He And His Knightmaresby xCrossxChaptersHarmony's ElementsDoubt's GripArmor's DebutBattle's IntensityDage's PowerVictory's AfterthoughtsBONUS: When Home's LostBONUS: The Perfect HostBearer's ReturnKnightmare's ComingHarmony's ElementsHarmony's Elements I float through space before landing with a thump on my rear on a cold, hard surface. I glance around in panic before realizing where I am. I look up to see that a giant green-and-blue-and-white orb floats above in the sky. Home. I wonder why I am here, what happened to get me here... And then I leap to my hooves, morning sun lighting the area. What? Oh! I'm in the throne room! I swing my head right and smack my nose into Luna's, hard. "Ow!" "Ow! Dage!" she cried as she takes a step back. "What was that about?!" She stares at me, worried. "Sorry, Luna!" I apologize almost instantly. "I... I dreamed I was sent to the moon..." Her look turns to confused curiousity. "It started with me falling to it, and ended with me wondering why I was there, how I was there... and everything else as I had amnesia..." I trail off as he look turns to surprise and worry. "Is there... something wrong...?" I ask hesitantly. "Well, yes," she starts. "First, I didn't sense you dream at all. Second, those were exactly the first few seconds of my banishment, until it all rushed back to me." "Wait, if it wasn't a dream..?" I struggle to wrap my head around not dreaming when I saw that. "A vision," she answers. "It's not unheard off," she shrugs. "You can talk about it more," cuts in Celestia as she steps into view from behind Luna; "the Bearers are here." The doors open as she finishes, and we turn to face them as one. "Good morning, Twilight. I see you have completed my task and made some friends." "Princess, is what Ni- Luna said true?" Celestia nods. Twilight's ears fold back. "Oh..." She turns to me and Luna, shuffling here hooves. "Umm... I'm... I'm sorry, Princess Luna... for accusing you and-" Luna raises a hoof to silence her. "It is alright, Twilight Sparkle; I understand how it must have looked." She nods to them respectfully. "So... why are we here still?" asks Spike. "The Elements," answers Celestia, "need to be locked up for safekeeping. And Twilight has a report to tell me on the Magic of Friendship before she splits to return to her studies." Twilight's ears bend back as she frowns, Celestia titls her head slightly. "Are you not happy to return to your studies?" "N-no, it's not that," she stutters, not lookinng at Celestia for a moment. She takes a deep breath and meets her eyes. "I've learned that friendship is a powerful force that binds ponies together, giving them more joy than anything else, along with much more. And the thought of leaving them is... saddening. These are my friends, and I want to be with them." She sighs, shutting her eyes for a few moments before looking back at her with force. "I want to return to Ponyville with my friends." To Twilight's surprise, Celestia smiles. "Then you shall continue your studies on the Magic of Friendship in the Ponyville library, sending reports on what you learn to me through Spike." Twilight gapes. "I am pleased that you have finally learned of this special magic, and I know you would never let me down." Twilight bows deeply. "Thank you so much, Princess." Unable to control herself anymore, she bounces up and down, saying "Yesyesyes!" nonstop for many moments before Celestia gets her attention again. I chuckle at the display, recalling how anti-social she had been when she had first got to Ponyville. "Now, about the Elements..." * * * We watch as Celestia levitates the box housing the Elements into the safe and then uses a special spell to close and lock the safe. She turns back to us. "And now nopony but I can get to the,. We nod and she walks past us to the door. "That is all. Twilight, you and your friends may now return to Ponyville. Dage and Sister, you may go to bed." We split up, the Bearers to the main entrance, me, Luna and Celestia to the throne room and bedrooms beyond it. As Celestia leaves us for the throne, I tell Luna I'll catch up in a bit after I do just a little something. I follow Celestia and wait for her to settle on the throne before asking my question. "Why did you need to lock them upo?" "For safety. Nopony can steal them now." "And who would dare steal the Elements?" She looks at me sternly. "You know the answer, Knightmare." A shiver runs down my spine at the ancient title. "You finished him off..." I whisper. "No, we beat him; you can't end a god, especially one of chaos, a key element of reality." She blinks. "But the spell was cast by the Elements; why would it wear off?" "Because the spell was controlled by us. And we no longer control the Elements." Another shiver runs down my spine at the prospect of what may come; I remember all to clearly growing up just before the Princesses overthrew him. "What can we do?" "Nothing right now. All is ready for when he returns; we will act when that time comes around." I nod and turn to leave. My neck prickles as I stop at the door, looking back at her. "I have the feeling that there is something you should tell me, but you won't. At least, not yet." I blink and leave, joining Luna for the day's sleep. Doubt's GripDoubt's Grip What did the armor do to me? What was its decisions? What did I really do? What am I now? What if I turn suddenly? What if I just doomed the world by going after what I desired with that armor? What if I am a darkness that can ruin Equestria?! I've been looking back at how things were. I recall two sides of thoughts. But which was which? I have no way to know. I wasn't me. What am I now? What will I do? What if I'm hurting Luna?! When the armor comes, what will it do? Will I give in? Will it take me? Will I be its again? Will I obey its wicked will? Will I do more evil? Will I turn on my people? Will I attack the Princesses? And the guards? And everypony else? What if I'm the end of the world?! I'm suppose to be sleeping. But I can't. For the past few days, all I can think about is what I have been thinking, shifting as turmoil wraps my thoughts. I haven't been able to sleep for the past few days. "Dage." I jump as Luna's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "What's wrong?" I open my mouth to dismiss her only for her to cut me off before I can. "Ever since Sister told you about the armor, you've been shifting throughout the day." I sigh. "I... don't know..." I whisper. She sits up to look at me, concern written on her face. I sigh again. "I've been looking back to when I had it; I remember two voices but I can't tell which is which." I look at her from my pillow, splayed out on my stomach. "It doesn't matter anymor-" "But what if everything I've done is actually what the armor wanted?! What if I'm not the pony I think I am?! What if- What if I'm hurting you?!" "Dage, calm down." I sit up. "I can't be calm when everything I thought I knew about myself can be a lie! That I could turn at any time!" "You are overthinking things." I ignore her. "I could become evil! I could give in to the armor again! I could attack you and the guards and everypony else! I could be the end!" Luna's gaze turns into and she casts two spells: the first seals my mouth shut and the second gives me a slap across the face. I gasp -through my nose- and jump to my hooves on the bed, gaping at her. "You need to calm down, now. I can wait all day for you to fully calm yourself." I stare at her, wide-eyed still. Slowly, my breathing and heart slow and I unconciously sit with my hooves tucked under me comfortably. I stare at he for a long time, carefully thinking over things before she finally unseals my lips. "Now, explain your train of thoughts, calmly." I nod as I begin anew. "I looked back to try to learn about the armor so I can beat it when it comes. I was only able to tell that I had two voices. But I can't tell which is which, especially when they never fought. That... that lead me to doubting if what I did was my choices or not... And then if I am what I think I am... If I can beat the armor... If I could be the doom of Equestria... If I could be... hurting you..." "If you were hurting me," she