It Is Always Best Forgotten

Chapters

Too Shy To Talk
Dashing Towards Light
Lighting The Way
Darkened Days
Two Hearts United
The Timeless Rivals
Far From Home
Dimming Hope
The Light Of The Moon
The Night After
A Heart's Desire
The Revelation
The Final Eve
What Little Time We Had
What Starts Never Ends
Blinding Visions

Too Shy To Talk

Exploding visions of bright gold swirled in the empty blackness of the colt's head. The golden streams and swirls subsided into the grassy greens of his home. His vision was strange, everything outlined in faint but noticeable white glow. Everything was so vivid. He could feel the softness of the grass at his hooftips. The leaves slowly swaying with the gentle breeze, the sound so smooth and comforting, it left him at awe as he prospected the beauty. The slow chirping of the summer rattling bugs making a harmony of peace.

A small light at the corner of his eye had gotten his attention. He glanced over at a white mare with a bright crimson mane(his sister); she lowered her head to examine some flowers behind the neat stone pavement. Suddenly without warning, she sprang back up and looked directly at him, as if frightened, the mare started galloping away. The colt tried yelling to stop as he chased after her, but no words were even spoken, there was no sound other than that of the breeze running through the leaves and the Cicadas, the rattling bugs.

They approached an eerie dark forest, and the mare disappeared into it, the glow still noticeable until the last trace of her was gone. He ran into the forest, still determined to catch the mare. A loud maniacal laughter echoed through the forest, forcing the colt to stop at his hoofs. A shiver ran down his spine, two large green eyes stared at him through the darkness, the pupil resembling that of something unholy, like a cat, except fiercer and more vicious, full of anger and hatred. Black fog rose at his feet, and as if a vortex, it spun around him, closer and closer. Fear and desperation forced the pony to jerk back only to be trapped within the spiraling darkness. He cowered in fear, shaking, hoping for dear life that it would all just end.

As the darkness closed in onto him, a light illuminated from him, a strange white light so powerful and bright, it tore right through the black fog, and it backed away as if in fear of him. A gentle and worried voice called to him, and a yellow light mixed with a bit of pink took place of the black all around him. The voice spoke again, a smooth gentle lullaby, calming and beautiful.

~ Hush now, Quiet now
It's time to lay your sleepy head
Hush now, Quiet now
It's time to go to bed

Drifting, off to sleep
Leave exciting' day behind you!
Drifting, off to sleep
Let the joy of dream land find you... ~

The voice echoed, still clearly visible even after it had ended. He felt oddly at peace, and so he was.

The light hurt his eyes, all he could see was blurry outlines of everything, and it took him a while to regain full vision. He analyzed a room. A brightly decorated room, with all sorts' things, like bird houses, animal feed, pink butterflies decorating the outlines of the walls. He tried moving, his body ached with unbearable pains, so he stopped the moment he even tried. He looked around a bit more and realized he was laying down on a couch, like one that his father had bought from one of his trips to town, although they weren't allowed to go, the stallion always made sure to bring something special with him. He smiled sadly at this memory. He quickly turned to realize that another pony was sleeping right beside him. It was a yellow-coated pony with pink mane that flowed silkily and nicely curving to the side of her. He had no words to speak, nor thoughts to think. This was his first ever encounter with another pony other than his dad and sister. He stared at the mare for quite a while, still sleeping.

'Wow, she's an angel.' Illuminous thought to himself as he studied the mare before him. She was hunched over, her head in between her hoofs, her body going down to the ground. It seemed that this pony exhausted herself and ended up sleeping on the couch, taking care of him maybe? He felt gauges strapping across his abdomen and many other sorts of band aids covering the sharp pains from the night before. Her face was right in front of his, and he found himself staring even more at her beauty.

The mare slowly woke up, analyzing the scenery just like he did, Illuminous could only but stare. After she snapped out of her momentary sleep deprived state, she focused on the colt before her. She smiled widely and gave a sigh of relief.

"I'm so glad you woke up, I was getting very worried I-I...." her voice trailed off as she saw the colt staring at her eyes, at awe and admiration.

The mare blushed, unable to continue what she had to say, they both stared into each other's eyes, and what seemed like forever, the two just stood gazing at each other.

Illuminous felt his cheeks turn warmer and warmer, he didn't understand this feeling. It was brand new to him, he had only known the comfort of his father and sister, but this was something new... he had no way of explaining it. All he could think of was that it felt nice, being so close to her, like in his dream before, that voice, it was her. He felt so at peace staring into her beautiful emerald green eyes, and so.... he could not explain it.

The never ending moment between the two ponies broke as soon as a white rabbit strolled onto view and hopped on the chest of Illuminous, the colt gasped in pain.

The yellow mare suddenly alarmed, nudged the rabbit out of the way. "Angel! That is not good, please treat him kindly, he is badly hurt." she said in a scolding-like manner to the rabbit, and turned to face Illuminous. "I'm so sorry, are you okay?" she said with worry.

Illuminous only turned to stare at her again and nodded very slightly, still unsure of what to say.

The rabbit known as angel just sighed. Jumped onto the cabinet of the kitchen, and took out a long carrot, then proceeded to walk back up the stairs to go sleep.

This gave the yellow mare an idea.

"Oh! You must be hungry. I-I'll make you something to eat right away, rest easily." she eagerly said.

To his surprise, the yellow pony sprang two wide and majestic yellow wings, and glided over to the kitchen with ease, he was more than astonished. Mesmerized, or captivated by her both grace and beauty. He had so many questions, so many things to ask and tell the mare, but he couldn't even do a simple nod for a reply. He had never seen another pony before, let alone a Pegasus pony.

The mare returned with a soup filled with carrots and lettuce, appreciatively, he didn't hesitate to eat, and even though he hadn't felt the hunger before, it seemed quite obvious and apparent. His stomach began rumbling and aching with pains. It was delicious, tangy and sweet, with the rich taste of the carrots, it was amazingly good.

After he finished eating, he noticed the yellow Pegasus staring at him again, her eyes full of wonder and curiosity.

"So uh... what's your name? I mean, if it's okay with you, if you want to tell me and all" she said in a low voice, rubbing her hoof onto the ground, shyly wondering.

She quickly interrupted, "Oh my, I haven't even told you mine, how rude of me. My name is Fluttershy."

Could Illuminous get more captivated already?

"I'm Illuminous" he said quietly in a shy whispering voice.

"That's a really good name, your parents must have been really good!" she said even more curious.

That snapped Illuminous into reality, his mother... his father.... his sister.... they were all...

Pain filled the colt's heart as he fought back tears that will never subside, he had failed his father... and in vain he.... a tear ran down his cheek.

Fluttershy was at an odd disposition "I'm sorry I didn't mean to.... I'm really sorry." she said trying to fix whatever wrong she might have caused.

Illuminous shacked his head, "It's okay... it's just that, my mother gave me that name, I never met her, and I only knew about her from my dad, he said that my mom called me that, because she found hope from me, the light that guided her. But....."

He sadly shook his head, told her what had happened to his mother.

Fluttershy had no idea what to do in this sort of situation, she'd never been in something like this, she nuzzled onto him and hugged him, like what she would normally do when an animal friend was sad or upset. This only made her blush even more but she felt more obliged to do so and felt a strong sense of pity for him that she paid no mind to it.

Illuminous enjoyed the hug, it was the first time he had ever received one, from someone he hardly knew, but somehow felt deep abiding connections to.

Illuminous spoke gentle soft and quiet words into Fluttershy's ear while she hugged him, "Thank you." He said, smilingly sadly.

Fluttershy turned deep red, she wasn't used to being this close to a colt before, she had problems even being around other mares, let alone a strange colt she had saved from the Everfree forest. This sparked her interest a little.

"You were badly injured, bleeding and wounded, scratched and bruised from everywhere back in the Everfree forest, I had to take you in, you're lucky you even survived, but... what happened?" she asked staring at Illumious's bright yellow eyes.

Pain stricken, the colt recalled past events, down to the starting peaceful morning, and to even the events of his father... Fluttershy was horrified, and felt even more pity. He had lost both his father and his little sister within the day. When he was done explaining, she didn't even know what to respond to him, but finally grabbed his hoof with both of her own and looked straight at his eyes.

"Well whatever happens, you'll always have me."

He slept comfortably that night, aside Fluttershy in a comfortable bed, the couch was nice but at his condition, not good enough to aid his struggle to get better, you could imagine the pain for Illuminous as he got up, sore from everywhere. Although he faced the other way, he could feel the small panting breaths of the yellow mare, warm and comforting, onto his back, he turned to see her. There were still so many things in his mind that didn't make sense. He could think clearly, just by looking at her, he thought about his father... what had happened? A day ago he came to us with promises of Canterlot the next moment he's.... And who was that pony... the one that took his sister. So much that he wanted to know. And he focused back on Fluttershy; she was innocent, loving and caring. He wasn't sure exactly what he felt, but surely he felt happy just being around her. He was never thought this concept. Illuminous had no idea about love, but if this is how the feeling was, he'd wish it upon a million stars. As for Fluttershy, he was still confused, unsure of what to say to her, it was like a race, a race to tell her, it seems like worthless futile efforts, because if he gets too close to the finish line, it's like you get warped back to the beginning. She was kind, and pretty, cute, and beautiful. Yet he still lies unsure of anything.

As if by telepathy, Fluttershy woke up, sleepy and rubbing her eyes, and turned to face his gaze. Another moment, beneath the moonlight, it was still too strange for him, he broke the gaze by looking to the moon, which Fluttershy also turned to see. The Pegasus nudge herself closer to Illuminous, unsure, the colt felt his cheeks get warm, then warmer as she nuzzled herself under his chin. (Imagine the confusion on poor Illuminous.)

"My sister would call me Illy, short for Illuminous, I wouldn't mind if you'd call me that." he spoke in a quiet whisper into her ear, her backed turned to him.

"W-w-well okay t-then," she whispered back and giggled a bit.

"You know, you heal quickly, much faster than anypony I've seen, the first day I took you in I called in a doctor, he said you had a near to fatal wound. But apparently you healed faster than it could have been deadly. "She said, clearly with admiration in her voice.

"There was never a time I'd gotten injured, except for an incident that happened, where a large boulder nearly fell on me, but dad held it on his back, protecting me." he tried sounding reasonable.

"Oh well then, you must be really special then." she smiled warmly at him, making him blush yet again.

He placed his forehead to hers and they blushed, as if in synchronization, they looked away, said their goodnight sleep, and dreamed.

Surprisingly he slept peaceful that night, memories in regard to all the good things in his life. Grateful to Fluttershy with all his life, he said thank you once more, and before he drifted to sleep, a question still remained on his head. What if the pony from before comes for Fluttershy too? No he muttered to himself.

I'll protect her, even if the cost is my life.

=============

(Author's Note: This goes out to the people specifically concerned about Fluttershy's affection toward Illuminous, and Illuminous' thoughts on it. All I have to say is.... calm down my fellow bronies, you'll find out sooner or later. For now, keep waiting. If you liked the story enough to get past the 1st chapter to read the 2nd, I appreciate it. If you like it, rate it, It would help me out a lot.

If your still concerned about it and don't fully understand what I'm getting to is that, later things will be revealed, keep on reading because there is just a major shift in the force. :T Allons-Y!

Also, all throughout this story I kept hearing that song. "Your too, shy shy, hush hush quiet now." I don't know the name of it and well darn I wish somebody could tell me. x3 )

Dashing Towards Light

Illuminous awoke from his peaceful slumber, removing sleep from his eyes. As his vision focused, he studied the room around him. As he tried to move, the aching commenced. He lied back down, watching the ceiling. He healed fast, but not fast enough to let him be useful. He looked over his shoulder to notice that the yellow Pegasi was missing. He was ultimately grateful to Fluttershy, for saving his life and taking care of him. She was kind, honest, caring. He smiled as the word 'cute' arose in his mind. He sighed, still completely unsure of anything. This was all too brand new to him.

'Tending to me wouldn't be all she has to do' he thought as he wondered what she might have been doing. Why the question even became apparent in his mind, he had no clue.

After a few minutes of thought, he became desperate, he wasn't used to just lying in bed doing nothing. The colt tried endlessly to get his body to move. Slowly the aching subsided to small bruises and he began walking, taking baby steps. He lowered the upper part of his body, arching downwards as if ready to run, and jolted his tail high. Stretching felt good, since he hadn't done anything for what felt like 2 days. As he started to gallop in place, he must have wondered how foolish it would be to do so in front of someone else, but it was his own special way of getting rid of exhaustion.

He walked down stairs, still no sign of the yellow Pegasus. He slowly crept outside, surveying his surroundings. Just a bunch of chicken coops, a road that lead to Celestia-knows where, and a big tower with a giant watch on it. He remembered his dad said something about those, it was a clock-tower, it tells time for everypony to see. Curiously, Illuminous had the urge to go at it, but not wanting to stray far from where he was, in fear of losing his way and not seeing Fluttershy again, he ultimately decided on keeping his distance to the house.

He started to gallop around a big circle of the house, after half a lap; he noticed the edge of the Everfree forest. Illuminous stopped to think. He wasn't ready... Not after what happened. He wanted to become stronger. He wanted everything to save his sister. There was no telling what that.... thing.... did to Rosy. And he was more than sure he wasn't near close to being ready to face that thing. He kept on running, pacing himself, building stamina as he went. Last time, he wasn't able to run fast enough to catch his sister. With determination in mind, nothing would stop him.

Hours passed by, and not a single break did he take, his legs surprisingly didn't feel exhausted nor did he. Slowly he sped up, every lap becoming faster and faster. He wasn't much for the long run, but his father always told him he had speed and grace. And it was true, he loved the wind against his face, although work at the house required little running, he would practice on his own sometimes, when he wasn't busy apple-bucking or plowing. His father would tell him tales of an annual event called "The Running of The Leaves". Most of his stories though never told of where it took place, but he had the out-most confidence that it was real, his father had never lied to them before, or so he thought. All of his stories seemed wonderful. Since a young pony, Illuminous started his very own private running of the leaves at his forest; coming fall, he and his father would gallop together making the leaves fall. Usually the leaves would fall naturally, but it was a quicker way of getting things over with.

As he neared towards the front of the house, he heard a shouting. The tone of a mare's calling out to someone. As he approached it more and more, the words being called out were much clearly comprehensible.

"Fluttershy! Hey Fluttershy are you there?" the voice rang out.

As he came into view of the source of the voice, it was another Pegasus, this one with a light blue coat and a rainbow mane, strikingly awesome. The Pegasus spot him and looked at him as he came galloping in front of her. He did a quick stop, stopping with his two front legs, panting slightly; he puffed his chest out to ease his breathing efforts, his mane coated in sweat, shimmering in the daylight. He looked back at the Pegasus, whose expression was more of an awed and astonished one.

"Oh uhm.... Hi." Illuminous said trying to regain his breath, wondering what this Pegasus was calling Fluttershy for.

The Pegasus tried to speak but failed, muttering unintelligible words. As she regained herself, she finally spoke more clearly.

"Oh uh, I'm sorry I was just... well uhm... I was wondering, what were you doing anyways running around like that?" she asked, coming to the ground after a few beats from her wings, her voice cracking ever so often.

"I was just stretching my legs a bit." he said in a low voice, embarrassed that she had been noticing him.

"Well that was pretty fast for just 'Stretching your legs a bit' you were pretty fast." The Pegasus said, galloping in place to imitate his running. He found it funny and cute too.

He shook his head thinking about it and became instantly relieved seeing as another pony does the same.

"What's wrong?" The Pegasus asked curiously noticing him even more closely.

"Oh it's nothing..." Illuminous said even more shy.

"You remind me of someone... oh wait yeah! I came to talk to Fluttershy." The Pegasus said coming to the realization of her true intentions. "What were you doing running around Fluttershy's house anyways?"

He had an idea it was her house, but the question never arose in his mind. "Oh well I uh..."

"I was taking care of him since he was injured." the gentle, warm, and soothing voice of Fluttershy came from a distance, he felt more at ease. She looked at him with a warm bright smile, and all he could think of was just that. "You started running today?" she wondered in awe and curiosity.

The two Pegasi looked closely at him. The pressure was totally on.

"I felt impatient; laying down all the time is exhausting. So I've been warming up and running this whole time, since the morning." he said, his voice very low and shy, as the two Pegasi mares listened in.

"Wow you do heal fast, you really are special." Fluttershy said with admiration.

"What do you mean Fluttershy? What happened or what? Does anyone care to explain to me?" The sky-blue mare said impatiently.

"He was very and badly injured when I found him in the Everfree forest, not far from Ponyville."

Clearing another question from his mind, Illuminous concluded he was at a place known as Ponyville.

"I've been taking care of him for 4 days, he didn't wake up until a day ago." she kept explaining.

Wow, 4 days? He must have been gone for quite a while, no wonder his muscled felt so tense.

"Oh! Now I remember, Fluttershy I came to find you, you were gone for quite a while, we thought you'd vanish or something. Twilight wants us to go meet her, she said that all of us have to be there, I wouldn't know why though." she said, spinning in the air, as if it was a common thing to be so active when having a normal conversation. She turned to Illuminous, "I'm Rainbow Dash by the way, and you are?"

"Illuminous" The colt said.

Rainbow Dash smiled at him warmly, shaking his hoof. He shakes his head again, what was it with him? All he could do was smile apathetically back at her. He could find a little disappointment in Rainbow Dash's expression.

"Oh, Illuminous, now that you can walk again, I was going to ask that maybe if you could..." Fluttershy hoofed at the ground shyly. (For future reference: Pawed at the ground) "I was wondering if you could help me with my last chore, I also care for the woodland creatures and I have to go check on an Ursa Minor's health, the poor thing has been sick for a while, and her mother is nowhere to be found, so would you come with me?" she asked sheepishly.

He nodded in response to that, and smiled warmly at her, which made Fluttershy blush a bit. In turn making him blush, Rainbow Dash curiously looked at both of them.

"Can I go too?" Rainbow Dash unexpectedly called out.

"Okay then" Fluttershy replied. "It's in the Everfree forest, I hope you don't mind Illuminous..." she asked before heading forth.

Illuminous simply shook his head, in reply of not minding.

The three ponies made their way towards the Everfree forest, memories Illuminous wished he could keep forever and at the same time forget, rose from the ground beneath him like scorched earth. They we're painful, but he wouldn't let it bother him. He walked next to Fluttershy, glancing ever so often at her, wishing some things to be true. Rainbow Dash talked about herself when Illuminous asked her what kind of things she does and did. She told him about the time when they saved their new friend Twilight, a smart, and egghead Unicorn pony from falling down a cliff. Flipping her body in circles as she explained.

He wanted to know about Unicorns, since he has never seen one, let alone what they do. But he kept quiet, hearing all sorts of crazy tales. Like how she won Best Young Flier's competition and saved the Wonderbolts and her friend Rarity by going at insane speeds, ones that could only be reached by doing a Rainboom. Naturally, Illuminous ended up asking her what both of those people were.

"You don't know about the Wonderbolts? They're the best Arial team in ALL of Equestria, they are famous ponies known for the speed and cool moves. Do you live under a rock or something?" Rainbow Dash asked, irritated by his lack of knowledge.

"I've never seen or heard of any pony other than my dad and sister, he told me Tales of the Princesses but that's as far as I know of any other pony. I used to live in a quiet and isolated forest, far from anypony else. So I'm sorry if I don't know them" he explained.

"Oh" Rainbow Dash said with an expression of like how she just discovered something that was pretty obvious before."Used to?" Rainbow Dash asked curiously.

"Yeah..." Illuminous said quietly, pain clearly visible in his eyes. And everything turned silent. No one spoke for a while.

"I knew Fluttershy when she was a filly." Rainbow Dash said, breaking the ice between them.

"It's true; she even stood up for me when some mean bullies were making fun of me." Fluttershy replied, sensing Illuminous' downfall to depression, trying to lighten up the mood. (I'd be lying if I said he didn't)

"I beat those 3 easy, I went so fast that I did the first ever Rainboom! And that's how I got my cutie mark." Rainbow Dash stated proudly as she showed the small rainbow colored thunder at her flank.

Although a bit embarrassing for Illuminous, but in the end he viewed at it curiously.

"A Cutie Mark?" Illuminous stood dumbfounded and confused.

"You don't have one?" she asked, taking Fluttershy's attention too.

Illuminous looked at his flank. Seemingly blank. He knew of these, her little sister had bouquet of different flowers as a cutie mark (her love of flowers), and his dad had a crested sword and shield (Celestia's Ex Royal Guard), and for some reason, he had nothing. His face reddened when he turned back at the two Pegasi who were now speculating his flank.

"That's strange..." Rainbow Dash said curiously.

"A cutie mark is when a pony finds his or her calling in life. Everyone's is different. The strange thing is that you don't have one." Rainbow Dash explained.

Embarrassed, Illuminous shy fully walked in a manner that hid his flank.
"Sometimes it just takes time, don't worry, it just means you can be good at anything!" Fluttershy tried cheering him up

He smiled warmly and appreciatively at Fluttershy. "Thank you" He said quietly, slowly getting out of his shyness over his blank flank.

Minutes later they arrived near the edge of two cliffs forming something similar to a crevasse; there was a large gap between the two sides.

"Oh my, Illuminous won't be able to get past this; I didn't realize it since I just fly over it. I'm sorry Illy." she said, first time stating his pet name.

He blushed, momentarily ignoring the question, and then he finally answered. "It's okay, I can wait here while you two go on ahead." he reassured them

"Oh well okay, we won't take long." she said as she hugged him in her way of saying goodbye, even if it was for a little while.

He blushed again and the two Pegasi flew off into the thick fog that surrounded the forest.
Truthfully, Illuminous was scared of being alone, he didn't know what lay behind the fog, it was thick and no pony could view clearly 5 feet away from themselves. He lay down on the ground, and rested his eyes, waiting for the time to pass by.
A while passed by, Illuminous started feeling a sense of worry. And then another, his head by then was racing with questions, each with a possibility of something bad. And then another, by then, Illuminous was sure there was something wrong, he searched the crevasse like pitfall for a way to jump across or walk over.

None.

His worry grew ever deeper, and suddenly, he heard the crackling scream similar to that of Rainbow Dash's voice. Illuminous had good ears, he could hear anything from anywhere, so it was no surprise when he heard Fluttershy's small and quite shriek. Something inside Illuminous surged in him. Both Panic and confusion is what he felt. He had to do something! Anything, he didn't want to lose them. Neither of them. Even if he just met Rainbow Dash, he wished endlessly to see her safe, especially Fluttershy. A sudden light forced his eyes shut, blinding and powerful, it overwhelmed him, and he could see it clearly, even with his eye lids close!

A sudden realization occurred to him. This light, he knew now he was the cause of it. He opened his eyes, quickly, they adjusted to the intense radiation and power of it, His coat and mane were literally glowing! The light itself was harmless after getting adjusted to it, but power surged through him, immense power. He felt stronger, faster, lighter, and more powerful. It seemed all of his senses were heightened, he could see very far beyond the thick abnormal fog that the Everfree forest emitted, his hearing was clear perfect, he heard a thud and Fluttershy's small terrified voice, pleading for something to stop.... the Ursa Minor.

Without thinking twice, he dashed straight for the giant crevasse and powerfully jumped across, sending rocks flying behind him, and crushing the earth beneath him as he landed. He ran faster than anything, faster than what Rainbow Dash claimed to be the speeds of a Rainboom.

This time however, a clear and visible thought came into his head.

Never Again

===========

(Author's Note: Oh I can already sense it, so much fun I'll have from this. Its not obligatory to write these stories, especially for me. But I find it fun as hell. :D SO MANY IDEAS.)

Lighting The Way

The earth below seemed too trembled at every hoofbeat that Illuminous took. His heart raced faster and harder than his legs could. An explosion of emotions, mainly fear and worry, surged through him. He would never again lose someone he cared about.

Pure shining white light shone from his entire being, he could feel the untamed power coursing through his body, empowering him, becoming stronger and stronger, so powerful that the wind sliced as he galloped through the forest. The moon was covered in dark clouds, but to Illuminous, it seemed clear as day. He followed his ears, hearing the quivering of Fluttershy, and a fierce growling. The Ursa Minor.

From the distance, he heard a much louder thud, and the swing the Ursa Minor did.

With a fiery rage in his heart, he sped up faster nearing the mouth of a giant cave galloping as hard as his legs could carry in this state.

~~~~~~~

"So hey Fluttershy, what's up?" Rainbow Dash curiously asked after reassuring herself that Illuminous was too far to hear after leaving him waiting back at that big crevasse.

"What do you mean?" Fluttershy said, confused at her question.

"Well you know, what's up with you and that colt? The Fluttershy I know of is too shy to even talk to a colt, but you hugged him, relative or something?"

"Huh?! Well we're just uh... -um... we're just friends." Fluttershy replied, blushing and looking away crossed leg and hoofing the ground.

Rainbow Dash looked at her suspiciously and the decided to accept her reply. She slowly made her way back to the ground with a graceful move of her wings.

"He sure is quite something, you should have seen him ran! I bet he was faster than AJ!" Rainbow Dash excitedly stated as Fluttershy took curiosity.

Fluttershy smiled warmly, "I found him in a serious condition, battered and cut, with a deep wound coming the side of his chest, it's surprising though, he healed up so fast compared to even the toughest animals I take care of."

"That bad?" Rainbow Dash stared at Fluttershy with curiosity.

"Worse than you can imagine, I'm sorry I couldn't be with you all for a while, I wanted to see him safe, so I treated him, and he was out cold for 2 days." Fluttershy said with a little embarrassment.

"Nah its okay, we we're just worried to what might have happened to you. No one will expect you to be caring for him, I mean seriously, I think he's actually cute, wow you should have seen him when he pulled up next to me, and he was like the sun, bright and amazing." Rainbow Dash confessed, admiring every inch of Illuminous

Fluttershy blushed as the word cute arose. She burned up into a brighter crimson as she tried picturing Rainbow Dash's description.

"Really? Just friends?" Rainbow Dash asked curiously.

Fluttershy didn't respond she just looked away, trying to avoid the ruby colored eyes of the rainbow Pegasi.

"You know, you're pretty obvious Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she giggled to herself.

Fluttershy lowered her head, shyly trying to conceal her blushing. "I am?"

"Yup, easy to read like a Twilight on a book." She joked.

"Have you done anything with him beside a hug?" Rainbow Dash asked still very curious.

Aww poor Fluttershy, she must have been dying from embarrassment, you could tell by how badly she blushed. Like an apple kind of red.

"N-n-n-no n-n-nothing like t-t-that" she muttered

"So do you like this colt?" Rainbow Dash said, this time sounding more serious. Like if she wanted to know instead of trying to poke fun out of her.

Fluttershy shyly hoofed the floor blushing a bit, without respond.

"Oh hey isn't that where the Ursa Minor is!" Rainbow Dash broke the silence by spotting a deep cave, the sound of a sleeping bear coming from within.

"Oh it is." Fluttershy said, the two Pegasi making their way into it.

A giant blue celestial-coat bear lay asleep, snoring peacefully. Fluttershy touched the massive forehead of the bear, intending to find the temperature to see if he still remained sick. Then she took out four buckets of milk from her saddlebags and poured it into a half empty container on the side.

"That should be good."

Rainbow Dash nodded and the two Pegasi began to walk away.

A purple mist arose from the ground below, and seeped into the Ursa Minor, infusing itself with it. Its blue celestial coat that showed many stars on it turned completely black, the stars still showing, then warps began to form, black holes formed on the Ursa Minor's coat. It awakened, opening its eyes, crimson red and unholy, like a cat's eyes.

It growled fiercely as it spotted the two Pegasi, the two turned around confused and a gasp of horror filled them both as they saw the transformation of the Ursa Minor and enormous body coming for them, Fluttershy's wings closed shut together and Rainbow Dash tried flying away.

The Ursa Minor raised his paw in the air, ready to strike the defenseless pony that was too afraid to move. Rainbow Dash looked backed and noticed the danger Fluttershy was in.

She swooped down quickly in front of Fluttershy. The paw swung down with a mighty force, striking the Rainbow Pegasus, making a thud as she hit the wall hard. Rainbow Dash fell unconscious, dealt from the heavy blow. Fluttershy saw Rainbow Dash get hurt and she yelled at the Ursa Minor.

Fluttershy went up to the beast, using her stare on him and lecturing him with all her might. The bear just growled even harder at her, even fiercer than before. The yellow Pegasi went back to her scared state and begged the beast to stop what it was doing. It was too far into corruption since it completely ignored her.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, aching and hurting from everywhere, the air was knocked out of her when the Ursa Minor swung at her. Her left wing was broken, and a deep sorrow overwhelmed her. Then she noticed Fluttershy, the Ursa Minor was ready to swing again, looking even more fierce than before and more angry, she stood up, wobbling from the force, and ran in front of Fluttershy again, and as she hit the wall even harder this time, she saw darkness. A tear escaped her eye, she was positive this was the end.

Before she shut her eyes, a blinding white light was looming over the cave wall, getting bigger and bigger, but she couldn't hold it any longer, she closed her eyes. Darkness filled inside her.

