Equestria Noir Case 16 "Among Alicorns"

by Jacoboby1

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Other, Romance, Princess Luna, Original Character, Tragedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia
Length: 27339

A murder mystery taking place during an Alicorn Royal Summit

Private and Twilight are called to help out with a summit meeting between Princess Celestia and the monarchs of three other kingdoms. During the preparations a mysterious alicorn named Voidera returns after being sealed away for fifteen hundred years. Who is he? What does he want with Celestia? Why is it that the Prince of the Fire Kingdom has been found dead in his own room? Apparently killed by the very magic that Voidera wields?

Published 2012-12-10 20:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-21 19:36:18 UTC

Chapter 2 "Red Eyed Beast"

Chapter 2

“Red Eyed Beast”

Perspective: Private Eye

I awoke to the sight of a red column of light piercing the night sky outside my window. I was sleeping in one of the guest quarters provided for me. I watched as the red column shot into the sky. It was coming from the Everfree Forest. Something was up.

I heard hoof steps outside and slipped my gear on. Slapping my hat on my head, I walked outside and saw a group of Lunar Stallions preparing to leave. Shining Armor was there clad in full battle gear.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Celestia has ordered the night guard to check out the light,” Shining explained. “Hopefully this is just some freak accident or something.”

“I'll come with you,” I volunteered. “You may need me.”

“That’s kind of you, Private,” Shining said firmly, “but it’s the duty of the royal guard to protect the ponies of Equestria. Just stay here for Twili, okay?”

He wasn’t going to back down no matter what I said, so I just nodded, “All right, but if I see anything else suspicious, I’m coming to check it out.”

“Hopefully it won’t come to that,” Shining said, joining the other guards.

I looked out a window towards where the light came from. I know for a fact this magic felt familiar somehow. I’ve felt it before.

The question is, just what kind of sign is it?

________________________________________________________

I was walking the halls of the Night Court. It was practically deserted, even more then usual. All of the Lunar guards were in other parts of the castle, on patrol, or were checking out the light. I knew the little monsters that were the Lunar Stallion recruits wouldn’t attack me a second time, but I had my magic on Blackbird, just in case.

“Get outta here!”

I heard a voice shout and saw Prince Ember being shoved down the stairs leading up to Luna’s tower. The Lunar Stallions were shoving him rather unceremoniously. I don’t think they realized who they were pushing.

“Wait please! I only wanted to apologize!” Prince Ember protested.

“Yeah right!” one of them said. “We saw you peeking in on the Princess.

“Yeah!” another said. “Princess Luna said she doesn’t want to be bothered by nosy princes!”

“But I,” Prince Ember said before being shoved down the stairs one last time by the Lunar Stallions. He fell at my hooves and looked up at me with a sheepish smile. “You were not jesting about them”

I looked up at the Lunar Stallions who stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of me. They remembered me from Nightmare Night when they captured me for trying to speak with Luna. Fortunately, I caught Prince Ember before they offered him up as an offering to their mistress.

I crossed my forelegs in disapproval, “You didn’t have to shove him down the stairs like that.”

Some tried to protest but I kept my parent glare on them, “Luna would be very disappointed if she heard her Lunar Stallions treated somepony like this. You should’ve escorted the Prince back to his room with a warning.”

“But!” one tried to speak up.

“No buts,” I scolded. “Now, you all apologize to Prince Ember for your behavior.” Several of them were ready to protest, but then I said, “Otherwise I will tell Princess Luna just how naughty her stallions have been.”

All twenty four of them drooped their ears and said at once, “We’re sorry.”

“It’s quite all right,” Prince Ember reassured. “I will return to my room now”

The Lunar Stallions went off in various directions. Prince Ember looked at me in admiration, “The way you handled them was quite a sight to behold, Detective.”

I bowed my head and spoke simply, “I have a brother their age. I know how to handle ten year olds.”

“They were all ten?” Prince Ember’s asked, his jaw dropped in shock.

“Yeah, what they lack in years they make up for it in loyalty.”

“I should return to my room then,” Ember walked past me. “Father will not want-“

“Ember?” I heard a voice call.

“Oh no...” Prince Ember’s ears flattened when King Onyx himself entered the hallway. He looked down at his son disapprovingly. I noticed he was flanked by two armored unicorn mares. They wore the same black necklaces the herald did.

“I wake up in the middle of the night and find you trying to sneak into Princess Luna’s room?” He shook his red head. “I expected better of you.”

“Excuse me, Your Highness,” I spoke up. “Prince Ember was just going back to his room, I was to escort him.”

“I admire your attempt to lift blame off my son,” Onyx said, his yellow eyes boring into my face, “but subjects shouldn’t be so bold to speak unless spoken to.”

Touchy…

Prince Ember bowed his head “Do not blame him Father, I am to blame for my own actions”

“Will you excuse us?” Onyx said, his armored guards walking to stand side by side with me. “My Vulkyria will see you back to your quarters.”

“That won’t be necessary, Your Highness,” I said. “I can find my own way back.” I walked away leaving the two armored mares behind. They didn’t budge an inch when I moved, as if they were robots or something.

I rounded the corner and planted myself against the wall. Something else was going on here. I heard Onyx speak first, “Not only do you fail to win Luna’s heart, but you fraternize with commoners, Ember?”

“Forgive me, father,” Ember said apologetically. “Private was just helping me against those Lunar Stallions.”

“You know how I feel about you associating with commoners,” Onyx said coldly. “I’m starting to believe maybe you can’t handle yourself”

“Please Father!” Ember begged “I know what you speak of! Please! I beg of you to reconsider!”

“Your Highness,” I heard a female voice say. “The grey one has not left the area, we sense him.”

Uh oh!

I heard armored hooves coming towards my corner. This wasn’t good! I wished I was anywhere but there right then.

My horn flashed, not its normal grey, but a bright violet. I was suddenly zapped out of the hallway just before the guards could see me.

______________________________________________________

When I came to I found myself in the forelegs of a sleeping Twilight. We were lying on a soft bed together. Her forelegs were wrapped tightly around me as she breathed rhythmically. Did she teleport me here in her sleep? Well, I’m grateful for that, thank you.

She drowsily held me and rubbed her muzzle in my chest, “Preventus, there you are, I’ve been waiting for you.”

I blushed brightly at being in this situation with Twilight, but how did she teleport me here? Was she dreaming about me?

She kissed me softly on the cheek, and murmured, “Stay with me Private, don’t ever leave”

Did she realize that she was holding a real stallion in her bed? I should probably speak up, “Um, Twilight?”

Her violet eyes slowly opened. Then they shot open wide when she saw the position we were in. She leaped out of the embrace, falling off the bed. She pointed at me accusingly, “Private! What are you doing here?”

“You teleported me here!” I exclaimed defensively. “Please Twilight, you gotta believe me!”

Twilight was about to protest, then a faint blush came to her cheeks “Oh, Private, I…”

“Were you dreaming about me?” I asked teasingly.

She nodded, blushing deeper, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I could teleport others in my sleep like that.”

I got off the bed and smiled at her gratefully. “Twilight, thanks for doing so. You really saved my flank with King Onyx.”

She got up and smiled at me, and then she saw the look in my eyes “Private, what’s wrong?”

“The last time I was in a bed with you…” I said awkwardly. She didn’t need to hear the rest to understand.

She walked to me, kissed me on the lips, and looked at me with those beautiful eyes of hers “Private, you’re not under the control of the miasma any more: I’m happy that you’re here with me.”

“Really?” I asked.

“Very,” she nodded firmly, then glanced sideways nervously, “Private, shall we um, just stay together tonight?”

“Sure,” I said, with a smile. I took her hoof and we both walked to the bed, lying down together. Twilight snuggled against me, and I nuzzled her gently.

“Private?” she said, her muzzle buried in my chest.

“What Twilight?” I asked, still nuzzling her head.

“We’ve been dating for a while now,” she pointed out, “and I’ve been thinking…”

This can’t be good, she'd said the phrase! For all you stallions out there, allow me to explain. Whenever a mare says the phrase, “I’ve been thinking,” that’s the time to start worrying. Odds are, whatever comes next cannot be good.

“Thinking what exactly?” I asked, trying not to sound nervous.

“Well, my parents have been asking to meet you,” Twilight replied, with a small smile.

I rest my case.

It’s not that I didn’t want to meet her parents. Twilight and Shining turned out good, how bad could their parents be? Unfortunately, it didn’t make me any less nervous about the prospect.

I was about to give my answer when a column of light shone again. I looked out the window and saw the same red light, from the same spot. I looked over at Twilight, “Shining went there.”

Twilight hopped off the bed and opened the door, “Let’s hurry then, something could’ve happened to him!”

I nodded and we both ran outside.

_____________________________________________________

We managed to borrow a sky chariot from the leftover guards. They were hesitant to allow Twilight leave the palace so late at night. After we explained the situation however, they were happy to give us a lift.

The chariot landed in a small clearing near where I saw the light. I got out and drew Blackbird from inside my trench coat. Twilight followed me, her horn lighting the path ahead. I held up Blackbird in front of me and asked, “Twilight, do you sense anything?”

“Call me crazy,” Twilight replied, looked over at me, “but I think I can sense that same weird magic, only it’s much stronger here”

I closed my eyes, and I saw the red eyes again. This time they almost looked sad though.

“Shining!” Twilight cried, running past me and breaking me out of my trance.

Looking ahead I saw all twelve of the lunar guards that accompanied Shining were unconscious on the ground. I examined one, it looked like he was hit by an aesthetic spell of some sort. The other guards were asleep as well, but they were unharmed.

Twilight ran to find Shining; the alabaster unicorn was covering his side with his hoof. He pushed himself against a tree, his face contorted in pain. His sister ran to his side, asking frantically, “Shining, what happened?”

“Here to save my flank again huh, Twili?” Shining said attempting to smile but grimacing in pain.

“Do you have to joke around when you’re obviously hurt?” Twilight asked worriedly.

I walked to Shining and removed his hoof. Part of his armor was literally burned off, like it was hit by acid or something. The wound was cauterized from whatever burned him but it could get infected. I reached into my pocket and pulled out some medicine for burn cream. Luckily, I kept several kinds of medicines inside my trench coat just in case of emergencies like this.

“Twilight, help me get his armor off,” I commanded

She nodded and we unbuckled Shining’s armor with our magic. I was worried that the metal would infect the wound. The captain winced at the pain but kept on a brave face for Twilight. After removing the armor I applied some medicine to Shining’s burn wound and asked him, “What caused this?”

“We were attacked,” Shining explained, while Twilight held his hoof. “We came around here then we saw this…beast”

“A beast?” Twilight asked nervously.

“When he saw us he tried asking us where Princess Celestia is,” Shining grunted, as I applied more stinging medicine to the burn. “When we wouldn’t tell him, he put all the men to sleep. I managed to power through the spell, however. He shot me with some kind of magic before running into the woods.”

“Whoever did this is going to get a magic blast of his own for hurting you!” Twilight said angrily.

“I’m fine, Twili,” Shining smiled, attempting to reassure her. “I’ve been through worse.”

“Really it isn’t too bad,” I explained, as I wrapped a sterile bandage over the wound. “You’ll probably recover within the week, but your hair might take a while to grow back where the burn was.”

“Eh,” Shining smiled. “Cadence thinks battle scars are sexy, anyway.”

Twilight rolled her eyes but then looked at the other soldiers, “Why would he put the guards to sleep but attack my brother?”

“He missed,” Shining explained. “He got all the others but I managed to dodge the spell in time.”

I walked around the sleeping guards, but then I came across an odd rock. I levitated it to my eyes analyzing it. It was black, and smelled like brimstone. It reminded me of some of the volcanic rocks that Dad would bring back home, whenever my parents vacationed to the private island dad used to own. Dad ended up selling it to pay for their wedding.

I looked back at Shining, “Can you describe the creature at all?”

“He looked like an Alicorn,” Shining said, shifting to find a more comfortable position against the tree, “only he was different. He had wings like a dragon, and his eyes were blood red”

Red eyes, dragon wings? Could it be him?

“Where did he go off to after he attacked you?” I asked.

“He just disappeared,” Shining explained “I didn’t see where he went. He said something about finding Celestia.”

“We can’t let that thing get to Celestia!” Twilight cried, zealously.

“We’d better get back to Canterlot Castle and warn her,” I said, turning to head back to the sky chariot.

That was when I saw him, I heard the rush of wind and looked up, a large Alicorn shaped form was outlined against Luna’s moon. Large dragon like wings flapped in the wind as he flew. He was heading straight back towards Canterlot Castle.

“He was using Shining Armor as bait,” I deduced. “He wanted somepony to find him so that we’d spill the beans on where Celestia is.”

“Go on then!” Shining ordered “I’ll be fine.”

Twilight looked at her brother, “We’ll send help once we stop that thing from getting to Celestia.”

“Be careful, Twili.” Shining said, putting a hoof on his sister’s shoulder.

“I will BBBFF,” she smiled, as we both ran to the sky chariot to follow the mysterious being. He was a good few yards ahead of us as he flew towards the castle. Damn it, that’ll teach me to run my mouth, I guess.

_____________________________________________________

Perspective: Celestia

I walked the gardens under the light of my sister’s moon. Sleep had evaded me on this night. My mind was haunted by dreams of centuries ago. No matter how many years I spent trying to forget all that happened it seems one tiny push can send me right back. I guess that comes with immortality, you have much more time to think about the mistakes you made.

Scree!

I looked up as Philomena circled above me, her fire illuminating the garden somewhat. I smiled and lifted my foreleg for her to rest on it. “Hello there, Philomena, shouldn’t you be asleep by now,” I scolded, gently.

Her chirp of protest reminded me of my hypocrisy.

“I guess you’re right,” I laughed a little. “I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

She tilted her head, her eyes telling me everything.

I sighed, “Look, I know you’re worried about me, but I’m fine really.”

Philomena gave a chorus to the contrary.

“You’re right,” I smiled at my pet. “I miss him too.”

She walked up my arm and nuzzled me affectionately, I nuzzled my faithful pet back, “I’ll be fine, Philomena. This isn’t fifteen hundred years ago when I needed you to go to sleep at night.”

She gave laughter like screeches at the memory, and then flew off my arm and began to sing that old tune.

I shook my head, “Philomena, I haven’t sung that in years.”

She gave me a pleading look; I guess she was feeling nostalgic as well.

I sighed and gave in, “All right, but if you tell Luna about this, I’ll pluck out all your feathers and turn them into a feather duster.”

She just chirped and kept singing that old melody.

I rolled my eyes and sang along

I know you

I’ve walked with you once, upon a dream

I know you, the gleam in your eyes

Is so familiar a gleam

And I know it’s true,

That visions are seldom all they seem…

Did the bushes rustle just now?

Must be one of the critters again, they never could get along with ponies around them. Perhaps I should’ve informed Fluttershy of that before she arrived.

I just closed my eyes and went back to singing:

But if I know you,

I know what you’ll do,

You’ll love me at once

The way you did once,

Upon a dream…

I just sang along to myself for a few minutes, just getting lost in memories of a time long gone. So engrossed was I in my singing I didn’t notice that Philomena had stopped for some reason.

I just kept on singing, not wanting this moment to end.

But if I know you,

I know what you’ll do!

You’ll love me at once!

Just then, I heard a deep bass sing the last line.

The way you did once, upon a dream…

I slowly turned, behind me, smiling at me, was him…

He was my height, maybe a few inches taller. His coat was black as a moonless night and his mane was snowy white. It was long and shaggy; he never would listen to me when I said he needed a mane cut. His large leathery wings were tucked at his side. His forelegs were adorned with white shoes resembling my own. His eyes though, were bright red and slitted like a dragon’s. He took a tentative step towards me.

“Tia, it’s me,” he said, his voice the deep bass tone I remembered. It was gentle and soothing, in my youth I'd loved listening to it.

This, no, no…

“Tia?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

My horn glowed gold and I fired a blast of magic at him. He took the brunt of the blast with a shield spell but he still flew back several feet. He looked up at me and a small smirk came to his face, “I guess I deserve that after getting myself sealed up for fifteen hundred years”

He was even imitating his scoundrel tone?

This impostor had no shame!

My horn glowed as my anger rose, “I don’t know who you are. I don’t know who you work for, but if you think you can imitate Voidera like this, you have made a grave mistake.”

His red eyes blinked and then he shook his head “I am no impostor, Tia! It’s me! Voidera!”

I advanced on him, my horn still aglow, “Prove it then.”

“Um,” he thought for a moment and then pointed at me, “You have an unhealthy lust for cake!”

“Gabby Gums already beat you to that rumor,” I fired at him. I shot another bolt of magic at him. This one hit him in the chest and he fell onto his back. I glared down at him.

He tried again, “You used to sleep with a stuffed seal named Mcfluffy!”

