The New Studentby Lightningstorm8991ChaptersProlouge: A New Student (Edited)Chapter 1: Canterlot AttackChapter 2: Canterlot Attack(Continued)Black Magic and the History of NothingWhere am I?Dark Skies and Dark SidesProlouge: A New Student (Edited)"Fire, Fire all around. Gonna burn it all down. Fire, Fire all around. Why can't you simmer down?", the class cheered in unison. It had been the 17th time this week that she had had a magical outburst. Ever since her parents left her and she lost her home, everypony in town hated her. It wasn't fair. She hadn't done any wrong. She couldn't control it. The doctors say that it might be a disease. Others say she just needs to be locked up. It was sad to see the little black furred and blue-black maned pony cry, the ends of her mane still smoking slightly. She had spontaneously burst into flame this time. The teacher couldn't pick her up due to the fact that she was still too hot. The class either cringed in fear of laughed at her, joining in the cheer. So she cried, her magic only was 1/6th depleted. For most unicorns, an outburst like hers would've completely depleted their magical supply. Eventually though, the teacher picked up her small form and carried her out. The teacher promptly threw her into the mud on the outskirts if town, again. Everypony hated her. The teacher wanted her out because she never wanted her in the class to begin with. The teacher was strict but she feared the filly, like everyone else. Everyone feared her power. The filly sobbed in the mud. She heard the sounds of carts and hooves pass her, none stopping. She was hated, an outcast. No home, no food, no family, no friends. Nopony. She eventually stopped crying but stayed where she lay. Why should she get up? There was nowhere to go anyway... She heard beating of wings and a cart touch the ground. She ignored it and continue to lie still. She heard soft hoofsteps near her. "You might as well leave; nopony will like you if you take pity on me.", She said to the mud, not even turning to see the pony. She had had travelers pick her up time to time. One outburst later, she was back where they found her. Travelers quickly learned to stay away. Not this pony. "Why should I? I mean, I am supposed to take you home.", called a regal yet concerned voice. "Why are you wanting ME to come?", asked the filly. "I heard you need a home. My sister doesn't know, but I insist you come", said the pony. She stood now, "I am a unicorn who has a magical instability problem and I could blow up in your face! You don't want me near you!", she shouted. "Hmm, it seems you should come then. I believe I have a teacher who can help you.", the pony said and stepping closer. She was angry now. She tossed her mane and ran away into the Everfree. "No! Wait!", called the pony. She didn't stop. The filly untucked a small blade concealed in the cloak she wore. The unicorn teleported away. She stepped into the cave she called her home. She held the blade in her mouth. the drew it across her flank, blood catching on the knife and flung it at the ground. Magic built a barrier at the front and the darkness of the room intensified. Black magic, she thought,Banned and yet i'm the only one who can control it. Sort of at least. A flash in the corner assaulted the unicorn's eyes. "Ack!", she screamed,"That wall was supposed to prevent ponies getting in!" "Not if that pony is a princess", said a familiar voice. The filly turned to see Princess Luna and gasped, crying out,"Oh please don't lock me away! I don't mean to hurt anypony! It just happens!!!" The Goddess of the Night smiled,"Why would I ever do that?" The filly stumbled over her words and Luna interjected,"I see that you delve into forbidden magic. I do not blame you. The magic is powerful but, it isn't always bad. I shall teach you how to use your magic, if you may come." "You want me to come with you? But you don-",She began. "You will not be tortured like here, you have a home and friends and food.", she cut off,"You will learn greatly, like that of Princess Twilight and Celestia. My personal student." The filly gaped at the princess, unsure of what to say. Luna smiled and took her under her wing. The filly calmed and slowly nodded. The magic was released from the entrance of the cafe and the two walked back to town. Upon reentering the town, ponies had gathered. They were angry and fearful. the mayor stepped forward. "You highness, I apologize for any problems SHE has caused",the mayor said pointedly,"I assure you that we will fully welcome you into our town after we send this filly to her home." "She stays with me",said Luna forcefully. "She will harm you princess, she isn't like what you see", cautioned the mayor. "And the ponies here aren't either. You disappoint me. This filly calls upon magics to protect her and you beat her down for it. She doesn't live in the town and must scavenge for food. You drive away those who want to help her. She shall be my new student and will come with me to Canterlot",Luna said, all regality gone and she was keeping the filly close to her,"Now if you will excuse me..." The two stepped on the night chariot, the sun's red-orange glow casting a shadow. The filly said nothing, not even goodbye to the angry mob. At least she's humble, Luna thought. "My name is Night Caster by the way",the filly said. "I know", said the princess. The ride was short, the trained bat ponies flying true. Night Caster stood next to the princess in obedient silence. What could she say? This was the Princess of the Night standing beside her, rescuing her from the nightmare that was her home. Nothing was said between the two. Luna thought that the filly was scarred as she shivered in the cold wind and wrapped a consoling and warm wing around her, pulling her close to her warm body. Night Caster tensed at first but relaxed and leaned into the princess trustingly. This is good, Luna thought,She trusts, maybe she'll be a good student after all... The carriage landed softly with great practice and the two stepped off, Luna's wing still around the filly. Luna led her up the stairs of the castle in the fading sunlight, and in to the throne room. "And who is this?", called a soft warm voice inside. The voice belonged to Princess Celestia, sitting together with the new Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence along with Shining Armor. In front of them lie a table with a map of Equestria and tiny black pinpoints that contained Luna's cutie mark. Night Caster noticed it and wondered if Luna told anyone of her absence. "You know dear sister, leaving without telling anypony isn't very becoming of a princess...",said Princess Celestia. Well that confirmed the theory. "Yes, but I bring you a pony that is of importance.",Luna replied, removing her wing to reveal Night Caster. The black pony stood, her fear returning. "Why is she important?",asked Twilight. "She shall be my new student.",replied Luna with casualty. "WHAT?!",all 3 others shouted. Not accounting Celestia. The next hour was spent calming the four down, especially Night Caster, she almost blew up in Luna's face, as she said she might. "Student. I expected this as you saw Twilight being such a good pony, but this one?",asked a irritatingly calm Celestia. "Yes, this one suits me well.",replied Luna. "If, I may interject, how so, Auntie Luna?",asked Cadence. "She uses the Magic of Night. Naturally.",replied a ever calm Luna. Even Celestia was surprised. Night Caster shrunk slightly. "SHE USES BLACK MAGIC?!",shouted Shining Armour. "Yes, but not in the same way. Black magic is powerful, but not always evil. What do you think I use? Do you expect the Magic of Days from the Night Princess?",contorted Luna. "Black Magic was banned, but I assume she didn't know that?",asked Celestia. "When I met her she was splayed in the mud, forgotten.",said Luna, avoiding the question. Night Caster stepped out from behind Luna, her slight form scarcely noticed. "Black magic IS evil. No matter the caster.",said Twilight but something was off with her voice. Celestia caught the tone and turned, everypony doing the same. A dark glow radiated from her eyes and the lights were shut out, night falling upon them. Twilight laughed, her voice dark and unforgiving as blue/purple flames erupted around her, revealing none other that King Sombra. Night Caster screamed. "Now little filly, no need to be scared, this is your future, power and darkness, combined!",laughed Sombra. "NO!",shouted Night Caster. Sombra smiled,"I didn't come back from death by a simple spell, it was the constant lull of your power. Black magic is naturally evil. Luna fell, so will you." "Luna ROSE though, she's right here!",shouted Night Caster. Sombra changed the subject. "Well Luna, Celestia, Cadence, your little Twilight is in trouble",said Sombra as he raised a hoof,"Give me the filly or the little Princess is dead. Try and fight, she's a goner" "Guards, attack!",shouted Celestia. The guards attacked and Sombra slammed the hoof down. A scream was heard above them. Shining charged Celestia. Sombra faded into black mist with a evil laugh echoing. Shining pinned Celestia easily and was punching her face. "Shining stop, she's not dead!",Cadence screamed. Night Caster ran to where she heard the Princess of Friendship. She charged into a door to see a crumpled but alive Twilight. Twilight moaned but Night Caster approached. "I'm Luna's new student, Night Caster ma'am. I'm here to heal you. I use black magic, but i promise it's safe. Do you trust me?",asked Night Caster, working fast to help Twilight into a position of receiving power in black magic terms. Twilight nodded weakly. Knowing Luna well enough to pick the pony as her apprentice. Night Caster charger her horn, light fled the room and a blue/black aura surrounded Twilight. Relief spread over her body as the magic healed bones and closed wounds, she felt strength return as the filly worked the magic into strengthening the bones. The light returned and the filly looked at Twilight. At the moment, Shining burst in to see his sister standing, safe and unharmed, Night Caster passed out from magical depletion. Author's Note This is my first story. I really hope you like it. I am looking for an illustrator for the cover and other pics. PM me if you'd like. All comments are appreciated. I hope you like it. Updates will not be often due to the fact I got my iPod taken away. Sorry. I'll update as soon as possible. Chapter 1: Canterlot Attack"Is she alright?",called a voice in a hushed tone. Shuffling and hoofsteps were heard. Slowly Night Caster opened her eyes to reveal four alicorns and a stallion. She was in the hospital, again. Night Caster sat up, looking at the star of power on her flank. A symbol used in black magic, naturally it was her special talent. At that moment a pegasus in the royal guard's uniform burst into the room. He saluted to Shining. "Private Dasher requesting permission to speak, sir!", he