begins, extending a wing over me, "I would know you don't mean to and let you know of your mistake." She smiles softly. "And it doesn't matter which voice was which; it is gone now and you are left with yourself. There is no doubt in my mind that you are you." "But what about all that I did do with it?" I ask, still doubting who I was and thus who I've become. "Sister said that you somehow diverted its desire into your obsession. Yes, it influenced you in the smallest of ways, but I bet your will was too strong for it to beat. You did as you wanted." I nod, slowly coming to see the foolishness of my- But! What about my evi- "And you are most definately not evil," she breaks through last doubts. "You are too self-concious and willful to ever let yourself get away with evil. Or to give in to the armor. I wouldn't let that happen, anyways." She smiles... and pulls me... to her... with her... wing.... I obey... smiling... as my eased mind... drifts off.... Mmm... her warmth.... "I... thank you... Love...." Sleep wraps me in its embrace again at last. Armor's DebutArmor's Debut Everyday I fight off the doubts while Luna tucks her wing around me. It's hard but gets easier over time, as the months pass. I come to think more of the nights and of Luna next to me. It's worth it as I fall asleep and rest peacefully until Luna wakes me. The nights are great as me and Luna continue to talk, though less so as more nightmares happen and visitors come. It doesn't bother either of us; things are good and it's our jobs. Things continue like this for the next few months before the news arrives. A guard rushes in right as Celestia entersto relieve me and Luna for the day. "Sorry to interrupt, but we are being attacked by an evil-armored pony! The men don't stand a chance, not even the fresh Dayguards!" The three of us glance at each other. It's here. "Gather every man you can and clear the way; it will come straight here," orders Celestia. "If... If we do that, he will easily-" protests the guard. "This is not your fight. Get everypony out of the way, then treat the injured when you can." Celestia glares at him as he hesitates before rushing back out. She turns to Luna with a regretful expression. "Come; this isn't our fight either." "No." Luna glares at her sister, who's gaze turns into a glare back. "I will not leave Dage." "You must leave this to him." They glare at each other more. Before either can speak again, I cut in. "Luna, go with her; I'll be fine." She turns to me, stunned. "You will still be nearby, and so will I. I can handle this, like you told me back when I had doubts." She stares at me, worry written too clearly on her face. "I'm barely younger than you, not a child." I blink and she concedes. "Good luck... Love..." she whispers softly into my ear, hardening my resolve, as she follws her sister out. I wait in the throne room for a good while it feels like. The armor finally steps around the corner of the grand doors, a pale blue form holding it together. A magicly-created body. "Dage," it says in mock woo, the voice dark and echoing. "Decided to accept me? I thought these petty Princesses would influence you otherwise." "They didn't need to, Paragon." I midly toss a fireball at him. He deflects it as it hits his horn. "Weaker than I remember; maybe you won't give me a challenge after all." It grimaces. I narrow my eyes as my horn glows, lifting the separated pillar before chucking it at it. Its horn glows the same color as mine as it sends fire out, splitting the pillor so it flies past harmlessly. "Simple levitation," it notes. It charges at me, horn aimed for my chest. I wait until the last second before leaping back. I'm too slow as it uses magic to extend its horn and send me flying with great force. I crash through a window and fall right off the mountain, the castle hanging over the edge. I flip uncontrolled through the air, chasing the rain I hadn't previously noticed. Lightning strikes, thunder mere seconds behind, lighting my fall. I stare back up as the Paragon Armor leaps off the rear balcony after me. The same one that Luna came back on... My vision blurs to black as I fall. Booms, flashes of light, rushing wind, pattering of rain on my back, the wrenching of gravity.... Battle's IntensityBattle's Intensity It has been too long since I've been in combat. And I had the armor everytime. It's been a long time since I've been hurt, before the armor. I was weak because of pain. This landing will hurt. I can't take him on after it. I'm too weak... The memory of Luna flashes in my head. "Good luck... Love..." I feel my will return, like a flame. I can't! I won't! I wake and flip, using magic to crunch the earth as I land. I stare up as the Paragon falls feet away from, landing exactly like I did. That explains a lot. I send rapid fireballs at it, barely being avoided as they fly faster than ever before, slicing through the ground around it. I levitate it just slightly to get my bearings, charge it, then launch it into the sky, flipping it to send it flying back to the ground. He shifts so it barrels at me; I ignore it as I send fireball after fireball at it. it deflects them with its own fireballs. I leap to the side as it crashes into the ground. I realize he had prepared as he spins to face me, unleashing an overcharged fireball directly into my flank. I'm sent flying as my side smokes, blackened but not burnt to the flesh. I jump back to my feet, sending the flying chunk on top of him. A blue ray bursts up, followed by it leaping through and towards me once mor. I sidestep and headbutt its shoulder, knocking it back a bit. Not enough. It turns to me and our horns clash, sending magical sparks out. We push against each other as we also try to overload the other's magic. I realize too late the damage this is doing; the magic explodes and sends me flying, smoke and pain coming off my horn, forehead, right eye and right shoulder. I collapse, groaning in extreme pain. My whole body aches. Damn... It really is strong.... I'm sorry... My memories flash back to Luna again. I... failed you.... I watch the Paragon as it stomps up to me, its fake form paling as it grins in victory.... Dage's PowerDage's Power "Don't give up!!!" I look up to the balcony in surprise, lightning striking to reveal Luna looking down. Somehoe, she was able to keep her voice the same as she cried out to me. I notice Celestia's form appear behind her as the light fades. I turn back to the Paragon Armor. "I'm sorry, but I've just seen how foalish I've been." I stand up, feeling my power flow through me, transform me. I feel my thick muscles thin into sleeker forms, my hair getting pulled by the winds unlike before, and partial armor forms on my head and chest and other random parts of my body, like my shoulders. "Looks like you have some new armor, Knightmare Dage!" it cackles. "It's Nightguard Dage now." Time slows down as I leap forwards and stop behind it. I spin and buck it in the side, using all my strength on top of throwing my magic into the hits. The impact sends it flying in realtime. I spin to face it as it gets back up, giving it a cold stare. "And I will crush you!" I charge my magic, time slowing as I send fireballs that slice right through it. It screams in pain as I send more as I slowly walk forwards. I stop as my walk turns into a dash, leaping up to a chunk of earth I had discreetly thrown up and use it to launch myself at it like it had at me. It doesn't have time to dodge as my magic-driven body slams full force into it. I hear the crunch of armor and leap off, lifting the armor in my magic. I lift it before me and turn it to face me. The body is gone, but the eyes still glow with life. "I gave you everything!" it cries. "No," I deny. "You gave me power and protection. I gave myself everything else. From the start, I had the stronger will. From the start, you were the tool. And now I don't need you." I crush it with mighty force until it's an indistinguishable ball. Then I burn it until it all metls into a goop and drops into the earth, lost forever. I sigh as I feel my form return to its previous state and my strength ebbs after the extensive abuse endured. Luna lands next