I’ve only told Luna and…

No, it can’t be him!

“Luna could’ve let that slip one night,” I retorted. “If you wish to continue with this charade know that my guards are more than happy to take assassins to the dungeon.”

“I’m no assassin!” This stallion spoke frantically. “What will convince you I am Voidera?”

“Say what you said the night before we agreed to go save Luna!” I demanded. Only the real Voidera would know what he said. It was only the two of us back then. This would prove him truly a cruel impostor.

Then, he closed his eyes and said in the ancient Alicorn language, “Reliqua mea custodiat et non es princeps, sed amice.”

My violet eyes grew wide, “I will guard you the rest of my days, not because you are a princess, but because…”

He finished the last bit, “but because you are my friend.”

Voidera!

It is you…

_____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

We landed at the castle gates and hopped out of the carriage. I looked at the guards pulling the sky carriage, “I’ll give you two a recommendation for a promotion once all of this is done.”

They nodded in approval while Twilight and I ran into the castle. I yelled at a nearby guard, “Where’s Princess Celestia?”

“She went out to the gardens,” the guard explained. “Did something happen?”

“Somepony may be trying to hurt her,” Twilight said urgently. “Gather the other guards in case we need them!”

The guard nodded and flew off to warn the other guards. Twilight led the way into the gardens. Her violet eyes were looking around frantically, “How could the guards have missed a giant Alicorn?”

“He might’ve teleported” I pointed out. “We did lose him in the clouds back there.”

“Where could she be?” Twilight asked worriedly, looking at the various trees for some sign of Celestia.

I looked at a nearby bird bath. I noticed some interesting marks on one of the jewels on it. “Twilight, somepony tried to take a bite out of this.”

Twilight looked over at the bird bath; sure enough teeth marks were present on one of the sapphires adorning it. She shook her head, “Spike should know better than to eat so late at night.”

“I don’t think Spike made these,” I said warily. “These marks are too big.”

“Private, look!” She cried, pointing at hoof prints on the ground. “We got our midnight snacker!”

I nodded, Twilight’s tracking spell illuminated the way through the garden. Twice it cut into the bushes, sometimes leaving the ground entirely; this pony was trying to hide somehow. This could be our Alicorn trying to be stealthy?

I ran into Twilight’s flank when she stopped suddenly, “Twilight what-“

Her eyes were wide as dinner plates and her mouth was gaping open. I followed those eyes and my own grey eyes grew huge at what I saw.

We found our Alicorn all right.

He was lying on his back,

Celestia atop him.

They were kissing…

Chapter 4 "Thor"

Chapter 4 "Thor"

Chapter 4

“Thor”

Everypony in the room was whispering amongst themselves. Many were considering the possibility of Voidera being there. Some even went so far as to openly start yelling at Voidera about his apparent theft of Ember's soul fire. I was worried we were going to have a riot on our hooves. I started having flashbacks to the riot that Trixie got caught up in. I didn’t want a repeat performance.

“Everypony calm down!” I heard an authoritative voice shout.

Everypony turned to as Celestia walked in, and the crowd parted to let her through to Voidera and Onyx. Onyx bowed his head in respect; Voidera simply continued to glare at Onyx. There was something fishy going on here.

“I have heard your accusations, Onyx” Celestia spoke firmly. “I believe them to be premature at best, and unfounded at worst.”

Twilight who was standing beside her mentor gave me a look. She wanted to stand by Celestia but she wasn’t sure.

Onyx pointed with his hoof at Voidera, “This beast of yours has stolen my son’s soul fire!”

“I have done no such thing!” Voidera growled. “You speak foolishly, Onyx!”

“I am not the foalish one,” Onyx declared. “Your kind was always liars and murderers!”

“You dare slander my people,” Voidera snarled, almost like an angry dragon, his eyes flashing again.

“Enough!” Celestia spread her wings to get both stallions’ attention. “This is my castle, and I will handle the situation without violence or petty threats.” She then gestured to me and ordered, “Private Eye, step forward.”

Spike and Twilight looked at me warily. I kept my expression neutral as I stepped forward and bowed low before Celestia. “I am here to serve, my Princess.”

“I’m placing you in charge of this investigation,” Celestia declared with authority.

“You’re placing a common unicorn in charge of solving the murder of a prince?” Onyx shouted, pointing at me. “He is hardly a stallion; I should have my own men investigate.”

“Hold your tongue, Onyx,” Voidera spoke. “Do you know who this stallion is?”

Onyx stranded down at me. I couldn’t ignore the glare he was giving me, but I kept my head bowed. It wasn’t my place to speak out.

Voidera spoke loudly, “Celestia spoke to me last night of this stallion. You are in the presence of the Element of Tenacity, Detective Preventus Phelps Eye. He has gazed into the eyes of both Nightmare Moon and Discord and came out strong. More importantly, he is a former police officer and a damn fine private detective.”

Several ponies in the room whispered about me to their fellow dignitaries. I guessed my reputation preceded me.

Voidera bowed his head to Celestia and said, “Forgive my boldness, Celestia, I simply wished to clear the air.”

“You spoke well, Voidera,” Celestia said approvingly. Turning her gaze to me she asked, “Do you accept the task of finding out who stole Prince Ember’s soul fire?”

“As a servant to you, Your Highness,” I looked up and met her gaze “and as a friend of Prince Ember, I humbly accept this task. I will complete it to the best of my ability. Though I do have one request.”

“What might that be?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I request that royals not be exempt from questioning,” I said firmly. “Everypony is a potential suspect or witness. I wish to be able to perform my job unhindered.”

Some of the gathered crowd whispered at the boldness of my claim. Onyx glared at me angrily. He really didn’t like ponies speaking out of turn. Celestia however simply smiled and nodded, “Whatever you require to complete your task will be given to you. I will also be available to answer any questions you may have.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” I said, bowing low. “I will find Ember’s murderer.”

“Very well,” Celestia replied, turning, “until this matter is resolved nopony is allowed to leave the castle. If you see anypony suspicious, let the guards know.” She began walking away, the solar guards flanking her, and added over her shoulder, “Also, if anypony hinders Private in his task, they will answer to me.” The way she tossed it in there was casual, but her tone was deadly serious.

Was that a look of pride on her face when she left?

As the other servants dispersed, Voidera himself remained behind. Twilight whispered to me with a worried expression, “Private, are you sure it’s not Voidera?”

“Something in my gut is telling me he wouldn’t do this,” I explained. “Twilight, I need you to ask around amongst the servants. Also, see if you can set up meetings with the different royals. I want to see if any of them would stand to gain from Ember's death.”

“Ember is not technically dead,” Voidera said, suddenly appearing next to Twilight. My marefriend nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise. She leapt into the air and I caught her in my forelegs. Voidera looked apologetic as he addressed Twilight, “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

I set Twilight down and she looked at Voidera, appraisingly. “Look, I want to believe you had nothing to do with this, but only because Princess Celestia trusts you. I still have not forgotten what you did to Shining,” she stated bluntly.

Voidera smirked a little. “Truly a daughter of Izanami.”

“I’m sorry?” Twilight asked, with a raised eyebrow.

“Your ancestor,” Voidera replied. “She too was always as loyal to Celestia as you are. I can assure you; I had nothing to do with the theft.”

“Then where were you last night?” Spike asked.

“Well,” Voidera’s red eye looked off in another direction as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Tia and I, went back to her room and," he paused, looking for a way to word it delicately, "got reacquainted with one another…”

“What!” Twilight’s jaw dropped. “You mean you guys-“

“What are they talking about?” Spike asked curiously.

“I’ll tell you when you’re older,” I said quickly.

Twilight blubbered something nonsensical and almost fell over, but I caught her in my magic. It was almost as if she'd walked in to discover her parents having sex. She righted herself and let out a breath. “Sorry, I’ll just leave before this gets stranger.”

Twilight left and Voidera chuckled, “Izanami reacted the same way.”

I looked down at Spike and handed him the rock I found earlier. “Would you mind analyzing this for me?” I asked the baby dragon.

As Spike examined the black stone, familiarity entered his green eyes, “This is brimstone, but where’d you get a volcanic rock?”

“I found it in the Everfree forest,” I explained.

“We don’t live anywhere near a volcano” Spike mused, crossing his arms in thought. “I wonder what it's doing here.”

“I want you to find out where it could’ve come from,” I said firmly.

The baby dragon walked off with the rock in his claws. Then I turned to Voidera and looked into his red eyes. Speaking firmly I said, “You and I have met before all of this.”

“Indeed,” Voidera replied, his expression neutral, “you were having trouble seeing the truth, but you managed to overcome it all and discover your destiny.”

“You gave me Tenacity,” I pointed out. “I have to ask, if you were sealed for fifteen hundred years, how could you have been there?”

“My body was sealed,” Voidera explained. “But my mind was still free. I felt your presence on Nightmare Night, when you came to the castle ruins.”

“I heard you,” I said. I remembered the deep bass voice I'd heard upon entering the ruins, when I tried to save Luna from Nightwind. It was Voidera's voice. “I think I deserve an answer, who or what are you?”

“To answer the what first,” Voidera replied, “I am not an Alicorn, as you can see.”

“Are you some sort of demon king?”

“No.”

“Vampony?”

“Nope.”

“Werepony?”

“Not even close.”

“Vampony/Werepony hybrid”

“Absolutely not.”

“A super unstoppable being with the power of all seventeen elements of awesomeness that can destroy all life as we know it?”

“Where do you get these ideas?” Voidera asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I read a lot,” I said, shrugging sheepishly. “So, if you aren’t any of those things, what are you?”

He spread his large dragon wings wide and said, “I am what is known as a Dracorn. My father was a dragon and my mother was an Alicorn.”

I guess I could tell Rarity what the result of a relationship with Spike might yield. I decided to move on and asked, “How do you know Celestia?”

He closed his red eyes and smiled a blissful smile. I could tell he was reliving good memories. “She was my first friend. When I was young I was locked away in a tower because of my abilities. Circumstances came around allowing me to leave the tower in the company of Celestia. Granted, we didn’t leave because we wanted to. I could go on, but it is a terribly long story. Let’s just say that Tia and I are mates, in all but ceremony.”

“You mean you guys aren't officially married yet?” I asked.

“Correct,” he said, with a nod. “Ages ago, I did earn the honor of her accepting my proposal, though I still wonder if I deserve it. Tia and I never got around to officially conducting the ceremony before the cataclysm that sundered your world, changing it forever.”

“So, you were with Princess Celestia all night last night?” I asked.

“Yes,” he answered, smiling smugly. “You can ask Celestia herself, I didn’t leave her all night, she wouldn’t let me.” He said that last bit with a sly smirk.

I was glad Twilight wasn't there to witness that. I decided to move on, asking, “If you didn’t steal Prince Ember's soul fire, how come that dignitary said he saw you?”

“I am curious about that as well,” Voidera’s said slowly, eyes narrowed in thought. “I never left Celestia’s side, so perhaps he is lying. The question is what would he stand to gain by blaming me?”

I thought a moment, something about this whole set up seemed way too convenient. Then another thought struck me, causing me to ask, “What did you mean when you said that Prince Ember isn’t truly dead?”

“Allow me to elaborate,” Voidera said, shifting into lecture tone. “Fire Ponies, like Onyx and Prince Ember, do not have normal physical bodies. They are instead spirits of flame. Each one has a flame within them that always burns, dubbed the soul fire. If the soul fire has been removed it can be moved somewhere else. Whether it be to something flammable or any sort of magical container.”

“So that body in his room?” I asked, pointing to Ember’s room warily.

“It's merely a shell for the flame to inhabit. Since he is young, his flame is small, and his body also. Once we find the soul fire, we need only put it back inside his body, and he’ll be revived.”

“The only problem is that flame could be anywhere,” I concluded. “We have to find more clues as to where it went.”

“Then I shall aid you in your venture,” Voidera said firmly.

“All right,” I agreed, “but know that not everypony trusts you. Onyx did accuse you in front of all those ponies.”

Voidera walked ahead, his red eyes betraying little and replied simply, “Nothing that I am not already used to.”

________________________________________________________

“Dude!” the tattooed Pegasus before me said. “The great and awesome Thor will gladly see you, but I wish to warn you that your mare here may succumb to absolute awestruckness!”

“That’s not a real word!” I complained. I'd spent the past ten minutes trying to get in to see King Thor, which means I had to deal with his guards. The pegasi before me were twice my size, in pure muscle alone. Judging by our conversation, I'd say they were all brawn and no brains.

Twilight, who was standing beside me, rolled her eyes and said, exasperated, “Look, will you let us in or not?”

“I would be honored most awesome of mares,” the Pegasus said. “I am merely warning you of what to expect.”

Twilight and Voidera flanked me as we entered the guest chamber. There, lounging on a cloud, was Thor himself. His large wings covering himself like a blanket. Noticing he had company, he roused and stretched. Then he saw Voidera and gave a hearty laugh. “I heard rumors about a certain dragon boy being back!” He flew down, the ground shaking when he landed. He slapped Voidera on the back, causing the Dracorn to stumble.

“It is good to see you again as well, Thor,” Voidera said with a big grin. “I see you’re doing well for yourself.”

The Alicorn laughed again, “So what can I do for you, my friend? Can I interest you in some proper Cloud Kingdom Mead?”

“Actually,” Voidera said, as he pointed to me, “he wishes to speak to you.”

Thor looked down, meeting my grey eyes with his electric blue eyes. He then lifted me up by one of my legs with his magic “He's an awfully skinny lad, not exactly what I had in mind when I heard he was Tenacity’s bearer.”

“Sorry, Your Highness” I said, hanging by my leg. “We can’t all be strong warriors like you.”

He laughed, dropping me, and said, “A sharp tongue more than makes up for dull muscles.”

Twilight smiled and whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, you’re still a brave warrior in my book.”

I grinned rather stupidly at the compliment, but then I shook my head getting back to business. “Thor, I’d like to ask you some questions.”

“Then I shall answer them,” he said, as sat on his rump, causing the room to shake a little. I don’t think this guy understood his own strength. Keep this up and Canterlot might fall off its mountain side from all of the minor earthquakes that he created.

I pulled out my notebook and began the questioning, “Where were you last night?”

“I was asleep here,” Thor replied, gesturing to his room. I noticed most of the furniture was made out of clouds. “I enjoyed some fine mead with my men, and I went to bed.”

“So you just partied with your men then?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Unfortunately, the guards didn’t appreciate having half of their chairs destroyed during the wrestling match. My people are a hardy bunch; we may have caused a slight bit of mayhem in the barracks.”

Twilight was writing notes of her own, probably trying to total costs for the repairs.

I went on, “What happened after that?”

“I was on my way to my room when I heard an argument coming from Oberon and Titania’s room,” he said, shaking his head. “I try not to get involved in their affairs. They're usually not pretty.”

I remembered Oberon talking to Onyx about some sort of plan. Maybe this has something to do with it? “What were they arguing about?” I asked.

“They argue about everything,” Thor complained. “They used to be so much in love but now one tiny thing can set them both off. I was smart enough not to get involved in their affairs. The last time somepony got involved in their argument it got so bad somepony wrote a play about it.”

I guessed Shakespony got quite a bit of his inspiration from those two, “Can you describe what they were arguing about this time?”

“Something about a plan that Oberon was getting caught up in,” Thor explained, trying to recall. “I don’t remember many details but I did hear Onyx’s name mentioned. I got away as quickly as possible to avoid getting caught up in the argument.”

“Thanks, Thor,” I said, as I finished writing down his testimony. “You’ve been a big help.”

“Come by the Cloud Kingdom some time,” Thor said with a big grin. “I’ll get some muscles on those legs yet.”

I looked over at Twilight who was eyeing thoughtfully; I could tell she was imagining me as a buff warrior. I gave her a small smile, causing her to blush at being caught. I laughed and looked at Thor, “I might take you up on that offer one day, but right now I have a case to complete.”

Thor just shrugged and flew back up to the cloud that was floating just below the ceiling. He seemed like a powerful ally to have. All we have to do is keep him away from tables and mead for a while.

The more I see Alicorns like this, the less like gods they seem. They just seem like regular ponies, with god like powers...

______________________________________________________

“Titania probably knows what’s going on,” I said to my companions, as the three of us walked the halls together.

“Titania is a deer,” Twilight explained, “she’s not going to open up easily.”

“I've heard they are a rather reclusive race,” I mused, aloud.

“Titania is also loyal to Oberon,” Voidera added. “She will not speak to just anypony about such personal matters.”

“There’s got to be some way,” Twilight said thoughtfully.

“I can think of one way,” Voidera said, with a small frown.

“Well, what is it?” I asked the Dracorn.

“You're not going to like it…”

Chapter 5 "Tales"

Chapter 5

“Tales”

“This has gotta be the stupidest plan I’ve ever heard!”