said. "Permission granted. What is it?",asked Shining. "Griffins are attacking, trying to get to the princesses.", said the pegasus. Shining and Night Caster both stood up. They looked at each other, silent agreement going between them. Shining had taken to Night Caster well. She had become as much as a student to him as she was to Luna. That was months ago by now. "Get to the Armory, I'll get them in the Chamber of Elements", said Shining to Night Caster who was already running out the door. Luna looked at Shining. Shining sighed and gave the go-ahead to Luna. She ran out the room after her student. ******** Night Caster strapped on the armor with the help of Luna, the night guard enchanted armor molding itself to her body. Luna wore a revised version of her royal regalia, her crown replaced with a helmet with her starry mane flowing out the top. Her chest plate wore her royal symbol, different from the regular night guard. Her slippers replaced with the night guard boots. All of the armor gleamed with an odd color due to the black metal. The two grabbed weapons. Night caster grabbed 10 forked knives; whereas, Luna grabbed a long sword that seemed to radiate a magical aura. "Ten?", asked Luna. "I found it easy to focus on knives and it's better protection than a sword, attacking several enemies at once.", said Night Caster evenly. Luna smiled, knowing that her student basically lived in the Everfree forest as a child back in the old town she lived in. Sacrificial knives were one thing, but in the forest, knives meant protection. She wondered how many her student had before she met her. They stepped out the Armory, closing it behind them, hearing it lock out intruders. They ran into battle. Bloody carcasses littered the ground. The sickly sweet release of blood among others was in the air. Battle roared in the ears of the student and princess. A griffin flew down towards the two. Luna ducked underneath it and butted upward. Another charged Night Caster. Night Caster smiled, horn glowing. The griffin charged, gold claws gleaming. Suddenly two of the ten knives flew from underneath her armor and dug into the griffin's chest with a crunch. Luna was flung downward as Night Caster removed the knives. Those same knives were then flung upward and ripped through the griffin's wings. The griffin fell as Luna and Night Caster were headed away. A ungraceful splat was heard that neither chose to acknowledge at the moment. The two ran on. By the end of the night the griffins retreated. Luna and Night Caster returned to the others showered in the blood of the griffins. They racked up a personal body count of a hundred and seventy three. They removed the armor and went up to Luna's room. Later Celestia saw them both curled up in her bed. A book in Luna's lap. Celestia smilied and returned to her rooms and the sun slowly rose to greet a new day. ******* Night Caster woke up to see Luna pacing the room in her armor. She noticed battle scars of the night before on Luna's side. Night Caster got up and walked to her mentor, suddenly aware of the fact that she was in her personal quarters. "You're awake, good", Luna said and sat down at a table with a glowing map of Equestria on it,"Now you can help me with the battle strategy we'll use." Night Caster nodded and sat. She levitated over one of the knives she used the night before and inspected the material. "Imperial Onyx. Rarest metal in the world. It will cut through anything. The forked blade makes it more lethal. You chose a wicked weapon, Night. Ten is near impossible to manage and yet you use it with ease. This will be good for training, a mind that can focus on many things at once", said Luna. Night Caster only nodded. They set out a battle plan. Sheets of rain battered outside and thunder rumbled. The room was dim and there was a covered window. Night Caster looked up to see the candle illuminating the little light in the room. The flame was black and radiated a blue glow. This shocked Night Caster and Luna smiled. "Anti-candles. Only those of the night can see its glow. Otherwise, they would only see darkness. I know you can see", said Luna,"We'll discuss this later. Lets go." Night Caster strapped on her armor and grabbed her weapons. Battle had begun again. Author's Note First Chapter! I'm gonna revise if my editor says I need too. I'll put a '(Edited)' by the chapter name afterward. Thanks so much for reading!!! Shout out to my editor! JL-Hero!!! Chapter 2: Canterlot Attack(Continued)The battle was being lost. Dead bat ponies, pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies alike littered the bloody ground. The air was thick, sickly sweet ant rotten from the bodies. Lightning flashed. It had been raining for months on end. Princess Celestia was reading to join the battle. Too many have died. Night Caster became both a hardened warrior and an experienced on-field medic. Luna took a hard injury and was in the hospital. Night Caster felt missing without her mentor. She wondered if Twilight felt like that at times. The griffins were weak too. They lost many and their bodies were added to the others. Citizens had long fled the city. Prince Blueblood died, much to the joy of a lot of ponies that were still alive. Night Caster's knives were blood stained. She stood, weak and hungry, in the battlefield. She had just taken on a group of griffins, ten times her size. They lie in front of her, staining the grassy field outside the city. She looked at the bodies without pity. The healed her wounds with black magic, which was surprisingly accepted by most ponies. "Coming down",called a voice above. Night caster looked up to see a pegasus coming to her, wearing the solar guard uniform. "Commander Blade at your service",said the pony. Night Caster nodded. "I salute you. I couldn't take that many griffins on in my life. How old ARE you?",asked the pegasus. "Thirteen",said Night Caster bluntly. The pegasus looked at her with wide eyes. Night Caster spotted something in the distance. "Thirty, northbound. They'll be her in ten minuets, by nightfall. Get some soldiers and meet back here. This grass is going to get bloodier",said Night Caster. The pegasus didn't see them but saluted besides and took off. Night Caster sighed and sat, waiting. *********** "I can't do it alone!",shouted Night Caster. Luna sighed. Celestia was unmoving. "Sister, you must, the griffins will overtake us", Luna said. Celestia was in deep thought. Night Caster was still yelling. Such a hardened warrior, she thought,So young. Night Casters uniform was battered and scratched. Its black luster was faded and dirty, stained with blood. She refused to wear the helmet so her blue-black mane was stained as well. It was long and wavy. Like Luna's was, thought Celestia with a smile. Celestia sighed and looked at the extremely distressed Night Caster. "Let me get my regalia",said Celestia. Night Caster sighed with relief and nodded. The battle will be won. ********** "I want her next to me at all times. She does NOT leave my side unless she falls. I want Commander Blade in the air if need be I get up there",commanded Celestia to her troops. The others in the barracks nodded. Night Caster stepped over to her charge. "This is going to end. MOVE OUT!",shouted Celestia. Celestia waited to the others to leave. She commanded Commander Blade to go and join for now. Night Caster stayed. "Yin Yang. A symbol only used in the perfect balance of darkness and light",said Celestia,"We will use this to drive out the griffins." "You ask me to assist you in magic?",asked Night Caster. Celestia nodded and led her out. Her battle regalia glistened and glowed like the sun. They stepped into the rain. Celestia moved into facing Night Caster. "Fire black magic at me and I fire normal magic at you, focus on bending the magics around and balance each other out",shouted Celestia. Night Caster nodded. She fired up her horn and black magic oozed up around her. She forced it to Celestia who forced blinding white magic to her. Tje magics clashed and Night Caster forced the white magic around her and Celestia worked the black. A small black circle formed around her and a white one around Celestia. Suddenly, Night Caster could see everywhere. It was wonderful. She was the Yin Yang symbol and herself. She gasped. Stay focused,said a voice in her mind, Celestia. Night Caster focused as instructed and the magics balanced themselves out. A black and white flash blasted the area and the rain was blown away, revealing the night sky and its luminous stars. Night Caster's vision returned to her body and she fell. Celestia caught her and stood her back up. "Never speak of this",commanded Celestia. Night Caster nodded and passed out, again. ******** Night Caster woke up in a hospital bed. "Buck, it's noon",she said upon seeing a clock,"I'm supposed to be at the barracks and then Luna's in an hour." "You are free to go. The princess granted discharge as soon as you woke", said the nurse. Night Caster got up and left. The ran down to the barracks. Shining saw as she entered the training grounds. "Only an hour left, better make it good",he called. Night Caster nodded and entered a wooden ring, empty but flooded with ponies around the sides, even pegasi above. "Hey, she's back!",shouted a pony. The guards cheered a name she took on as a nickname with them. "Dark Blade! Dark Blade! Dark Blade!",they cheered. Night Caster smiled. Here she was a warrior. A strong-looking earth pony jumped in. Night Caster laughed. The pony charged her and she butted him upward easily. The pegasi moved out of his way and a sickening splat was head as he fell back. Surprisingly her got back up and bowed to the unicorn. "Better luck next time!",she called and the others cheered. This went on for about 53 minutes. Night Caster realized the time and Shining gave her a nod as she ran to Luna's rooms. Magic training had begun. Author's Note I'm going to try to reach 1,000 words per chapter; last chapter it was a good stopping point so I published anyways. Again, the updates won't be often, sorry. Black Magic and the History of NothingTwilight Sparkle was late. She was also screaming. Down the halls, up the stairs, she yelled at guards. "Out of my way,please!",she called ahead. Guards jumped out of her way as she approached Luna's rooms. She spotted a brief flash of blue-black tail dart in front of her. Night Caster laughed as she passed her,"Better luck next time!" She was in the door before Twilight could reply. Twilight approached the doors of Luna's rooms to see Luna herself waiting. "Thou is late again, Twilight Sparkle",Luna said, her familiar way of speaking returning,"I hast been waiting for thine presence for an hour." Night Caster smiled at Twilight evilly, slumped in one of the many midnight blue couches. She had grown beautifully. Almost a full-grown pony now. She was what, 15 years old? She was tall and lean but beautifully shaped and very pretty with cascading