to me right as I'm collapsing, catching and steading me as she wraps a wing around me. Celestia lands in front of us, expression unreadable. I don't think she's please by Luna's "interruption..." I sigh again as exhaustion suddenly overwhelms me. Victory's AfterthoughtsVictory's Afterthoughts I groggily wake, recognizing the bed I lay on as Luna's. And mine now. I also recognize the absence of her as I lay in the middle of the bed on my side. I open my eyes and glance at the door. I recognize Celestia's form as she blocks it, looking down the hall. All is quiet. What happened while I was out...? How long was I out for...? I notice the glimmer of Celestia's eye before she walks the way she was looking. I yawn and stretch for a few moments before pain laces along my left side, spine, right shoulder and eye, forehead and horn. "AHK!" I screech at the sudden attack, crumpling up to stop the stress causing the pain, though my head is pounding, too. Luna walks in at that moment, staying by the door. Her eyes give away how much she wants to rush over and worry over me. Celestia follows, looking as unemotional as last time I saw her. I glance between them, waiting for one of them to speak. After many moments, I can't stand it anymore and ask, "What is it?" "You were badly injured. Normally, we would doubt that you could come back from it unscathed. But you showed an impressive amount of power when you were beat down." Celestia walks over to the side of the bed I'm facing. "You will endure scares, that is garaunteed. But we have no way to tell currently if your shoulder, spine and horn will heal properly." "Sister..." Celestia turns and glares at her. Luna closes her mouth and stares at the floor, slumping. "What do you mean? What's wrong?" I look at Luna for a moment, confused by everything. "Your shoulder, horn and spine were severly injured." She sighs as I give her the "No, really?" look. "Your back got cut by the shattered glass, some into your spine." I cringe. "Your shoulder is both burnt and wrenched." Worse cringe. "And your horn... Your horn has noticable chipping." I shut my eyes at the image, knowing what it means, all of it. I let out a deep, sad moan. "You think I won't ever be able to fight or use magic again." I open my eyes and cut Celestia off. "Don't give me that 'We don't know' crap," I growl. Her eyes widen and Luna jumps the chance to speak. "We really have no idea when you contain so much magic; it may or may not help you recover." Celestia snaps to her and gives her a very evil glare. Luna flinches back against the wall. Against all protests, I leap to my hooves on the bed and stick my face into Celestia's. "I know you have an immense amount of knowledge and have a good reason for trying to make me do it alone, but I don't fucking care! She saved me with three little words twice! She is my marefriend" -my spine tingles as I mention the word for the first time- "and she is meant to give up herself for me as much as I am for her! So leave us the fuck alone!" I groan in pain as I finish, dropping back on my side on the bed, this time across the pillows. They both gape at me before Luna tries to dismiss what I just said. "He didn't-" Celestia uses magic to close her mouth. "I know what he meant. And, once again, he is right." She releases Luna's lips and continues. "I do know much more than either of you. Things I can not yet reveal. But I shouldn't have tried to force things; natural is the way things are meant to come to be." She sighs, lifting me with magic to move me to my half of the bed and tucks me in. "But I am still very sure of something, and it will help under one condition: you must be put under a magically-induced coma until you have healed." "Sister!" prtests Luna. "No," I reply. "If it is what must be done to heal, then I will do it." I blink to Celestia before turning to Luna. "I will be right here, safe. And it won't be long before I'm back, I promise." I smile reassuringly and Luna nods. Celestia casts the magic and darkness envelops me. BONUS: When Home's LostBONUS: When Home's Lost I have just lost my family, killed in a battle for this city. Now I wander these crowded streets, unnoticed by any as I slip food and drink off stands for my own survival. I dream of finding a new home, one kind enough to take me in. But it has been many days since the battle ended.... I live through this pain day-by day, but I can feel my will slowly seeping away. Days, months, seasons, years. Why should I keep goin? My home has never come. Why am I still alive? I have no purpose. My life isn't getting any longer. The years go by so fast, but everyday feels like forever. Maybe someday I will find a way to get home; I just need a hoof to hold to climb this trajic slope. I just need someone to tell me to go on, to go on. But the days go on and my life is not getting longer; why should I even go on? I don't see point in this; my home has never come and I don't think it ever will. Why am I still alive? I grow older still, and still this city ignores me. I don't know where I belong; I don't see why I should continue to go on. What is there for me? My home will never come. I just want this to be over; give me a reason to go on. Maybe I can find a way to go on... to go on.... But these days go on and my life is not getting longer; why should I even go on? I don't see a point in this; my home has never come and I don't think it ever will. But maybe there's still hope... This is when the armor comes to me and brings me hope and purpose. It gives me a reason to go on and something to do. I move on... I move on to a better life.... Author's Note I thank Joaftheloaf for his song, "When Home's Lost", for the inspiration and many words of this bonus, which takes place when Dage is a young colt and ends as most would get their cutie mark (late teens). I hope you enjoyed this insight into how the character became how he is in the lore of the Dage Reality, and the song that started and ended it. BONUS: The Perfect HostBONUS: The Perfect Host I watch the passer-bys as they go about their business. I am resting on a mannequin whilst the blacksmith works on some new armor plating. I use my magic to animate the mannequin as the time comes. And the kid passes by at the same time as usual. I follow him. He turns down the corner and I follw, quickly taking off the armor as my form shifts to a large, hooded unicorn. "Boy," I speak in a deep voice, making him jump and spin around to face me. He stares at me, wide-eyed. "I have watched you everyday, and I sense great power in you." "But I am nothing," he mutters. "You feel that. But you are much more than that. I can give you something that will help you harness your power." His eyes brighten, but I'm not finished. But, you must vow to wield both tools wisely. There is no going back if you accept." He hesitates, then nods. Good, he did consider it, but agreed anyways. Maybe he will prove to be better than the others that were powerful. I pull out myself with fake unicorn magic, placing myself onto him. "Good luck." I send the fake into the street out of sight before letting the magic break. I dive into his mind, flipping through his memories: Lost his good family young, lived on the streets since, not noticed, wishes for a new home, wishes he has a purpose, that his name is Dage and he is 16. I dive deeper to find... Oh, he has an immense amount of magical power, and it is all like mine. He was born to be my host! Oh, yes! He breaks my train of thought as he wonders what he should do now. I slip in the idea of becoming a knight. He casts it out, remembering how knights fighting for this town killed his family. I slip in that not all knights serve greedy tyrants. He ignores it; most do. Not all knight serve anyone. No- wait, what? Some protect travelers for cash; escorts. Why? You know how people are; thugs pillage and steal. What does that have to do with travelers? They are the most vulnerable to getting thieved or attacked. You have armor and power; you could protect them. Yes, I could. And I will. But where do I start? I smile as I get my first victory; oh, he is smart, but oh so naive, like a child. No one taught him to grow. That