun made all of her deception and deceit worth it.

Smiling to herself, she momentarily looked around to check if the guards had noticed her. Upon seeing their focus transfixed on the transformation reached into her suit and pulled out an small orb. It was clear as day but glistened with pink stars inside its material.

She took one last glance at the menace of the night before she threw the orb to the floor. This is for Celestia.

CRASH

Shards scattered everywhere along with a rosey smoke that permitted the floors. Everypony finally took their eyes off the marvel and backed away from it. Nightmare Moon however had flown into the air for a better view, scowling in the process.

"Tsk. To think you would schedule your foolish last stand today, Cadance!"

The smoke sparked out of existance, revealing a tall pink alicorn with jade eyes, a flowing candy mane along with a set crown and necklace embroidered with her cutiemark.

"We have tolerated your tyrannical night for far too long, Nightmare Moon. Now shall be the hour where the sun shall rise once again!" Cadance preached, her followers brandishing their swords and shields to the Queen.

Nightmare Moon gritted her teeth and bellowed at the guards. "SEIZE THEM!" And with that, chaos ensued and the guests fled the castle in a panic while those who had the will to pick up a sword clashed with their respective foes.

"My little ponies, now is the time to stand up against her. All I need is your faith in me and I assure you that victory will be ours!" Cadance roared as her emerald magical blast locked with the Queen of the Night.

The civillians that remained must have felt emotionally connected to her words, rather from the prospect of a better ruler or the downfall of a monster, they picked up their arms against the Queens forces all the same.

Observing the carnage from afar, Raven took fast paced steps towards Lucid Storm. By the time she reached the podium, the wind that picked up from the transformation had died down whilst the shifting mass of lights drifted back to the floor.

"Lucid," Raven called, a hesitant hoof slowly reaching into the mystical cocoon, "Lucid, can you hear me?"

Unfortunately, no answer arose from within, leaving the ex-secretary in a panic as the richet of the royals blasts shot dangerously close to her vicinity.

Come on, I cant just come back without trying to pay my debts!

Snapping out of her thoughts, she fully extended her hoof through the barrier. But as she supposedly interacted with Lucids body, a shocking reaction occurred that discharged the surroundings, sending her and anypony near the podium to the walls which left a nasty crack.

"Ha! Foolish traitor," Nightmare Moon cackled, throwing an array of tableware at Cadance with annoying success, "once the alicornification is in process, there is no reverting it until the chosen pony is ready! You're attempts to weaken my forces is futile."

"Urghhh, my subjets are NOT of your concern" Cadence grunted in frustration and set up a green barrier in front of her aggressors assault before pushing it towards the Queen, sending her flying through a window. A loud cheer from the rebellion followed the advantage which left the guards speechless, allowing for Cadance to cast a quick spell through the ballroom that made the guards fall flat on the floor. Asleep.

Once the last soldier was overcome by their drowsiness, the Princess grinned shifted her gaze to the podium. "Well, if we can't weaken the enemy any further, we can at least erase the numbers." Suddenly, she charged her horn whilst aiming towards Lucid.

Raven almost lost ber breath as she dashed in front of her horn. "WAIT!" she shouted. "What are you doing, Princess? You promised me we'd talk to the Prince first! I know him well enough, I can convince him-"

"Subject, that tyrant has had her hooves on that stallion for a long time, I can't take that chance if we ever want to maintain a better future. So I'm asking you nicely." Cadance responded coldly, her emerald glare sending shivers down Ravens spine. "Step aside."

Only the sounds of the buzzing magic reverberated the area, leaving a tense staleless where they stood. The poor secretary's heart was now beating faster than a drum, eyes wide as her body refused to make a move and her mind erupted into a frenzy.

Why the sudden change in the Princess' demeanour? Would the Princess really do it? I thought shed never break a promise. Why did it come to this?...

Wait... did she always have emerald eyes-

A deafening crack of magic blasted through the broken window and into Cadances face, careening her body into her followers. Out of the open wreckage was Nightmare Moon who growled at her adversary like a wild Ursa Major.

"To think a fledgling like you could test the rims of my patience. Though, I suppose insect would be a more logical term."

The comment left a couple of the ponies puzzled while the rest (Cadance included) looked like they were about to blow up. "Shut your foul mouth. All you are is a false idol under Celestias throne!"

"Oh? That's rich! You are one to talk. I had wondered why a fledgling such as you could gather enough magic were to fight against me but now it's all become clear." The Queen smirked smugly as green steam flaked off the blast wond on Cadance.

"P-Princess, are you alright?" A concerned stallion asked, steadily moving closer to her until she snapped. And that was when everypony could see it. The previously beautiful pink fur that covered her face had mutated into a scaly black while her horn became like that of a dagger.

The stallion shrieked backwards and tried to run for the doors, but his path was blocked by two other ponies. "G-GET OUT THE WAY!" He panicked. "CANT YOU SEE? SHES A-"

"-changeling..."

The two ponies were basked in a green glow until their forms shifted into quadreped bugs, grinning down at the terrified pony.