waves of hair, similar to Luna's but a straight blue-black color, only changing for a light purple streak that had appeared on her 13th birthday. "I apologize. I got caught up in my court. Two ponies were fighting about- well never mind. Lets begin",said Twilight. Luna turned to Night Caster,"And for thou too, just because thine battle training is fun doesn't mean thou may skip thine classes." Night Caster nodded, smile gone. She got up and light fled the room except for the dark glow from the candles that lined the room. The three stood in a engraved circle, a star of power that Night Caster had made. The three released magic into the circle and the room was gone. "Wha-", Night Caster began as she looked up to see a barren landscape before her. "Nice of you to join me again", called out a dark voice. Night Caster shuddered. She knew that voice, it was there when she first came here... "You know me, Night. I was summoned by your power, back from the grave to properly teach you. That fool, Luna, can teach you nothing in that of real power", called the voice. "LIAR!",shouted Night Caster. The voice laughed and dark, red-green eyes appeared before her, purple mist radiating from them. The apparition stepped forward, revealing the form of King Sombra. He levitated a present to himself. "I have a present for you, a late birthday present from your biggest fan",Sombra smiled. "Where am I?",asked Night Caster. "I do apologize, I didn't mean to drag you here. This is the Land of Eternal Damnation. My home. Its is in the Dimension of the Dead", said Sombra,"You can easily go home now, back to the Land of the Living, but I see you staring at the box." Night Caster looked up from the darkly wrapped box up to Sombra. "I pose no threat to you here. I cannot kill you, but I offer you power. The Dimension of the Dead isn't a place to take, but the Dimension of Eternal Darkness is.", said Sombra,"Please, open your present, if you wish afterward to leave, go ahead, I can't stop you." Night Caster levitated the box over. She didn't know why she did, but it called to her. She slowly opened it and looked inside. It was a small crown, thorny and spiked, but the jewel in the center was amazing. Prismatic and black, the jewel sparkled in the dark light from the world around them. surrounding the center jewel was dark onyx and obsidian. It was evilly beautiful. Night Caster levitated it upward then set it back down. "For you, a Princess of Darkness. Holding more power than Luna and me combined. You have a kingdom. Its in the Dimension of Darkness, similar to here, but much more powerful. I salvaged this crown from there in a brief visit, it took months to store that kind of power. You can rule, let me teach you",Sombra pleaded. Night Caster stood still as he levitated the crown to her head. It felt right. Like it WAS meant for her. "I must go, but I feel we'll meet again",Sombra said, smiling, but it was different, like a father's. With that he was gone and Luna's room came back into focus. "What's that?",asked Twilight. Luna and Twilight were looking at the crown on her head. "I'm a princess...",said Night Caster, still in shock from her meeting. Luna looked at the crown than back to her student,"Where did you get that?" "I don't know",she replied,"I was sent to a different dimension, the Dimension of the Dead, and King Sombra gave this to me, telling me I rule over the Dimension of Darkness." Luna stared at the crown. "Is it true?" "Yes",Luna replied. "Why didn't you tell me?",Night Caster was dumbfounded, her mentor lied to her. "Let me answer your question with a question",said Luna, regaining a regal air,"What is darkness?" "Well I-.... you see it's-.....uh....I don't know actually...",stumbled Night Caster. Twilight was already sitting, still in shock over the whole thing, stoic and silent. Luna motioned for her to sit. Night Caster complied and a little light came into the room by regular candles. "Darkness is the History of Nothing",Luna stated simply,"Darkness is the lack of light, correct?" Night Caster nodded slowly. "Well, what would Light be without darkness either?" Night Caster just stared. "Both are in equal balance, some refer this to as Yin Yang. My sister and I used to achieve this state, but since my banishment, our balance has fled to another. I believe you and my sister achieved it, quite brave of you to do that. I see now that the Princess of the Light Dimension and the Princess of the Dark Dimension are the true Yin Yang." Night Caster gave her a quizzical look. "Cadence, Twilight and I aren't true princesses. We are alicorns, yes, but not princesses, not like how princesses should be. My sister is the true princess of this dimension. How you got here, I still don't know. But, you are a princess." "But-",Night Caster started. "Silence, Morta!",shouted Luna, loosing it. Night Caster's eyes widened. She knew that name. Was it hers? Then all the memories came back from her childhood. The Dimension of Darkness. Her parents' death. How she got here. Everything. Light fled the room and not even the anti-candles could penetrate the sucking darkness. Two dark eyes penetrated the rooms inky blackness. They were blue-black like the pony's hair with the pupils like slits, vibrant purple. And, as soon as it came, everything was gone, including Night Caster. Author's Note Sorry it took so long to post new chapter. I felt like I needed to jump ahead and bring back in Sombra, and Night Caster's childhood. Hope you guys like it. Post what you think in the comments, I appreciate it! Where am I?Night Caster woke slowly. The first thing she noticed was an aching in her right leg and a pounding headache. Slowly, sleep lost its weitht and her senses slowly returned. She heard the drip of water, like a rusty pipe or a cave. Where am I?, she asked herself, WHO am I? I thought Luna said someone elses name, but it must be me... The creaking of rusty iron forced open Night Caster's eyes. A tall stallion loomed over her. He adorned armor of pure onyx and obsidian. He was quite terrifying, but night Caster didnt have the strength to move. The stallion bowed,"Your Highness. I apologize to be the one to greet you home, but unfortunately, you must be detained." Detained? What have I done wrong?, thought Night Caster. She groaned in pain instead. The guard stood up and looked her over. He was gentle and soft, treating her like she really WAS a princess... Night Caster stared at him, she mustered a small voice, barely a whisper, her voice was hoarse too,"Am I...a princess?" The guard looked up at her then slowly nodded. "For 10 years we had no ruler. Now that you return, the commanding generals had you locked up. They plan to kill you." Night Caster couldn't even feel the pain of shock,"What is my name?" "Princess Morta, but you know this. Or maybe not. I cannot tell. I'd like to say that you have the right to control me, but my officers said that you didn't. I cannot go against their word." Night Caster nodded. She looked ahead again, focusing on her surroundings. She was in a dungeon of sorts. Leaky and rusty pipes dripping water. Her cell was cold stone brick with a iron gate locking her in. Pale light filtered in trough torches on the walls. Night Caster flinched as the guard touched a sore spot. "Sorry, I'll wrap that", said the guard," You impress me, not many can jump dimensions so easily." "You call that easily?" The guard snorted," Yeah, most don't make it alive and if they do, they certainly don't have all their limbs..." Night Caster grunted in pain," Tell that to my spine." The guard finished checking her over and then did something unexpected. "What are you doing?", asked Night Caster. "Rubbing your back, usually, touching you would be a crime, but I want to relieve you of your discomfort", replied the guard. Night Caster nodded then asked," If I'm a prisoner, then why do this for me?" "You are royalty, and I intend to help you in any way I can." Night Caster sighed and let darkness grip her again. *********** "SHE'S GONE LUNA!", shouted Twilight as Luna frantically flew about the room. Luna barely took notice. She gathered up magic and the room flashed dark but came back to light again. Luna shouted something unintelligible. "I'll go get Celestia", stated Twilight. "NO!", Luna shouted. Too late, Twilight was gone. A few seconds later, Celestia knocked on the door. Luna sighed, finally regaining some composure,"Come in." Celestia walked in, as radiant as ever. Luna sat on one of her many couches and levitated over some chamomile tea. Celestia sat and took a cup as well. Luna looked up at Celestia and sighed,"She's in her own dimension isn't she?" Celestia nodded. Luna let her head drop. "Morta didn't belong here anyways",Celestia stated. "That doesn't make Night Caster any less my student", Luna stated. "They were one in the same and you know it. Her father tried countless times to kill me and her poor mother died along side him. Alicorns live longer than ponies but they don't live forever. As the princess, I command you not to look for her, sister." "Just because you're the bucking princess of this bucking dimension doen't mean you may command your own sister! Just because you were closer to our mother's sun doesn't mean you may command the one closer to our father's moon! You threw me from the throne! You took it away from me and never gave me back my moon! You are a monster, Celestia, and mother knew it as much as every pony in this bucking kingdom of yours!", Luna shouted, tears streaking down her face, darkness entering the room, surrounding her in darkest night. Celestia stared at her, outwardly calm, inwardly fearful,"I'll send you back...." Luna's eyes went black, darkness consumed Celestia and ripped into her being. Celestia felt the moon to her right, it pulled at her like it always had when she was around Luna. The pull became a tear and then it was gone, Luna had the moon back and she would have hell to pay for it. She felt the sun burn across her as she activated it's magic, Luna shrunk back but she still had the moon. Light reentered the room and Luna's hair had the moon's surface instead of the stars, that entered her crown and made it sparkle like the night sky. Luna was weak but she would give up her life before she gave up the moon again. Celestia sighed, her eternal calm destroyed. "There, you have your means of travel, Princess Luna",Celestia stated unhappily. Luna sighed with relief and Celestia left the room, the half moon in her royal regalia gone. ************** "Get up you scum!",shouted a voice far off. Night Caster's eyes adjusted to the light in the room as she woke. She turned to look out of the gate that barred her cell. A thick guard in the armor that she had come to recognize as the royal guards in this dimension pushed ponies out into the stone hallway. The ponies were thinner than her. Here linger I assume, Night Caster thought. One pony dropped onto his knees and begged,"Please