Warning: This chapter contains scenes of sex between a
humanoid/anthromorphic character and a pony, as well as an outdoor sex scene.
If these things offend you, then go fuck yourself, you limp-dicked, weak-stomached pussy.

Upon exiting the portal, I arrived back in Luna's bed chambers. She was sitting there on the bed, and from the look on her face, she was definitely NOT happy. No, on her face were many different emotions: She was angry, sad, distressed, confused, embarrassed, and hurt. "General," She yelled out at me, standing up. "What in God's name is wrong with you?!" She was glaring at me, a great frown upon her face.

"Luna, I'm so-"
"WHY DID YOU RUN OUT?!" She was screaming at the top of her lungs. "You embarrassed yourself, you confused your people, you... I do not even know where to start! What happened? Why?" She was looking at me dead-on, tears beginning to form in her sapphire orbs. "Luna," I began. "Honey, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have just run out like that, I know that now, but... I just, something happened that confused me. And I just couldn't stop myself, Moon Pie-"

"Don't you 'Moon Pie' me!" She growled.
"Luna, look, I know what I did was inexcusable, but... I have a reason why I did that. Listen, just hear me out, and I swear you'll understand."
"Fine." She said.

So, I went on and told her the story. As I went on, her eyes and the emotions on her face began to soften. She finally realized my issue, and she nodded. "I understand," She said. "And I am sorry I got angry at you, love. I never would have if I knew what was going on. I am sorry I didn't give you a chance to explain." I leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

"No," I replied. "Don't be sorry. I really should have explained to you the whole thing before I left like that. I'm so sorry." I drew her into a deep kiss, caressing her teal locks and coat. I broke the exchange, and looked straight into her eyes. Her teal orbs were sparkling. Her form was changing again. Her mane became longer, and it's color slightly darker. Her coat also changed it's shade. Finally, she was almost back to her form that she was before, but her mane wasn't it's old, flowing, two-colored hair. It was just cyan, and maybe 3 inches shorter than it's original length.

I smiled. It seemed that when Luna had great emotional turmoil, that's what caused her mane and coat to change. "So... You are actually a pony, than?" She asked me.
"I guess so. My mom and dad aren't really related to me, not by blood anyways." I sighed. "But that's alright. They raised me. They took good care of me, and they loved me. So they are my parents. The only ones I've ever had that I can remember. They are my parents, really." Luna smiled.

I looked over at the window. I saw the Sun was settling itself into it's bed while the Moon was rising itself up. I decided me and Luna could do something together right quick. "Come on Luna. Follow me." I said. She looked confused. "Where are we going?" She asked.
"Just trust me." She nodded, and I took her by the hoof. We ran quickly out of the castle. When we got outside, we took off flying.

As our wings beat through the air, carrying us swiftly on the wind, I listened carefully to the whistling of the wind between our feathers. I led her over to Everfree Forest, still holding her hoof. We kept on soaring for about half an hour. Finally, we came upon the center of the forest. I descended with her towards the Altar of Spirits.

As she saw where we were going, she smiled a wide grin. She looked over at me. I just grinned back. When we reached the ground, Luna leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. She looked all around. She looked at the trees around, especially healthy and strong from where they were at. She looked at the ground before the Altar, bright and slightly glowing. And she looked at the Altar itself, gray stone painted red and blue in different areas.

She walked over to the dais, and touched it gently. She shivered. "It is ice cold," She said. I touched the stone for myself. She was right. "That's so odd..." I replied. "There hasn't been a cold day since Christmas. How does that work?" Luna shrugged at first, then spoke up.
"It is the spirits. They place a shield over the dais, protecting it from anything that could harm it. The only way it can be used for anything is if the spirits give their blessing over whoever is wanting to use it."

I asked her how we could get their blessing. "Well, if we make a prayer under the light of the Crescent Moon, and should the one who prays be pure of heart, then the spirits will accept and bless the one who asks." I nodded.
"Then you should make the prayer, Luna." She looked confused.
"Me? Why me?"
"Because, Luna, you're pure. I'm not perfect, you're not perfect, no one is. But you are pure of heart. You've never intentionally had bad, evil thoughts. You've done good things for all people. If anyone's pure of heart, it's you." She looked down a moment, then nodded. "Alright," She replied. "I will do it."

She walked right by the Altar and knelt down. She put a hoof agaisnt the stone. "Omnipotens Deus, Sanctus super omnes nomen sanctum tuum et gratias ago tibi quod dedisti mihi. Munus quaeso me diligo et qui iuxta hanc rem. Obsecro, Domine, spiritus tuus in nobis dicat bene, ut in unum redeant unitatem magna hac Subgestum. Quaeso, Domine. Amen."

As she prayed, her breathing slowed a bit. She was very calm and serene-looking. Suddenly, a spiral of light came down and enshrouded Luna, and the Altar began glowing. "What's... Happening?!" I asked, shocked. Suddenly, there was a flame lying upon the Altar, a flame of silver fire. The fire lifted up from the platform, and came unto Luna. It burned her upon her cutie mark, but didn't hurt her. Then, the flame moved on over to me. It burned my own flank, and then returned to the dais. When I looked at Luna, I saw that there was a mark of a silver blade where the fire burned her. The symbol was on me as well.