"Just as I thought." Nightmare Moon flew to the Cadance imposters side, having the time of her life. "You took poor Cadance hostage and posed as her so you could feed on a constant supply of love from your members. It was smart, Il give you that."

"It doesnt matter anymore," the imposter finally threw off her disguise, showing her full form to the crowd, "nopony other than my subject will be alive to tell the tale. The love I've gained will be more than enough to drstory you, for I am Queen Chrysalis! The rightful ruler of Equestria!"

"Ha! Queen of Changelings, Queen of Nothing, your dominion is negligent in face of the night!" And as their beams clashed again, chaos erupted.

Real ponies dashed around the place in a fit of fear or fought of the sudden arrival of the changeling whom lifted their forms, and all Raven could do was watch.

All this time, I was following a changling? No... it cant be. So that means the real Cadence... oh Celestia, Im sorry. Inside, she really wanted to vomit after all the twists and turns that befell her in that moment, but she couldn't.

Raven knew that her time on life was running out no matter which creature arose from the corpse of the other and so she could only rely on one. So as a few changelings broke off from the war zone to creep towards Raven, she stood strong and spoke inches apart from Lucids ethereal cocoon.

"Lucid! Please, if you can hear me, we need you here right now! I know that you've held all your troubles to your chest, but tonight you get to confront them. And out of everypony who has the power to take the throne, Equestria would rather have you. I'm sorry I couldn't be of much use to you, but I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me. Be the Prince we need."

"Huh?" Lucid awoke from his summer and hastily picked himself up from the floor. Though it was more like standing on glass, as the whole room was filled with starlight.

However it's patterns were much different from the ones in his reality as were felt much lighter in colour and held a warm glow in contrast to the untouchable coldness of Nightmare Moon's design. Lucid would've only dreamed of witnessing a spectacle like this from his old world, but after a few minutes of star gazing, his mind zapped him into attention of their goal.

"Oh, right." He exclaimed, looking deep into the vacuum of space. "This is probably some kind of lobby I'm resting in until the alicornification process completes."

"..."

The Prince sighed at nothing in particular. "Well, this is gonna get REAL boring depending on how long this'll take. Man, this is almost as unbearable as being stuck with Ira on one of her shopping tirades... and by almost, I should mean not even close- what am I thinking? I can do this!"

"Then perhaps I can be of help to you."

"No need, I think I can handle waiiiiting- okay who said that?"

Lucid brought his horn into position and charged electricity into his magic, priming it in the direction of the echoing voice.

"Oh, please don't be alarmed my little pony. I mean no harm to you." The voice persisted and a faint light shone from above whilst a snowy alicorn descended onto the floor, to Lucids bemusement.

Though upon close inspection, the Prince had noticed just who was in front of him.

Rainbow mane, gentle and honest face. It must be her.

"You're Princess Celestia. T-The one that was supposed to be at the Summer Set Festival 5 years ago!"

"Indeed," Celestia smiled brightly at him which competed with the dominion she held power over, "and although I would find it strange that you didn't recognise my voice, I suppose your form tells me all I need to know."

"Form?" Lucid questioned, "What do you... oh!" The moment he looked down and inspected himself, he realised that he was standing upright, hands and feet were real as can be and his clothes were the exact same as when he left them. "I'm, my old self again. Then again, it's not the first time somepony figured it out."

Celestia chuckled faintly with the boy. "Well either way, it's a pleasure to meet you, human from another world." She helf out her hoof and Lucid responded to it with his own and shook it.

"Thank you. But if feel much better if you'd call me Lucid. Lux had finished his journey 5 years ago and it would feel weird to keep switching my name."

"Very well." She responded, walking ahead of Lucid into the deep space. "Come walk with me, would you?"

Feeling no harm is agreeing, he briskfully kept pace with Celestia as they journeyed through. "I must say, Raven was definately not wrong about you. You really are must kinder than I expected royalty to be."

"Oh? So you've met Miss Inkwell. She was a great friend to me and got me out of many tight corners, you have a good future with her by your side."

"That's if I can talk to her..." He faintly mumbled. "But anyway, why are you in here? I need to finish up this process and try making things right before the revolutionaries make swiss cheese out of the castle!"

"I'm very aware, but I feel like you need to take some things off your chest before you make your first move." She responded and suddenly, many smoke rimmed windows appeared parallel to eachother, facing him down like a hallway and as they passed them, the glass panes showed quick images of his memories. From Lux and from Lucid Storm.

The majority were from his old life, like when he was able to use fire and wind alchemy in tandem of eachother which rounded a nonconsentual group hug with his friends or when he was out of the field saving civillians from the war. Those memories, he could smile for, and not the darker memories comprised of the dead and his failures.

"Throughout your time in Equestria, you have inadvertently changed the course of history. With Nightmare Moon still at large, I could not escape from my capture in the sun and take a stand. But please don't blame yourself as from what I can see, you have tried your best to rectify your mistakes."

The rest were the times when he was getting the hang of being a Prince. He could see the dubious experiments he tried in an inclosed space to replace the sunlight required for photosynthesis with moonlight and the happy faces of business ponies when he gifted those products. But out all of his memories, the wars and the fights, the highs and lows, he only stopped to grasp at one.