I can get money, I don't deserve this! Don't take me!" The guard kicked hime in the ribs hard and looked him straight in the eyes,"Get moving you bag of dirt!" The pony scrambled to his hooves and got in line, now with a limp. The guard gave a mock bow to Night Caster,"Don't worry your Highness, I am not to dilever your sentence, another is. Everyone, bow to your princess, Princess Morta!" The others groaned and gave bows and any that didn't got kicked in the knees so they fell into a bow. Night Caster sat in silence, resembling the eternal calm of Celestia, but inside, she was screaming. They left in a line to an outer room, but that didn't stop the sound she heard, the chocked off screams of ponies dying. Night Caster wept for them until the guard known as Royal Blade, the one who bandaged her wounds on the day she woke in this dimension, came. "I apologize for him, he has been taken off duty." Night Caster stayed slumped against the ground, quiet and still. Royal Blade approached her, she shivered slightly as he placed a hoof in her cheek. She looked up slowly into Royal Blade's eyes. His eyes were a brilliant silver. His body was lean and muscular, like a metallic dark grey, his tail and mane glistening blue-grey in the moonlight, his wings were close to his sides. He kissed her cheek and walked away, "accidentally" dropping a key and note on the floor as he left. Night Caster stood still, the warmth of his kiss still on her cheek. She got up and walked to where the note lay. She levitated the note and opened it, reading: Dear Princess Morta, I plan to help you. I have gathered troops within the guard to come and protect you. Your mentor, Princess Luna is here. She wants to save you. We have already left the other guard, led by the commanding officers. We took over the jail, but those ponies that....the guard was executed by us, he was part of the other guard. You need not to worry, we'll get you out. Take the key I left you and get out of here. Go down the hall where you saw the others go and take a left up the stairs. The door opens with the same key that opens your cell. When you get out, run. Head into the forest not to far from here, we'll meet you there. Sincerely, Your royal guard captain, Royal Blade Night Caster smiled. She could get out, AND Luna was here. She levitated the key and opened the cell door. She looked into the hallway and saw two guard. The spotted her and shouted warning. Night Caster swore and charged them, levitating the key alongside her. The guards drew their swords, one was faster. Night Caster flung the key and guided it until it buried its teeth into the guards luckily unguarded neck. The guard stumbled and Night Caster grabbed his weapon, deftly bringing it down onto his head and removing it, she levitated both the key and the sword to her and looked at the other guard. The guard took one look at his fallen comrade and ran away, calling out that there was no threat. "Thanks", Night Caster mumbled. She removed the guards armor and adjusted it to herself, she modified it with her magic to fit herself and protect her body. He placed the helmet over her head, happy to see that the guard was an unicorn as well, so adjusting was easier. she cleaned off the blood on the blade and key and threw the dead guard into a cell, locking the door behind her. Author's Note Sorry for late update. I'm so happy to see people like my story. Leave a comment to tell me how you feel. I brought in some odd twists like Luna and Celestia fighting over the moon. They were supposed to be co-rulers of that dimension. Sombra will come back in soon. Thanks for reading my story! Dark Skies and Dark SidesNight Caster rounded the corner; she had to get out. Now. She bolted down the hallways, unable to stop. Just get out and to Luna, she thought,You'll be safe when you get to Luna. As she ran up the steps to her freedom she was stopped. Guards blocked her way and stared at her, weapons drawn. She couldn't possibly be able to take them all on. A stocky guard with a dark blue cape with a black eye with a purple slit in middle strode forward, smiling. This one's cocky, figures, Night Caster thought,But he seems familiar... "So nice of you to join us Princess Morta. I must say, you look quite well in our armor", said the guard an a similarly cocky voice," Now if you'll kindly come with us, we can all go back to the camp." "Where's Royal Blade?", asked Night Caster. "That traitor is with the rebels Princess, he cannot save you here", said the guard, acting as if she was a little filly, "I'm Nga, your brother, by the way. And, I intend to kill you and inherit the throne that is rightfully mine", said the guard pausing only slightly. To look at her and smile, his teeth were sharpened to points. "Nga.... My brother.....?", said Night Caster, stumbling over what he said. Nga laughed. He flicked his dark blue tail with a black streak in it, signifying Night Casters capture. His dark blue mane shone just out of his helmet and his black streak in it hung in front of his eyes as he smiled wildly in the moonlight. Moonlight..., thought Night Caster,MOONLIGHT! LUNA! "LUNA! HELP ME!", cried out Night Caster, firing a bright magical blast into the air. "Grab her!", shouted Nga. The guards pinned her down but not before 3 more shots were fired. One guard kicked her in the ribs, and she felt it crack. She cried out and someone put a muzzle on her and something on her horn. She tried to use magic but it was repelled. somepony punched her muzzle and her nose started to bleed. Another put a cloth over her nose and she couldn't see straight. She coughed and hacked but the smell was overpowering. She made a muffled cry and slumped to the ground, limp. Nga looked at his sister, his only family and laughed. He flicked his tail again and the guards picked her up, carrying her back to camp, happy to have their prize. ************ "You imbeciles! You think POISONING her was a good idea!",shouted King Sombra. "You intended to kill her anyways, so she'd die a-", said Nga "I KNOW what I PLANED to do, but slowly killing her isn't going to help ME, I want to kill her while she can still fight but now she can't", Sombra cut off,"She'll be my queen anyways, but YOU have failed me. You want the throne, but I have no purpose for you anymore. You'll rule this land. Oh, but YOU are a monster. You already basically killed your only family left. Maybe I should show you what you are inside...", said Sombra, malice rising in his voice. "Wait! I can explain-", Nga began. "NO! You have FAILED me! I shall show you your name, Prince of Demons and Death!",shouted Sombra. With that he fired a black blast at the poor unicorn. The Unicorn crumpled onto the ground, writhing. He cried out in pain but it came as a demonic screech. The guards at the door aimed at him. Sombra shook his head and they left. He sat in a high throne in the back of the room. It was made of pure onyx and reflected the obsidian walls and anti-candles. Nga writhed on the bright purple carpet leading to the throne. Nga made another terrifying screech as his spinal chord stretched out, disproportionate to his body, black blood spilling on the floor as muscles and veins split open. The blood rose and consumed the unicorn, turning his whole writhing form a sickening black. Sombra smiled at his work in progress. Black dragon wings, larger than any dragon could have ever grown flung out of Nga's back, stretching the black mass more, as Nga screeched again. The black mass grew bigger, consuming the large room's space. The things that were once hooves were now black clawed demon hands. The black mass stopped screeching and rose to it's full height. It was larger than the largest of dragons. The once hairy tail became a spiked and pointed one. Large spikes ran down the creature's back. The black blood hardened into black scales with a reddish tint. The once unicorn opened its eyes, horn gone. The demon's eyes were a bloody red and its head was shaped like the mythical demons in old mare's tales. It stood at attention, like an invisible leash was connecting it to a master, Sombra. Sombra smiled at his masterpiece," Nga, Demon Prince of Death, I am your master. You will obey me. Go and kill the one called Morta." As if suddenly released from it's leash, the demon flew through the roof, towards where he left the poisoned Night Caster. ************ "I heard her, lets go!",called Luna. Royal Blade came to her side,"Princess, are you sure?" "OF COURSE I'M SURE! I KNOW MY APPRENTICE'S MAGIC!", shouted Luna, distress in her eyes. Luna took off without another word. Royal Blade and a green-furred and yellow-maned stallion,Dragon Scorn, followed her. The approached where the first flares went off and saw turned up dirt and a cloth on the ground. Luna stepped close and smelled the poison. She lifted up a wing as a signal to halt. The other two stayed behind. Luna levitated the cloth to her and saw a bit of blood on it, in the shape of a snout, Night Caster's snout. *********** The camp was fast moving, constantly goring from one tent to the other, but Night Caster noticed a taller tent everypony avoided. Sombra must be there, she thought, I assume he'll be the one killing me. She saw something black burst through. Guards and ponies shouted alarm and others ran. Night Caster staggered to get up and the two guards that were watching her in the small tent that she was in had fled. She stumbled out in what seemed like an eternal night. "Dark skies of night, hide your maiden. Fire as black as Morta's blood, burn me into the Oblivion of Night", mumbled Night Caster as she cast the spell. Black fire consumed her and concealed her form. She staggered and ran, heading for the outskirts of the camp. A few ponies turned and screamed as she rushed past them. She looked back to see a black demon, Nga incarnate. Sombra did this to him, he wanted a throne, not my death, Night Caster realized. Nga looked down at her hidden form, blood red eyes blazing. Night Caster made a squeak and ran/stumbled away. She just cleared the camp when she felt a long claw hit her right flank. She flew across towards a shadowed treeline. She landed with a sickening crack. **************** Luna looked up as screams echoed through the night air. "She's that way!" Luna and her small party ran towards the forest not too far away. Author's Note I put a lot of time into this chapter. It still needs revisions and I'd greatly appreciate it if someone would help me edit some of my dialogue, character spacing, and story line jumps. NEW CHARACTER TOO! Nga just seemed like the perfect character to add. I'll bring in Night Caster's back story but I'm also thinking of making a new one. In any case, i'm putting the story on hiatus. I sincerely apologize for the wait and another right after it but I'm a busy person and I just got out of school and wish to enjoy my summer at the beach and other places. Thank you so much for reading my story! I love you all! Post in the comments good or bad and try to help me make my story better!!! ~LightningStorm8991