When the silver flame returned to the Altar, it disappeared. Luna touched the stone of the reliquary, and smiled. "It is warm." She said. I grinned. I walked up and hugged her.
"You did it, Luna," I continued. "You did it..."

.....

February 3, 2013

Luna and I woke early that morning. My eyes creaked open, and I smiled. Luna was still asleep, but her head was lying on my chest, and she was smiling. I chuckled, and I reached my hand down to stroke her mane. I know I've said this a million times over, but, it's silky feel made me smile. There's just... No way to explain how happy I feel when I'm able to hold and stroke my mare.

I wrapped an arm around her and kissed Luna on the brow. I laid my head back, and enjoyed the feeling of the pillow beneath me, the blanket overtop me, and Luna leaning on me. I loved how she looked, the way her mane was draping just over her face, covering her left eye. The way her beautiful horn glistened in the Light of Eos. I just loved it all, everything about her.

I laid there for several hours before Luna woke up. She slowly opened up her beautiful lids, yawning gently as she revealed her wondrous orbs. She looked up at me, still grinning. "Good morning, beautiful." I said to her.
"Good morning." She replied sleepily. She kissed my bare chest, and snuggled up closer to me. I enjoyed the deep, loving embrace we were sharing. She made me so very happy, and I her.

After half an hour more of holding her, we both got up. I walked into the bathroom, and she followed. We closed the door behind us, and I placed a neatly folded towel right by the shower. She stepped in while I removed my clothes. I followed her into the shower.

I turned on the water, and allowed Luna to change the temperature until she liked how it felt. She levitated a bottle of shampoo over and rubbed some of the sweet-smelling gel through her coat and mane. She scrubbed it thoroughly through her luxurious mane, smiling as she did so. With her eyes closed and her mane sopping wet, Luna looked so very beautiful. I chuckled.

I took the soap and scrubbed my chest with the lye while she cleaned herself. I was glad I was happy to share this moment with Luna, and I'm sure she felt the same way. I leaned over and kissed Luna gently on the cheek, causing her to blush, eyes still closed. I handed her the soap, and I grabbed a bottle of oak musk.

I squirted the gel into my hair and scrubbed softly. I cleansed my hair with the soap calmly, glad with this very moment in time, Luna's sweet scent intermingling with the scent of the oak musk. It made my smile widen evermore. I put the shampoo back, and stayed there several moments more. Luna and I were just sitting there in the shower, not washing anymore, just enjoying the heat of the waters. Finally, after several minutes, she nodded, and I turned the water off.

We stepped out from the shower onto a bathroom mat. I took a towel and quickly dried myself, rubbing the cloth over my entire body. I did so for Luna too, helping swab off her body. After several minutes, I opened up the door for Luna and allowed her to step through. I put the towel away, and stepped out beside her.

"So Luna," I began, kissing her on the cheek. "Are you ready to pack?" I asked her.
She looked down a moment, then nodded. "I suppose," She replied, smiling shyly. She knew what I meant. We had discussed it at length the Night before, and we decided we would move out from the castle this day. I understood how she felt. She had lived here literally her entire life, except for when she was on the Moon. So many things had happened to her here. This was her home. It would be a while before she was ready.

"I'll start packing, Luna. You just sit down and rest for a while." She nodded and sat down on the couch, a single tear falling from her eye. I turned around and started on personal possesions. I had truly become stronger since I had become king, so I knew greater spells than before. I shrank down the bedstand, television, games, and television stand that were in the chambers, then placed them in a box. The pillows and blankets went alongside those, and, finally, the bed.

I packed up the dresser Luna had in there, her few dresses and other articles of clothing (Among ponies, even princesses don't have much clothing), and was done. In just 1 short hour, I had actually managed to do this alone. I looked over at where Luna had been sitting, and realized she was gone. I was a bit shocked, but not concerned. I knew she was probably just taking a last look around. I turned my thoughts to Luna, and, in my head, I spoke.

Luna, I began. Sweetie, where are you?
I am in the Western Wing, love, She replied.
Taking a last look? I asked, curious. She didn't respond, but she nodded. I could sense it, so great was our bond.
Well, just come back when you're done. I've finished packing. Again, she nodded, and again, I felt it in that strange, celestial way.

I decided to have a look around myself. I started over in the Royal Gardens. It was a beautiful place, filled with so many beautiful plants and animals, glorious, a true home of Mother Nature. I inhaled the sweet scents of the flowers and fruits surrounding me. I stayed for several moments, then turned and left.

I went by the Royal Catacombs & Temple. Here, for the last hundred eons, they had buried the late leaders of Equestria, the great kings, queens, princes, and princesses. I respectfully and slowly observed the graves. Not only did they have the leaders of all Equestria, but they also had past leaders of relative nations and empires.