~~~~~~~~

Illuminous galloping caused an uproar as he ran, full force, he entered the cave anxiety making his gaze look everywhere, his heart sank as he saw Rainbow Dash battered and beaten to a pulp, laying down unconscious, Fluttershy crying, shielding her eyes from the light he emitted.

He was full within rage, an explosion of anger and hatred filled him, this was unforgivable, he stared at the black Ursa Minor, it too growling and yelping at the blinding light.

It swung its paw blindingly at any direction, one if it swings directed over to Fluttershy.

He ran fast, catching the paw before it hit her. It knocked him senseless, like a doll, right into the wall.

Fluttershy cried out "Stop please, just go, don't get hurt too... not for me..." as he slowly stood up again, anger and determination filling his expression.

He wanted to obey her, but it was a horrible request, he would never leave, never let another person he cared about get hurt.

He dashed full force at the Ursa Minor, he kicked his hind legs hard at the ground, picking him off the ground hard and fast, like a white arch, his trail of light left a completely white rainbow as he went right through the Ursa Minor.

It growled out in pain and panic, burning in a purple fire, the darkness of his coat becoming the quiet blue from before, the black holes disappearing from his coat. The Purple fire disappeared into the top of the cavern ceiling.

Anger still in Illuminous' heart, he came up to the Ursa Minor. Power surging endlessly into him. He could not forgive.

He raised his two front hoofs in front of the Ursa Minor's forehead, which lay on the ground defeated. And as he was ready to slam them down, he felt something wrap around him.

In an instant, the light dimmed to a small glow, his expression more exhausted than angry, and put his hoofs down gentle to the ground. Fluttershy was holding onto him tight, holding on for dear life. He looked down at the floor, utterly ashamed at his inability to control his own emotions. He was about to......

Illuminous shook his head and looked at Fluttershy, she looked into his eyes and smiled warmly at him. How could she have forgiven me? He asked himself.

Fluttershy kissed him on the cheek and whispered into his ear. "Thank you."

Although he remained serious, joy was inevitable in his mind. You could say he blushed from the inside.

He put Rainbow Dash on over his back and walked over the Ursa Minor. He put his forehead to the massive beast, he was truly sorry, never had he felt such remorse because he never had to be ashamed of his actions. To his surprise, he could hear the thoughts of the Ursa Minor. Yet it was still rather incomprehensible. The only thing that he could make out was one thing. 'The Key to Unlocking the True Potential of the Elements.' Questions arose from this, but he paid no mind. He was sure of it, that the Ursa Minor could read his thoughts as well, he told the Ursa Minor he was deeply sorry. But what he heard next was what he had not expected. The Ursa Minor thanked him; he removed the darkness within him. Physically the Ursa Minor licked him to show his gratitude.

He and Fluttershy made their way back, their top priority was Rainbow Dash, and as Fluttershy examined her, the more surprising thing was that her bruises and scratches were gone! But she was still breathing heavily, signification of that she was still injured. Much time passed within the events that happened. It was dark, really dark outside, the dark clouds covering the moon's light. Fluttershy could not see a single thing, she was being guided by Illuminous, and he had a small glow around him. Like if he was lighting the way.

Rainbow Dash became conscious again, remembering half the things that happened. Although still a bit pained and aching. She felt much better. She felt herself moving slowly and steadily, but not from her will, like if she was on someone's back. The darkness filled her mind then, when she was beat, she was sure of it, that she'd be a goner. But a light broke through the void of darkness. When she opened her eyes, she saw a white coat, and a blue mane, she recognized it as Illuminous. To Dash, this was the first time she'd touch a colt that closely, she just remembers putting her arm around the Wonderbolts, but nothing this close. She felt comfortable, like if every passing minute her wounds were healing. She nuzzled into his coat and fell asleep again.

When they arrived at the house, not uttering one word from both Illuminous and Fluttershy, they set down Rainbow Dash on the couch. Illuminous completely oblivious of his body's potential, felt a huge wave of exhaustion wash over him. His glow was reduced to nothing, turning him back into himself. And he collapsed, too weary from his legs, tired and aching. It seemed he ignored all the pain and it accumulated to strike him down good.

Fluttershy helped him to his feet and walked him over to the bed. He felt great comfort as he lay down on the soft mattresses. The Yellow Pegasus left to go to tend to Dash.

He smiled at himself, proud but mostly happy that he had been able to rescue them. There were just so many questions in his head. What had just happened? What did he do? Why was he able to connect to the mind of the Ursa Minor?

'What does Fluttershy think of me?' he sighed, maybe she thought he was evil, tempered minded. He never had any problem like that; the only thing that truly affected him was seeing Rainbow Dash hurt, and Fluttershy about to get hurt. His anger overtook him, and he was truly ashamed for that. He just hoped Fluttershy would forgive him, or he'd never be able to forgive himself.

Minutes later, Fluttershy walked in, looking tired and exhausted, walked slowly. She wasn't able to withstand it all, it was too much for one day. She lay down beside Illuminous and smiled to herself. There were so many questions in her mind. She had undying trust to Illuminous, she felt the pain in his eyes, but she still wondered who really Illuminous was? And what kind of power did he poses? He defeated the darkness in the Ursa Minor with one blow; he was more than just a mere regular Earth pony.

She brushed away those thoughts; the only truth that she was sure of is that she was happy being next to him, not like friends kind of happiness. This joy to her was different. Although she didn't truly understand it but, the closer she was to him, the happier she was. She turned to see Illuminous, staring at the moon, who peeked itself from gaps in the dark clouds.

"It's lovely, even if it isn't fully showing, you can already expect something beautiful to come out of those clouds any time now." he said, noticing her watching him.

Fluttershy nodded, agreeing with him.

"I would understand why you'd be afraid of me. After all, I don't even understand what happened." his voice in a deep serious note.

This brought up so many things Fluttershy wanted to say.

"I'm not, I-I..." she wanted to say something... anything... "Thank you" she said quietly, as she nuzzled into his chest. Unsure of what she was doing. She didn't truly understand herself yet.

"For what?" Illuminous' question catching her off guard.

"For saving that Ursa Minor, it wasn't the same... thank you for freeing it and also for sparing him." she said still in the same quiet tone. "For saving Rainbow Dash, I don't think I could ever be happy if she'd... well... she saved me, twice, the Ursa Minor badly injured her, I couldn't do anything...." she said, deep disappointment in her voice. "And also... for saving me" she blushed as she said it, turning her face away to keep him from looking at her embarrassment.

His warm and gentle laugh caught her even more off guard.

"You saved my life Fluttershy, it was only fair, and I wasn't just doing that because it was the fair thing to do, I wanted to save you. I didn't want to see another pony I cared about get hurt."

Fluttershy reddened deeply. This is the first time hearing, if not a direct confession, but one where he cared about her.

"Also I vowed to myself one thing." He said, pausing after that.

Fluttershy turned to look at him, now gazing at her, his yellow eyes deep with emotion, some that she didn't recognize, but determination. She blushed as she their gaze combined.

I will always protect you

=============
(Author's Note: I didn't meet the day deadline that I put for myself, but its okay, because I said from 1-2 days of chapter release in a deadline. Its 1:14 when I'm finishing this, so I wasn't too far off. if you liked this chapter, thank you. Comment and Rate if you liked it please, it assures me at least someone is actually enjoying my work. Thanks again everyone!
P.S. Dat Title Drop)

Darkened Days

The cold gust picked up, chilling him to the bone. His teeth started chattering endlessly, the skies gloomy with dark clouds. The mare on his back had proven to be a more difficult task than what she appeared. He took forced steps trying to fight the violent winds. A single drop fell on his cheek. It was sheer cold. It started pour a little bit, the small patter of the rain drops becoming increasingly louder. He grabbed the mare's shroud and put it over her head and his too. Minutes later, heavy rain started, mixing with the winds and becoming an even more difficult task to carry on. The trees of the forest that they found themselves in had little protection from the rain.

At the corner of his eye, he spotted a small uplift of the ground that covered a portion of ground that seemed unaffected by the rain only fit for one pony. He placed mare gently into it and looked up into the sky. He closed his eyes, as if in great pain, he lowered his body, stiffly preparing himself for something. A burst of light came out of his coat, his expression in extreme pain. Hundreds of small streams of light burst from him. Each one seemed to hurt him more and more. He opened his eyes; pure white light replaced anything that made them up. The light circled around him and became a giant pure white sphere. Nothing could be seen inside. The rain bounced off the sphere, sending rainbows scattering in each direction. Then the sphere expanded, suddenly without warning, a huge amount of the forest was covered in it. And then just like that it vanished. The stallion in the center, laying down his eyes closed, the rain pouring onto his exhausted face.

The stallion stood up and walked over to the mare who sat dry under the uplift, sleeping soundly. A small baby pony nuzzling under her arm, yawning its quiet small yawn ever so often. He placed his forehead onto the small colt. Without him speaking, his voice was clear and bright. It echoed in his mind. He could hear everything.

I've given up my will at last; this burden of mine is free.

I did everything I could to keep you safe for now.

But even my entire strength cannot keep you safe forever.

I hope that until then, you will grow up to be a fine stallion.

One that will not only take my place, but become better than me.

You're our last hope. Live on.

The mare was awake now; she placed a hoof on the stallion's cheek gently. The stallion turned to look at her. Their eyes both full of despair and exhaustion. They smiled as if they had just agreed on something. Then they turned to look at the sleeping small baby colt, safely away from any harm. The mare placed her nose gentle onto him as well as the Stallion. Then the voice of angel whispered quietly.

"You are so bright and strong, just like your father. I believe in you. You are everything I hoped and wished for my darling. And I know someday, you'll be much more. You are the light that guides me."

~~~~~~~`

He quickly opened his eyes, widely awake, beads of sweat running down his forehead, panting for air. He closed his eyes again, and then reopened them as he saw a group of mares looking at him. He sank deeper into whatever he was laying down on.

"Are you okay Illy?" Fluttershy asked.

No matter how many times Fluttershy could say it; somehow it made him so happy and blushes whenever she'd call him that. All the ponies looked at Fluttershy strangely and then back at him.

"Uh, you took a pretty hard hit on the table when you fell asleep there." Twilight said, trying to straighten her voice.

It seemed the purple unicorn pony wasn't used to be around him, or at least talking to him.

"What happened?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I... I don't know...It felt like I had lost my breath and everything just went... blank" trying to find an excuse. He was unsure of the dreams he was having, whatever they were, he couldn't let anyone else know. They felt... dangerous...

"Well you were gone for a while there." Twilight said, a bag of ice lifting itself into the air and onto the table.

"Magic?" he asked, still puzzled by even the smallest magic.

"You've never seen magic?" she asked, just as confused as he was.

"Well... no I haven't..." the dreams still wildly racing through his mind, trying to keep himself from blurting out something.

"Well, only Unicorn ponies are able to use magic, aside from Ali-corns like Princesses Celestia and Princesses Luna."

"Only unicorns?"

"No one else, other ponies like the Pegasi and Earth ponies like yourself have a different sort of magic, but that only involves your limbs or body features. For example, the Pegasi have a small amount of magic that keeps constant. Making their body lighter, that way, they can fly and walk on clouds. Earth Ponies on the other hand have a little to nothing of magic. It only lets them use their tail more efficiently."

So many questions were still left unanswered. If he was an earth pony, how in the name of Celestia was he able to....?

He looked away, his mind deep in thought.

Suddenly, two more mares appeared from the small door, slamming quickly against the walls.

"Gosh darn it Rarity, I tell's ya I ain't gonna wear that silly dress anyway, why try forcing it on me?" the strange accent from the Orange pony with the yellow tied mane wearing a hat called out behind her. No horn, no wing. An earth pony.

He stared at her, the Orange pony completely oblivious of his existence as she looked towards the doorway arguing with the other mare.

"Oh please oh please Applejack! Hoity Toity is asking for southern style dresses and I need you to model for me please~" the White and fashioned purple mane unicorn begged.

"Ugh, fine." the orange pony said, finally agreeing.

"And that's why you're the most trusted and honest pony in Ponyville." she said, trying to butter her up a little so it won't seem like a total drag.

"Hi Twilight" the two ponies said in unison.

"Oh this is good, everyone is here at last!" Twilight exclaimed, clopping her hoofs together in excitement.

"I wanted to talk to you all earlier but there a few... things that got in the way with some of us" she said, clearly pointing out Fluttershy who just looked downwards, an expression of sorry.

Illuminous stood quiet; the 2 ponies still oblivious to his existence, the couch concealed any vision of him.

"But first, you should meet our new friend." she told them, Illuminous standing up, looking more shy than ever.

Quickly enough, just like the pink pony, the Orange one shook his hoof wildly with both of hers. "Hi it's nice to meet ya. I'm Applejack; I tend to them farms over at Sweet Apple Acres."

"All by yourself?" he said without problems. I guess he felt more curious than shy.

"Oh please Applejack that is no way to treat someone." The white unicorn pushed Applejack out of the way.

"It's so nice to meet you, I am Rarity, Ponyville's most elegant and fashionable pony" she said, battering her eyes at him. Aside from Applejack, Rarity made him rather uncomfortable; she was beautiful and amazing, so he felt strange unease around her.

"I'm Illuminous" he said shyly.

"Such a wonderful name if I do say myself. I run the Carousel Boutique." Rarity explained.

"Now that everyone's here we can throw him a welcoming party!" the wild pink pony said, throwing confetti into the air.

"I'm sorry Pinkie, but we still have things to do." Twilight responded.

"Aww" Pinkie pie said with disappointment in her expression.

"Spike, would you please read the letter that Princess Celestia sent?" Twilight asked.

"Already on it." The small purple dragon responded, taking out a scroll, clearing his throat, and reading it out loud

To My Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle

My schedule seems to have cleared up, and free time is available.

I gladly invite you and your friends to come over to Canterlot.

I will personally give all of you a tour alongside Twilight.

Hope to see you here soon.

Princess Celestia.

'Wow, a letter from the Princess herself.' Illuminous thought to himself.

Twilight's eyes we're bright and cheerful. "I was thinking that maybe we could head out today and make it there within the day! So what do you say girls?

"Well shoot Twilight, can we really say no to a request from the Princess herself?" Applejack responding to her statement in behalf of everyone who just nodded their heads.

"Alright girls, go pack your things."Twilight ordered.

"It's gonna be awesome, you only got to see the donuts shop last time we went on the night of the Gala!" Spike said, escorting everypony out the door.

Fluttershy went up to Twilight. "Um, can Illuminous come to? Maybe Princess Celestia could explain a few things about Illuminous and his cutie mark."

He could clearly tell, Fluttershy was also trying to hide his abnormal power, she hadn't mention to anyone, not even Rainbow Dash, it seemed she didn't know either, I guess she couldn't see the irregular glow around him that night. No regular earth pony could contain his attributes. Why didn't she say anything? Was she trying to protect him?

"That's a great idea Fluttershy. Does he have anything to pack?" she asked.

Illuminous just shook his head.

"Well, if it's okay I mean. Can you help me carry a few things?" Fluttershy asked him.

Of course, Illuminous obediently agreed.

The small road lead up to a peaceful forest, a grand castle sitting at the edge of a mountain at the top, which was by far the grandest and most amazing of any building that could be in Ponyville. His stomach churned with excitement. It seemed like a long way. But by now, he was used to it, being home sick. Missing everything he had. At least not all was bad; having Fluttershy around was great, better than great. It was amazing. The thought made him smile greatly.

Twilight, Fluttershy, and Illuminous were already set and done before any pony arrived; he carried several kitchen utensils and tools in a saddlebag that Fluttershy gave to him. It was a heavy load but he had more than enough strength. All the ponies arrived together, all ready with whatever they needed. Applejack, carrying a various amount of apple treats in one bag and apples in the other, seemed to be the heaviest. Rainbow Dash had nothing on her; I guess she was more of the kind of pony that would just fly around looking for food. Pinkie Pie had a bunch of sweets in her bag, as cheerful and hyperactive as ever. Rarity had a scarf on, looking as magnificent as she was an hour ago, carrying clothing and warm things. Fluttershy carried the lightest items, mostly because Illuminous refused in letting her get half his weight. She carried first aids and other things. Twilight carried books and maps. 'Typical', Illuminous thought in his mind. He'd only met them for a short while but judging by their cutie marks and attitudes, it seemed pretty obvious.

The party of ponies left to enter the forest that sat between Ponyville and Canterlot, talking of all sorts of stuff. On how excited they were to get to spend time with the Princess, to all the wonderful places in Canterlot. Laughing and foaling around, going a long day's journey.

The sun narrowed down into the horizon, waving goodbye to the day with its beautiful patterns of orange and gold reflecting upon the clouds, the moon ready to show its beauty.

"We should set camp for the night, that way we won't arrive to Canterlot tired and sleepy; it would be bad if the Princess lost her free time because we all were asleep." Twilight said, trying to sound as reasonable as ever.

The party of ponies set down sleeping mats and flopped down, each pointing to the middle, circling into a group. Illuminous made his way slowly down onto the mat as everyone was already laying down, in-between Dash and Fluttershy.

Rarity broke the silence that everyone seemed to be enjoying. "So Illuminous, what are you good at?" Rarity asked a sparkle of curiosity in her eye.

"Well the thing is... I don't know."

"He has a strange cutie mark, too small to be deemed one." Twilight explained to them as Illuminous turned around at a degree, showing everyone the small yellow shard.

"We're going to speak to Princess Celestia to see if she knows anything; the only thing I know is that his cutie mark is part of the Old Kingdom."

"And what is the Old Kingdom?" Rarity asked.

"That's just it, there is no evidence or proof of the existence of the Old Kingdom at all, but pony legend tells of an old civilization of evil, where rulers of the lands would rise up by forceful dark methods." Twilight explained.

Twilight turned to Illuminous, who was busily playing with the grass, swaying it side to side. A rather unusual hobby of his.

"Illuminous, do you know anything about your family that might be connected to the old kingdom?" Twilight asked.

"Well no, the only thing I know is that my father was Princess Celestia's Ex. Royal guard. Or at least that's what he told me."

"Then Princess Celestia should have an idea about this. And your mother? Are they in Canterlot or something?"

Illuminous filled with sadness as the memories poured in.

"Twilight, I don't think now is the best time to talk about th-" Fluttershy tried intercepting the question but was interrupted by Illuminous.

"It's okay Fluttershy... I'll have to tell them sooner or later...."

Illuminous told them everything, he never knew his mother, and his father told them that she was somewhere watching over them. Illuminous was old enough to know what this meant, and him, his sister, and his father lived away from everypony in a quiet isolated forest. He never knew of Ponyville or Canterlot or anything other than his own woods, and tales that his father used to tell him.

He told them what happened that day. To his father... to his sister...

He kept the secret of his unnatural powers to himself. And Fluttershy made no attempt to even mention it.

Everyone looked at him with pity in their eyes as he told his story.

Even Pinkie Pie wasn't cheerful after he'd finish his story. They all gathered around him and gave him a group hug. Illuminous was confused, why? He was just a stranger to them... He looked away, and without uttering a word, lay down to sleep. So did everyone else.

Illuminous woke up in the middle of the night. He nudged Fluttershy awake.

"What happened?" the confused and sleepy Fluttershy asked.

"I just wanted to thank you..." he said shyly.

Fluttershy nuzzled into his chest. "What for?"

"For not mentioning that... light. I don't even know what it is, but I do know I'm afraid of it..."

She wrapped her arm around him. "its okay, no matter what happens, I promised I'd be here for you."

He placed his forehead on hers, treasuring the moment.

Then his ears perked up. He heard the rustling of leaves. There was something... watching them. He stood up, ready for anything. Fluttershy looked confused.

Then, from the darkness it appeared, two pairs of unholy crimson eyes, similar to that of the corrupted Ursa Minor.

===============

(Author's Note: -.- Today was bad, my computer kept crashing, my mom kept giving me pills and interrupting me telling me if I felt okay. Relatives, etc, etc. Bleh, But I finished! another good news is that I have an Illuminous drawing on the making. My sister was kind enough to do the honors. :3 Hope you enjoyed!

Two Hearts United

The eyes stared at him, evil intentions clearly visible in the bright crimson, their line of sight unbroken. They just... watched him.

"Fluttershy, wake the others up and take them somewhere safe." Illuminous ordered, the seriousness in his voice alarmed Fluttershy, but she didn't question him.

He stood still ready. Ready for anything, but the eyes did not move, did not flinch, and did not blink. They just stood there... watching... like if they were waiting for something. Illuminous was frightened to the core, but the thought of wanting everyone safe overruled it. He stood his ground, keeping a close eye on the two.

"Illy, the rest won't wake up!" Fluttershy said alarmed.

Suddenly one of the pair of eyes vanished. There was just the quiet rumbling of leaves and all stood silent again.

Fluttershy was holding onto him, afraid of what Illuminous would be so worked up about. She had an undying trust in him. Not a single doubt entered her mind.

The other pair of eyes vanished, leaving the night air still, the quietness felt uneasy. Illuminous didn't back down though, he still felt the presences. He would wait it out all night if he had to, he would never let anything happen to his friends.

He felt a light breeze. The trees rustled at the small current.

One pair of eyes appeared, looking at him even more intently. And then, a shadow started to walk out of grass, it was still too dark to see what it was, but it was an outline of a small pony.

"You wish to save your friend? Come for her." it spoke out, its voice hardly recognizable.

Then a small shriek bellowed out of the dark forest. Fluttershy.

He looked around helplessly trying to find the yellow Pegasus who had vanished without his consent. He couldn't. His worry grew deeper and then looked back at the eyes.

"What did you do to her?" Illuminous rang out, anger enforcing itself within his voice.

Strangely, the other ponies just slept through it all.

The shadow let out a shrill laugh, like if it had been expecting his anger. "This will be easy." it followed up.

Then the shadow vanished into the dark forest, leaving no trace behind.

Illuminous ran after it. He was truly afraid... if anything had happened to Fluttershy he'd...

He shook off the thoughts and kept running. He wouldn't let that happen, never again.

Two shadows sped across the dark forest, one carrying a passed out yellow Pegasus with pink mane.

"What was your plan when we got this girl?" one of the shadows asked.

"Simple. Lure him." the other said.

"Remember, he is the only one we want. Nothing happens to the girl." the first one said.

"A soft spot for this... thing?" the other one replied sharply with disgust.

"No, must I remind you what happens if anything happens off according to plan?" he said back in the same sharp tone.

"Eh, and I wanted to have some fun too." A bitter disappointed in the voice shown.

"When everything is done... there will be plenty. Of time. For that." it said in short bursts.

"Why not now!?" the other shot at the shadow.

"Are you thinking of disobeying orders?" Sheer anger visible in the shadow's eyes.

"Whatever" the other one casually said.

The two shadows stopped, they placed the Pegasus down on the ground in the middle of all the trees, and then they quickly blinked on to the trees.

"There, everything is planned. One mistake and I'll personally end your life before mine is ended." the shadow snarled.

"Nothing can go wrong; we've been warned about this one. Considering his stature, he won't be able to even harm us. This is easier than that other stupid pony." it laughed, recalling the past events.

"Don't get a big head, we still don't know what his potential is, but at least we know he won't stop until he sees this one here safe. Let's give him the pleasure shall we?"

His worry grew worse. There was no sound, nothing he could track. No movement, no presences... nothing. As he ran through the forest, he felt helpless, blindingly chasing after a shadow, Fluttershy so easily kidnapped with him present. He fell into utter despair. Not until he saw Fluttershy safe will he forgive himself.

He was afraid of the light. His visions... all of it seemed... dangerous. When he had lost control against the Ursa Minor, he was afraid of his power, afraid of himself. Than dreadful thoughts came into his head, what if that evil pony was there... and what could it have done with Fluttershy?

'No no no no!' he angrily screamed in his thoughts, galloping even harder and faster, the grasses picking out of its roots as he passed by. Tears flooded his eyes, sparkling like gems by the moonlight as they fell to the ground.

"Fluttershy!!!" He yelled with all his might hoping with all his heart it reached the yellow Pegasus.

A dark void surrounded her, she was terrified, and this was pure darkness. She tried screaming out but her voice was mute. Even her thoughts weren't there, just the sense of terror and fear. She curled up, trying to make the darkness go away. A few thoughts appeared. Illuminous. Whatever had happened to her, she knew Illuminous was trying his best to save her. She felt despair and horror. She didn't want him to get hurt... not for her... a tear escaped her eye.

A voice rang clear into her head, a voice of desperation. It called her name out. It was strong, stern, and a bit sensitive. Illuminous quickly popped into her mind. It was him. A sudden hope assured Fluttershy, Illuminous did care, even though she didn't want him to get hurt for her. She felt happy... that he was coming.

"Fluttershy!!!" he yelled again in desperation.

His eyes grew in both worry and relief, seeing her asleep lying down unharmed.

Fluttershy looked troubled though, a sense of dread overtook him. What had happened?

The shadow appeared from the darkness of the trees.

"Seems like you got here just in time." the playful voice of a dark Pegasus pony wearing goggles and a full body suit said as it appeared into the moonlight. Its red crimson eyes making it look more menacing. It never took of its smile. It just stood in front of him.

Another Pegasus exactly the same, dropped off of the trees, this one with a more serious expression.

"We didn't harm her. At least not yet. If you wish to save her, defeat us." it said.

"What did you do to her?!" He snarled at them angrily.

"She is just in a trance, if you fail to defeat us, she won't see the light of day for a very long time." it said calmly.

Illuminous stomped his hoofs towards the two Pegasi.

"Don't make this boring." The playful dark Pegasus said still with the same sly smile.

Illuminous charged, at them. They stood still. He kicked the ground propelling him towards the two Pegasi who remained still. When he nearly reached them, they vanished, making him tumble onto the ground and regaining himself quickly on his feet.

"What a laugh." the cheerful snarl of the Pegasus said.

Then he got hit from the side heavily, leaving an intense pain on his ribs. Before could even turn to see his attacker, he got kicked straight on his chest, knocking him back. He slowly regained himself, hurting from the places he had been kicked. He didn't have time to think before the second wave of attacks took him by surprise. He wasn't able to see them, they were shrouded in the darkness and they were too quick to attack.

"Hah! You're too easy. Then again, we are, The Shadow Bolts. Nothing and no one is faster than us."

Shadow Bolts... this reminded him of what Rainbow Dash told him, the Wonderbolts x Shadowbolts? No... They couldn't be. He would know it.

Illuminous stood his ground ready for an attack.

Like the Pegasus had said earlier, they were fast. Too fast. They knocked him around good until he was finally tired. It was a never ending of barrage of attacks that he couldn't dodge or counter against. His entire body hurt. There was just no way to it. He had to...

Two voices spoke out to him. One that said no, the other one said yes. He was terrified of that power... but if he didn't use it now... he would be defeated and Fluttershy would...

He shook off the possibilities. It was obvious what he had to do.

He didn't know how to use it; the last time... it just... happened... He cried out in desperation. He finally gave up and stumbled to the ground. He looked over at Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry." he whispered over to her.

He thought of all the things he wanted to still do, and it all included protecting those he cared about. A big thought appeared in his head. He wanted to protect Fluttershy, no matter what the cost. Even if it was his life.

Suddenly he burst into a white light. It had appeared! This time though, he felt... different. Stronger, Lighter, Smarter..... Quicker! Two small wings sprouted from his back, not feathery wings, but pure white light. He could control them easily. Like if they were part of his limbs. He beat them towards the trees creating a strong gust. Revealing two ponies trying hard see from the blinding light.

The two Pegasi put on their goggles. "Nice try lover boy. Your fancy lights won't affect us." The voice that once belonged to the cheerful Pegasus said looking at him. He had lost his smile. "Nice wings you got there, care to join us in the sky?" He taunted and the two Pegasi flew into the air high above the trees.

Without a second response, Illuminous shot to the sky, his wings creating a stream of light behind him.