Prolouge: A New Student (Edited)"Fire, Fire all around. Gonna burn it all down. Fire, Fire all around. Why can't you simmer down?", the class cheered in unison. It had been the 17th time this week that she had had a magical outburst. Ever since her parents left her and she lost her home, everypony in town hated her. It wasn't fair. She hadn't done any wrong. She couldn't control it. The doctors say that it might be a disease. Others say she just needs to be locked up. It was sad to see the little black furred and blue-black maned pony cry, the ends of her mane still smoking slightly. She had spontaneously burst into flame this time. The teacher couldn't pick her up due to the fact that she was still too hot. The class either cringed in fear of laughed at her, joining in the cheer. So she cried, her magic only was 1/6th depleted. For most unicorns, an outburst like hers would've completely depleted their magical supply. Eventually though, the teacher picked up her small form and carried her out. The teacher promptly threw her into the mud on the outskirts if town, again. Everypony hated her. The teacher wanted her out because she never wanted her in the class to begin with. The teacher was strict but she feared the filly, like everyone else. Everyone feared her power. The filly sobbed in the mud. She heard the sounds of carts and hooves pass her, none stopping. She was hated, an outcast. No home, no food, no family, no friends. Nopony. She eventually stopped crying but stayed where she lay. Why should she get up? There was nowhere to go anyway... She heard beating of wings and a cart touch the ground. She ignored it and continue to lie still. She heard soft hoofsteps near her. "You might as well leave; nopony will like you if you take pity on me.", She said to the mud, not even turning to see the pony. She had had travelers pick her up time to time. One outburst later, she was back where they found her. Travelers quickly learned to stay away. Not this pony. "Why should I? I mean, I am supposed to take you home.", called a regal yet concerned voice. "Why are you wanting ME to come?", asked the filly. "I heard you need a home. My sister doesn't know, but I insist you come", said the pony. She stood now, "I am a unicorn who has a magical instability problem and I could blow up in your face! You don't want me near you!", she shouted. "Hmm, it seems you should come then. I believe I have a teacher who can help you.", the pony said and stepping closer. She was angry now. She tossed her mane and ran away into the Everfree. "No! Wait!", called the pony. She didn't stop. The filly untucked a small blade concealed in the cloak she wore. The unicorn teleported away. She stepped into the cave she called her home. She held the blade in her mouth. the drew it across her flank, blood catching on the knife and flung it at the ground. Magic built a barrier at the front and the darkness of the room intensified. Black magic, she thought,Banned and yet i'm the only one who can control it. Sort of at least. A flash in the corner assaulted the unicorn's eyes. "Ack!", she screamed,"That wall was supposed to prevent ponies getting in!" "Not if that pony is a princess", said a familiar voice. The filly turned to see Princess Luna and gasped, crying out,"Oh please don't lock me away! I don't mean to hurt anypony! It just happens!!!" The Goddess of the Night smiled,"Why would I ever do that?" The filly stumbled over her words and Luna interjected,"I see that you delve into forbidden magic. I do not blame you. The magic is powerful but, it isn't always bad. I shall teach you how to use your magic, if you may come." "You want me to come with you? But you don-",She began. "You will not be tortured like here, you have a home and friends and food.", she cut off,"You will learn greatly, like that of Princess Twilight and Celestia. My personal student." The filly gaped at the princess, unsure of what to say. Luna smiled and took her under her wing. The filly calmed and slowly nodded. The magic was released from the entrance of the cafe and the two walked back to town. Upon reentering the town, ponies had gathered. They were angry and fearful. the mayor stepped forward. "You highness, I apologize for any problems SHE has caused",the mayor said pointedly,"I assure you that we will fully welcome you into our town after we send this filly to her home." "She stays with me",said Luna forcefully. "She will harm you princess, she isn't like what you see", cautioned the mayor. "And the ponies here aren't either. You disappoint me. This filly calls upon magics to protect her and you beat her down for it. She doesn't live in the town and must scavenge for food. You drive away those who want to help her. She shall be my new student and will come with me to Canterlot",Luna said, all regality gone and she was keeping the filly close to her,"Now if you will excuse me..." The two stepped on the night chariot, the sun's red-orange glow casting a shadow. The filly said nothing, not even goodbye to the angry mob. At least she's humble, Luna thought. "My name is Night Caster by the way",the filly said. "I know", said the princess. The ride was short, the trained bat ponies flying true. Night Caster stood next to the princess in obedient silence. What could she say? This was the Princess of the Night standing beside her, rescuing her from the nightmare that was her home. Nothing was said between the two. Luna thought that the filly was scarred as she shivered in the cold wind and wrapped a consoling and warm wing around her, pulling her close to her warm body. Night Caster tensed at first but relaxed and leaned into the princess trustingly. This is good, Luna thought,She trusts, maybe she'll be a good student after all... The carriage landed softly with great practice and the two stepped off, Luna's wing still around the filly. Luna led her up the stairs of the castle in the fading sunlight, and in to the throne room. "And who is this?", called a soft warm voice inside. The voice belonged to Princess Celestia, sitting together with the new Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence along with Shining Armor. In front of them lie a table with a map of Equestria and tiny black pinpoints that contained Luna's cutie mark. Night Caster noticed it and wondered if Luna told anyone of her absence. "You know dear sister, leaving without telling anypony isn't very becoming of a princess...",said Princess Celestia. Well that confirmed the theory. "Yes, but I bring you a pony that is of importance.",Luna replied, removing her wing to reveal Night Caster. The black pony stood, her fear returning. "Why is she important?",asked Twilight. "She shall be my new student.",replied Luna with casualty. "WHAT?!",all 3 others shouted. Not accounting Celestia. The next hour was spent calming the four down, especially Night Caster, she almost blew up in Luna's face, as she said she might. "Student. I expected this as you saw Twilight being such a good pony, but this one?",asked a irritatingly calm Celestia. "Yes, this one suits me well.",replied Luna. "If, I may interject, how so, Auntie Luna?",asked Cadence. "She uses the Magic of Night. Naturally.",replied a ever calm Luna. Even Celestia was surprised. Night Caster shrunk slightly. "SHE USES BLACK MAGIC?!",shouted Shining Armour. "Yes, but not in the same way. Black magic is powerful, but not always evil. What do you think I use? Do you expect the Magic of Days from the Night Princess?",contorted Luna. "Black Magic was banned, but I assume she didn't know that?",asked Celestia. "When I met her she was splayed in the mud, forgotten.",said Luna, avoiding the question. Night Caster stepped out from behind Luna, her slight form scarcely noticed. "Black magic IS evil. No matter the caster.",said Twilight but something was off with her voice. Celestia caught the tone and turned, everypony doing the same. A dark glow radiated from her eyes and the lights were shut out, night falling upon them. Twilight laughed, her voice dark and unforgiving as blue/purple flames erupted around her, revealing none other that King Sombra. Night Caster screamed. "Now little filly, no need to be scared, this is your future, power and darkness, combined!",laughed Sombra. "NO!",shouted Night Caster. Sombra smiled,"I didn't come back from death by a simple spell, it was the constant lull of your power. Black magic is naturally evil. Luna fell, so will you." "Luna ROSE though, she's right here!",shouted Night Caster. Sombra changed the subject. "Well Luna, Celestia, Cadence, your little Twilight is in trouble",said Sombra as he raised a hoof,"Give me the filly or the little Princess is dead. Try and fight, she's a goner" "Guards, attack!",shouted Celestia. The guards attacked and Sombra slammed the hoof down. A scream was heard above them. Shining charged Celestia. Sombra faded into black mist with a evil laugh echoing. Shining pinned Celestia easily and was punching her face. "Shining stop, she's not dead!",Cadence screamed. Night Caster ran to where she heard the Princess of Friendship. She charged into a door to see a crumpled but alive Twilight. Twilight moaned but Night Caster approached. "I'm Luna's new student, Night Caster ma'am. I'm here to heal you. I use black magic, but i promise it's safe. Do you trust me?",asked Night Caster, working fast to help Twilight into a position of receiving power in black magic terms. Twilight nodded weakly. Knowing Luna well enough to pick the pony as her apprentice. Night Caster charger her horn, light fled the room and a blue/black aura surrounded Twilight. Relief spread over her body as the magic healed bones and closed wounds, she felt strength return as the filly worked the magic into strengthening the bones. The light returned and the filly looked at Twilight. At the moment, Shining burst in to see his sister standing, safe and unharmed, Night Caster passed out from magical depletion. Author's Note This is my first story. I really hope you like it. I am looking for an illustrator for the cover and other pics. PM me if you'd like. All comments are appreciated. I hope you like it. Updates will not be often due to the fact I got my iPod taken away. Sorry. I'll update as soon as possible.