Soros, last Good King of the Crystal Empire before Sombra. Astraea & Conpunctum, the Queen and King of Equestria before Luna and Celestia ruled. Amoros, Father of Cadence, Late Ruler of the Gens Amor. And, finally, him.

My true father, Lord Sinum the Great. He was the Last King of the Sea. The Last of the Sea Alicorns. The Last of my People, besides me. He was... He is... My Father. Inscribed upon his tomb was a great honor, as well his last words.

He was a hero. He was in no war, and he was no intellectual. He was no warrior, and gave Us nothing great. But, he did do one thing: He brought peace. Despite what many think, We were not always so peaceful, our two nations. We were constantly fighting, threatening war. Then, he brought about peace. He brought about love, and brotherhood, through a few simple words: Stop fighting. Just two words were all he said.

-Disciple of the Bay.

He fought with words, but only once. That was all he needed to bring peace. He was a hero, not in deed or in words, but in existence. He did nothing, but was a hero.

-Queen Purus, Wife of the Bay.

He loved his people, he loved his friends, and he loved his family. He made mistakes, as have all creatures in this world. He was a hero, but he was a mortal, and therefore imperfect. But, through his great imperfection, he helped us. He made us.

-Friend of the Bay.

'I have done nothing in this World. The fact that people honor me so is foolish, and if people continue to do so, I shall think them foolish still. I am but a fool who managed to do one good deed. The only thing I hope that comes about from me is that my son, my wonderful baby boy, will make everyone proud some day. I know he will. I just know it.'

-Last Words of the Bay.

I smiled slightly, a single tear dropping from my eye. I put my hand against the cold stone of the granite tomb. I felt his essence, and I was happy knowing that right here, right now, was the closest I had ever come, the closest I ever would come, to meeting my real father. I didn't know him, but I still loved him. I could tell he had high hopes for me, and if it was the last thing I did, I would make this hope reality.

"I'll make you proud, Dad..." I muttered under my breath, pressing my brow to the coffin. "I swear I will..." I rose up, turned around, and walked back to Luna's bed chambers.

Luna was there when I got there. She was sitting on the floor, eyes closed, with a sad smile on her tear-stained face. Her lids fluttered open when I opened the door. "Ready to go, Moon Pie?" I asked her, smiling. She nodded.
I am, Seabiscuit. I am." I nodded, and kissed her once on the cheek before picking up the single box it took to carry all of the items we were taking. Luna walked out the door and I followed, shutting the light off as I went. I closed the door, and Luna & I were gone.

.....

We arrived in our Palace by the Sea by 5:00 that evening. I quickly unpacked everything into our bed chambers, and made sure it was all in order. Luna came in and checked on me about halfway through, smiling. I looked over, and grinned. For whatever reason, she had decided to put her mane in a ponytail that day (no pun intended). She looked so cute that way, and I chuckled. "You look adorable," I said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Oh, who, me?" She said, giggling and acting oblivious. She knew how she looked. I pulled her into a deep kiss, chuckling as I did so. Caressing her teal locks, I drew her closer and closer to me. I softly ran my hands through her beautiful mane, just wanting to feel her.

I broke the kiss, still standing. I pushed a stray lock back into her mane, then went back to work. She began to help me out now. At first she had just been checking out the castle, to see what it was like, but she had wanted to help me. She put the bedstand and dresser in, while I slowly unpacked and grew the bed. When we were done, Luna and I stepped back and took a look, proud. In just a few short hours, we had done this. We were in our own home.

I looked over at Luna, smiling. She returned the look. Her mane and coat againt lightened a bit, back to the old, very light teal color.

I closed the distance between us and drew her into a hug. She grinned, leaning her head on my shoulder. Kissing her on the brow, I spoke. "This is working."
"What is working?" She replied, looking into my eyes.
"I mean... 'We're' working. Our relationship - Our life together - Is working, despite everything. I mean, a few months ago, if you told me I'd be going out with Princess Luna, Princess of the Night and co-ruler of the cartoon nation of Equestria, I would have called the Funny Farm! Honestly, at first, I had thought I would do something to mess this all up and ruin everything, but now-" She brought her lips against my own, interrupting me. I chuckled into the kiss, bringing her closer against me.

My tongue pierced her lips, intermingling with her own. We loved on eachother, each of us holding the other tenderly. I slowly caressed Luna, feeling every inch of her body. I broke the kiss, and looked her right in the eyes. "You are just so beautiful, Luna," I kissed her on the brow. "I'm really going to miss you when I leave in a couple weeks." She nodded. "But, let us not think about that now, love," She replied. "Let us just think of each other, right here, right now. Let's just be together."

I nodded. We kissed again, even deeper than before. It felt almost as if we were melting together, as if we were becoming as one. The feeling gave me great joy, and I didn't want it to ever end. A bit of Luna's mane had draped itself over my shoulder as we kissed, allowing me to smell her. Her scent made me smile wider than ever.

We broke the kiss, and I looked over at the clock we had brought a clock with us. "11:45," I whispered. "It's even later than I thought!" Luna nodded.
"Are you tired?" She asked me. I just chuckled in response.
"Luna, you know I almost never get tired. But, if I can be next to you, than you know the answer to that question." She giggled. She walked over to the bed and beckoned me over. I obeyed.