~~~~~~~

Suddenly, a galloping Illuminous replaced the complete darkness, projecting like a screen. Fluttershy wanted to rush to him but she couldn't move she could only watch as he lied down beside her, wondering if she was okay, seeing her own body unconscious. She heard the entire conversation between the two Pegasi before Illuminous had arrived, and she was afraid that he might have fallen into a trap. This confirmed her suspicions when they talked to Illuminous, challenging him for the safety of Fluttershy's.

She couldn't stand seeing Illuminous get beat up like he did. The only thing that went through her mind was "Stop please stop!" but Illuminous just kept standing up.

When he dropped and then looked at her, tears running down his eyes. She wanted to cry, but nothing... the light sent joy to her, giving her hope as he stood back up, stronger and better than he was before, more capable of fighting the two Pegasi.

Fluttershy prayed for his safety.

~~~~~~~

"This is starting to get interesting." The cheerful Pegasi said, this time with an evil smirk.

He looked over at the other Pegasus. The more serious one never lost his poker face. He just nodded, in agreement to something.

Before he knew it, they had already commenced their attack. He took one wave of the attacks, analyzing their patterns and movements in their strategy.

When they had gone to strike again, Illuminous kicked back, hitting the change of attack to surprise attack him. And then quickly got into a ball and spun himself in the air hitting the other pony as he went in for the hit.

"Heh, not bad for an incompetent Earth pony." the cheerful one said.

"Well too bad we can't fool around forever." the more serious one replied.

Suddenly, Illuminous felt a deep strike onto his back; it shocked his limbs and body. A third Pegasus pony appeared from behind him as it had attacked. This one was different, its mane was blue and black, a pattern resembling fire. The uniform had small symbols. The captain.

He fell out of the sky, quickly dropping through the branches, roughing him up before he took a hard hit to the ground, close to Fluttershy. His body felt useless, he couldn't move a single limb. His wings disappeared, and his glow vanished.

The three Pegasi dropped to the ground beside him.

"You foalish Earth pony. I hope you enjoy sharing your father's fate." the captain spoke, the voice that of a mare.

A tear rolled down his cheek. Even with that... he had still failed... he looked over to Fluttershy, his heart full of despair. He closed his eyes, but the tears just kept falling.

He heard the ground being stepped on softly coming towards him. He shut his eyes harder, ready to face his fate.

A warm, recognizable forehead was placed onto his. He opened his eyes. It was Fluttershy.

"How heartwarming, the mare saying her last goodbyes to that wimp of a pony." The captain snarled.

Fluttershy paid no mind to it; she was struggling to keep herself conscious. Illuminous just stared at her, wondering what she was doing.

Without a second thought, he heard her voice. The sweet, gentle, warm and kind voice filled his mind.

'Please don't give up... I... I... love you...' her voice said. His mind was racing. Thousands of emotions just hit him at once.

Fluttershy lied down, exhausted by her efforts.

Illuminous stood slowly.

"Oh what is this? I can hardly believe your even standing when I just shocked your entire body. Well at least you have a little bit of fight left in you, would've been boring to end it so soon." The captain said.

Illuminous just grinned. This infuriated the captain.

"Take him down!" he ordered the two silent Pegasi. They looked like puppies compared to her. Of course they obediently agreed vanishing into the air quicker than a grass leaves they picked up could fall to the ground.

Two kicks straight to his chest threw him back violently. Illuminous tried standing up again really slow and wobbly.

"You just won't die!" The captain screamed, going over to him and throwing him back on the ground, and proceeded to kicking him repeatedly.

The captain stopped once Illuminous stopped moving, huffing loudly and angrily. "He's...."

Illuminous opened his eyes, his yellow eyes staring at the crimson ones of the Pegasus, concentrated and never breaking sight.

"How are you still alive you annoying Earth pony!!!?" She screamed.

Illuminous stood up without any hard effort and grinned even wider.

"I heal quickly." he responded before his eyes turned into white light and his shine came back on, his wings much larger and more majestic.

Without the beat of an eyelid, Illuminous stood behind the two followers who were just as shocked as the captain.

He didn't have a single scratch on him, his mane flowing longer and more majestic. Illuminous touched the two Pegasi and they both fell to ground, unable to move. He walked slowly towards the captain.

Without him even making a movement, she voluntarily lied down, trembling upon his presence.

Illuminous walked over to Fluttershy. He touched her forehead with his. It instantly broke her out of her trance. She stared at him in awe. He put his forehead to hers.

'Sing' the voice of Illuminous rang out into her mind.

She sung a small melody, so sweet and gentle, her voice sounded even more perfect than an angel's. When she was done singing, he took his forehead off and walked over to the now purified Pegasi. They all seemed like regular Pegasus. It seemed they suffered the corruption like the Ursa Minor did. Whatever was after him, he was sure it was using anything it could get its hand on to defeat him. He put the three Pegasi on his back and flew them onto a cloud, gently laying the sleeping ponies down.

And as he touched the ground, his wings and the glow vanished into smaller little lights, the shapes of butterflies. He walked over to where the yellow Pegasus was. And with a sigh, he lied down next to her.

"I....I-" Fluttershy tried saying when Illuminous was down next to her, looking into her eyes, his bright yellow eyes sparkling in the moonlight.

"It's okay Fluttershy, I wanted to save you. I told you, I would always protect you." he said softly.

"No" Fluttershy said shaking her head, and then she leaned in closer to him and kissed him.

This caught him off guard. He was blushing wildly, surprised by the sudden affection. It seemed like it lasted an eternity. Both of them lost in the moment.

Fluttershy buried her face into his chest, trying to conceal her blushing. "I-I've been wanting to do that for a while..." she said quietly and shyly.

Illuminous placed his chin on her mane, nuzzling into it, viewing the bright white butterflies that were still left.

"I was so worried that you would have...."

"It's okay... I would have never allowed you to get hurt. Even if the cost was my life. I promised myself that." Illuminous said gentle and warmly into her ear, placing his hoof onto her chin to pick up her face to see his, kissing her once more.

She retreated to bury her face deeper into his chest, blushing more. He smiled greatly. They fell asleep there together, in the same embrace, with a smile on both of them. When he saw into her mind, it felt like he knew her more, everything about her, what she felt, what she thought. Both their hearts in unison.

Two Hearts United.

=============

(Author's Note: Its becoming obligatory to make one of these every chapter ((an author's note)) :D. I poured every little bit of my unintelligible grammar into making both the fight scenes and the ending. I hope they are as amazing to everyone else as they were to me. Especially my dear friend Cat if she ever reads this. I had tons of distractions today. It was breaking my head, but really I do love and enjoy making these every day if possible. and I hope you all love them as well. I also thank everyone who reads this story loyally to this chapter. Mostly because we have reached 1,000+ Views! This is a great milestone for me because I just started out 5 days ago. I wrote stories but never for an audience before. Thank you all!
Also, I'm starting to get used to the entire Fluttershy x Illuminous..... but don't worry.... I have something up my sleeve....)

The Timeless Rivals

A grand stallion stood proudly at an edge of a cliff, his cape swaying in the wind, and sunset looming over the sky in its bright presence, dark clouds forming quickly. His sky-blue mane swayed gracefully in the wind, his white coat lighting the encroaching night. Multiple blood-red shards on his flank all facing away from each other, their ends pointing to the center, making a sharp pointed circle as a cutie mark. His heavy looking gold armor battered and cut. He wore a grin of certainty.

Beyond the cliff, darkness reached out, trying to get to the stallion, an entire valley misplaced by the two timeless rivals. A grand Ali-corn stallion facing his rival. Its coat dark as night, and its mane as bright as day. A Solar eclipse as its cutie mark. It eyed his rival with an anticipating look.

The cutie mark of the illuminating stallion started spinning endlessly. An unnatural force began to form around him. The Ali-corn's solar rim burned. Their cutie marks as active as their energy. Their muscles stiffened.

Then the two disappeared instantly. Leaving no trace of an existence in their wake.

Thunder boomed the dark clouds became illuminated by multiple flashes of white, then different colors. Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Blue, Pink. The bright colors beautifully swayed endlessly fighting the white flashes. Then the clouds burst. A giant white circled encased the illuminating stallion. The Ali-corn dashed with its entire might, making a tremendous crackling of lightning, a great rainbow thunder forming at its back. The speed was too much... thousands of crackling booms filled the valley as the heavy force rushed towards the light shield.

When it struck, a massive sphere of a rainbow including white circled the area, spiraling madly and destroying great portions of the land. Then it shrunk from little to nothing, the two ponies falling fast to the ground. The earth split as the two fell, causing craters and fissures. The illuminating stallion stood up slowly, walking over to the defeated Ali-corn. He stood in front of him. Panting and smiling with a victorious grin.

~~~~~~~

A small and young Ali-corn ran through a meadow, her dark celestial mane bouncing off her night black coat. Her panting showed her worry. Too hard at breathing, it seemed she was in a hurry. The small mare stumbled on her legs when she heard the crackling boom of lightning. She desperately looked up for signs of anything. Dark clouds began to show many colors, a beautifully dreadful scene.

She stopped forcefully as she reached the edge of a hill, going down into a big valley. She slid down the edge wanting to get closer to the spectacle. Before she knew it, the clouds split, a pure white sphere circling the sky.

She screamed with all her lungs to the Ali-corn stallion who was building up force and speed, causing thousands of booms as he trailed. Then she sunk into despair as he hit the white sphere dead on. No regrets. A sudden light of different colors and white of tremendous forced quickly gaining distance to her. She tried running but it was too fast and too sudden, it encircled the small Ali-corn. The pressure felt like a thousand supernovas going off in front of you. It was too much... then a rainbow colored light started glowing from the chest piece and helmet she was wearing. It bursts, leaving no trace of it.