Chapter 1: Canterlot Attack"Is she alright?",called a voice in a hushed tone. Shuffling and hoofsteps were heard. Slowly Night Caster opened her eyes to reveal four alicorns and a stallion. She was in the hospital, again. Night Caster sat up, looking at the star of power on her flank. A symbol used in black magic, naturally it was her special talent. At that moment a pegasus in the royal guard's uniform burst into the room. He saluted to Shining. "Private Dasher requesting permission to speak, sir!", he said. "Permission granted. What is it?",asked Shining. "Griffins are attacking, trying to get to the princesses.", said the pegasus. Shining and Night Caster both stood up. They looked at each other, silent agreement going between them. Shining had taken to Night Caster well. She had become as much as a student to him as she was to Luna. That was months ago by now. "Get to the Armory, I'll get them in the Chamber of Elements", said Shining to Night Caster who was already running out the door. Luna looked at Shining. Shining sighed and gave the go-ahead to Luna. She ran out the room after her student. ******** Night Caster strapped on the armor with the help of Luna, the night guard enchanted armor molding itself to her body. Luna wore a revised version of her royal regalia, her crown replaced with a helmet with her starry mane flowing out the top. Her chest plate wore her royal symbol, different from the regular night guard. Her slippers replaced with the night guard boots. All of the armor gleamed with an odd color due to the black metal. The two grabbed weapons. Night caster grabbed 10 forked knives; whereas, Luna grabbed a long sword that seemed to radiate a magical aura. "Ten?", asked Luna. "I found it easy to focus on knives and it's better protection than a sword, attacking several enemies at once.", said Night Caster evenly. Luna smiled, knowing that her student basically lived in the Everfree forest as a child back in the old town she lived in. Sacrificial knives were one thing, but in the forest, knives meant protection. She wondered how many her student had before she met her. They stepped out the Armory, closing it behind them, hearing it lock out intruders. They ran into battle. Bloody carcasses littered the ground. The sickly sweet release of blood among others was in the air. Battle roared in the ears of the student and princess. A griffin flew down towards the two. Luna ducked underneath it and butted upward. Another charged Night Caster. Night Caster smiled, horn glowing. The griffin charged, gold claws gleaming. Suddenly two of the ten knives flew from underneath her armor and dug into the griffin's chest with a crunch. Luna was flung downward as Night Caster removed the knives. Those same knives were then flung upward and ripped through the griffin's wings. The griffin fell as Luna and Night Caster were headed away. A ungraceful splat was heard that neither chose to acknowledge at the moment. The two ran on. By the end of the night the griffins retreated. Luna and Night Caster returned to the others showered in the blood of the griffins. They racked up a personal body count of a hundred and seventy three. They removed the armor and went up to Luna's room. Later Celestia saw them both curled up in her bed. A book in Luna's lap. Celestia smilied and returned to her rooms and the sun slowly rose to greet a new day. ******* Night Caster woke up to see Luna pacing the room in her armor. She noticed battle scars of the night before on Luna's side. Night Caster got up and walked to her mentor, suddenly aware of the fact that she was in her personal quarters. "You're awake, good", Luna said and sat down at a table with a glowing map of Equestria on it,"Now you can help me with the battle strategy we'll use." Night Caster nodded and sat. She levitated over one of the knives she used the night before and inspected the material. "Imperial Onyx. Rarest metal in the world. It will cut through anything. The forked blade makes it more lethal. You chose a wicked weapon, Night. Ten is near impossible to manage and yet you use it with ease. This will be good for training, a mind that can focus on many things at once", said Luna. Night Caster only nodded. They set out a battle plan. Sheets of rain battered outside and thunder rumbled. The room was dim and there was a covered window. Night Caster looked up to see the candle illuminating the little light in the room. The flame was black and radiated a blue glow. This shocked Night Caster and Luna smiled. "Anti-candles. Only those of the night can see its glow. Otherwise, they would only see darkness. I know you can see", said Luna,"We'll discuss this later. Lets go." Night Caster strapped on her armor and grabbed her weapons. Battle had begun again. Author's Note First Chapter! I'm gonna revise if my editor says I need too. I'll put a '(Edited)' by the chapter name afterward. Thanks so much for reading!!! Shout out to my editor! JL-Hero!!!
Chapter 2: Canterlot Attack(Continued)The battle was being lost. Dead bat ponies, pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies alike littered the bloody ground. The air was thick, sickly sweet ant rotten from the bodies. Lightning flashed. It had been raining for months on end. Princess Celestia was reading to join the battle. Too many have died. Night Caster became both a hardened warrior and an experienced on-field medic. Luna took a hard injury and was in the hospital. Night Caster felt missing without her mentor. She wondered if Twilight felt like that at times. The griffins were weak too. They lost many and their bodies were added to the others. Citizens had long fled the city. Prince Blueblood died, much to the joy of a lot of ponies that were still alive. Night Caster's knives were blood stained. She stood, weak and hungry, in the battlefield. She had just taken on a group of griffins, ten times her size. They lie in front of her, staining the grassy field outside the city. She looked at the bodies without pity. The healed her wounds with black magic, which was surprisingly accepted by most ponies. "Coming down",called a voice above. Night caster looked up to see a pegasus coming to her, wearing the solar guard uniform. "Commander Blade at your service",said the pony. Night Caster nodded. "I salute you. I couldn't take that many griffins on in my life. How old ARE you?",asked the pegasus. "Thirteen",said Night Caster bluntly. The pegasus looked at her with wide eyes. Night Caster spotted something in the distance. "Thirty, northbound. They'll be her in ten minuets, by nightfall. Get some soldiers and meet back here. This grass is going to get bloodier",said Night Caster. The pegasus didn't see them but saluted besides and took off. Night Caster sighed and sat, waiting. *********** "I can't do it alone!",shouted Night Caster. Luna sighed. Celestia was unmoving. "Sister, you must, the griffins will overtake us", Luna said. Celestia was in deep thought. Night Caster was still yelling. Such a hardened warrior, she thought,So young. Night Casters uniform was battered and scratched. Its black luster was faded and dirty, stained with blood. She refused to wear the helmet so her blue-black mane was stained as well. It was long and wavy. Like Luna's was, thought Celestia with a smile. Celestia sighed and looked at the extremely distressed Night Caster. "Let me get my regalia",said Celestia. Night Caster sighed with relief and nodded. The battle will be won. ********** "I want her next to me at all times. She does NOT leave my side unless she falls. I want Commander Blade in the air if need be I get up there",commanded Celestia to her troops. The others in the barracks nodded. Night Caster stepped over to her charge. "This is going to end. MOVE OUT!",shouted Celestia. Celestia waited to the others to leave. She commanded Commander Blade to go and join for now. Night Caster stayed. "Yin Yang. A symbol only used in the perfect balance of darkness and light",said Celestia,"We will use this to drive out the griffins." "You ask me to assist you in magic?",asked Night Caster. Celestia nodded and led her out. Her battle regalia glistened and glowed like the sun. They stepped into the rain. Celestia moved into facing Night Caster. "Fire black magic at me and I fire normal magic at you, focus on bending the magics around and balance each other out",shouted Celestia. Night Caster nodded. She fired up her horn and black magic oozed up around her. She forced it to Celestia who forced blinding white magic to her. Tje magics clashed and Night Caster forced the white magic around her and Celestia worked the black. A small black circle formed around her and a white one around Celestia. Suddenly, Night Caster could see everywhere. It was wonderful. She was the Yin Yang symbol and herself. She gasped. Stay focused,said a voice in her mind, Celestia. Night Caster focused as instructed and the magics balanced themselves out. A black and white flash blasted the area and the rain was blown away, revealing the night sky and its luminous stars. Night Caster's vision returned to her body and she fell. Celestia caught her and stood her back up. "Never speak of this",commanded Celestia. Night Caster nodded and passed out, again. ******** Night Caster woke up in a hospital bed. "Buck, it's noon",she said upon seeing a clock,"I'm supposed to be at the barracks and then Luna's in an hour." "You are free to go. The princess granted discharge as soon as you woke", said the nurse. Night Caster got up and left. The ran down to the barracks. Shining saw as she entered the training grounds. "Only an hour left, better make it good",he called. Night Caster nodded and entered a wooden ring, empty but flooded with ponies around the sides, even pegasi above. "Hey, she's back!",shouted a pony. The guards cheered a name she took on as a nickname with them. "Dark Blade! Dark Blade! Dark Blade!",they cheered. Night Caster smiled. Here she was a warrior. A strong-looking earth pony jumped in. Night Caster laughed. The pony charged her and she butted him upward easily. The pegasi moved out of his way and a sickening splat was head as he fell back. Surprisingly her got back up and bowed to the unicorn. "Better luck next time!",she called and the others cheered. This went on for about 53 minutes. Night Caster realized the time and Shining gave her a nod as she ran to Luna's rooms. Magic training had begun. Author's Note I'm going to try to reach 1,000 words per chapter; last chapter it was a good stopping point so I published anyways. Again, the updates won't be often, sorry.