She got into the bed, as did I. She snuggled up against me, coming so very close. I wrapped my arms around her, sighing as I did so. "Good night, Moon Pie,"
"Good night, Seabiscuit," Moments later, I was asleep.

Anticipation. It is a cruel thing. For some situations, like a wedding, or the birth of a child, it makes them so tantalizing, yet all the more pleasing when the event comes. But, than, there are other events that destroy. Events like, a person's death. Being sent away to a war. A planned fight. A certain failure. All of these things, people dread. And Anticipation is just the worst of the events.

.....

February 4, 2013

That morning was my birthday. I woke early that morning, expecting to see Luna by my side. But, she wasn't there. I looked around for Luna, and I saw her standing by the door, smiling and putting packing some saddlebags. I got out of the bed, grinning back at her. "Good morning, Moon Pie," I said to her. I kissed her once on the cheek.
"Good morning, love," She replied, returning the kiss. "How did you sleep?"

I grinned. "I slept very vvell. And you?"
"I slept well, also." She kissed me again on the cheek. "Are you ready for today?" She inquired, an ever present grin upon her face. "What's today?" I replied.

"Well," She continued. "Today is your birthday, and I had planned a surprise for you." I gently caressed a lock of her blue hair. "Oh Luna," I buzzed. "You planned something? Why do you go to so much trouble on my behalf?" She nuzzled me lovingly. "Because I love you, General."

I chuckled. "And I love you, Moon Pie." I drew her into a loving kiss, locking lips with her as I held her tightly in my arms. I broke the kiss. "So, what did you have planned, 'hon?" I asked her, a great smile still upon my face. She grinned back, teasing me with her look. "It is a surprise, love," She replied. "You will just have to wait and find out." I shrugged and drew her into a loving embrace.

"Follow me," Luna said. I obeyed and followed after her after she ran out of the room. We ran out from the palace. When she got to the edge of the isle we had formed, Luna took off into the air, wings flapping hard. I copied the action. Soaring high through the air, we cut through the wind like spirits. Beautiful, powerful, invincible.

Just like our Love.

.....

We flew for hours, both of us at our top speed. Luna was panting heavily, out of breath, as was I. "Luna," I began. "How much longer is it gonna be?" I smiled at her beautiful form.
"Not much longer," She replied, looking back at me and returning the grin. "It should only be a few more minutes yet." I simply nodded to her.

I really wasn't sure where we were going. We had traversed at least a hundred miles of Ocean early on, and were now just over a Great Desert. As time went on, I realized these were the Dreadlands of Conpunctum. I knew that there were Equestrian legends saying that, in the Dreadlands, a great Tower of Knowledge once stood. According to the legends, when the mortals began to abuse the knowledge, it's master, the Celestial Father Conpunctum, withdrew it to the Sands of Time, saying, 'When the time is right, and a heart, pure and true is born, only then, shall the Tower rise again'.

I knew there was nothing else in the Dreadlands as far as any legends said, so I was worried this was what Luna had planned. I didn't want Luna planning for us to do anything as dangerous and foolish as trying to find the Tower, especially not if it might harm her. "Luna," I began. "I think I know what you were planning. And I have to say, if it's what I think it is, I'm not sure if it was the smartest thing you did this, going this far."

Luna took on an angry look then. "What do you mean by that?" She asked in a calm voice.
"Well, it's just... I don't like doing anything that takes a chance of hurting you, Moon Pie. I just... If we're doing what I think we are, than I'm not sure it's the smartest thing." Luna just sighed in exasperation.
"Why are you always so worried about me, General?!" She asked, annoyed. I just grinned ever-wider.

"I'm worried because I love you, Luna. I know some people show their love in different ways than other people, and this happens to be my way to show my love. To be concerned for you, and do whatever I can to make you happy. Because I feel best when I see you safe and happpy. That's why I'm so worried." As I finished, I saw Luna was smiling my way. She giggled lightheartedly. "I understand, I suppose." She said, rolling her eyes a bit.

Mintues later, she yelled to me, saying, "General! VVe're here! Descend tovvards that spot!" While she pointed towards a relatively darker patch of sand, about half a mile in diameter. I nodded and obeyed. As my wings slowly carried me down, I realized that the patch wasn't just darker sand; No, rather, the sand was within a crater, making it deeper and appear darker.

VVhen my hooves touched the ground, I saw I was at about the center of the crater. I walked around a bit, curious. Before long, I saw an odd structure peeking out of the sand.

In the center of the crater, I saw the rounded tip of some kind of terrace. It was a simple ball-like shape made of silver, with a single brazen spike coming from the center of the sphere. Carved into the silver were some runes that I had never seen before. I couldn't read them, but they seemed similiar to the Cuneiform language of the Sumerians back on Earth. Luna glided down to my side.