Then the light stopped, it shrunk back to where the white sphere had been, two ponies fell heavily to ground, causing a powerful fissure to shred the Earth beneath them, making the small Ali-corn flinch back. Then without hesitating, she ran towards the defeated Ali-corn.

~~~~~~

The White stallion's cutie mark now contained an enclosed circle to the spikes. Every spike faced the defeated Ali-corn.

The illuminating stallion looked down towards his defeated advisory, his victorious grin showing no signs of pity. He raised his hoofs, ready to give the last blow, but he was interrupted by a small black Ali-corn. The young mare cried her heart out as she threw herself to his rival.

"Out of the way girl. I won't hesitate to destroy you too." he said to the young mare sharply.

"P-p-please d-don't k-kill him!" she cried out, stuttering from the weeping.

The bigger Ali-corn painfully coughed regaining his consciousness. "Get away from here" it struggled to say.

The young mare looked at him, tears rolling down her face uncontrollably. "D-dad.N-n-no. I w-won't l-leave you!"

The stallion Ali-corn put his hoof to the young mare, a purple celestial fire burned into her horn.

"Oh, giving your power to that pathetic kid to save your legacy are we? It's just too fun. I guess I'll have to kill the girl as well." the stallion snarled out, approaching the young mare.

"Run..." the defeated Ali-corn said, pushing away his daughter. She obeyed, running as fast as her legs could carry.

A pure white fire sprang in front of her creating an impassible wall. She flinched back, dropping to her back, the stallion slowly walking towards her. She closed her eyes as he stood in front of her, his intentions visible in his yellow golden eyes.

Then, he shrieked in pain. The small mare quickly opened her eyes to see her father, his horn sunk into the illuminating stallion's coat, taking him by surprise at his blind side. Then a purple flash burst all three of them apart.

"What did you do?!?!" the white stallion angrily screamed out.

"I sealed your fate with mine." he said, making the white stallion's eyes shrink in more fear and shock than pain. "My only regret.... is that I couldn't have been a better father." he looked over to the small mare, looking at her father with dreadful expression.

Then the Ali-corn's horn started to shine powerfully, illuminating the entire valley in a purple light. A huge wave of powerful magic burst, tossing the small mare away. When it was over, the two ponies were gone.

"Daddy!!" the young mare screamed over and over. "Why!!" she screamed until she lost her voice and cried herself to sleep on the ruins of the valley that once was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Illuminous quickly woke up, goose bumps still clearly noticeable from the vivid vision. His hoofs were shaking, yet he couldn't stop it. His emotions were filled with complete dread.

Who were they? That white stallion looked like himself..... Yet the shards on him were blood red. What happened?

He started to wonder endlessly why he was having these constant visions. He feared going to sleep now, all of them seemed so.... dangerous.... and so troubling.... every single one seemed to somehow be connected to him.

Illuminous looked around, spotting a yellow Pegasus. His heart calmed down, and his mind cooled off. He smiled seeing Fluttershy peacefully sleeping. So cute. He lied back down. And before he could shut his eyes, he heard a familiar voice, cracking like it usually did.

"Hey, I found them!" the rainbow colored Pegasus called out from the sky.

He rolled away farther from Fluttershy and stood up. Surely enough, the gang of friends appeared from the trees, relieved to see them both.

"We we're all so worried!"

The gang of mares hugged him, emphasizing their previous statement. He blushed a little, still not being comfortable around mares, especially if there are 5 of them hugging him at once.

"Don't wake Fluttershy yet, she is still recovering." he said seriously.

"Why what happened?"

"We got attacked, I was able to fend them off, if it wasn't for Fluttershy though." he explained, keeping his abnormal power on the down low.

"Attacked?!" The group of ponies all said alarmed.

"I can't explain now, the best thing to do is keep going and reach the safety of Canterlot. If it has any."

"Oh...okay, Princess Celestia's guard will protect us no doubt." Twilight said, making Illuminous flinched. He didn't know who to trust... all he knew was that he couldn't trust himself, that power.... last night.... it overtook him... that wasn't him....

Illuminous kept walking until he reached the road again, the trailing ponies all looking worriedly at Fluttershy who was being carried by Illuminous + his baggage and Fluttershy's. He had surely become stronger.

No one said a word until Twilight pointed out something. "Your cutie mark... its different now!" she exclaimed.

He turned to stare at it. Two shards we're now facing against each other, like the arms of a compass. This frightened him deeply for an unknown reason, closely related to last night's vision. The fear must have shown in his eyes.

"Is something wrong Illuminous?" Twilight asked.

He shook his head in reply. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just worried about Fluttershy."

"Could you please tell us what happened? Maybe I could help..."

Illuminous stopped to stare the purple pony. "She'll be alright, there wasn't any harm done to her, she just needs a good rest." his tone dead serious.

"Oh... alright." The purple pony shyed away.

Fluttershy woke up right when he wanted her to, he didn't like being firm, it was bad for his image, and he didn't want his friends to think badly of him. The yellow Pegasus opened her eyes slowly, taking in the view, and then finally realizing on whose back she'd been riding on.

Illuminous knew exactly when she woke up, even if he couldn't see her when looking ahead. Somehow... he was more connected her. He let her down gently and the group of mares hugged her like they'd done to him.

"Thank Celestia your awake Fluttershy, we we're worried that something bad might have happened to you," they said as they all looked at her, not having a single scratch.

"Well it was thanks to Illuminous, he saved me from some goons." she explained.

"Two acts of heroism already, you really are something." Rainbow Dash said with admiration.

Illuminous flushed as they all praised him.

"It was nothing really..." he tried countering.

"Oh but it was! He snapped me out of a trance that those meanies put me in." Fluttershy continued explaining, somehow, he knew she was trying to do it so that they would accept him more. But it really wasn't helping him. He just blushed even more.

Fluttershy walked next to him the entire way, staying close to him. He could feel the other ponies wonder about them. Which didn't really matter at this point but somehow it still felt rather uncomfortable for the poor colt.

When they exited the woods, the magnificent castle came into view. Its beauty outshone the mountain itself. It stood as a golden and marble beacon of glory and greatness. This truly was an amazing sight. It towered majestically over the land below. Whatever withheld the giant palace it must be a huge effort because no further logic could sustain something of that magnitude, but ever since he reached Ponyville logic hasn't exactly been on his side. Still though, it was an amazing sight to behold.

Everyone groaned when they saw the giant stairs they had to climb. Twilight shyly apologized since she was flown to Ponyville and had never seen the stairs much less had to make the long trek up. Conveniently, Twilight placed a spell on them that made them lighter. She was good at magic, which would explain her cutie mark. It made it so that they wouldn't be so tired when walking up, which totally made the difference, Fluttershy had decided to climb instead of fly like Rainbow Dash, sticking close to him like before. This brought him that hidden joy.

When they finally walked up the stairs, everyone was amazed and by the wonders of Canterlot, but no one was just as amazed as Illuminous himself. This was something he treasured, something he adored. A tear escaped his eyes; he remembered how his father wanted to come to Canterlot with his little sister, for his mother... This was... his dream, their dream. He only regrets not having his family at his side.

Applejack slowly came up to him. "What's wrong sugarcube?" she asked him worriedly to why he was crying, he turned to see her and realized everyone was looking at him with the same expression of worry.

"It's nothing, it's just... My mother always wanted to live in Canterlot, my father and my sister... we were supposed to come here..." his tone quiet and sad. This really did affect him heavily. But he was happy. He smiled, and laughed a little as the tears rolled down his cheek.

Everyone stared at him, with a look of worry and confusion.

"I do admit. This is great!" he said jumping around, going up to the golden street lamps and placing his forehead to see his reflection.

Everyone laughed and followed his blind lead. He went everywhere, to a local donuts shop, then to a big ice sculpture that never melted and accidentally placed his tongue on it curiously wondering what it tasted like since it was made of ice. This didn't turn out so pretty. Of course, he didn't know it himself but it seemed he saved the best for last. The Grand Castle.

"My dad you used to tell me of an awesome party called the grand gala that Princess Celestia would host sometimes." he said excitedly.

"Trust me, it isn't so great." Everyone said with a laugh.

Like a little filly, Illuminous ran up the grand castle's stairs with his eyes, only to fall back by the spears of two guards.

"Oh it's okay, we've come to see Princess Celestia, and she requested our presence." Twilight said pulling out the note from Princess Celestia herself and showing it to the guards.

They lowered the spears. "Please proceed" they said simultaneously.

Illuminous quickly turned to his filly self again only to be bumped back by Princess Celestia herself who stood waiting at the front.

"My pardons Princess." Twilight said for Illuminous as they all bowed.

Illuminous only stood staring at the amazingly graceful Ali-corn who stood before him, his eyes starry with wondrous joy and glee.

"And who would your new friend be?" Princess Celestia asked smiling warmly over at Illuminous, her voice sweet and gentle. Strong and firm. Everything that you'd expect from a thousand year ruler of Equestria.

"I'm... I-I'm Illuminous" he said, lost at words by the grand presence.

"You are not one of my little ponies. I've never seen you in Equestria before." Princess Celestia bellowed to him.

"Oh uh... well I didn't come from Ponyville or anything. I lived with my father in a quiet isolated forest not too far from Ponyville with my sister." he explained.

Princess Celestia stood quiet, examining this new pony in front of her. Her face turned grim when she saw his cutie mark.

"Your father... was he... Sir Levan?" she said, this being the first time in years hearing his dad's true name.

Illuminous nodded.

"He served as a loyal guard not only to me but to Equestria itself. I'm truly grateful for his services and he will be missed dearly." Princess Celestia said lowering her head in respect for a fallen.

This struck the deep levels of Illuminous. How did Celestia know that his father had....?

"If you don't mind me asking Princess... but how do you know about the events with my father?" he asked.

Without reply, Celestia looked over to the gang of ponies behind her. "I'm sorry girls but important matters have been raised. I'm going to have to cancel the tour of Canterlot until another time. But I will need your help."

"It's alright Princess, Illuminous took everyone for a ride of all Canterlot already. And what for?" Twilight responded for the group.

"Just follow me. I fear that dark times are upon us. And I'll need everyone of you," she turned to face Illuminous who she seemed to be including as well, her voice and expression dead serious.

There are many things you must know.

===========

(Author's note: Alright, I made a 1k word filler which was just the vision at the beginning, but since due to current events, I had to finish it up. Anyways. I hope you enjoyed. My fingers ache from the effort I've been placing on this lately. :3 Good aching. I had to reboot my computer and it took ages to update and install the things I wanted. So I finished this at the late of night. My computer kept crashing for some reason, but no more, which I'm glad for. Been listening to "Woodkid- Iron" this entire time. Such an awesome song. Till next time!)

Far From Home

The graceful Ali-corn walked silently, still portraying that seriousness in which she had introduced herself with. Whatever the matter was, it was serious. Not because she was the ruler of Equestria was he going to suspect that being serious is a part of what a ruler should be. No it wasn't because of that, it was mostly thanks to his friends, who had a sense of worry above their heads. He could somehow sense their unease at the Ali-corn's serious demeanor. This wasn't natural to them, so it wasn't natural to him either.

Her beautiful mane swayed in the air. Strangely, this kept his thoughts busy of all things bad. It was nice taking his mind off of current events. They weren't as calming and pretty as he would've liked them to be. There was still two major parts to what was going on inside his head. The awesome and the pretty bad. The awesome told him that he was in Canterlot, and he was in front of Celestia, and also that Fluttershy was around. This was more than anything he dared dream of as a child. The awful side told him that the vision felt increasingly... dangerous... as time passed on. Not to mention that they are becoming a night's rest major topic of his restless sleep. And on a minor subject, he was hungry down to the bone, realizing that the last thing he had to eat was Fluttershy's soup which he could still picture and taste. Although that made him more hungry, it still somehow managed to keep his mind straight through the endless rumblings of his stomach which thankfully, no pony has heard of, which spared him a great deal of embarrassment.

There are two types of embarrassments that he has been able to clearly point out. Being praised, although flattering, he just didn't like for other ponies to think highly of him. That was inevitable by Rainbow Dash's conversation every time his name popped up and with a lot of help from Fluttershy as well, and also being sought as in some form, kind of pathetic. Far as he knew, no pony had eaten anything since their trip, or at least Fluttershy. They probably could've had a snack when they woke up the morning after his unexpected show down with the Shadow Bolts, which he still dreaded to think about. He wondered about what the other ponies were feeling right now.

Then his mind straighten itself out again as he realized that they might've been worried about Princess Celestia's unconventional outburst of seriousness that seemed to be so uncommon and rare that surely would be uneasy to be around if you knew the Princess herself in an everyday or regular basis situations.

Then he went back to wondering what Celestia was thinking about. Surely she knew about his father since he had been an ex guard. And maybe he could find some answers from her as well. Whatever that thing was, and whatever the visions might be, he needed to tell her, not in front of anyone though.... A great sense of danger would overwhelm him from the visions after and whatever memory he still had of them. The least he wanted was to see his friends injured. No... He wouldn't stand for that. He had to tell Celestia... she has to know about this... and if there is even the slight possibility that she could somehow help him rescue his sister... nothing would get in his way of saying it.

Except maybe, a series of unfortunate events. This later made him focus on other things like how hungry he was due to a servant pushing a cart full of sweets and other goods with his nose. He did an unexpected turn towards the servant, greeting him with some sort of new self-esteem that he'd acquired, mostly because the servant was another colt, still unsure why he felt strange around mares. Focusing on the matter before hand he did small short jumps towards the cart.

"Oh hey hey!! Psstt heeyyy!!" a big grin splattered all over his face trying to reach the servant's ears so he'd stop before leaving off on a corridor he didn't know.

The servant turned around, a humble face of a regular colt turned to him, unlike the defined and picture perfect ones of the nobility around Canterlot.

He shook his hand wildly, grinning like a mad man, trying to make himself as enjoyable to this one pony to maybe get something off that cart just because the colt liked him. This didn't turn out to effective since a strange look of "Oh my god he is so strange! Get away from me!" filled his expression.

"Oh uh... I'm sorry I didn't mean to frighten you. Ya see, I've been on this journey and I haven't had much to eat since like..." he paused recalling certain events. His eyes grew in awe at himself. "5 days now."

He turned to look at Fluttershy for the amount of day's confirmation that he'd been without eating. Then he felt pretty stupid. Very stupid indeed. Every pony was looking at him with rather amused smiles. Even Princess Celestia. It seemed she snapped out of her extremely serious, serious pants form. She had that warm smile she had greet them with before.

"Oh my, it really has been 5 days hasn't it? I guess we've just been so busy we have forgotten about it." Fluttershy said, sensing his deep wonder about the subject, although he was blushing from humiliating himself just there.

(By the way, ponies have bigger stomachs than said. If the Soup had filled him up, it would be like he hadn't eaten anything for 2-3 days. And then since Equestrian days having unspecified time calculations then who knows right?)

With everyone still watching him, and him watching them, he slowly took an apple from the cart and stuck it in his mouth and went over to them, sitting his flank on the ground waiting for some response from any pony if it was okay or not so he could just spit it out before taking a bite.

Everyone laughed at his silliness which in term made him feel good. Celestia chuckled to herself as she watched him.

"If you were hungry you should've said something in the first place. Sir Cookie, can you send that cart with us please?"

"But your Majesty. This request was from Prince Blueblood." the servant tried explaining

"I think he can wait" she said giving the servant a wink which gave him a smile.

"Thank you, your majesty"

He eyed the cart very closely as the group of ponies walked down corridors and hallways, occasionally eating one or two treats on the side which earned an amused glance from the servant pony pushing the cart.

"Princess Celestia, I was wondering... How does Canterlot stay balanced aside a mountain without as little as support?" he asked, a harmless question right? Wrong!

"Well why doesn't Cloudsdale just drift away with the wind?" she responded back with a question which confused him more than he could already possibly be. She giggled to herself, like she had somehow expected his reaction.

"Most of Equestria works with magic." Twilight said, easing his brain pain a little.

"Magic?" he quizzically asked.

"Magic is the hopes and dreams that every pony has. Although we cannot truly define what magic is, the safety and peace of Equestria lies within the wishes of all the resident ponies. All the strange and bizarre things you see in Equestria are the result of magic, the hope and dreams of a pony." Princess Celestia explained

He thought to himself, tracing back to his victories of those corrupted. Magic... The hopes and dreams of a pony... isn't that what a cutie mark is? He glanced over to his flank, the bright shine of the two small yellow shards facing away from each other. Although still a mystery, he thought of what he wanted to do with what he still had of his life. And that was much more than he could wish for. Living isolated from everyone is rather difficult, since you don't ever think of what you want; you just do what you must to survive. But this was different, if he would've been alone, he wouldn't have fought back that Ursa Minor or the Shadow Bolts. He protected those he cared about. If anything, that's what he wanted to do. That's all he wanted to do.

He noticed a definite change on his cutie mark. Two more shards appeared, those pointing away from each other but in the middle of the other one. It was like if each hand was pointing to one side. Like the compass rose hands. He didn't mention anything, Celestia's mane still distracting him from dark thoughts.

Princess Celestia stopped at a dead end.

"Sir Cookie, that would be enough of your loyal services, you can retreat to go tend to Prince Blueblood now. Thank you again." she said, waving off the servant pony that was happy to oblige eagerly.

After the servant was out of sight, Princess Celestia turned to eye the dead end. A single wall that looked no more different than any around them, shining brightly like a marble wall should. Her horn started to shine and a square part of the wall suddenly moved, dust falling from the edges. A small walk way appeared leading down in a spiral staircase, illuminated by several green torches that sunk into one block of the wall. Without a word, Celestia continued her trek down the staircase and everyone followed.

"What about the tray?"

"You can take it with you" she replied back.

He grabbed the cart with his mouth, pulling it down the staircase, making occasional bumps as it fell at each step hurting his jaws a bit more. Then it stopped as he hit flat ground. Everyone kept walking so he kept pulling the cart, looking backwards, and catching sight of the walls being bookcases of many many books, small orbs lighting the room in a soft glow.

Then his bottom hit the side of a table, catching him a bit surprised and making him jump a bit into the air and go down by hitting the rim of the cart with his chin. Not such a pretty sight.

Fluttershy instantly dashed to help him and asking if he was okay or not. He simply brushed them off by saying he was and that it was nothing. When he turned around, hitting the cart full on with his teeth wouldn't be enough to make him drop his jaw this bad. He stood before a dark blue coat Ali-corn with a sky-blue mane, a crescent moon for a cutie mark.

Luna.

He only felt himself get knocked out again by some unexpected force, but this time around, it was expected. He had this huge thing of being fan-struck to Luna, and being able to meet the Ali-corn, he would've died if it wasn't for everypony trying to help him to him up.

He looked to stare into the sky-blue eyes of the Ali-corn he had spent ages wondering and thinking about. This ultimately made him shyer than his usual self and blush. It was like gazing at the beautiful night sky. It was amazing. More than amazing, a truly marvelous spectacle by all means.

He stood up, her gazing eyes following his face. I'd be totally lying if I said he would have been composed. He was acting more like a little filly than the tough stallion he should be. He basically fell to the ground sideways again like some sort of stiff statue and rolled to the side until he hit a bookcase, then he turned his face towards the book case and covered it with the biggest book he could find. He was blushing up a mad man. It was like if her eyes had touched the inner him in a way he would never be able to explain.

He heard an unrecognizable laugh. Cute and gentle, warm and so smooth. His heart burst at the sound. Why was she tormenting him so? They had just met and she was already giving such punishing blows to his sanity of what his emotions felt.

There were just so many things he was literally dying to ask Luna. It felt like life was draining him every second he was missing the opportunity to talk to the whimsical Ali-corn that he'd spent a childhood dreaming of. He got up quickly and walked slowly and shyly towards the Ali-corn, having no eye contact, trying to be as confident; self esteemed, and composed as he could ever pull off in a thousand years. (Get it :D)

Every pony looked at him like he had finally lost his marbles, except Fluttershy. Her expression was unreadable. It was a mixture of different things. She had been able to understand him and his feelings ever since he had read her thoughts. It was like some magical bond was formed between them. Even he didn't know what he felt, but whatever it was it, her expression made him feel guilty inside.

He was still honorably excited to meet the Alicorn, A rush of joy growing ever more upon him.

"Hi sister! You brought guests as well, pretty silly ones too" her voice as beautiful as her laugh and clearly stating him in the 'silly' part.

"Well silly or not, I like him already, expected as the first born from Sir Levan and Lady Luminosity."

This struck him harder than the fact Celestia had known of his father's demise. Even he had never known his mother's name!

"Um, who?" he asked trying to see if he could poke some information out of her in some way.

"I know you have many questions, and I will answer them all. Some things you might not like what you hear." she responded as if somehow she knew what he was feeling. "Luna, could you get me the Book of Elven?"

The Ali-corn flinched as she heard the word. "Why would you need something of that sort?"

"There is something I need to see." she said calmly, trying to hide anxiety.

An ancient book got out of the bookshelves and floated in the air, into the magical grasp of Celestia and opened up at the tilt of her horn.

"This book is encrypted. Even with any form of magic, it would take a long time to guide through its pages. I haven't set eyes upon in more than thousands of years. And even then have I never read its full contents of what it holds. There are things that I did understand. These concern the fate of the future. The book itself was given to me by Sir Levan when he first arrived to me. This might take me the entire night, and I offer for you to stay within the safety of the castle, I cannot allow you to leave. So please, make yourself at home. Luna, please escort everyone to their rooms." Princess Celestia went up to Luna and whispered something into her ear, then went back to studying the ancient book.

"Princess, if it's not too much to ask... I was wondering if maybe I could spend the time with you. I won't be any trouble I swear. There are so many books I bet I can find something to read while you study." Twilight humbly asked the Ali-corn.

Princess Celestia turned her gaze from the book over to the lavender pony who was pouring her heart into the request." By all means Twilight, I've wanted to get some time with you. I would love to have you as company."

"As much as I'd like to stay, I want to fly around; I can't be cooped up in this low ceiling." Rainbow Dash stated while stretching her wings.

"Also if it's not too much to ask, I was wondering if maybe... I could visit the garden surrounding the castle?" Fluttershy asked having full self esteem towards Princess Celestia.

"Oh my, there are some amazing fashion designers in Canterlot; I wouldn't mind dropping a visit. I don't exactly want to stay in the castle after the events of the Gala." Rarity asked as well.

"And I wuz wonderin if maybe I too could go on out. I packed a bit of apple treats that I'd like to sell for the time till we get home." Applejack pleaded.

Celestial looked at the group of pony's begging eyes. She smiled and nodded. "I will have two assigned escorts for each of you though. They won't stay in your way but will supervise what you do and where you are. I cannot take any chances." she said, then turning to look at a pink pony who hadn't spoken all this time, which seemed really odd. "What about you Pinkie? Don't you wish to do something while in your time in Canterlot?"

Pinkie Pie shook her head in response of a no and yawned. "It's okay Princess, I rather just go to sleep. I'm beat."

Celestia smiled and waved the group of ponies off. Each one making their way out except for Twilight who talked about all sorts of things to Celestia as everyone left. Whole squadrons of Pegasi guards stood in the exit of the grand castle, filed neatly in two lines breaking apart as each pony made their way out of the castle. Pinkie Pie was escorted to her quarters by one guard. That just left him and Luna.

"Will you need an escort your highness?" one of the guards said.

"No thank you, I'm good for tonight." she replied sensitively as if not trying to offend them. They simply just walked away out of castle to guard any premises.

He followed the Ali-corn up multiple stairs and walk ways, and then one that lead to the outside, a grand balcony. It reminded him so much of his home.... but he knew he was too Far From Home.

A golden sunset stood over the edge of the horizon, almost escaping from sight. Luna's horn lit up in a purple glow. The constellations began to appear and the moon began to take its arc across the sky like every other beautiful night. He was at awe. He had never witness such an amazing spectacle.

She turned back to look at him, his mouth literally open in amazement. Luna giggled. "You certainly are a strange pony." she said between laughs. "And your name is?"

"I-I-Illuminous" he said stumbling at the sudden question and comment.

"That's a wonderful name." she said gently, smiling at him. He felt his cheeks grow warmer.

"Princess Luna..." he started, getting interrupted midway.

"You can just call me Luna, I prefer it that way." she said giving him another warm smile.

"Luna, in my life, I had heard many stories about Equestria from my father. Some good... but some bad."

Luna gave out a sigh as she turned away from him and stepping closer to the edge of the balcony, as she had somehow guessed what he was trying to say. "Back then I had committed a horrible mistake. I was stupid. It's just... I felt so unloved... I would work hard to bring in the night to its glory, and yet, everypony would disregard it as an inconvenience. No one appreciated what I would do."

"Your wrong." he said back to her. Catching her attention and making her look back to his gazing golden yellow eyes. "You're wrong; every day of my life I would stay awake nights just to be able to see the beauty of its wonders. I never believed my father's stories. He only spoke of the bad things. But seeing the night every day somehow made me feel like he was wrong. And being next to you now.... it only reassures me that." Illuminous' voice was strong and gentle, firm and assured of what he was saying.

Luna blushed at his praise; it only made it harder to look into his eyes. There was just... something about him.

"Thank you... that really does mean a lot... it wasn't truly my fault back then, yes I felt unappreciated. But that wasn't me...."

Illuminous walked slowly up to the Ali-corn and gazed into her eyes. "I know that feeling, more than you could possibly understand.

She looked back at him confused. Blushing as she stared into his eyes.

"I had lost all hope of anything, and even now I admit, I don't believe in anything anymore... it's just been... different... ever since it had appeared..."

"What did?"

The Nightmare.

==============
(Author's Note: Kay, this carried on a little longer than my usual chapters. But the more the merrier right? Anyways. I've been laying off for a while because i had to go to the doctor due to some chest pain. I might have a heart disease which will require some treatments and whatnot. But I'll do my best to try to finish up the chapters and end my story, even if it kills me... Literally.

Anywho. I hope you all enjoyed this new installment of the series. I was listening to a lot of fun songs, which inspired me to add a bit of comedy to the story. But I'm bad at making a comedy so I will only include it ever so often. Hopefully the Illuminous drawing will be done by tomorrow. And I'm hoping even more to be able to edit my 1st chapter to perfection so it can be submitted to EqD.

Thanks again for all of those who follow my story faithfully and to those who like my story, comment, and rate. Ratings are a big deal to me, if you like this story please rate it. You'd be doing me a huge favor and I'd have more morale to making these. Sometimes to tell you the truth I get a bit exhausted and ultimately dont want to do it. But I do it cuz I love it. Comment to let me know how you feel about it, I check up on the story quite often, and I love to hear feedback. Thanks again everyone!

Dimming Hope

The gentle, chilly air swayed through the air, swaying his hair back. A chill ran down his spine, the combination of the cold and the colder. The balcony did not give any protection from the wind, or the thoughts that now raced through his head.

"The Nightmare?" his mind raced full of questions and thoughts.

"I spent a thousand years with it, yet I still don't understand its thoughts or emotions, but when I was being controlled by it, it had so much pain and suffering. Anger and grief. It was too much... it didn't cast any spell on me... I guess it just made me realize my feelings of being unappreciated even more. As if it was enhancing those emotions with its own. Although it lay dormant in my imprisonment, it often spoke, giving me visions of things that happened long ago. They were awful... just horrible. Something I'd never like to see again."

"Luna..." Illuminous began but was quickly interrupted by her.

"It's okay... it ruined my life once, and I won't let it happen again. I saw what it wanted to do... and I want to protect everypony from it with my life."

"What do you mean?"

"Its planning to destroy everypony we know in order to... amend what has been lost."

Thoughts and questions we're now so common in his conscience that it hurt even thinking. It all sounded too familiar...

"You and me both."

Luna turned back to look into his yellow eyes, deep with many different emotions. She could see it. Everything in them was what she had once felt. Pain, confusion, suffering, sadness. Not every single one was bad. Determination, kindness, praise. One she couldn't quite understand, but it made her feel... safe and happy. She blushed again.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Ever since I met everyone, problems have just been arising. Every night I have visions as well... except they feel so... dangerous."

Luna flinched, like if she knew exactly what he was talking about.

"Not only that, everyone has been kind to me, someone they don't even know. But I can't help to feel that somehow... my presence is making it all the worse."

Luna smiled warmly. "I would say it isn't, and from what I could see, they're pretty close to you. I bet they care about you a lot. Even if they might not know you well, they're still worried about you. I don't think they would be happy if they lost you."

His mind drifted to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie pie. Even though he has hardly spoken to them, the only real difference he believed he made was saving Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

"Luna I... I want to tell you something."

The beautiful eyes of the Ali-corn focused their attention onto him.

"My father left a few weeks ago..." he tried continuing, but his voice thinned into nothing.

"Where did he g-" she stopped her sentence as she could see the pain in Illuminous' eyes grow deeper.

"My sister was kidnapped by the pony who took my father. All I had was them... I didn't know anyone else, of the world. All I had was them..." he said, taking a pause trying to regain himself. "If there is even the slightest chance I can save her, then I won't hesitate to stop... this is what I originally thought. But my time I have spent with the others has changed me. We had gotten attacked, not once but twice. The first attack was by an Ursa Minor, it was... corrupted in some way..."

Luna's eyes widened as he spoke.

"It had attacked Rainbow Dash, at the time I had felt so angrily I had just... lost my temper... and then I just... burst into a light. It felt unnatural and dangerous... but if it wasn't because of that power... I wouldn't have been able to save Rainbow Dash, or that Ursa Minor. When I had destroyed the corruption and darkness within it, I was able to communicate with it. It told me many things, some I couldn't understand. Only but one that said "The Key To Unlocking The True Potential Of The Elements." After that, we were attacked by 3 Pegasi. They were powerful. Even with the power from before I couldn't beat them, I learned that it only comes when I feel the need to protect my friends, the need to protect those I care about. When I had gotten beaten by them, I lost all hope. Fluttershy had touched my forehead with hers. And like I could have read her mind. Her thoughts and feelings... and that gave me hope. This light within me came again even stronger... more dangerous... that wasn't me... I'm afraid that if anything happens to anypony, I might be the cause of it."

"I'm truly sorry... about everything you've been to. I.. I didn't know... And I'm sure you wouldn't hurt anyone. You're a truly wonderful pony. If you want to protect something you care about, you should protect it with your life. Just have faith in yourself. Faith in your friends who care a lot about you. If it's okay..." she put a hoof out in front of her. "I'd like to be one of those friends."

A smile grew from all the gloominess of his conversation with Luna and he placed his hoof on hers. "Thank you Luna..."

Illuminous chuckled a bit to himself.

"Huh?" Luna wondered by the sudden change of attitude.

"You know, I always admired you. I always believed you were good. No matter how many times they could've said that you weren't, I could never believe it... how can something so beautiful ever be so evil?"

Luna blushed at his compliment and turned away to face the moon so he wouldn't see her face.

"Sorry about that... sometimes I don't even know what I'm saying."

"Oh it's alright... I kind of... liked it" she said in a tiny voice that was hardly legible.

"What was that?" Illuminous asked since he wasn't able to hear it.

"It's nothing." Luna said nervously.

"I think I should get some rest. Care to join me Luna?" he asked at the door.

"Oh no its fine, Tia is probably asleep alongside Twilight and her friends, I'm gonna stay awake until the sun rises."

"Tia?"

"Princess Celestia silly" she said giggling a bit.

He rubbed the back of his head with his hoof in embarrassment. "You know, you're the only one that I've confided these things about. I don't know why it's just that... I feel like I can trust you... I usually don't speak my mind but... this is so much different... Thank you again Princess."

Luna could not understand why she would blush at the simple 'Princess' title named by Illuminous after he had walked out the door. She spent her entire life within the walls of Canterlot Castle; she'd never met so much as a guard or a servant who had families and lives beyond the walls that were colts and stallions. The ones that didn't well, they weren't interesting enough or to say the least, not what she would be looking for. She had plenty of time to think on the subject, a thousand years of banishment leads you to think on the bigger things and even the small ones. There was just something about him; she felt so close to him... Luna turned to face the moon, recalling old memories of the past, wanting to keep it all at bay but it had been too much. It was all just too horrible. The only thing that seemed to bring her relief was seeing his smile...

'What now? We'll wait for Celestia when she wakes up and does more studying on that book. This hurts, every passing minute... that I'm not able to see her face... it rips me inside... what now... please... let Rosy be okay...' he thought in his mind.

The beautiful moonlight showed its magnificence through the glass-stained windows, reflecting several black lines within the light onto the silky and smooth carpet that lay all through the castle. The corridors we're empty, decorated and colored brightly. Paintings of different ponies stood here, like the statues in the garden. The deep fall exclaimed itself from the windows, who looked straight down into the side of the castle and rim of Canterlot itself. He felt at peace with this view. He walked slowly, still trying to think of everything that was just so wrong but ultimately ended to thinking of Princess Luna and her words. He had planned from the start to have Celestia be the first one to hear about his visions, see how well that worked. He was naturally shy against anyone. Although his stomach got the better of him on the servant but with Luna... it was different that was for sure.

He enjoyed the quite of the gloomy grand halls of the castle that ran through the long corridors. It had been a while since he last felt this peace. But like all things it must come to an end. He heard a small shriek, quite, soft, and gentle. It was the voice of Luna...

The voice was coming from the very bottom, it seemed like she was all the way to the bottom of the Canterlot Mountain! He had no choice but to make a leap of faith and hopefully get there in time.

The window shattered before him as he took on full force towards it. He caught side of the mountain and slid down at tremendous speed and picking up debris as he went by. He wouldn't let anything happen to Luna. She had suffered enough; he would protect her with his life.

He stumbled upon the ground hard, knocking him around until he finally landed face first into ground with an unwelcoming sense of pain. He heard the small shriek again. It pointed him to a dark forest, the Ever-free Forest. How he dreaded that place already. He paid no mind to it and kept running, avoiding small branches and leaves that hanged making the run a little more difficult.

He traced it down to a massive cave. It was protected by a shield of some sort. Magic. Not Luna's magic. It was strong and powerful. He couldn't see anything into it. He kicked the wall and nothing. Time was running short; he had to know what happened to the Princess. And then in sort of a miracle, he heard her voice in his head.

"Illuminous... please save me..." her voice whispered, as if she was trying to cast a prayer to him. In vain he tried going into it, kicking it with all his might. It was too strong. Whatever made it, it wasn't good, and it surely was dangerous. He had to get in; the Princess is with not doubt in grave danger.

No... He wouldn't let that happen... not to Princess Luna...

His mind exploded into thoughts of Luna. All down to his childhood, and until now. They had only just met but he felt like he'd spent an entire life time with her. Under the moon, praying and wishing. And then, he began to feel it. Lighter, Stronger, Quicker.... Smarter!

His mane and tail suddenly took on a fiery form of a pure white flame. Blazing up into the night sky, it illuminated like a thousand suns. His coat gained the glow. His eyes became pure white light. An aura of pure will surrounded him.

Illuminous looked around, then he quickly remembered. This time... he was in control. He could feel it, the power and its dangers. But that wouldn't stop him. He knew what he wanted to do, and that was save Princess Luna. His vision was perfect. He could see every dent of the rocks forming the cave, the veins in each leaf blade. Everything. He spotted an extremely small rip on the fabric of the magic. Strangely enough he could see its composition. Without even thinking, a sudden bolt of light struck the small whole with such force, it echoed in a boom. It became much wider. He focused hard on it. A slash of white light ripped a line through the entire thing. He wasn't even moving his hoofs. What was this?

Energy surged through him. He could feel it, this power was seeping into every aspect of the world around him, and it went into the air, to the rocks, to water in the ground, everywhere and everything. He could... bend it to his will. He could cause to flare up and burn, or harden to stone. Chill it to the bone, or change its composition into something new. Lift it into the air, and use it as a high speed projectile.

With another slash of light, a way was open for the small pony to enter. Light repelled the shattered wall as soon as he stepped close to it. He galloped as fast as he could to the depths of the cave. Then he came across road points. They lead to different directions and different passages. All of the passage ways would twist and have several other ways that lead him to return to the same position. He stood within the middle, sure of what to do now. His aura sent out a small vibration that bounced off the walls. By using his energy to calculate the size of the passages when the small echo would return he would able to figure out the way without even trying. He could memorize everything; learn things out of the blue when the situation arose. This cave was like a labyrinthine, full of dead ends and mind stressing puzzles. But Illuminous just breeze by all of them. He could feel Luna... he could sense the danger she was in.... and there was nothing stopping him from going to save her.

A giant hole that served as the gateway between his destination and him stood covered in giant boulders. There had been some sort of struggle. Luna wasn't weak, if anything, she'd at least try to protect herself. He couldn't afford to lose time. And time was running out quickly. He couldn't hear anything from her. Not even her heart beat. He focused his mind on the door way and stood down in a crouching position, a huge deal of power surged, painful and stressing for the body. It took a huge force. Then, a beam of light blew away the rocks and the door way was clear.

He galloped inside at full force only to find Luna encased in a purple diamond shield. He recognized the spell for some reason. Whatever this power was, he had an increasingly huge amount of knowledge about arcane magic. It was weak though, like if it was hit before not once but multiple times. Luna was unconscious within it. It was a strong spell, even for an Ali-corn, casting it would take a huge force of will.

He realized something, that power he used to blast away that doorway... it was magic... but whatever knowledge he received it did not include what he used. It was completely involuntary of him to be able to cast anything of the sort. Only Unicorns could cast magic... but he was nothing but a mere Earth Pony... he searched through his new found knowledge to find no answer to his questions. Then he turned his attentions to Luna. He placed his hoofs on the crystal and yelled out to her. It seems she heard him because she slowly awoke from her sleep. Her eyes grew small and fearful when she looked at Illuminous. The Crystal shattered and dropped the Ali-corn down letting Illuminous catch her fall.

"I thought I heard you in trouble so I came to help you." he explained as she still stared at him with the same fearful eyes.

"Run..."

"What?"

"RUN! JUST GET AWAY FROM HERE!!" Luna screamed out.

"What do you mean you're not making any sense, just calm down and tell me what's wrong."

"Don't die for me... just go!!!"

"Wha-"

Suddenly a loud roar echoed through the cave ferociously and an enormous black celestial bear appeared its eyes deep crimson and unholy. It was huge... much bigger than the one he had fought before. Its massive razor sharp claws scraped the ground as it thundered with each step. The black holes devouring the stars coated in its black night coat.

A Corrupted Ursa Major.

===================

(Author's Note: Good news! I got a better computer which runs 3x faster and is totally epic of epictrosity! I had a ton of stress. First all the tests in school, then going to the doctor and wait in the waiting area of the clinic for 4 hours just because other people had set appointments and were getting called in first, then finding that my old computer didn't work. I won't lie, I did cry from all the stress... it was just too much. But my mom is loving and caring and I owe everything to her. She bought me a new computer (just the hard drive a.k.a tower (That I'll pay monthly of course.))

Okay so my new computer didn't want to work EITHER. and it was a total freaking bummer. But then my best friend came over and fixed it. Ricky (a.k.a trollestia) is just an amazing friend all together, I couldn't be any luckier than to have met such an awesome friend. Even though he said not to pay him for fixing my new computer, I still did for some gas money. Which went to RP points for League of Legends. Jarvan x Sion Combo ftw!

Aside from that, I'm pretty healthy, had some bloodwork and the only thing that was a bit over the high was triglycerides(fat from meats) which was because I had eaten before having the bloodwork and resulted a bit higher than it should have been. They'll be sending me to a heart specialist in a matter of days to be safe about my heart pains that I have ever so constantly.

And Also I thank my wonderful sister who drew the Illuminous drawing you see above. Not what I originally picture but still amazing either way. It must have been a drag for her to draw it but I cannot thank her enough since I don't have any other artist to draw anything else. I still need the 2nd 3rd and 4th stages of the Illuminous transformations. \

And thats pretty much for my ramblings. Hope you enjoyed this next transaction of the story. Most of you probably get annoyed by all the damned cliffhanger endings that I seem so well to add in each ending of mine. At least I know Doctor Hooves is probably annoyed or he is "Me Gusta"ing it. :D Shout out to the one and only person who favorited my story :(
Anyways. Thanks for reading and thanks for your time, It makes all the difference. Please comment, rate, or favorite it if you can or wish to. ^^ Thank you everyone

Few things to say about the drawing. Kay so the glow around him is the regular glow of his 1st stage. as for the cutie mark well... thats somewhat of a spoiler. if your asking yourself "Why is there so many shards instead of just being 4?" Because there will only be 8 shards... but... you'll find out later why its like that :D. If you've payed attention to his visions you'd know to who it represents and what his cutie mark is "doing" big hint right there.

The Light Of The Moon

The massive beast eyed his foe carefully. There was no need to be tactical in a fight like this. He was clearly outclassed. A small pony vs. an enormous demonic bear that had the potential to destroy cities within one slash of a mighty swing.

Illuminous stood in fear, whatever it was doing, it was intimidating alright. Its eyes bore malevolence, that of pure evil. An unholy and crimson aura stood in them, looking at him closely as if it was determining the best cause and effect scenario. It appeared as the Ursa Major was confused; it just stood there... thinking. He could feel the thoughts. They we're powerful... extremely powerful. It would overwhelm him soon if he didn't act now, but he couldn't risk getting Luna hurt. All he could do was stand his ground and resist.

A black fog rose from the cracks of the cave ground, twisting and turning in a vicious cycle and formed a shape of an Ali-corn, a red glow were the eyes should be.

Illuminous shrank into total despair. He knew well who this was... he felt more fear than hatred towards the being. Not because he has seen it once but twice. It's like he had spent an entire lifetime with it. Then it spoke...

"So very kind of you to turn yourself in to me, you really do have a death wish, boy." a hundred voices spoke at once, all in a different tone or pitch of sound. It sounded like a cluttered and synced mess, something beyond pony comprehension, yet he could understand every word of it. Dark with evil and what seemed like despair, the voice frightened Illuminous; it was something like out of his nightmares. (No pun intended)

"W-w-what do you mean?!" he tried controlling his fear and anger.

The hundred voices laughed simultaneously, sheer fear running down him. This was unnatural on all levels of the word.

"Oh please, are you that naive? Or you so foolish you haven't seen through my darn obvious intentions ALREADY. And here I thought you knew exactly what you were doing when you defeated not one but four of my most powerful creations, but here you are clueless as a tree stump. Worse than dirt. Your father was a fool to cast his protection onto you."

A thousand voices of anger and hatred grew inside him that it burst his mind. He kept calm, trying to calm the overwhelming fire within his mind. He was struggling, so much that he had to lower his head as if his neck was weighed down.

He hadn't noticed Luna until now, who looked at both of the figures, pure terror in them, that of sadness, grief, and anger. This only affected him a bit worse.

"Whatever it's telling you, don't listen to it!" Luna cried out to him. She couldn't hear what she was telling him... good, the less Luna knew, the less of a reason she'd would want him to stay if he truly lost his temper.

"A pathetic excuse for Sol himself. The curse has kept you alive this long boy... but I haven't spent thousands of years hunting what you are now just to wind up unsuccessful."

"What are you talking about? What curse?!" Illuminous now confused down to the core, he didn't know whether to believe everything or disregard it for a lie. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SISTER!" he screamed out.

"You really are one pathetic clueless pony. I guess your father was too weak to show you the truth. And still is. Listen up; this might as well be your last chance to know it."

It looked straight at him, thousands of visions rushed through his mind, of ancient times and years past. He screamed out in pain, and then he was overtaken by the visions until it was the only thing he could see.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A white stallion with sky-blue mane appeared upon a throne room its wall decorated in pure gold and dark marble, pure white flames lighting up the torches that hang perfectly measured torches alongside the design of the walls. Behind the throne, a giant tainted glass pane stood, the figure of a pony facing forward, its mane down sideways in all sorts of bright blues and greens. Spikes of white representing the light they emit.

All of it felt so familiar to him, like if he could call this place home. Ferocious guards in bright gold armor stood at the doorways and the side of the throne. The white stallion sitting on it himself, blinding amounts of light shining from him.

The doors threw upon to reveal a small colt being carried by identical guards. He was looking away, the light seemed to be too much for the poor beaten up colt that shivered in fear and looked starved to death.

"Lord, the peasant was found harvesting private crops for himself." the rough and firm voice of the guard spoke.

He was shocked; the voice of the stallion.... was his....

"Execution."

"Please my lord! I was only trying to feed my family!"

"Silence him and throw him out of my presence immediately."

Without flinching, the two guards knocked the colt unconscious and dragged him out of the throne room.

This couldn't be him... he could never do such a thing... he wasn't this cruel... no it wasn't true!

Suddenly, a guard with different variation of armor but other than that similar to all the rest appeared.

"My Lord, revolutionists have gathered in large numbers east from the palace. Your troops will be awaiting your signal to strike." he began, trying to be as careful as he could with his words. "A new spell that has been under conduction has been tested. It is a mixture between wind and fire elements. It causes a massive flame tornado to scorch anything in its path. Although it is high risk, it could destroy the royal city if it catches the wrong swift."

"Carry it out, have no mercy."

"But my lord!"

"Silence, dare you speak against me and I will personally behead you." anger full in the white stallion's voice.

The messenger pony walked out the door with his tail between his legs, following orders at best as his command.

"Family is so annoying sometimes; I hate each and everyone of them. I'm glad I got rid of father. He was nothing but an inconvenience." the stallion said shortly after the messenger pony walked away, void of any heart or emotion.

Illuminous loved his family; it was his life, the only thing he had ever cared about for his entire life! This wasn't him! It couldn't be! He loved his father... his sister... even his mother... all of them, this couldn't be him....

Then a single voice spoke calmly into his head, as if it sensed his anguish. He focused the voice to be one of the many in the hundreds of voices from The Nightmare. This was its true voice.

"You are right, this isn't you. But he lives within you. You are a descendant. Just like myself, we do not have bodies we own, instead we roam. And now that you know the truth, you must understand why I must destroy you. You carry the curse, and I must eradicate it from this world once and for all."