It was a simple memory. It was back when he first reincarnated into Equestria and was just learning about the world. He was with his father, Heatwave kicking down vineapples and placing them in baskets while joking about and laughing with eachother. It only reminded Lucid of who he lost, what he lost and it brought a tear in his eye.

Then, a light hoof held his shoulder in comfort. "You were young and in need of help, but too many obstacles blocked you from it. As of now, Nightmare Moon is in battle with the Changling Queen which will give you a large opportunity." With a sweet motherly embrace, Celestia cupped her hoof under Lucids cheek. "When you awaken, all you need to do is concentrate all your power to raising the sun from its slumber, then Il take care of the rest."

At last, his body felt tingly as it shifted and changed back into the stallion form he was used to and his eyes glowed in signal of something. "Il see what I can do. I'm sorry for how long this has gone on for, Princess."

"Your regrets are already forgiven my little pony. Let's bring Equestria back into the light and fix all the damages due time, I believe in you Lucid."

The Prince floated in the air and a galactic force flowed around his body, forming large wings that spread further than a pegasus, a large horn that was only a bit shorter than Nightmare Moon's and a fair increase in height. Eventually, the magic began pumping into his system, creating an electrifying reaction that resulted in his mind shutting off for a brief moment.

The magical cocoon that held Lucid finally cracked and shattered, revealing his new alicorn form even though he had slumped to the floor.

"Owww" He groaned, steadily picking himself from the wet quartz. "This feels eerily like deja vu..."

But as he did so, the pince made a double take over his hooves. "Wait, why is the floor so wet?" Steadily, he aimed to answer himself as look to the supposed battle that was at hand. Perhaps Nightmare Moon or this Changeling character had shed some blood on the battlefield or maybe it belonged to one of the many ponies that stayed around.

Though upon raising his head, he didn't see the raging battle that his ears could recognise. No, what laid before him was much worse on his eyes.

It was his most treasured secretary.

The blood was hers.

"Oh... oh my God, Raven!" She was currently holding onto him with everything she had left, her glasses still on her snout even when they were snapped in two and her back smoking with green magic. On closer inspection, Lucid saw just how deep the wound was as the spine was visible amoung meat and fur.

He let out a cursed plea before casting a spell on top of the wound. "Hey... hey Raven. Speak to me, tell me you're okay dammit!"

The warm glow that permitted Ravens back did nothing to help seal it, but it did work against the pain, allowing the secretary to cough to life.

"Cough! Cough!. Huh... oh, you're finally awake Prince Lucid. Heh, you look great with a pair of wings."

The pair of changelings on the side had stepped back from the newly awakened alicorn, but as they noticed his focus was on another, they went on the attack. However, Lucids horn and wings reacted on instinct, horn sending a shockwave of lightning that cleanly shot through the attackers and wings wrapping themselves around Ravens slumped position.

"N-No, this can't be happening. We just found eachother again, you can't just up and die right now!"

"I-Im sorry, Lucid. But I losing too much blood, it's getting harder to talk at... at this rate." The glazed look in her eyes was becoming more and more hazy as she spoke. "But please...please don't blame yourself. This was my choice, and I don't regret any of it. You made... you made these 5 long years more tolerable than I could've hoped for." Lucid felt like he wanted to scream, to curse the world for what it did to him, but all that could escape him was a helpless gasp. Like he was choking for air.

"It... was an honor...to be your friend. Lucid...."

And with that, the glossiness in her eyes had fully taken over. With no more strength left in the mare, her hooves unlatched from Lucid and laid onto the floor. Lifeless.

But Lucid didn't have the heart to look down at her. He just stared in front of him, the static in his ears taking hold of him.

Why? Why does this keep happening? Why is it that no matter how strong I become, they just keep dying!?

It was one life-changing event after another but in a sick sense, it always ended with a body at his feet.

His best friend.

His father.

His studeous prisoner.

It was like he could picture their corpses traced over Ravens lifeless form so vividly, it was gut wretching.

Im so tired... tired of everything going wrong. No more fighting, no more war, I am... so... SICK OF BEING SCREWED OVER!

On the other end of the ballroom, there wasnt any focus on Lucid anymore. Because Nightmare Moon was standing and Chrysalis was not.

The mare of the moon was breathing heavily and many magical singes riddled her jet black fur along with her dusty regalia, but she was still standing.

Chrysalis however, had holes shot through her skin that bleed profusely unlike her natural holes and she was missing her left wing and rear hoof, both parts scattered around the battlefield. This left the once proud changling into a cowering bug, crawling backwards as her blood dragged with her.

Nightmare Moon cackled maniacally and the darkness followed, slowly creeping towards the defeated creature. "Kahahaha! Il admit you worm, that was a close fight. Oh moons, I don't think I've fought this seriously since my sister! But as much I hate to give her anything, she was much stronger. Do you want to know why?"