“It’s the only way we’re going to get information out of her.”

“Why can’t you do it?”

“She likes grey ones.”

“Your plan is completely asinine, no offense."

“None taken.”

_______________________________________________________________

I entered Titania’s room, noticeably separate from Oberon’s, and gazed in awe. Nature had almost completely taken over the place. Moss and vines covered the walls and grass covered the floor. I’m guessing this was made so that each guest would be comfortable in the castle. This grove almost reminded me of Fluttershy’s cottage.

I looked at Titania as she rested in a bed of flowers. She looked almost ethereal in slumber. If I was going to get information out of her however, I’m gonna have to wake her from this late autumn dream.

I walked to her and spoke in a quiet but firm voice “Your Highness?”

She blinked open a mother of pearl colored eye. When she gazed upon me I started to feel uneasy. “Fair donkey” she said in a soft, melodic voice. “Why do you awaken me?”

That’s right; Voidera’s brilliant plan was to turn me into a donkey. The process was rather painful and my tail kept hitting my legs. I usually have a cropped tail to keep it out of the way during cases. It was only with great restraint I was able to resist the urge to kick at something constantly touching me. I couldn't wait to get back to my normal self.

I put on my most charming smile and said in a deep voice, “Forgive my intrusion, I simply wished to speak with you.”

“Oh?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, “Perhaps we should do more than simply speak,” she said, running her tail along my flank seductively.

I flattened my long ears, pretending to be bashful. “I am but a humble donkey, M'lady,” I said, staring at my hooves.

“I find your race rather charming,” she confessed, circling me slowly. “I come from a land of beauty and perfection. ’Tis imperfection that fascinates me.”

“Imperfection?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied, lowering her head to meet my eyes. “Where I'm from beauty is everywhere. Flowers, trees, and critters abound, but your kind has always been so strange. I find that endearing.”

There was that look again, time to play the responsible one “Does your husband know of this?” I asked.

“What Oberon doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” she snapped. “That stubborn fool constantly goes behind my back. Now I’m going behind his,” she cooed, tilting my chin up with her hoof.

“Oh, so scandalous M'lady,” I said, narrowing my eyes playfully.

“Quite, my dear donkey, I'm a very naughty Alicorn” she whispered, her face moving closer to mine.

“Oberon is a fool for going behind you back,” I said. Maintaining my level of charm was difficult. For some reason I was having trouble thinking, and the room was starting to feel quite warm.

“Indeed,” she replied, smiling at me. “Why just last night he thought he could sneak away in the middle of the night. He thinks I don’t notice when he gets up, but I’m smarter than he gives me credit for. He is the foalish one,” she continued, shaking her head as though amused by the antics of a small foal.

I’m getting closer, Oberon left last night. That lines up with Thor’s story of there being an argument. The question was, where did he go after that? Now I just had to get her to tell me.

“M'lady, so fair and wise,” I said, as I turned up the charm to ridiculous levels, “obviously deserves a stallion that won't sneak around on you.”

She sighed, her mother of pearl eyes gazing at me longingly. “You are as wise as you are beautiful, my fair donkey.”

Wait, my tail wasn't brushing my legs anymore. The spell was wearing off! I had to get the info fast.

“Out of curiosity,” I said as quickly as I could, while maintaining my charm, “where could your husband have to go in the middle of the night? I can't imagine anything more important than being in bed with you.” I threw her my brightest smile.

“After refusing to tell me where he went, he then sought to bring fire here!" Titania fumed. "That imbecile thought to use fire in our nature covered sanctuary! I ordered him to discard the thing down the garbage shoot.”

I looked over to where she was pointing, there was a small shoot designed to send the garbage below the castle. If Oberon came back with Ember’s soul fire, then it probably ended up down in the caverns. Twilight told me how she almost got trapped down there with Cadence at her brother's wedding. If there was any place to hide a soul fire, it would be there.

Oberon probably moved it after dropping it down there. Now I just needed to get out of here. “You’re obviously upset right now,” I said, turning towards the door. “I should get going.”

“Wait!” I felt magic tug on my now regular length tail. “Your tail, it’s not like a donkey’s,” Titania said suspiciously.

Crap! She’s going to see through my disguise! Think fast Private. “Um” I said, as she walked closer to me. “M'lady, you are obviously very tired!”

She tilted her head and asked, “I’m sorry?”

“I am clearly a donkey, and you seem to believe I am not,” I said with concern. “Perhaps you should rest before you start seeing me as a pony.”

“You're right” she relented, with a big yawn. “I was up late arguing with my husband.” She walked back to her bed of flowers. “Perhaps you would like to join me?” she said seductively, with a wink. I felt like Twilight was glaring at me from some far off distance.

I smiled. “Perhaps we will meet again someday” I said, backing out of the room. I closed the door behind me just as my body turned all the way back to normal. I rounded a corner and there was Voidera smirking at me. I glared at him and said, “Next time, no donkey spells!”

“It seems little has changed about Titania” Voidera said with a laugh. “So what did you learn?”

I explained what happened and what I learned from Titania. Voidera frowned and asked, “Why take it to the caverns? Why not simply douse it then and there?”

“Something isn’t right,” I said thoughtfully. “Perhaps somepony is going to hold Ember for ransom?”

“Then why leave the body and not a note?” Voidera pointed out. “If I was the killer, I would dispose of the body.”

“Maybe somepony is sending a message,” I speculated. “It would explain the threat; this jealous lover could be our culprit.”

I noticed Voidera tense a little at the context of what I said. I decided that now would be a good time to ask the question that had been plaguing me. “Voidera, how do you know Onyx?”

Voidera’s red eyes closed for a minute, then reopened as he began his tale “Fifteen hundred years ago, I knew him as Prince Onyx. He was 7 years older than I was. His father, King Brazier, was a good friend of Tia’s father, Lunard," he paused, looking sad. "He was the stallion who raised me in that tower.”

“You sound conflicted about him,” I observed.

“King Lunard,” Voidera said with a frown, “was a good king and valiant fighter, but even the greatest of us can fall to corruption.” He shook his head slowly. “He will always be the pony who raised me, taught me to control my magic, and how to use it for good.”

“What happened?” I asked.

Voidera's eyes glazed over as he continued, “You see, after I came out in the public eye, Lunard named me his chief warrior and advisor. One day he asked me to investigate a commotion going on in a small farming village. I went there and found out that a family was being harassed because they refused to reveal something hidden in their barn.”

“What was in there?” I asked. “Dead bodies?”

“A colt,” Voidera replied. “It was Adamus, the first earth pony. He was born the year Tia and I sealed Discord. Before Discord was sealed away however, he cast a curse upon the whole species of Alicorns. Their children would be born not as Alicorns, but as the three species of ponies.”

“Why were the other Alicorns harassing them?” I asked. “Shouldn't they have been trying to find a cure for the curse?”

“They were trying to cure it,” Voidera replied, his eyes flashing red for a second,

“How?” I asked, with some trepidation. I wasn't sure I wanted the answer.

“By killing Adamus,” Voidera said sadly.

“That’s…” I didn’t even have the words for this. “Why?”

“Alicorns are vain creatures,” Voidera explained. “For the longest time we were the most powerful beings on earth. Difference caused the Alicorns to fear. Adamus was a mark of change, and they didn't want things to change. So they allowed themselves to believe that killing young Adamus would cause the curse to fade.”

“It wouldn’t have, would it?” I concluded.

“No, Adamus was not the only pony born that year. I mentioned the other ancestors your people have. All six ponies were born the same year. Their families did their best to hide them away for the 4 years since Discord’s defeat. Adamus was simply the first one found.”

“What did you do?” I asked slowly. It was another question I wasn't sure I wanted the answer to.

“The townspeople and the commander of the soldiers that accompanied me wanted to slay Adamus,” Voidera replied, as he closed his eyes. “Adamus reminded me of myself however, cold, scared, calls for his blood when he'd done nothing wrong. So, I knocked out the other soldiers and took Adamus away. I knew they would report it to Lunard, but I was just focused on saving him.”

“That’s admirable,” I complimented, “not many ponies would take the risk.”

“I hid Adamus in a sanctuary Tia and I used during our journey,” Voidera continued. “Upon my return to the castle Lunard didn’t mention anything about Adamus. I thought for sure the other soldiers would’ve told him. I believed myself in the clear, and that weekend, I approached Lunard to get permission to ask for Tia’s hoof in marriage.”

“What was his answer?” I asked.

“He didn’t answer me at first,” Voidera explained. “Instead he told me of a task I needed to complete. He said he would give me his answer once I had completed it. He told me that the Firelands were having dragon trouble. The invading dragon was immune to their fire, and they asked Lunard for help. So, he sent me to perform this task.”

“You had no qualms against slaying dragons?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at his wings.

“The dragon that impregnated my mother was different from modern ones, or even the ones I'd slain. They've stopped being the wise beasts they once were. Now most are simply greedy monsters that preyed on the innocent. Your friend Spike is an example of how the dragons used to be, before becoming mindless beasts,” he said with a small smile.

“So what happened when you arrived in the Firelands?”

“After learning where the dragon was, Brazier sent me to face him. It was a long and difficult battle; I had to use most of my magic to defeat the dragon. After his death, I was greeted by several of Brazier’s Vulkyria. They planned to slay me.”

“He doubled crossed you!” I shouted in disbelief. “He used the dragon so that you would be weak enough to kill! What reason could he possibly have for such treachery?”

“It was all part of his plan from the beginning,” Voidera looked down sadly. “Lunard never intended for me to marry Tia.”

“He set you up,” I said, realization dawning.

“Yes,” Voidera replied, his wings drooped a little. “Tia was intended for Onyx, not me.”

“Why not simply refuse you?” I asked. “Why go through all that trouble to kill you?”

“It was because I saved Adamus,” Voidera explained. “He knew all along what I'd done. He was paranoid that if he just had me executed his people would hate him. So he wanted it to all look like a terrible accident.”

“That’s cruel.”

“Yes,” he said, his red eyes flashing. Uh oh.

“Voidera…” I said warily

His red eyes were suddenly aglow, his voice a terrible and fearsome roar, “IT was cruel! I went back to that bastard Brazier and he said that Tia had no choice in the matter! They treated her like nothing more than a pawn on a chess board! She was no object for them to play with!”

“Voidera, calm down, you’re going to lose it.”

Voidera let out a breath and looked at me apologetically, “Forgive me; it is a terrible memory to relive.”

“Did you kill Brazier?” I asked, recalling Onyx’s words.

“No,” Voidera replied, as he shook his head. “After I arrived to confront Brazier and he told me about the plan, he tried to attack me. Adamus and I managed to stop him, however.” His red eyes were somewhere else. “Adamus didn’t care that he could’ve gotten hurt, he just couldn’t stand the fact I was lied to”

“What did you do to Brazier?” I asked.

“I spared his life, but not his pride,” Voidera said firmly. “I defeated him in combat with Adamus, and then I left. Tia and I went to find the other children. When we eventually reencountered Onyx, he was the king and he claimed me a murderer. It turns out; Lunard was actually the one who killed him. Brazier witnessed Adamus, and Lunard would have no witnesses.”

“Onyx believes you killed Brazier,” I said. “Lunard must have manipulated events so that Onyx would witness you fighting him, and then come to the conclusion that you were the one who killed his father.”

“That or his pride kept him from thinking I fought honorably.” Voidera shook his head, “Know this, Private, I would never intentionally harm an innocent. If I felt threatened by Onyx I would’ve faced him myself. I would never resort to trickery and deceit.”

His red eyes seemed honest, and I couldn’t blame him. He reminded me too much of Potso. At least his current circumstances did. Voidera was being wrongly accused on account of loving Celestia. Potso was set up for getting half of the girls in class to fall for him. Either way, I couldn’t condemn him.

“I need to get to the caverns,” I concluded, “and Celestia's probably looking for you by now.”

“Thank you for listening, Private,” Voidera said, as he turned away. “Celestia was right to put her trust in you.”

__________________________________________________________

“This leads down to where the caverns begin," Twilight said, pointing down the stairs in front of me. “Private, are you sure about this?”

“It’s the best place to hide a soul fire,” I said. “It hid you from sight, remember?”

“Right, just be careful all right?” Twilight said, as she put a hoof on my shoulder,

“The talks are beginning soon,” I said, brushing her cheek with my hoof. “You should get ready.”

“In a minute,” she said, then pulled me into a loving and tender kiss. I kissed back with all the love and care as I held for her. I hated leaving her behind, but she had work to do, as did I.

I broke from our kiss for a second, gazed into her eyes and said, “I love you Twi, know that, no matter what happens.”

“I love you too,” she said, nuzzling me on the cheek before walking off. “I’ll send Spike to come and find you when he’s done analyzing that rock of yours.”

I nodded and descended into the caverns below.

_____________________________________________________

I walked the twisting caverns below the castle for about ten minutes. My horn illuminated my path ahead but it helped little. These caverns were so confusing that it would take forever for somepony to navigate them. I had to hurry, if Prince Ember wasn’t found soon, then I can’t imagine what could happen.

I stopped for a second, I thought I saw something.

I walked to a nearby crystal; unlike the other crystals on the walls this one was black. I tilted my head, where had I seen this before?

Curiosity got the better of me so I tapped my horn on the crystal. Then the biggest pair of green eyes flashed before my eyes! I fell back, tripping over a rock, and tumbled down a slope rather unceremoniously.

Landing on the cavern floor, I saw something glowing. It was a small yellow light being kept in a lantern of some sort. The fire was the same color as Ember’s coat.

I heard a voice speak as I approached it, “Private wait! Don’t come any closer!”

Suddenly I was hit in the back by a fireball that came out of nowhere. I fell forward, landing where the lantern was sitting on the cavern floor, and a ring of fire formed around us. I looked inside the lantern, there was a mini Ember trapped in it. “Thank Celestia you’re alive!”

“Private! We have to get out of here!”

I heard an evil laugh come from behind me. I slowly turned and gazed upon the true mastermind.

“Like cockroaches your kind survives no matter what disaster befalls the land, but, even a cockroach can still burn…”

Chapter 6 "Playing with Fire"

Chapter 6

“Playing with Fire”

“King Onyx!” I growled, as I climbed slowly to my hooves. The fire king himself was standing before me, separated from us by a ring of fire. He was flanked by two of his Vulkyria.

“Father!” Prince Ember called from inside the lantern. “How could you? Do what you will with me, but do not harm him!”

“Silence, Ember!” Onyx roared, causing the prince to back away from the glass in his lantern. “I knew you couldn't perform the simple task I gave to you.”

“Task?” I asked, looking at Onyx. “What are you talking about?”

“Prince Ember was supposed to gain Princess Luna’s affections. Sadly, he couldn't even manage that,” the king said, shaking his head in disappointment.

“Ember?” I looked at the young prince.

Ember stared down at his hooves with a guilty expression and admitted, “I did fancy Luna, but I didn’t want my affections to be used for this.”

“You tried to use your son’s feelings for Luna!” I shouted at Onyx. “What purpose could you have for this?”

“Simple,” Onyx said, “vengeance.”

“Celestia,” I said, in slow realization. “You’re after her kingdom!”

“Not just her kingdom,” Onyx snarled. “I plan on taking her as well.”

“She’ll never love you!” I retorted. “She’s in love with Voidera!”

“Don’t spout that beast’s name in my presence!” he roared, as his horn glowed and he shot a fireball. I threw myself sideways, narrowly escaping a hit to the chest. “That monster ruined my life, and I’m going to make sure everypony sees him for what he really is.”

“This whole plan,” I said, realization dawning, “It was to frame Voidera. Your accusations, the threat, all conjured up so that Voidera would be regarded with hate and suspicion.”

“Aren't you a clever little insect?” Onyx smirked. “It’s true; originally I was simply going to have Ember turn up missing. Then I could prove Celestia incapable of properly managing her kingdom."

“Voidera showed up however, and you had your scapegoat,” I replied. “Celestia trusts Voidera deeply, and you're planning to use that against her."

“Voidera robbed me of everything fifteen hundred years ago,” Onyx growled. “He murdered my father, and stole away my bride! My kingdom! Everything was lost to me because of that dragon bastard child, and now I am going to make him and Celestia pay.”

“He didn’t kill your father,” I retorted. “Lunard killed him!”

“You place your faith in that dragon spawn?” Onyx mocked. “You are truly a fool.”

“Who should I trust then?” I fired back. “Some spoiled brat who didn’t like the fact Celestia is willing to say no to him?”

His mane started blazing even more. I was getting a kick out of this.