~~~~~~~~~

He fell to the ground, utterly in exhaustion, despair, and pain. It was over before it even began. Everything he knew... if that Ursa Major didn't finish him off now, things would only become increasingly more dangerous. Not just for himself, for everypony... this was a fact he had held off in his heart, but the truth is too great to deny.

The fog seeped back into the ground, disappearing as it gave way to the huge bear before him. This was the end for him. He cried, not because he was sad, but because he was confused. He loved his family, more than anything in the world. His father wasn't with him. Neither was his sister... why couldn't things just have stayed the way they were... why was all this happening in the first place?

Because of him....

It was his fault alone. He carried the curse, whatever The Nightmare wanted, it surely was his demise. And thinking about it now, he could only agree. He stood still as the Ursa Major raised its massive paw above its head, waiting to strike with its full blow. But it hesitated.

Illuminous was confused, why would it hold off? Isn't this what The Nightmare waited thousands of years for? What was keeping her from destroying him?

And before he could ask another question in his head, they were all answered as Luna lay hugging him tightly, holding onto dear life. If the bear would strike, she'd share the same fate.

"Luna... please let go..."

"N-n-no! I-I don't want to l-lose you!" she cried onto him, not giving a sign of release.

Illuminous smiled sadly. Here he was, with the one pony that could begin to understand what he felt, who would die with him if it she needed to. The pony he spent his life wondering and thinking about. The one pony that helped him realize just what he wanted to do.

He wanted to protect everypony he cared about.

He gazed into the beauty of Luna's eyes. If this was his time, he didn't mind dying... not for the one he loved.

"Why did you come for me?" she said in between tears.

Illuminous brushed off her tears, smiling warmly to comfort her. It didn't help; she could sense the sadness in his voice and eyes.

"You told me once, that you didn't believe in anything anymore. The reason why I came to save you... it's because I wanted you to believe in me."

Luna placed her forehead onto his (the horn is upwards of the forehead, don't worry it wasn't uncomfortable.) and a sudden rush of thoughts and emotions ran into him.

"I do... I do believe in you... I never wanted you to get hurt... not for me... but I'm glad you're here now... but I'm also afraid I'll lose you..." her sweet gentle voice loomed over his head.

"Your different... you could never be him... like you once told me, how can something so wonderful ever be so evil?"

Illuminous smiled greatly. He didn't want to die... not yet... even with his death he knew this would never be resolved. If there was even the slightest possibility he could protect even the one person he loves. It was good enough.

Illuminous stood up slowly facing the Ursa Major. He helped Luna to her hoofs and didn't let go of hers.

The bear raised his other paw and let it force down into the ground causing a quake from the crushing rocks. A thunderous roar was directed to the two ponies that stood their ground. Together.

Slowly, a glow began to form around him. It was different though... it felt untamed... wild... free. This power that surged through him... it was his... it really was his. It didn't feel dangerous anymore. It just felt... empowering. His mane took ablaze shortly after into a pure white flame. He felt, faster, smarter, quicker..... Stronger!

Suddenly, the Ursa Major swung its paw at the two ponies. Illuminous took the brutal hit which knocked him into the cave wall, leaving a giant dent of rock and debris. Luna quickly ran up to him, relieved to see him okay. Illuminous placed his forehead onto hers again.

"Cast a spell." he told her.

Luna's crescent moon cutie mark began to glow. Luna as well began to glow. She began to word out unrecognizable words of what seemed like gibberish. All Illuminous had to do now is leave Luna to concentrate on her spell and buy her enough time.

The Ursa Major swung again; he caught it and stood his ground, trying effortlessly to stay put while the giant claws began sinking into his coat. He only had to give Luna enough time. But as time itself passed by, it seemed harder and harder. This new found strength could not possibility be contained forever. And then, seconds before he finally began to grow weary, a giant explosion went off inside the cave. A powerful purple wave passed through everything, forcefully making Illuminous close his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, Luna was on the ground unconscious and sleeping, the Ursa Major had lost its black coat and crimson eyes, back to its regular self (which is still pretty intimidating). The Ursa Major licked Illuminous in a sort of a thank you, then it perked up its ears as both Illuminous and the Ursa heard the growl of something far away, the Ursa Minor who was calling out to his missing mother. The Ursa Major disappeared out of the cave mouth and into the forest.

Illuminous placed Luna over his back. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. It didn't count since she was asleep but at least it made her smile while she was asleep.

The crumbling sound of rocks within the cave began to form. It seemed the cave was collapsing from the battle from before. He galloped quickly out of the cave, making sure Luna wouldn't get disturbed by his running. A rock nearly fell on him on his way out but he could now freely control his power and sliced the boulder in two.

He took away his glow and made the long arduous trip to Canterlot castle back to the big stairs. Since he didn't have a lightweight spell and he had Luna on his back, those two factors only contributed to slowing him down and leaving him exhausted. When he passed the front guards, they didn't even ask a thing when they saw the sleeping Princess on his back. It was really good mostly because he wouldn't know what to explain it to them. Then Illuminous proceeded to tuck Luna in to her own bed once they reached it. Too tired of the day's events, he drifted to sleep on the ground beside Luna's bed. He found it surprising it was just as comfortable.

He sighed, finally relieved to get out of all that mess, but coming day break he must make sure to make his mind. Only the obvious pointed out survival, which could be the only one he would have to choose.

He would have to leave everypony for good.

=========
Author's Note: I tried my hardest to finish this chapter. Its 3 A:M and i'm half asleep. Sorry if half of my story sounds like a complete meadow muffin (manure). It was difficult to get both my brain and eyes together to type and think correctly. I liked the Illuminous x Fluttershy thing but, :3 I didn't emphasize certain things in the first chapter for nuthin, gosh I love Luna so much. Firefox Luna Theme, Desktop background theme. FIMFiction.avatar and facebook as well!.

Also I'm gonna go visit a heart specialist to go get checked up. Hmm oh and something I'd really like to point out if you guys do read this author's note.

Go visit my other story called "The Tail of Seven Bronies: Blazing Glory" that only has one chapter right now, but I'd like to go a bit further into it. Nay or yay to it ^^,

I hoped you enjoyed this next installment and thank you very much again to my dedicated readers ^^.

I'm gonna be extremely evil with all of you }:3 I'm gonna have this love triangle situation going on and later make you choose between the two. :D spoilers.

The Night After

The light of dawn broke through his deep sleep as he sat up slowly from what had seemed one of his most peaceful sleeps till date. So far since all this craziness has happened he hadn't had time to get a good night's rest. You know, with his dreams being haunted by dangerous visions and all. Whatever they were, just like the power from before, his dreams felt free and pure, sort of like the ones he used to have when he was a child. When he had grown up, long after he was deemed as a young adult, his dreams began to vanish and were replaced by a dark void. In truth, that had been the first dream he has had in a very long while.

His dreams consisted of two mares. Surprisingly enough, they weren't even the ones that you'd expect them to be. From having little to no interaction with some of the other mares, it was strange how Pinkie Pie and Applejack seemed to invade his one and only dream he had till then.

He rolled over and fell onto the floor, taking with him a soft and comfortable black sheet with what would seem to have more than a hundred stars on it. He stared at the wooden leg of a small nightstand that held a single picture of Princess Celestia and Luna. Still in his sleep deprived state, he went over to a small room that had a mirror and a sink made of marble outlined in a trim of gold. Fanceh~ He looked up to see his reflection on the mirror.

"Well, well, well. Good morning handsome. I think I owe you a kiss." he said as he loomed over to kiss his own reflection until a guard called for his name and a few knocks were heard. He pulled back astonished by the sudden call and quickly regained himself hoping that no one heard him.

"Sir Illuminous, are you there?"

"Coming." he said waltzing over to the door.

When he opened it, two guards were standing at the door waiting for him, their expressions impatient and rather bored.

"We heard some unclear noises and we thought you were awake. Princess Celestia has requested your presence in the dining hall when you're ready." The smaller of the two called out.

"Ah I see... Tell Princess Celestia I'll be down in a minute. I have to wash up a bit."

As the door finally closed, his memory began to form back. Wide awake now, he finally realized that he had woken up on a bed, he was pretty sure he slept besides Luna's bed the day before. And not only that, Luna wasn't here, probably down with Celestia. He sighed, mostly because this was not new to him; it happened often for the past few days were he would not know anything that had happened earlier. Somehow, things would just happen and he'd have one crazy afternoon trying to save someone again.

He went back to the mirror and started looking at his reflection again.

"Oh, it seems my mane has grown a tad too long." He said as his mane that reached all the way down to shoulder length. "My mane doesn't even grow that long in this short of time, I swear I had small mane just a week ago!"

He looked at his long mane for a while, then out of nowhere, the tips of his mane started to glow pure white and vanished. Leaving his mane just the way he wanted it to be. Baffled by the sudden event, he concentrated even harder and then the white mane seemed to grow in white light and then replace it back to his original sky-blue. He was able animate his own hair. Now THAT was cool.

He went over to the shower and stood under the faucet for quite a while until he finally decided to take a shower. Strangely enough, the knobs were in the shape of a moon and a sun. Wonder which one is cold and which is hot... Didn't want to know... Illuminous turned the middle knob in the form of a Solar Eclipse. Precisely warm as he would've wanted it to be. He let the mildly cold water run down his tense body. This was surely a blessing. He hadn't had time for hygiene so he was getting pretty dirty. (Hey, even ponies have to bathe kay?)

Light reflected upon his clean coat, brightly illuminating everything around him. Ever since he was small, when he was really clean, he could do this sort of thing, excluding all the supernatural powers that he had been discovering lately which he even refused to think of, sooner or later though he would have to confront it. There was no way in any possible pony logic that he could contain so much magic yet... he wasn't even a unicorn or an Alicorn. This stood him out of the pony magic range. For an earth pony, he contained abilities that are well beyond reasoning and capability. He brushed away the thoughts and continued to walk towards the dining hall.

He walked slowly, trying to keep the undesirable thoughts at bay as he counted and carefully stepped on each tile so his hoof would never step on a crack. He made his own way towards the dining hall, he could smell the food his stomach had so much begged for, and apart from his ears, and his nose was his second to greatest sense.

Illuminous hesitated upon entering the towering light mahogany double doors that sat before him. Why had Celestia requested his presence? Why was he sleeping on Luna's bed when he woke up? Had things set in motion between him and Luna? What would Fluttershy think...?

Illuminous finally realized this current situation... he was blindsided by two mares who had as much affect on him of dread as the nightmare had when he thought about that thin, emotional, and rather delicate subject that he dreaded between the two who now inhabited his mind more frequently than seemed comfortable. Even now was he not used to it, he had spent a life time without even hearing upon this sort of feeling. He felt love, but the kind of love that comes with family and that was just it. Whatever was in between it wasn't nearly powerful enough to compare to the feelings that kept arising with both of them.

He gulped down his concerns and worries and pushes the heavy doors with his hoofs. Surprisingly they were really heavy. He had to push with all his might and as they swung open, he fell to his chin. The sound of chatter and clatter came to a stop. He felt so pathetic he just lied there with his eyes closed hoping someone would say something; instead, there was just silence.

He got up and took a glance at everypony before him. In a sarcastic sense, surprisingly everypony was here, including Princess Luna and Fluttershy who sat one seat away from each other, in the middle of the two, an empty seat for one drastically unlucky white colt. Aside from that, everyone stared at him in pure awe.

"Wow..." Rainbow Dash said still in awe.

"What is it? Do I have something on my face?" Illuminous asked as he shoved his hoofs into his face a bit too hard and made himself fall over, consequentially it had just the effect he was hoping for as everyone laughed and giggled. Even Princess Celestia began to laugh, a mild but quiet laugh fit for royalty, but still, Friggin' Celestia was laughing!

"You look absolutely stunning dear." Rarity's voice said as he regained himself, everyone nodding towards her statement.

"I-I do?"

"Positively stunning, what did you do to your mane and coat?" she asked again.

Illuminous looked over to his mane. "Oh you mean this, I usually look like this when I step out of a shower, as for my mane watch." he said as he concentrated his thoughts on his hair and right before Luna and Fluttershy could stammer and stop him, he grew his hair back to its original form, which left a lot of gaping mouths.

'Damn what did I do?!' His mind began racing with some sort of excuse... damn he screwed up. "Princess Celestia I can expl-" and just as he had began, he was interrupted by Celestia herself in a normal and not nervous voice.

"Oh listen up everypony; I managed to decipher a part of the Elven book. This is why I called you in together for, attention towards me; I need you all to listen carefully.

Oh there was just no denying the Celestia's request once she had made her voice so firm and commanding like that. It could have literally boomed through the entire castle if she had wanted to, and only if the situation arose. No matter how much they were astonished by the display from a bit ago, there was just no denying her. Illuminous' heart was racing harder than his mind was, he quickly removed his hair after everyone lost sight of him and sat down quietly in-between Fluttershy and Luna. He could hear both of their hearts beating just as hard as his was, and everypony else trying their best to keep sight of Celestia rather than him.

"Before we begin, I would like everyone to eat, you can't run on an empty stomach." she said looking towards Twilight and what seemed like an eyebrow rose.

Twilight blushed in embarrassment and shyly laughed. "Your right Princess."

Just as she had said it, several servants appeared carrying silvers trays and laid them upon the empty table that was neatly decorated with flora vases and gold chandeliers. Then they all simultaneously removed the silver casing out of the trays and inside were the most delectable and delicious looking pieces of art that comes from cooking. One platter was filled with slices of apple spiraling toward the center, then a platter in the middle to support another row and finally ending it with a small bowl full of something sweet and creamy and smelled strongly of cinnamon, another platter full of salads including cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, and tomato, another one full of fresh fruits like watermelon, oranges, peach slices, whole peaches and fresh strawberries and blueberries. Another platter that seemed specifically made for a special pink pony, full of sweets and candies and lollipops.

He quickly got up, without even asking anyone, he walked towards the fruit platter which was in between Pinkie and Applejack, taking his plate with him, and he served himself plenty of fruits. Then he walked over to the one filled with candy and grabbed one lollipop and a piece of pie, and continued to walk over to the salad and took plenty of greens. He placed his plate down now full of delicious things and placed it down and took his seat. Everyone stared at him.

"You could've just asked sugar cube." Applejack stated on behalf of everyone.

"Where I come from, we folk like to do things ourselves." He said with a big grin in his face as he tossed a slice of peach in the air and tried catching it but fell on the side of his cheek and slid off his face and he went down to the ground with it, trying to catch it before it took the leap of fate. He grabbed it a wince a way from touching the ground, and as he pulled himself up to eat, everyone stared at him again. Oh he was on the spotlight today! He slurped the slice of peach slowly as everyone began to giggle and laugh.

"Ah ya got me." Pinkie said with a snorting laugh with her face covered in a bit of the peach juice that had traveled across the air after he had absent mindlessly thrown it into the air.

Illuminous quickly got up and walked over to her and took a napkin which he later used to wipe her face of gently. "I'm really sorry Pinkie; I didn't think it would make a mess onto any pony."

Pinkie just laughed. "Don't worry silly, it was funny and fun. As long as it wasn't intentional and in good fun right?"

Wow, he was getting a lecture and philosophy given to him by Pinkie Pie, the strangest pony in the group, even stranger that on their entire trip she hadn't laughed at anything and hadn't said anything strange or her behavior hasn't been as expected. What freaked him out the most was that there was two specific pair of eyes staring at him, not in the evil or angry way but more of a slightly disappointed one. He could sense it... even if he couldn't see it. He instantly guessed it was because he was cleaning Pinkie's face without letting her do it on her own. He put the napkin down and waltzed back towards his seat.

He felt the hoof of another pony on his right side onto his as he was eating parts of his salad. He slowly glanced towards Luna who was gazing at him, her beautiful emerald eyes were full of things he couldn't explain, but he felt himself blushing and then the hoof was quickly taken off as Princess Celestia raised her head from eating a soup. He slowly turned away unsure of what to do. He looked toward his left where Fluttershy was sitting. She looked up and towards him as she had finished with her salad, her bright emerald eyes staring at him with just much emotion. Was this torture or was this heaven? The world will never know. He came up with the simple conclusion. He had an apparent love for green eyes mostly because the ponies he loved also had green eyes, both of them seriously...

Illuminous' blush didn't fade away and just started licking the big lollipop he had gotten before, hoping he could get his mind off the subject. There was no question about it, he knew for a fact that they could read his mind just as he could to them, the only difference is that they knew exactly what he felt and to him if he even dared try he would get bombarded by a series of emotions that are completely new to him. There was no way of knowing for certain. He tried but in vain, he felt the hoof of Luna's at his right side, and suddenly Fluttershy stretched her wings, leaving them open, moving them ever so often tickling the side of his thigh. Oh gosh, either they were doing it on purpose being together and torturing him like this or they were completely clueless of the situation. That or it was some sort of rivalry he had slept through since the sun started to sink into the horizon outside as he realized he'd slept through the entire day. His thoughts thankfully shifted to wondering how Celestial felt about that. Those thoughts sadly didn't last long as the small but very effective physical abuse that Luna and Fluttershy were giving him increased. Dear Celestia stop this.

And just as he thought, so it happened. It was like Celestia could read his mind, and he couldn't read hers so, what a bummer.

"Now that everything is in order, I'd like to discuss with you all a few things."

The tickling and hoof battles stopped as everyone turned to stare at her.

"The book of Elven foretold the time of a prophecy, yet I have not been able to decrypt everything from the book, and I will surely get back to it tomorrow, there were a few bits of important information that I managed to obtain." her voice shifted from her firm commanding voice towards more of a weary and dreading voice.

"Just as I had felt before, dark times are upon us. It doesn't mean however that we cannot fight this new threat. I don't know exactly what looms over our future and what is trying to destroy Equestria's peace but I do know that the start to salvation start with all of you."

The room was filled with an intense aura even with the small speech she had just given. Celestia turned to face Illuminous who was just as intent as everyone else.

"I never believed it since there was never proof, even with your father at my side. I never would've thought that his stories would actually be true... but as I see you now, you've proven to me that this is no longer just an old pony's tale, this is reality." her voice turned back into its firm self, grave with worry. "You are from a race that vanished long before Equestria set its foundation, to the old kingdom itself. You are the last living relic of the ancient civilization..."

You are a Lumineciant, descendant of King Sol of Elven himself.

=================
Author's Note: I think I committed suicide trying to edit and review my stories. But I still think they are imperfect in so many levels. Sorry everyone, I'll stop trying to add it to EqD since I am still extremely unsure of whats wrong with my story. Even the pre-readers and editors from Ponychan told me that they couldn't review it. So instead of trying, I'm just going to let you all enjoy what little I'm able to give. I'm terribly sorry to all my loyal readers who have to suffer through the very consistent grammatical errors that I don't have time to go back and check to. I feel just awful....
*sighs* Well thanks again everyone and hoped you liked this new installment of "It Is Always Best Forgotten" in "The Night After".
No matter how hard I can try it will never sound professional enough *is sunken into despair and pity*
I've heard Elven before, on Luna, that f2p anime inspired video game I used to play a lot and is currently hosted by Ijji. I didn't know what Elven was but it sounded like a great name and it pertained to the region itself so I borrowed it for this story. :3
Don't you mind that tid bit of information. Also, who's ready for part 2 of season 2? :D

If a few had to suffer, it was to make a better story, if a few had to die, it was to build a better grammar.
This is my story, its pages will flip to my will, or they will stain. Its words will bend at my command, or they will erase. Its characters will do what I want them to do, or they will burn... this is my story... and I'll see it be deleted it before I surrender and give up on it.

:D Comment if you know what those last quotes were from.

A Heart's Desire

(I'm breaking all chains on this one. Warning: Explicit content at the end. lets just say the heart gets what it mostly desires. Its not to the point where its a clopfic but a romance novel. No graphical contents like stating out the actual "process" or any pony anatomy "bodily parts". Just the romance addition to the story. I finally chose. Be happy with it!)

Everypony stared at Celestia with a look of utmost astonishment. Her voice was grave and as she had said it, no one denied it. Fluttershy and Luna sunk back into their seats as they somehow understood this more than anyone else. This was serious news. The fact that Celestia knew of his father to such an extent was even more surprising. Ever since the concurrent attacks of the corrupted versions began, it had been much harder to keep a stable mind, so much knowledge had he obtained secretly from the everlasting visions that haunted his every night sleep all seem to be related to what Princess Celestia was saying, everything fit perfectly.

There wasn't a mistake in his mind, nor in that of Fluttershy's and Luna's. After he'd gotten that absurdly inconvenient power of being able to read the two mare's minds, it'd grown as a custom not to try. Whatever was in there, he could never be able to comprehend it. It was a mixture of thousands of things that let him in such a mental fatigue that he'd rather go about his business and think of something more efficient for his energy as well as distractions of any sort. He'd catch himself wondering why the floor tiles where in that sort of particular order and shape or why he wasn't eating a bagel since he was starving. Of course, the dining hall had no floor tiles and he had just eaten so that left him with the only choice but to listen to Celestia. He didn't like it either.

"You are a Lumineciant, descendant of King Sol of Elven himself."

Whatever that meant, he had no clue other than the strange fact the name seemed so familiar to him in so many ways. Everyone stood silent for a while, Princess Celestia looking grimly towards Illuminous as he put his loaf of bread down slowly. His abrupt sarcastic cough gave Celestia a sly smile to her face; he'd done good to keep the mood up before this conversation turned everyone into a pony without an end to its silent dementia as they thought of what to make of him.

"What does it mean?" Twilight said as she broke the giant ice sculptor of a metaphorical elephant that sat as a main disturbance in the middle of the room. Illuminous was slightly pleased as he guessed that he wouldn't have had to ask anymore.

"The Old Kingdom formally known as Elven was an old and brutal time period in history eon before the Equestrian Rule. When the Elven rule ended, there was never a single trace of it, not even the land it was said to be held on. Pony myth tales of its destruction by a ferocious battle between two opposing forces that fought for freedom and power. How the rumors and stories of Elven even spread is a mystery. It only suddenly arrived a thousand years ago through an ancient book, a book that your father gave me." Princess Celestia looked over Illuminous, his heart beating even harder than anyone else's combined. He knew this... like the back of his hand... what he didn't know was that about his father.