The the darkness etched ever closer to Chrysalis until her frail body hit a wall, keeping her in place while she stared on at her demise, mouth jittery and eyes like saucers. "W-Wait, no-"

"I wasn't being rhetorical insect!" A blunt hoof indented the changelings face as her head cracked the stone wall. "The answer is power. You have been using the support and love from your rebellion to emass an immense surge of magic, similar to electricity in a battery. But like a battery, it needs to be in constant supply."

Nightmare Moon held her bludgeoned head in her magic and moved it to the side. "Now look over there. How many mindless sheep do you see breathing?"

The entire place had been reduced to a bloodbath as both green and red created a sickly colour of death among the ponies and changlings on the floor, some riddled with blades, others smoking from hot magic. Nopony was up. "Exactly, so without a charger, you're left with what power you have, and the more you use, the less you have stored up. Eventually, the scales were going to end up in my favour, just as it should be."

Chrysalis attempted to speak but all that came out were raspy whimpers, her throat too dry and horse to make a word. "Well, it's been fun, but I have to talk with my council and figure out a good story to make to the public. Say hello, to the late Princess Cadance while you're there!"

One magical blast later, and the Changling Queen was no more. Reduced to dust, which made the alicorn sigh in satisfaction. "Good riddance. Now, I wonder if Prince Storm has finally...what?"

Nightmare Moon glared up at the podium but instead of clearly seeing the form of Lucid in front of her, she was blinded by a light. A very bright light.

"What in the stars is that? Prince Storm, I demand you give me an-" And then it clicked. The light wasn't coming from inside the place, it was coming from beyond the windows, beyond the sky. Now there was no stars dominating the horizon, no darkened blues casting eternal night onto the land. There was no moon.

It was the sun.

I am Lucid Storm

Canterlot Castle was brimming with ponies, all who were arriving for the special event. But there were many that weren't invited. Be it they were too irrelevant, too poor or not a pony, they were not allowed in the castle. Still, there was a few who still wanted to have a glimpse of the spectacle, so they attempted to break the system by waiting by the castle gates. Rumors had it that after the festivities were finished, the Prince would travel through Canterlot as a way of greeting his official subjects, so if they waited, they'd get to see him without the pay.

"So, when do you think it'll end?" Lyra asked, tapping her hoofs on the gravel in minor frustration.

"We need to be patient Lyra," Replied Bon Bon as kept her eye on the base of the castle, "we don't know how long it can take for a pony to transcend. It could take more time than we think."

"Uuuugh, so we could be here till midnight?" Lyra paused, taking a special watch out of her pocket. Once the time was confirmed, she nodded in approval. "So we could be here till the early morning?"

"Maybe." She sighed in responce, obviously aware of Lyras grievances. "But I think it won't get to that. From what I've heard, Prince Lucid isn't much of a party type so the parade portion should begin right after he's ascended."

"Well that's a relief." But although the minty unicorn said as such, she was still hopping onto two hooves for a better view of the gate. Bon Bon could never understand why her friend favored such an uncomfortable position but it wasn't like it was harmful to her, so the mare left it at that.

"Lyra, please get down. Everypony might stare."

"And lose the opportunity to see the Prince with a new pair of wings? Nope, sorry Bon Bon. But I think I'll... wait," Lyra squinted her eyes and raised a hoof over her forehead, despite there being no light to hinder her vision. "Ponies are leaving... but why are they running?"

"They're running?" Bon Bon questioned. "Did something happen? It could be another revolt if I had to guess."

Eventually, the mound of panicking ponies dashed through the gates and crashed into the spectators. One even bumped into Lyra, tipping her bipedal form onto her back. "Oof, hey. Watch where you're- huh? Fluttershy?" She instantly picked herself up while Bon Bon took a hold of the anxious pegasus.

"Hey, Fluttershy. What's going on in here?"

"I-Its Princess Cadance. P-Ponies are at war in the ballroom. Oh my... there so much fighting, I-I couldn't bare it." Fluttershy wailed as she attempted to wipe her tears with her left wing.

But like an infection, the panic reached the bystanders which led to a wave of terror attempting to escape the castle grounds. "A-Alright. We should probably get out of here, who knows whose winning in there." Bon Bon advised and her friend couldn't agree more if her frantic jittering told the mare anything.

"Yeah. Screw the parade, we could be killed if we stick around!" She proclaimed, though she tried to lower her tone when she noticed Fluttershy, still holding onto Bon Bons side. "Hey uh, Fluttershy. How about you come with us. It'll be alot safer with the three of us."

"B-But what about Lucid? He's still in there..."

"The Prince has been in many wars before, he can handle himself" Bon Bon spoke in comfort.

"I'm more worried about how Nightmare Moon will respond, now let's scram!" And with Lyras last words of convincing, the three followed the crowd out of the scene.

However, something felt wrong. As the ponies left for safety, most were focusing on the ground so they wouldn't up and trip on something. So it was only a matter of time until they'd realise how bright the path was becoming.

"Huh? Why is the floor so- AGGGH!" Lyra tried to crane upwards, but something blinded her vision immediately, stopping the rub her eyes. And that's when she noticed. Fluttershy and Bon Bon were gazing around the place as looked much clearer than usual.