"Hey Luna," I said, still scrutinizing the structure. "Take a look at this." I motioned at the piece.
"Hmm," She said, curious. "It appears to be the ancient Hieroglyph language of the Rebel Kingdom, the language Verbum." I thought that odd. A language called Verbum. Knowing a bit of Latin, I knew this meant 'VVord', but what were the odds that a language would actually be named Word?

"Do you know any of it?" I asked her.
She shook her head. "No, but I brought a translator with me." She reached into her saddlebags and brought out a scroll of parchment, yellowed with age, alongside a ruby lens. She handed them both to me. I looked at the objects, confused. "Why me?" I asked.

"Well," She began. "According to legends, Verbum can only be read by one who's birth is of two worlds." I shrugged. "Alright than," I said, grinning.
"Well... That, and you have hands, so you can actually hold the lens." I chuckled, and nodded.

I wasn't quite sure how to translate the language, but I figured it out soon enough. I took a bit more parchment from Luna, and placed it down on a moderately-even surface. I took a quill and a small bottle of ink. I looked through the ruby lens at the writing. I sketched down every signifigant-looking figure onto the parchment in proper order. Finally, I had finished reading off the structure. "Alright, I think I've got this."

I looked back onto the translator scroll and quickly translated the figures in my head. "It says, 'Agamemnos karah, qu'run chupe fugahl, nofu keia. Kar'ano chuvegus rahn faow, wegawey.' " Luna looked at me, confused.
"Well," She said. "What does that translate to?"

I smiled. "It translates to say, 'By the Love of the Glistening Silver Moon, the one Pure of Heart, and of the Sparkling Green Ocean, the one Wise of Mind, and Only by the Love of the Two, shall the Tower of the Wizened Ones raise. Only by the Love empowering Itself on this sight shall it rise the Tower, and bring about Wisdom, Evermore.' "

Luna still appeared confused. "Well... What in the name of the Moon does that mean?!" She asked, chuckling a bit. I chuckled right on back. "I think it means... Well, Luna, you represent the Moon,"
"Yes."
"And I represent the Ocean."
"Yes..."
"And by, 'Only by the Love empowering Itself', I think it means that we have to do something to prove our love - The Love between the Moon and the Ocean. And, I think I know how." I looked at Luna lovingly. As the thought ran through my mind, a slight blush came to my cheeks.

"Well, what is it, love?" She asked me eagerly. I chuckled slightly, still blushing.
"Well... I think we're supposed to make love... You know, here." When she heard those words leave my mouth, she jumped in shock, and looked down, blushing. "Oh my..." Here eyes were widened in shock, and she continued to look down.

I chuckled. "Don't worry about it, Luna. It was just a stupid suggestion. It probably wouldn't work anyway. Let's just try and think of something else..."
"No." She whispered, still blushing.

"Hmm?" I responded, looking up at her suddenly.
"No, I mean... Why not? It couldn't hurt to do it, if only to see if it would work. And besides, there is not a single person around for miles in every direction. It's not like anyone would... See..." She was blushing furiously. "And, besides... I would kind of... Like it..." Her face was red as a cherry. I chuckled and kissed her on the cheek.

"You really want to do this?" She nodded. "Then, let's do it." I took off my shirt and drew Luna into a loving embrace. I kissed her on her silken lips, smiling brightly. As we kissed eachother, slowly making love, I removed each article of my clothing. I reached my hand down to her vagina, slowly fingering her sweet crescent.

She began gasping a bit, as she always did when we made love. I massaged the folds of her beautiful nethers, softly kissing her as I did so. She shivered, slowly relaxing into the sensation. I broke the kiss and looked into her eyes. She smiled. As we sat there, mid-coitus and exposed in the Desert Sun, we simply looked into eachother's eyes. I softly kissed her once more, pushing slightly into her with my tongue.

She accepted my entity gratefully, pulling me more tightly against her. Our tongues wrestled, caressing eachother. As our bodies copied the action, I tripped over a rock, throwing me to the ground with Luna on top of me. I chuckled. As we laid in the hot sands, we smiled at eachother. I slowly pressed the tip of my penis against Luna's soft, ebony cunt. She shuddered.

She grinned widely at me, not saying a word as she happily accepted my throbbing member into her body. I slowly pushed into her body as I broke her lips. Her walls welcomed me in with vigour, a strong pull that made the experience more pleasurable than anytime before. I grunted and gasped a bit, amazed by the sensation. Luna wrapped her front legs around me, holding me into her body tightly. After allowing my spire to lie within her for a few moments, I slowly began thrusting in, and out.

I deepened our kiss evermore, pushing my tongue in a bit further. I reached my hand down and rubbed her soft, violet teats while I pushed in and out of her. She whimpered slightly, a quiet, ecstatic, yet seemingly-pained sound. I wrapped an arm around Luna and tenderly caressed her sparkling mane. She made an odd, coo-like sound when I did that. The strange sound made me smile at her. I continued thrusting into her tender body, careful not to hurt her by going too fast or hard.

After several minutes, Luna and I both gasping, I burst. My cum intermingled with Luna's own sweet juices, mixing inside of her body. As I pulled myself out from her body, I popped again, leaving a trail of semen across her crescent and lower belly. We both laid down next to eachother, panting tiredly, in the warm sand. I looked over at Luna, and kissed her on the brow.