“You were going to get everything weren’t you?” I smirked. “All you had to do was play lapdog; let daddy pet you enough and you expected to get everything. Then here comes Celestia and Voidera, two beings that decided they’d rather follow their hearts. You couldn’t stand it; so, you created this whole plan to get what you wanted. You think you can destroy her reputation, and convince the ponies of Equestria that she needs somepony like you. You think you're some grand mastermind, but you're really just a coward, hiding in the shadows.”

“You'll pay for that!” Onyx shouted, shooting another fireball at me. This time it hit and I fell on my side, clutching my scorched chest.

Ember looked up at his father and cried out, “Father, please, stop this!”

“Ember, you’re speaking out of turn again,” Onyx said venomously.

“I cannot stand by and let you hurt him!” Ember said, pushing ineffectively against the glass of his lantern.

“Worthless, as always,” Onyx mocked.

“How can you say that to your own son?” I said, attempting to climb to my hooves.

“My son?” Onyx laughed, evilly. “You think this worthless piece of spark is my son?”

“What are you saying?” Ember cried, staring at his father in shock.

“You're no son of mine,” Onyx said, in mocking tone that made me want to strangle him. “I simply persuaded your mother to hand over her colt when you were young. You were to be insurance if my advances on Celestia failed.”

“No mother would agree to something as insane as this!” I shouted.

“I didn’t give her a choice,” Onyx said smugly.

I looked at the Vulkyria, they still hadn't moved since they entered with their king. I was staring at them, wondering why, when I noticed the black necklaces around their necks. They had interesting markings on them. They looked like…

“Magic runes,” I exclaimed, “you’re controlling them with those necklaces!”

“Correct again, donkey,” Onyx replied, with a smirk. He picked up of the Vulkyria’s necklaces. She didn’t move or flinch when he did so. “These runes completely erase all thought and emotion, until I tell them what to think and feel that is.”

“You’re enslaving them!” I retorted. “The reason why you’re so popular is because they don’t have a choice in the matter!”

“Why should I give them a choice?” Onyx asked. “It doesn’t help me run my kingdom if my servants question me. I even considered doing the same to dear Ember, but I thought he'd make better bait for you instead.”

“You really are a spoiled brat,” I said in disgust. “Celestia will never marry you.”

“She won’t have a choice,” he said nastily. His horn glowed and I felt a tug on my trench coat as Onyx levitated it off of me with his magic. “Thank you for the evidence, detective” he smirked, before turning to his Vulkyria and commanding, “As soon as the fire ring disperses, kill them both.”

The Vulkyria drew their swords and I watched helplessly as Onyx escaped.

Nopony else could hear us, this was a trap.

It had been since the very beginning, and all of Equestria was going to pay the price for it.

____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Twilight

Private had been gone a long time, as had Voidera for that matter. I'd escorted him to his room to make sure he didn’t make any sudden detours towards Princess Celestia’s room. I knew that she loved him, but that didn’t mean I had to trust him.

The Alicorns in attendance were all gathered around a map of the world. Several nobles and other important figures sat in as the great beings talked important matters of state. I think most of them are hoping to get brownie points for attendance.

The talks seemed to be going well, so far. Everypony was maintaining diplomatic procedures. Oberon was trying to persuade Thor to lay off the rain in his forests for a while; Celestia and Titania were discussing possible magical tomes that could be traded. All in all, it was rather dull. Spike was lucky that I sent him to look for Private.

The question was though, where were Onyx and Voidera?

That question was answered when the door burst open and Voidera was forced into the room by six Vulkyria, all pointing spears at him. Onyx entered behind them, looking just a little too pleased with all of this.

Celestia stood from her spot at the diplomatic table and asked, “What is the meaning of this Onyx?”

“Princess,” Onyx replied, glaring at Voidera, “I found this beast inside the room where my son’s body was.”

“I was investigating,” Voidera said defensively. “I was just trying to find the killer!”

“More like trying to cover up your murder,” Onyx retorted. “I caught you using your magic on my son’s body. Did you plan to defile it even more?”

“That was a scanning spell!” Voidera cried. “I was simply trying to gather evidence!”

“Enough!” Celestia shouted. “This matter has already been discussed. Private is handling the investigation.”

“Your detective has sadly become a victim as well,” a Vulkyria announced tonelessly, coming forward with a very familiar looking trench coat. It had several holes in it, clearly made by magic. No, Private! It couldn't be!

“Where did you get that?” Celestia asked suspiciously.

“One of my servants found it in Voidera’s room,” Onyx explained, shaking his head sadly. “His body was not there however, I can only assume that Voidera disposed of it by sending it down into the caverns below.”

“You lie!” Voidera growled. “I would never hurt Private!”

“Oh and why not? After all, you hurt the captain of the guard,” Onyx said. Then he turned to me and asked, “Isn't it true that your brother was harmed by a fireball spell?”

I was taken aback at being addressed by the king. Much as I didn't trust Voidera, I trusted Onyx even less. I nodded reluctantly and replied, “Yes, but we don’t know how it happened.”

“Voidera has an affinity with fire,” Onyx explained. “Being half dragon, fire comes naturally to him.” He looked at a Vulkyria and nodded his head, causing the armored mare to stab Voidera in the flank with the spear.

Voidera roared in pain. As his mouth opened, a blast of fire erupted from it, hitting the stone ceiling above us. Voidera snarled at Onyx.

“Truly a beast like you should be kept on a leash,” Onyx said mockingly.

“That’s enough, Onyx!” Celestia ordered. “I demand you cease this interrogation at once. I will not have you hurt Voidera in my presence!”

“Your trust is misplaced, Celestia,” Onyx replied, with a smirk. “Just as it was at the Royal Canterlot Wedding.”

Several of the nobles in the audience murmured in remembrance of that event. It was over six months ago but the memory of Chrysalis’ infiltration and the changeling invasion still rang fresh in everypony’s mind, mine included.

Onyx went on “You couldn't even tell an impostor from a member of your own family, and yet you expect your people to continue following your judgment?”

“You’re going too far, lad!” Thor retorted. “Nopony could have known the changelings were back!”

“It is admirable of you to defend your friend, Thor,” Oberon replied, “but Onyx does bring up a fair point. Celestia has trusted the wrong ponies in the past.”

Princess Celestia stared at Onyx, rage apparent in her eyes and the tightness of her mouth. I'd never seen her this furious, not even at the event everypony keeps bringing up. “What do you propose?” she asked icily.

“Allow me to perform judgment on this beast!” he cried, pointing at Voidera. “Judgment for the murders of my father, my son and your detective.”

Private can’t be dead, I don’t believe it!

He promised he wouldn’t leave me!

He can’t be dead…

Can he?

I felt tears filling my eyes and wiped them away quickly. This was far too important a time for me to lose it. I had to keep a clear head for my mentor. I looked up as Voidera continued to snarl at Onyx, “You spout lies! You mock Tia! Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t shred you to pieces right here?”

His eyes flashed red like they did the last time they pointed weapons at him. Voidera’s fury was rising to a very dangerous point. This was bad!

“Celestia, you need ponies you can trust. Ponies that will not lie, threaten children, harm your soldiers, and kill your loyal subjects,” Onyx said firmly. “This is why I wish to invoke the promise your father made to mine.”

Promise? What promise did Celestia’s father make? Who was her father anyway? Is he even alive?

“If you think I will give my hoof to you in marriage, you are sadly mistaken,” Celestia fired back, her expression darkening.

“You are not thinking rationally,” Onyx said condescendingly. “You need to do what is best for your people. I will be a fair and just ruler. You needn't worry about me lashing out in a blind jealous rage, nor committing crimes and using deceit to cover them up.”

The nobles were openly whispering amongst themselves now, this was not good…

_________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private

I looked at the two advancing Vulkyria, their swords held aloft in their magic as they approached. The blades were made of some kind of thin black stone. I didn’t doubt the sword's sharpness, nor the Vulkyria's proficiency wielding them.

“They will not hesitate to kill us both!” Ember cried, from inside his lantern. “Father took away any bit of mercy they might have had.”

If we didn’t get out of here, all of Equestria was going to be turned into Vulkyria. Everypony would be little more than mindless slaves to this spoiled brat of a tyrant. My thoughts were plagued with images Ponyville becoming a slave town. Twilight being forced to work for this bastard… If he thinks he can touch her!

I shook my head, what was that all about?

I looked up just as the ring of fire finally died. Now there was nothing left separating us from the Vulkyria. Fortunately, Onyx was stupid enough to leave Blackbird in its holster. He must have been so focused on his rant that he didn’t even notice. Typical…

One of the Vulkyria raised her sword and swung it at me. I managed to dodge and delivered a swift buck to her face. Normally I was against hitting mares, but once they started trying to kill me, I was willing to make an exception. She fell backward, breaking her concentration, and causing her to drop her sword.

I tried to aim Blackbird, but the other Vulkyria rushed at me, knocking it away with her blade. She swung at me twice, narrowly missing both times. I tried to levitate away the other one's fallen blade, but it was quickly recovered by its master.

I backed away from both warriors; man, these two were tough. Prince Ember was no help, being just a soul fire and all. I couldn't take on both of them with Blackbird so far away. I took another step back as one tried to hit me.

I was still trying to figure out how we were going to get out of this, when one of the Vulkyria got hit in the back by a large fireball. It caused minimal damage to her armor but it certainly got her attention. She spun around and saw Spike and Shining Armor standing there. The captain of the guard was levitating a spear in his magic.

“Private, are you all right?” Shining asked, before clashing his spear with the Vulkyria’s blade

“I’m fine,” I said, my eyes fixed on the Vulkyria still coming after me. She charged at me sword raised high. As she swung at me, I rolled to the side, and snatched up Blackbird. I aimed it at her necklace and fired. I hit it square in the center, shattering it. She stopped mid-swing, and blinked her eyes.

While he looked around confused Shining continued clashing with the other Vulkyria. I shouted at Spike, “The necklace! Break it!”

Spike nodded and pulled out the rock from earlier. He blew a small gust of flame on it setting the whole thing aflame. He yelled at Shining, “Batter up!”

Shining shoved the Vulkyria away and shifted his spear, holding it like a baseball bat. Spike threw a fastball at Shining and the captain swung his spear. There was loud Thunk as the spear connected solidly with the flaming rock. The fireball flew, hitting the Vulkyria in the chest, and causing the necklace to break.

Shining was about to stab her when I stopped him, “Wait! The necklaces were what was controlling them!”

The first Vulkyria looked and then her eyes softened at the sight of Ember’s lantern. “Ember? Is that you? Thank the eternal flame you are all right!” she sobbed, running to hug the lantern containing a very confused Prince Ember.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?” Ember asked.

“I suppose you would not recognize me,” the former Vulkyria said. “I am Kindling, your sister. After Onyx took you, I came to rescue you, but Onyx captured and enslaved me. Oh, my dear baby brother…”

The other Vulkyria was still knocked unconscious from the force of the blast. I walked to the rock and examined it. Now it just looked like a black stone. I turned to Spike and asked, “What is this?”

“It's the rock that you found,” Spike explained. “I did some research and found out its Moltanium. It was used in ancient times to create a weapon quickly. All you have to do is take a little spark to it and poof, instant fireball. It can only be found in the Firelands, and it's very rare.”

“That’s the same thing that I was attacked with,” Shining said, gesturing to where he got burned. “Spike came to see if the size of the rock matched my wound, and as it turns out it did. Only Voidera never threw a rock during our fight.”

“So Onyx must have had a servant or somepony else use it,” I concluded.

Kindling looked up apologetically and admitted, “It was me, I was the one who attacked you." She looked to Shining Armor pleadingly and begged, “Please forgive my actions, for they were not my own.”

Shining shook his head and smiled. “You were being controlled, and I know what that’s like. Now that you’re free, though, you can help us stop Onyx.”

Ember spoke up from inside his lantern, “I can aid as well. Allow me to help you stop him from enslaving your kingdom.”

“Let’s get you back to your body first,” I said firmly. “Then we’ll stop Onyx before he blames Voidera for what happened.”

“Actually,” Shining spoke gravely, “I saw Onyx taking Voidera away before we arrived here.”

“Then we'll have to hurry.”

_______________________________________________________

Perspective: Twilight

“You cannot seriously expect me to do that!” Celestia said, flying over the table and landing directly in front of Onyx.

“Celestia,” Onyx said soothingly, “fury is most unbecoming of you, that's why you need me.”

“I will not marry for political convenience, Onyx!” Celestia retorted.

I didn’t know what to do, I wanted to side with her, but Private…

“STOP LYING!”

Everypony looked over at Voidera; a strange aura came over him, and his eyes glowed blood red. He bared his rather sharp looking teeth at Onyx. “Since you walked into this building you've done nothing but lie! You slandered Celestia! You disrespected her! You treated her like a pawn on a chess board! You disgust me!”

“Voidera,” Celestia said soothingly. “Please calm down.”

“I’m tired of remaining calm!” Voidera snarled, and I felt a twinge of fear run up my spine. “Onyx is a filthy liar! You know I wouldn’t do those things!”

“I know that, Voidera,” Celestia said pleadingly, “it's everypony else that needs convincing.”

"This world is no better than the one we left behind! I stand here innocent, yet everypony here thinks me a murderer! I would never hurt anypony! Why can’t anypony believe me?!"

“Everypony get down!” Celestia yelled suddenly.

Instinctively, I conjured a magic barrier around myself and everypony around me. Voidera roared and fired a shockwave of red magic that hit my barrier like a wrecking ball. I was barely able to hold it as the nobles inside it shuddered in sheer horror.

When it was all over, there stood Voidera, staring at his hooves as though in shock. Everypony slowly dispelled their barriers and began surveying the damages. Luckily, nopony was hurt from the blast, thanks to the quick timing of the spells, but the room had suffered a great amount of damage. Such powerful magic, I’d never seen anypony perform magic like that.

What would take me years to learn to do, he did by pure primal fury.

Voidera looked up at Celestia, tears filling his eyes, and sobbed, “Tia, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He buried his face in his hooves in shame.

Celestia walked to him, I could tell she desperately wanted to comfort him, but Onyx’s point had been made. Voidera was capable of performing such horrific magic when he was set off. Who's to say it wouldn't happen again, only next time ponies could get hurt?

Private trusted Voidera, was he right?

“As everypony can clearly see,” Onyx said slowly, “Voidera is not a pony to be trusted; for when his character is called into question,” he continued, gesturing to the ruined room around him, “this is the result.”

Everypony was silent; there were no words for this situation.

“Now,” Onyx stated, “I will take the matter to a vote, all those in favor of me marrying Celestia, and keeping Equestria safe from monsters like Voidera, raise your hoof.”

I looked out at the nobles; one by one they raised their hooves. I couldn’t believe my eyes! They were all so quick to backstab Celestia!

I looked at my mentor, who was holding Voidera in her hooves. She was more concerned about him than she was about her kingdom. My admiration for her grew, along with my anxiety over the situation.

“All those opposed?” Onyx asked smugly, sure of his complete victory.

Nopony raised their hooves.

“Then, if there are no further objections-“

“We have an objection, you bastard!”

I looked up, there standing in the doorway, was Private!

He was accompanied by Shining, Spike and… Prince Ember?

Chapter 7 "Fire and Sword"

Chapter 7

“Fire and Sword”

Perspective: Private Eye

“Prince Ember?” Celestia exclaimed in shock.

“Your Highness, everypony in this room has been deceived!” Ember shouted.

“Explain yourself, lad,” Thor ordered.

“There’s a reason that Onyx is so popular amongst his people,” I said, holding the black necklace up for everypony to see. “He’s controlling his people with this!”

“Onyx,” Celestia cried, looking at Onyx with a cold fury, “Explain yourself!"

I was about to continue, but Twilight ran past the other nobles to me. I opened my forelegs and embraced her. I whispered in her ear, “It’s okay. I’m all right.”

“Onyx said you'd been killed,” Twilight sobbed into my coat, tightening her forelegs around me. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

“I’m here now, Twi, and I'm going to end this,” I assured her. Looking up from her, I glared at Onyx, and announced loudly, “Everypony, Onyx is the real mastermind behind Prince Ember’s capture. Once I found him out he tried to have me killed.”

“What nonsense,” Onyx cried turning to Celestia. “surely you wouldn't believe his word over mine?”

“I don't believe a word that comes out of your mouth,” Celestia replied coldly, letting go of Voidera and approaching the king aggressively. Turning to me, she ordered, “Explain his crimes.”

Enraged Celestia was scary. I fought the urge to take a step back, and answered, “M'lady, Onyx set this whole thing up so that Voidera’s character would be called into question. Obviously, we can all see the result of that,” I gestured to the room around me, and continued. "King Onyx wanted to gain control of your kingdom. Originally, his plan was to marry Ember off to Luna.”

Celestia looked at Ember and asked, “Is this true?”

The young Alicorn nodded reluctantly, then bowed his head in shame; he replied, “Yes, but I really was in love with Luna. I only followed Onyx’s plan because I wanted to get close to her. Please, forgive me for my actions,” he said beseechingly.