The sky was brighter, almost clear as day.

Day... Lyra pondered. It was only a matter of time before she, everypony, every creature would realise.

The sun was back.

Lucid Storm gasped for air as he let go of the magic he was using. He had read in the royal archives that it took several powerful unicorns to raise the celestial elements which was equal to one alicorn, so was confident he could do it. Yet, he never expected how weak he'd feel afterwards.

Maybe it was because he had just ascended, but he didn't want to waste any time pondering that and stood tall against his Queen. And although the shadows that made her look so much taller was now gone, the enraged glare she exuded could never be quelled.

"Lucid... you. You traitorous scum, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" She screamed, her fury very prevalent as her ears flared and her teeth showed.

Perhaps 5 years ago, Lucid would be intimidated by that look, but after so many times on the battlefield, he got used to it. It didn't matter what enemy he had to face, they all had the same look.

Humans.

Ponies.

Creatures.

All have the hatred within to give a similar glare, but unlike those times where he could only feel remorse for their blood on his hands and hooves, for the pony- no, for the monster in front of him, he felt nothing.

"Nothing you shouldn't have seen coming. I'm just fixing all my mistakes in one go, including you."

"I... I can't belive this-" She stammered, expanding her wings before barrelling towards him. "After all I did to nurture your talents, YOU'RE STILL THE SAME CHEEKY BRAT FROM BEFORE!"

Fortunately, her path was blocked by a ray of light that beamed down from the sun, forcing her to stop in her tracks and shut her eyes. Eventually, the light disputed, leaving a singular alicorn in its place. And once Nightmare Moon opened her eyes, she froze in place for a moment, just staring at the figure like it were a toy she lost long ago.

"Pfff hahahaha!" She broke from her trance and chuckled wildly. "Oh, I see now you brat. So this was your plan all along? I must say, I expected more."

Lucid staggered to his feet as he slowly pushed his magic back through his body, the energy slowly building up after his long awaited gamble.

Meanwhile, Celestia had awoken. She calmly checked her surroundings, only to peer away once the pungent smell of death bombarded her and the pool of blood and bodies riddled the floors.

"Forgive me for my long absence, my little ponies..." She murmered, turning her back from the Queen to walk up to Lucid.

"Hey! What's with the cold shoulder sister?" Nightmare Moon barred, her eyes twitching and teeth jittering from what she presumed to be arrogance. "Look at me when I talk to you, I demand it!"

But Celestia didn't listen. She could only focus on the stallion... no, on the boy who freed her. "Lucid, thank you. I knew I could count on you," She placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder whilst the Prince focused on performing breathing exercises, "I know you had alot to put on your shoulders, but now you can rest. Let me handle everything like I should've."

She had a mix of remorse and care in her face as she talked with the boy from another world. But then she looked down. And the sight of Ravens body set the wrath of the sun back inside her.

"Now, I apologise for keeping you waiting monster." Her voice became raspy as she teleported in front of the beast in her sisters skin. "It's time I set everything into place. Once and for all."

"Oh, I wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, I don't see those blasted elements to help you this time!" The Queen grinned and with the activation of their horns, they flew through the roof, leaving the stallion alone.

Slowly but steadily, he gathered himself and strolled among the destruction. It was fortunate that he had his golden regalia equipped for the occasion or his hooves would've been soaked with the blood of the fallen. Meanwhile, the room itself looked like it was set forward in time as a few of the pillars crumbled over and the furniture was all ripped and toppled.

"You know..." He whispered in a monotone voice, gazing up at the hole in the ceiling. "I really want to just lie down and sleep. But that's not an option." Steadily, he extended his wings and flew in the air and out of the castle. However, he had underestimated how much he could copy from Nightmare Moon's flight patterns as his wings refused to make the right flaps, resulting in the Prince almost crashing into a tower.

But Lucid was quick and teleported oth e other side before clasping his hooves together.

Ignis, Aer. Heed my call and join your forces to empower my soul... lighting!

The symbols on his golden hoofpads glowed a mix of red and white before a wave of electricity shot out of his hooves, allowing the Prince to hover.

"Heh. Alchemy beats typical flying anyway. Its much easier to hover with electrical magnetism than holding myself with magic." And so, he looked to the equestrian horizon, a recollection of his better moments on earth came back to him, which granted a brief smile to him. "Man, Zelus and Ira would've loved this view."

But as much as the child within wanted to look back and rest easy, the battle wasn't over. A cacophony of magical blasts ringed around Canterlot while a black and white blur zoomed around the many houses, so fast that and bright that Lucid could see it from above.

He knew it had to end. And he needed to be there. It was his duty after all.

"Sigh... let's get this over with."

And with that he raised himself a little higher with electrical power and glided to the battle.

The ponies of Canterlot had no time to revel in the light once lost as mountains of rubble and debree broke onto the ground like hail, all due to the ballistic back and forth between both deities.