Suddenly, an odd sound disrupted our moment of peaceful bliss; There was an odd trembling all around us as the ground below us began to rise. We were already a hundred feet in the air by the time we succeeded. There were winds suddenly whipping up all the sand around us. I couldn't see anything at all, when I heard Luna cry out, "Augh!" Her voice appeared pained.

"What's wrong, Luna?" I asked, worried. She cried out again.
"I-I think a rock hit me in the wing!" She said.
"Well, it can't be that bad, let me have a look." She gritted her teeth and nodded, lifting her injured right wing. Sure enough, there it was; Where the rock had hit her, right in the center of the wing, there was a large mass of feathers missing, as well as a patch of mangled flesh and blood. I cringed at it, worried about my poor Luna. "Can you fly still?" I asked her, hopeful.

"I don't think so! I can barely even move my wing without it hurting!" I looked around through the sand, as best I could, trying to find a way down. Finally, I sighed, and gave in. "Luna," I said. "Close your eyes, hold on tightly to me, and don't look down."
"Why shouldn't I-"
"Dammit, Luna, if you want to make it out of here alive, then just do as I say, love!" She nodded. I felt her wrap her front legs around my neck and press against me. I wrapped both arms around her and kissed her on the brow. "You're gonna be alright..." I whispered. I looked straight forward, and jumped off of the structure. I spread my wings on the wind, flapping as hard as I could to move through the Sky. I slowly flapped down towards the Earth, gritting my teeth and glaring towards the sands.

Sand and stones were hitting me all over, testing my skin of iron to it's very limit. Finally, my feet touched the ground, and I gave up. I turned a bit so that when we fell, I cushioned Luna's tumble. I gasped as she knocked the air out of me. I panted, trying to catch my breath. Luna crawled up to my side. She panted and gasped, but managed through the lack of air and kissed me on the cheek.

"Th-thank, you... General... You... Saved... M-My life..." Luna whispered, still gasping for breath. I slowly breathed in and out. Chuckling, I said, "Heh heh... I-I.. It wasn't a... It wasn't any p-problem... A-Anything... For you, Luna..." When I finally managed to catch my breath, I rose up as best as I could. I helped Luna stand as well, then gazed upon the great structure that had nearly killed us.

I was amazed; It was the Tower of Knowledge. It was a glorious tower, at least three thousand feet high, carved entirely of stone in such an intricate manner. The tower went straight up at first, then near the top it, it curved a bit to the right and widened out into a spherical top. To the left of the tower, there was a large, apexed stone pillar, about a fourth of the tower's size, several words in the Hieroglyphic Verbum carved into the figure.

Luna and I walked up to the Pillar. At the bottom of it was a small, 2x1.5 plaque of silver. It was also in Verbum. "By the Light of the Desert Sun, and the Awakening of the Tower, He and She Who hath risen the Knowledge of The Broken may enter the Tower of the Knowledge, and partake of It if They should wish, assuming He may defeat The Broken, and that The Broken might proclaim Him worthy," I read the plaque aloud. Luna looked at the metal in confusion.

"What does that mean?" She asked.
"Well," I said replied. "This is Conpunctum's Tower of Knowledge... Conpunctum is the Latin word for 'The Broken', so I guess the plaque is talking about your father, Conpunctum, and ruler of this Tower. So, I guess we need to defeat Conpunctum in something, Luna. But, I don't know why it says that. I mean, isn't he dead?"

"Well... Only his body. I never experienced it myself, it happened long before I was born, and Celestia only knows because of what Mother said to her, but... Celestia says that it was just Father's body that died, because he broke the seal between his body and his soul, and used his soul to keep shut safe and hidden the Tower."

My eyes widened in shock. "So... He's been alive for over a thousand years vvith his soul uncontained by any physical, mortal shell?!" She nodded. "Svveetness!" I chuckled. I walked towards the front of the tower. There was a single stone tablet where a door would be. I saw no vvay to enter the building. I read the characters on the tablet.

"Love has been proven, but now, prove who you are. Now is a test, for She who is Pure of the Heart. She must Smile upon the Sand, and Kiss upon the Sky, The Moon must Soar with no Wings. Fly not with Spell, Fly only by Love." I read out loud. " 'Soar with no wings?!' " Luna said in disbelief. "What does that mean?" I chuckled.

"Well, your wing is injured, so you can't fly with your wings. That is, if you fly, than you 'must Soar with no Wings'. You can't use any kind of spell, either. But, I don't really know how you can fly by love..." I scratched my chin, completely unsure of what to do. Suddenly, Luna chimed in, seeming to have thought of something. "You have to believe!" She said.

"What?!" I replied.
She giggled. "I mean, I can fly on my wings. But, I have to believe I can do it, and you have to believe I can do it, if I'm to fly. Otherwise, I will just go crashing to the ground!" I looked at her incredulously.
"Luna, 'hon, with all due respect... Are you fucking nuts?! You'll never even make it off the ground, and even if you do, nothing could keep you in the air, not with your wing like th-" She kissed me upon the lips, interrupting me. She looked into my eyes. "General, please. Just believe in me."