“I noticed you didn’t call Onyx father,” Celestia observed, narrowing her eyes at Onyx. “He isn't your father, is he?”

“No,” Kindling interjected, stepping forward. No longer clad in Vulkyria armor, she addressed the Princess, “If I may be so bold as to speak, Your Highness?”

“Please do so.”

“Ember had the misfortune of being born an Alicorn,” Kindling explained. “Onyx, learning of his birth, forced us to give him up, and pretended Ember was his son. My parents and I were heartbroken, so I attempted to rescue him. Unfortunately, I ended up being captured and enslaved by King Onyx.”

I continued quickly, before anypony else had a chance to interrupt, “When Luna didn’t return Ember's affections, Onyx decided to try a more hooves-on approach. He persuaded Oberon to sneak into the Prince's room in the middle of the night, and steal his soul fire. A certain donkey informed me that Titania told him, Oberon threw the soul fire down the garbage shoot after a fight with her. Then we found Ember's soul fire hidden in the caverns below.”

Titania, glaring at Oberon, hissed, “That was Ember's soul fire?”

Oberon's mane blazed brightly as he shouted, “Whore! You were with another donkey!”

A guard was smart enough to remove the arguing couple from the room while the proceedings continued.

Twilight let go of me, standing beside me as I continued, “Once Onyx heard I was investigating the case, he simply waited for me to show up in the caverns. He planned on killing me and framing Voidera. That way he could have his revenge, and gain control of Equestria."

“None of your foalish speculation explains the fireball that attacked Shining Armor!” Onyx declared defensively.

“That was made by this,” Spike replied, igniting the rock and tossing it up into the air. “Moltanium, which is only found in the Firelands. Voidera wouldn't need to go all the way out there just to get one of these if he was the attacker.”

“Voidera never threw anything,” Shining explained. “That fireball came out of nowhere; it was just another ploy to cast suspicion on him.”

“Princess, all of this evidence points to Onyx being the culprit, not Voidera,” I said, pointing an accusing hoof at Onyx.

Voidera climbed to his hooves and faced Tia, confessing, “I fell prey to this trap, Tia. Forgive me?” Guilt and shame were evident in his crimson eyes, despite all that had been said.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Voidera,” Celestia assured, smiling at him with a warmth and intensity that heated the whole room. Then she turned her attention back to the exposed king and declared, “Onyx, several witnesses have stepped forward, testifying against you. What can you possibly say to defend yourself?”

“This is madness!” Onyx shouted, his eye twitching. “You would believe these mongrel children over me! Equestria is a colossal mistake! These subjects only exist to serve us Alicorns! We are Gods, and they are merely insects! You must see the foalishness in trusting these pathetic mortals, Celestia!"

“Need I remind you,” Voidera interjected angrily, “t'was one of those 'mere insects’ that exposed your lies and deceit. He has shown everypony the way you truly feel about them. We are not gods, Onyx! We maybe powerful but we are just as flawed as everypony else.”

“No,” Onyx cried, his whole body bursting into flames. “I will not lose to you again!” He shot a fireball, aiming for Voidera's heart. Just as it was about to hit, a violet shield formed, intercepting the shot. I looked over at Twilight, to see her horn aglow.

She smiled at Voidera, and grudging admitted, “I guess you're not so bad after all.”

“Enough of this!” Onyx roared, his horn blazing blindingly. Suddenly dozens of Vulkyria teleported inside the room, along with three large golems made of molten rock. “Kill them all!” Onyx ordered, before teleporting away.

The invaders clashed with the royal guards, chaos ensuing inside the diplomacy chamber. Shining's eyes found mine and he called to me, “We'll handle this, you go tell Luna!”

“Right,” I said, nodding firmly. I turned to Twilight and Spike, asking, “Can you get everypony to safety? There’s bound to be more of those things around here.”

“We can handle it,” Twilight replied, blasting one of the golems with a magic bolt. As that one exploded, the golem next to it swung its massive hands at a solar guard. The golem was just about connect when a massive hammer appeared out of nowhere, smashing the golem’s face in.

I looked up and saw Thor standing proud, hammer slung over his shoulder, his pegasi warriors by his side. “All right men! Let's show these toasted bastards how warriors of the Cloud Kingdom fight!” he roared, charging the Vulkyria.

Thor and his pegasi engaged the Vulkyria, fighting with ferocious vigor. Looking around at the chaos of the room, I noticed Celestia and Voidera were gone. I figured they must’ve gone after Onyx. Looking over at Twilight, I grinned as she blew up another Golem. Now I understood how Big Mac felt when Fluttershy attacked Tangerio. I called over to my beautiful special somepony, “Ember and I are going to get Luna, once you guys get the civilians, look for Celestia!”

“Right!” Twilight called, as she began to corral the scared civilians. Ember and I ran out. I knew Luna could hold her own, but I still felt the need to try and protect her. I didn’t know if my feelings were due to Nocturne being my ancestor, or simply our friendship. Either way, I’m not going to let Onyx hurt anypony here.

_______________________________________________________

One of the Lunar Stallions got sliced across the chest by a Vulkyria’s blade. The rest stared at the advancing group of soldiers defiantly, even as their comrade fell back unconscious. They knew they stood little chance against six well-armed and trained soldiers, but that wouldn't stop them from protecting their Princess.

Just as a Vulkyria was about to bring down her sword on another of the Lunar Stallions, I shot it away. I narrowed my eyes at them; Blackbird wrapped in my magic and declared, “Nopony hurts kids on my watch!”

As the Vulkyria turned towards me, Luna's faithful devotees used this moment to rush the soldiers as one. They had the superior numbers, sharp fangs and undying loyalty. They needed little else to defend themselves.

I fired Blackbird at a Vulkyria that had broken away from the fighting. My bullet bounced off her helmet as she swung her sword at me. Luckily for me it was met by a large scythe, its edge glowing with a blue light. Princess Luna landed in front of me, the scythe levitated in her magic. “Nopony hurts our Lunar Stallions, or our friends!” she roared, protectively. She swung the scythe cutting the Vulkyria’s blade off at its hilt.

I bucked at another Vulkyria that was sneaking up behind me and hooves connecting with her necklace, shattering it. Luna was engaging two of the Vulkyrias in front of me. She was twirling her scythe with an almost unearthly grace. This is the first time I’ve seen Luna in combat before, and she was truly a sight to behold.

The second Vulkyria had her blade blocked by Prince Ember, who was wielding a flaming sword. He smiled over at Luna who gave a small smile in return. Ember’s blade sliced the necklace off his Vulkyria and called out to Luna, “The necklaces are controlling them!”

Luna nodded and her horn glowed a pale blue. She disappeared and the other Vulkyria stopped suddenly. Their eyes grew wide and they started screaming, desperately clawing at their necklaces. When Luna appeared again all of their necklaces seemed to short circuit, and then they stopped, looking around as though waking from a nightmare.

Ember looked at Luna with wide eyes and asked, “What did you do to them?”

Luna smirked a little and answered, “We convinced them that the thing around their necks were giant pony eating snakes. We wandered their nightmare's conjuring up the image. The rest was simply their own fear overriding the necklaces.”

Ember’s mouth dropped open and I closed it with a smile, “Drooling is unbecoming of a prince, Ember.” Looking towards Luna I swiftly filled her in on the current situation.

When I was finished, Luna nodded, “We will assist in this matter. Ember, will you aid us as well?”

Ember nodded firmly, “It would be an honor”

I turned and left the pair of them to find Celestia and Voidera. I didn’t have to look far as I spotted Voidera in the gardens outside the window, standing before Onyx.

______________________________________________________

Perspective: Voidera

I slowly advanced on Onyx, my teeth bared, snarling loudly He wasn’t going to get away with this. He was staring at me with absolute disgust. “Well if it isn’t Celestia's pet beast,” he said with a sneer.

“You dare call me a beast while you do something like this?” I growled.

“Why do you continue to protect these mongrels?” he asked incredulously. “They are always so quick to turn on you. They never should have survived the cataclysm!”

“I seek to protect them because I believe one is not defined by the fate that Faust has placed upon them. While you see mistakes, I see potential. You speak like Lunard did all those centuries ago, you can't see beyond your own closed mind."

“Enough, you will die! All of this world will burn! I am a King, a God! My will is absolute!” he roared, conjuring ring of fire around me. The fact that there was no way out meant nothing to me; I had no intention of leaving.

I levitated a downed Vulkyria’s blade over to me. It was shattered and broken at the hilt, but enough of its raw material was still in there. I hoped I remembered how to use it.

My horn glowed blood red, causing sparks to shoot out from the blade. In a flash of red light the blade reforged itself, becoming a black sword with a red glowing red edge. Onyx summoned a similar blade of his own and I attacked.

I swung my blade twice but he dodged and weaved his way around me. I was still rusty, not having held a blade in 1500 years. He tried to cut me but red sparks shot out of my white shoes blades forming on them as well. I lashed out with a shoe blade cutting Onyx across the chest. He screamed in pain as I spun my other foreleg around, cutting him a second time with my black sword.

“Alchemy! You still rely on tricks, Voidera?” Onyx taunted, despite two thin rivulets of blood flowing down his chest.

“At least I don’t rely on deceit to get what I want,” I retorted, our blades meeting again. Suddenly Onyx fired a jet of fire from his horn and the blast hit me full in the chest. I fell back, my blade falling away from me. Landing on the ground, I glared up at Onyx, his aura dripping with evil.

“You are the close minded one, Voidera! You have the power and yet you fail to grasp it!” Onyx shouted, lifting his blade with a mad gleam in his eye. “You have the power to become a God amongst these worms and instead you choose to play lapdragon to Celestia!”

He was about to swing his blade when a golden magical bolt hit him in the side. He was knocked backwards and I looked up to see my beloved standing between Onyx and myself. She spread her wings in obvious anger and narrowed her eyes, spitting at Onyx, “He is nopony’s lapdragon! Voidera is a valiant warrior, but he also understands the power of kindness. You'll never be a true king because you do not understand why I stand with him, and not with you.”

"You are the worse offender, Celestia!” Onyx accused, “You actually care for these pathetic mortals when you could be an empress, or even a Goddess.”

“The last time somepony thought himself a god we had a little disagreement,” Celestia said, crouching into a fighting stance. I looked over as Private, Twilight, and Shining Armor entered the garden.

Twilight called to her mentor, “We got all the civilians out. Are you all right, Princess?”

“I’m fine, Twilight” Celestia reassured. Then she turned to her head to Shining and ordered, “Lend me your spear, Captain.”

Shining nodded and tossed the spear into the ring of fire, it landed in the ground directly in front of Tia. Her magic wrapped itself around the spear and golden sparks came out of it. The spear reformed itself with magical runes etched in the now metal rod. The spear tip glowed with a golden edge.

I stood, levitated the blade to my side, and looking at her with a smirk. “You still remember how to fight?” I asked her teasingly.

“Better than you,” she snorted acting annoyed, but her grin gave her away.

“Just want to make sure that flank of yours doesn’t slow you down,” I joked, eyeing it appreciatively.

“Keep that up, dragon boy, and you can just forget about that sapphire I promised you,” she teased back.

“You still owe me two rubies from last time,” I said, shifting into my fighting stance.

Onyx laughed diabolically, his aura growing even darker. “I will burn this entire world and start it anew! I will be a God among ponies, and nopony will dare defy me again!”

“I’ll give you a whole basket of gems if you help me shut his mouth,” Celestia said, with a small grin.

“Deal,” I agreed, charging in by her side. “You sure about this?” I asked, giving her a chance to back out.

“It’ll be fun,” Celestia said, her grin growing. “It’ll be just like Saddlem.”

“You and I remember Saddlem very differently,” I shouted, just before I rushed forward and swung my blade to meet his. He countered me then attacked with reckless abandon, making it hard to predict where to strike. Thankfully, Tia and I have done this before. After nearly fifteen-seconds of clashing blades I shouted, “Switch!”

I sprang backwards as Tia rushed in, thrusting her spear at Onyx. It hit the Alicorn in the shoulder causing him to shout out in pain. She then swung it again this time hitting him upside the head with the butt of her spear. Then she broke off her attack calling, “Switch!”

I rushed in and sliced the mad king deeply across one of his wings. That should keep him from flying around. I then cut him across the flank, causing him to screech in pain. He swung his blade catching me across the cheek. I grunted from the pain and shouted, “Switch!”

Tia appeared from behind him and thrusted her spear into his back. He screamed in fury and pain. He tried to swing around and face her but I attacked, forcing him to block my blade while Tia kept stabbing him. Our strikes were timed so perfectly that just when he thought he was getting the upper hoof against one, the other would come.

It was just like old times…

________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private

“They fight almost totally in sync with one another,” I observed, watching the fighting continue.

“I guess I was wrong to mistrust Voidera” Twilight admitted “He really wants to fight for the Princess”

The way those two fought together, it was like they’d been doing it for ages. I gained a newfound respect for Celestia, seeing her fight so hard to defend her subjects from Onyx. It also made me wonder just how little we truly know about these beings we let be our rulers.

__________________________________________________________

Perspective: Voidera

Tia and I backed up; I'd suffered a sword cut to my side and Tia had been cut on her flank, and left wing. We breathed heavily as we saw Onyx standing before us. He was little more than a bleeding, dying, Alicorn but somehow he still clung to life.

He yelled, “You forget I know sorcery! I will burn you all to death!” he cackled manically, his horn glowing. He shouted and a large fireball came from nowhere, taking the form of a large serpent of flame. I looked over at Tia who nodded in turn.

“Now die!” Onyx roared, as he brought the flaming serpent down on us. He was still laughing as we appeared to be consumed by its fire. Then his eyes grew wide and he stopped laughing as he saw us.

Tia and I were floating side by side. Our eyes glowed as our hooves moved with the serpent. Our magic was reshaping the fire into that of a colossal dragon. The beast roared as Tia and I spoke as one.

"You have tried to tame fire and bend it to your will, but you're really just a foal playing with matches, Onyx. You will be consumed by flames in the end!"

The fire dragon hit Onyx full blast. He screamed in agony as his body literally burned away. When it was over, I stood beside Tia staring down at his soul fire. He looked up as I glared down at him with contempt.

“Voidera, have mercy!” Onyx begged.

“If I had my way I would stomp you into the ground right now” I growled, stamping my hoof emphatically, causing the ground to crack in my anger. “However, your judgment is not mine to give,” I turned to Tia and bowed my head saying, “It is yours, my love.”

Celestia looked down at Onyx with the same contempt I held “My decree is this; you will free all of your subjects from your control, and face the judgment of your people. They will decide your fate. If you ever even think of hurting my subjects again however,” she growled, stabbing her spear into the ground, mere inches from Onyx’s soul fire, “I will not be so merciful.”

“I surrender,” Onyx said, as the ring of fire around us died out, fitting since his will to fight had died out as well.

Epilogue

Case 16

Epilogue

Perspective: Private

I looked on as the Vulkyria, now free from Onyx’s control, carried away the cage containing the Alicorn’s soul fire. He wasn’t going anywhere; he would face judgment in his former kingdom. Oberon and Titania had left about an hour ago after the fighting died down. Prince Ember walked forward to where Celestia and Voidera stood, he bowed his head low and said, “Forgive my actions in this plan, I had no idea of Onyx's true intentions.”

Celestia smiled and shook her head. Her violet eyes gazing at the young prince, she replied, “You were an unwilling victim in his plans, Ember. Yet in the end, you were willing to stand up to his evil and help save Equestria. Had you not come forward, Onyx would’ve had my kingdom in his hooves.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness,” Ember said somberly. “Still I will always carry the guilt of what happened in my heart”

“Humility will help you in your rule,” Voidera said reassuringly. “Do not forget what happened this day; remember that a king is a servant to his people. You’ll do fine after that.”

“Thank you,” Ember said with a smile, and then he turned to see Luna walking up to him. He blushed furiously and looked over at me. I gave him an encouraging smile. Taking a deep breath he bowed his head at Luna and said, “Forgive me Luna-“ Luna raised a hoof to silence him.

“I am well aware of your part in the plan,” Luna said, then she smiled, “but that doesn’t change the fact you helped save my Lunar Stallions in the end.”

Ember’s face turned even redder at the praise.

I looked over at Twilight who was standing beside me and whispered, “Looks like the soldier of love has done it again.”

Luna smiled wider and said happily, “I’m so lucky to have such wonderful friends.”

“Friends?” Ember repeated.

“Yes,” Luna replied. “It was certainly gallant that you fought alongside me. I’m fortunate to have met you; I hope we can remain good friends from here on.”

“Friends?” Ember repeated again, his jaw dropping as the shock took hold

“Why yes, are you feeling well Ember?” Luna asked with concern.