Black Magic and the History of NothingTwilight Sparkle was late. She was also screaming. Down the halls, up the stairs, she yelled at guards. "Out of my way,please!",she called ahead. Guards jumped out of her way as she approached Luna's rooms. She spotted a brief flash of blue-black tail dart in front of her. Night Caster laughed as she passed her,"Better luck next time!" She was in the door before Twilight could reply. Twilight approached the doors of Luna's rooms to see Luna herself waiting. "Thou is late again, Twilight Sparkle",Luna said, her familiar way of speaking returning,"I hast been waiting for thine presence for an hour." Night Caster smiled at Twilight evilly, slumped in one of the many midnight blue couches. She had grown beautifully. Almost a full-grown pony now. She was what, 15 years old? She was tall and lean but beautifully shaped and very pretty with cascading waves of hair, similar to Luna's but a straight blue-black color, only changing for a light purple streak that had appeared on her 13th birthday. "I apologize. I got caught up in my court. Two ponies were fighting about- well never mind. Lets begin",said Twilight. Luna turned to Night Caster,"And for thou too, just because thine battle training is fun doesn't mean thou may skip thine classes." Night Caster nodded, smile gone. She got up and light fled the room except for the dark glow from the candles that lined the room. The three stood in a engraved circle, a star of power that Night Caster had made. The three released magic into the circle and the room was gone. "Wha-", Night Caster began as she looked up to see a barren landscape before her. "Nice of you to join me again", called out a dark voice. Night Caster shuddered. She knew that voice, it was there when she first came here... "You know me, Night. I was summoned by your power, back from the grave to properly teach you. That fool, Luna, can teach you nothing in that of real power", called the voice. "LIAR!",shouted Night Caster. The voice laughed and dark, red-green eyes appeared before her, purple mist radiating from them. The apparition stepped forward, revealing the form of King Sombra. He levitated a present to himself. "I have a present for you, a late birthday present from your biggest fan",Sombra smiled. "Where am I?",asked Night Caster. "I do apologize, I didn't mean to drag you here. This is the Land of Eternal Damnation. My home. Its is in the Dimension of the Dead", said Sombra,"You can easily go home now, back to the Land of the Living, but I see you staring at the box." Night Caster looked up from the darkly wrapped box up to Sombra. "I pose no threat to you here. I cannot kill you, but I offer you power. The Dimension of the Dead isn't a place to take, but the Dimension of Eternal Darkness is.", said Sombra,"Please, open your present, if you wish afterward to leave, go ahead, I can't stop you." Night Caster levitated the box over. She didn't know why she did, but it called to her. She slowly opened it and looked inside. It was a small crown, thorny and spiked, but the jewel in the center was amazing. Prismatic and black, the jewel sparkled in the dark light from the world around them. surrounding the center jewel was dark onyx and obsidian. It was evilly beautiful. Night Caster levitated it upward then set it back down. "For you, a Princess of Darkness. Holding more power than Luna and me combined. You have a kingdom. Its in the Dimension of Darkness, similar to here, but much more powerful. I salvaged this crown from there in a brief visit, it took months to store that kind of power. You can rule, let me teach you",Sombra pleaded. Night Caster stood still as he levitated the crown to her head. It felt right. Like it WAS meant for her. "I must go, but I feel we'll meet again",Sombra said, smiling, but it was different, like a father's. With that he was gone and Luna's room came back into focus. "What's that?",asked Twilight. Luna and Twilight were looking at the crown on her head. "I'm a princess...",said Night Caster, still in shock from her meeting. Luna looked at the crown than back to her student,"Where did you get that?" "I don't know",she replied,"I was sent to a different dimension, the Dimension of the Dead, and King Sombra gave this to me, telling me I rule over the Dimension of Darkness." Luna stared at the crown. "Is it true?" "Yes",Luna replied. "Why didn't you tell me?",Night Caster was dumbfounded, her mentor lied to her. "Let me answer your question with a question",said Luna, regaining a regal air,"What is darkness?" "Well I-.... you see it's-.....uh....I don't know actually...",stumbled Night Caster. Twilight was already sitting, still in shock over the whole thing, stoic and silent. Luna motioned for her to sit. Night Caster complied and a little light came into the room by regular candles. "Darkness is the History of Nothing",Luna stated simply,"Darkness is the lack of light, correct?" Night Caster nodded slowly. "Well, what would Light be without darkness either?" Night Caster just stared. "Both are in equal balance, some refer this to as Yin Yang. My sister and I used to achieve this state, but since my banishment, our balance has fled to another. I believe you and my sister achieved it, quite brave of you to do that. I see now that the Princess of the Light Dimension and the Princess of the Dark Dimension are the true Yin Yang." Night Caster gave her a quizzical look. "Cadence, Twilight and I aren't true princesses. We are alicorns, yes, but not princesses, not like how princesses should be. My sister is the true princess of this dimension. How you got here, I still don't know. But, you are a princess." "But-",Night Caster started. "Silence, Morta!",shouted Luna, loosing it. Night Caster's eyes widened. She knew that name. Was it hers? Then all the memories came back from her childhood. The Dimension of Darkness. Her parents' death. How she got here. Everything. Light fled the room and not even the anti-candles could penetrate the sucking darkness. Two dark eyes penetrated the rooms inky blackness. They were blue-black like the pony's hair with the pupils like slits, vibrant purple. And, as soon as it came, everything was gone, including Night Caster. Author's Note Sorry it took so long to post new chapter. I felt like I needed to jump ahead and bring back in Sombra, and Night Caster's childhood. Hope you guys like it. Post what you think in the comments, I appreciate it!
Where am I?Night Caster woke slowly. The first thing she noticed was an aching in her right leg and a pounding headache. Slowly, sleep lost its weitht and her senses slowly returned. She heard the drip of water, like a rusty pipe or a cave. Where am I?, she asked herself, WHO am I? I thought Luna said someone elses name, but it must be me... The creaking of rusty iron forced open Night Caster's eyes. A tall stallion loomed over her. He adorned armor of pure onyx and obsidian. He was quite terrifying, but night Caster didnt have the strength to move. The stallion bowed,"Your Highness. I apologize to be the one to greet you home, but unfortunately, you must be detained." Detained? What have I done wrong?, thought Night Caster. She groaned in pain instead. The guard stood up and looked her over. He was gentle and soft, treating her like she really WAS a princess... Night Caster stared at him, she mustered a small voice, barely a whisper, her voice was hoarse too,"Am I...a princess?" The guard looked up at her then slowly nodded. "For 10 years we had no ruler. Now that you return, the commanding generals had you locked up. They plan to kill you." Night Caster couldn't even feel the pain of shock,"What is my name?" "Princess Morta, but you know this. Or maybe not. I cannot tell. I'd like to say that you have the right to control me, but my officers said that you didn't. I cannot go against their word." Night Caster nodded. She looked ahead again, focusing on her surroundings. She was in a dungeon of sorts. Leaky and rusty pipes dripping water. Her cell was cold stone brick with a iron gate locking her in. Pale light filtered in trough torches on the walls. Night Caster flinched as the guard touched a sore spot. "Sorry, I'll wrap that", said the guard," You impress me, not many can jump dimensions so easily." "You call that easily?" The guard snorted," Yeah, most don't make it alive and if they do, they certainly don't have all their limbs..." Night Caster grunted in pain," Tell that to my spine." The guard finished checking her over and then did something unexpected. "What are you doing?", asked Night Caster. "Rubbing your back, usually, touching you would be a crime, but I want to relieve you of your discomfort", replied the guard. Night Caster nodded then asked," If I'm a prisoner, then why do this for me?" "You are royalty, and I intend to help you in any way I can." Night Caster sighed and let darkness grip her again. *********** "SHE'S GONE LUNA!", shouted Twilight as Luna frantically flew about the room. Luna barely took notice. She gathered up magic and the room flashed dark but came back to light again. Luna shouted something unintelligible. "I'll go get Celestia", stated Twilight. "NO!", Luna shouted. Too late, Twilight was gone. A few seconds later, Celestia knocked on the door. Luna sighed, finally regaining some composure,"Come in." Celestia walked in, as radiant as ever. Luna sat on one of her many couches and levitated over some chamomile tea. Celestia sat and took a cup as well. Luna looked up at Celestia and sighed,"She's in her own dimension isn't she?" Celestia nodded. Luna let her head drop. "Morta didn't belong here anyways",Celestia stated. "That doesn't make Night Caster any less my student", Luna stated. "They were one in the same and you know it. Her father tried countless times to kill me and her poor mother died along side him. Alicorns live longer than ponies but they don't live forever. As the princess, I command you not to look for her, sister." "Just because you're the bucking princess of this bucking dimension doen't mean you may command your own sister! Just because you were closer to our mother's sun doesn't mean you may command the one closer to our father's moon! You threw me from the throne! You took it away from me and never gave me back my moon! You are a monster, Celestia, and mother knew it as much as every pony in this bucking kingdom of yours!", Luna shouted, tears streaking down her face, darkness entering the room, surrounding her in darkest night. Celestia stared at her, outwardly calm, inwardly fearful,"I'll send you back...." Luna's eyes went black, darkness consumed Celestia and ripped into her being. Celestia felt the moon to her right, it pulled at her like it always had when she was around Luna. The pull became a tear and then it was gone, Luna had the moon back and she would have hell to pay for it. She felt the sun burn across her as she activated it's magic, Luna shrunk back but she still had the moon. Light reentered the room and Luna's hair had the moon's surface instead of the stars, that entered her crown and made it sparkle like the night sky. Luna was weak but she would give up her life before she gave up the moon again. Celestia sighed, her eternal calm destroyed. "There, you have your means of travel, Princess Luna",Celestia stated unhappily. Luna sighed with relief and Celestia left the room, the half moon in her royal regalia gone. ************** "Get up you scum!",shouted a voice far off. Night Caster's eyes adjusted to the light in the room as she woke. She turned to look out of the gate that barred her cell. A thick guard in the armor that she had come to recognize as the royal guards in this dimension pushed ponies out into the stone hallway. The ponies were thinner than her. Here linger I assume, Night Caster thought. One pony dropped onto his knees and begged,"Please I can get money, I don't deserve this! Don't take me!" The guard kicked hime in the ribs hard and looked