Celestia held firm at the face of her twisted sister, focusing more on shielding against her savage spells so she could uncover an opening. Meanwhile, Nightmare Moon savagely dove towards her with a vast array of dark blasts and weapon constructs, the driven spite refusing to leave her gaze as it stayed locked on the mare.

Eventually, they rolled on opposite sides of a bell tower which the younger sister saw as an opportunity, generating a giant axe construct that swung clean through half of the structure And it would've swept through Celestia if the blade wasn't held in place by her telekinetic hold, leaving them in a deadlock.

"Arghh, you're as persistent as always dear sister." Nightmare Moon groaned, the sweat beading from her face. "But it'll be for naught. You could never beat me before- you KNEW you couldn't beat me before and even now, you still haven't changed!"

The dark alicorn applied more magic into the weapon, the blade inching closer and closer to Celestias neck. But despite the strain on her brows, she remained resolute and glared defiantly. "It doesnt matter how strong you've become. You're already exhausted from your previous fight so don't take me for a fool. Your defeat... is... possible!"

The mare focused deeper on her hold, hovering lower before letting go and allowing it to complete its slash that severed the tower completely from its bricks. Celestia used this opportunity to catch the falling half and swung it back at Nightmare Moon full circle.

But it surprised the sun deity when the mare charged right through it and tackled her to the floor, dragging dust and grit along the streets. The pain was bleak, but it stunned her briefly which allowed the dark alicorn to pin her with void like tendrils.

Then there was the laughter. The twisted, sick laughter that entered Celestias ears after the deathening crash of the bell tower through the city block south of them.

"HAHAHAHA! You fail to get it through your thick skull sister. I. AM. SUPERIOR!" The magic that restrained her hooves snapped tighter on her skin as the boastful mare emphasised each word. "While you were in the confines of your castle making sweet talk with everypony, I was out there fighting wars, I was embracing the legacy of our parents- I...I did all that alone. I needed nopony to make me stronger, not even you. NOW BACK TO OBLIVION WENCE YOU CAME!"

Rage had engrossed her every action as her horn glowed a heavy hue. And Celestia could almost swear she saw water in those frantic eyes.

"...Lulu?" She said under her breath. She wanted to believe it was her, that she could finally let her guard down and embrace her, but that yearning wouldn't mend a broken heart, no matter how hard she wanted it to be true.

At last, the magic blast left Nightmare Moon's horn and Celestia tried to swerve her head from a instant death.

But she didn't have to.

A strong shockwave knocked the dark alicorn off her feet and into a boutiques dressing stand. Celestia flinched from the shock of the event and shot a few spells at the dark tendrils, releasing her.

That was when Lucid Storm glided to her side and took a gave a cheeky grin to her. "Need some help?"

"I thought I told you I could handle it, young Lucid." Celestia feigned the strictness in her tone while she responded with a smile of her own.

"I spent alot of time acting on another's whim," He averted his gaze back to the busted window dresser, hardening his stance, "I'll be saving the world with my own efforts, thank you very much."

As they awaited for any movement, the building shook until a pillar of magic erupted from it, revealing the dark alicorn ready to blow a fuse. "You know, this will be fun- yeah fun indeed. By the end of this duel, IL GET RID OF 2 TRAITOROUS SCUMS IN ONE NIGHT!"

Lucid cranked his head to look at the sky, then back at the mare. "Actually, it's much past midnight. Know the time your majesty."

A good joke could never go unpunished in her eyes. So with a flash, Lucid was tackled off his feet and into to air.

Instinctually, he took his forehooves and slammed them into her back, sending her back down for Celestia to shoot a golden blast at the mare.

But she quickly erected a galactic shield to block the attack, but the opposite side was now bombarded by a stream of fire exhausting from Lucids hooves to deaccelerate his fall.

Slowly but steadily, fractures were appearing around the shield which gradually frustrated Nightmare Moon until she couldn't hold her rage and screamed powerfully, pushing back the attacks and sending the aggressors backwards.

"ARRRGH, YOU THINK I HAVENT BEEN OUTNUMBERED BEFORE? THINK AGAIN!" She roared as she rose into the air and shot towards the struggling stallion.

Drats! I need to dodge right now.

Quickly, he tried to flap his wings to swerve to the left, but once again he underestimated how tricky a par of wings can be as he incidentally rolled in mid air. Such a manoeuvre didn't help him dodge the black tendrils that wrapped around his back hoof and in consequence, he was swung around like a lasso until Nightmare Moon let go and watched gleefully as he was flung off the mountain where Canterlot was built.

"Tsk, and good riddance. All that potential just in the drain... oh well. He served his use."

Nightmare Moon's ears flicked up to the sound of cutting air and turned around to see Celestia who sent a large spear construct her way, which she countered with a magically constructed scythe.

"Oh... and don't think I forgot about you!"

Lucid was partially glad at the moment. For one, he didn't suffer nearly as much damage as he would've thanks to pushing electromagnetism underneath him seconds before meeting the mountainous landscape. But it still put a toll on him.

Alchemy as a whole felt much easier to use than magic, sure. Especially since he had spent 3/4ths of his life training that specific power system. However, the changes his body had undergone a few minutes ago was interfering with his flow.