“Did Ember just-“I said, trying to comprehend what happened.

“Get friend zoned like you wouldn’t believe?” Twilight said smugly. “Yes, looks like the soldier of love can’t bring everypony together.”

I crossed my forelegs in a pout, well they say love is war and Ember just won this battle. She’ll come around eventually.

I looked up and saw Thor and his pegasi leaving the castle. They'd been nice enough to help repair some of the damages. Luckily, the castle was easy to fix with their help, along with Voidera and Celestia’s magic. The Castle was restored in a matter of minutes.

Voidera and Celestia walked to us, Twilight and I bowed our heads in respect. Celestia spoke to us in a gentle tone, “I thank you both for your parts in stopping this conspiracy. I got to see first hoof the abilities you two have developed in your time together. I can say I’m proud of both of you.”

Twilight lifted her eyes to gaze at Voidera and said, “Voidera, I’m sorry about yelling at you before. You didn’t deserve it.”

Voidera shook his dark head, “I’m used to it, you need not apologize for what happened. We were all deceived by Onyx today.” He lowered his head so his red eyes met Twilight’s. “Let’s start over, shall we?” he said, holding out his hoof. “I am Voidera.”

Twilight smiled and shook his hoof. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, welcome to Canterlot.”

“That’s better,” Voidera said with a smile, then I heard his stomach growl “All that fighting has made me hungry, please excuse me,” he said, starting to walk away.

“Should we get the chefs to make anything, Princess?” Twilight asked.

“Oh no” Celestia replied, with a wave of her hoof. “Voidera doesn’t eat normal food like a pony; at least it’s not his favorite diet.”

“What does he eat?” I asked, but then I remembered. “He actually eats gems?”

“Yes, he-“She turned her head and found Voidera gnawing at the birdbath again “Honestly, Voidera?” she asked. "Then you wonder why ponies think you an animal!”

“I'm starving,” Voidera said defensively, his voice muffled in his attempts to bite into the sapphires adorning the birdbath.

Celestia sighed and turned to both of us. “Will you excuse us for a minute?”

We left the couple and made our way down the hall. As soon as we were alone in the hallway, Twilight pulled me aside and pressed me against the wall. Her lips attacked mine, tears falling down her cheeks. “I almost lost you again! Oh Private,” she sobbed, wrapping her forelegs around me tightly.

I gently held her in my own forelegs and nuzzled her, letting my muzzle catch her tears. “Twilight, its okay, we made it out. Onyx is gone, and everything will be alright.”

“Every time,” she cried, hitting my chest with her hoof. “Everywhere we go, I’m always in danger of losing you! I should’ve gone with you to that cavern! I should’ve done something to stop Onyx! I should-“She just pressed her head to my chest, letting her tears soak my coat.

I whispered soothingly into her ear, “Twi, it’s alright, don’t cry please. I hate seeing you cry like this.”

“I know,” she whispered back, meeting my eyes with her own. She ran a hoof along my face and spoke softly, “I just can’t stand the thought of losing you. I’ve almost lost you too many times. “

I lifted a hoof, setting it on her lips. I smiled gently at her and replied, “Twi, you know why I have to do this. It’s never going to get any easier. I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat it, but that’s why we have each other. You make me strong, and I keep you sane, without each other we’d just break apart inside.” I pressed my horn to hers. “I love you so much, that’s why I put myself on the line.”

“I just wish you didn’t get hurt so much,” Twilight said, her tears slowing a little. “Private,” she continued softly, looking deeply into my eyes, “don’t leave me. I can’t bear the thought…”

I just held her right there, held this beautiful mare I’d give anything for. She was the mare I treasured, the one I’d fight for. She was my best friend and my closest confidant. I whispered in her ear, “I love you, and I'm not going anywhere.” I held her even more tighter.

“I won’t let you go,” Twilight whispered back in my ear. “I’ll never let you go, Preventus…”

_____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Celestia

Voidera had gone to teach Luna how to carve like he promised. Luna in all honesty could’ve learned how to in the fifteen hundred years he had been gone. However, she utterly refused to do so unless it was Voidera teaching her. She always did like him, he was the closest thing to a big brother she ever had, or even a father for that matter.

My train of thought ended when I heard a knock at my door. Hopefully it wasn’t Thor coming to say somepony swiped his sweet roll or something. I used my magic to open the door and there was Twilight. She smiled up at me and said, “I hope I’m not intruding, Princess.”

I shook my head and replied, “Not at all. We haven’t really had a chance to speak since the incident.” I gestured with my wing for her to enter. After I closed the door behind her, I turned to see her head bowed. “Twilight?”

“If you’re going to punish me, Princess, go ahead,” Twilight said guiltily.

“For what, my faithful student?” I asked, confused.

“For not believing you about Voidera,” Twilight answered, with a sigh. “I only fed Voidera’s anger in the whole situation. In a way, I helped Onyx almost succeed, that’s why I expect to be punished.”

I gave her a long stare that she was hesitant to meet, and then I spoke firmly, “Perhaps you wish to explain your behavior towards Voidera?” She was about to speak up but I held her gaze and said sternly, “If you’re going to lie to a two thousand year old Alicorn you shouldn’t make it so obvious.”

Twilight admitted, “I didn’t like Voidera being with you.”

“Why is that?” I asked, raising my eyebrow at this development.

“It’s just,” Twilight said, meeting my eyes then looking down to the floor. “At first I thought I knew you pretty well, you and I have been mentor and student for over half my life. You were always the pony I would turn to whenever I didn’t understand something. I felt like you were the only friend, aside from Shining and Cadence, I'd ever needed.”

“This pertains to Voidera how?” I asked

“When he came along,” Twilight admitted, “you just acted so… normal. You weren’t a goddess, or some all-powerful wise being; you were just a mare, happy to see her special somepony come back. I know it sounds wrong but, I just couldn’t stand the fact that Voidera knew so much about you. It made me realize how little I really know about my teacher. I don’t know how old you are, what your favorite color is, or even that you had a special somepony in the first place.”

I lowered my head and lifted her face with my hoof so that our eyes met. I gave her a small smile and said, “I am currently fifteen hundred and twenty-one years old. My birthday was five months ago. My favorite color is the orange light of dawn, and I used to sleep with a stuffed seal, Mcfluffy.”

Twilight tried to contain her laughter, “here you said Mrs. Smarty-pants was a crazy name!”

“Mcfluffy was a valiant defender of his princess!” I retorted, in mock offense. “Despite his name, he has kept many monsters away at night.”

Twilight and I broke into laughter. She looked up at me with a smile on her face and said, “I do feel a little better, Princess; I guess I just worried over nothing.”

I shook my head and stood beside my faithful student, draping a wing over her in comfort, “Twilight, mistakes happen at every age, even my own.” I closed my eyes and said, “I made the mistake of not believing you at the wedding.”

“Princess-“Twilight tried to speak up, looking up at me.

“Twilight,” I said firmly. “I’m teaching you here.”

“Sorry, I’ll shut up then,” she said, with a small smile.

“Twilight, I am no goddess, nor do I delude myself otherwise,” I admitted. “I just have to put up a front so that my subjects do not lose faith in me. Sometimes that front causes me to make mistakes. I shouldn’t have been so harsh upon you at the wedding. In the end, I could not defend my subjects when they needed me most.”

Twilight smiled and said, “Dear Princess Celestia”

I kept my gaze forward a smile coming across my face

My faithful student went on “I learned today that nopony is above making mistakes. I learned that we are all flawed. We tend to see our mistakes and think we can never recover from them. While we can’t always recover on our own,” she said, pressing her head into my shoulder, “we have our friends and family to help us through.” She smiled at me and kept her head pressed against me, “Your faithful student, Twilight.”

As Twilight rested against me I kept my wing covered over her. Alicorns normally try not to get too attached to their subjects because of our immortal nature. Right now, however, I just was glad to have Twilight here. She was my most faithful student, practically a daughter to me in many ways. I felt like we’d gotten even closer.

If only I was this close to all of my students in the past, Prometheus may not have turned out the way he did…

___________________________________________________________

Perspective: Voidera

Tia and I walked through the caverns below the castle. I looked over at her and asked, “They went home?”

“It’s been a long couple of days,” she explained. “Both of them deserve a rest.”

I nodded, “So, it's around here?”

“From the way Private described it,” Tia’s answered, her eyes scanning the caverns until she found our target. “Here it is.”

We came upon the black crystal jutting it’s way out of the earth. A green aura was covering it; I looked over at Tia and ordered, “Stand back.”

She stepped a few feet away as my horn glowed blood red. I fired a blast of magical energy at the crystal, shattering it to pieces. The shards fell harmlessly to the floor, I looked over at Tia, concern on my face, “You know what this means Tia?”

“He’s getting stronger,” Tia said slowly. “I feared the spell would not last long. Sombra will return and he will come for the Crystal Empire.”

“You know when he comes he’ll come looking for Private,” I said slowly, and then I saw her expression. “Tia, Prometheus falling was not your fault.”

“Then who’s was it?” Tia said, her violet eyes looking at me in frustration. “You weren’t here, Voidera! You were locked up Faust knows where, away from all of this! I had to contend with the fact that my first student became a tyrant, and now his son will come back to claim the empire!”

“Tia,” I said firmly, “You can’t let this get personal.”

She sighed, sitting on her romp on the cavern floor, and said, “Forgive me, Voidera, it’s been a long day. It’s just that ever since I saw Tenacity around Private’s neck I…” She bowed her head, not wanting to finish the sentence.

“His ancestors made the choice,” I spoke firmly. “I saw it when you shared your memory with me. They chose to take on the burden and nopony asked them too. If they had they not, Sombra would not have been defeated in the first place.”

“Why must Private suffer as well?” Tia asked, her voice riddled with guilt. “He never asked to share this burden.”

“I never asked to be born a Dracorn,” I pointed out.

“Don’t make this personal Voidera,” Tia tried to retort.

“You already have,” I said, walking to her and putting a hoof on her shoulder. “Tia, you remember what you said to Adamus after I brought you to him?”

Tia closed her eyes and spoke in the old tongue, “Si natus non definitur, sed quid faciendum.”

“You are not defined by your birth, only what you do next,” I said firmly. “I know it pains you to put your subjects in danger like this, but we’ll get through this, together.”

Tia then rested her horn against mine, and I gazed into her beautiful eyes “Like before?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said closing my eyes, and nuzzled the love of my immortal life gently, “Like before…”

“Voidera,” Tia said softly.

“Yes, Tia?” I asked.

“I never told you this because of all that’s happened,” she said, reaching up and wrapping her forelegs around my neck, "but I’m glad you’re back.”

“I missed you so much, my love,” I said, returning her embrace. “I have something to say…”

“What’s that?” she said as I suddenly broke from her embrace,

I raised my hoof and looked at her, and I spoke in the old tongue, "Tu suscipe me amicum et socium omnibus diebus vitae amorem?"*

Tia smiled, met her hoof with mine, and replied in the old tongue as well,

" Ego suscipiam vos Voidera meus, quasi consorte, et amici mei dilectione mea sicut et nos ambulare in aeternitate simul” **

Whenever an Alicorn says a vow in the old tongue, it shall remain true forever… Our vow was spoken, we kissed slowly sealing it. For the first time in a long time, I got to hold the mare I loved. I haven’t seen her in so long; I clung to her as our lips met. Gazing into her beautiful eyes, I spoke softly, “Tia, don’t let me go again…”

She pressed her head into my chest, wrapping her beautiful wings around me in a warm embrace “I will never let you leave me again; I need somepony to eat all those gems the nobles keep giving me to earn my favor.”

“At least I’m good for something around here,” I joked, as my leather wings wrapped around Tia. “I love you, Tia.”

“I love you too, Voidera” she said, while keeping her head pressed to me. “Never forget that.”

I never have…

_______________________________________________________

* Will you accept me, as your friend, love and partner all the days of our lives?

** I accept you Voidera, as my mate, my friend and my love as we walk in eternity together

Chapter 1 "The Alicorn Summit"

Equestria Noir

Case 16

“Among Alicorns”

Written by: Jacoboby1 and ShatteredIllusions

Cover art by Skullman846

Chapter 1
“The Alicorn Summit”

My faithful student Twilight,

As you must have read in the papers, this weekend Canterlot will be hosting a summit meeting between several important rulers. I cordially invite you, Spike, and Private to witness this, once in a lifetime, event. It is exceedingly rare for Alicorns to gather in one place. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

P.S. Shining Armor would like to see you as well when you come.
____________________________________________________________________

“Quiz me again!” Twilight demanded, as she paced in front of me. We were on the train heading to Canterlot, so far it’d been nearly two hours of nonstop quizzing about Royal names and etiquette. Spike had done the smart thing and gone to sleep before Twilight started getting super nervous. Now I’m stuck being her unwilling study buddy.

“All right,” I looked at the list again. “Name all three of the major kingdoms who will be present, and their monarchs.”

“Fire Kingdom,” Twilight replied, “ruled by the very popular King Onyx, unmarried currently. One heir, Prince Ember, also popular among his people. Oberon and Titania, are the rulers of the Deer Kingdoms. They haven’t left their ancient lands in over a century. Reclusive but apparently wise and caring towards their subjects.”

It sounded like they would get along famously with Twilight. “The last one?”

“King Thor,” Twilight recited, “ruler of the Cloud Kingdom, a confederacy of Pegasi founded many years ago. Boisterous and loud, but friendly if reports are to be believed.”

“Any idea why they’re all meeting?” I asked.

“Apparently, it has to do with the troubling events going on in Equestria,” Twilight speculated. “Celestia mentioned in a recent letter that she wanted to form some alliances, should the need arise where we can’t help.”

“It just seems a little odd to me” I said, putting down the list. “Now, you're ready, will you quit worrying?”

“What makes you think I’m worried?” Twilight said, in a high pitched voice.

I winced. “Your sweat is forming a puddle on the floor,” I said, pointing to said puddle.

“Oh,” she blushed, wiping her brow. “Sorry, I just don’t want to let Celestia down. Whenever she asks me to come along on big events like this I always get so nervous that I’ll screw something up.”

I just smiled and put my hoof around her shoulder, pulling her close. “You’ll do fine, your smart and you’re the Element of Magic, for pete’s sake. I’ll be right there with you if it becomes too much, okay?”

“Thanks,” she smiled warmly at me, and was moving in for a kiss when I heard a gagging sound. I turned around and saw Spike making a disgusted face.

“Get a room you two," he complained, before going back to sleep.

Twilight and I just laughed at our dragon companion as the train steamed along towards Equestria’s capital.

_______________________________________________________

A pair of solar guards led us through the halls of Canterlot Castle. I was only inside the castle itself a couple of times before. Granted I wasn't always invited but, eh, details. I was once again amazed by how well decorated and lavish it was. Several guards and servants greeted Twilight as we passed, I even overhead some maids giggling over the fact she was accompanied by a stallion.

Spike lounged on my back, and announced animatedly, “I’ll admit, it is kind of cool we'll get to see other Alicorns like Celestia and Luna!”

“It’s a rare thing indeed,” I said, smiling back at my dragon companion. “According to most reports only a dozen Alicorns are alive today. All of them royalty in some way.”

“What about Cadence?” Spike asked, curiously. “Wasn’t she born an Alicorn?”

“Yes, Spike,” Twilight explained, “but she is an incredibly rare case. Cadence was the first one born in a very long time”

“So seeing a group of them in one place is a very important event,” I said, feeling a little excited myself.

“I just hope Twilight can handle this,” Spike whispered in my ear. “Aren’t you a little suspicious about all of this?”

I nodded, letting Twilight walk ahead so she wouldn’t overhear, “I think there’s a reason we were brought along, and it’s not just for moral support, that’s for sure.”

“Why don’t we tell Twilight?” Spike asked.

“She has enough on her plate,” I explained, “and I don’t have any concrete evidence, just a gut feeling that something is up.”

______________________________________________________

We arrived at the throne room to see Celestia sitting there in all her glory. She smiled down at the three of us, as we bowed before her. Descending from her throne she gesturing for us to rise. “Thank you all for coming.”

“Always a pleasure, Princess,” Twilight replied. “When are the other monarchs arriving?”

“In a few hours,” Celestia said, “feel free to take advantage of the palace’s resources to get ready.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Twilight bowed her head. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to start getting ready.” She headed out, but I stayed behind.

I looked up at Princess Celestia and said, “Your Highness, with all due respect, why did you want her to bring Spike and I along?”

“Nothing gets past you, detective,” Celestia said with a smile, before her tone turned serious. “I called you here for a very particular reason,” she paused and waved a hoof dismissing her guards. She looked down at the little dragon, “Spike, please help Twilight get ready.”

Spike nodded and left with the other guards. I looked up at Celestia and asked, “Now what's really going on?”