will make it easier for me to take over. Oh, this is the perfect host! Author's Note And thus the Knightmare Dage is born. I hope you enjoy entering the mind of the villian Dage has just ended. That marks the two bonuses for this story. Want to leanr more about the Dage Reality? Look for the next story, His Very Chaotic Mistake, in the near future. Bearer's ReturnBearer's Return Sister stops me before we switch places on the throne. "I need to tell you about Dage's armor," she whispers. I look at her questioningly and she goes on. "It was enchanted, or cursed. It made him obsessed with you and resulted in his long life and his dark mutations." "You are telling me he has worn an evil armor for over a thousand years?" I ask incrediously. "Yes." She looks at me with concern. "That armor somehow got to him, but not it's suddenly gone. A cursed armor grows its own entitiy, and this one has had Dage for a thousand years. It will want him back. And it will try to take him back one day. "What do you want me to do?" "Nothing yet. Let him be. I just thought you should know what may come at any time." I nod. "Thank you. I'll... mull over it." I nuzzle her cheek before she turns to look behind me. "Looks like he's tried something for you," she comments with a chuckle before walking down the hall, past Dage. I turn around to see what the surprise is and roll my eyes as I see him in an ill-fitting Nightguard armor. She's smiling. As I wanted. Wait, is it a good or bad smile? Oh no, what if I've just made a big mistake? "That just won't work," she comments heartedly as she teleports the armor away, eliciting an "Aw" from me as I droop slightly. "You look better without it." I look back up at her and she gives me a radiant smile. I return the smile slightly as I reply, "But I wish to fit in more!" "You already fit in with how you look, Dage," she says in her magnificent voice. "Plus, you are my stallionfriend; you don't need to change for me." I blush, still new to her calling me that, which started yesterday, which was the day of her return. A Nightguard approaches us. "Princess, you have visitors. They wish to speak with you right away." "Who is it?" she asks. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends, Princess." "Twilight? I would think they- They must still think you are evil and Celestia is still the only ruling Princess!" She nods to me. "Obviously, Dage." She turns back to the guard. "Send them in at once. But don't mention my name yet." He hesitates before nodding and galloping off. She turns to the throne and motions for me to follow. I stand to her left since I prefer my right. "Don't jump in unneccesarily' I know how quickly impatient you can grow." As I showed her last night... "It's a wonder how you managed these thousand years, then Nightmare Moon." Eeyup... I nod just before the doors open to admit the Bearers. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight bursts in, speaking before looking, as she is prone to do despite her thoughtful nature. "I got terrible news-" The Bearers gasp as they notice Luna is the one on the throne. And that I am by her side. We blink at her as she begins the accusing. "What have you done with the Princess?! Why are the guards obeying you?! Explain!!!" She huffs after screaming the last word, and I share a glance with Luna before she does exactly as Twilight desires. "I have done nothing but make Sister pleased. And taken over my duties as the Princess of the Night. The guards have been inform of my change and obey both of their Princesses." "You are Nightmare Moon! Evil alicorn of the night!" "No, I am Princess Luna. I will not be called by that name anymore." "Unless it's Nightmare Night," I cut in, remembering the tribute-turned-festival. She looks at me, confused and unsure. "I'll explain later. Continue." I nod to the Bearers and she reluctantly turns back to them. Dage here worked hard worked hard to show me his honest love," -I feel myself blush- "and it took a lot for me to see it. But, when I did, I also saw how foalish I have been. I, Princess Luna, have returned, leaving Nightmare Moon in the past. And Dage here is at my side, having served for his crimes these past thousand years." I nod solemenly, watching the mares carefully. "Why should we believe you?!" pipes up SPike the baby dragon Twilight's back. "Because," I pipe up in turn, "two full days have passed with proper sun-and-moon cycles after our few-days-long "eternal" night." I blink as they realize that that is true. Which means Luna has to be back to normal. Well, Twilight does. The others look baffled. "You know, I think we should all meet up at sunrise; you lot look like you need rest, and we are not waking Celestia early. The guards outside will guide you to the empty rooms somewhere in the castle." I nod to the door and wait expectantly. They get the hint and leave. "You need sleep, too," comments Luna." I nod absently before fixing my error with a rapid shake of my head. "Oh no, I can't do that, Luna!" I state, stomping a hoof too hard and cringing as I'm reminded how naked I am. "You have barely gotten sleep since you brought me back. Everypony needs their rest, especially those who have gone a thousand years without any." I shake my head and her voice softens. "Just sleep until the Bearers return; you look exhausted and act it, too. I am worried what can happen to you if you don't rest up." I look at her and see the weak, worried look in her eyes. I sigh, unable to resist echaustion and those eyes. "Fine. But I'm staying here and you are to wake me when they come." I plop down heavily, curling up as I feel Luna nuzzle me with a good night. I drift off as her beautiful voice echoes in my ears. Knightmare's ComingKnightmare's Coming I help Luna with her night visitors, especially when she has to dive into ponies' dreams, ensuring they get as satisfied as reasonable possible. I enjoy it as me and Luna connect more over the first month as few come along and dreams need little fixing. We simply talked, but... it was good. To be with the one I've dreamed about for so long, talking after my loneliness. To hear her magnificent voice, to see her beauty, to feel her soft touch. Yeah, I really love her. It's been just over a month since Dage brought me back. With very little for me to attend to, we talk. A thousand years of isolation, and here I am, talking with my savior. It is a really good thing. To hear his voice, to see his handsomeness, to feel his gentle touch... Yeah, I am really falling for him... Sister waits after I raise the moon; I can tell she has something important to tell. "Dage," she begins, turning to him, "there is something we haven't told you about your armor." He blinks as he patiently waits for her to continue, not revealing anything. "It was the Paragon Armor, ancient and cursed. When you first came to me, I could tell it had an evil entity in it. Somehow, you diverted its desire into obsession over Sister. But you lived with it for a thousand years; it will want you back." A moment stretches before he speaks. "Why?" Me and Sister exchange a glance before turning back to him. "Why would it want me back?" he adds before we can speak. "Because it has been connected to you for a thousand years, not a fleeting lifetime; it will want the on that lasted, that it knows, that it's used to." He nods. "I have felt the presence of a deep darkness leaving the Everfree Forest, slowly making its way here. It is coming. It is gathering strength. It will be here in the short future. Make sure you are ready, Dage, for this Knightmare is yours alone to deal with." "Sister!" I gasp. "We can't let the armor take him back!" "That is up to him, not us. When the time comes, he must decide for himself if he wants the armor or not, and if it will take him or not." Sister nods to each of us before leaving the throne room for bed. I sigh, moving over to the throne. He follows to his place next to it. "...I don't care what she says, I will help you if you need it." I glance at him sternly to see him spacing off. I nod half-absently. "Thank you," I whisper, meaning it as I mull over what the armor was like so I know what to do when it comes.