Feeling the muscles near his horn scream for help, he obliged and let himself drop to the floor with a thump. "Man... I need to pull myself together." He mumbled, picking himself up and stretching his wings. "Still, I don't know how I'm going to change styles so soon. And with my limited alchemy... drats. I guess pure magical force is all I can gun for."

Thinking fast, he pushed through the strain and picked himself up with magic, quickly elevating him up the cliffside. As he did, many of the fleeing ponies where able to see him.

"Wait, is that Prince Storm?" Lyra asked quizzically, though nopony answered as they were more focus on watching his ascent.

Fluttershy however, could easily identify the nasty bruises that plastered his fur along with his conflicted stare. She could only imagine the pressure he was feeling at the moment and so she tried to harden her resolve and strayed away from Bonbons grasp.

"LUCID!" Fluttershy shouted and the surrounding ponies flinched in surprise as the most timid pony raised her voice. It honestly scared a few of them, but not Lucid who stopped pulling himself upwards to look back at her. "YOU CAN WIN THIS, WE ARE ALL COUNTING ON YOU. CELESTIAS COUNTING ON YOU. SO STOP WORRYING AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!"

Lucid didn't know what to think. He, of all ponies was getting lectured by Fluttershy. Fluttershy. But yet, it was more endearing that way. Like his old friend Zelus in a sense.

Flashback

"Just cut the bullshit already... Lux. You've got heart, skill and shit- you got more room for growth than I care to admit. I know you can beat him... its always in you to stubbornly shout out some cringy shit and pull off a win, no matter the opponent. Il, let you take it from here... but please, tell my sister that it was my choice. Kick ass for me...bro."

"Z-Zelus!"

End Flashback

Heh, I can never escape you. Can I bro? He smiled warmly at Fluttershy and the fleeing crowd and continued his ascent while the cheers of his name slowly died out.

At last, he reached Canterlot once more. Or it was more like a ruined city as piles of rubble riddled the land and scorch marks covered its streets. Lucid hastily followed the sound of fighting until his eyes caught a frightening sight.

Celestia was stuck in a hold, using everything she had to break the bubble but it was fruitless as Nightmare Moon's rage erupted her magic beyond its limits. "Farewell, sister... ahk!" Nightmare Moon flinched under a sweaty haze, the strain on her body evident in her movements. "I gave you a merciful end, but you leave me no choice!"

As Lucid noticed it, a hollow pit opened in his stomach as he felt the overwhelming power emanating from the spell.

Oh no... no no. Not now!

In a split second, he called on his air alchemy and guided the wind energy to his hooves as he glided towards them. Little by little, the ball of air was compacted into a tiny bead before firing it towards his foe.

But he shot it too late as the dark alicorn shot a pillar of energy to Celestia who wailed in pain before evaparating into nothing. Meanwhile, the pillar extended all the way to the sun which reacted horribly and internally combusted into a supernova.

The wind bullet did hit its target however as the mare didn't have time to boast, instantly feeling a hole through the base of her neck as a spillage of red soured her coat. Lucid didn't have enough time to notice his flight pattern as he barreled into Nightmare Moon to which they rolled around the pavement until the stallion was on top of her. Both stunned and wide eyed.

The two just stared at eachother while the shock still coursed through them, but eventually the light had caught up with the sun and vanished, leaving the moon as the last celestial body standing.

Even with the unbearable pain through her neck, she could help but gurgle a laugh as she watched the darkness take back its domain.

But Lucid responded in bad taste, shooting an attack spell at her face. "W-What the hell is so funny? Do you realise what you've done!?"

Nightmare Moon still kept her smugly grin, even when battered she maintained her royal status and lit her horn, linking her mind with Lucids too easily.

"You think Id let you sit back and shirk your responsibilities? I thought better of you than to put Celestia back into power. I wonder is that traitor of a secretary put you up to it... so cowardly."

"Enough. I'm not ready for this, I-I never was! You put me in this position, made me a weapon for senseless violence. I wanted strength, not conquest! But no more, this is the end."

"But are you sure? Do you know how to govern a country yet? How much do we have in the treasury? Whats the schedule for next months royal events? What appeals are necessary for the royal court to act on? You silly foal, I never taught you all that. A sword was all you were going to be and it wouldve been easier if you just abided by it. Yet here you are, no more royals for you to kneel to but yourself."

The wound on her neck was opening up even more, the blood flooding through her clenched teeth. "The fact is, you need me. You always needed me. Nopony was going to give you the power you yearned for except I. But because Im feeling rather merciful, now that all my threats are permanently out of the picture, Il make you a deal. You heal this wound you callously gave me and Il forget your whole transgression. You can continue living a carefree life as my royal soldier, what do you say?"

Lucid couldn't belive the thoughts that were entering his head. After everything she pulled, after all the torturous training she put him under, she expected him to just let her continue ruling? This was his only chance to set things right. She was injured, weakened, exhausted, while the Prince had much more magic in his reserves. He didn't care about the consequences nor the aftermath anymore. The only thing that mattered was erasing his mistake.