him straight in the eyes,"Get moving you bag of dirt!" The pony scrambled to his hooves and got in line, now with a limp. The guard gave a mock bow to Night Caster,"Don't worry your Highness, I am not to dilever your sentence, another is. Everyone, bow to your princess, Princess Morta!" The others groaned and gave bows and any that didn't got kicked in the knees so they fell into a bow. Night Caster sat in silence, resembling the eternal calm of Celestia, but inside, she was screaming. They left in a line to an outer room, but that didn't stop the sound she heard, the chocked off screams of ponies dying. Night Caster wept for them until the guard known as Royal Blade, the one who bandaged her wounds on the day she woke in this dimension, came. "I apologize for him, he has been taken off duty." Night Caster stayed slumped against the ground, quiet and still. Royal Blade approached her, she shivered slightly as he placed a hoof in her cheek. She looked up slowly into Royal Blade's eyes. His eyes were a brilliant silver. His body was lean and muscular, like a metallic dark grey, his tail and mane glistening blue-grey in the moonlight, his wings were close to his sides. He kissed her cheek and walked away, "accidentally" dropping a key and note on the floor as he left. Night Caster stood still, the warmth of his kiss still on her cheek. She got up and walked to where the note lay. She levitated the note and opened it, reading: Dear Princess Morta, I plan to help you. I have gathered troops within the guard to come and protect you. Your mentor, Princess Luna is here. She wants to save you. We have already left the other guard, led by the commanding officers. We took over the jail, but those ponies that....the guard was executed by us, he was part of the other guard. You need not to worry, we'll get you out. Take the key I left you and get out of here. Go down the hall where you saw the others go and take a left up the stairs. The door opens with the same key that opens your cell. When you get out, run. Head into the forest not to far from here, we'll meet you there. Sincerely, Your royal guard captain, Royal Blade Night Caster smiled. She could get out, AND Luna was here. She levitated the key and opened the cell door. She looked into the hallway and saw two guard. The spotted her and shouted warning. Night Caster swore and charged them, levitating the key alongside her. The guards drew their swords, one was faster. Night Caster flung the key and guided it until it buried its teeth into the guards luckily unguarded neck. The guard stumbled and Night Caster grabbed his weapon, deftly bringing it down onto his head and removing it, she levitated both the key and the sword to her and looked at the other guard. The guard took one look at his fallen comrade and ran away, calling out that there was no threat. "Thanks", Night Caster mumbled. She removed the guards armor and adjusted it to herself, she modified it with her magic to fit herself and protect her body. He placed the helmet over her head, happy to see that the guard was an unicorn as well, so adjusting was easier. she cleaned off the blood on the blade and key and threw the dead guard into a cell, locking the door behind her. Author's Note Sorry for late update. I'm so happy to see people like my story. Leave a comment to tell me how you feel. I brought in some odd twists like Luna and Celestia fighting over the moon. They were supposed to be co-rulers of that dimension. Sombra will come back in soon. Thanks for reading my story!
Dark Skies and Dark SidesNight Caster rounded the corner; she had to get out. Now. She bolted down the hallways, unable to stop. Just get out and to Luna, she thought,You'll be safe when you get to Luna. As she ran up the steps to her freedom she was stopped. Guards blocked her way and stared at her, weapons drawn. She couldn't possibly be able to take them all on. A stocky guard with a dark blue cape with a black eye with a purple slit in middle strode forward, smiling. This one's cocky, figures, Night Caster thought,But he seems familiar... "So nice of you to join us Princess Morta. I must say, you look quite well in our armor", said the guard an a similarly cocky voice," Now if you'll kindly come with us, we can all go back to the camp." "Where's Royal Blade?", asked Night Caster. "That traitor is with the rebels Princess, he cannot save you here", said the guard, acting as if she was a little filly, "I'm Nga, your brother, by the way. And, I intend to kill you and inherit the throne that is rightfully mine", said the guard pausing only slightly. To look at her and smile, his teeth were sharpened to points. "Nga.... My brother.....?", said Night Caster, stumbling over what he said. Nga laughed. He flicked his dark blue tail with a black streak in it, signifying Night Casters capture. His dark blue mane shone just out of his helmet and his black streak in it hung in front of his eyes as he smiled wildly in the moonlight. Moonlight..., thought Night Caster,MOONLIGHT! LUNA! "LUNA! HELP ME!", cried out Night Caster, firing a bright magical blast into the air. "Grab her!", shouted Nga. The guards pinned her down but not before 3 more shots were fired. One guard kicked her in the ribs, and she felt it crack. She cried out and someone put a muzzle on her and something on her horn. She tried to use magic but it was repelled. somepony punched her muzzle and her nose started to bleed. Another put a cloth over her nose and she couldn't see straight. She coughed and hacked but the smell was overpowering. She made a muffled cry and slumped to the ground, limp. Nga looked at his sister, his only family and laughed. He flicked his tail again and the guards picked her up, carrying her back to camp, happy to have their prize. ************ "You imbeciles! You think POISONING her was a good idea!",shouted King Sombra. "You intended to kill her anyways, so she'd die a-", said Nga "I KNOW what I PLANED to do, but slowly killing her isn't going to help ME, I want to kill her while she can still fight but now she can't", Sombra cut off,"She'll be my queen anyways, but YOU have failed me. You want the throne, but I have no purpose for you anymore. You'll rule this land. Oh, but YOU are a monster. You already basically killed your only family left. Maybe I should show you what you are inside...", said Sombra, malice rising in his voice. "Wait! I can explain-", Nga began. "NO! You have FAILED me! I shall show you your name, Prince of Demons and Death!",shouted Sombra. With that he fired a black blast at the poor unicorn. The Unicorn crumpled onto the ground, writhing. He cried out in pain but it came as a demonic screech. The guards at the door aimed at him. Sombra shook his head and they left. He sat in a high throne in the back of the room. It was made of pure onyx and reflected the obsidian walls and anti-candles. Nga writhed on the bright purple carpet leading to the throne. Nga made another terrifying screech as his spinal chord stretched out, disproportionate to his body, black blood spilling on the floor as muscles and veins split open. The blood rose and consumed the unicorn, turning his whole writhing form a sickening black. Sombra smiled at his work in progress. Black dragon wings, larger than any dragon could have ever grown flung out of Nga's back, stretching the black mass more, as Nga screeched again. The black mass grew bigger, consuming the large room's space. The things that were once hooves were now black clawed demon hands. The black mass stopped screeching and rose to it's full height. It was larger than the largest of dragons. The once hairy tail became a spiked and pointed one. Large spikes ran down the creature's back. The black blood hardened into black scales with a reddish tint. The once unicorn opened its eyes, horn gone. The demon's eyes were a bloody red and its head was shaped like the mythical demons in old mare's tales. It stood at attention, like an invisible leash was connecting it to a master, Sombra. Sombra smiled at his masterpiece," Nga, Demon Prince of Death, I am your master. You will obey me. Go and kill the one called Morta." As if suddenly released from it's leash, the demon flew through the roof, towards where he left the poisoned Night Caster. ************ "I heard her, lets go!",called Luna. Royal Blade came to her side,"Princess, are you sure?" "OF COURSE I'M SURE! I KNOW MY APPRENTICE'S MAGIC!", shouted Luna, distress in her eyes. Luna took off without another word. Royal Blade and a green-furred and yellow-maned stallion,Dragon Scorn, followed her. The approached where the first flares went off and saw turned up dirt and a cloth on the ground. Luna stepped close and smelled the poison. She lifted up a wing as a signal to halt. The other two stayed behind. Luna levitated the cloth to her and saw a bit of blood on it, in the shape of a snout, Night Caster's snout. *********** The camp was fast moving, constantly goring from one tent to the other, but Night Caster noticed a taller tent everypony avoided. Sombra must be there, she thought, I assume he'll be the one killing me. She saw something black burst through. Guards and ponies shouted alarm and others ran. Night Caster staggered to get up and the two guards that were watching her in the small tent that she was in had fled. She stumbled out in what seemed like an eternal night. "Dark skies of night, hide your maiden. Fire as black as Morta's blood, burn me into the Oblivion of Night", mumbled Night Caster as she cast the spell. Black fire consumed her and concealed her form. She staggered and ran, heading for the outskirts of the camp. A few ponies turned and screamed as she rushed past them. She looked back to see a black demon, Nga incarnate. Sombra did this to him, he wanted a throne, not my death, Night Caster realized. Nga looked down at her hidden form, blood red eyes blazing. Night Caster made a squeak and ran/stumbled away. She just cleared the camp when she felt a long claw hit her right flank. She flew across towards a shadowed treeline. She landed with a sickening crack. **************** Luna looked up as screams echoed through the night air. "She's that way!" Luna and her small party ran towards the forest not too far away. Author's Note I put a lot of time into this chapter. It still needs revisions and I'd greatly appreciate it if someone would help me edit some of my dialogue, character spacing, and story line jumps. NEW CHARACTER TOO! Nga just seemed like the perfect character to add. I'll bring in Night Caster's back story but I'm also thinking of making a new one. In any case, i'm putting the story on hiatus. I sincerely apologize for the wait and another right after it but I'm a busy person and I just got out of school and wish to enjoy my summer at the beach and other places. Thank you so much for reading my story! I love you all! Post in the comments good or bad and try to help me make my story better!!! ~LightningStorm8991