Harmony's ElementsHarmony's Elements I float through space before landing with a thump on my rear on a cold, hard surface. I glance around in panic before realizing where I am. I look up to see that a giant green-and-blue-and-white orb floats above in the sky. Home. I wonder why I am here, what happened to get me here... And then I leap to my hooves, morning sun lighting the area. What? Oh! I'm in the throne room! I swing my head right and smack my nose into Luna's, hard. "Ow!" "Ow! Dage!" she cried as she takes a step back. "What was that about?!" She stares at me, worried. "Sorry, Luna!" I apologize almost instantly. "I... I dreamed I was sent to the moon..." Her look turns to confused curiousity. "It started with me falling to it, and ended with me wondering why I was there, how I was there... and everything else as I had amnesia..." I trail off as he look turns to surprise and worry. "Is there... something wrong...?" I ask hesitantly. "Well, yes," she starts. "First, I didn't sense you dream at all. Second, those were exactly the first few seconds of my banishment, until it all rushed back to me." "Wait, if it wasn't a dream..?" I struggle to wrap my head around not dreaming when I saw that. "A vision," she answers. "It's not unheard off," she shrugs. "You can talk about it more," cuts in Celestia as she steps into view from behind Luna; "the Bearers are here." The doors open as she finishes, and we turn to face them as one. "Good morning, Twilight. I see you have completed my task and made some friends." "Princess, is what Ni- Luna said true?" Celestia nods. Twilight's ears fold back. "Oh..." She turns to me and Luna, shuffling here hooves. "Umm... I'm... I'm sorry, Princess Luna... for accusing you and-" Luna raises a hoof to silence her. "It is alright, Twilight Sparkle; I understand how it must have looked." She nods to them respectfully. "So... why are we here still?" asks Spike. "The Elements," answers Celestia, "need to be locked up for safekeeping. And Twilight has a report to tell me on the Magic of Friendship before she splits to return to her studies." Twilight's ears bend back as she frowns, Celestia titls her head slightly. "Are you not happy to return to your studies?" "N-no, it's not that," she stutters, not lookinng at Celestia for a moment. She takes a deep breath and meets her eyes. "I've learned that friendship is a powerful force that binds ponies together, giving them more joy than anything else, along with much more. And the thought of leaving them is... saddening. These are my friends, and I want to be with them." She sighs, shutting her eyes for a few moments before looking back at her with force. "I want to return to Ponyville with my friends." To Twilight's surprise, Celestia smiles. "Then you shall continue your studies on the Magic of Friendship in the Ponyville library, sending reports on what you learn to me through Spike." Twilight gapes. "I am pleased that you have finally learned of this special magic, and I know you would never let me down." Twilight bows deeply. "Thank you so much, Princess." Unable to control herself anymore, she bounces up and down, saying "Yesyesyes!" nonstop for many moments before Celestia gets her attention again. I chuckle at the display, recalling how anti-social she had been when she had first got to Ponyville. "Now, about the Elements..." * * * We watch as Celestia levitates the box housing the Elements into the safe and then uses a special spell to close and lock the safe. She turns back to us. "And now nopony but I can get to the,. We nod and she walks past us to the door. "That is all. Twilight, you and your friends may now return to Ponyville. Dage and Sister, you may go to bed." We split up, the Bearers to the main entrance, me, Luna and Celestia to the throne room and bedrooms beyond it. As Celestia leaves us for the throne, I tell Luna I'll catch up in a bit after I do just a little something. I follow Celestia and wait for her to settle on the throne before asking my question. "Why did you need to lock them upo?" "For safety. Nopony can steal them now." "And who would dare steal the Elements?" She looks at me sternly. "You know the answer, Knightmare." A shiver runs down my spine at the ancient title. "You finished him off..." I whisper. "No, we beat him; you can't end a god, especially one of chaos, a key element of reality." She blinks. "But the spell was cast by the Elements; why would it wear off?" "Because the spell was controlled by us. And we no longer control the Elements." Another shiver runs down my spine at the prospect of what may come; I remember all to clearly growing up just before the Princesses overthrew him. "What can we do?" "Nothing right now. All is ready for when he returns; we will act when that time comes around." I nod and turn to leave. My neck prickles as I stop at the door, looking back at her. "I have the feeling that there is something you should tell me, but you won't. At least, not yet." I blink and leave, joining Luna for the day's sleep.
Doubt's GripDoubt's Grip What did the armor do to me? What was its decisions? What did I really do? What am I now? What if I turn suddenly? What if I just doomed the world by going after what I desired with that armor? What if I am a darkness that can ruin Equestria?! I've been looking back at how things were. I recall two sides of thoughts. But which was which? I have no way to know. I wasn't me. What am I now? What will I do? What if I'm hurting Luna?! When the armor comes, what will it do? Will I give in? Will it take me? Will I be its again? Will I obey its wicked will? Will I do more evil? Will I turn on my people? Will I attack the Princesses? And the guards? And everypony else? What if I'm the end of the world?! I'm suppose to be sleeping. But I can't. For the past few days, all I can think about is what I have been thinking, shifting as turmoil wraps my thoughts. I haven't been able to sleep for the past few days. "Dage." I jump as Luna's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "What's wrong?" I open my mouth to dismiss her only for her to cut me off before I can. "Ever since Sister told you about the armor, you've been shifting throughout the day." I sigh. "I... don't know..." I whisper. She sits up to look at me, concern written on her face. I sigh again. "I've been looking back to when I had it; I remember two voices but I can't tell which is which." I look at her from my pillow, splayed out on my stomach. "It doesn't matter anymor-" "But what if everything I've done is actually what the armor wanted?! What if I'm not the pony I think I am?! What if- What if I'm hurting you?!" "Dage, calm down." I sit up. "I can't be calm when everything I thought I knew about myself can be a lie! That I could turn at any time!" "You are overthinking things." I ignore her. "I could become evil! I could give in to the armor again! I could attack you and the guards and everypony else! I could be the end!" Luna's gaze turns into and she casts two spells: the first seals my mouth shut and the second gives me a slap across the face. I gasp -through my nose- and jump to my hooves on the bed, gaping at her. "You need to calm down, now. I can wait all day for you to fully calm yourself." I stare at her, wide-eyed still. Slowly, my breathing and heart slow and I unconciously sit with my hooves tucked under me comfortably. I stare at he for a long time, carefully thinking over things before she finally unseals my lips. "Now, explain your train of thoughts, calmly." I nod as I begin anew. "I looked back to try to learn about the armor so I can beat it when it comes. I was only able to tell that I had two voices. But I can't tell which is which, especially when they never fought. That... that lead me to doubting if what I did was my choices or not... And then if I am what I think I am... If I can beat the armor... If I could be the doom of Equestria... If I could be... hurting you..." "If you were hurting me," she begins, extending a wing over me, "I would know you don't mean to and let you know of your mistake." She smiles softly. "And it doesn't matter which voice was which; it is gone now and you are left with yourself. There is no doubt in my mind that you are you." "But what about all that I did do with it?" I ask, still doubting who I was and thus who I've become. "Sister said that you somehow diverted its desire into your obsession. Yes, it influenced you in the smallest of ways, but I bet your will was too strong for it to beat. You did as you wanted." I nod, slowly coming to see the foolishness of my- But! What about my evi- "And you are most definately not evil," she breaks through last doubts. "You are too self-concious and willful to ever let yourself get away with evil. Or to give in to the armor. I wouldn't let that happen, anyways." She smiles... and pulls me... to her... with her... wing.... I obey... smiling... as my eased mind... drifts off.... Mmm... her warmth.... "I... thank you... Love...." Sleep wraps me in its embrace again at last.