"A thousand years ago my father... but... how?" he began.

"Sir Levan came to me the day Luna was born into the world, he too, caring a small child with him on is back. I was a filly then, I didn't understand this strange new pony. He had an unnatural aura around him, it seemed like he was glowing. Mother and Father accepted him and the young colt into our lives, we all lived as a family until Mother and Father had to take their role as the Servants of Chaos, descendants of Nyx, leaving the once peaceful land to be ravaged by the Ancient and powerful spirit of Discord, leaving Sir Levan to protect us from the spirit to train and raise our powers to one day stop him. He placed us under some sort of spell. It was odd though, Sir Levan had always been an earth pony and how he managed to pull of such a powerful unknown spell at the time was out of question that he was no regular earth pony. The spell he had put us under was a sort of time manipulation. I could not see a day pass but we grew older. Then he presented to me and Luna an ancient book. The Book of Elven. "

Everyone in the room was speechless as Princess Celestia recalled her every last bit of her life to everyone, Twilight in particular was having mental problems trying to uphold all the new knowledge well everyone's mind just breezed the information by. Illuminous knew how Twilight felt, for he too tried his best to keep up. The book foretold of a secret power called the Elements of Harmony that only the greatest of friends would be able to create and manifest. Princess Celestia and Luna where able to harness the extreme power within the hidden magic with their undying friendship. Luna was in pain, he could sense it, not from emotional pain but from mental pain as she was trying endlessly to remember the events. Something was odd here...

"When we had prevailed, the world began a new era of peace. The Equestrian Rule." she swayed her head, her long beautiful mane tracing behind her, towards Illuminous who was looking down into oblivion as his thoughts were filled of his father and the events from thousands of years ago... that small colt... who could that have been? As if Celestia had read his mind, she gave him the answer to his question.

"At that time, Sir Levan served us loyally, the small baby colt who he had from the start had grown into a stallion. Side by side they protected this kingdom as father and son. Then a new threat arrived to our humble rule. Nightmare Moon."

Luna flinched as if like she had just been struck hard, everyone turned to stare at her. Illuminous looked over to her, meeting his gaze, instantly comforting her. He could feel everyone looking at both of them but it was plainly obvious now that whatever was gauging the memories from her past were caused by The Nightmare. He didn't care at all, he just wanted to comfort Luna, he understood those feelings... it had taken everything he knew and loved, the same must have been done to Luna when she was transformed and banished for a long time not being able to see her own family or sister hoping inside that maybe one day the curse would lift. Illuminous felt the same way and no one could know him as much as she did.

"I couldn't use the elements of harmony because..." Celestia stopped, trying to clear her throat and find the words to say... "Because I had lost my best friend..." she said as she nuzzled to Luna and a single tear dropped."Sir Levan took his final stand then and there when the time came forth to stop that villain..." her voice even more choppy than before. This was a hard conversation, for the princesses, for Illuminous, for everyone. It wasn't easy at all. "He somehow made the elements work even without Luna. When the deed had been done, Sir Levan lied down on the floor, battered and beaten. Whatever he had done it had taken a force greater than the elements themselves. It had weaken his body far beyond repair, he was surely going to perish... he asked me then to grant him a little more time in this world, to remove the curse that haunted him eternally. 'I don't have much time, the only thing I regret is that she took hold of both of you before I could end all of this... now he must finish it... I'm sorry... son.' he told me, I didn't know what that meant, and I didn't know what to do, I only remembered casting a strange spell that I had no power over it just... happened, the stallion appeared suddenly running towards his beaten up and hurt father. And then..."

Princess Celestia took a deep breath, her eyes becoming foggy and teary as she thought of the past. This was easily becoming a horrible time, you'll never see a Princess like Celestia cry ever again, this was true grief upon the deepest levels.

"Sir Levan was transformed back to a baby colt, his cutie mark had disappeared..." she stopped, trying to continue on again."The stallion... he... he had died then... his body disappeared slowly in the sunlight... like if he had never existed. I-I don't know what happened." Illuminous walked over to the Alicorn who seemed deeply in pain, he had to do something... even though it pained him just as badly... he couldn't stand seeing anyone like this... especially Celestia, he had a deep abiding connecting that he didn't realize. Suddenly, Illuminous placed his forehead to the Princess. Everyone stood silent in an emotional mess of astonishment, worry, sadness, shock, grief and everything else that you can picture. Eons of memories and thoughts washed over him, it was unbearable, a gasp of horror escaped him as he saw everything, that colt she talked about... it looked like him... Everything was true... he now understood why Celestia knew so much about his father, so much about himself. How could one pony ever hold so much pain and suffering...? Celestia truly was the leader she'd become.

Princess Celestia smiled warmly at him as he took his forehead away and turned to look at her. "I used to treat you like my own child." she said quietly to him. Everypony else was in as much as an emotional pile of a mess as Illuminous was. It was just too much in such a short conversation... he didn't expect to go in deeper than where he wanted to be... leaving now would be impossible... Princess Celestia loomed over him and kissed his forehead lightly.

(A holy crap factor. :| I can assure you, in your life, you will never get a kiss to the forehead by a goddess princess EVER.)

"So what happened to my father afterwards?" he asked.

I raised him until he was old enough to leave. I asked him to write the tales and stories of his adventures. Suddenly, when he began writing about his discoveries with the past, I began to shun them... shunning him completely too. It was painful when he would visit me... and after a while, he had found someone... to love him..." somewhat of disappointment could be heard from her voice, she had just shown the weakest part of her to everypony so there was no need to hide the uneasy feelings anymore.

Illuminous could see from Princess Celestia that she had some sort of... relationship with his father once. It's hard to say for certain but that surely ended when he was transformed back. Losing the colt was like losing a child to her, she couldn't read his mind before, and she was being driven on pure instinct. This was all too much. He had never known his mother, but this was as close as it got to him.

"It kept happening until one day, he vanished all together. A few years later, I met Twilight when she had shown her power at the academic test for Canterlot's school of magic." she said stating the purple unicorn who later blushed at her tone of praise. "I foresaw Nightmare Moon's escape but without your father... and the elements without a user, I turned to Twilight in hope that she would find truly wonderful friends to aid in this last act to freeing Luna."

Everypony lowered their heads in appreciation to the Princess's praise of everyone.

"I never thought it true... he spoke tales of Elven, something his old self never did, never even mentioned his abnormal powers. The book of Elven had vanished on the fight against Discord, but it was brought back to me by your father before he truly vanished from Equestria. I could still feel his presence although, but one day... it vanished. Then that's when you appeared." she said as she slowly hugged Illuminous again, wanting the comfort of his embrace.

"So am I like... one thousand years old or something?" he said with a weary and cheerful smile, similar to that of what he used to give his little sister to cheer her up after a long day of having something bad happen. Usually only seeing their dad sick since he would get sick often.

Everypony began to laugh at his silliness.

"I'm serious, I'm curious to know!" he added, in turn increasing the laughter.

Illuminous spoke softly in quiet words. "My father... he was being attacked." he said as this quickly caught his attention.

"He was being attacked by the same thing that overtook Luna... it called itself... 'The Nightmare'. I saw it... in one of my dreams. It was a vision, a vision of the past I knew nothing about. He was younger, and he was running from flames through a thick forest. He was running with another pony...the mare held a small pony" He could feel Celestia's heart drop. "The fire surrounded them and the nightmare nearly got them both but he cast a white light and escaped... I don't know... afterwards he just... gave that power away."

"In one of the letters, your father spoke to me about the powers itself. It told that he had the capability of passing on his entire will onto an offspring. At the time though, he didn't realize who he truly was..."

"So he gave it to me..."

"That is what all Lumineciants do, the book tells little of the kind of ponies you come from. The only thing I managed to decrypt was that... they are able to use the power of life itself and wield it as light." she wearily shrugged her shoulders and walked out the dining room. "I have no time to lose, I must continue researching that book... or it might be the end of us all. The prophecy foretells great destruction, there is no time to lose."

He walked slowly through the empty corridors of the castle towards the balcony, stars sparkling outside and the moonlight casting the shadows of the window borders. He sighed as he tried not to think of all the stuff that went on that day. It really was way too much for him to handle.

A yellow Pegasus appeared before him out of another hallway, gaining distance to him. Illuminous stopped to be able to speak to Fluttershy.

"Crazy day wasn't it?" he said calmly, trying to sound as loose and worry free as he could.

"I had no idea what to think or say..." she said quietly.

"Was it me or where you tickling me on purpose?" he said trying to lighten up the mood that instantly made its way through the first things they had said.

She smiled and giggled as she blushed. "I don't know..." she took a step closer to him and leaned onto him."I've been a bit busy in trying to figure out how this will turn out... and I know... something's come along the way that change everything... but it doesn't matter now." she said with disappointment. He knew exactly what she was talking about.

"Fluttershy I..."

She shook her head and stopped him from talking as he closed his eyes trying to avoid the conversation at least mentally. "It's okay... you can't really hide anything from me you big goof." she said in a sad playful voice that made him feel both happy and sad. "I just... want you to be here... if not in the way I want you to... but at least be close... close enough for me to reach out to you..." and before Illuminous could answer, Fluttershy kissed him and what seemed like an eternity passed by as he was swept away by the moment.

Tears began to roll down her cheeks and she buried her face onto his chest, Illuminous trying to comfort her. "I will."

Fluttershy looked up towards him wiping away the salty tears. "You promise?"

"I promise."

After the yellow Pegasus pony finally said her good nights, Illuminous began walking back towards his original destination, onto the balcony. He had just added more pressure to himself by promising her that he'd always stay... he just wished endlessly he hadn't made a mistake.

To his surprise, he found Luna watching the stars. She quickly turned around embarrassed by the sudden approach.

"I came out here for a breather... it's just been so much lately." Illuminous began. Luna just nodded. "I really don't know what to do anymore... I'm more confused than I was before."

Luna made her way up to the white stallion and nuzzled against him as she leaned her head against his. "I know how that feels. When Tia was saying all those things... it hurt... because I didn't remember any of it... I knew it was because The Nightmare took all of them away from me... it took everything I loved..."

"I wish I would have been there to save you, my princess. . ."

Luna giggled and blushed as he remarked that, and whispered into his ear. "I know why no one else had ever been as close to me as you are. I could never find someone who cared... but you showed up, and you gave me hope. I believe in you... I... I.... I love you..." Luna said as her face began to glow in a deep blush. Illuminous gently lifted Luna's head towards his and kissed her, sending the Alicorn blushing up a mad man.

"I could never understand you, but I know you can understand me, you know what I feel..." he said quietly as he kissed her again, this one lasting longer."When I'm with you... I know who I want to be... what I want to do... there are no doubts in my mind... I love you Luna... I want to protect you with my life... I want to spend my days with you..."

Luna dug her face into his chest in his embrace. "I love you..."

The moments after was pure bliss as he spent his night with Luna, sharing each other's presence in a storm of feelings of lust... This was truly A Heart's Desire. To entrust your soul, mind and body to the one you love is to live a happy life. His feelings were clear now; he knew it more than he had ever dared to dream. He loved Luna, and sharing this magical interaction with her was more than his heart could desire. Here he was, with the one pony who would entrust both heart and body to him. The one pony he truly wanted to spend his life with. The one pony he wanted to have a family with. Luna was his; there was no other joy in the world greater than knowing that.

He could feel her small, warm panting of her breath onto his chest, both their bodies in fatigue, lying down upon a soft bed. She lied down tiredly on top of him as he hugged her, enjoying the warmth between them.

"I couldn't be happier... I love you Luna... and even if I have to repeat myself a thousand times, I love you with all my heart. You're so wonderful and so kind... cute too. I love you, I really do." he whispered quietly into her ear that made her blush a lot more. She snuggled deeper onto him and gave him a long kiss good night before drifting tiredly to sleep.

Illuminous gazed at her, sleeping quietly and even more cute. He placed his forehead against hers and fell asleep along with her.

He would protect her... with his life.

==================
Author's Note: SOMETHINGS SOUND FAMILIAR HUH?!?! :D Repeating arts of style. To those who read through this loyally would know what I'm speaking of.

Okay I just have one thing to say here.... I'm going to start crying a lot.... I barely realized that this series is coming to a close and... this has been one of the best experiences I've had in a long time.

I'm going to share something personal to everyone, A little about me. Why I do some of the things I do and why I'm writing this story in the first place.
Long ago, around 4 years now, I met this wonderful girl by the name of Rose.
She was beautiful, amazing, kind, and gentle. an angel in her own way.
She had problems though, she wouldn't attend school since she was so fragile.
She was put under Home schooled because she had lung cancer and it was to the point that.
It could not be risked to send her to an actual school.

I got the pleasure of meeting her when my mother signed up to become her provider, a nurse that tends to
elderly and children with problems. It was a lucky stroke too, her father was a lung surgeon.
My mother got hired mostly because she is a legend among providers here where i live.
She has taken care of the meanest elderly people the provider companies had. Not only took care but made friends with them. My mother has the heart of gold and I think thats where I get it form, I love everything thats nice and wonderful.
On her first day, I followed my mother to her work job. I got to meet her there when I had abruptly and accidentally played a meaningful piano song of mine on a grand piano she had in her room, which woke her up. She kissed me on the cheek to thank me for playing that song however. Even though she didnt know me she still thanked me that way. She was my first and only, most meaningful kiss I'd ever gotten. 3 years passed by and we became more than best friends as I'd go to visit her house constantly. I loved her more than anything else.

I was her eyes and ears, I would tell her of the things she would miss in school and be there for here when she needed comforting. She saw the world through my eyes, but she could only see herself. She was my world.
around the third year it had been too much for her... and destiny caught up. Although it pains me heavily to tell share this... it still makes me happy... I got to see her go, in the hospital, before she took her final breath.... she told me thank you... because I had made her happy... And right now I'm teary eyed because I'm a softy at heart but.... that truly made me happy, even death cannot break love. I can only truly love her and no one else.I've dedicated my life on her steed. And even if people say that is foolish, they haven't experienced what I have.

So now I just spend my days trying to perfect myself as a human being to make a better difference in the world. Through words because thats my # 1 specialty. I love writing, I love making up stories. Even though I might dedicate my stories to good friends that help me, my entire being, my heart and my stories. Will always be for her.

Thank you all for taking your time to read this about me.
Although the eminent truth that this series is coming to a close is true.
I'll continue writing if not on this story but on another.
This story has gone a long way actually, I never expected for anyone to actually like it.
But prove me wrong right? You've all been the best moral support of my life up to now.
To my family and friends who didn't know they were helping me through depression.
To everyone reading this story and enjoying it.

Thank you all

The Revelation

He ran the side of his head across the soft pillow that held up his head, yawning towards the sunlight that shown over the horizon across the glided windows of a room designed as the night sky itself. He had awoken earlier than yesterday, since Luna was still asleep next to him he looked over to her, her face towards his chest, the face of an angel both cute and subtle, her small, warm paced breath fogged against him. Being able to entrust both heart and body to him, he knew now that she was the one, no one else could fit what she had become to him.

Luna had made him realize just exactly what he wanted to do in life, he would protect her, protect everyone, with his life. He didn't think of it much, but he knew his life was forfeit, he'd gladly give it away to protect someone. There wasn't anything else that could make him happier than seeing his friends and Luna safe and joyful. When Princess Celestia had started to cry... he had to do something about it. Its too much for one pony to be burden with. No one could understand them just like he did.

He brushed the rumbled messy hair of yesterday's events from Luna's face with his nose, viewing in a more clear light the true beauty and cuteness of the mare. He closed his eyes and loomed over to kiss her forehead, when he opened his eyes, he was kissing her lips directly her cheeks in a light shade of pink.

"Oh I'm sorry I..."

"You were awake" he whispered into her ear gently, making her blush even more.

"I didn't feel like doing anything today, or at least anything without you." she said shyly trying to break away from his gaze as the two stared into each others eyes.

"Shall we go meet the others then?"

"Okay but before then..." she said as she quickly gave him an even longer kiss, taking him off guard. "I want to show you something." she tugged at him to follow and he slowly proceeded to get off bed and walk with her.

"What time is it?" yawning as he said it.

"Its a little over noon, near sun down and I wanted to show you something before it turns dark." she said, excitement in her voice clearly striking her vocals.

Illuminous laughed warmly, remembering how his little sister would do nearly the same. How she had shown them not even a week ago her brand new and well decorated garden she tried so hard to make for him and his father.

Thoughts came crashing into him every time he took priority on those types of thoughts, there were many things that he wanted to do, many things he still wanted to know. The whole reason he was doing all of this in the first place was to save his little sister. Having to fight till his last breath, to make everyone around him happy at the cost of his own, it was all for the single cause. Many things had changed though. He no longer sought it that way, so many unexplained things still were left uncertain that it questioned the very motive he bargained for. What was he really chasing after? Even what happened to his father all seemed... strange, he just couldn't describe the feeling.

He shook his head and entered back into reality, where he was being led by the mare of his dreams to show him something, anything, that might be worth viewing.

She took a pause at a T-shaped ending with two halls leading somewhere else, the wall before them seemingly empty except for a picture of a big moon. She stood aside so Illuminous could take a look.

"Who painted it? It looks awesome!" he said as he prospected the picture carefully.

"I did, back when I was a little filly." she said proudly and then her horn began to glow. "But that's not what I wanted to show you."

The picture vanished and a mahogany brown door glided in gold at its edges appeared from empty space of the delicately light blue marble wall. He started to wonder if this was like a family tradition or something. Hiding secret rooms behind magically hidden doors along the walls, yeah I guess the regal sisters aren't very confiding when it comes to entrusting others to keep a secret, why else would they need this sort of method?

Luna laughed as she could guess what he was thinking. "I'm only keeping it hidden since it was supposed to be a surprise for Tia, but I found someone else who I rather show it to." she said as she clearly meant Illuminous.

He blushed and looked backwards trying to hide his embarrassment from taking things out of content and assuming such things. "I knew that." he said innocently causing Luna to giggle even more.

Her horn began to glow again and multiple clicks could be heard. It didn't have a door knob, just a bit more extra protection for the secrets of this Alicorn. She stepped into the dark doorway before her, there was no light, just a pure passage of darkness, but as soon as he stepped in, a small warm and light glow began to appear around him. I guess it was just a natural light he would emit now.

They entered into a dark circular room that had lines running down to the center connecting into one single central point, elevated slabs acting as seats. In the middle, a strangely patterned pike from the roof curved downwards pointing towards the center.

"What is this place?"

"I don't even know, I found this room one day after I had returned. I might have known of this room since I was oddly attracted to it but any memory of it, if any, had been completely erased. This room holds unusual magical properties. After I had spent day after day here, I managed to work with it and create something, something I'd like to show Tia as a surprise."

Luna stepped into the center of the room. Slabs under her hoofs began to shift and turn and even change in appearance as they turned completely black, it had felt like being in a complete void of pure darkness. The room was even darker than it had been a bit ago. Without warning, thousands of small dots of all colors and sizes in patterns of spirals and other oddities began to form along the entire walls as they began to illuminate the darkness with their brilliance. It was truly a breath-taking marvel to behold. Illuminous couldn't think clearly as he started into the magnificence of the chamber.

Stars began to form in a shape of a pony, and Luna suddenly materialized before him, exhausted from her efforts as it had become clear that this was her work. It was stunningly beautiful. It was like staring into the secret ends of the night sky. He only looked in silence of pure awe.

"This... is amazing Luna. I can't even find the right words for this..." he began to mutter.

"Thanks." she said flushing from his praise.

The room turned back into its regular self again in an instance as the Alicorn had tired herself out. What on earth could take up so much magic as to weaken someone like Luna?

He stepped closer to her and helped her to up towards a small slab to act as a seat.

"What happened?" he asked.

"It leaves me drained every time I do that, but this room is able to be melded to magic, anything can be done here." She explained. "How about you try?"

Illuminous was hesitant but he couldn't really deny an offer from Luna.

"Alright here I go." He said as he stepped closer to the center.

He felt a small warmth that he recognized as Luna's magic and closed his eyes to imagine. Lines of pure white began to encase him as they ran down the gaps between the seats and making a pattern as they got closer to the center. A circle took in the lines that lay around him and the roof began to do the same. Suddenly, flowing white shards surrounded him and left him without an escape.

"What's going on?!" Illuminous asked alarmed as the shards began to spin faster.

"I don't know! The room is supposed to take what emotions you have deep inside you and it forms into whatever you imagine." she said.

And like from before, an unnatural force hit him unconscious as the shards made an impassible wall before him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An angered voice echoed through the darkness.

A white stallion stood in the void, staring at him.

Illuminous could not speak, but he knew that his thoughts could be heard.

This was a dark and unholy presence...

This time, I shall be victorious.

I've spent an eternity waiting for this.

You... will carry out my plan flawlessly.

A new reign of rule approaches.

All will bow to me.

Another sudden voice screamed out in a horrifying roar that echoed through the darkness. It was his father...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A piercing blast of a white wave ran through the room as he was finally out of it, the shattered white shards that lay as a reminder of the sudden release of energy began to vanish. He lied down on the floor weary and tired. He broke out into a cold sweat from the scene before. Those words... that pony... It was his voice... It was him...

He found Luna quickly as his side. He had no energy, now he knew what Luna had to feel like when she did hers.

Before Luna could even ask what that had been, Princess Celestia appeared out of the dark doorway, her expression grave and serious.

"Tia?" Luna turned back at her.

"This room... it shouldn't be a surprise you found it Luna... I should've warned you sooner..." Celestia spoke lowly. "This is the room where I had cast the spell to your father... This was the room we had spent our time practicing. Your father built is a learning haven. A magical archive to learn and live. I had thought the magic was all gone... ever since he..."

"Wait... so you mean Illuminous activated whatever power was still in it? But Tia... I was able to use way before he had even been on it."

"That's what I don't understand." Celestia said as she lowered her head to think.

"Well whatever the case, I've found out something very vital to the Luminesciant race." Celestia turned towards Illuminous. "The Lumineciants were only a bloodline species back in the Elven Rule, they were the royalty and rulers of the land. Their power was evenly matched against an army of thousands, they were the archangels of the world... but... they weren't good. The Book of Elven tells of the last ruler King Sol."

Illuminous flinched back at the name.

"King Sol was a godly figure, represented by the sign of death. His rule on the throne caused many lives to suffer and perish, and many of the rulers before them as well. Luminesciants would kill their own fathers to gain power to the throne. King Sol however grew bored of the pony race and began to destroy every pony. He was considered a weapon. The Apocalyptic Horse Astaroth. Only the Alicorn race was powerful to be a challenge against him alone. Everyone rebelled against him but in the end, he had destroyed everything and everyone. Elven had been completely eradicated. He had been defeated by the leader of the rebellion group. A powerful Alicorn that held the power of darkness, Nyx herself aided him in the final battle. The Timeless Rivals."

Illuminous sank back into the wall he was no held upon. He... was a monster... a weapon of destruction... it had all been true... that vision... King Sol against that Alicorn... it was him...