Nightmare Moon could feel the emotion radiating from his mind and for her last push, she scowled in animalistic anger, growling through the blood in her throat whilst shooting all her remaining magic at him. "YOU FOOL!"

Lucid mirrored her assault and shot out all the magic he had in his system, charged by electrical alchemy and once they clashed, the yellow immediately overpowered the blue.

And with that, Nightmare Moon was no more.

He won.

But at what cost? The Prince sat on the pavement as he stared at the moon in a n exhausted heap, tears exiting his eyes.

"I can't stop... I'm on my own now. God... Equestria. Please forgive me."

10 years had passed after what was dubbed as the Royal Assassination. Equestria worked tirelessly to move on after the reported deaths of Celestia and Nightmare Moon which Lucid felt greatly responsible for.

Although he had many slip ups along the way, he slowly got used to being on the throne with the help of Equestrias court and their experience.

At that moment, he had just finished his 27th visit from an ignorant noble arguing about the length of their land. If there was something he felt he'd never get used to, it was court sessions. Usually, court sessions would be set between day and night court. But since he's only 1 stallion, he had to keep it open, leaving him exhausted most of the time.

He could cancel the sessions if he wanted to, but again, he owed it to everypony to make their lives more comfortable after the stuff he's done.

Sluggishly, he melted on his throne and let out a heafty sigh. "Uuugh and like usual, it's past my free time. When's the last time I've sat down and read a nice book?"

"I don't know Prince Storm." A casually suited guard responded. Though he knew the pastel green stallion behind the masking spell, quite well.

"Oh, Luster Purge. So you've returned already?" A light smile entered the bored Princes muzzle. Out of all the mind numbing stuff he forced himself to bare, conversing with his guardsponies was actually relaxing, especially with his top general.

"Of course my Prince. That zebra sighting we were reported to was no threat at all despite what the Ponyville residents made it out to be. She's actually a splendid potionieer. Do I have your permission to set up a private trade route to her hut?"

"Certainly, I've always said that the best at their craft come from humble origins, but please get her approval too. Though I must ask, how is our best trade supply holding down there?"

"The Apple industry?" With an affirmative nod, Luster continued following a salute. "Well, the family are as hardworking as ever with Miss Applebloom leading the farm. Though I'll probably need to do those visits myself. Lutenent Stoneheart is...well."

Lucid remembered Stoneheart as well. She was quite the piece of work, constantly butting heads with 2nd Lutenent Dash and speaking her mind about everything. "I see. What did she do this time?"

Luster coughed to clear her throat before averting her gaze from the stallion. "As embarrassing as it is, she insulted the speed of the apple farms production."

"And she got bucked in the face for it?"

"Yes."

"..."

"She wants to press charges-"

"Overruled. That mare needs to learn to have some respect for the working class. If this won't be the last time, I rather make her learn now."

"Very well... but besides that. Prince Storm, I think it's time you take a break. You've been on that throne ever since I left in the morning."

"Ponies need my help, Luster. Believe me, I've been trying for better methods. I could try controlling Discord, but that could go wrong real fast, I could take a look in the royal archives for something else but I have no time to check..."

He rested his hoof over his chin, vacantly staring at the stoic general. "But I'm sure you can think of something. You're an alicorn for a reason-"

"Luster!" He shouted instinctually which resulted in the calm soldier to flinch. "My species does NOT make me infallible. I can't just go up and end everyponies suffering with the flick of the horn. I wish- dammit I wish I could! If there was a way to gain enough power and give everypony their happy ending, I'd do it. I owe them that much..."

"Pri- Lucid." Luster put a hoof forward in sympathy. He wished he could make things easier for the Prince, but no matter how much he worked in place of him, the workload never ceased. "How about a vacation-"

"Prince Storm!" The double doors pushed open, revealing the royal seamstress, Rarity. She had aged fairly well in 15 years as her mane was still well kept and her clothing was as elegant as some of Nightmare Moon's old dress wear he sent to charity.

"Miss Rarity? What's the meaning of this?"

"It's 1st Lutenant Stoneheart and 2nd Lutenant Dash!"

"Fighting again? How many times must I ask them to knock it off-"

"Oh no, it's not that. They found some ponies. They were situated in the Everfree near some crystal like table. And you're not gonna believe how uncanny one of them looks!"

Rairity swept to the side and let the Lutenants and their squads march inside with the captors. And once the Prince locked eyes with them, he froze.

Was this a trick? Did Nightmare Moon put a spell on me to mock me beyond the grave?

But he had no doubts. That was her. She could never forget that purple coat and studeous gaze. But she had wings for some reason which puzzled him greatly. But along with a little dragon he partly remembered and a filly he had no recollection of, the last colt put his mind for a loop.

It was like he was looking through a mirror of the past.

Like the colt he expected to become had arose to spite him. It was himself.

Not Lucid.

Darkloud.

Author's Note

Nah, lack of motivation ruined me with this one. It's been like months since I've done stuff. So sorry for that. I hope this makes up for the time taken till season 2.

[Ps. Just realised this one wasn't published on release. 😐]