Armor's DebutArmor's Debut Everyday I fight off the doubts while Luna tucks her wing around me. It's hard but gets easier over time, as the months pass. I come to think more of the nights and of Luna next to me. It's worth it as I fall asleep and rest peacefully until Luna wakes me. The nights are great as me and Luna continue to talk, though less so as more nightmares happen and visitors come. It doesn't bother either of us; things are good and it's our jobs. Things continue like this for the next few months before the news arrives. A guard rushes in right as Celestia entersto relieve me and Luna for the day. "Sorry to interrupt, but we are being attacked by an evil-armored pony! The men don't stand a chance, not even the fresh Dayguards!" The three of us glance at each other. It's here. "Gather every man you can and clear the way; it will come straight here," orders Celestia. "If... If we do that, he will easily-" protests the guard. "This is not your fight. Get everypony out of the way, then treat the injured when you can." Celestia glares at him as he hesitates before rushing back out. She turns to Luna with a regretful expression. "Come; this isn't our fight either." "No." Luna glares at her sister, who's gaze turns into a glare back. "I will not leave Dage." "You must leave this to him." They glare at each other more. Before either can speak again, I cut in. "Luna, go with her; I'll be fine." She turns to me, stunned. "You will still be nearby, and so will I. I can handle this, like you told me back when I had doubts." She stares at me, worry written too clearly on her face. "I'm barely younger than you, not a child." I blink and she concedes. "Good luck... Love..." she whispers softly into my ear, hardening my resolve, as she follws her sister out. I wait in the throne room for a good while it feels like. The armor finally steps around the corner of the grand doors, a pale blue form holding it together. A magicly-created body. "Dage," it says in mock woo, the voice dark and echoing. "Decided to accept me? I thought these petty Princesses would influence you otherwise." "They didn't need to, Paragon." I midly toss a fireball at him. He deflects it as it hits his horn. "Weaker than I remember; maybe you won't give me a challenge after all." It grimaces. I narrow my eyes as my horn glows, lifting the separated pillar before chucking it at it. Its horn glows the same color as mine as it sends fire out, splitting the pillor so it flies past harmlessly. "Simple levitation," it notes. It charges at me, horn aimed for my chest. I wait until the last second before leaping back. I'm too slow as it uses magic to extend its horn and send me flying with great force. I crash through a window and fall right off the mountain, the castle hanging over the edge. I flip uncontrolled through the air, chasing the rain I hadn't previously noticed. Lightning strikes, thunder mere seconds behind, lighting my fall. I stare back up as the Paragon Armor leaps off the rear balcony after me. The same one that Luna came back on... My vision blurs to black as I fall. Booms, flashes of light, rushing wind, pattering of rain on my back, the wrenching of gravity....
Battle's IntensityBattle's Intensity It has been too long since I've been in combat. And I had the armor everytime. It's been a long time since I've been hurt, before the armor. I was weak because of pain. This landing will hurt. I can't take him on after it. I'm too weak... The memory of Luna flashes in my head. "Good luck... Love..." I feel my will return, like a flame. I can't! I won't! I wake and flip, using magic to crunch the earth as I land. I stare up as the Paragon falls feet away from, landing exactly like I did. That explains a lot. I send rapid fireballs at it, barely being avoided as they fly faster than ever before, slicing through the ground around it. I levitate it just slightly to get my bearings, charge it, then launch it into the sky, flipping it to send it flying back to the ground. He shifts so it barrels at me; I ignore it as I send fireball after fireball at it. it deflects them with its own fireballs. I leap to the side as it crashes into the ground. I realize he had prepared as he spins to face me, unleashing an overcharged fireball directly into my flank. I'm sent flying as my side smokes, blackened but not burnt to the flesh. I jump back to my feet, sending the flying chunk on top of him. A blue ray bursts up, followed by it leaping through and towards me once mor. I sidestep and headbutt its shoulder, knocking it back a bit. Not enough. It turns to me and our horns clash, sending magical sparks out. We push against each other as we also try to overload the other's magic. I realize too late the damage this is doing; the magic explodes and sends me flying, smoke and pain coming off my horn, forehead, right eye and right shoulder. I collapse, groaning in extreme pain. My whole body aches. Damn... It really is strong.... I'm sorry... My memories flash back to Luna again. I... failed you.... I watch the Paragon as it stomps up to me, its fake form paling as it grins in victory....
Dage's PowerDage's Power "Don't give up!!!" I look up to the balcony in surprise, lightning striking to reveal Luna looking down. Somehoe, she was able to keep her voice the same as she cried out to me. I notice Celestia's form appear behind her as the light fades. I turn back to the Paragon Armor. "I'm sorry, but I've just seen how foalish I've been." I stand up, feeling my power flow through me, transform me. I feel my thick muscles thin into sleeker forms, my hair getting pulled by the winds unlike before, and partial armor forms on my head and chest and other random parts of my body, like my shoulders. "Looks like you have some new armor, Knightmare Dage!" it cackles. "It's Nightguard Dage now." Time slows down as I leap forwards and stop behind it. I spin and buck it in the side, using all my strength on top of throwing my magic into the hits. The impact sends it flying in realtime. I spin to face it as it gets back up, giving it a cold stare. "And I will crush you!" I charge my magic, time slowing as I send fireballs that slice right through it. It screams in pain as I send more as I slowly walk forwards. I stop as my walk turns into a dash, leaping up to a chunk of earth I had discreetly thrown up and use it to launch myself at it like it had at me. It doesn't have time to dodge as my magic-driven body slams full force into it. I hear the crunch of armor and leap off, lifting the armor in my magic. I lift it before me and turn it to face me. The body is gone, but the eyes still glow with life. "I gave you everything!" it cries. "No," I deny. "You gave me power and protection. I gave myself everything else. From the start, I had the stronger will. From the start, you were the tool. And now I don't need you." I crush it with mighty force until it's an indistinguishable ball. Then I burn it until it all metls into a goop and drops into the earth, lost forever. I sigh as I feel my form return to its previous state and my strength ebbs after the extensive abuse endured. Luna lands next to me right as I'm collapsing, catching and steading me as she wraps a wing around me. Celestia lands in front of us, expression unreadable. I don't think she's please by Luna's "interruption..." I sigh again as exhaustion suddenly overwhelms me.