“What I am about to tell you cannot leave this room, Private,” she said, her violet eye revealing her seriousness. “A threat was made against one of the monarchs.”

“Which one exactly?” I said, my brain going into detective mode.

“Prince Ember,” Celestia said gravely, “about two weeks ago a threat letter arrived against him.”

“I thought he was popular among his people?” I pointed out.

“Just because one is popular doesn’t mean he’s liked by everypony,” she said sagely. “Anyway, the reason I brought you here is really in case anything goes wrong.”

“You want me to be on the lookout for this would be assassin?” I concluded.

“Correct, I hope it is only my mind becoming paranoid these past few years, but I cannot make it look as if Equestria cannot handle her own problems.”

“This summit,” I said slowly, “you want to make it seem like you have everything under control. Just who called this summit in the first place?”

“King Onyx,” Celestia explained. “He claims that this is merely a get together and a way to provide aid should I need it. The fact of the matter is this all seems too suspicious. He was awfully vague about his reasons for calling it exactly.”

“Why tell me this?” I asked “Why not Twilight or Shining Armor?”

“I already explained to Shining Armor,” she said, looked out a window. “Twilight is here for something else.”

“What exactly?” I asked suspiciously.

“I already informed her, I wasn’t sure if she would tell you,” Celestia said, as I walked to her side, “but I’ve felt a strange magic in the air, can you feel it?”

“I’m not exactly magically adept your highness,” I explained.

“Close your eyes, and let your magic do the rest,” Celestia commanded me, her own horn glowing.

I closed my eyes and saw the biggest pair of red eyes!

I yelped and fell back on my haunches, “What was that?”

“Is everything all right, Private?” Celestia asked, concerned. “What did you see?”

“Red eyes,” I explained, “like those a dragon would have.”

Celestia’s violet eyes grew wide, but then she shook her head as if dismissing a thought, “Forgive me, I did not mean to subject you to something like that. I’m guessing you got a clearer picture somehow.”

It was weird, those eyes, they looked like the ones that belonged to that Alicorn that gave me the Element of Tenacity. I’ve never head of an Alicorn like him before. He seemed almost familiar some-

Screech!

I jumped ten feet in the air and fell to the ground. I looked up and saw a phoenix in front of me making laughter like chirps.

Celestia looked at the phoenix scolding, “Philomena, still the same old troublemaker it seems.” So this was the infamous Philomena. Fluttershy told me about how much trouble this phoenix can be.

The phoenix however didn’t fly to Celestia. Instead she flew onto my extended foreleg and began nuzzling me on the cheek. “Hey there, you certainly seem friendly.”

“Forgive Philomena,” Celestia said, with a small laugh. “She does have a nasty habit of causing trouble for others, though I don’t think I’ve ever seen her take to a pony so well before.”

“She’s certainly the affectionate type,” I said, as Philomena flew off me and onto Celestia’s foreleg, for some reason the phoenix seemed disappointed to leave me.

I dismissed the thought and bowed, “If you’ll excuse me Your Highness, I have to make sure your faithful student doesn’t have another mental breakdown.”

I walked out, that same expression came to Celestia’s face, it was like she was sad to see me go.

This was too weird…

________________________________________________________________

“I definitely felt that weird magic.” Twilight said, as she looked up from her books. “It was not like any magic I've felt before.”

“What was weird about it?” Spike asked, handing Twilight another scroll. “Isn’t magic the same no matter who casts it?”

“Not exactly,” Twilight said, going into lecture mode. “Everypony’s magic is a little bit different. Different frequencies can result in different forms of magic. It’s like how music is various vibrations made to create a sound, the spell. Only this was different. Like comparing our magic to a soft harp and this magic to a big bass drum.”

“Did you see a pair of red eyes?” I asked.

“What are you talking about, Private?” Twilight asked nervously. “Did you see something?”

“Maybe I'm just being paranoid” I said, shaking my head “The monarchs are going to arrive soon, we should get ready.”

____________________________________________________

I stood in the throne room next to Shining Armor, in the formal attire I'd been given for the royal arrival. Celestia and Luna sat on their respective thrones. Luna casting the occasional glance at her sister. The room was filled with various Canterlot nobles. My dad wasn’t among them; he was spending time with Tailspin back home. I hoped they’d be all right while I was gone.

“Hey Private, you okay?” Shining Armor asked. “You don’t look so good.”

“Sorry,” I replied, “just thinking about home.”

“Me too,” he said. “Cadence wanted to come along, but with the foal coming she has to stay home.” he sighed, “I worry about her sometimes.”

“Hey, she’ll be fine,” I reassured him. “We just have to get through a bunch of nobles bickering, and then we can all go home. What could possibly go wrong?”

“Sadly it won’t be that simple,” Shining said, rolling his blue eyes. “The royals are actually going to be staying for the next couple of days.”

I sighed, I’d have to call dad and tell him that. I looked up at Twilight who was clad in a very beautiful blue dress. Her mane was tied back out of the way, as she checked things off her checklist, even doing that I found myself captivated by her…

I felt a nudge in my ribs and looked at Shining. His expression reminded me of the several times I’ve seen him fight. I was careful not to stare at his sister while he was present from then on.

Just then a scarlet coated earth pony entered the room. He was unlike your typical earth pony, however. His mane moved and danced as if it were actually aflame. It wasn’t but the effect was something to behold. He wore a strange black necklace around his neck as well as his formal attire. He cleared his throat and unfurled a scroll, he must be the herald.

“Announcing the arrival of Royal Highnesses, King Onyx and Prince Ember!”

Ponies all stomped as a tall and regal looking Alicorn entered. His coat was the color of a flame and his mane moved like it was aflame as well. His chest showed black regalia that matched his crown. His smile seemed friendly, as his yellow eyes scanned the room.

An Alicorn about the same size as Cadence or Luna followed behind the king. This was the first time I’ve seen a male Alicorn of that size. He didn’t look much different from his father, except his mane and coat were bright yellow instead of scarlet.

Both walked to the Princesses and bowed their heads in respect. Celestia and Luna bowed their heads in turn. The father and son sat off to the side as another herald came out. This one was a green earth pony with rather skinny legs. His head was adorned by a set of antlers instead of a horn. So this must be the elusive deer tribe of ponies.

He showed little emotion as he made his announcement, “Announcing the arrival of King Oberon and Queen Titania.”

The pair of Alicorns that entered sported very interesting features. Instead of feathered wings they both had wings like those on a butterfly. Oberon, was a proud, tall Alicorn with a green coat, deep blue eyes, and antlers on his head as well. Beside him was Titania, she had a white coat and a long green mane with several flowers tied in it. She didn't have antlers, just a horn like any normal Alicorn. I guessed the antler thing was reserved for males.

Unlike Onyx, who at least seemed friendly, I got an air of arrogance off the pair. They certainly didn’t want to be here by the looks of it. For some reason I got the vibe they didn’t even want to be in the same room with each other.

I really gotta stop playing match maker with everypony I see.

A third herald came in, this time a normal Pegasus with the exception of his body being covered by strange tattoos, “Announcing the great and awesome Thor, here to grace you all with his absolutely radical presence!”

The Alicorn that entered was large, even by Celestia’s standard. He was dark blue, with a long black mane that seemed to move like a storm cloud waiting to burst. His wings were the most prominent feature on his body. Easily twice the size of any normal Alicorn’s and could probably cover any pony in this room with them.

He laughed heartily as he came to Celestia, “It's been far too long, Celestia! You should make get-togethers like this more frequent!”

“Always a pleasure, Thor,” Celestia said, with a smile. “It seems you haven't changed since we saw each other last,” she laughed. “I believe that was when you tried to emulate Luna’s lightning cloud prank on your own subjects.”

Thor chuckled good-naturedly, “Sometimes I get a little carried away, what can I say? Anyway, now that we are all here, we can begin.”

The nobles all began to talk excitedly as the Royals ventured to another room. I followed beside Shining Armor and listened to Celestia talking to the fire king.

“How long has it been Celestia?” Onyx asked.

“About a year, Onyx,” Celestia said, as they fell in beside each other. “I did find it odd that you called this meeting so suddenly.”

“Your land is greatly troubled, Celestia,” Onyx pointed out. “You will need allies, should it continue.”

I watched him move closer to Celestia, for some reason it made me want to throttle this guy.

I can’t explain it, but as he was about to touch Celestia’s side I saw a pair of red eyes flash before me and Onyx backed off. He looked at her nervously, and then kept on walking. Celestia didn’t seem to notice what happened. She just moved up to talk with the deer ponies.

Then Luna fell back beside me and whispered, “Private, pray tell, can you figure what is wrong with Prince Ember?”

I looked forward at the young prince. He kept casting glances back at Luna and then looking forward hoping she hadn't noticed. I grinned at Princess Luna and said teasingly, “It seems you have gotten his attention, Luna.”

Understanding hit Luna’s teal eyes and blush formed on her cheeks. She shook her head and looked away from Ember. The poor prince drooped his ears at the apparent rejection, and I gave Luna a look, “What’s wrong?”

“He has been sending us letters nonstop since our return,” Luna complained. “I find it annoying, but he seems so insistent on meeting us.”

“You don’t return his affections?” I asked

Luna’s eyes closed for a minute “It’s hard to forget seeing our love run into the forelegs of another.”

I knew she was talking about Nocturne, my ancestor whom she was in love with before the banishment. Nocturne however, went into the arms of Marigold after Luna’s transformation into Nightmare Moon. I’m guessing she has a hard time opening up to the prospect of romance in this day and age.

The guards broke off to lead the monarchs to the rooms they would be staying in. Ember cast a glance towards Luna before following his father. Luna subsequently ignored it, and headed to her tower to raise the moon for the night.

I walked over to Twilight who sighed with relief as everypony went to their rooms. “The talks will begin tomorrow after everypony has gotten some rest,” she explained to me. “Spike is helping the servants prepare the castle for tomorrow.”

“You should get some rest too” I said, smiling at her lovingly. “You’ve worked yourself to the bone getting this thing organized.”

“Thanks, Private. I’ll see you in the morning.” She laid a kiss on my cheek and then yawned.

“Night,” I said, as she went towards her room. I was walking down the hall towards my room when I rounded a corner and bumped into Prince Ember himself.

“Sorry!” he said, as I climbed to my hooves. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness,” I said, bowing my head. “I was thinking of something else.”

Ember smiled, he certainly seemed friendly enough, “You are the one Luna was speaking with, who are you, exactly?”

“Detective Private Eye,” I said. “Luna and I are just friends.”

“You’re the one Celestia said was the Element of Tenacity,” he said excitedly. “I’ve read about your victory against Discord. It must have been quite a thing to behold.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness,” I smiled. “Though I must ask, what are you doing up at this hour?”

“I was hoping to apologize to Princess Luna,” Ember said, with a defeated sigh. “I was so stupid earlier, but I had not seen her in so long! She’s,” he paused, a blush coming to his cheeks, “grown well.”

“A lot has happened to her in the last few years,” I explained. “I’m sure she’ll come around though,” I reassured the prince. “You just have to give her some time.”

“Thank you, Private,” Ember said, looking a little reassured. “I hope that I can earn her affection in our time here.”

“Your Highness, forgive me for my boldness,” I said politely, “but Celestia told me of a threat against your life.”

“Indeed,” he replied, closing his eyes. He swallowed nervously “The threat said that I would lose my life because of my father’s advancements towards Princess Celestia.”

For some reason the very thought of Onyx getting anywhere near Celestia made my blood boil. I shook my head, what was that all about? “Your father likes Celestia?”

“Has for several centuries,” Ember explained. “After my mother died he sought Celestia’s hoof for many years. However, she has constantly rebuffed him at every turn.”

“So your father thinks some jealous lover is telling him to back off or I’ll kill your kid?” I concluded.

“Yes, in a manner of speaking,” Ember explained. “I only pray it is an empty threat.”

“Don’t worry, Prince,” I said with a smile. “Shining Armor and I will make sure your stay here is comfortable and safe.”

“Thank you, Detective,” Ember turned. “Now, I must speak with Luna.”

“You’ll find her room that way,” I said pointing down the hall. “Though be careful, you might be assaulted when you get there”

“By what exactly?” Ember asked nervously.

“The most protective group of ten year olds you’ll ever meet.”

________________________________________________________

Perspective: Celestia

I sat on my bed and read the current friendship report in front of me. It seems that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were having some bully trouble with Babs Seed. It was nice to read how they helped her become accepted in the end. I can't wait until they all find their special talents.

I heard a knock on my door, “Come in!”

A solar stallion entered and saluted, “King Onyx requests your presence in his chambers Your Highness.”

“Tell him I’m feeling tired tonight and am in dire need of beauty sleep,” I winked at the guard and he nodded. That would keep Onyx off me for one night.

He will never give up it seems. He knows exactly why I cannot accept him. Why I will not accept him as my somepony.

Tia,

If only he would listen, maybe that’s why he came.

Tia,

Wait, what was that?

Tia, my love…

It can’t be!

I stood up, my horn was glowing, ready to fire any spell I could need. I felt it! I definitely felt that magic again!

It just…

No, your mind is playing with you, Tia.

You saw what happened.

You’re just clinging to false hope.

It’s been fifteen hundred years.

Why hope anymore?

______________________________________________________________

Perspective:???

Discord crawled on all fours as he made his way through the Everfree Forest. He muttered curses to himself.

They didn’t seal him in stone, but that didn’t matter.

His powers were all but gone. It would take years to recover to even half of his strength. The Lord of Chaos was stripped to that of a mere bloodied creature crawling in the dirt and grass. It wouldn’t be long before the ponies found him.

Luckily, I found him first.

He looked up at me and his eyes grew wide, “No! No, my seal!”

“Miss me Discord?” I asked, with a small smile.

“I sealed you for fifteen hundred years!” Discord shouted, pointing at me. “You can’t be free!”

“Well, I did get a little tired of being locked away all that time,” I said, with a smirk. “You look like you’ve been through hell.”

“I’ll send you straight to hell, where you and all the other Alicorns belong!” He held up a paw hoping to cast a spell, but all that came out were small sparks, which fell harmlessly to the ground. “My magic!” he cried.

“It seems Tenacity has done his job,” I said, walking slowly towards him.

His eyes grew wide in fear as I approached, “Voidera, buddy! Look, I know you may be upset about the whole trying to kill you and Celestia thing. You may also be sore about the whole kidnapping Luna business, but water under the bridge, right?”

“Reduced to begging it seems,” I snarled, my red eyes narrowing. “Is this really how far you’ve fallen?”

“You, you aren’t going to kill me are you?” Discord asked, backing into a tree “I know you! You don’t kill because you don’t want any more blood on your hooves! You won’t kill me your ole buddy Discord will you?” he whined, sweat showing on his fur.

“No, Discord,” I said, with a low growl. “I’m not like you.”

“Oh, thank you!” he cried in joy. “I knew you were merciful, Voidera!” He then began to bow and was prepared to kiss my white shoed hooves before I pulled them away “Yeah, never really understood that tradition, anyway.”

I just held my red eyed gaze on him

“So um,” Discord said awkwardly, tapping his fingers together, “How can I make it up to you for not brutally murdering me?”

….”Run…”

“What…?” He said as recognition of his own words came to him

“Run away, little Discord,” I said , with cold red eyes. “Run away, and never return to this place.”

“Yes,” he said, as he started to walk slowly around me. “I will leave, you dragon-spawned bastard!” He summoned a dagger and tried to stab me in the back. I conjured my own blade, blocking it. My black horn glowed bright red as I blasted him in the chest with a bolt of magic.

He fell back, dropping his dagger. It fizzled out of existence upon contact with the ground. I put a hoof on his chest, pinning him down.

“Remember, Discord,” My eyes glowed red; “I tried to be civil.”

Discord was hit by the full power of my magic. In his weakened state it was easy to banish him from this world. He flew into the stars in a column of red light.

It’s better that they think Discord truly gone forever, for he would not return now that I’m back, and my charge renewed.

I looked towards the night sky above me. The sun would not be up for several hours.

Tia, I wonder if you would even recognize me now…

Chapter 3 "Old Friends, Old Enemies"

Chapter 3

“Old Friends, Old Enemies”

I have no idea how long we stood there and watched the two Alicorns kissing. Twilight and I just stared, trying to process the whole scene. Until our runaway Alicorn smirked up at Celestia, and spoke in a deep bass, “Don’t look now Tia, but we have an audience.”

“What!” Celestia cried, flying off him, and looking around. She blushed a deep red at our expressions, “Twilight, Private, I didn’t see you there!”

Twilight shook her head and pointed at the black Alicorn, “Princess! Who is this guy?”