She stared into my soul. "Luna," I said. "No amount of belief would help you-"
"Please?" Her beautiful little orbs were full of tears and sparkling, begging me to listen.
"Luna-"
"Please?"

After several attempts to convince her, I sighed and gave in. I smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Be careful," I told her, concerned. Luna turned around and slowly unfurled her glorious wings. The beautiful blue mare took a running start, then lept into the air, beating her wings hard.

She somehow managed to fly through the air, barely making it, but still going through the air. I grinned. I didn't believe what was going on. She was actually flying. She might actually make i-

"Ah!" She cried out, a surge of pain shooting through her wing. She suddenly fell several meters before she caught herself. I gasped in fear. "Are you okay, Luna?" I called out.
"Yes, I am okay, but... You have to believe in me, General! If you don't, I can't fly!"
"What?!"
"Please, General, just believe! It is the only way I can do it!"

I sighed. "Alright." I looked up at Luna, worried. She continued soaring, a slightly-pained smile upon her face.
After several minutes, I began to truly believe in her. I realized she could do it! I grinned. I turned around and saw the tablet slowly moving out of place. Moments later, the Tower was open!

"Luna!" I cried out. "You did it! The door's open! We can get in!" She looked back and nodded. Suddenly, as she began to descent from her position, three hundred feet up from the ground, a great surge went through her wing. Her entire body trembled, and she fell. I looked on in horror as she fell down, down, down. At the last moment, I ran as fast as I could, certain I wouldn't make it in time. I jumped, sliding in to where she would land-

-And just in time, I caught her. I was holding her in my arms, tears flowing from my eyes. I held Luna against me, sobbing. I looked into her eyes. "Oh, Luna..." I whispered, crying. "Luna... Luna..." I kissed her upon the brow. I looked right into Luna's eyes. "Are you okay?" She nodded weakly, a grimace of pain twisting her face. "Oh, thank God..." I whispered. "Oh, thank you, dear, sweet God..." I held her head against my chest, trying to calm myself.

When I had finally calmed down, I got up and and set Luna back on the ground. I let a few tears more slip from my eyes. "Luna," I said. "Promise me that you will NEVER do that again, please!" Luna nodded weakly, giggling a bit. I looked nervously at Luna. "Are you okay, Luna?" I asked her. She nodded.
"Yes, I'm fine. A bit lightheaded, but... Fine." I smiled.

"Good," I whispered. "Let's go." I said, taking her by the hoof. Seconds later, we stood before the Tower, now open to us. I kissed Luna on the cheek, then walked inside, Luna just behind me.

As we passed through the entrance of the Tower, I noticed there was just a single, curving path. I shivered a bit, an odd sensation going down my spine. I guess Luna felt it, because she looked at me with concern. "I'm fine," I said. "Let's just... Keep going." She nodded, and obeyed. Within about 5 minutes of walking, I noticed that the shivering feeling had returned, and that I could hear some kind of odd, insensible whispers in my head. I shook my head once, and kept going.

Within a few minutes, the whispering and shivering stopped as an eerie, silver glow appeared from up ahead. I was unsure of what it was, but I just shrugged and kept going. Moments later, the glow faded from sight, and we were in near-total darkness. I cast a spell that brought about a great light, allowing us to see. I fell to my knees in shock when I saw what was upon the walls.

Upon the walls were all sorts of different statements of different dialects and forms of different languages, from Earth and from Equestria. All of them said the same thing: Beware The Broken, for He cometh. He awaiteth ye beyond the steps. He awaiteth ye, for thy great battle. Beware him, lest ye be destroyed by His strength. Only He who is Pure of Mind, in Love with She who is Pure of Heart, shall be able to defeat Him, or have even a chance. Take up The Blade of The Pure Soul, and He shall battle you.

I was shocked by all the different languages, and what they said. It frightened me, just a bit. But then, after a moment's fear, I looked over, into Luna's eyes, and hardened myself. I closed my mind, heart, body, and soul, off to everyone and everything else in the world but Luna. I put on a brave, almost cocky smile, and marched on, Luna at my side.

Moments later, I felt an odd pain in my chest. It was for but a split second, but it was enough for me to take action. I put up a magical shield, protecting me and Luna both from any magical attacks. Then, I used a minor attack spell that shocked any potential enemies in the heart, just enough to to warn off the foes. I heard an angry cry off to my right, and I shot off a burst of energy in that direction.

I heard the angry cry again. But only long enough for it to turn into an odd, dimented chuckle, then vanish. I growled, and directed the entire shield around Luna alone. I ran off towards whatever there was in that direction, and, upon sensing the nearby entity, I bit down into a fleshy mass. "Aaaaaarugh!" The creature growled, groping around angrily in an attempt to grab me and throw me off. I just bit down deeper, anger in my eyes. Suddenly, the entire area lit up in a flash of silver. Suddenly, we weren't in the tower. We weren't anywhere. We were just in an eternal white, an emptiness. Just me, Luna, and...