Victory's AfterthoughtsVictory's Afterthoughts I groggily wake, recognizing the bed I lay on as Luna's. And mine now. I also recognize the absence of her as I lay in the middle of the bed on my side. I open my eyes and glance at the door. I recognize Celestia's form as she blocks it, looking down the hall. All is quiet. What happened while I was out...? How long was I out for...? I notice the glimmer of Celestia's eye before she walks the way she was looking. I yawn and stretch for a few moments before pain laces along my left side, spine, right shoulder and eye, forehead and horn. "AHK!" I screech at the sudden attack, crumpling up to stop the stress causing the pain, though my head is pounding, too. Luna walks in at that moment, staying by the door. Her eyes give away how much she wants to rush over and worry over me. Celestia follows, looking as unemotional as last time I saw her. I glance between them, waiting for one of them to speak. After many moments, I can't stand it anymore and ask, "What is it?" "You were badly injured. Normally, we would doubt that you could come back from it unscathed. But you showed an impressive amount of power when you were beat down." Celestia walks over to the side of the bed I'm facing. "You will endure scares, that is garaunteed. But we have no way to tell currently if your shoulder, spine and horn will heal properly." "Sister..." Celestia turns and glares at her. Luna closes her mouth and stares at the floor, slumping. "What do you mean? What's wrong?" I look at Luna for a moment, confused by everything. "Your shoulder, horn and spine were severly injured." She sighs as I give her the "No, really?" look. "Your back got cut by the shattered glass, some into your spine." I cringe. "Your shoulder is both burnt and wrenched." Worse cringe. "And your horn... Your horn has noticable chipping." I shut my eyes at the image, knowing what it means, all of it. I let out a deep, sad moan. "You think I won't ever be able to fight or use magic again." I open my eyes and cut Celestia off. "Don't give me that 'We don't know' crap," I growl. Her eyes widen and Luna jumps the chance to speak. "We really have no idea when you contain so much magic; it may or may not help you recover." Celestia snaps to her and gives her a very evil glare. Luna flinches back against the wall. Against all protests, I leap to my hooves on the bed and stick my face into Celestia's. "I know you have an immense amount of knowledge and have a good reason for trying to make me do it alone, but I don't fucking care! She saved me with three little words twice! She is my marefriend" -my spine tingles as I mention the word for the first time- "and she is meant to give up herself for me as much as I am for her! So leave us the fuck alone!" I groan in pain as I finish, dropping back on my side on the bed, this time across the pillows. They both gape at me before Luna tries to dismiss what I just said. "He didn't-" Celestia uses magic to close her mouth. "I know what he meant. And, once again, he is right." She releases Luna's lips and continues. "I do know much more than either of you. Things I can not yet reveal. But I shouldn't have tried to force things; natural is the way things are meant to come to be." She sighs, lifting me with magic to move me to my half of the bed and tucks me in. "But I am still very sure of something, and it will help under one condition: you must be put under a magically-induced coma until you have healed." "Sister!" prtests Luna. "No," I reply. "If it is what must be done to heal, then I will do it." I blink to Celestia before turning to Luna. "I will be right here, safe. And it won't be long before I'm back, I promise." I smile reassuringly and Luna nods. Celestia casts the magic and darkness envelops me.
BONUS: When Home's LostBONUS: When Home's Lost I have just lost my family, killed in a battle for this city. Now I wander these crowded streets, unnoticed by any as I slip food and drink off stands for my own survival. I dream of finding a new home, one kind enough to take me in. But it has been many days since the battle ended.... I live through this pain day-by day, but I can feel my will slowly seeping away. Days, months, seasons, years. Why should I keep goin? My home has never come. Why am I still alive? I have no purpose. My life isn't getting any longer. The years go by so fast, but everyday feels like forever. Maybe someday I will find a way to get home; I just need a hoof to hold to climb this trajic slope. I just need someone to tell me to go on, to go on. But the days go on and my life is not getting longer; why should I even go on? I don't see point in this; my home has never come and I don't think it ever will. Why am I still alive? I grow older still, and still this city ignores me. I don't know where I belong; I don't see why I should continue to go on. What is there for me? My home will never come. I just want this to be over; give me a reason to go on. Maybe I can find a way to go on... to go on.... But these days go on and my life is not getting longer; why should I even go on? I don't see a point in this; my home has never come and I don't think it ever will. But maybe there's still hope... This is when the armor comes to me and brings me hope and purpose. It gives me a reason to go on and something to do. I move on... I move on to a better life.... Author's Note I thank Joaftheloaf for his song, "When Home's Lost", for the inspiration and many words of this bonus, which takes place when Dage is a young colt and ends as most would get their cutie mark (late teens). I hope you enjoyed this insight into how the character became how he is in the lore of the Dage Reality, and the song that started and ended it.
BONUS: The Perfect HostBONUS: The Perfect Host I watch the passer-bys as they go about their business. I am resting on a mannequin whilst the blacksmith works on some new armor plating. I use my magic to animate the mannequin as the time comes. And the kid passes by at the same time as usual. I follow him. He turns down the corner and I follw, quickly taking off the armor as my form shifts to a large, hooded unicorn. "Boy," I speak in a deep voice, making him jump and spin around to face me. He stares at me, wide-eyed. "I have watched you everyday, and I sense great power in you." "But I am nothing," he mutters. "You feel that. But you are much more than that. I can give you something that will help you harness your power." His eyes brighten, but I'm not finished. But, you must vow to wield both tools wisely. There is no going back if you accept." He hesitates, then nods. Good, he did consider it, but agreed anyways. Maybe he will prove to be better than the others that were powerful. I pull out myself with fake unicorn magic, placing myself onto him. "Good luck." I send the fake into the street out of sight before letting the magic break. I dive into his mind, flipping through his memories: Lost his good family young, lived on the streets since, not noticed, wishes for a new home, wishes he has a purpose, that his name is Dage and he is 16. I dive deeper to find... Oh, he has an immense amount of magical power, and it is all like mine. He was born to be my host! Oh, yes! He breaks my train of thought as he wonders what he should do now. I slip in the idea of becoming a knight. He casts it out, remembering how knights fighting for this town killed his family. I slip in that not all knights serve greedy tyrants. He ignores it; most do. Not all knight serve anyone. No- wait, what? Some protect travelers for cash; escorts. Why? You know how people are; thugs pillage and steal. What does that have to do with travelers? They are the most vulnerable to getting thieved or attacked. You have armor and power; you could protect them. Yes, I could. And I will. But where do I start? I smile as I get my first victory; oh, he is smart, but oh so naive, like a child. No one taught him to grow. That will make it easier for me to take over. Oh, this is the perfect host! Author's Note And thus the Knightmare Dage is born. I hope you enjoy entering the mind of the villian Dage has just ended. That marks the two bonuses for this story. Want to leanr more about the Dage Reality? Look for the next story, His Very Chaotic Mistake, in the near future.