The black Alicorn climbed to his hooves and smiled at us. I noticed he had rather carnivorous teeth. Twilight was staring at him, her violet eyes filled with a cold fury. He held out a hoof in greeting and introduced himself, “My name is Voidera, and Celestia is my…” he paused, and looked over at a blushing Celestia. It was weird seeing Celestia like this. I guess she wasn’t that much different from us when it came to matters of the heart.

Celestia took pity on him and smiled. “My special somepony,” she filled in.

“Your special somepony?” Twilight exclaimed, in absolute shock. “I’ve never seen him before in my life!”

“That’s because I was gone for fifteen hundred years,” Voidera explained.

Twilight maintained her frown, as she looked at Celestia. “Princess, this is the stallion that attacked Shining Armor!”

Celestia looked over at Voidera with a frown. “Is this true?”

Voidera looked at the ground apologetically, “Was he the alabaster one?”

“Yes,” Twilight shouted. “What do you have to say for yourself, attacking my brother?”

He closed his red eyes and said, “I truly am sorry, I only intended to hit him with an anesthetic spell to put him to sleep.” He reopened them and looked at Twilight directly. “Then this fireball came out of nowhere and hit your brother in the side. I tried to offer help, but I feared you would believe me the culprit if I stayed.”

“You honestly expect us to believe that?” Twilight fumed. She looked at me for support. “Private! Tell him how crazy that sounds!”

I looked up at the black Alicorn before me. For some reason, I wasn’t as willing to lash out at him. I looked over at Twilight, “It was a pretty confusing situation, he could’ve accidentally fired a fireball and not have known about it.”

“Don’t tell me you’re taking his side!” Twilight shouted, her eyes narrowing.

“I’m not taking anypony’s side,” I explained calmly, raising my hooves. “It’s just speculation.”

Celestia approached us both and spoke firmly, “I will send word to the guards to pick up Shining Armor. I suggest you both retire to your quarters, and get some sleep.”

“Princess!” Twilight protested, pointing at Voidera. “What about him?”

“Voidera and I,” she answered, walking past the black Alicorn and running her ethereal tail along his chin, “have some catching up to do.”

Voidera smiled and bowed his head politely at both of us, “I’m truly sorry about what happened, I wish your brother a swift recovery.”

He walked away with Celestia by his side. The pair was talking excitedly to one another; it seemed they truly were close. “He’s doesn't seem like a bad guy,” I observed. “Maybe it was simply an accident.”

I looked over at Twilight, her violet eyes alit with fury as she ranted, “The nerve of that guy! He attacks my brother, then comes here and puts his hooves all over the princess, and lies, saying he didn’t hit my brother with magic!”

“Twilight,” I said gently, putting my hoof on her shoulder, and pulling her against me. She took a deep calming breath. “We've a long night, let’s go and hit the hay.”

She looked over at me, “Sorry, I’m just worried about Shining is all.”

“I know,” I replied, nodding solemnly. “Let’s just get some sleep and-“

We were interrupted by loud shouting. We looked ahead and saw that the guards had Voidera cornered. As we looked on Voidera backed into the wall, away from the spears pointed at him. One of the solar guards shouted, “Stay away from the Princess, monster!”

“Wait, please!” Voidera cried, his red eyes flashed briefly. “Don’t come closer!”

“Guards, stand down.” Celestia ordered firmly. “Do not harm him.”

“Your Highness!” one guard protested, “We were told that somepony was coming to try and hurt you.”

Celestia shot a sidelong glance at Twilight, who blushed in embarrassment. She looked back at Voidera who growled as a spear almost poked him. His eyes flashed red again. Celestia walked past her guards and up to the strange Alicorn. She gently put a hoof on his cheek and spoke in a soft soothing voice, “It’s all right, Voidera, they will not hurt you. You needn't fear them.”

Voidera let out a breath and his eyes stopped flashing, “Forgive me, I simply do not like weapons pointed at me.”

The guards bowed their heads in shame, as Celestia looked at them, her violet eyes expressionless. “You are all dismissed; I do not wish to be disturbed while I am with Voidera. Anypony who raises a hoof to hurt him will have to face me.”

The guards audibly gulped and flew away. Voidera looked at Celestia with a guilty expression, “I almost lost control, I’m sorry.”

Celestia shook her head and turned to nuzzle him in comfort. Voidera nuzzled her back, smiling a little. Just what was that all about?

The two Alicorns walked away together. They certainly seemed comfortable around each other. The way Celestia was able to handle him; they really have known each other for a long time.

Just who is this guy?

_________________________________________________________

“I don't trust that guy!” Twilight growled, as she paced our room.

“Uh-huh,” I said, not looking up from the book I was reading.

“I mean, he’s obviously a friend of the Princess," Twilight concluded, “but just what is he exactly? She never mentioned a special somepony to me before. We tell each other everything,” she said that last part a little sadly.

I closed my book, looked up at Twilight, and asked, “Are you really that upset over this?”

She sighed and stopped pacing, “It’s just, I’ve known Celestia for over half my life. Now that this guy comes around I realize just how little I actually know about her.” She shook her head “It’s as though somepony took the Princess I knew and replaced her with a complete stranger.”

I walked to her, wrapping my forelegs around her. She pressed her muzzle into me, as I gently ran a hoof along her back soothingly “She’s still Princess Celestia. It's just for the first time in your life, you’re not seeing her as just a mentor,” I said, comfortingly.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, looking up at me.

“I went through the same thing,” I explained. “There was this one mare that Fenlock liked a lot when he was mentoring me. I couldn’t stand the fact she was around him all the time. For the first time in my life, I had to see Fenlock as a pony. I think that’s what’s going on here.”

Twilight slowly nodded. “You’re right, it was rather arrogant of me to think that she couldn’t have a special somepony,” she said. “Out of mild curiosity, whatever happened to Fenlock's marefriend?”

“Don’t know exactly,” I said. “Fenlock told me she left him and went to medical school. I heard she became a nurse after graduating. Fenlock never saw her again.”

“That’s so sad,” Twilight said, bowing her head. “I guess I shouldn’t be so antagonistic towards Voidera.”

“Do you know what he is exactly?” I asked. “I’ve never seen an Alicorn that looked like him before.”

Twilight tapped her hoof on her chin in thought. “I remember reading about a red eyed beast back at Glimmer’s mansion, but I didn’t get much. I’ve never heard of an Alicorn having dragon wings though.”

“We’ll talk to him in the morning,” I smiled a little. “Let’s just forget about what happened for the next few hours.”

“You’re right,” she said, her eyes drooping. “We were interrupted earlier.”

She stepped out of my arms and kissed me on the cheek. As she walked by me her tail swished up and ran across where she kissed. I watched as she lied down on the bed before me. I climbed onto the bed and kissed her lovingly on the lips.

She still wasn’t ready for me, I knew that. That didn’t mean I couldn’t pour all the love I had for her just in our time together. I laid flat on my back and Twilight crawled on top of me, her body stretched out along mine. She nuzzled me lovingly on the cheek. “Private, I always love it when we’re together like this. You always know how to keep me sane.”

“It’s a two way blessing,” I said, as I wrapped my forelegs around my beloved. “Twilight, I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Twilight whispered in my ear “My Preventus…”

She closed her eyes and put her head on my chest, sleeping softly.

Being with Twilight, even just lying together in each other’s forelegs, made my whole life worthwhile. Now I just needed to figure out how to convince her parents of that.

____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Voidera

“Forgive my guards and my student,” Tia said, blushing a little in embarrassment. “Perhaps I inspire a little too much loyalty in my subjects.”

“They just care about you,” I replied, with a smile. “I think it’s a good thing. A Princess should rule out of love, not of fear.”

Her eyes were a little downcast. Stupid Voidera why’d you have to remind her of that! I quickly changed the subject, “Your mane, it’s different from when I saw you last”

She smiled and ran a hoof through it, the magic in her allowing the mane to flow like water. “One year Luna thought it would be a grand idea to mix my shampoo with hers. The result was rather interesting.”

“I think she did right by you,” I said. Then I smirked and ran my white tail along her flank “Although you should lay off the cake a little, you're getting a jiggly flank.”

She fumed and bumped into me. “Must you always be such a scoundrel?”

“There’s the Tia I remember,” I said, grinning impishly at her.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” Tia said bemused.

“No, but this world has.” I replied, walking to a nearby window and looking out towards the horizon. “The air is cleaner somehow, and things seem to be brighter then they used to be.”

She walked and stood beside me as we looked out at the landscape before us “A lot has changed here, there are very few Alicorns left. The children of those we saved have come to populate this land.”

“So much has changed,” I mused. “I wonder if it will make any difference in how they treat me.” My red eyes closed as I recalled all of the shouting, screaming, and cries for my blood. All the pain I’d caused…

She looked at me, her violet eyes the same ones I used to gaze into on cold nights. “The one thing that will never change, Voidera,” she said, reaching up and putting a hoof on my cheek, “is the fact that I am your friend. You and I have fought together for so long I cannot imagine my life without you.”

I put my own hoof on her cheek, and gazed deeply into her eyes. “Tia, I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” she said softly, tilting her head to meet my eagerly awaiting lips…

“Tia, It’s time to raise the sun,” a voice called from the stairs.

I turned, and saw Luna staring wide eyed at me. She had grown up so much. She was no longer the filly I remembered. She rubbed her teal eyes and looked at me in disbelief. Suddenly those eyes were flooded with tears as she ran to me and cried, “Voidera!”

I opened my forelegs and pulled the young princess into a tight hug. She pressed her head into my dark chest and sobbed. I smiled down at her, “Luna, its okay, no need to cry.”

“Forgive us,” she said, looking up at me with tear stained eyes. “We believed you gone, and tried to persuade Tia to move on. We are so sorry for not believing when you said you'd return.” She hugged me all the more tighter.

Celestia walked over to us and gently got pulled into the hug by Luna. The midnight blue princess kept crying as she held both of us. “Please Tia, forgive us for doubting.”

“Shh,” Celestia soothed, running a hoof down Luna’s back. “It’s all right, we’re all together again.”

“Well, isn’t this a touching scene?” I male voice interjected. I let Luna be held by her sister and turned to face the owner of that voice. It was King Onyx, now fully grown, yet somehow he still managed to get under my skin. “I believed you dead, Voidera”

I shrugged. “Hoped, you mean? I got bored of being dead,” I replied, with a frown. “What are you doing here?”

“I am attending a summit here with dear Celestia,” Onyx said, smugly. It was that tone of his that made me want to burn him alive, but that would be redundant. “I could ask the same of you, Voidera. What are you doing here?”

“I don't need to ask your permission to see Celestia and Luna,” I growled.

“That’s Princess Celestia and Luna to you, beast!” Onyx shot back, his flaming mane starting to flare a little “Know your place among us!”

Celestia stood and got between us, glaring at Onyx. “Enough! Voidera is the reason you are even breathing at this point. I suggest you show him as much respect as you would me,” Celestia ordered, her nostril's flaring.

Onyx glared at me, but then bowed his head politely, “Forgive my abrasiveness, Celestia. I merely am protecting you from unwanted company.”

Luna was about to say something, but I held a hoof to stop her. Celestia needed to handle this.

Tia opened her eyes and spoke in a firm tone “The company I keep is my business. I am no shrinking violet. I have no trouble protecting myself, my subjects, or my friends. I highly suggest you return to your room, or you may find out just how far I am willing to go to do so.”

Onyx was smart not to change his expression; he turned and walked down the hall. He was good at hiding it, but I knew his pride was destroyed at that point. I knew he was furious, and this matter was not over.

I also didn’t miss the look he gave Celestia when he walked away. The rage inside of me was starting to boil…

How dare he think he can just look at her like one would a painting, she's no object! She needs nopony to protect-

I snapped out of it when I felt Luna running a hoof along my foreleg. I looked down at her, and was reminded of the child I used to look after. Her teal eyes begging me not to lash out at Onyx.

I sighed, and smiled down, reassuring her, “I’m fine, Luna. I just didn’t like how he was treating Tia.”

Tia smiled at us, and gave Luna a gentle hug. “Rest now sister, the day is almost here,” she said.

Luna nodded and then looked back up at me, “Promise me you’ll show us how to carve again?”

I nodded; I did promise her I’d teach her when we saw each other again. I rubbed my hoof on Luna’s head and she laughed a little at my touch. “I promise, you just get your rest.”

“Good morning then,” Luna said, as she walked off, yawning widely.

Tia and I watched her leave; my red eyes following the Alicorn as she walked around the corner, “She’s grown up so much.”

“She has. I do miss the days when she was younger, though. Maybe if I had been a better sister to her,” Tia said sadly, her voice trailing off.

I gently nuzzled Celestia on the cheek and she returned it lovingly, “Tia, you don’t have to pretend to be strong in front of me. You’ve seen me at my worst and I’ve seen you at your worst. Let’s not worry about the past for now, let’s just enjoy the new day of us being together again.”

Celestia wrapped her forelegs around me and kissed my lips tenderly. I returned it with as much love as I could. I had so desperately missed her. I missed her eyes, her gentle touch, and every tiny little thing about her.

I love Celestia, and nopony is going to take her from me again.

______________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

The new morning dawned and I awoke to find Twilight still on top of me. Her head was lying on my chest and her breathing was soft. I couldn’t help but smile at just how beautiful she looked. I remembered hearing her sleep back when I stayed at the library. She would always toss and turn, groaning in her sleep. Now though, she was just so peaceful.

I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead and her eyes slowly opened. She looked into my grey eyes and smiled slowly. “Mmm, you’re so warm. I could sleep on you forever.”

“You have to get up though,” I replied, smiling back. “Being Celestia’s faithful student and all.”

“Ten more minutes please,” she said, closing her eyes and teasingly rubbing her head on my chest, as if trying to find a comfortable position. Then she laughed and hopped off the bed.

I reluctantly climbed out of the bed, levitating my formal attire on. The talks were supposed to begin today. I slapped on my trademark hat and looked back at Twilight who was fixing her mane. “I’m gonna go on ahead, I gotta checkup on the security.”

“I’ll be right behind you,” Twilight said. “Oh, see if you can go wake up Spike too, will you?”

"No problem," I assured her as I walked out, making my way through the halls of Canterlot Castle. Where was Spike’s room again? Sweet Luna, this place was confusing!

I rounded a corner but then quickly ducked back behind it when I saw Onyx and Oberon speaking together. My curiosity got the better of me as I listened in.

“You’re certain it’s him?” Oberon’s voice was slow and lacking any sort of influx or emotion, reminding me of my history teacher in high school.

“I’m positive,” Onyx answered “but this changes nothing, in fact it helps.”

“You realize what will happen if this plan of yours fails,” Oberon replied.

“It won’t fail,” Onyx said smugly. “Celestia has the upmost faith in that foul beast. This will work to our advantage.”

“Somepony is here,” Oberon said, his head turning scarily fast.

I have got to work on my stealth abilities! I bolted as fast as I could away from the pair. I rounded a corner and saw a large crowd gathered outside of a room. Spike came running up to me, “Private! It’s Prince Ember!”

“What happened?” I asked.

“Somepony killed him!” Spike exclaimed, as we pushed our way through the crowd of servants and dignitaries. I looked at a pair of solar guards standing in the doorway.

“I’m Detective Private Eye; I'm here to investigate this crime scene.”

They nodded and let me pass into the crime scene. I nearly gasped at what I saw. Prince Ember was on his bed, but his body wasn’t harmed, exactly. It wasn’t bleeding, instead… it was flat. It was like a pony skin throw blanket. A large tear ran up the side, like a rip in cloth. “What is this?”

“Out of my way!” I heard a voice call, and then Onyx entered the room, his eyes filled with grief. He ran to his son’s bedside and saw the tear, “His soul fire! Somepony stole his soul fire!”

“His what?” I asked Spike, who shrugged in turn.

“Fire ponies don’t have normal physical bodies” Onyx explained, while closing his son’s eyes. “Instead we are actually made of literal flame, our soul fire. If the body is here, then somepony took my son’s very soul out of him”

I looked out at the crowd, “Did anypony see what happened?”

After two minutes I heard one of the fire pony dignitaries call out, “It was him! I saw him enter the Prince’s room last night!”

I walked out and looked to where he was pointing. There, standing before everypony, was Voidera. He looked tired. He’d obviously been up late, for how long though?

“You monster!” Onyx shouted accusingly, stomping over to Voidera. “How dare you steal my son’s soul fire!”

“I have done no such thing!” Voidera fired back defensively.

“The threat!” Onyx concluded. “Clearly the words of a jealous lover! I should’ve known your arrival was far too convenient!”

“What do you speak of, Your Highness?” one of the servants asked.

“This beast, and his evil vendetta against me!” he shouted, pointing accusingly at Voidera. “He robbed me of Celestia in the past, murdering my father to ensure our wedding would not be! Now he's murdered my son too!”