He was the reincarnation of King Sol.

~~~~~~~~~

Sorry guys it took so long. I lost all good morale to finish this story when it had gotten a complete "fail" sign from a reviewer. I had meant for everything to fall into place in later parts of the story but I guess he had been to disgusted by the beginning chapters to even read the ending. Anyways I'm really sorry guys. :( I'll finish it no doubt but don't expect it any time soon. I'm still having serious heart conditions which has also kept me back for a while since occasionally I fear having to go to the hospital from sharp pains at my chest and shortness of breath. I'm constantly awoken in the middle of the night and I got to my classes sleepy and tired from the sleepless night of pain and the teachers don't care to understand my problem and they get after me for that. I'm fighting a battle of my own. So guys, be patient.

Also, I'd appreciate it if everyone would care to take a look at a new story of mine that will be called "The Stars That Shine Bright." I haven't released it yet so wait for it. I'll probably send it out today. I feel the story will be grand compared to this one. This was only a starting curve to my love for writing. Also. Thanks LunaInSocks. I wouldn't have had the morale to finish the story if you hadn't asked me to. This story will be finished soon and will not be changed from any grammatical error or bad literature language since its my landmark of a new beginning. Thanks again guys. Thank you all.

The Final Eve

The Final Eve

It had begun to rain outside; the Pegasi had scheduled a pouring rain for the evening. Illuminous looked out the window pane in nostalgia, glumly sulking up atmosphere that surrounded him. Although depressing, it still brought him a bit of unexplainable joy being able to relax on his own, tending to the increasing thoughts within his mind.

There lay passively in his mind the inedible truth that he was a weapon of destruction. He could not inch away from the thought. Illuminous was too far into denial. He didn't want to believe and as much as he tried forgetting, it was obvious, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. He had been the most malignant being in any recorded history of Equestria. His powers were unnatural; he was no longer just any ordinary earth pony. He was a Luminesciant, an apocalyptic pony that destroys life for power. His abilities consume light and life itself to be able to wield a power incomprehensible to even the Alicorns.

This fact brought thousands of questions to his mind. Questions he knew well that could never be answered. What would he do if this power overwhelmed him? He broke out into a cold sweat as he started to breath in deeply trying to reorganize his thoughts but where instantly shattered as the truth settled in. The Nightmare had been right all along... the question is... why had she taken Rosy? Why didn't she kill him when she had the chance? He knew well that The Nightmare was bent in destroying him because of him and his power... but things didn't make sense... she had spent her lifetime chasing after what he now held... a life time of chasing... which meant that ponies before him wielded the power of a Luminescent.

The thing is, why had he been the only one attacked? Why only now was the Nightmare so bent in destroying him if she hadn't gone for his father... The vision of the past flooded him. She had... when the nightmare tried destroying his mother and father in that chase.

His father looked... young... so very young. Apparently he had been reincarnated at that time and managed to tap the power within him to avoid harm's way. The spell he placed then after was the one Princess Celestia spoke of. He had slowed time itself... to be able to raise an inheritor. It was his last will... and he had finally given up his powers to him, then he sacrificed himself to what he would believe would be salvation...

Illuminous lowered his head in shame and pity... he wasn't any of that... no... He wasn't able to do anything. How could he? How could he have known that his father's life would be brought to an end because of him? How could he possibly face the Nightmare when the best he could do was stall off an Ursa Major...

Live on...

This was the request his mother had given him. Why though... his mind was hazy, another thought and it would have surely placed him in a long and deep sleep. He was both mentally and physically exhausted.

The vision back in the chamber had left him drained aside from the light show that the room had made him perform. It had been different though. So much different than any he has had. It felt like it wasn't a vision at all. As if someone truly spoke out to him. The voice left a stain upon his very essence. It cursed his very thoughts. He sighed and closed his eyelids in attempts to dream it off.

Luna paced back and forth awaiting any response from the regal princess who held an unbreakable line of sight towards the grand book in front of her. She was hard at work trying to uncover whatever still lay decoded within it.

There will come a day when the next ruler will come.

Life will end, everything will die. It cannot be stopped.

The death will approach, darkness incarnate.

What the world knows is a lie, which will be their demise.

He shall be reborn. He shall be embo-

"Tia, do you think Illuminous will ever be like... Sol?" Luna asked, interrupting Celestia's deep concentration on the book.

Princess Celestia finally withdrew her thoughts and attentions from the book towards her sister. "No, he could never be..."

"You sensed his powers didn't you...?" Luna looked down, keeping her eyes busy towards the floor. She hesitated before speaking again, trying to break the uneasy silence. "They felt... evil..."

"I have faith that he'll be able to pull through to whatever they hold within him. We just need to trust he will know what to do if anything is to happen."

"Yeah but if you say it like that, what if he can't?"

"Why would you doubt him Luna?" Princess Celestia began wondering after all the contradicting questions.

"It's because..." Luna's cheek grew into a lighter shade of pink, her voice fading a little. "I know him a bit better than anyone else." Her voice low and muffled. Her expression grew more serious and her demeanor changed completely. "I don't doubt him... but I do know that he isn't ready... you've seen his cutie mark?"

Even though no one had given any real mind to it, the truth was that Illuminous' cutie mark was one shard away from being complete.

"What is it that your insinuating Luna?"

"He hasn't found himself yet... back when he fought off the Ursa Major, his power felt more... pure... more like himself. Yet... it wasn't fully there. I don't believe he can be ready until it's finally... there."

"Well we can't let him face this alone."

Luna simply nodded in a reply, thoughtful in her own mind.

"So you say you know him a bit better than anypony else? Why would that be?" Celestia seemed to have suddenly slipped out of her own serious mood.

This cut Luna pretty off guard. She blushed up a mad man and quickly took a book from the bookshelves and dug her face in it, unfortunately she made the mistake of grabbing a very small filly's book. "Why are there nobles like this in here?!"

"They are the books from when we were kids, whats so wrong about them?" Celestia giggled at the urgency to change the subject of her little sister. "So what about it?"

Before Luna could sway the conversation elsewhere, she suddenly felt a surge of power that made her lower her head in pain. It was familiar... but increasingly more powerful. Princess Celestia could sense it too, her face was grave with seriousness and she quickly walked out from the hidden library.

Luna trialed behind her, and as they walked past a corner of the halls, two Pegasi guards flew quickly at their side.

"Princess Celestia thank goodness we found you!" They said between breaths.

"What is going on?" She ordered in a demanding voice.

"The citizens... they suddenly turned against us... they started tearing down the city, in attempts to stop them some of the other guards have gotten gravely injured. Since we can't fight back, all we could do was retreat. The hostile civilians are different though... their eyes are... red... it's unlike anything we've dealt before."

Another guard suddenly broke through the glass door and swooped down to the ground and landed on the floor with a heavy thump, he looked beaten and battered. Luna quickly began casting healing magic to aid him.

"Princess... there is too many of them... they are heading towards the castle... you must stop them..."

"Luna, I need you take care of the wounded soldiers, I'll go see what is going on and try to hold them back, if anything is to happen, I need you to evacuate everypony to safety. I have faith in you." Princess Celestia's horn began to glow in a golden light and instantly vanished as she blinked away.

Luna was momentarily baffled. Her sister depended on her... it felt nice... but it was no time to waste time. She quickly made her way towards the injured that were being housed at the door step of the castle and were being dropped in from windows by some of the other Pegasi guards. The guard she fully healed went to go join them to help the other wounded.

Princess Celestia appeared in the front doorstep of the castle, and like she had been expecting, the mass of civilian ponies of Canterlot were gathering at the footstep. Some of the unicorn guards were casting a shield onto the entire castle to prevent any further step but there had been too many of them, the Pegasi were dashing straight on towards the barrier and the unicorns were throwing magical dark beams. They were quickly being overwhelmed as the shield began to drop.

Princess Celestia did the only thing she could do, her horn began to glow and a powerful wave of golden magic ran through everypony. She tried dispelling them all, Luna had warned her about the corrupted versions of the ponies and this fit their very description.

It had no effect. They were still rampaging towards the magical barrier that stood between them and the castle. But why?! How?! The only possible explanation would be that they were being controlled by a more powerful pony with magic way beyond even Princess Celestia's. That couldn't be true...

Without anything else she could do, she began to cast a reinforcement spell to hold up the wall. It seemed to stall them, but just as many more began to arrive and the wall was slowly being degraded. Without second thoughts, Celestia began to pray to Illuminous. Whether he was ready or not, he could be the only one to do anything.

Please... save us all

Just this one last time...

Illuminous... I need you

Illuminous awoke suddenly, Princess Celestia's voice fresh in his mind. What was this? A sudden panic ran through him for some unknown reason, he could sense an unnatural power. It was familiar... he quickly ran outside into the hallway only to be greeted by a white unicorn.

"What in heavens is going on?" Rarity asked him.

"I was about to ask the same thing."

"I kept hearing such awful shouts and screaming out my doorway and I came to ask you."

"I'm going to go find out, Rarity, go gather up everyone else... whatever this is it isn't good. Please I'm counting on you." He said urgently, the white unicorn nodded and began to run towards her friend's rooms.

Illuminous could feel the direction of the power; he kept following that through corridors and hallways and was finally greeted by the grand hall leading towards the exit, the throne room on the opposite side of the hall. He quickly spotted Luna tending to injured guards. They were beaten up pretty good and many of them were groaning as other nurse Unicorns treated them. He galloped to her side and she turned to see him running into a hug as he approached her.

"What is going on?"

"The townsfolk of Canterlot are being possessed... it feels... it feels like..."

"You don't think it is finally making its move?" he asked her slowly.

"You have to do something Illuminous." her eyes were serious with determination. "But please... come back safe..." she said as she kissed him and returned back to tending the wounded.

"I will." and like that he turned to run outside only to be greeted by the grand magical barrier that loomed over the entire castle, being held by multiple unicorns and even Princess Celestia.

He ran to her side and she spotted him. Her pained expression turned into a smile of relief but just as she had taken her focus off the shield quickly dispersed and thousands of ponies began to flood the steps. Illuminous stood his ground awaited the oncoming crowd.

The thundering noise of a hundred galloping ponies drew to a stop. Suddenly all the corrupted ponies stood still a few feet before him. They were staying their distance away from him.

The crowd suddenly split and out came a small white pony with a crimson mane.

Rosy stepped out of the crowd before him.

(Author's Note:I lied. The next chapter is the final one. I feel bad for lying :( But.... its fine right?

What Little Time We Had

I have faith in you, Illuminous.
You shall be my salvation as well as many others.
The past is gone, now live on
You are my son, my angel, my life.
Have faith in yourself.
For I have faith in you.

His mother's voice was clear in his head. His mind was racing faster than his heart. The struggle to maintain both his thoughts and his tears were harsh on him.

The skies were abnormally dark. Black clouds shrouded the entire sky in a spiral above the castle. The silence could be heard as a harsh unforgiving mistress. He could have sworn he was deaf. So close to so many ponies and he could not even hear one heart beat, not one breath.

In the sea of darkened ponies of any kind, his eyes remained on one. Like a beautiful full-bloom rose upon blue bonnets, she stood out, the figure who remained the beacon of the past. Her short blood red mane and white coat shimmered brightly in his hazy thoughts of the past but there was no denying who this one small mare could be. The tears were difficult to keep back as they forced themselves heavily upon his eyes. One by one they dropped to the ground and the noise of the dripping tears filled his thoughts.

The small mare too shed the same tears yet she did not move. She could only cry with him.

"Rosy..."

"I-Illy..." Rosy's voice was much more delicate and forced as she was trying to sustain it all. She ran towards him and in a warm embrace, they cried upon each other's shoulder.

"Oh this is heart warming." The shrill voice came from the crowd.

And like so, a dark and veil silhouette of an Alicorn stepped out, energy flowed from her hooves, her dark glaring eyes staring right through him. Small, tense, celestial smoke surrounded her, a sign of utter power. The shadow flowed easily through the crowd as every pony stepped out of the way silently not even making a hoof beat as they did. She stood before them.

"Brother and sister finally reunited. How... Touching." She said in disgust. The thousand voices were in unison creating a terrifying one in its steed.

"You..." Illuminous had completely forgotten that the princess was right next to him. Princess Celestia's expression was that of utter fear.

"Bravo, you know who I am. I would have thought you'd all forget about me my dear granddaughter."

Celestia let down a gulp of fear and so did Illuminous, the nightmare was an ancestor of Celestia's? Why hadn't she said anything before?

"You knew about her?!" He dared ask, his voice shrill and upset.

"Don't assume much boy, she only knows me by the knowledge of that accursed grimoire."

Celestia looked down still as terrified as ever. The Nightmare could not only read her mind, but tap into the past. The library was sealed with the highest level of magic known to Equestria. It was an ancient spell that her father had placed.

"You are one of the ancients... from the Elven kingdom. How did you know...?"

"Your mind is easy to read my dear. It seems like you have weakened since I last saw you."

Illuminous thought carefully about this... it couldn't be because he had helped her was it? Celestia was emotionally strong until that point and he could see it, but... he didn't really take her power did he? Rosy stumbled to the floor weak of energy, she placed her head onto Illuminous' foreleg and fell asleep. An alarming feeling ran through him.

"What did you do to Rosy?!"

"Nothing at all, I didn't even touch a single hair on her precious little mane."

"I know what you want..."

A silence befell the atmosphere again.

"Only if you promise to leave everyone alone... I will give you what you want."

"Oh? What a noble little pony. Giving up your life for these pathetic beings. Fair enough, you would just escape as easily as you have before."

"What? Illuminous... you aren't planning to..."

Illuminous turned back, his eyes full of sadness and tears. "I am not giving myself a choice." He lowered his head. "I learned to live, the time I spent with everyone... it was much more than I could ask for. Everypony has always been so kind and so generous to me since I've began this whole ordeal. Seeing my sister safe is all I wanted to do since the beginning. I know I have much to lose... but losing everything while seeing it all go is worse."

He stepped forward slowly evermore closer to the dark figure.

"Surely, this would have ended much faster if your father wasn't so incomprehensible."

Illuminous stopped at his tracks. "What did you say?"

"To be honest with you, I hadn't a clue of who he had given his power too. Seeing his accomplishments in the past, I had thought too highly of him and thought that he had given his youngest descendant the bloodline, a quick one he is, on that very last second. Even managed to save himself from eternal damnation."

"Wait... what?"

"Just as you heard my darling."

"Wait... but why... how?"

"The spell I had used was one to send only the user who held the bloodline into the Twilight realm, a land where all evil rules. He had given it to you in the last seconds near to his demise. When the spell had not worked on that little mare, there only stood you as the last potential being. I thought I might as well let you know before you will befall your fate."

"So he is still... alive?"

"Yes, I wouldn't understand why that old fool hasn't chased you down. Maybe he was just glad to get rid of the bloodline that he didn't even bother with you."

"It... can't be... no my father would never do something like that!"

"But he did. He left you to die and didn't even have the decency to explain your fate to you. He doesn't care don't you understand?"

"But... he had saved Equestria... saved my mother... saved us."

"Saved?! Don't make me laugh kid. If he wanted to save you, he would have accepted his demise. Don't you think that after your petty little mother died he would be tired of all of that huh? Stubborn foal. How could somepony so pathetic be his drive all those years I don't dare understand. She was less than dirt."

"Shut up." Illuminous' glow began as a faded aura. His increasing anger only kept reinforcing it.

"Yes, your father could careless now of what happens to you."

"Shut Up."

Rage built within him. An intense fire burning him to ashes.

"He hasn't even come to your aid when you most needed it. He kept you from the world. Kept you from happiness. You both were just too blind to see that he treated you like caged dogs."

"SHUT UP!"

His mane burst into a white light. His anger raged, he was quickly becoming the demon that he so much feared. Angry tears vanished with the intensity of energy overflowing through his body.

The Nightmare grinned in amusement. "Angry towards the truth?! You could never handle truth could you? Is that what kept you blind all these years?"

Illuminous sharply lowered his head in pain. His teeth began grinding against each other from the sheer force that now overwhelmed him. The purity of this power slowly faded and dulled into raw emotion. This wasn't entirely his doing, yet he couldn't control these emotions. He yelled at the top of his lungs, the light exploded in pure rage.

Celestia looked away to shield her eyes, she could feel the power increasing. She had to do something, but there was hardly anything she could do now, with Illuminous' feeling running rampant through him causing such a devastating force, there was no way to even counter this power. She had never felt something so powerful since... since the day his father used his power to reanimate the elements of harmony. The only thing she could make out was the sea of ponies slowly vanishing in the light as they tried going against it like if it had been a powerful gust of wind. This horrified her. If they were truly the villagers then that would mean...

"Illuminous please stop!!!" She yelled at the top of her own lungs, yet her voice was shrouded by the raging white flames that violently began to fill the remnants of Illuminous' once sky blue mane.

Things around her began vanish. Chunks of rock being ripped out of the ground. The side of the mountain in which Canterlot stood against began to carve through, this unrelenting power was beginning to make out the worst of her fears. Illuminous had lost it. Lost the will to control it. Like she had so feared her entire life, this was it, her beautiful home and subjects were being destroyed before her very eyes. Tears began rolling down her eyes, and all she could do was beg to follow in this destruction.

She opened her eyes, trying to go against the blinding light. In the corner of her eyes, she saw a shadow running through the light. Suddenly, the light... broke. Thousands of white shards stood in the air beautifully centering towards Illuminous. Celestia made out the shape of Luna who was hugging Illuminous, holding onto him for dear life. the intense power slowly dulled to a point.

"Out of the way you meddling foal!" The dark voice yelled as The Nightmare's horn began to glow, poised towards Luna.

A dark energy shot out towards them and without even thinking twice, Celestia quickly made her way between them as she took the hit straight onto her chest. She gave out a loud grunt and fell towards the ground.

Luna slowly turned her gaze towards the fallen Celestia. Her eyes wide in horror. Too afraid of what a scream would cause, she held it in, tears inevitably rolling down her cheek. She turned to Illuminous. His eyes still glowing white and mane in a burning white flame as if he stood in a trance unable to see or feel anything. She held onto him still horribly afraid, her body becoming limp.

"This has to end now! I never wanted this, but if both of you must die, then so be it!"

Luna gasped. The burning pain that began from her back quickly filled every inch of her. She had been hit. No, she wouldn't fall now, she needed Illuminous to snap out of it. If only just a little more...

A second shot was fired, and Luna could no longer hold on. She couldn't feel her body at all. The pain was so intense, she couldn't scream either. Her tears followed behind her as she fell to the ground, letting go of her grasp on Illuminous who still stood in a trance. "Illuminous..."

"Both of them are gone now. Go now! Fill your heart with rage! I killed them both in front of you. Those who most cared about you! Aren't you angry?! Go! Release that power within you. Let it fill every inch of you. Let it consume you. Summon now the King of Destruction!"

Illuminous stood in a trance, still as the white shards.

The Nightmare gave off an annoyed smug. "What's wrong huh?! Did you give up on them all together?!" it yelled.

The glow slowly began again. A smirk ran right through The Nightmare's face. It began pulsing, small orbs of white and yellow light appearing and disappearing as it did. The Nightmare flinched at this sudden turn of events. Something was happening. Never in her ages had she felt something like this, or even seen from the Luminesciant bloodline. She could feel it, under her hooves, a wave of energy running through the ground and even the air itself.

Thunderous quakes filled the castle. A battle was been waged, one which they had no power against. No magic in Equestria could feel anything like this. Hidden at the secret library, dozens of wounded guards and refugees began making there way their under direct order of Princess Luna who stormed off galloping towards the horrifying energy.

The group of friends stood huddled together. They were strictly told to stay put after Rarity had gathered them and had come across Luna who asked of them to direct all of the wounded and every pony of the castle towards the library.

"What do you think is happening Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked nervously, as she could feel the intense power as well.

"I don't know... but whatever it is, it can't be good. "

Suddenly, she began to feel the vibrations on the floor. A flowing of energy ran through the ground. As if... it was calling out to her... The others looked at her with worried expressions as she understood that they too could feel this.

The room suddenly exploded into a light which vanished as quick as it had come. From the source of the light stood a faded figure of a brown mature stallion. His features and even expressions resembled that of Illuminous'.

"Who... who are you?" Twilight asked the ghostly figure of a pony.

"It matters not who I am. I need you all to listen, for I have little time here."

The group of friends gathered around him in a distance. The refugees stared at them quizzically as if... they could not see the figure.

"I come bearing a message from Illuminous."

"Whats going on? What happened?" Fluttershy suddenly blurted out, unaware of her new found courage.

"He asks for your guidance and help now and forever. He entrusted me to give you this."

The ghostly figure suddenly irrupted into a ball of light, the elements of harmony began to float out of it, placing themselves respectively on each corresponding pony. "Go now." It said before it vanished.

"Come on, we don't have time." Twilight lead on as the group of ponies galloped outwards to the front of the castle.

Illuminous slowly landed. His bright blue eyes began shining through the white light.

"Huh... what is this? The little rat still has some fight in him. I guess I have no choice then."

The Nightmare's Alicorn figure suddenly grew a black flame around it. The remaining mass of the dark pony army began to vanish as it centered towards The Nightmare. She was gathering her remnants of power, slowly growing just as intensely powerful as Illuminous' current state.

His face showed something different... Not anger... Not sadness. A powerful determination. Whatever had happened in his trance state, the anger from before vanished.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Illuminous struggled upon a massive force to maintain physical and emotional composure. He lowered his head, unable to pick it up from the sheer force. He didn't understand what was happening.

Suddenly, his shoulders felt more at ease. A hoof slowly made its way onto them and the force was lifted. He quickly looked up only to see a void of pure white, a brown familiar figure stood between it all.

"F-father........"

His father's bright smile brought tears to his eyes. He began to weep onto his shoulder. Illuminous couldn't hold back the oncoming emotions.

"Why..." He gasped between breathes, trying to regain himself. "Why did you never come?"

A sad smile grew onto his father's expression. "I've always been with you."

"But... how?"

"The day that Hemera had gone after you and your sister, I gave my soul to you. My son, my flesh and blood, I've never left your side."

His father hugged him. His anxiety still remained. He needed to know more.

"Why had you kept us from the world?"

"I did it to protect you both. I've spent several millennium roaming this world, freeing it from the shackles of evil it held. At the War of Elven when King Sol was defeated, those who still remained believed the bloodline was lost forever. King Sol knew his defeat was imminent. In his last waking moments, he embodied himself in a power and was given to a pony in the bloodline, until it was finally given to me. At first, I couldn't control his power and I was the tool of destruction. It wasn't until I met Hemera that I had truly stopped those ways."

"Hemera?

"Or what you would call her 'The Nightmare'. King Sol had taken the life of her father at the war of Elven. She didn't realize who I was. But we fell in love. We had a child and decided to name him Illuminous. One day... when I lost control, my powers left her... unstable... the remnant of what she had once been... she found out about me then. Of who I was. The bloodline had not only caused her the life of her father, but also her body as she had become ethereal, a ghostly figure. She swore to end the bloodline, and went after both you and me."

"Wait... what?"

"I too swore never to use my powers again. One day I stumbled upon Equestria. Well out of the reach of Hemera, I would have called Equestria my home, the only problem was that a creature that I had created, known as Discord, the Spirit of Chaos, rampaged the land. I had made him an image of myself, as powerful as I. I didn't know what to do then, I would have been able to get rid of it. Then the last line of Alicorns presented themselves. I wanted the last thing to do was harness a good power to rid the land of evil and so I created the elements of harmony."

"What does this all have to do with anything?"

"Well, when the time came to finally rise up, there were only two ponies and six elements. I had used my will to infuse into the other elements. After honing both Celestia's and Luna's skills, we went up against the spirit and successfully managed to get rid of him."

"Then you..."

"Yes, I asked Celestia to give me her blessing as I embed my power into her to release me from this eternal damnation. I did the mistake of knowing that Illuminous wouldn't worry if I would leave. When the spell was being cast, and Illuminous stood beside me, I quickly rearranged the spell... sadly it had been too late, and he died then. I was reborn. Only then did I understood what I had failed to do so many times before, grief stricken I left Equestria. I met your mother in my new life, and when I had you, your mother chose to name you Illuminous... the light of hope in her life..."

"Hope wasn't enough..."

"Don't take her death as a false hope. She had fallen ill, but she never hoped to get better. No, her hope was set on something else."

"What do you mean?"

"She hoped upon you to become a better stallion, to be the faith and salvation of those you loved. She was truly something else, like... a guardian angel. Right now, I honestly believe she is watching over us, you and me."

"But... I was never any of that..."

"Really now? I saw how you saved your friends countless of times, both emotionally and physically. Never seen a braver pony like the one that faced off an Ursa Major."

"Celestia and Luna... are hurt because of me..."

"There is still time to change that. Still time to fight for what you believe. You need the elements of harmony, the friends you made on the week long journey I first prepared for you and Rosy."

"You planned this all along?"

"There had been no other way. This is it Illuminous. You truly have become greater than I had ever been. The only thing you need to do now is ask yourself this. What is it that you want to do with your life? I'll say hello to your mother for you."

"Wait you're leaving?!"

"I lived long enough, but finally now, I've found redemption."

With that, his father's image faded as he walked away. The white void began to replace itself with surroundings of a destroy Canterlot. He looked deep within himself and finally understood what was needed to be done. He knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to protect everyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The doors of Canterlot burst open with a group of ponies bearing the elements of harmony.

"Princess Celestia! Luna!" Twilight's horrified shriek gave way to the silence as she saw the tattered fallen Alicorn.

"This ends now Hemera."

"You might know my name, but you will never defeat me."

Before they could set things right, Illuminous and Hemera vanished. The dark clouds above began bursting into bright lights. Huge forces clashing against each other.

The group of ponies galloped towards the fallen Alicorns and desperately tried aiding them. Luna would not awake. Celestia however had enough energy to speak in short gasps of breath.

Applejack set Rosy down with Princess Luna and Celestia out of harm's way.

"D-don't w-worry a-about us. Y-you need to h-help Illuminous."

"But Princess!"

"Go..." The Alicorn shut her eyes.

Tears flooded the group of ponies but in a sort of surprise, Fluttershy suddenly snapped them out of it.

"We have to help, there is no time, the Princess knows this." the shy little Pegasus was now braver than ever.

"What do we do?!"

"I-i don't know...."

Suddenly, Illuminous stood over them. Weakened and battered, Hemera had been too strong. She followed shortly after landing opposite to them, the dark power surrounding her still.

"Illuminous!" They all surrounded him.

"Take it easy, we'll take care of her." Applejack said reassuringly.

Everypony began to concentrate their own will into the elements of harmony. Suddenly a blast of a rainbow encircled Hemera and a it dispersed as quickly as it had happened. Hemera still stood as strong as ever, the elements had failed.

"What in tarnations is going on?"

"Muahaha, you silly little foals. The elements will not work against me in this state. Nothing can stop me."

Illuminous stood up, slowly making his way towards the center of the ponies. Everyone turned to stare at his cutie mark. It was a completed circle of shards in a shape of a compass rose, golden and bright. They began to spin. A power began to form onto him again. This was unlike anything felt before. This was... pure power, grand and majestic.

Illuminous focused onto the elements and they began shining in a white light. The group of ponies began to concentrate their entire will one last time, exhausted from the previous. A sphere of white and bright rainbow colors engulfed the seven ponies.

A force of pure energy shot out towards the Alicorn, suddenly taken a back by the purity of it.

"What?! What is happening?! NOOOO!!" Hemera burst into a white purifying light.

Everypony began awoke to the beautiful sounds of an angelic voice of a mare singing. The group of ponies turned towards the faint figure of Illuminous, a golden glow around him. It seemed like his figure was... vanishing almost, fading from this world. Fluttershy rushed to him.

"Whats going on?! What is this Illuminous?!" She asked alarmed.

His sad smile told her what she most feared. She hugged him and cried onto him and finally stepped back into the the group of ponies.

His glow began... fixing things. Canterlot slowly began repairing itself. Thousands of unconscious ponies returned to their homes. Illuminous approached Celestia, Luna, and Rosy.

Celestia awoke upon his presence, seemingly fully healed.

"What... is this... wait... no you can't be... but why?!" She said remembering the events of the past.

"It had been the only way."

He walked slowly towards Rosy who was still fast asleep, he lowered his head to give her a kiss on the forehead. "Goodbye Rosy, you're big brother will always watch over you."

He walked over towards were Hemera who was now a small filly, still as knowledgeable from before but... reborn... purified.

"The only thing I regret, was not making you happy all these years." Illuminous' voice and his fathers said in unison. The small filly began to cry at this sudden realization of who she had become. "Promise me, you will watch over this land and be the great leader you had been born to lead, leave this all behind."

She only nodded.

Illuminous walked over to Luna for his final farewell. He nudged her slightly with his nose, awakening her from a her slumber. She looked into Illuminous' face who was smiling brightly over here as she was laying down. She quickly got up and saw his fading image.

"Illuminous... what is going on...?"

He smile turned into a sad one. She still could not understand.

"I'm afraid this is farewell..."

"Wait... what? What are you saying?!"

"This is goodbye... Luna..."

Tears began to swell up on her eyes, sadness began filling in her concern.

"No... no no no... you can't leave... you can't..."

Illuminous kissed her which snapped her out of her increasing sadness. She hugged him afraid to let go.

"Luna..."

"Please... don't say anything anymore..." She said, her tears rolling down and falling onto the ground as it went right through him.

"Luna... I know." He said as he placed his ear against her belly. "Take care of him. And take care of Rosy."

Her tears held no end. He had to say something...

"Luna... I promise you... I'll be back one day. I don't know when. But I know one day I'll come back, if only for you. I want to thank you... for making me truly happy. Thank you so much."

Luna kissed him one final time. The sunrise appeared through the dispersed small dark clouds that still lingered and began to fade. Illuminous' gold glow faded away. It was finally over.

This new day marked the era to true harmony. A true hero is born from the ashes of yesterday, one with an unbreakable spirit, and the will to see what is righteous. In truth, neither malevolence or benevolence exists. For this pony tale tells of one such hero who fought on both sides to find what truly mattered. May this tale, and this era of peace, never end.

===================
Author's Note: Well... after being hospitalized and what not, losing determination and a bunch of other personal issues, I finally bring you this. I hoped you liked it. Sorry everyone for being so late. I hope this was actually worth it.

What Starts Never Ends

***Reworked and Remastered***

What Starts Never Ends

My father always told me to never mourn for what has been lost. That it is always best forgotten. I never understood the weight of his words. They were hollow to me. I never knew my mother, and all I ever had was my family and my home. Now however, I understand them completely, and I'd be a fool to not heed them. But... I am fool. He is right. It would be and is best forgotten. Call me a fool, because I'd rather be one than stand idly by after I watched my world be ruthfully stripped from me. Not just mine, but from the two who made up my world. Even if my days grow lonely and my nights restless, I won't rest until she is brought back to me, and I've done my father justice.