Bearer's ReturnBearer's Return Sister stops me before we switch places on the throne. "I need to tell you about Dage's armor," she whispers. I look at her questioningly and she goes on. "It was enchanted, or cursed. It made him obsessed with you and resulted in his long life and his dark mutations." "You are telling me he has worn an evil armor for over a thousand years?" I ask incrediously. "Yes." She looks at me with concern. "That armor somehow got to him, but not it's suddenly gone. A cursed armor grows its own entitiy, and this one has had Dage for a thousand years. It will want him back. And it will try to take him back one day. "What do you want me to do?" "Nothing yet. Let him be. I just thought you should know what may come at any time." I nod. "Thank you. I'll... mull over it." I nuzzle her cheek before she turns to look behind me. "Looks like he's tried something for you," she comments with a chuckle before walking down the hall, past Dage. I turn around to see what the surprise is and roll my eyes as I see him in an ill-fitting Nightguard armor. She's smiling. As I wanted. Wait, is it a good or bad smile? Oh no, what if I've just made a big mistake? "That just won't work," she comments heartedly as she teleports the armor away, eliciting an "Aw" from me as I droop slightly. "You look better without it." I look back up at her and she gives me a radiant smile. I return the smile slightly as I reply, "But I wish to fit in more!" "You already fit in with how you look, Dage," she says in her magnificent voice. "Plus, you are my stallionfriend; you don't need to change for me." I blush, still new to her calling me that, which started yesterday, which was the day of her return. A Nightguard approaches us. "Princess, you have visitors. They wish to speak with you right away." "Who is it?" she asks. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends, Princess." "Twilight? I would think they- They must still think you are evil and Celestia is still the only ruling Princess!" She nods to me. "Obviously, Dage." She turns back to the guard. "Send them in at once. But don't mention my name yet." He hesitates before nodding and galloping off. She turns to the throne and motions for me to follow. I stand to her left since I prefer my right. "Don't jump in unneccesarily' I know how quickly impatient you can grow." As I showed her last night... "It's a wonder how you managed these thousand years, then Nightmare Moon." Eeyup... I nod just before the doors open to admit the Bearers. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight bursts in, speaking before looking, as she is prone to do despite her thoughtful nature. "I got terrible news-" The Bearers gasp as they notice Luna is the one on the throne. And that I am by her side. We blink at her as she begins the accusing. "What have you done with the Princess?! Why are the guards obeying you?! Explain!!!" She huffs after screaming the last word, and I share a glance with Luna before she does exactly as Twilight desires. "I have done nothing but make Sister pleased. And taken over my duties as the Princess of the Night. The guards have been inform of my change and obey both of their Princesses." "You are Nightmare Moon! Evil alicorn of the night!" "No, I am Princess Luna. I will not be called by that name anymore." "Unless it's Nightmare Night," I cut in, remembering the tribute-turned-festival. She looks at me, confused and unsure. "I'll explain later. Continue." I nod to the Bearers and she reluctantly turns back to them. Dage here worked hard worked hard to show me his honest love," -I feel myself blush- "and it took a lot for me to see it. But, when I did, I also saw how foalish I have been. I, Princess Luna, have returned, leaving Nightmare Moon in the past. And Dage here is at my side, having served for his crimes these past thousand years." I nod solemenly, watching the mares carefully. "Why should we believe you?!" pipes up SPike the baby dragon Twilight's back. "Because," I pipe up in turn, "two full days have passed with proper sun-and-moon cycles after our few-days-long "eternal" night." I blink as they realize that that is true. Which means Luna has to be back to normal. Well, Twilight does. The others look baffled. "You know, I think we should all meet up at sunrise; you lot look like you need rest, and we are not waking Celestia early. The guards outside will guide you to the empty rooms somewhere in the castle." I nod to the door and wait expectantly. They get the hint and leave. "You need sleep, too," comments Luna." I nod absently before fixing my error with a rapid shake of my head. "Oh no, I can't do that, Luna!" I state, stomping a hoof too hard and cringing as I'm reminded how naked I am. "You have barely gotten sleep since you brought me back. Everypony needs their rest, especially those who have gone a thousand years without any." I shake my head and her voice softens. "Just sleep until the Bearers return; you look exhausted and act it, too. I am worried what can happen to you if you don't rest up." I look at her and see the weak, worried look in her eyes. I sigh, unable to resist echaustion and those eyes. "Fine. But I'm staying here and you are to wake me when they come." I plop down heavily, curling up as I feel Luna nuzzle me with a good night. I drift off as her beautiful voice echoes in my ears.
Knightmare's ComingKnightmare's Coming I help Luna with her night visitors, especially when she has to dive into ponies' dreams, ensuring they get as satisfied as reasonable possible. I enjoy it as me and Luna connect more over the first month as few come along and dreams need little fixing. We simply talked, but... it was good. To be with the one I've dreamed about for so long, talking after my loneliness. To hear her magnificent voice, to see her beauty, to feel her soft touch. Yeah, I really love her. It's been just over a month since Dage brought me back. With very little for me to attend to, we talk. A thousand years of isolation, and here I am, talking with my savior. It is a really good thing. To hear his voice, to see his handsomeness, to feel his gentle touch... Yeah, I am really falling for him... Sister waits after I raise the moon; I can tell she has something important to tell. "Dage," she begins, turning to him, "there is something we haven't told you about your armor." He blinks as he patiently waits for her to continue, not revealing anything. "It was the Paragon Armor, ancient and cursed. When you first came to me, I could tell it had an evil entity in it. Somehow, you diverted its desire into obsession over Sister. But you lived with it for a thousand years; it will want you back." A moment stretches before he speaks. "Why?" Me and Sister exchange a glance before turning back to him. "Why would it want me back?" he adds before we can speak. "Because it has been connected to you for a thousand years, not a fleeting lifetime; it will want the on that lasted, that it knows, that it's used to." He nods. "I have felt the presence of a deep darkness leaving the Everfree Forest, slowly making its way here. It is coming. It is gathering strength. It will be here in the short future. Make sure you are ready, Dage, for this Knightmare is yours alone to deal with." "Sister!" I gasp. "We can't let the armor take him back!" "That is up to him, not us. When the time comes, he must decide for himself if he wants the armor or not, and if it will take him or not." Sister nods to each of us before leaving the throne room for bed. I sigh, moving over to the throne. He follows to his place next to it. "...I don't care what she says, I will help you if you need it." I glance at him sternly to see him spacing off. I nod half-absently. "Thank you," I whisper, meaning it as I mull over what the armor was like so I know what to do when it comes.