...A misshapen beast of red and black! The great creature roared out again, in Fury and in Blood. I kept my teeth sunk deep into it's arm, infuriated by it's insolence. As it's blood flowed upon my tongue, so sweet and coppery, I grinned a twisted, sadistic smile. I released my bite, then forced the creature to the ground. I laughed in a dark manner. "You dare to attack us?!"I yelled out, furious, yet happy. "You dare to attack me, and my beloved fiance? Who are you, what are you, to even CONSIDER such a thing?!" The creature growled once, then, to my shock, it responded.

"I am the Father of the Moon and the Sun, Mate of the Universe, and King of the Galaxy. I am He Who is Not. I am The Broken. I am... Conpunctum." The great Star King shifted his form, and shrank down in size. Moments later, instead of a ferocious, intimidating beast of fangs and claws, I was staring at a alicorn no more than 6 hands high, legs pointed in impossible angles, with at least a gallon of blood dripping out of his body. The Broken appeared ethreal in form, as though it was not a physical creature, but, rather, just a spirit.

I knelt down at the side of the former king. "Are you okay, milord?" I asked, trying to touch his wound. I realized he wasn't corpreal. I couldn't even touch him. "Hehe," He chuckled. "There isn't much you can do to hurt a Body-less Soul, but what you just did... That'll do it." He coughed, bringing up a bit of phlegm and blood. I just looked on in horror.

"Are you okay?!" I cried out again, fearful. He just laughed again.
"Yes, I'll be fine... My Soul will finally pass on. I will finally be with my beautiful Astraea again. And I... I will be with my Ancestors in the Great Beyond. I will finally... Be happy again." I just looked at him in shock.
"What do you mean? How could you not be happy here? You've had a thousand years in a great Tower of Knowledge, able to learn of anything you want! I mean, you were the very Guardian of the Knowledge! I mean-"

"What is knowledge," The broken king interrupted, "Without your loved ones? What is intellect without someone to share it with? What is the purpose of knowing something... If you've no use for it?" Conpunctum smiled sadly. "Yes, I had all the knowledge in the World - And more! But, I had no purpose for it. I read every book, scroll, and parchment here a thousand times once, and a thousand times again. I've spent an entire LIFETIME learning, finding out more. And yet, what is the point?"

I looked at down, ashamed. "Oh..." I whispered. "But, than... You're dying?" I asked him. He nodded.
"By the time you leave this Tower, I will be gone from this Life, and on to God's Judgement. I will be-"

"No!" Luna cried, running to his side. "No, Father! You cannot die!" There was a flood of tears coming down her face. "No, please, Father! You cannot go, not yet!"
"Ah, Luna... My beautiful, baby girl..." He looked right at her, love and wisdom in his old eyes. "How very good it is to see you, in person... For the very first time..." His eyes seemed sad, and his entire body weak. And yet, there was a sudden pride, and strength, deep within him, just barely noticeable.

"Daddy... You cannot die..." Luna whispered. "This is the first time I have ever met you... I do not want it to be the last!" She nuzzled Conpunctum's arm sadly, like a scared little filly. She yet continued to weep, just so unbearably sad. "Do not cry, Little One," He buzzed. "I know. I wish it were not like this either. I wish that, just for once, I could be with you. I wish I had not been so arrogant, so long ago, and left my family, for these dusty old books. I wish I had stayed, so that I might have had the chance to... Hold, my beloved little daughters..." He weakly lifted up his old head, and kissed Luna on the cheek.

"Luna, remember... I love you. I have always loved you. You know that, don't you?"
"Yes, Daddy..." Luna was still weeping, a racking cough beginning to go through her as she choked on her tears.
"Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving you before you were born, Luna?" She nodded, weakly.
I realized only now how truly sad she was. And I have to say, I couldn't blame her.

Luna looked so very weak, and innocent in this moment. Suddenly, I couldn't believe my eyes. She was suddenly so much smaller, no larger than a filly. Her mane was the lightest I had ever seen it. Her tears flowed as freely as bitchiness from an angry Regidar.

"Good," Conpunctum whispered. He looked over at me. "You." I looked right at him. "You seem unique, son. Come closer." I nodded, and obeyed. He examined me a bit, looking closely at every aspect of my body, then nodded. "Yes, you will do." He whispered. "You will inherit my knowledge." Suddenly, his horn began glowing, and I felt a great surge of energy go through my body. Suddenly, I saw all manner of things. I knew not what they were, then I did. They flew through my mind at a million miles an hour. Suddenly, we were out of the alternate reality, and Luna was screaming my name.

"General! We have to get out of here!" I snapped out of my trance, and realized she was right; The entire Tower was coming down. There was no way we could get out of there in time by just running, and I saw no openings in the structure. So, I wrapped a single arm around Luna. My horn glowed once, and I cast one last spell.

And suddenly, everything was Dark.

Author's Note

On that part about Regidar, I was just using past experience. If you read this, I'm sorry, Regidar. I just used that as a joke. Meant nothing by it.