~~~~~~

Sunset illuminated the sky in an orange-gold glow, enveloping everything in calm soothing warmth. The stallion’s slow yet peaceful sound of every hoof beat harmonized with the gentle breeze that winced its way through the grassy green leaves. The woodland creatures would stop by to imitate a hello to the two Earth Ponies that were making their way back home from a long and arduous day of tending to the still undisturbed natural rocks that lay between them and a good year's crop. It was a hefty amount of work for two ponies to do it alone, but they only needed enough for themselves and one other pony.

"Why am I not surprised that you tired out so soon? I would have thought that by now you would have grown a bit of muscle and held out as long as I," The large dark brown stallion said over his shoulder towards the dragging white colt with a light blue mane.

The colt stiffened up his poise and took stride along beside him, grinning at him with a warm smile.

The stallion chuckled to himself as he glanced his way to the colt, satisfied with the display of affection towards him. "That's what I want to see. Ha! I'm partially kidding. You shouldn't worry about it too much." The stallion answered the colt's curious eyes.

"I'm not. I want to be like you. So, I might as well start early." He yawned, dozing off as he said it.

"No. Don't be like me." He stopped and looked at him, a serious expression on his face. "Be much more than I ever was." The colt's inspired eyes almost instantly shut from sleep few moments after he said that. The stallion chuckled once more and placed him over his back, carrying him back home. "But for now, take it slow. A lot will change, and I need you to be as strong as you possibly can."

"I promise dad."

"Don't promise me. Be." A waste of breath there. The colt was fast asleep. He chuckled his way back through the familiar dirt trail.

As he a woke, a small but humble wooden house came into view. Enclosed between the shades of tall trees, the house sat as an oddly misplaced silhouette in the many shadows of the trees that made up the forest they lived in. As far as he knew, they were the only ones living here. He had grown accustomed to labor, as he had busy days to tend to in reaping as much as they could of the crops they grew before winter. And for reasons unknown, it has stayed this way all through their childhood, though he wouldn't have it any other way. He helped his father build the last of the house and it sat ever so proudly in the peace of the forest.

These woods were quiet and calm. His father told him that somewhere in the land of Equestria lay a forest of mystery called the Everfree forest. He said that ancient lore, secrets, and even monsters rest somewhere deep within it's unwinding wild growth. This forest however was one of peace. It was lonely at times, on rare occasion a small animal or two would pass on by, but other than that it remained calm and gracious. He loved them, loved everything about them, it was his life.

Although it was lonely in some ways, the colt took great comfort in his family and did his best in tending to the needs of his father and sister. On the occasional free time, he'd help his younger sister Rosemary gather roses and other things to aid in her love of flowers and gardening. There was always one thing to do, and in ways, it almost seemed as if there was too little time to do them all.

The colt disembarked from the stallion's back as they approached the house. Near the front entrance to the side sat a small looking white pony with a reddened mane. She was hunched over a small patch of dirt now lined up with carefully carved stones.

"Hi there your majesty, princess of the forest." The Stallion bowed to the young mare as she spun around to greet them.

"Hiya dad. Look!" The young mare spoke as she pointed to the much larger patch next to the one she was tending.

The flowers were in full bloom, gleaming in the shades of their bright color and all neatly organized with a few well-placed slabs of stone. Aside from their beauty, they spelled out words and shapes. Around the trim it imaged out a pattern, similar to that of a heart. Inside, the flowers spelled out "Daddy" and "Illy" and in the center of the two words, a small defined purple flower stood out portraying all the others.

The young mare walked up in between them looking over her garden, a smile of pride and joy slathered across her expression. "So, Illy, I'm not so useless now huh? Come to think of it, I might be even more useful than you."

"Not bad... not bad... but it is clear that I am more useful around here."

"You did doze off on the job." The stallion said smugly, grinning in content.

"Touche. She was the one that didn't let me sleep last night!"

Rosemary puffed her cheeks in playful frustration. "Yeah well, I was thinking of what dad said... oh and Illuminous is too long, I rather call you Illy."

"Alrighty then... Rosy." He said smugly. "We can play that game all day long, sister." They shot daggers at each other with their eyes, laughing mildly afterwards.

The stallion stood silent as he looked over the small garden Rosemary had made. Finally, after a while of back and forth arguments from the two siblings, he spoke up. "I want to tell you both something... the reason as to why we are moving soon." the Stallion's voice trailed off and they sat in silence for a bit, both siblings looking at him intently. "Princess Celestia has asked me to join as a royal guard once again. I really don't want to force my decision on both of you, so now I ask you... do you want to move?"

"I'd think it'd be nice. We can meet all different types of ponies right? It'd be great!"

"The thing is, that means leaving all of this behind..." The stallion said nothing more and he lowered his head as he walked over to the large golden oak tree in the back of the small house. The oak tree itself was oddly out of place with the forest's trees and their natural summer green shade. It has stood beside them for as long as Illuminous could remember and it carried a huge significance to his father... Seeing his father this way... The origin of this tree...

"It’s okay dad. My life is where you both are, so if you decide to move or stay, I will follow." Broke the silence.

"Yeah. What Illuminous said. We're with ya daddy." Rosemary spoke up

The stallion looked up resentful, still unsure of his decision, he looked over to the tree, and then into the ground, and lowered his head as to show appreciation.

"Mom loved to go to Canterlot. I think she would have wanted us to go." He added to his words.

The two young ponies walked over to the stallion and hugged him.

"Alright then, I've made up my mind. I can't keep you both here forever. We'll head out tomorrow morning," The stallion smiled warmly at them as he stood up again. A hint of excitement ran through the two young pony's eyes. "For now you two get some rest, I still have some things left to do." The stallion said, waving them off as they walked back into the house, the sun now setting over the horizon.

The two young ponies lay nuzzled together, attempting their hardest to get some night's rest. It was difficult to be sure of what to feel. He felt excited, but on the other hand, he felt fear, sorrow, and it scared him. He was finally going to be able to see the world. Living alone in the woods wasn't bad, in fact, it was great, but in his heart he wished for something more. His life was with his sister and father, and he wouldn't want it any other way even if it meant living in solitude. His mind filled with sorrow in thinking of leaving it all behind. The pain that it would cost his father... but, maybe it all was just a small price to pay. A fear of the world. He had never known anyone else, and it scared him to think just how different it could all become.

Their father had told them tales and stories about the grand city of Canterlot and much about everything else in Equestria. The stallion would tell them bed time stories before they slept. He would tell them about the beauty and magnificence of a giant castle, outlined in gold and all sorts of bright colors, and how a beautiful and majestic pony ruled from the throne, Princess Celestia.

He would speak of how the Princess would raise both the sun and the moon with her powers. He also explained to them that there were other types of ponies. Unicorns that used magic with their horns, which sounded more like a fairy tell than anything else, Pegasi that could fly with their wings, which it too sounded like a tall tale, and Alicorns who had both, but the only ones known to be Alicorns were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna who ruled over the land, which was hard to believe too but he didn't doubt his father. The two young ponies dreamed of the possibilities that the stallion infused in their innocent minds of what the world outside their haven could be like.

As for Illuminous, what part intrigued him the most was that of Princess Luna, he would always rise up more curious than ever to hear any tale that his father had of the Moon Princess. He said that she once turned into the Evil Nightmare Moon as she was resentful for all the ponies who played and laughed by day and took shelter and slept through the night she forged. Nightmare Moon vowed to bring eternal night to all of Equestria forever and only recently had she returned from her imprisonment in the moon through the aid of the stars, and something called the Elements of Harmony were able to rid Nightmare Moon and bring Luna back.

His father always told him that she turned evil because of her own thoughts and actions, but every night he would walk outside into the small balcony of his home and stargaze, viewing the moon and at awe with the beauty of the moonlight. Deep within him he believed that she was innocent. That she couldn't have been the reason to her own demise. How could someone that have made something so beautiful ever harbor such thoughts? Wasn't there at least one pony back then who stayed awake just to see the night? Like... himself...?

Illuminous always hoped to meet Luna, he had so many questions, and he wanted to thank her, thank her for the gift of night.

His father had also told the two ponies about their mother on rare occasions, and the two of them new very well not to bring it up, it seemed to be a painful memory for the strong stallion. Their mother had died after giving birth to Rosemary. His father told them they had to move to the forest because it was a dangerous time back then. Their mother lived several years with his father in this house. One day, she grew weak and fragile from a disease, and eventually she succumbed to it, leaving the stallion broken inside, only held up by the two that made up his life to that day. Illuminous still too young to remember, didn't affect him as much, but he could feel the pain his father would go through, his voice and his eyes spoke a language stronger than his words when he would bring it up.

Just then, his father walked in. The stallion laid down beside them two and hugged them in a warm embrace. He would have wanted to stay awake to have been able to see the night, but they had a large day ahead and he couldn't afford staying up late. He fell asleep with wonders now feeling the blanks in his head.

Illuminous awoke to a few hard nudges to the side of his stomach; he opened his eyes to see his father. His expression was coldly solemn, and it scared him.

"Whats going on?" Illuminous asked holding back signs of his drowsiness.

"Keep your voice low, wake your sister up. I don't need you to ask questions, just take your sister and go out the window and run, run as fast as you can eastward into the Everfree Forest, I need you to disregard everything I told you about the forest. From there, get across the forest, it’s only a short way. Protect her. Now go!" the stallion said whispering urgently and rapidly, nudging him harder and harder.

Without asking questions he woke his confused and drowsy sister up and placed her onto his back. He turned to glance back only to see his father bolt out of the bedroom. He walked out through the window and began to pace himself, running a bit. Still unsure, he looked back to see what was going on. A small glint of white light caught his eye before disappearing and his father's figure came into view. He stood in a ready position, a dark outline came into view. As dark as the night itself was, the shade was pitch black... almost like seeing through an abyss. What was going on?

A loud sharp noise rang through the air and he covered his ears. The noise itself hadn't awoken Rosemary yet. A strange panic began to settle in him. He looked back to see his father only to see him sprawled on the floor, at the hoof of a very large pony-like figure, darker than night itself.

Without second thought, Illuminous ran his heart beating heavily and painfully in his chest, beads of sweat running down his forehead, and trailing off into his mane. He galloped as fast as he could, avoiding the sharp pains that now filled his legs. He was strong, yes, but he wasn't built for running, especially with his little sister on his back half asleep and now waking up, thankfully she didn't witness what he did. His thoughts raced with panic and terror. Had his father...? No... Tears began to swell up in his eyes.

The brave little mare didn't even dare ask questions. She could sense the deep struggle that her brother was in. She stood quiet as she stared at him... whatever it might have been, she could feel the pain and sadness in his expression. As they ran, the trees began to take a different shade of color. A much darker color. Strange plants and over-growth began to fill the gaps between trees, vines hanged from the dark trees brushed against him as he ran.

Illuminous began to feel exhaustion, he couldn't keep going forever... His lungs began to ache as he took deep cold breathes. He faltered and collapsed onto a nearby tree as he stumbled upon a massive root that stuck out of the ground.

"Illy... what happened?" She was quick to ask as she got off and watched him stand back up.

His panting was already too hard to properly respond her. "We... have to... keep... moving..."

"What about father? What happened to him?!" Her voice was loud and filled with panic. Before he had time to even speak, a glimpse of shadowy smoke winced its way through the tree line. He hurried over to Rosemary, standing protectively and looking around.

"You cannot stop this. Darkness incarnate must not prevail! The girl is mine!" The voice was composed of many other voices, all very low, dark, and almost ethereal. Horrifying and almost sickening. A horrible shrill scream filled the air and he could do nothing but shroud his ears in hopes to stop it.

"Brother!!" Rosemary's scream pierced through the scream. He opened his eyes to see Rosemary being dragged into the darkness. His eyes widened in fright... The dark figure of a shadow red eyes turned from his sister to him, and almost suddenly, it took Rosemary and began to swim away through the trees and out of sight.

"Rosemary!" He charged after it, completely avoiding his fear. Whatever this thing wanted, it was taking Rosemary, and he couldn't afford to lose her too... "I won’t let you take her too!" The black smoke swam through the air and off a cliff, floating off into the night. Without second thought, he jumped after it.

Like fog, his grip went right through and he felt himself falling. He hit the edge of the inclining hill. The hard rocks of the cliff battered him as he tumbled violently down. He felt a sharp pain, a pointed rock had cut his side. He hit the ground hard, leaving him out of breath. A warm sensation began to cover his chest.

He rolled over to his back, a mixture of blood and tears covering his face. His vision fogged and the moonlight was all he could see. The Everfree forest, a place of mystery and danger, with monsters that could kill him as easily as the fall will. Rosemary is gone... his father... mother... He couldn't stop it... He couldn't do anything... Maybe this was for the best...

"I'm sorry... Rosy..."

Blinding Visions

The hard galloping of two ponies rang out through the trees, disturbing a pool of mud making multiple ripples in the once peaceful puddle. Two ponies stealthy ran by, one bigger than the other, both wearing black hoods that concealed their faces. A red-orange glow consumed the path behind them, getting closer and closer. It was a fire. The flames now visible, licked the trees around them, the spreading flames gained distance ever more dangerously closer to the two hurried ponies.

A purple mist appeared out of the flames, seemingly unaffected by the heat, it shot past the two ponies and buried itself on the ground, and then it wrapped itself around the smaller pony's leg, ensnaring and slowing it. The other one turned back, seeing the danger heading towards them. It was precious time lost, the smoke thick around them, making it dangerous even to breathe. The bigger pony tried in vain to free the smaller one, but it seemed too late, the fire encircled them, not getting closer or backing away, trapping them within a wall of fire.

The purple mist appeared from the fire again, this time, materializing into a black pony with a purple Celestial main. The same vicious eyes, yet this pony was smaller... in a way. Its horn started glowing, and shot a beam of energy, concentrated to the two ponies. The larger pony burst into a bright white light, and then subsided into a small glow. Both of them unharmed. The larger pony stomped the ground with such force, it shattered the earth beneath them in a giant radius, the smaller one freed as an added effect. The fire still circled them, growing more and more viciously. The purple pony from before vanished.

The flames finally grew closer to the two. In desperation, the bigger pony suddenly grew wings. Not feathery wings, but wings made from pure white light. The smaller one wrapped itself around the back of the bigger one, the wings seemed to not be materialized, since the light would ignore the pony's wrapped arm and stayed completely undisturbed.

The bigger pony burst again, this time, the light concentrated in front of him, blowing a gap between the flames that quickly started to regain itself. He kicked the earth with his hind legs, blasting him forwards, his wings bent for speed, flying low but extremely quick, avoiding trees, and the grass, picking up as he passed by from the force. They quickly made their way out of the forest, into a grassy hill clearing, the fires consuming the forest behind them. The light from the bigger pony faded to nothing, and the two ponies dropped from the sky, the bigger one too tired to even try to move, somehow managed to get below the smaller one and take the full hit to the ground onto his back, cushioning the smaller one's fall with his chest.

After a while, the two ponies got up. The bigger still weary, seemed unharmed. Yet the smaller one walked limping. The smaller one took off its hood, revealing a beautiful white mare with golden hair. She looked tired, much more than the bigger one, who had taken such a hard hit.

"I can't-I just can't go on..." she said, dropping to ground, sideways lying on the soft grass. Her voice was beautiful, silky and smooth, warm and gentle. An angel's voice.

"Don't worry... it's almost over." The other one replied, his voice firm with worry and anticipation. He put the mare on his back and started walking away from the burning forest. He lowered his hood; it was a stallion, his face sharp, strong and stern. There was something familiar about him. A younger version of someone...

Then it soon became obvious.

It was his father.

Illuminous woke up sweating, gasping for air. The dream was too vivid... it was so intense. He calmed himself down and sunk into the bed, taking deep breaths, trying to make out what had happen. He closed his eyes, trying to picture something... anything... that would take his thoughts off that dream.

That was easy to do however, he noticed something around him, and two hoofs were wrapped around his chest. He followed the arms to a peacefully sleeping yellow Pegasus.

The sun outside peeped from the horizon, welcoming a new and beautiful day, a pack of birds flying in a V shape gracefully gliding through the sky.

Illuminous turned deep red, aside from his dreams; this also was a bit too much for current events. He felt light headed; hardly any thoughts made their way past his head since one thought big and wide had already made its way through every gap of his subconscious. 'Fluttershy had been hugging him all night'.

He placed his forehead onto Fluttershy's and gazed at her, their breaths in synchronization, blushing up a mad man. He disappointed himself; he had no control over his actions...

Fluttershy slowly woke up, her beautiful emerald eyes focusing; trying to see what was in front of her. Two bright yellow-golden eyes gazed back at her. Still sleepy, she felt her arms on something warm. And as she finally regained thought back, let's just say yellow wasn't Fluttershy's color anymore.

She flipped her entire body to the other side, her one free wing covering her face.

Illuminous placed his forehead on her back and in a quiet voice whispered to her. "I'm sorry if I startled you."

He lowered his head and closed his eyes, and two hoofs placed themselves on his cheeks and picked his head up again gently.

"It just... caught me off guard" she said, smiling warmly and shyly at him.

He smiled along with the yellow Pegasus and sighed in relief.

"I never got to properly thank you..." she continued."The thing is....I... I... want to know myself better."

She leaned closer and closer to Illuminous; his heart beat faster and harder in his chest and soon became painful. Her lips we're so close to his. He closed his eyes, feeling Fluttershy's warm breath against him so close...

"Hey what you guys doing!" Rainbow Dash suddenly appeared.

Fluttershy pulled back immediately and blushed her face away. Illuminous rolled out of bed quickly startled by her sudden appearance. The two were extremely confused.

"Rainbow Dash?!" they said in synchronization as they saw the Pegasus beating her wings in the air like usual.

She set herself down gracefully with a powerful beat of her wings and then smiled a sort of a playful and devious smile.

"Surprised?"

"How are you even up... and more importantly, how are you even flying!" Fluttershy exclaimed, remembering the events of the night before.

"Yeah it surprised me too. There are things I don't even understand, but the wonderful thing is..." she spun around in the air with her wings. "That my wing is fixed! Usually when you break a wing, flying is history. But somehow it got fixed!"

"Wow that is really good news!" Fluttershy said, her expression lightening up again, totally forgetting this morning's events.

"Yup!" Rainbow Dash said as she walked over to Illuminous, who was still on the floor, his chin to the soft rug, his bottom up in the air still on the bed.

Rainbow Dash giggled her crackling small laugh. "Thank you for yesterday by the way."

"Oh uh... its okay, how did you know that I carried you back anyways?" he wondered.

"I regained my consciousness and saw you, but I fell asleep because I was tired." she said lazily as she yawned. It was rather early in the morning.

He sighed, still in the same position as before.

"What is that?" Fluttershy said, pointing one hoof at his flank that was high in the air. Of course, Illuminous blushed as he realized that Fluttershy had taken notice of his blank flank.

"Is it some sort of spike or somethin' ?" Rainbow Dash asked confused.

"What? What is it?" he asked curiously, spinning himself around.

"Your cutie mark." They both said in sync.

He quickly turned his gaze at his flank, which now had a small bright yellow crystal in the form of a yellow shard.

"Huh?!" He said rather alarmed.

"So did you find out what your good at? Your cutie mark doesn't explain much..." Rainbow Dash asked.

He tilted his head in confusion, remembering the events from the night before, but nothing came to mind, he was still completely unsure of what was his calling in life.

"Actually I.... I don't." he said ashamed of himself.

"But how?! Usually you would know as soon as you get it... erghhh..." Rainbow Dash put her hooves to her head trying to think.

"Maybe Twilight knows what's going on, should we ask her?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Brilliant idea Fluttershy! And plus, we have to go visit her today anyways."

"Should Illuminous come too?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well duh, how else is Twilight going to know what happened?"

Illuminous knew what they were talking about, his unnatural power from the night before.

The two Pegasi looked at him, and he shrunk back into the wall, a bit embarrassed.

"Well, go tell Twilight I'll be there in a second, I'm going to show Illuminous around Ponyville first." Fluttershy said.

"Alright then!" Rainbow Dash kicked the air and dashed out the window, disappearing and out of sight.

"Hey Twilight!!!!" Rainbow Dash screamed at a purple unicorn pony with colored streaks in her mane.

"Spike open the door before Dash slams into it again." the intellectual pony commanded a small purple dragon with green scales.

The dragon opened the door, and sure enough, the Rainbow Pegasus blinked in, nearly crashing into artifacts that lay around the library under glass or standing as statues.

"What is it Dash?" Twilight Sparkle asked, her head stuck in some book again.

"Oh my gosh you, wouldn't believe it!"

"What, what happened, why didn't you come back after I sent you to go get Fluttershy?"

"Uh yeah... about that..." The rainbow pony said sheepishly

"There's a new pony in town, and a stallion too! Fluttershy has been taking care of him for a week now, that's why we haven't seen her for a while." Rainbow Dash explained

"Fluttershy? A stallion? Rainbow Dash, you know Fluttershy is too timid to be around stallions. Is this some sort of game?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

"No I'm serious! He is something else though. I don't know what happened but, me, Fluttershy, and that new pony went to go take care of the sick Ursa Minor. It seemed fine until it turned all dark and evil. Then Fluttershy tried talking sense into him and the Ursa Minor still tried attacking her, I got in front of Fluttershy and took the hit, My left wing was broken when I got back up, I saw him strike again towards Fluttershy. And then I took another hit, the second one was harder though. I was sure I was a goner. When I woke up, I found myself completely healed riding on the back of that new stallion. "She said in a mouthful.

"An Ursa Minor? They're not usually aggressive only when it is disturbed from its sleep.... huh... and you said you broke your wing?"

"Yup" the Rainbow Pegasus lifting her right wing in the air, completely unharmed and good as new.

"Dash, you really understand that Pegasi can't heal a broken wings right?" she said trying to find reason to her spouting nonsense.

"I'm serious Twilight! He is something else... he had a blank flank and he looks just as old as us, but this morning, he had a small yellow shard on his flank. He had no clue what his calling in life was. Fluttershy is giving him a tour of Ponyville right now so they'll be here in a few."

Twilight squinted her eyes, still not believing the Rainbow Colored Pegasus.

"Well then, can you go call the others? I still wanted to talk to you all." Twilight said.

"Can do!" and with that, she flew off out the window.

Fluttershy would smile every time Illuminous had an expression to the things in Ponyville. She'd giggle as he'd tell her how he'd never seen a house made from candy, Sugar cube corner. And he'd had starry eyes when he viewed the wide landscape of apple trees. He'd tell her his farm wasn't even close to being half of the length of what Sweet Apple Acres was. He was at awe when he saw the Carousel Boutique, wanting to go in but had little time to spare a visit. He told her how his father used to mention the clock tower when they passed it by.

Illuminous was dumb-founded when they approached the library. A tree? Well that seemed odd.... but then again, everything else in Ponyville was odd, this was no exception, or at least to Illuminous that was.

When they entered, Fluttershy was greeted by all her friends except Rarity and Applejack, apparently Rarity was busy trying to make a suit for Apple Jack who'd proven to be a difficult fashion challenge, asking her where she'd been this whole time. Illuminous hesitated to go inside until Rainbow Dash finally pushed him inside. All attention drawn on him.

The pink pony immediately went over to him. "Are you a new pony? You're totally a new pony; I know everypony in Ponyville so I would know if you're new. If you're new that means you don't know a lot of ponies. And that means you don't have many friends. Ah I know. I'LL THROW YOU a PART-" the pink pony was silenced by the hoof of Rainbow Dash basically putting a cork in her mouth.

"Not now Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash said, clearly annoyed by the talkativeness from the hyperactive Pink pony.

"So you're the famous new stallion Rainbow Dash has been telling me all about, your name is?" the purple pony asked him.

He didn't answer; he just stood staring at the horn, full of wonder and questions.

"Uh hello?" she asked again.

"Oh uh... I-I'm ... uhh..." he was cut off by Fluttershy as she noticed him having difficulty introducing himself.

"He's Illuminous; I found him wounded in the Everfree forest and took care of him." Fluttershy said, smiling at him every so often.

"Well Hello Illuminous, I'm Twilight Sparkle. You can call me Twilight." her voice sounded shaky. Not her usual voice he presumed.

Illuminous just nodded.

"Rainbow Dash told me about your cutie mark, is it okay if examine it?" she asked Illuminous.

"Uhm, sure I guess." Illuminous responded.

Twilight turned away immediately and then regained herself to look back. It seemed the purple Unicorn pony was having difficulties from something, but he didn't dare ask her.

She examined his cutie mark, taking a while to think of a solution. "You don't know what you're calling in life is?"

He shook his head, being completely honest.

"It's so small though, hmm, I've read about this somewhere. Spike, bring me the "Myth and Legends" book.

A purple dragon appeared from the stairs, carrying a large dusty book, Twilight released it off his grasp with magic, and it flew in the air and in front of her studying stand. He was curious, did she just use magic? His father told tales of Unicorns using magic to help them do things. This was the first time seeing it in action. Then he stared at the purple dragon.

"Are you really a dragon?" Illuminous asked, curiously staring at Spike.

"Sure am, you can call me Spike, I'm Twilight's loyal assistant. She hatched me from an egg long time ago and so now i just sit around the library cleaning up after her mess."

"Wow, that's really cool. Do you breathe fire?"

Spike stared at Illuminous like if he was some sort of alien. He liked Illuminous' curiosity though.

"Yup! I can even send messages with my fire, I just burn them into ashes and they're carried through the wind. The messages are only for Princess Celestia though."

"Princess Celestia?! You mean the Princess that raises the sun?"

Spiked look at him even more curious.

"Yeah. Ms. Twilight Sparkle over there is Celestia's apprentice, she's been sent to study the magic of friendship, neat huh!" spike said, sarcasm clearly in his voice.

"Huh..."

Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle rose up from her study board. "Found it!" She exclaimed as she came up to everyone who was still waiting on her.

"What is it Twilight?" Dash asked.

"I knew I've seen it before, and here it is... but I still can't believe it, it's just an old pony's tale..."

"Well then, care to tell us?" The impatient Rainbow Pony asked.

"It seems that his cutie mark is connected to the Old Kingdom... but the Old Kingdom is just an old Pony's tale nothing more."

"Then what does that make of him?"

"I don't know...."

"What do you purpose this means Illuminous?" Twilight asked him

As he tried thinking about it, Illuminous fell unconscious, as if a sudden force had knocked the air straight out of his lungs.

============
(Author's note:OH MY GOD SO MANY DISTRACTIONS TODAY. *huff huff* But I finished!!! Woo. Anyways, I'd like to point out from now on this story is dedicated to a very good friend of mine. Though we don't talk much, she doesn't need to talk to be amazing in her own way. Something I truly respect. Thank you Cat! I really hope you liked this story. I will continue, every day.)